UNTV News

MANILA, Philippines – The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Thursday (December 20) suspended the implementation of the Number Coding Scheme for provincial buses from December 21 to January 2, 2019.

This is to serve the volume of passengers bound for the provinces this holiday season.

Meanwhile, number coding for private vehicles will also be lifted from December 24 to January 2, 2019.

MMDA expects traffic situation in EDSA will return to normal after the first week of January.

On January 7, the MMDA will start charging higher penalties to illegally parked vehicles. – Marje Pelayo (with reports from Joan Nano)

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FILE PHOTO: President Rodrigo Duterte | PCOO\Rey Baniquet

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte is serious in eradicating terrorism and rebellion in the country according to Malacanang.

Based on the report of Global Terrorism Index in 2018 by the Institute for Economics and Peace, the Philippines is ranked tenth among countries most-affected by terrorism.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said that this is the reason for the Chief Executive’s martial law declaration in Mindanao and its extensions.

Panelo noted that the Duterte administration is not neglecting terrorism and the goal of the government to totally overpower rebellion through intensification of services to solve extreme poverty which is believed to cause uprising or armed struggle.

The spokesperson added that President Duterte remains “focused and steadfast in fulfilling his constitutional mandate to serve and protect the Filipino people.” — UNTV News & Rescue

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MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine’s employment rate went up by 2% this year based on the October 2018 Labor Force Survey of the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA).

From the previous 40 million, employed Filipinos now reached 41 million.

Based on the same report, meanwhile, the country’s unemployment rate dwindled down by 5.3%.

Also stated in the report is the higher quality of employment because workers with good quality work and proper salary are now 26 million.

This is 2.7% higher as compared to last year’s.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said jobs are increasing due to the rise of opportunity in different sectors.

One example is the Build, Build, Build program of the administration.

“Patuloy na gumaganda ang sitwasyon ng empleyo sa Pilipinas dahil sa mas maraming Pilipino ang nagkakaroon ng trabaho dahil sa pagtaas ng oportunidad sa trabaho mula sa iba’t ibang sektor, katulad ng Build Build Build infrastructure program ng administrasyon. Ito ang pangunahing nakakatulong sa pagtaas ng empleyo. At mas maraming manggagawa ang nagkaroon ng seguridad sa trabaho,” said Bello. — UNTV News & Rescue

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MRT-7 construction

Several lanes in North Avenue and Elliptical Road are set to close for MRT-7 construction.

From December 27, only four lanes of North Avenue near the Quezon Memorial Circle will remain open to motorists until the MRT construction is finished.

Seven lanes will be left open in Elliptical Road in Quezon Avenue until January 8.

Meanwhile, MMDA has completely set aside the assignment of High-Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes in EDSA.

MMDA General Manager Jojo Garcia said that the step is in respect to the resolution issued by the Senate abolishing the said program due to criticisms it has earned. — UNTV News & Rescue

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Manila Bay | UNTV Drone

MANILA, Philippines – Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Roy Cimatu personally inspects Estero de San Antonio De Abad in Manila on Thursday (December 20) in preparation for the planned rehabilitation of Manila Bay.

Through DENR’s water quality monitoring checkers, water samples were taken from that side of Manila Bay which will be brought to the agency’s Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) to determine the level of fecal coliform, nitrate and phosphate nutrients present in the area.

Cimatu believes the said waterway is one of the main contributors to extreme pollution that’s killing Manila Bay.

The stretch of Estero De San Antonio Abad leads to Manila Yacht Club and the US Embassy.

According to Cimatu, coliform level is at the highest on the Roxas Boulevard side of Manila Bay which reaches to 333 most probable number (mpn).

This is far higher than the safe level of 100mpn recommended for swimming and recreational activities.

“The problem is coming from the esteros in Metro Manila… ang lumalabas kasi ngayon ang ating ano sa Manila bay is 330M (MPN) ang coliform level in Manila Bay. Saan nanggagaling ang mga ito? Dito sa mga esteros na ito,” Cimatu said.

The DENR discovered that surrounding establishments in Manila Bay have poor waste treatment facilities and wastewater coming from them directly flows to Manila Bay causing heavy pollution.

These commercial facilities are specifically located in Taft Avenue to include hospitals, malls, hotels, and even one of Manila’s main attractions – the Manila Zoo.

“The discharge comes from commercial (structures). Grabe ang commercial discharges,” said DERN Usec. Sherwin Rigor

The DENR assessed that Manila Bay will be a massive work to do.

“Check iyong mga establishments diyan. Check their sewage system treatment plant at saka kung meron silang ECC. Check mo lahat ng mga ito,” Cimatu ordered his evaluators.

As part of the rehabilitation, silt-curtains will be installed in every end of the creeks that dispose water directly to Manila Bay to filter the trash.

Residents around Manila Bay will be relocated to nearby provinces specifically to Bulacan and Cavite.

Meanwhile, the DENR warns closure against establishments that disposes wastewater to Manila Bay.

The agency will convene all local executives in Metro Manila on January 15 together will the local officials in nearby provinces to discuss the master plan for the rehabilitation.

The DENR hopes to see improvements in the quality of water in Manila Bay by the end of 2019. – Marje Pelayo (with reports from Mai Bermudez)

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(L-R) UN special rapporteur Michel Forst (Image via Michael Forst Twitter account); Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo (UNTV News)

MANILA, Philippines – Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo on Thursday (December 20) railed against United Nations Special Rapporteur (UNSR) Michel Forst’s for calling the government to stop alleged violence against human rights defenders in the country.

Panelo slammed Forst’s report as “not only reckless but irresponsible as well for it not only demeans the integrity of UNSR system but the entire UN mechanism itself”.

On his report released on Wednesday (December 19), Forst claimed that: “The stigmatization, defamation, judicial harassment, arbitrary arrest and criminalization of defenders is a key area of concern” in the country.

Forst claimed that human rights defenders in the Philippines are “facing high risks, such as women human rights defenders, indigenous human rights defenders, land and environmental rights defenders, and journalists” and so he calls on the administration to “end immediately all forms of violations against human rights defenders, including extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances.”

Panelo said local groups “supported by resentful politicians belonging to the opposition” are “using the UN as a platform to parrot baseless criticisms” against the government and the Palace is “fed up” of this practice.

“For too long has the UN been used by these detractors as a tool for vilification. UNSRs should be less gullible as this reinforces the President’s contempt for them who have consistently manifested bias against the Philippines,” the Presidential Spokesperson said.

“If Mr. Forst only checked his facts first, he would have known that organizations presenting themselves as so-called human rights defenders never had it so good under the Duterte administration,” he added.

Panelo cited the Philippines’ recent election as one of the UN’s 165 member-states for the fifth time. This manifests that the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte is in support to the UN’s advocacy including the protection and in respect for human rights and its advocates.

Panelo assured that human rights defenders in the country can “fully exercise all their rights to air issues and concerns related to their advocacies in an environment that is free and secure from any threat or harassment”.

He challenged the local groups critical of the administration, accused of feeding Forst false information, to file cases of violations of human rights against their own members.

Unless they can do so, Panelo told them “to refrain from making a fool of these UNSRs, a mockery of the UN, as well as using their allegations as leverage to secure financial resources from over-trusting funding institutions.” – Marje Pelayo

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MANILA, Philippines – A video of a junior high school student from Ateneo De Manila University has stirred up social media storm for assaulting his classmate inside the school’s restroom.

The video shows a small student bullying and discriminating his fellow student.

Later on the video, the bully started kicking and punching his helpless classmate after the latter answered ‘bugbog’ when the bully made him choose between ‘bugbog’ or ‘dignidad’. The video ended with the victim enduring a bloodied nose.

The incident happened on Wednesday (December 19).

Ateneo JHS principal Jose Antonio Salvador issued a statement on Thursday evening acknowledging the incident as “an evident act of violence that constitutes a serious violation of disciplinary misconduct.”

Statement of Ateneo De Manila Junior High School Principal

Salvador, however, said: “We express our concern also about the risks associated with sharing the video, online and in social media groups. Not only has the privacy rights of these minors, been breached but it has also provoked some reactions that do little to help the school in dealing appropriately with the incident.”

He appeals to the public “to help in putting a stop to the indiscriminate spreading of the video.”

University President Jose Ramon Villarin, meanwhile, supported Salvador and assured that the school is “treating the matter with highest priority and urgency” as the school immediately launched an investigation on the matter.

The bully is said to be a Taekwando gold medalist and a black belter in the said martial art.

But the Philippine Taekwondo Association in a statement said the group “condemns’ any use of the sport for harassment, bullying or any act of violence.

“Our association reiterates its objective to teach all Taekwondo practitioners self-respect and respect for others,” the group said and promised to conduct its own investigation on the matter.

Statement of Philippine Taekwondo Association

The Department of Education (DepEd) on Friday (December 21) said it is already monitoring the investigation on the matter.

Likewise, it reminds public and private schools to implement ‘comprehensive, multifaceted’ bullying prevention policies in accordance with Republic Act No. 10627 or the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013.

The law’s Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) requires all public and private schools to submit a copy of their child protection or anti-bullying policy to the division office.

Statement of Department of Education

At the end of the statement, the DepEd “encourages learners who experience or witness bullying, abuse or retaliation to speak up and report verified incidents to appropriate authorities for proper intervention.” – Marje Pelayo

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Calulut convenience store

Magtoto Family’s sari-sari store in Brgy. Calulut in San Fernando, Pampanga has been their business for 20 years.

Couple Marlon and Lucia largely depended on their store in providing education for their two children and even for their daily expenses.

Over the years, they earned many customers for their low-priced products.

“Mura nga rito sa iba kaya dito ako namimili,” said Linda Canlas.

“Mura po affordable po kaysa po sa ibang grocery. Meron naman ibang grocery na same price kaso kasi ito malapit na sa amin ta’s mura na kaya dito na kami,” said Ferlia Pacheco.

Marlon’s son Kelvin said that they want to help their fellow residents through selling products below the suggested retail price (SRP) released by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) on products such as sardines, coffee, vinegar, soy sauce and others.

“Ever since hindi kami nagpapatong ng malaki. We basically came from nothing so alam namin yung pakiramdam na nagbubudget ka, sinasakto mo yung daily expenses mo with kakarampot na budget. Gusto namin tulungan yung community na hindi lang gusto namin kumita for the business but we also want to serve the people na kahit konti lang yung tubo namin pero atleast nakakatulong kami sa mga kapitbahay,” said Kelvin Magtoto.

Due to this, DTI awarded the Calulut convenience store with a Suking Tindahan Seal for being a good example in the province of Pampanga and for others to follow.

“Ang Suking Tindahan mayroon po siyang certain criteria na dapat sundin para makapili tayo ng qualified na Suking Tindahan so unang-una nakita natin sa Calulut Convenience Store na naka-locate siya within the barangay and then another thing isang qualification na dapat atleast 50% nung ating basic commodities na totally 154 binebenta niya so nakita din namin yun,” said Elenita Ordonio, Pampanga Provincial Director.

The Suking Tindahan Seal is given to retail stores for following the SRP. — UNTV News & Rescue

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QUEZON CITY, Philippines – The Philippine National Police (PNP) Highway Patrol Group (HPG) has reminded motorists to ensure good physical state before hitting the road and joining the holiday rush.

According to the HPG Director PCSupt. Roberto Fajardo, the volume of vehicles currently plying major roads in Metro Manila has spiked by 26% which makes motorists more prone to accidents.

The official said it must be a routine for drivers to check his or her ‘BLOWBAGETS’ before driving.

‘BLOWBAGETS’ is an acronym for a driver’s checklist and stands for battery, lights, oil, water, break, air, gas, engine, tire and self.

Fajardo noted an average of 29 road fatalities a day, based on HGP’s records thus, he advised motorists not to proceed if they feel that they are not fit to drive.

“Prepare yourself for a long ride. Have adequate sleep so you may be able to reach your destination. Kapag inaantok, huwag piliting i-drive (ang sasakyan). Igilid po para ma-secure mo ang sarili mo, ang mga kasama mo at ma-secure mo ang ibang nasa kalsada,” Fajardo reminded motorists.

He stressed that drunk driving is strictly prohibited among drivers.

Seat belts must be properly fastened and as much as possible do not overload your vehicle to avoid driving inconvenience.

“Ang mga Pilipino, pipilitin basta’t magkakasya to the point pati ang driver na hindi na makapag-drive nang matino kahit nagbabanggaan na ang mga siko,” he observed.

Fajardo also notes that engine brakes shouldn’t be blamed for an accident because they can be fixed ahead of time.

“Ang tao ang nagko-control ng sasakyan at tao rin ang nakakaalam kung ano ang roadworthiness ng sasakyan”, he added.

Based on records, human factor remains the top reason for road accidents this year with a total of 8,425 cases of bad overtaking; bad turning; over speeding; self-accident; drunk driving; using cellular phone; hit-and-run; and overloading.

Meanwhile, only a total of 320 incidents involved mechanical defects and 273 involved poor road conditions. – Marje Pelayo (with reports from Lea Ylagan)

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Mall goers

QUEZON CITY, Philippines – Mall goers surge in major malls in the city for last-minute shopping, taking advantage of product discounts and promotions.

Some prefer restaurant dining to feel the season’s festive mood.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said a total of 19 malls stand along the entire stretch of EDSA from Caloocan to Pasay City.

Since November 5 this year, mall operating hours have been adjusted to comply with the order by the MMDA.

Currently, malls are open from 11:00 a.m. but it is up for the mall management to set up to what time they prefer to close.

The adjustments in mall operating hours take effect until January 14, 2019.

The MMDA encourages shoppers to go to the nearest mall and as much as possible refrain from going to malls that require long travel.

This is to avoid being stuck in heavy traffic as expected during holiday season. – Marje Pelayo (with reports from Joan Nano)

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MANILA, Philippines — Banks are closed for several days this holiday season.

Based on the schedule released by Metrobank, their banks will be closed from December 22 to 24 and 29 to 31.

PS Bank will be closed on December 24 to 25 and December 31 to January 1.

Security Bank will be closed on December 25, 31 and January 1.

However, NAIA branch will be open on December 24 and December 30 from 11:00 p.m to 7:00 pm.

Some of their branches will be open on December 29 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

BPI extended their banking hours from December 10 to January 3 while several branches will be open on December 22 and 29.

Selected branches of China Bank and BDO will be open on December 24, 20 and 31. — UNTV News & Rescue

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Dr. Camille Garcia, psychologist

MANILA, Philippines – Parents have a major role to play in the development of a child.

According to Dr. Camille Garcia, it is important for parents to talk about good behavior to their children, remind them to be kind to others and that ‘bullying’ is bad.

This is highly important especially for parents of a bully.

But Dr. Garcia emphasized that disciplining a child shouldn’t be harsh or done in force but in a calm manner.

“Ang physical abuse, hindi nagkaroon ng debriefing at hindi naintindihan kung bakit ganoon, it can lead to one possibility na siya rin maging abuser or (two) it can lead to depression,” Garcia said.

Dr. Garcia suggests that a child bully be guided by an expert, a therapist or a child psychologist, to help him change his behavior and make him understand the consequences of his bullying.

Parents, also, must not inflict harm on children the way they would feel that they are being bullied, according to Dr. Garcia.

“Once you make a permanent decision na saktan iyong bata tapos makikita mo na nagkasira- sira na iyong mukha, nagka- sugat sugat na’t lahat, sinong masisisi? Its’ a lifetime thing na you feel guilty about it and then eventually, ikaw na rin maapektuhan. Psychologically, ikaw iyong affected. Iyong bata affected din. Then the abuse can lead to another abuse sa susunod na henerasyon,”

A video of a junior high school student from Ateneo de Manila University bullying and assaulting his fellow student has gone viral on social media and has drawn the ire of netizens.

This prompted the Department of Education (DepEd) to remind schools to strictly implement the Child Protection Policy which strictly prohibits bullying in any form.

“We have a policy, a very, very clear policy on child protection and we go by the United Nations Declaration on the rights of the child. It’s not just physical but mental as well as electronic, cyber abuse of learners,” explained Education Secretary Leonor Briones.

R.A. 10627 or the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013 provides punishment for bullies as consequences of their actions. They can be charged criminally, according to the law, as their targets or the subject of bullying can avail for legal remedies.

Thus, the DepEd encourages active support of parents, students and teachers to report any incident of abuse or bullying in their schools.

Malacañang, meanwhile, urges proper authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and properly act on the bullying incident in Ateneo de Manila University.

“The school should investigate the incident and do something do about it. you can’t be allowing bullying inside the classroom or school. besides, there is a law against that,” Presidential Spokesperson and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo concluded. – Marje Pelayo (with reports from Aiko Miguel)

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Civil Engineering student Joselito Derudar was excited to come home in Masbate to spend time with his family this holiday season.

However, his trip was delayed when the bus conductor rejected him to avail his 20 percent discount as a student.

“Sabi noong papuntang Pilar P750 raw [pamasahe] minus P150. Malaki na kasi iyong P150. Syempre sa isang estudyante nag-aaral ka pa lang wala ka pang sweldo kailangan namin ng pera,” he said when he reported the incident to authorities.

Michael Aresco, the conductor defended that they couldn’t give student discounts because classes were on break and the holidays already started though it is still a weekday.

“‘Pagka wala kasing pasok nakalagay doon sa may taripa, fare matrix may nakalagay doon na during school day may discount pero kapag walang pasok, no discount,” said Aresco.

Eventually, an LTFRB officer came and reminded the conductor to allow Joselito and other students proper discounts.

“Kakaconfirm lang po sa amin noong head namin mayroon po tayong discount estudyante as long as maprovide po iyong ID at valid po siya kahit holiday po. Kahit holiday meron po,” said LTFRB transport inspector Ian Mangaring.

In 2017, LTFRB released a memorandum circular on student discount even on days without classes, weekend and holidays.

On the start of December this year, a proposition edifying the 20% student discount has passed the technical working group in the House of Representatives.

For Joselito, it is important to have a basic knowledge on the law to be able to defend your rights in times of need.

“Nakita namin iyong karapatan namin bilang estudyante. Dapat nagbabasa ka ng batas, alam mo iyong karapatan mo bilang Pinoy. Malaking tulong na rin kasi iyong 20 percent na discount,” said Derudar. — with reports from Mai Bermudez | UNTV News & Rescue

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Marijuana plant (Reuters image) | Cannabis Oil

MANILA, Philippines – Opinions are divided about the legalization of medical marijuana in the country.

Under the Philippines law, marijuana is considered a dangerous and illegal drug.

It requires a special permit from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be able to use it for medication.

But a health reform advocate believes that legalizing medical marijuana can be possible in the country but under proper and detailed regulations.

“Compassionate use sa FDA na iyong kunyari may sakit ka tapos hindi ka gumagaling dito and then iyong relative gusto. Doctor niya ang magre- request sa FDA at paratingin iyong gamut, let’s say, galing Canada para gamitin ito sa pasyente. Pero tayo hindi pa tayo nagma-market by law hindi pa kasi approved ang medical marijuana,” explained Dr. Anthonay Leachon.

Dr. Leachon noted that unlike cigarettes which are consumed by smoking or sniffing, marijuana needs a special process when use as medication.

“Dapat po oil or tablet. May forms po depende po kung ano ang doablity pero definitely hindi ito hihithitin,” he said.

Dr. Leachon added that medical marijuana is only given to terminally or seriously ill patients such as cancer or HIV-AIDS patients.

Filipina nurse Wendy said she observed an improvement in her son’s condition since he started using cannabis oil.

Wendy’s son who has non-verbal autism and hyperlexia, a condition characterized by strong decoding skills and delayed comprehension.

With the help of cannabis oil, Wendy said her son’s social skills improved.

He has started communicating and does eye-to-eye contact.

Wendy currently lives in the United States where medical marijuana is legal.

Despite seeing its benefits, Wendy believes a thorough study is still needed on the effects of medical marijuana to the human body.

“I agree that CBD oil use needs further research investigation, testing to prove its benefits and if its 100% effective and safe. It’s fairly new to the industry. As for us, the only proof we need to see is Spam developing as fast as he is right now. It greatly improved his quality of life even though he’s just 4 as well as ours,” Wendy said over the phone.

Health undersecretary Eric Domingo said recommendations to legalize the use of medical marijuana is still under study by the Department of Health (DOH).

In fact, they have started consulting experts on the matter.

“We need to collect scientific evidence before an official position is made. In the meantime, FDA accepts applications for compassionate use of unregistered drugs,” Domingo said.

Recently, the FDA received three applications to use medical marijuana, however Domingo said, they failed to fulfill the criteria set by the agency. – Marje Pelayo (with reports from Aiko Miguel)

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Passengers at the North Port Passenger Terminal

MANILA, Philippines — Rainy weather has not become an obstacle for commuters traveling their way back to their provinces.

In Manila North Harbor Pier on Friday (December 21) the influx of passengers is significantly noted though there are no final data from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) yet on the total number of passengers.

But according to PCG Spokesman Captain Armado Balilo, the number of passengers definitely increased.

As of 6:00 a.m. the number of outbound passengers has reached to 21,423 in 10 major piers across the country.

Commuters are advised not to bring deadly weapons and other sharp objects such as ice pick or knife to avoid delays. — UNTV News & Rescue

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FILE PHOTO: Ako Bicol Partylist Representative Rodel Batocabe,

ALBAY, Philippines – Ako Bicol Representative Rodel Batocabe was shot dead while attending a gift-giving program for senior citizens and PWDs in Barangay Banag, Daraga, Albay around 3:00 pm Saturday (December 22).

His police escort, SPO1 Orlando Diaz, was also shot by still unidentified gunmen.

The victims were rushed to AMEC Hospital in Legaspi City but both were pronounced dead on arrival.

Batocabe is running for mayor in the 2019 polls. — Marje Pelayo / UNTV New Media

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MANILA, Philippines – A video of a junior high school student from Ateneo De Manila University has stirred up social media storm for assaulting his classmate inside the school’s restroom.

The video shows a small student bullying and discriminating his fellow student.

The incident happened on Wednesday (December 19).

Statement of Ateneo De Manila Junior High School Principal

He appeals to the public “to help in putting a stop to the indiscriminate spreading of the video.”

The bully is said to be a Taekwando gold medalist and a black belter in the said martial art.

But the Philippine Taekwondo Association in a statement said the group “condemns’ any use of the sport for harassment, bullying or any act of violence.

“Our association reiterates its objective to teach all Taekwondo practitioners self-respect and respect for others,” the group said and promised to conduct its own investigation on the matter.

Statement of Philippine Taekwondo Association

The Department of Education (DepEd) on Friday (December 21) said it is already monitoring the investigation on the matter.

Likewise, it reminds public and private schools to implement ‘comprehensive, multifaceted’ bullying prevention policies in accordance with Republic Act No. 10627 or the Anti-Bullying Act of 2013.

The law’s Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) requires all public and private schools to submit a copy of their child protection or anti-bullying policy to the division office.

Statement of Department of Education

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A screenshot from an uploaded bullying video online in an Ateneo de Manila campus toilet room.

MANILA, Philippines – Ateneo de Manila University president Jose Ramon Villarin on Sunday (December 23) released the school’s decision on its investigation on the bullying incident caught on viral video that caused outrage on social media.

In his statement posted on Ateneo de Manila University’s Facebook page on Sunday, Villarin said: “After a thorough investigation that included listening to all parties involved, the decision of the administration is to impose the penalty of DISMISSAL on the student caught bullying another student in the comfort room of the school.”

Villarin added that the school has created a task force to “conduct a comprehensive study” and “ensure an independent audit” of its anti-bullying policies and measures in order to eventually recommend policies that would create a “safer and bully-free environment”.

Villarin, however, appealed to the public to help heal the wounds by not spreading the video and refrain from making bad comments online or bullying the bully on social media.

“We can summon the courage to stop fighting one another. We have the power too. We can begin by refusing to add fuel to the fire and helping our children and one another heal,” he said.

By dismissal, Villarin said the bully student is no longer allowed to come back to study in the Ateneo de Manila University. – Marje Pelayo

Read Ateneo de Manila University president Jose Ramon Villarin’s full statement:

Insert document:

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FILE IMAGE: AKO Bicol Representative Alfredo Garbin Jr profile picture from his official Facebook page

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines — Thieves ransacked the house of Ako Bicol Partylist Rep. Alfredo Garbin Jr in Barangay Buraguis on Sunday (December 23).

According to the initial report by the PNP-PRO5, unknown men entered Garbin’s house through the awning window of the comfort room on the second floor.

The thieves took Garbin’s personal bag containing more than P500,000 worth of cash and checks, wristwatches and other valuables.

The incident happened while Garbin was busy attending the wake of his colleague, Ako Bicol Congressman Rodel Batocabe, who was slain by still unidentified gunmen on Saturday (December 22). – Marje Pelayo (with reports from Grace Casin)

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2 unidentified cadavers found in the town of Daraga. (PHOTO BY: PNP PRO 4B)

ALBAY, Philippines – Two unidentified men were found dead on Sunday morning (December 23) in the town of Daraga in the wake of the assassination of AKO Bicol Party-list Rep. Rodel Batocabe.

According to the initial police report verified by PSInsp. Richelle Balute, Punong Barangay Roberto Obispo informed the police through a phone call that dead bodies with gunshot wounds on different parts of the body were discovered at a wooden area in Purok 6, Barangay Gabawan.

Obispo said the villagers couldn’t be certain if the men were residents in the area. Investigation is underway and authorities are looking into the links between the two men’s killing to the assassination of Rep. Batocabe in the neighboring Barangay Burgos on Saturday (December 22).

Batocabe and his aide were shot at a gift giving event for senior citizens and persons with disability (PWD) in time for the yuletide celebration.

The two were pronounced dead on arrival at AMEC hospital in Legaspi City after sustaining multiple gunshot wounds. Lawmakers raised P30 million pesos reward for any information that will lead to the capture of Batocabe’s gunmen. – Marje Pelayo (with reports from Lea Ylagan)

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