Retards in the Government 141

It's your weekly compendium of foolishness and corruption in the Philippine government. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1093216

A retired cop was arrested for allegedly bribing members of the Philippine National Police's (PNP) anti-scalawag unit during an anti-illegal gambling operation in Quezon City. 

Integrity Monitoring and Enforcement Group (IMEG) director, Col. Ronald Lee identified the suspect as Brigido Capio-An, a retired police executive master sergeant formerly assigned at the Criminal Investigation Detection Unit of the Quezon City Police District. 

Lee said the suspect was apprehended for operating video karera (horse racing video game) at his residence in Barangay Balon-Bato on Thursday afternoon. 

Capio-An then offered a bribe of PHP10,000 to an IMEG team leader in Camp Crame which resulted in his arrest.

Retired cop offers P10,000 bribe to keep his illegal gambling shop open.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1225693/cop-slain-in-leyte-town

A policeman was gunned down by still unknown assailants in Barangay Lunang, Hilongos town, Leyte around 7:30 a.m. Friday, February 7. 

Patrolman Ramil Aruelo was on his way home on board a motorcycle when a sports utility vehicle (SUV) tried to sideswipe his vehicle. 

When the SUV hit the motorcycle, a gunman suddenly approached the victim and shot him.

Another cop assassinated!

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2020/02/07/1991178/duterte-water-firms-return-money-people-then-we-talk

President Rodrigo Duterte announced Thursday that he would be open to talks with water firms if they return the money they allegedly stole from consumers in an apparent shift from his hard-line stance on what he had described as "onerous" water deals. 

Duterte said he would like to know where the money collected by water distributors Manila Water and Maynilad from consumers went. 

"So where is the money? Where is the money of the Filipino people? Where is the money of the average Filipino who are poor but who pay (their water bills), who pays his water bill and he has to pay because if it will be cut off, it would give him a lot of headache for the day?" the president said during the oath taking of new appointees in Malacañang.  

"Where is the money of that son of a b****? Give us back the money. Give it back to the people and maybe we can talk about solving your problem. It will not be the problem of this government," he added.

What is he even talking about? Where did they money go?  Is there some unaccounted for? It probably went to employee salaries and maintenance of the system. It seems Duterte forgets that providing water to people's houses is not cheap or free. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1226074/bohol-cop-jailed-faces-probe-for-firing-gun

A policeman is behind bars after he was arrested for firing his gun that created fear among residents of Barangay Cogon in this city on Feb. 7. 

Police Staff Sergeant Randy Joy Itong also faces administrative investigation. 

Based on the initial investigation, Itong, who was about to report for work, had a heated argument with his wife. 

In anger, he allegedly pulled his gun and fired it upward.

Yeah that'll show her!  Show her how stupid you are!!

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1226430/barangay-councilor-arrested-in-drug-bust-in-leyte-town

A barangay councilor is facing charges for allegedly keeping and selling illegal drugs in Barangay Quilao, Tolosa town in Leyte on Saturday, Feb. 8. 

Barangay Quialo Councilor Priam Ibañez, 41, was arrested in a drug bust conducted by agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and members the Municipal Drug Enforcement Team (MDET) of Tolosa. 

He did not resist arrest. 

Recovered from his possession were four sachets of shabu worth P2,000, a cellular phone, and dried marijuana leaves.

Dried marijuana leaves?  Good thing there wasn't any dank green buds to get high on!

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1226717/gamboa-357-cops-being-probed-for-illegal-drugs-involvement

Some 357 cops are currently being investigated by the Philippine National Police (PNP) for their alleged involvement in the illegal drug trade, the country’s top cop said Monday. 

PNP chief Gen. Archie Gamboa said that the list of cops came from President Rodrigo Duterte’s drug watchlist. 

He added that the PNP was given a month for validation and adjudication, after which it will submit its recommendation for the disposition of the involved policemen.

More cops under investigation for involvement in drugs.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1226939/solgen-says-raps-vs-robredo-opposition-highlights-of-cidg-osg-cooperation

“Truly, there is no crime more abhorrent than the betrayal of one’s country, aside from terrorism, sedition, inciting to sedition is committed and treason in the time of peace, more so when the traitor is an elected public official who before his or her assumption of office swore to defend and uphold the constitution,” Calida, who was CIDG’s guest of honor, said. 

“Thus, in its valiant attempt to fulfill the sacred oath to serve and protect the people, the PNP-CIDG filed sedition cases against respondents Vice President Leni Robredo, Mr. (Antonio) Trillanes and other well-known personalities who are responsible for the creation and release of the video ‘Ang Totoong Narcolist’,” he added.

After crowing about filing sedition cases against VP Robredo and others the DOJ turned the tables by dismissing said cases for lack of evidence.

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/287174/doj-dismisses-sedition-raps-vs-robredo-2019-opposition-bets

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has cleared Vice President Leni Robredo and members of the 2019 Senate opposition slate Otso Diretso of involvement in the “Ang Totoong Narcolist” videos. 

Members of the Otso Diretso slate included in the complaint by the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) are former Magdalo party-list Representative Gary Alejano, former Senator Paolo Benigno “Bam” Aquino, former Solicitor General Florin Hilbay, Robredo’s election lawyer Atty. Romulo Macalintal, former Quezon Rep. Lorenzo Tañada III,  Samira Gutoc-Tomawis and human rights lawyer Chel Diokno.

In the matter of the Bikoy videos from last year VP Robredo and a host of others have finally been cleared of sedition charges. Of course they now say this proves it was all fraudulent and political harassment.  But on the other hand Trillanes and others were indicted for sedition.

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2020/02/10/1991946/doj-indicts-trillanes-10-others-conspiracy-commit-sedition-over-bikoy-videos

The Department of Justice is bringing opposition figure former Sen. Antono Trillanes IV and members of the clergy to court for supposedly conspiring to discredit and eventually oust President Rodrigo Duterte by releasing a series of anonymously posted videos alleging the president, his family, and his allies had links to the illegal drug trade. 

Justice Undersecretary Markk Perete said in a statement that the prosecution panel found "interlocking pieces of proof" that provide a "complete picture of the grand conspiracy between and among some respondents to create hatred or revenge against the president and his family with the end in view of toppling and destabilizing the current administration." 

In a statement to media, Trillanes called the charge against him an "absurd case." 

He said the indictment "is but another proof that the Duterte administration continues to weaponize the law against the political opposition, critics and the media." 

He said, however, that he will not be cowed by the case, which he branded as political persecution.

As ever we will have to wait and see how it all plays out in the courts which could be a long time. It took about 9 months just for the DOJ to reach this decision.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2020/02/11/1992223/maguindanao-mayor-killed-manila-motorcycle-riding-gunmen

Mayor Abdul Wahab Sabal of Talitay, Maguindanao was gunned down in Malate, Manila on Monday night, reports said.  

According to reports by the Manila Police District, Sabal was shot by two unidentified gunmen on a motorcycle right outside a hotel in Quirino Avenue a little after 10 p.m. 

The mayor was earlier included in President Rodrigo Duterte's narco-list and consequently was arrested and brought before the Justice department in September 2016.  

He was also investigated for alleged involvement in the Davao City bombing on September 2, 2016, although then-police chief Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa later retracted this allegation, saying: “His arrest is not for being the mastermind of the Davao bombing. It is too early to say. Give us time"

Another mayor on the narcolist shot dead by motorcycle assassins.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1093459

“Today, the PRO-7 is in unison and as one in signing an affidavit in support of our PNP chief, Gen. Archie Gamboa’s no take policy. It is about not taking any money from illegal gambling, illegal drugs and other unscrupulous and dubious activities in the region,” Brig. Gen. Albert Ignatius Dacoco Ferrero said during the signing ceremony held at the PRO-7 headquarters in Camp Sergio Osmeña here.

PNP officers are so dishonest they have to sign a sworn oath promising to not be on the take.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1227149/16-police-trainees-barred-from-graduating-for-drinking-in-dorm

The graduation of 16 police trainees were put on hold after they were caught drinking inside their dormitory in Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City. 

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Archie Gamboa earlier said the 16 police recruits were not allowed to continue with their graduation after they “misbehaved” but refused to give more details. 

He only said that the trainees will no longer be given police ranks due to their misconduct.

Better they are dismissed now than later.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1227626/3-soccsksargen-cops-face-dismissal-for-cockfighting

At least three policemen in the Soccsksargen region are facing dismissal for allegedly getting caught cockfighting, the region’s top police official revealed. 

Police Brigadier General Alfred Corpus, regional police director, bared this as he warned subordinates they would be severely punished if they are caught violating the “no-take policy” directive of national police chief General Archie Francisco Gamboa.

More cops involved in cockfighting.  Why don't they just outlaw this barbaric "sport?"

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2020/02/10/1991958/doh-recommends-calling-big-events-mass-gatherings-amid-ncov-threat

“To further minimize the risk of contracting 2019-nCoV ARD, the public is advised to avoid crowded places and continue to practice self-protection measures,” the DOH said.

The DOH basically says stay indoors to protect yourself from the coronavirus. Meanwhile....

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/287519/duterte-to-visit-cebu-bohol-boracay-to-help-boost-local-tourism-amid-2019-ncov-threats

President Rodrigo Duterte is set to visit some of the country’s popular places for tourists, including Cebu, to help boost local tourism amid the threats of the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV). 

On February 11, Mr. Duterte, together with DOT, met with tourism stakeholders, including top executives from airline companies, to discuss plans on boosting local tourism ‘as means to mitigate the effects of the ongoing global health emergency’ situation.

Duterte is saying the exact opposite!  As I wrote elsewhere, the first thing officials think of during an emergency is how it will effect tourism. It's as if tourism is the Philippines only industry.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1093696

President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday night said that around four police personnel or officials remain involved in the resale of illegal drugs seized in anti-drug operations. 

In a speech in Malacañan Palace, Duterte did not, however, identify the names of the so-called “ninja cops”. 

“Yung mga (These) generals pati (and) ninja cops, they are still around but reduced to about apat nalang (just four),” Duterte said before newly-elected officers and Board of Trustees of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP).

What a ridiculous claim especially when the PNP Chief says they are investigating 357 cops for involvement in drugs. One of those 356 cops is the toughest cop in the war on drugs.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1843989/Manila/Local-News/Officials-confirm-Espenido-on-Dutertes-narco-list

TWO high-ranking police officials confirmed on Wednesday, February 12, that Lieutenant Colonel Jovie Espenido is among the 357 policemen on President Rodrigo Duterte’s drugs watchlist. 

Espenido was among those relieved from his post in the latest revamp at the Philippine National Police (PNP) and reassigned to the office of the PNP chief.  

One of the sources, who have asked not to be named for security reasons, said Espenido allegedly serves as a protector of the rivals of the Parojinog clan in the illegal drugs trade. 

Espenido was the police chief of Ozamiz City in Misamis Occidental when police raided the Parojinog clan's properties on July 30, 2017. Fifteen people, including mayor Reynaldo Parojinog, were killed.

Who would have thought the cop Duterte sent to Bacolod to "kill everyone" is involved in drugs himself?

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1228494/village-chief-who-yielded-during-tokhang-in-2016-gunned-down

A village chief was gunned down by still unidentified assailants at a village in Baybay City past 2 p.m. on Thursday (Feb. 13). 

Noel Oranio, 48, and village chief of Onion, Mahaplag town in Leyte, was about to pick up a tire at a vulcanizing shop when he was shot repeatedly. 

Forensics teams found four bullet shells in the crime scene. 

Capt. Omar Roel Cartalla, chief of the Mahaplag police, said Oranio had surrendered during Oplan Tokhang in 2016, which became controversial after it led to the killing of drug suspects. Tokhang was supposed to be just a campaign to convince drug users and pushers to repent and reform. 

Oranio became a high-value target when he was elected village chief.

Another village chief on the narco-list shot dead by assassins. 

Firefighters Armed With 9mms But Without Proper PPE

I don't usually post a lot about firemen but it seems firemen have been behaving rather silly recently.  First there was the fireman who killed his colleague in a drunken fit at a Christmas party last year. Then there were the firemen who hung a sign on their truck notifying that in case of fire to call someone else because the truck is under repair.

Those same firemen who got into a fight last Christmas, their station is being rebuilt.

There is absolutely nothing silly about a new fire station being built. That's a good thing.  But look at the sign that's posted. 

"To our valued clients."  I don't think I'd call anyone who needs the assistance of firefighters clients. That's what a hairstylists calls the people who she regularly works on. It's just silly. Get rid of the salutation and the sign would be fine. It's a common case of over-politeness. Filipinos are guilty of being overly polite to the point of obsequiousness from sales clerks watching your every move to people repeatedly calling you sir.

Perhaps the silliest thing involving firemen is DILG Secretary Año's pledge to arm them on the orders of Duterte.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/725719/ano-says-firefighters-must-have-firearms-this-year/story/

"Maintaining law and order is not an easy task. Despite the decreasing crime rate in the country, having the BFP's firefighters in our peace and order campaign is a boost and welcome addition in ensuring a safe and secure country," Año said. 

He further said arming the BFP personnel was in line with President Rodrigo Duterte's previous directive of "engaging the help of the BFP to maintain law and order and not to limit themselves to fire-fighting." 

"The BFP also does law enforcement functions because they enforce the Fire Code so they already have some experience in this regard," Año said. 

"The BFP can help ensure public safety, as a support to the PNP (Philippine National Police) and AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) but of course, their primary responsibility is still preventing and suppressing fire and enforcement of the Fire Code," he added. 

According to Año, the firefighters will be armed with 9mm pistols, adding that the BFP already requested funds from the Department of Budget and Management to finance the purchase of the said weapons.

Prior to the issuance of firearms, firefighters will undergo marksmanship and gun safety training, Año ensured.

Pretty silly, huh?  More like downright stupid.  What ridiculous reasoning.

"The BFP also does law enforcement functions because they enforce the Fire Code so they already have some experience in this regard," Año said. 

Every government agency is tasked with enforcing laws.  Why not arm agents of the BIR, the BuCor, the DFA, or how about about Forest Rangers?

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1829982

Cimatu then called on lawmakers to pass a measure that would establish an enforcement bureau within the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and an enabling law that would authorize forest enforcers to carry firearms.  

Cimatu, a former chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), had been appalled by the brutal death of a forest ranger from Nueva Ecija who died two days after he was shot several times by an unknown assailant. 

Forest Ranger Ronaldo Corpuz, who was assigned at the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro) in the municipality of Muñoz, Nueva Ecija, died of multiple gunshot wounds. 

Corpuz was shot by an unidentified assailant while he was closing the gate of their house around 7:35 p.m. of October 25. He was declared dead on October 27 at the Premier Hospital in Cabanatuan City. 

Prior to his death, Corpuz, together with members of Bantay Gubat, conducted a surveillance operation against timber poaching and illegal transport of forest products in Barangay Portal in Rizal town on October 22.

Illegal loggers pose a deadly thereat to forest rangers. Several have been killed in recent years. As for firefighters, there was an incident in 2015 when firefighters were attacked by those they were helping.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2015/03/18/news/national/2-die-in-malabon-fire-firemen-attacked/170304/170304/

A still undetermined number of firefighters were injured, some allegedly stabbed after some irate residents allegedly assaulted them at the height of the fire. 

Volunteer firefighters had to withdraw from the area after residents started pelting them with rocks, which broke their firetruck’s windshield. 

Responding firemen explained that they were hampered by residents who swooped down on their fire trucks and grabbed the firefighting equipment so they could train the hoses on their houses.

At least no one was killed.  The same can't be said for two firemen who were having a drinking spree at a colleague's house.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/09/11/1194521/2-firemen-dead-bataan-shooting

In a report, Chief Inspector Arnel Dial, Orani police chief, identified the victims as SFO2 Charlie Mendoza, 52, and FO2 Enrico Caraan, firefighters in Dinalupihan and Orani towns, respectively. Wounded was Arlyn Lopez, 47. 

Dial said Mendoza and Lopez went to Caraan's house where they had a drinking spree. Mendoza and Lopez later had a verbal tussle, leading to a fistfight. 

Dial said Caraan tried to pacify the two, but Mendoza reportedly drew his gun, fired at Caraan and Lopez, and then shot himself in the abdomen.

Drunken firemen killing each other. How is it so many drinking sprees end up in bloodshed in the Philippines? It's not just firemen. It's men from all walks of life. Friends drinking themselves silly and then killing each other is an all too common news story in the Philippines. And to top it all off it seems everyone is either packing heat or a pistol is within easy reach. 

How about instead of arming firemen the government provides the proper PPE so they can do their job?

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2019/08/12/1942614/50-firefighters-dont-have-complete-protective-gear-bfp

Around 50 percent of firefighters of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) do not have a complete set of personal protective equipment. 

BFP spokesman Chief Inspector Jude delos Reyes said yesterday about half of their bureau’s 25,000 personnel risk their lives combating fires without complete protection. 

“There are still about 50 percent of the firefighters na hindi kumpleto yun PPE,” he said in an interview over dzBB. 

Among these equipment are helmets and boots, said Delos Reyes. Also included as PPEs are respirators, gloves, blankets and gas masks. 

The lack of protective equipment is one of the problems which they are hoping will be addressed by the current administration. 

The BFP is also short of manpower as it needs around 11,000 firefighters to cover the entire country. 

President Duterte earlier said he wants to arm firefighters so they can help fight communist rebels and other lawless elements. 

Delos Reyes said Duterte’s statement is a welcome development as they also need to protect themselves during firefighting operations where they deal with uncooperative civilians who would forcibly take their water hoses and use these for themselves.

Duterte wants firemen armed so they can fight commies while the BFP spokesman says civilians who want to commandeer the hose are the bigger threat. Either way without helmets, boots, and gas masks firefighters are unable to do their job. Providing them the proper equipment should be the Duterte administration's priority, not arming them with guns.

Is Fear of the Novel Coronavirus Getting Out of Hand?

The novel corona virus is a bioweapon. It comes from eating bat soup. The Chinese are carriers of the disease.  We have to ban everyone from Wuhan province.  Everyone needs to wear face mask.  Face masks are sold out everywhere!!  We are all going to die!!!

A lot of hysteria is sweeping the world about the novel corona virus. Several cases have been confirmed in the  Philippines already.  Face masks are indeed sold out and people have been warned to not buy face masks from street vendors. Hundreds have already died from the disease so it's not unwarranted to want to keep oneself safe from contracting it.  But perhaps some of these measures are just plain dumb and only serve to perpetuate the panic.  How about this poster at Robinsons Mall?

It's an informative poster no doubt. But is that little bit at the bottom in big red print necessary?

"Wear a mask at all times." Seeing everyone in a masks surely isn't going to cause a panic right? Of course all the stores are out of masks so it is just not possible for everyone to wear one at all times.  Unless perhaps you run across Paolo Duterte handing them out.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/02/03/paolo-duterte-distributes-free-face-masks-to-dabawenyos/

The Office of Davao City first district Representative Paolo “Pulong” Duterte distributed on Monday, February 3, around 10,000 face masks in various areas here amid the scare created by the novel Coronavirus (nCoV). 

Duterte said the activity was conducted in line with the growing clamor of the Dabawenyos for face masks considering that several stores have stopped selling the merchandise due to very high demand. 

“Tabang namo ni sa atong mga igsuong Dabawenyo tungod kay daghan ang wala nay mapalit nga face masks tungod aning (We would like to help our Dabawenyo brothers and sisters because a lot of them were not able to purchase the masks due to) coronavirus scare,” Duterte said. 

The presidential son, however, clarified that they did not want to sow panic, and just wanted to provide what his constituents have been clamoring for. 

“We also wanted to advice the public not to panic. What is important is we maintain proper hygiene. Mask alone would not protect us from any virus if we do not observe proper hygiene. Wash your hands regularly and make sure your environment is clean,” the young congressman said.

Where in the world did he get 10,000 face masks from? No wonder everyone is out of stock! Did he buy them all for this publicity stunt? If you are in Cebu and you drive a taxi, jeepeny, bus, or other PUV then you had better be wearing a face mask or you will have to cough up P5,000!

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1092884

The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) 7 (Central Visayas) on Tuesday apprehended 10 drivers of public utility vehicles (PUV) for violating the new policy requiring them to wear a protective face mask while on duty. 

The operation was conducted Tuesday morning after the central office issued Memorandum Circular 2020-005, which set the guidelines for all public utility drivers, conductors, and terminal operators in ensuring safe public transportation because of the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) scare. 

The circular has directed “all PUV drivers and conductors to properly wear a face mask at all times while on duty and for all franchise holders to ensure compliance” with the policy. 

Meanwhile, Montealto advised the drivers to just follow what has been required of them under the new memo to avoid being fined. 

His reaction came after some drivers complained about social media that the PHP5,000 penalty for not wearing a face mask is too big. 

“They can devise a mask. They can use their handkerchief or face towel to cover their nose and mouth. Table napkin can even be used, as long as they are protected from the virus,” Montealto said.

Wow!  A handkerchief, a face towel, and even a table napkin are enough to protect one from the deadly novel corona virus!  What a joke! No way will a flimsy table napkin protect you from the virus but it will protect you from the egregious fine.

SM Supermarket is also warning their customers about the virus and how to protect themselves from infection.

Cleaning ones hands figures big into all this preventative advice. Inside the store management was kind enough to provide a bottle of hand sanitizer for all customers to use.

Even Metro Supermarket is getting into the game by leaving out a big bottle of hand sanitizer for everyone to use.

Banks are also offering hand sanitizer. Did you know money is the dirtiest thing we touch every day?

Question: If everyone is touching the bottle won't that defeat the purpose? Or does the hand sanitizer cancel out that risk? Germs can be spread via hands through handshakes but what if there were no more handshakes?

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1093143

The chamber adopted during Wednesday's plenary session House Resolution No. 408, which urges the promotion of the simple act of gracefully laying the palm of the right hand over the center of the chest with a simultaneous slight head nod as a customary Filipino gesture of goodwill, praise, and respect. 

The resolution was adopted amid the threat of the novel coronavirus, wherein the Philippines had three confirmed cases of the virus, one of whom died in February. 

Marikina City Rep. Bayani Fernando, the author of the HR No. 408, said the medical profession has established that the traditional, well-meaning and innocent gesture of handshake transmits communicable diseases and is a risk to one's health. 

Fernando said the alternative of placing the hand over the chest is a universal gesture of good faith coming from the heart, while a nod is a traditional Filipino gesture of respect. 

"The Philippine Government is urged to promote this gesture of goodwill and praise so that this will become a customary practice of all Filipinos," the resolution read. 

"All government agencies are encouraged to promote this practice in their respective offices and areas of jurisdiction, with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) taking the lead in the wider dissemination and promotion of this Filipino gesture,” it added.

This might not be as bad of an idea as one thinks because Filipinos do not use toilet paper! A new gesture of respect to replace the handshake might be a silver lining during these trying times. However there is something even better to look forward to as a result of the virus: thriving tourism!

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1226053/mindanao-tourism-to-thrive-amid-ncov-threat-execs-say

Tourism officials in various areas of Mindanao expressed confidence the new coronavirus (nCoV) epidemic that’s gripping more than 20 countries will only have minimal impact on tourist arrivals this year. 

The optimism is mainly based on the rising number of local tourists, and the minimal count of Chinese nationals compared to the total expected influx of visitors. 

The large bulk of tourists into Caraga are Europeans, Americans, and Australians; they constitute some 90 percent of tourist arrivals in Siargao, the DOT said. 

Roel Catoto, a resort operator in Siargao, told the Inquirer by phone that so far the nCoV scare has not affected the island’s tourism. 

“We can still see the same [number] of tourists, and maybe more these past few days. People still pack the party spaces at night and the island-hopping bookings are still up,” said Catoto, who rents motorcycles to tourists and co-owns the Payag Suites and Chef Justice Restaurant. 

“Unlike Boracay, Siargao’s tourism fortunes were never dependent on Chinese visitors. Most of the tourists here come from Europe, Australia, and other parts of the world,” added Catoto.

While there is a ban on Chinese tourists Siargao Island doesn't get a lot of them anyway so it's no big deal! The white guys like to visit and they will keep on visiting.  Meanwhile since flights to China have been put on hold Filipinos will have no choice but to visit local farms for vacation.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1226033/senator-villar-ncov-scare-to-boost-local-tourism

Senator Cynthia Villar told hundreds of farmers during the 1st Agribusiness Tourism event here that the novel coronavirus (nCoV) would boost local tourism in the country. 

“Since there’s a ban on any flight coming in from China, Hong Kong, and Macau, so they can’t cruise for fear of getting infected of nCoV so we will rely on farm tourism and it is local tourism,” Villar said. 

She said this is a great chance for Filipinos to explore the beautiful local sceneries, particularly the farms, as promoted by the Department of Tourism.

Remember when anything happens in this county be it a natural disaster, terrorism, or a pandemic the first thing officials are worrying about is how it will affect tourism. Even during the recent eruption of Taal volcano official's thoughts turned towards tourism. It seems the (nCoV) won't be affecting tourism at all but actually increasing it domestically. Hooray for pandemics and quarantined countries!

Despite all the fear of contracting this deadly disease there really is nothing to worry about. The Duterte administration is going to defeat the virus.

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2020/02/11/1992184/we-can-defeat-virus-duterte

In a speech before local government executives, Duterte slammed the “idiots” and “kibitzers in politics” who are using the nCoV crisis to sow fear. 

“If it goes out of hand, do not worry,” Duterte said. “I can assure you we can defeat the virus… just believe in the government. In a crisis involving deaths and getting people safe, we will do our very best.”

See? There is nothing to worry about. Just believe in the government. Everything will be fine. Stay safe out there, always know where your towel is, and whatever you do, DON'T PANIC!

Insurgency: Peace Much Earlier

This week Duterte said something rather surprising. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1093178

“With the rate that the NPAs are surrendering, mukhang I think we’d be able to realize peace much earlier,” the President said during the mass oath-taking of new presidential appointees held at Palace’s Rizal Hall. 

To recall, Duterte on Jan. 23 led the distribution of government assistance packages to at least 263 former communist insurgents in San Isidro, Leyte. 

Duterte, in his previous speech, hinted that he might give in to the demands of the communist movement in a bid to realize long-lasting peace in the country. 

The President, however, did not elaborate on the communists’ specific favors for the possible revival of peace negotiations between the national government and the CPP’s political wing, the National Democratic Front (NDF). 

“The most important thing is to come up and comply with the promise to the rebels,” he said. 

“Kaya sabi ko doon sa mga sundalo, bitawan na lang niyo. Umalis na lang kayo diyan. Ibigay na lang ninyo sa mga NPA. Lagyan na lang natin ng… Ah ayaw kong sabihin kasi may gusto akong ilagay (That’s why I told the soldiers, just let go. Leave the place and just give it to the NPA. We’ll just place a… I don’t want to mention it but I want to place something there),” Duterte added.

It is not clear what it means that he would give into the demands of the CPP since their only one demand is the implementation of the CASER agreement. In the meantime Duterte is handing out money and cellphones to rebels who surrender.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1091866

President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday renewed his call to rebels in Leyte province to lay down their arms and avail of land distribution and livelihood assistance. 

“We can’t solve the problem in the Philippines by revolution. It has to be evolution,” he said.  

So far, under the Duterte administration, some 140,000 hectares of land have been distributed to farmers nationwide.  

According to Leyte local officials, 2,000 hectares could be distributed to farmer-beneficiaries. 

“The 2,200 hectares -- tell your crazy comrades to get down here because they won’t be a part of the distribution if they aren’t here,” the President told the former rebels who were given support by the government. “I will give all the lands to the Filipino.”  

He noted that he wanted those parcels of land to be released to beneficiaries in three months. 

Duterte asked the Department of Agriculture to assist farmers in analyzing the soil to determine the crops suitable to their locations. 

During the event, eight representatives of 262 former rebels received the multi-million financial aid from the President. The former rebels were also given remuneration for their firearms. 

Duterte handed over some PHP11.9 million in cash and livelihood assistance to rebel returnees during the mass awarding of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) benefits.  

This is on top of the additional PHP5,000 cash assistance and mobile phones for each former rebel from the Office of the President. 

Of the 262 who surrendered, 33 of them were New People’s Army (NPA) fighters and 229 were members of the Militia ng Bayan (MB). 

That is a lot of money and land to be handing out which should be going to help law abiding citizens who were never part of the insurgency. The Militia ng Bayan, while not the same as regular NPA soldiers, functions as a sort of training school for future rebels.  From the DND:

Militia ng Bayan - refers to individuals who have been indoctrinated and may or may not  be directly involved in violent armed struggle but, when organized, can provide mass support to the "revolutionary movement" of the CPP/NPA/NDF. These organized individuals form part of the mass-base that serves as revolutionary enforcement in the barrio. They secure the NPA forces while int he community and, at times, are even armed to reinforce the NPA during encounters. They are trained with sniping and Improvised Explosives Device (IED) deployment and detonation, among other armed activities, which eventually qualifies them to become the main source of NPA regulars.

http://dnd.gov.ph/PDF2018/IRRofAO10,s-2018.pdf

Duterte and even some top AFP brass think the E-CLIP program of giving away money and other goodies is the way to end the insurgency and bring peace so the program will continue. Peace is a funny word in the Philippines which has different meanings for whoever is employing it.  Remember this definition of peace from former MILF Vice Chairman Ghazali Jaafar?

Jaafar said it was important that government and the MILF are on the same page on the definition of peace “kasi the way we look at it, ang definition ng gobyerno sa peace is the absence of fighting. That is not the peace that we want. There can be no peace if the Bangsamoro agenda is not addressed to the satisfaction of the greater majority of the Bangsamoro people. This can be addressed if ma-realize yung demand ng Bangsamoro people na meron silang gobyerno and government they will run for everybody, Muslims and non-Muslims alike and a democratic government and still under the Republic of the Philippines.”

https://philippinefails.blogspot.com/2019/03/martial-law-isis-is-rising.html

Peace for the MILF is not the cessation of fighting but the fulfillment of the Bangsamoro agenda which is ultimately an independent Mindanao. BARMM Chief Minister and leader of the MILF Ebrahim Murad has also said that decommissioning does not mean they have given up on their struggle.

“We have not given up on our struggle.” 

“We are not surrendering. Decommissioning is not tantamount to surrendering,” said Ebrahim, who is also Chief Minister of the interim Bangsamoro government. 

“I would like to emphasize that the decommissioning doesn’t mean we have given up on what we used to fight for,” Ebrahim emphasized.

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

Given Murad's very violent and unpeaceful career as well as his insistence that the struggle is not over it is strange he recently received an honorary degree for being a humanitarian and peace builder.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/02/03/msu-confers-honorary-degree-on-murad/

The Mindanao State University (MSU) system has conferred on Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod “Hadji Murad” Ebrahim an honorary doctorate degree in recognition of his “exemplary contributions to humanity and peace building” in the south. 

“I am accepting this honorary degree not for myself, but for the Bangsamoro struggle and the Bangsamoro people,” Ebrahim told some 1,500 graduates during the conferment ceremony at the MSU system’s Dimaporo gymnasium in Marawi City. 

Ebrahim’s choice as graduation speaker and recipient of honorary doctorate degree in peace and development was opted by the MSU Board of Regents on recommendation of MSU President Dr. Habib Macaayong. 

In his speech, Ebrahim recalled that he was once an MSU student, 55 years ago. After being granted a government scholarship program, he then transferred to Notre Dame University in Cotabato City and took up Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. 

“And yet, with another twist, before finishing my fifth year in college, I decided to pursue a calling bigger than all of us – the rise of the Moro movement. Without hesitation, I left the university and joined the movement’s military training in 1970,” he added. 

“Fast forward, that revolution has enabled us to establish a new bureaucracy that reflects our ideals and aspirations,” said the MILF chairman cum chief minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

I am not aware of how many men Murad has personally killed or how much bloodshed he is actually responsible for but he sure is strange choice for a degree honoring his "contributions to humanity and peace building" in Mindanao. His is a legacy of violence. Mindanao State University in Cotobabto City giving Murad award is basically the Bansamoro people patting one of their own on the back.

Contrary to what some people may think ISIS was not defeated in the Marawi Siege.  ISIS was not defeated last year either.  Though they have been relatively quiet and their numbers are low they still pose a threat. This threat is what makes Duterte's determination to terminate the VFA because Bato's US visa was cancelled all the more dangerous.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1093298

President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to transmit the Philippines’ formal notification to the United States (US) with regard to its termination of the 22-year-old Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), Malacañang announced on Friday. 

The President’s order came a day after Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. warned that the revocation of the VFA might have a “negative” impact on the Philippines. 

“PRRD (President Rodrigo Roa Duterte) is instructing (Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea to tell (Locsin) to send the notice of termination to the US government,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a statement.

I understand that the above story has been called fake news by DND Sec. Lorenzana which goes to show the miscommunication between the members of the Duterte administration. But the gist of it remains true.  Duterte is hellbent on scrapping the VFA to the detriment of the nation.

It's real funny how Teddy Locsin has changed his tune from "Good idea" to "bad idea." It's yes men like him who are an danger to this nation. Quite frankly Duterte has lost his mind about the VFA. Without it all US-PHL military operations will come to a halt and ISIS and other rogue elements will regain strength. It's a wonder no one has spoken out in the strongest terms against this foolish and rash decision.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1225923/military-officers-worry-about-loss-of-us-surveillance-aid

Field-based officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has expressed worry over the possible cut in the United States government’s assistance for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) activities should President Duterte proceed with terminating the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA). 

The officers, who asked not to be named, said US support is crucial in running after Islamic State (IS)-linked militants. 

Without US support, one officer said, it would be like “fighting the militants with blurry eyes or a hazy vision.” 

“Some of our operations will be affected,” the officer further said. 

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, in a recent visit here, has said the country stands to lose US support for ISR operations without the VFA. 

Lorenzana said the support is made possible through the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) which was inked in 2014. It allows the United States to rotate troops into the country for extended stays, and to build and operate facilities on AFP bases. 

“I think EDCA will become useless if there is no more VFA. Who will man these bases,” said Lorenzana, referring to the US military facilities that’s providing the intelligence and surveillance support, one of which is in Zamboanga City. 

Along with the Zamboanga US facility, Lorenzana said the surveillance flights provided by Dyne Corporation, a service provider of the US Department of Defense, will also stop its operations in Southern Philippines. 

Another military officer has told the Inquirer the Zamboanga facility was instrumental in the recent successful operation that led to the killing of a local IS affiliate in Lanao del Sur.

Surveillance aircraft operated by DyneCorp helped government troops defeat in 2017 IS militants who laid siege on Marawi City. 

Apart from aiding the AFP in war-fighting, some other AFP officers pointed to logistical assistance from the US military towards rescue and relief operations in times of disasters like after typhoons Sendong, Pablo and Yolanda.

DND Sec. Lorenzana admits scrapping the VFA will render EDCA useless but he still says Duterte has his"unqualified support" if he decides to terminate it.

The defense chief, however, said that ultimately, the decision rests on the President, and Duterte had already decided. 

“The pros and cons were laid out and it is clear that we also benefit in terms of grants (mil equipment, training, HADR) from the VFA. But the President, as the ultimate authority on foreign relations, has decided. And whatever he decides on this matter has my unqualified support.”

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/02/07/20/duterte-to-pursue-scrapping-vfa-despite-concerns-lorenzana-says

That is the sound of a weak man who is wiffle-waffling to keep his job. He knows scrapping the VFA is a bad decision but he goes against Duterte at his own risk. He has had to walk the same fine line about China and the UN arbitral decision so he has plenty of practice of supporting Duterte doing things which endanger national security.

One person who supports the idea of Duterte scrapping the VFA is CPP founder Joma Sison.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1226037/joma-sison-supports-duterte-move-to-end-vfa

“I tell Duterte, go right ahead,” Sison, Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder, said in an online interview from Utrecht in The Netherlands on Saturday.

Of course a terrorist leader would applaud such a move. If they were polled Abu Sayyaf, BIFF, MNLF, and MILF would probably approve too.

I started off by writing that Duterte said a surprising thing.  What he said was that peace might be realized much earlier. This is surprising because without the VFA it is a sure thing that terrorism will only increase as the AFP will be less able to deal with the threat. Is Duterte even thinking holistically about how the VFA enables the US and the AFP to work together to combat both ISIS and the communists? Certainly not.