Insurgency: Samar Island More Peaceful

President Marcos says Samar Island is more peaceful now that the NPA has been weakened. But he is also cautious enough to admit there are still encounters. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1225152

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said Samar Island is more peaceful now with the weakening of the New People’s Army (NPA).

In an ambush interview here Monday, the President said he had seen the progress report of the peace and order situation in Samar provinces.

He said it is “getting better and better.”

"It's not so much anymore, it's not as chaotic as it used to be and there are still encounters, but not because -- large numbers and their organization have been reduced to small groups. So, I think the progress is sufficient. And, I think we will be able to do it in the schedule that we have given ourselves," the President said.

The military earlier reported that about 1,000 communities in Eastern Visayas were influenced by the NPA before the formation of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict under the Duterte administration in 2018.

Most of the areas are in the three Samar provinces.

According to previous military pronouncements, while there are still sightings of rebels in the tri-boundaries of Samar provinces, the villagers are no longer supporting them.

The government is targeting to make all areas in Samar completely free from NPA influence within the year.

In Samar province, Governor Sharee Ann Tan said insurgency is obviously weaker in recent years with the surrender of several leaders and fighters.

“In the 2022 elections, no politician in Samar received a letter demanding for revolutionary tax. That was the first election with no attempts from NPA to collect,” Tan said in an interview.

Meanwhile, Northern Samar Governor Edwin Ongchuan asked the national government to build a circumferential road in the tri-boundaries of Samar to ensure the sustainability of anti-insurgency efforts.

"We are the last bastion of insurgency and ending insurgency is a big challenge, especially in the boundaries of three Samar provinces," he said.

The proposed road will connect the towns of Silvino Lubos and Las Navas in Northern Samar to Matuguinao in Samar and Jipapad in Eastern Samar.

Only a week before making this declaration a soldier was killed in an encounter with the NPA. 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/5/20/soldier-killed-in-northern-samar-encounter-8th-ib-mourn-death

The 8th Infantry “Stormtroopers” Division mourned the death of a soldier in an encounter with the New People's Army in Barangay Lourdes, Las Navas, Northern Samar, on May 16.

Corporal Isagani Balmes from the 19th Infantry Battalion and a Taft, Eastern Samar native, died from fatal injuries during the 15-minute encounter.

Balmes led the Community Support Program which facilitated the provision of essential services to the community.

Major Gen. Camilo Ligayo, commander of the 8th ID, expressed deep sorrow over the loss of an outstanding soldier. 

Ligayo highlighted Balmes' unwavering dedication and service in the quest for peace in Eastern Visayas. 

“The Philippine Army extends its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Corporal Balmes. His heroism and dedication will never be forgotten,” Ligayo said.

Though the NPA is weakened in Samar that does not mean they are not a threat. 

The same goes for Negros. Despite the AFP claiming to have dismantled most of the fronts there are still remnants wandering around. One NPA remnant was recently killed in Central Negros. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1225232

A remnant of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed during an encounter with troops of the Philippine Army’s 62nd Infantry Battalion (IB)  in a remote village of Moises Padilla, Negros Occidental Tuesday morning.  

In a report, the 62IB identified the fatality as Richard “Rocky”  De la Peña, 50, from the dismantled Central Negros 1 guerrilla front.

First Lt. Mary Liza De Guzman, civil-military operations officer of 62IB, said in a statement that De la Peña died during a 10-minute clash that took place around 7 a.m. in Sitio Inangaw, Barangay Quintin Remo.

The soldiers launched focused military operations following reports of civilians about the presence of NPA remnants conducting extortion and forced recruitment, she added.

After the encounter, the troops recovered the body of De la Peña along with an M16 rifle, three magazines with live ammunition, a bandolier, and subversive documents.

According to the 62IB, De la Peña was involved in various crimes and human rights violations, among these the murder of Albert Navaro Goles, whom the NPA accused of being a military informant, last April 24.

It was also reported he was in the company of Marivic “Ivan” Ebarle, a communist rebel killed in an encounter on July 20, 2023, at Sitio Kawayanan, Barangay Montilla, Moises Padilla.

In a separate statement, Maj. Gen. Marion Sison, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division, commended the operating troops and the locals of Barangay Quintin Remo for their concerted efforts that led to the neutralization of the NPA remnant and the recovery of a high-powered firearm.

“Our peace and security efforts in Negros will persist even as the achievement of a stable internal peace and security environment for all Negrenses is at hand. This is an integral part of our sustainment strategy to prevent any attempts at recovery and resurgence by the dismantled guerrilla fronts of the NPA,” he added.

Another NPA remnant was killed in Northern Negros. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1225416

A remnant of the dismantled Northern Negros Front of the New People’s Army (NPA) was killed in a clash with joint government troops in Barangay Cambayobo, Calatrava, Negros Occidental Wednesday afternoon.

The Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID), in a report on Thursday, identified the fatality as Jeje Redobles, whose body the government troops recovered from the encounter site.

Maj. Gen. Marion Sison, commander of the 3ID, lauded the troops of the 79 Infantry Battalion and their counterparts from the Philippine National Police 1st Negros Occidental Provincial Mobile Force for the successful joint enhanced military and police operations.

“This unity is evident in the series of encounters where information from local residents plays a crucial role in our combat operations, especially in locating and hitting the remnants of the communist-terrorist group with precision,” he added.

Sison renewed his call for the remaining NPA rebels in Negros to return to the fold of the law.

“Surrender now while you still have time. Negros is no longer a safe refuge for you,” he added.

Redobles died during a 10-minute firefight between government troops and seven NPA remnants in Sitio Manaysay just before 4 p.m., the 3ID report said.

During the clearing operation, the soldiers and police officers recovered weapons, including an M16 rifle, hand grenade, and magazines containing ammunition, along with subversive documents, medicines, food items, and personal belongings

In Northern Negros the NPA remains very active having killed several civilians in the past few weeks. The Army is partnering with LGUs to strengthen their alliance for peace. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1225307

The municipality of Calatrava and the Philippine Army’s 79th Infantry Battalion (IB) in Negros Occidental have strengthened their alliance for peace in the wake of the series of killings perpetrated by the New People's Army (NPA) in the northern Negros locality.

First Lt. Dan Carlo Samoza, civil-military operations officer of 79IB, said on Wednesday that Mayor Marilyn Era, who chairs the Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (TF-ELCAC), condemns the atrocities of the remnants of the NPA.

“This is a manifestation of the mayor’s sincerity of protecting her constituents in line with her mandate as the head of the municipality’s TF-ELCAC,” he told the Philippine News Agency.

This year alone, five persons were killed by NPA assailants in Calatrava, as admitted by the communist terrorist group in their public pronouncements; the latest was Alexander Alquizar, a village watchman of Barangay Lagaan, who was gunned down on April 20.

In a meeting at the municipal hall on May 20, Era expressed her condemnation as she also appealed for the remaining NPA rebels in Calatrava to surrender to the authorities.

“I personally condemn the killing incidents that happened in my municipality without a valid reason. I am pleading to my brothers on the other side to please come and join the government that is ready to help you,” the mayor said.

First Lt. Kenn Brian Adesas of the 79IB, Lt. Artus Escuadra of the Calatrava Municipal Police Station, and representatives of other government agencies attended the meeting to assure the NPA remnants of support for their reintegration to their respective communities once they decide to surrender.

In a statement, Lt. Col. Arnel Calaoagan, commander of 79IB, welcomed the mayor’s condemnation of the killings and her call on the communist rebels to surrender.

“This is a manifestation of our strong alliance towards the same goal and shared aspiration of making Calatrava a haven of peace and progress. We will remain steadfast in our commitment and support to the local government units to once and for all decimate this terror group,” he added.

The NPA also remains active in Mindanao. Two NPA rebels were slain in an encounter in South Cotabato. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1225400

Two communist New People's Army (NPA) rebels were killed as authorities served an arrest warrant against one of them in T'boli, South Cotabato on Thursday.

Maj. Gen. Alex Rillera, Army's 6th Infantry Division chief, said one of the soldiers backing up the local police was wounded when the suspects resisted and traded shots with law enforcers at about 10 a.m. in Barangay Talcon.

Citing a report from the Army's 5th Special Forces Battalion, Rillera, also the head of Joint Task Force Central, identified the slain rebels as Yasser Catacutan and Eizar Emam.

"Police and military forces were to serve an arrest warrant for Catacutan, who was facing murder charges when he resisted upon seeing lawmen near his home," he said.

The injured soldier belonged to the Army's 10th Special Forces Company.

And two ranking NPA rebels were killed in August del Norte and Misamis Oriental. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1225387

Two ranking New People’s Army (NPA) rebels and a member were killed in recent encounters that took place in Agusan del Norte and Misamis Oriental provinces, the Army’s 4th Infantry Division (4ID) said in a statement Thursday.

On May 21, the Army’s 16th Infantry Battalion (IB) engaged in a 10-minute skirmish with a group of NPA rebels in Barangay Bal-ason, Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental, which resulted in the death of two ranking leaders.

The fatalities were identified as Zaldy Galamiton, the secretary of the Sub-Regional Committee 1, and Johnjhon Ayuma Ramos, the commanding officer of the Sub-Regional Sentro De Grabidad Eagles, both under the NPA North Central Mindanao Regional Committee.

Recovered from the encounter site were two M16 rifles, bandoliers, magazines, ammunition, and personal belongings, the 4ID said.

On May 20, troopers of the Army’s 29IB on a pursuit operation in Bangonay, Jabonga, Agusan del Norte also clashed with a group of communist insurgents.

The insurgents immediately abandoned their position after the five-minute firefight and left behind a dead comrade identified as Berto Dayong, a member of the NPA Sub-Regional Sentro de Grabidad West under the North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee.

Government troops also recovered a 9mm pistol and a .45-caliber pistol at the clash site.

Maj. Gen. Jose Maria Cuerpo II, 4ID commander, commended the 29IB and 16IB for swiftly responding to citizens' reports of the presence of NPA guerrillas in their localities.

“These reports indicate the continuing support of the civilians to our government and our forces,” Cuerpo said.

The operations, he added, also thwarted the plans of the insurgents to conduct extortion and harassment of civilians in the area.

This means not only are the NPA active in Mindanao but they are not without leadership. 

San Pedro City in Laguna is set to be awarded the stable internal peace and security designation having had no significant rebel activity in over a year. In preparation the AFP "will soon be conducting peace and order-oriented seminars for first-time job-seekers in this city in hopes of steering them away from communist rebels’ influence."

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1225435

Instructors from the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP) 2nd Civil Military Operations (2CMO) Battalion will soon be conducting peace and order-oriented seminars for first-time job-seekers in this city in hopes of steering them away from communist rebels’ influence.

This plan came together as San Pedro is poised to be awarded the stable internal peace and security (SIPS) designation, a seal the AFP confers on jurisdictions that have been without significant rebel activity for at least one year.

In an interview on Thursday, Lt. Col. Rolando Acido, commander of 2CMO, said the military looks forward to contributing to the city’s economic development by promoting constructive relations between the workforce tripartite, which is composed of the government, employers and the labor force by upholding industrial peace.

The Army officer said there was a meeting of minds when officers of the AFP and the Philippine National Police held an engagement meeting with local government leaders at the city hall on Wednesday.

He disclosed that San Pedro Mayor Art Joseph Mercado gave his support for the proposal to conduct AFP-led seminars for prospective entrants to the workforce in venues to be determined by the local leader.

"By fostering an environment of enduring peace within the community and becoming the pioneer city in Laguna to achieve SIPS status, Santa Pedro City can unlock its full economic potential for the benefit of all its constituents," Acido said.

He explained that his office hopes to leverage the participation of the human resource departments of the various hiring enterprises in the city to ensure they have access to as many applicants as possible.

Additionally, it was also agreed upon during Wednesday’s meeting that the military would conduct similar seminars for other community stakeholders, including village representatives and the youth of San Pedro.

“The local government has generously offered venues and other necessary support, while the PNP and CMO will contribute by providing speakers and moderators,” Acido added.

He noted that Santa Pedro has remained devoid of violent terrorist incidents for over a year, and as such, the SIPS seal should be forthcoming.

What does this even mean? Are the NPA now recruiting through jobs? Or is this a subtle way to red-tag unions and labor organizers? Are the AFP warning first-time job seekers to stay away from unions? It would not be inconceivable. 

First Woman of Color Makes Historic Win as Miss Universe Philippines 2024

In the Philippines beauty pageants are not only big business but also a source of pride for many. No beauty contest is more important to Filipinos than Miss Universe. So far the Philippines has brought home the Miss Universe crown four times. 

But apparently not a single Miss Universe Philippines winner has been "a woman of color." Until now.

https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/fashion-and-beauty/2024/05/23/2357317/woman-color-makes-historic-win-miss-universe-philippines-2024

Chelsea Manalo of Bulacan was crowned Miss Universe Philippines 2024, besting 52 other hopefuls at the close of glitzy ceremonies in Pasay City.

Outgoing titleholder Michelle Marquez Dee passed on the beautifully crafted La Mer de Majeste crown to the dusky Bulakeña as the first national winner of color, who won the title on her first try.

A dark horse, in the truest sense of the word, though not alluding to her skin color, Chelsea was beneath most of the prediction radars, probably because she was a first timer to the national stage. She came out of nowhere to win the most coveted title. 

Chelsea will be the country's representative to the Mexico pageant toward the end of the year. She will also be the country's first delegate who is a woman of color.

Excuse me but aren't all Filipina women women of color? From yellow Chinoy's to light brown mulattos to the dark Negritos and Igorots isn't every single Filipina a woman of color? Apparently not. Here are  two pictures of several Miss Universe Philippines winners over the years. 

To call Chelsea Manalo "the country's first delegate who is a woman of color" is bizarre. A woman of color, a person of color, is someone who is not White. 

https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/woman%20of%20color

a woman whose skin pigmentation is other than and especially darker than what is considered characteristic of people typically defined as white : a woman who is of a race other than white or who is of mixed race

Are Filipinas White? Catriona Gray, who was raised in Australia by a Scottish father, could be called White but look at the ladies in the above pictures. They are all women of color. 

What this dsignation really means is Chelsea Manalo is the first half-African American to represent the Philippines. 

https://www.philstar.com/lifestyle/fashion-and-beauty/2024/05/23/2357300/bulacan-barbie-becomes-first-filipino-black-american-win-miss-universe-philippines

The 22-year-old stunner from Meycauayan, Bulacan is a Filipino-American who is not new in the pageant scene. 

In the comments section, fans have been supportive and even projected her as the next Miss Universe.

“Living black barbie," one comment said. 

The Bulakenya beauty is believed to be the first-ever Filipino-African American who will represent the country in Miss Universe in Mexico by the end of the year.

At least Chelsea, unlike Catriona Gray, is a native Filipina. The only thing American about her is her father who died a few years ago. But because she inherited his black genes she is now being touted as the first woman of color to represent the Philippines at the Miss Universe pageant. It's as dumb and untrue as when Jennifer Lawrence claimed she was the first female action star. It is also incredibly racist and denies that Filipinas are women of color.

Retards in the Government 366

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

 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/5/16/coa-flags-gapan-city-in-nueva-ecija-for-not-registering-insuring-its-vehicles-motorized-equipment

Only three out of the 54 vehicles and motorized equipment owned by Gapan City in Nueva Ecija are registered with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) in 2023, the Commission on Audit (COA) said.

Also, COA said that on top of non-registration, most of the vehicles and motorized equipment were not insured with the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS).

In its audit report, COA said that the registration of 41 units was not renewed while 10 units have no records of registration at all.

It said the non-registration of the vehicles and motorized equipment might result in possible loss or misuse of assets. Also, the city government would be exposed to possible penalties, fines, or sanctions from the LTO.

The city's vehicles and motorized equipment are compose of three fire trucks, a compactor, a cargo truck, 13 dump trucks, two transit mixers, an excavator, a crawler robex, a wheeler loader, two road graders, a bus, and several vans and cars.

Also, COA said it found that Gapan City failed to renew the insurance of 50 motor vehicles with the  General Insurance Fund (GIF) of the GSIS.  

The non-insurance, it said, was inconsistent with the provisions of Republic Act No. 656, the Property Insurance Law, as amended by Presidential Decree (PD) No. 245. Gapan City's failure to do so exposed the government to risk of non-indemnification for any damage or loss due to possible casualties that may happen on the insurable assets, COA said.

Out of the city's 54 vehicles, only four units have an updated insurance, 39 units were not renewed, while the remaining 11 units lack any record of insurance with the GSIS, it said.

During the audit, COA said that the city government reasoned that the non-registration with the LTO was due to the absence of emission testing, while one vehicle was procured recently, so the certificate of LTO registration has not been secured from the vendor.

The justification was not accepted by COA.  It said: "The failure of the City to maintain its records and update the registration of its motor vehicles with the LTO indicates lack of proper management and control over the motor vehicles, which may result in the possible loss and misuse of the government assets."

Only three out of the 54 vehicles and motorized equipment owned by Gapan City in Nueva Ecija are registered with the Land Transportation Office in 2023, the Commission on Audit said.

https://mb.com.ph/2024/5/16/coa-flags-northern-samar-over-non-remittance-of-p58-m-in-taxes-to-bir-mandatory-contributions-to-gsis-pag-ibig-phil-health

The province of Northern Samar failed to remit a total of P58 million in taxes and mandatory contributions to agencies such as the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Government Service Insurance System (GSIS), Pag-IBIG, and PhilHealth in 2023, the Commission on Audit (COA) said.

In its 2023 annual audit report, COA said: "Taxes and mandatory contributions of officers and employees of the province, booked up under Due to BIR, GSIS, Pag-IBIG and Philhealth accounts, were not remitted ... thus preventing the national government to utilize earned revenues to finance its priority programs, and may deprive the officials and employees of the province of the full coverage of the services and benefits that could be derived from membership in good standing."

It said that the province's Inter-Agency Payables Year-End Balances showed that the balance due to BIR amounted to P46,919,967.58; due to GSIS was P3,842,646.97; due to Pag-IBIG was P2,521,261.79; and due to PhilHealth was P5,092,924.48. All in all, the total balance due was P58,376,700.82, it also said.

When the audit team members reviewed the general ledger and subsidiary ledgers of the accounts, they discovered deficiencies in the remittances of taxes and mandatory contributions, it noted.

From the amount due to the BIR, the province withheld P165,711,082.57, including P29,949,299.72 from prior years, it said. The province remitted a total of P118,791,114.99 in 2023, which left a year-end balance of P46,919,967.58, it also said.

The GSIS premium contributions and loans of P173,428,162.91, including from prior years of P14,000,180.88, were withheld from the salaries of the offices and employees of the province, COA said. However, the total remittance made in 2023 was P169,585,515.95, which left a year-end balance of P3,842,646.97, it said.

For Pag-IBIG contributions, or those belonging to the Home Development Mutual Fund (HDMF), P13,574,957.44 were withheld from salaries of officials and employees, including P3,186,569.38 withheld from prior years. Since only P11,053,695.65 was remitted in 2023, there was a balance of P2,521,261.79 left, it also said.

The amount of PhilHealth contributions withheld totalled to P19,788,231.52, COA said. With remittances worth P14,695,407.04 made in 2023, there was a remaining balance of P5,092,824.48, it said.

"Ideally, the balance of Due to BIR, GSIS, HDMF, and PhilHealth accounts should be equivalent to zero after remitting the amount withheld within the prescribed period. However, the remittance of the amounts withheld were not strictly observed," the report stated.

By failing to properly remit the taxes and contributions, COA said that state auditors noted that the national government has been prevented from utilizing the earned revenues. 

The province of Northern Samar failed to remit a total of P58 million in taxes and mandatory contributions to agencies such as the Bureau of Internal Revenue, Government Service Insurance System, Pag-IBIG, and PhilHealth in 2023, the Commission on Audit said.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1941938/pnp-akg-nabs-ex-army-for-alleged-kidnapping-of-teen-driver

The Philippine National Police-Anti Kidnapping Group (PNP-AKG) arrested an ex-Army wanted for allegedly kidnapping a teenager and his driver in January.

In a report Saturday, the police group said Alexander Sayson Anobling was arrested in Pasay City on May 16 for the crime of kidnapping for ransom a 15-year-old boy and his driver in Cartimar last January 14.

Police said the victims were rescued on January 15 in Tarlac City.

Authorities said Anobling is a former member of the Philippine Army member, and that his arrest stemmed from a warrant issued by Judge Jehan Sampac Hassiman of Pasay City Regional Trial Court, Branch 11.

The PNP-AKG said Anobling is temporarily detained at their detention facility in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

A former solider has been arrested for kidnapping.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2024/05/19/2356260/ex-cop-2-others-caught-selling-stolen-motorcycles

Three people, including a former police officer, were arrested for allegedly selling stolen motorcycles in Manila on Friday.

Former corporal Mark Joseph Patayan, Jhon Ace Ortiz and Jorje Timothy Guinto were apprehended in a sting at the corner of Domingo Santiago and G. Tuazon streets in Sampaloc at around 4:55 a.m., National Capital Region Police Office director Maj. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said.

The operation was based on a complaint from a man who told probers that he bought a motorcycle from the suspects, unaware that vehicle was stolen.

Acting on the report, police conducted an entrapment operation wherein the complainant again bought a motorcycle in exchange for P117,000.

The suspects were arrested after receiving the marked money. Seized from them were three motorcycles, a 9mm handgun, identification cards and cell phones.

The suspects were charged with estafa while Patayan was slapped with charges of usurpation of authority, falsification of documents and illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.

An ex-cop has been arrested for selling stolen motorcycles. 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/5/21/marbil-9-saf-officers-under-probe-after-2-commandos-caught-providing-security-to-pogo-official

At least nine officers and personnel of the Special Action Force (SAF) are now being investigated for possible connivance after two police commandos were caught providing security services to a foreigner who was found to be an official of the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO).

The two SAF commandos were earlier arrested for causing trouble inside a village in Ayala, Alabang when they engaged in a fist fight. They were identified as Police Corporal George Rojo Mabuti and Patrolman Roger Ramos Valdez, both assigned in Mindanao.

Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil, chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), emphasized that providing security for outsiders of the police force is not in the job description of SAF, the elite force of the national police.

“They cannot provide security. The only unit of the PNP that can give you security is the PSPG (Police Security and Protection Group). Other units are prohibited from doing it, especially SAF,” said Marbil.

After the arrest of Mabuti and Valdez, it was found out that they were supposed to be in Mindanao for police duty. 

Marbil explained that daily accounting of personnel is a protocol in the PNP and their presence in Metro Manila when they were supposed to be with their units in Mindanao means that there was connivance.

“It’s not possible that you will not be accounted for because we account for our personnel on a daily basis. So it is not impossible that they could do it on their own. So we will make sure that those who connive with them will suffer and they will get the consequences of their action,” said Marbil.

So far, at least nine people were already sacked and are subject of the investigation. They include the battalion commander of the SAF unit where the two commandos are assigned, at least two company commanders, the First Sergeant and other SAF personnel in the unit responsible for accounting of the personnel.

They are being investigated for grave irregularity in the performance of duty. 

Mabuti and Valdez are now detained and were already slapped with appropriate criminal charges. A separate investigation for administrative cases is being conducted. 

Two cops with the SAF have been arrested for fighting and have been found moonlighting as security for a POGO offical. Seven of their superiors have also been sacked for allowing them to moonlight as security.

https://mb.com.ph/2024/5/22/coa-flags-design-center-of-the-philippines-for-spending-p1-9-m-budget-for-senior-citizens-persons-with-disabilities-for-other-programs-in-2023

The Design Center of the Philippines (DCP), an agency under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), spent P1.9 million of the budget allocated for senior citizens and persons with disability (SCPDs) for other plans and programs in 2023, the Commission on Audit (COA) said.

In its 2023 annual audit report, COA said that DCP spent P2,480,179.57 for SCPDs. However, it said that upon checking the programs and projects implemented, state auditors discovered that only P567,040.61 was directly spent for SCPDs while P1,913,138.96 went to other plans and programs.

It named three programs and activities that did not address the concerns of SCPDs, namely: the conduct of Technology Workshop for Sourcing, Bleaching, and Dyeing Fibers for Accelerate Sulu Program of the Center of Humanitarian Dialogue and Tumikang Sama-Sama, Inc.; the Pinyapel Investors Forum; and the Design Center 50 years and beyond program which highlighted product development and design in past 50 years.

It pointed out that while there were SCPD participants in the programs, it was found that the main goal of the undertakings did not address the needs and concerns of SCPDs. 

"The primary objectives of these programs were to facilitate workshops and/or promote product development and design, aligning with the agency's mandates. It is merely coincidental that senior citizens and persons with disabilities were present during these programs," the report noted.

"It is imperative to emphasize that programs not directly related to or focused in addressing the concerns of SCPDs should not be included in the accomplishment report. Doing so would risk misrepresentation and inaccurate reporting," it said. 

There were four other programs which cost the agency P567,040.61 and were explicitly designed to address the concerns of SCPDs. COA said these programs were information dissemination of disability prevention to raise awareness of individuals and families at risk of the effects of disability conditions, implementation of DTI-PRAISE that would recognize and award retiring employees, and orientation on retirement benefits with GSIS, Pag-IBIG, and PhilHealth.

COA then recommended that the DCP should ensure that only SCPD-related programs and activities are incorporated in the SCPD accomplishment report in accordance with Section 36 of Republic Act No. 11936, the General Appropriations Act (GAA) of 2023.

It also asked DCP to prepare more realistic programs and activities for SCPDs to address fully the concerns of senior citizens and persons with disabilities in accordance with the provision of  RA 11936.

The Design Center of the Philippines, an agency under the Department of Trade and Industry, spent P1.9 million of the budget allocated for senior citizens and persons with disability for other plans and programs in 2023, the Commission on Audit said.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1943631/ex-councilor-killed-after-claiming-housing-unit-for-milf-in-barmm

A former council member in Mamasapano, Maguindanao del Sur and a member of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) was killed after the ceremonial turn-over of housing units for the former combatants in Em Manor Hotel, Rosary Heights 9 here.

Colonel Querubin Manalang Jr., the city police director, said Abdulrahman Kasid, a resident of Mamasapano, Maguindanao del Norte, was on his way to his car in the hotel parking lot when two gunmen from a grey Toyota Hilux approached and shot him several times using an Armalite rifle.

The victim sustained several gunshot wounds and was immediately brought to the hospital, where a physician declared him dead.

Police Scene of the Crime Operatives (Soco) recovered from the crime scene 10 empty shells of Armalite.

Kasid was one of the recipients of housing units that the Ministry of Human Settlements and Development (MHSD) in the Bangsamoro Region built in Barangay Pimbalakan, Mamasapano town.

He just attended a ceremonial turnover of the units and was on his way back to his vehicle when shot at close range.

During the program, Kasid had lauded BARMM for providing homes for former combatants.

Manalang said police probers were still trying to determine the motive and identities of the attackers.

A former councilor has been asassinated. 

https://mb.com.ph/2024/5/23/barangay-captain-of-buli-in-muntinlupa-shot-killed-by-armed-men

The chairman of Barangay Buli in Muntinlupa was shot and killed by unidentified men on May 22. 

The Muntinlupa Police identified the victim as Barangay Chairman Ronaldo “Kaok” Loresca of Buli. 

According to the police, the shooting happened at about 10:16 p.m. in front of Sole So Blessed Sneakers and Apparel at No. 195 Manuel L Quezon Street, Barangay Buli. 

Based on the initial investigation by the police, Loresca and his companions were seated in front of the store when two male suspects on a motorcycle shot him without any apparent motive and fled towards Sucat. 

One of the suspects was wearing a Joy Ride shirt while the other one was in a black t-shirt. 

Loresca was taken by the barangay ambulance to the Asian Hospital and Medical Center in Alabang. 

Mayor Ruffy Biazon condemned the killing of Loresca. 

“I strongly condemn the senseless killing of my fellow public servant in Muntinlupa, Captain Ronaldo ‘Kaok’ Loresca of Barangay Buli,” the mayor posted on Facebook. 

Biazon said he ordered the Muntinlupa Operations Center to review the CCTV footage and the Muntinlupa Police to immediately investigate the incident to identify the suspects. 

The chairman of Barangay Buli in Muntinlupa was shot and killed by unidentified men on May 22. 

Coronavirus Lockdown: Pandemic Babies, Unfinished Business, and More!

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

During the pandemic many businesses died, remade themselves, or were miraculously born from the ashes of Duterte's economically devastating lockdowns. DAILY by Bo's Coffee is a blend of the last two categories. 

https://pop.inquirer.net/362189/daily-by-bos-coffee-marks-4th-anniversary-at-new-qc-flagship-store-your-ultimate-grab-and-go-caffeine-fix-for-everyday-hustle

Have a craving for bold and flavorful coffee to fuel your daily hustle?

DAILY by Bo’s Coffee (or simply DAILY) is the best friend you look forward to seeing every morning. It gives you that much-needed energy boost to tackle the day’s tasks head on, with a smile. An iced or blended beverage from Daily is the perfect perk-me-up for people who are always on-the-go.

DAILY was born in May 2020 at the peak of the pandemic. It’s the younger sibling to Bo’s Coffee, the nation’s largest homegrown coffee chain, which has been putting the spotlight on Philippine coffee for 28 years. It was created to cater to the market’s evolving needs, a demographic that’s always on-the-go and needed a beverage to keep them on their toes.

Leveraging Bo’s Coffee’s expertise in the industry with a hefty dose of customer experience, DAILY capitalized on the emerging popularity of iced and blended coffee globally. “We started with 10 cloud stores in 2020, all of which were operating at Bo’s Coffee locations to serve grab-and-go coffee. By 2021, we already had 40 cloud stores across Metro Manila and Cebu,” said Rachel Fallarme, SVP-Chief Operating Officer.

A young brand with a cool, playful vibe, DAILY immediately struck a chord with Gen-Zs, young professionals, and college students who love affordable but quality handcrafted iced and blended coffee. As this market segment leads a fast-paced life, DAILY’s on-the-go coffee became an instant hit. By the end of 2022 and when pandemic restrictions were easing up, DAILY opened kiosks and physical stores in San Juan, SM South Mall and in commercial and business districts around the metro.

Surely it helped that this store is an offshoot of Bo's Coffee and not a start-up from scratch. 

The PMA class of 2024 has graduated. They began their term during the pandemic.

https://www.rappler.com/philippines/pandemic-babies-pma-bagong-sinag-class-2024-graduation-may-18-2024/

The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) class that began their training during the COVID-19 pandemic hurdled all the obstacles and finally reached the end of their academic journey. 

Led by the military’s commander-in-chief, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the PMA held the graduation ceremony of the Bagong Sinag Class of 2024 at Fort del Pilar in Baguio City, northern Philippines, on Saturday, May 18. Vice President Sara Duterte and Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr, along with other high-ranking officials, were also present during the ceremony. 

A total of 278 cadets out of the original 350 earned their degrees on Saturday. Dubbed as “pandemic babies,” these cadets had to navigate through stringent health protocols and a shift to online and modular learning. This learning strategy impacted the PMA’s traditional hands-on and communal training environment.

The commencement exercises began with a warm welcome from PMA superintendent Lieutenant General Rowen Tolentino, followed by the presentation of the graduates by Brigadier General Jose Demar Pauly, the PMA’s dean of academics. 

This year’s valedictorian, Cadet First Class Jeneth Elumba from Surigao del Norte, reflected on the extraordinary circumstances that shaped their cadetship.

“Our class, known as the pandemic babies, started our journey in the midst of COVID-19,” Elumba said. “This unique beginning imposed stringent health protocols and forced us to adopt new learning modalities like online classes and modular training. These measures, while challenging, prepared us in unexpected ways for the complexities of military leadership.”

In his speech, Marcos acknowledged the cadets’ resiliency: “Today, you stand before us ready to serve not just as military officers but as leaders who have been tested in extraordinary times. Your ability to adapt and persevere is commendable.”

Yes, all students everywhere went through the same pandemic. Were they honored in such a manner?

Two Miss Universe bets claim they joined the pageant to settle unfinished business from the pandemic. 

https://entertainment.inquirer.net/557043/miss-universe-philippines-bets-from-laguna-pampanga-to-settle-unfinished-business

The Miss Universe Philippines 2024 pageant has attracted a lot of seasoned contestants, among them are two ladies who even brought home international titles—2022 Miss Supermodel Worldwide Alexandra Mae Rosales from Laguna and 2019 Miss Tourism International Cyrille Payumofrom Pampanga.

Both ladies have also taken part in the Binibining Pilipinas pageant, and Payumo even participated in the Mutya ng Pilipinas competition. So why still join the Miss Universe Philippines pageant? The COVID-19 pandemic has something to do with the decision, they said.

“I have unfinished business from Binibining Pilipinas, because, as you know, I joined during the pandemic, and I was working in a hotel that time, and it was really a struggle for me since we were gravely affected that time, so I didn’t have any means or financial resources,” Rosales told INQUIRER.net at the sidelines of the Miss Universe Philippines Sponsors Night held at the Manila Hotel earlier this month.

She joined the Bb. Pilipinas pageant in 2020, but the competition was postponed because of the global health crisis. It resumed in 2021, but there were only a few activities because of the restrictions imposed at that time. “So I ended up being here, and with a lot of activities. And I’m just having fun, and I love it. It would be a good thing even if I don’t win. It’s already a bonus because I was able to experience everything that I didn’t experience in Binibini that time,” the educator shared.

In Payumo’s case, she won her international crown in December 2019, just a couple of months before the world ground to a halt because of COVID-19. “For me it’s also unfinished business. Most of the people know that after I won, there came the pandemic. So I really didn’t enjoy my reign,” she said.

“And this is also my childhood dream, Miss Universe. All of those experiences, those defeats, and victories, are lessons learned for me to be able to join Miss Universe,” continued the statuesque Kapampangan model.

Rosales said the Miss Universe crown is still worth pursuing even after she had already brought honor to the country. “Miss Universe has changed a lot. Before, it’s all about the physical appearance. Now you can see their kindness and their advocacies, and how women are more powerful now, and it shows. And I think a crown gives a woman more power,” she explained.

One lady won the crown in 2019 but did not get to enjoy her reign because of the lockdowns in 2020 and the other did not get to experience the pageant in the fullest manner because of reduced activities in 2021. 

AirAsia Philippines has hosted the Red Star Awards for the first time since the pandemic. This award show recognizes AirAsia's Travel Agency Partners. 

https://newsroom.airasia.com/news/2024/5/16/a-day-of-gratitude-airasia-philippines-celebrates-big-wins-with-travel-agency-partners#gsc.tab=0

For the first time since the onset of the pandemic, AirAsia Philippines hosted the 7th Redstar Awards to celebrate and recognize the significant contributions of its Travel Agency Partners. 

During the 7th Redstar Awards AirAsia Philippines CEO Ricky Isla recalled that Online Travel Agents, Travel and Service Centers, and Travel Agency Partners served as AirAsia’s backbone when the airline was navigating through the pandemic.  

“AirAsia Philippines is winning because of you, our travel agency partners, for keeping the travel and tourism industry alive. We are winning because people believe in what we do here in AirAsia -- providing the best service and travel experience to millions of our guests,” Mr. Isla exalted.

Philippine Travel Agencies Association (PTAA) President Marigel Tankiang Manotok thanked AirAsia for the recognition and committed the support of its members to the airline. “Cheers to AirAsia Philippines, a true champion of affordable travel! May your wings continue to spread and bring dynamism to the Philippine travel industry”, she shared.      

There are over 1,000 AirAsia Travel Agency Partners all throughout the Philippines. Small or big, Mr. Isla noted their contributions were also pivotal to AirAsia’s success. Last year, Travel Agency Partners’ sales accounted for almost 50% of AirAsia’s flight and ancillary revenues.

“As of May 2024, AirAsia is now flying a total of 12 domestic and 13 international destinations. Because of your (Travel Agency Partners) contribution, AirAsia Philippines continues to be the leading airline for leisure destinations such as Thailand, Boracay, Tagbilaran, Tacloban, Panglao, and Cebu”, he added.

AirAsia plans on welcoming the second half of 2024 with the reopening of its Clark Hub backed with flights to new domestic and international destinations. Mr. Isla is banking on the strong support of its partners to help promote Clark as one of the major hubs in the country.    

AirAsia also plans on reopening its Clark Hub in the second half of 2024. 

One Philippine cyclists is being recognized for his efforts to spread cycling awareness.

https://www.philstar.com/campus/sports/2024/05/19/2356341/philippine-cycling-chief-receive-2024-merit-award-asian-body

The Asian Cycling Confederation (ACC) will confer to PhilCycling president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino the 2024 ACC Merit Award during the continental body’s Congress next month in Kazakhstan.

ACC secretary-general Onkar Singh informed Tolentino of the award in a correspondence dated May 16.

“The Executive Committee of the Asian Cycling Confederation has decided to confer the 2024 ACC Merit Award for your exemplary service towards the development of the sport of cycling in your region,” Singh said in his letter to Tolentino.

“I feel honored,” said Tolentino, president of the Philippine Olympic Committee, who was first elected president of the PhilCycling in 2008.

The ACC Congress is scheduled on June 6 at the Hotel Kazakhstan in Almaty.

Under Tolentino’s watch at PhilCycling, Daniel Caluag raced in men’s BMX racing at the London 2012 Olympics and two years later in the Incheon 2014 Asian Games won for the country it’s one and only gold medal.

Tolentino’s also responsible for the county’s only International Cycling Union (UCI)-standard BMX racing track in Tagaytay City which hosted the 2019 Southeast Asian Games and the 2023 ACC Asian championships.

Four Philippine-registered UCI Continental Teams also emerged under Tolentino—7-Eleven-Cliqq by Road Bike Philippines, Go-For-Gold Cycling Team, Victoria Sports Pro Cycling Team and Standard Insurance by Standardized Cycling Team.

In pandemic years 2020 and 2021, Tolentino went beyond competitive cycling by donating dozens of bicycles to various communities when the bike was the most essential mode of transportation during the lockdown.

One of his accomplishments was distributing bicycles during the lockdown.

There are still many COVID-19 variants but the DOH says the nation remains at a low risk. 

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1225177

The Philippines remains at low risk for the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) amid reports of new variants monitored abroad, the Department of Health (DOH) said on Tuesday.

The agency said it was in close coordination with international health authorities in monitoring newly designated Covid-19 variants.

“While there is an observed increase recently, it is small and lower than previously observed increases. Out of the new cases reported, seven had severe or critical disease,” the DOH said in a statement.

The World Health Organization (WHO) Covid-19 Epidemiological Update on May 17 noted three new variants under monitoring (VUM) -- JN.1.18, KP.2 and KP.3 -- which are descendants of JN.1.

As of May 12, only 11 percent or 119 out of 1,117 dedicated Covid-19 intensive care unit (ICU) beds were occupied.

Only 1,238 or 13 percent of dedicated Covid-19 non-ICU beds were used.

Based on hospital reports in the DOH Data Collect application, severe and critical Covid-19 cases admitted in various hospitals total only 116 as of May 12.

About 877 new Covid-19 cases were reported, with an average of 125 cases reported per day from May 7 to 13, 2024.

“Five deaths were recorded, which occurred in the recent two weeks (April 30 to May 13).”

The DOH called on doctors, including their clinics, hospitals, and other health facilities “to accurately and immediately report cases of Covid-19, whether tested by PCR (polymerase chain reaction) or rapid antigen test” as mandated by law.

“This will help guide public health decision-making,” the DOH said.

It's not as if COVID is a deadly disease to worth worrying about. 

The Philippines is teaming up with Lithuania to strengthen both their economies post-pandemic.

https://business.inquirer.net/459617/ph-lithuania-collab-in-future-proof-tech-economic-growth

The Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) has been pushing consistently for vital policy reforms to improve the global competitiveness of the Philippines and enable a sustainable business environment for both local and foreign investors.

Leveraging the visit of the Lithuanian business delegation —headed by Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis and Lithuanian Ambassador to Korea and the Philippines Ričardas Šlepavičius—the MAP International Relations Committee and the MAP Trade, Investments and Tourism Committee bridged two cultures to explore new opportunities, create connections, and cultivate possible business partnerships that will be beneficial to the local private sectors.

With both the Philippines and Lithuania strategically located in Asia and Europe, respectively, it is inevitable to foster a relationship in strengthening both countries’ economic growth, especially through the massive aftermath of the pandemic.

Lithuania, with its open economy and great success particularly derived from their shock-immune industries and strong future technology, makes the country a resilient partner for collaboration in foreign investments in line with the needs of the Philippine market, specifically in health care, energy, technology, manufacturing and telecommunications —in which Lithuania shows expertise. A perfect match.

A perfect match indeed.