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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

Stallion suffers 2-5 loss to Bali United at AFC Cup

STALLION Laguna FC fell short of a winning debut in the AFC Cup as it absorbed a 2-5 defeat to Indonesia’s Bali United Wednesday night at the Biñan Football Stadium.

Stallion, which earned its maiden ticket to Asia’s second-tier club competition with its bronze in the Philippines Football League, conceded three goals in the second half to allow the visitors to pull away in the Group G opener.

Skipper Ilija Spasojevic fired a brace (27th and 72nd minutes) while Haudi Abdillah (33rd), Mohammed Rashid (54th) and Rahmat Syamsuddin Leo (69th) joined in the parade for victorious Bali in the goalfest.

It was a close encounter in the first 45 with Bali only up by one.

Mr. Spasojevic, a Montegro-born Indonesian forward, opened things with a curling shot then Junior Sam drew Laguna level with his 30th-minute strike. Mr. Abdillah regained the upperhand for Bali with a header off Eber Bessa’s corner kick in the 41st.

Messrs. Rashid, Rahmat and Spasojevic took turns firing into the Laguna net in the first 27 minutes of restart to put the game away before Abe Placito scored a consolation header for the home side two minutes before the final whistle.

“I’m happy with how our players played. Sure, we could have done better but you know we wouldn’t stop fighting,” said Stallion coach Ernie Nierras.

The Laguna booters look to bounce back when they return to action on the road against Australia’s Central Coast Mariners on Oct. 4 in Gosford, New South Wales. The Mariners are also coming off an away loss, 0-1 to Malaysia’s Terengganu. — Olmin Leyba

Gilas Pilipinas women’s squad mark Asian Games comeback since 1998

IT’S ALL systems go for the Gilas Pilipinas women’s squad in a highly-anticipated return to the Asian Games firing off this weekend in Hangzhou, China.

After a rigid training camp here that included a bevy of friendly matches against top UAAP teams, the Filipinas are ready to go with hopes of flying the flag high side-by-side with the Gilas men’s team.

“As always, our goal is to compete to the highest level and represent our country well. Our main objective is to go to the next round (first),” head coach and program director Pat Aquino told The STAR as the Philippines marks an Asiad comeback for the first time since 1998.

The majority of the team will troop to Hangzhou today while some will leave tomorrow after wrapping up their final tune-up against Adamson.

The Filipinas previously drubbed Far Eastern U, the University of the Philippines and reigning seven-time UAAP champion National U, the former team of Aquino before handing it over to long-time deputy Aries Dimaunahan.

Last week, Gilas also had a rare chance to practice with Gilas men under coach Tim Cone in joint training at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City, where they also granted fans some time for photo opportunities.

Gilas, led by the veteran troika of Jack Animam, Afril Bernardino and Janine Pontejos, has been preparing for the Asiad since summer ignited by a two silver-medal harvest in the Cambodia Southeast Asian Games.

The team also claimed a historic sixth-place finish in the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup Division A in Australia on top of a stint in the return of the Women’s Jones Cup and friendly games against Women’s Korean Basketball League teams.

Gilas’ productive campaign catapulted it to 37th place in the FIBA women’s world ranking from No. 42, which should be enough motivation and confidence to perform in the Asiad.

The Philippines is bunched in Group B with No. 70 Kazakhstan, No. 105 Hong Kong and No. 9 Japan, which finished runner-up to powerhouse USA in the Tokyo Olympics. — John Bryan Ulanday

Lionel Messi exits in first half of Inter Miami match

LIONEL Messi exited Inter Miami’s match against Toronto FC before halftime due to an unspecified injury on Wednesday, with coach Gerardo Martino saying his Argentine skipper could miss next week’s US Open Cup final.

Mr. Messi was replaced by Robert Taylor in the 37th minute with the score tied at 0-0, taking off the captain’s armband and handing it to DeAndre Yedlin. Miami shrugged off the loss of the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner to cruise to a 4-0 win, with Taylor scoring twice and Facundo Farias and Benjamin Cremaschi also getting on the score sheet.

Mr. Martino said they would evaluate the injuries to Mr. Messi and Alba in the coming days. — Reuters

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