Wednesday, July 31, 2024

Hi, My Name is...50

Love is as strong as death says the Song of Solomon. Indeed love can drive a man to do crazy things to his beloved and to himself. But is that really love or is it madness? Is there a difference? Say hello to some mad lovers. 

Hi, my name is Ferdinand Catoto. I got into another quarrel with my wife and she decided to pack up and leave. After she left I got so mad that I stabbed our one-year old daughter to death. Then I turned the knife on myself. 

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2024/04/17/2348376/father-kills-daughter-knife-after-quarrel-wife-bukidnon

The police on Wednesday filed a criminal case against a father who killed a one-year-old daughter with a knife after a fight with his wife in Barangay Tikalaan in Talakag, Bukidnon on Monday.

The suspect, Ferdinand Catoto, who also stabbed himself repeatedly after killing his daughter, is now in a hospital, guarded by policemen.

In separate reports on Wednesday morning, the Talakag Municipal Police Station and the Bukidnon Provincial Police Office stated that the gory incident was preceded by a deep-seated quarrel between Catoto and his wife.

Catoto is addicted to shabu and marijuana, according to his relatives.

Officials of the Talakag MPS told reporters Catoto vented his fire on his daughter and stabbed her repeatedly with a long, sharp knife when his wife packed some clothes and left.

The Bukidnon PPO said in a statement released on Wednesday that Catoto shall be transferred to a police detention facility once discharged from the hospital where he is being treated for self-inflicted stab wounds.

Hi, our names are Sylvian Florian Delaitre and Jennifer Cornelio. We are a pair of star crossed lovers who had told our friends that we had been thinking about crossing over together. They laughed it off as a weird joke naturally. But we finally did it. We wrote a pair of suicide notes, ensconced ourselves inside a tent, and our sprits passed from this life to the next. 


https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/568139/couple-found-dead-in-tent-in-bohol-death-due-to-inhaling-toxic-fumes

Investigations continue to shed light on the death of a French and Cebuana couple inside a tent in a subdivision in Tagbilaran City, Bohol.

But initial investigations pointed to suicide, police in Central Visayas said.

Coroners in Tagbilaran City ruled that the victims, Sylvian Florian Delaitre and Jennifer Cornelio, died of asphyxiation after inhaling toxic fumes, said Police Lt. Col. Gerald Ace Pelare, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO-7).

“This would coincide with the recovery of toxic chemicals in the area,” Pelare told reporters in a teleconference.

Investigators also disclosed that they received information from one of the couple’s friends, saying that they had been contemplating taking their own lives before.

While evidence showed that the tragedy that befell Delaitre and Cornelio was an apparent suicide, police have not closed the case yet.

Pelare said police in Bohol have not found any signs of foul play. However, he clarified they continue to conduct further and deeper investigations into it.

Last April 12, authorities confirmed recovering the bodies of Delaitre and Cornelio inside a tent they set up on a vacant lot in a subdivision in Bool District in Tagbilaran City.

Delaitre, 39, came from France while Cornelio, 30, was a native of San Fernando town in southern Cebu.

Police recovered a container of muriatic acid and a pail of chemical believed to be hydrogen sulfide. In addition, they also found what looked like suicide notes.

“But as we’ve mentioned before, everything is still to be validated with more and deeper investigation,” Pelare added.

Hi, my name is being withheld by the police. For a few weeks I has not been eating or sleeping regularly as I was in the midst of a nervous breakdown. While my live-in partner was cooking dinner I decided to hack my family with a bolo.  My 13-year old son hit me in the head to pacify me. They were all able to leave despite being injured. When they were gone that is when I stabbed myself in the gut and bled to death. 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/5/23/man-kills-self-after-hacking-live-in-partner-4-kids

A man suffering from a nervous breakdown stabbed himself to death after hacking his live-in partner and four minor children at home in Barangay Tapi, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental on Wednesday night, May 22.

Police Capt. Joelan Vinson, deputy chief of the Kabankalan City Police Station, withheld the names of the 36-year-old suspect, his 36-year-old live-in partner, and children - a three-year-old boy, and three girls aged one year and six months, six, and nine.

Vinson said the suspect allegedly suddenly attacked his family with a bolo while his live-in partner was preparing  dinner around 6:30 p.m.

Vinson said the suspect’s 13-year-old son witnessed the incident, prompting him to hit his father in the head with a yoke locally known as “singkaw” to pacify him.

The injured victims managed to leave their house and sought help from their neighbors, he added.

Vinson said the suspect then stabbed himself in the stomach. When barangay officials responded, they found him gasping.

The victims and the suspect were taken to the hospital where he was declared dead.

The suspect’s live-in partner and three children suffered hack wounds in the nape, head, and shoulder, and are confined in the hospital. The baby sustained scratches and was not admitted to the hospital.

Vinson said that this was the first time that the suspect went violent and he had not been eating and sleeping regularly the past weeks.

Hi, my name is Nicson Irise. During an argument with my wife I stabbed her in the back and chest. My father, who was watching, was able to pacify. He left to help my mother who fainted when she saw what I did. When he returned he walked in on me slitting my own throat. 


https://mb.com.ph/2024/6/1/fisherman-stabs-self-to-death-during-marital-dispute

A 32-year-old fisherman stabbed his wife then killed himself in Barangay Taggat Norte, this town, on Tuesday, May 28.

Police Major Mario Maraggun, Claveria chief of police, identified the fatality as Nicson Irise.

Investigation said that Nicson drew a knife and stabbed his wife, Jemyma, 34, in the back and chest during a marital dispute.

His father pacified them but left the couple to attend to his wife who lost consciousness after seeing the altercation.

Nicson’s father returned and saw his son slitting his neck using the knife.

He was taken to a nearest hospital where he was declared dead.

Jemyma was taken to a hospital in Tuguegarao City and is now in stable condition.

Hi, my name is not being discussed for security reasons. A week ago my wife and I got into a fight. She left and obtained a barangay protection order against me. Desperate to have her return I burst into my daughter's room and told her to ask my wife to return home. She told me that my wife did not wish to ever return. So, I shot her in the left buttock and I shot myself in the temple. 

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/579259/sibonga-shooting-update-pa-who-shot-daughter-then-self-dies-in-hospital

A 52-year-old father, who was rushed to the hospital along with his daughter after a fatal shooting incident in Sibonga, southern town in Cebu, has died a day after the incident.

The father was tagged as a suspect for allegedly shooting his own daughter who relayed that her mother refused to come back home.

According to police, the suspect passed away at past 3:00 a.m. on Tuesday while being treated at the Carcar District Hospital.

The victim, on the other hand, is now recovering from her injuries at the hospital.

CDN Digital has opted not to diclose the names of the persons involved for their security.

The fatal shooting incident took place in the family’s home in Purok 7, Brgy. Lamacan at around 9:00 p.m. on Monday, June 17.

The father allegedly barged inside his 28-year-old daughter’s room and forced her to ask her mother to come home. The mother reportedly left the house the previous week after a fight with her husband and obtained a barangay protection order against him.

When the victim relayed that her mother no longer wanted to come home, he shot her with an unidentified caliber of firearm, hitting her left buttock.

A few minutes later, he shot himself on the right temple.

According to police, the suspect worked as a driver of a minibus but had his driver’s license revoked around 2 months ago.

Furthermore, he had no criminal records at the local police station.

The motive behind the shooting incident was identified to be because of a family problem, said the police.

Hi, my name is Marcelino Abdon. My wife and I got into a heated argument over a family problem. During the fight I pulled out a pistol, stuck it in my mouth, and pulled the trigger. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1803983/man-shoots-self-dead-during-argument-with-wife-in-quezon

A 57-year-old man allegedly shot and killed himself on Tuesday night after a heated argument with his wife in Candelaria town in Quezon province.

Candelaria police reported on Wednesday, July 20, that Marcelino Abdon, a laborer, and his wife, Gemma, were arguing inside their house in Barangay San Andres at 6:40 p.m.

Suddenly, Abdon pulled out a caliber .38 pistol, placed the barrel inside his mouth, and pulled the trigger. He died on the spot.

Lieutenant Colonel Bryian Merino, Candelaria police chief, said in a phone interview Wednesday morning that the couple “were arguing over a family problem.” He did not elaborate.

Merino said the fatality had no government license and permit for the firearm.

The police recorded the incident as a “suicide.”

The body of the fatality will be subjected to post-mortem examination and autopsy to determine the cause of his death.

Hi, my name is Edgar. After an argument with my girlfriend I decided to pay a visit to her store. That is where I shot her dead. Then I turned the gun on myself. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1953220/man-kills-self-after-gunning-down-girlfriend-in-batangas

A man shot himself dead after he gunned down his alleged girlfriend on Wednesday, June 19, in Lemery town in Batangas province.

The Region 4A police reported on Thursday, June 20, that at 9:20 a.m., “Edgar,” with a caliber .9-mm pistol, shot Menene Liwag, who was attending to her store in Barangay Maguihan.

After shooting Liwag, Edgar also shot himself, the police said.

The victims were taken to the nearest medical facility but were declared dead on arrival.

The report said Edgar was the boyfriend of Menene.

The police are conducting further investigation into the incident.

Hi, my name is Candido. My wife and I were riding in the jeepeny we own when we got into an argument. We pulled over, got out, and she began walking fast calling for help saying I was going to kill her. That is when I shot her in the back. Then I put the gun to my head and killed myself. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1927196/man-shots-dead-his-wife-and-then-kills-himself-in-batangas

A man gunned down his wife, then killed himself on Saturday (April 6) in Cuenca town in Batangas.

The Region 4A police said in a report Sunday (April 7) that at around 7 a.m., one alias “Candido” and his wife, Elsa MendaƱa, alighted from their owner-type jeep in Barangay (village) Balagbag.

Suddenly, the wife shouted for help while walking fast to escape from her husband, who she alleged was going to kill her.

Candido pulled out a caliber .45 pistol and shot his wife in her back, killing her on the spot.

After seeing his wife dead, Candido pointed the gun on his head and shot himself, the police said.

The report did not provide added information about the couple.

The police are conducting further investigation on the incident.

Tuesday, July 30, 2024

Insurgency: Insurgency-Free Philippines Achievable by 2028

A new date has been set for an insurgency-free Philippines. It is 2028. Actually that is merely a possible date. It's not impossible anyway. 

The goal of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s administration to make the Philippines insurgency-free by the end of 2028 is not impossible.

Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said the government’s convergence efforts can turn the vision into reality.

“In my assessment, it is very achievable because we can see that the country’s economy is promising,” he said at the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City.

“At the same time, we see that the national agencies are now getting together to have a convergence to solve the basic issues and the drivers of conflict.”

He commended the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police for ensuring that significant progress is made to weaken insurgent forces across the country.

From more than 80 guerrilla fronts, the active ones are now mainly in Samar, Bicol Region and Negros Island, Galvez noted.

He cited the Davao Region where the New People’s Army used to hold sway.

The Regional Peace and Order Council-Davao declared the entire region cleared of insurgents as of Sept. 19, 2022.

It was the third region in the country declared as insurgency-free following the Ilocos Region and Zamboanga Peninsula.

“We don’t hear of or see engagements anymore. Mostly, what we talk about are what livelihood projects we can provide,” he said.

Galvez said the comprehensive approach of the military, along with non-combat strategies, encouraged many rebels to return to mainstream society.

The government’s amnesty program has also allowed former rebels to regain their political and civil rights, Galvez said.

This goal is achievable because the economy is promising? How exactly will that draw the NPA remnant out of the mountains? Surely it has nothing to do with Marcos' term ending in 2028. Don't forget every single President since Cory Aquino promised to end the insurgency by the end of their term. It's just a coincidence. Right?

The Zamboanga Peninsula has been declared NPA-free after the surrender of the last three remaining guerrillas. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1962772/military-declares-zamboanga-peninsula-npa-free

The Army on Friday declared the entire Zamboanga Peninsula region as freed of the presence of communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels.

This followed the surrender last week of three guerrillas who were described by Maj. Gen. Gabriel Viray III, commander of the Army’s 1st Infantry Division, as the last remaining holdouts of the communist rebellion in the region.

The regionwide declaration came three years after the province of Zamboanga del Sur was cited as NPA-free in 2021.

Viray presented the three former guerrillas to the public on Friday and identified them as Niel Baron alias “Jundy,” 28; his wife Judith Ayas, alias “Crismae” and “Jeepey,” 26; and Alberto Lumamba, alias “Jack” and “Joven,” 35.

He said the three used to be the NPA’s Guerrilla Front BBC or “Big Beautiful Country” that operated in the adjoining mountains of Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur and Misamis Occidental provinces.

After the front was dismantled, the three joined the remaining forces of the Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee, Viray said.

Baron, who used to be a squad leader, brought along an M16A1 rifle with ammunition; Ayas turned in an M1911 .45-caliber pistol with ammunition; and Lumamba an M16 rifle with ammunition.

Baron had been a guerrilla for 12 years and currently faces four criminal charges, mostly attempted murder. Ayas was with the NPA for seven years and has 10 criminal cases. Lumamba, who used to be a commanding officer of a guerrilla unit, has been a rebel for 13 years and has four cases for attempted murder.

Zamboanga del Sur Gov. Victor Yu said the legal cluster of the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict as well as the provincial government’s lawyers were ready to assist the three former rebels with their pending criminal cases filed in various courts in Zamboanga del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur.

The provincial government will aid in their transition to civilian life by providing them opportunities for education and skills training, apart from immediate financial assistance, he added.

Lt. Col. Terence Ylanan, commanding officer of the Army’s 53rd Infantry Battalion, said the three could also avail of the amnesty offered by the government and the military will help in their application.

Every single one of these men is facing criminal cases but the provincial government is going to help them  transition into civilian life by providing money and training. What about their criminal cases? What about justice for the people they harmed? They can apply for amnesty and that will be the end of that. 

Two more town in Eastern Samar have been declared insurgency-free.

Two more towns in Eastern Samar have been formally declared completely free from the threats of the New People's Army (NPA), the Philippine Army said on Wednesday.

In a statement on Wednesday, Brig. Gen. Noel Vestuir, commander of the Philippine Army’s 802nd Infantry Brigade, said the declaration led by the town mayors of Hernani and Maydolong marked a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to maintain peace and stability.

“With no sightings of armed rebels for several years now, these towns have achieved insurgency-free status and, officially, stable internal peace and security conditions (SIPS),” Vestuir said.

A town earns SIPC status if there has been no NPA activity in the area in the past two years, and no resident is identified as an active armed rebel, the 802nd Infantry Brigade commander told the Philippine News Agency in a text message.

Ceremonies were held on July 23 to highlight the declarations, which included the signing of memoranda of agreements and pledges of commitment, along with the simultaneous release of white doves, symbolizing peace and new beginnings.

The Army official disclosed that the NPA platoon running in the mountains of Eastern Samar and Samar provinces has significantly weakened this year.

From 47 members with 43 firearms in the third quarter of 2023, Apoy Platoon's strength dropped to just 16 members with 25 firearms as of the second week of June 2024.

Most have surrendered under the Friends Rescued Engagement through their Families initiative.

Where do they get those doves from?

The Army says the NPA in Eastern Samar has weakened to just 16 members as of June 2024. During his State of the Nation Address President Marcos noted there are only 7 active guerrilla fronts left. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1963882/only-7-weakened-npa-guerrilla-fronts-remain-says-marcos

There are only seven weakened communist New People’s Army guerrilla fronts in the country.

President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. bared this during his third State of the Nation Address (Sona).

“No guerilla front remains active in our country today, only seven weak fronts to be dismantled, and they are the subject of focused operations,” Marcos said in his Sona.

A weakened guerrilla front means it can no longer implement its programs like recruitment and generating resources for the armed struggle as opposed to active guerrilla fronts, according to the AFP.

The NPA, which wages the world’s longest Maoist insurgency, was established on March 29, 1969.

As of December 2023, the NPA is now down to about 1,200 fighters, far from its peak of around 25,000 in 1987, according to the  Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Oh, my bad. Only seven WEAKENED fronts. That means they are not active and "can no longer implement its programs like recruitment and generating resources." So, why does the AFP and the NTF-ELCAC continue to want about recruitment? These groups can either not recruit or they can. Which is it?

The AFP likes to say the NPA is without leadership but that is not the case. If that were true then who was an NPA squad leader killed in a recent clash?


https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1229833

A top leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) died in a clash between government forces and rebels in the upland OsmeƱa village in General MacArthur, Eastern Samar on Thursday.

The Philippine Army's 78th Infantry Battalion (78IB) identified the slain rebel as Joel Guarino alias Duran, the squad leader of squad 2 of the recently dismantled Apoy Platoon of the NPA.

Lt. Col. Joseph Bugaoan said in a statement that government forces had an armed encounter with a band of seven NPA combatants early Thursday while troops were conducting development and security operations in the upland village of General MacArthur.

No one was hurt from the government side during the 20-minute firefight.

After the clash, soldiers recovered several war paraphernalia, including one caliber .45 pistol, one homemade grenade, various war materials, and documents with high intelligence value.

Bugaoan attributed the successful operation to the collective effort of the community and the government to finally end the local communist armed conflict.

“The people tipped off the presence of these NPAs, that is why our soldiers were able to track their movement. But they were fired upon when the rebels saw the incoming troops,” Bugaoan said in an update sent to reporters Thursday night.

Brig. Gen. Noel Vestuir, commander of the Army's 802nd Infantry Brigade, commended the troops for tracking the remnants of the recently dismantled Apoy platoon.

“The neutralization of Guarino left the remnants of the newly dismantled platoon leaderless and without direction. Now, they have become just a roving band of bandits, hiding in the mountains to survive,” Vestuir said.

The Apoy platoon has only 15 remaining members as of mid-2024.

He said this is another breakthrough in their campaign to win peace in the province of Eastern Samar as he calls for the remaining members to give up the armed struggle now that their leader is gone.

How many more non-existent leaders are left?

Two more towns in Basilan have been declared Abu Sayyaf-free. First is Ungkaya Pukan.

https://mb.com.ph/2024/7/22/basilan-town-declared-abu-sayyaf-free

The  municipality of Ungkaya Pukan in Basilan, once a stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf Group, was declared as ASG-free during a ceremony held at the municipal hall in Barangay Bohe Pahu last Friday, July 19.

During the ceremony, municipal officials turned over a 60-mm mortar to Brig. Gen. Alvin Luzon, 101st Infantry Brigade commander. 

The weapon will be processed under the Small Arms and Light Weapons Management Program and the Assistance of the Security, Peace, Integration, and Recovery for Advancing Human Security in BARMM project.

The municipality has been the site of several clashes between the military and the terrorist group.

In June 2023, Abu Sayyaf leader Nurudin Muddalan was killed in a gun battle with police who were trying to arrest him.

In July 2016, some 200 members of the Abu Sayyaf Group attacked the headquarters of the Philippine Army 18th Infantry Battalion.

Armed Forces Western Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. William Gonzales commended the local government unit and different sectors for the fruitful collaboration which led to the declaration.

“My appreciation goes to 101st Brigade and the local government units of Ungkaya Pukan for their relentless and collaborative efforts. May we all continue to purvey the message of peace and patriotism that is forever engraved in the hearts of public servants,” said  Gonzales.

The second is Al-Barka.


https://www.gmanetwork.com/regionaltv/news/103063/al-barka-basilan-declared-asg-free/story/

The town of Al-Barka in Basilan was declared free of the presence of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) on Tuesday, July 23, 2024.

According to the military, Al-Barka has a long history of violence involving the ASG but government forces were able to suppress the ASF influence and presence in the town.

The 101st Infantry Brigade said the declaration of the town as ASG-free marked a significant step towards lasting peace and progress.

“The collective efforts of the local government, security forces, and the community serve as a beacon of hope and resilience, paving the way for a brighter future,” 101st Infantry Brigade said.

During the ceremony, some residents surrendered seven firearms, including an M1 Garand rifle and pistols. The turnover of guns showed the town’s commitment to peace and the desire to move forward in building a safer and more secure environment for the generations to come.

The event was attended by local government leaders, police and military officials, and members of the 114th Base Command of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces-Moro Islamic Liberation Front (BIAF-MILF) and Jihada Mindanao Command of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

The military urged the residents to ensure that peace and development will be sustained in the town.

Don't forget the province of Basilan was declared Abu-Sayyaf free in 2022

Monday, July 29, 2024

That Time Imelda Marcos Officiated Pee-Wee Herman's Marriage

Of all the crazy things about Imelda Marcos, and there are many crazy things about the Iron Butterfly, perhaps the craziest is that she officiated Pee-Wee Herman's mock marriage to Doris Duke's adopted daughter Chandi Heffner in 1989.


First some background.

In November 1988 Imelda Marcos was arrested on racketeering charges. Billionaire Duke Doris loaned Imelda $5 million for her bail.

The tobacco heiress Doris Duke has agreed to post $5 million bail for her friend Imelda Marcos, the former First Lady of the Philippines.

Lawyers for Mrs. Marcos yesterday presented the bond package to Judge John F. Keenan in Federal District Court in Manhattan, where she was arraigned Monday on racketeering charges.

By yesterday afternoon, a court officer was dispatched to Miss Duke's 2,700-acre estate in Somerville, N.J., to get her personal guarantee - backed by more than $5 million in municipal bonds held in a New York bank - that Mrs. Marcos will make all required appearances in court.

The loan was to be repaid with interest by March 6th, 1990. But at the time of Doris Duke's death in 1993 the loan had still not been repaid. Miss Duke left explicit instructions in her will to collect the money.

B. I direct that my Executors make reasonable arrangements with IMELDA MARCOS (or the legal representatives of her estate, if she shall not survive me) for the repayment of the Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000), plus accrued interest, that I loaned to her pursuant to a demand note dated March 6, 1990, such repayment to be made when Mrs. Marcos and the Philippines government settle their financial dispute or at such other time as my Executors shall deem appropriate in their absolute discretion.

https://www.will-laws.com/famous_will/doris-duke

Unsurprisingly Imelda has still not repaid this loan pleading "poverty."
This March, it will be 30 years since the Philippines’ erstwhile first lady Imelda Romualdez Marcos, 90, was presented with a Demand for Payment for one of the largest personal debts known in history—a $5 million loan advanced by the late American tobacco heiress Doris Duke to Mrs. Marcos in late 1988 as bail money to stave off Imelda’s going to jail.  Mrs. Marcos had just been charged with racketeering by New York’s Southern District court.  After all this time, the debt remains unpaid and, counting interest, has more than doubled. 

Will Imelda’s debt ever be paid? Not even when hell freezes over, and for several reasons:

One, Imelda has outlived Doris.  I am sure Imelda is thinking Doris had several million dollars at her disposal when she was alive; surely, she wasn’t wanting for a mere five million. What more now that to ashes she had returned? 

Two, Imelda still continues to plead “poverty.”  Due to exposure to liability, not too many liquid assets are attached to Imelda directly.  The Pacific Plaza penthouse, which she now calls home, was supposedly bought by her brothers and sisters; hence, the owner on record is probably a shell corporation with Limited Liability and cannot be seized easily.

Three, what recourse does Doris’ foundation have?  Practically none.   As far as is claimed, the surviving Marcoses no longer have any known tangible assets in the US that can be attached.  Furthermore, Imelda and offsprings Imee and Bongbong have outstanding warrants in the US as scofflaws and deadbeats to the judgments of the Hawaii courts. Thus, none of them will voluntarily be setting foot on American soil any time soon.  Hence, how can DDCF serve them a Collection Notice or lien if they no longer have any assets in the USA? 

While out on bail Mrs. Marcos was free to roam around the USA which allowed her to return to Honolulu. It was in Honolulu in 1989 at Doris Duke's estate where Imelda Marcos met Pee-wee Herman, Paul Reubens, at a dinner party. That is where she officiated at Pee-Wee's mock marriage to Doris Duke's adopted daughter Chandi Heffner. 

https://archive.vanityfair.com/article/1999/9/return-from-planet-pee-wee

Though never much of a premiere-goer or one to vacation in Aspen or the Hamptons, Reubens did enjoy the celebrity perk of meeting other famous and successful people. He got to know the late Heiress Doris Duke and her adopted adult daughter, Chandi Heffner, whom he had met in Hawaii though Jim Nabors (whom he had met through Charo). Though some in Duke's circle looked down their noses at Reubens--"He was singing for his supper," says one--she enjoyed his company. There was a semi-notorious dinner party in 1989 at Shangri-la, Duke's faux-Persian Diamond Head estate, during which Reubens and Heffner exchanged vows in an improptu mock wedding ceremony. Nabors serenaded the couple, and, Reubens says, "I still have the temporary marriage license signed by Imelda Marcos" (whom Duke had recently bailed out of prison). I wonder: what do you talk about at a dinner party with Doris Duke, Jim Nabors, and Imelda Marcos? "Oh, they were talking about everything. They were talking about the F.B.I., they were talking about, you know, gold and prices. It just ran the gamut."

Of course Imelda Marcos and friends were talking about the FBI and the price of gold. What else would they talk about?

There is really not much about this event anywhere online. There are no pictures of the marriage license, no pictures of Imelda Marcos with Pee-Wee Herman, and no more details than what is in the above article from Vanity Fair. 

Sunday, July 28, 2024

The God Culture: The Philippines is Japan

In his new book "The Garden of Eden Revealed: The Book of Maps" Timothy Jay Schwab who is The God Culture teaches the Philippines is actually Japan. Specifically he claims the island of Zipangu, described by Marco Polo, is not Japan but the Philippines. 

Garden of Eden Revealed, pgs. 124-125

This lie appears to be tightly woven together but comes undone easily if one pays attention to the words of Marco Polo. Therefore we shall dismantle it one thread at a time. 

First of all is the description of Zipangu given by Marco Polo. Rather than discuss the citation of Marco Polo given on page 124 Tim cites an article from Japan Today.

In the West around the 14th century, Japan was likely going by “the noble island of Chipangu,” which was given to it by none other than the famous explorer Marco Polo. Although it seems likely that Chipangu was Japan, it is not confirmed as Marco Polo included some very fanciful tales about these isles including the presence of rhinos, cannibalistic natives and private houses made of gold.

https://japantoday.com/category/features/lifestyle/why-is-japan-called-‘japan’-and-not-‘nihon-’

It is a crucial part of Tim's method that he never cite primary sources but if they must be cited they are to be dismissed or have their meaning twisted.  Here is Marco Polo's description of the island of Zipangu.

Chipangu is an Island towards the east in the high seas, 1500 miles distant from the Continent; and a very great Island it is.

The people are white, civilized, and well-favoured. They are Idolaters, and are dependent on nobody. And I can tell you the quantity of gold they have is endless; for they find it in their own Islands, [and the King does not allow it to be exported. Moreover] few merchants visit the country because it is so far from the main land, and thus it comes to pass that their gold is abundant beyond all measure.

I will tell you a wonderful thing about the Palace of the Lord of that Island. You must know that he hath a great Palace which is entirely roofed with fine gold, just as our churches are roofed with lead, insomuch that it
 would scarcely be possible to estimate its value. Moreover, all the pavement of the Palace, and the floors of its chambers, are entirely of gold, in plates like slabs of stone, a good two fingers thick; and the windows also are of gold, so that altogether the richness of this Palace is past all bounds and all belief.

Now you must know that the Idols of Cathay, and of Manzi, and of this Island, are all of the same classAnd in this Island as well as elsewhere, there be some of the Idols that have the head of an ox, some that have the head of a pig, some of a dog, some of a sheep, and some of divers other kinds. And some of them have four heads, whilst some have three, one growing out of either shoulder. There are also some that have four hands, some ten, some a thousand! And they do put more faith in those Idols that have a thousand hands than in any of the others. And when any Christian asks them why they make their Idols in so many different guises, and not all alike, they reply that just so their forefathers were wont to have them made, and just so they will leave them to their children, and these to the after generations. And so they will be handed down for ever. And you must understand that the deeds ascribed
 to these Idols are such a parcel of devilries as it is best not to tell. So let us have done with the Idols, and speak of other things.

But I must tell you one thing still concerning that Island (and ’tis the same with the other Indian Islands), that if the natives take prisoner an enemy who cannot pay a ransom, he who hath the prisoner summons all his friends and relations, and they put the prisoner to death, and then they cook him and eat him, and they say there is no meat in the world so good!—But now we will have done with that Island and speak of something else. 

https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/12410/pg12410-images.html#CHAPTER_II2

That is the end of Marco Polo's description of Zipangu. He says he is done and will now proceed to speak of something else. Here is his next subject.

You must know the Sea in which lie the Islands of those parts is called the Sea of Chin, which is as much as to say “The Sea over against Manzi.” For, in the language of those Isles, when they say Chin, ’tis Manzi they mean. And I tell you with regard to that Eastern Sea of Chin, according to what is said by the experienced pilots and mariners of those parts, there be 7459 Islands in the waters frequented by the said mariners; and that is how they know the fact, for their whole life is spent in navigating that sea. And there is not one of those Islands but produces valuable and odorous woods like the lignaloe, aye and better too; and they produce also a great variety of spices. For example in those Islands grows pepper as white as snow, as well as the black in great quantities. In fact the riches of those Islands is something wonderful, whether in gold or precious stones, or in all manner of spicery; but they lie so far off from the main land that it is hard to get to them. And when the ships of Zayton and Kinsay do voyage thither they make vast profits by their venture.

It takes them a whole year for the voyage, going in winter and returning in summer. For in that Sea there are but two winds that blow, the one that carries them 
outward and the other that brings them homeward; and the one of these winds blows all the winter, and the other all the summer. And you must know these regions are so far from India that it takes a long time also for the voyage thence.

Though that Sea is called the Sea of Chin, as I have told you, yet it is part of the Ocean Sea all the same. But just as in these parts people talk of the Sea of England and the Sea of Rochelle, so in those countries they speak of the Sea of Chin and the Sea of India, and so on, though they all are but parts of the Ocean.

Now let us have done with that region which is very inaccessible and out of the way. Moreover, Messer Marco Polo never was there. And let me tell you the Great Kaan has nothing to do with them, nor do they render him any tribute or service.

https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/12410/pg12410-images.html#CHAPTER_IV2

Marco Polo writes a description of Zipangu saying it is an island 1,500 miles to the east of China. Then he says he is finished and says there are 7,459 islands in the Sea of China according to mariners. He also mentions the two winds that blow, one carrying ships inward and the other blowing them homeward. That is most certainly a description of the Philippines. Marco Polo has moved on from describing Zipangu to describing the Philippines.

But apparently Tim is not paying attention. 

Zai-tan is modern Guangzhou in Central China on the coast just North of Taiwan and Kin-said is the ancient name of Hangzhou which is North of that. Japan is not East of these locations. It is Northeast. The Philippines is Southeast. This is not merely a voyage to the East; it is neither Northeast or Southeast. We can determine which fits this story very easily. The island of Zipangu is said to be 1,500 miles from continental China. As this is by ship, these are nautical miles not those of flight. Chinese were traveling according to their own records, to the area of Mindoro they called Ma-I which is right next door to Palawan which they would pass. There are two ports listed here in China, but one fits the 1,500 miles distance to Palawan exactly. According to ports.com, the distance from Zhoupu (Zhejiang) Port in HUnagzhou Bay to the Port of Puerto Princessa in Palawan is 1,4600 nautical miles. Ok, they missed it by 40 miles perhaps, or did they take a little longer route around the shoals. However, the time of year this journey occurs tells us much.  

The mariners of Zai-tun and Kin-sai, who visit them, gain indeed great profitsbut they spend a year on the voyage, going in winter, and returning in the summerfor the wind in these seasons blows only from two different quarters, one of which carries them thither, and the other brings them back.

This is consistent with the prevailing winds of the Philippines due to the Monsoon season especially for the return trip.

pgs. 132-133

Do you see what Tim has done here? He has correctly noted that Marco Polo wrote Zipangu was 1,500 miles away from China. He also correctly notes that a description is given of two winds which match the Philippine monsoon season. But he has conflated the two sections as if they are describing the same place. This section about the two winds is written after Marco Polo has finished describing Zipangu. There is no need to calculate the distance from China to Palawan in order to prove that Zipangu is the Philippines because Marco Polo is not talking about Zipangu in this section. A note on this new section says:

Polo seems in this passage to be speaking of the more easterly Islands of the Archipelago, such as the Philippines, the Moluccas, etc., but with vague ideas of their position.

https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/12410/pg12410-images.html#CHAPTER_IV2

To reiterate this section is NOT about Zipangu but Tim wrongly claims it is. 

Second of all is the little bit of history Marco Polo gives concerning the Khan's invasion of Zipangu.

"Kublai, on hearing of this amazing wealth, desired to conquer the island, and sent two of his barons with a very large fleet containing warriors, both horsemen and on foot." 

"One was named Abatan, the other Vonsanicin, both wise and valiant. They sailed from Zai-tun and Kin-sai, reached the isle, landed, and took possession of the plain and of a number of houses but they had been unable to take any city or castle, when a sad misadventure occurred."

This is the one area where Japan does have history of attempted conquests by the Mongols in 1274 and 1281. However the Spanish wiped out written Philippine history prior to the era. We may very well have this story if not. With the other factors not fitting Japan, this does not carry enough weight to overrule all the facts against the option of Japan. Anyone calling themselves a scholar who claims Chinese ships in that era could not make it to the Philippines is a liar especially the right season which would make this trip even more favorable than Japan.

pg. 132

Tim says this history is correct and does apply to Japan BUT the Spanish wiped out the written history of the Philippines which means the Philippines could also have been invaded by the Khan. Now we will never know. That is not only pure speculation but completely false. The Spanish did not erase "written Philippine history." There was no "written Philippine history." You can read all about that in the following article. 


https://thegodculturephilippines.blogspot.com/2023/07/the-god-culture-100-lies-about_75.html         

Third, and finally, is the description of the people of Zipangu.

The people are white, civilized, and well-favoured.

https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/12410/pg12410-images.html#CHAPTER_IV2

Tim's remarks are as follows:

He wrote the people of Zipangu were "fair, handsome, and of agreeable manners." Fair in Old English is not white but comely or beautiful referring typically to women and handsome is for the men. Either culture could fit that. However, it is difficult to find more "agreeable" manners than the Filipino as this indicated a welcoming culture. In those days of Marco Polo, Japan was a closed society to the outside world largely and that does not fit. 

pg. 131

Old English? The edition Tim is citing from was published in 1844. That is not Old English. The edition I have cited from was published in 1920. If Tim wants to prove that the people of Zipangu were not white then he should take a look at the original Italian and not the English translation. 

However, it doesn't really matter because Marco Polo is obviously not talking about the Philippines when describing the people of Zipangu. Just before he begins describing the Philippines he ends his description of Zipangu. 

But now we will have done with that Island and speak of something else. 

Tim either was not paying attention or he willfully misinterpreted what Marco Polo wrote. 

Now, there is a lot more stuff in this chapter about Zipangu but the most important points have been discussed. These are merely three threads which have been untangled. Tim's whole scheme relies on conflating two sections of Marco Polo's Travels which discuss different places. One of those places is Zipangu and the other is the Philippines. Once that fact is realized Tim's argument comes undone. In conclusion, the Philippines is not Zipangu. Timothy Jay Schwab who is The God Culture is wrong.