Coronavirus Lockdown: PhilHealth Spent Nothing, Shoulder What Gov't Owes, and More!

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

Senator Recto has revealed that PhilHealth spent no money on vaccines or health workers during the pandemic. 

https://philstar.com/headlines/2024/08/14/2377826/philhealth-spent-nothing-vaccines-health-workers-during-pandemic-recto

Philhealth spent nothing on vaccines and the healthcare emergency allowances of hospital workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Finance Secretary Ralph Recto on Wednesday. 

During the Development Budget Coordination Committee’s briefing at the Senate, Recto was again questioned about the Department of Finance’s (DOF) memorandum circular to Philhealth ordering it to return idle funds amounting to P89.9 billion to the national government’s coffers. 

Recto asserted that it was the order of Congress for the DOF to seek sleeping funds and reallocate it for better use. 

Sen. Imee Marcos questioned if the reallocated funds will be used for health purposes as well. Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman answered that P27 billion was used to pay the overdue allowances of COVID-19 health workers,     

Sen. Grace Poe, who chairs the Committee on Finance, asked why Philhealth was not the one to pay the allowances in the first place. 

“It is not the obligation of Philhealth to pay the emergency allowances of our frontline workers. Like I said earlier, their reserve funds were not spent during the pandemic. Inako lahat ng national government. Philhealth did not spend for a single vaccine. Philhealth did not spend for a single frontline worker,” Recto replied. 

However, Recto said that Philhealth has standby funds for the purposes of an emergency such as a pandemic. 

“The emergency funds of Philhealth, it should be, precisely for something like a pandemic,” Recto said. 

Recto said the previous admin opted to loan the money. The country’s debt ballooned during the pandemic. In 2019, the country’s debt-to-GDP ratio was 39.6%. In 2024, the rate reached 60.2%.  

Poe questioned why the previous admin opted to loan the money when there were funds, to which Recto replied, “it was their decision to borrow the money.”

“We can say that now we are actually allocating properly what should have been done with the funds of Philhealth to begin with because that would have been a contingency fund for eventualities regarding health,” Poe said.

Recto also pointed out that Philhealth’s income has continuously exceeded its expenses, meaning it has made more and more money. By 2024, it could accumulate funds up to P546 billion. 

Senator Recto also says the money was there and should have been spent but the Duterte administration decided to borrow the money instead. 

Senator Poe says PhilHealth should pay what the government owes to health workers. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1231202

The unutilized funds of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) should be allotted to the government's remaining balance to the health emergency allowance (HEA) of health workers, Senator Grace Poe said on Wednesday.

Based on the figures presented by Finance Secretary Ralph Recto during the second briefing of the Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) to the Senate Finance panel, PhilHealth's net income has been growing from PHP4 billion in 2019; PHP30 billion in 2020; PHP48 billion in 2021; and PHP79 billion in 2022.

By the end of 2024, Recto said PhilHealth would have a net income of PHP61 billion.

"With its increasing net income annually, PhilHealth should now shoulder the remaining payables of the government to our health workers," Poe said.

"We are now taking from PhilHealth what should have been given to our health workers long ago," she added.

Meanwhile, Recto revealed that PhilHealth was also not able to utilize its savings even during the pandemic which should have been used for health expenditures like the HEA.

"It was during the pandemic as well that PhilHealth had a lot of savings because it was the national government who spent for the pandemic. We did not use resources from PhilHealth, which is essentially the reserved funds are really for an emergency like a pandemic," he said.

Recto also said the reserve funds of PhilHealth could have also reduced the amount of borrowings of the national government during the pandemic.

He recommended for the government corporation to improve its benefit packages to better utilize funds for its members.

She says the government is now taking that money from PhilHealth's unutilized funds. 

Health workers have returned to the Senate to demand their emergency allowance. This time the fight has gained international attention from UNI Global Union. 

https://uniglobalunion.org/news/bhws-return-to-senate-philippines/

Barangay health workers (BHWs) and private healthcare workers recently returned to the Senate to press for the immediate release of their long-overdue Health Emergency Allowance (HEA). Frustration among these frontline workers has been mounting, as many have waited for more than a year without receiving the compensation promised to them for their crucial services during the pandemic.

Senator Bong Go, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, stressed the urgency of releasing the overdue Health Emergency Allowance (HEA), questioning the Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) on the delay. In response, DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman clarified that the agency had already fulfilled its obligations by releasing over P27 billion requested by the DOH under a Special Allotment Release Order in July 2024 to cover the payment for eligible healthcare workers.

Richie Ronald Ignacio, a health worker from Ugnayang Nagkakaisang Manggagawa – UST Hospital (UNM-USTH), highlighted the struggles faced by private healthcare workers. “We still haven’t received our HEA. The HEA dashboard in many hospitals barely shows any progress.” Ignacio also pointed out that several healthcare facilities have been waiting for over 18 months to receive their allowances.

Myrna Gaite, President of the Barangay Health Workers Federation – National Capital Region, revealed that many BHWs across the country are still awaiting their HEA. “Many of our colleagues have already passed away without receiving anything. What’s even more painful is that some BHWs were excluded by their LGUs from the list of HEA beneficiaries despite having served during the crisis. We served our communities, where is the compensation for our service?”

DOH Secretary Ted Herbosa assured that the DOH has already received the budget allotment from DBM and promised that all funds would be released by October 2024. DOH Undersecretary Achilles Bravo provided an update on the fund distribution plan, “The NCA (Notice of Cash Allocation) was released to us on July 15, and we immediately sub-allotted it to our regional offices. For July, PHP 10.1 billion. For August, PHP 9.8 billion. September, PHP 4.06 billion. And the balance by October, PHP 2.9 billion.”

The DOH also addressed the process for health workers contesting their HEA status, explaining that regional ad hoc grievance boards have been established to handle complaints and resolve disputes regarding eligibility and the amounts owed.

Rajendra Acharya, UNI Asia & Pacific Regional Secretary, welcomed these developments but cautioned that the work is far from over. “While we are encouraged by the progress in fund allocation, UNI will continue to work closely with our barangay health workers and private healthcare workers to monitor the situation until every eligible worker receives their rightful compensation.”

This initiative is backed by UNI Global Union through Together We Care, a groundbreaking initiative to enhance women’s economic security by fostering a skilled, empowered workforce in the health and care sectors supported by USAID, the Ford Foundation and the CARE Fund.

UNI Global Union 

is a Global Union Federation for the skills and services sectors, uniting national and regional trade unions. It has affiliated unions in 150 countries representing 20 million workers.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UNI_Global_Union

That means the fight for health workers to receive their back pay has reached an international level. 

The Philippine Red Cross has honored the Singapore Red Cross for offering assistance during the pandemic. 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/8/16/philippine-red-cross-honors-singapore-red-cross-for-covid-19-support-assistance

In recognition of the assistance provided during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) awarded the Singapore Red Cross (SRC), led by Secretary General and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Benjamin William.

Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon and Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang at the PRC National Headquarters in Mandaluyong City on Aug. 14. 

“The COVID-19 pandemic was a dark time for us all,” Gordon said. “Every country struggled to keep their health systems afloat with dwindling resources in hospitals, clinics, and health centers,” he added. 

Despite the global challenges, Gordon noted that the Singapore Red Cross generously provided the Philippines with masks and protective equipment. “We are truly thankful for their friendship and support,” he explained. 

In 2020, the SRC shipped 40,000 surgical masks, 10,000 N95 masks, and 2,500 coveralls to augment hospital supplies and assist health workers. 

Pang, for her part, expressed that the Philippine Red Cross is “grateful for the solidarity” shown by the Singapore Red Cross during the pandemic. 

“It was a time of hardship, but also a time for us National Societies to come together and help each other,” she added. 

In addition to the award, the PRC presented the delegation with "Pula," the Red Cross bear. 

In return, the SRC gifted the PRC a custom "Snoopy" stuffed toy, created through their ongoing collaboration with the Peanuts comic strip brand. 

Before the pandemic, the SRC collaborated with the PRC on various relief operations, providing aid to those affected by Typhoon Ondoy (international name: Ketsana) in 2009, Typhoon Pablo (international name: Bopha) in 2012, and Typhoon Yolanda (international name: Haiyan) in 2013. 

Recently, the SRC donated PHP 2.9 million (approximately $50,000) to support the PRC's efforts in aiding families and individuals affected by Typhoon Carina (international name: Gaemi) last July. 

During the event, the SRC delegation included Assistant Secretary General for Operations Charis Chan, Associate Director for Global Engagement Rebekah Lim, Assistant Head for Global Engagement Fauzia Amalia, and Executive for Global Engagement Liew Yi Chen. 

That is a god relationship. The Snoopy toy is a bonus.

Monkeypox is back in the news and it could be the new COVID. There is a new case in the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1231466

The Department of Health (DOH) has detected one new case of mpox in the Philippines, a 33-year-old male with no travel history outside the country.

In a news release Monday, the DOH said prior to this, the last case was found in December 2023.

“DOH will make the testing process as convenient as possible, so that suspect cases may be identified fast and allowed to stay at home,” Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa said. “Our health system is working. We can handle the situation, and will keep the public well-informed."

All previous cases were isolated, cared for, and have since recovered.

The 10th laboratory-confirmed mpox case of a man who had close, intimate contact three weeks before the onset of mpox symptoms was reported to the DOH on Aug. 18.

The symptoms started more than a week ago with fever, which was followed four days later by findings of a distinct rash on the face, back, nape, trunk, groin, as well as palms and soles, according to the DOH.

The case was seen in a government hospital, where specimens were collected from the skin lesions and tested via real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test. The test results came back positive for monkeypox viral DNA.

Common symptoms of mpox are a skin rash or mucosal lesions, which can last 2 to 4 weeks, the DOH said.

The rashes are accompanied by fever, headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, and swollen lymph nodes.

Mpox can be transmitted to humans through close, intimate contact with someone infectious, with contaminated materials like used clothes or utensils, or with infected animals.

"We can avoid mpox. Mpox is transmitted through close, intimate contact, and also the materials used by people who have mpox. Keeping our hands clean with soap and water, or with alcohol-based sanitizers will help," Herbosa said.

No mask will prevent this.

The God Culture: 100 Lies About the Philippines: Lie #21: Pigafetta Saw Peacocks in the Philippines

Welcome back to 100 lies the God Culture teaches about the Philippines. Today's lie once again concerns Antonio Pigafetta's Journal. Tim says that Pigafetta saw and ate Peacocks on the island of Palawan. 

As we shall see this is another lie easily disproved by actually reading what Pigafetta wrote and paying attention to where he is during his narration. 

100 Clues #20: Philippines Is The Ancient Land of Ophir: Peacocks? - Ophir, Sheba, Tarshish 

2:23 In his journal Pigafetta records, actually twice, the presence of the Palawan peacock. Here he describes a ship from the Philippines. What? Wait. The Philippines had ships? Oh, yes. Mega ships of that day even. We'll get there too don't worry, coming soon. This ship was even ornamented with gold on the stern. Wow! Gee, maybe that was a resource there, just guessing. And on the bow a white and blue flag with a tuft of peacock feathers, yes, peacocks. Later in Palawan Pigafetta describes an elaborate dinner being prepared for the visitors with other birds and fowl and over 30 different kinds of fish. That's quite a dinner. Oh yeah, and there were they were preparing peacock for dinner as well! 

Tim has this same testimony in his book The Search for King Solomon's Treasure.

The Search for King Solomon's Treasure, pg. 108

We find references to this peacock in Pigafetta’s Journal twice.

“The next day the king of that island sent a prahu to the ships; it was very handsome, with its prow and stern ornamented with gold; on the bow fluttered a white and blue flag, with a tuft of peacock’s feathers at the top of the staff” –Pigafetta, 1521 [85]

“Afterwards there came nine men to the governor’s house, sent by the king, with as many large wooden trays, in each of which were ten or twelve china dishes, with the flesh of various animals, such as veal, capons, fowls, peacocks, and others, with various sorts of fish, so that only of flesh there were thirty or thirty-two different viands.”

–Pigafetta, 1521 [85]

The problem here is that, just as with the elephants Pigafetta saw, this happened in Borneo, not Palawan!

Notice that the ship Pigafetta describes is also Bornean and not Filipino. Pigafetta says quite clearly that it was sent by the King of Borneo himself. 

http://ia600501.us.archive.org/9/items/firstvoyageround00piga/firstvoyageround00piga.pdf

Pigafetta at no time ever records that he encountered peacocks while in Palawan but in Borneo. 

The Bornean peacock is a tiny little thing, a pheasant really. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bornean_peacock-pheasant

Likewise the Palawan peacock is also a small pheasant.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palawan_peacock-pheasant

Here he is showing off his plumage:

https://ferrebeekeeper.wordpress.com/2013/12/16/the-palawan-peacock-pheasant/

Does that look like the photo in Tim's video about peacocks in the Philippines? Of course not. That is because he is using a picture of the Indian peafowl.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peafowl#

Not only does Tim lie about Pigafetta encountering peacocks in Palawan but he cannot even be bothered to use an actual photo of the Palawan Peacock-pheasant!

This is the third time we have seen Tim lie about Pigafetta's journal. The first lie was that he saw elephants, the second lie was that Pigafetta recorded Samar as being Cattigara, and now this third lie is that Pigafetta encountered peacocks in Palawan. Why does Timothy Jay Schwab continue to lie about the journal of Antonio Pigafetta?  

Insurgency: Army Eyes Total Defeat of NPA

The contradictions continue with the AFP's claims about the number of NPA and NPA supporters neutralized between January 1st and August 8th. Last week the NTF-ELCAC claimed 1.9k had surrendered in the first half of the year. This week the number is much lower. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1972250/afp-1367-npa-rebels-supporters-neutralized-from-jan-aug-8

More than 1,300 New People’s Army rebels and their supporters have been “neutralized” since January this year, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said.

AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said 1,367 members of the NPA, which the military labels as a communist terrorist group (CTG), and their supporters were killed in separate operations and encounters nationwide from January 1 to August 8.

“There are a total of 1,367 CTG members and supporters that we neutralized, but it is important to note that we have many surrenderees. So 1,169 surrendered to authorities, 101 were apprehended, and 97 were killed,” Padilla said in an interview during the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas on Tuesday.

Padilla also said that in the same period, 176 members of Daulah Islamiyah and Abu Sayaff Group were “neutralized.” The figure included 124 who surrendered, six who were arrested, and 46 who were killed, she noted.

The AFP previously reported that the number of guerrilla fronts nationwide decreased from 11 to seven since the start of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s administration.

Padilla explained that these units have been considered as weakened, which means that they can no longer implement programs like recruitment and generate resources to support their armed struggle.

According to the AFP in Bicol alone over 2 thousand NPA rebels and supporters have been neutralised in the past two years.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1231096

The Philippine Army's 9th Infantry Division (9ID) neutralized more than 2,100 members and supporters of communist terrorist groups (CTGs) across the Bicol Region for the past two years under the Marcos administration.

During Tuesday's Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas forum held at Camp Angeles Elias here, 9ID Commander Maj. Gen. Noe Alberto Peñafiel said from June 30, 2022, to Aug. 13 this year, they conducted 136 internal security operations in the six provinces of Bicol.

Peñafiel said out of the 2,174 neutralized, 60 were killed, 23 were captured during the encounters, 47 were arrested and 478 surrendered.

Meanwhile, 1,566 supporters of CTGs withdrew their support while 452 assorted firearms and 419 anti-personnel mines were also seized.

Peñafiel said they are focused on some areas in the provinces of Sorsogon, Camarines Sur (4th District), Albay (3rd District) and Masbate.

"That's where the movement is but they still have an area they're circling. That's where we're focusing on," he said.

These numbers do not add up. I have discussed that point many times and I will not be rehashing that here. Notice that the AFP once again affirms the NPA is so weak they cannot recruit. That is important because the AFP says the NPA is recruiting.  However, they are not recruiting in the Western Visayas.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1231077

The top official of the 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) of the Philippine Army on Tuesday said no rebel recruitment activities have been monitored in schools and universities in Western Visayas.

During the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas, 3ID commander Maj. Gen. Marion Sison said their intelligence reports showed no new students are joining as armed fighters of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

“There is really that hardship on the part of the CPP-NPA-NDF on recruitment, especially of our students and youth. That is why they have no new cadres. As of now, we have not monitored any recruitment, which is why the NPA has no additional manpower,” Sison said.

For the past two years, he said the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF ELCAC) has been visiting schools and universities, prioritizing those “accordingly with recruitment.”

They visited mostly schools in Iloilo, including the West Visayas State University (WVSU), Aklan State University in Aklan, and other schools in Roxas City in Capiz.

Sison said there was no reported recruitment in the WVSU-Calinog Campus and the Puti-an National High School in Cuartero, Capiz, both mentioned by the Philippine National Police (PNP) as alleged recruitment grounds of the CPP-NPA.

“As far as the Philippine Army is concerned, we did not see any recruitment in the mentioned schools,” he said.

With the difficulty in their recruitment of students, the NPAs are also targeting the indigenous people’s community, he said.

However, Sison said it would also be hard for the rebel group since government troops are not leaving the mountains anytime soon.

“We co-locate with the enemy, but we will not co-exist. It is only the Philippine Army that will exist,” he said.

How is it that the AFP and PNP have differing intel on NPA recruitment activities? If the government is taking a whole-of-nation approach to defeat the NPA then data should be shared across all agencies including the AFP, PNP, NICA, and NTF-ELCAC.

There has been a lot of success this year in the fight against the NPA. The number of weakened guerilla fronts has been reduced to 5. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1231191

National Security Adviser (NSA) Eduardo Año said Wednesday the New People's Army's (NPA) force continues to dwindle, with its weakened guerilla fronts now down to five.

In a statement, Año said this is a further decline from the seven weakened guerrilla fronts earlier stated by the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) in its first-semester report.

"We are confident that we will be able to finish the armed component. The AFP's target is to end them by December 2024. It's just August," the former AFP chief said when asked how confident the government is in attaining total victory against the communist insurgency.

All the fronts in North Mindanao have been dismantled. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1231089

The Philippine Army has declared the Northern Mindanao region free from communist guerilla fronts.

During the media briefing on Tuesday, Major General Jose Maria Cuerpo, commander of the 4th Infantry Division (4ID), said the Army unit's areas of responsibility (AOR) include Caraga Region and portions of Northern Mindanao or Region 10.

"We only had one weakened Guerilla Front 30 in Surigao area, but we are happy to say that this week, we had our presentation to the Unified Command to dismantle the weakened guerilla front," he said.

As of Tuesday, Cuerpo said the 4ID no longer has guerilla fronts within its AOR in Northern Mindanao and Caraga regions because all were dismantled.

Brigadier Gen. Michele Anayron, commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade in Bukidnon, said the NPA's strength in the province has been reduced by 72 percent since July 1, 2022.

Anayron said one of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s mandates is to integrate rebel surrenderers called "friends rescued" back to mainstream society.

Likewise, the NPA has been dismantled in Caraga. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1231106

The massive operations implemented by three Philippine Army infantry brigades have resulted in the dismantling of structures of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) and the weakening of its fighting capabilities in the Caraga region.

The 402nd Infantry Brigade (402Bde), the 401Bde, and the 901Bde reported this during Tuesday's Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas press forum in this city.

Brig. Gen. Adonis Ariel Orio, commander of 402Bde, said his command confronted the NPA’s North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC).

“The 402Bde has three battalions: the 23rd Infantry Battalion (IB), the 28IB, and the 58IB. We cover the areas of West Butuan City, four towns in Agusan del Norte all in the Caraga Region, and parts of Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon, and Camiguin in Northern Mindanao region,” Orio said.

Starting in 2021, he said, the brigade confronted the forces of NCMRC and its operating formations, supported by 188 rebels and 249 firearms. Through focused military operations, the 402Bde was able to conduct 136 operations, which resulted in 71 encounters.

He added that as of the first quarter of this year, at least 36 NPA rebels were killed during the series of encounters, 128 had surrendered, including mass base supporters, 10 were captured, and 187 firearms were seized.

Meanwhile, the 401Bde said in the first quarter, Regional Sentro De Grabidad had 13 combatants and 13 firearms remaining; the Sub-Regional Committee Southland had 20 rebels and 44 firearms., and the Sub-Regional Sentro del Grabidad Southland had nine rebels and 12 firearms.

“The 401Bde is mandated to implement peace, law enforcement, and development support programs in its AORs (areas of responsibility) to destroy units of the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee (NEMRC) of the NPA,” said Brig. Gen. Francisco Lorenzo, commander of 401Bde.

On the other hand, the 901Bde said it managed to reduce the NEMRC's capabilities in its AORs, particularly in parts of Butuan City, Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Sur, and Dinagat Islands.

As of the second quarter of 2024, the 901Bde said it has significantly reduced NEMRC's combatants to 76 and its firearms capabilities to 33.

Likewise, the 901Bde dismantled the Guerrilla Front (FG) 16, GF-21, and GF-30 through a series of operations. Of the areas the brigade covers, the Dinagat Islands and Surigao del Norte are now declared insurgency-free.

In the Eastern Visayas 35 towns have achieved rebel-free status this year. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1231292

A total of 35 towns in Eastern Visayas have been declared free from threats of the New People’s Army (NPA) and have attained Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) status, the Philippine Army reported on Thursday.

The municipalities conferred the SIPS status from January to mid-August this year are Pagsanghan, Tarangnan, San Sebastian, Talalora, Sta. Margarita, Almagro, and Sto. Niño in Samar province; Allen, San Jose, Rosario, Capul, Biri, and San Vicente in Northern Samar; Bontoc and Macrohon in Southern Leyte; Palompon, Isabel, Matag-ob, Merida, Bato, and Hilongos in Leyte; and Giporlos, Mercedes, Maydolong, Llorente, Balangkayan, Guiuan, Lawaan, Sulat, San Policarpo, Hernani, San Julian, Taft, Salcedo, and Quinapondan in Eastern Samar.

In a press briefing, commander of the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division, Maj. Gen. Camilo Ligayo, said these municipalities earned SIPS status due to the successful conduct of local peace engagement down to the community level and the effective multi-sectoral commitment to peace and security.

“We want all areas to attain to be declared as insurgent-free, but we have to be careful. We should follow parameters for a town or province to attain the SIPS status. We are confident that more areas will be declared soon since there are many good things happening in the region,” Ligayo said.

Brig. Gen. Efren Morados, commander of the Army’s 803rd Infantry Brigade, said they have been stepping up efforts to declare more areas peaceful and free from NPA threats.

“We have different security mechanisms in place to prevent NPA resurgence, but the most important is our advocacy on good governance. We don’t want NPA (rebels) to use corruption issues to persuade villagers to fight the government,” Morados said.

In Eastern Mindanao 9 areas have been declared insurgency-free.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1231069

The Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines announced Tuesday that six provinces, two municipalities, and one city in its area of responsibility (AOR) have been declared insurgency-free.

During the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas forum here, Eastmincom commander Lt. Gen. Luis Rex Bergante identified the six provinces as Davao del Norte, Davao Oriental, Davao del Sur, Davao de Oro, Davao Occidental, and Surigao del Norte.

Similarly, the municipalities Kadingilan and San Fernando in Bukidnon, and Davao City were also declared insurgency-free.

Bergante further said that the provinces of Surigao del Sur and Agusan del Norte would soon join the list.

“There are still parameters needed before (they) will be declared insurgency-free. There is a certain number of New People’s Army (NPA) and firearms (to be surrendered) before we (make the declaration),” he said.

Bergante noted that although the guerrilla fronts have a “breaking point,” they cannot predict as to when this would occur.

“We are not certain as to when. I don’t suggest timelines because it will just come,” he said.

It is interesting that Eastmincom commander Lt. Gen. Luis Rex Bergante does not want to set a timeline for when the remaining provinces will be rebel-free. Elsewhere the AFP has set deadlines for the deafeat of the NPA by the end of the year. 

First in Mindoro. 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/8/14/army-eyes-total-defeat-of-npa-in-mindoro-this-year

The Armed Forces of the Philippines is working hard to finally dismantle the New People’s Army and eyeing the zero presence of communist rebels in the island of Mindoro by the end of this year.

Col. Eric D. Guevarra, deputy brigade commander of the 203rd Brigade based in Bansud, Oriental Mindoro, said they are focusing their forces in Mindoro after the provinces of Romblon and Marinduque were declared as insurgency-free and Palawan was proclaimed as an area with Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) when President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. visited the island on September 1, 2023.

Guevarra said that in the province of Oriental Mindoro, four municipalities, Puerto Galera, San Teodoro, Naujan, and Baco, had been declared insurgency-free, with Victoria the latest on August 14, 2024.

He said that they are monitoring three armed units of the Sub-Regional Military Area (SRMA) 4-D of the Southern Tagalog Regional Party Committee (STRPC) operating in Mindoro – ICM (Ignacio Claveria Mangadia), MAV (Mark Anthony Velasco), and Glen Marie Tamboong (GMT) Kilusang Larangang Gerilya (KLG).

The military engaged communist rebels in three encounters in the province from January to July this year, in the towns of Bulalacao and Mansalay. Eight NPA rebels were killed and six firearms were recovered.

Guevarra encouraged remaining members of the NPA in the province to surrender and avail of the opportunities being offered by the government through amnesty and the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration (E-CLIP) program.

The next area to be cleared by the end of the year is Panay.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1231047

The Visayas Command (Viscom) said on Tuesday that central Philippines has only one remaining guerilla front, which it vowed to dismantle before yearend.

Col. Joel Benedict Batara, Viscom Civil-Military Operations head, said that although the single guerilla front operating in Panay Island has already weakened, “we continue to exert and we are asserting that this remaining guerilla front should be dismantled this year.”

“As far as other regions are concerned, there are still remnants. We can’t say a zero score as there are still remnants who are still roaming around but they are in the inconsequential level,” Batara added during the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas forum held at Degoma Hall of Camp Lapu-Lapu here.

Viscom public information officer, Lt. Col. Israel Galorio, said that from mid-2022 to Aug. 13, a total of 186 New People’s Army rebels have been neutralized.

He said 1,401 NPA members surrendered to authorities and 1,226 received financial assistance to support their livelihood through Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program grants.

The AFP does not have the best track record on meeting its goals of ending the insurgency. Perhaps it is better to follow the lead of Eastmincom commander Lt. Gen. Luis Rex Bergante and not set timelines.

The Most Decorated Philippine Olympian in History...So Far

Gymnast Carlos Yulo is THE Filipino of the moment. With two gold medals he is the most decorated Olympian athlete in the history of the Philippines. With that feat comes all the rewards of the good life. Rewards like free pizza and ice cream for life. 

https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/food-and-leisure/2024/08/09/2376643/carlos-yulo-get-free-pizza-ice-cream-life

Prizes continue to flow for gymnast Carlos Yulo after his historic double gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Carlos won gold medals in the Men's Artistic Gymnastics Floor and Vault events, making him the first male Filipino athlete to win an Olympic gold medal and the first to win multiple medals in the same Olympics.

His double victory comes just three years after Hidilyn Diaz took home the Philippines' first-ever Olympic gold medal.

A number of private companies have announced they would give Carlos rewards for his historic feat, some of them lasting a lifetime, including most recently by the Philippine chains of Pizza Hut and Dairy Queen.

The two food companies will be giving Carlos a lifetime of free pizza (by Pizza Hut) and ice cream (by Dairy Queen) as a reward.

"Carlos is a fearless individual... which is why we are celebrating his historic feat with a bold and flavorful gift — free pizza and ice cream for life!" said Philippine Pizza Inc. Chief Operating Officer Chacha Junio in a statement.

The latest reward is almost a sweetener for Carlos who received something similar from Vikings, a lifetime of free buffets at their restaurants.

Some of the few Carlos will get include a three-bedroom condominium, a house and lot in Batangas, a lifetime of free flights on Philippine Airlines, and a lifetime subscription to Vivamax.

Unlimited pizza and ice cream is the perfect diet for an Olympic champion. 

Yulo is also going to get two free houses.

https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/modern-living/2024/08/07/2376114/carlos-yulo-get-p6-million-house-lot-batangas

Two-time Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo will be P5 million richer with a sports betting firm rewarding him for his feat. 

Arena Plus has been championing Carlos since the start of the Olympic games. As one of the sports betting company's official brand ambassadors, Carlos has had the company’s full support throughout the entirety of his Olympics campaign. 

In a pre-Olympics send off with representatives from the brand, Carlos even spoke on the value of his partnership with the company. 

“Maraming maraming salamat po na recognize niyo po ako at gusto niyo ko supportahan,” he said. 

“Ibubuhos ko lahat at tatapatan ko po yung mga suportahan at salamat sa suporta niyong lahat at ipagdasal natin ang mga kasaling atleta sa Olympics.”

Yulo’s hard work and dedication resulted in the historic win of two gold medals in men’s artistic gymnastics in the men’s floor and men’s vault exercises. The victory makes him only the second ever Filipino Olympic gold medalist, and the most awarded one in history. 

“Carlos Yulo truly embodies the ‘astig’ Pinoy spirit,” said Tanco. “We coudn’t be prouder of how he has represented both our country and DigiPlus. Our warmest congratulations to him,” said DigiPlus Chairman Eusebio Tanco.

Apart from the P5 million, Carlos will be receiving a house and lot package in PHirst Editions Batulao project in Nasugbu, Batangas from Century Properties Group (CPG) valued at P6 million.

"On behalf of PHirst and the entire Century Properties Group, we extend our sincerest gratitude and heartfelt congratulations to Carlos Yulo for his historic double gold in the Olympics, bringing pride to the Philippines," said Jose Antonio, executive chairman of CPG.

"We also extend our congratulations to Cynthia Carreon, President of the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines for the stewardship and guidance of Carlos Yulo all through the years," he added.

Prior to this, it has been reported that Carlos will also receive a three-bedroom property from the real-estate company Megaworld, P6 million from the House of Representatives, in addition to the P10 million prize allotted by law from the Philippine Sports Commission for an Olympic Gold Medal of Valor. Different brands also offered a lifetime supply of their products to Carlos. 

No doubt his family is very excited about moving soon. 

A full list of his prizes can be read here:

https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/2024/08/11/2377122/list-carlos-yulos-prizes-after-double-gold-wins-paris-olympics-2024

Some of these prizes are mandated by law. 

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2024/08/06/2375884/carlos-yulos-coach-get-p10-million-pagcor-yulo-gets-p20-million

Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation Chairperson Alejandro Tengco on Tuesday announced that gymnast Carlos Yulo will get P20 million for winning two gold medals in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

During the deliberations for PAGCOR's proposed 2025 budget at the House of Representatives, Tengco said that Yulo's trainer and coach will also receive P10 million in cash incentives for his two gold medal finishes in the men's vault exercise finals and the vault exercise finals. 

The release of cash incentives to athletes who win major international sports competitions is mandated by Republic Act 10699 or the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act, which provides a P10 million reward for gold medalists. 

The law requires the cash incentives to come from PAGCOR, chargeable against its National Sports Development Fund.

“As provided by law, for the gold medalists, PAGCOR is mandated to give an athlete who wins a gold P10 million. So since he has two golds, Mr. Yulo will get P20 million. I have not announced this in public, so this is the first time,” Tengco said.

But whatever you do don't talk about Carlos Yulo's past controversies or Senator Robinhood will be coming after you. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1230837

The Senate Committee on Public Information and Mass Media chaired by Senator Robinhood Padilla is now gathering articles, videos, and other social media contents that defames two-time Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo.

Padilla, in a Facebook post on Friday, said the committee will take action if it finds abuse against Yulo.

"This is a warning. If you don't want to have a problem, I'm begging you my countrymen, mind your own families mind your own business," Padilla said.

He said Yulo, who is considered a hero for the country, should be respected and commended for the honor that he brought to the country.

"He gave us a very rare honor, yet he was greeted with intrigue and scandal. Instead of resting and having peace of mind, body and soul, he has to explain about his mother and girlfriend," Padilla said.

Yulo's remarkable achievements in 2024 Paris Olympics have recently sparked discussions in various media platforms about past controversies involving him, his family, and his former coach.

Padilla said these intrigues should be replaced by stories of how Yulo achieved his dreams, and took care for his family, that will inspire Filipinos.

Success inevitably brings out the skeletons hiding in the closet. Famous people are always under a microscope and controversy sells. It's what people remember.

Just like Robinhood Padilla will always be remembered for being a criminal despite receiving a pardon from President Duterte.