Coronavirus Lockdown: Filipino's Happiness, Pizza and Beer, and More!

More news about how the COVID-19 pandemic in the Philippines is being handled by the public and the government.

The happiness level of Filipinos has returned to pre-pandemic levels according to one the newest World Happiness Report.

https://www.rappler.com/philippines/philippines-ranking-world-happiness-report-2024/

Filipinos are now as happy as they were prior to the COVID-19 pandemic that left the country in a public health crisis, the newest World Happiness Report (WHR) found.

According to the 2024 WHR, Filipinos evaluated their lives at a score of 6.05, with the best possible life at 10, and the worst possible at 0. The report uses the average scored in the three previous years, or from 2021 to 2023. 

It surpassed the 2020 report’s 6.006 score, which used the 2017-2019 average.

When the pandemic struck, Filipinos’ happiness dropped, with a score of 5.88, the average from the years 2018 to 2020. The 2021 WHR also isolated the 2020 score, which was 5.08.

In the 2024 report, the Philippines ranked 53rd among 143 countries.

Among different age groups in the Philippines, the youth, or those under 30 years old, were relatively the “happiest” among Filipinos. The Philippines’ youth evaluated their lives with a score of 6.31.

Meanwhile, the lower middle-aged group of Filipinos, or those aged 30 to 44, was “least happy,” with a score of 5.85. However, upper middle-aged folks, aged 45 to 59, came close at 5.86.

Happiness picked up again among the elderly, at 5.98.

In Southeast Asia, the Philippines was second to Singapore, whose happiness score is 6.52. Vietnam comes close to the Philippines at 6.04. 

The study also measured longer-term changes in happiness for the period 2006 to 2010, compared with the most recent period of 2021-2023. Here, the Philippines came first in Southeast Asia, with an increase of 1.223 from the two periods.

The Philippines ranked quite high overall in positive change, at 9th place.

The Philippines is a very happy-go-lucky place thought. Filipinos smile even while the government stomps on them. So resilient.

During the pandemic one pizza restaurant owner and beer brewer had to shut down. Now after the pandemic they have joined forces. 

https://fnbreport.ph/22386/nolita-joes-poblacion/

What is it about pizza and beer that appeal to so many people?

The taste? The experience? The creativity? The nostalgia? For Nolita Joe’s entrepreneurs Patrick Santos and Joey Viray, it’s all that and more.

“I just wanted to be cool and make my own beer,” laughs Viray, sharing that his beer appreciation started early when his grandmother used to give him small sips of cerveza negra. From then on, the reserved brewer studied the craft at University of California, Riverside and University of California, Davis on separate occasions before eventually returning to launching his own brand in 2014 and opening a now-defunct taproom in Poblacion three years later.

“I’ve always liked pizza ever since I was a kid. It’s so easy to eat and it just tastes so good,” he says. His lingering memories of visiting New York City as a child and seeing pizza joints and eating “cheap pizza for $1 or $2” helped inform his decision to launch Nolita in 2012. “I thought it would be cool if we had that back in Manila.”

After captivating Manila with their pizzas and beers, and adapting to the business climate (like Nolita moving to various locations), everything shifted dramatically when the pandemic hit. That is, both were forced to close despite noble attempts to weather the storm.

But like anything in life, everything can turn around. And they’ve proven it with their collaboration concept Nolita Joe’s. After serving roughly 20,000 pizza slices and more than 100 kegs of craft beer since opening in May 2023, Santos and Viray reset their careers with a winning partnership that’s literally and metaphorically forged by fire and fermentation.

The turnaround couldn’t have been better.

How did this collaboration come about?

Patrick Santos (PS): When the pandemic hit, we had to close and ended up doing deliveries. For a time, we were operating out of Borough in High Street and luckily we were talking with Joey’s brother Marco and he was saying ‘We have a space in Poblacion baka you guys want to partner up’ so that’s how we got together.

If you had not found this space, would you still have opened a physical store?

PS: Yes. I always feel like with our products, it’s really best when you have it straight out of the oven. So even though we were doing deliveries and it’s doing pretty well—of course, during the pandemic delivery picked up—iba pa rin if you have a physical space where people can go and see the pizza go in the oven, they get it and it’s super hot and fresh. But we’re lucky with this space because it’s a super nice location and it’s a perfect partnership with Joe’s Brew.

Joey Viray (JV): It’s also like a taproom, a showroom where I can showcase the new experimental beers.

Another Filipino business rebounding.

Last year Tigerair resumed flights between Puerto Princessa and Taiwan. Now Royal Air has also resumed flights between Taiwan and Puerto Princessa.

https://palawan-news.com/puerto-princesa-welcomes-back-intl-flights-with-royal-airs-arrival-from-taiwan/

International flights to Puerto Princesa City and Palawan province resumed on March 4 as Royal Air’s arrival from Taipei, Taiwan, reestablished connection to the global network.

The flight, carrying 89 passengers, made its landing at the Puerto Princesa International Airport in Barangay San Miguel at 2:24 p.m.

Demetrio Alvior, the head of the City Tourism Department (CTD), said that the arrival of Royal Air and its passengers was celebrated with a ceremonial water cannon salute.

He said Royal Air has established a flight schedule to the city with departures every four days, planned for March 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, and 28.

“Seasonal lang kasi sila, at depende sa response ng Taiwan market. With this resumption, masaya tayo dahil may mga Taiwanese tourists in the coming days,” Alvior said.

As a special gesture for the inaugural arrival of Royal Air, all passengers were welcomed with simple tokens of appreciation and had the opportunity to taste traditional Filipino delicacies.

Royal Air is not the only Philippine airline rebounding. Cebu Pacific is now back in the black, erasing the losses incurred during the pandemic. 

https://business.inquirer.net/452100/cebu-pacific-back-in-the-black-cues-fleet-additions

Cebu Pacific flew back to profitability in 2023 with air travel continuing its momentum, erasing the losses it incurred at the height of the pandemic when aircraft were grounded due to strict lockdowns.

On Tuesday, the budget carrier reported that its net earnings and operating income respectively amounted to P7.9 billion and P8.6 billion last year, a turnaround from losses in 2022.

The top line figure, meanwhile, soared by 60 percent to P90.6 billion last year.

Passenger revenues surged by 78 percent to P62.5 billion after flying 20 million passengers, itself a 41-percent jump in volume.

The number of flights the airline accommodated last year were up 30 percent to over 140,000.

Soon enough the losses of the pandemic will be completely erased. 

Hi, My Name Is...46

Never forget: in the Philippines drink alone or do not drink at all. A few sips of Red Horse turns even the closest of friends into Red Bulls.

Hi, my name is Geman Bersabe. I was having a drinking session with 3 of my friends who are butchers like myself. Everything was going fine until an argument broke out. In the heat of the moment they hacked me to death and stuffed my body in the comfort room where it was found the next morning. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1907039/butcher-hacked-to-death-by-drinking-buddies-in-batangas

A drinking session turned bloody Monday after a butcher was hacked to death by his three buddies and fellow butchers in Lipa City, Batangas province.

The Batangas police said in a report on Tuesday, Feb. 20, that Maricar Brion, cashier, opened the meat store in Barangay 4 around 6 a.m. and found the body of Geman Bersabe inside the building’s second floor comfort room.

Investigators found out that the victim had a drinking spree with three fellow butchers – “Moner,” “Joraise,” and “Jonaid” – when a heated argument ensued among them.

The altercation ended with the hacking to death of the victim.

The victim suffered serious wounds in different parts of the body that caused his immediate death.

The three butchers fled after the incident.

The police are conducting further investigation and launched a manhunt to arrest the three suspects.

Hi, my name is Junrey Ramirez. My father and I were having a drinking session when an argument broke out. In my blind rage I took a knife and stabbed him in the chest. When I realized what happened I hugged my father as he bled out and died. 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/2/27/son-stabs-septuagenarian-father-dead-during-drinking-spree-in-ormoc-city

A 73-year-old farmer was stabbed dead by his oldest son in Purok Camia, Barangay Guintiguian, Ormoc City, Leyte, on Sunday night,  February 25.

The victim was identified as Vicente Ramirez Jr.

Initial investigation disclosed that Vicente and  the suspect, Junrey, 28, were having a drinking spree when an argument erupted.

Junrey got a knife and stabbed his father in the chest.

After realizing what happened,  Junrey hugged his father and stopped people from trying to help them.

Vicente was dead when first responders arrived.

Hi, my name is Arnold Villamor Ignario and my nephew is Arjie Baron. We were having a drinking and karaoke session when a neighbor came over and asked us to turn it down. She even turned off the speaker which made me really angry. An argument ensued and one of them pulled a gun. I wrestled him for it and then shot him and his daughter in self defense. I was hit by a piece of wood during the scuffle after all. 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/2/10/neighbors-slay-couple-during-drinking-spree

A couple was fatally shot by their neighbors during a drinking session in Barangay Sacsac, Pinamungajan town, Cebu on Tuesday night, February 6.

Police identified the victims as Artemio Hernani Traya, 48, and his 47-year-old wife Sarlina.

Initial investigation said that Artemio invited the suspects, Arnold Ignario and his nephew Arjie Baron, to his house for a drinking session.

Chyra, the victims’ 22-year-old daughter, and her liver-in partner, Charlie Candelasa, 25, later on asked his father and his friends to end their drinking session as it was already late and disturbing their neighbors.

Arnold and Arjie were offended by the reprimand, triggering an argument before the suspects drew firearms and started shooting.

Artemio and Sarlina were wounded and taken to a hospital where they were declared dead. Chyra was also wounded while Charlie was unharmed.

Ignario and Baron fled but were arrested in a follow-up operation.

In an interview with radio station XFM-Cebu, Ignario denied starting trouble.

Ignario admitted that they were asked to lower the volume of their music as it was already late.

“I told Artemio that it was up to him if he was going to lower the volume of the music because it was their house. He got mad. He misunderstood what I said,” Ignario said in Cebuano.

Ignario said while they were arguing, Artemio took a .45 caliber pistol, prompting him to grapple for the gun until he was able to overpower the victim and seize the weapon from him.

The suspect admitted shooting the couple and their daughter but claimed the act was in self-defense. “I was hit with a piece of wood during the commotion,” said Ignario.

Baron denied involvement in the shooting, saying he even tried to pacify Artemio and Ignario. He also said he was forced to run when shots were fired for fear that he would be hit.

Ignario showed remorse after the tragic incident. “Sorry to my wife and sorry also to the family of Artemio. Since it already happened, I’ll just face the consequences,” Ignario said.

Hi, my name is Junjun Salamuding. I was having a drinking session with my friends when all of a sudden a man pulled up and shot me in the chest and head with a .38 revolver. He killed me but at least the PNP captured him. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1901306/fwd-police-report-on-death-of-man-at-drinking-spree-in-laguna

A man was shot dead during a drinking spree in San Pablo City, Laguna province, on Wednesday afternoon, according to police.

In a report on Thursday, the Calabarzon Police Regional Office (PRO 4-A which covers Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon) identified the 38-year-old victim as Junjun Salamuding.

He was shot during a  drinking bout with his buddies in the mountainous area of Purok 4, Barangay Sto. Anghel.

According to police, the 34-year-old suspect, alias “Donald,” suddenly arrived at the area and allegedly shot Salamuding at close range using a .38-caliber revolver.

The victim died on the spot with gunshot wounds in his head and chest.

Police said it immediately went to the area after receiving a report and arrested the suspect.

Authorities did not reveal the suspect’s motive but assured that he was detained at the San Pablo City Police Station. The gun he used has been confiscated.

Hi, my name is Roger Castillo Labungray and this is my son Chris Smith Morales. Donal Saysayag and us were having a drinking spree when an argument broke out. I left to get a knife and returned to stab him while my son returned with a metal pipe and bashed him in the head. 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/2/3/article-1819

A father and son allegedly killed a laborer during a heated argument in Camp 7 here on February 1.

The suspects were identified as Roger Castillo Labungray, 48, painter, resident of Camp 7, and his son Chris Smith Morales Labungray, 30, merchandiser, and resident of Purok 14, Cypress, Irisan, here.

Investigation by the Baguio City Police Office Station 8 said the victim, Donal Saysayag Desierto, 49, laborer, from Purok 4, Balsigan, this city, and Roger had a heated argument while they were having a drinking spree at 8 p.m. in a construction area.

Roger left and returned with a knife and stabbed the victim. Chris arrived with a metal pipe and hit the victim's head twice.

The suspects fled and the victim was taken to the hospital where he was declared dead.

Police arrested Chris in a pursuit operation. Roger surrendered to the Baguio City Police Office Station 10 on February 2.

Suspects face homicide charges.

Hi, my name is Lorenzo del Rosario. I was having a drinking spree in front of my house when a BMW pulled up. The driver got out and we had a heated argument. Then he pulled out a gun and shot me several times until I was dead. 

https://mb.com.ph/2023/12/14/man-shot-dead-in-drinking-spree-altercation

A man was shot dead in an altercation during a drinking spree before dawn on Thursday, December 14, in Barangay Balintawak, this city.

Police identified the victim as Lorenzo del Rosario.

Investigation said Del Rosario was having a drinking spree in front of his house when the suspect Jose Leoncio Mea arrived onboard a car and confronted the victim, triggering a heated argument.

Maria Angelica Magsaysay, Del Rosario’s live-in partner, heard the commotion and was about to go outside to appease them when she heard successive gunshots.

Magsaysay saw Del Rosario leaning on a chair with bullet wounds in the body.

Mea fled on his car, a gray BMW Sports Utility Vehicle, with license plates SMD-516 towards the city proper.

Del Rosario was taken to the Ospital ng Lipa where he was declared dead by Dr. Patricia Anne Viñas due to bullet wounds.

Police are conducting follow-up operation.

Hi, my name is Edilberto Iloso. Two of my friends and I were having a drinking session when all of a sudden my gun accidentally discharged. One of my friends was hit in the chest, killing him. I fled the scene and was able to escape until now. 

https://mb.com.ph/2023/5/10/businessman-accidentally-shoots-kills-pal-during-drinking-spree-in-quezon

A 55-year-old businessman accidentally shot and killed his friend during a drinking spree in Barangay Callejon, here, on Tuesday afternoon, May 9.

Police identified the suspect as Edilberto Iloso.

Investigation said Iloso was having a drinking session with the victim, Isidro Alphie Ipunla, 39, and two others at around 4:20 p.m., when he accidentally discharged his firearm and hit Ipunla in the chest.

Ipunla was taken to the Rosales Hospital in Padre Garcia, Batangas where he was declared dead.

The suspect escaped and is the subject of a manhunt operation.

A homicide charge is being prepared against Iloso.

Hi, my name is June Galimba. I invited two friends over for a drink. We got into an argument which prompted me to get my gun and start firing at them. They ran outside but I was able to hit both of them. Then I locked myself inside my house but later I surrendered to the cops. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1739896/2-hurt-in-shooting-incident-at-drinking-spree-in-antipolo

Two men were wounded on Tuesday, March 7, after their drinking buddy shot them in Antipolo City in Rizal province.

The Police Region 4A said in a report Wednesday, March 8, that Gregorio Leis, Quirino Santos, and June Galimba were having a drink at 4:40 p.m. inside the latter’s house in Barangay Dela Paz.

A heated argument ensued that prompted Galimba to get a handgun inside his room and fire at his two drinking buddies, who ran outside the house.

Galimba ran after Leis and Santos and continued shooting. The victims suffered gunshot wounds and taken to the nearest hospital.

The suspect locked himself inside his house but later surrendered to the police.

The cops recovered from the suspect a caliber .22 pistol, a .9mm pistol and more than 20 bullets for both guns.

The report did not specify if the firearms have valid government permits. The details of the altercation were also not stated.

Galimba was detained and is facing criminal charges.

Hi, my name is Joselito C. Languido. I was having a drinking spree with my friend  Eric R. Tampos. When an argument broke out between us he headed home. But I followed him and shot him with a gun. Then I took out a bolo and chopped him up. I fled the scene and told a friend what happened and she told the cops which is how I got caught. 

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/478344/barili-killing-man-shoots-hacks-neighbor-after-drinking-spree

A man shot his 38-year-old drinking buddy and neighbor twice in the back and head, and then hacked the latter several times in the body killing him as the latter lay on the ground bleeding from his gunshot wounds at past 1 p.m. today, Dec. 3, in Purok Tagaytay, Barangay Gunting, Barili town in southwestern Cebu.

Police Major Janus Giangan, acting Toledo City Police Station chief, identified the dead victim as Eric R. Tampos, a resident of Purok Tagaytay.

Giangan said that the suspect, Joselito C. Languido, also a resident of Purok Tagaytay, was later arrested in a hot-pursuit operation in Barangay Luhod also in Barili town.

The police station chief said in a police report where initial investigation showed that Tampos and Languido earlier that day were having a drinking spree, but they later ended up arguing.

And as Tampos headed home, Languido allegedly followed Tampos and shot Tampos with a gun twice, hitting him in the back and in the head. After the victim fell and lay in the ground bleeding, Languido then pulled out a bolo and hacked the victim in the body several times, killing the victim.

Languido then fled after the attack and then called a female friend and told her about what he did. The female friend reported the killing of Tampos to the police.

Languido was detained at the Barili Police Station detention cell pending the filing of murder charges.

Hi, my name is Shania. I was out with my friends for some drinks. Except for one of us we are all a bunch of queers. So, I was teasing the one norm amongst us. One of my fellow queers told me to stop teasing him but I did not so he strangled me until I could not breathe. Instead of stopping me from being strangled the man I was teasing joined in and beat me up. I was able to make it home but three days later I went to the hospital because of a headache. I died shortly thereafter.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/metro/900169/transgender-woman-dies-days-after-being-strangled-beaten-during-drinking-spree/story/

What was supposed to be a happy drinking session in Pasig City turned tragic after a transgender woman died after she was allegedly struck and strangled by two of her peers.

Victim Shaina, 29, had gone for a drink with four of her friends in Barangay Pineda on March 1. She was teasing one of the suspects but was asked by another LGBTQ member to stop. Tension escalated when the victim continued, leading to the one of the suspects becoming angry and strangling her.

(The victim was teasing the 21-year-old suspect who was not an LGBTQ. Another suspect, an LGBTQ, asked her to stop but she didn’t so the LGBTQ suspect strangled her until she could not breathe.)

(Instead of stopping the suspect, the 21-year-old beat up the victim.)

Witnesses said they saw blood coming out from Shaina’s ears, nose and mouth during the incident. The victim later managed to go home but after three days, she complained of a headache, prompting her to go to the hospital.

She passed away on March 7.

(The other suspect was a 26-year old LGBTQ member. The 21-year-old was unemployed. We’re still looking into the case but based on the victim’s injuries, they ganged up on her.)

Police have filed homicide charges against the two suspects.

Meanwhile, the victim’s kin vowed justice for Shaina.

(I want justice for her death. What they did was too much.)

Insurgency: Eliminating IS-Linked Daulah Islamiyah By Year End

This week the AFP was ambushed by suspected members of the Dawlah Islamiya as they were distributing food for Ramadan.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1220999

Four government soldiers were killed in an ambush perpetrated by suspected Dawlah Islamiya (DI) terrorists in Datu Hoffer Ampatuan town, Maguindanao del Sur province on Sunday morning.

The soldiers were heading back to base at about 10 a.m. after doing marketing chores when waylaid in Barangay Tuayan.

Three belonged to the Army's 40th Infantry Battalion (IB), while the fourth was from the 3rd Army Cavalry, all under the 601st Infantry Brigade (Bde).

Maj. Gen. Alex Rillera, Army 6th Infantry Division commander, strongly condemned the attack.

"The soldiers were doing community service when attacked," Rillera said.

Aside from office supplies, the four soldiers were also tasked to buy food for the "Iftar" of Muslim residents living near their camp.

"Iftar" is the breaking of the fast of Muslims after sunset during the holy month of Ramadan.

Rillera said the 40IB regularly provides free food for Iftar. This year, it started March 12.

Later on the BIFF would own up to being behind the ambush.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1920747/biff-owns-ambush-that-killed-4-soldiers

The Islamic State-linked terrorist group Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) has claimed responsibility for the March 17 ambush in Datu Hoffer Ampatuan town of Maguindanao del Sur province that killed four off-duty soldiers.

Abu Supyan, speaking for the BIFF Kagi Karialan faction, told the Inquirer on Tuesday that the ambush in broad daylight in Barangay Tuayan 1 was triggered by continuous military offensives against their positions.

“We have been silent but they (Army) have been carrying out raids [against us]. Even the elder brother of Commander Kagi Karialan, who is a civilian, was killed [in these raids],” Supyan said in Filipino. Kagi Karialan leads one of the three BIFF factions.

Supyan said that because of the series of military offensives targeting BIFF members in Maguindanao del Sur, they had to retaliate. “That’s why we launched the ambush against the four soldiers,” said Supyan, adding: “We have no regrets that we did it.”

The ambush has strengthened the AFP's resolve to hunt down the remaining members of DI by the end of the year.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1920762/afp-targets-eliminating-is-linked-daulah-islamiyah-by-year-end

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is aiming to eliminate the Islamic State-linked Daulah Islamiyah (DI) by the end of the year, its spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said on Tuesday.

“Our target, for the AFP, as stated during our command conference at the start of the year, was for us to end the insurgency problem once and for all by the end of this year,” Padilla said when asked about the timeline for the elimination of the jihadist group.

Padilla previously said it also targets to finish the Maoist insurgency by year end.

Could it be that the AFP will have a double whammy victory by years end with the end of both the Muslim and Communist insurgencies? Their track record says no but small victories are happening along the way. This week the AFP has announced that 2 more NPA units in the Eastern Visayas have been dismantled. 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/3/18/troops-dismantle-2-more-npa-units-in-eastern-visayas

Authorities have dismantled two more New People’s Army (NPA) units in Eastern Visayas.

These were Platoon 2 of Island Committee 47 Levox operating in the provinces of Leyte, Biliran, and Southern Leyte, and the Elcon Platoon of Sub-Regional Committee Browser operating in the provinces of Samar and Eastern Samar.

The Elcon Platoon of SRC Browser were remnants of the dismantled Central Front Samar 1 and Front Committee 3 of SRC Arctic while the P2 IC47 Levox was created in their attempt to re-establish a guerilla front in Leyte, Biliran, and Southern Leyte.

They also announced that 422 rebels have been neutralized between January 1st and March 14th. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1221249

A total of 422 New People's Army (NPA) insurgents and their supporters were neutralized in various operations by military units nationwide from Jan. 1 to March 14, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said.

AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla, in a media briefing Wednesday, said the figure consists of 374 surrendered, 15 arrested, and 33 killed.

Over the same period, 56 NPA lairs were seized and 221 assorted firearms and 71 anti-personnel mines were recovered and surrendered by the rebels to military units, according to the AFP.

In a related development, Padilla said the declaration of Surigao del Norte as an "insurgency-free province" on March 15 is a "testament to the effective implementation of our campaigns and brings us closer to our target of dismantling the remaining guerilla fronts and vertical units in the region."

It is also a significant development for the province in terms of peace and development, she added.

Interestingly enough they made this same kind of announcement last week.

Government troops have neutralized a total of 348 New People's Army (NPA) members and their allies in operations from Jan. 1 to March 7, the military announced Tuesday.

https://philippinefails.blogspot.com/2024/03/insurgency-no-let-up-in-afp-operations.html

That means 74 NPA rebels and allies have been neutralized in just one week. At this rate and with less than 1,500 NPA fighters left the communist insurgency could be finished in 20 weeks or by the end of August. But let's not hold our breath. 

Last week amnesty applications were available to download. They government was expecting 80,000 applicants. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1918561/amnesty-form-for-ex-rebels-accessible-online-starting-this-week

Former rebels who wish to apply for government amnesty may download the form online beginning this week, National Amnesty Commission (NAC) official Jamar Kulayan said Thursday.

In a phone interview with INQUIREr.net, the NAC commissioner said they anticipate around 80,000 eligible ex-insurgents to apply for amnesty.

He added that even before the release of the Amnesty Program’s implementing rules and regulations (IRR), former members of the New People’s Army (NPA), Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas-Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPMP-RPA-ABB), Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) may already avail of the government’s reprieve offer.

But, so far nobody has applied!

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1921485/no-rebel-has-so-far-applied-for-govt-amnesty-says-nac-head

The  National Amnesty Commission (NAC) said it has yet to receive applications for amnesty even after Congress concurred with a presidential proclamation that would grant reprieve to rebels.

NAC Chairperson Leah Tanodra-Armamento said they had opened the submission of forms since March 13.

“We have yet to receive anything,” said Armamento during Thursday’s Bagong Pilipinas Ngayon public briefing, in reply to a query on how many insurgents have already applied for government amnesty.

Congress concurred with Presidential Proclamation No. 404, which seeks to grant reprieve to members of the New People’s Army (NPA), Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas-Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPMP-RPA-ABB), Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

Last week, NAC official Jamar Kulayan told INQUIRER.net in a phone interview that the issuance of the Amnesty Program’s implementing rules and regulations (IRR) will happen soon following this action of Congress. He said the IRR may be out before the end of March, but submission of the application may already proceed even before it.

Kulayan likewise said that former rebels who wish to apply for government amnesty may download the form online beginning last week. He further disclosed that the NAC expects around 80,000 eligible ex-insurgents to apply.

“Before I assumed office, the MILF [already has] the list of the names, but during [that] time, the Office was not yet organized. It was only organized when I assumed Office last January 24, 2023,” she said, noting that the MILF has the most number of former rebels who have expressed interest in obtaining government reprieve.

Are these potential applicants even aware of the program and where to download the form? Do they have internet access? There are a lot of variables here which the government will surely work through if they are sincere in their amnesty offer. 

The Killing of Dog Killua is The Tip of An Animal Abuse Iceberg

The recent killing of a beloved golden retriever has sparked outrage across the nation. A neighbor was caught on CCTV chasing the dog before he killed it. The video spread virally on social media even reaching the eyeballs of the inutile politicians who govern the Philippines. Their solution? More laws!!

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/03/21/2342174/killing-dog-killua-slammed

Animal welfare education should be mandated for elementary and high school students after the killing of Golden Retriever “Killua,” according to Sen. Grace Poe.

On March 17, Camarines Sur resident Anthony Solares killed the dog, claiming that Killua was aggressive.

The act was caught in a closed-circuit television footage posted on social media by Killua’s owner Vina Rachelle Arazas. Solares was seen hitting the dog as it ran around trying to escape.

The dog’s remains were later found in a sack.

“I am heartbroken and enraged to hear of the mauling of Killua, a golden retriever. Mr. Anthony Solares admitted to slaughtering Killua, claiming that the dog chased his child. However, his actions, which were captured in a CCTV video, were fraught with excessive violence and showed that it was Killua who was being chased,” Poe said in her privilege speech on Tuesday.

In Senate Bill 2458 that Poe filed, the “Revised Animal Welfare Act” shall include mandatory animal welfare education in the curriculum for primary and secondary education students.

“We hope to pass this bill soon and put an end to despicable incidents such as what happened to Killua,” she added.

Members of the House of Representatives condemned the killing of Killua, with lawmakers calling for amendments to the Animal Welfare Act of 1998.

“I think it would be the best time for us to revisit this law. The maximum penalty of imprisonment for the violation, for instance, on the killing of an animal is six months to one year of imprisonment, with the penalty or a fine of not exceeding P100,000,” said Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Raul Bongalon.

He also urged the Philippine Animal Welfare Society to raise awareness of laws against animal cruelty.

“What should be done? Perhaps we can empower our (local government units) in enforcing this law. It is because they are the ones at the grassroots level,” House Deputy Speaker David Suarez told legislative reporters at a briefing.

“I would understand maybe if he scared the dog. But to kill the animal already speaks of the motive, that there is really an intent to end the life of that animal. To me, it is tantamount to straight-up murder,” said Davao Oriental 2nd District Rep. Cheeno Almario.

It should not need to be said but, "Laws DO NOT prevent crime."

The fact is animal abuse happens all the time in the Philippines and no one cares. The only reason anyone care about Killua is because of the CCTV footage and the pictures of him celebrating his birthday in a tuxedo bib. For every Killua there are other unnamed animals who's death goes unchampioned.

Take for instance the abuse of a cats. 

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/regions/901314/cat-found-shot-in-head-with-an-arrow-in-davao-city/story/

A cat was shot in the head with a bow and arrow in Davao City, according to the report of GMA News Regional TV One Mindanao on "State of the Nation" Thursday.

The cat was rescued and rushed to the veterinary clinic by a concerned citizen for an emergency operation.

The surgical procedure was complicated as the arrow hit the cat’s brain. The operation on the cat was eventually declared successful.

The person who shot the cat remains unidentified.

Meanwhile, a house cat was found allegedly bludgeoned to death at an alley in Naga City.

Based on statements from residents, there had already been multiple incidents of house cats being killed within the area.

Barangay officials are working on identifying the suspect behind the string of cases of animal cruelty.

In Davao someone shot an arrow into a cat's head. In Naga City a cat was found bludgeoned to death being one of a number of killed cats in the area.

In Cavite cats at the local pound had to resort to cannibalism.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/regions/901107/cavite-pound-probed-over-cat-cannibalism/story/

A barangay-run animal pound in Dasmariñas, Cavite is under investigation for animal neglect after a video surfaced of cats eating the bodies of their fellow felines.

In a report by Darlene Cay in Unang Balita on Wednesday, a concerned resident made the grisly discovery after she went to the pound to help her friend find a pet cat.

(I became confused because it was the first time I saw something like that. I was very angry and upset. I ended up crying.)

Yvette suspected that the cats in the pound were not adequately fed, so they could do nothing but eat each other. Based on the video, some cats appeared weak, their water bowls were dirty and there was no food inside their cages either.

Yvette said they talked to the barangay chairman, who agreed to transfer the cats to a shelter, but he said she was shocked when the 20 cats were released the next day.

Still, the barangay captain maintains they did not abandon the cats and fed them twice daily.

(The truth is that I have two caretakers of the cats but we still can't watch them for 24 hours, so when they noticed the cats being fed they would end up fighting.)

The people at the cat pound suspected that three cats died because of fighting. They said the more aggressive ones ate the dead cats.

According to the veterinarian Dr. Ferds Recio, extreme hunger may be the reason for the cannibalistic behavior. He said that cats are natural hunters.

(It can be due to starvation since they don't have any food. It is also true that they will kill their fellow cats for them to eat. It doesn't mean that one hundred percent they have nothing to eat, so they will kill their partner. It is possible, but it is not one hundred percent sure.)

If it is proven that cats were neglected or abused, the barangay officials can be held responsible for violating the Animal Welfare Act.

There are also reports from time to time of tricycle drivers being apprehended for collecting dogs set to be slaughtered and eaten. The point here is that no law is going to stop animal abuse in the Philippines. Abuse happens because some people simply do not care about the well being of animals. 

This issue is not much different from the weekly slaughter of current and former political officials. Once in a while the violence is recognized at the national level and passionate speeches condemning the violence and calling for an investigation are made in Congress but for the most part it is an endemic problem about which no one cares. Stopping animal abuse in the Philippines will take a huge cultural shift and that is nowhere in the cards at this point.