US Asian Post August 19, 2016

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Vol. 5 No. 42

LOS ANGELES

A BALITA MEDIA PUBLICATION

Duterte to drug suspects: Reserve your coffins

MANILA, Aug 12 (Mabuhay) – President Rodrigo Duterte reiterated his warning to drug suspects to change their lives or face death if they continue to trade in illegal drugs.

Speaking to reporters in Davao City, the President said that in his 23 years as mayor, he has never been able to convince someone to change his ways by asking meekly.

He then issued a warning to drug suspects who have not sur-

Friday - Thursday, Aug. 19 -25, 2016

rendered to authorities.

“You should think it over. You should reserve your coffins and your burial plots now while it is cheap,” he said.

Duterte earlier vowed that he will eliminate the drug menace in his six months in office.

Meanwhile, Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa expressed readiness Friday to attend the Senate probe See RESERVE, page 12 Rescuers in action in Sta Cruz, Manila: Rescuers from the Bureau of Fire Protection and Philippine Red Cross (left photo) remove debris to retrieve a lady from a concrete wall that collapsed at the boundary of the Manila City Jail along Doroteo Jose corner Oroquieta Street in Santa Cruz, Manila on Saturday morning (Aug. 13, 2016). At right, rescuers administer medical oxygen on a man trapped in the collapsed wall.(PNA photo by Avito C.Dalan)

Marcos victims ask high court: Stop dictator’s hero’s burial

By Christopher Lloyd T. Caliwan

Erection of last pillar for Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 2 extension to Antipolo nearing completion: The last pillar of the 3.9-kilometer elevated guideway or viaduct for the extension of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 2 from Santolan, Pasig City to Masinag in Antipolo City is nearing completion as shown in this photo taken on Aug. 14, 2016. the project is being undertaken by D.M. Consunji Inc. (DMCI). The current LRT Line 2 begins at Recto Ave. in Manila and ends at Santolan, Pasig City. (PNA photo by Joey O. Razon)

Sec Villar: NAIA expressway to open within first 100 days of Duterte administration

A, Aug. 15 (PNA) – Department of Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar is confident that the traffic situation at the domestic and international airport complex in Pasay City will change with the opening of phase 2 of the NAIA Expressway Project, which connects Macapagal Boulevard to NAIA Terminals 1 and 2.

“We are in the process of doing safety checks. With the help of DOTC, we are confident that the public would soon be able to access a key phase of the NAIA Expressway Project within the first 100 days of President Rodrigo R. Duterte,” Villar said.

“Passenger traffic at NAIA has an average annual growth rate of 9.5%. The cost of congestion per day in Metro Manila is PHP2.4 billion. We are keen in ensuring that the chronic traffic congestion at the vicinity of the airport is solved almost immediately,” he added.

To date, overall progress of civil works activities is about 79 percent with the Paranaque River alignment already 100 percent completed.

The NAIA Expressway Project, which costs PHP17.9 billion, is a four lane, 7.75-kilometer elevated expressway and 2.22 kilometer See EXPRESSWAY, page 12

MANILA, Aug. 15 (PNA) – Human rights victims during Martial Law on Monday asked the Supreme Court to disallow the burial of the late President Ferdinand Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani (LNMB) in Taguig City.

In a 30-page petition for Certiorari and Prohibition with Application for a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) on the government’s plan to confer honors to Marcos by allowing his burial at the national cemetery.

The petitioners are composed of former Bayan Muna Rep. Satur Ocampo, Trinidad Herrera Repuno, National Artist Prof.

the US today make up the second largest Asian American population in this country. They are proud of their historic accomplishments, notably in the American labor movement and in the nation’s education and healthcare system. During World War II, 260,000 Filipino soldiers served with uncommon valor to protect and defend America’s interests. After 72 years, they have yet to be recognized by the U.S. for their service and sacrifice.

Today, Filipinos continue to serve with honor in the U.S. military, faithful to their duty to protect this country.

See NaFFAA, page 12

Ex-Detainees Laban sa Detensyon at Aresto (SELDA) Represented by Fr. Dionito Cabillas, Carmencita See STOP DICTATOR, page 12

Palace calls CPP’s extrajudicial killings accusation premature

MANILA, Aug. 15 (PNA) – Malacañang on Monday described as premature the accusation of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) that the government is involved in extrajudicial killings, prompting the rebels to withdraw its support to war against illegal drugs. ”Inhumane? E parang they are already concluding that there is being extrajudicial salvaging,” Chief Presidential Legal Counsel

NaFFAA reacts to Trump’s proposed Duterte warns terrorists: ‘If you can do it, I can do it ban on Filipino immigrants As a national organization committed to inclusion, diversity and the empowerment of Filipinos in the United States who have contributed significantly as immigrants to this country’s cultural, economic and political life, we are deeply troubled by comments made recently by GOP Presidential Candidate Donald J. Trump. In a recent speech in Maine, the latest in a series of divisive anti-immigrant and anti-Muslim statements, Mr. Trump lumped the Philippines among “terrorist nations” from where people should be denied entry to the United States.

The nearly 4 million Filipinos in

Bienvenido Lumbera , Bonifacio Ilagan, Nero Javier Colmenares, Bayan Represented by Dr. Carol Araullo and the Samahan ng Mga

ten times better than you’

By Cielito M. Reganit

MANILA, Aug. 15 (PNA) – President Rodrigo R. Duterte vowed on Monday to go tit for tat with terrorists as he assured that he would never allow the Philippines to be destroyed by terrorism.

“Terrorists, like ISIS, have no political ideology, no concept at all.

You maim people, you kill them, women who refuse to have sex with them, they simply burn them. We have seen a barbaric practice and even cutting throats of people in front of the world,” he said.

“Hindi ko malaman how to meet See TERRORIST, page 12

Salvador Panelo said in a media interview.

Last Sunday, the CPP released a statement withdrawing its support for the intensified drive against illegal drugs by the administration of President Rodrigo R. Duterte.

“Police officials have brazenly carried out summary killings against suspected drug peddlers and users. Hundreds have been killed while ‘resisting arrest’ or while under custody and deten-

tion, in police cars as well as in jails,” the communist group said in statement. ”That statement would be premature because there is not at this time, any investigation showing that there has been extrajudicial killings,” Panelo replied.

He added: “As far as we are concerned, the killings are being made by drug pushers themselves, killing each other.”

See EXTRAJUDICIAL, page 12

DAR to free farmers from landlord-oligarchs MANILA, Aug 12 (Mabuhay) – Agrarian Reform Secretary Rafael Mariano announced on Friday that the department will exert efforts to free farmers from the grips of landlord-oligarchs.

“These landlord-oligarchs use their power, influence, and connections to deprive farmer-tenants of the land that should have been distributed to them by virtue of land reform,” Mariano told reporters in a press briefing.

Mariano cited as an example the 6,453-hectare Hacienda Luisita, owned by the Cojuanco-Aquino family of former President Benigno Aquino III. The Supreme Court has decided the distribution of the sugar estate, but farmers allegedly face unfair land distribution through “tambiolo” lottery.

“Sisimulan na po ang pag-audit niyan ‘yung P1.3 billion na pinababalik ng SC sa original farm workers-beneficiaries,” the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) chief said.

In a 2012 landmark ruling, the high court order the distribution of 4,115 hectares of Hacienda Luisita and P1.3 billion from the proSee FREE FARMERS, page 12

2

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River dike in General Nakar, Quezon collapses, killing one and trapping five others

By Robert Maico

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Aug 15 (PNA) – Philex Mining Corp. readied professional divers for search and rescue operation on the remaining five people trapped in a dike along Sumag River in Sub-village Angelo, Uriray Village, General Nakar, Quezon that collapsed during a flashflood last Saturday at the height of Southwest Monsoon rain.

The Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) Calabarzon stationed here reported Monday that the increased volume of water due to the Southwest Monsoon rain caused the dike along Sumag River to collapse with seven people initially trapped.

Water level at Marikina River begins to drop: Photo shows the water level of the Marikina River in Barangay Sto. Nino in Marikina City, drops below 15 meters on Monday (Aug. 15, 2016) as of 7am. (PNA photo by Joey O. Razon)

One month worth of rains dumped in 10 days: PAGASA MANILA, Aug 15 (Mabuhay) – A month’s worth of rain was dumped in the past ten days in some parts of Luzon, state weather bureau PAGASA said Monday.

PAGASA weather division chief Esperanza Cayanan said Sangley point in Cavite experienced a month’s worth of rain in the past 10 days, while rains dumped over Iba, Zambales were equivalent to the 80 percent of a month’s worth of rain.

The rain measurement was based on the historical average rainfall for the month of August.

The state weather bureau said the southwest monsoon (habagat) will continue to affect Luzon. Moderate to occasionally heavy rains will be experienced over Ilocos Region and the provinces

of Benguet, Zambales and Bataan.

Light to moderate rains with isolated thunderstorms are expected over Metro Manila, Calabarzon, Cagayan Valley, the rest of Central Luzon, rest of Cordillera Administrative Region and the provinces of Mindoro, Marinduque, and Romblon.

PAGASA said a severe tropical storm outside the Philippine area of responsibility is currently enhancing the southwest monsoon.

At 4 a.m. Monday, severe tropical storm “Chantu” was spotted 2,400 kilometers east northeast of extreme Northern Luzon. It was packing maximum sustained winds of 95 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gusts of up to 120 kph.

Days of continuous rains

Inter-agency exercise boosts security of Davao seas DAVAO CITY, Aug. 14 (PNA) – The one-day Inter-Agency Maritime Exercise that was facilitated on Friday is seen to improve the law enforcement and security operations of various government agencies in the maritime domain of Davao Region.

Hosted by the Eastern Mindanao Command (EMC) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the maritime exercise held at the seaside of Panacan in Davao City was participated in by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao (NFEM), Tactical Operations Group XI (TOG-11); Philippine National Police in Davao Region (PNP PRO-11); PNP Maritime Group; Davao City Central 911; 10th Infantry (Agila) Division of the Philippine Army; Task Force Davao and the EMC. Major Ezra Balagtey, the acting spokesperson of EMC,

said the exercise was based on probable scenarios that covered five major aspects that include communications interoperability, reconnaissance, interdiction, rescue operations and scene of the crime operations.

“The activity was primarily meant to strengthen the inter-operability of the different law enforcement agencies in securing the maritime domain of Davao Region and its environs,” Balagtey said.

He added that the exercise was also conducted as part of security preparation for the Kadayawan Festival in Davao City slated from Aug. 15 to 21.

“The activity was also aimed to showcase and develop the capabilities of each agency to gain the support of the stakeholders, particularly in the maritime sector and the concerned local government units (LGUs),” he added.

DBM submission of PHP3.35-T proposed 2017 national budget MANILA, Aug. 14 (PNA) – The chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations is looking forward to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) submission on Monday of the first national budget proposal of President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s administration, amounting to PHP3.35-trillion for 2017.

It would pave the way for the start of the House budget hearings on government priority projects and programs next year.

Rep. Karlo Alexei B. Nograles (1st District, Davao City) said the subsequent budget hearings, which are set to start Aug. 22, will allow House members to scrutinize each and every department and agency of the government on what they intend to do in order to effect the change that the President wants to bring in to the new administration.

“Being the first budget of President Duterte, we will immediately get a glimpse of the priority projects and programs that he wants his administration to focus on to actualize the change that the President wants to bring in to this new administration,” said Nograles.

Budget and Management Secretary Benjamin Diokno earlier said the budgets for 2017 until 2022 will support the President’s promise to improve the country’s infrastructure, invest in human resources, modernize agriculture and rural development, and develop lagging regions.

have already claimed the lives of five people.

NDRRMC spokesperson Mina Marasigan said three people were killed after rain-saturated walls and structures collapsed in Manila and Quezon City on Saturday.

An unidentified body, meanwhile, was recovered at the Nagtahan Pumping Station in Manila Friday while a resident of Janiuay, Iloilo drowned in the Malbug River last Wednesday.

A certain Salvador Pacling was reported rescued

by Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) workers, together with the local rescuers while one unidentified person was retrieved dead with five persons remained trapped.

Reported persons to be rescued were: David Guiagui Jr.; Roland Sanchez; Danny Harnois ;Simion Sig-Od ; and Ferdie Sanadan.

Meanwhile, the OCD Calabarzon reported that Isagani Borac, 34, volunteer village guard and his two sons were carried by the strong current of flood water while picking trash in San Juan Exodus Village, Cainta, Rizal on Sunday.

The Cainta Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (DRRMO) personnel were still conducting SAR on the missing persons.

Moreover, OCD reported that flood waters in all areas already subsided Monday, but the towns of San Mateo, Rodriguez, Cainta and Taytay in Rizal province; and Los Banos in Laguna remained affected by the Southwest Monsoon.

The numbers of evacuation centers has been reduced from 34 to the current 25, accommodating 3,084 families or 14,980 individuals. Six evacuation centers in Rodriguez, one in Taytay and two in Cainta were already closed.

La Mesa Dam remains on red alert MANILA, Aug. 14 (PNA) – Due to continuous rains brought by the southwest monsoon, the La Mesa Dam in Quezon City is now on red alert, according to Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Sunday.

In an interview, PAGASA hydrologist Richard Orendain said that the dam is is almost overflowing as the water level reached 80.06 meters as of 10 a.m., with 0.9 meters away from its spilling level of 80.15 meters.

“Saturday pa under red alert level dahil sa patuloy na pagulan inaabisuhan

natin ang mga maapektuhan na maging handa at kung maaari ay lumikas.

Naabisuhan na yung mga local governments may mga nag evacuate na ,” Orendain told the Philippines News Agency (PNA).

The dam has no gates and the excess water from it will spill and flow into the Tullahan River, which flows through the northern part of Quezon City, including the Fairview area, as well as the cities of Malabon, Valenzuela, and Caloocan.

Meanwhile, he added that Ipo Dam in Bulacan opened one gate by one meter with 49.3 cubic meter per second

as the water level was at 101.33 meters as of 10 a.m., exceeding its normal high level of 101 meters.

Orendain noted that Ipo’s waters flow downstream to the Angat Dam in Bulacan, which can contain the spillage. Angat Dam’s water level stood at 179.30 meters or way below its normal 210-meter water level.

Meanwhile, the water levels of Magat dam in Isabela, San Roque dam in Pangasinan Ambuklao and Binga dams in Benguet, Pantabangan dam in Nueva Ecija, Caliraya dam in Laguna, are either below or at normal levels, he added.

Lopez optimistic about military, police’s new role as environment protectors MANILA, Aug. 14 (PNA) – Environment Secretary Gina Lopez hopes to put the image of the military and the police on a more positive light with their new role as “protectors of the environment.” Lopez said the country’s security forces play a crucial role in the newly created anti-environmental crime task force led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), which will go after environmental offenders and ensure strict implementation of environmental laws and regulations.

The DENR recently signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with oth-

er key government agencies, including the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police, for the creation of the task force called “A-TEAM Kalikasan.”

Lopez said their new role in environmental protection will help erase the bad image of soldiers and policemen as bodyguards of influential politicians and businessmen and make them guardians of the nation’s wealth and the environment.

“The [military and the police] were being used as bodyguards for big business interests. I want to shift that and work together with them, to work with the

farmers, to work with the indigenous people, because my experience with the military has been only very good and we need to shape that,” Lopez said.

Lopez said she views the military and the police as partners in development. “I think of we do that and we all work together with the civil society, I don’t see why we can’t make a difference.”

Other parties to the MOA are the Department of National Defense, the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Department of Transportation, and the Philippine Coast Guard.

The task force aims to respond to the clamor for social

justice, especially among the indigenous peoples who complain about land grabbing and the negative impacts of mining and illegal logging to the environment and their livelihoods.

Lopez expressed high optimism and expectation that the task force will succeed in its mission. “I am counting on three things from you -- will, heart and integrity,” Lopez told the members of the task force.

“Yes, we will make things happen. In the immediate future we will see a much, much better Philippines because enforcing is really number one and let’s make it good,” she added.

PHL identifies priorities for post-2015 dev’t agenda, next steps MANILA, Aug. 14 (PNA) – The Philippines’ post2015 development agenda is based on five pillars which aim to build a rights-based, equitable and sustainable society, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

Following a series of national consultations and technical workshops on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) indicators, the country’s priorities were identified as the following: poverty reduction and social inclusion; environmental sustainability, climate change and disaster risk management; accountable, responsive and participatory governance; fair and stable order based on international rule of law; and peace and security.

“There is an ongoing process of integrating SDGs simultaneously into the long-term vision and goals and the national, sectoral and subnational plans and frameworks,” said Deputy Director-General Rosemarie G. Edillon, during a presentation on the Philippine progress in SDG implementation at the High-Level Policy Forum (HLPF) on the

SDGs held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, USA from July 11 to 20, 2016.

“Having known the collective aspirations of Filipinos through the long-term vision, the next step is to identify strategies to achieve them. We will be guided by the quality of life characteristics indicated in the 2030 Agenda and the principle that no one should be left behind,” she added.

The strategies will be mainstreamed in the next medium-term development plan, the Public Investment Program (PIP), and the yearly Budget Priorities Framework, and will be further elaborated in the various sub-national and sectoral development plans.

On the means of SDGs implementation, Edillon said that it is necessary to have an implementation and financing plan, institutional arrangement, and monitoring plan.

“These are still in progress. The previous administration has initiated some fundamental reforms on domestic resource mobilization. We have also collaborated with the Millennium Institute to apply the

Threshold 21 (T21) model in formulating the implementation and financing plans for the SDG. The model has already been configured for the Philippines and a group of technical staff have been trained to run the model,” she said.

Meanwhile, the institutional arrangement is still to be agreed upon by the present administration. In the interim, the coordination and monitoring bodies for the millennium development goals (MDGs) may be tapped for the SDGs. But Edillon said that while a number of goals in the SDGs require the government to deliver public goods and services, some would require appropriate policy and regulatory framework.

“We envision having a centralized coordinating and reporting mechanism to be in place for both the longterm vision and the SDGs. It is also important to involve the legislative branch, since some action may require legislation, and the local government units, given our devolved governance structure,” she said.

On monitoring, Edillon said there is a need to over-

come issues concerning data availability, data disaggregation, definition, measurement method and accountability mechanism.

“The role of statistics in the 2030 Agenda is critical as quantitative data are the yardsticks of progress that will guide governments in evidence-based policy-making and program implementation,” she said.

On May 12, 2016, the PSA Board approved a resolution enjoining government agencies at the national and subnational/local levels to provide the necessary data support to monitor the country’s performance on the SDGs. “We therefore call on the academe and research community to come up with methodologies for cost-effective monitoring systems for the SDGs. We request development partners to increase support for strengthening data collection and capacity building,” said Edillon.

The NEDA official headed the Philippine delegation to the UN HLPF on the SDGs. The Philippines was among 22 countries that shared the highlights of initiatives on SDG advocacy and implementation.

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China worried that Japan ready to go to war over disputed islands MOSCOW, Aug. 16 (PNA/ Sputnik) – Japan’s decision to develop new anti-ship missiles sparked a wave of criticism from China, as Beijing suspects that Tokyo may be preparing for war.

As part of its defense program, Japan intends to develop new missile launchers capable of protecting the remote reaches of the country, including a set of islands which are disputed between the two nations.

According to the local media, anti-ship missiles with a range of about 300 kilometers, which is enough to cover the island chain known as Senkaku Islands in Japan and the Diaoyu Islands in China, may be de-

ployed at the Miyako-jima Island, and on the islands of the Sakishima archipelago in 2023.

This development resulted in a barrage of criticism from the Chinese media which see it as a sign that Japan is preparing for an offensive war. Zhou Yongsheng, a professor at the Institute of International Relations at the China Foreign Affairs University, said that if Japan really gets its hands on these missiles, it would mean that Tokyo is ready for a hard struggle.

“These missiles may surpass the Russian S-300 missile systems in terms of range. Furthermore, Japanese missile systems will

be more advanced than the Chinese ones,” he said.

Japanese social media users also criticized this proposal, albeit from a different standpoint. The Japanese netizens believe that these missiles are needed now as by 2023 it might be too late, and that it might be cheaper to buy anti-ship missiles from the United States. Some of them even suggested that the missiles should be deployed directly on the disputed islands.

However, Russian military analyst Vladislav Shurygin told Sputnik that an armed conflict between Japan and China over the disputed islands is fairly unlikely and neither of

their interests. He pointed out that both countries are economically interconnected, and a conflict would put a considerable strain on Japan’s economy which continues to deal with one hardship after another for the last ten years.

“Japan still hasn’t completely recovered from the Fukushima nuclear plant disaster, so the country requires a period of calm for restoration. Furthermore, Japan’s Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) do not have the offensive potential of posing a threat to China.

While modern and numerous, the Japanese Navy lacks the troop landing capability and striking power

in order to stake a claim on those islands. So the JSDF, at least for now, aren’t capable of spearheading a serious expansion of this kind.

And China has declared its priorities – to become a leader in the Asian-Pacific region and to edge out its long-time rival Japan – a long time ago.

But China is well aware of the fact that Japan is backed by the United States with its powerful military and has its own interests in the Asian-Pacific region,” Shurygin explained.

Early in August the US deployed a squadron of B-1B Lancer strategic bomber aircraft to its Guam airbase, allegedly as a response to

the North Korean missile tests. But could it also be a signal to China, considering the fact that Lancers have “exceptional capabilities for launching long-range strikes?”

Meanwhile, the project for increasing the defense level of remote islands was included in Japan’s national security program back in 2013.

Back then Tokyo even intended to develop ballistic missiles with a range of up to 500 kilometers by 2016, but due to concerns that such a weapon could be considered a violation of the 9th article of Japan’s constitution, the proposal was scrapped.

PCO to launch new, high-security passport DOJ approves filing of direct assault, murder MANILA, Aug. 14 (PNA) have been placed such as pervises the APO Production – Every Filipino who wishes upgraded security feature of Unit Inc., further said, “This raps vs 88 MILF in Mamasapano incident to go overseas and applies for a passport will receive the “all new, high-security passport” beginning on Monday, Aug. 15.

The new passports will feature impressive design promoting the regions of the country. Other changes include intaglio printing used for the printing of money and the printing of the coat of arms using optical variable illusion ink where color varies at different angles.

Added security features

microchip to capture the personal data of the applicant, invisible UV fluorescent ink and thread, and elaborate design when subject to UV light.

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Martin Andanar assured that the new passports would be readily available.

“The new APO printing system increases the production speed of the new passports to 35%.”

Andanar, whose office su-

means the new passport printing system results to delivery of passports from press to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to an average of five days compared to 7-14 days previously.”

“It is the objective of the PCO to keep on improving our printing processes so we can even hasten the delivery from our APO Lima Plant in Batangas to DFA within four days by 2017,” Andanar explained.

Lacson bill levels playing field to join Air Force with PAF Academy MANILA, Aug. 14 (PNA) – Poverty may no longer be a stumbling block for gifted Filipinos to join the Philippine Air Force (PAF), as a bill filed by Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson seeks to establish a PAF Academy (PAFA).

Lacson said the PAFA will fulfill the constitutional mandate of guaranteeing equal access of opportunity for public service, while professionalizing other career areas of the PAF such as aircraft maintenance, avionics and air logistics.

“The PAF Academy as conceptualized, is geared towards making available an adequate and dedicated corps of professional Air Force officers with the proper education, training and orientation to lead and manage the complex technologies inherent in the field of aviation,” he said in Senate Bill 259.

He noted there are highly specialized career fields in the PAF that could not be provided adequately by a traditional military academy such as the Philippine Military Academy.

Also, Lacson noted the PAF Flying Schools (PAFFS), presently the main

source of regular PAF officers, could no longer provide the required number and proper training of officer pilots due to inadequate facilities and logistical support.

It also requires a college degree, keeping poor Filipinos from serving in the PAF. Lacson also stressed the need to prevent an unwanted relationship among officers often called “regular officer homogeneity,” which may lead to a potentially explosive political situation.

Under the bill, the PAFA shall be organized and administered by the PAF Commanding General, and be placed under the general supervision and control of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Chief of Staff.

It will have an academic board composed of the Superintendent, the Dean of the Corps of Professors, the Commandant of Cadets and heads of departments Cadets shall be appointed by the President. To be eligible for admission, a candidate cadet must be single, a natural born citizen of the Philippines, between 17 and 22 on April 1 of the year of admission, and at least a high school graduate.<>The

candidate must also have passed the prescribed physical and mental examination and the National Secondary Assessment Test.

Cadets’ pay and allowances shall be fixed by the President.

They shall sign an agreement to complete the course of instruction at the Academy; and accept an appointment and serve as a commissioned officer of the Armed Forces of the Philippines for at least eight years immediately after graduation from the Academy.

A cadet who is found physically and mentally unfit for military assignment due to injury or disease incident to the service, shall be retired with the rank of second lieutenant of the AFP. Meanwhile, the bill also mandates rules preventing hazing, including punishments for violations such as dismissal and suspension.

Cadets dismissed from the PAFA for hazing shall not be reappointed as an Air Force Cadet and shall be ineligible for appointment as a commissioned officer in the AFP unit after two years from the graduation of the class.

Dureza upbeat on Bangsamoro peace accords’ implementation MANILA, Aug 13 (Mabuhay) – Peace process adviser Secretary Jesus Dureza on Saturday expressed optimism in the implementation of the peace agreements between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Philippine government.

At the formal launching of the implementing phase of the peade accords held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Dureza said the Philippine government “has come in full force” to show that it is serious about the “peace agreements” Manila has signed so far with the MILF. In a press statement, Dureza also said that the launching inaugurates a “crucial phase of the Bangsamoro peace process.”

With Dureza during the launching were House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez and House Majority Floor Leader Rep. Rodolfo Fariñas.

He assured the MILF and

the Bangsamoro people, as well as all Filipinos that the “executive and the legislative branches are one in making sure that the Bangsamoro enabling law will be in sync with the proposed shift to a federal system of government.”

The new Bangsamoro juridical entity “can be the pilot of a federal state that embodies a meaningful autonomy,” he added.

Also, he said that the presence of the top leaders of the House of Representatives could be a sign of an “early enactment of an inclusive Bangsamoro enabling law.”

Cabinet members present during the launching include Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay, Jr., Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Mike Sueno, and National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. Autonomous Region of

Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), Gov. Mujiv Hataman was also present, which to Dureza was a sign of a “commitment to work for the convergence of all the Bangsamoro peace agreements to make it truly inclusive...”

He said President Rodrigo R. Duterte has given a clear directive: “No more waiting, start implementing what can be done now while we are crafting a more inclusive enabling law.”(MNS)

By Christopher Lloyd T. Caliwan

MANILA, Aug. 15 (PNA) – The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Monday approved the filing of complex crime of direct assault with murder against 88 members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and private armed groups (PAGs) in connection to the Jan. 25 Mamasapano incident which led to the deaths of 44 members of the Special Action Force (SAF) along with international terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir, a.k.a. Marwan.

In a 55-page resolution, charged for direct assault with murder are five Commanders Abdulrahman Abdulrakman Upan, Rakman (118TH MILF), Refy Guiaman, Anife and Haumves alias Haves, operation commander of the 105th MILF Base Command and 83 others.

The DOJ said the respondents conspired with each other to engage and assault

the PNP-SAF members who were trapped in a cornfield in Tukanalipao.

“The respondents acted in conspiracy, waited for each other, encircled the SAF, and shot them from all directions. Testimonial evidence shows the MILF, BIFF and PAGs knew they were engaging the PNP-SAF as early as 8am,” the resolution said.

The resolution was prepared by Senior Assistant State Prosecutors Roseanne Elepaño-Balauag, Rassendell Rex F. Gingoyon, Benito Oliver Sales III, Assistant State Prosecutors Aldrin P. Evangelista and Alexander Suarez. It was approved by Senior Deputy State Prosecutor Richard Anthony Fadullon and Prosecutor General Claro Arellano.

The DOJ added that the respondents knew that the SAF members were persons in authority who were in actual performance of their duties. “The SAF men were in actual performance of

their duty when assaulted and atrociously killed,” it said.

The respondents were identified by a witness only known by the code name ‘Marathon’ who was currently under the government’s Witness Protection Program and 11 others who positively identified the accused.

“We find the statements of the witnesses communicated a credible account on the occurrences they perceived on that indelible day of Jan. 25, 2015. Their categorical statements augur well for a finding of probable cause for direct assault with murder,” the DOJ resolution stated.

The witnesses said the 55th Special Action Company (SAC) maintained a defensive perimeter giving the armed men the option to continue the assault or to retreat. But witnesses said the respondents still continued to fire shots at the SAF troopers despite knowing that they were police officers in a gun battle.

4

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Duterte vows no stopping war vs drugs till whole apparatus is destroyed

By Cielito M. Reganit

MANILA, Aug. 15 (PNA) – President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday vowed that he will not stop the war against drugs until the whole drug apparatus is destroyed.

The President made the vow in an impromptu speech before the latest batch of government appointees who took their oaths of office at the Malacañang Palace.

“There is no way to stop it now. There is no stopping the momentum until I destroy the apparatus,” he said.

“I have to control the drug problem. Because if I do not interdict this problem now in this generation, mahirapan na po within the next 6 years. Kasi kung hinayaan ko like the way it was, more or less ignored, kaya ganito umabot,” the President said.

He said that he was doing everything to weed out the drug problem because he was appalled by the number of addicts in the country.

According to him the number of addicts who had surrendered recently are just tip of the iceberg.

“Those who surrendered, yung nagpakilala, it’s about maybe 600,000.

But two years ago, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said there were about 3 million drug addicts in this country. Considering the time since then, there must have been some incremental increase,” he said.

He said that assuming that the increment per year was placed at a very conservative 700,000, added with the confirmed 600,000, then the Philippine drug problem was more than just an epidemic “It is really a pandemic thing. It is not an epidemic, it’s a crisis,” he said.

“I do not want to pull my own chair, magyabang ako sa inyo. I was just thinking that kung di ako naging presidente, given the contamination of the police into the industry, sabi ko kawawa talaga itong Pilipinas,” Duterte said.

He said that he would come out with a list containing more scalawags in government composed mostly of police officers, judges and even some politicians involved in the drug apparatus.

“Hinahanap nila (the people) sa akin where’s the big fish, asan yung bilyonaryo? There ain’t any even if I show the matrix of drug problem in Philippines, five blank frames lang but no faces. But we have names, of course they are all aliases and they are the ones controlling the flow” he said.

“There’s big map there, digital real time they can zoom in even sa smallest barangay. All they have to do is direct the operation, get the money. So ang apparatus dito, yung lieutenants lang. Unless ay talagang pipigilan ko itong nasa sidewalk araw-gabi andyan peddling harap-harapan. Until I shall have destroyed them, we can never, never have peace in our land,” the President said.”I was elected on three messages: clean government, suppress drugs, control crime. Even if I have to soak my own blod, so be it. I must have to do it or else, wala na tayo,” Duterte said.

De Lima hopes Duterte would follow Senate probe on extra-judicial killings MANILA, Aug. 15 (PNA) – Senator Leila de Lima on Monday expressed hope that President Rodrigo Duterte would keep track of the Senate probe on extra-judicial killings, slated to be held on August 22-23.

In an open letter to the President, De Lima reiterated her desire to probe these killings, citing reports that most of them were “not related but only coincidental” to the Duterte administration’s intensified campaign against illegal drugs.

De Lima, who chairs the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights, said there have been reports that killings were done by corrupt government officials who wanted to silence witnesses who knew of their involvement in the drug trade.

“May mga pagpatay na isinasabay o isinasakay lamang ng mga tiwaling kawani ng pamahalaan at mga kasabwat nila upang pagtakpan ang kanilang karumaldumal na partisipasyon sa kalakan ng droga. Hindi nila isinusulong, kundi inililihis pa nga ang direksyon ng paglaban sa droga at sinasabotahe ang magagandang layunin ng kumpanya,” she said. (“There are killings done by corrupt officials and their accomplices to cover up their involvement in drug pushing. They are not pushing for a campaign against drugs but sabotaging the main objective of the campaign,” she said.)

The neophyte senator and former Commission on Human Rights chair, meanwhile assured that like the President, the Senate only wants to strengthen the implementation of laws and human rights.

De Lima earlier said that she wanted to know if the operational procedures of the Philippine National Police, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, and other law enforcement agencies were legitimate.

Senator and Chair of the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs Panfilo ‘Ping’ Lacson, despite having fears that the Senate inquiry would slow down the government’s successful drive to end the drug problem in the country, has also agreed to hold the probe.

According to reports, more or less 500 drug pushers and users have been killed in the war on illegal drugs under the Duterte administration.

Friday - Thursday, Aug. 19 - 25, 2016

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OPINION

Cayetano to senators: Don’t intimidate cops, don’t waste time on probe MANILA, Aug 12 (Mabuhay) – Senator Alan Peter Cayetano said the Senate should focus on crafting laws to strengthen the Philippine National Police (PNP) instead of subjecting police officers under investigation for recent drug-related killings.

Cayetano issued the statement amid the impending probe by the Senate justice committee on the spate of extra-judicial slays under the Duterte administration.

“We have to be responsible dito sa Senado because whatever we do here will send a message. Hindi takot ang pulis. Tapos gusto nating gamitin ang hearing para takutin sila? Hindi yata ayos ‘yun,” said Cayetano.

A staunch supporter of Duterte, Cayetano ran but lost in the vice presidential elections as the President’s runningmate.

According to Cayetano, among the measures the Senate should focus on are those giving protection to whistleblowers, strengthening the witness protection program, improving the national penitentiary, and creating more drug courts.

“Bakit hindi ang mga ito ang unahin?,” said Cayetano, who is the author of one of several bills to hike the salaries and increase the benefits of uniformed men.

Cayetano said such killings had happened in past administrations but were never classified as extralegal killings.

“Ang nasa dyaryo at TV ngayon, panay extrajudicial killings. Bakit noong panahon ni Aquino, panahon ni Arroyo, ang tawag lang diyan ay murder o kaya homicide? Bakit ngayon automatically these are extrajudicial or summary killings?,” asked the lawmaker.

“If you compare the numbers, you will see na ang ganitong klaseng patayan ay na-experience na natin before,” he added.

More than 400 drug suspects have been killed since President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration waged war against the illegal drugs trade, according to the PNP. The tally from the PNP, culled from July 1 to August 2, also showed a total of 5,418 suspects have been arrested and 565,806 others have turned themselves in to authorities.

The PNP also said it has conducted 223,847 house visitations and implemented 427 search warrants.

The slain suspects were killed either in police operations or vigilante-style.

Cayetano said the Duterte administration’s war against drugs is working.

“We’re winning the war on drugs, magiging tahimik na ang ating mga kalye. Bakit ang unang-una mong ihi-hearing ay sasabihin mong may maling ginagawa ang mga pulis kahit na wala pang pruweba,” the lawmaker said. (MNS)

Duterte: Follow the law on hero’s burial for Marcos MANILA, Aug 12 (Mabuhay) – President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday said he is only following the law by allowing the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos’ burial at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, which has been set on September 18.

Duterte, on the sidelines of his meeting with Olympic silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz in Davao city, said Marcos was a former president and soldier, even if he was not a hero.

“The law is there existing. You read it a thousand times and you still arrive at a conclusion that he is qualified. Even if he is not a hero, he was a soldier,” he said.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) guidelines allow former soldiers to be buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.

Senator Grace Poe, a rival of Duterte in the presidential race, however, said Thursday morning that a new law recognizing human rights victims during the Marcos regime is in conflict with the military’s guidelines.

“We have Republic Act 10368, recognizing the human rights victims during the time of Martial Law, and I think that it is a more current law than the [old] law that was created identifying that anybody who’s a soldier, or anybody who became a president can be buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani,” Poe said.

Republic Act 10368, which provides reparation and recognition of victims of human rights violations during the administration of Marcos, was passed on 2013, and Poe believes it supersedes the AFP guidelines which Duterte cited.

“Just looking at that, this is a more recent law, so I think, I really believe that if we are to take this law seriously, having that burial there will be in conflict with that law,” Poe added.

Marcos was also accused of faking his accounts as a soldier, according to US Army records.

The US Army also said that faking claims of heroism during World War 2 is a criminal act.

Marcos claimed that his guerilla unit, “Ang Maharlika,” was formed during the infamous Death March.

The claim was submitted to authorities in the United States in his bid to justify his supposed heroic deeds.

He claimed his unit burned down three Japanese ships, an operation where he allegedly sustained a hip injury.

However, Marcos failed to make his case before the US Army.

In his autobiography, Marcos also bragged that his Distinguished Service Cross was pinned to his chest by Gen. Douglas Douglas MacArthur himself.

War historian Ricardo Jose, director of the UP Third World Studies Center, said Marcos’ “Ang Maharlika” unit was fake, based on an investigation

by US Army.

The findings on Marcos are now included in the U.S. National Archives.

“Their conclusion was that these claims weren’t true. He appealed seven times, and was denied each time,” Jose said.

Duterte on Thursday night, however, said the Philippine government should ignore the US Army’s findings.

“He did not receive the medal? Correct. Well, that is the record of another country. Why would I [rely] in making a decision [referring] to the records of another country?” he said.

“We have long ceased to be the vassal state of the United States,” Duterte said. “Tapos na iyan.

It’s history.”

“Sana ginawa nila [Cory/Noynoy Aquino administration] ng batas na Marcos, because of his historic despotic regime, if that is what they want to tell us, should not be buried sa Libingan ng mga Bayani,” he said. “Until unless they repeal that law [AFP guidelines], he can be buried there.”

“I am a President and I have sworn my duty to follow the law,” Duterte said. (MNS)

People should decide on whether Marcos should be buried at Libingan Ng Mga Bayani: FVR MANILA, Aug 13 (Mabuhay) – The people should decide on whether Ferdinand E. Marcos should be buried at the “Libingan Ng Mga Bayani” (LNMB) in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, former president Fidel V. Ramos said Saturday.

This does not mean a survey or plebiscite, he said.

“I said officially let the people decide. Who are the people? Our representatives and senators now sitting in Congress representing and belonging to House of Representatives (and) the Senate of the Philippines,” Ramos stressed.

And to make Marcos’ burial official, these representatives must get a “majority resolution” and if not, then no interment will take place, he added.

“Of course the President has the authority to do anything within the resolution and enactment of (the) Congress of Philippines beyond the authority given to him under the Constitution as Chief Executive and as Commander-in-Chief, so it’s up to him decide,” Ramos added.

Earlier, President Rodrigo R. Duterte announced that he is authorizing the burial of former president Marcos at the Heroes’ Cemetery.

Ramos also said that when they decided to allow Marcos’ body to return to the Philippines in 1992, three years after his death in 1989, certain conditions were imposed to safeguard the country from possible destabilization.

“During our time 1992 to 1998, you must understand that we allowed the remains of the late President Marcos to return to the Philippines under certain conditions because of the possible destabilization of the country unless there were certain safeguards adopted.

You will recall that he died in 1989, he came in

1992, (the) wounds of the People Power Revolution of 1986 which ejected the Marcos Martial Regime (were still fresh), “ he added.

“So we were very careful enough to make sure that the welfare of the people of the Philippines would be protected by the prevention of any angry or tension-filled peoples’ movement,” Ramos stressed.

The former president also added they decided to allow the return of Marcos’ body as they believed that the latter should not be forever detained in Hawaii since it is not his homeland.

The four conditions set by the then Ramos government in exchange for the return of the remains of the former president were: that it would be flown straight from Hawaii to Paoay, Ilocos Norte; that he would be given honors befitting a major in the AFP, because it was his last rank in the AFP; that he would not be paraded in Metro Manila because at that time anti-Marcos sentiments were still fresh; and that he would be buried in Ilocos Norte, not in the Libingan Ng Mga Bayani.

Ramos said these conditions were explained to the Marcos family, who were then represented by Ilocos Norte Rep. Roquito Ablan and former First Lady Imelda Marcos, by then Interior and Local Government Secretary Rafael Alunan III. Alunan said a copy of this agreement could be obtained from the Malacañang archives.

“So those were the conditions we signed (in the) agreement. I think the agreement is still in the archives of Malacañang.

So if you wish to get a copy of the agreement that was signed between me and Cong. Ablan, please go ahead and secure a copy from Malacañang, “ he added. (MNS)

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ENTERT

5

INMENT

Anne expects good on-screen chemistry with Dennis Kapamilya actress Anne Curtis is excited working with Kapuso actor Dennis Trillo in the upcoming comedy film “Bakit Lahat Ng Guwapo May Boyfriend” directed by the renowned Jun Lana.

“Okay kami. So far, so good kaya talagang nae-excite ako,” she said of her co-star in an interview during a set visit.

Anne added she looks forward to seeing how their respective fans would react to the fresh pairing.

“Bakit Lahat Ng Guwapo May Boyfriend,” which also stars Paolo Ballesteros, is Anne’s first movie this year. To those wondering what took her so long to do one, she admitted opting to wait for the right project than simply taking on the first one that comes along.

“Even Boss Vic (del Rosario of Viva Entertainment) pine-pressure na rin ako na mag-movie. Pero eto, it finally fell into my lap – alam mo ’yung hindi

ko mababa ’yung script? – so sabi ko ‘Go na (ito)’ kasi sobrang nakakatuwa siya.”

Anne shared some netizens are already abuzz over the whole thing.

“Actually nakakatuwa kasi nu’ng nag-post ako (about dun sa movie) sa social media, madaming nagta-tag na ‘Oh ikaw ’to?’ or “Uy ’di ba nangyari na sa’yo ’to,’ so, it goes to show na very relatable ’yung kwento ng (movie).”

When it comes to celebrity life, the IT girl has sweet advice to sister Jasmine Curtis, who is also carving a career as actress: “Learn the art of dedma.”

“Ako, I always tell Jas na don’t get affected with whatever that is written about you, or whatever people on social media say, (kasi) it’s part of (being in) the industry eh. Like ako, hindi talaga ako mabilis maapektuhan, so dedma lang!”

She is proud of her sister’s achieve-

ments, including her win as Cinemalaya Best Supporting Actress for “Transit” a few years ago.

“Nakakatuwa talaga and I’m so happy for her. Actually ang dami ding nag-text sa akin na fellow actors and celebs in the industry na ‘Please tell your sister, she did such a great a job,’ I’m just so happy for her,” Anne shared.

Meanwhile, relating to marriage, the actress-singer said she’s in no rush to marry boyfriend of five years, Erwan Heussaff.

“We’re happy where we are right now lalo na with our careers so hindi kailangang madaliin. I believe there’s a right time for that,” Anne said.

Will she leave showbiz if and when she ties the knot?

“We’ll see. We don’t know what happens if naging mom na ako, or if naging married na ako. Pero showbiz is part of my life na, ’yung pag-arte naging passion ko na siya talaga.” (MNS)

Moving on, Angel deletes photos of Luis Actress Angel Locsin appeared to have cleared her Instagram account of all photos of former boyfriend, Luis Manzano.

Several fans noticed that Locsin had erased all traces of her relationship with the television host, including photos of their vacation to the Caribbean last year. The rumored “Darna” star, however, chose to keep her photos with Manzano’s mother, Batangas Representative Vilma Santos-Recto.

Back in January, Locsin and Vilma topbilled the Star Cinema film “Everything About Her.” It was around that time that rumors about Locsin and Manzano’s split first surfaced.

Locsin emotionally denied it in an interview on “Tonight with Boy Abunda,” but later on referred to Manzano as an “ex” in one of her Instagram posts. The two have yet to detail their breakup, although it was rumored to

What Billy learned from romance with Coleen “I’m actually blessed with an angel,” actor-host Billy Crawford said when asked about the lessons he learned from the two years that he has been with actress Coleen Garcia.

“I discovered that I understood a lot more things than I thought I didn’t understand before. Iyung maturity ko, I guess—she made me become more of a man,” added Crawford.

The pair first came out as a couple on the noontime show “It’s Showtime” in July 2014. Crawford has expressed his intent in marrying Garcia, who, at the

Aiko Melendez still dating Iranian businessman

Angel Locsin

have been because of actress Jessy Mendiola.

Manzano vehemently dismissed the involvement of the “Maria Mercedes” star, while Locsin refused to comment on the speculations.

“Kung sila hindi nagsasalita o hindi umaamin, ako pa ba magko-comment?” reasoned Locsin. Locsin and Manzano first broke up in 2013, but got back together a year later. (MNS)

Billy Crawford

moment, is focused on her career as an actress.

The two recently celebrated their second anniversary with a romantic chopper ride from Quezon City to Tagaytay, which Crawford considers as the “craziest thing he has ever done for love.” (MNS)

Coco Martin, Vice Ganda reunite in new movie AFTER the success of their 2015 Metro Manila Film Festival entry “Beauty and the Bestie,” comedian Vice Ganda and actor Coco Martin are set to work again together in one big screen project.

The two recently attended the story conference of their still untitled Star Cinema movie with director Bb. Joyce Bernal. The two were joined by Martin’s “FPJ: Ang Probinsyano” co-stars, child actors Xymon Ezekiel “Onyok” Pineda and McNeal “Aura” Briguela.

Vice Ganda clarified that the upcoming project is not a sequel to their 2015 blockbuster movie, which was directed by the late director Wenn Deramas.

“The genre would still be comedy and action kasi yun naman ang brand ni Coco and pinagsasama lang namin yung brands namin.” The comedian added that the storyline will be different from Martin’s present and past projects. “Dito sa movie, positibo ang characters namin. Pangkaraniwang tao, may hindi maganda sa pagkatao niya pero mas malaki ang positibong bahagi ng mga character.”

Anne Curtis

Aiko Melendez

Actress Aiko Melendez clarified that she is still in a relationship with Iranian businessman boyfriend Shahin Amirzapour.

Netizens speculated that the couple called it quits when Melendez posted a cryptic relationship post and replaced her profile photo on Instagram.

She then shut down all the rumors when she posted a photo with Amirzapour with the caption: “Yes, it’s still us. Relax.”

Melendez added: “Sorry, I’m taken already”.

To recall, the actress confirmed that she’s in a relationship with the Iranian back in April.

“He makes me smile and who made an effort to pursue me.”

“I have just been dating for so long and I was afraid to put any label. But now, it’s going to that direction that we both want a label for it. I asked him to prove his worth, and now he is.”

Melendez added that her son Andre, from former marriage with actor Jomari Yllana, initially had issues with her dating Amirzapour but the latter made sure that he will get to know her kids well.

“I don’t want to force naman Andre and I don’t want to force Shahin. Parang I want Shahin to exert that effort to Andre. So he is naman, slowly.”

Based on the actress’ recent posts, it seems things are okay now between Andre and Amirzapour. (MNS)

What Iza thinks about playing Julia’s mom in new show Iza Calzado admitted that she was surprised when told that she is going to play Julia Barretto’s mother in the ABS-CBN series “The Second Wife.”

Calzado initially thought she was wrong for the role, especially since she is still single.

“Wala pa nga akong anak,” she quipped. “Then I thought about it. If Angelica Panganiban and Jodi Sta. Maria played the mothers of Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo, how can I not play Julia’s mom? Honestly, if I got pregnant at 17 or something, I would have had her. She would have been my baby.”

Calzado said to be considered for the role is already a huge honor since it has been her dream to work with

actress Bea Alonzo.

“I’m very excited. This is a dream cast for me. This is also my first time to work with Star Creatives so talagang nung ibinalita sa akin, sabi ng manager ko noon, may ipi-pitch daw na project. Nung sinabi pa lang na si Bea ‘yung kasama ko, sobrang na-excite na ako,” she said.

According to Calzado, “The Second Wife” is about an unconventional family and how they deal with their complicated lives. She will be the first wife of Ian Veneracion’s character with Alonzo in the titular role.

Asked if viewers will see intense scenes between her and Alonzo, Calzado said: “We are trying to make it na ‘yung storya niya, hindi kailangan ng sampalan para

Iza Calzado

maramdaman ang tension.

Sana madaan sa linya lang at sana magustuhan ng ating mga manonood.”

Although the show has a bold theme, Calzado is confident that viewers can relate to the story because such

things happen in real life.

The series will be directed

by Jerry Lopez Sineneng.

Also part of “The Second Wife” are Enchong Dee, Vin Abrenica, JK Labajo, as well as veterans Tirso Cruz III and Irma Adlawan. (MNS)

Alden on altruistic side Adding to the long-list of stars into charitable activities is Alden Richards, who is now planning to establish his own philanthropic foundation.

“Meron po talaga akong plano, baka this year po or next year makapagpatayo na po ako,” the heartthrob shared.

According to Alden, he is doing so mainly to expand his ability to help people, particularly sick, abandoned children.

The 24-year-old actor-singer shared, “Naniniwala po kasi ako na kaya ako binigyan ng maraming blessings ni Lord eh, hindi lang po para sa sarili ko pero para mai-share ko ito sa ibang tao at ‘yun nga po ang gagawin ko.”

Just recently, Alden donated to some charities block screening income of his latest film “Imagine You And Me.” Flashing his bedimpled smile he shared, “Kapag

na-i-share ko po kasi ito sa ibang tao ‘yung blessings, du’n ko narararamdaman ‘yung worth ng mga bagay.

Kapag sa akin lang parang feeling ko kulang.”

Despite being an all around nice guy, Alden, surprisingly, has his own share of bashers.

He doesn’t mind, however, saying, “Nasanay na po ako.”

“Hindi naman po kasi talaga maiiwasan eh,” Alden explained. “Especially ngayon na the more po na umaangat ako. Kahit gumagawa ka ng mabuti, most of the time may masasabi pa rin ang mga tao.”

Admittedly, he gets hurt at times particularly relating to the issue he supposedly asks money before meeting with fans.

“Aaminin ko po mahirap lunukin, alam naman po ng mga tao na kahit mahirap o mayaman hindi kailangan ng pera para ma-meet ako,” the popular star noted.

Alden Richards

Nonetheless, he maintained, “Bahala na po sila kung ano man ‘yung sabihin nila, kasi at the end of the day naman, mas kilala ko ang sarili ko, mas kilala ako ng mga tao na totoo pong nagmamahal at nakakaintindi sa akin.”

On a different note, Alden divulged plan is afoot for a soap opera starring him and love team partner Maine “Yaya Dub” Mendoza.

“Actually pinaguusapan

pa lang po sa ngayon so, ako po naghihintay lang pero I’m praying na matuloy ito,” he said.

When kidded that he might be rolling in cash now, what with his numerous projects, the Bulacan native just smiled and said, “Honestly ayoko po talagang i-convert ito into numbers.

Ang masasabi ko lang talaga nakakaraos na kami kaya thankful lang po talaga ako.”

(MNS)

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Taal Volcano Protected Landscape’s ecotourism Angara seeks inclusion of drug receives big boost from Globe-Pusod collaboration rehab funds in 2017 nat’l budget

By Ma. Cristina C. Arayata

MANILA, Aug. 14 (PNA) – Taal’s ecotourism has received a big boost from the collaboration between Globe Telecom and the non-profit environmental organization Pusod, Inc. which are both working together to empower communities around the lake through environment education and sustainable enterprises.

One of the key programs implemented by Globe and Pusod to address the area’s environmental issues is the promotion of ecotourism through the Taal Lake Conservation Center (TLCC) which gives a low-impact alternative to commercial tourism and promotes conservation of the ecosystem.

As a result of the partnership, earnings of TLCC has increased, from revenues of Php 40,000 during its first year, TLCC registered an annual revenue of Php 600,000 by end 2015.

The facility was established by Pusod, in partnership with the Local Government of Mataasnakahoy and TVPL Protected Area Management Board, in 2011.

TLCC serves as a knowledge hub for researches conducted in TVPL and operates the ecotourism program in partnership with Globe Citizenship. The program offers Community Walking Tours, Heritage Tours, Knowledge Tours to the Calawit side of the Volcano Island and other low impact water sports – Kayaking, Oz Goose Sailing, Stand Up Paddling.

It continues to find ways of cooperation to protect the environment and support sustainable livelihood and conservation, thereby, giving birth to our partnership with Pusod which shares the same environmental values as Globe.

Through our joint efforts, we are able to create positive impact across the value

chain -- from the community-based tour guides, boat operators, horse guides, local caterer, and community volunteers,” said Fernando Esguerra, director of Globe Citizenship.

Lakes take a long time to respond to conservation measures. Those that are still connected deeply with the livelihood that the lake provides are less and less reliant on it. It prompted us to take action because a lot of people really depend on the lake for livelihood. The only way we can really save the lake is if they take pride in it,” said Atty. Ipat Luna , exectuve trustee and founding member of Pusod, Inc. Ann Hazel Javier, Pusod, Inc. executive director added, “Together with Globe, we work with communities and tell them more about the ecosystem where they are and to eventually help them to protect it and create enterprises around them.

DOLE plans to increase the number of labor attaches in Riyadh and Jeddah in KSA

MANILA, Aug. 14 (PNA) – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is planning to increase the number of labor attaches in Riyadh and Jeddah in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) to look after the welfare of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) there.

DOLE Secretary Silvestre Bello III said the additional personnel will replace the two Labor officials that were recalled recently.

“I already have in mind some people to replace them. In fact I am placing two instead of one replacement. Kasi, with the number of migrant workers there with problems, I think we need more labor

attaches and welfare officers there,” he explained.

“Yes, two for Riyadh and two for Jeddah,” said Bello when asked if two new labor attaches would be sent for each labor official that had been recalled.

With this, the DOLE chief said that the two officials were given until Oct. 1 to finish their work at their posts and then they are both home-bound.

“Meron na along directive for them to come home not later than Oct. 1 because it will take time for them to wind up their affairs. Then they come back,” he said.

Bello noted that he is also looking to put up a consulate in Al Khobar.

“And hopefully, as soon as we could establish a consulate in Al Khobar, we will also put one there.

So yung mga ipinadala naming augmentation, some of them will stay there, yung mga welfare officers,” he said.

Bello said he expect the officials to submit their response to the case when they are back in the country.

“Since my directive is for them to be recalled, to come here, then I will take the occasion to ask for their explanation when they are back,” he added.

The two labor officers have been recalled for alleged negligence in the performance of their duties.

By Jelly F. Musico

MANILA, Aug. 14 (PNA) – Senator Juan Edgardo ‘Sonny’ Angara on Sunday stressed the need to include in the 2017 national budget the funds for the rehabilitation of hundreds of thousands of drug dependent. ”The absence of the drug rehab funds would leave a gaping hole in the government’s war against drugs,” Angara said.

Angara said the PHP3.3-trillion national budget for next year, which President Rodrigo Duterte is scheduled to send to Congress on Aug. 15, should carry “appropriations for the treatment” of drug addicts who would like to turn their back on substance dependence.

Angara said a strong national drug rehabilitation program is “the logical next step to the administration’s drive to suppress widespread use of illegal drugs.”

“It is not enough that we have a budget for the ‘jail the pusher’ part. We must

also fund the ‘save the user’ component of the anti-drug campaign,” Angara said.

“We should help addicts turn over a new leaf. They need help.

Without intervention, there’s a strong chance they’ll backslide to their old ways. If that happens, then we’re back to square one,” he added.

Angara lamented that there is a very little amount in the current 2016 national budget which funds drug rehabilitation centers or programs.

“There’s none in the PHP154-billion budget of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and a measly PHP634.4 million for the Operation of Dangerous Drug Abuse Treatment and Rehabilitation Centers of the Department of Health,” the senator said.

“For a problem so big, treatment of drug addiction has very, very small footprint in the national budget.

This should not be the case

7

in the 2017 national budget,” he stressed.

He said drug prevention funds could even extend to providing TESDA training to vulnerable youth.

“For addicts who have dropped out of school, we should increase funding for Alternative Learning System programs,” Angara noted.

Angara said the number of the country’s drug rehabilitation facilities is not enough to handle the multitude of drug addicts who have surrendered to the government.

“There’s a national shortage. The demand for rehab is way, way bigger than available facilities,” he said.

From July 1 to 20 alone, 114,833 illegal drug suspects had given themselves up to the police, an official report from Camp Crame said. It predicted that surrenderees will eventually reach more than a million.

Angara said like any war, the campaign against drugs has created its own refugees.

Duterte: Arrest, deport ISIS indoctrinators in Mindanao MANILA, Aug 12 (Mabuhay) – President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the military to validate the presence of alleged ISIS indoctrinators in Mindanao and immediately arrest and deport them once reports against these persons have been confirmed.

“I have been informed that a lot of Caucasian-looking people are conducting teachings. Walang armas, wala lahat except the guys and education. They are foreigners.

I told the military to validate it, and arrest all of them and we will deport them for acts iminical to—“ the President cut his state-

ment.

He issued his statement at a press briefing late Thursday night in Davao City.

In a speech delivered before troops in Zamboanga del Sur on Wednesday, Duterte revealed that there are Arab-looking missionaries in some parts of Mindanao, which may be the start of ISIS threat in the country.

“Tan-aw lang nako, three to seven years from now, magaproblema ta sa ISIS. In some parts of [the] island of Mindanao, naay mga tao na puti. I supposed mga Arabo na.

They are here as mission-

aries. Wala silay armas. But they are into [indoctrination]. Maoy kahadlukan [As I see it, three to seven years from now, we will have a problem with the ISIS. In some parts of Mindanao, there are white people. I supposed they are Arabs.

They are here as missionaries. They don’t have arms. But they are into [indoctrination]. That’s what we should be scared of],” Duterte told the troops.

“Sama sa mga komunista... kana moy delikado kay ang ginaluto nila ang utok [Just like the communists... that’s alarming because they are conditioning the minds],” he added. (MNS)

8

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UTREACH Zika vaccine is next frontier in fight against Zika virus

By Robert Stanton

HOUSTON, Aug. 14 (PNA/Xinhua) – Shannan Rossi, Ph.D., picks up a plastic vial, gently shakes it and looks closely at what it holds - the larvae of an Aedes aegypti mosquito whose species is rapidly spreading the Zika virus throughout the Americas.”See that little wiggly guy in there? That’s the larval stage that you usually see in a flower pot,” said Rossi, a research scientist at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston.

“If you leave standing water around your house, you’re gonna see a ton of them in a couple of days and they’re going to want to bite you. And you’re going to get a ton of mosquitoes all at once.”

Rossi and her research colleagues at UTMB-Galveston are at the forefront of efforts to understand and control the virulent Zika virus, most commonly spread through the bite of an Aedes aegypti mosquito.

Rossi set up mosquito traps in her backyard in Galveston, where she collects mosquitoes for testing at UTMB. Last year, she travelled to Salvador, Brazil, to set up improved diagnostics for Zika, chikungunya and dengue in collaboration with the FioCruz Foundation.

Researchers at UTMB-Galveston are making headway in the battle against Zika, which was first isolated in 1947 in Uganda.

The Zika virus emerged as a global concern after a series of outbreaks in 2007 across the Pacific followed by a dramatic spread in the Americas in 2014 and 2015.

Florida has become the epicenter for Zika in the United States, with 322 travel-associated cases of the virus and six locally acquired cases as of Aug. 3, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta.

In Harris County, which encompasses the Houston area, a baby born with microcephaly linked to the Zika virus has died in Texas, marking the state s first Zika-related death, the Texas Department of State Health Services reported on Aug. 9.

During her pregnancy, the mother was in Latin America, where she was infected, and the baby acquired the infection in the womb. The baby died shortly after birth.

Statewide, Texas has reported 99 cases of the Zika virus, including two infants with microcephaly from Harris County.

All Texas cases are related to travel abroad to areas with active Zika transmission.

Southland mosquitoes tested positive for West Nile virus LOS ANGELES – 8/15/2016 – This past week, the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District (GLACVCD) confirmed 31 mosquito samples that tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV).

In addition, the District confirmed West Nile virus activity in eight dead birds.

Vector control detected WNV activity for the first time this year in the following cities or communities: Artesia East Los Angeles

El Sereno Elysian Valley Hawaiian Gardens Newhall Signal Hill Year-to-date, WNV has been detected in a total of 169 mosquito samples within the GLACVCD service area. In addition, 41 dead birds and five sentinel chickens have tested positive from various communities. ”This week’s high temperatures are going to increase the risk of West Nile virus infections for many

residents,” said Levy Sun, the District’s public information officer. “The first line of defense against mosquitoes is to remove all standing water.

It’s a simple solution, but it is also easy to forget.”

Vector control also recommends that residents use insect repellent when outdoors, and report mosquito problems and inoperable swimming pools/ponds to the District promptly. See more tips on preventing mosquito breed-

ing and staying bite-free West Nile virus is primarily found in birds, and is transmitted between birds and to people and horses by mosquito bites. Learn more about West Nile virus.

Residents experiencing mosquito problems during the day or at night, even after dumping all standing water, can receive help from the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District at (562) 944-9656 or visit www.ReportMosquitoes. org.

Calidad Humana celebrates the Filipino spirit in DC WASHINGTON, DC – Delegates and participants of the 2016 International Young Leaders Assembly (IYLA) gathered at the Romulo Hall of the Philippine Embassy for a special reception and photo exhibit of the book, Calidad Humana: Sharing the Filipino Spirit in the evening of 10 August 2016.

Calidad Humana or human compassion, defined as a positive and wholesome attitude towards others despite individual differences, is a remarkable quality that Filipinos are widely known for.

Various photos from the Calidad Humana movement in the Philippines displayed at the Romulo Hall showed the heartfelt concern, resilient spirit, and genuine smiles emanating from the Filipino spirit and that are an essential part of the Filipino culture.

The Embassy’s Chargé d’Affairés, Minister Patrick Chuasoto, emphasized in his opening remarks how the photos speak about the Filipino’s humaness and how the youth can make use of their talents, skills, and knowledge to be of service to humanity.

“Calidad Humana is to give priority to concern to others,” former Chilean Ambassador to the Philippines Roberto Mayorga who edited the book and spearheaded the Calidad Humana Movement in the Philippines said in his remarks.

Ambassador Mayorga lived in the Philippines for six years and his first-hand experience of the positivity and strength of the Filipino character allowed him to edit the book Calidad Humana: Sharing the Filipino Spirit and start the Calidad Humanamovement that aims to preserve, share and

spread the qualities of the Filipino spirit throughout the world.

The Calidad Humana photo exhibit will also be featured during the IYLA on 8-12 August in Washington D.C. with the title, “IYLA 2016: Sharing the Filipino Heart for Peace in the World”. The said exhibit will serve as a venue to promote the positive image of Filipinos to future leaders and young professionals from more than 30 countries in the world.

“I fervently hope that IYLA’s 10-day interactive program here in the United States will not only provide you a first-hand experience on leadership but will also plant that seed of inspiration that will enable you to help create a safer and better world in the future,” Minister Chuasoto said to the 2016 IYLA delegates present during the reception.

John Dickson, Co-Chair of the Host Committee of the 2016 IYLA gave the closing remarks and reminded the IYLA delegates of the importance of understanding their individuality and thinking about how they can contribute to their own countries and to the world.

“What you are doing here, IYLA delegates, is very important in your self-realization, in your growth and patriotism for your own country,” Mr. Dickson said.

IYLA is a premier partnership-driven leadership development initiative that empowers promising young leaders to positively impact communities, nations and the world.

The exhibit and reception was organized with the support of the Office of the Undersecretary for International Economic Relations of the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs.

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KITCHENOMICS

FAMILY FEATURES

W

hether you’re a competitive sprinter chasing a new record or an everyday gym hound looking to get the most from your workout, seafood is among the best foods to support an athletic lifestyle. It not only delivers great-tasting nutrition, but also provides one-of-a-kind health benefits.

The combination of lean protein, anti-inflammatory omega3s and muscle-building nutrients found in Alaska seafood are why it’s a staple for athletes like Ryan and Sara Hall.

“We like to incorporate Alaska seafood in our daily diet because it’s a really high quality protein that helps to repair our muscles on a daily basis,” said Ryan Hall, a two-time Olympian and holder of the U.S. half-marathon record.

After a run, Sara Hall – a 3,000-meter steeplechase and marathon runner, U.S. national champion and World Team member – relies on seafood as a go-to for low-fat meals with protein and simple-to-digest carbs.

Sample these dishes straight from the Hall kitchen, and find more recipes and nutritional values for your favorite seafood at wildalaskaseafood.com.

Cedar Plank Grilled Salmon with Sweet Potatoes

Cedar Plank Grilled Salmon with Sweet Potatoes

Serves: 4 Prep time: 10 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes Cedar planks with enough surface area for salmon 4 Alaska salmon fillets (4-6 ounces each), fresh, thawed or frozen olive oil spray 1 tablespoon fresh (or 1 teaspoon dried) dill, thyme or rosemary salt and freshly cracked pepper, to taste 4 large sweet potatoes, sliced lengthwise into wedges 1/2 tablespoon ground cumin Soak cedar planks for 1-2 hours (or overnight) submerged in water.

Remove and pat dry.

Heat grill to medium heat (400 F). If frozen, rinse ice from salmon under cold water; pat dry with paper towel. Spray cedar planks and salmon with olive oil spray. Place salmon on planks; sprinkle with herb, salt and pepper. Place sweet potatoes in bowl; spray with cooking spray.

Sprinkle with cumin and salt and pepper, to taste. Toss to coat.

Place cedar planks and potato wedges on grill. Cover and cook about 3-4 minutes; turn wedges over and continue cooking until potatoes are soft and cooked. Keep warm. Cook salmon 12-15 minutes, until fish is opaque throughout.

Nutritional information per serving: 350 calories; 11 g total fat; 2 g saturated fat; 27% calories from fat; 91 mg cholesterol; 33 g protein; 33 g carbohydrate; 4 g fiber; 277 mg sodium; 36 mg calcium; 1,700 mg omega-3 fatty acids.

Pan-Seared Cod over Minted Pea Puree Serves: 4 Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes 1/2 cup water 2 pounds frozen or fresh peas, blanched 1 package (0.6-0.7 ounces) fresh mint, leaves only salt, to taste 4 Alaska cod fillets (4-6 ounces each), fresh, frozen or thawed olive oil 1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning Add water, peas and mint to blender or food processor; season with salt. Puree until almost smooth. Cover and keep warm.

If frozen, rinse ice glaze from cod under cold water; pat dry with paper towel. Heat heavy, nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Brush both sides of fillets with olive oil.

In heated skillet, cook cod, uncovered, about 3-4 minutes, until browned. Shake pan occasionally to keep fish from sticking. Turn cod over and sprinkle with lemon pepper seasoning. Cover pan tightly and reduce heat to medium. Cook an additional 6-9 minutes for frozen cod or 3-4 minutes for fresh/thawed fish. Cook until fish is opaque throughout.

To serve, spoon pea puree onto 4 plates. Top each with cod fillet and serve immediately.

Nutrition information per serving: 319 calories; 5 g total fat; 1 g saturated fat; 13% calories from fat; 65 mg cholesterol; 37 g protein; 34 g carbohydrate; 12 g fiber; 393 mg sodium; 101 mg calcium; 28 IU vitamin D; 200 mg omega-3 fatty acids.

Pan-Seared Cod over Minted Pea Puree

Miso Halibut with Soba Noodle Stir-Fry

Miso Halibut with Soba Noodle Stir-Fry

Serves: 4 Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 15 minutes 1 package (12 ounces) prepared soba noodles (or noodle of choice) 4 Alaska halibut fillets (4-6 ounces each), fresh, thawed or frozen 3 tablespoons sesame oil, divided 2 cups roughly chopped bok choy 1 1/2 cups sugar snap peas 1 cup sliced mushrooms 1/2 cup chopped green onion 1/4 cup miso 1 cup water 1/4 cup teriyaki sauce Prepare noodles according to package directions; set aside.

If frozen, rinse ice glaze from halibut under cold water; pat dry with paper towel. Heat large, nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Brush both sides of halibut with half of the sesame oil.

In heated skillet, cook fish, uncovered, about 3-4 minutes, until browned.

Shake pan occasionally to keep fish from sticking. Turn halibut over; reduce heat to medium and cover. Cook 5-7 minutes for frozen halibut or 2-3 minutes for fresh/thawed fish, cooking until fish is opaque throughout.

Transfer fillets to plate; cover to keep warm.

Wipe out skillet/wok with paper towel. Add remaining sesame oil. Heat to medium-high then add and stir-fry bok choy, snap peas, mushrooms and green onions. Stir in noodles; turn off heat. Cover and keep warm.

In saucepan, blend miso, water and teriyaki sauce. Bring mixture to boil then reduce heat to a simmer and cook 1 minute. Stir sauce into warm noodle-vegetable mixture. To serve, divide and portion mixture into 4 bowls or plates. Top each with halibut fillet.

Nutrition information per serving: 571 calories; 15 g total fat; 2 g saturated fat; 22% calories from fat; 56 mg cholesterol; 38 g protein; 71 g carbohydrate; 7 g fiber; 1,643 mg sodium; 77 mg calcium; 219 IU vitamin D; 350 mg omega-3 fatty acids.

12

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STOP DICTATOR From page 1

Florentino, Rodolfo del Rosario, Felix Dalisay and Danilo Dela Fuente.

Named respondents were Rear Admiral Ernesto C. Enriquez of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), AFP Chief of Staff General Ricardo Visaya, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and heirs of Ferdinand E. Marcos represented by his spouse Imelda Romualdez Marcos The respondents, according to the petitioners, committed grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction in ordering and allowing Marcos’ burial at the LNMB through a memorandum issued on Aug. 7, 2016 by Lorenzana.

“After due hearing and deliberation, declaring the Memorandum dated 07 August 2016 of Secretary of National Defense Delfin Lorenzana and the directive on the interment of the late former President

Ferdinand Marcos issued

by Rear Admiral Ernesto C. Enriquez by command of General Ricardo R. Visaya to inter Ferdinand E. Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani and to provide a hero s burial null and void for being illegal and contrary to law, public policy, morals and justice,” said in petition.

They added that the memorandum with the subject “Interment of the late Former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. at LNMB” and the directive on the interment of the latter issued

by Enriquez by command Visaya, reportedly resulting from a verbal order of President Rodrigo R. Duterte, is illegally and contrary to public policy.

“Respondents’ reliance on existing laws and guidelines that absolutely allows the burial of Marcos in LNMB is without legal basis,” the petitioners said.

RESERVE From page 1

on extrajudicial killings of drug suspects. “Yes. Handa po akong dumalo,” Dela Rosa said when asked on the Senate inquiry to be conducted on August 22 and 23.

The PNP chief reiterated that he is not in favor of extrajudicial killings, summary killings, and vigilantism.

“Sinisiguro natin na sinusunod (nila ang utos ko) dahil ayaw ko talaga ng extrajudicial killings, ayaw ko ng vigilantism, ayaw ko ng summary killings. Gusto ko legitimate police operations ang mangyayari, hindi yung mga ganyan,” he said.

He believed that extrajudicial killings were carried out by vigilantes who are fed up with the present system and syndicates that are eliminating their own

members and rivals.

“Dalawang lang ang posiblidad niyan. Una, posibleng gawa ng vigilantes na nagsawa na sa ating criminal justice system, wala nang tiwala, they are putting the law into their hands, sawa na sila (dahil) ang pulis kayang bayaran ng drug syndicate, yung judges, yung prison officials pati media pwede bayaran.

Nagsawa na ang mga tao diyan,” he said.

“Isa pa, mga sindikato mismo. Sila na mismo nagpapatayan na dahil marami hindi nakapagremit ng pera dahil gipit sila. Hirap sila sa kanilang negosyo.

Nagka-onsehan na. Di na nagreremit ng bayad kaya pinapapatay,” Dela Rosa added. (MNS)

“Upon the filing of this Petition, a Status Quo Ante Order or a Temporary Restraining Order, and/or a Writ of Preliminary Injunction be issued requiring Respondents to maintain and observe the status quo prevailing before the questioned act,” said in its petition.

The petitioners further cited the 1993 agreement between then Philippine Government, represented by then President Fidel Ramos and the Marcos family that Ferdinand Sr., remains will be buried in Ilocos Norte.

“To abandon the agreement, reboot the entire process, exhume his remains and allow his burial at LMB is to relieve the terror and horrors of his victims who have, until now, not been given justice. While his victims will be forgotten, Marcos will be remembered as a president given a hero’s burial in violation of the law and even their contractual commitment with Philippine government,” the petitioners said.

TERRORIST From page 1

this kind, but if you do that, you bring out the worst in me. Bale tabla tayo diyan. If you can do it, I can do it ten times better than you,” the President said.

“I am not insinuating things. I am just warning people, huwag ninyong sobrahan, because I would never, never allow my country to be destroyed by terrorism ... and ng droga. Di talaga ako papayag. As I said, I have put at stake my honor, my life and the presidency itself,” he added.

The President made the warning in an unscheduled speech during the oath-taking ceremony for 42 new government appointees held at Malacañang.

NAFFAA From page 1

Mr. Trump’s misleading statement not only disregards how immigrants from the Philippines and other parts of the world have made America great. He is further inflaming a climate of increasing fear and growing hostility that have been directed against South Asian, Middle Eastern and Arab communities. He has now expanded the target of his xenophobic rhetoric to include Asian Pacific Americans, casting them as suspicious, disloyal and threatening.

Electoral tactics promoting harmful depictions of Filipinos and other communities of color deserve no place in American society.

They are reminiscent of the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882, which was used for years to halt the influx of Chinese laborers, and the

FREE FARMERS From page 1

ceeds of the sale of Hacienda Luisita Inc.’s land assets.

“The new DAR is determined to implement genuine agrarian reform, including free land distribution or land distributed at least cost to farmers,” Mariano said.

Mariano cited Negros island as “the bastion of landlordism... It is the bastion of haciendas where farmers are still enslaved by hunger and poverty, and are being threatened, shot at, and massacred by goons and soldiers,” he said. The department is now reviewing alleged unjust eviction of farmers in the island. “We are in the process of investigating complaints against Negros Occidental Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. on the alleged unjust eviction of farmers to develop an area into the Negros First Ranch Livestock Farm,” he said.

(MNS)

unjust internment of over 100,000 Japanese Americans.

We must ensure these dark periods in American history are not repeated.

During these perilous times when Americans and people all over the world feel vulnerable because of constant threats to their safety and security, we can understand calls for vigilance and sometimes extreme mea-

THE US ASIAN POST sures from political leaders.

But while we condemn all terrorist acts committed by anyone regardless of nationality, we must ensure that our nation’s values of inclusion and diversity always prevail over the rhetoric of division and fear.America is strong because it welcomes people around the world who enrich the social, economic and cultural fabric of the United States.

EXTRA JUDICIAL From page 1

According to the reports, more than 500 drug pushers and users were already killed amid the aggressive anti-illegal drug campaign of the Duterte administration.

Panelo said the government war against drug menace should be part of the discussion in the scheduled peace talks between the Philippine government and the communist group on Aug. 20-27 in Oslo, Norway. ”That is why there will be talks. That should be part of the discussion,” he said.

The Senate Committee on

Justice chaired by neophyte Senator Leila de Lima is set to conducted investigation on alleged extrajudicial killings, urging President Duterte to monitor the inquiry.

Panelo said there is no need for De Lima to invite the President do watch the Senate public hearings set to start next week. ”The President watches television. He doesn’t have to be invited to watch,” Panelo reacted to De Lima’s open letter asking the President to watch the Senate probe.

EXPRESSWAY From page 1

at-grade road project which would traverse Sales Avenue, Andrews Avenue, Paranaque River, MIAA Road and Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard.

When all phases are completed, the NAIA Expressway Project is expected to provide easy access to and from NAIA Terminals 1, 2, 3 and 4 and would interface with the South Luzon Expressway thru Sales Interchange, Manila Cavite Toll Expressway (CAVITEX), and Macapagal Boulevard.

A total of 16 Off and On Ramps are being constructed along strategic locations at Villamor Airbase, Resorts World, NAIA Terminal 3,

MIAA Road, Imelda Avenue, CAVITEX, Seaside Drive and Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard.

NAIA Expressway will significantly reduce average travel time between Skyway/ SLEX and NAIA Terminal 1 from approximately 24.3 minutes to 8.2 minutes and will benefit 80,000 travelers per day.

The project was awarded to conglomerate San Miguel Corporation through its subsidiary and concession firm Vertex Tollways Development Inc. with civil works contractor D.M. Consunji, Inc. in partnership with Design Science Inc. and Pertconsult International.