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Pardon of Philippines’ oldest political prisoner sought

PHILSTAR FILE PHOTO

A CONGRESSMAN on Thursday urged the Justice department to speed up the pardon of the Philippines’ oldest political prisoner given his declining health.

Gerardo dela Peña, 84, has been imprisoned at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) for more than a decade for what groups describe as trumped-up charges against him.

“The sibling [of Mr. Dela Peña] has written to the BPP (Board of Pardons and Parole) three times but they are still being asked of several requirements,” Deputy Minority Leader and Party-list Rep. France L. Castro said during plenary debates on the budget of the Department of Justice (DoJ).

“His case is already under the Board of Pardon and Parole,” Davao de Oro Rep. Ruwel Peter Gonzaga, who sponsored the DoJ budget, told congressmen. “So, it won’t be long until Tatay dela Peña will be released from the NBP.”

The senior prisoner will be a beneficiary of a presidential pardon, he added.

“Hopefully, for humanitarian reasons, [the DoJ] will expedite the release of Tatay Gerardo,” Ms. Castro said.

Mr. Dela Peña was convicted of murder for the shooting of his nephew in 2001. The prosecution said he was a member of the New People’s Army (NPA), the armed wing of the Maoist movement.

The NPA admitted responsibility for the killing but Mr. Dela Peña maintained that he had been “wrongfully convicted” and was not a member of the NPA.

The High Court affirmed his conviction in 2019.

Mr. Dela Peña is a founding member of the Samahan ng mga Ex-Detainees Laban sa Detensyon at Aresto (SELDA).

The Bureau of Corrections Director-General Gregorio Pio P. Catapang, Jr. said in December the agency was working to free 3,000 elderly inmates.

The New Bilibid Prison has is almost five times congested with 30,701 prisoners, Mr. Gonzaga said. The country’s seven prisons and penal farms have 51,561 prisoners.

“There is an assurance from the DoJ that the older [prisoners] will be prioritized in the [pardoning] process,” Mr. Gonzaga said.

There are 824 political prisoners in the country, according to human rights group Karapatan. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

Senator urges TESDA to boost digital literacy

JOHN SCHNOBRICH-UNSPLASH

By John Victor D. Ordoñez, Reporter

THE TECHNICAL Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) should partner with international technology firms to develop digital courses for the youth to address digital illiteracy in the Philippines, a senator said on Thursday.

At a Senate Finance Committee hearing on TESDA’s proposed P15.2-billion budget for 2024, Senator Regina “Loren” B. Legarda floated the idea of the agency collaborating with Google to develop courses on data analytics and information technology support to help them find work faster.

“Is it possible for TESDA to collaborate with an international company like Google, which is represented in the Philippines, to offer digital courses, considering that we are number one in terms of digital illiteracy for children,” she asked TESDA Deputy Director General Rosanna Urdaneta, citing a 2019 United Nations report.

Ms. Urdaneta said her agency was actively working on developing a diploma course on cyber security.

Department of Information and Communications Undersecretary (DICT) Jeffrey Ian C. Dy told a Senate hearing on Tuesday that his agency is “particularly confident” that the country has improved in ICT literacy.

Meanwhile, Senator Sherwin T. Gatchalian questioned why only 64% of TESDA graduates took assessments for national certifications.

“In order for these graduates to get employed, they need certification. Employers will value the certification of those courses,” he told the same hearing. “Those are technical courses and I would assume that the value of those courses is in the certification.”

TESDA Deputy Director General Aniceto R. Bertiz III clarified that graduates who did not take assessments took courses that did not have training regulations. He said some of those courses included creative web design and other ICT courses and language training courses.

The Asian Development Bank in a July report said the Philippines needs to develop the technical and vocational education training sector to boost the Philippine workforce’s competitiveness.

Dairy promising in Lanao del Sur

THE NATIONAL Dairy Authority (NDA) said on Thursday that it aims to expand the dairy industry in Lanao del Sur. “[The area’s] favorable conditions for dairy farming, including ample land, abundant freshwater resources, and a cool climate, making it an ideal location for dairy production,” NDA Administrator Gabriel L. Lagamayo said in a statement.

The NDA said that it has distributed 10 dairy cattle to local farmers Hanes Integrated Farm and Agri-Marketing Cooperative (HIFAMCO) in Kapai, Lanao del Sur. The agency also provided liquid nitrogen tanks containing cattle semen for breeding.

“This initiative is an integral part of NDA’s livestock program, focusing on animal upgrading through artificial insemination, it said.

“While Lanao del Sur is agriculturally rich, livestock farming has been marginal. With this support, our aim is to introduce dairy farming as a sustainable income source,” NDA Southern Mindanao Department Assistant Manager Rayan Ysulat said.

Mr. Lagamayo said that the NDA hopes that the HIFAMCO’s dairy farms would kickstart dairy production in the community and additional income and job opportunities to local farmers.

“All these endeavors align with the NDA’s mission to increase the country’s milk sufficiency by enhancing animal distribution and empowering local communities,” he added.. — Adrian H. Halili

2 reprimanded for red-tagging

TWO FORMER top officials of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) were reprimanded by the Office of the Ombudsman over their statements accusing a lawyers’ group of association with communist-terrorists.

Dated Sept. 15 and released Thursday, the 17-page decision of the Ombudsman stated that it found “respondents Antonio G. Parlade, Jr. and Lorraine Marie T. Badoy guilty of Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service” in the case filed by the National Union of People’s Lawyers (NUPL) back in December 2022.

The case is one of several complaints filed by the NUPL against officials of the NTF-ELCAC, accusing them of abusing their authority in “persecuting and espousing lies” against the lawyers’ organization and its members when they questioned alleged human rights violations during the COVID-19 lockdown.

The Ombudsman imposed upon Mr. Parlade and Ms. Badoy “the penalty of reprimand pursuant to Rule III, Section 10 of Administrative Order No. 7, as amended by Administrative Order No. 17.”

They were also warned that a repetition of the same offense would be dealt with “more severely” by the Ombudsman.

The decision also stated that the statements made by the two respondents against the NUPL “unduly tarnishes the image of the NTF-ELCAC as it perpetuates the notion that it is being used as a governmental tool to silence dissent or opposition instead of legitimately pursuing its ultimate: goal of lasting peace and ending the armed conflict with the communist rebels.” — NCB

Groups unite to end child labor

PHILSTAR

COTABATO CITY — The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Navy’s Philippine Marine Corps are the latest addition to the large group addressing child labor and use of children as combatants in Mindanao.

In workshops that began this week, representatives of the PDEA-Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and the 1st Marine Brigade pledged to support the campaign being pushed forward by the Bangsamoro labor ministry, the International Labor Organization (ILO), the government of Japan, the Integrated Resource Development for Tri-people, and the Development Academy of the Bangsamoro.

Poverty and underdevelopment due to decades of secessionist strife and children’s lack of access to schools are blamed for the widespread child labor problem BARMM.

The ILO, which is an agency of the United Nations, the United Nations Children’s Fund, and Japan are the main benefactors of the cross-section efforts to address the problem in BARMM’s six provinces and three cities.

“It is a concerted effort. It’s gaining headway,” said Bai Sara Jane S. Sinsuat, director of the Ministry of Labor and Employment-BARMM’s Bureau of Employment, Promotion and Welfare. — John Felix M. Unson

Abra lawyer’s killers hunted

BAGUIO CITY — Homicide investigators said on Thursday they are following leads in the case of slain Abra lawyer, Maria Saniata Liwliwa G. Alzate, a day after the motorcycle used by the assailants in the Sept. 14 attack was found dumped in a ravine in Bangued town.

Brig. Gen. David K. Peredo, Jr., Cordillera police director, said the motorcycle was dumped 300 meters down the ravine close to a hotel on Casamata Hill, Zone 5, which is owned by a former mayor of Bangued.

Earlier, the victim’s husband, former Regional Trial Court (RTC) judge Raphiel F. Alzate, told investigators he did now know of any death threats received by his wife and bewailed what he perceived as police inaction in the case.

On Thursday, Mr. Peredo assured that while “there is still no definitive answers why the lady lawyer was killed,” his probers — along with the National Bureau of Investigation — have reviewed CCTV footage that can help lead them to identifying the killers. — Artemio M. Dumlao

Peace monument unveiled

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao del Norte — Officials unveiled here on Thursday a peace monument, fashioned out from parts of 3,000 assault rifles and rocket launchers surrendered by enemies of the state in recent months.

The monument is a large replica of the iconic M-16 assault rifle constructed by soldiers beside the gate to the headquarters of the Philippine Army’s 6th Infantry Division, here.

It was inaugurated by Lt. Gen. Romeo S. Brawner, Jr., Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff; Secretary Carlito G. Galvez, Jr. of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity; and senior officials of the Bangsamoro government.

“Use of firearms in seeking redress or fighting for political objectives is obsolete. Peaceful political discourses, interfaith dialogues and multi-sector peacebuilding projects are the new modes now of fostering peace and development in security-challenged areas,” Mr. Galvez said.

“This monument is very symbolic, something that is first ever in the Philippines,” Mr. Brawner said at the event organized by Major Gen. Alex S. Rillera, commander of the 6th Infantry Division. — John Felix M. Unson

Small businesses facing increased malware threats, warns Kaspersky

FREEPIK

Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), putting their data and finances at risk, according to cybersecurity firm Kaspersky.

Data from Kaspersky showed a 325% increase in the number of unique hits across SMEs in the Philippines in the first half of the year, totaling 1,847, up from 434 in the same period last year.

It also revealed that 196 SME employees encountered malware or unwanted software disguised as legitimate business applications from January to June. This figure grew from 76 in the same period in 2022.

Malware encompasses cyber threats such as trojans, viruses, and ransomware, which can grant criminals backdoor access to the corporate network, Kaspersky said.

“It’s always easy—and popular—to think that your business is too small to be a target,” said Yeo Siang Tiong, general manager for Southeast Asia at Kaspersky, in a press statement.

“Whatever business you’re in, as long as you’re using at least a computer or a mobile device that’s connected to the internet, you’re vulnerable to a cyber incident,” he added.

“Effectively reducing the impact of a cyberattack is only possible if the workforce is properly trained for cyber resilience.”

“There is now such a thing as building an IT infrastructure with lower investments; ask for help,” he said, noting that SMEs deal with limited resources.

“Remember, when it comes to cybersecurity, the weakest link is always your people.”

To curb the growth in cyber threats, Kaspersky suggested providing staff with basic cybersecurity hygiene training, including conducting a simulated phishing attack to practice recognition.

“Set up a policy to control access to corporate assets, such as email boxes, shared folders, and online documents,” it said on clear guidelines on employees’ minimum access to services and resources, alongside regular backups of corporate data.

Strong passwords and multi-factor authentication for all digital services must also be observed among employees, Kaspersky noted.

Security solutions and comprehensive defensive frameworks can also be sought through professional services, it added. — Miguel Hanz L. Antivola

Torcaso vows a ‘very competitive’ Filipinas in China Asian Games

MARK TORCASO — PHILIPPINE FOOTBALL FEDERATION

NEW COACH Mark Torcaso promised a “very competitive” Filipinas as the history-makers in the last FIFA Women’s World Cup (WC) take their act to the Hangzhou Asian Games.

“Obviously, expectations have been set from the success that’s happened in the last three years. But my expectation is we’ll be as competitive as possible while also acknowledging that it’s a new team for me and my staff and we have to find the beat with the players (still),” Mr. Torcaso said in an online presscon yesterday from China.

Mr. Torcaso has big shoes to fill on the heels of the team’s series of milestones under his predecessor and fellow Australian Alen Stajcic. Highlight, of course, was the 1-0 upset of host New Zealand in a historic game at the WC.

Mr. Torcaso had less than a month to get the 21-player squad led by WC heroines Olivia McDaniel and Sarina Bolden running his system smoothly in their first Asian Games foray.

“We’ll spend lots of time getting to know the players in the tournament but yes, I expect the team to be as competitive as possible.”

Best case, Mr. Torcaso wants to make his mark with the team by leading them to a Cinderella run in the Asiad.

“My aim is to win it; everyone’s goal is to win something special like this,” he said. “Definitely, we want to go as deep as possible in the tournament, hopefully finish in the podium and win.”

The Filipinas make their Asiad debut today at 4 p.m. against Hong Kong at the Wenzhou Sports Centre Stadium.

Hong Kong, a team that the Philippines dominated in the first round of the Olympic Qualifiers last April in Tajikistan, 4-0, is largely considered a light opponent in Group E before the Filipinas deal with stronger Korea and Myanmar.

Mr. Torcaso, though, won’t be lulled into complacency.

“Every game’s different, every tournament’s different and every team prepares differently. They might have new players now,” he said. “I’m anticipating a great game. But every opponent, regardless of past results we’ve had, we have to treat them with respect.” — Olmin Leyba

Gilas Pilipinas to clash with SK club Changwon LG Sakers in Manila

GILAS PILIPINAS — FIBA.BASKETBALL

AFTER 11 days of familiarizing with one another and coach Tim Cone’s system, it’s time for Gilas Pilipinas to hit the court for an actual game against an international opponent.

The Nationals take on import-flavored Korean club Changwon LG Sakers today (Sept. 22) in a 4 p.m. open tuneup at the PhilSports Arena that serves as their only test before embarking on their Asian Games campaign.

“We really don’t have much time to play a lot of friendly games. To me, the practices are more important than the friendlies or the practice games because we learn more in the practices than the games,” said Mr. Cone.

Gilas was supposed to face Meralco last Tuesday at the Inspire Sports Academy in Laguna but the uncertainties on the status of Calvin Abueva, Jason Perkins, Terrence Romeo and Mo Tautuaa forced the cancelation of that friendly.

Against the Sakers, who are reinforced by Americans Dante Cunningham and Reggie Perry, Egyptian Assem Marei and Pinoy Justin Gutang, should give Gilas a taste of Korean basketball in case it meets Korea in the Hangzhou Games.

“They’re (Sakers) a very, very strong team and they’ll bring a couple of imports, so they’ll be a really good test,” Mr. Cone said recently on One PH’s The Big Story.

“It is strategic in the fact that we wanted to play someone from Korea because there’s a certain rhythm and style that Korea plays in. And if you’re not used to it, it could really be hard to figure out so we wanted to have that opportunity to play a Korean team.”

Mr. Cone wants Gilas fans to catch them in action live and for free before the Nationals leave for China on Saturday.

“We hope that we can fill the stadium up,” said Mr. Cone, who’s team is still awaiting word from Hangzhou organizers whether Mr. Abueva and Co. can go or Chris Ross, Kevin Alas, Arvin Tolentino and CJ Perez will take their spots in the final 12 instead. — Olmin Leyba

Gilas boys battle archrival South Korea in FIBA U16 Asian Championship in Qatar

FIBA.BASKETBALL

A FAMILIAR foe stands in the way of Gilas Pilipinas once more.

The Gilas Pilipinas boys collide with archrival South Korea in a knockout setto with a ticket in the FIBA U16 Asian Championship quarterfinals on the line at the Al-Gharafa Sports Club Multi-Purpose Hall in Doha, Qatar.

Game time is at 12:30 a.m. (Manila time) for the qualification to the quarterfinals with the Filipino teens eyeing a breakthrough win against their counterparts from South Korea, also considered fierce nemeses of the Philippine seniors’ team.

Gilas, which finished seventh last edition also in Doha, is yet to score a victory against South Korea in the Asian youth tourney, bowing in their three meetings. The team suffered losses in 2009, 83-73, 2011, 67-58 and 2015, 77-74.

Now, they lock horns once again with the winner gaining a shot at automatic quarterfinalist Japan, which swept Group B.

Both teams are banking on a one-day layoff after the group phase, where they had contrasting campaigns against heavily-favored bets.

Gilas finished second in Group D with a 2-1 card behind leader China (3-0) as South Korea struggled to a 1-2 finish behind New Zealand (3-0) and Jordan (2-1) in Group C.

The Philippines bowed to China, 84-67, but bounced back with blowout wins against also-ran Kazakhstan, 66-42, and Malaysia, 75-52. South Korea, for its part, won against Bahrain, 89-62, but fell short to New Zealand, 83-81, and Jordan, 62-59.

Kieffer Louie Alas, one of the tournament’s leading scorers with 17.7 points per game in three starts, has been tasked to spearhead the Gilas’ campaign anew under the watch of coach Josh Reyes.

Meanwhile, Malaysia and Jordan slug it out in the other bracket with the survivor advancing to the quarterfinals against two-time champion Australia.

Other pairings feature India-Qatar and Iran-Lebanon with the winners marching on the Last 8 against New Zealand and China, respectively. — John Bryan Ulanday

ROS trades rookie draftee Galinato to Tropang Giga

WITHOUT a single selection in the rich PBA Season 48 Rookie Draft, TNT Tropang Giga went trading with Rain or Shine (ROS) to acquire the latter’s No. 15 draftee Henry Galinato.

The 6-foot-7 Mr. Galinato was one of three big men picked by the Elasto Painters after No. 3 Luis Villegas and No. 4 Keith Datu. The last two were already signed to three-year contracts by ROS.

Per pre-draft agreement, Rain or Shine shipped Mr. Galinato over to TNT and added veteran frontliner Jewel Ponferada to the deal submitted to the PBA for approval yesterday.

In return, the Tropang Giga sent Dave Marcelo together with their first round pick in Season 50 over to the Elasto Painters.

TNT, which decided to pass when it had its turn to draft in the third round, is in need of a frontliner with Poy Erram recovering from a knee procedure.

Ahead of their Governors’ Cup title defense in November, the Tropang Giga will plunge into action in the East Asia Super League first. They play in the international league’s opener on Oct. 11 against host Chiba Jets of Japan. — Olmin Leyba

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