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PNP to look into claims vs Yang

THE PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) will look into former presidential adviser Michael Yang’s alleged links as claimed by a dismissed police officer, Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Oscar D. Albayalde said on Wednesday.
“The President did not stop us or did not tell us to stop our validation. There is no harm in validating…to boost the statement of the President,” Mr. Albayalde told reporters.
The police general added: “Not probe actually. ‘Yung probe parang (The probe is more like) information gathering.”
Mr. Albayalde said the PNP Directorate for Intelligence (DI) will be in charge of this inquiry.
“It does not need a formal order…It’s normally kapag may mga ganyan our intel opearatives talagang mag ano and the DI (In cases like this, our intel operatives and the DI will work on that).”
“May mga allegations si Acierto (Acierto has made some allegations)….In fact,…meron siyang mga operations na sinasabi (In fact, he has cited some operations). We can start from there also. We will verify ‘yung mga (those) operations nila kung talagang totoo o hindi (if these indeed were conducted),” the PNP chief said. — Vince Angelo C. Ferreras

Filing of petitions for dominant majority, minority parties set until April 10

POLITICAL PARTIES have until April 10 to file a petition before the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for the determination of the dominant majority and dominant minority parties for the May midterm elections.
Comelec on Wednesday announced that, “Political parties may now file a petition for accreditation for the determination of the dominant majority party, the dominant minority party, the ten major national parties, and two major local parties in connection with the upcoming 2019 National and Local Elections.”
In the 2016 elections, the Liberal Party (LP) was hailed as the dominant majority party while the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) was the dominant minority party.
Both parties held the same positions during the midterm elections in 2013.
Petitions that are verified will have to be filed with the Comelec through the Clerk of the Commission, pursuant to Resolution No. 10514, on or before April 10. — Gillian M. Cortez

Senator calls for stricter laws on carrying of firearms

SENATOR Panfilo M. Lacson on Wednesday recommended that the 18th Congress legislate stricter laws on the carrying of firearms, following recent shooting incidents, including the killing of a policeman in San Juan City last Tuesday.
In a statement, Mr. Lacson also said it was time for the Philippine National Police (PNP) to tighten as well the issuance of Permits to Carry Firearms Outside Residence (PTCFORs) following reports that even criminals who just change their names can get such permits.
He added that there should be “prompt changes” in the public mindset and legislation on the possession and carrying of firearms outside residence.
“Presently, when we see persons in civilian attire with firearms bulging from their pants, we just assume they are police or military personnel. It should be the other way around. If we see someone in civilian attire and with a firearm, we should instinctively assume the person is up to no good, and report him or her to the nearest police station,” said Mr. Lacson, a former PNP chief.
“Some gun owners’ groups have argued they have no choice but to bring their guns outside their houses because the police cannot protect them. This should be a challenge to the PNP, to show they can protect the public,” he added.
According to Republic Act No. 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act, PTCFORs are issued by the PNP to any person “whose life is under actual threat or his/her life is in imminent danger due to the nature of his/her profession, occupation or business.”
Several bills have been filed in the Senate seeking to amend R.A. 10591 to improve government regulations on firearms by imposing stiffer penalties on its unlawful use.
Mr. Lacson cited other areas, such as Hong Kong, where people automatically report to police those they see in civilian attire carrying firearms. He also said the Philippines should take note of New Zealand’s actions to tighten gun ownership laws following the March 15 mass shootings which killed 50 people.
“Firearms are for self-defense against intruders and should be kept at home. Once one brings it outside your house, chances are the owner’s mindset can change and he or she can use it for offense,” the senator said. — Camille A. Aguinaldo

Agri sector damage from El Niño hits P2.6B

AGRICULTURAL DAMAGE in six regions due to the prevailing weak El Niño phenomenon has reached P2.67 billion, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported on Wednesday. Hardest hit is Region 12, or SOCCSKSARGEN, which is composed of South Cotabato, Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and General Santos City. The estimated amount of damage to rice, corn and other high-value crops per region is: SOCCSKSARGEN, P808,67 million; Bicol, P793.97 million; Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), P403.37 million; MIMAROPA (Mindoro-Marinduque-Romblon-Palawan), P192.51 million; Western Visayas, P76.4 million; and Calabarzon (Cavite-Laguna-Batangas-Rizal-Quezon), P12.79 million. The NDRRMC report also said the dry spell has affected some 103,247 hectares of land and 79,044 farmers. NDRRMC also noted that 16 provinces, towns, and cities have declared a state of calamity due to the dry spell. State weather bureau PAGASA announced last week that the El Niño phenomenon is expected to last until June. — Vince Angelo C. Ferreras

Human traffickers now using falsified POEA clearance

A NEW human trafficking scheme that bypasses the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) validation process at the airport using fake stamps and signatures has been uncovered by the Bureau of Immigration (BI). In a press statement on Wednesday, BI Port Operations Division Chief Grifton SP. Medina said the scheme was discovered when a supposed female overseas Filipino worker (OFWs) going to the United Arab Emirates was barred from travelling after presenting a fake clearance from the POEA. “It appears that the syndicates are now faking the stamp and signatures of POEA personnel at the airport in order to dupe immigration officers into believing that the employment papers of their victims are genuine,” Mr. Medina was quoted as saying. Erwin S. Ortañez, head of the BI’s travel and control enforcement unit (TCEU), said the passenger eventually confessed that her handler signed the overseas employment certificate along with her job contract and working visa hours before the scheduled flight. BI Commissioner Jaime H. Morente again warned prospective OFWs against becoming human trafficking victims. “These recruiters will sweet-talk you into thinking that their offer is the easier way to work abroad, do not fall for their illegal schemes,” Mr. Morente said. — Vann Marlo M. Villegas

Military says no reports received on harassment of Filipino fishermen by Chinese vessels

MILITARY OFFICIALS said on Wednesday that it has not received any recent report of Filipino fishermen in the vicinity of Scarborough Shoal in the West Philippine Sea being harassed by Chinese vessels.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief General Benjamin R. Madrigal Jr., in a chance interview with reporters on Wednesday, said fishermen from other claimant countries have actually been fishing close to their Philippine counterparts who are left undisturbed by Chinese vessels patrolling the disputed waters.
“Marami kasing reports na hina-harass ‘yung ating fishermen, but I got a report ang sinasabi nga yung ibang claimant countries dumidikit sa mga fishermen natin para ‘di sila tinataboy (There are lot of reports that our fishermen were being harassed, but I got a report which said that actually other claimant countries fish with our fishermen for them not to be shooed away,” Mr. Madrigal said, “[This is] because our fishermen are able to fish there undisturbed by the Chinese vessels.”
Senatorial candidate Neri Colmenares has claimed speaking to fishermen who reported the harassment incidents.
For his part, AFP Northern Luzon Command (NolCom) commander Lt. Gen. Emmanuel B. Salamat said, “We have coordinated with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and initially, there were no reports of Filipino fishermen being subjected to the said attack of Chinese water cannons, and so far, there were no sightings of Dredging ships in the waters of Bajo De Masinloc or in the West Philippine Sea.”
Mr. Salamat added that politicians should not “exploit” sensitive national issues by making unverified statements.
“Politicians should not exploit sensitive national issues such as these if they are not backed by a solid foundation and proper confirmation just to suit their own benefit. Such action could cause undue alarm to the public and may affect our credibility as a nation once proven false, which are unnecessary,” he said.
The NolCom head assured that it will remain committed to doing its mandate of protecting the people and securing the sovereign territory within its area of responsibility, which includes the country’s vast northern maritime areas. — Vince Angelo C. Ferreras

No one hurt as Air Force plane catches fire

A PHILIPPINE Air Force C-130 plane with 122 people on board caught fire before taking off at the Clark Air Base in Pampanga on Wednesday, but no one was reported hurt. In a phone-patch interview with reporters, Air Force Spokesperson Major Aristides M. Galang said the pilot noticed the flames on the air craft and immediately aborted the take-off. Mr. Galang said the passengers included 115 students of the National Defense College of the Philippines who were on a trip to Palawan and the rest were crew members. — Vince Angelo C. Ferreras

Bugallon will be home to Pangasinan Convention Center

AN 18-HECTARE area in the agricultural town of Bugallon will be the site of the planned Pangasinan Convention and Multi-Purpose Center (PCMPC). The project is under the provincial government and an initial P300 million has been allocated for the design and first phase of construction. In a statement, Provincial Engineer Antonietta C. Delos Santos said construction work will start as soon as Governor Amado I. Espino III gives his final approval to the design and building scheme. The PCMPC is planned to have a four-storey hotel, restaurant building, two Olympic-sized swimming pools, an activity area, and a wide parking lot. The groundbreaking ceremony for the project was held March 26.

Bus fare hike in Central Visayas takes effect April 1

THE MINIMUM fare for buses and mini buses in Cebu and the rest of Central Visayas will be P9 starting April 1 this year, according to Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) Regional Director Eduardo C. Montealto, Jr. The current minimum fare is P6. Julieto Flores, spokesperson of the Cebu Provincial Bus Operators Association and president of Mini-bus Operators Transport Cooperative, reminded operators that the new fare could only be implemented if a new fare matrix is posted within the vehicle. The CPBOA and Cebu South Mini-Bus Operators Association filed a joint fare hike petition last year and asked for a P4 increase — from P6 to P10 — for the first five kilometers, and another .30 centavos — from P1.20 to P1.50 — for every succeeding kilometer. In January, however, they deferred the petition following the series of fuel price reduction in December 2018. — The Freeman

64 NPA members, supporters in Surigao del Sur give up arms

THE MILITARY’S Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) reported that 64 members and supporters of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered last March 22 in Lanuza, Surigao del Sur. In a statement, EastMinCom said the group consisted of 27 NPA “regular” members, 13 affiliates under the Militia ng Bayan group, and 24 supporters or couriers. The surrender was facilitated through the Community Support Team of the 36th Infantry Battalion (IB) and the 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division together with barangay officials of Mampi in Lanuza. “This is the result if stakeholders of peace work together, marching in unison to attain peace in every community. Indeed, this is the victory of convergence and victory of peace,” said Lt. Gen. Felimon T. Santos Jr., EastMinCom commander. “Let us continue with our multi and inter-agency efforts to end the conflict and bring the much-needed services into the conflict-affected communities that will address the issues of conflict effectively and sustainably,” Mr. Santos added. The military said the former armed rebels will be placed under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP), which is intended to help them assimilate back into society.

Heavy equipment for Marawi rehabilitation delivered from China

THE ARMED Forces of the Philippines has acquired 248 units of cranes, bulldozers, loaders, and other engineering equipment from China worth P1.5 billion, which will be used for the rehabilitation of Marawi City and nearby affected areas. “This is the result of our friendship with China, setting aside ‘yung sinasabing samaan ng loob (what they call ill feelings) or other apprehensions…. We can develop a lot of good relationships with our neighbors,” National Defense Undersecretary Cardozo M. Luna said in an interview with reporters on March 27 during the turn over ceremonies of the equipment at Camp Aguinaldo. The engineering equipment were among the initial projects under “Horizon 2” of the AFP Modernization Program, which was completed last Feb. 12. Mr. Luna also said that the Chinese government will give the Philippines a deployable bridge for disaster situations. — Vince Angelo C. Ferreras

NCCC unveils plan for Victoria Plaza complex

DAVAO CITY — Homegrown New City Commercial Corp. (NCCC) is developing its recently-purchased Victoria Plaza, the city’s oldest and iconic shopping mall, into a mixed-use complex with residential and hotel components.
NCCC Malls Sharlene Faye A. Lim said they are planning to build eight buildings in the nine-hectare property, including a five-star hotel through a joint venture deal.
“Starting today, we can start talking to people (possible partners in the development of the project) openly,” Ms. Lim said during the unveiling of the complex design on March 27.
Among the possible partners is D. M. Consunji Inc., which is already working with NCCC for the redevelopment of the latter’s mall that was destroyed in a Dec. 2017 fire.
The other buildings will be for three serviced apartments, the company’s headquarters, and condominiums.
The existing shopping mall will be retained and renovated, and possibly additional floors will be constructed if the foundation permits.
Ms. Lim they have no timeline yet on the development phase, but they are keen on getting things started as soon as possible.
Walter V. Melicor, chief financial officer of Elements Philippines, the project designer, said depending on the processing of permits as well as other factors, the project can be developed within seven to 10 years.
“It will be at par with world-class (developments),” he said, adding that the design for the whole complex is partly inspired by local flora such as orchids and mangosteen tree.
Mr. Melicor said the estimated investment cost is still “fluid” and declined to give an amount.
Emmanuel G. Herbosa, president of the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), said they helped the Lim family’s company in buying the property from the Philippine National Bank, which took possession of Victoria Plaza after the original owner defaulted on its loan.
Mr. Herbosa said the loan to NCCC is covered by a non-disclosure agreement.
The DBP head said they are ready to continue assisting the company in developing the project. — Carmelito Q. Francisco

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