The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has begun the process of profiling Boracay residents.

According to National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) spokesperson Romina Marasigan, this is to identify the legitimate residents from transients who came to the island to establish small businesses.

Marasigan added that it is necessary to shut down the island on April 26 to steer residents and tourists away from harm.

“Gumagawa na ng hakbangin ang ating pamahalaan para makaiwas tayo sa malaking disaster. Ito ang sinasabi nating pro-active step ng ating pamahalaan sa pagsisiguro ng kaligtasan ng ating mga kababayan,” said the NDRRMC spokesperson.

(The government taking steps to mitigate a bigger disaster. This is what we call pro-active steps of our government in ensuring the safety of our fellowmen.)

She said that although there is no obvious threat on the island, it can get dangerous if continuous heavy rainfall occurs.

“Kapag ito’y nagtuloy-tuloy na nagkaroon ng pag-uulan, tumaas ng tubig doon ay marami at libo-libong mga tao ang talagang maiistranded sa isla,” said Marasigan.

(In case of continuous heavy rainfall and water levels rise, thousands of people will be stranded on the island.)

The OCD and other agencies plan to create a task force that will focus on the rehabilitation of the island. — Lea Ylagan | UNTV News & Rescue

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Based on the record obtained by the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD), there are a total of 36,000 workers on the island; of which 17,000 are registered workers while 19,000 are unregistered.

With this, the government is set to conduct a job fair led by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) for residents who will be affected by the temporary closure of the island.

The profiling of Boracay residents will help determine the appropriate jobs available in Kalibo, Antique and nearby provinces.

“Tinitingnan din ng DTI at DOLE ano yung meron doon sa main island na pwede nilang mai-offer. Doon meron tayong mini-livelihood na tinitingnan, kaya kasama natin ang DTI,” said Marasigan.

(The DTI and DOLE are looking into what the main island has to offer. There are mini-livelihoods being considered that’s why we have DTI with us.) — Lea Ylagan | UNTV News and Rescue

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Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno

MANILA, Philippines — Retired Supreme Court Justice Antonio Eduardo Nachura believes that a quo warranto petition can be filed against an impeachable official such as Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno.

Nachura said the petition has to be made available to go after public officials whose credibility and appointment to government office is being questioned.

“It can be used to question the right of a public officer to continue holding public office if there is an irregularity in the title to the public office,” the former justice explained.

Nachura served as a Supreme Court justice for four years and worked as the solicitor general during the term of former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. — Roderic Mendoza | UNTV News & Rescue

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DRUG RAID: Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) raided a farm in Batangas.

Operatives of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) together with members of the Philippine National Police-Calabarzon raided Hingoso Farm in Barangay Sto. Niño in the town of Ibaan, Batangas, Thursday morning.

“Yung mga agents natin sinasabi may masangsang na amoy na lumalabas sa kanilang lugar kaya inisip na namin kaninang umaga tirahin na ang lugar,” PDEA Director General Aaron Aquino said.

(Our agents said a foul smell has been emanating from the area, so we decided this morning to raid the place.)

Authorities discovered a concealed shabu laboratory within the one-hectare property where various raw chemicals and improvised equipment being used to manufacture illegal drugs such as shabu and ecstasy were found.

According to PDEA, a Hong Kong based drug lord was reported to have set up the said facility.

Four Chinese chemists were arrested in the operation who acted as financiers of the group and five others. The suspects denied involvement in the manufacture of illegal drugs.

“Ito sana ang talagang first attempt nila mag process ng shabu kaya lang di natapos, although nasa third stage na sila,” Aquino said.

(This would have been their first attempt at processing shabu, but they were not able to complete it, although they were at the third stage.)

Aquino said the laboratory is capable of producing at least 25 kilograms of shabu a day with an estimated street value of P125-million.

The confiscated chemicals were brought to PDEA laboratory for further investigation. — Vincent Octavio| UNTV News & Rescue

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EcoWaste Coalition warns of mercury pollution from lamp waste.

MANILA, Philippines — Environmental group, EcoWaste Coalition called on the local governments to impose a collection program for special wastes such as lamp waste.

This is due to health and environmental risks posed by mercury-containing wastes.

According to Dr. Bessie Antonio, a toxicologist, mercury exposure can affect the nervous, digestive, respiratory and immune systems.

Aside from this, when mercury vaporizes it can contaminate the air and the environment.

The environment group said one of the causes of mercury pollution is unsafe handling and improper disposal of fluorescent bulbs that contain mercury.

According to the Environmental Management Bureau, over 370 tons of mercury-waste products are disposed of each year. — UNTV News & Rescue

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FILE PHOTO: Senator Bam Aquino

MANILA, Philippines — One year before the 2019 midterm elections, reports of coalitions being formed for new election candidates have become more resonant.

Among these is the adoption of re-electionist senators under the party ‘Hugpong ng Pagbabago’ formed by presidential daughter Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte.

One of the re-electionist candidates Sen. Bam Aquino who is under the Liberal Party (LP) meantime hinted on anew group that can be possibly formed before the election day.

“In the past kahit hindi magkakalaban hindi magkakapartido. Ngayon na po siguro ‘yung panahon na kailangan ho talaga tayong magtulungan at magsama-sama,” said Sen. Aquino.

Rep. Gary Alejano, the new candidate being pushed by Magdalo group to run for Senate post, said he is open in case there is an offer to be a member of the said coalition.

“Hindi naman sarado ang grupong makipag-alyado sa ibang political parties or organizations just like before si Sen. Trillanes bilang bahagi ng Magdalo ay kasama rin ng koalisyon. Alam naman natin na malaki ang advantage din nakasama ka rin ng isang koalisyon,” said Alejano.

Makabayan bloc’s members are not yet decided on whether or not to run for Senate but they are open to join new parties.

“Sa October magpa-filing ng candidacy, kung meron mang makikipagtulungan malinaw naman ang aming mga tindig at tayo kung paano kami makipagtulungan sa ibang mga grupo,” said Rep. Carlos Zarate.

“Maraming mga pag-uusap ‘no so ayokong pangunahan pero magugulat ka kasi hindi ito ‘yung mga tradisyonal na pangalan,” said Aquino.

Lawmakers said it is still too early to talk about the upcoming 2019 midterm elections.

But the question still remains, is it possible for those who are colliding in politics before to be under one coalition? — Mai Bermudez | UNTV News & Rescue

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The government has released the initial Boracay closure guidelines.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has issued an initial set of guidelines in line with the upcoming closure of Boracay Island on April 26.

DILG Assistant Secretary Epimaco Densing said they are still working on additional details which they plan to release next week.

DILG expects that the guidelines will direct island workers, residents, and resort owners on what to expect during the six-month closure period.

The general guidelines include:

1. Identified tourists will not be allowed into the island and will be stopped at the Jetty Port in Malay, Aklan.
2. Residents/workers/resort owners will be allowed entry into the island subject to the presentation of identification cards specifying a residence in Boracay.
3. Generally, swimming shall not be allowed anywhere on the island. However, residents may be allowed to swim only at Angol Beach in station 3 from 6 am to 5 pm.
4. No visitors of Boracay residents shall be allowed entry, except under emergency situations, and with the clearance of the security committee (DILG, PNP and LGU).
5. Media will be allowed entry subject to prior approval from the Department of Tourism, with a definite duration and limited movement.
6. No floating structures shall be allowed up to 15 kilometers from the shoreline.
7. The Bureau of Immigration will revalidate the papers of foreigners who have found a home in Boracay.
8.  There will only be one transportation entry and exit point to Boracay Island but authorities have yet to decide where.

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Japanese destroyer JS Akizuki

JS Akizuki, a Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) destroyer, has docked at the Alava Wharf in SBMA, Olongapo City for a three-day goodwill visit that started Friday, April 13 until Monday, April 16.

JS Akizuki weighs 6,800 tons at full load and is capable of cruising at a speed of 30 knots. It is equipped with SH-60J patrol helicopter, high-powered firearms, missiles, and torpedoes.

This is the second time JS Akizuki visited the country. It is being manned by 200 officers and enlisted personnel commanded by Cmdr. Kazunori Ishii.

The visit aims to strengthen cooperation between the Philippine and Japanese navies, according to Captain Francis Alexander Jose, the flag-officer-in-command of the Philippine Navy delegates.

“This is part of building trust and confidence within the region. This is really a chance for them to conduct training for their mid-shipment and the same way that we are doing also,” he said.

“It is to deepen the relationship between the Philippines and Japan, especially navy to navy relations,” said Captain Ryoko Azuma, JMSDF Escort Division One commander and the first female to command a JMSDF squadron who is also aboard.

This weekend, the Philippine Navy personnel, together with their JMSDF counterparts, will engage in a series of confidence-building activities. They will also join in a series of goodwill games and a boodle fight. — Marje Navarro – Pelayo | UNTV News & Rescue

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Multicab truck after falling into an 8-meter deep ravine.

One person is dead and three others injured after the multicab they were boarding fell into a ravine at Sitio Camangahan in Barangay Piut, Caranglan, Nueva Ecija on Thursday.

The lone fatality in the incident was identified as Cadlom Paay while the three wounded who were rushed to Bayombong Nueva Vizcaya Hospital were identified as Lamberto Villa Urbano, Timmy Ligligan and Atumpag Paay; all are residents of Barangay Capintalan.

According to Caranglan PNP, the multicab was traversing Maharlika Highway when another vehicle was suddenly driving straight at them.

The multicab driver tried to avoid the oncoming vehicle but lost control of the steering wheel and ended up crashing  into an 8-meter deep ravine.

Authorities have conducted a follow-up operation for the arrest of the driver who tried to overtake the doomed vehicle. — UNTV News & Rescue

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Facebook, a social media giant faces data breach scandal.

MANILA, Philippines — The National Privacy Commission (NPC) has begun investigation on Facebook ‘s data breach.

It can be recalled that the social media giant confirmed that Cambridge Analytica, a political data firm, harvested personal information from over one million Filipino Facebook users.

According to NPC commissioner Raymund Liboro, they have sent a letter to Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, requiring the social media giant to submit documents to the committee that will help establish the scope of the breach and its impact on Filipinos.

The investigation centers on how Facebook shared the Filipino users’ personal data with the third party. — UNTV News & Rescue

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Some LRT coaches for rehabilitation

MANILA, Philippines — Twenty-four light rail vehicles (LRVs) of Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT1) will undergo rehabilitation before August.

This project will be the first overhaul of the propulsion system of generation 2 trains since its procurement in 1999.

The propulsion system is responsible for the train’s operation.

According to the operator of LRT-1, Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC), commuters can expect better service after the mass rail system rehabilitation.

“Reliability is even higher. And they’re not only replacing ‘yung propulsion. Lahat ng system nito, air-conditioning, lahat, pati brake systems, talagang maayos,” said LRMC COO Engr. Rudy Chansuyco.

(Reliability is even higher. And they’re not only replacing the propulsion. All systems including air-conditioning, brake systems — everything.)

The management said passenger surge can reach up to 500,000 a day.

The rail operator ensured that passengers will not be affected by the two-year rehabilitation program.

“Well, rest assured walang dapat ipangamba yung mga passengers natin kasi ‘yung time table natin naka set na. Lahat naman ng kailangan ng time table, required number of trains, tumatakbo lahat ‘yan. Actually, may reserve pa tayo,” said the officer.

(Well, rest assured the passengers have nothing to worry because our time table has already been set.  All the requirements of the time table, required number of trains, they’re all functioning. Actually, we even have reserves.)

The management allotted over P500,000-billion for the repair.

Meanwhile, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) signed last month the procurement of 120 new LRVs for delivery in 2020. — UNTV News & Rescue

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OFW Pahima Alagasi answers questions from the media upon her arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport

MANILA, Philippines — Pahima Alagasi, the Filipina domestic helper who was scalded by the mother of her employer with boiling water, has finally returned to the Philippines after working for four years in Saudi Arabia.

Pahima arrived in Riyadh in March 2014 to work as a domestic helper. Two months later, she fled from her employer’s house following the scalding incident. Her photo showing serious burns went viral on social media at the time.

With assistance from the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh, Pahima filed a case of maltreatment against the mother of her employer but was dismissed by the Saudi Prosecution Office. Instead, the family of her attacker filed counter charges which set off a four-year legal battle.

Now that she’s returned, Pahima said she still couldn’t believe she survived the abuse she suffered at the hands of her abusive employer.

“Hindi po ako makapaniwala na umabot ako sa ganito na nangyari ito sa buhay ko. Hindi ko na kasi inasahan na makakauwi pa ako,” the emotional Pahima expressed.

(I cannot believe that my life turned out this way. I had given up hope of ever coming home.)

The Pinay worker advises Filipinos who wish to work in the Kingdom to be strong physically and mentally.

For his part, Philippine Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Adnan Alonto said it is still important for aspiring overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to consider their family’s welfare first when deciding to work overseas.

“Bawa’t magulang at pamilya, ito ang unang-unang casualty ng pamilya na wala kayo habang lumalaki ang inyong mga anak,” he said.

(To every parent and family, the first casualty for the family [when working overseas] is leaving your children to grow up without you.)

Alonto cited the role of Interior Minister and Saudi Prince Abdulaziz Bin Saud Bin Naif in facilitating Pahima’s exit from the Kingdom.

Meanwhile, Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Administrator (OWWA)Hans Leo Cacdac assured that Pahima and her family will receive financial and livelihood assistance from the government.

“Ang kabutihan ng livelihood hindi lang si Pahima kundi ang nanay niya, mayroon ding cash assistance that awaits her sa kanyang pagdalaw kay Pangulo,“ Cacdac concluded.

(The good thing about livelihood is that, aside from Pahima, her mother will also have cash assistance waiting for her when meets the President.)

Pahima is set to fly to Davao City tomorrow to pay a courtesy call to President Rodrigo Duterte. — Marje Navarro-Pelayo | UNTV News & Rescue

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FILE PHOTO: Some members of the Philippine National Police in formation

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police Internal Affairs Office (PNP-IAS) claims that a number of errant policemen already recommended for dismissal remains on active service.

PNP IAS Inspector General Atty. Alfegar Triambulo noted that based on record from 2015 to 2017, only 30% or 721 from the total of 2,431 cops recommended for dismissal had been removed from the organization.

Triambulo said it seems that the PNP is being slow in addressing their recommendation.

“Pagkatapos po mapirmahan ng inspector general o regional director ng IAS ay pino-forward po naman sa disciplinary authority. Kung sa Crame ay kay CPNP pero kapag sa region ay sa regional director ng police regional office,” he noted.

(After securing the signature or the inspector general or IAS regional director, it is forwarded to the disciplinary authority. In Crame it would be CPNP [Chief of the Philippine National Police], but in regions it is the regional director of the police regional office.)

With this, the Inspector General said DILG Officer in Charge Eduardo Año already ordered an investigation on the matter to find out the loopholes in the process.

Meanwhle, PNP Directorate for Personnel and Records Management PCInsp. Gregorio Oscar Tambuli, in defense, said all recommendations needs to go through due processes so they cannot just dismiss anyone from active duty.

“Once na napirmahan ni CPNP ang decision, we have to inform the respondent kaya binibigyan pa natin sila ng 10 days for motion for reconsideration. Iyon po ang nagpapatagal,” Inspector Tambuli explained.

(Once the CPNP signs the decision, we have to inform the respondent so we give them 10 days to file motion for reconsideration. It’s what causes the delay.) — Lea Ylagan | UNTV News & Rescue

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FILE PHOTO: A health worker injects Dengvaxia

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health’s (DOH) dengue adverse events surveillance has listed more than 3,000 dengvaxia vaccinees who became severely sick and were admitted to hospitals from 2016 to 2018.

More than 1,000 of them have tested positive for dengue. There are 65 recorded death cases and 13 of which had died of dengue infection.

The health department has spent more than P22.1 million for the medical services and hospitalization of vaccinees from different regions.

“Financial assistance to Dengvaxia vaccinees who got sick and were admitted to hospitals in the NCR, Central Luzon, Calabarzon and Cebu regions as additional support for our patients,” said Health Undersecretary Eric Domingo.

DOH is currently examining if the diseases which caused the death of the vaccinees have links to Dengvaxia and real effects of the said vaccine

“That’s why we collect the data from all of them so that when we take a look and we can see kung merong connection talaga (if there really is a connection) including of course doon sa fatalities natin (among the fatalities),” said the undersecretary.

The DOH expects the findings of the 17 cases of Dengvaxia vaccinees whose deaths are linked to Dengvaxia from the UP-PGH-DITF (Philippine General Hospital Dengue Investigative Task Force) to be released next week.

“The PGH-DITF is almost finalizing the report. Meron lang kasi alam kong isang pending case kasi may isang adult (There’s just one pending case involving an adult). Most of the members of the DITF initially were really pediatricians tapos nagkaroon tayo ng isang adult case iyong (then an adult case turned up, the) utility worker ng (of the)police, so this one they have to refer it to an internist,” said Domingo.

Meanwhile, health department is waiting for the approval of both houses of Congress for the use of P1.16  billion from the refund of Sanofi Pasteur for the Dengvaxia assistance program. — Aiko Miguel | UNTV News & Rescue

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FILE PHOTO: Some shops at the Boracay Island

MANILA, Philippines — According to Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) – Western Visayas, an estimated 36,000 workers from over 3,000 registered establishments in Boracay will be affected by the temporary closure of the island starting April 26.

Due to the island’s shutdown, the displaced workers will not be able to pay monthly contribution and loans to Social Security System (SSS), PhilHealth and Pag-IBIG Fund.

The Boracay Industry Tripartite Council (BITC) created a resolution that seeks the implementation of moratorium or the temporary cessation of SSS monthly contributions of displaced workers in Boracay.

The council will also ask financial and technical assistance from national government agencies.

“This resolution involves appeal of the workers and the management sector asking for moratorium from SSS, PhilHealth and Pag-Ibig from payment of premiums kasi wala po silang kita (because they have no income), and then payment of loans,” DOLE-Aklan Director Carmela Abellar said.

Next week, DOLE central office and the Office of the President are expected to submit the resolution.

Meanwhile, the labor department is hastening the process of profiling of the formal and informal sectors in the island to be able to create an emergency employment plan and identify the scope of the closure’s impact.

“We are encouraging all those who have received the forms to accomplish that one and to submit even on a weekend,” said Abellar.

DOLE also reminded displaced workers of the opportunity to earn for being a part of the six-month rehabilitation program.

Also, layoffs are prohibited despite the closure. If they will terminate employees, employers must provide separation pay and benefits based on the law.

With leave during the six-month period, employees must return to work once the island reopens. — UNTV News & Rescue

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Two of the suspected operators of the shabu laboratory in Malabon

MANILA, Philippines — After seven months of surveillance, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) operatives raided a shabu laboratory at Barangay Tinajeros, Malabon on Friday morning.

Seized during the raid were chemicals and equipment used for the manufacture of illegal drugs.

Also, found in the lab were raw chemicals for the production of party drugs and several sachets of oatmeal which are being used as packages of shabu and ecstasy.

“This is the first time na nakakita ng ecstasy drug lab. Ngayon, hindi namin alam to be honest kung meron bang distinct odor. Di namin alam kung may usok o may inilalabas na anything,” the PDEA director said.

(This is the first time that we have seen an ecstasy drug lab. We don’t know, to be honest, if it has a distinct odor. We don’t know if this produces smoke or emits anything.)

Arrested in the raid were Chinese national Jiang Minshan and a Filipina Laura Santiago alias Larry Santos, who are connected with drug syndicates operating a shabu lab in Batangas that was busted by the agency on Thursday.

They are also connected with the Golden Triangle syndicate that works in many parts of the world.

Since China has stricter laws, drug syndicates have turned to the Philippines to set up laboratories, noting the absence of death penalty in the country.

When the agency conducted the raid, the workers were about to begin the process of manufacturing illegal drugs.

“Talagang nakakatakot dahil they are now trying to produce ecstasy. Tinatanong ko kanina si Ms. Shen, hindi na raw nagpoproduce sa kanila ng ecstasy. Sa atin kabaligtaran, ngayon pa lang, so mag-boom ngayon, kung hindi natin nahuli mag bo-boom ngayon,” said Aquino.

(It’s really alarming because they are now trying to produce ecstasy. I asked Ms. Shen earlier, she said they are not producing ecstasy anymore. It’s the opposite for us, it’s just starting to boom. Had we not stopped it, it would have boomed already.)

According to PDEA, chemicals for drug manufacturing are smuggled into the country through the Bureau of Customs (BOC).

Furthermore, the PDEA explained that the raid is a result of the country’s partnership with China. — Mon Jocson | UNTV News & Rescue

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A CCTV footage captures the murder of barangay chairman Leonilo Arbonido in Tanza Cavite, April 14, Saturday.

Authorities have recorded the first election-related crime in this year’s poll season after a barangay chairman in Tanza, Cavite was shot dead by gunmen riding-in-tandem on April 14, Saturday.

The slain barangay chairman was identified as Leonilo Arbonido, 59, the captain of Barangay Julugan VI.

In a CCTV footage, the victim was seen inside his store when the shooting happened.

The kin, on the other hand, refused to give a statement regarding the incident.

Abonido’s co-workers are saddened by the chairman’s death.

“Maasikaso siya sa amin sa barangay. Kami nga’y nanghihinayang dahil sabi ko nga isang matapat na kaibigan at pinuno namin,” said barangay kagawad Bayani Razon.

(He was kind to us. It’s a pity because he was a true friend and good leader.)

Arbonida has served for 16 years as a counselor and 10 years as the village chief.

Authorities are still looking into possible suspects in the killing. — UNTV News & Rescue

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Over 27,000 sacks of allegedly smuggled rice were siezed by the Philippine Navy.

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Navy Western Mindanao Command apprehended a Mongolian-registered vessel in the waters of Zamboanga Sibugay on Saturday, April 14.

Over 27,000 sacks of allegedly smuggled rice were seized from the cargo vessel.

Onboard MV Diamond 8 were 15 crew members identified as 11 Bangladeshis and 4 Chinese nationals, together with 34 undocumented Filipinos including a minor.

According to investigation, the cargo ship has already unloaded around 7,000 to 8,000 sacks to two other vessels with locations yet to be determined. — UNTV News & Rescue

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Imam, a high-value target from Marawi City was nabbed by operatives in a PNP-PDEA Joint operation in San Vicente Magalang, Pampanga.

The joint operation of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) led to the arrest of a 29-year old suspect, Akil Imam, in San Vicente Magalang, Pampanga at 4 a.m. Monday.

Imam is a high-value target who hails from Marawi City.

Authorities seized from the suspect 31 sachets and large plastic bags of illegal drugs with an estimated worth of P2.5 million; an electronic scale, ammunition and other drug paraphernalia.

The confiscated illegal drugs are now under the custody of PDEA Region-3. — UNTV News & Rescue

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Bureau of Customs

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Customs (BOC) seized on April 10 boxes of smuggled and fake cigarettes from China at the Manila International Container Port.

The shipment was declared artificial fur texture and consigned to Marid Industrial Marketing located in Paco, Manila.

The total estimated worth of the shipment is at P18.5 million.

BOC Commissioner Isidro Lapeña believes that the contraband were supposed to be sold in the provinces at a cheaper price.

“Pwede nilang patungan (they can put a markup) and then sell it even at a lower price than the original ones,” he explained.

The shipment will go through seizure and forfeiture proceedings over violations of Section 1400 of the Republic Act 10863 o the Customs Modernization and Tariff Act.

Meanwhile, the importer and the broker of the shipment are to face suspension and revocation of accreditation. — UNTV News & Rescue

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