US Asian Post August 26, 2015

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Tessi Gabby: Tomas My wife doesn’t accepts get jealous son’s life as gay See PAGE 7 See PAGE 8

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4. No. No. 48 24 LOS Vol. LOS ANGELES ANGELES

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US terror thought killed House passessuspect bill fast-tracking in Mamasapano clash: army reverting of idle fishponds to forestlands Manila, Philippines |AFP| MANILA, Aug 21 (Mabuhay) Monday 3/9/2015 Philippine – The House of Representatives troops on have 56 reading Islamic passed thirdkilled and final militants including one described a bill that would shorten the proas “foreign-looking” who may be cess of reverting abandoned fishamong terror suspects sought by ponds into forestlands. theHouse United States, military Bill 5845 the of Bulacan said Monday.

Fourth District Representative The military opLinabelle Ruth launched Villarica the stipueration against the Bangsamoro lates the conversion of fishponds Islamic Freedom Fighters that have remained idle for(BIFF) three last month in a marshy, farming years back into forestlands. region Mindanao island, where The on proposed measure seeks Muslim rebels have forPresidendecades to amend Section 43 of fought for independence. tial Decree No. 705 or the Revised “One the cadavers is aPhilforForestry of Reform Code of the eign-looking guy,” said military ippines. spokesman PD 705 onlyBrigadier-General requires the reJoselito outlining the versal ofKakilala, mangroves and other operation in an interview aired swamps leased by the Bureau on of ABS-CBNand television.

Fisheries Aquatic Resources corpse’s features forThe fishpond purposes afterbear re“similarities” to one of the maining idle for five years. United “Environmental States’ “most wanted” Islamic laws must be militants,to he refusing to attuned thesaid, demands of cliidentify the suspect.

Wednesday - Tuesday, 11 -17, 2015 Wednesday - Tuesday, Aug.March 26 - Sept.

01, 2015

Four soldiers wereaskilled and mate change as well the socio21 wounded in the raid, Kakilala economic needs of the increasing said. number of people living in our The raid followed a bloody communities,” Villarica said. antiterror January The operation fishpondsincould be that utithe Philippines says killed Malaylized for mangrove propagation sianpromotion militant Zulki i bin Hir, one or of eco-tourism acof Asia’s most wanted but tivities to jump-start themen, economy also claimed thewanting lives of 44 of communities in police sociocommandos. economic development, Villarica The BIFF and other rebels said. killed as the operThethe billcommandos further states that all ation backswamps red, triggering a wave mangrove set aside for of outrage in thepurposes Philippines that coast-protection shall be has shaken the administration of spared from clear-cutting operaPresident Benigno Aquino. tions.

The Department ghting centres on the The of Agriculture Liguasan marshlands of the and the Department of Environsouth, where Filipino militant Abment and Natural Resources are del Basit Usman, onea of terror mandated to outline setthe of guidesuspects sought by the US, surlines to determine abandoned, unvived the January 25 police raid. developed or underutilized fishThe covered militarybysaid last lease week ponds fishpond that aside from Usman, it was agreements. hunting (MNS)four Indonesians and one See US TERROR SUSPECT, page 6

Members of ProGay and women’s rights group Gabriela rally in front of the Supreme Court in Manila last month to denounce the Protesters from different youth groups troop to the frontThe of the US Embassy in as Manila to condemn involvement oforal the alleged government inaction on violence against women. rally was held just the high court wasalleged on its second day of US government in constitutionality the Mamasapanoofoperation.

TheEnhanced groups are demanding truth andAgreement. accountability the Aquino government arguments on the the PHL-US Defense Cooperation The from suspect in her death, as US regarding the bloody encounter in Mamasapano, which killed 44 PNP-SAF ofcers, 18 Moro rebels and 5 civilians.(MNS photo) Marine, has been charged with murder.

(MNS photo)

US Marine ‘fought’in but did Was US involved raid? not murder Laude: Lawyer US role in disastrous Mamasapano bloodbath under scrutiny

OLONGAPO, Philippines | Manila, Philippines AFP | Monday 8/24/2015 –|AFP| A US Sunday 3/8/2015 disastrous Marine accused of- A murder told on allegedcourt Islamic militants araid Philippine Monday he has ignited political crifought with the andworst subdued a transsis yet Filipina for Philippine President gender in self-defence but Benigno Aquino – and questions denied murdering her, his lawyer about the extent of any US role in said. theEight operation are after deepening his months he was discomfort. charged over the death of Jennifer SomeJoseph Philippine lawmakLaude, Scott Pemberton ers are asking whether the oral US admitted they fought after military played a leading role sex because Laude did not havein a the operation in January, which female organ, said his lawyer RoendedFlores. with 44 police commandos wena dead in a is eld in the country’s The trial closed to the press Muslim-majority south. and court officials do not comment on details.

The case has attracted national attention as the Philippines seeks closer defence ties with its longtime ally the United States, in the face of Chinese territorial claims in the South China Sea.

By Joel GUINTO

Makabayan members march to Mendiola in Manila on Friday to call for President Aquino’s resignation in connection with the Mamasapano encounter. Thousands of students from state-run universities also walked out of their classes to join the protest to condemn the government’s alleged failure to address various issues like tuition fee and fuel price increases.(MNS photo)

Amid resignation calls, Aquino gets support from evangelical church leaders

Airport General Manager Jose Angel Honrado with Members Of The August 21 Movement pose for the media during the wreath-laying ceremony at the Ninoy Aquino memorial marker at NAIA Terminal 1 to commemorate the 32nd death anniversary of Senator Ninoy Aquino.(MNS photo)

Aquino leads commemoration MANILA, Mar 9 (Mabuhay) – “We are beseeching you to fulPresidentnd Benigno Aquino III on ll your duty, your constitutional of 32 received martyrdom Ninoy Monday support from of dutyhis to father nish your term,” VilMANILA,church Aug 21 leaders (Mabuhay) – evangelical amid President Benigno Aquino III the on calls for him to resigned over Friday the commemoration of bloody led Mamasapano operation nd the martyrdom anniversary last 32 January 25. of his father, late former Sen. During thethe prayer meeting at Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino the Malacañan Palace Jr. grounds, President went toleadthe Jesus is LordAquino (JIL) Church Manila Park inurged Paer Bro. Memorial Eddie Villanueva ranaque City to join familyevanand Aquino on behalf of other friends in offering prayers forquit his gelical church leaders not to father who was assassinated. his post.

The President was joined by his sisters Ballsy Aquino-Cruz, Viel Aquino-Dee and Pinky Aquino-Abellada in offering prayers

for their martyred father. lanueva told Aquino during the Liberal Party standard-bearer prayer gathering.

Interior Secretary Roxas, DeVillanueva alsoMar assured the fense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin President of “all-out support to and Budget Secretary Butch Abad protect the Constitution.” also attended Before this,the theactivity.

JIL leader read Groups also the Bible verses on commemorate submitting to govmartyrdom of Ninoy Aquino by ofernment authorities and warning fering at the tarmac of the againstflowers rebellion.

Ninoy Aquino International Villanueva’s son, Joel, its Airthe See CHURCH page 6 port (NAIA) where SUPPORT he was killed on August 21, 1983.

Last Thursday, Presidential Communications Operations OfSee MARTYRDOM, page 2

DSWD takes into custody mother seen slapping baby in viral video MANILA, Aug 22 (Mabuhay) – in Mandaluyong City.

Social welfare workers in Pasay On Thursday, Facebook user City have taken into custody a Nilo Sabangan posted a video of mother seen in a viral video slap- the mother slapping her crying ping her newborn baby at the Pa- baby while they were lying on the say City General Hospital. hospital bed. The video went viral Rosalinda Orobia, Pasay City and currently has 79,000 shares. social welfare officer, said the Sabangan said in his post that mother will undergo a psychologi- the incident happened Tuesday, cal evaluation before she is turned August 18. over to an appropriate institution.

Social Welfare Secretary CoraAccording to Orobia, the mothzon “Dinky” Soliman has said that Actor Dingdong Dantes (center) marches with male representatives from different er may be agencies transferred to stilettos the Na-during they will assess video and government wearing a solidarity walk for the gender equality in Quezon Center City on Friday.

The event aims to promote gender equality and women emSee DSWD, page 2 tional for Mental Health powerment to mark International Women’s Month of March. (MNS photo)

WWII Japan shipwreck salvage unlikely: Palace spokesman

Relic found underwater by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen st

Salem Virtus, and Jesse Brondia,

found probable cause against rethere yet’ on women’s equality spondents Joel Breso, Servillano

It wasJr., at that gathering Espares Francisco Tria that III, then  rst lady Hillary and eighteen John Does. Clinton declared: “Let it weight be that The panel gave to huthe man rights of are women’s rights, testimonies seven witnesses in and women’s rights are human favor of the complainants, includrights, for all.” ing oneonce eye and witness and several But 20 years on, women are corroborating witnesses.

Another still “very much a minority” witness testified to having allegwhenheard it comes to holding plan poedly the respondents litical of ce, representing fewer the killing, while another, BaranthanGata 30 chairperson percent of the world’s gay Mercy Suelawmakers, the report said. no, testified to a “brewing animosSee WOMEN’S EQUALITY, ity between the local minerspage and6

Under the terms of an anti-terrorism training deployment, the US is not permitted to engage in combat in the Philippines.

Virgie said of Pemberton A USSuarez, government cial told confessed to troops choking Laude but AFP that its helped evacusaid he thoughtbut she was just unate casualties, that the operaconscious. tion was “planned and executed said Pemberton told and the

by Flores Philippine authorities”, court he to left Laude “alive in the declined comment further. bathroom”.

Philippine Foreign Affairs SecGovernment conretary Albert delprosecutors Rosario, meanfirmed Pemberton testified but while, declined to give a direct did not comment further. answer when asked about any US Earlier theyonly said Pemberton role, speaking in generalities and Laude had left a in the about American help tobar Manila in northern port of Olongapo and suppressing militancy. checked a nearby motel, “With in theatUnited States, we where theyclose alleged the American have very counter-terrorism strangled the del victim. cooperation,” Rosario, who has Pemberton, who had just taken See US INVOLVED, page 6 part in joint US-Philippine military exercises nearby when the alleged murder occurred, was taken to the Olongapo trial court Monday by armed escort from his cell at a Philippine military camp See US MARINE, page 2

SC upholds Manila, Philippines1 |AFP| Saturday 3/7/2015 – The preconviction sumed wreck of one under of Japan’s most famous World War II battleAnti-Hazing Law ships whose discovery in the PhilMANILA, Aug 21 (Mabuhay) ippines was announced

by Micro–soft “The fraternal Paul contract should co-founder Allen this not beissigned in blood, week unlikely to becelebrated salvaged, with pain, marred by Saturday. injuries, and an of cial suggested perpetrated through suffering.”

The American billionaire said So goes the of theteam SuWednesday hisdecision exploration preme Court (SC) in the firstpage ever6 See SHIPWRECK, conviction under Republic Act (RA) No. 8049 or the Anti-Hazing Law, for the death of a hazing victim.

The high court, through the ponencia of Associate Justice Jose Mendoza, ruling of Sultan affirmed Kudarat,thePhilippines the Calamba Laguna Regional |AFP| Saturday 3/7/2015 – HunTrial Court (RTC) Branch 36 dreds of Muslim rebels lined up against Alpa Phi Omega (APO) in the Philippines Saturday to See SC UPHOLDS, 2 register as voters, keeping page faith with a 2014 peace pact that was thrown into doubt after 44 policemenmembers were killed in a botched terthe of the SKTF.” ror“[T]he raid. killings were attended Moro Islamic Liberation

by The the qualifying circumstance of Front (MILF) rebels, unarmed treachery as testified by witness... and victims, wearing who civilian The were clothes, simply had their photographs andafter nhaving dinner and drinking gerprints atoff a guard government work, weretaken caught when building in the southern townJr., of respondents Breso, Espares Sultan Kudarat to qualify for votand eighteen other unidentified er identi cards.point blank, men shot cation the former “Theythem are all eagerattoall take leaving novery chance to part,” the Vononslaught. al Haq, spokesman for evade the“The 10,000-member MILF’s panel observed thatmilithe tary wing told AFP. method of inflicting harm by reSome would voting Jr., for and the spondents Breso,beEspares

Rebels sign up to vote as PHL moves to save peace pact

DOJ findsClinton probable says cause ‘not vs 21 suspects in Caramoan massacre Hillary MANILA, Aug 21 (Mabuhay) – The Department of Justice (DOJ) has issued a resolution that found New York, probable cause toUnited charge States mem|AFP| Monday 3/9/2015 Two bers of the Sagip Kalikasan– Task women with global clout – HillForce (SKTF) with murder perary Clinton and“Caramoan Melinda Gates taining to the mas– released a sweeping report on sacre” on March 22, 2014 that led Monday showing that women to the death of four local miners areSitio still Campo, far fromBarangay winning equalin Gata, ity in leadership positions.

Caramoan, Camarines Sur. The Special “No Ceilings” report is a The Panel of Prosecureview of progress made by womtors tasked to conduct the preen since the 1995 Beijing conferliminary investigation of the comence laid outbya the platform action plaint filed kin ofofvictims for achieving gender equality.

Julio Labiano, Rene Labiano,

They point to reports that a US drone was overying the area at the time, and said to be beaming back real-time images to US comPemberton, was 22 at the manders as thewho asco unfolded. time, said Laude, 26, slapped him Senate president Franklin and caused him to respond “in deDrilon, a powerful member of fense,” Flores said.Liberal Party, Aquino’s ruling some to subdue is “After one of at leasttime, ve senators to Jeffrey, Joseph Scott about Pemberton have raised questions what held his (Laude’s) head under his the United States knew. armpit.

Jeffrey stopped “Did the FBI (Federal moving.

Bureau Joseph Scott Pemberton to of Investigation) know tried beforerevive him,”this Flores added, using hand about operation?”

Drilthe victim’s Jefon asked theformer head name of the ofpolice frey. commando unit Getulio Napeñas , She quoted as saywho lost his jobPemberton over the affair, in ing “I felt like I was raped by one hearing.

Laude.”

“Or any US armed forces perHarrydid Roque, a lawyer represonnel, they know about this senting the victim’s family at the operation beforehand?” trial, said the US marine testified he held Laude in an “armlock” until she stopped moving.

“He then dragged her to (the) bathroom and dumped her,” Roque added.

Another lawyer for the family,

REBELS, page page 26 SeeSee MASSACRE,

President Benigno S. Aquino III congratulates the newly installed PNP-SAF Director Chief Superintendent Moro Virgilio Lazo as PNP-SAF OIC P/CSupt. Noli Taliño (left) and PNP Deputy Chief for Operation, OIC Chief PDDG Leonardo Espina and DILG Sec. Mar Roxas look on during the Assumption of Command Ceremony of Philippine National Police-Special Action Force at Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig City on Wednesday (March 04). Lazo is a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Maharlika” Class couple of 1984.enjoy (MNSteaching photo) their daughter the proper way of moving back and A young forth on a swing at the Children’s Garden in Quezon Memorial Circle, Quezon City on Friday (Aug. 14, 2015). (MNS photo)

Aquino: Napeñas fooled me Most Filipinos have nomission savings – study on Mamasapano

MANILA, Aug 20 (Mabuhay) – Most Filipinos live from paycheck MANILA, Mar 9 (Mabuhay) He also refused to take reto paycheck, and when tragedy strikes like an illness or an accident, – “The truth is, I was given the sponsibility for the infamous opthey have no funds to fall back on. wrong information.” eration, which left over 60 people The National Baseline Survey on Financial Inclusion by the President Benigno Aquino III killed including 44 police comBangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) revealed that only 4 out of 10 made this statement on Monday mandos.

Filipinos have savings. as he enumerated errors suppos“Kung ako ang may kasalanan Out of those 4, only 32 percent put their savings in banks. edly committed by former Special dito, bakit di ko aakuin lahat?”

The survey added that almost all Filipinos are aware of banks, Action Force (SAF) chief Director Aquino said. but only 5 out of 10 adults have actually done any banking transacGetulio Napeñas Jr. that resulted The President also did not tion. in the high number of police fatal- mention anything about the role The BSP said the country suffers from low financial literacy ities in the January 25 Mamasa- of resigned Philippine National mainly because most Filipinos do not have money to save, and do pano clash with Moro rebels.

Police chief Director General Alan not fully understand the banking sector.

During a prayer gathering in Purisima, his close friend, in the To attract more Filipinos to do banking transactions and to get Malacañang, Aquino said he was Mamasapano mission. them to save, the BSP is now shifting from English to Filipino. “fooled” by Napeñas during the Forty-four SAF members were BSP deputy governor Diwa Guinigundo said the banking sector operation. killed when the operation resultis largely an English language sector, which is why some banking “Maraming wishful thinking si ed in a clash with the Moro Islamterms appear vague for many Filipinos.

Napeñas compared to reality. Ma- ic Liberation Front (MILF) and its See NO SAVINGS, page 2 linaw na binola ako,” he said.

See AQUINO FOOLED page 6

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Wednesday - Tuesday, Aug. 26 - Sept. 01, 2015

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CSI Professionals: Endless job opportunities for all season The end of summer signifies the start of a new season and the start of a new school year.

Here at CSI Professionals, age is but a number and we are more than willing to assist current college students in finding employment, whether it is while they are in school, or graduating soon.

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Please join us on Friday, August 28 for our next workshop in our Glendale Office in the 6th Floor Conference Room of 100 N Brand Blvd. Glendale CA 91203.

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NO SAVINGS

From page 1

“In the past, we used English, but now we decided to use Filipino to be able to communicate better with people. If they understand the terms, the sense of intimidation is gone. That is one way to empower small businesses,” he said.

Guinigundo added that many people are unsure about dealing with banks because some have a

MASSACRE

From page 1

the eighteen other unidentified men ensured that they would fatally kill the victims without risk to themselves,” the DOJ said.

However, the case against respondents Angelo Refran, Luis Palaganas, Saetiel Pielago, Jonah Bolima, and Florencio Vargas was dismissed since “the records are bereft of any showing that the aforementioned respondents directly participated in the killing of the victims. Neither could they be said to have acted in conspiracy with the concurred in or, in any way, participated towards the unified purpose of respondents Tria III, Breso, and Espares of killing the victims.”

The criminal informations for murder have already been filed against Breso and Espares; the DOJ will amend the information to include Tria III. (MNS)

THE US ASIAN POST

hard time understanding terms and conditions, which are all in English.

He now urges bank tellers to always communicate in the local tongue especially to clients who may not understand English that well.

He also said bank employees can explain complex banking concepts and services using Filipino,

Bisaya, Ilonggo or any dialect in their provinces. This way, clients will know the exact details of their accounts and transactions.

Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino chairman and national artist Virgilio Almario said there’s a need to translate many words in the banking industry as well as in other sectors like science and technology. (MNS)

SC UPHOLDS

prosecution has “undeniably proved” that Villanueva, along with Dungo and Sibal, entered the resort where the initiation rites were conducted and that the petitioners brought the victim to JP Rizal Hospital where the latter was pronounced dead.

The Court of Appeals (CA) affirmed the trial court’s ruling in 2013, which led Dungo and Sibal to elevate their appeal to the SC. “[T]here was prima facie evidence of the petitioners’ participation in the hazing because of their presence in the venue.... Because of the uncontroverted prima facie evidence against the petitioners, it was shown that they performed an over act in the furtherance of the criminal design of hazing.

“Not only did they induce the victim to attend the hazing activity, the petitioners also actually participated in it based on the prima facie evidence. These acts are sufficient to establish their roles in the conspiracy of hazing,” the decision read.

The high court said that the Anti-Hazing Law “is a democratic response to the uproar against hazing. It demonstrates that there must, and should, be another way of fostering brotherhood, other than through the culture of violence and suffering. The senseless deaths of these young men shall never be forgotten, for justice is the spark that lights the candles of their graves.” (MNS)

From page 1

members Dandy L. Dungo and Gregorio A. Sibal Jr. for the death of hazing victim Marlon Villanueva, a student of the University of the Philippines Los Baños, in January 2006.

Villanueva was a neophyte who was subjected to hazing under initiation rites in Barangay Pansol, Calamba City, Laguna on January 14, 2006. The records of the case show that apart from Dungo and Sibal, there were more or less twenty other unidentified APO members during the rites.

On February 23, 2011, the trial court found Dungo and Sibal guilty of Section 4 of the AntiHazing Law, which imposes the penalty of reclusion perpetua (life imprisonment) to individuals who participated in the hazing “[i]f the person subjected to hazing or other forms of initiation rites suffers any physical injury or dies as a result thereof.”

The trial court ruled that the

DSWD From page 1

then check whether the mother is capable of taking care of her baby.

“Kasi kung wala siyang kakayahan, kukunin muna namin iyong sanggol,” Soliman said.

Orobia said that as of Saturday morning, they were still checking if they baby can already be discharged from the Pasay City General Hospital.

She said that if the hospital gives them the go signal, they will bring the baby to the family of the mother. If the family refuses, they will put the baby under the care of the Children’s Reception Center of the Department of Social Welfare and Development. (MNS)

MARTYRDOM From page 1

fice (PCOO) Secretary Herminio ‘Sonny’ Coloma Jr. said the commemoration of the 32nd death anniversary of Ninoy reaffirms every Filipino’s responsibility to help achieve freer society and national development.

Coloma said Ninoy Aquino, who selflessly offered his life for the restoration of democracy in the country, continues to inspire generations of Filipinos to overcome difficulties and challenges in attaining their aspirations for a better future.

August 21 is a non-working holiday which commemorates the assassination of Ninoy Aquino on August 21, 1983. It is known as the “Araw ng Kabayanihan ni Ninoy Aquino”.

Aquino was a prominent critic of former President Ferdinand Marcos. When Marcos declared Martial Law in September 1972, Aquino was one of those imprisoned.

While in prison, he continued to campaign for democracy and even stood for election.

In 1980, he suffered two heart attacks and was permitted to seek medical treatment in the United States, where he remained in exile for about three years.

He wanted to challenge Marcos in a parliamentary election and on August 21, 1983, while he was being escorted off the airplane at the former Manila International Airport, he was shot dead.

The assassination led to a major political upheaval in the Philippines and in 1986, after a snap presidential election, his widow Corazon Aquino was elected president.

US MARINE From page 1

in Manila.

He was the second witness for the defense.

His mother Lisa Pemberton took the stand a week ago, when lawyers said she identified letters from family friends and relatives attesting to his good character.

The judicial proceedings will continue until December.

THE US ASIAN POST Wednesday - Tuesday, Aug. 26 - Sept. 01, 2015

China island-building altering South China Sea status quo: US Washington, United States | AFP | Friday 8/21/2015 – China has reclaimed more than 2,900 acres of land from the South China Sea in less than two years in an intensive island-building campaign in the disputed Spratly Islands, a new Pentagon report says.

“By undertaking these actions, China is unilaterally altering the physical status quo in the region, thereby complicating diplomatic initiatives that could lower tensions,” the report warned.

With its rich fisheries and oil and gas potential, the South China Sea has been a source of contention for decades.

China, Vietnam and Taiwan claim all 200 or so of the Spratlys land features, while Brunei, the Philippines and Malaysia claim parts of them.

Although not the first or only country to dredge up sand to expand reefs and rocks into artificial islands in the region, the scope and scale of China’s land reclamation activities dwarf those of its rival claimants, the report on AsiaPacific Maritime Strategy said.

“China has now reclaimed 17 times more land in 20 months than the other claimants combined over the past 40 years, accounting for approximately 95 percent of all reclaimed land in the Spratly Islands,” the report said.

It has reclaimed land on seven of its eight outposts in the Spratlys, “and as of June 2015, had reclaimed more than 2,900 acres of land.”

On all its reclamation sites, China has either started building infrastructure or staged equipment to develop it.

While it was still unclear what China intends to build on the reclaimed land, the report noted that Beijing has said the outposts will have a military component as well as civilian functions.

At some sites, it has dug deep channels and built berthing sites for larger ships.

It is building an air strip on Fiery Cross Reef that is more than twice the length of air strips built on rival outposts by Vietnam, the Philippines, Taiwan and Malaysia.

In the Pentagon’s view, the activity appears to be part of an overall maritime strategy to increase China’s control in both the East and South China Seas without escalating to a military conflict.

China has been rapidly modernizing its naval forces and coast guard fleet to enforce its claims, and the artificial islands “would enable it to establish a more robust power projection presence into the South China Sea,” the report said.

“Its latest land reclamation and construction will also allow it to berth deeper draft ships at outposts; expand its law enforcement and naval presence farther south into the South China Sea; and potentially operate aircraft – possibly as a divert airstrip for carrier-based aircraft – that could enable China to conduct sustained operations with aircraft carriers in the area,” the report asserted.

Obama calls three Americans, commends ‘extraordinary bravery’: WHouse Washington, United States | AFP | Saturday 8/22/2015 –US President Barack Obama on Saturday called the three Americans who overpowered a gunman on a Paris-bound train and congratulated them on their “extraordinary bravery,” the White House said.

Spencer Stone, Aleksander Skarlatos and Anthony Sadler tackled, disarmed and subdued the assailant Friday after he fired shots and burst into their railroad car with an assault rifle.

Stone, who is a member of the US Air Force, was badly cut in the struggle and was still in the hospital Saturday recovering from his wounds.

Obama called the three “to commend and congratulate them for their courage and quick action aboard their Paris-bound train last night,” White House spokesman Eric Schultz said.

“The president expressed his gratitude to these three individuals for their heroic actions forestalling an even greater tragedy,” Schultz added.

“The president wished airman Stone a full and speedy recovery, and expressed how proud all Americans are of their extraordinary bravery.”

The three are childhood friends who were on a European trip together after Skarlatos’ recent deployment to Afghanistan as a member of the Oregon National Guard.

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OPINION

PHL to ensure Mt. Hamiguitan won’t be delisted as World Heritage Site after ‘Pamana’ death – Palace MANILA, Aug 22 (Mabuhay) – Malacañang on Saturday assured the public that the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is doing what is needed to resolve the issue of the death of Philippine eagle “Pamana.”

This is amid a supposed threat against Mt. Hamiguitan’s status as United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) World Heritage Site.

The three-year old female Philippine eagle was found dead in the Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary, which is a Unesco heritage site and protected area.

“I think DENR already released a reward to get to the bottom, really, of what happened to ‘Pamana,’” Deputy President Spokesperson Abigail Valte said over state-run Radyo ng Bayan.

“I’m sure that everyone wants to make certain that we are not delisted and that we do not lose that

designation,” she added.

Environmental group Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment (Kalikasan PNE) earlier criticized the government for not prioritizing conservation efforts. It said that unchecked poaching in the area was because of lack of funding and manpower.

Mt. Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary was included in the World Heritage list in 2014 and was then recognized as an area that “provides critical habitat for a range of plant and animal species.”

“The property showcases terrestrial and aquatic habitats at different elevations, and includes threatened and endemic flora and fauna species, eight of which are found only at Mount Hamiguitan. These include critically endangered trees, plants and the iconic Philippine Eagle and Philippine Cockatoo,” a Unesco media release said.

It is home to 1,380 species, 341 of which are endemic to the Philippines. (MNS)

Train attack shows impossibility of tracking all jihadists

By Eric Randolph

Paris, France | AFP | Saturday 8/22/2015 – The thwarted attack by a gunman on a high-speed train between Amsterdam and Paris has underlined the difficulty faced by intelligence services in tracking the unprecedented numbers of potential jihadists, experts say.

The Moroccan suspect in Friday’s incident, identified as 25-year-old Ayoub El Khazzani, was first flagged by Spanish authorities as a potential extremist and had reportedly travelled to Syria.

He was overpowered by two US servicemen and other passengers before he could kill anyone in the train.

A Spanish counter-terrorism source said Khazzani had lived in Spain from 2007 to March 2014, before travelling to Syria from France.

In a timely interview published on the same day as the attack, Alain Grignard, a senior member of Belgium’s counter-terrorism police unit, said the terrorist threat has “never been higher in all the years I’ve been working”.

“It boils down to mathematics and it’s all linked to the Syria dynamic,” Grignard told CTC Sentinel, the in-house journal of the US military academy at West Point.

“There’s no way of knowing the exact numbers but I can tell you with certainty that at least 300 have travelled – that’s the number we have sufficient evidence to bring charges against. At least 100 have returned to Belgium, but we are under no illusions that there aren’t more we don’t know about. It’s impossible to do surveillance on everybody.”

It’s a point driven home by terrorism expert Raffaello Pantucci, of the Royal United Services Institute in London.

“The authorities know about a lot of people but not which ones will actually launch an attack,” he said.

“It’s a very resource-intensive job. You need three shifts with several people, and equipment and vehicles, to watch someone 24 hours a day. Intelligence agencies just aren’t big enough to do that for everyone.”

‘Different priorities’ Grignard said the number of terrorism suspects had mushroomed in recent years.

“To give you an idea of the scale of the challenge, in the past two years we’ve charged more people with terrorism offences than in the 30 years before that,” he said.

“Our approach in Belgium is to detain everybody suspected of fighting with terrorist groups in Syria when they return to Belgium. But in lots of cases we do not have enough evidence (to charge them).”

Belgium, where Khazzani boarded the train in the capital Brussels, is thought to have the highest

per capita number of people in Europe leaving to fight in the Middle East.

The threat was underlined when a jihadist cell linked to the Islamic State group was busted in Belgium in January, thwarting an alleged plot to attack police.

But France has the highest overall numbers joining the jihad, with the government reporting that 843 had left for Syria as of May – more than half of them unknown to authorities at the time of their departure.

“It’s the perennial problem of how you prioritize between serious concerns,” said Pantucci. “Plus there’s the Schengen free movement – it’s very easy for people to move around.

“Intelligence agencies in different countries are getting better at talking to each other, but they may make different assessments of individuals and put their priorities in different areas.”

As if to underline the obstacles to intelligencesharing, France and Spain have issued conflicting accounts about Friday’s gunman, with Spanish authorities telling AFP he travelled from France to Syria and back last year, while French officials say they were never informed of this.

A sort of ‘super-gang’ Although jihadist profiles vary greatly, one of the key trends in Grignard’s view has been an increasing number who come from “inner-city gang” backgrounds.

“Young Muslim men with a history of social and criminal delinquency are joining up with the Islamic State as part of a sort of ‘super-gang’,” he told CTC Sentinel.

He cites the cell broken up in January “who were radicalized very quickly, and when they came back from Syria they had no fear of death”. Two militants were killed in the raid.

“When our commandos launched their raid it took the suspected terrorists one second to switch from chatting between themselves to opening fire.

“These guys had maybe more experience in gun battles than our own commandos. Here in Belgium and across Europe we are now reviewing how we do these kind of raids,” said Grignard.

There is also a limit to how much security can be mounted, particularly around trains.

Belgium said Saturday it would increase baggage checks and patrols on high-speed trains, while France will introduce an emergency hotline to report “abnormal situations”.

But with 3,000 stations in France alone, absolute security is impossible.

“Airplanes leave from a specific place – you can build a security apparatus around it,” said Pantucci. “It’s just not possible to do that with trains. You would have to do that at every station from large terminals in Paris to small towns in rural France.”

For greater public accountability, Ombudsman, Sandiganbayan, COA get higher budgets in 2016 - Romulo MANILA, Aug 21 (Mabuhay) – For greater public accountability and absolute transparency in government, the constitutional bodies of the Sandiganbayan, the Office of the Ombudsman, and the Commission on Audit (COA) will get increased funding in the proposed General Appropriations Act of 2016, Pasig Rep. Roman Romulo said.

“We have very high hopes that these incremental investments in the Ombudsman, Sandiganbayan, and COA will help suppress malfeasance and generate new savings for taxpayers,” Romulo said in a news release Friday.

In the proposed 2016 budget, the Sandiganbayan is getting P505.9 million next year – 51 percent bigger than its allocation in 2010, the Ombudsman is getting P1.78 billion – a cumulative 68-percent increase from its P1.06-billion budget in 2010, and the COA is receiving P9.13 billion next year – an increase of nearly 140 percent from its allotment in 2010.

“The struggle for reforms is never done, because the temptation to commit fraud and abuse is always there. This is why we have to invest constantly in fighting corruption and promoting clean governance,” Romulo said, noting that this is the best way to pay tribute to the martyrdom of Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr. on his death anniversary.

The budget increase of the Ombudsman, “which receives around 10,600 new complaints every year, (should enable it) to aggressively investigate and prosecute officials accused of graft and corruption,” Romulo said.

On the other hand, “the fresh funding (at the Sandiganbayan) will cover the creation of two new divisions of the special anti-graft court and speed up the resolution of cases filed by the Ombudsman,” Romulo said.

A total of 3,105 cases were pending before the anti-graft tribunal as of June 30, 2015.

The Sandiganbayan hears and decides criminal and civil cases involving graft and corrupt practices and other offenses committed by public officers and employees, including those in state-owned corporations.

Meanwhile, COA can use the increase to build

up its audit services by hiring additional staff and adopting new technologies.

Romulo is author of a bill that seeks to compel all government officials and employees to settle their cash advances within specific deadlines, or risk criminal prosecution for embezzlement of public funds.

House Bill 1287 provides that the failure to settle a cash advance would be sufficient evidence that the recipient pocketed the money, unless the proof is rebutted.

This means the Ombudsman may already initiate a criminal charge for malversation of public funds.

Depending on the amount involved, “malversation of public funds” carries the maximum penalty of life imprisonment and perpetual disqualification from public office, plus a fine equal to the sum misused.

Under Romulo’s bill, cash advances in all government offices have to be liquidated within the following prescribed deadlines: For salaries and wages—within five days after each 15th day of the month pay period For petty operating expenses and field operating expenses—within 20 days after the end of the year For special operations, and operating expenses or purchases of supplies, materials and the like in the amount exceeding P100,000 -- within 20 days after completion of the operation or delivery and acceptance of supplies, materials and the like For local travel—within five days upon the officer’s return to official station For foreign travel—within 60 days upon return to official stationFor other advances—within six months after performance of the purpose for which the advance had been granted Based on a COA circular, a cash advance is settled either by returning the money if unspent, or by presenting vouchers, with details as to the items thereon paid, which must be in accord with the purpose for which the money was released, and further backed by proper receipts and other evidence of payment, subject to the result of a post-examination by the auditor concerned. (MNS)

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UTREACH Carson Fil-Am leader just can’t win a council seat

By Abner Galino

After losing his bid for a seat in Carson City Council by a mere 18 votes, a Filipino-American political leader also lost an opportunity to be appointed to the same body in a tense and emotional proceeding on Tuesday that drew his supporters to walk out of the session hall in protest.

The controversial decision of the City Council to pick Donesia Gause, former City Clerk, over Filipino-American Alex Cainglet was seen by pundits as a wedge that aggravated the already sore political climate in the city.

Gause lost to former Carson City Mayor Jim Dear during an elections for City Clerk last March. Cainglet lost to church pastor Jawane Hilton in an elections in June. Supporters of Gause and Cainglet pushed for their respective appointments to the council seat left by Alex Robles after he was elected mayor by his peers.

There are still 17 months of unexpired term to the said post and the City Council had a choice of appointing someone to the post or hold another elections.

Carson is politically divided along racial lines. Dear and his Filipino-American ally, City Council Mayor Pro Tempore Elito Santarina, are supported mostly by Filipino-Americans. Cainglet is part of this political alliance. On the other side of the political fence are Councilor Lula Davis-Holmes, Hilton and Gause who are all African-Americans.

Mayor Robles, apparently of Latino ancestry, was the crucial vote that sealed the fate of Cainglet.

“Be careful what you wished for” The decision whether to appoint or to hold another elections to fill up the vacant post in the City Council was calendared as Agenda no. 5 on Tuesday night. Most of the residents who spoke about the agenda endorsed the appointment of someone to the post rather than go through a new elections which almost everyone agreed was “expensive for the city to undertake.”

Four votes (by Mayor Robles, Holmes, Hilton and Santarina) unanimously approved a resolution to appoint a nominee to the vacant City Council seat. But the mood in the chamber suddenly became tensed when Holmes nominated Gause.

A vote was called and it was tied at 2-2, with Hilton and Holmes in favor of Gause. Mayor Robles subsequently asked each of the three council members if they were still willing to change their votes. When no one budged, Robles changed his vote in favor of appointing Gause.

Before that happened, Santarina warned his peers that “the tempest is on us.”

“It’s going to be unbearable here in the city of Carson. Trust me.

You know what’s going to happen. I don’t have to say it to you,” Santarina said before the votes were cast.

Cainglet’s supporters walked out of the session hall in protest as soon as the votes appeared on the TV monitors.

EPA and tribal workgroup launch toolkit to support tribal green building SAN FRANCISCO – Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and its Tribal Green Building Codes Workgroup – which consists of representatives from tribal nations and federal agencies – announced a new toolkit designed to assist tribes to prioritize and implement healthy, green building policies and practices.

Traditional tribal buildings were often informed by cultural values and an intimate knowledge of place. The Tribal Green Building Toolkit supports the integration of tribal ecological knowledge and priorities into building codes and practices. The Toolkit was developed with tribes and may also be useful to other communities working to adopt or update green building codes.

“There is a tremendous need for healthy, green, affordable tribal housing – almost 20% of tribal households spend more than 50% of their income on housing,” said Jared Blumenfeld, EPA’s Regional Administrator for the Pacific Southwest. “This toolkit will help

tribes develop affordable green building strategies that can dramatically cut utility costs.”

The Big Sandy Rancheria Band of the Western Mono Indians received EPA green building technical assistance and adopted green building codes in 2014. Unlike state and local governments, tribal nations are not covered by state or local building codes. In many cases, tribes do not have building codes, and consequently, building standards and practices implemented on tribal lands may not meet a tribe’s sustainability objectives.

“The Green Building Codes have helped the Tribe to consistently make sustainable choices not only for new homes, but for even the smallest renovation.

Public and environmental health are now in the forefront of every design and decision, from incorporating renewable energy to the amount of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in flooring,” said Jaime Collins, Environmental Programs Manager with Big Sandy Rancheria.

PHL home, handmade, and lifestyle collections featured in New York trade show WASHINGTON, DC – Filipino designers, manufacturers, and exporters showcased their innovative works in the recentlyconcluded NY Now Exhibition, one of the biggest wholesale trade shows in New York which features home, handmade, and lifestyle design collections.

A contingent of 19 Filipino exhibitors under the Lifestyle Philippines brand represented the country in the NY Now Exhibition which took place in the Jacob K. Javits Center in New York City from August 15 to 19, 2015.

Participating companies under the Home sector were Alice Blue Candles & Home Fragrances, Arden, Art n Nature, CSM Philippines, Finali, Klassy Collections, Lightworks, Markalex Creative

Craft Crop., Mil Export Philippines, Nature’s Legacy, and Venzon Lighting.

Companies which showcased their collection under the Fashion sector were Ann Ong, Beatriz, Crystal Seas, kitSilver Jewellery, Larone, Megabijoux, Risque Design, and The Tanner Manila.

The exhibit attracted over 35,000 visitors and buyers from all over the United States including Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia, Jr. who was pleased to see the Philippines represented in the NY NOW Exhibition.

“The Philippines has long been a source of innovative, beautiful, and exquisite designs in the fashion, furniture, and lifestyle sectors. It is definitely a source of pride to see this talent recognized

in such a prestigious exhibition in no less than New York City, the fashion and design capital of the US,” said Ambassador Cuisia.

Lifestyle Philippines is a curated exhibition of creative enterprises representing the Philippines’ unique and innovative designs. The brand aims to position the Philippines as a sourcing destination for finely-crafted lifestyle products for the world market.

The Philippines participation in NY Now was spearheaded by the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), led by its Executive Director, Ms. Rosvi C. Gaetos. NY Now 2015 featured 2,600 exhibitors under 400 categories and attendees from 80 foreign countries

SCE rewards customers with home energy efficiency rebates, incentives ROSEMEAD, Calif., Aug. 19, 2015 – As hot temperatures and summer continue, Southern California Edison (SCE) reminds customers it offers a variety of energy-efficiency programs that reward customers with rebates, bill credits and other incentives designed to help reduce energy and lower electricity bills.

“There are so many ways to stay cool and comfortable this summer – while keeping electricity costs in check,” said Mark Wallenrod, SCE’s director of Demand Side Management Program Operations. “Now more than ever, people are interested in saving money and helping the environment. We’re proud to be able to help our customers do that.”

For example, customers with a swimming pool at their singlefamily residence may qualify for a $200 rebate if they replace a single-speed or two-speed pool pump with a qualified Variable Speed Pool Pump and Motor model. The difference could save up to 60 percent of a pool’s energy consumption and maximize savings.

Through SCE’s Refrigerator and Freezer Recycling Program, customers with an old, inefficient working refrigerator or freezer can receive a $50 incentive by disposing of their aging appliance in an environmentally responsible way. SCE will pick it up free of charge and dismantle it using Responsible Appliance Disposal standards. By disposing of a spare unit, customers could save up to $180* a year in electricity costs.

To schedule a pick up appointment by phone for the Refrigerator and Freezer Recycling Program, or if you have a question, please call SCE Customer Service at 1-800-234-9722, (TTY 1-800-

“There are so many ways to stay cool and comfortable this summer – while keeping electricity costs in check,” said Mark Wallenrod, SCE’s director of Demand Side Management Program Operations. “Now more than ever, people are interested in saving money and helping the environment. We’re proud to be able to help our customers

352-8580).Assistance is available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m.-6 p.m., or Saturday from 7 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Additionally, you can receive a $35 rebate when you buy an ENERGY STAR certified refrigerator, or get a $75 rebate when you buy an ENERGY STAR Most Efficient refrigerator. Upgrading to a more efficient refrigerator could reduce your electricity bill by up to $105* yearly. (*Estimated electricity cost savings are based on an average consumer usage and are not a guarantee of actual savings). Visit sce.com/summer for details.

Central air conditioners are one of the busiest electrical appliances when temperatures rise.

Updating and maintaining air conditioners can mean big savings on electricity bills over time.

When feasible, it is best to use

ceiling fans, standing fans, whole house fans or other more energyefficient technology to stay cool, while also lowering your electricity bill.

Cool down your home with a Window Evaporative Cooler, an efficient alternative to a traditional air conditioner. Purchase and install a qualifying model and get up to $200 in rebates from SCE. To learn more about these and other energy-efficiency programs, go to sce.com/summer.

About Southern California Edison An Edison International (NYSE:EIX) company, Southern California Edison is one of the nation’s largest electric utilities, serving a population of nearly 14 million via 5 million customer accounts in a 50,000-squaremile service area within Central, Coastal and Southern California.

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Obama declares wildfire emergency in Washington state Los Angeles, United States | AFP | Friday 8/21/2015 – President Barack Obama declared an emergency Friday for wildfireravaged Washington state, as Australia and New Zealand sent firefighters to help US crews struggling to contain deadly blazes across America’s droughtstricken West.

Obama’s declaration releases federal funds to help in relief efforts in the northwestern state, where several fires are burning out of control and three firefighters have been killed.

Large wildfires are currently blazing across 10 US states, with active fires burning some 1.3 million acres (526,000 hectares).

“Many residents in Washington, as well as other western states, remain evacuated as firefighters work to contain large fires across the West,” the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) said.

Particularly worrying is a series of blazes called the Okanogan Complex, which is made up of five wildfires in north-central Washington.

More than 5,100 homes are threatened, the KING-TV news station reported, and an unspecified number of buildings have al-

ready been destroyed.

With firefighters spread thin across the vast American West, the NIFC said a contingent of personnel from Australia and New Zealand was expected to arrive in Boise, Idaho on Sunday.

Some 71 firefighters and other personnel had been requested, although the final details were still being worked out, the NIFC said.

The state of Idaho is one of the hardest-hit, with 17 large fires burning on Friday, as Washington, Oregon and California trailed close behind.

As of Wednesday, there were nearly 30,000 US firefighters and support staff battling the blazes.

Canada and the US military have also sent crews to help with the effort, which Australia and New Zealand now join.

“Australia and New Zealand have been key partners with the US fire community for more than 50 years but were last mobilized in 2008 when severe fire activity was similar to this year,” the NIFC said.

The center said three firefighters were killed on Thursday.

US media reported that they died in Washington after their vehicle crashed and was overtaken by flames.

Up close with firefighters on the Baldy Fire in a Tweet Aug. 12, northeast #Washington – photo: @bakerriverihc http://inciweb.nwcg. gov/incident/4437/

Australia, N. Zealand firefighters head to US to battle blazes Sydney, Australia | AFP | Sunday 8/23/2015 –Dozens of firefighters from Australia and New Zealand departed for the United States Sunday to help crews battle deadly blazes that have scorched the country’s drought-ravaged west.

Seventy-one firefighters, including 15 from New Zealand, were flying to the worst-hit state of Idaho and are also being deployed to the affected states of Washington, Montana, Oregon, Idaho and California, Australian authorities said.

They will face challenging conditions that have already claimed the lives of three firefighters in Washington, with large blazes burning across nine other states covering some 526 hectares (1.3 million acres).

“They’ve had a lot of different fires burning, so trying to get containment on some of the

fires... that’s going to be the key,” New South Wales state’s Rural Fire Service deputy commissioner Rob Rogers told AFP. “Our firefighters are a mixture of people who have been there before and new people, so it will be challenging for them but we are confident they will be well-enough trained to deal with those challenges.”

Under an exchange program, Australian firefighters have been sent to the US 11 times since 2000. A different contingent recently returned from Canada after fighting wildfires in the country’s southwest.

Rogers said the crews were expected to stay in the US for about a month, working up to 14 hours a day for 14 days straight before a two-day break and another 14-day deployment.

The firefighters will be involved in efforts on the front-

line, in the air and be part of management teams.

“Their logistics skills will be in high demand, especially managing aircraft to fight fires and ferry supplies to remote locations,” Kevin O’Connor of New Zealand’s National Rural Fire Authority said in a statement.

“They are likely to be working in rugged, mountainous terrain, which will make for a demanding deployment, especially in the very high temperatures gripping those states at the moment.”

US President Barack Obama Friday declared a wildfire emergency in Washington, which will release federal funds to help relief efforts in the state.

Almost 30,000 American firefighters and support staff are battling the blazes, supported by personnel from Canada and the US military.

US sees big surge in close calls with drones Washington, United States | AFP | Saturday 8/22/2015 – It was a fine summer day over the airport at Charlotte, North Carolina and a CRJ200 commuter jet was preparing to land when its pilots spotted something odd outside their cockpit window – a drone.

The unmanned craft flew about five to 10 feet (1.5-3 meters) above the plane, the captain wrote afterward to NASA’s Aviation Safety Reporting System.

He said the event lasted just one to two seconds, and the silver or blue drone appeared to be of the hobby or home-built type.

“We notified ATC (air traffic control) and they did a good job of making callouts to other traffic in the area,” the captain wrote.

“See and avoid. Don’t hit them.

Don’t allow them in busy... airspace.” As more and more small radio-controlled drones appear in American skies, so do worries that someday, one might bump into a full-sized airplane – possibly with grim results.

Nearly 700 close encounters with drones have been reported by pilots so far this year, according to Federal Aviation Administration statistics.

That’s about triple the number for all of last year, The Washington Post newspaper, which first reported the FAA figures, said Friday. “Because pilot reports of unmanned aircraft have increased dramatically over the past year, the FAA wants to send a clear message that operating drones around airplanes and helicopters is dangerous and illegal,” the aviation authority said in a statement.

“Unauthorized operators may be subject to stiff fines and criminal charges, including possible jail time.”

Several close calls Since the start of August, there have been at least 75 close calls, including a dozen this past Sunday alone, in every corner of the nation.

In California, at least 13 incidents have been reported in which drones are said to have disrupted efforts to put out wildfires.

Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger – who famously splash-landed a US Airways Airbus A320 onto the Hudson River in New York with no loss of life after a mid-air

run-in with migrating birds – is among those who sense danger for the flying public.

“Because they are easy to get and they’re relatively inexpensive, these devices are becoming ubiquitous,” Sullenberger told CBS television’s “Face the Nation” earlier this month.

“It allows people to do stupid, reckless, dangerous things with abandon... (but) it has been difficult to catch them in the act. This must stop.”

In a report this past week, Lloyd’s of London cited “negligent or reckless pilots” as well as “patchy” regulation as key considerations for insurers as drones become increasingly commonplace worldwide.

The Consumer Electronics Association expects global sales of consumer-oriented drones to approach 425,000 units this year, up 65 percent from 2014.

The FAA is still drafting a comprehensive set of regulations for drones in US skies, in anticipation of their widespread use for tasks as varied as agricultural surveying to parcel delivery.

But for recreational drone pilots, the rules now are clear: no higher than 400 feet, always within sight and nowhere near an airport without prior permission.

“As more people buy remote controlled drones, we need to make sure they act responsibly— especially near airports and flight paths,” Senator Richard Blumenthal, a member of the Senate transportation committee that oversees the FAA, said Friday on his Twitter feed.

Legislation in the works Blumenthal is co-sponsor of a proposed Consumer Drone Safety Act that would establish a more thorough set of rules on when, where and how recreational drones are flown.

Rich Hanson, government and regulatory affairs director for the Academy of Model Aeronautics, told AFP on Friday there is no doubt that some drone operators are acting irresponsibly.

“But the vast majority that are being seen flying inappropriately are doing so just because they don’t know any better,” said Hanson, whose organization is part of a “Know Before You Fly” educational campaign to spread the gospel of safe drone flying.

Hanson, a drone enthusiast who also holds a commercial pilot’s license, cited another factor: the dubious reliability of GPS devices that are appearing on a growing number of small drones.

While the technology is bound to improve over time, it’s not uncommon for a drone to lose a GPS signal and zoom off on its own, its operator helpless to control it.

As for a mid-air collision, Hanson said the prospect of a small drone – defined as being 55 pounds (25 kilograms) or smaller – knocking out a commercial airliner is “highly unlikely.”

“The idea that we have a catastrophic failure on the horizon that’s going to kill hundreds of people, I think, is certainly overstated,” he said.

That said, if just one drone collides with an aircraft, “it’s one too many,” Hanson added.

Outpouring of cash for California company’s water-saving shower San Francisco, United States | AFP | Thursday 8/13/2015 – A super-efficient shower fixture that reduces water waste by 70 percent is gaining enthusiastic backing from some of Silicon Valley’s biggest names, reaping in some $1.38 million in just two days.

The startup, Nebia, based in the drought-ravaged state of California, promises to revolutionize the way people shower by radically reducing the amount of water they use.

Nebia’s multi-nozzled shower head produces millions of misty droplets, in contrast to a traditional shower’s streams of water.

A Kickstarter campaign launched Tuesday to raise money to produce the revolutionary bathroom fixture aimed to raise $100,000, but exceeded that goal by more than tenfold.

Among those contributing to the development of the Nebia shower head were Apple’s CEO Tim Cook and Eric Schmidt, of Google’s newly-formed parent company Alphabet.

Advance orders for the re-imagined shower head can be placed for $299, with delivery starting in May 2016. Nebia’s owner and co-founder, Philip Winter, told AFP that efforts to finance the project have met with success beyond his wildest dreams.

“The Kickstarter campaign has been incredible, a tremendous outpouring of support and interest from around the world on finding a better way to shower,” Winter said.

“I guess that makes sense, since everyone can relate to it on some level. We are trying to change the way people think about water in their daily lives by creating a better experience and saving 70 percent of water,” he said.

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US existing-home sales rise for third straight month Washington, United States | AFP | Thursday 8/20/2015 – Sales of existing homes in the United States rose for the third straight month in July, holding at the highest pace since 2007, the National Association of Realtors said Thursday.

Sales of previously owned single-family homes rose 2.0 percent to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 5.59 million, the strongest level since February 2007, about nine months before the US economy entered the Great Recession.

Sales were up 10.3 percent from a year ago.

Analysts had expected a slightly slower annual sales rate of 5.42 million units.

“The creation of jobs added at a steady clip and the prospect of higher mortgage rates and home prices down the road is encouraging more households to buy now,” said Lawrence Yun, NAR chief economist, in a statement.

Despite the solid growth in existing-home sales during the peak homebuying season, tight housing supplies and rising prices likely pushed the share of first-time buyers down to the lowest level since January, NAR said.

First-time buyers, important for spurring momentum in the market, declined for the second month in a row, from 30 percent of all buyers in June to 28 percent. A year ago the share was 29 percent.

Total inventory of single-family homes, condos and co-ops fell 0.4 percent to 2.24 million in July, and has shrunk 4.7 percent from a year ago.

At the heated sales pace, the limited homes for sale represented a 4.8-month supply, a tick higher than in June and helping to push prices higher.

The median existing-home price in July was $234,000, up 5.6 percent from a year ago.

Airbnb signs up more companies for business travel San Francisco, United States | AFP | Friday 8/21/2015 – Airbnb said Friday more than 1,000 companies have joined its new program allowing business travelers to use the peer-to-peer-lodging service.

The San Francisco-based startup shaking up the hospitality industry said it signed up 500 companies to its “Airbnb for Business” program within 24 hours of launching the program on July 20.

Now, more than 1,000 firms from at least 35 countries have integrated the program into their corporate travel plans, it said.

“The corporate community’s response to our Business Travel program has been staggering and confirms our findings that business travelers increasingly want to redefine the business trip,” said Marc McCabe, who heads the program.

“The average business travel stay on Airbnb is 6.8 days, which shows how customers are looking

for a mix of business and leisure, and often adding a weekend to explore a new destination.”

Among the companies joining the program are online storage firm Box, which now allows employees to use Airbnb accommodations, available in more than 190 countries.

Jeff Mannie, controller at Box, said in the statement that his firm was “impressed that Airbnb’s new Business Travel product suite allows you to uncover unique locations for temporary housing, team offsites and conventions where there is an opportunity to build closer working relationships by sharing accommodations in a casual and friendly environment.”

Facebook, Google, Salesforce and Eventbrite are also using Airbnb for corporate travel.

Airbnb allows people to rent a room or an entire home through the platform, offering flexibility to travelers while giving property owners or renters a source of income.

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US government joins Yelp for citizen feedback Trump claims Clinton ‘very damaged’ by email scandal Washington, United States | AFP | Wednesday 8/19/2015 – Want to give US government agencies an earful for poor service?

It turns out they really want feedback, and have crafted an agreement with popular review site Yelp to engage with citizens about quality of services.

Under the agreement unveiled this week, US government entities, such as the White House and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), joined the review website as part of an effort to improve service.

While Yelp users have long been able to post reviews of government services, the new agreement allows federal agencies and offices to establish their own Yelp pages, read and respond to reviews and incorporate feedback into service improvements.

“We encourage Yelpers to review any of the thousands of agency field offices, TSA checkpoints, national parks, Social Security Administration offices, landmarks and other places already listed on Yelp if you have good or bad feedback to share about your experiences,” Yelp said on its blog Tuesday.

“Not only is it helpful to others

Hillary Clinton

who are looking for information on these services, but you can actually make an impact by sharing your feedback directly with the source.

It’s clear Washington is eager to engage with people directly through social media.”

US officials say they are eager to join the ranks of restaurants,

bars, hotels and hair salons that are open to user reviews on Yelp.

“With the addition of public services and government under the Yelp umbrella, agencies can continue to find new ways to use customer insights to improve citizen services,” said Justin Herman, a social media specialist with US General Services Administration.

US institutions dominate China ranking of top universities Shanghai, China | AFP | Saturday 8/15/2015 – US universities ruled the top 10 spots in a global ranking conducted by a Chinese research centre with Harvard taking the crown for the 13th year.

The top 10 universities were virtually unchanged from last year with Stanford and MIT again coming in second and third, according to the Academic Ranking of World Universities released by a centre under Shanghai Jiaotong University. The University of California at Berkeley, Princeton University and the California Institute of Technology remained in the same places –ranking fourth, sixth and seventh respectively.

Columbia University and University of Chicago came in at eighth and ninth.

University of Cambridge and University of Oxford, the only two non-American universities in the

top 10, were fifth and 10th.

The only difference was that last year Chicago and Oxford were tied for ninth place while this year the US establishment held the place alone with the British institution slipping a notch.

The Center of World-Class Universities under Jiaotong University surveys 1,200 universities and picks the top 500 every year.

Though the Chinese organiser claims the ranking to be “the most trustworthy”, European officials have in the past criticised it for being biased against Europe’s universities as it underemphasise the humanities and stresses sciences.

Only two other non-American institutions, both from Europe, made it into the top 20, with University College London climbing two places from last year to 18th and the Swiss Federal Institute of

Technology in Zurich dropping to 20th from 19th but still remaining as the highest-ranked continental European institution. The organiser, which initially intended to benchmark the performance of Chinese universities, said the result was based on transparent methodology and third-party data. It said the result was calculated based on several parameters, including the number of alumni and staff winning Nobel Prizes and Fields Medals.

For mainland China, Shanghai Jiaotong University itself advanced four places to come in 118th and Peking University climbed to 115th and remained as the highest-ranked school in the country.

In the Asia-Pacific region, the University of Tokyo was 21st and Kyoto University, also in Japan, remained in the same place as last year to come in 26th.

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Tessie accepts son’s life as gay Tessie Tomas gained fame as a stand up comedian who spoofs people like Imelda Marcos and Miriam Santiago. But now, she’s doing more drama in soaps like the recent “Once Upon a Kiss” and the current “Buena Familia”.

“Nami-miss ko nga mag-comedy at gumawa ng sitcoms pero dito ako nalilinya sa drama ngayon, so okay lang,” she says.

In “Buena Familia”, she plays Angelu de Leon’s rich mother who belittles her son-in-law, Bobby Andrews. “Kahit nagdadrama ako, natatawa si Angelu dahil pagkatapos ng eksena, nagpapunchline pa rin ako nang nakakatawa.”

How’s her British husband?

Tessie Tomas

“Nasa England ngayon si Roger.

21 years na kaming mag-asawa and we’re doing okay. Sinasama nga ako, kaso may trabaho naman ako rito.”

How about her son Robin?

“He’s doing well as a designer in New York. May sarili na siyang store called Tomas Pop Up Store.”

Robin is now married in a same-sex marriage and she has always accepted his being gay.

“Early on, natanggap ko na ‘yun kasi sa showbiz naman, ang daming gays.

Sa halip na maghanap pa siya ng acceptance sa ibang tao, ako na ang unang tumanggap sa kanya at hindi naman ako nagkamali sa pagpapalaki sa kanya dahil he grew up to be a good, productive person.

‘Yung napangasawa niya also comes from a good family at may maganda ring trabaho so happy ako for them.” (MNS)

Gelli de Belen shares wisdom on career longevity

She’s been in Philippine show business for 35 years, but 42-year old Gelli de Belen is still active as ever.

She shares wisdom on how to live a long and illustrious career in show business.

First, according to Gelli, is to concentrate on their craft and and maintain camaraderie with coworkers or colleagues.

“No matter how maingay you are now or how many followers you have now in your Instagram or Twitter accounts, at the end of the day, five years or 10 years from now, ang maaalala sa ‘yo ay ‘yung trabaho mo or ‘yung ginawa mo. It shouldn’t be who your boyfriend or girlfriend was or what you were wearing. Sayang naman kung artista ka tapos ‘yun ang focus ng buhay mo,” explained Gelli.

Second is to work hard and be dedicated to their showbiz careers.

“Gusto kong impart sa kanila to be grateful for this is not forever. Alam kong nakakapagod pero sige lang. These are actually things that I would have loved

Gelli de Belen

people to have told me when I was younger. Sana mas naipukpok pa sa atin para mas marami pa akong nagawa,” she wished.

Gelli did some 40 movies in her career, including one that earned her a Gawad Urian Award for Best Actress, the film “The Secrets of Sarah Jane: Sana’y Mapatawad Mo.” She has also done more than 20 TV shows for ABS-CBN, GMA-7 and TV5.

She recalled that during her younger years, she was doing at least four films a year plus different TV shows on different TV

networks. And it was really taxing for a young actress.

“That’s why I’m also going to tell them to treasure their jobs, make the most of every scene or each taping day or each guest appearances,” she continued.

Gelli is, at the moment, on her fourth year as TV5 talent and she is grateful for the opportunities the said network has given her.

Her latest shows are: “Happy Truck Ng Bayan,” a game show that airs every Sunday; “Happy Wife, Happy Life” (it’s her last week in the show) and “KIS (KPop Icon Search) Pinoy” that airs every Saturday night.

What she’s looking forward though is “Misterless Misis,” a comedy directed by Mark Meily.

Top-billing the sitcom with her are Ruffa Gutierrez and awarded actress Lorna Tolentino. “I’m not saying this because I’m in the show, but maganda ‘yung show.

We even use film camera para iba yung texture and maganda ‘yung texture pag napanuod ninyo.

Mark Meily’s brand of comedy is also new and very now,” described Gelli. (MNS)

Willie Revillame undecided on whom to endorse in 2016 MANILA, Aug 22 (Mabuhay) -WILLIE Revillame revealed he is being courted by certain groups to endorse a presidential candidate for the May 2016 election but he’s yet to decide on whom to support.

“May mga nakakausap din ako na mga partido pero sabi ko pag-iisipan ko kasi hindi naman ganun kadali yun. Ang desisyon ko dito ay para sa ikakaganda ng bayan,” he said in a recent interview.

The television host/comedian also does not see any problem that he’s friends with personalities who are likely to run.

“Pag nakikita mo talaga na mabuting tao. Bakit ko naman susuportahan pag hindi maganda ang ginagawa. Hindi pinag-uusapan dito ang politics, kundi ang future ng bansa natin.”

Asked what he’s looking for in the next leader of the country, the comedian said someone who is not corrupt and who has sympathy for the people.

“Yung walang bahid na hindi gagawa ng maganda sa bayan at yung may pagmamahal sa tao, sa

Siyempre matagal pa naman yan.

Mararamdaman mo yun, you can feel sa sarili mo. Kung nakikita mong kailangan, siguro,” he said.

(MNS)

Willie Revillame

bayan, yung magbibigay ng malasakit sa lahat ng tao. Yung totoo.

Yung gustong tumulong at may sincerity. I’m sure yan ang gusto, yung hindi corrupt na presidente,” he said.

Revillame supported the losing presidential bid of former Senate president Manny Villar in 2010.

The television said he is open to joining politics but his priority now is his weekend variety program “Wowowin.”

“Pag-aaralan ko ng mabuti.

Jovit Baldivino: Steady and grounded MANILA, Aug 21 (Mabuhay) -- While his star continues to rise five years after clinching the first-ever “Pilipinas Got Talent” title, Jovit Baldivino still frequents the place where he used to sell siomai for a living.

“Nagpupunta pa rin ako du’n. Minsan nga po nag-mo-motor lang ako,” he shared.

Jovit credits his close-knit family for keeping him grounded.

“Sila ’yung nagsasabi sa akin na ’wag daw akong magbabago.

Tumapak pa rin sa lupa para maganda ang takbo ng career ko,” he said.

Jovit describes his career as being “middle of the road” – he’s not that busy but his schedule isn’t really vacant. He is not too worried about it, though, because he has more time for his family.

“Relax lang ako sa mga natatamasa kong biyaya at ang family ko muna ang pagtutuunan ko ng pansin,” he said.

Jovit sees nothing wrong with celebrities lip-synching on TV, although he points out, “Never akong nag lip-synch.” He sings live even when he’s sick.

“Kaya ko pa rin naman kasi i-maintain ’yung taas and style ng boses ko kahit ganu’n eh. Bilang singer kasi dapat may technique ka,” he said.

On non-singers being allowed to cut an album, he said, “Wala naman problema du’n. Kung ako din naman ay producer siyempre du’n ako sa mas mabebenta at papatok sa mga tao.”

Jovit isn’t threatened by new singers entering the music scene.

In fact, he’s happy that more singers being given the opportunity to showcase their abilities.

“Kasi po naniniwala ako lahat merong tamang panahon,” he said, citing how he will soon embark on an acting career via the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) entry “Beauty And The Bestie” alongside Vice Ganda and Coco Martin.

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Ruffa doesn’t think Angelica Panganiban is selosa MANILA, Aug 21 (Mabuhay) -- Ruffa Gutierrez believes Angelica Panganiban is not the jealous type.

The beauty queen-actress made the statement when asked about the possibility of working again with ex-boyfriend John Lloyd Cruz, who is now in a relationship with Panganiban.

Gutierrez recently had a guest stint on the weekly sitcom “Home Sweetie Home,” playing a former flame of Cruz’s character Romeo.

“I know Angelica and there’s no problem whatsoever,” Gutierrez said.

“Alam ko naman na malawak ang pag-iisip niya and if ever na Ruffa Guiterrez gagawa kami ng project (ni John Lloyd), project lang talaga. I don’t think she is the type na selosa,” she added.

Gutierrez said she likes working with Cruz, whom she described as an “excellent actor.”

“I learn a lot from him, especially sa kahusayan niya bilang artista,” she said, adding that she and Cruz have remained good friends.

“Nagkaroon kami ng bumps sa aming friendship a long time ago pero matagal nang naayos ‘yon. As of now masasabi kong wala talagang problema whatsoever, walang ilangan at all. Nagpadala pa nga siya ng manok eh,” she said. (MNS)

Bianca Manalo returns to Kapamilya network Beauty queen-turned-actress Bianca Manalo said she couldn’t be any happier now that she has returned to the network where she started her showbiz career.

Manalo announced that she is back on ABS-CBN as part of the primetime series “On the Wings of Love” starring James Reid and Nadine Lustre.

“I’m just so happy. Siyempre dahil nga sa pagbabalik ko sa Kapamilya network sa primetime na. Kasi before I did primetime pero it’s before ‘TV Patrol,’ and then yung ‘Juanita Banana’ pang-hapon naman and ‘yung ‘Happy Yipee Yehey’ noontime naman. Iba ‘yung lahat relax nalang sa kama nanonood ng TV. Iba ‘yun eh so excited ako,” she said.

Asked what paved the way for her comeback, Manalo said: “Sa tulong po ‘yan ni Tita Mariole (Alberto). Siya ang kumau-

sap sa Dreamscape and ayun nakabalik na ako sa Kapamilya network. I’m very grateful kasi dito talaga ako nag-start eh. So gusto ko dito lang talaga.”

In “On the Wings of Love,” Manalo plays Tiffany, the sister of Lustre’s character.

The 28-year-old actress said she is hoping that her stint on the series will open more doors for her in the future.

“Actually marami pa akong hindi nakaka-work. Hindi ko pa nakaka-work si Gerald (Anderson) at Enrique (Gil).

Kasi naka-work ko si Enchong (Dee), si Rayver (Cruz), si Piolo (Pascual), si John Lloyd (Cruz).

Siyempre gusto ko maka-work ‘yung mga younger. Si Daniel Padilla ‘yan gusto ko ‘yan kasi crush ko ‘yun sa ‘She’s Dating a Gangster.’ Marami kasi ang daming bago,” she said.

“On the Wings of Love” started airing last August 10. (MNS)

8

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DemenƟa may be stabilizing in some countries: study Friday August 21 2015 (Paris, France-AFP) – The occurrence of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease may have stabilised in some wealthy nations, according to a study released Friday.

A review of data from Sweden, the Netherlands, Britain and Spain showed the percentage of the population with dementia – the umbrella term for neurodegenerative diseases of the brain—holding steady, along with the number of new cases, said the study, published in The Lancet Neurology.

The findings, however, were sharply contested by other experts.

Researchers led by Carol Brayne, a professor at the Cambridge Institute of Public Health and the University of Cambridge, compared dementia occurrence in old people across two time periods spanning the last several decades.

They found little change across the two periods, and in one case even a small decline, in the percentage of the population affected.

This unexpected trend could be the result of better living conditions and education, as well as improvements in the prevention and treatment of vascular diseases that lead to stroke and heart attack, the researchers said.

“The suggested decrease in dementia occurrence coincides with improvements in protective fac-

tors ... and a general reduction in risk factors over recent decades,” Brayne said in a statement.

If borne out, the findings are very good news, and suggest that an impending “dementia epidemic” – due mainly to an ageing population – could be less severe than feared.

Approximately seven percent of people over 65 suffer from some form of dementia, a percentage that rises to 40 percent above 80 or 85 years of age, according to different estimates.

But experts reviewing the study challenged the underlying numbers, and cautioned that its conclusions as to why dementia may have stabilized – if indeed it did – are overdrawn.

Numbers will increase “While this study is welcome in showing that the percentage of people in particular age groups developing dementia could be getting smaller, the overall number of people with dementia is still set to increase as more people live into their 80s and 90s,” said Jeremy Hughes, Chief Executive of Britain’s Alzheimer’s Society.

“With no cure, few effective treatments and an economic impact exceeding that of cancer or heart disease, dementia remains the most critical health and social care challenge facing the United Kingdom,” he wrote in a comment.

Most Western nations along

A review of data showed the percentage of the population with dementia holding steady, along with the number of new cases.©Alexander Raths/Shutterstoc

with Japan – where the over-85 age group is the fastest growing demographic – are facing the same general scenario.

“The evidence put forward to suggest declining prevalence in high-income countries is fairly weak,” said Martin Prince, a professor at King’s College London’s Institute of Psychiatry, Psychol-

ogy and Neuroscience.

“A wise approach for policymakers – until we have much clearer evidence to the contrary – is to assume that ... numbers will continue to increase in line with population ageing.”

Others welcomed the study’s focus on preventative measures.

“Encouragingly, this research

suggests that healthier behaviors may have helped reduce dementia risk in later-born generations,” said Matthew Norton of Alzheimer’s Research UK. “Measures to help people adopt healthy lifestyles now could have a real impact on the numbers of people living with dementia in the future.”

Working longer hours increases stroke risk by up to 33%: study

Working 55 hours or more a week increased the risk of having a stroke by 33 percent, a new study shows.©StockLite/ShuƩerstock

Thursday August 20 2015 (Paris, France-AFP) – Working 55 hours or more per week is linked to a one third greater risk of stroke compared to a 35-40 hour work week, according to research published Thursday.

Based on a review of 17 studies covering 528,908 men and women followed for an average of 7.2 years, the increased stroke risk remained once smoking, alcohol consumption and level of physical activity were taken into account.

The study, published in The Lancet, found that compared with people who logged a standard week, those working between 41 and 48 hours had a 10 percent higher risk, while for those working 49 to 54 hours, the risk jumped by 27 percent.

Working 55 hours or more a week increased the risk of having a stroke by 33 percent, the study showed.

The long work week also increased the risk of developing coronary heart disease by 13 percent, even after taking into account risk factors including age,

sex, and socioeconomic status, the study showed.

In looking at the link between long hours in the work place and heart disease, Mika Kivimaki, a professor of epidemiology at University College London, and colleagues analyzed data from 25 studies involving 603,838 men and women from Europe, the United States, and Australia who were followed for an average of 8.5 years.

The underlying causes of stroke and heart disease are complex, involving a mix of genetic and environmental factors.

But the researchers suggest that physical inactivity, high alcohol consumption, and repetitive stress all enhance risk.

“The pooling of all available studies on this topic allowed us to investigate the association between working hours and cardiovascular disease risk with greater precision than has previously been possible,” Kivimaki said in a statement.

“Health professionals should be aware that working long hours

is associated with a significantly increased risk of stroke, and perhaps also coronary heart disease.”

Experts not involved in the study said the findings are important, and pointed to differences across nations in the average length of the work week.

“Long working hours are not a negligible occurrence,” Urban Janlert from Umea University in Sweden wrote in a commentary, also in The Lancet. “Although some countries have legislation for working hours, it is not always implemented.”

Among developed countries, Janlert noted, Turkey has the highest proportion of individuals working more than 50 hours a week (43 percent), and the Netherlands the lowest (less than 1 percent).

“This study highlights to doctors that they need to pay particular attention to cardiovascular risk factors when they advise people who work long hours,” commented Mike Knapton, Associate Medical Director of the British Heart Foundation.

One glass of wine daily could increase the risk of breast cancer Friday August 21 2015 (Relaxnews) – Researchers at the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health in Boston have revealed that moderate consumption of alcohol doesn’t prevent health problems, especially among women.

The results were published in the British Medical Journal on August 18.

Alcohol remains one of the main risk factors for numerous cancers, especially those of the colon, liver, larynx and esophagus.

However, until now, research had specifically targeted those with a high alcohol intake.

For this study, researchers from the Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health in Boston decided to follow a group of men and women who consumed alcohol in moderation (two glasses for men and three for women).

The authors of the study decided to quantify the risk of overall cancer across all levels of alcoholic consumption along women and men separately, with a focus on light to moderate drinking for non-smokers. Their goal was to assess the influence of drinking patterns on the overall risk of cancer.

The results, published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), reveal a link between alcohol and cancer among men who have smoked at some point in their lives, but not for non-smokers.

However, the results showed that for women, even non-smoking women, the risk of cancers

Moderate consumption of alcohol isn’t enough to avoid health concerns. ©Nomad_ Soul/shutterstock.com

linked to alcohol consumption, mainly breast cancer, was greatly increased with just one glass per day.

Just put that drink down The researchers nuance their results by specifying that people who abstain from alcohol, as well as heavy drinkers, are less likely to have had regular exams with their doctors than those who consume alcohol moderately. This is an important point to take into consideration in the analysis of the results when looking at colon, prostate or breast cancers.

To reach their conclusions, the researchers studied data from 88,084 women and 47,881 men participating in the Nurses’

Health Study (from 1980) and Health Professionals Follow-up Study (from 1986), all of whom were followed until 2010.

In the accompanying editorial, published alongside the article in the BMJ, Dr. Jürgen Rehm, Director of Social and Epidemiological Research at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto, states that “People with a family history of cancer, especially women with a family history of breast cancer, should consider reducing their alcohol intake to below recommended limits, or even abstaining altogether, given the now well established link between moderate drinking and alcohol related cancers.”

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MOTORING The world of custom cars: Why car companies are taking notes from the customizers Sunday August 23 2015 (Relaxnews) – The number of millionaires in the world is at an all-time high and so is demand for the most exotic of automobiles. RollsRoyce and Ferrari, have reported a second straight year of record sales; every single Bugatti Veyron has found a home and the classic car market is going crazy. All of which means that in a growing number of social circles, a car that would seem unique in any other setting is likely to look comparatively mass-produced. Welcome to the world of bespoke car personalization, where exclusivity is key.

A look at the trend from a designer’s perspective.

From simple aftermarket spoilers and body skirts to complete bespoke interior and exterior redesigns, the options open to drivers who want to make their cars a little more personal, and a little less common, are expanding by the day. But how do actual car designers feel when they see the results?

“Even though as designers we are trying to design for what other people want and not really for ourselves, some things can be ridiculous. Sometimes you can’t help but laugh, but then your taste isn’t someone else’s,” says one designer who has almost 20 years’ experience under his belt, having worked for luxury and volume marquees in both the US and Europe, but wished to remain anonymous in order to speak freely about different models and marquees.

And while some examples have been visually offensive, that doesn’t mean that he’s against the concept of customization: “It gives an opportunity to make your vehicle different to the next one you see on the street. A real chance to put your personality, individualism and taste into it. It’s down to personal taste and subjectivity.”

Part of designing cars for the masses is understanding what prospective owners want from an aesthetic point of view. Often cars in progress are taken to customer clinics to smooth out any rough edges. “That feedback from potential customers is incorporated during the design process and you don’t have any nasty surprises at the end,” he says.

But the booming customization market offers a better way of helping drivers shape their car into something more individually appealing and car companies are starting to take note.

“Customization has huge potential for the customer and for manufacturers,” he says. “And companies are starting to realize that and tap into this huge potential.”

An increasing range of opƟons offered by companies This can mean offering cars with a host of options, which can add a personal touch, such as color combinations, or it can be via looking directly at what aftermar-

A Lamborghini hypercar announced for the 2016 Geneva motor show

Tuesday August 18 2015 (Relaxnews) – According to the magazine Road & Track, the Italian Lamborghini manufacturer will debut an 800 bhm (596 kW) sports car at the Geneva International Motor Show.

The rumor regarding the existence of a Lamborghini hypercar is not new. In fact, the hypercar was expected to perhaps be revealed at Pebble Beach or the Frankfurt Motor Show. Road & Track now reports that Lamborghini director Stephan Winkelmann has confirmed the car’s official world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show from March 3-13, 2016.

Little is known about the characteristics of the automobile but it has been suggested that it will be a hybridized vehicle equipped with an 800 bhp engine. Production will inevitably be limited to a mere dozen units.

The new model, which could be called “hyperVeloce,” should be similar to the Bugatti Veyron, McLaren P1, Ferrari, Porsche 918 Spyder and Koenigsegg Regera – the supercar of all vehicles with a horsepower of 1500 bhp and the ability to go from 0 to 248 mi/h (400km) in 20 seconds.

ket and customization firms are already doing.

“Wheel inserts were a huge growing trend at SEMA and at shows in Europe in the past years,” he explains, highlighting that the same options are now offered by car companies. “[Aftermarket] color and finish trends can make their way in and be influential. You’ll probably see influences on body kits for cars like the Camaro and Corvette that influence what GM will do with their own body kits and spoilers.”

As for the designer himself, he takes inspiration from “cool architecture and fighter jet pictures” and as for some of the clients who seek out the most exclusive and expensive modifications: “If that’s how they want to express themselves then good for them.”

Even if it means putting 24inch wheels on a Bentley or heatreflective paint on a Cadillac? “It’s their statement, who says anyone’s is correct?”

The winning entry for the Chrysler Custom Challenge. ©FCA

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B MARKET For adver tising, call (818) 552-4503 ext 402

LIVE-IN CAREGIVER For elderly facility in Orange County. 5 Days a week. Private room and good condition. Pls. call 714-612-4288; 714-2253725.

CAREGIVER A kind & caring female companion needed in Westwood area.

Min 1 year experience w/ elderly, w/ references. Good communications skills. 24 Hours per day 6 days a week. Call 310-278-3318; 310-234-8444 or 310-724-8043.

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Fax (818) 550-7635

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email: advertising@balita.com

CAREGIVER Live-in caregiver for board and care. Call Doug (562) 688-6820.

WAREHOUSE SHIPPING & RECEIVING CLERK Wilshire Beauty is now hiring a WAREHOUSE CLERK for shipping & receiving, packing, and processing online orders.

Must be career minded, self-motivated and efficient, and have excellent work references.

Wilshire Beauty has been in operation for 60 years.

For more information go to: www.wilshirebeauty.com

Please email resume to: nouriel.kohan@gmail.com or fax to 310-510-6777

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BALITA is accepting announcements for birthdays, weddings, engagements and other celebrations. Please send the following typewri�en information: names, date and place of celebration, etc. For engaged couples: names, names of parents, date, wedding venue and other information such as vendors, etc. Readers can also send pictures of the couple at least two weeks before the wedding. �is will be printed depending on space availability and at no cost to the reader. �����itor advertising@balita.com

PRAYERS *NOVENA of CONFIDENCE O Lord Jesus Christ, To your most Sacred Heart, I confide this/these intention.

(Here, mention your request.)

Only look upon me, then do what your Heart decides. I count on You. I trust in You. I throw myself on Your mercy, Lord Jesus! You will not fail me.

Lord Jesus, I know You will not fail me Sacred Heart of Jesus, I trust in You. Sacred Heart of Jesus, I believe in Your love for me. Sacred Heart of Jesus, I have asked you for many favors, but I earnestly implore this one. Take it, and place it in Your Sacred Heart. When the Eternal Father sees it covered with Your precious blood. He will not refuse it. It will no longer be my prayer, but Yours. O Jesus, Sacred Heart of Jesus, I place my trust in You. Let me never be confounded. Amen.-CHERYL

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KITCHENOMICS FAMILY FEATURES

A

lthough brisket is generally regarded as a cool weather dish, you may be surprised how this ultimate comfort food works in delicious recipes that help you hang on to the fading days of summer.

A traditional Barbecued Beef Brisket prepared low and slow over a charcoal grill is sure to be a crowd pleaser for a backyard tailgate or a casual gathering with friends. Leftovers can help warm up a cool morning with a decadent serving of Barbecue Benedict, and you can look forward to a Grilled Greek Salad Pita with Beef Brisket for a tasty midday meal.

As any grill master knows, achieving grilling greatness begins with a charcoal fire. These recipes, created by world champion pitmaster Chris Lilly, showcase how Kingsford® Charcoal can help you achieve an authentic smoky flavor that will delight the taste buds of your family and friends. Each briquet contains natural ingredients and real wood for a delicious cookout every time.

Find more recipes featuring your favorite grilled meats at www.kingsford.com.

Barbecue Benedict

Barbecue Beef Brisket

Makes: 6 servings Prep time: 45 minutes Cook time: 7 minutes 1 white onion cut into 1/2-inchthick strips Onion Marinade Barbecue Benedict Sauce 3 English muffins cut in half 1 pound leftover beef brisket 6 poached eggs Onion Marinade: 9 tablespoons soy sauce 3 tablespoons lemon juice 6 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 6 tablespoons water 6 teaspoons dark brown sugar 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder 3/4 teaspoon black pepper Barbecue Benedict Sauce: 3 egg yolks 1 teaspoon vinegar 1 teaspoon water 1 cup butter, melted 1/4 teaspoon salt Pinch of cayenne pepper 3 tablespoons of your favorite KC Masterpiece barbecue sauce In small bowl, mix onion marinade ingredients. Pour marinade into resealable plastic bag and add onion strips. Let marinate for 30 minutes.

For sauce, place egg yolks, vinegar and water into stainless steel bowl and vigorously whip until mixture is thickened and doubled in volume.

Place bowl over sauce pan containing barely simmering water (just below boil), making sure bottom of bowl does not touch water. Whisk continuously, making sure eggs don’t get too hot or they will scramble. Very slowly drizzle melted butter into mixture while whisking rapidly until mixture thickens and doubles in volume. Remove from heat and stir in remaining sauce ingredients.

Build charcoal fire for direct grilling.

Place onion strips in grill basket and cook directly over hot coals (approximately 450°F), stirring often for 5 minutes or until onions brown and start to soften.

Remove onions from grill and set aside.

Place English muffin halves directly over hot coals for 2 minutes or until toasted. Remove each from grill and top with leftover beef brisket, grilled onions and a poached egg. Drizzle with Barbecue Benedict Sauce.

Makes: 8-10 servings Prep time: 30 minutes Cook time: 5-6 hours 1 beef brisket flat (5-6 pounds) 1 tablespoon beef bouillon base Dry Rub 1 cup beef broth

Grilled Greek Salad Pita with Beef Brisket Makes: 8 stuffed pitas Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 6 minutes Greek Dressing: 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 1/2 tablespoons Kalamata olives, minced 4 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano 1/8 teaspoon black pepper 4 pita bread rounds, cut in half forming 8 pockets 1 cucumber, cut into 1/2-inch slices 1 tomato 1/2 red onion, cut into 1/2-inch slices 2 cups romaine lettuce, cut into 1-inch pieces 1/4 cup feta cheese 1 pound leftover beef brisket In small bowl combine all Greek dressing ingredients. Set aside.

Build charcoal fire for direct grilling.

Place pita bread directly over hot coals (approximately 450°F) and cook for 1 minute on each side or until grill marks are visible. Place cucumbers, whole tomato and onion directly over hot coals (approximately 450°F) and cook, turning once, for 4 minutes or until they brown and start to soften.

Remove vegetables from grill and dice. Place vegetables into medium bowl and stir in dressing. Let mixture stand for 5 minutes before adding romaine lettuce and feta cheese.

Fill each pita pocket with leftover beef brisket and grilled Greek salad.

Dry Rub: 1/2 tablespoon salt 1/2 tablespoon paprika 1/2 tablespoon black pepper 1/2 tablespoon sugar 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon onion powder 1/4 teaspoon oregano 1/8 teaspoon ground coriander

Build a charcoal fire with Kingsford charcoal for indirect cooking by situating coals on only one side of grill, leaving other side void.

Cover entire brisket with beef bouillon base. In small bowl, mix dry rub ingredients and coat brisket with rub. When cooker reaches 225°F, place brisket on void side of grill and close lid. Cook for 4 hours, until internal temperature reaches 160-170°F.

Remove brisket from grill and place in shallow baking dish or disposable aluminum pan. Pour beef broth over brisket and cover pan with aluminum foil. Place baking dish in cooker for an additional 1-2 hours, until internal temperature reaches 185°F. Remove baking dish from grill and let meat rest undisturbed for 20-30 minutes. Slice brisket across grain and serve.

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Pinoys in US are outstanding immigrants (Part 2) MPI Report: In 1970, there were more Pinoys serving the US Navy than the PHL Navy

By Abner Galino

The facts bear out to the strength of Pinoy immigrant community in the US, both in terms of numbers and quality. Now, let us go back in time to see how it came to be.

Those who didn’t sleep off their history classes for most part of their high school should know that the American occupation of the Philippines started after the Spanish-American War in 1898. Through the Treaty of Paris, the Spanish empire ceded Cuba, Puerto Rico, parts of the Spanish West Indies, Guam and the Philippines to the US. Subsequently, the US Congress passed the Philippine Organic Act which organized the Insular Government and provided its basic laws. In 1935, this government was succeeded by the Commonwealth of the Philippines through the Tydings-Mcduffie Act, which prescribed a 10-year transition period for the eventual independence of the country. The outbreak of World War II delayed the process of independence up to July 4, 1946.

As colonial subjects, Filipinos had the status of US nationals and had little restrictions in migrating to the US. The Migration Policy Institute (MPI) traced the beginning of the modern migration of Filipinos to the US with the entry of

100 Filipino students in 1903.

“Between 1910 and 1938, more than 14,000 entered as students. In the same period, thousands of Filipinos were recruited to work in Hawaii as laborers in sugar plantations, most on temporary basis,” the MPI reported.

Filipinos came to the US during this period as students, workers and members of the US armed forces.

When US Congress passed Asian exclusion laws in 1920s, they did not apply to the Filipinos who were US nationals which allowed them to fill the agricultural labor shortages in the West Coast.

Most of those agricultural workers, the MPI said, were young men who migrated alone. I may have been absent when the teacher discussed this, but I really didn’t know that the US Navy had begun recruiting Filipino seamen since 1903 and that by 1930s Filipinos were five percent of the US Navy manpower.

During the Cold War, the US is the second largest employer of Filipinos, aside from our own government, with 68,000 individuals in its payroll. By 1970, the MPI noted, the number of Pinoys in the US Navy was even bigger than the population of the Philippine Navy. Apparently, this was connected to the finding that from

1946 and 1965, half of all Pinoy immigrants were wives of US servicemen.

This was marked as the second wave Filipino migration to the US. Family ties, the MPI noted, assured that migration to the US would remain at a steady pace even after the US military bases were turned over to the Philippine government in 1994. This was a consequence of the abrogation of the Military Bases Agreement.

The third wave of Filipino immigration, after the passage of Immigration and Nationality Act in 1965 which removed the national-origin quota system, saw the influx of Pinay (women) immigrants who filled up big demands in the health-care sector.

By 2011, about 18 percent of Pinay immigrants worked as nurses or were working in child and elder care.

There were 105,000 Pinoy immigrants in the US in 1960, according to the MPI, and now it stands at 2.9 million. The 2010 Census, however, said that there are 3.4 million Filipinos in the U.S. The MPI study said the Philippines is the third largest remittance-receiving country in the world, after China and India. Our country received $24.5 billion worth of remittances in 2012 and $10.6 billion of this came from the Filipino diaspora

in the US. The country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2012 was $250 billion.

But here is the catch: the engagement of the Filipino diaspora remains focused on family and charitable contributions.

“Two decades of corrupt, authoritarian rule under Ferdinand Marcos (19651986), followed by 24 years of governments plagued by economic stagnation, corruption, repression, political violence and military conflict left many in the diaspora disillusioned with and alienated from the government of the Philippines,” explained the MPI report.

But the diaspora relations, it said, improved considerably since the election of Benigno Aquino III in 2010, whose term ends next year after a one-term 6-year presidency only as set in the 1986 Constitution, a provision that was supposed to prevent another dictatorship or those who want to cling to power. Be that as it may, it should be noted that it didn’t prevent Gloria Arroyo to reign for nine years, three years of which when she took over as president after an “EDSA 2” ousted the duly elected President Joseph Estrada due to gambling-related corruption charges only to run again and win for a full-year six term despite the “Hello Garci?” controversy. But that is another story altogether.

Trembling hostages recall escape from captivity Manila, Philippines | AFP | Friday 8/21/2015 – Two Philippine coast guard men on Friday trembled and cried as they recalled their harrowing four-month captivity under Islamic extremists who beheaded one of their fellow hostages.

Sporting long beards, Gringo Villaruz and Rod Allain Pagaling said luck and quick wit aided their escape from Abu Sayyaf militants on the remote southern island of Jolo.

“Each day I felt like I was going to die,” Pagaling told reporters shortly after arriving in Manila, as his three-year-old daughter, Allaina, clung tightly to his shoulders.

“It was very difficult. We had nothing else to turn to except prayer.”

The men, who were abducted in May along with another hostage, were blindfolded, stripped of their shirts and made to beg for their lives on their knees as their masked captors held machetes to their necks.

A video of the desperate plea was posted on the video-sharing website YouTube as the bandits demanded an undisclosed ransom.

The decapitated remains of the other hostage, Rodolfo Boligao, were found on a

dark, deserted Jolo highway last week.

The beheading prompted elite military forces to launch a risky operation to free 11 hostages held by the Al-Qaeda-linked militants – including the two coastguard officials, as well as two Malaysians, a Dutch national and a South Korean.

After the military engaged the militants in a firefight late Wednesday, Villaruz and Pagaling were able to slip away.

“The fighting was so intense. There was no time to think hard,” said Villaruz.

“We just made a run for it while there was chaos all around.”

Found an hour apart, they did not know of each other’s escape until they saw one another Thursday at a local military hospital. The Abu Sayyaf militants are believed to be holding nine remaining hostages.

Authorities are continuing to pursue the group, said Captain Antonio Bulao, a military spokesman in Jolo.

Fifteen Abu Sayyaf militants died in the fighting on Wednesday.

Impoverished Jolo is a known stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf, a loose band of several hundred armed men set up in the 1990s with seed money from Osama Bin Laden’s Al-Qaeda network.

The group engages in kidnappings to finance its operations, often targeting foreigners and sometimes beheading captives if ransoms are not paid.

It has also been blamed for the worst bomb attacks in the country, including the firebombing of a ferry off Manila Bay in 2004 that killed more than 100 people.

Palace vows justice for slain broadcaster, human rights activist MANILA, Aug 21 (Mabuhay) – Malacañang on Friday vowed justice for the killing of broadcaster and human rights activist Teodoro Escanilla.

Escanilla, 59, was gunned down by still unidentified assailants in his home at Tagdon village, Barcelona town in Sorsogon province last Wednesday.

He is the spokesperson of rights group Karapatan in Sorsogon province and hosts “Pamana ng Lahi” radio program in local radio station DZMS. “Kinokondena ang pagpaslang kay Teodoro Escanilla. Tutugisin ang mga pinaghihinalang salarin at papanagutin,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in a statement.

(We condemn the killing of Teodoro Escanilla. We will hunt down the suspects, and they will be put into trial.)

Escanilla’s wife Eden said that at about 11:45 p.m., she heard her husband talking to someone when another man appeared and shot Escanilla several times.

According to Sorsogon Provincial Police spokesperson Superintendent Nonito Marquez, several bullet shells from M-16 and .45 pistols were found at the scene.

Escanilla’s death followed the fatal shooting of Tagum City-based journalist and Davao del Norte Press and Radio-TV Club president Gregorio Ybañez who died Wednesday morning. Ybañez was on his way home when he was shot several times by still unidentified assailants. (MNS)