MAKATI CITY, Philippines — Vice President Leni Robredo visited yesterday typhoon stricken areas in Batanes.

Robredo reports that Itbayat island is the hardest hit area in Batanes and many houses were destroyed by typhoon Ferdie.

Based on her initial report, there are 510 totally damage houses, 400 are heavily damaged and 1,545 are partially damage.

The vice president wants to fast track the shelter assistance in Batanes.

VP Robredo says one of the major requests of Batanes is a navy boat that will bring needed construction materials in the area.

The vice president immediately calls for an emergency meeting with National Housing Authority and other concerned agencies for the immediate assistance in Batanes. — Nel Maribojoc | UNTV News & Rescue

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PASAY CITY, Philippines — The Senate has voted to re-organize the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights with majority of the senators favoring the motion to remove Senator Leila de Lima as the chair of the committee.

Sixteen senators who are all members of the majority voted in favor of the motion of Senator Manny Pacquiao to declare as vacant the chairmanship and memebership of the committee headed by Sen. de Lima.

Her committee heads the investigation on the alleged cases of extrajudicial killings and summary executions happening under the Duterte administration.

Sen. Pacquiao’s move preceeded the privilege speech of Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano at the Plenary.

In his speech, Cayetano called on the senate to act on the bad image of the president and the country in the international community following the series of committee hearings on the spate of killings related to drugs.

Meanwhile, 3 members of the minority namely Sen. Ralph Recto, Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV and Sen. Francis Escudero abstained in the voting while Sen. Bam Aquino, Sen. Risa Hontiverso, Sen. Kiko Pangilingan and Sen. Franklin Drilon negated the motion.

Sen. Richard Gordon, then is chosen to chair the committee with Sen. Panfilo Lacson as the vice chair and Sen. Leila de Lima, Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, Sen. Miguel Zubiri, Sen. Grace Poe and Sen. Kiko Pangilinan as memebrs.

For his part, Senate President Aquilino ‘Koko’ Pimentel III who also voted to remove the chairmanship from de Lima, said the re-organization will ensure the committee’s partiality in handling the investigation.

He said, de Lima’s objectivity is in question and she and the president have been throwing allegations against each other.

He also clarified that the re-organization went through the proper procedure and was devoid of any political color or influence from the Malacañan.

Though de Lima has expressed great dismay over the decision of the senate, she says this is not something unexpected.

She alleges this is all part of the plan to discredit her as the committee chair and to stop their investigation.

Majority floor leader, Sen. Tito Sotto, however assures that despite the re-organization, the committee will still continue its hearing on alleged cases of extrajudicial killings and summary executions. — Joyce Balancio | UNTV News & Rescue

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“We are preparing for that. Actually, we are now asking our people, especially the PNP, to submit to us who are the barangay captains that are involved in drugs.”

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Ismael Sueno says they are now waiting for the directive of President Rodrigo Duterte to formally relieve all barangay officials who are involved in illegal drug operations and corrupt practices.

Sueno says they have asked the Philippine National Police to submit the names of implicated officials in preparation for the possible replacement.

“In just few days or few weeks, perhaps we will receive these reports from the field to have a list of barangay captains who are involved in drugs. Not only drugs but also corruptions,” Sueno said.”

Such officials who have unscrupulous record would be replaced especially if the village polls would be cancelled.

Though at least 20.51% of 42,065 barangays in the entire country is affected by illegal drugs, Sec. Sueno believes there are still remaining honest barangay officials that’s why they will still wait for PNP’s list.

Meanwhile, DILG also confirms that the governors from various provinces are looking for ways to rehabilitate surrendered drug users.

This is through community interventions just like outreach rehab, counselling and meditation with the help of LGUs, churches and other experts. — Lea Ylagan | UNTV News & Rescue

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Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre announces a possible lifting of arrest order against Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chairman Nur Misuari in connection with his role in the 2013 Zamboanga City siege.

Aguirre says this as part of the government’s effort to pursue peace negotiations with Moro rebels and he already talked to Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza about it.

Misuari and his key commanders were charged with rebellion and war crimes for the bloody attack.

President Rodrigo Duterte yesterday called on the military and police not to arrest Misuari so as not to compromise his efforts to forge peace with Misuari’s group.

“That is part of the peace talk. As a matter of fact, we are very cooperative with that and gusto naming talaga na mabuo o matuloy na yung peace agreement natin,” Sec. Aguirre said. — UNTV News & Rescue

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The likeness of Pres. Rodrigo Duterte and VP Leni Robredo grown on a rice paddy. Photo Credit:FutureRice/Janlois Libed

NUEVA ECIJA, Philippines —The FutureRice Program, under the Philippine Rice Research Institute, taps agritourism to call for unity among Filipinos in advancing our rice industry and in uplifting the lives of our rice farmers under the new administration. A 1000-square meter rice paddy displays an art work featuring the images of President Rodrigo Duterte and Vice President Leni Robredo. The paddy art is called “Rice Up Pilipinas”.

The site was launched last September 16 and is open for public viewing daily from 6AM to 6PM.

The paddy art used the Korean variety Purple rice with dark purple leaves to show distinction from the regular green-leafed inbred variety NSIC Rc308.

The FutureRice Program ICT Specialist Nehemiah L. Caballong created the layout and design using the software Photoshop, guided by the anamorphosis approach which distorts the image to appear clearly from the viewing point.

Farm Manager Marian Rikka O. Añora led the manual transplanting of the rice paddy art joined by about thirty farmers from the Genetic Resources Division of PhilRice last August 22. A pattern similar of that for cross-stitch was followed by the group to create the art.

FutureRice Program leader Roger Barroga said, “We came up with a creative way to call for unity among Filipinos to become partners for change in rice farming.”

PhilRice is known for its BeRiceponsible and Brown4good campaigns which promotes responsible consumption of rice alongside with its research and development projects aimed to attain food security and help our farmers increase profitability through various programs.

“We encourage the younger generation to explore rice farming. It is not the same as before. There are new opportunities, technologies, and innovations that we think they will find interesting. They youth is the future of rice. We invite them to come to the farm and have a different rice experience”, Barroga said.

“We are currently exploring agritourism as a means to attract people to rice farming especially the youth. When they come here, they will see and learn about the latest technologies in rice farming like the use of drone, riding-type mechanical transplanter, clean energy facilities and of course organic rice and the different varieties of rice for different environments. They can also enjoy boating and kayaking,” Barroga added.

The “Rice Up Pilipinas” paddy art is the third for the FutureRice Program. It has showcased the image of Dr. Jose Rizal and the popular artists Maine Mendoza and Alden Richards during wet season 2015 and dry season 2016 respectively.

FutureRice Program is developing a 5-hectare demonstration site at PhilRice central experiment station which showcases a collection of high-tech farming innovations as well as natural and diversified farming techniques for farmers, students, enthusiasts and stakeholders. The program aims to prepare farmers for future farming scenarios such as the rising price of fossil-based fuel and climate change.

Barroga also said that visiting the FutureRice farm is absolutely for free and that everyone is welcome. For more info, visit their Facebook page at Facebook.com/FutureRice or inquire through the PhilRice Text Center 0920-911-1398.  (UNTV News and Rescue)

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LA UNION, Philippines — For the second  time, President Rodrigo Duterte has read the name of Naguilian, La Union mayor Reynaldo Flores as one of the officials of the local government who is allegedly involved in illegal drug trade in the country.

Flores is included in the first narco-list read by President Rodrigo Duterte in August.

But last Saturday, the president has named the mayor as a high value target, prompting the latter to fear for his security.

“Natatakot na ako. Kasi ang nag umpisa ng imbestigasyon nung ma mention ang pangalan ko noong August 7, eh mga ahensya ng mga pulis…police regional office, provincial office, PDEA, CIDG, DILG, NBI. Eh ngayon papasok itong military nyo na ‘to eh. Ang problema, hindi sila ang nag umpisa ng imbestigasyon,” said the Naguilian Mayor.

(I am afraid now. Because those who initiated the investigation when my name was mentioned on August 7, were police agencies…police regional office, provincial office, PDEA, CIDG, DILG, NBI. But now, the military is entering the scene. The problem is, they did not initiate the investigations.)

Naguilian police has assured to provide sufficient police personnel to look after the security of Flores.

“Pinapanatili lang natin na secured siya. Baka may mga tao na magsamantala doon nga sa mga isyu ngayon,” said Naguilan PNP Police Chief Inspector. Cirilo Butigan Jr.                      (We are keeping him secured. There may be some groups who might take advantage of current issues. )

However, Flores trusts that through proper investigation, the truth about Bimmotobot shabu laboratory discovered in Naguilian in July 2008 will be revealed.

He has also promised his constituents that he will continue his work and service and will not let himself be affected by the issue. (UNTV News and Rescue)

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MANILA, Philippines — Twenty miles before landing, Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) Emergency Services Department (ESD) was alerted by Manila control tower that Saudia Airlines flight SV872 is under threat.

MIAA together with PNP Aviation Security Group is now on site with aircraft on standby at designated isolation area.  Saudia Airline executives are also at the scene.

PNP Aviation Security Group and MIAA authorities are currently implementing standard operating procedures in accordance with the airport emergency plan.

No further information is available as of this posting. (UNTV News and Rescue)

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QUEZON CITY,  Philippines — The Lower House started yesterday its inquiry into the alleged proliferation of illegal drugs and illegal drugs trade inside the New Bilibid Prison.

The House Committee on Justice aims to determine the extent of the drug problem inside the national penitentiary to aid them in crafting legislative measures.

About thirty witnesses and resource persons were listed by the Department of Justice (DOJ) for the inquiry but only four were presented.

Before they were presented, the witnesses were given immunity by the house leadership, to assure that nothing in their testimony can be used against them.

The witnesses claim that then justice secretary Leila de Lima received millions of money from drugs lords in Bilibid.

Former police officer Rodolfo Magleo testifies that he is a confidant of Commando Gang leader Jaybee Sebastian, who, Magleo claims, has ties with the former secretary.

Magleo also claims that the so-called ‘Bilibid 19’ or high profile inmates, were transferred to NBI Detention Cell on Sebastian’s request.

He adds that during de Lima’s time as justice secretary, Bilibid is known as the “Drug Trade Center” of the country and “Little Las Vegas” due to abundance of drugs, gambling, prostitution and other contrabands.

Another convicted criminal, Herbert Colanggo, testifies that he was giving monthly payola to de Lima for allowing him to smuggle contrabands inside the prison.

“There’s P3 million collection for payola for the entry of contrabands,” Colanggo said. “Entry of beer in the Bilibid has de Lima’s blessing.”

He also claims that de Lima’s aide, Joenel Sanchez, approached him to make him sell drugs to fund her senatorial campaign.

He says he personally talked with the former secretary about it fearing that he will be transferred to the NBI cell.

“I whispered to Sec. de Lima, “Ma’am, Ronnie’s instruction to Joenel, I agree. Just do not get rid of me.” She answered, “Got it. Got it.” When I stood up to leave, Sec. de Lima looked back at me and told me, “Herbert, you will stay there temporarily.”

Another witness, NBI agent Jovencio Ablen Jr. narrates that he was asked by then BuCor OIC NBI Deputy Director Rafael Ragos to accompany him in delivering millions of pesos.

A claim that Ragos confirmed saying de Lima herself received the money.

Meanwhile, Sen. de Lima denied the accusations saying the evidence against her are fabricated.

The house committee will resume their inquiry today with DOJ presenting more of their witnesses. — Roderic Mendoza | UNTV News & Rescue

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QUEZON CITY, Philippines — Jeepney associations are asking the corresponding government agencies to assist them with the modernization of their fleet.

This is primarily for the acquisition of brand new engines for their units.

Efren de Luna of ACTO says they spend around 350 thousand pesos in assembling second-hand jeepneys but brand new units may cost them about 1 million pesos.

The group also suggests that surplus engines should not be allowed to enter in the country for these are already rejected in the country of origin.

“We hope that the DENR and the DOTC do their part to acquire new engines from other countries and then issue them to us as loan,” de Luna said.

“What we are targeting here ultimately is the driver to own the jeepney. And that will be on the boundary scheme,” DENR Undersecretary Art Valdez said.

The DENR will also cease the operation of private emission testing centers who are allowing non-appearance schemes or the issuance of certificate of emission compliance without even testing the vehicle.

“Non-appearance is prohibited and the corrupt PETC’s, we will close them down,” said DENR Secretary Gina Lopez. — Rey Pelayo | UNTV News & Rescue

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Six witnesses, some of them high-profile inmates, testified yesterday at the House Committee on Justice hearing in connection with the alleged illegal drug trade at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP).

The witnesses narrated how the illegal drug trade prospered inside the NBP with the help of former justice secretary and now senator Leila de Lima and other former government officials.

The House Committee on Justice recommended to grant immunity to the witnesses which was immediately approved by the speaker of the house.

The witness granted with immunity are former BuCor OIC Rafael Ragos, his escort-driver Jovencio Ablen, NBI inmates Herbert Colanggo, Noel Martines, Jaime Patcho and former police major Rodolfo Magleo.

But some lawmakers have expressed concern over the decision of the Congess.

Bayan Muna Representative Carlos Zarate says the testimonies of the witnesses have to be scrutinized first and that the government should not easily believe their statements.

Albay Representative Edcel Lagman, meanwhile, noted that the committee that recommended the immunity must explain their recommendation.

“If they are not telling the truth, they can be charge for perjury or false testimony,” Rep. Lagman said.

The lawmaker also questioned the direct examination of the witnesses conducted during the hearing by DOJ Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre.

Lagman says allowing him to do so violate house rules.

“If Secretary Aguirre is acting as counsel or lawyer of this affiance or witnesses, under the rules of the house and under tradition, the lawyer cannot direct questions to the witness. He should pass the question through the committee or chairman of the committee,” Lagman explained.

House Committee on Justice Chairman Renaldo Umali has previously stated that the investigation is only for lawmaking-purposes.

But Lagman, a known member of de Lima’s political party, believes otherwise. — Nel Maribojoc | UNTV News & Rescue

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PNP Internal Affairs Service Deputy Inspector General P/CSupt. Leo Angelo Leuterio says they are now investigating the extent of involvement of 83 other policemen involved in illegal drug activities nationwide.

They are among the police personnel mentioned by the President who earlier surrendered.

It can be recalled that President Rodrigo Duterte has recently named 96 law enforcers involved in illegal drug activities. Among them, 76 surrendered.

“There are some other elements of validation and after that, I plan to recommend to the Chief PNP for these policemen to be assigned to police holding and admin unit. So that we can interview them and continue our interrogation to get more info out of them,” Leuterio said.

Leuterio adds that the 83 said policemen are now under lifestyle check.

“These 83 others, we have directed the intelligence to conduct lifestyle [check] on them – where do they live, to what school do their children go, what kind of vehicles do they use.”

The lifestyle check would help authorities come up with appropriate charges to be filed against the implicated policemen. — Lea Ylagan | UNTV News & Rescue

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PASAY CITY, Philippines — Senator Bam Aquino is not satisfied with the way Martial Law history is being taught in schools nowadays.

During the hearing of the Senate Committee on Education, Arts and Culture, which he heads, Sen. Aquino points out the missing details in the books.

He says only the good accounts of the Marcos regime were placed in the textbooks, while omitting stories of torture and deaths during the time.

“We have laws to talk about the atrocities of Martial Law. Are we scared? Are we ashamed of talking about the not-so-good things in history? I think we need to face that so we won’t make the same mistakes in the past,” Sen. Aquino said.

As a self-confessed victim of human rights violations during the Martial Law, Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Leonor Briones admits inaccuracies in the history lessons taught to students.

To address this, Briones says the department has already initiated the changes in the curriculum, in textbooks, and even in the way teachers educate pupils.

“It is not only textbooks that should be the source of learning of the youth. There should be supplementary readings and activities in school like events, plays, other activites that will emphasize the teaching of Martial Law,” said. Sec. Briones.

The secretary says the new curriculum will focus on human rights while giving special emphasis to Martial Law.

Under the new curriculum, the concept of human rights will be introduced as early as in 2nd grade.

The topic will also be integrated to other subjects other than Aralin Panlipuan across all levels up to high school.

The changes in the curriculum are expected to be implemented next year.

Sen. Aquino lauds the effort of the DepEd.

He says proper education will give students a better foundation and understanding of our history.

“For me, their foundation on knowing what is right or wrong will be stronger. So, when they come across anything online, they will know which is true and which is not,” said Sen. Aquino. — Joyce Balancio | UNTV News & Rescue

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“Wherefore the petition for certiorari is dismissed (…) private respondent Mary Grace Poe-Llamanzares is a natural-born Filipino citizen qualified to hold office as a senator of the republic.”

This is the decision of the Supreme Court denying the petition for certiorari filed by Rizalito David on Senator Grace Poe’s citizenship.

The magistrates voted 9-3 affirming the decision of the Senate Electoral Tribunal (SET) that Sen. Poe is indeed a natural-born citizen, thus she is qualified to hold a government office.

The petition was first filed at the SET seeking to disqualify Poe as senator over the issue of questionable citizenship and residency.

David argued that under the constitution, a foundling such as Poe cannot be considered a natural-born citizen.

SET dismissed David’s appeal and the case was brought to the Supreme Court.

With this development, David’s camp says they respect the court’s decision but plans for future actions regarding the issue. — Joan Nano | UNTV News & Rescue

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MANILA, Philippines — Senator Leila de Lima expressed dismay over yesterday’s House committee hearing into New Bilibid Prison’s alleged drug operations in which the embattled senator is being linked to. Below is her statement dated September 20, 2016.

I have no adequate words to express my utter dismay about the lack of foresight and/or utter lack of sheer humanity displayed today during what I can only describe as a blatant exercise in harassment and persecution that is the so-called House of Representatives “inquiry”. I condemn and vehemently protest the sheer indecency and foulness of allowing my cellphone number and home address to be publicly disclosed. They have victimized me over and over again, and just when I thought I could not feel more betrayed, they have once again proven that I have underestimated their audacity and evilness.

As of 8:00 p.m. tonight, I have been bombarded by text messages, numbering almost 2000, and phone calls from unknown persons, threatening me, harassing me, calling me the vilest of names.

They have basically destroyed my right to privacy and security in my communications and in my abode. I am now literally a persecuted person displaced from my home. Worse, they have turned people into weapons of destruction.

This is the country that we live in today. We shame ourselves before our countrymen and the world that we dare compare ourselves to Singapore in terms of making people feel safe.

What the people have to realize is that this is not just an offense against me, but against everyone. They are making me into an example of what will happen to those who dare criticize and call out the abuses of those in power. Who would dare stand up for others now? The real victim here is the people, the oppressed. God save us all.

– SEN LEILA DE LIMA

(UNTV News and Rescue)

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Director and cast member Angelina Jolie poses, as her husband and co-star Brad Pitt stands nearby, at the premiere of “By the Sea” during the opening night of AFI FEST 2015 in Hollywood, California November 5, 2015. The movie opens in the U.S. on November 13. REUTERS/Mario Anzuoni

Actress Angelina Jolie has filed for a divorce from actor Brad Pitt, her husband of two years and romantic partner since 2005, her attorney said on Tuesday, signaling the end of one of Hollywood’s most glamorous and powerful couples.

“This decision was made for the health of the family. She will not be commenting, and asks that the family be given its privacy at this time,” attorney Robert Offer said in a statement.

The Oscar-winning actress filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on Monday, citing irreconcilable differences, court documents showed. Jolie sought full physical custody of their six children ages 8 to 15 with visitation rights for Pitt but did not seek spousal support. Jolie cited their separation date as Sept. 15.

“I am very saddened by this but what matters most now is the well-being of our kids,” Pitt told People magazine. “I kindly ask the press to give them the space they deserve during this challenging time.”

A copy of papers filed at Los Angeles Superior Court by Angelina Jolie shows her petition for divorce from her husband Brad Pitt in Los Angeles, California, U.S. September 20, 2016. Jolie filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on Monday, citing irreconcilable differences as grounds for the split, court documents showed. REUTERS/Piya Sinha Roy

Jolie and Pitt, known collectively as “Brangelina,” were one of the entertainment world’s most visible couples, due to their good looks, successful films and activism. They married in 2014 after a decade together.

Their relationship was steady fodder for tabloids with reports focusing on what role Jolie played in the breakup of Pitt’s marriage to actress Jennifer Aniston and, more recently, possible trouble in the marriage.

Media commentators reacted with surprise and sadness to the news. “Today shall go down as the day love died,” Vogue magazine said in an online report on the couple’s split.

Social media buzzed with #brangelina mentioned roughly 720 times per minute on Twitter, more than triple mentions for the United Nations General Assembly, according to analytics firm Zoomph.

Jolie, 41, who won a best-supporting actress Oscar for “Girl, Interrupted” in 2000, was previously married to actors Jonny Lee Miller and Billy Bob Thornton.

Pitt, 52, was married to Aniston in 2003 when he and Jolie filmed “Mr. & Mrs. Smith,” the story of assassins unknowingly assigned to kill each other. There were reports of an affair, but Jolie told Vogue they were only “very, very good friends” until Pitt and Aniston split in 2005.

Before their August 2014 wedding at their French estate, Jolie and Pitt had said they would not wed until same-sex couples were allowed to marry.
MOVIES BOOKEND THE RELATIONSHIP

Actors Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie attend the premiere of “The Normal Heart” in New York May 12, 2014. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly/File Photo

While Pitt and Jolie won praise for their on-screen chemistry in “Mr. & Mrs. Smith,” their most recent film collaboration, “By the Sea,” last year was about a married couple drifting apart. Jolie wrote and directed the latter.

Jolie has been estranged from her father, actor Jon Voight, but he told “Inside Edition” he was concerned about the divorce filing. “It’s very sad,” he said. “Something very serious must have happened for Angelina to make a decision like this.”

Peter Walzer, a California attorney who represented actress Katie Holmes in her divorce from superstar Tom Cruise, said in a phone interview it was unusual Jolie sought sole physical custody of the children and it was equivalent to saying Pitt was not competent to be a parent. “It’s an insult,” Walzer said.

Jolie had an offbeat reputation early in her career but has taken on humanitarian causes and was named a special envoy for the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees.

She traveled to Afghanistan, Sudan, Tanzania, Iraq and Jordan to call attention to the plight of refugees and the underprivileged.
The couple started a foundation to finance reconstruction of homes in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. Together they started the Jolie-Pitt Foundation in 2006 to help charities worldwide.

Their children include sons adopted from Cambodia and Vietnam and a daughter adopted from Ethiopia, as well as three biological children.

To encourage other women, Jolie spoke out publicly about elective surgeries in 2013 and 2015 to remove her breasts, ovaries and fallopian tubes as a preventive measure due to a family history of cancer.

In addition to her Oscar win, Jolie was nominated for an Academy Award for “Changeling” in 2008. Pitt’s breakout role came in a supporting part in “Thelma & Louise” in 1991. His other films include “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” “Inglourious Basterds,” “Moneyball,” and the “Ocean’s 11” films.

(Story refiled to add dropped word ‘in’ in paragraph 6)

(Reporting by Alex Dobuzinskis and Piya Sinha-Roy; Additional reporting by Melissa Fares and Angela Moon; Writing by Bill Trott; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)

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Senator Leila de Lima will have to answer another ethics complaint newly filed before the Senate.

Majority Floor Leader Senator Tito Sotto confirms that the Senate committee on ethics and privileges received another complaint against Sen. Leila de Lima.

However, he refuses to give details as the members of the committee have not been given a copy.

He only assures that it is different from the complaint earlier filed by Atty. Abelardo de Jesus whose basis were statements of President Rodrigo Duterte linking Senator de Lima to drugs.

Sotto says though there were many revelations against de Lima during the House probe, the ethics committee cannot automatically use these against the lady senator.

“As of now, we talk about it, we talk about it, nothing official and i doubt if we will take it up to the committee on ethics, unless a complaint contains these revelations”, he said.

If a complaint will be filed indicating instances mentioned during the House probe, the Senate ethics committee will have to rule first if they have jurisdiction to handle it.

“If the complainant has issues against Sen. De Llima while she is senator already then it will be relevant to the Committee on Ethics”, said Senator Sotto.

Meanwhile, Senator Bam Aquino expressed his concern over the disclosure of Senator Leila de Lima’s contact details during the hearing yesterday.

“It is very unfortunate na nailabas ang kanyang phone number at yung address niya, we like to hope in the halls of Senate and Congress mayroon pa rin parliament courtesy, meron pa rin courtesy to one’s right to privacy”, said Senator Aquino.

(It is very unfortunate that their phone numbers as well as their addresses. We like to hope in the hallls of Senate and Congress that there still is parliament courtesy. There still is courtesy to one’s right to privacy.)

He says the Senate can also check on the credibility of the witnesses presented during the House probe.

This after Senator Leila de Lima urged the Senate committee on justice and human rights to also look into the alleged proliferation of drugs inside the New Bilibid Prison.

“I think a resolution has been filed already here that we also tackle this cases so the senators can also have a chance to question these witnesses as well and to check their veracity of their stories, we will take it from there, doon na namin sila haharapin“, he said.

Meanwhile, Senator de Lima was not present today at the Senate. Her staff says she is looking for another place to stay after receiving more threats.

Despite being absent, her office filed today a resolution urging the Department of Foreign Affairs to invite the United Nations rapporteur and ask them to investigate the spate of extrajudicial and summary killings in the country. Senators have opposing views on the matter.

“Hindi ako supportive. bakit makikialam ang United Nations sa atin? Payag ba sila tayo mangingialam sa kanila?”, said Senator Bam Aquino.

“Sa atin mas maganda iyon para hindi mapulaan ng pulitika, mas maganda na may international agency na nirerespeto at independent para magampanan iyang pagiimbestiga na iyan Nations satin? Payag ba sila tayo mangingialam sa kanila?” said Senator Antonio Trillanes IV.

(Joyce Balancio/UNTV News and Rescue)

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DAVAO, Philippines — The Eastern Mindanao Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines is now in the process of creating an inter-agency task force terrorism.

After the Davao City night market bombing on September 2, the Eastern Mindanao Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines saw the need to create an inter-agency task force terrorism.

The task force’s main purpose is to consolidate all intelligence information coming from different law enforcement agencies.

This is to thwart possible future terroristic acts in Davao City and nearby areas.

“This is more of information consolidation, so we could have a better situational awareness that the security forces like the task force Davao, the police, can use”, said Eastmincom Spokesperson Maj. Ezra Balagtey.

The Eastmincom’s spokesperson adds that they also see the necessity for the creation of the task force since Davao City is an alternate seat of government knowing that the President is frequently here.

Meanwhile, the Eastern Mindanao Command is also working on intensifying the capability of Task Force Davao being an anti-terrorism and counter-terrorism unit.

EASTMINCOM plans to create a joint task force wherein the land-based Task Force Davao will be aided by the Philippine Navy and the Philippine Airforce.

Its area of responsibility will not just be Davao City alone but also the nearby municipalities.

“The task force will have an expanded area of jurisdiction which will include the peripheries of Davao City because the threats to Davao is not only within but also from the outside”, Major Balagtey said.

(Victor Cosare/UNTV News and Rescue)

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Professor Barbara Maher of Lancaster University and her research team examined the brain tissue of 37 individuals who had lived in either Mexico City or Manchester, both air pollution hotspots.

Using microscopic and spectroscopic analysis, Maher’s team found tiny magnetic particles from air pollution lodged in the brains, the first time such a discovery has been made.

“In a way, it was not surprising because I was familiar with how abundant the particles are in the atmosphere and the fact they have a ready entry route up the nose and through the olfactory nerves,” Prof. Maher said.

“But on the human scale when you actually see the extracted particles and you see hundreds and thousands visible, then that’s when it hits home that there’s a prolific amount of magnetite in the brain that shouldn’t be there,” she added.

Magnetite is a strongly magnetic, toxic, mineral, implicated in the production of reactive oxygen species (including free radicals) in the human brain.

These have long been associated with neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer’s.

Nanoparticles containing other metals, such as platinum, nickel, and cobalt, were also found in the brains.

The researchers are not claiming to have found a definite link between the particles and the deadly degenerative brain disease, but they believe examining the possible link should be a priority for future research.

The brain samples came from 37 individuals aged between 3 and 92 years old.

According to alzheimers.net, 44 million people globally suffer from some form of dementia, by far the most common of which is Alzheimer’s. — Robie de Guzman | UNTV News & Rescue

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Applicants at the Human Rights Victims Claims Board have reached 75,730.

Chairperson Lina Sarmiento says they have already reviewed more than 17,000 applications wherein some were denied due to insufficient documents.

Some incidents of human rights violations happened outside the date stated in the law where it should be from September 21, 1972, when Martial Law was declared, to February 25, 1986.

“If we receive only the claimant’s side of the story, it will be self-serving. Anybody can make up a story. So, it is important that someone else can corroborate their claims,” Sarmiento said.

Every approved applicant will be given points depending on the gravity of the abuse or violation they have experienced.

These will be the basis on how much a victim will receive.

The government has alloted P10 billion for the claims. The funding of which came from the money that was deposited in a Swiss bank and surrendered to the Philippine government.

Meanwhile, the family of Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino did not apply for the reparation program but the claims board has the power to recognize other victims of human rights violation.

“According to the law, even if a victim did not file for claims we can still recognize them if board deems it proper to do so,” said Sarmiento.

On May 12, 2018 the term of the claims board will end and thus all their duties should be accomplished before then. — Rey Pelayo | UNTV News & Rescue

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The House Committee on Justice emphasized that the on-going hearing regarding the issue on illegal drug trade inside the New Bilibid Prison is not about persecuting Senator Leila de Lima.

In fact, they are still giving the senator the chance to attend the hearing and personally interrogate the resource persons.

“We will give her all the opportunity to come here or even with her representative or lawyer,” House Committee on Justice chairman Rep. Reynaldo Umali said.

Umali also clarifies that there is nothing new with the on-going congressional inquiry specifically the codnuct of direct examination of the secretary of justice, contrary to what Albay Representative Edcel Lagman has alleged.

He argues that during the senate investigation on the pork barrel scam, the former DOJ secretary herself also made direct examinations to Benhur Luy.

This is not prohibited under the rules because Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre is not a lawyer of the witnesses. He is the secretary of justice who conducted this investigation,” Umali said. — Nel Maribojoc | UNTV News & Rescue

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