Trillanes seeks reversal of arrest, HDO order; hearing set Oct. 12

October 11, 2018 | 8:46 pm

SENATOR ANTONIO F. Trillanes IV has filed an appeal before the Makati City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 150, seeking to set aside its Sept. 25 order for a warrant of arrest and Hold Departure Order against him. A copy of the appeal, which was filed Oct. 1, was released by the court yesterday. Mr. Trillanes posted a bail bond of P200,000 on Sept. 25. In his motion, Mr. Trillanes also sought the denial of the motion of the Department of Justice (DoJ) “for lack of jurisdiction and/or lack of merit.” He cited that his rebellion case in connection with the 2007 Manila Peninsula siege has long been dismissed, and that the Sept. 7, 2011 decision was “final and executory.” He also asserted that the prosecution’s basis on his alleged non-admission of guilt is “strained and/or twisted interpretation” of what he said in a news report. Under existing jurisprudence, Mr. Trillanes cited that it is considered not only as “hearsay” but “double hearsay.” A hearing on the motion is set Friday, Oct. 12, at 9 a.m. — Vann Marlo M. Villegas

Saturday market

October 11, 2018 | 8:45 pm

Goods from at least 30 farmers and fishermen’s organizations around the country will be available, direct from the producers and at farm gate prices, here at the Taguig Lakeshore Hall in Lower Bicutan on Saturday, Oct. 13 as part of the Department of Agriculture’s (DA) roving TienDA Malasakit Store. In a social media post, Agriculture Secretary Emmanuel F. Piñol said this would be the biggest TienDA so far with products such as tuna from General Santos City, bangus from Pangasinan, fruits and vegetables from Mindanao, and tomatoes from Laguna, where farmers recently lost money as they had to dispose tons of unsold harvest. Mr. Piñol said after this partnership with the Taguig City government and earlier with Muntinlupa, the DA aims to bring the TienDA to other parts of Metro Manila.

Trade chief assures no congestion problem at Manila port

October 11, 2018 | 8:45 pm

TRADE AND Industry Secretary Ramon M. Lopez has assured the business sector that there is no problem of congestion at the Port of Manila after he met last Oct. 9 with Bureau of Customs (BoC) Commissioner Isidro S. Lapeña. In a statement yesterday, Mr. Lopez said the “line of trucks that gave the impression of port congestion is caused by the policy of port operators to limit the port entry of empty container vans. The space for empty containers is already fully utilized and allowing more may eat up the space for filled containers.” He added, “The BOC is already increasing their capacity via inland container depots in Laguna and other areas to solve this issue. But rest assured that there is no delay in transporting shipments to and from the port. Mr. Lopez said companies should not worry and consider delaying their shipments, which could affect supply and lead to even higher inflation. The country’s inflation rate, which reflects the prices of basic goods and services, stood at 6.7% in September, the highest in nine years.

Oslob cuts down whale shark watching tourists to 800/day

October 11, 2018 | 8:43 pm

STAKEHOLDERS IN Oslob town have agreed to reduce the number of daily tourists who can go whale shark watching to 800 from 1,000 as part of efforts to balance environmental protection with economic gains. Following a consultative meeting, Cebu Vice Governor Agnes A. Magpale said the number was agreed upon by the tour operators, boatmen, and government agencies that regulate tourism activities in the area. The 800 tourists will be divided among the current 182 boatmen operating in Barangay Tan-awan. The Department of Tourism recommended setting up a reservation center to centralize the booking of guests. Other measures that will be implemented in the popular tourist destination, such as new rates and public facilities, will be discussed in the coming weeks. “Let us not wait for the President to order the closure of Oslob for rehabilitation just like in Boracay,” Ms. Magpale said in Visayan. — The Freeman

7.9 ha in Boracay set as agrarian reform area

October 11, 2018 | 8:42 pm

MEMBERS of the Ati indigenous people of Boracay, with assistance from the Department of Agriculture (DA), are setting up an organic high-value vegetables farm and restaurant in Boracay.

EIGHT LOTS with a total area of 7.9640 hectares has been set as agrarian reform land in Boracay island and will be up for distribution. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Western Visayas (DENR-6) turned over on Oct. 10 the technical documents for the land to the regional office of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR). DENR-6 Regional Executive Director Jim O. Sampulna said the two agencies conducted the joint ground verification on areas suitable for agriculture. Mr. Sampulna said the eight lots, all located in Barangay Manoc-Manoc, are free of structures but there are claimants to the land. DAR will be in charge of settlements prior to distribution to qualified beneficiaries, particularly members of the Ati indigenous group. DAR Assistant Regional Director for Operations Gideon A. Umadhay Jr. said the survey was in response to the statement of President Rodrigo R. Duterte to impose land reform on the resort island. “With that technical document turned over to us, we have now the jurisdiction to conduct survey, approval of survey returns of DENR as well, and likewise the disposition of the 7.9-hectare lots,” he said. DAR aims to distribute the lands by December 2018. — Louine Hope U. Conserva

2 Abu Sayyaf killed, 4 others nabbed in Sulu

October 11, 2018 | 8:41 pm

TWO MEMBERS of the notorious Abu Sayyaf bandit group were killed early morning of Oct. 10 when they resisted arrest by a combined team of the police and Joint Task Force-Sulu, according to a report released yesterday by the military’s Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom). Four other Abu Sayyafs were arrested in the operation in Barangay Kajatian, Indanan, Sulu. The government forces also recovered various weapons and a pack suspected to contain the illegal drug shabu (methamphetamine hydrochloride). WesMinCom said the four arrested suspects have been turned over to the municipal police for further investigation.

Another 6 BIFF members lay down arms after clan war settlement

October 11, 2018 | 8:40 pm

SIX MEMBERS of the rebel group Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) laid down their arms following the settlement of a longstanding clan war in their community in Midconding village in Maguindanao. The BIFF group, led by a man they call Commander Lapu-lapu, presented their firearms on Oct. 10 to Lt. Col Harold M. Cabunoc, commander of the 33^rd (Makabayan) Infantry Battalion (IB). In a statement, the 33^rd IB said the handover event was also attended by six other former BIFF members, led by Dido Malawan, who surrendered last Aug. 9. The 12 rebel returnees received cash assistance from the local government. After the ceremony witnessed by local government officials, Mr. Cabunoc accompanied the men and their relatives to the 80-hectare farm land that has been left idle due to the on-and-off clashes among rival clans. Maguindanao Governor Esmael ‘Toto’ G. Mangudadatu, in a message to the returnees, said they should demonstrate real change by helping their community. “Don’t be blinded by your egoistic interests. Be the agents of change in this village by displaying good deeds,” he said.

Nation at a Glance — (10/12/18)

October 11, 2018 | 8:38 pm

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

Beermen out to break 3-game losing streak

October 11, 2018 | 8:34 pm

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter
THE slumping San Miguel Beermen are out to break from a three-game losing streak in the Philippine Basketball Association Governors’ Cup when they face off with in-form Phoenix Fuel Masters in league action today at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Set for 7 p.m., the Beermen (2-4) try to regain their winning touch in the season-ending PBA tournament to better position themselves in the playoffs.
Currently at eighth place and tinkering with outright elimination midway into the Governors’ Cup, San Miguel has had it rough to date that has seen it change reinforcement while grappling with the absence of superstar big man June Mar Fajardo.
Kevin Murphy, who replaced original import Arizona Reid (injured), has been solid in two games to date for the Beermen, averaging 41 points, 10.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists, but it has not translated to a turnaround yet for the team.
Super rookie Christian Standhardinger, too, has been delivering with numbers of 26.2 points and 10.8 rebounds while Marcio Lassiter, Arwind Santos, Alex Cabagnot and Chris Ross have been steady as well.
Unfortunately for the team though, they have yet to pick their collective groove to put up a sustained fight.
Despite their current predicament, San Miguel coach Leo Austria remains confident that they can still turn their campaign around and perform well moving forward.
“We just have to stay confident and not doubt ourselves. We still have a chance,” said Mr. Austria of their situation at the moment.
Meanwhile, looking to add to the misery of the Beermen is Phoenix (6-2), which is off a steam-rolling of the NLEX Road Warriors, 123-97, on Oct. 10.
The Fuel Masters used a massive first half that had them scoring 71 points to dominate the Road Warriors and move to joint fourth place in the tournament.
Import Eugene Phelps had a huge double-double of 51 points and 20 rebounds to go along with three blocks to lead Phoenix.
Calvin Abueva had 17 points while Matthew Wright had 10 points and seven assists.
The win was a bounce-back for the Fuel Masters who lost to the Barangay Ginebra San Miguel Kings, 101-99, in their previous game.
“We’re back and I like where we are at right now,” said Phoenix coach Louie Alas after their latest win.
Set to play in the 4:30 p.m. opener, meanwhile, are the struggling Meralco Bolts (1-5) and Northport Batang Pier (1-6).

UAAP first round ends; NCAA: Knights vs Altas

October 11, 2018 | 8:34 pm

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter
AN EVENTFUL first round of the eliminations of Season 81 of the University Athletic Association of the Philippines comes to an end on Saturday, Oct. 13, with a double-header set at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Struggling teams National University and University of the East collide in the 2 p.m. opener to be followed by the tussle between league-leading Adamson University and De La Salle University at 4 p.m.
Currently bottom-scraping with an identical 1-5 record, the Bulldogs and Red Warriors try to avert being the sole tailender as the first half of the season ends in their collision today.
NU has lost five straight since opening its Season 81 campaign with a victory.
The Bulldogs had a chance to wiggle out of their slump in their last game against the University of the Philippines but could not complete their comeback after failing to execute their play in the end to bow, 89-88.
The Warriors, for their part, are coming off a shellacking at the hands of the University of Santo Tomas, 80-66.
The loss sent UE back to the ground after breaking through with its first victory of the season over Far Eastern University, 90-65, previously.
In the second game, Adamson (5-1) tries to bounce back after absorbing its first loss of the tournament at the hands of FEU, 88-85, in overtime in its last assignment.
The defeat effectively ended the Falcons’ chances of finishing at least the first round with an unblemished record.
On the other end, La Salle (3-4) looks to finish the first half with a winning record.
The Green Archers lost to rivals Ateneo Blue Eagles in their previous game, 71-55.
AT THE NCAA
Meanwhile at the National Collegiate Athletic Association, top-half teams Letran Knights and Perpetual Help Altas battle today at 12 noon at the FilOil Flying V Centre, with the end of view of fortifying their place in the Final Four and build as much momentum as possible heading into the playoffs.
The Knights (12-4), winners of their last five games, have assured themselves of a spot in the Final Four with a 79-61 victory over the San Sebastian Stags on Oct. 9.
As of this writing they still have a shot at the top two — currently occupied by the San Beda Red Lions and Lyceum Pirates — but expressed readiness for wherever they wind up in the playoffs.
The Altas (11-5), for their part, seal a playoff spot with a victory today over the Knights, shutting the door on the College of St. Benilde Blazers (8-7). The latter though has a game set for later on Thursday against Lyceum which could determine their playoff fate.
Season 94 host Perpetual Help is streaking with six straight victories heading into the game.
Other NCAA matches are the Mapua Cardinals (5-11) versus San Sebastian (4-12) at 2 p.m. and Emilio Aguinaldo College Generals (4-13) against the Jose Rizal University Heavy Bombers (2-14) at 4 p.m.

Azkals, Oman in international friendly this weekend

October 11, 2018 | 8:33 pm

PART of its preparations for the AFF Suzuki Cup 2018 and AFC Asian Cup 2019, the Philippine national men’s football team will play Oman in a FIFA international friendly match on Oct. 13 in Doha, Qatar.
The friendly will mark the first time in 17 years that the nations will face one another.
Oman topped the Philippines the last time they met at the World Cup qualifiers in 2001, winning, 2-0, and 7-0, respectively.
The two teams are seeing action at the AFC Asian Cup in the United Arab Emirates next year, with the Azkals lumped in Group C and Oman in Group F.
In relation to the scheduled friendly in Qatar, the Philippine Football Federation released early this the names of the players called up to make up the pool for international duty.
Heading the list are goalkeepers Neil Etheridge (Cardiff City FC) and Michael Falkesgaard (Bangkok United).
Joining them are defenders Amani Aguinaldo, Stephan Palla, Simone Rota, Daisuke Sato and Martin Steuble; midfielders Kevin Ingreso, Paul Mulders, Manny Ott, Mike Ott, Iain Ramsay, Adam Tull, Dennis Villanueva, Luke Woodland, and James Younghusband; and forwards Jovin Bedic, Curt Dizon, Javier Patino, Patrick Reichelt and Phil Younghusband.
Also invited were defender Alvaro Silva (Kedah FA) and midfielders Amin Nazari (IFK Mariehamm, and John-Patrick Strauss (FC Erzgebrige Aue).
The Azkals, now coached by Scott Cooper, are coming off a stint in the 2018 Bangabandhu Cup in Bangladesh where they reached the semifinals before bowing out. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo

Astros’ Verlander, Red Sox’s Sale to pitch Game 1 of ALCS

October 11, 2018 | 8:32 pm

NEW YORK — Houston Astros ace Justin Verlander will face off against his Boston Red Sox counterpart, Chris Sale, when the two teams meet in Game 1 of the American League Championship Series (ALCS) on Saturday.
Game 2 on Sunday will see Astros right-hander Gerrit Cole duel Red Sox southpaw David Price.
Price’s nod is perhaps the biggest surprise of the group. The left-hander has a history of struggles in the postseason as a starter, a narrative that was strengthened by his performance in Game 2 of the American League Division Series against the New York Yankees.
Price allowed three runs on three hits — two of which were home runs — and two walks in 1 2/3 innings against the Yankees.
“We trust him,” Red Sox manager Alex Cora said after Price’s rough start. “He bounced back before. We’ll talk to him and make a few adjustments, and we’ll go from there.”
Price is 0-9 with a 6.03 ERA in 10 career postseason starts.
Cole, meanwhile, dominated in his first playoff start with the Astros, striking out 12 and allowing just one run on three hits in seven innings in a Game 2 win over the Cleveland Indians during the ALDS.
Sale and Verlander facing off is a rematch of Game 1 of last year’s ALDS between the Red Sox and Astros. Houston won the contest 8-2, with Verlander allowing two runs in six innings to earn the win. Sale allowed seven runs on nine hits — three home runs — in five innings.
The right-handed Verlander allowed two runs on two hits and struck out seven across 5 1/3 innings in his Game 1 win over the Indians.
The left-handed Sale beat the Yankees in Game 1, then came out of the bullpen to pitch the eighth inning of Boston’s decisive Game 4 victory on Tuesday. Sale threw 13 pitches in a perfect frame. — Reuters