Kuwaiti beauty blogger Sondos Alqattan (Image taken from Instagram @sondos_aq)

Kuwaiti social media star and beauty blogger Sondos Alqattan went viral on social media for her racist remarks on Filipino migrant workers for having a regular day-off and employer ’s non-confiscation of household workers’ passports.

Her remarks sparked outrage not only from Filipinos and foreign nationals but also among her fellow Kuwaiti citizens.

Due to this, Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) is studying to blacklist Alqattan.

“Titingan natin dito na hindi na siya magbe-benefit doon sa ating deployment process, madi-disqualify siya to apply for a deployment of a Filipino worker dahil ayaw niyang sumunod,” said POEA Usec. Bernard Olalia.

Olalia emphasized that the labor agreement between the Philippines and Kuwait is clear-cut to protect the rights and ensure the safety of the overseas Filipino workers (OFW) in Kuwait.

This includes rest day, right to keep their documents such as passports and the right accommodation and food among others.

“Ito ay mandatory. Hindi ito directory. Hindi recommendatory at nobody can even question that, not even any foreign employers and entities. That is our law and they should respect that,” said Olalia.

POEA has warned foreign nationals of blacklisting those who will disregard the labor agreement signed by the Philippines and their countries.

Meanwhile, the group Migrante Internacional has urged for the public apology of the Kuwaiti media star over her controversial comments.

“Humihingi kami sa kanya ng public apology. Humihingi ka sa kanya ng pagre-reverse ng kanyang mga statement at hinahamon namin siya na kilalanin at alamin ang kalagayan ng mga domestic helper para malaman niya kung bakit sila nagta-trabaho doon at bakit kailangan nila ng sapat na pahinga. Bakit nila kailangan ng sapat na kompensasyon at bakit sila dapat na ituring na tao,” said Migrante Internacional spokesperson Arman Hernando.

Several companies reportedly canceled their endorsement deals with Alqattan following the issue.

A London-based cosmetic brand said they have decided to remove the videos of Alqattan from their social media channels.

In a new video post, Alqattan has refused to issue a public apology for her comments.

She defended that she has no regrets over her statements against Filipino domestic helpers.

Alqattan has over two million followers on her social media accounts and known for her makeup tutorial videos. — UNTV News & Rescue

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Coconut farmers protest over coco levy fund scam

MANILA, Philippines — Millions of Filipino coconut farmers have been waiting for the return of coco levy funds that have been denied from them for almost four decades now.

This was collected from the coconut farmers during martial law amounting to 9.7 billion pesos from 1973 to 1982.

Two-point-seven billion pesos (P2.7 billion) from the fund was reportedly used in the establishment of the United Coconut Planters Bank and oil mills.  Some were invested in San Miguel Corporation. Much of the funds allegedly went into the ill-gotten wealth of the Marcoses.

On Monday’s (July 23) State of the Nation Address, President Rodrigo Duterte mentioned anew the establishment of a trust fund to unlock the coco levy fund for the benefit of the small farmers.

“Our farmers, especially our coconut farmers, form a significant part of the basic sectors of society. It is from the toil of their hands that we put food on the table. It is my hope that we finally see this through. I urge you Congress to convene the [bicameral] conference committee and pass at the soonest possible time the bill establishing the coconut farmers’ trust fund.  I pray that you will do it,” said the President.

Coconut Industry Reform Movement (COIR) said that only P2.7 billion of the total amount invested may be recovered.

“This invested amount of P2.7 billion had grown to around P200 billion already,” said COIR spokesperson Joey Faustino.

Of the P200 billion since 2012, the only part recovered were shares from San Miguel Corporation, United Coconut Planters Bank, CIIF Oil Mills Group of Companies amounting to P75 million.

The group previously filed a bill in the 16^th Congress seeking the establishment of a trust fund which will be directly released to small coconut farmers.

“The cash now is worth P75 billion, plus yung shares ng mga kompanya na narecover ay gawin ng isang trust fund,” said the spokesperson.

The trust fund is dedicated for livelihood projects, social protection, and empowering farmers’ association and for lending additional capital for farmers to purchase new equipment.

In 2012, the Supreme Court ruled that a block of shares from San Miguel, UCPB and Oil Mills Group of Companies be given to coconut farmers; however, this has yet to materialize.

“Sa ngayon hindi magalaw ng pamahalaan ang resources na ito at magamit because the Supreme Court required a legislation to guide utilization”, said Faustino.

The group hopes that Duterte’s mention of the coco levy fund in his third SONA will prompt the lawmakers to pass a bill establishing the coconut farmers’ trust fund.

The bicameral panel on coco levy fund, meanwhile, plans to meet next week to tackle the said bill. — Roderic Mendoza | UNTV News & Rescue

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(L-R) President Rodrigo Duterte and Supreme Court Associate Justice Samuel Martires (RTVM)

President Rodrigo Duterte has appointed Supreme Court Associate Justice Samuel Martires as the new ombudsman.

His marching order to Martires is to do what is right.

Martires, who is a former Sandiganbayan associate justice, is the first Supreme Court appointee of Pres. Duterte.

Martires replaced retired Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales. — UNTV New Media

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Former Ozamiz City Councilor Ricardo “Ardot” Parojinog (photo courtesy of: OCPNP)

Ozamis City Councilor Ricardo “Ardot” Parojinog is now under the custody of the Philippine National Police (PNP) following his deportation by the Taiwanese government for violation of immigration laws.

Back in the Philippines, Parojinog is facing drug related cases and charges of murder, illegal possession of firearms and explosives.

He had been on the run after a series of raids by the PNP in July 2018 led to the death of his brother, Ozamiz Mayor Reynaldo “Aldong” Parojinog, and 14 of their relatives.

Last September, Parojinog escaped to Taiwan aboard a small boat assisted by two people who transferred him to a bigger fishing boat.

“Apparently, tama ‘yung nakuha nating intelligence information na siya ay lumabas through the backdoor at may tumulong sa kaniya at nagbangka going to Taiwan,” said PNP chief, PDg Oscar Albaylade.

Parojinog went into hiding for several months at a rented apartment in Pingtung, Taiwan until he was arrested and jailed by Taiwanese police on May 23 for violation of immigration laws.

Now that he’s back in the country, the PNP assured the fugitive councilor’s safety.

“It is incumbent upon the PNP to ensure the safety and security of Ricardo Parojinog in the best interest of justice so he can stand trial for his transgressions,” said Albayalde.

Authorities are hoping for Parojinog’s cooperation in sharing information related to illegal drug operations and other criminalities in the country.

“Malaking grupo ito. This is all part of the anti-illegal drugs campaign of this administration, and anti-criminality. Hindi lang naman kasi illegal drugs ang naso-solve dito, pati ‘yung mga murder cases na nangyari, pati ‘yung mga murder cases na na-involve itong Parojinog group na ito,” the PNP chief said.

As a precautionary measure, Parojinog is currently detained at the PNP Custodial Center in Camp Crame while awaiting court decision on where he would be detained and tried. — Asher Cadapan, Jr.

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QUEZON CITY, Philippines – The Philippine National Police (PNP) Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) is now tracking the whereabouts of former Makabayan lawmakers Satur Ocampo, Teddy Casiño, Liza Maza and Rafael Mariano and three others.

This after the Palayan City Nueva Ecija Regional Trial Court Branch 40 issued warrants of arrest against them in connection with murder cases filed 12 years ago.

PNP Chief Oscar Albayalde said the police has been hunting the said personalities since Saturday in response to the court order.

“I have directed the CIDG over the weekend to immediately send out arresting teams to serve the warrant of arrest against Satur Ocampo, Liza Masa, Teodoro Casiño, Rafael Mariano, Vicente Cayetano, Delfin Pimentel and Emeritio Intalan. However, I’m also appealing to these individuals to just turn over themselves in and to submit themselves to judicial processes,” Albayalde said Monday (July 30).

Malacañang, for its part, said it respects the independence of courts.

“The Palace will continue to respect the independence of the courts. We should, therefore, let the legal process run its course,” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in a statement.

It was Bayan Muna party-list Chairman Neri Colmenares who confirmed that warrants were issued against Bayan Muna Representatives Satur Ocampo and Teddy Casiño; Gabriela Representative and National Anti-Poverty Commission Secretary Liza Masa; and former Anakpawis Representative and Agrarian Reform Secretary Rafael Mariano.

The lawyer of the embattled Makabayan lawmakers said they will seek to quash the warrants of arrest issued against them. – Lea Ylagan / Marje Pelayo

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MANILA, Philippines – Hundreds of staff of manpower and recruitment agencies accredited under the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) condemned the allegations of corruption against Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III.

The group said they do not believe the complainant, Amanda Araneta, owner of MMML Recruitment Agency, and called her action as a move to destroy the credibility of the Labor Secretary.

They attest to the improvements in the country’s state of employment under Bello, especially when it comes to the welfare of Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW).

“Sa administrasyon po ni Silvestre Bello III, napakarami pong naiayos lalong lalo na po iyong welfare and protection ng ating mga OFW. Tuwing kami po ay makikipagpulong sa kaniya, ang amin pong mga organization, lagi po siyang may tagubilin na “bawal ang kotong.” Lagi din po niyang sinasabi sa amin na mayroong ahensya na nagbigay ng pera sa akin ay ibinalik ko,” testified Lucita Sermonia, president of Coalition of Licensed Agencies for Domestic and Service Workers, Inc. (CLADS).

The group argued that not all recruitment agencies deserve to be dragged into the issue of corruption as there are job providers who keep their hands and operations clean of illegal activities and violations.

“Kung meron silang problema ay huwag silang mandamay. Kami po hindi katulad nila, Kung meron silang mga violation, hindi po lahat ng recruitment (agency) ay may violation. Kung kami ay (sabihing) may violation ay ilalaban naming iyan sa tamang proseso. Hindi po kami naglalagay,” said Milagros Abuhussein, CEO and President of Kingdom Int’l Manpower Services, Inc.

“Huwag nating gamitin ang isang tao para masira ang isang tao, ito po ay industriyang meron ho tayong integridad,” said CLADS chairman, Thelma Uanang.

The group is planning to submit a joint manifesto to President Rodrigo Duterte as a show of support to Secretary Bello and also to justify that they do not tolerate corruption and illegal practices in their respective recruitment agencies. —  Aiko Miguel / Marje Pelayo

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FILE PHOTO: President Rodrigo R. Duterte officially starts the second cabinet meeting at the State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace in Manila on July 11, Monday. KIWI BULACLAC/PPD

MANILA, Philippines – The satisfaction ratings of President Rodrigo Duterte’s Cabinet members dropped in the second quarter this year, according to the latest survey conducted by the Social Weather Stations (SWS).

There is also a decrease in the number of Filipinos who are satisfied with the performance of congressmen in the House of Representatives (HOR) and officials of the Supreme Court (SC).

Cabinet members’ ratings dropped by 3 points from 28 points in March 2018 to 25 points in July.

According to Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, they are aware of the people’s pulse and vow to perform even better in their duties. – Rosalie Coz | UNTV News & Rescue

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FILE PHOTO: A Point-to-Point (P2P) bus commissioned by the Department of Transportation

BULACAN, Philippines – The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has started the mobilization of point-to-point (P2P) buses en route Bulacan to Quezon City to ease commuter problems.

A total of thirty (30) P2P buses have started moving from Sta. Maria and Malolos terminals to North Avenue in Quezon City.

The buses are equipped with CCTV camera, free Wi-Fi service and air conditioning unit. They are also PWD-friendly as they are equipped with a platform to assist persons with disability (PWD) or wheelchair-bound passengers.

Ordinary buses charge P40 per passenger from Sta. Maria to North Avenue. P2P buses charge P70 per passenger and a discounted price of P56 for senior citizens. Though slightly expensive, passengers said they prefer the convenience they get from availing the P2P bus service.

“Napakaginhawa pagsakay namin ditto, pagbaba doon na sa pupuntahan. Ang kaibahan ay napakalamig, maluwag, hindi siksikan na gaya ng pagsakay namin sa ibang bus,” said passenger Lourdes del Rosario, a senior citizen.

LTFRB’s Atty. Aileen Lizada explained, “Ang end objective naman natin dito ay ang riding public. Ang computation nito per kilometer is four pesos pero makikita ninyo, worth it na ang pera ninyo. Mayroong Wi-Fi. You are very safe. Seats can recline. You are very comfortable on your ride.”

P2P buses en route Bulacan to North Avenue are available Mondays to Saturdays from 5:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Operations from North Avenue to Malolos or Sta. Maria in Bulacan start at 7:00 a.m. t0 10:00 p.m. – Gerry Galicia / Marje Pelayo

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QUEZON CITY, Philippines — More than two years after its launching, the Philippine National Police (PNP) will recalibrate its campaign against illegal drugs.

This is following President Rodrigo Duterte’s promise in his third state of the nation address (SONA) to further intensify the operation amid allegations of human rights abuses and political killings.

PNP Chief Police Director General Oscar Albayalde said the recalibration will focus on two fronts: the performance of all police commanders and the accounting of all drug users and pushers across the country, including those who have surrendered in the past.

“Wala naman tayong bagong guidelines dito. Kumbaga sa sasakyan parang itu-tune up mo. So iyong mga police diyan, if they do not act, then they will be relieved from their posts,” he said.

Albayalde said police commanders will face dismissal if they are found to have low achievements under the anti-drug campaign.

“Kung talagang low performance siya over the past few years, kung matagal na siyang nakaupo, then if we have to relieve these commanders,  we will do so. That is part of the recalibration,” the PNP Chief emphasized.

Albayalde, however, is quick to clarify that their intention in conducting a re-calibrated Oplan Tokhang is to safeguard the safety of the majority of Filipinos and that the drug war will only be chilling for those engaged in illegal acts.

 “We are doing our best naman dito at nakita naman natin ang ginawa natin at palaging binabantayan ito ng ating counter intelligence at internal cleansing (unit) to avoid abuse ng iba pa sa aming hanay,” said Albayalde.

The general also appealed to the critics and local government officials to help in the rehabilitation of more than one million drug surrenderers instead of lambasting the government’s war on drugs.

Data from the PNP showed that over 140,000 drug personalities were arrested under the campaign and more than 4,000 were killed in anti-drug operations.

Meanwhile, more than 1,600  drug personalities remain in the PNP watchlist, including 900 high-value targets. — Lea Ylagan / Marje Pelayo

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Sen. Trillanes will file a plunder case against Tulfo siblings in relation to P60-M advertisement controversy.

PASAY CITY, Philippines – Senate President Vicente Sotto III wants an investigation on the ad placement controversy between the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the state-run People’s Television Network (PTV4), particularly in the program hosted by Ben and Erwin Tulfo.

The Tulfo brothers are siblings of former Tourism Secretary Wanda Teo who later resigned amid allegations of corruption.

Sotto said he wants to check on the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee about the status of the resolution filed seeking to probe the alleged irregularities in the said P60 million advertisement deal and because the Tulfo brothers remain firm in refusing to refund the payment.

“I’ll talk to them. I’ll talk to the Chairman, and find out what’s brewing in the committee. There must be other reasons. That’s why the committee in Congress step in,” the Senate President said.

The issue started when the Commission on Audit (COA) questioned the P60 million released by DOT as placement fee to PTV’s program “Kilos Pronto” due to lack of necessary documents. An issue on conflict of interest followed because the deal was done under the administration of Teo, a sister of Ben and Erwin.

Meanwhile, Senator Antonio Trillanes IV is brewing a complaint against the Tulfo brothers.

“Unang una, kaya nga ninakaw iyan dahil walang planong ibigay. So doon na lang iyan sa plunder case magkakaalaman,” Trillanes said.

Teo earlier defended her brothers saying they had no hand in the said placement deal. – Nel Maribojoc / Marje Pelayo

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Weeks of monsoon rains strengthened by three tropical cyclones that entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility have incurred over P2.8 billion worth of damage to crops and infrastructure.

Based on records of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), the agricultural sector suffered a loss of over P2.2 billion while damage to infrastructure reached over P600-million.

Crops from Regions 1, 2, 3, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, VI and CAR were inundated with floodwater.

Thirteen people were reported dead while over 2 million individuals were affected during the onslaught of enhanced monsoon rains.

The government has doled out assistance amounting to almost P72 million.

The Department of Agriculture will also be extending assistance to affected farmers and fishermen. — Rey Pelayo

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FILE PHOTO: Members of the House of Representatives attend the opening session of the 17th Congress to cast votes for their new leaders. Kenji Hasegawa/Photoville International)

QUEZON CITY, Philippines – Three groups emerged as contenders in the ongoing “minority squabble” in the House of Representatives following the sudden change in the House leadership.

Liberal Party (LP) lawmakers and members of the independent minority and the Makabayan bloc joined forces to form what they call as the “duly constituted” minority group, composed of 22 members.

The chosen head of the group, Marikina City Representative Miro Quimbo, informed Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in a letter today (July 30) that they already formed the “official” minority of the House.

Based on House rules, lawmakers who did not vote for the elected House Speaker shall become a member of the minority.

Another group led by Camarines Sur Representative Rolando Andaya also claims to have sent a letter to the Office of the Speaker seeking the official recognition as House minority.

Meanwhile, Quezon Representative Danilo Suarez remains as House Minority Leader despite being among the front-runners of Arroyo’s speakership.

AKO Bicol Rep Rodel Batocabe suggested that the House decides through plenary voting since there are three groups vying for the minority bloc.

“Ideklara ng minority na vacant ang kanilang leadership then mag-select sila, mag elect sila ng kanilang minority leader,” said Batocabe.

Currently, LP has 22 congressmen, Suarez has 18, and ousted Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez has 25. – Grace Casin / Marje Pelayo

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Mayor Sarah Duterte meets House Speaker Gloria Arroyo in a thanksgiving party at SEDA on July 30. (Image courtesy of Office of the House Speaker)

QUEZON CITY, Philippines – Ruling Party PDP-Laban is eyeing for a coalition with Davao City Mayor Sarah Duterte’s “Hugpong ng Pagbabago.”

The possible coalition was confirmed by PDP-Laban member Quezon City Representative Winnie Castelo on Monday (July 30).

PDP-Laban is also considering the election of Rep. Gloria Arroyo to a higher position in the party especially now that she sits as the House Speaker.

In a thanksgiving party today, Speaker Arroyo and Mayor Duterte-Carpio exchanged pleasantries together with several congressmen. Arroyo, however, refused to disclose what transpired from their discussion.

“No, no it’s a private lunch. Private social lunch,” Arroyo said.

Meanwhile, lawmakers confirmed that another manifesto is circulating among the congressmen seeking for the election of Ilocos Norte Representative Rudy Fariñas to the position of House Majority Leader.

However, Congressman Castelo said it will be a challenge because Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos is blocking his bid.

But Arroyo’s camp hinted that the Speaker’s choice for House Majority leader is between Camarines Sur Representative Rolando Andaya and Capiz Representative Frednil Castro. – Grace Casin / Marje Pelayo

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MANILA, Philippines – The Court of Appeals (CA) has upheld its order prohibiting three of the accused in the Maguindanao massacre from turning into state witnesses.

In a resolution dated July 10, the CA former special 13th division dismissed the motion for reconsideration by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to turn police inspector Rex Ariel Diongon, PO1 Rainier Ebus and Mohammad Sangki into witnesses as there were no legitimate grounds to warrant a reversal of the previous order.

Judge Jocelyn Solis-Reyes of Quezon City Regional Trial Court Branch 221 has earlier denied the same petition because the three accused have substantially the same testimonies with other state witnesses. – UNTV News and Rescue

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CEBU, Philippines — Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Region VII suspects that high-profile drug personalities are possibly behind the killing of Agent III “Baby” Earl Rallos.

PDEA Regional Director Emerson Margate said that the agency is looking into all the drug cases under Rallos.

“Sabi ko nga kung work-related. Since ang work namin sa drugs, hindi natin dini-discount na yung mga nabangga natin na drug personalities yung behind this. Isa po yun sa possibilities na tinitingnan natin,” Margate said.

The regional director admitted that the victim and some of his agents have received threats.

Apart from this, PDEA is investigating the seized suspected shabu worth P640,000 found in Rallo’s vehicle.

“Yun ang tinitingnan din natin kung bakit, kung meron mang shabu nga dun, kung shabu nga yung nakuha dun, yun ang isa sa mga ini-imbestigahan namin,” Margate said.

In relation to this, a special investigation task force has been formed to concentrate on the investigation.

“After that, we are very willing to share what evidence we have so that we will help solve the case of agent Rallos,” said PCSupt Debold Sinas.

Earl Rallos, the deputy chief of operations of PDEA-7, died of gunshot wounds after unidentified assailants who were riding in tandem fired at the vehicle he was in, last Friday (July 27). — Gladys Toabi | UNTV News & Rescue

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National Anti-Poverty Commission Chairperson Liza Maza

MANILA, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte expects obedience to the law from all of his Cabinet members.

Thus, Malacañang is calling on National Anti-Poverty Commission Chairperson Liza Maza to surrender and face the charges filed against her in the court of Palayan City, Nueva Ecija.

“She has to respect the rule of law, I ask her to surrender. Face the charges against her, prove her innocence and I’m sure that she has no reason to worry about the facts that our court can be relied upon for the impartial decision,” said Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque in a briefing with reporters on Tuesday (July 31).

Maza was among the leftist figures appointed by President Duterte to his Cabinet at the beginning of his term to show the improving ties between the government and the communist rebels.

But according to Roque, since he was appointed by the President as Presidential Spokesperson, he has never noticed Maza’s presence in Cabinet meetings. Roque has been in Malacañang since October 2017.

Roque, however, clarified that Maza remains in her post in the Cabinet but is expected to surrender and prove her innocence before the authorities.

But if she remains in hiding, Roque said she will be considered a fugitive and the President will have no other choice but to act and place someone who would take over Maza’s responsibilities as the anti-poverty chair.

Malacañang, however, stressed that the Duterte administration has nothing to do with the sudden issuance of warrants of arrest against the leftist leaders.

“It’s been in court, and it’s a warrant of arrest issued by the court, not by the executive branch. We don’t have the power to issue warrants of arrest,” he explained.

Maza and former congressmen Satur Ocampo, Teddy Casiño, Rafael Mariano, among other left-leaning personalities were accused in 2006 of abducting and killing political rivals.

Nevertheless, Malacañang assures Maza of respect once she decides to surrender. – Rosalie Coz / Marje Pelayo

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UNTV Rescue responded to a motorcycle rider who figured in a crash, Tuesday (July 31) midnight at J.C. Aquino Avenue.

The victim, 21-year old Ryan Paran, sustained injuries in different parts of his body when he crashed his motorcycle against the road barriers of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

The victim said he did not see the road barriers due to the darkness of the highway.

Paran was immediately given first-aid on site by the rescue team and was brought to Agusan del Norte Provincial Hospital.

Meanwhile, Butuan City police warned motorists to wear helmets and avoid drunk driving to prevent any road mishaps. — Raymond Octobre | UNTV News & Rescue

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(Photo courtesy of the Philippine Army)

QUEZON CITY, Philippines – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) confirmed on Tuesday (July 31) that the driver of the van that exploded at a checkpoint in Barangay Colonia in Lamitan, Basilan was a member of an Abu Sayyaf Group unit led by Furuji Indama.

AFP Spokesperson Marine Col. Edgard Arevalo said the military had received an intelligence report prior to the incident that Indama’s group were planning to deploy explosive devices around Basilan. The report prompted the authorities to deputize and intensify all checkpoints in the province.

Arevalo, however, noted that there is no confirmation yet to reports that the driver was a foreigner.

He asks the public to refrain from using the phrases “lone wolf attack” or “car or suicide bombing” while the investigation is still underway.

“Huwag na po nating dagdagan pa ang pangamba na naramdaman ng ating mga kababayan sa Basilan. Huwag na po nating dagdagan sa pamamagitan ng iba’t ibang mga haka-haka, mga opinyon at impormasyon na wala naman pong validation o verification,” Arevalo appealed.

The AFP Spokesperson called the group’s move as an act of desperation to stop other ASG members from returning to the government side.

“Napakarami na nang sumukong miyembro ng Abu Sayyaf. They come in groups with their firearms at ito ang gusto nilang mapahinto. They are losing their grounds that’s why ito ang kanilang resort na ginagawa sa ngayon,” Arevalo explained.

Nevertheless, the official assured that the “local police and AFP personnel are not stopping their investigation and they are pursuing every lead to identify and neutralize all those who are part of this abominable attempt by terrorists to kill innocent civilians and destroy properties.

Malacañang, meanwhile, condemned the terror attack that claimed the lives of 11 people and injuring seven others.

“We condemn in the strongest possible terms the latest terrorist attack in Basilan perpetrated in by a violation of our laws,” said Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque in a statement.

Despite the loss of lives, the AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr. “commended the vigilance and dedication to duty and the sacrifices of the gallant men who have foiled the attempt to bring in a vehicle loaded with IED’s to downtown Lamitan City at the cause of their own lives.”

Members of the PNP-ARMM have intensified their checkpoints, foot patrols, and police visibility to thwart more terror attempts in the province. – Lea Ylagan / Marje Pelayo

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FILE PHOTO: Local rescuers responding to affected areas in Marikina City during the onslaught of Typhoon Mario (MAIA GARCIANO / Photoville International)

MANILA, Philippines – The version of Duterte administration’s proposal in establishing a Department of Disaster Resilience by the Presidential Legislative Liaison Office (PLLO) has been submitted to the Lower House of Congress.

“Only one person is in charge. Although inevitable, they will have inter-agency works because line agencies do still have their mandates. But there will be one person calling the shots in case of disasters,” said Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque citing President Rodrigo Duterte’s preference instead of a working committee.

This proposed bill is a result of an inter-agency teamwork and is based on pending proposals in Congress.

Once approved, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) will be dissolved. – Rosalie Coz / UNTV News & Rescue

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House Minority Leader Danilo Suarez

QUEZON CITY, Philippines – Tension continues to escalate at the House of Representatives as lawmakers fight to be recognized as the House minority.

Liberal Party Member Caloocan Representative Egay Erice warned of elevating the matter to the Office of the Ombudsman if Quezon 3rd District Representative Danilo Suarez stays as the House minority leader.

Erice said Suarez’ insistence to the position will only put in question the House Speaker’s allotment of funds for the House Minority because his (Suarez) group cannot be recognized as the “genuine minority” under House rules.

“Baka pwedeng sampahan sila ng kaso sa Ombudsman. Kasi itong pondo, kung gagamitin ito para sa isang company union, sa isang majority, anointed minority, baka may pananagutan iyan sa paggastos ng salapi,” Erice said.

Former House Majority Leader Rudy Fariñas was the first to warn of going to the Supreme Court (SC) if the House retains Suarez as the minority leader.

“This will be a clear culpable grave abuse of discretion on the part of the leadership of the House to recognize Danny Suarez as minority leader because it would be and admission by the leadership that they conspired with the minority to overthrow Alvarez,” Fariñas said during the “House Minority showdown” at the plenary on Monday (July 30).

Fariñas and the group of former speaker Pantaleon Alvarez joined ABS Party List Rep Eugene de Vera in the minority group.

Fariñas explained that because Suarez’ bloc voted yes to Arroyo, De Vera did not participate in the vote. Therefore, the only lawmaker left in the minority bloc is De Vera which means he (De Vera) is considered the acting minority leader.

But according to Albay Representative Edcel Lagman, Fariñas joining De Vera is useless.

“Wala pang minority.  Who do you apply?  To the speaker? Just like Suarez did during the time of Alvarez? It’s completely baseless,” argued Lagman.

Currently, there are three groups battling to win the House minority – the LP-Makabayan bloc, the Fariñas-Alvarez bloc and the Suarez bloc.

Despite the squabble for House minority, House Speaker Gloria Arroyo has kept mum on the issue. – Grace Casin / Marje Pelayo

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