Coronavirus Lockdown: Transition Amid Multiple Crises, Thrilled to be Back, and More!

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

Businesses in the Philippines are in in the midst of transition as family run business transfer power to the younger generation.

https://business.inquirer.net/479575/family-run-ph-firms-face-transition-amid-multiple-crises

Family-run businesses in the Philippines are in the midst of a transition, with the reins of power being passed on to the younger generation at a time of great challenges.

According to the 2024 Philippine CEO Survey conducted by professional services firm PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) and the Management Association of the Philippines, the next few years will be “critical” for most family-run companies as the transfer of power is happening “when the world is continuously challenged by healthcare crises, rapid technological changes, climate change, and geopolitical issues.”

The joint annual study was based on the responses of 168 chief executive officers surveyed from July to August this year.

Two of every five CEOs who took part in the survey came from family businesses, with the majority currently led by the first and second generations.

Sought for comment, Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) Chief Economist Michael Ricafort told the Inquirer that effective succession planning would be key to the continuing success of family-run firms.

“Controlling shareholders would still have a say in the designation of CEOs, including family businesses, though the preferred approach is choosing the most qualified, from family members or professional nonfamily members,” Ricafort said, citing this practice as a part of good corporate governance and global best practices.

The report also said that for both family and nonfamily organizations, proper systems and structures should be in place to ensure that their businesses can withstand another pandemic, as well as global and domestic economic crises.

“If there’s anything positive that came out of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s that business leaders became smarter, wiser, and more humble,” the report read.

“Through the pandemic, business leaders learned to make quick decisions without sacrificing their long- term goals, manage their assets efficiently, adapt to technology, and maximize and invest in human capital,” it added.

But not to worry because they learned many lessons during the pandemic and became smarter, wiser, and more humble. They will be fine. 

A new proposed business law aims to reimagine the future of work in the Philippines. 

https://tribune.net.ph/2024/09/13/wfh-flexibility-extended-create-more-at-work

The workplace landscape is changing once again, thanks to the recent congressional approval of the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises to Maximize Opportunities for Reinvigorating the Economy (CREATE MORE) Bill.

This bill, touted as a top priority by the Legislative–Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC), is set to redefine how businesses operate in the Philippines, particularly in the realm of work-from-home (WFH) arrangements.

As part of the key amendments under CREATE MORE, registered business enterprises (RBEs) may now be allowed up to 50 percent work-from-home arrangements, subject to the rules and regulations of their respective investment promotions agency (IPA).

This provision, tucked within Section 26 of the Senate’s version of the bill, not only offers companies greater flexibility but also reflects a broader shift in workplace norms that have been evolving since the pandemic began.

With hybrid work models becoming increasingly popular worldwide, this move is expected to attract more foreign direct investments, boost job generation and improve living standards, according to Senate Ways and Means Committee Chair Sherwin Gatchalian.

The flexibility to maintain a partial WFH setup will also have a significant impact on the IT-Business Process Management (IT-BPM) sector, which has been a major driver of the country’s economy.

Colliers, a leading real estate advisory firm, notes that this development is poised to affect the office market dynamics significantly.

Businesses that have downsized their office spaces or shifted to more flexible work arrangements during the pandemic might need to recalibrate their real estate strategies in the coming months.

Firms that have applied for the PEZA–BOI (Philippine Economic Zone Authority–Board of Investments) paper transfer in 2023 may need to reassess their office requirements to comply with the new rules, which could mean a partial return to physical offices.

Beyond the WFH provision, CREATE MORE introduces a suite of tax incentives aimed at making the Philippines a more attractive destination for businesses.

One of the major changes includes a reduction of corporate income tax from 25 percent to 20 percent for both domestic and foreign companies, a move expected to lure more investors looking for favorable tax regimes.

Additionally, RBEs with capital stock over P20 billion will enjoy a zero-rated value-added tax (VAT) on local purchases, VAT exemption on imports and duty exemptions on imports of capital equipment, raw materials, spare parts and accessories.

Export-oriented RBEs stand to gain even more, with VAT zero-rating extended to essential services like janitorial, security, financial consultancy, marketing and human resources.

These changes are designed to simplify tax processes and reduce operational costs, which are crucial factors for businesses deciding where to set up shop.

House Ways and Means Committee Chair Joey Salceda emphasized that the bill builds on the progress achieved by the Create Act and responds to emerging developments in the global economy.

By providing clearer guidelines on tax exemptions, zero-rating and WFH arrangements, Create More aims to offer investors greater regulatory stability and transparency — key components that make a country an appealing business destination.

As the country awaits the President’s approval of the bill, companies are already bracing for the impact. For some, this means a return to office life, albeit in a limited capacity, while others may continue to capitalize on the flexible work arrangements that have defined the past few years.

CREATE MORE is not just about tax incentives or corporate adjustments; it’s about reimagining the future of work in the Philippines.

By allowing up to 50 percent of employees to work from home, the bill acknowledges the evolving needs of modern businesses and workers alike, setting the stage for a more flexible, resilient and competitive economic landscape.

With many working from home and offices downsizing it would appear the future is now. 

Singer David Archuleta has returned to the Philippines after six years due to the pandemic. 

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/lifestyle/hobbiesandactivities/920193/david-archuleta-thrilled-to-be-back-in-the-philippines-i-feel-part-of-everyone-here/story/

David Archuleta is back in the Philippines after six years, and he couldn't be happier.

The American singer, who shot to fame after competing in "American Idol" in 2008, visited "Unang Hirit" on Thursday ahead of his concert this weekend.

"I've been waiting six long years to come back, there's the whole pandemic and everything that happened," he said.

"I missed the Pinoys, the people, the culture, the food," he added.

David said that Filipinos are great at making people feel at home and welcome.

"When I come here, not only are they big fans of 'American Idol,' the songs I release," he said. "I feel like we act the same."

"I see myself so much in the Filipino culture, and I'm like, oh my gosh, am I Filipino?" he joked with a laugh. "Everyone thought so. I just feel so a part of everyone here, and they're a part of my life now."

He also plans on making the most out of his stay — he said he was looking forward to eating mangoes, sisig, pancit, bangus, and adobo.

David will hold his show, the "Playback Presents: The Best of David Archuleta Live in Manila," at the New Frontier Theater on September 14.

In "American Idol" Season 7, he finished as the runner-up. He is known for hits like "Crush" and "A Little Too Not Over You."

He previously visited the Philippines in 2018 for a fundraising concert. He also came to the Philippines in 2012 to film a series.

He could have come back as early as 2021 but perhaps he was busy.

The DOH has received billions more to pay out the health emergency allowance of eligible medical workers. 

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/7/8/doh-receives-sub-allotment-release-order-for-p27-4-billion-funding-for-hea-1731

The Department of Health has received the sub-allotment release order for the P27.4 billion funding to settle the remaining arrears in the Health Emergency Allowance of eligible medical workers, who served during the emergency phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.

DOH Secretary Teodoro Herbosa told the House Committee on Appropriations on Monday that the agency expects the notice of cash allocation (NCA) to be issued by the Department of Budget and Management within the week.

The NCA is a cash authority issued by the DBM to central, regional and provincial offices and operating units to cover the cash requirements of agencies.

"On Friday, the Department of Health received the sub-allotment release order for P27.4-billion, which is the last tranche for the Health Emergency Allowance that the government has promised to our healthcare workers. This will be going to our healthcare workers in both the private sector outside Metro Manila and the local government hospitals," Herbosa explained.

"We are still awaiting notice of cash allocation. Maybe this week they will issue the NCA. And we will immediately sub-allot this to the regional offices of the DOH. The regional offices have the claims of all the local hospitals and the private hospitals… We will just wait for cash, and then those will be distributed," he added.

The HEA is provided for under Republic Act 11712 or the Public Health Emergency Benefits and Allowances for Health Care Workers Act, which entitles healthcare workers to receive allowance for every month of service during public health emergencies, like the COVID pandemic.

Under the law, those deployed in "low risk areas" shall be given at least P3,000, at least P6,000 for those in "medium risk areas", and at least P9,000 for those in "high risk areas".

The DOH said the P27.4 billion is the last tranche that will complete the payments for the total over P103 billion HEA obligations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The DOH says these last billions will complete the payments which have been owed for four years. 

COVID-19 is long over though the effects are still being felt. However, it could be a new pandemic is on the way. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1983682/mpox-cases-in-ph-now-at-18-doh

Three new cases of mpox (formerly known as monkeypox) were recorded in the country, bringing the count to 18, Department of Health (DOH) chief Teodoro Herbosa said on Monday.

(As of August 18, there are 18 confirmed mpox cases.)

Five cases have recovered while 11 cases are still undergoing home isolation and have not transmitted the virus to others, the DOH said.

(What’s good is, that all the 18 cases we picked up have not yet spread the virus to others.)

(They have no epidemiological link.)

No deaths have been reported due to mpox so far.

But then again, maybe not. 

Lawless Philippines: Barangay Officials Allow Dangerous Illegal Roadside Restaurant

The Philippines is full of entrepreneurs doing anything and everything they can to support their families. Some Filipinos set up kiosks selling snacks. Others sell fried chicken from mobile fried chicken stands. In this case someone set up a restaurant on the side of a busy street. 

I'm not sure how long this set up has been there but I don't remember seeing it the week before I took this picture. 

Now, of course all the usual things can be said such as it's in a dangerous location blocking auto and pedestrian traffic and it likely has no permit to operate but nobody cares. They have customers and probably no one who has driven by this spot has filed a complaint. Surely the PNP have passed by but they aren't ones to enforce the law unless pressed to do so. 

There are two ways to look at it. As Filipinos doing what they must to survive or as a nuisance that should be taken down. I consider it the latter. 

Believe it or not this dangerous and illegal set up is right next to the Barangay Hall. Of course I spoke with the barangay officials. One official was a former chairman and current kagawad while the other was the chairman. The kagawad informed me he knew the restaurant was located in a dangerous area blocking pedestrian and auto traffic but he allowed them to operate out of consideration for their livelihood. After all, they take it down at 4 in the afternoon. The kagawad also told me they asked permission from him specifically because he was a former chairman. We both spoke with the current chairman and he related the same sentiments, namely,  consideration must be made for these people to make a livelihood. 

In essence these two officials are knowingly and willingly creating a dangerous situation, breaking their oath of office, and shirking their duties and responsibilities to the public.

The barangay chairman's duties are as follows:

https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/downloads/1991/10oct/19911010-RA-7160-CCA.pdf

1. (a)  Enforce all laws and ordinances which are applicable within the Barangay;

13. (n)  Promote the general welfare of the Barangay; 

The duties of the barangay kagawads include:

1. (a)  Assist the Punong Barangay in the discharge of his duties and functions;

2. (b)  Act as peace officers in the maintenance of public order and safety

Presumably all the laws and ordinances of the Philippines are applicable within every Barangay and enforcing them would promote the general welfare. That would include needing a business and health permit to operate a restaurant and not blocking sidewalks and roads.

But who cares about the law and safety when we must take into consideration these people need to make a livelihood even if they are endangered while doing so? Such a wanton disregard for the law and the safety of the community because it benefits a few people reminds me of this image:

A full video of the illegal roadside restaurant can be seen here:

Insurgency: Paradigm Shift in Peacebuilding Efforts

The NTF-ELCAC has announced they are shifting paradigms in their peace building efforts. No longer will peace be seen as "merely the absence of conflict." Peace is much more multifaceted involving the whole of society from economics to politics and culture. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1233099

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) is adopting a "positive peace" framework, signifying a paradigm shift in its peacebuilding efforts amid the declining threat of communist insurgency.

NTF-ELCAC executive director Undersecretary Ernesto Torres Jr. said there is a need to acquire "new lenses" in the pursuit of peace, noting that it should not be seen as merely the absence of conflict or violence.

“Peace encompasses the integrity of the social, political, and cultural superstructure; and the economic base of a society," he said in a news release Wednesday.

Torres, who spoke before participants during the “Positive Peace" training at the Sheraton Hotel Manila on Tuesday, said such perspective signifies a paradigm shift in the NTF-ELCAC's approach to peacebuilding.

He cited the need to move beyond traditional security measures and adopt a more holistic approach that considers the social, political, cultural and economic factors contributing to a peaceful and prosperous society.

"As peacebuilders, we need to acquire new lenses in our collective effort to attain a just and lasting peace, and inclusive development for a united people," Torres said.

The one-day training, hosted by the non-profit think tank Institute for Economics & Peace in collaboration with the NTF-ELCAC, equipped participants with tools and strategies to integrate “positive peace" principles into its cluster action plan.

However, this is not really much different from what has gone before. The AFP is on record defining insurgency-free not as zero actual insurgents but an insignificant level.

“Insurgency-free”, according to Luga, means that they have received no more reports of armed men in the province. 

“Insignificant level. Wala na rito ang mga armed groups,” Luga said during the recent meeting of the Regional Peace and Order Council held at the Capitol Social Hall.

https://philippinefails.blogspot.com/2019/09/martial-law-insurgent-free.html 

They have also admitted the insurgency will never be totally eliminated but can be made negligible. 

Año admitted insurgency cannot be totally eliminated, but he believes the issue may be brought down to a negligible point.

“While we may not be able to attain this zero insurgents, but at least reduced to an irrelevant number that will not cause concern for peace and order,” he said.

“They will become isolated and just become bandits, because of lost ideology and non-support from the people,” he projected.

https://philippinefails.blogspot.com/2023/09/insurgency-communist-insurgency-to-end.html

It's also not any different from the whole-of-nation approach being taken since the NTF-ELCAC was founded. Where exactly is the paradigm shift? 

More areas have been declared rebel-free. First is Biliran Province. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1233141

The entire province of Biliran has been officially declared on Wednesday as completely free from threats of the New People’s Army (NPA) and has attained the Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) status.

Key officials from the local government, national government agencies, and the Philippine Army (PA) gathered at the provincial capitol in Naval town to witness the declaration.

In his speech, Governor Gerard Espina said it is an honor for the province to attain such status as a fruit of partnership between government agencies and local officials.

“This is a testament to our vision for a peaceful, secured, and prosperous province of Biliran. We have addressed the root cause of insurgency through dialogue and cooperation,” Espina added.

Among the parameters achieved by Biliran is the absence of NPA activities for several years, functional local task forces to end local communist armed conflict (ELCAC), and declaration of NPA as persona non-grata in villages, among others.

PA 802nd Infantry Brigade commander Brig. Gen. Noel Vestuir said Biliran is the first province in Eastern Visayas to be declared with SPIS.

“For 16 years, there has been no presence of NPA guerrillas and no NPA violent activity in the province. This has been a peaceful province because of the collective efforts of the people of Biliran not allowing the NPA to set foot in this province,” Vestuir told local officials.

Alongside the SIPS declaration is the ceremonial signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) among the members of the provincial task force to end local communist armed conflict and peace partners.

The MOU aims to strengthen the support of local government units in maintaining peace and order, conducting activities to enhance law enforcement operations, and preventing the resurgence of the NPA.

The military said several areas in the region have long been peaceful, which paved the way for the declaration of the SIPS status is just a formal and official manifestation of the commitment of local leaders and people to sustain the peace and never allow any threat group to gain a foothold in their communities.

The second area is a town in Leyte. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1233202

This town, known in the past as a hotbed of insurgency in central Leyte, has been declared Thursday as completely free from threats of the New People’s Army (NPA).

Through a resolution of the municipal peace and order council and the Sangguniang Bayan, the town was declared to have Stable Internal Peace and Security Conditions (SIPC).

Highlights of the declaration held at the Burauen Community College were the signing of a memorandum of understanding and pledge of commitment by different stakeholders and the simultaneous release of white doves.

In his speech, Burauen Mayor Juanito Renomeron thanked all stakeholders who helped in attaining the conditions for the declaration of their town as having a peaceful status.

“In recent years, we have seen concerted efforts of the government in collaboration with the Philippine Army and the local government. We have addressed the root causes of rebellion through the delivery of programs and services. This has resulted in the diminished NPA’s influence,” Renomeron said.

Brig. Gen. Noel Vestuir, commander of the Philippine Army’s 802nd Infantry Brigade, said there have been attempts by the NPA to return to Burauen, but they failed.

“Every time there are sightings of armed men in communities, they are reported to authorities. People of Burauen don’t want NPA to set foot in Burauen again,” Vestuir said during the declaration rites.

Under the Armed Forces of the Philippines' phases of normalization, an area is given the SIPS status if no violent terrorist activity has been conducted by the NPA for at least one year.

Based on the military records, no atrocity has been recorded in the town’s 77 villages since 2016.

The town was considered a hiding place for armed rebels due to its thick forest and strategic location in the central part of Leyte province. The town is bounded by two cities —Ormoc and Baybay—as well as five towns.

Burauen is the first town in the second congressional district of Leyte to attain such status and the eighth town in the entire Leyte province.

Note the AFP claims the NPA has attempted to reestablish themselves. That means the are is not rebel-free. The citizens may have rejected the NPA but they are still around.

Arms caches found in Leyte and Samar signal the NPA is weakened says the AFP.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1232910

The recent discoveries of arms caches in Leyte and Samar provinces signal the victory of the government’s fight to end insurgency in the region, an official of the Philippine Army said on Monday.

Brig. Gen. Noel Vestuir, commander of the Army’s 802nd Infantry Brigade, said the participation of villagers and former rebels in peace initiatives largely contributed to the unearthing of firearms and an explosive buried by the New People’s Army (NPA).

"The involvement of former rebels has significantly weakened the NPA's capabilities in Samar and Leyte. We expect more discoveries in the coming days as the people and former NPA members are fully cooperating with our peace efforts," Vestuir said in a phone interview.

The Army’s 78th Infantry Battalion (IB) discovered the arms storage belonging to the NPA in Barangay Osmeña, General MacArthur, Eastern Samar on Sept. 7.

The discovery included two M16 rifles with magazines, 175 rounds of ammunition, a bandoleer, a flash drive, subversive documents, and four anti-personnel mine blasting caps which are banned under international humanitarian law.

Arms caches were likewise found on Sept. 2 in Barangay Kahupian, Sogod, Southern Leyte, and in Abuyog, Leyte; and in upland Canca-iyas village in Basey, Samar on Sept. 5.

The Philippine Army is likewise counting on the participation of former rebels for the surrender of the remaining 26 active NPA members hiding in the mountains of Leyte and Southern Leyte provinces.

He urged the remaining NPA members to lay down their arms, assuring them that their families and communities are ready to welcome them back.

"The government is sincere in helping you choose the path of peace," Vestuir said.

With only 26 active NPA members hiding the mountains surely the insurgency will be over soon. 

Another arms cache was found in Surigao del Sur. 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/9/15/troops-net-npa-arms-cache-in-surigao-del-sur

Troops recovered an arms cache in a New People’s Army camp following an hour-long encounter in Sitio Nalindog, Barangay Bolhoon, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur on Thursday afternoon, September 12.

Found were five M16 Armalite rifles, one M203 grenade launcher, one Bushmaster rifle, three AK47 rifles, six Improvised Explosive Devices, 10 bandoliers with magazines and ammunition, 11 backpacks with supplies and personal belongings, cellphones and electronic gadgets, assorted medical supplies and medicines, and subversive documents with high intelligence value. 

Major Alvin G. Nangkil, civil-military operations officer of the Army 401st Infantry (Unite N’ Fight) Brigade, said they are pursuing the fleeing rebels in the border of Surigao del Sur and Agusan del Sur. 

“Our operating pursuing troops, which are under the operational control of the 401st Brigade chief Brig. Gen. Francisco F. Lorenzo Jr., are still pursuing the running NPAs, following the blood stains in their route of withdrawal, believing that some of the fleeing rebels are wounded or killed,” Nangkil said. 

The encounter occurred after the military received reports that communist rebels were conducting extortion activities in the area.  

No casualties were recorded in the government side. 

Troops have conducted a series of psychosocial activities to assist residents affected by the NPA presence. 

The military appealed to the remaining running communist rebels in Surigao del Sur and Agusan del Sur to surrender and avail of government benefits. 

Meanwhile, the 403rd Infantry (Peacemaker) Brigade and the provincial government launched the “Kasa ng Pagkakaisa” program for Geographically Isolated Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs) in Bukidnon. 

“This ‘Kasa ng Pagkakaisa” program served as a platform for open dialogue for peace and development in GIDA areas,” 403rd Brigade commanding general Brig. Gen. Michele B. Anayron Jr. said. 

The dialogue centered on several issues such as access to basic services, infrastructure development, education, healthcare, livelihood opportunities, and peace and order situations, Anayron said.

No word on how many rebels remain in Surigao del Sur. 

Two more NPA leaders have been neutralised . One surrendered. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1232994

Two members of the New People's Army (NPA), including a team leader, surrendered to military forces in Carmen, Surigao del Sur, a military official said Tuesday.

Lt. Col. Vincent Viray, commander of the Philippine Army's 36th Infantry Battalion (36IB), identified the surrenderers as Jeno Maca Montenegro, the team leader of the dismantled NPA Guerrilla Front-30 (GF-30) Sub-Regional Committee Westland, and Jenalyn Medrano Montenegro, the unit's medic.

"They spoke of the hardships they faced while evading our pursuing forces. Their desire to reunite with their family, which they had left for years, prompted their surrender," Viray said in a statement regarding the duo’s surrender on Monday.

The pair turned over four high-powered firearms and ammunition to military personnel at the 36IB headquarters in Barangay Puyat, Carmen town.

Viray said the 36IB is coordinating with the local government and concerned agencies to process support for the surrenderers under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (ECLIP).

"We urge the remaining members of the dismantled GF-30 to surrender and take advantage of the government's offer under ECLIP. The 36IB will continue its operations to rid Surigao del Sur of insurgency and promote peace and development," Viray added.

If Guerrilla Front-30 has been dismantled how did it have a team leader? Perhaps dismantled does not actually mean dismantled just like insurgent-free does not mean zero insurgents. 

The other leader was killed in a clash with the AFP.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1983079/npa-leader-among-4-dead-in-cagayan-clashes

A key official of the communist rebels in Cagayan Valley was among the four who were killed in a series of clashes between Army soldiers and the New People’s Army (NPA) in Peñablanca town, Cagayan province, on Wednesday, authorities said.

In a statement on Thursday, the military confirmed that Ariel Arbitrario, also known as Karl or Bogart, the regional secretary of the NPA’s Cagayan Valley Regional Committee (Komiteng Rehiyon Cagayan Valley or KRCV), was among the fatalities during the clashes in Peñablanca’s remote Barangay Baliuag.

“Arbitrario was the key leader of the communist rebels operating in the mountainous areas of the Cagayan Valley region,” Rogelio Sending, Cagayan provincial information officer, told the Inquirer Thursday.

The armed encounter broke out when a platoon from the Army’s 502nd Brigade under its 5th Infantry Division in Cagayan chanced upon a 17-member group from the KRCV, led by Arbitrario, during military security operations.

Sending said the bodies of Arbitrario and another rebel were discovered following the “prolonged gun battle” between the rebels and the government troops in the hinterlands of Peñablanca.

The two other slain communist rebels were earlier identified as “Ka Danielle,” also known as Nieves, a former student at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines who left school to join the rebel movement; and “Ka Jorly,” a resident of Barangay Bural in Rizal town, also in Cagayan.

The two rebels sustained gunshot wounds to the head and body, an initial report from the military showed.

After the brief exchange of gunfire, the rebels retreated, leaving behind the bodies of their fallen comrades.

No doubt someone will take his place.

Filipino Christians Sacrifice Dogs

Some Filipinos love dogs and some Filipinos eat dogs. We see this contradiction once more played out in the following two news stories. 

First up is a group of dogs who were rescued from a house fire. 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/9/6/dogs-rescued-from-house-fire-in-san-juan

Several dogs were rescued from a fire that hit a house in Barangay Sta. Lucia, San Juan City Friday morning, September 6.

According to the San Juan Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO), the blaze started at around 7:48 a.m. and was declared fire out at 8:57 a.m.

The Animal Kingdom Foundation (AKF) said several dogs were rescued from the fire. However, four of them perished due to oxygen deprivation and smoke inhalation.

"Many of the dogs were already unconscious because of smoke inhalation but thank you to our dear volunteer firefighters for reviving them. All of the dogs survived except for four," the group said.

The AKF expressed its gratitude to the firefighters who responded to the incident, especially to Fire Chief Jerwin Guan and his wife, for making sure the animals were safe. The couple are both veterinarians.

Arson investigators are still determining the cause of the fire and total cost of damage to property.

Yes, some of the dogs were suffering from smoke inhalation and were revived by...mouth to mouth resuscitation? It seems that way. 

This fireman has his hands cupped around the dogs mouth as if he is blowing into it while the other firefighter has an oxygen mask ready. The dogs could have been left to die but they were not. Only four ended up dying.

The second story involves a group of dogs being caught on video as they were beaten to death. 

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/regions/919610/slaughter-of-dogs-in-la-trinidad-benguet-caught-on-cam/story

A concerned citizen was able to take a video of several men involved in the alleged slaughter of dogs in La Trinidad, Benguet.

According to a report in “Saksi” on Friday, the dogs are being butchered for food or pulutan, which is a snack that is paired with alcoholic drinks. 

In the video, a dog was seen running with a man while on a leash. When it was brought to the slaughter area, the dog became restless and tried but failed to escape.

The said dog was also slaughtered, the report said. 

Also caught in the same video, men hitting an already injured dog. 

The incident was already reported to authorities.

It can be recalled that Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong had ordered last June the inspection of several local eateries that are allegedly serving dog meat dishes to customers.

According to the Animal Welfare Act of 1998, anyone involved in animal cruelty could be imprisoned for up to two years and/or fined P100,000.

In Benguet Province butchered dog is what you pair with your Red Horse. It's not enough to slit the dogs throat or kill the dog in a humane way. No. The dogs must be beaten to death because...the adrenaline rush makes the meat tastier?

Baguio City is also a city in Benguet Province where butchered dog is a local delicacy. In June 2024 the Mayor of Baguio City ordered an inspection into eateries that serve dog meat. 

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/regions/909244/magalong-orders-inspection-of-baguio-eateries-over-alleged-serving-of-dog-meat/story/

Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong has ordered the inspection of several local eateries due to the alleged serving of dog meat dishes to customers.

The mayor made the directive after authorities filed charges against a man for violation of the Animal Welfare Act of 1998 after he was caught butchering a dog in Barangay Irisan on May 30.

“We will not tolerate animal cruelty in Baguio City; the police will search and arrest violators of the Animal Welfare Act,” said Magalong in a statement on Thursday.

The charges stemmed from a video uploaded online that showed the suspect hitting the dog until it died.

Biyaya Animal Care earlier said that dog sacrificing is a common practice in the Cordillera region, but butchering a dog for a party is unacceptable.

Magalong recently said that the dog meat trade in the city has decreased significantly.

According to the law, anyone involved in animal cruelty could be imprisoned for up to two years and/or fined P100,000.

Wow! Sacrificing a dog is ok but butchering a dog for a party is not. It's the Igorots who sacrifice dogs as a cleansing ritual. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1052457

In the mountains of Cordillera, up in northern Philippines, the indigenous tribes of Igorots still practice the "Daw-es," an ancient ritual passed on from generation to generation, even in this age of the worldwide web.

Many of today's Igorots are also Christians. But unlike the rest of Christendom, they practice the Daw-es, not only in this season of all hallows and souls, but whenever someone died unexpectedly, or was murdered, or met an accident, especially in a massive scale like the Itogon landslide and just recently, the crumbling of the multi-story building that was still being constructed, ironically, for the country's state builders in Natonin town in Mountain Province.

About a week before Typhoon Rosita battered the Cordillera and sent the mountains' soil rolling down and engulfed some parts of the region with mud and rainwater on Tuesday afternoon of Oct. 30, the Daw-es ritual was done in Itogon town in Benguet.

The ritual was for another massive landslide induced by another typhoon (Ompong) that claimed the lives of at least 80 people, mostly small-scale miners and laborers in the mining town about a month and a half ago.

“It’s all about prayers to ask ‘Kabunyan’ (God) to cleanse the place of evil spirit, clear the people’s mind of the images of death and to thank God for the gift of life for those who were spared,” said Father Francisco Dao-ey, a native of Mountain Province, a retired priest of the Anglican church and who also facilitates the conduct of cultural practices like the Daw-es.

The ritual in Itogon was organized by the local government of Itogon town and the Department of the Interior and Local Government. It was done at Sitio Keystone, Ucab, where recovered bodies in the mid-September landslide were being identified by forensic experts.

The Daw-es is practiced by the Igorots in all parts of the Cordillera, with some variations, depending on the place. The primary purpose of the ritual is to "cleanse" the mind of the survivors, especially the rescuers, in case of massive death like in landslides or deluge.  

It is also done to rid a place of evil spirits that cause tragedies for those living.

Daw-es involves the butchering of a dog as offering to "Kabunyan," primarily to remove the images of death in the minds of those still living and to dispel evil spirits.

Pigs or chickens are also butchered and prayed over for everyone around to partake. This serves as the thanksgiving for the survivors' gift of life.

The “mambunong” (native priest), who facilitates the ritual, asks for Kabunyan’s guidance to free the minds of those "who handle the dead” of evil spirits, so they won't be hounded. It is also to pray for guidance to prevent the same disaster from happening in town.

Dao-ey said the cleansing ritual is done in various occasions and in different situations.

“It is done when somebody dies due to an extraordinary cause, when someone kills somebody, when a person is hospitalized, or after an incarceration of a person due to whatever reasons. It is a ritual that cleanses the mind of persons who handled dead bodies from seeing images of death, from having the same unfortunate incident, and to thank 'Kabunyan' for the gift of life for those spared,” he explained.

As for the Itogon tragedy, Dao-ey said he was asked by some Igorot firemen, who were directly involved in the search, rescue, and retrieval of bodies from the landslide area, as they were hounded by creepy thoughts.

“They kept on thinking and could not rid their minds of the images of the dead people,” he said.

Dao-ey said two chickens, aside from the pigs, were also served to the firemen.

“The ritual was done to rid their minds of the fear of the evil, fear of death,” he said.

The native priest said the Daw-es is usually done in groups, as a reminder that they are united in believing in such ritual as a cultural tradition.

The animal used in doing the cleansing ritual is a dog.

Michael “Pacsay” Tauli, a believer of the ritual, said the nature of the dog as a guardian is the primary reason for its use in the "cleansing" ritual.

“The dog’s bark shoos away the bad spirit. It bites, and it is a guardian. That is why it is used in the ritual,” he said.

Tauli believes that dogs are both guardians and harbingers of death. They are portrayed as such in different cultures, places, and era, he said.

Interesting that the Igorots are mostly Christian but practice dog sacrifice to ward off evil spirits and as an offering to God to remove trauma from the mind. There is NOTHING Christian about that whatsoever. But then again that's the contradiction of the Philippines.

Some Filipinos love dogs, some Filipinos eat dogs. Some Filipino Christians place their faith in the once for all sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross, some Filipino Christians place their faith in the often sacrificed dog to ward off evil sprits. 

The God Culture: 100 Lies About the Philippines: Lie #23: The La Paz Sand Dunes is the Desert of Chabor

Welcome back to 100 Lies the God Culture Teaches About the Philippines. Today's lie once more concerns Tim's claims about Abraham Farissol. In his book Iggeret Orhot Olam Farissol says that the Lost Tribes of Israel live in the Desert of Chabor. Tim claims that is the La Paz Sand Dunes in Northern Luzon. As we shall see this is just one more lie from Timothy Jay Schwab.

In his videos Tim says the following:

Lost Tribes Series Part 2G: The Landing of the 2nd Exodus In Ophir, Philippines

18:07 Remember our historic reference from the Italian Jewish scholar Peritsol or Farissol. Notice he's a Pharisee, a Persian, and the P is an F sound as well. That's Persian, but we'll get there. We had set aside this reference though for this video and now it's time. "Others he places in the desert of Chabor  which according to him lies upon the Indian sea where they live in the manner of the ancient Rechabites," we covered that, "without houses" bayanihan, right? "Sowing or the use of wine. Nay, he enters the Indies the aisles of Bengala the Philippines and several other places." The Hebrew word Chabor means to unite, be joined, to tie a magic knot or spell. This isn't about magic, obviously, this is the Lost Tribes. To charm. No, this isn't about magic. So, unite or be joined. Compact, couple together, have fellowship with, heap up, join self together, league. A rather generic reference and no we do not find a desert called Chabor anywhere in Asia. 

Wait a minute I live in the Philippines and I have never seen any desert here, right? Some may be thinking that. Well, actually this is what makes this one so simple because there is only but one desert in the entire Philippines. Do you know where it is? 

Near the northernmost tip of Luzon Island the largest island is the only desert in the Philippines by definition. The La Paz Sand Dunes is an 85 square kilometer, 33 square mile, protected sandy coastal desert and beach located in Laoag, Ilocos Norte in the Philippines. Now this is Wikipedia's definition as a desert, not ours. It doesn't just look like a desert though it is by definition and it is the only one we can find in the whole of the Philippines. Oh, and would you look? La Paz is two Hebrew words. If you are headed to ancient Ophir what is the first thing you expect to see when you come from Israel originally? That's right Gold but there was no gold in the desert was there? And thus in Hebrew La Paz means "no gold." 

These same claims also appear in Tim's book The Search for King Solomon's Treasure.

The Search for King Solomon's Treasure, pg 128

In fact, there is only one desert in the Philippines which is the Paoay- LaPaz Sand Dunes in Laoag on Luzon and that is “a further country, where never mankind dwelt.” 

Everything Tim has to say about the matter is completely wrong. 

First of all there are no deserts in the Philippines. The La Paz Sand Dunes are by no means a desert. They are simply dunes. A desert is defined as follows:

A desert is a region of land that is very dry because it receives low amounts of precipitation (usually in the form of rain, but it may be snow, mist or fog), often has little coverage by plants, and in which streams dry up unless they are supplied by water from outside the area. Deserts generally receive less than 250 mm (10 in) of precipitation each year.

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

The La Paz Sand Dunes are in Laoag which receives an average of 85 inches of rain per year. 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laoag#Climate

Does the La Paz Sand Dunes somewhow avoid all that rain? Of course not. That is by no means or any definition a desert. Colloquially one might call the dunes a desert because they are a large sandy area but they really are not a desert. A dune is defined as follows.

A dune is a landform composed of wind- or water-driven sand. It typically takes the form of a mound, ridge, or hill. An area with dunes is called a dune system or a dune complex. A large dune complex is called a dune field. while broad, flat regions covered with wind-swept sand or dunes with little or no vegetation are called ergs or sand seas.

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

There is a huge difference between dunes and a desert. 

Second of all Tim is not reading the words of Farissol but those of Thomas Stackhouse. If he had bothered to read Farissol's words Tim would know that he places the Desert of Chabor in Arabia. In chapter 14 of Farissol's book we read the following. 

One of the chief advantages of this treatise, which I, Abraham Peritsol, have compiled for the instruction of such as are unacquainted with the science of cosmography, will be found, in that I have determined to devote this chapter to a relation of the journeyings of a Jew of the tribes, or of Judah, called David ben Shelomoh, “Captain of the host of Israel,” who came to this our country of Italy, where we ourselves have seen him. He came, according to his own assertions, from the Desert of Chabor. Those who read concerning him, will find that which will delight their souls, and those who have a desire (to learn something relative to the ten tribes of Israel), will receive this account with much satisfaction; for I will not err in narrating what I have received from honourable men, and seen in the writings of creditable persons. He who alone is true, knows my veracity, and that I am a person who gives but little credence to vanities.

The Occident and Jewish American Advocate, April 1849, pgs. 37-40 

As understood from his own assertions, this Jew was from the company of the two tribes, and he farther said that he was an inhabitant of those deserts, and, like the Rechabites, dwell in tents, and that his station was in the Desert of Chabor, which is in Asia Major. Beneath them were the rest of the ten tribes, near to the deserts adjoining Mecca and Gjudda, which are adjacent to the Red Sea. They have each and all of them their chiefs and princes, and the people are as the sand of the seashore for numbers. They raise spices, pepper in particular, as also medical drugs ; and, indeed, they possess many excellent things, as we shall show hereafter. Living between these two sections of the Jewish people, however, there is a strong and mighty people who are followers of Mahomet. These, with their numerous kings, render a communication among the Jews exceedingly dangerous, and they will not permit one party to approach the other. 

Many years had they been thus widely separated, endeavouring to approach each other, but finding it impossible to do so, when they were apprised of the arrival of some Christian ships of very large and mighty proportions. They also heard, and, indeed, saw, that the Christians had in their hands certain hollow metal instruments of war designed to throw stones by means of fire, and which could destroy any fortress or village. Whereupon, the Jews of Mount Chabor, according to his statement, determined upon sending him to the great king of all the Christians, with the credentials then in  his possession, as before stated, in order to authenticate his assertions. These credentials were confirmed by the king of Portugal who then navigated the regions of the Hodiyim (or Indies), and who knew of the existence of a Jewish community there. He also wrote to the Pope, (whose glory be exalted,) that the above mentioned Jew was worthy of credit, as were also his declarations. But be this Jew what he may, and be his words true or false, it is sufficient for us, in our captivity and in our dispersions (to know), that the existence of the ten tribes was acknowledged by kings, by princes, and by many influential persons in Rome—that Ephraim existed, even then—a numerous people with their rulers; be this Jew, who came to us, who and what he may.

Since the existence of these Israelites and their kings has been thus acknowledged; we may be permitted to state, that this Jew came by the way and in the manner following : From the desert of Chabor he journeyed with a caravan, which is the usual mode of travelling in these places. This was heard from his own lips and so recorded. Passing through Arabia Felix, he arrived at the Red Sea descended into Egypt, thence journeyed to the Holy Land, where he awaited the arrival of a ship from Venice, by which he might proceed to Italy. He reached Rome, and resided there about eight months, until the reply of the king of Portugal had been received,which authenticated his mission.

The Occident and Jewish American Advocate, June 1849, pgs. 129-134

Farissol says this Jew, David ben Shelomoh, came to visit Italy from the Desert of Chabor. Beneath that desert is Mecca and Jeddah. Therefore this desert is in the Arabian Peninsula. Further witness for this can be gleaned from The Travels of Benjamin of Tudela. While traveling across Arabia visiting the Jews he writes:

From Tilinas to Kheibar it is three days' journey. People say that the men of Kheibar belong to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh, whom Shalmaneser, king of Assyria. led hither into captivity. They have built strongly fortified cities, and make war upon all other kingdoms. No man can readily reach their territory, because it is a march of eighteen days' journey through the desert, which is altogether uninhabited, so that no one can enter the land. 

Kheibar is a very large city with 50,000 Jews.

The Itinerary of Benjamin of Tudela, pg. 48

The note on Kheibar reads as follows:

R. Abraham Farissol, who flourished at the beginning of the sixteenth century, writes that there was a large number of Jews in the district, who lived in tents and in wooden houses or huts. His contemporary, David Reubeni, who crossed from Arabia to Abyssinia and came to Europe in 1524, pretended to be brother of Joseph, king of the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and half-Manasseh in the desert of Chabor (Kheibar). Benjamin takes care to qualify his statement as to the origin of the Jews of Kheibar by adding "people say they belong to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh, whom Salmanesser, King of Assyria, led hither into captivity." 

The Itinerary of Benjamin of Tudela, pg. 49

This David Reubeni is the same as David ben Shelomoh. Farissol later refers to him as R. David in chapter 14 of his book. The Desert of Chabor is that of Kheibar or Khaybar. Historically there has been a large Jewish population in Khaybar. 

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

Third of all Tim's Hebrew etymology of Chabor is so ridiculous as to not warrant comment especially now it has been established that the Desert of Chabor is in Arabia. Since Farissol's book is available in the original Hebrew it must be asked if Tim bothered to check what Hebrew word he actually used. Of course he did not do this because he is on record saying this book is lost to history.  

https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_oBqOAecJ4vcC/page/n107/mode/2up

Compare that with Strongs H2266.

https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/h2266/kjv/wlc/0-1/

Fourth of all the Hebrew word Paz means refined gold as Tim even acknowledges on screen in his video. 

Why would anyone expect to find refined gold lying about? If Tim's story was true the lost tribes would have used the word "zahab" because zahab means regular, plain unrefined gold like one would find in a raw state. 

https://biblehub.com/hebrew/2091.htm

This story is shown to be preposterous by the fact that several places in the Philippines are named La Paz. The capitol of Bolivia is also named La Paz. La paz is Spanish for "peace."

As I noted in the previous article about Tim's claims concerning Abraham Farissol all these errors could be avoided if Tim had only read Farissol's actual words. The fact that he did not do so coupled with the fact that he falsely claims Farissol's book is lost to history simply exposes his ignorance and proves beyond a doubt Timothy Jay Schwab is a very poor researcher and The God Culture is no team.