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LTFRB to lift moratorium on ride-sharing franchises Feb. 3

By Patrizia Paola C. Marcelo
Reporter

THE LAND Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) is set to lift on Feb. 3 its moratorium on acceptance of franchise applications for ride-sharing vehicles.

“By Feb. 3,” Chairman Martin B. Delgra III said in a phone interview. “We gave ourselves and TNCs [transport network companies] time to prepare.”

The LTFRB last week set its common base supply of TNC vehicles at a cap of 45,000 vehicles in Metro Manila and nearby provinces, 500 for Metro Cebu, and 200 for Pampanga.

Mr. Delgra said in an earlier statement the idea of a common base supply came from the transport network vehicle service (TNVS) operators and “dual citizen” drivers or those accredited in more than one TNC, adding that with the new order, TNCs are now “free to get the supply” for their networks.

He noted that the ceiling of 45,000 for Metro Manila was determined in light of the churn rate, number of full-time and part-time TNVS drivers, peak and off-peak hours, number of bookings, and others.

The LTFRB will review the number or the cap every three months.

Board Member Aileen Lourdes A. Lizada previously said they aimed to put a cap to also avoid the increasing number of vehicles on the roads.

The cap would take effect on Feb. 3, and acceptance of applications for franchise can then resume.

The LTFRB last year ordered TNCs to stop the processing of applications while it set out to craft regulations on ride sharing. It held several technical working group (TWG) meetings with TNCs.

Uber Philippines (Uber Systems, Inc.) has yet to give a statement, but Grab Philippines (MyTAXI.PH, Inc.) head of public affairs Leo Emmanuel Gonzales said the cap is not enough, noting that around 75,000 to 80,000 vehicles are needed to cover demand.

DoE allows power firms with pending CoCs to trade on WESM

THE Department of Energy (DoE) said it had agreed with the Philippine Electricity Market Corp. (PEMC) to allow power generation companies with expired certificates of compliance (CoC) — including those with pending applications — to continue operating and trading at the wholesale electricity spot market (WESM).

“The move aims to protect electricity consumers by preventing disruptions in WESM transactions while the ERC (Energy Regulatory Commission) issue is being sorted out, “ DoE Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi said in a statement on Sunday.

The resolution on the agreement between the DoE and the board of directors of PEMC, the operator of the spot market, is in line with Mr. Cusi’s pronouncement that he would not allow any disruption in the country’s power supply.

The move comes in view of fears about possible delays in the processing of CoC applications with the ERC as a result of the suspension of four commissioners.

“The paramount consideration is the overall protection of public interest and the security of the supply of power. This is needed for the Philippines to meet its economic targets. This should take precedence over administrative issuances especially when an administrative body is unable to act,” Mr. Cusi said.

ERC Chairman Agnes T. Devanadera did not immediately respond when asked to comment on the DoE issuance. The DoE said it asked the Office of the President thrice last year to give it supervision over ERC administrative matters.

In its statement yesterday, the DoE said Mr. Cusi had directed PEMC and his department to work closely with the ERC to ensure the continuing operation of existing plants and to allow power generation from new plants that will be completed.

The CoC is proof that a power plant complies with the applicable regulations clearing it as safe to switch on and operate. Revised ERC CoC Rules of 2014 state that no person or entity may engage in electricity generation unless it has secured a CoC from the ERC to operate a generation facility.

Under the DoE-PEMC resolution, which was approved on Thursday, power generation companies with expired certificates can continue trading upon proof of submission of their application for the renewal of their CoC with ERC.

“New plants will also be permitted to trade or submit offers to the WESM upon proof of completion of testing and commissioning and other requirements for the issuance of a CoC,” Mr. Cusi said.

He explained that the certificate is a requirement for the registration and continuing participation of generation companies in the WESM.

“About 26 generation companies with a total of 3,314.60 MW generating capacities have expired or have expiring CoCs in 2018,” he said.

“Additional new capacities of at least 720 MWs are also expected to go into commercial operation within the next few months. If not allowed to participate in the WESM, the available electricity supply in the market will be curtailed, which can result in higher market clearing prices,” he said.

Mr. Cusi said that as the dry season approaches, the use of electricity is anticipated to increase. He said the DoE “is monitoring the situation to ensure the sufficiency of supply to meet the rising demand.”

The four ERC commissioners, along with the previous ERC chairman, were ordered suspended for one year by the Office of the Ombudsman in connection with the revised implementation date of the competitive selection process (CSP), which it said favored a few power supply contracts. — Victor V. Saulon

Gov’t decided on nonrenewal of Miascor contract

THE GOVERNMENT has rejected the appeal of Miascor Groundhandling Corp. for the reinstatement of its contract in major airports after President Rodrigo R. Duterte ordered its termination last week due to theft complaints.

“There is nothing to appeal as government has no existing contract with Miascor Groundhandling Corp. The Manila International Airport Authority’s (MIAA) lease and concession agreement contract with Miascor has already expired,” Presidential Spokesperson Herminio Harry L. Roque, Jr. said on Sunday, Jan. 21.

The spokesman added that “the position of the MIAA is not to renew the contract following its expiration because of many cases/instances of pilferage, both in the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and Clark International Airport. These include the theft committed to the wife of a Turkish diplomat and the alleged involvement of a Miascor supervisor with illegal drugs.”

Mr. Roque also stressed that “we have to look at the bigger picture: Our national interest is of paramount importance. In particular, we need to protect airport travelers from baggage theft, especially overseas Filipino workers who work so hard to earn a living, and to make sure that potential tourists and investors are not turned off by such incidents at the airport.”

On the proposal to create presidential action desks at the country’s airports, Mr. Roque said: “NAIA authorities have been proven effective in this regard. Our airport authorities have assured us that there will be no service disruption that will affect the traveling public.”

Apart from NAIA and Clark, Miascor also operates at the airports in Cebu, Davao, and Kalibo. — Arjay L. Balinbin

Titlists Stipe Miocic and Daniel Cormier retain UFC belts

By Michael Angelo S. Murillo
Senior Reporter

ULTIMATE Fighting Championship (UFC) titleholders Stipe Miocic and Daniel “DC” Cormier retained their respective belts following victories at “UFC 220” yesterday in Boston, Massachusetts.

Mr. Miocic made it three straight successful title defenses of his heavyweight championship by outlasting and outworking challenger Francis “The Predator” Ngannou in their headlining five-rounder while Mr. Cormier retained the light heavyweight title with a dominating performance over challenger Volkan “No Time” Oezdemir that culminated with a technical knockout win by way of punches in the second round.

The heavyweight title clash got off to an exhilarating start with both fighters connecting with hits as they jockeyed for position in establishing control of the match.

As the fight wore on though, Mr. Ngannou, who is accustomed to short finishes in the cage on the strength of his power, just could not sustain the high energy as he fell prey to the takedowns and ground and pound of the champion which proved to have drained him a lot.

In the fifth round, Mr. Ngannou just did not have enough left and just spent most of the time surviving en route to the unanimous decision loss, 50-44, 50-44 and 50-44.

“I’m the scariest. I’m the baddest. But it was tough. The fight was the way I expected it,” said Mr. Miocic (17-2) after the win.

For Mr. Ngannou (11-2), he said he might have underestimated Mr. Miocic and nonetheless congratulated the latter for a deserving victory.

BACK TO WINNING
In the co-main event light heavyweight title showdown, Mr. Cormier (20-1, one no contest) stamped his class as a champion fighter by dominating Swiss Oezdemir.

Mr. Oezdemir did not waste much time engaging, landing some solid hits to the head of Mr. Cormier.

The American champion eventually hit his strides as the opening round progressed. He managed to hurt his opponent with jabs and punches before bringing him down after grabbing one of his legs.

On his back, Mr. Oezdemir tried desperately to fend off the rear-naked choke that Mr. Cormier put on him in the closing seconds and was just lucky to have been saved by the bell.

Mr. Cormier sustained his fine form in the second round, going for the challenger’s leg anew and successfully pulled him down to the ground.

It was only a matter time before Mr. Cormier went for the finish, going on a crucifix position and creating damage then unleashing a barrage of punches to which Mr. Oezdemir had answer to, prompting the referee to stop the fight with 120 seconds left in the second.

Considering the rough patch of late he had in the Octagon, the significance of the victory was not lost to Mr. Cormier.

“It’s great to win again,” said the champion in the post-fight interview inside the cage.

“It’s because of my greatest rival, but it feels good to get back in here and get a victory. I’ve lost twice to Jon Jones. As I came into this fight, I felt as though I was fighting for a vacant title again because (Jones) beat me last time. I fought for a vacant title and I got the job done, so I’m the UFC champion again,” he added.

With the loss, Mr. Oezdemir (15-2) saw his five-fight winning streak come to an end.

In earlier fights, featherweight Calvin Kattar defeated Shane Burgos by TKO (punches) in the third round, light heavyweight Gian Villante edged Francimar Barroso by split decision (30-27, 28-29 and 30-27), bantamweight Ron Font beat Thomas Almeida by TKO (head kicks and punches) in the second round.

Next for the UFC is “UFC on Fox” on Jan. 28 (Manila time) in Charlotte, North Carolina, that will be headlined by the middleweight rematch between Ronaldo “Jacare” Souza and Derek Brunson.

In the Philippines, Cignal TV, the country’s foremost direct-to-home (DTH) company, is the home of the UFC after the two groups agreed to an extensive deal that will see the UFC beamed on various platforms.

Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League teams rise to 10 as Quezon City, Imus make last-minute entry

QUEZON CITY and Imus have become the latest inclusion in the growing Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) family, becoming the ninth and 10th member, respectively.

Their entry was formalized when they signed a contract just recently.

Quezon City was headed by Councilor Onyx Crisologo, a staunch supporter of the city’s sports program while Imus was represented by Mayor Emmanuel Maliksi.

“Quezon City is a late entry and I would like to thank Commissioner Kenneth (Duremdes). We prepared for this for two weeks. Our squad is composed of ex-pros, but most of our players will be coming from the collegiate ranks. We were not able to join the pre-season, but Quezon City has been joining many leagues. We’re very competitive,” said Mr. Crisologo.

Coaching Quezon City Capitals is Vis Valencia.

Speaking on behalf of Imus, former PBA player Nandy Garcia told BusinessWorld that they’re surprised to be included in the MPBL.

“We’re surprised and that’s what we intend to do as well in the coming MPBL, to surprise the other teams,” said Mr. Garcia, who played for Ginebra San Miguel, Sarsi and Alaska in the PBA.

These two teams will join Batangas Athletics-Tanduay, Bulacan Kuyas, Caloocan Supremos, Muntinlupa Cagers, Navotas Clutch, Parañaque Patriots, Valenzuela Classics and Bataan Defenders.

The inclusion of these two new members nearly overshadowed the announcement made by Bulacan and Bataan on the return to action of two of Philippine basketball’s all-time greats.

Bulacan coach Ogie Gumatay confirmed the participation of Marlou Aquino, the 6-foot-9 center, former PBA Rookie of the Year and three-time champion. Messrs. Aquino and Gumatay played together with the Sta. Lucia Realtors in the PBA.

Bataan also revealed that Gary David had also confirmed to join the Defenders in the coming MPBL season.

Chris Gavina, who just stepped down as coach of the Kia Picanto in the PBA, will also join the MPBL as head coach of Valenzuela.

“I’m really honored to become the head coach of Valenzuela. Regarding the preparation, I was just called a few days ago. But I’m really excited of the passion and the hard work of the players we put in. They reached the finals of the pre-season, so there’s high expectations. But it’s all come down to the level of our commitment and hopefully this translates to success,” added Mr. Gavina.

Mr. Gavina’s team has a core of ex-pros composed of Paolo Hubalde, Ford Ruaya, Jaymar Gimpayan and Jomar Soriano. — Rey Joble

DoE gives go signal for grid impact assessment

THE DEPARTMENT of Energy (DoE) has cleared 12 power generation projects to conduct studies assessing their impact on the country’s transmission system as they plan to add about 1,191 megawatts (MW) of generation capacity in the coming years.

Based on latest DoE data, the company with the biggest proposed capacity is Solar Philippines Commercial Rooftop Projects, Inc., which is planning to put up four solar power plants, three of which has a capacity of 300 MW each.

Solar Philippines plans to build a solar plant in Medelin, Cebu and two others in Iba-Palauig, Zambales. The fourth project, with a capacity of 100 MW, is to be built in Tarlac City, Tarlac, bringing the capacity of the company’s new projects at 1,000 MW.

The DoE clearance covers the two months into the fourth quarter of 2017, which also include a 45-MW solar project by Phinma Energy Corp.

In July, Phinma Energy was cleared for four new projects with a total capacity of 925.6 MW that will mark the company’s move to diversify its power generation portfolio to include gas and hydropower, company officials said.

“With all the coal plants being planned, you’ll have enough for 2025,” said Francisco L. Viray, Phinma Energy president and chief executive officer, about the company’s plan to try other technologies.

Next to Solar Philippines, the company with the most number of proposed projects is General Milling Corp., which is planning to build three diesel-fired power facilities at the GMC Complex in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu. These three will have a combined capacity of 8.5 MW.

Two other entities secured clearance to conduct grid impact studies to build solar plants, namely: Puente Al Sol, Inc. with a 70-MW facility in Cadiz City, Negros Occidental; and Energence Renewable Energy Corp. with a 35 MW in Clark Freeport Zone in Clark, Pampanga.

Philnew Hydro Power Corp. and Isabela Power Corp. complete the latest DoE list with their respective hydropower plants.

Philnew Hydro sought approval for a 14 MW facility in Tumauini, Isabela while Isabela Power 19 MW in San Mariano and San Guillermo, Isabela. — Victor V. Saulon

EICC releases guidelines for EO 30 availment

THE ENERGY Investment Coordinating Council (EICC) has issued an advisory to power developers on how their projects can qualify under Executive Order (EO)30, the law that classifies a project as one of national significance and secure speedier regulatory approval.

“As provided in Section 2 of the EO 30, the DoE shall identify and endorse the energy projects to be considered as Energy Projects of National Significance (EPNS),” the Department of Energy (DoE) said.

The EICC, which is headed by the DoE, will require interested applicants or proponents to justify “in a clear and unequivocal manner” how their projects are in consonance with the goals and objects of the Philippine Energy Plan (PEP), the blueprint for the country’s long-term energy outlook.

The proposed projects should be included in the list of projects embodied in the PEP.

The proponent should submit a letter of intent addressed to the Energy secretary along with a copy to the DoE director of the energy policy and planning bureau.

“The proponent must be able to establish in a clear and detailed manner that the proposed project is qualified to be declared as EPNS,” it said, citing seven “attributes” for qualification.

The attributes are: capital investment of P3.5 billion; significant contribution to the country’s economic development; significant consequential economic impact; significant potential contribution to the country’s balance of payment; significant impact on the environment; significant complex technical processes and engineering designs; and significant infrastructure requirement.

REVALIDATION
The EICC said for project proponents with existing service contracts and certificate of endorsements, “a project revalidation shall be conducted to ensure that they comply with the EPNS requirements.”

It also said for new energy project applicants, the validation or evaluation for EPNS qualification is to be determined in parallel with the processing of appropriate service contracts and certificates of endorsements.

The certificate of EPNS shall be issued simultaneously with the service contract or certificate of endorsement.

The EICC was created pursuant to EO 30, which was issued on June 28, 2017, in order to spearhead and coordinate efforts to harmonize, integrate and streamline the regulatory processes, and forms relevant to the development of energy investments relating to energy projects of national significance.

The council is chaired by a representative from the DoE and is composed of representatives from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, National Electrification Administration, National Grid Corporation of the Philippines and the National Power Corp.

Also represented are the Department of Finance, Department of Justice, Department of Transportation, Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board, Palawan Council for Sustainable Development and other agencies whose participation may be deemed necessary by the council. — Victor V. Saulon

EU’s GSP+ raised competitiveness of small firms, communities — DTI

THE SURGE in 2017 exports to the European Union (EU), led by agricultural products, was aided by the bloc’s Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP+) import scheme, which helped Filipino communities and small businesses raise their competitiveness, officials said   

Trade Secretary Ramon M. Lopez in a statement on Sunday said that the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) welcomes the 31% increase in 2017 Philippine exports to the EU to €2 billion, which came even as Brussels and Manila engaged in high-profile spats over human rights.

Specifically, the exports include fish and other marine products, prepared food and fruits. Apart from produce, it said automotive parts, leather, textile and footwear also rose considerably due to the GSP+.

“This trade preference has benefitted several communities in the Philippines and opened opportunities for our Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME). In the same manner, it has allowed our MSMEs to be more competitive in the local and foreign market,” Mr. Lopez said.

The Philippines has been part of the GSP+ since December 2014 and is expected to retain the benefits for eight years. Mr. Lopez has said it usually takes three years before the effects of the GSP+ are felt in trade.

An EU Commission report issued Friday, “The second report on the effects of GSP and the special incentive arrangement for sustainable development and good governance (GSP+) covering 2016-2017,” evaluates the progress of the GSP scheme and the implementation of the 27 conventions which cover human rights, labor rights, environment and good governance.

It noted that the Philippines achieved considerable progress in gender equality.

Among the 10 countries in the GSP+ program, apparel and clothing make up the bulk of imports that the EU receives at 53% or €4 billion, with Pakistan as the top exporter to the bloc, followed by the Philippines.

The EU Commission in its report clarified that countries that violate human and labor rights, environmental and good governance conventions will have their GSP+ status withdrawn, but this will not necessarily extend to the standard GSP. It is up to the EU Parliament if the country maintains its GSP+ status.

In the case of the Philippines, there were concerns last year over human rights and labor issues raised by parties within the EU which were addressed by Mr. Lopez and special envoy to the EU Edgardo J. Angara in September.

The report noted improved socioeconomic development, education and health. In the field of good governance, the report said the Philippines is addressing red tape and corruption.

Likewise, improvements were noted in the juvenile justice system but the Commission expressed concern about the lowering of the age for criminal responsibility, the possible reintroduction of the death penalty and the campaign against illegal drugs.

“Together with statements by the President that can be seen as incitement to killings and fostering a culture of impunity, the conduct of the ‘war on drugs’ raises serious questions about the Government’s commitment to human rights,” the EC said.

As for labor issues, the report noted that more effort is needed to enhance enforcement, particularly the inspection and investigation of labor conditions and prosecution of violators.

The EC said that labor legislation should align with and adopt the International Labor Organization Convention 87 on freedom of association.

The report also noted the Philippines’ support for the Paris Climate Agreement but raised concerns over the lack of detailed plans to address the use of clean energy and solutions for climate change.

On the prospect that the Philippines may yet lose its GSP+ status, Philippine Exporters Confederation, Inc. President and Chief Executive Officer Sergio R. Ortiz-Luis, Jr. told BusinessWorld: “[Losing] it may not be fatal, but it’s [still] a big loss if the GSP+ is canceled.” — Anna Gabriela A. Mogato

Filipino MMA fighter Catalan extends ONE winning streak

THE year 2018 got off to a good start for Filipino mixed martial arts fighter Rene “The Challenger” Catalan as he came out victorious in his battle with China’s Peng Xue Wen by way of a second-round technical knockout due to strikes at ONE Championship’s “King of Courage” in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Saturday night.

The win was the fourth straight for Mr. Catalan (4-2, one no contest), who incidentally was the lone Filipino who fought in Asia’s biggest sports media property’s first offering for the year.

Mr. Catalan showed crisp striking, which he complemented with steady grappling, to get the better of Mr. Peng, who is a Greco Roman champion.

The 39-year-old Catalan cut the fight short in the second round when he was able to land a solid liver shot that immediately dropped his opponent, after which he went for the finish by pounding on Mr. Peng.

The fight was stopped by the referee at the 4:22-minute mark of the second round.

After the fight, Mr. Catalan could not help but express his gratitude for another victory in his cap.

“First of all, I would like to thank God Almighty for bestowing this sweet victory upon me. It’s my fourth straight victory. Who would have thought that I can accomplish this after I went through numerous trials that I encountered in the past? Four straight wins is quite a milestone for me on a global stage like ONE Championship. I can’t explain what I am feeling right now,” said strawweight Catalan, who started his career in ONE with back-to-back losses.

He went on to say that he hopes to build on the momentum he has generated of late to make his way up in the division and possibly contend for the title.

“My preparation for this bout was beneficial to my growth as a martial artist in this sport and in ONE Championship. I am so satisfied as to how I performed. However, I still need to fix a few things as I continue to climb the strawweight ladder of ONE Championship. There is a long list of talented strawweights out there, but I am here to take the challenge. Challenges make me strong,” he said.

Mr. Catalan next wears his coaching hat as he prepares women’s atomweight fighter Jomary Torres, who is set to compete at “ONE: Global Superheroes,” which is ONE’s first event for 2018 in Manila on Jan. 26. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo

Adidas goes colorful with retro style upgrade

IN EVERY closet and on every pair of feet in well-heeled Manila is at least one pair of sneakers. By now, you’d know that sneakers aren’t just for gym class anymore; they’re taken everywhere from the dance floor to the boardroom. Sneaker culture has exploded into such a phenomenon that superstars like Kanye West, and high fashion brands with a capital “F” like Balenciaga have taken to the challenge of designing their own lines.

Last week, multi-brand retailer Sole Academy opened up the Think Tank, a space for pop-ups right outside its Bonifacio High Street store. The pop-up, its first, launched the revived adicolor line from adidas, which used primary colors which it calls Bluebird, Fairway Green, Scarlett Red and Sun Yellow for the collection on a very classic design first seen in the 1970s, and which has appeared again in 1983 (when, according to a release, all-white adicolor shoes were presented alongside a set of felt-tip pens) and 2006. “Taking inspiration from the past collections, the SS18 offering plays with these iconic shades and creates tonal ensembles to render a palette relevant for today,” explains a press release.

The new collection “offers a curated archive selection with the most influential adidas silhouettes of past decades in a self-referential play.”

Aside from at Sole Academy, adicolor is also available at adidas Originals stores, other retail partners, and at adidas.com/adicolor.

Sole Academy began in 2011 in Quezon City near Ateneo de Manila University, built by five ballheads — Mike Maglipon, Carlo Trillo, Jojo Hizon, and Mark and Martin Reyes. According to Marketing Director and cofounder Mr. Trillo, who was appropriately dressed in a green hoodie, the last time they did a project outside the store was in 2015, when they held a Sneaker Carnival in two parking lots of the SM Mall of Asia complex, with the aim of making “their mark globally.”

“We wanted to make Manila a sneaker capital of Asia,” he told BusinessWorld.

The pop-up at Sole Academy’s Bonifacio High Street branch will stay on for two weeks starting Jan. 20, and new releases from brands will be featured in the pop-up over the next six months.

The enthusiasm for sneaks runs deep in the Sole Academy’s founders’ veins: apparently, their obsession with the footwear came from their years on the basketball team of De La Salle Zobel, and they’d get their parents to buy them limited release sneakers from abroad.

Now, in 2018, the boys now carry nine brands in the store, namely adidas, Asicstiger, Jansport, New Balance, Nike, Palladium, Puma, Reebok, and Saucony, as well as limited releases from these brands. The company also has four locations, spread out from Alabang to BGC in Taguig City to Quezon City. They have also opened Sole Mini, a spin-off dedicated to children aged one to 9 years old. This year, the company plans to open its first branch outside Manila, in Cebu, and is in talks to open branches around Asia.

Trying to explain the boom of sneaker culture in Manila, Mr. Trillo said: “We’re a basketball-loving nation.”

“Aside from [that] climate, you see that it’s something people can wear throughout the week, or throughout the year.”

While most of the crowd during the Friday launch were from the young and beautiful set, he said: “Sneakers go beyond age,” citing that earlier last week, a 70-year-old popped into the store to shop for a pair.

“I don’t think it’s a trend. They want to be comfortable. They want to look good.” — Joseph L. Garcia

POEA warns anew on fake work documents

By Arjay L. Balinbin

THE Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) released an advisory over the weekend “reiterating its concern over reports and complaints by foreign employers on fake or altered certificates of employment of OFWs recruited and deployed for the Middle East and other countries.”

POEA said the scheme “involves the submission of fake or altered employment certificates of job applicants, in some cases perpetrated by some licensed recruitment agencies with the consent of the worker, to reflect compliance with work experience and training requirements of employers.”

The agency warned that “the malpractice endangers the welfare of OFWs and exposes them to possible deportation, detention and blacklisting which could deny them future employment in other countries.”

All licensed recruitment agencies were also reminded “of their duly notarized undertaking executed by their officers to select and deploy only medically fit and competent workers and to adhere to ethical standards in the recruitment and deployment of workers.”

The POEA advised recruitment agencies “to exercise due diligence in verifying the authenticity of documents submitted by job applicants”, and underscored that “both workers and recruitment agencies should be aware of possible administrative and criminal liabilities arising from violation of relevant laws and rules and regulation on overseas employment.”

Kabul hotel siege ends; all gunmen killed — gov’t

KABUL — Afghan Special Forces ended an overnight siege at Kabul’s Intercontinental Hotel on Sunday, killing the last gunman from a group of three attackers who stormed the hotel, taking hostages and battling security forces for hours.

Two gunmen were killed on Saturday night. It was initially reported that four gunmen had attacked the hotel.

Interior Ministry spokesman Najib Danish said at least five other people had been killed and six wounded, a lower casualty total than earlier feared, while 153 people, including 41 foreigners had been evacuated.

As day broke on Sunday, thick clouds of black smoke could be seen pouring from the building. Several armored US military vehicles with heavy machine guns could be seen close to the hotel along with Afghan police units.

The raid came just days after a US embassy warning of possible attacks on hotels in Kabul. There was no immediate claim of responsibility.

The raid was the latest in a long series of attacks which have underlined the city’s precarious situation and the ability of militants to mount high-profile operations aimed at undermining confidence in the Western-backed government.

Hotel manager Ahmad Haris Nayab, who escaped unhurt, said the attackers had got into the main part of the hotel through a kitchen before going through the hotel.

According to one witness, who did not want to be named, the attackers took hotel staff and guests hostage.

The Intercontinental Hotel, an imposing 1960s structure set on a hilltop and heavily protected like most public buildings in Kabul, was previously attacked by Taliban fighters in 2011.

It is one of two main luxury hotels in the city and had been due to host an information technology conference on Sunday. More than 100 IT managers and engineers were on site when the attack took place, Ahmad Waheed, an official at the telecommunications ministry, said.

US WARNING
The attack, just days after a United Nations Security Council visit to Kabul to allow senior representatives of member states to assess the situation in Afghanistan, may lead to a further tightening of security.

Large areas of the city center are already closed off behind high concrete blast walls and police checkpoints but the ability of the attackers to get into a well-protected hotel frequented by both government officials and foreigners demonstrated how difficult it remains to prevent high-profile attacks.

Mr. Danish said a private company had taken over security of the hotel about three weeks ago.

The State Department said on Saturday it was monitoring the situation and was in contact with Afghan authorities to determine whether any US citizens had been affected.

Captain Tom Gresback, spokesman for the NATO-led Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan, said they were also watching closely but it was not clear what role international forces were taking in suppressing the attack. “Afghan National Defense and Security Forces are leading the response efforts. According to initial reports, no Resolute Support or (US forces) members were injured in this incident,” he said in an e-mailed statement.

Although Resolute Support says the Taliban has come under pressure after the United States increased assistance to Afghan security forces and stepped up air strikes against insurgents, security remains precarious. As pressure on the battlefield has increased, security officials have warned that the danger of attacks on high-profile targets in Kabul and other cities would increase.

After repeated attacks in Kabul, notably an incident last May in which a truck bomber killed at least 150 people outside the German embassy, security has been further tightened.

While it shares the same name, the hotel in Kabul is not part of InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), which issued a statement in 2011 saying that “the hotel Intercontinental in Kabul is not part of IHG and has not been since 1980.” — Reuters

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