Police: ICC probe violates Philippine sovereignty

January 30, 2023 | 8:12 pm

police drug raid-2 — PHILIPPINE STAR/ MIGUEL DE GUZMAN

PHILIPPINE police on Monday accused the International Criminal Court (ICC) of violating the country’s sovereignty by reopening its investigation into the government’s deadly war on drugs.

The Hague-based tribunal should “give due respect to the judicial processes that we have in our country because we are a sovereign country,” national police chief General Rodolfo S. Azurin, Jr. told a news briefing streamed live on Facebook. “We have our own judicial proceedings.”

Last week, the ICC pre-trial chamber granted its prosecutor’s request to reopen the probe of killings and human rights abuses during ex-President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s anti-illegal drug campaign. It said it was unsatisfied with government efforts to probe extralegal killings in connection with the drug war.

Mr. Azurin said the PNP has been working with the Department of Justice (DoJ) in probing erring cops accused of killing drug suspects who allegedly resisted arrest during drug raids.

“The PNP is committed to upholding the rule of law in all our actions, and we call on ICC and all international bodies to respect the jurisdiction and sovereignty of our country to address these cases under Philippine laws,” he said.

The government should prove to the international community that it can handle its own legal issues, said Michael Henry Ll. Yusingco, a lawyer and policy analyst.

“This administration needs to show that we are capable of upholding the rule ourselves without a foreign entity doing it for us,” he said in a Facebook Messenger chat. “Sad to say, leaving the investigation and prosecution to the DoJ may not be enough and the president needs to consider other options within our own constitutional framework.”

Mr. Yusingco proposed an independent commission that will explore human rights abuses.

Experts at the weekend said the government of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. should uphold human rights by cooperating with the ICC probe.

The ICC had seen through the “charade,” Ephraim B. Cortez, president of the National Union of Peoples’ Lawyers, said, noting that the UN-based court’s dissatisfaction with Philippine efforts to investigate these killings.

He said the ICC decision to continue the investigation showed there is evidence of human rights abuses. “With this action, the government should reconsider its position not to cooperate with the ICC.”

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin C. Remulla on Friday called the ICC’s probe an “irritant,” noting that the country has a functioning justice system.

Philippine Solicitor General Menardo I. Guevarra, Mr. Duterte’s Justice secretary, had said the government would pursue all legal means to block the ICC investigation.

The United Nations Rights Committee has said the Philippines should comply with international human rights mechanisms and cooperate with the ICC’s drug war probe.

The UN Commissioner for Human Rights last year said the government’s probe of human rights violations in connection with the drug war lacked transparency.

QUIT CALL
Arjan P. Aguirre, who teaches political science at the Ateneo de Manila University, earlier said Mr. Marcos would probably be uncooperative with the ICC to protect his predecessor.

“I’m sensing that the Marcos government will eventually decide not to participate in the investigation given that it has an important alliance to protect within the Marcos bloc that is crucial to its survival as a political regime,” he said in a Facebook Messenger chat.

“Failing to protect former President Duterte would definitely antagonize Vice-President Sara Duterte-Carpio.”

Meanwhile, Mr. Azurin said only 10 top-level cops have yet to heed the call to quit their jobs to cleanse their ranks of officers linked to the illegal drug trade.

He said three police generals and seven colonels had yet to submit their courtesy resignations.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin C. Abalos, Jr. this month urged all police colonels and generals to resign after a probe found many of them were involved in illegal drugs. A five-man committee is evaluating the record of each top cop who resigns.

The review could take as long as three months, according to the Interior secretary. The committee will then submit its recommendations to the National Police Commission, which Mr. Abalos heads.

Mr. Azurin said last week senior cops who refuse to quit would still undergo review to determine if they are linked to the illegal drug trade.

The president told police in August to temper their use of force while enforcing the law. Mr. Abalos said the drug war would be “as intensive as before.”

Human rights abuses continued in the first six months of Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s rule, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said on Jan. 12.

In a global report, the global watchdog said drug war killings, communist tagging and attacks against journalists continued to damage the country’s democratic institutions.

The Hague-based tribunal, which tries people charged with crimes against humanity, genocide, war crimes and aggression, suspended its probe of Mr. Duterte’s deadly war on drugs in 2021 upon the Philippine government’s request.

The ICC was also set to probe vigilante-style killings in Davao City when Mr. Duterte was still its vice mayor and mayor.

At least 6,117 suspected drug dealers had been killed in police operations, according to data released by the Philippine government in June 2021. Human rights groups estimate that as many as 30,000 suspects died.

The Philippine Human Rights Commission has said the Duterte government had encouraged a culture of impunity by hindering independent inquiries and failing to prosecute erring cops. — John Victor D. Ordoñez

DoH: Philippines recorded 1,206 coronavirus infections in past week

January 30, 2023 | 8:11 pm

face mask-crowd — PHILIPPINE STAR/ WALTER BOLLOZOS

THE PHILIPPINES posted 1,206 coronavirus infections in the past week, with a daily average of 172, health authorities said on Monday.

The average for Jan. 23 to 29 was 36% lower than a week earlier, the Department of Health (DoH) said in a bulletin. Of the new cases, only one was severe and critical.

DoH said it had verified 74 more deaths in the past week, six of which occurred on Jan. 16 to 29.

It added 330 of 2,359 intensive care unit (ICU) beds had been used as of Jan. 29, while 3,606 of 18,467 non-ICU beds were occupied. There were 456 severe and critical admissions.

The Health department said more than 73 million Filipinos or 94.54% of the target population had been fully vaccinated against the coronavirus, 21 million of whom received booster shots.

The positivity rate in the National Capital Region (NCR) fell to 2.3% on Jan. 28 after rising to 2.4% a day earlier, Fredegusto P. David, a fellow at the OCTA Research Group, tweeted.

“Hopefully, the positivity rate continues to trend downward,” he said. “We will continue to monitor the trends.”

Metro Manila posted the most coronavirus infections in the past two weeks at 858, followed by Calabarzon with 433, Western Visayas with 256, Central Luzon with 216 and the Davao region with 196, Mr. David tweeted on Sunday.

The World Health Organization has said the coronavirus would probably become an endemic disease like influenza as its movements become more predictable.

Meanwhile, the Philippines would get a donation of bivalent COVID-19 shots from vaccine-sharing facility COVAX, Health Officer-in-Charge Maria Rosario S. Vergeire told ABS-CBN Teleradyo.

The vaccines, which will be more effective against new coronavirus variants, would probably arrive this quarter, she said.

She did not say how many shots were donated, noting that the agreement had yet to be finalized. Other countries have also pledged to donate bivalent COVID-19 shots to the Philippines, she said.

DoH in December said it was in talks with Pfizer, Inc. and Moderna, Inc. for the purchase of bivalent coronavirus vaccines that target both the Omicron variant and the original coronavirus.

The agency had sought President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s permission to order bivalent vaccines.

The state of calamity in connection with the pandemic lapsed on Dec. 31 and the president had expressed apprehensions about extending it.

DoH could not buy more vaccines without the special authority, Ms. Vergeire said. The agency aims to have bivalent vaccines available this quarter. — JVDO

Philippine authorities shut down 102 internet cockfighting services

January 30, 2023 | 8:11 pm

PHILIPPINE police on Monday said they had taken down 102 online platforms on cockfighting, which the government of ex-President Rodrigo R. Duterte banned last year after the disappearance of at least 30 industry workers.

“We are still having a hard time dealing with these electronic sabong operations because of our [limited] technological capabilities,” national police chief Rodolfo S. Azurin, Jr. told a news briefing streamed live on Facebook. “The government should start strengthening its cyber-capabilities.”

He said police were closely monitoring 272 websites, 67 Facebook accounts, 31 Facebook groups, 18 Facebook pages and 120 mobile applications that are being used for the now-outlawed gambling operations.

Police have arrested 28 people engaged in online cockfighting games in Mandaluyong City, Lapu-Lapu City and Santiago City, he said.

E-sabong gained popularity during the pandemic as Filipino gamblers trapped at home found they could place bets conveniently on their mobile phones.

Revenues from online cockfighting averaged P400 million monthly in 2021 and P640 million a month before it was banned in May.

The disappearance of at least 30 people linked to online cockfighting activities prompted a Senate investigation and public calls for its ban.

“E-sabong websites hosted outside the Philippines can only be blocked, not taken down, as these sites can continue to operate via virtual private networks,” Mr. Azurin said. — John Victor D. Ordoñez

Marcos’ youngest son is ‘intern’ at House Speaker’s office

January 30, 2023 | 8:10 pm

Marcos-William-Libanan-PHOTO-RELEASE-FROM-OFFICE-OF-REP-LIBANAN — PHOTO RELEASE FROM OFFICE OF REP. LIBANAN

THE PRESIDENT’S youngest son is “working as an intern” at the House leader’s office, Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez confirmed on Monday in a statement.

William Vincent A. Marcos has been undergoing training on the legislative process since Jan. 23, said Mr. Romualdez, a first cousin of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.

“He will be mentored on the daily grind at the House of Representatives, including the role and interaction of various committees and departments on the legislative processes, as well as strategies to help expedite the passage of vital bills and other measures for the benefit of the Filipino people,” Mr. Romualdez said.

Sought for comment, the Speaker has yet to give a response on whether the training is part of an internship program offered by his office to undergraduate or newly-graduated students who are typically required to undergo professional exposure related to their courses.

The 25-year-old Marcos, a software engineer, graduated from Oxford Brookes University in England.

Mr. Romualdez, according to the statement, “is expected” to supervise his nephew’s training.

He previously mentored the president’s eldest, Ferdinand Alexander A. Marcos, who is now a representative of Ilocos Norte and elected Senior Deputy Majority Leader in the current Congress.

Last week, the Facebook page of House Minority Leader Marcelino C. Libanan showed photos of the youngest Marcos being introduced as a “Special Assistant to the Speaker” during the Minority Bloc’s first meeting for the year.

The young Marcos is the latest member in the clan to have a position in public office. Other than his father being the president, his uncle is the House Speaker, and his older brother is a congressman. His aunt, presidential sister Maria Imelda “Imee” R. Marcos, is a senator.

Mr. Romualdez’s wife, Rep. Yedda Marie K. Romualdez, is a party-list representative and head of the House committee on accounts. The president’s cousin, Jose Manuel D. Romualdez, is the Philippines’ ambassador to the United States.

The young Marcos’ grandmother, Imelda R. Marcos, was also a representative of Ilocos Norte. His grandfather, Ferdinand E. Marcos Sr., was a former president and dictator ousted in February 1986. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

DepED to prioritize repair of school facilities this year

January 30, 2023 | 8:10 pm

thumb-earthquake-Abra-PULOT-NATIONAL-HIGH-SCHOOL — A NEWLY-constructed building of the Pulot National High School in Lagayan, Abra sustained damage from the magnitude 6.4 earthquake that struck the province and neighboring areas on Oct. 25. — DEPED PULOT NATIONAL HS

A SCHOOL in Abra damaged by an earthquake in October 2022. — PULOT NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL FACEBOOK PAGE

THE DEPARTMENT of Education (DepEd) will prioritize the renovation of damaged school buildings this year, with the lack of facilities considered as a major handicap to the country’s education system, the education secretary said on Monday.

“The lack of school infrastructure and school resources to support the ideal teaching process is the most pressing issue pounding the Filipino basic education,” Vice-President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte-Carpio said during the presentation of DepEd’s basic education report streamed live on Facebook.

She said out of the 327,851 school buildings in the country, 89,252 buildings need major repairs from calamities, while 100,072 require minor repairs.

These repairs would cost the government P9.82 billion.

Ms. Duterte noted that DepED has allocated P15.6 billion for the overall renovation works this year.

Also on Monday, Senator Sherwin T. Gatchalian released the results of a Pulse Asia survey he commissioned indicating that more than half of Filipinos believe that the DepEd should prioritize addressing the classroom shortage in the country.

The survey, conducted from Sept. 17 to 21, showed 52% of 1,200 respondents believe that the lack of classrooms should be immediately addressed.

Mr. Gatchalian, chair of the Senate Basic Education Committee, said other concerns included lack of school learning materials and teachers. Some respondents also mentioned the need for quality education.

Other concerns cited were drug testing of students, low pay of teachers, medium of instruction being used, errors in textbooks, and competence of teachers.

According to the 2019 National School Building Inventory, the Philippines has a shortage of 167,901 classrooms.

Mr. Gatchalian noted that P420 billion is needed to fill the nationwide classroom gap.

QUALITY OF EDUCATION
“Although adequate classrooms are a priority for most of our countrymen, we will make sure that we also address the other deficiencies we face, especially when it comes to the quality of education,” the senator said.

DepED is working on a public school curriculum that will focus on foundational skills such as reading, science and technology, and math to help students get jobs after completing primary and secondary education, according to the report.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. acknowledged at the same event the problems beleaguering the Philippine education system.

“We will also invest in our learners by giving them the right tools and mechanisms that they need in their day-to-day schooling,” he said.

Ms. Duterte said DepED will provide more professional development programs for teachers, including graduate degree scholarships that focus on their specializations.

“We know that the road will be bumpy, but our direction is clear. We know that the challenges are vast but we, Filipinos, are resilient,” Ms. Duterte said. — John Victor D. Ordonez and Alyssa Nicole O. Tan

Death toll from floods, landslides climbs to 43, agricultural damage hits over P1B

January 30, 2023 | 8:10 pm

ZamboangaCity-flood-20230111-PHILIPPINE-COAST-GUARD — PHILIPPINE COAST GUARD PHOTO

THE DEATH toll from flooding and landslides prompted by persistent rains since December has climbed to 43 while eight others have been reported missing, according to Jan. 30 update of the national disaster management council.

Rains are expected to continue this week in affected areas, including southern parts of Luzon, eastern Visayas, and parts of Mindanao, based on weather bureau PAGASA’s weekly forecast.

The downpour, ranging from light to at times heavy, is caused by a continuous shear line, or an area where warm and cold winds meet, PAGASA said.

In other parts of Luzon, rainshowers are also expected due to the northeast monsoon.

Almost half a million families or over two million individuals have been affected by the unusual rains, with more than 111,000 people displaced, based on the latest report of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).

A total of 85 towns and cities have declared a state of calamity, which allows for the release of emergency funds.

NDRRMC said an estimated P103.46 million worth of assistance have been distributed so far using national and local government funds.

DAMAGE
The estimated cost of damage to public infrastructure has reached about P523.19 million, mostly roads, flood control structures, and schools.

In agriculture, 44,838 farmers and fisherfolk have been affected with damage cost so far at P1.08 billion.

The agricultural damage covers 53,707 hectares of crops and P62.04 million in livestock, poultry, and fisheries.

Meanwhile, Senator Manuel “Lito” M. Lapid has filed a measure that will provide full insurance coverage to agrarian reform beneficiaries.

“Having crop insurance is one of the effective instruments that our government can use to reduce the damages caused by natural disasters in the agricultural sector,” Mr. Lapid said in Filipino in a statement on Monday. “By providing additional support, not only will the income of our farmers be maintained but also the food production and food security of the country.

Senate Bill 1766, which seeks to amend Republic Act 6657 or the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Law, will cover all beneficiaries under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP).

The Philippine Crop Insurance Corp. implements the agricultural insurance program, which provides protection to farmers against losses arising from natural calamities, plant diseases, and pest infestations.

However, Mr. Lapid said the participation of farmers in the government agricultural insurance program remains low due to high premium rates.

“One of the main reasons why the participation of our farmers in the government’s agricultural insurance program is low is the premium they have to pay. Although half of it has been subsidized by the government, the remaining amount is still a burden on our farmers,” he said. — Marifi S. Jara and Alyssa Nicole O. Tan

Bo’s Coffee opens biggest store in Marawi; Starbucks drive-thru launched in Davao

January 30, 2023 | 8:10 pm

Bos-Coffee-Marawi-BO'S-COFFEE-FACEBOOK-PAGE — BO'S COFFEE FACEBOOK PAGE

LOCAL CAFÉ chain Bo’s Coffee, which has a nationwide network of about 100 shops, opened its biggest store in Marawi City, the company announced Sunday.

“The almost 1,000 sqm structure of Bo’s Coffee will be a steady symbol of recovery, resiliency, restoration and rebirth for the community,” the company said in a post on its Facebook page.

A large part of Marawi’s central area was damaged by a five-month heavy gun battle in 2017 between government forces and ISIS-linked militant groups that laid siege to the city.

The special committee that oversaw the city’s reconstruction program reported in May last year that rebuilding work, mostly for public infrastructure and relocation houses, was 72% complete. Rehabilitation work is continuing with the extension of the special committee under the new administration.

The Bo’s Coffee shop, located in the capitol area, has a “360-degree panoramic view” of the city, the company said.

In Davao City, Starbucks recently launched its 6^th local store and the first with a drive-thru service.

“We are pleasantry surprised how strong the business here in Davao, specially here in Damosa IT Park. I think it’s a combination, its drive-thru plus its much larger store,” Noey T. Lopez, president of Rustan Coffee Corp., licensee of Starbucks in the Philippines, said in an interview.

Starbucks opened its first store in Davao City in 2011 with a branch at the Abreeza Ayala Mall. It has since opened two other shops at SM Malls, one stand-alone shop near the Davao Convention Center, and another at the IT Park Matina.

“It’s a great sign, there’s so much opportunity, not just in Davao but in Mindanao,” Mr. Lopez said.

He said the coronavirus pandemic fast-tracked the development of drive-thru stores.

“You weren’t allowed to mingle in a café, we’ve been growing that part of the business. Not only in Davao but throughout the Philippines,” he said.

Starbucks has over 400 stores in the Philippines, with over 30 offering drive-thru service. — Marifi S. Jara and Maya M. Padillo

Tulfo calls for Senate probe on PHL-Kuwait agreement, worker contract

January 30, 2023 | 8:10 pm

A SENATOR has filed a resolution seeking to investigate, in aid of legislation, the existing Philippine-Kuwait bilateral labor agreement and standard employment contract, citing the deaths of close to 200 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the Middle Eastern country since 2016.

Senator Rafael “Raffy” T. Tulfo, under Senate Resolution 448, noted the need to establish stricter policies, adopt preventive measures, and apply sanctions or a ban on the deployment of OFWs in Kuwait.

Citing data from the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, the senator said 196 OFWs have died in Kuwait since 2016, with nearly 80% due to physical abuse.

In 2017, the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait registered 6,000 cases of abuse, sexual harassment and rape.

“The lifting of the deployment ban in 2020 was premised on the adoption of a more harmonized Standard Employment Contract for OFWs in Kuwait, which was agreed upon and signed by the Philippine and Kuwait governments, and with terms and conditions purportedly for the added protection and welfare of our OFWs,” Mr. Tulfo said in the resolution.

“Despite the aforesaid lifting… and the use and enforcement of a new Standard Employment Contract, tragedies… remain a perplexing reality,” he added.

Over the weekend, the body of Filipino domestic helper Jullebee Cabilis Ranara was flown home after she was reportedly abused and killed brutally before being left in a desert by the 17-year-old son of her employer.

Her murder has renewed calls for the reimposition of a deployment ban in Kuwait.

However, the Department of Migrant Workers has ruled this out, vowing instead to renegotiate the bilateral agreement to ensure ample benefits, security, and protection for Filipino workers. — Alyssa Nicole O. Tan

Tax exemption for balikbayan boxes sought

January 30, 2023 | 8:09 pm

A LAWMAKER filed a bill seeking to exempt overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from paying taxes for packages sent to the Philippines, with limitations set at one per month and a specific balikbayan box size.

Cagayan De Oro Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez filed on Monday House Bill No. 6752, which provides tax-free privilege for a box measuring 24”x24”x30” sent to the family.

The exemption includes all duties and taxes imposed under the National Internal Revenue Code of 1997 and the Tariff and Customs Code of the Philippines.

“These balikbayan boxes serve as the enduring testament of their sacrifice and hard work in order to secure a better future for their families back home. They represent their love and care for their families, who have to endure months or even years of separation from each other,” Mr. Rodriguez said in a statement.

The bill also disallows the Bureau of Customs (BoC) from forcefully opening the balikbayan boxes. It can only be inspected through an x-ray or through sniffer dogs.

Balikbayan boxes can only be opened when the consignor’s export declaration and packing list are not attached to the package or if the BoC receives information that the items in the package are banned, prohibited, or regulated under existing laws.

The bill also proposes to expand the definition of a balikbayan’s family in Republic Act No. 6768 or the Balikbayan Program.

Under the measures, a balikbayan’s family will include not just spouse and children but also parents, grandparents, brothers and sisters, and relatives within the 4^th degree of relationship living in the Philippines.

The bill is pending at the House committee on overseas workers affairs. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

House panel OK’s bill on special program for workers to earn a tertiary-level diploma

January 30, 2023 | 8:09 pm

A HOUSE committee approved on Monday a bill that will provide an opportunity for workers who dropped out of school to earn a bachelor’s degree through an alternative schooling program.

The House committee on higher and technical education approved a measure seeking to institutionalize the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP).

The ETEEAP will be an alternative education program that will allow professionals who have not graduated from college but have already been working for at least five years to earn school credits necessary to complete a bachelor’s degree.

“We need to provide avenues for the acquisition of knowledge and skills at different life stages that will meet the different needs and circumstances of every learner,” Tingog Party-list Rep. Jude A. Acidre, one of the authors of the bill, told the committee.

Mr. Acidre added that “an individual may be granted a diploma or a degree after a competency-based evaluation from established assessment systems” in the form of “written tests, interviews, skills demonstration, portfolio and other creative assessment methodologies administered by designated assessors or faculty experts.”

Meanwhile, a lawmaker filed a bill that aims to hand out cash assistance to fresh graduates looking for a job.

Deputy Speaker Camille A. Villar-Genuino filed House Bill No. 6542 to “help fresh graduates by giving them a one-time cash grant in the amount of P5,000 which they can use as productivity/earnest fund (for their) application for employment, transportation and settling-in amount, if they get a job soonest,” she said.

Ms. Villar said first time job seekers need funds for transportation, work wear, printing of biodata or curriculum vitae, and other expenses.

To avail the cash grant, a fresh graduate must submit a copy of diploma or school certification.

Congress, with the help of the Commission on Higher Education, will determine the amount needed to fund the program.

The bill is pending at the House committee on higher and technical education. — Beatriz Marie D. Cruz

PHL Strong Group faces winless Al Wahda of Syria in Dubai tilt

January 30, 2023 | 6:42 pm

UAE-basketball — LED by ex-NBA players and former PBA imports Shabazz Muhammad and Renaldo Balkman, Strong Group scraped past UAE, 91-87, before trouncing Al Nasr, 93-76. — UAE BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION

UNDEFEATED Strong Group tries to zero in on a group sweep when it takes on Al Wahda of Syria in the 32^nd Dubai International Basketball Championship at the Al-Nasr Club Hall.

Tip-off is at 1 a.m. (Manila time) today with the Jacob Lao-owned team wanting no let-up after wins over the United Arab Emirates (UAE) national team and Al Nasr of Libya.

Led by ex-NBA players and former PBA imports Shabazz Muhammad and Renaldo Balkman, Strong Group scraped past UAE, 91-87, before trouncing Al Nasr with a wire-to-wire 93-76 win for a solo lead in Group A.

Al Wahda, on the other hand, is winless in two games but coach Charles Tiu is not keen on lowering his team’s guard to dodge a major upset.

“They lost to Al Nasr of Libya but they will have a new and big import for our game. So they’re a different team right now,” said Mr. Tiu of the hungry Syrians.

Al Wahda bowed to Al Nasr, 80-66, and Lebanons’ Dynamo, 95-75, — making it a must-win game against Strong Group.

To get the job done, Mr. Tiu will be banking on the continuous support of his local crew led by Filipino-American guard Sedrick Barefield after backstopping Mr. Muhammad in scoring in the first two games.

Ex-NBA champion Nick Young is also expected to find his groove after struggling in the first two matches with Kevin Quiambao, Will Gozum and Justine Baltazar patrolling the paint.

Jerom Lastimosa, BJ Andrade, JD Cagulangan, Miguel Oczon, Inand Fornillos and Lebron Lopez are also tipped to provide solid coverage for Strong Group that is also backed by Mighty Sports and Acrocity.

Fellow unbeaten squad Dynamo of Lebanon is the last assignment of Strong Group tomorrow for the virtual Group A leadership.

Strong Group is eyeing to be the second Philippine team to win in Dubai after Mighty Sports in 2020 with Mr. Tiu also at helm. — John Bryan Ulanday

Super Bowl: KC Chiefs vs Philadelphia Eagles

January 30, 2023 | 6:41 pm

Chiefs survive Bengals, Eagles thrash 49ers

A LAST-MINUTE field goal saw the Kansas City Chiefs beat the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20 at the AFC Championship and punch their ticket to the Super Bowl on Sunday, setting up a showdown against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Quarterback Patrick Mahomes suffered a high-ankle sprain only days earlier but produced a heroic sprint to get the Chiefs the first down with the game tied and mere seconds left on the clock.

An unnecessary roughness call on defensive end Joseph Ossai, who shoved Mr. Mahomes out of bounds, put kicker Harrison Butker within range and the Chiefs had their revenge a year after Cincinnati ended their path to the Super Bowl.

“The work’s not done,” head coach Andy Reid said to a euphoric Kansas City crowd. “We’ve got a few practices here and then we’ve got to take care of business.”

The Bengals rolled into icy cold Kansas City on a 10-game winning streak but struggled at first to keep their cool amid the ear-splitting cheers from the home fans, as a relentless Chiefs defense sacked Cincinnati quarterback Joe Burrow four times in the first half.

But the game turned into an epic duel as Mr. Burrow leveled the score with a 27-yard touchdown pass to Tee Higgins in the third quarter and Mr. Mahomes retaliated, connecting with Marquez Valdes-Scantling in the end zone.

A touchdown on a two-yard sneak by Samaje Perine put the Bengals back in contention, but the Chiefs would not be denied their third trip four years to the Super Bowl.

The win set up a tantalizing showdown between the Chiefs’ powerhouse offense and one of the most devastating defenses in the league, after the Eagles thrashed the San Francisco 49ers 31-7 in the NFC Championship on Sunday.

A pair of rushing touchdowns from Miles Sanders helped the Philadelphia Eagles clinch it, after injuries hit San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy and backup Josh Johnson.

“This is something you dream about as a kid,” Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni said in televised remarks. “Just to be able to do this together with a bunch of men that love each other, that have connected to each other, that would do anything for each other, it’s pretty sweet.”

The Eagles set the tone early, converting on fourth down on the opening drive with a sensational one-handed catch by receiver DeVonta Smith before the Pro Bowler Sanders scrambled six yards into the end zone.

The situation went from bad to worse for San Francisco as Mr. Purdy left the game with an elbow injury after a strip sack by Eagles’ linebacker Haason Reddick during the 49ers’ first possession.

Running back Christian McCaffrey broke through a swarm of defenders to put the Niners on the board in the second quarter but Sanders wrested back the lead immediately with a 13-yard touchdown.

Mr. Johnson, the Niners’ fourth-string quarterback after injuries previously sidelined starters Jimmy Garoppolo and Trey Lance, fumbled the ball late in the second quarter and the Eagles recovered, sending a shiver of despair through the away team as Boston Scott ran it into the end zone.

Mr. Purdy went back into the contest after Mr. Johnson smacked his head on the turf but was ineffective against the razor-sharp Eagles, as quarterback Jalen Hurts leapt into the end zone for a touchdown in the third quarter and Jake Elliott made a 31-yard field goal in the fourth.

“This is a special city,” said Hurts, 24, before leading the euphoric crowd at Lincoln Financial Field in singing the Eagles’ fight song, “Fly, Eagles Fly”. “We’ve got one more. — Reuters