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American held after baby found in her bag

GOVERNMENT agents yesterday filed a human trafficking complaint against an American who got arrested for trying to sneak out of the country a six-day old infant without proper travel documents.

National Bureau of Investigation agents caught Jennifer Erin Talbot at the boarding gate of Manila’s international airport yesterday while carrying the infant inside a sling bag, Manuel M. Dimaano, head of the bureau’s International Airport Investigation unit, told a briefing.

She managed to pass through the immigration counter without declaring the baby.

Ms. Talbot is also facing complaints for kidnapping and serious illegal detention and violation of the law against child abuse, the NBI said in a statement.

The foreigner failed to present a travel clearance issued by the Department of Social Welfare and Development for the infant, Mr. Dimaano said.

While the suspect presented some forms for the baby’s travel clearance, she did not have clearance from the Social Welfare department, he said.

The affidavit of consent and support supposedly executed by the infant’s mother for the baby’s travel to the United States also does not have her signature, according to the bureau.

Ms. Talbot did not have a criminal record, Mr. Dimaano said, citing the US Embassy in Manila.

Maricris C. Dulap, the mother of the baby and the unnamed father were included in the complaint for child abuse. — Vann Marlo M. Villegas

DoJ asked to junk sedition complaint

TWO former opposition senators and a losing senatorial candidate have separately asked government prosecutors to dismiss sedition charges against them.

In separate filings, former Senators Antonio F. Trillanes IV and Paolo Benigno A. Aquino IV and senatorial bet Samira Gutoc-Tomawis denied allegations or that they were involved in the so-called destabilization plot against the government of President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

Police have charged the three along with Vice-President Maria Leonor G. Robredo and other prominent lawyers and Catholic Church leaders with inciting to sedition, cyber libel, libel, estafa, harboring a criminal and obstruction of justice.

They have been accused of seeking the ouster of President Rodrigo R. Duterte through a series of videos linking him and his family to illegal drugs.

Mr. Trillanes denied charges that he was the source of documents that became the basis of the videos “I had no knowledge and/or participation in the production or propagation” of the videos, he said.

Mr. Aquino also denied having participated at a meeting in where the destabilization plot was hatched.

Ms. Tomawis said the allegations against her were lies. “They are devoid of any merit and deserve scant consideration.”

Ms. Robredo earlier asked the Justice department to order the police to give her copies of all the evidence in the sedition complaint against her and 35 other people.

The opposition leader accused the police of violating her rights by withholding evidence. Ms. Robredo also asked the Justice department to defer the filing of her counter-affidavit pending receipt of the police’s so-called evidence.

Police last month filed a complaint of inciting to sedition, cyberlibel, libel, estafa, harboring a criminal and obstruction of justice against Ms. Robredo and other people whom it accused of circulating a video linking President Duterte.

Also sued was Peter Joemel Advincula, the self-confessed drug dealer who was featured in the videos.

Mr. Advincula had sought legal assistance in filing charges against members of the drug syndicate he formerly belonged to. Later that month, he surrendered to police over estafa charges, and tagged the Liberal Party as behind the propaganda.

The Liberal Party has accused the government of political harassment and persecution, saying the complaint is based on lies.

Human Rights Watch has called on authorities to drop the “preposterous complaint,” saying it is a transparent attempt to harass and silence critics of the government’s bloody war on drugs.

A conviction for incitement to sedition carries a maximum penalty of six years in jail. — Vann Marlo M. Villegas

Quirino celebrates Panagdadapun Festival

GETTING TO Quirino requires a long journey — either by plane from Manila to neighboring airports plus a one to three-hour drive, or an eight-hour land trip — but the province promises attractions that would make it worthwhile.

It’s eco-tourism attractions include the Aglipay Caves and Provincial Forest Park, Siitan Nature Park in Nagtipunan, Governor Rapids at the Cagayan River in Maddela, and numerous waterfalls inside forests.

Quirino is home to various indigenous people (IP) groups and an immersion experience at their communities could be arranged through the municipal governments, particularly with the Bugkalot or Ilongot tribe, which was once known for their head-hunting tradition.

The other IPs are the Dumagat, Ifugao, Isinay, and Gaddang, while the lowland settlers are dominated by the Ilocanos. The cultural heritage of these groups are featured at the Quirino Provincial Museum in the capital Cabarroguis.

There is also a newly-opened watersports complex, which will be the site of the first Quirino Invitational Wakeboarding Competition, one of the main events for this year’s celebration of the Panagdadapun Festival from Sept. 6-10.

Quirino Governor Dakila Carlo E. Cua said this year’s celebration, the 21st for the festival and marking the 48th founding anniversary of the province, “is special” because of recognitions on its good governance.

Quirino has been awarded the Seal of Good Local Governance from 2015-2018 financial administration, disaster preparedness, social protection, and peace and order.

The Cabarroguis Homestay Association also received last year an ASEAN Homestay Award for its program supporting the local tourism industry.

Mr. Cua said these “accolades are in line with the Quirino’s vision of being the prime agro-industrial and eco-tourism destination in Cagayan Valley.”

The Panagdadapun, which means “gathering” in the Ilocano language, will be capped on Sept. 10 with a street dance parade showcasing the festivals of the different municipalities. — Marifi S. Jara

9 establishments closed: No more bar curfew, but Iloilo City gets stricter on regulations

NINE ESTABLISHMENTS have been shut down by the Iloilo City government for violations of Executive Order (EO) No. 46, which regulates bars and other leisure spots. Mayor Jerry P. Treñas issued the closure order on Tuesday based on the recommendation of the implementing team composed of different departments and task forces. The nine establishments are: Camp Jefferson Disco Pub, Angel A Resto, Sinukad GP Seafood Restaurant, Bull & Barrel Gastro Pub, HQ Beercade, Floyd’s Famous BBQ, Paraiso After 5 Disco Cafe and Restaurant Bar, Project Ex Sports Bar and Resto, and Juan’s Martha Foods Corporation. EO 46, which repealed a 2017 order that set a 2 a.m. curfew for nightspots, contains guidelines on security as well as the strict implementation of the city’s no-smoking ordinance and prohibition of serving alcoholic drinks to minors. The curfew was lifted after establishments promised to comply with policies to avoid violent incidents that prompted the restriction two years ago. The closed establishments are required to secure a clearance from the Business Permit and Licensing Office before they can resume operations. — Emme Rose S. Santiagudo

APO Cement adjusts delivery operations to help ease Naga City traffic

APO CEMENT Corp. has agreed to stop the movement of its delivery trucks during peak hours of the day to help address the traffic problem in Naga City, according to Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn F. Garcia. Following a meeting with company officials, Ms. Garcia said they committed to adjust transport operations between 7–9 a.m. and 1–7 p.m. to avoid obstructing traffic along the national highway. “I said we’ve been having so many meetings… and this has been taxing already on those who are using this national road,” Ms. Garcia said. The governor said the provincial government will be deploying traffic personnel to monitor the situation in the area. “That is just for starters because we never know whether there are other times of the day where we could experience traffic build-up,” she said.

Roxas Night Market eyed as maximum security zone

THE NIGHT Market along Roxas Avenue in Davao City, site of a bombing in September 2016, will be recommended for declaration as a maximum security zone. Task Force Davao Commander Colonel Consolito P. Yecla said in a news conference that Councilor Mabel Sunga Acosta will draft the recommendation for the declaration, which will have to be approved by the city council. Last Aug. 1, the San Pedro Square was declared as a maximum security zone, which means the area would be controlled through an entry point and monitored 24/7 by peace-keeping forces. Mr. Yecla said tighter security measures will also be permanently implemented, such as the no-backpack and no-jacket policies. These measures are usually put in place during major events such as the Kadayawan Festival. Task Force Davao will also be conducting anti-terrorism awareness seminars for stakeholders of the night market as well as the surrounding communities. “The bulk of our activity now is to establish security measures by engaging the community like conducting anti-terrorism awareness seminar that will be participated in by those residing in the vicinity of Roxas Avenue… vendors, tricykad (3-wheeled vehicle) drivers, push cart boys, [and] security guards of the establishments operating in the area,” Mr. Yecla said. — Maya M. Padillo

PDIC to bid out 76 properties around Mindanao

A TOTAL of 76 closed banks’ assets, located in different parts of Mindanao, will be bid out on an “as-is, where is” basis by the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC). In a statement, PDIC said sealed bids from direct buyers will be accepted by the PDIC Real and Other Properties Acquired (ROPA) Disposal Committee on October 2, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Unit 80, 8th Floor, Landco Corporate Center, Pryce Business Park in Davao City. Bids will be opened the following day, October 3, at the same venue starting at 10:00 a.m. Up for bidding are 49 residential lots, 19 residential lots with improvement, three commercial lots, two commercial lots with improvement, and three mixed-use residential/commercial lots with improvement. These properties are located in Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Bukidnon, Compostela Valley, Davao del Norte, Davao Occidental, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Oriental, South Cotabato and Zamboanga del Norte. The complete list of properties is posted on the PDIC Assets for Sale site, http://assetsforsale.pdic.gov.ph.

Nation at a Glance — (09/06/19)

News stories from across the nation. Visit www.bworldonline.com (section: The Nation) to read more national and regional news from the Philippines.

Nation at a Glance — (09/06/19)

UAAP 82: UST out to build on opening-day victory

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter

GOT their University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 82 campaign to a winning start, the University of Santo Tomas Growling Tigers look to build on it and continue rolling with a team that they are high on being able to get it done.

Defeated the University of the East Red Warriors, 95-82, on opening day on Wednesday, UST said the win was a huge boost for the team as it embarks on another run in the UAAP where it is angling to continue to improve as a group and wind up with a better finish than last year.

“It feels good to win your first game because it gives you confidence, boosts your morale, especially if you have nine newcomers. With a lot of new players in the team you want their game to come out right way to set the tone,” said UST coach Aldin Ayo, whose wards finished sixth in Season 81 with a 5-9 record.

“I’m very grateful that in our very first game of the season the game of the players came out. We have nine newcomers this year. Hopefully we get to keep our focus to reach the objective we have set for this season,” he added.

Among the newcomers for the Tigers is forward Rhenz Abando.

Abando did not waste much time in introducing himself in the UAAP, leading his team to the impressive victory over UE.

The Pangasinense rookie, who transferred from Philippine College of Science and Technology, immediately made his presence felt for the Growling Tigers he made his way to 22 points on top of his four rebounds, three assists, and two steals.

Beninese high-flyer Soulemane Chabi Yo also impressed in his UST debut with his double-double outing of 19 points, 12 rebounds, and one block, while Brent Paraiso and Sherwin Concepcion combined for 20 points.

The Tigers took control of the game early and never relinquished it the rest of the way.

Mr. Ayo said it is still early in the season and they expect the competition to get even tighter.

But he expressed his team’s readiness to take on the challenge with the rest of the team learning along the way.

Next for UST is a match-up with fellow opening-day winners University of the Philippines Fighting Maroons (1-0) on Saturday at 4 p.m. at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Also playing on said date are the Adamson Soaring Falcons (0-1) and National University Bulldogs at 2 p.m.

Meanwhile, on Sunday, Sept. 8, games will see UE (0-1) against the Far Eastern University Tamaraws (0-1) at 12 noon and the marquee match between rivals Ateneo Blue Eagles (1-0) and De La Salle Green Archers at 4 p.m. Venue is also at the Big Dome.

Gilas battles Tunisia in start of classification round

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter

HAD it rough in group play in the ongoing FIBA Basketball World Cup in China where it finished winless in Group D, Gilas Pilipinas now looks to catch a break in the classification round beginning with Tunisia today.

Playing at the Beijing Wukesong Sport Arena at 8 p.m., Gilas will try to finish as high as it can in the classification for places 17-32 to at least ease the sting of what has been a “nightmare” of a campaign to date in the world basketball spectacle.

The Philippines opened their bid by being routed mightily in its first two games by Italy and Serbia, in that order, by an average margin of 52.5 points.

Its misery continued on Wednesday when it lost to Angola, 84-81, in overtime in its last game in group play, leaving it winless in three matches and bottom of its grouping, behind Serbia (3-0), Italy (2-1) and Angola (1-2).

“Still disappointed but at least we had a chance to win the game. Still kinda frustrating because we can’t make our three-point shots. Still not enough for us to win and we had some bad breaks…” said Gilas head coach Yeng Guiao after finishing their group play assignment.

As a team, the Philippines is just shooting 36.2%, 30th in the 32-team field, and a measly 18.3% from the beyond the arc (31st).

It is the second-most turnover-prone team in the tournament with 16.3 per contest, behind only Jordan with 19 TOs while it is 29th in assists with 13.3 dimes.

Guard CJ Perez has been a revelation for Gilas in his first big tournament with the seniors, leading the team in scoring with 16 points per game to go along with three rebounds, three assists and a steal.

Naturalized player Andray Blatche has struggled with numbers of 14.3 points, 8.7 rebounds and five turnovers per game. He, however, played his best game so far last time versus Angola, finishing with 23 points and 12 rebounds.

Robert Bolick is the third leading scorer of the team with a 7.7-point average.

Meanwhile, Gilas’ opponent Tunisia finished third in Group C with a 1-2 record.

Its losses came at the hands of Spain and Puerto Rico, leaving it missing the cut to move to the next round of the tournament.

The Puerto Rico loss, 67-64, on Wednesday was telling as it dropped the axe on its push to go deeper.

Leading the way for Tunisia is big man Salah Mejri, who plays for the Dallas Mavericks in the National Basketball Association, with team-highs of 17 points and 10.3 rebounds per game.

Michael Roll has been good for 12.3 points with Makram Ben Romdhane adding 11.7 points.

The Philippines-Tunisia game will be shown live over TV5 and ESPN5.com.

Azkals yield to Syria, 5-2, in Bacolod

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter

THE Philippine men’s national football team got tripped in the opener of its campaign in the second round of joint qualification for the World Cup 2022 and Asian Cup 2023, losing to Syria, 5-2, in a home game on Thursday at the Panaad Park and Football Stadium in Bacolod City.

Had a promising start to the contest, the Azkals could not keep in step with the Syrians, who steadily found their mark as the match progressed to frustrate the home side and make their way to the Group A victory.

Javier Patino got things going for the Philippines, scoring early to make it 1-0 for the Azkals in the sixth minute.

But visiting Syria immediately got the goal back eight minutes later as Omar Al Soma headed a cross to level the count at 1-all.

It kept the pressure on the Philippines, eventually rewarded in the 30th minute when Khaleb Mobayed found the bottom of the net to help his team to the 2-1 advantage in the 30th minute.

The two teams went back and forth after but the score would not change by the halftime break.

At the start of the second half, the Azkals found themselves buried deeper when captain Firas Al-Khatib capitalized on a handball inside by Daisuke Sato, scoring on a penalty shot to push Syria to a 3-1 lead with just three minutes lapsing in the restart.

Things continued to get worse for the Philippines as Al Soma scored his second goal for the match in the 55th minute to make it a commanding 4-1 advantage for the visitors.

The Philippines tried to fashion out a comeback, changing personnel along the way, coming to within two points, 4-2, in the 83rd minute care of Mike Ott.

But Syria restored order and command with another goal two minutes later from Mahmoud Al Mawas to stretch its lead to three points anew, 5-2, before going on and completing the win.

“We had a good start but after that we relaxed a bit and they scored against us. This is a good team we faced but we also have a good coach and team and we just have to play our next games as if they are our last,” said Patino after their defeat.

The Azkals will have an opportunity to redeem themselves in an away match against Guam on Sept. 10.

The other team in Group A of the qualifiers is China.

All-Filipino world title fight set in Taguig this weekend

AFTER a very long time, an all-Filipino world boxing title fight happens on Philippine soil as Samuel Salva and Pedro Taduran dispute the vacant International Boxing Federation (IBF) minimumweight crown on Saturday.

Happening at the Jurado Hall inside the Philippine Marine Corps headquarters at Fort Bonifacio, Taguig, the clash marks the first time that Filipino fighters get it going for a world title here following that between Pancho Villa and Clever Sencio almost a century ago, something that has so much significance, organizers said.

“The last time was when Pancho Villa defended the world flyweight title against Clever Sencio in 1925. This is an exciting time for Filipino boxers,” said Sean Gibbons, international matchmaker and president of Manny Pacquiao’s MP Promotions, during his return session for the Philippine Sportswriters Association Forum on Tuesday.

MP Promotions is the organizer of the title fight, its second in less than a month following the successful staging of the world title clash between Filipino John Riel Casimero and Mexican Cesar Ramirez for the interim World Boxing Organization bantamweight title on Aug. 24.

Mr. Gibbons said the Salva-Taduran fight is a continuation of their group’s push to look after the welfare of Filipino boxers.

Mr. Salva is undefeated in 17 fights and is out to stay unblemished. He last fought in March this year, beating compatriot Rene Mark Cuarto by unanimous decision.

His opponent Taduran, meanwhile, sports a record of 13-2, with 10 wins by way of knockout. He bounced back from a loss in his last fight in December 2018, defeating Jeffrey Galero by knockout.

The Salva-Taduran fight is free to the public.

The PSA Forum is presented by San Miguel, Braska Restaurant, Amelie Hotel, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo

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