Friday, February 7, 2025

Retards in the Government 403

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

 


The number of wasted Covid-19 vaccines under the national government’s vaccination program went beyond the “acceptable” threshold, with a total of 68,681,445 doses in its inventory rendered unusable due to the acceptance of near-expiry vaccines and “operational” mishandling.

These were among the findings of the special audit report conducted by the Commission on Audit (COA) from May 2023 to January 2024 on the national inoculation campaign against Covid-19.

The over 68 million wasted doses, as of Nov. 30 last year, accounted for 27 percent of the about 251.8 million Covid-19 vaccines that were either procured by the national government or local government units or donated by other countries or foreign organizations. Notably, more than half of the wasted vaccines came from donors.

The 27 percent, however, was above the ideal 25 percent “wastage allowance” set by Gavi, one of the organizations making up the COVAX facility that made Covid-19 vaccines available to developing nations under a cost-sharing scheme.

Of the vaccines that would have to be disposed of, some 57.3 million doses, or about 83 percent, had exceeded their shelf life. The rest needed to be discarded due to defects, discoloration/presence of particulate matter, temperature excursion or natural disaster and fire.

The COA noted that the wastage was also due to the fact that the government accepted doses, which were either procured or donated, although these were about to expire.

Worse, some of the procured vaccines that were shipped in November 2021 to the country were “already one to eight days past their labeled expiration date.”

“The high rate of vaccine wastage, particularly for certain brands, is a major concern and underscores the need for improved planning, distribution, and storage strategies,” state auditors said in the special report released in December 2024.

By brand, the vaccines from AstraZeneca, Gamaleya, Janssen, and Moderna had the highest wastage of above 25 percent due to various factors, including delayed delivery and vaccination schedules.

The report, however, recognized the challenges that hounded the national vaccination program which led to “suboptimal vaccination coverage and substantial vaccine wastage.”

Among these were “vaccine hesitancy, logistical issues, and poor vaccine management practices,” it said.

The number of wasted Covid-19 vaccines under the national government’s vaccination program went beyond the “acceptable” threshold, with a total of 68,681,445 doses in its inventory rendered unusable due to the acceptance of near-expiry vaccines and “operational” mishandling.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1243072

A government official was shot and killed in broad daylight Friday in Zamboanga City, despite the nationwide election gun ban, police said.

Lt. Col. Paul Andrew Cortez, information officer of the Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO), identified the victim as Jaybee Robert Baguinda, 57, director of the city’s Registry of Deeds (ROD).

The incident occurred around 10:20 a.m. at the entrance gate of the ROD office on Rizal St in Barangay Zone 4. Baguinda was driving his vehicle and about to enter the compound when a lone gunman shot him.

Baguinda was rushed to the Zamboanga City Medical Center (ZCMC) but was pronounced dead at 11:28 a.m. while undergoing treatment, according to ZCMC information officer Dr. Shadrina Sarapuddin.

The gunman fled on a waiting motorcycle toward Evangelista Street in Barangay Sta. Catalina. The ZCPO is reviewing CCTV footage and collecting evidence to identify the suspect and the motorcycle driver.

Col. Kimberly Molitas, ZCPO acting director, assured the public of the police’s commitment to solving the case.

“We want to reassure the public that ZCPO is fully committed to solving this case and bringing those responsible to justice. Our determination to uphold the safety and security of our community is unwavering,” Molitas said in a statement.

She urged anyone with information to come forward and assist in the investigation.

A government official was shot and killed in broad daylight Friday in Zamboanga City, despite the nationwide election gun ban, police said.

Police arrested Mayor Miguel Silva Jr. of Pangantucan, Bukidnon on Sunday night, Feb. 2, in Compostela, Davao de Oro for allegedly raping a minor. 

The 59-year-old Silva was apprehended through a warrant of arrest dated Dec. 10 issued by Malaybalay City, Bukidnon Regional Trial Court Branch 9 Judge Maria Theresa Aban Camannong.

He is facing two counts of sexual assault with a recommended bail of P100,000 each and one count of statutory rape, a non-bailable case.

“This arrest is a testament to our unwavering commitment to enforcing the law without fear or favor. We assure the public that due process will be observed, and we will continue to uphold justice and maintain peace and order in our province,” Police Col. Antonio Alberio Jr., Davao de Oro police chief, said.

Silva is under the custody of the Davao de Oro Police Provincial Office for proper judicial disposition.

“The Davao de Oro Police Provincial Office remains committed to upholding the rule of law and ensuring justice is served. We continue to encourage the public to cooperate with authorities and report any criminal activities to help maintain peace and order in our communities,” Alberio said.

Silva is running as an independent candidate for governor of Bukidnon in the upcoming elections. His opponents are incumbent Gov. Rogelio Niel Roque, Valencia City Mayor Azucena Huervas, and lawyer Arbie Saway Llesis.

Vice Mayor Manolito Garces is acting  mayor. Supporters of Silva, who is in his last term as mayor, held a prayer rally for him on Dec. 9, a day before the arrest warrant was issued by the court.

Police arrested Mayor Miguel Silva Jr. of Pangantucan, Bukidnon on Sunday night, Feb. 2, in Compostela, Davao de Oro for allegedly raping a minor.

https://mb.com.ph/2025/2/3/coa-flags-afp-on-p615-m-overpayments-to-deceased-pensioners

The Commission on Audit (COA) has flagged the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) over the more than P615 million "overpayments" of pension benefits to 7,210 deceased pensioners from 2014 to 2023.

In its audit report, the COA thumbed down what it called as "long-outstanding and uncollected accounts" of the AFP Pension and Gratuity Management Center (AFP-PGMC) as of Dec. 31, 2023 amounting to P615,641,568.54.

"Despite management collection efforts in collecting overpayments and refunds online, the existence of these long outstanding receivables deprives the government of beneficial use of funds and affects the fairness of the presentation of the account in the financial statement," the COA's report stated.

It called on the AFP-PGMC to regularly provide the AFP Finance Center (AFPFC) with the report of pension overpayments due for recovery as a basis for recording appropriate receivables from pensioners and provide access to a monitoring system for recovery of overpayments.

The Commission on Audit (COA) has flagged the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) over the more than P615 million "overpayments" of pension benefits to 7,210 deceased pensioners from 2014 to 2023.

A police officer, who is also a digital content creator, is currently under restrictive custody for allegedly raping a woman in Batangas, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP). 

In a press briefing on Monday, PNP Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said Senior Master Sergeant Teejay Virtucio has been at the regional headquarters of Calabarzon police since January 10.

(We confiscated his badge and firearm. The hearing of his administrative case is ongoing.)

(For his criminal case, we are just waiting for the victim to be discharged from the ICU because according to the provincial director of the Batangas police,  they could not respond properly since the incident mentally affected her. Her mental state is unstable because of trauma.)

Fajardo opted not to disclose the identity of the victim but gave the assurance that the Batangas Police Provincial Office (PPO) is already monitoring her family. 

She noted that authorities are still tracking down Virtucio’s cohort, who remains at large. 

The PNP official disclosed that there were signs of “trauma” and “penetration” on the victim’s private parts based on the results of the medico-legal report.

“This is a very sensitive and delicate case so I hope you understand, we really cannot give further details about the victim,” she said. 

Fajardo said they are still waiting for the result of the toxicology test since the suspects reportedly asked the victim to take something before they allegedly raped her.

A police officer, who is also a digital content creator, is currently under restrictive custody for allegedly raping a woman in Batangas, according to the Philippine National Police. 

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday filed murder and frustrated murder charges before the Department of Justice (DOJ) against former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) general manager Royina Garma and several other individuals over the July 2020 assassination of retired police general and PCSO board secretary Wesley Barayuga.

In a two-page referral letter to Prosecutor General Richard Anthony Fadullon, the NBI said "sufficient pieces of evidence were gathered to recommend murder and frustrated murder charges” against Garma, retired police colonel Edilberto Leonardo, and Jeremy Causapin alias "Toks."

Also recommended for inclusion in the charges were Police Lt. Col. Santie Mendoza, former police officer Nelson Mariano, a certain alias "Lolo" and several John Does.

Progress in the case was reported in September, 2024 when Mendoza testified before the House Quad Committee (quadcom) about the ambush that killed Barayuga on July 30, 2020 near the PCSO main office in Mandaluyong City.

Mendoza has implicated Garma and Leonardo as masterminds in the fatal ambush.

The joint investigation was conducted by the NBI Organized and Transnational Crimes Division (OTCD) and the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group in compliance with the DOJ Department Order No. 771 issued by Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla.

Former Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office general manager Royina Garma and several other individuals have been charged with murder over the July 2020 assassination of retired police general and PCSO board secretary Wesley Barayuga.

A police officer wanted for his alleged involvement in the Maguindanao massacre in 2009 was arrested on Monday afternoon, Feb. 3, in Barangay Making, Parang, Maguindanao del Norte. 

Maguindanao del Norte police chief Police Col. Eleuterio Ricardo Jr. identified the suspect as Police Officer 1 Datunot Kadir, 48. 

Ricardo said the suspect, a native of Datu Abdullah Sangki, Maguindanao del Norte, was visiting a relative when he was arrested on a warrant issued by the Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 221 in Quezon City.  

“Police authorities were alerted of his whereabouts following a tip from a concerned citizen and an appeal from his relatives for his peaceful surrender,” Ricardo said. 

Ricardo lauded operating units for the  successful and peaceful arrest of the suspect. 

The government offered a P250,000 reward for information leading to the capture of the suspect, a national most wanted person and  was among those charged with 56 counts of murder in connection with the massacre in Sitio Masalay, Barangay Salman, Ampatuan, Maguindanao del Sur in November 2009.  

Fifty-eight people, including 32 media practitioners, were killed in the incident.

A police officer wanted for his alleged involvement in the Maguindanao massacre in 2009 was arrested on Monday afternoon, Feb. 3, in Barangay Making, Parang, Maguindanao del Norte.

https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/621201/cebu-city-hall-hit-by-dtr-fraud-scandal-csu-head

Allegations of widespread fraud involving the manipulation of Daily Time Records (DTR) have rocked Cebu City Hall, as an initial investigation reveals that multiple government personnel have been clocking in on behalf of their colleagues.

Ariel Yburan, head of the Civil Security Unit (CSU), reported that four personnel were caught falsifying attendance by punching in two time cards each, effectively logging work hours for themselves and their absent co-workers.

“We have already filed an incident report with the Human Resource Office of the Mayor to address this,” he said in an interview on February 4.

Yburan said those found guilty would face immediate termination, as dishonesty was a serious offense. He emphasized the urgency of cracking down on such practices, warning that failing to act would embolden others to follow suit.

Yburan also expressed fears that the fraudulent activity could be more widespread due to unmanned posts at key areas, including the City Health Office and Fort San Pedro. The absence of personnel in these critical locations raises questions about whether similar schemes are occurring in other departments.

The discovery has not only tarnished the credibility of some city employees but also fueled resentment among dedicated personnel who are required to perform their duties diligently.

“We work more than eight hours a day, while others get away with not showing up at all. It’s unfair,” Yburan said in Cebuano.

To prevent further abuse, Yburan has issued stricter directives, including heightened surveillance of timekeeping activities. Personnel have been instructed to report any suspicious practices, particularly instances of multiple time cards being punched in.

However, the CSU faces operational challenges. With only 21 members divided across three shifts, Yburan acknowledged that this limitation would hamper their ability to monitor all areas effectively.

“Wala pa namo gi-push ang request for [manpower] maybe after election,” he said.

(We are not yet pushing the request (for manpower) maybe after election.)

The scandal comes in the wake of a previous controversy involving alleged irregularities in the city’s attendance system.

In June 2024, Acting Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia revoked all biometric exemptions for City Hall employees after accusations surfaced that a department head was receiving a full salary despite not reporting to work.

Although Garcia clarified that exemptions could still be granted on a case-by-case basis with proper justification.

Allegations of widespread fraud involving the manipulation of Daily Time Records have rocked Cebu City Hall, as an initial investigation reveals that multiple government personnel have been clocking in on behalf of their colleagues.

Police and military personnel  arrested a mayor and escorts from a town in the Special Geographic Area (SGA) of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in a checkpoint in Barangay Sirawan, Toril District here for allegedly  violating the election gun ban on Tuesday evening, Feb. 4. 

The Toril Police Station said Nabalawag, Cotabato  Mayor Anwar Saluwang and three of his bodyguards were apprehended after they were found to be carrying firearms and ammunition without written authority from the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Police said the mayor and his escorts violated the Omnibus Election Code of the Philippines.

Saluwang and his companions were onboard their car and about to enter the city when they were apprehended.

Police recovered .45 caliber,  9mm handgun, and  ammunition.

Further investigation disclosed that Saluwang was about to attend a training in the city along with other mayors from SGA-BARMM on Feb.6 when they were caught.

Toril Police Station chief Police Major Sheryl Bautista  reminded the public that the election gun ban applies to all, regardless of status in society and positions in the government.

“No one is exempt from complying therein. It is only the Comelec who has the sole power to issue a written authority to be able to carry firearms in accordance to existing laws and regulations," Bautista said in a statement.

The mayor and company are detained at Toril Police Station and face cases for violating the Omnibus Election Code of the Philippines. 

A Mayor has been arrested for violating the election gun ban. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2031816/barangay-councilor-shot-dead-in-zamboanga-del-sur

A barangay councilor in Poblacion, Kumalarang town, Zamboanga del Sur province was shot dead on Wednesday morning in San Francisco District in this city.

Colonel Restituto Pangusban, Zamboanga del Sur police director, identified the victim as Francisco Maca Jr., a former municipal councilor and village councilman of Poblacion in Kumalarang.

According to an initial police report, Maca suffered several gunshot wounds, mostly in his head.

Pangusban said they had set up mobile checkpoints in various parts of the city in the hope of arresting the suspects.

Pangusban was hopeful that the installed CCTVs around Pagadian City could help in chasing the gunmen. He also called on residents who have information relating to the incident to come forward and help authorities.

Zamboanga del Sur Information Officer Jeesrel Himang said Maca came from the provincial capitol before the incident, to collect a check in payment for his work on provincial government projects.

A barangay councilor in Poblacion, Kumalarang town, Zamboanga del Sur province was shot dead on Wednesday morning in San Francisco District in this city.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has launched a nationwide manhunt for a former officer of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) for her alleged involvement in large scale illegal recruitment.

A joint team from the Provincial Intelligence Unit and the Malolos police in Bulacan attempted to serve an arrest warrant on SFO2 Reyca Janisa Palpallatoc of Barangay Longos, Malolos City, on Wednesday afternoon, Jan. 29. 

The warrant was issued by Judge Ronald August Tan of Pasay City Regional Trial Court Branch 297 for illegal recruitment in large scale under Republic Act No. 8042, as amended by Republic Act No. 10022.

The police operation was witnessed by local media, but upon reaching Palpallatoc’s residence, authorities found the house locked, with a vehicle parked outside that appeared to have been unused for some time.

"We rarely see the people who live in that house. She returned home in August 2024, but the next day, she left in a hurry. Since then, we haven’t seen her again," a neighbor told the police.

Investigators also coordinated with the homeowners' association and visited several locations linked to Palpallatoc, including her former BFP office and addresses in Quezon City, Calamba, and Laguna.

However, the suspect remained at large and is believed to have fled to Indonesia.

Authorities alleged that Palpallatoc used her position at the BFP to lure victims with false promises of government jobs. In addition to the criminal case, she is also facing administrative complaints filed with the Office of the Ombudsman and the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) for immorality and professional misconduct.

One of the complaints was filed by Faiza Utualali who accused Palpallatoc of having an illicit relationship with her husband, a former Marine officer.

Investigators are also looking into Palpallatoc’s mother and live-in partner, both BFP employees, as possible accomplices in her escape.

Authorities are determining whether they were also behind the illegal recruitment scheme and obstruction of justice.

Shortly after the arrest warrant was issued, Palpallatoc reportedly resigned from the BFP in December 2024.

The PNP urged anyone with information on Palpallatoc’s whereabouts to report it to the nearest police station.

The Philippine National Police has launched a nationwide manhunt for a former officer of the Bureau of Fire Protection for her alleged involvement in large scale illegal recruitment.

A former treasurer of the Manila city government was sentenced to up to 18 years in prison for allegedly pocketing payment of P43,675 from a bank for mayor’s permit and business license.

In a 59-page decision promulgated on Jan. 31 but released only yesterday, the Sandiganbayan Sixth Division upheld the Manila Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 55’s ruling finding Rogelio Reyes guilty of violating Section 3 (e) of Republic Act 3019, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act, and falsification of public documents under Article 171 of the Revised Penal Code.

The anti-graft court said Reyes failed to overturn the evidence presented against him by the prosecution panel, proving his “guilt beyond reasonable doubt.”

For the graft case, Reyes was sentenced to up to 10 years in prison. He was perpetually disqualified from holding public office.

For the falsification offense, Reyes was meted up to eight years in prison and fined P5,000.

The cases stemmed from Reyes’ alleged connivance with LandBank-Taft Avenue branch cashier Salvador Echano Jr. in pocketing a manager’s check amounting to P43,675 issued by International Exchange Bank (now Union Bank), representing its payment for mayor’s permit and business license for its six branches operating in Manila in 2000.

Instead of depositing the amount in the account of the city treasurer’s office, Reyes deposited the check in the personal account of Manila RTC stenographer Liza Perez, and later withdrew the money.

The prosecution said Reyes falsified six receipts with supposed machine-validated numbers to make it appear that the payments were received by the city treasurer’s office.

Perez was acquitted by RTC Branch 55 after the prosecution failed to establish her participation in the commission of the alleged crime.

Echano was initially convicted of graft, but he was able to secure an acquittal through a motion for reconsideration.           

A former treasurer of the Manila city government was sentenced to up to 18 years in prison for allegedly pocketing payment of P43,675 from a bank for mayor’s permit and business license.

A policeman was shot dead allegedly by his wife, who is also a police officer, in Angeles City on Tuesday night.

The fatality was a member of the Angeles City police while the suspect is assigned at the Central Luzon police regional mobile force unit.

The crime reportedly occurred at the couple’s house in Barangay Cuayan.

Witnesses said the victim was parking his motorcycle in their garage when they heard a gunshot coming from the couple’s house.

Responding police officers rushed the victim to a nearby hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival.

The victim’s wife is detained at the Angeles City police jail.

A policeman was shot dead allegedly by his wife, who is also a police officer, in Angeles City on Tuesday night.

Thursday, February 6, 2025

Coronavirus Lockdown: Enchanted Kingdom, Freezers, and More!

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

The Commission on Audit or COA is hitting the DOH's COVID-19 vaccination program. The first hit is for possible data breaches because of "several deficiencies or “security control weaknesses” in the government’s Vaccine Information Management System." 

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2025/01/30/2417873/covid-19-vax-program-exposed-data-possible-breaches-coa

The online database system maintained by the government for its implementation of the COVID-19 National Vaccination Program (CNVP) had exposed sensitive information of the public to possible breaches, the Commission on Audit (COA) said in its latest report.

In its report on the CNVP, uploaded on its website on Dec. 23, the COA said all concerned government agencies and stakeholders must work together in improving cyber security in the country as it noted several deficiencies or “security control weaknesses” in the government’s Vaccine Information Management System (VIMS).

The VIMS was maintained by the government in connection with its implementation of CNVP in 2021 to 2022 pursuant to Republic Act 11525 or the COVID-19 Vaccination Program Act. The VIMS was mainly used to measure the daily vaccination accomplishments or the so-called quick counts, and served as a database of inoculated individuals by local government units (LGUs).

“The audit revealed significant weaknesses in the VIMS regarding data input, processing, access controls, logging functionality and adherence to data privacy requirements. These deficiencies resulted in the entry of invalid, inaccurate and duplicate data, increasing the risk of unauthorized access to the sensitive personal information of millions of Filipinos,” the COA report read.

“The lack of NDAs (non-disclosure agreements) further exacerbates this risk, potentially leading to data breaches and non-compliance with the Data Privacy Act (DPA) of 2012,” it added.

The COA said among the information contained in the VIMS which were exposed to possible breaches include personal data coming from the health declaration forms and consent forms filled out by the vaccine beneficiaries such as name, birthday, mobile number, address and medical history.

The second hit is for freezers bought to store vaccines going to waste. 

With the Covid-19 pandemic no longer a health issue, what would the government do with the 243 units of ultra-low temperature freezers (ULTFs) which were bought for P152 million to store the vaccines in various cold storage facilities in the country?

In its audit report, the Commission on Audit (COA) said that each unit of ULTF was procured by the Department of Health (DOH) for P626,000 and was expected to have an estimated useful life of 10 years. 

However, the audit team's ocular inspection conducted last July, August, and October 2023 revealed that 26 units have already become defective and only 243 units remain in good condition.

But if left unused, these remaining units might not fare well, the COA said.

 "Leaving up to 243 units unutilized or not efficiently used would restrict the attainment of the expected benefits associated with their refocused/repurposed function. Failure to properly repurpose these freezers would also result in failing to maximize the government funds spent and the value of donations on the said equipment," it said.

"Moreover, given that ULTF has an estimated useful life of 10 years, it is important to fully utilize the remaining life to ensure maximum benefit," it added.

As the country moves towards its post-pandemic phase, the COA said it is important for the DOH to develop a comprehensive plan to repurpose the idle ULTFs. 

It also said: "This plan should identify potential uses, such as storing other essential biological materials, clinical specimens, or supporting research activities. It should also outline a clear timeline for implementation and a mechanism for monitoring and evaluation."

26 freezers have already become defective showcasing the DOH's lack of care for their things. 

The third hit by the COA is over expired COVID-19 jabs.

The number of wasted Covid-19 vaccines under the national government’s vaccination program went beyond the “acceptable” threshold, with a total of 68,681,445 doses in its inventory rendered unusable due to the acceptance of near-expiry vaccines and “operational” mishandling.

These were among the findings of the special audit report conducted by the Commission on Audit (COA) from May 2023 to January 2024 on the national inoculation campaign against Covid-19.

The over 68 million wasted doses, as of Nov. 30 last year, accounted for 27 percent of the about 251.8 million Covid-19 vaccines that were either procured by the national government or local government units or donated by other countries or foreign organizations. Notably, more than half of the wasted vaccines came from donors.

The 27 percent, however, was above the ideal 25 percent “wastage allowance” set by Gavi, one of the organizations making up the COVAX facility that made Covid-19 vaccines available to developing nations under a cost-sharing scheme.

Of the vaccines that would have to be disposed of, some 57.3 million doses, or about 83 percent, had exceeded their shelf life. The rest needed to be discarded due to defects, discoloration/presence of particulate matter, temperature excursion or natural disaster and fire.

The COA noted that the wastage was also due to the fact that the government accepted doses, which were either procured or donated, although these were about to expire.

Worse, some of the procured vaccines that were shipped in November 2021 to the country were “already one to eight days past their labeled expiration date.”

“The high rate of vaccine wastage, particularly for certain brands, is a major concern and underscores the need for improved planning, distribution, and storage strategies,” state auditors said in the special report released in December 2024.

By brand, the vaccines from AstraZeneca, Gamaleya, Janssen, and Moderna had the highest wastage of above 25 percent due to various factors, including delayed delivery and vaccination schedules.

The report, however, recognized the challenges that hounded the national vaccination program which led to “suboptimal vaccination coverage and substantial vaccine wastage.”

Among these were “vaccine hesitancy, logistical issues, and poor vaccine management practices,” it said.

None of this is surprising. The only thing new is the COA getting involved. 

Enchanted Kingdom has had difficulty making a profit during the pandemic. All of that has changed. 

https://business.inquirer.net/503987/enchanted-kingdom-expects-over-2-million-visitors-in-2025

Enchanted Kingdom, one of the country’s most popular and longest-running theme parks, is projecting a steady uptake of visitors in 2025, with a little over 2 million visitors expected to visit this year.

Cesar Mario Mamon, chief executive officer of Enchanted Kingdom Inc., told the Inquirer on Tuesday that they expect to get a little more than their annual average of 2 million visitors this year.

“So far, the economy is doing well. That is why we expect that the per capita spending will even increase,” Mamon said on the sidelines of the Employers Confederation of the Philippines press conference in Makati.

“We’ve recovered very well from the pandemic. So, we’re looking forward to the coming years. We’re already planning up to 10 years ahead of time,” he added.

According to the company’s record, their entertainment complex in Santa Rosa, Laguna, first reached the 2-million visitor mark in 2012.

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Enchanted Kingdom temporarily closed before finally reopening in October of the same year under strict health regulations.

It suspended operations again in January 2022 due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases, but eventually reopened the next month.

Is it revenge travel that is fueling their profits?

Outgoing United Nations Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator to the Philippines Gustavo González has been lauded by the President over his help during the COVID-19 pandemic.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/934711/marcos-hails-outgoing-un-rep-gonzalez-over-help-in-covid-19-pandemic-barmm/story/

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. extended his gratitude to outgoing United Nations Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator to the Philippines  Gustavo González over his help during the COVID-19 pandemic and engagements related to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Marcos made the remark in a farewell ceremony in Malacañang on Friday, according to a statement released by the Presidential Communications Office.

"You did so much between the UN and the Philippines," Marcos was quoted as saying.

"I was looking at the time that you were here. There's a very, very large increase in engagements between the United Nations and the Philippines – specifically COVID, the BARMM," the President said, addressing Gonzalez.

In response, Gonzalez told Marcos that apart from vacating his post as resident coordinator for the Philippines, he will also be retiring from his service in the UN.

"Mr. President, thank you so much. I very much appreciate your time but today is also my last day as a UN active officer. So I’m going to retire. No doubt that the Philippines will be in my heart because this is a special moment for me," he said.

Gonzalez served as UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator for the Philippines for nearly five years.

Prior to this, he served as the United Nations Development Programme's Sub-Regional Development Coordinator for the Syria-related crisis, overseeing operations in Egypt, Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, and Turkey.

Did he help by contact other countries to procure those donated near-expired vaccines the COA has flagged? 

Wednesday, February 5, 2025

Crazy Cebu City Veterinarian Wants Residents To Coexist With Roaming Dogs

The Philippines is populated with many stray dogs. What's the solution? For one insane, crazy Cebu City Veterinarian it is for the people to coexist with them.


https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/620661/cebu-city-as-pet-friendly-vet-pushes-advocacy-for-stray-dogs

Being recognized as one of the ‘pet-friendly’ cities in Asia was something the city’s veterinarian did not see coming. 

Recently, Cebu City ranked second in the top 10 pet-friendly cities list of online travel platform Agoda. 

According to Agoda, their list was based on the average number of accommodations that allow guests to bring in their pets.

"Fortunately, it was a surprise for me. I don't expect that there is a group that looks like they did a survey," Dr. Alice Utlang, head of the Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries (DVMF) of the Cebu City Government.

Utlang, in an interview with the city’s Public Information Office, expressed that she truly did not expect the result, especially that it was only last January 15 when she posted that her goal for the city is to be a pet-friendly, where its residents coexist with roaming dogs. 

Aside from that, she also wants the city to become a “rabies-free” city. 

Utlang also wanted to strenghthen the department’s CNVR program or the Catch-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return.

Utlang earlier said in a media interview that believes the healthy stray dogs should not be impounded nor punished. 

Moreover, Utlang also praised Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia for fostering stray dogs at the City Hall, for example, ‘Pochie’ and the other aspins in the former vice mayor’s office—now mayor’s office.

She said that it is rare to have a government official who fosters a roaming dog inside the City Hall.

"I was inspired by what the Mayor did when he was still vice mayor, it is very rare for a government official, in a government facility or office, to have a dog, accept a dog rescued from the street, take care of it, feed it properly , and he became like an ambassador for roaming dogs. Very nice," Utlang said.

It was June last year when Utlang reiterated their advocacy that they will no longer impound healthy stray dogs.

How stupid this woman? First of all Cebu City has been named a pet-friendly city not because of the way residents treat animals but "based on the average number of accommodations that allow guests to bring in their pets." It has nothing to do with her advocacy. 

Second of all this lady thinks residents should "coexist with roaming dogs." Dr. Alice says the city will no longer impound healthy stray dogs. At the same time she wants Cebu City to become rabies-free. How can she not know that allowing stray dogs to roam will only increase rabies cases. 

Not only will rabies cases increase but stray dogs give birth to more stray dogs. That only compounds the problem. 

And what is a healthy roaming dog? They all eat trash. They all dump in the road and on sidewalks. There is nothing healthy about a stray dog. They are one bite away from becoming infected with rabies or some other disease which they can spread to humans and animals. Who is going to clean up their poop? This lady thinks residents should simply coexist with stray dogs and their mess. Unbelievable. 

Thirdly her inspiration, the Mayor, rescued a dog from the street and is taking care of it properly. That is the exact opposite of allowing stray dogs to roam the streets. 

Dr. Alice Utlang, should not be head of the Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries of the Cebu City Government. She should be fired and someone who wants to keep the animals and people of Cebu City safe should take her place. Advocating for residents to coexist with roaming dogs is not a solution and only exacerbates the problem.

Tuesday, February 4, 2025

Insurgency: NPA Vice Commander Surrenders

Change is coming to the AFP in the form of a new Army commander of the Fourth Infantry Division. 4ID over sees Northern Mindanao and Caraga. He has pledged to "create peaceful and resilient communities."

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1242826

The Philippine Army on Tuesday installed Brig. Gen. Michele Anayron Jr. as the new commander of the 4th Infantry Division (4ID), which oversees parts of Northern Mindanao and Caraga regions.

In his inaugural speech, Anayron emphasized his commitment to advancing peace and development in collaboration with various stakeholders, while ensuring vigilant security measures within the division’s areas of responsibility.

"Through peace and development zones, we implement high-impact programs with the help of national agencies, local government units, non-government organizations, and the private sector," he said.

Anayron highlighted the importance of multi-stakeholder support in addressing the root causes of insurgency, a priority under his command.

He succeeded Brig. Gen. Consolito Yecla, who served as acting commander following the retirement of Maj. Gen. Jose Ma. Cuerpo II earlier this month.

Before his appointment, Anayron served as the commander of the 403rd Infantry Brigade in Bukidnon province, leading battalions and special forces instrumental in dismantling New People’s Army (NPA) guerrilla fronts.

"Under my leadership, the 4ID will continue its mission to create peaceful and resilient communities," Anayron said.

They will be doing this through "multi-stakeholder support in addressing the root causes of insurgency." Of course that means development. Never forget good governance and development of the country has become a counter-insurgency program. 

Meanwhile in Northeastern Mindanao the AFP and the NPA engaged in a clash that resulted in two dead rebels. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1242893

Two New People's Army (NPA) rebels were killed in a clash with government troops Tuesday morning on the outskirts of the city, a military official said Wednesday.

Brig. Gen. Arsenio Sadural, commander of the Army's 901st Infantry Brigade, said the clash occurred in Sitio Dinakpan, Barangay Los Angeles, between troops of the 29th Infantry Battalion and members of the NPA's Sub-Regional Sentro de Grabidad Westland (SRSDG-WL).

The 10-minute firefight resulted in the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, a Bushmaster rifle, ammunition, medical supplies, and other items.

“The SRSDG-WL is securing the Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee's Regional Headquarters,” Sadural said.

The military is trying to identify the slain NPA rebels.

“The rebels are trying to survive and gain support, but residents are becoming tired of them,” Sadural said.

He encouraged people to report information about the NPA’s movements.

The residents are becoming tired of the rebels? Hasn't the AFP told us residents are already tired of them? What exactly were these rebels up to? Recruitment? How many more are left in Butuan City?

More NPA rebels continue to surrender. Six surrendered in Masabate. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1242822

Six members of the New People's Army (NPA) voluntarily surrendered to the in Masbate province over the weekend.

The returnees surrendered at Esperanza Municipal Police Station (MPS) in Barangay Poblacion, according to a report released by Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO-5) spokesperson Lt. Col. Malu Calubaquib.

She said the former rebels handed over an improvised 12-gauge shotgun and one live round of ammunition.

They belonged to Platoon 1, Kilusang Larangan Guerilla 2, Sub-Regional Committee 4, and the Bicol Regional Party Committee, which operates under the command of Rogelio “Ka Manong” Suson who is active in the province’s third district.

They admitted participation in various meetings and rallies organized by “Ka Denden.”

The surrender was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company, the Esperanza MPS, 2nd Infantry Battalion and the 96th Military Intelligence Company of the Philippine Army’s 9th Infantry Division.

Calubaquib said the returnees will undergo a comprehensive debriefing program and will be enrolled in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program, designed to facilitate the reintegration of former rebels into mainstream society, offering a range of benefits including livelihood assistance, skills training, housing support, and psychological and social rehabilitation.

Between the six of them they oly had one shot gun and one round of ammunition? That sounds incredible. No wonder they surrendered. 

In Bukidnon 87 NPA members surrendered. 


https://www.philstar.com/nation/2025/01/28/2417370/87-npa-members-surrender-bukidnon

Eighty-seven New People’s Army guerillas, from different indigenous tribes in Bukidnon, surrendered on Friday to authorities.

The 87 rebels promised to help the government in convincing their few remaining comrades to return to the fold of law.

Their surrender came through the intercession of local government executives, according to Lt. Col. Antonio Bulao of the 89th Infantry Battalion and his two immediate superiors, Brig. Gen. Mario Angcao of the 1003rd Infantry Brigade and Maj. Gen. Allan Hambala of the 10th Infantry Division.

Hambala told reporters yesterday that local officials in Bukidnon and several national agencies would cooperate to allow the return of the rebels to their ancestral lands, reunite with their families and thrive peacefully as farmers.

More than 500 NPA members had surrendered in the past 18 months to units of the 10th ID in cities and provinces in Regions 10 and 11.

These 87 rebels are going to help convince their fellow travelers to surrender. How many are left?

In Cagayan an NPA Vice Commander surrendered. 

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/2030695/npa-vice-commander-surrenders-in-cagayan

An alleged vice commander of the New People’s Army (NPA) operating in Cagayan Valley gave himself up to the police in Lal-lo, Cagayan on Sunday, Feb. 2, police said.

The surrenderee, identified only by his aliases “Ka Ranny/Arman/Bago/Peping/Kulot,” vice commander of the NPA’s Kilusang Rebolusyonaryo Cagayan Valley-Komprob Cagayan (KRCV-KC) under the Henry Abraham Command, was listed as fourth highest in the Periodic Status Report on the Threat Groups (PSRTG) watchlist for the last quarter of 2024 and number 1 regional most wanted person.

The former NPA leader also led authorities to the location of a cache of weapons and explosives, which includes a 95-piece 9mm dynamite, two improvised explosive devices (IEDs), an IED hand grenade, a hand grenade MK2 fragment, 29 bullets of caliber M-16 rifle, four M-14 rifle magazines, an ammunition drum, two bandoliers, a K3 semi-automatic rifle, and other guns alongside personal belongings.

Ka Ranny was earlier indicted for robbery with arson, violation of the Anti-terrorism Act, a separate robbery and robbery with arson, murder, attempted murder, and malicious mischief.

He was placed under the custody of the 2nd Cagayan Provincial Mobile Force Company while waiting for his transfer to the court of origin of the charges against him.

“This significant accomplishment underscores our unwavering commitment to ending insurgency in the region. The voluntary surrender of a high-ranking (rebel) member, coupled with the recovery of substantial war materiel, is a substantial blow to the rebel group’s capabilities,” Police Brigadier General Antonio Marallag Jr., Cagayan Valley police director, said.

Since he has been indicted for crimes he might not be Abel to apply for E-CLIP benefits. 

Muslim terrorists also continue to surrender. 6 BIFF members recently surrendered to BARMM authorities. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1242989

Six members of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) surrendered to police authorities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) on Wednesday, marking a significant step toward peace in the region.

Brig. Gen. Romeo Macapaz, BARMM police regional director, said the surrender of the heavily armed BIFF members under Commander Kagui Karialan was the result of relentless government operations and negotiations.

“This is a significant breakthrough as these individuals have chosen the path to peace and reintegration into mainstream society,” Macapaz said in a statement Thursday.

The BIFF, allied with ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria), seeks to establish an Islamic state in Mindanao and has been involved in violent extremism, targeting government forces and civilian communities.

The surrenderers turned in a homemade .50-caliber Barrett sniper rifle, a .30-caliber Garand rifle, an M79 grenade launcher, a homemade rocket-propelled grenade, an Uzi machine pistol, and a 12-gauge shotgun.

Macapaz said authorities will continue monitoring the activities of surrendering BIFF members to ensure they do not return to their former organization.

However, another ISIS affiliated terrorist refused to surrender. Instead he chose to go out in a blaze of glory. 

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/regions/934143/alleged-daulah-islamiyah-maute-member-killed-in-piagapo-lanao-del-sur/story/

A reported member of the Daulah Islamiyah-Maute Group was killed in an encounter with Philippine military in Piagapo, Lanao del Sur on Sunday, according to a report by the Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom).

WestMinCom commander Major General Antonio Nafarrete said there were two separate encounters in Barangay Kalangan, each estimated to have lasted 15 minutes, where the still unidentified member of the Daulah Islamiyah-Maute Group was killed, as reported by Luisito Santos on GMA Super Radyo DZBB.

Authorities recovered war materials from the scene, including an M16 rifle, an M14 rifle, bullets, gun magazine, three rifle grenades, and an improvised explosive device (IED) indicator, among others. Further details were not included in the report.

The WestMinCom is calling on the remaining members of the Daulah Islamiyah-Maute Group to surrender, citing government programs for them to be accepted into society.

Maybe the remaining members of the Daulah Islamiyah-Maute Group will surrender or maybe they will go out like their comrade.