FILE PHOTO: Sen. Antonio Trillanes

MAKATI CITY, Philippines — Judge Andres Bartolome Soriano of Makati Regional Trial Court 148 denied the motion of the Department of Justice (DOJ) seeking issuance of a hold departure order (HDO) and an alias arrest warrant against Senator Antonio Trillanes IV in line with the charges of coup d’etat against him.

However, Acting Prosecutor General Richard Fadullon said the court considered President Rodrigo Duterte’s proclamation 572, declaring the amnesty granted to Trillanes as void.

Makati Regional Trial Court 148 is handling Trillanes’ coup d’etat case for his involvement in the Oakwood mutiny.

The same court dismissed Trillanes’ coup d’etat case in 2011 after former President Benigno Aquino III granted him amnesty.

On September 25, meanwhile, Makati RTC Branch 150 Judge Elmo Alameda granted the motion of the DOJ to issue HDO and arrest warrant against Trillanes for his rebellion case.

Trillanes yielded to arrest but on the same day posted bail of P200,000 for his temporary liberty. — Marje Pelayo

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FILE PHOTO: Former Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III

MANILA, Philippines – Former Senate President Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III faces disqualification after a petition has been filed against him in connection with his senatorial bid in the 2019 mid-term election.

The petition, filed on Monday (October 22) by Atty. Ferdinand Topacio, is seeking the cancellation of his certificate of candidacy.

Topacio argued that Pimentel already served for two consecutive terms from 2007 to 2013 and 2013 to present. Therefore, if he will be allowed to run in 2019, it will be his third term which Topacio claimed is already a violation of the law.

“Hindi siya eligible dahil lumalabag na siya sa two consecutive term limit ng Saligang Batas,” he argued.

Topacio recalled that the Senate Electoral Tribunal (SET) favored Pimentel’s poll protest against former Senator Miguel Zubiri in connection with the 2007 elections.

The SET ruling allowed Pimentel to take over the remaining two years of the losing Zubiri in Senate.

Topacio said that two years constitutes Pimentel’s first term in the Senate.

“Kung annulled iyong proclamation ni Zubiri, it’s as if the proclamation never happened. So kaninong term ang sinerve ni Zubiri? Term iyon ni Koko Pimentel,” he added.

The complainant said if the Commission on Election (Comelec) will decide against him, he will elevate his complaint to the Supreme Court (SC).

Meanwhile, Senator Pimentel said he is ready to face Topacio’s complaint which he claimed a nuisance petition.

He is confident of the poll body’s dismissal of the said complaint.

“Lawyers will answer the petition in due time if still required by Comelec. However, Comelec may surprise us by dismissing the petition outright for being a nuisance petition. But in any case, we are ready and we know the correct answer to this issue. The Constitution, law, jurisprudence, and basic concept of fairness are all on our side. Hence, we are very, very confident that we will prevail,” Pimentel said in a statement.

Comelec, for its part, said the petition needs review first of the legal department before the Comelec en banc decides on the issue. – Marje Pelayo (with reports from Aiko Miguel)

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Remains of farmers killed on October 19, 2018 in Hacienda Nene in Sagay City, Negros Occidental | NFSW

QUEZON CITY, Philippines – The Philippine National Police (PNP) revealed on Monday (October 22) that neighbors of the slain farmers in Hacienda Nene in Sagay City, Negros Occidental identified the person possibly behind the massacre in the afternoon of October 19.

The PNP said they are now looking for some persons of interest who, according to witnesses, were former farmers.

“In terms of identity, iyan pa ang niwo-work out natin kasi nagma-match sa sinasabi nating former farm workers din,” said PCInsp. Robert Mansueto, Chief of Sagay City Police.

According to Police Regional Office 6 Director PCSupt. John Bulalacao, the authorities are looking into four angles as to the motive behind the crime – the land owner’s mobilization of armed group, conflict over land ownership, a possible influence of the New People’s Army (NPA), and the old conflict of the land owner with members of the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (CAFGU) unit in 2015.

“Ito daw may-ari na si Ms. Tolentino ay pinarenta ang farm niya pero bago niya pinarenta ay mayroong 40 farmers siya doon at allegedly, ang farmers doon have already in their possession the deed of donation from the land owners. Noong malaman na may deed of donation itong mga biktima pumunta doon sa lugar na instigated by the core members of the Sugarcane Federation ng Negros (Occidental),” explained Supt. Bulalacao.

With this, Bulalacao said, the authorities will also interrogate the core members of the National Federation of Sugar Workers.

The police official said among the three persons of interest, two have already been examined for paraffin test.

“Noong October 20, pinuntahan sila ng mga 40 na alleged farmers at kinausap na huwag sila mag-squat doon sa lugar.  But itong mga namatay, they insisted to stay on kaya noong gabi namatay sila,” Bulalacao said.

The officer said authorities also recovered firearms from the victims including a .38 caliber pistol and shotgun ammunition.

The witnesses also said there were only around 5 to 7 suspects contrary to earlier reports that 40 armed men stormed the sugar farm.

A witness, meanwhile, identified one of the gunmen as also a resident of Hacienda Nene. – Marje Pelayo (with reports from Lea Ylagan)

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MANILA, Philippines – In his social media post on Monday (October 22), Agriculture Secretary Manny Piñol explained that the supposed implementation of the Suggested Retail Price (SRP) in rice on October 23 has been moved to October 27 as industry stakeholders requested three more days to prepare.

Aside from adjustments in pricing, Piñol added that “misleading” rice names like “Senandomeng,” “Super Angelica,” and “Yummy Rice” will be replaced with proper varietal identification.

Rice industry stakeholders are now preparing the signages in retail outlets to comply with the proper pricing and labeling as agreed in Secretary Piñol’s final consultation meeting with industry stake holders at the Department of Agriculture (DA) on Monday.

Consequently, the following agreements on the SRP and rice retailing reforms were reached, according to the Secretary:

1 – Distinct identification of “imported” and “Filipino” rice will be imposed;

2 – Price rice identification will only be as “regular milled,” “well-milled,” “premium” and “special rice;”

3 – Fancy brand names will be banned. This includes names like “Mindoro Dinorado,” “Senandomeng,” “Super Angelica,” “Yummy Rice” and “Double Diamond” to curb mislabelling and deception in the marketing of rice;

4 – SRPs will be implemented as follow:

Imported “Well-Milled Rice” (25% Broken) – P39/kg;

Imported “Premium” rice – P43/kg;

Philippine Rice or “Regular Milled” – P39/kg;

“Well Milled” – P44/kg

“Premium Rice” – P47/kg.

Meanwhile, there will be no SRP for Special Rice. These are Cordillera Heirloom Rice, Organic Brown, Red and Black Rice, real Dinorado, Milagrosa, Jasponica, Dona Maria, Hinumay, Malido, Kamoros, Malagkit and other indigenous rice varieties.

“A set of guidelines is expected to be published for 15 days prior to enforcement of penalties and sanctions against the SRP violators,” Piñol said.

“Penalties and sanctions would include cancellation of NFA licenses, stiff fines and criminal charges,” he added.

Secretary Piñol clarified that “the SRP will initially cover Metro Manila and Suburbs only, including cities and towns in the Greater Manila Area.” – Marje Pelayo

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Aerial shot of Boracay Island

BORACAY ISLAND, Philippines – Around 50 divers and marine biologists joined the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in assessing the marine biodiversity of the waters surrounding the paradise island on Tuesday (October 23).

The project, which was launched by DENR’s Biodiversity Management Bureau, involves underwater cleanup drive and setting up of flag markers specifically in major dive sites around the island.

The DENR wants to check on the status of coral reefs and other marine life around the island in order to craft appropriate regulations specifically on water sports activities.

If the corals show signs of damage, the agency will ban all water sports activities to give way for rehabilitation and marine life recovery.

The cleanup team, meanwhile, recovered assorted glass and plastic bottles underwater believed to be a result of irresponsible waste disposal from years of beachfront partying and island hopping. – Marje Pelayo

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FILE PHOTO: PNPA cadets marching in formation

QUEZON CITY, Philippines – Three cadets from the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) were put into isolation over complaints of sexual harassment against two plebes transpired on October 6.

PNPA Director Chief Superintendent Joseph Adnol said the assault happened at the backyard of the newbies’ barracks when one of the suspects, a 2^nd class cadet ordered a 4^th class cadet to perform oral sex on him as punishment for disobedience.

PNPA cadets are ranked accordingly, with 1^st class as being the highest.

Implicated in the incident were two 3^rd class cadets who served as witnesses.

The three suspects were charged with criminal case of hazing.

Further investigation is underway from which an administrative case is being drafted against the three. – Marje Pelayo (with reports from Lea Ylagan)

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FILE PHOTO: Philippine National Police chief Oscar Albayalde

QUEZON CITY, Philippines – Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Oscar Albayalde has ordered an investigation on three police academy upperclassmen who were accused of sexually assaulting two plebes on October 6.

Albayalde asked the Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management (DIDM) to carefully look into the matter and file for the expulsion of the three cadets from the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA).

Albayalde said there is actually an existing hazing charges filed against the three.

“We can assure you na maliban sa (that other than a) criminal case na ito ay magkakaroon pa sila ng (they will also face) administrative charges that will lead to their dismissal in the cadetship,” Albayalde said.

PNPA Director PCSupt. Joseph Adnol said: “The Philippine National Police Academy is filing an admin case against the respondent cadet while the victims are filing separate criminal case against respondent cadet as an offshoot of an incident on October 6 when two underclassmen victim complained about being forced to perform oral sex on each other under order of an upperclassman.”

Albayalde already has ordered the relief of police instructors who had been teaching in the academy for two years as an initial effort to restructure the line up of officials in the institution.

“Iyong naka dalawang taon na doon pina-relieve na namin para magbago ulit ang mga naka assign doon na pulis including senior officers dahil merong mga rumors (We have ordered the relief of instructors who have been there for two years, so that we can replace the police assigned there, including senior officers, because of rumors), ” the PNP Chief said. – Marje Pelayo (with reports from Lea Ylagan)

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FILE PHOTO: Sen. Antonio Trillanes

MANILA, Philippines – The Duterte Administration has decided to bring the case of Senator Antonio Trillanes IV to the next level.

Instead of filing a motion for reconsideration on the recent ruling of Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 148, the Office of the Solicitor General acting as the government’s chief legal counsel, is preparing a petition which it intends to submit to the Court of Appeals.

Makati RTC Branch 148 Judge Andres Soriano on Monday (October 22) denied the request of the Department of Justice (DOJ) seeking for the arrest of Trillanes over charges of coup d’etat for his participation in the 2003 Oakwood Mutiny.

The same court dismissed the case in 2011 when former President Benigno Aquino III granted the senator an amnesty.

Presidential Spokesperson and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo said the SolGen’s petition to the CA will focus on the denied motion for arrest and the local court’s alleged upholding of secondary evidence as well as if whether or not Senator Trillanes submitted appropriate application for amnesty.

“I’ve talked with SOLGEN and he said he will not file motion for reconsideration but go immediately to the Court of Appeals and appeal the ruling of the court with respect to the non-issuance of the warrant of arrest,” Panelo said.

The administration previously expressed its respect to the decision of the lower court. However, Panelo said, the Palace has identified flaws in the ruling of the Makati RTC Branch 148.

If necessary, Panelo added, the government is determined to elevate the case further to the Supreme Court (SC).

What is important to Malacañang and to President Rodrigo Duterte, for now, is that the court upheld Proclamation 572 which acknowledges the President’s power to declare null and void an amnesty declaration granted to an individual.

“There are procedural matters decided by the court which to my mind are erroneous. How it accepted evidence despite the fact that they are all secondary evidence. So there are questions na can be properly raised in the Court of Appeals and subsequently the Supreme Court,” Panelo concluded. – Marje Pelayo (with reports from Rosalie Coz)

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FILE PHOTO: Members of New People’s Army

MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine National Police (PNP) confirmed on Tuesday (October 23) that the New People’s Army (NPA) is brewing a number of terror attacks possibly to be executed in the coming days.

Nevertheless, the PNP assured it is on guard any time as it started intensifying its security capabilities especially in remote provinces after a series of attacks in police stations and recent ambush against police, soldiers and local government officials.

The most recent was the ambush against Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Director General Nela Charade Puno at Barangay Napolidan, Lupi, Camarines Sur where three policemen were killed.

“This is all to show that they are still a force to reckon with, parang gusto nilang ipalabas na medyo malakas pa sila pero sa totoo sila ay mahina. ‘Inconsequential’ ang word na ginagamit ng AFP sa kanila kaya ito ang gusto nilang i-disprove lang. Gusto nilang ipakita na hindi sila ganun,” Albayalde said.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) recently revealed the discovery of the NPA’s plans of action recorded in computers recovered from rebel camps regained by the government troopers.

“Ang dami nating nakuhang computers from party members. Mahirap nga lang kunin ang data kasi terabytes of information,” revealed the AFP Deputy Chief of staff for Operations BGen. Antonio Parlade Jr.

These terror plots include (1) Operation Supermarket which aims at collecting firearms from several AFP detachments and PNP Stations; (2) Operation Casino to be executed by NPA’s Special Partisan Unit (Sparu), an urban hit squad that targets all assets and intel operatives of the military; (3) Operation Tabasco which targets police conducting Oplan Tokhang in communities; (4) Operation Bulldozer which targets mining companies and several infrastructure projects of the government; (5) and Operation Hades intended to harm government officials. – Marje Pelayo (with reports from Lea Ylagan)

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QUEZON CITY, Philippines – The Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC) is gearing up for the surge of motorists in expressways beginning October 31 to November 5.

The MPTC is planning to set up additional toll collection points in strategic areas along the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx); the Subic–Clark–Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx); and the Manila–Cavite Expressway (CAVITEx).

The plan is expected to ease the flow of vehicles and shorten queues of motorists at toll plazas.

The MPTC is also planning to suspend all construction works in the three major expressways to keep the roads free of obstructions.

There will also be patrol teams to manage traffic flow on ground and motorist camps in strategic areas along the thoroughfares where motorists can avail of free WiFi access, drinking water and first aid treatment or basic mechanical services in case of road emergencies.

Meanwhile, the MPTC reminds motorists to make sure they enter the proper toll gate to avoid delays.

“Iyon po namang mga toll plazas natin malayo pa lang makikita na natin ang mga signs. Iyong green arrow kung cash payer ka, doon lang; iyon lang ang tumbukin nating lane. Dapat malayo pa lang tingnan na ng mga motorista. Magdesisyon na sila kung saan dapat gumamit na toll,” said Glenn Campos, the vice president for technology and operation management of the NLEX Corporation.

The Toll Regulatory Board noted that there will be no increase in toll rate despite continuous road improvements and expansion works in NLEx, SCTEx, and CAVITEx.

The Board said they are still having a thorough study on whether to approve the P9.00 toll rate increase being requested by the MPTC.

“Iyang toll rate na iyan ingat na ingat tayo ngayon dyan, ang gobyerno, dahil kasi ayaw na nating maka-contribute pa sa inflation sa sitwasyon natin ngayon,” said TRB member Alberto Suansing.

But in event that the toll rate hike is approved, Suansing said, it will be collected on a staggered basis so as not to burden the motorists. – Marje Pelayo (with reports from Joan Nano)

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FILE PHOTO: Facebook | REUTERS photo

MANILA, Philippines — Malacañang is not threatened by Facebook’s removal of pro-Duterte pages.

Facebook has earlier announced the shutdown of 95 pages and 39 accounts in the Philippines for violating the policy on spam and authenticity.

These include several pages supportive of President Rodrigo Duterte and other pages with political and entertainment content.

Nevertheless, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said that supporters of Duterte can still use alternative social media platforms aside from Facebook.

“Facebook must have its own rules and regulations. If they are implementing that then that’s their own rule. Now, if the concern is: there would be no more avenues, there are so many avenues. We have Twitter, Instagram, and many others where the advocates can express themselves in support of this administration,” said Panelo. — Rosalie Coz | UNTV News & Rescue

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Mocha Uson voluntarily submits herself to a drug test for election candidates | Photo via Mocha Uson Blog Facebook page

MANILA, Philippines – Former Communications Assistant Secretary Mocha Uson voluntarily submitted herself to a drug test on Tuesday (October 23).

The celebrity blogger appeared at the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) office earlier for the test.

She challenged all election candidates to do the same in response to the call of PDEA ahead of the 2019 midterm polls

“Voluntary drug test kasi kailangan po ang ating mga opisyal ng gobyerno, mga naninilbihan sa gobyerno, mga mambabatas ay dapat seryoso sa paglinis ng droga sa bayan natin kaya kailangan magsimula sa sarili natin,” Uson said.

Currently,  House Bill 7621 remains stalled at the committee level of the Lower House of Congress.

It seeks to implement mandatory drug testing to all election candidates as well as appointed officials of the government across the country. —Marje Pelayo (with reports from Grace Casin)

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MANILA, Philippines — Bataan’s “sunniest place”, Morong Star Beach Resort and Hotel received two different awards on Saturday (October 20) from two prestigious award-giving bodies.

Hailed at the Philippine Buyer’s Choice Award 2018 as the number one beach resort and hotel in Bataan, the beach resort was recognized for its excellence in products, services, quality market awareness, innovative marketing prices, and value pricing.

A plaque and certificate of recognition presented to Morong Star Beach Resort and Hotel for winning Recreational Beach Resort and Hotel in Bataan at the Best Choice Awards 2018 gala nite in Quezon City on October 20, 2018

Meanwhile, Best Choice Awards 2018 also acknowledged Morong Star as Recreational Beach Resort and Hotel in Bataan for its excellence in company reputation, experience, integrity, product quality, and customers’ trustworthiness.

Float your stress away in the deep pool, a fresh alternative to the beach

Situated at Sitio Panibatuhan, Poblacion, Morong, Bataan, the award-winning beach resort faces the West Philippine Sea with its clear and calm waters.

City-weary travelers can expect an ultimate getaway experience with enjoyable theme parks and swimming pool facilities set in a picture-perfect sunset.

Experience the thrill of a zip line ride over the clear waters of Morong

An array of adventure including kayaking, banana boat, and flying fish water rides and thrilling zip line rides, await tourists.

Nature lovers will enjoy scuba diving in Morong’s beautiful dive spots with breathtaking underwater sceneries.

Take a deep dive and discover Morong’s underwater wonders

“I think ang edge namin sa iba, pagka pumunta ka, almost lahat ng kailangan mo ay nandoon na para sa isang resort. Para tayong isang theme park; so, kumpleto na,” said Jun Babera, a representative of the beach resort.

With its affordable accommodation packages and excellent service, Morong Star continues to receive high satisfaction ratings from its guests.

Only a few hours from the capital, travelers driving from Manila to Bataan can take the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) to Olongapo City.

From there, ride a yellow jeepney head straight to SM Olongapo Victory Liner terminal. In front of Harbor Point Mall, ride a mini bus or jeepney leading to the Morong town proper. From there, you can ride a tricycle to the venue.

Plan ahead your next great beach break and weekend getaways at a great price.

Come to visit “Bataan’s Sunniest Place”, Morong Star Beach Resort And Hotel, a must-see on every beach lover’s bucket list. — Yssa Jalmasco

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The controversial dengue vaccine, Dengvaxia

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) is set to meet with the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) next week for the development of the case to be filed against the French pharmaceutical giant, Sanofi Pasteur.

“Regularly naman bawa’t may nakikita tayong ebidenysa katulad ng mga bagong pag-aaral ipinadadala natin sa kanila and we’re meeting with them,” said DOH Usec. Eric Domingo.

Meanwhile, a group of health workers, Aksyon Health Workers party-list appealed to the European Union (EU) and the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) to consider first the cases of Dengvaxia vaccinees in the Philippines before giving the accreditation to have it available again in the local market.

The group argued that Europe does not belong to dengue-endemic areas unlike the overseas territories of Carribean, Latin America, Southern Africa and neighboring countries in the Western Pacific Region.

The group together with the Coalition for People’s Right to Health and parents of Dengvaxia vaccinees will also write to the EU to have their appeal be noticed and heard.

“Nakakabahala iyan kasi parang hindi kinonsider kung ano iyong nangyari dito sa Pilipinas na na-vaccinate o nabakunahan iyong 800,000 at merong reported deaths,” said Aksyon president Dr. Joseph Carabeo.

“Tila walang kasiguruhan at ang isa lang talaga na klaro na minamadali nila iyong para ma-recover nila iyong kanilang investment. Paano naman ang kaligtasan at kalusugan ng ating mga anak? May nawalan tayo ng ilang mga anak at the prime of  their life hindi basta-basta na  usapin na ito,” he said.

Meanwhile, there are more than 50 cases being studied by the Dengue Investigative Task Force (DITF) to check the medical records and findings of the vaccinees who died.

Aside from the dengue fast lanes, the DOH is also focusing on putting up dengue centers of excellence in the country to give proper medical care to those infected with dengue, especially the children.

DOH plans to start their operation in 2019 with the help of the world health organization

Dengue centers of excellence will be placed in PGH, San Lazaro Hospital, Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical center in Cebu and in Southern Philippines Medical Center in Davao City. — Aiko Miguel | UNTV News & Rescue

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Fisherman Arnel Perecho, 32, was sailing from Palawan last September 28 along with other fishermen when the spark plug of his boat malfunctioned.

Strong winds and waves swiftly carried him away until he lost sight of his companions. His compass was also destroyed, leaving him unable to tell which way to go.

Perecho was originally from Bayawan City, Negros Oriental. He and his companions on board eight fishing vessels sailed to Palawan last September 15 to go to their mother fishing boat, Eldibit 888.

They stayed and caught fish there for five days before they navigated the waters toward the coast of Negros.

But rough waters and his busted banca hindered him from sailing swiftly along with his companions, leading him to float for days.

“Na-weak yung spark plug ko tapos may unos malakas talaga ang hangin, pinadpad ako. Palagi kong pinapaandar ang aking makina namamatay, tapos yung compass ko nasira, napunta ako ng Sulu naanod ako,” recounted Perecho.

He survived on eating sea grass and drinking rainwater he collected.

Last Saturday, several Badjao fishermen on a boat in Sulu spotted and rescued Perecho.

They brought him to the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Joint Task Force Sulu who later took him to a hospital.

Soldiers also helped him call his family to tell them that he was alive.

Perecho was later brought to Zamboanga City for his transport back to Negros Oriental.

“Ang hinihiling ko na makauwi lang ako para makita ko ang aking pamilya. Mangingisda pa ako kasi yan ang ikinabuhay ng aking pamilya,” he said.

Perecho has no information on whether all his companions have returned safely from Palawan. — UNTV News & Rescue

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One of the four magnetic scrap lifters which reportedly concealed P6.8 billion worth of shabu.

Bureau of Customs Chief Isidro Lapeña is deeply saddened by the recent turn of events as, this time, allegations are being thrown at the men and women of the agency.

This, following the discovery of the four magnetic lifters in Cavite by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

Lapeña, however, made it clear that it was the Bureau of Customs who shared the discovery of the said magnetic lifters to PDEA.

He added that it was agreed upon by the officers on the ground that the matter will be put under wrap.

But on August 10, a press conference was held by PDEA Director General Aquino, which burned the entire follow up operations.

Despite this, the BOC intelligence and investigation service, together with PDEA Regional Office 4A, continued the backtracking effort.

Lapeña said the timing is suspect, as these press releases and interviews were made while he was on leave and cannot refute the allegations right away.

“There is no doubt, that these attacks against me and the officers, men and women of the Bureau of Customs is a well-funded and coordinated attack to undermine the reforms,” he said.

The BOC noted earlier that a fact-finding team was immediately formed after the discovery of the magnetic lifters in Cavite to investigate the BOC officers assigned on it.

“On the statement that I did nothing with these incidents and trying to do some cover up, is absolutely false and I say were imputed with malice,” Lapeña said.

He added that it is a fact that drug syndicates have penetrated the government, and that they exist in the BOC, in PDEA and other branches of the government.

He added that this is based on the matrix recently shown by President Rodrigo Duterte.

Lapeña believes that the issue against the BOC is being manipulated by the drug syndicates in order to divert the focus away from them.

Despite all these allegations, Lapeña reiterated that he will not resign and that he will continue to fulfill the marching orders of the president to effect reforms in the bureau. JL Asayo | UNTV News and Rescue

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Dengue cases in the Philippines this year have increased by 21 percent.

The Department of Health (DOH) Dengue Surveillance Division said that from January 1 to October 6, over 138,000 individuals have contracted dengue.

This is a big jump from the 114,000 dengue cases recorded in the same period last year.

The highest number of cases were recorded in Central Luzon followed by NCR,Region 4-A, Ilocos Region and Western Visayas.

At present the number fatalities due to the disease has reached 700.

The DOH reminds the public anew to keep their surroundings clean and to prevent the spread of dengue. — UNTV News & Rescue

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President Rodrigo Roa Duterte commiserates with the relatives of one of the slain police officers during his visit at the Camarines Sur Provincial Police Office in Naga City on October 23, 2018. SIMEON CELI JR./PRESIDENTIAL PHOT

President Duterte went to Camarines Sur on Tuesday (October 23) where he visited the three policemen who were wounded in the ambush against the convoy of Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Director General Nela Charade Puno in Brgy. Napolidad, Lupi, Camarines Sur last October 18.

The President bestowed the Order of Lapu-Lapu with rank of Kampilan to the three injured cops.

The Kampilan is awarded to government personnel and private individuals who were seriously wounded while carrying out activities related to the President’s advocacy.

Duterte also personally sent condolences to the families of the three other cops who died in the incident, namely, SPO1 Percival Rafael Jr. PO3 Carlito Navaroza Jr. and PO1 Ralph Jason Vida.

He visited the wake of PO1 Vida in Camarines Sur Provincial Police Office and awarded him the Order of Lapu-Lapu with the rank of Kalasag.

Kalasag is given to officials, government personnel and private individuals who lost their lives as a direct result of their participation in tasks pursuant to a campaign or advocacy of the President.

Duterte was joined by FDA Director General Puno whom the wounded police personnel were escorting the day of the incident.

“Maraming maraming salamat sa lahat ng mga nagligtas ng buhay ng Team FDA. Sa mga pulis na nasaktan at mga pulis na namatay, nakakagalit. Si Presidente po ay siguradong hindi papayagan na ganito lang ang mangyari,” said Puno.

President Duterte did not provide any statement to the media, however, Philippine Army 9TH Infantry Battalion Division commanding general MGen. Jesus Manangquil said that Duterte has instructed the Philippine Army and Philippine National Police to intensify the localized peace talks with the New People’s Army, who are responsible for the ambush.

“Nanawagan pa rin ulit kami sa mga nandirito na gumagala sa bundok na mag-usap, mapag-usapan through localized dialogue o peace initiative. Lalong lalo na napakaganda ng iminumungkahi ng ating gobyerno with the package na may pabahay na worth 450,000 na pabahay sa mga mag-susurender na NPA,” said the commanding general. — Yssa Jalmasco (with reports from Allan Manansala)

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Before they can implement the back to back fare hikes in jeepneys and buses, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) must resolve first the petition filed by a commuters’ group against the fare increases.

Last week, the LTFRB announced the approval of a P10 minimum jeepney fare in Metro Manila, Calabarzon and Central Luzon as well as the P1.00 increase in bus fare which was seen to take effect on November 3.

LFTRB chair Martin Delgra said that the Board will try to decide on the petition immediately.

When asked if implementation of the fare hike may possibly be delayed, Delgra said, “There is a possibility, but as I’ve said we will agenda the motion, for reconsideration this week. We’re going to have a board meeting tomorrow so we would be certainly able to discuss and hopefully resolve it within the period.”

Meanwhile, Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (Fejodap) head, Zeny Maranan questioned the statement of the LTFRB by noting that the price of petroleum per liter has not gone lower than P25 so as to warrant a delay in the implementation of the new fare scheme,

Delgra said that the approved fare rates for buses and jeepneys may still change depending on the movement of the oil prices in world market.

“Historically, the minimum fare has moved up and down, with respect to external factors which includes of course the movement of prices in the fuel,” said the LTFRB chair. — Yssa Jalmasco (with reports from Rosalie Coz)

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Arrested suspects, PO2 Jaid Pingli  (second to the right) and his accomplice, Jose Dalayre (center)

QUEZON CITY, Philippines — An active police officer of Pasay Police Station 5 was arrested by members of the Philippine National Police Counter-Intelligence Task Force (CITF) in a buy-bust at 3rd Street, Bagong Lipunan, Quezon City on Tuesday (October 23) afternoon.

The CITF’s poseur-buyer reached out to PO2 Jaid Pingli to purchase M4 and M16 rifles for P90,000.

Authorities also arrested Pingli’s civilian accomplice, Jose Dalayre, who manufactures the guns.

CITF commander PSSupt. Romeo Caramat Jr., said it was the poseur-buyer’s fourth time to purchase weapons from the two suspects.

Police confiscated a M4, M16 rifles and a 9mm pistol from the two.

Weapons confiscated from the suspects

Caramat confirmed that among the suspects’ clients that patronize unlicensed guns are two politicians from Kalinga.

“Nalalapit na ang eleksyon magiging delikado at di natin ma ensure na magiging tahimik ang eleksyon,” Caramat said.

The suspects are allegedly connected with the Pingli Brothers of Zamboanga Peninsula — a known kidnap for ransom syndicate.

“He is a relative of the notorious Pingli Brothers of Zamboanga Peninsula who are involved in kidnap for ransom activities and yung mga ibang pinsan nito ay nahuli na at namatay na sa police operations at yung iba ay at large,” Caramat said.

Pingli and Dalayre are facing charges for violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

Aside from a criminal case, Pingli will also face administrative charges. — Lea Ylagan

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