Coronavirus Lockdown: Child Workers, College Students, and More!

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

Officials are now being held accountable for the contact given to Pharmally for RT-PCR test kits. 

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/879920/ombudsman-orders-filing-of-graft-raps-vs-lao-ex-dbm-officials-pharmally-execs/story

The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the filing of three counts of graft charges against former Budget undersecretary Christopher Lao, two other former Budget executives, and Pharmally officials in connection with the government’s purchase of P4 billion worth of RT-PCR test kits.

“There is no doubt that without the individual acts of the aforementioned respondents, the procurement of the test kits would not have materialized. Respondents concerted and conspirational acts enabled the award of the multi-billion worth of contract to Pharmally, notwithstanding the existence of other corporations that are financially and technically capable to supply and deliver test kits at lower prices,” the Ombudsman said in its 37-page resolution.

Aside from Lao, also ordered indicted for three counts of graft were former DBM procurement director Warren Liong, DBM procurement management officer Paul Jasper de Guzman, and Pharmally officials Twinkle Dargani, Linconn Ong, Justine Garado, and Huang Tzu Yen.

The Ombudsman said Pharmally got the huge P4 billion government contract even if its paid up capital is only P625,000.

“Said award to Pharmally was a complete disregard of the provision that the procuring entity should directly negotiate or procure from a legally, technically and financially capable supplier, distributor, manufacturer, contractor or consultant as embodies in the Government Procurement Policy Board and the Procurement law,” it added.

Likewise, the Ombudsman said that public officials accused in this case allowed the further delay of delivery of test kits, even though they alleged of its urgent need to ramp up the testing capacity due to the spread of COVID-19 throughout the country.

“Allowing the several delays of delivery provided Pharmally an excuse and additional period to comply with its obligation. This act is clear evidence of public respondents’ manifest partiality toward said company,” it further said.

Finally, the anti-graft body said the public respondents favored Pharmally over One Top Medical Systems Resources which offered the same prices as the former and Biosite Medical Instruments, Inc., one of the suppliers included in the suppliers directory of the government.

“They apparently acted with manifest partiality and in bad faith for unlawfully and willingly awarding the contracts to a newly incorporated corporation and without any business experience with the government,” it said.

In response to the Ombudsman’s decision, the camp of Pharmally officials maintained that they are not liable for graft or any form of corruption.

It remains to be seen if anyone will be convicted. 

The lockdowns doubled the rate of attrition for college students says the CHED.

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/08/23/2290834/pandemic-doubled-attrition-rate-college-students-ched-data

Pandemic-era students were more likely to drop out or temporarily leave college, according to new data from the Commission on Higher Education, with the attrition rate of the most recent graduating batch doubling compared to pre-pandemic students.

CHED data shared during House budget deliberations on Wednesday show at least 41.16% of students who were sophomores when the pandemic first hit during SY 2020-2021 — and were supposed to graduate this year — paused or stopped their schooling. 

This is more than double the attrition rate of college students who graduated early 2020 (17.56%), or the last batch of students who were not forced to experience full school years during the pandemic, according to CHED data.

CHED defines the attrition rate as the percentage of students who either temporarily leave college or drop out permanently. It is computed by measuring the percent change in enrollment between the first and last years of schooling of a batch of students.

Meanwhile, the cohort of students who graduated in SY 2020-2021 had a modest uptick in attrition at 18.45%.

But the attrition rate skyrocketed the next year, going up to 38.95% for the graduating batch of SY 2021-2022.

And in 2023, the most recent graduating batch recorded the highest attrition rate at 41.16%. 

A more extreme case of attrition happened in one cohort of architecture students at a private university in Laguna. 

In an interview with Philstar.com, architecture graduate Leejay Corea said that of the 34 students part of his batch in his first year, he was the only one to graduate and walk the stage in May.

Students every year seemingly got picked off one by one until only five students made it to their penultimate year in school, Corea recounted.

Most of his classmates did their best but did not have enough money to purchase materials for their plates or had other responsibilities at home, Corea said.

“We were down to just five during the fourth year of the second semester. Completing and passing online tasks became extremely difficult. Some had issues with internet connectivity, while others faced financial and mental problems,” he said in Filipino.

CHED also provided data for the cohorts of students who have yet to complete four years of schooling. 

For college students who entered SY 2020-2021 — meaning they were first-year students when the pandemic happened — have seen at least 36.83% dropping out or temporarily leaving school.

Meanwhile, the cohort of students who entered college the following year during SY 2021-2022 recorded a lower attrition rate at 27.20% — still higher than the cohort who graduated in SY 2019-2020.

Colleges and universities officially began returning to full face-to-face classes in early 2023, making the Philippines one of the last countries to reopen campuses in higher and basic education during the COVID-19 pandemic.

While several studies have underscored the impact of the pandemic on younger students, there is also evidence pointing to the health crisis' impact on tertiary education students. 

Lack of adequate infrastructure, mental health difficulties and the hefty costs of online classes have forced several students to pause or stop their education.

That's one more piece of evidence that the lockdowns were destructive and not helpful in any way. 

Barangay health workers are being lauded for their role during the pandemic. The DOH says they "sacrificed their lives."

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1208513

The Department of Health and the provincial government acknowledged the roles of barangay health workers (BHWs) during the health pandemic and the conduct of supplemental immunization activity for measles-rubella and the oral polio vaccine (MR-OPV) in Iloilo province.

More or less 10,000 BHWs gathered for the Iloilo Provincial BHW Congress 2023 at the Iloilo Sports Complex on Thursday.

“As front-liners you have sacrificed your lives to ensure the safety of the community, said Governor Arthur Defensor Jr. in his virtual message.

Defensor added that, with their help, the province has achieved 90.73 percent coverage of the target population for the MR-OPV, with 20 municipalities hitting over 95 percent accomplishment.

The accomplishment translates to 146, 590 children vaccinated out of the 161 566 target in the province. 

He hoped they remain committed to their work as there is more to do under the provincial government’s development agenda.

Dr. Mary Pauline C. Gestosani representing Department of Health Western Visayas Center for Health Development (DOH WV CHD) Regional Director Adriano Suba-an, shared the sentiment of the governor of BHWs as partners in the Covid-19 response and immunization activity.

She said the roles of BHWs have been highlighted during the crafting of the Universal Health Care Law, where they will serve as health promotion officers in their barangay.

“Together with the Provincial Health Office, the DOH will continue to capacitate BHWs to become better health promotion officers. They will be the source of correct information and provide basic health services because they are the first contact of people in barangay,” she added.

She hoped that local government units could craft policies that would also provide them benefits.

BHW Partylist Rep. Angelica Natasha A. Co, in her message, announced the Magna Carta for BHWs is now in the hands of the Senate.

The Magna Carta, she said, contains benefits and incentives for barangay health workers, including a monthly honorarium of not less than PHP3,000.

Now how about paying them the money they are owed?

The DOLE has lifted COVID-19 restrictions for child workers in the entertainment sector.

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2023/08/27/2291725/dole-lifts-covid-19-restrictions-child-workers

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has lifted all restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic for children under 18 years of age who are working in the public entertainment or information sector.

In its Labor Advisory No. 18-2023, DOLE said it is revoking all previous COVID-19 restrictions provided under Labor Advisory Nos. 23-2020, 24-2020 and 22-2021.

“The following Labor Advisories related to the engagement or participation of children below 18 years of age in public entertainment or information are hereby deemed revoked and shall no longer be in effect,” the DOLE said.

In the previous labor advisories, it said that a child actor’s performance shall be done in the former’s home.

Employers or production staff are only allowed to be present to provide assistance such as ensuring that minimum public health standards are implemented and observed on set, including wearing of well-fitted face masks and face shields, if necessary; physical distancing of at least one-meter; compliance on venue capacity and ensuring that the costumes, props, or materials needed are thoroughly disinfected.

The DOLE said the lifting of the COVID-19 restrictions is in accordance with the lifting of the State of Public Health Emergency due to COVID-19 throughout the country last July 21.

The labor department though still urged employers of child performers to continue observing measures that will help prevent virus transmission in their work areas.

“Employers who will engage children in public entertainment or information are enjoined to observe and follow the recommendations in the updated health protocols,” the DOLE said.

What took them so long to lift these restrictions?

Hi, my name is ...39

They say lightning never strikes twice. But in the Philippines lighting does strike farmers and other people quite often. In fact "lightning strikes are one of the leading causes of weather-related deaths in the Philippines." Let's say hello to some of them. 

 Hi, my name is Jessie Gabato. I am a married man with nine children. A storm came and me and my wife and our children sought shelter in our hut. I stood up to change my wet clothes and that is when a bolt of lighting hit me in the head! I died and now my children are selling produce on the side of the road. What is my supped to do?? God killed her provider. 

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1961811/cebu/local-news/farmer-dies-after-being-hit-by-lightning-in-cebu-city-barangay

A 52-YEAR-OLD farmer died after being struck by lightning during a heavy downpour in Lower Mahiga, Barangay Banilad, Cebu City on Friday at 2:30 p.m., May 19, 2023.

The victim was identified as Jessie Gabato, married, with nine children.

According to his wife, Vevencia, 53, her husband was farming with his children, when they took shelter in their hut during a downpour.

She said that the victim was hit by lightning when he stood up inside the hut to change clothes.

She added that even their children – Jestonie, 30; Jeson, 27; Jeqoulo, 20; and Justin, 9, a PWD – were thrown across the room when lightning struck.

(We were surprised, sir, when the lightning started twirling around the hut, then my husband, who had been drenched in rain, stood up to change clothes but lightning struck his exposed head).

Jessie got unconscious with a burn on his head.

According to Vevencia, they quickly called for assistance from their neighbors, but because of the heavy rain, it took them some time to respond and carry the casualty to the hospital.

The victim was brought to the Cebu City Medical Center, where he was declared dead on arrival.

Vevencia acknowledged that her husband raised their nine children through farming.

On the side of the road, their children also sell farm produce and livestock.

Concerning how to sustain her children, especially the PWD, Vevencia stated her worries.

(Who will take care of my children, sir? I don't have a husband to provide for our food).

Hi, my name is Bernardo Tapia, I was delivering a hog with my helper. Along the way a storm arose and I got struck by lightning and died. 

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1936188/bacolod/local-news/lightning-kills-sexagenarian-companion-hurt

A HOG raiser died while his helper was hurt when lightning struck them while they were seeking shelter at a waiting shed at Barangay Puey in Sagay City, Negros Occidental Tuesday night, July 26.

Case investigator Corporal Richer Salve identified the fatality as Bernardo Tapia, 60, of Purok Kalubihan in the city’s Barangay Maquiling while the identity of his helper is being withheld as he is a minor.

Investigation showed that the two came to deliver a hog to a customer at Purok Dalia in the city’s Barangay Puey when the incident happened.

Tapia died due to injuries he sustained upon arrival at the Alfredo E. Maranon Sr. Memorial District Hospital where the boy was also treated.

Hi, my name is Romeo Sayam. I was seeking refuge in the middle of a rice field when I was struck by lighting and killed. 

https://mb.com.ph/2023/7/20/farmer-killed-village-chair-hurt-in-lightning-strike-in-quezon

A farmer died and a barangay chairman was injured in a lightning strike in Barangay Ilayang Nangka, this city, on Tuesday afternoon, July 18.

Tayabas police chief Police Lt. Col. Bonna Obmerga identified the fatality as Romeo Sayam, 30.

Sayam was taken to the Tayabas Community Hospital where he was declared dead.

Obmerga said that the injured, Rowell Cabuyao de la Torre, 37, chairman of Barangay Ilayang Nangka, sustained burns in half of his body and is confined at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Tayabas Community Hospital.

The victims were seeking refuge in the rest house of De la Torre in the middle of the rice field when lightning struck them during a thunderstorm.

Hi, my name is Jessie Palapala. I was working my farm when I was struck by lighting and died. 

https://mb.com.ph/2023/7/14/farmer-killed-in-lightning-strike-in-ilocos-sur

A farmer was killed in a lightning strike in Barangay Bahet, San Ildefonso, this province, on Thursday, July 13.

Newly installed provincial police chief Police Col. Judgith del Prado identified the victim as Jessie Palapala, 55.

Investigation said Palapala was struck by lightning after working in his farm and was taken to the hospital where he was declared dead.

Hi, my name is Jomar Funtilar. Me and my daughter Jona were resting in our house when we were struck by lighting and killed. 

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/455790/father-daughter-dead-after-lightning-strike-in-quezon-town

A farmer and his nine-year-old daughter died after they were struck by lightning in Catanauan town in Quezon province on Thursday night, police said in a belated report Saturday.

Catanauan police said Jomar Funtilar and daughter Jona were resting inside their house in Barangay (village) Tagbacan Ilaya around 7 p.m. Suddenly, a bolt of lightning struck the house, hitting the pair.

The victims died on the spot from severe burns.

Ginilyn Funtilar, Jomar’s wife, reported the incident to the police morning of the next day.

In a phone interview Saturday morning, Police Staff Sergeant Michael Adao, the case investigator, said Ginilyn was not around when the lightning struck. He did not say where she was at the time of the incident.

“The victims were in their open-air kitchen when they were hit by lightning,” Adao said.

Another child, a four-year-old son of the Funtilars, was able to seek shelter inside their bedroom when the lightning storm started and was unharmed

Hi, my name is Myrna Soriano. I was outside when a heavy downpour started. I took shelter under a mango tree but that was not enough as the lightning struck me even there. Be sure to stay away from trees during storms. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1202903

A 33-year-old female farmer was struck and killed by lightning in Barangay Tococ-Barikir this town on Sunday.

In an interview on Monday, Mangatarem Police Station deputy chief Capt. Jorlan Salcedo identified the victim as Myrna Soriano, a local resident here.

“The victim was discovered lifeless by her brother Sunday late afternoon. She was still brought to the nearby hospital but was declared dead on arrival by the physician,” he said.

Salcedo said the attending physician confirmed that the victim was hit by lightning as proven by the burnt parts of her body, especially at the back of her neck that caused her death.

Based on the police’s investigation, the victim took shelter under a mango tree following a sudden heavy downpour where she was struck by the lightning.

Salcedo said this is the first death caused by lightning in the town from January to June 4 this year. 

The Pangasinan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) has reminded the public to stop all outdoor activities and get inside the house, building, or car with a sturdy roof during a thunderstorm to prevent accidents.

The PDRRMO also advised that the appliances and gadgets, such as the television, should be turned off and removed from the outlet.

“Stay away from windows and doors as well as on terraces. Stay away from electric posts, tall trees, and those in open areas. Wait for 30 minutes from the last lightning or thunder before going out,” the PDRRMO said.

Hi, my name is Sofronio Pal Taneo. I was out fishing at midnight when I got struck by lightning. Thankfully a neighbor saw what happened from his window and he attempted to rescue me. But it was too late as I was already dead.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1780520/fisherman-dead-after-lightning-hit-him-in-davao-city-waters

A man fishing along the waters off the coastline of Aplaya Beach in Lanang in this city died on the spot after lightning struck him shortly before midnight of Tuesday, June 6.

Police Major Jake Goles, Sasa police station chief, said Sofronio Pal Taneo, 65, a resident of Sitio Bolakan, Barangay Aquino of Agdao here, was hit by lightning and was immediately rescued by a certain Armand Alcociba, who saw the incident from the window of his house in Barangay Lizada.

Alcociba told the police that he immediately called his brother and friends to rescue the fisherman.

But although they retrieved Taneo’s body and brought him to the shore, their attempts to resuscitate him failed.

Responding police units and the search-and-rescue team of the Davao Central 991 also tried to revive the victim when they arrived at the scene but to no avail.

Taneo, a native of Manual Barangay Site in Kiblawan, Davao del Sur, was declared dead by physicians and  was brought to a local funeral parlor for proper disposition.

Authorities have been warning individuals to keep away from flat areas and high grounds during thunderstorms; and to avoid using their cellular devices  as precautionary measures against lightning.

Early this year, five youths  were killed and another one survived up in the slopes of Barangay Binaton, Digos City, when a fierce lightning struck the makeshift hut, where they took shelter from the rain and thunder.

Hi, my name is Joel Cailo. A storm hit so I used a giant leaf to protect me from the rain. That was not enough to protect me from the lightning. Another farmer saw what happened and was able to retrieve my body with the help of a village offical.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1748083/lighting-kills-farmer-in-samar

A 42-year-old farmer in Gandara town, Samar province, died after he was hit by lightning during a heavy downpour on Friday, March 24.

Joel Cailo was using a giant leaf as cover while walking in an open rice field when the lightning struck him at around 2 p.m.

Another farmer, Lito Velarde, was able to take shelter in a nearby nipa house about 15 meters away from Cailo.

Velarde sought assistance from a village official to retrieve Cailo’s body, which sustained severe burns due to the lightning strike.

Lightning strikes are one of the leading causes of weather-related deaths in the Philippines, particularly during thunderstorms. Experts suggest seeking immediate shelter indoors or inside a vehicle when a thunderstorm is detected.

Hi, my name is Jordan Batralo. I was collecting seashells along the coast when I was struck by a bolt go lightning and killed. Villagers recovered my body and alerted the authorities the next day. 

Hi, my name is John Alexander Ballon. I am an 11-year old 5th grade student. I was out swimming when a thunderstorm suddenly appeared and I was struck and killed by lightning. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1817280/lightning-strikes-kills-fisherman-boy-in-quezon

A fisherman and a boy died after lightning struck them in separate incidents in Quezon province on Monday, police said in a report on Wednesday, Aug. 16.

Quezon police said fisherman Jordan Batralo, 52, was collecting sea shells along the coast of Tayabas Bay in Barangay Soliyao Ibaba in Pitogo town when a bolt of lightning struck and hit him around 4 p.m. on Monday. His body was recovered by villagers who reported the incident to the police the next day.

In Lucena City, John Alexander Ballon, 11, was swimming in the waters off the coastal village of Dalahican when lightning struck him around 3 p.m.

Ballon suffered burn injuries and died while being taken to St. Anne General Hospital in the city center.

On Monday afternoon, heavy rains suddenly poured in the city accompanied by lightning and thunderstorms.

Hi, we are the Soberano family. We were farming charcoal when a storm hit so we took shelter in a nipa hut. But that was not enough as lightning struck the hut killing 3 of us and injuring 9 more. Even our dog died. Among the dead was a pregnant 14 year old girl. Her live-in partner said she was three months pregnant. 

https://www.panaynews.net/lightning-kills-3-injures-9-in-banate/

A lightning strike that hit a family of 12 killed three members in Sitio Giragid, Barangay Magdalo, Banate town around 12:18 p.m. yesterday.

Declared “dead upon arrival” at the hospital were Mila Soberano, 38; Rosalie Soberano, 48; and Britney Labos, 14, who was around three months pregnant, according to her live-in partner.

Meanwhile, injured were Felomino Sadiangibon, 77; Janelyn Igona, 38; Carlo Soberano, 11; Jumar Soberano, 42; Larry Soberano, 30; Sharime Soberano, 20; IJ Siberano, 20; Aime Soberano, 14; and Ivan Soberano, 44. They were treated at the Barotac Viejo District Hospital.

All are residents of Barangay Libertad, Banate.

Police Lieutenant Dandy Ilalto, chief of the Banate Municipal Police Station, said the victims were farming charcoal when the rain poured and they took shelter in a nipa hut.

A dog owned by one of the victims also died.

Insurgency: Rebels Sieze Guns, Ammunition From Ambush

The AFP claims the CPP-NPA is weak and on the verge of folding but that seems to not the case. At least not according to the NPA's own propaganda. 

https://visayandailystar.com/rebels-seize-guns-ammunition-from-ambush/

The Roselyn Jean Pelle Command of the New People’s Army issued a statement that it recovered four high-powered firearms and ammunition, and other war materials and personal belongings from policemen they ambushed on August 9 in Brgy. Minapasuk, Calatrava, Negros Occidental.

In a statement, rebel spokesperson Ka Cecil Estrella said that the RJPC-NPA Northern Guerilla Front congratulated its Red fighters for staging the successful ambush that led to the death of policeman and injuries to two others.

Estrella said they were able to recover four high powered firearms, including a Galil Ace 22 N Caliber 5.56 (Serial Number x45 IWI), two Colt M-16 rifles, with another Colt M-16 rifle damaged by the command-detonated mine explosion.

An ammunition vest, 16 magazines of 5.56 mm loaded with ammunition, assorted mobile phones, identification cards and materials with intelligence value were also seized by the Red fighters at the ambush site, the statement added.

Prior to the ambush, two civilians accused as military informants were killed by rebels in the same barangay.

The RJPC-NPA claimed responsibility for the killing of Eliseo Mahilum and his uncle, Felix Resotay Sr. in Sitio Batyogon, Brgy. Minapasuk, Calatrava.

After ambushing and killing PNP officers the NPA also took their weapons. Now they are boasting about it. The CPP-NPA has also issued a threat to avenge the death of the Tiamzons.

https://philippinerevolution.nu/statements/vow-to-attain-justice-for-the-tiamzons-and-all-victims-of-state-terrorism/

One year ago today, Benito Tiamzon (Ka Laan), Wilma Austria (Ka Bagong-tao), together with eight other revolutionaries, were arrested by troops belonging to the 8th Infantry Division, on their way to the coasts of Catbalogan town, Samar. While in the custody of their fascist captors, they were subjected to severe torture before they were subsequently killed. Their lifeless bodies were loaded on a boat and brought to sea where reportedly being exploded.

The torture and murder of the Tiamzons, and their companions Ka Divino, Ka Yen, Ka Jaja, Ka Matt, Ka Ash, Ka Delfin, Ka Lupe, Ka Butig, are dastardly fascist-terrorist crimes of the Marcos regime, perpetrated under the direction of their US military advisers.

The revolutionary forces reiterate their vow to attain justice for the Tiamzons and all other victims of state terrorism.

The Tiamzons long served as among the key leaders of the Party who selflessly dedicated their lives to the Filipino people’s struggle for national and social liberation and the socialist aspirations of the proletariat.

They served as consultants of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) in peace negotiations on the belief that a just and lasting peace can only be attained by addressing the deep social, economic and political roots of the armed conflict.

Marcos and his fascist ilk are grossly mistaken to think that by murdering the Tiamzons, they could kill the Filipino people’s revolutionary cause. On the contrary, the martyrdom of the Tiamzons will forever be remembered and inspire the younger generation of workers, peasants and all democratic classes to carry forward the Filipino people’s national democratic struggle.

The CPP-NPA says the Tiamzons were tortured and killed by the AFP. Then their corpses were loaded onto a boat which was exploded. That is not the story the AFP tells. The AFP was not even sure the Tiamzons were on that boat. But it is not my place to ferret out which story is true. The fact is they are dead. If Duterte had never released them from prison they would still be alive. 

While the NPA is still bent on their cause, so is the AFP. This week they killed a top NPA official in an encounter in Bukidnon.

https://mb.com.ph/2023/8/25/top-npa-leader-in-mindanao-killed-in-bukidnon-clash-1

A top leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Mindanao was killed in a encounter with the 8th Infantry (Dependable) Battalion (8th IB) in Sitio Lagaslasan, Barangay Kulaman, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, on Wednesday, August 23.

The fatality was identified as “Kumander Mojen” or “Gamot,” commanding officer of the Headquarters Force NEO, Regional Operations Command (ROC), Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA North Central Mindanao Regional Committee (NCMRC). 

The 8th IB led by Lt. Col. Anthony A. Bacus launched an operation after receiving information from residents of Barangay Kulaman on the presence of the NPA in Sitio Lagaslasan.

“A 10-minute firefight led to the unfortunate demise of one NPA and the seizure of two M16 rifles, two M653 Carbine rifles, two M203 grenade launchers, anti-personnel mines, various NPA terrorist materials, medical paraphernalia, and assorted personal belongings,” Bacus said.

Mojen was identified by Jimboy Tingkayan, alias “Jovan,” his half-brother and an NPA who recently surrendered to the 8th IB. 

Mojen’s group was once considered as the stronghold of the so-called Regional Sentro de Gravidad (RSDG) of NCMRC, said the 8th IB commander.

“It is unfortunate that the CTG continues to sacrifice the lives of their members to pursue their criminal agenda,” he said. 

It's interesting that the AFP calls the killing of the leader of an NPA stronghold unfortunate. Why is the demise of an NPA leader unfortunate? Equally interesting is the AFP calling the CPP-NPA's cause a "criminal agenda." Duterte admired the NPA for their "principles" which is why one of his first acts as President was to release the Tiamzons. It is also why he had such a great relationship with them while Mayor of Davao. 

The AFP also returned a wounded NPA to his family. 

https://mb.com.ph/2023/8/25/military-rescues-wounded-npa-leader-left-behind-by-comrades-in-masbate

The Army rescued a wounded leader of the New People's Army (NPA) two days after an encounter in Sitio Madarag, Barangay Jagnaan, San Jacinto, Masbate in which another NPA leader tagged in the killing of a FEU football player was killed.

Major Frank Roldan, spokesperson of the 9th Infantry Division (ID), said Ramon Bartolata, alias "Jamon," commanding officer of Platoon 3, Komiteng Larangang Gerilya North, Sub-regional Committee 4, Bicol Regional Party Committee, was found by troops of the 96th Infantry Battalion (IB) near the encounter site.

He said that Bartolata was unable to walk due to multiple bullet wounds and infection sustained in the encounter.

Roldan said Bartolata hid near the encounter site hoping to be rescued by his comrades. But instead of his comrades, Bartolata was rescued by the military. 

From Masbate, Bartolata was taken by the 96th IB to Albay province for proper medical attention.

The leadership of the 9th ID assured assistance to the wounded NPA while Major Gen. Adonis Bajao, 9th ID chief, cited operating troops for their efforts to end insurgency in their area of responsibility and giving importance to human rights.

The AFP is showing they are sincere about extending mercy to these rebels. 

House Speaker Romalduez says LGUs in the Eastern Visayas need to step up and curb the insurgency.  

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1819714/romualdez-to-eastern-visayas-leaders-curb-illegal-drugs-and-insurgency

House Speaker Martin Romualdez on Monday called on members of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC-8) of Eastern Visayas to create a peaceful region through collaborative decision-making.

Romualdez made the pronouncement during the third quarterly meeting of the council.

He said the group must work together to address various problems in the area.

These perils include the proliferation of illegal drugs and insurgency.

He said these issues “not only impact Region 8 but reverberate throughout [the] nation.”

“The aspirations of our families, the dreams of our youth, and the well-being of our communities hinge upon our decisions,” said Romualdez.

He explained RPOC-8 meetings serve as an “embodiment” of collective decision-making and a commitment to the allocation of resources where the funds are most needed.

“Our objective remains clear – a safer, more prosperous, and united Region 8,” the House leader said.

The group serves as a platform for partnerships among local government units and law enforcement agencies in Eastern Visayas.

That is actually the AFP's job but whatever. 

In his SONA Marcos said he favored amnesty but he has yet to proclaim it yet. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1819785/govt-amnesty-body-waits-for-marcos-proclamation-to-fulfill-its-mandate

The National Amnesty Commission (NAC) said it was preparing for the crafting of application protocols and other rules while awaiting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s issuance of an amnesty proclamation for rebels that he promised during his State of the Nation Address (Sona) in July.

Speaking at the Laging Handa public briefing on Monday, NAC Executive Director Maria Victoria Cardona said there was no confirmation yet on when the amnesty proclamation would be issued.

“We are hopeful with the pronouncement of our president during the Sona that he will issue a proclamation to grant amnesty to former rebels so we are hopeful he would issue it soon so that the commission can already fulfill its main mandate, that is, to receive and process applications,” Cardona said.

In his Sona, Marcos said his administration was dedicated to implementing reintegration programs for former combatants, which include capacity building and social protection. The President’s offer was backed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

In the meantime, the NAC has been establishing local amnesty boards and is preparing the implementing regulations and rules of procedure for the application, processing, and grant of amnesty. These will be finalized and adopted as soon as Marcos issues the proclamation, she added.

Cardona said the NAC was also in touch with other member agencies such as the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity and the Department of Justice.

She said she was “hopeful” that the amnesty proclamation would cover members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front of the Philippines (CPP-NPA-NDFP).

Under the 1987 Constitution, the president shall have the power to grant amnesty with the concurrence of a majority of all members of Congress.

Even without this proclamation the NTF-ELCAC program is a de facto amnesty. What else do you call giving free money and housing to surrendering terrorists? 

The PNP Do not Enforce the Law Against Open Burning Equally

The Philippines is a lawless nation. Sure there are laws in the Philippines but they are followed and enforced at will. Case in point is RA 9003 which prohibits the burning of open waste. The PNP is using this law to prosecute the burning of an effigy during the 2023 SONA protests.  

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1820884/qcpd-goes-after-artist-behind-marcos-effigy-burned-at-sona

Looks like the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) is going hard on “polluters” — or at least the politically active kind.

The resident artist of the militant group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) received a subpoena on Wednesday asking him to appear before the Office of the City Prosecutor to answer a complaint from the QCPD that accused him of causing air pollution.

It was in connection with an effigy created by Max Santiago and set on fire during a Bayan protest action in Quezon City that was directed against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s State of the Nation Address (Sona) on July 24.

Santiago was the artist behind the papier mache artwork titled “Doble Kara (Two-faced),” which depicted a giant gold coin with a dual image of the president — a visual swipe at the Marcos ill-gotten wealth cases.

The QCPD complaint, initiated by Staff Sgt. Mario Sembrano and Cpl. Paolo Navarro of the Anonas Police Station, alleged that the burning of the effigy during the Bayan rally “lasted for several minutes and greatly contributed to air pollution which grossly negates the government program in ensuring the protection of public health and the environment.”

The officers’ three-page joint affidavit asked that Santiago and three “John Does’’ be penalized for violating the Clean Air Act (Republic Act No. 8749) and Ecological Solid Waste Management Act (RA 9003).

It further accused Santiago and the unnamed Bayan activists of committing “a deliberate disrespect to the president and to the country” and explained that the QCPD was taking legal action “for them to not be imitated by other demonstrators and other citizens.”

This phrase is key:

“A deliberate disrespect to the president and to the country." 

But wait, what?  These kinds of protests, burning effigies of politicians have been going on for years. Why should a Marcos change anything?

Lawyers have jumped into the fray telling the PNP to cool it and study the intent of the law. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1821160/effigies-as-pollutants-police-told-to-study-law-they-used-to-sue-activists

Effigies have been regular fixtures in protest rallies, including those that activists hold when the highest official of the land, the President, delivers the State of the Nation Address (Sona).

According to Raymond Palatino, secretary general of Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), using effigies during demonstrations is constitutionally protected and part of the right to dissent.

Dr. Maria Ela Atienza, professor of political science at the University of the Philippines Diliman, said the burning of effigies has long been part of protests all over the world, and that in the Philippines, “there is freedom to protest based on our laws.”

“Government officials can be criticized and held accountable,” she told INQUIRER.net.

Looking back, former presidents, like Gloria Magacapagal-Arroyo, Benigno Aquino III, and Rodrigo Duterte, had seen how effigies bearing their likeness were set on fire by protesters criticizing government neglect, especially of the poor.

But this year, the burning of the “Doble Kara” effigy of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. was met by a complaint, with the police saying that it was in violation of two environmental laws.

Palatino, however, said the law is being “misused.”

“Authorities are misusing the law to criminalize freedom of expression. We will challenge this harassment suit since it could set a dangerous precedent,” he said on Wednesday (Aug. 23).

As alleged by the complainants, the burning of the effigy last July 24 was in violation of Republic Act (RA) No. 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, and RA No. 8749, or the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999.

RA No. 9003 prohibits the open space burning of solid waste “defined as all discarded household, commercial waste, non-hazardous institutional and industrial waste, street sweepings, construction debris, agricultural waste, and other non-hazardous/non-toxic waste.”

But Terry Ridon, a public policy lawyer, said what the law prohibits is the “open burning of solid waste,” and that in any circumstance, “works of art such as effigies cannot be considered solid waste.”

Palatino said “we will challenge this harassment suit since it could set a dangerous precedent,” stressing that “we will not allow the police to dictate what forms of expression can be done in exercising our right to dissent.”

"A dangerous precedent" to "our right to dissent?" Who cares? Dissent never changes anything.

What's most important to note here is that the PNP wants to prosecute the burning of this effigy while people across the nation burn their garbage with impunity. That means this particular protection of the law is 100% politically motivated. 

The fact is the Philippines stinks. Air pollution is a way of life here even way out in the provinces. There is always a tendril of smoke ready to make its way to your nostril from some hidden burn pile. From charcoal pits to burn pits the air in the Philippines is choking and hardly fresh. If only the PNP did their job and enforced the law uniformly this nation might smell a lot fresher.