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MMDA hauls 90 truckloads of trash after super typhoon

PHILIPPINE STAR/MIGUEL DE GUZMAN

By Chloe Mari A. Hufana

THE METROPOLITAN Manila Development Authority (MMDA) hauled 90 truckloads of garbage after Super Typhoon Carina (Gaemi) and the southwest monsoon brought nonstop rains that flooded the capital region last week.

A five-day clean-up drive collected almost 388 tons of trash, according to a tally sent by the agency’s Environmental Management Division on Monday.

The MMDA collected garbage in 4,756 trash bags on July 28 alone in 22 areas across the capital region. This equals 23 truckloads or about 100 tons of garbage.

It collected 3,347 trash bags from Marikina City, the most out of all the 22 areas it cleaned. On July 28 alone, 667 bags or more than three truckloads were collected in the city.

The city was one of the worst-hit typhoon areas after the Marikina River hit the third alarm on July 24 when it reached as high as 20 meters.

The MMDA collected 3,000 bags in San Juan City on July 28 alone, equaling 15 truckloads. In total, the agency collected 3,080 bags in the city.

It hauled 1,064 trash bags in Parañaque City during its five-day drive.

On July 27, it collected 4,689 bags across Metro Manila equivalent to 23 truckloads weighing 99.31 tons. On July 26, it gathered 4,447 bags weighing 94.15 tons or 22 truckloads.

On July 25, it collected 3,398 bags in all 22 areas, equivalent to 17 truckloads, weighing about 72 tons, according to the agency. On its first day of clean-up on July 24, it collected 1,026 bags, or five truckloads, weighing almost 22 tons.

After Carina, the local weather bureau said another low-pressure area had been spotted 635 kilometers off the northern province of Cagayan, which might bring scattered rains due to its interaction with the southwest monsoon.

It said the low-pressure area had a low chance of developing into a tropical depression.

Metro Manila was placed under a state of calamity last week due to severe flooding.

Urban planning experts have criticized the government’s “ineffective” flood control projects, saying preparedness could lessen the need for post-disaster relief.

Senate President Francis “Chiz” G. Escudero has urged the MMDA and Department of Public Works and Highways to work with local governments in coming up with medium and long-term solutions.

CHR starts red-tagging inquiry

PHILIPPINE STAR/ MICHAEL VARCAS

THE COMMISSION on Human Rights (CHR) on Monday launched a two-day “public inquiry” on the red-tagging of human rights activists to prevent human rights abuse.

CHR Chairman Richard P. Palpal-latoc in a statement said the inquiry aims to foster a “constructive dialogue across all stakeholders” to help formulate recommendations to address the practice of branding activists communists.

The inquiry involves researchers, educators, investigators and policy experts and will provide a legal basis for duty-bearers to protect vulnerable Filipinos through effective redress mechanisms and access to justice.

“In a democratic country where freedom of expression and peaceful assembly sits at the core of every Filipino’s right to public participation, it is about time that we take measures to protect all Filipinos from acts which may stigmatize them and put their lives, liberty, and security in peril,” Mr. Palpal-latoc said.

The Philippine Supreme Court in a landmark decision in May ruled red-tagging threatens one’s right to life, liberty and security. — Chloe Mari A. Hufana

Farm damage hits P697M

WATHANYU CHOMCHUEN-UNSPLASH

AGRICULTURAL damage from the combined effects of the southwest monsoon and Super Typhoon Carina had reached P696.87 million, according to the Department of Agriculture (DA).

In a bulletin, the agency said the damage covered 13,312 metric tons (MT) of crops across 35,146 hectares of farmland.

It added that about 30,827 farmers and fisherfolk had been affected.

The DA said 72.4% or 25,451 hectares of affected crops were deemed recoverable, while the rest or 9,695 hectares could no longer be recovered.

Rice made up 81.8% of the total damage, spanning 10,442 hectares. Total volume lost was estimated at 9,102 MT worth P570.1 million.

Corn losses hit P65.02 million, with volume estimated at 3,104 MT. Damage to high-value crops reached 1,105 MT worth P58.9 million.

Livestock damage hit 5,593 heads worth P1.17 million, while damage to farm infrastructure, machinery and equipment reached P1.6 million. — Adrian H. Halili

VP scores security pullout

PNA PHOTO BY ALFRED FRIAS

VICE-PRESIDENT (VP) Sara Duterte-Carpio on Monday said a Philippine police decision to pull out 75 cops assigned to her security targeted some of her most trusted personnel.

The move followed her resignation from the Cabinet of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., her comparison of his third address to Congress to a “catastrophic” event and the release of a video linking the President to illegal drugs.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology earlier said the video was a deepfake, and those behind the video could be held liable for violating laws on cyberlibel, slander and malicious mischief.

The relief order issued by national police chief Rommel Francisco D. Marbil covered cops who had gained her trust and confidence as police escorts of her father in 2016, or who were assigned as her own security detail since 2007, Ms. Duterte-Carpio said. “It was obviously a targeted list and a targeted maneuver — nothing else.” — Kyle Aristophere T. Atienza

CA overturns drug conviction

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

BAGUIO CITY — The Court of Appeals (CA) has reversed the conviction by a regional trial court (RTC) of the alleged right-hand man of a half-Somali, half-Filipino suspected drug boss here after police allegedly tampered with evidence.

The appellate court granted the appeal of Jeffrey Tolentino, 40, earlier convicted of drug trafficking.

“He is thus thereby ordered immediately released from detention unless there exist other lawful causes for his continued detention,” according to a copy of the ruling.

The defendant was caught in a drug sting in the village of San Vicente in Baguio City in August 2020. He was shot by law enforcers after trying to evade arrest.

A trial court convicted the defendant in November 2022 and sentenced him to two years and six months in jail.

The CA sided with the defendant, who argued the trial court erred in convicting him in the absence of witnesses during his apprehension. He also said police documented the seized drugs in his absence. — Artemio A. Dumlao

Woman killed by lighting

COTABATO CITY — A woman died instantly while another was badly hurt when lightning struck a roadside waiting shed in Kayaga village in Pandag, Maguindanao del Sur on Sunday.

The victim and her injured companion were riding a motorcycle together from Carmen town in Cotabato province on their way to Tacurong City, but had to stop by the waiting shed due to heavy rains.

Village officials and Lieutenant Ernesto M. Rivera, Jr. of the Pandag municipal police separately told reporters on Monday that the victim died on the spot, while her female companion was badly hurt. — John Felix M. Unson

Aira Villegas kicks off winning start for Philippine boxers

Yasmine Mouttaki (left) of Morocco in action against Aira Villegas (right) of the Philippines. — REUTERS

PARIS — Aira Villegas ably handled the gnawing pressure of being the first one from the Philippine Fighting Five to get into action, ending a lazy Sunday for the entire team with a crackling Olympic debut.

It’s near midnight in the City of Lights with Team Philippines smarting from the exit of fencer Sam Catantan and the struggle of the lady gymnasts when Ms. Villegas delivered a firebomb to set things off for the fancied boxing squad.

Ms. Villegas scored a unanimous win over Yasmine Mouttaki of Morroco in the Round of 32 of the women’s 50kg division at the North Paris Arena (early Monday in Manila), a victorious start that could serve as a good lead for the four other Filipino pugs set to climb the ring in the next few days.

It’s Nesthy Petecio’s and Eumir Marcial’s turns to kick off their Paris drives Tuesday.

Ms. Petecio fights an Indian foe in the 57kg Round of 32 while Mr. Marcial tackles Turabek Khabibullaev of Uzbekistan in the 80kg Round of 16.

Hopes are high both can go all the way to the medal rounds as they did in their part in the country’s breakthrough 1-2-1 gold-silver-bronze showing in Tokyo in 2021.

Also plunging into action Tuesday are swimmer Kayla Sanchez in women’s 100m freestyle and judoka Kiyomi Watanabe as rower Joanie Delgaco races in the women’s single sculls quarterfinals.

A large amount of pressure was off with Ms. Villegas, a 28-year-old fighter from Tacloban, getting things done in the opener versus Ms. Mouttaki.

There’s also Mr. Marcial who was up on his feet in the VIP section all throughout the fight, his thunderous voice also serving Ms. Villegas very well.

Up against a rival supported by the boisterous crowd, Ms. Villegas couldn’t be daunted or overwhelmed, beating the Moroccan in crisp exchanges and getting the nod of all the judges in the end.

Slovakian Radoslav Simon gave all three rounds (30-27) to Ms. Villegas while Canadian Wade Peterson, Guatemalan Emerson Alejandro Pastor Arreaga, Hungarian Veronika Szucs, American Shawn Reese and Germany’s Susann Kopke called it 29-28 also for the Filipina.

With the win, Ms. Villegas advanced to the Round of 16 versus second seed Roumaysa Boualam from Algeria.

Interestingly, the two know each other well as they trained together in Germany in the run-up to the Paris Games.

Moments earlier at the Bercy Arena, Filipina gymnasts Levi Ruivivar, Emma Malabuyo and Aleah Finnegan strutted their stuffs while all eyes were on US superstar Simone Biles.

Through the first three subdivisions, Ms. Biles, as expected, was up there on top of the all-around leaderboard while Mmess. Ruivivar, Malabuyo and Finnegan were 40th, 41st and 47th respectively.

At the conclusion of all five subdivisions, the top 24 qualify to the final.

Ms. Finnegan was 17th of 20 in vault, Ms. Ruivivar was 40th of 80 in uneven bars while Ms. Malabuyo 57th of 79 in balance beam and 25th of 77 on floor exercise. The top eight in each event advanced. — Nelson Beltran

Shorthanded Creamline faces unbeaten Chery Tiggo in PVL showdown

CREAMLINE MICHELE GUMABAO — FACEBOOK.COM/PREMIERVOLLEYBALLLEAGUE

Games Tuesday
1 p.m. — Farm Fresh vs Galeries Tower
3 p.m. — Chery Tiggo vs Creamline
5 p.m. — Nxled vs PLDT

WITH practically its top three players out, Creamline was in desperate search for a star.

Enter Michele Gumabao.

“Creamline isn’t just one player, its really the whole team and we’re really one big family, same program, same training and our coaches treat us just the same,” said Ms. Gumabao, who is expected to step up anew against a shorthanded Creamline when it tangles with Chery Tiggo in Tuesday’s Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Reinforced Conference at the PhilSports Arena.

Ms. Gumabao has been providing not just strength but also leadership in the absence of Creamline’s three players — Alyssa Valdez, Tots Carlos and Jema Galanza — and averaged 16.5 points in its first two outings that saw the proud franchise drop a five-setter to PLDT and snatched a four-set triumph over Akari.

Mmess. Valdez and Carlos remained doubtful due to their minor injury that the team did not specifically identify while Ms. Galanza had already ruled out the whole conference due to Alas Pilipinas duties.

Despite these, Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses is confident it can defy the odds anew the way they did in the past that resulted to league-best eight championships including the last one in the All-Filipino Conference early this year.

They play the dangerous Crossovers, unbeaten in two games, at 3 p.m.

Also trying to stay atop Pool A is PLDT, which clashes with Nxled (1-1) at 5 p.m.

Galeries Tower (0-2) and ZUS Coffee (0-3) eye a first victory as they collide in the first game of a heavy three-game bill at 1 p.m. — Joey Villar

Soccer: Underfire Canadian women stun France with dramatic 2-1 win; US, Spain advance to quarterfinals

PARIS — Reigning champions Canada got a lifeline at the Paris Games following a 2-1 last-gasp win over hosts France, while Spain and the United States claimed wins to reach the quarterfinals on the second matchday of Olympic women’s football on Sunday.

Canada’s quest to defend their 2021 gold medal was marred following a drone spying scandal that led to a year-ban of coach Bev Priestman and a six-point deduction by world governing body FIFA from the Olympic tournament.

The top two teams in each three groups advance, along with two best third-placed sides, leaving Canada, now led by assistant coach Andy Spence, needing maximum points in their remaining Group A matches, on top of a favorable goal difference.

The slim Canadian hopes seemed to be dashed after France’s Marie-Antoinette Katoto struck in the 42nd minute following a neat passing move.

But captain Jessie Fleming equalized 13 minutes after the break. The match looked to be heading for a draw before Vanessa Gilles seized on a rebound from the goalkeeper in the 12th minute of stoppage time to fire home.

Canada faces Colombia in their final group match on Wednesday.

Four-time Olympic gold medalists US carried on their good form in Group B and secured a 4-1 emphatic win over Germany in Marseille, thanks to a first-half brace from Sophia Smith and goals from Mallory Swanson and Lynn Williams.

Ms. Smith gave Emma Hayes’ side an early lead with a simple finish in the 10th minute, before Giulia Gwinn equalized for the 2016 Olympic champions. Ms. Swanson, who scored a quick-fire double in the win over Zambia, made it 2-1, while Ms. Smith’s deflected goal before halftime and Ms. Williams’ late effort sealed the rout.

Earlier, world champions Spain secured a spot in the next round with a 1-0 win over Nigeria in Nantes, courtesy of Alexia Putellas’ late winner.

The world champions had to wait until the closing stages in their Group C clash to break the Nigerian wall with a wonder free-kick from former Ballon d’Or winner Ms. Putellas.

The Barcelona midfielder struck in the 85th beyond the Nigerian goalkeeper and defenders, who until then had frustrated Montse Tome’s side.

Also in Group C, Brazil missed the chance to progress after a late 2-1 loss to Japan at Parc des Princes.

Brazil were leading after the break with Jheniffer’s low shot in the 56th minute after a play created by six-time Olympian Marta, who left the pitch to a standing ovation in the 84th minute.

Japan claimed victory with two stoppage-time efforts by Saki Kumagai’s from the penalty spot and substitute Momoko Tanikawa from long range after a misplaced pass by Rafaelle.

Australia and Colombia boosted their chances of making it to the next round with their first wins in the competition.

In a goal feast in Nice, the Matildas rallied from two goals down to clinch a stunning 6-5 win over Zambia in Group B, with Australian Steph Catley and Zambia’s Racheal Kundananji scoring doubles, while Barbara Banda netted a hat-trick, the third to her name for an Olympic record.

Colombia edged Group A rivals New Zealand 2-0 in Lyon thanks to Marcela Restrepo’s volley and a fine goal from Leicy Santos. — Reuters

Rower Joanie Delgaco faces tall odds for the biggest race of her life

ROWER JOANIE DELGACO — FACEBOOK.COM/PHILIPPINEROWINGASSOCIATION

PARIS — Rower Joanie Delgaco returns to the posh Vaires-sur-Marne Nautical Stadium Tuesday afternoon for the biggest race of her life.

Drawn with no less than the reigning champ and tough bets from Europe on Heat 3 of the quarterfinals, Ms. Delgaco faces tall odds in the race for the top three who will advance to the semifinals A and B (medal contention).

But there’s no turning back for the 26-year-old Iriga native, one of only four Asians who made the top 24 of the women’s single sculls in the Paris Games.

She has achieved the goal to be among the top five Asians here, and she now wants to raise the bar of cracking the top 20 overall.

Ms. Delgaco will automatically be in the top 12 if she makes the semifinals A and B.

But with mere clocking of 7:55.00 in the repechage and 7:56.26 in the heats, Ms. Delgaco would definitely need miles of waters to navigate if she’s ever to catch up on the world powers.

In her quarterfinals heat alone, there are Tokyo gold medalist Emma Twigg from New Zealand, former under-23 world champion Katharina Jansen of Switzerland, Virginia Diaz of Spain, Diana Dymchenko of Azerbaijan and Jovana Arsic of Serbia.

Ms. Twigg, also a former world champion, four-time silver winner and three-bronze holder, had a remarkable 7:13.97 clocking in taking top podium finish in Tokyo.

And the rest clocked better than Ms. Delgaco in the previous races here.

The call by the Filipino officials on Ms. Delgaco is just to stay focused and give her best.

The other Asians vying in the quarterfinals are Iranian Fatemeh Mojallaltopraghghale, Vietnamese Thi Hue Pham and Uzbek Anna Prakaten. — Nelson Beltran

Fil-Am Lee Kiefer wins second straight Olympic gold in fencing

FENCING is one sport in the Paris Olympics where the country has “technically” three reasons to be proud about.

Lee Kiefer, a Filipino-American, was the biggest of them all, delivering an effort for the ages by capturing her second straight Olympic gold medal in women’s individual foil at the expense of fellow American Lauren Scruggs in a one-sided 15-6 victory.

While she carried the United States flag, the country somehow cheered for the 30-year-old Lexington, Kentucky native as her mother, Teresa, was from Tagum, Davao del Norte.

It was a proud moment not just for Ms. Kiefer, but also for a gold-starved country like the Philippines, which is still in search of a second Olympic gold after weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz’s breakthrough triumph in Tokyo three years ago.

Filipinos also rooted for Sam Catantan, the country’s top fencer who was valiant before falling short in a heartbreaking 15-12 defeat to top seed Arianna Errigo of Italy in the table-of-32.

Same with Maxine Esteban, also Filipina who represented Ivory Coast and eventually succumbed in the same round to France’s Pauline Ranvier, 15-7.

Good thing Ms. Kiefer was there to save the day and give the country something to celebrate about. — Joey Villar

Quad foreign ministers decry dangerous South China Sea actions

PHILIPPINE STAR/RYAN BALDEMOR

TOKYO — Foreign ministers from Australia, India, Japan and the United States said on Monday they were seriously concerned about intimidating and dangerous maneuvers in the South China Sea and pledged to bolster maritime security in the region.

The joint statement came after talks between the so-called ‘Quad’ countries in Tokyo, attended by Australia’s Penny Wong, India’s Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Japan’s Yoko Kamikawa and Antony Blinken from the US.

In security talks between the US and Japan on Sunday, the two allies labeled China the “greatest strategic challenge” facing the region.

“We are seriously concerned about the situation in the East and South China Seas and reiterate our strong opposition to any unilateral actions that seek to change the status quo by force or coercion,” the ministers said in the statement, which did not directly mention China.

They also expressed serious concern about the militarization of disputed features and coercive and intimidating maneuvers in the South China Sea, including dangerous use of coast guard and maritime militia vessels.

Chinese vessels have repeatedly clashed with Philippine ships seeking to resupply its troops on the disputed Second Thomas Shoal in recent months, although the two countries in July reached a provisional agreement that aims to ease tensions.

The Quad group said they were working on a series of initiatives to maintain “the free and open maritime order” including helping partners improve domain awareness via satellite data, training and capacity building. They also announced a plan to set up a new maritime legal dialogue.

“We are charting a course for a more secure and open Indo-Pacific and Indian Ocean region by bolstering maritime security,” Mr. Blinken said in remarks to reporters after the meeting.

“In practical terms what does this mean? It means strengthening the capacity of partners across the region to know what’s happening in their own waters,” he added.

He said the US would continue to work with its partners to ensure freedom of navigation and the unimpeded flow of lawful maritime commerce.

The US announced plans on Sunday for a major revamp of its military command in Japan. It was among several measures announced by the allies to address what they said was an “evolving security environment,” noting various threats from China including its muscular maritime activities.

“Uncertainty surrounding the international order as well as the international situation has been increasing with Russia continuing its aggression in Ukraine, attempts to unilaterally change the status quo by force in the East China Sea and South China Sea, and the launch of ballistic missiles by North Korea,” Japan’s Ms. Kamikawa said after the talks.

The Quad ministers also pledged to advance cooperation in cybersecurity to protect supply chains and critical infrastructure, including undersea cables.

After leaving Tokyo, Blinken and Austin will hold security talks with another Asian ally, the Philippines, as the Biden administration seeks to counter an increasingly bold China. — Reuters

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