MikeLigalig.com

MANILA -- The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has suspended for two weeks the implementation of a memo circular that limits UV Express service to point-to-point (P2P) operations.

Department of Transportation (DOTr) Assistant Secretary for Communication Goddes Hope Libiran said Memo Circular 2019-025, which abolishes the 2-km. radius from the endpoints of UV Express units where they are allowed to pick up and drop off passengers, will take effect by middle of June.

"It will be suspended for two weeks to give way to stakeholder consultations. A formal advisory shall be issued by the LTFRB on this matter as soon as possible," Libiran told reporters on Friday.

The suspension was issued after various transport groups claimed that the LTFRB crafted the memo without consulting them, during a hearing conducted by the House of Representatives committee on Metro Manila development on Thursday.

These groups urged the LTFRB to designate pickup and drop-off points between the origin and destination of UV Express units to spare commuters from extra trips and additional fares.

LTFRB Board Member Ronaldo Corpus reiterated during the hearing that the policy is not new as UV Express services originally operated on a point-to-point basis.

The Board decided to remove the 2-km. radius because UV Express units are not using their designated terminals, and are loading and unloading passengers between their endpoints.

The memo, issued last May 15, was signed by LTFRB Chairman Martin Delgra III, Corpus and Antonio Gardiola Jr., also a board member.

According to the memo, UV Express units that will violate the policy will be fined PHP5,000 for the first offense, and PHP10,000 for the second offense.

Suspension or cancellation of the franchise will be imposed for the third offense and the driver's license may be suspended or revoked. (PNA)

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

MANILA -- The proposed reinstatement of the mandatory Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) for Grades 11 and 12 students does not violate any international law, the spokesperson of the Department of National Defense (DND) said Friday.

"It is the DND's position that those opposed to the proposed bill are using a myopic interpretation of the law, which misleads the public into forming false perceptions and ill-informed opinions. The proposed bill was vetted by the DOJ, DND, DepED, and DFA (departments of justice, national defense, education, and foreign affairs) to ensure that it does not contravene the Philippine constitution and international conventions," Arsenio Andolong told the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

Andolong was reacting to claims made by some sectors that making ROTC mandatory for senior high students violates international law.

He was referring to House of Representatives Bill 8961, which seeks to amend Republic Act (RA) 7077 or the Citizen Armed Forces of the Philippines Reservist Act. The bill was passed by the House on third and final reading, with a vote of 167-4-0.

Andolong said that under the "Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child on the Involvement of Children in Armed Conflict", to which the Philippines is a signatory, the minimum age for voluntary recruitment into the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is 18 years old.

He also pointed out that ROTC cadets are not conscripted into the military and expected to fight wars during their two-year training.

"While some cadets may opt to join the regular force after they finish their voluntary advanced ROTC in college, mandatory ROTC will not automatically make our Grades 11 and 12 students part of the AFP. Furthermore, critics of the bill also forget that (the) mobilization of reservists in times of war will require an Act of Congress," Andolong explained.

He added that reinstating mandatory ROTC among Grades 11 and 12 students is logical as only a small percentage of high school students are able to attend college.

This will automatically exclude them from the program should mandatory ROTC be reinstated for college students only.

"As to the question of age, we must point out that mandatory ROTC in the past was part of the curriculum of first and second year college students, most of whom were 16 to 18 years old. Reinstating mandatory ROTC in Grades 11 and 12 would not be any different in terms of age because these students fall within the same age bracket of the first and second year college students of the old curriculum. This seems to be a fact that proponents of college-level ROTC conveniently forget when they cite age as a problem in the current proposal," Andolong he said.

Under House Bill 8961, ROTC training would apply to "all students in Grades 11 and 12 in all senior high schools in public and private educational institutions" and shall be a requirement for graduation.

The following students may, however, be exempted: those who are physically or psychologically unfit; those who have undergone or are undergoing similar military training; those who are chosen by their school to serve as varsity players in sports competition; and those who may be exempted from training for valid reasons as approved by the DND, upon recommendation by an educational institution where the student is enrolled.

The proposed measure also strictly prohibits the use of ROTC training for "political" objective and for teaching and instilling a particular political ideology on students. House Bill 8961 also bans hazing and other forms of physical or mental abuse. (PNA)

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

ILOILO CITY -- For its outstanding performance in tobacco control, this city has been named as one of the five recipients of the "World No Tobacco Day" Awards presented by the World Health Organization (WHO) - Western Pacific Region.

The WHO and its global partners celebrated "World No Tobacco Day" on Friday to advocate for effective policies to reduce tobacco consumption and engage stakeholders across multiple sectors in the fight for tobacco control.

Iñigo Garingalao, Iloilo City Anti-Smoking Task Force (ICAST) director, attributed the recognition to the City Health Office and the city government's effort and programs on tobacco control.

He said WHO lauded the city's efforts in sustaining the anti-smoking campaign and in implementing apprehension with corresponding education.

"Through the years, we had proven that we did our best to implement this campaign. We have leveled up because we know it's about health. This is significant because we balance the fast development of Iloilo with the health of the constituents," Garingalao said in an interview.

He also regarded the distinction as a challenge to intensify this city's efforts on tobacco control.

"With the recognition, we need to double our efforts in a way that we will maintain our usual efforts," he said.
He also plans to bring the anti-smoking campaign down to the village level.

The WHO particularly recognized the efforts of this city in cessation services and the protection of minors.

"The Iloilo city government recently ran an intensive campaign encouraging smokers to quit with the help of the city's 'Quitline' and cessation services at health centers. The government prohibits the sale of tobacco products to minors, as well as near schools and other places frequented by minors. It has also enacted bans on vaping and shisha and on establishing designated smoking areas," the organization said in a press release.

It also cited the additional tax introduced for the sale of cigarettes, alongside increased penalties for violations. The implementation of a "Non-Smoker Preferential Policy" in the hiring of city government employees also gained WHO's appreciation.

"I'm delighted to see the strong action our awardees are taking to control tobacco – from higher taxes to quit programs to smoke-free areas. The results of their activities are even more encouraging: smoking rates are decreasing in many of these places, as are diseases caused by tobacco, such as lung cancer," said Dr. Takeshi Kasai, WHO regional director for the Western Pacific.

Aside from Iloilo City, the Xi'an Municipal People's Government in China, Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Guam Non-Communicable Disease Consortium Tobacco Control Action Team, and Niue Ministry of Social Services also received the same award. (PNA)

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

MANILA -- The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has ordered all its units nationwide to implement measures to prevent loss of lives and damage to property from maritime and land-based accidents in preparation for the rainy season.

Coast Guard commandant, Admiral Elson Hermogino, instructed all rescue units nationwide, such as disaster response and quick reaction teams composed of divers, rescue swimmers, paramedics and K-9 units, should be on the highest level of readiness at any given time.

"In addition, safety inspectors should exercise extra vigilance in undertaking maritime safety-related measures, such as intensifying inspection of ships prior to departure; ensuring vessels have no unauthorized passengers in conformance with the allowed passenger capacity on board to avoid overloading of vessels; checking of life jackets and fire-fighting equipment; strengthening its public awareness campaign to highlight safety during inclement weather, especially to the fishing community; and non-patronage of colorum inter-island watercraft," the Department of Transportation said in a statement on Friday.

All Coast Guard units nationwide were also tasked to coordinate and encourage operational cooperation with other government agencies, such as the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, as well as the Philippine Red Cross, to ensure community safety.

The directive was made after the PCG launched its newly acquired assets for rescue equipment at its headquarters in Manila last Thursday.

The Coast Guard acquired 20 new aluminum boats from Pacificfortia Marine Technologies, with a speed of 20 knots, for PHP16 million; and 20 personal watercraft from Scan Marine Inc., with a maximum speed of 40 knots, were bought for PHP15.5 million. It likewise purchased 180 new units of Toyota Hilux worth about PHP142 million.

The Coast Guard is also expecting 73 rubber boats with outboard motor worth PHP86 million, and 12 seven-meter rigid hull inflatable boats worth PHP142 million later this year.

The new rescue craft, which will be manned by the Coast Guard Special Operations Force and rescue personnel, will be distributed to PCG units nationwide, particularly those in flood-prone areas.

The weather bureau has said that the onset of the rainy season is expected within the next two weeks. (PNA)

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

TOKYO -- More partnerships and more than USD10 million-worth of potential sales are expected with the successful holding of investment forum and business matching sessions on the second day of President Rodrigo Duterte's visit to Japan.

The Philippine Business Forum and Business Matching events were organized by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Philippine Trade and Investment Center (PITC) Japan on May 30.

The DTI reported that close to 150 Japanese companies – involved in manufacturing, automobile, medical, information technology, and construction – were assisted and linked to 43 Filipino companies for possible partnerships and joint ventures.

Some 120 business meetings were conducted between Filipino and Japanese companies. A Memorandum of Understanding on supply of manpower services was also explored.

The business forum was opened by President Rodrigo Duterte's partner, Honeylet Avanceña, and DTI officials led by Secretary Ramon Lopez.

The trade department presented the Philippine growth story, as well as the opportunities both in the industry and services sectors. The sessions encouraged more Japanese business executives to expand their operations in the country.

"We are very keen in engaging with Japan, especially on the aspect of manufacturing and innovation, and how we can work together to strengthen not only manufacturing but also other industries, as well as several subsectors under Services. We want to identify business opportunities in Japan and the Philippines in areas of mutual interest," Lopez said.

According to DTI, investors see plenty of opportunities in a fast-growing Philippine economy, enjoying stable macroeconomic fundamentals, higher credit rating of BBB+, the educated English-speaking workforce, the demographic sweet spot that presents a growing consumer base with better purchasing power and wider market access through preferential trade agreements with the United States and the European Union.

The forum also served as the venue to update Japanese investors of various government reforms implemented by the Duterte administration, such as streamlining and simplifying of government processes to facilitate ease in doing business in the country, infrastructure development, and the further opening up of more sectors for foreign equity participation.

The Japanese companies present during the event included Toshiba, Mizuho Bank, Mitsukoshi, Toyota Tusho, Sojitz, and Kagima.

Meanwhile, the Philippine business delegation was composed of representatives of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Philippine Franchise Association, Toyota Motor Philippines Corp., EEI, DMCI, Eastern Petroleum, First Asia Venture Capital, EMS Components Assembly, Meralco, Vista Land & Lifescapes, Inc., and Magsaysay People Resources Corp.

The Philippine Business Forum was held on the sidelines of Duterte's attendance at the Nikkei's 25th International Conference on The Future of Asia. Also present during the event were DTI Assistant Secretary Angelo Taningco, Board of Investments Director Angelica Cayas, and DTI-Export Marketing Bureau Assistant Director Anthony Rivera. (PR)

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

COTABATO CITY -- The Department of Health (DOH) 12 (Soccsksargen) has reported that 26 persons have died of dengue fever from January 1 to May 18.

Jenny Panizales, DOH-12 focal person for dengue and measles prevention program, said they have been urging the public to help address the rising incidence of dengue, a highly preventable disease.

Panizales said DOH-12's Regional Epidemiology Surveillance Unit (RESU) listed a total of 5,986 dengue cases as of May 18, marking a 164-percent increase compared with the same period last year.

North Cotabato has listed the most number of dengue cases with 2,215, compared with only 640 during the same period last year. It also has the highest number of fatalities at 11, followed by South Cotabato with eight. South Cotabato has recorded 1,752 dengue patients, compared with only 795 in 2018. Sultan Kudarat followed with 703 cases, up from 164 cases in the same period last year. Sarangani province has logged 618 cases compared with 253 in the same period last year; Gen. Santos City, with 425 (up from 264 last year); and Cotabato City, with 273 (up from 152 last year).

Panizales said three deaths were reported each in Sultan Kudarat and Sarangani, and one in Cotabato City.

"In 2018, we only had seven deaths during the same period. Now we have 26," Ventura said, adding that DOH-12 Director Dr. Aristides Concepcion-Tan has ordered health workers at the front lines to work with other stakeholders to deal with the spread of the disease.

"We need everybody's help in the campaign against dengue, especially the parents as DOH can't do it alone," Panizales said.

She reiterated the importance of the "enhanced 4S strategy" to fight and prevent dengue and three more diseases – malaria, chikungunya, and zika, which are all vector-borne diseases from mosquitoes.

Panizales said the enhanced 4S strategy are: Search and destroy dengue-carrying mosquitoes' breeding places; Secure self-protection; Seek early consultation; and Saying "no" to indiscriminate fogging operations.

She could not say what triggered the dengue cases to dramatically increase, especially in North Cotabato, because the provincial health office there has been actively working against it.

Panizales noted that the incidence of dengue is no longer seasonal because even during the dry season, cases of dengue have been reported across the region.

Soccsksargen is composed of the provinces of South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, and Sarangani, and the cities of Cotabato, Kidapawan, Tacurong, Koronadal, and General Santos. (PNA)

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

COTABATO CITY -- At least 50 inmates of Sultan Kudarat District Jail are now certified National Certificate (NC-2) holders after graduating from programs of the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in Region 12.

"The inmates, once they are out of jail, are already reformed and productive citizens to their communities with the skills they earned from TESDA," TESDA – Sultan Kudarat Provincial Director Amir Ampao said in a radio interview Wednesday.

While inside the jail facility in Barangay Kalawag, Isulan, Sultan Kudarat, the inmates -- now called Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) -- were trained by TESDA in carpentry and food processing.

In partnership with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology–Sultan Kudarat, Ampao said 25 male inmates are now certified carpenters after they received their National Certificate (NC-2) in carpentry, while 25 female inmates received certificates for National Competency (NC-2) in food processing.

"I thought life would be empty, I thought I will be unproductive once I get out from here," said Alma (not her real name), a lady inmate who is expected to go back to mainstream society next month.

Alma, one of the inmates who earned the NC-2 certificate in food processing, said she has earlier planned of working abroad for fear that the stigma of being a law offender would stay when she rejoins her family.

"Thanks to TESDA all I need now is capital to start a small business," Alma added.

Ampao and Israel Arboleda, Sultan Kudarat district jail warden, recently led the awarding of certificates during graduation rites held inside the provincial jail facility.

According to Ampao, training primarily aims to make the inmates more competitive, restore self-confidence and productive once they begin a new chapter of their lives outside four corners of the jail facility.

"There is still hope for a new life for them," Ampao said in Filipino.

Some of the graduates are set to step out of jail after serving in full their prison terms after graduation.

TESDA-12 Director Rafael Abrogar II said the training was one of the many programs that TESDA offers not only for persons deprived of liberty but also for rebel returnees, drug dependents, persons with disabilities, overseas Filipino workers, and other marginalized sectors in the society. (PNA)

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

From Maria Relalado's Post. "bu**** ka, punyeta ka, kolokoy ka, inudnod ko yang mukha mo sa inodoro, dimonyo ka, dapat ibala ka sa kanyon dun sa Abu Sayyaf, inutil ka," somebody lambasted DSWD Sec Rolando Bautista on air.

Apparently the guy does not know Bautista from Adam or else he would treat the DSWD chief with utmost respect.

The guy does not know Bautista at all the same way as those in the inner circle of the President knows 'Bote' or 'Rolly.

You must be an outsider in the circle of President Duterte because you do not know anything about him.

Remember Bautista is now the alter-ego of the President as Social Welfare and Development Secretary.

And so whatever you say of Bautista, you are also saying the same things to the President.

Actually, the President and Bautista go a long, long, long way even when Duterte was still mayor of Davao City.

Bautista served in various capacities as military officer here in Davao City. That is why mediamen here know Baustita so well especially when he became the Task Force Davao commander.

When you say "dapat ibala ka sa kanyon dun sa Abu Sayyaf, intuin ka," Bautista was in the middle of his fight against the Abu Sayyaf in Basilan when the President plucked him out to become his first Presidential Security Group commander.

Look, if Bautista is inutil, how come the President trusted him for a very sensitive task as PSG chief?

If Bautista were inutil, why was he tasked to lead the Marawi operation?

One thing about Bautista that endeared him to a lot of people is his unassuming demeanour and he is not boastful at all.

Bautista gets things done and he delivers whatever is asked of him to carry out. Ask the President about it.

Bautista gets things done without telling the whole world about them. He is a quiet worker who does not make any noise of his achievements.

But for us, media here in Davao City, Bautista was a very good news source because he answers questions matter-of-factly. He does not relish being in the limelight.

And there was never a time that Bautista was involved in any scandal or any wrongdoing while he was in the military assigned here in Southern Mindanao.

Bautista is well respected himself.

And yes, if still you have more questions about Bautista for you to know him better, please ask President Duterte who is returning from Tokyo tonight.

Bautista is definitely President Duterte's tauhan. Bautista is President Duterte's man.

Ask the President why do you trust an inutil like Bautista to sensitive posts?

If not you can tell the President exactly these lines since Bautista is Duterte's alter-ego:

"bu**** ka, punyeta ka, kolokoy ka, inudnod ko yang mukha mo sa inodoro, dimonyo ka, dapat ibala ka sa kanyon dun sa Abu Sayyaf, inutil ka," perhaps, Mr. Erwin Tulfo could tell that to President Duterte himself.

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

TACLOBAN CITY -- A member of the communist terrorist New People's Army (NPA) was killed when government troops overran an NPA lair in Borongan City, Eastern Samar on Thursday.

In a report, the Philippine Army's 8th Infantry Brigade said at least one armed rebel died during an encounter with the military and 50 members of the terrorist group in upland Pinanag-an village around 7:30 a.m. on Thursday.

Soldiers of the 14th Infantry Battalion have been patrolling the heavily-forested area following reports of villagers on the establishment of an NPA lair there. The gun battle lasted for nearly two hours. No one from the government side was hurt.

After the clash, troops recovered the body of the slain rebel, firearms, improvised explosive device, magazines, rifle grenades, ammunition, backpacks, assorted medicines, blasting caps, mobile phones, bomb switch, and subversive documents with high intelligence value.

Major Gen. Raul M. Farnacio, commander of 8th Infantry Division said in a statement that the communist terrorists have been on the run since the government launched its relentless patrol operations in the far-flung communities influenced by the terrorists.

"This is proof that our counter-insurgency strategies are effective with the help of communities who reject the NPA's ideology," Farnacio said.

He urged rebels to surrender and avail of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program, a complete package of assistance to former rebels to help them mainstream with the community and be productive citizens.

The NPA, which has been waging a five-decade armed struggle against the government, is considered as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines. (PNA)

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

Kamao ba ka modrive ana, Balskie? Hehehe

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

Cream Bread by Balong
Available in Davao City

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

Sinulat ni Disenteng Bugoy (FB)

"Ang kinabuhi sa pobre"

Ania na usab ako ang higala ninjo nga pobre,
Akong kalipay sa buntag higop sa kape dayon log in sa fb,
Dili sama sa datu kung way kwarta ang boot mag alburoto,
Way laing mabuhat utang diri utang didto,
Ug paninglan daghan kaayo ug ipasangil,
Kung a pugson makig away sa maniningil,
Ang uban mag pulitiko dayon mangilad ug tawo,
Kon makadaug kawaton ang kwarta sa municipyo,
Mas maayo pa ang pobre manginabuhi pag tinud anay,
Sama kanako ang pisbok dako nang kalipay,
Mao nga dili ko ikaulaw ang pobre nga kahimtang,
Kay dili kami sama sa nagpakadatu nga minilyon ang utang.

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

Reposted from Facebook:
NAALALA PA BA NINYO ANG ATRASO NG TAONG ITO?
"The Most Flying PRESIDENT"
walang nabili ito kahit isang barko o eroplano para sa AFP Modernization, pero andaming mga government properties ang ibinenta ng mokong na ito...
*Pinoy Expo scandal
*Fort Bonifacio
*National Steel Corporation
*Pampanga MEGA dike corruption
at marami pa...

#CopyPaste

Buking na! Former President Fidel V. Ramos' blunders revealed ...
www.thedailysentry.net  › Politics
the things fidel v. ramos did: 1. CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY DURING MARTIAL LAW : Principal Defense Chief of MURDER, TORTURE, FORCED DISAPPEARANCES and OTHER FORMS OF...

"RAMOS THE EDSA HERO? a** OF PH HISTORY!"

A real hero is not corrupt, is not a perpetrator of crimes against humanity, nor a power grabber to escape punishment. HE DID NOT ONLY CHEAT A PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION, TUTANG TUTA pa ng PUTI AND NO. 1 perpetrator together with ENRILE FOR CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY DURING MARTIAL LAW!

THE THINGS FIDEL V. RAMOS DID:

1. CRIMES AGAINST HUMANITY DURING MARTIAL LAW : Principal Defense Chief of MURDER, TORTURE, FORCED DISAPPEARANCES and OTHER FORMS OF MILITARY ABUSE DURING PREVIOUS MARTIAL LAW as Sec. of National Defense.

2. Perpetrated brownouts, snowpaking, dagdag-bawas and other forms of electoral fraud during vote counting in the 1992 presidential elections to BLATANTLY rob MIRIAM DEFENSOR SANTIAGO OF THE PRESIDENCY !! He basked in presidential power openly as tuta ng mga puti !

He then appointed justices of the Supreme Court and delayed the presidential electoral recount FOR MANY, MANY YEARS that spans almost an entire presidential term, resulting in a decision that was grossly biased against petitioner Miriam Defensor Santiago, Ramon Magsaysay Awardee for Government Service.

When the electoral canvas sheets arrived at the Batasang Pambansa, ballot boxes showed signs of tampering and prior opening, canvas sheets were STILL WET WITH SNOWPAKE - MDS VOTES WERE GIVEN TO HIM AND HIS TO MDS. HE IS THE INFAMOUS CHEATER IN PHILIPPINE HISTORY, NEVER A HERO, THAT A**HOLE !

3. Made money from Clark Centennial Complex. He was never able to liquidate the BILLIONS OF CENTENNIAL FUNDS accdg. to COA.

The post reads:

"1. Did you know? the Philippines is the number 1 supplier of steel in Southeast Asia in 1960's to 1990's.

But Former Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos sold the National Steel Corporation (NSC) in Iligan City to malaysia and chinese as part of his privatization program. NSC was asia's largest steel factory. now its gone. rotten and forgotten forever allowing china dominates the Philippines. no jobs for the Filipinos.

2. He also Sold the Bonifacio BGC Taguig To Private Sector

After the Americans turned over Fort McKinley to the Philippines, it was renamed Fort Bonifacio in honor of Andres Bonifacio, the supremo of the Katipunan. Na Binenta naman ni Former President Ramos ang lahat ng Lupain ng Gobyerno sa Private Sector ang Fort Bonifacio 1999. Kasama ang lupain ngaun tinatayuan ng buong Mall of Asia sa Private Sector. Ang billion billion Pera ay Hindi alam kung San nagamit

3. He Sold the Petron to Aramco Saudi

In February 1988 Petrophil Philippines Was Renamed to Petron Corporation under Cory administration.

In 1994 under Presidency Of Fidel Ramos, PNOC and Saudi Aramco sign A contract purchased Agreement that Gave Aramco 40% of ownership of Petron Philippines. In the same year 20% of Petron share Was Sold."

In relation to this post, the sister of late Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago, Atty. Paula Defensor Knack added:

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

By John Ray Saavedra

CEBU CITY -- It was the promise of the "organizers" to give him farmland to till, which prompted him to join the New People's Army (NPA). It was a promise that changed his life, when what was given to him was a gun to kill his fellow farmers who decried the rebels' abuses.

Julieto Pescadero Canoy, who traced his family in Cebu but had been known in the Davao del Sur-South Cotabato hinterlands as "Tatay Bong," in an interview, recalled how the "black propaganda" of the NPA rebels twisted his mind to join as an organizer and later as "terrorist fighter" and "finance officer".

Tatay Bong, 65, was born in Cebu. His father was a farmer from Toledo City and his mother hailed from Argao in southern Cebu. He recalled how NPA organizers deceived him through disinformation and empty promises and made him a "fighter for a false cause" for 31 years.

When his parents arrived in Davao del Sur in the late '50s, he recalled how productive their life was, as a family, but all of that changed due to deceptive information he got from the organizers.

He joined the rebel movement at the age of 26 in 1980 in Davao del Sur.

"Mag-uuma gyud ko. Na-engganyo pagsulti nila sa tulo ka batakang problema sa nasud. Niapil ko kay kun makadaog mi, hatagan mi og yuta. (I was a farmer. I was brainwashed by their discussion on three top problems in the country. I joined when they promised for a farmland once we win)," Tatay Bong recalled.

Transformed into a full-blown organizer because of his talent in public speaking, Tatay Bong recalled how he became the peddler of lies and deceptions to the farmers when he himself organized farmer groups in other towns.

Later on, the farmer-turned-organizer became suspicious of his group's main agenda when he discovered that the results were not the ones promised him.

"Di man yuta ilang gihatag nako, armas man kay pagubaton man mi sa mga PC (They gave me no farmland, they provided me with a gun to fight against the Philippine Constabulary)," he further recalled.

Collecting dues from poor farmers

As a farmer, Tatay Bong knew about "hand-to-mouth" existence, with their farm yield not enough to sustain a family's needs.

However, being part of a farmer-group organized by the NPA, each member should pay a monthly due of PHP5 to the organization, he said.

Collecting the farmer's monthly dues was what taught Tatay Bong the skills of a "treasury man" and later on assigned to be the command's finance officer.

He served as finance officer in Davao del Sur and South Cotabato.

According to him, he started to doubt what he was fighting for when he saw the big shots of the NPA in Mindanao.

Being a finance officer, he recalled having a meeting with the bigwigs of the NPA, like George Madlos alias "Ka Oris" and his wife, Myrna Solarte alias "Maria Malaya", in one of the towns in Caraga region, to remit the proceeds of their extortion activities in the mountain villages there.

In those meetings, Tatay Bong said he could compare himself to a real fighter, and could not identify with the top NPA officials, in the way they dressed and the texture of their skin. "Ako lago, way ligo, itom og panit. Silang Ka Oris ug Maria Malaya hamis kaayo og panit (I was bushy, unbathed, dark skinned. Both Ka Oris and Maria Malaya have smooth skins)," he noted.

NPA as hindrance to progress

As a farmer, Tatay Bong said he could still recall how progressive the life of the farmers in Davao del Sur.

He said that during those days when there were no NPA rebels in his place, farm life was a happy life for them in the village.

"Sa una, gamay pa ko, mga hinapos ang dekada 50, katimaan pa ko nga puwerteng daghana namong produkto sa kabukiran, kargahan namo trak (Before, when I was a child, around the end of year '50s, I could remember that we have so many produce from our farm that we load up to the trucks)," he recounted.

"Bag-ong entrada ang tuig '70s paingon '80s, grabe ang binakwitay wa nay tarong among uma. Wa na mi mahimo kay sige naman mi bakwit, sige naman binakbakay kay daghan naman rebelde, naa namay daghang armas sa kabukiran (As year '70s came until '80s, we could no longer cultivate our farm because of massive evacuation that occurred. Nothing that we could do because of the rise of number of rebels and the proliferation of firearms in the mountain)," Tatay Bong narrated.

He is still hopeful that farming villages in Mindanao can still regain the usual glory once there would be no more NPA terrorizing them and extorting money.

NPA in urban areas

The former NPA finance officer said that the national government should boost its "political propaganda" against the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

He stressed that NPA rebels as terrorist can now be found in the urban areas, blending with their comrades in the legal front.

He said some of those marching on the streets and shouting anti-government slogans are NPA terrorists who just momentarily left their guns in the bushes.

He said that urban metropolis, like Cebu, is a favorite vacation and meeting place for NPA terrorists and their conduits in the legal fronts.

As former troop leader before he got arrested by the Philippine Army Scout Rangers in the boundary of Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur, he said six female students had fought beside him.

While he could not recall which universities they came from, Tatay Bong could only remember that these female students functioned as medical officers for his team of 21 NPA terrorists.

"Mga produkto sila sa organizing sa siyudad. Nahimo silang NPA (They were products of organizing activities in the city. They ultimately became NPA)," he said.

Horrible life as terrorist

Tatay Bong recalled how the people, especially their comrades, were drawn together and tied with strings after being sentenced to death by a Kangaroo court, during the "Kampanyang Kahos," the NPA's campaign against alleged spies, moles, and infiltrators.

"Luoy kaayo tan-awon akong mga kauban. Gilambinglambing, gihiktan dayon hagpakon ang tangkugo og pinintol (I pitied some of my colleagues. They were tied together then bashed with a pinintol), he said.

Pinintol or anvil is a solid piece or heavy block of iron or steel, on which, hot metals are usually hammered and shaped into bolos or knives.

He saw some of his comrades dug their own graves. He said some were even buried alive.

According to him, he was haunted by his conscience with what he saw while he was still actively fighting against the government forces.

"Sa pagsulod nako, among edukahon ang mga mag-uuma nga mokuyog namo. Ang di mokuyog, palayason, ang di molayas patyon (When I joined the NPA, we convinced the farmers to join us. Those who would not join us would be asked to leave. Those who would not leave would get killed)," he recounted, while stressing those were the reasons he was looking for a way to sever his ties with the terrorists.

The time to end his rebel days came in 2011 when he was arrested in Barangay New Tubigon, Sibagat town of Agusan del Norte.

He said that when the Scout Rangers chanced upon him, he raised his hands to surrender and at the same time closed his eyes.

But the thought of being killed by the Scout Rangers never crossed his mind as they even addressed him as "Tay", when asked about his identity.

Fast forward to 2019, through the power of mass media and community forums, Tatay Bong wants to repay for his horrific iniquities by becoming active in convincing fellow NPA terrorists to go back to the fold of the law.

Now a gentle member of the citizenry and following the laws and ordinances in his place, Tatay Bong said he is not afraid to face his former colleagues, even the bigwigs of the CPP-NPA-NDF, to show that their lost cause is not the answer to the country's problems but serves as hindrance to achieving progress.  (PNA)

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

MANILA -- Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Gen. Oscar Albayalde, on Wednesday named the three police officials he recommended as his possible successor when he retires in November this year.

These are PNP deputy chief for operations, Director Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboa; Directorial Staff chief, Lt. Gen. Camilo Pancratius Cascolan; and, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director, Maj. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar.

He said the three police officials have also been named by former PNP chief and Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa as his "bets" for the PNP's top post.

"Kasi sila naman ang medyo senior at sila ang (They are senior and are) next in line besides of course kay Gen. Eleazar who is class '87 pero doon sa performance naman niya (based on his performance) I think he will do good also the same as the other two, Gen. Cascolan and Gen. Gamboa," said Albayalde in a press briefing.

He said the three officials "have the credentials" and deserve to be the next PNP chief.

Albayalde, the country's 22nd PNP chief, will retire on Nov. 8 upon reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56. He replaced dela Rosa who retired in April 2018.

Like Albayalde, Gamboa and Cascolan were also members of the Philippine Military Academy Sinagtala class 1986.

Gamboa and Cascolan will reach the mandatory retirement age in September and November 2020, respectively. (PNA)

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

MANILA -- The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) has established a protocol on how to respond to bomb threats as part of security measures it prepared for the upcoming school opening in Metro Manila on June 3.

Maj. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar, NCRPO chief, said the protocol includes the designation of a contact person or marshal in different schools to immediately act and respond to bomb threat calls.

Eleazar said they have also alerted their explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) units as part of the protocol to secure schools in Metro Manila.

He said the EOD will conduct the search and, if needed, will disarm, control or detonate the explosives.

Eleazar urged the public to stay calm since most of the previous bomb threats in Metro Manila turned out to be hoaxes.

"They should not panic as everything possible is being done to neutralize these threats," Eleazar told the Philippine News Agency.

He said 7,153 police officers and personnel will be deployed in NCR to make sure that no untoward incidents will happen during the during school opening.

"I would like to rally everyone to close in on the vicinities of these schools. We have to secure all our pupils and students from criminals, such as pickpockets and snatchers," he said.

Eleazar said police marshals will also be deployed to secure passengers of buses, UV Express, taxis and jeepneys.

"We will be everywhere, especially our police detectives, who would secure students and other commuters inside buses, and passenger jeepneys," Eleazar said.

"All police personnel assigned in public assistance desks should coordinate with the Department of Education school authorities and local government officials," he added. (PNA)

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

MANILA — Retired Cotabato Archbishop Orlando Cardinal Quevedo, who turned 80 on Monday, is no longer allowed to participate in a conclave or the election of a new Pope.

According to an article posted in the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) news website, the cardinal celebrated his birthday by presiding a Mass with bishops at the Cotabato Cathedral.

Canon Law states that a cardinal who turns 80 is no longer eligible to vote in a conclave.

This leaves the Philippines with only one Cardinal, Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Tagle, 61, who is eligible to participate in a conclave.

Quevedo was the first and so far, the only Filipino Cardinal who was appointed by Pope Francis under his papacy.

He was the country's eighth cardinal and the first from Mindanao.

Aside from Quevedo and Tagle, the country has one more living cardinal, retired Manila Archbishop Emeritus Gaudencio Rosales, who is now 86 years old.

There are now 223 living cardinals, of whom 122 are under the age of 80 and are eligible to elect a new Pope.

Under the rules, the conclave must achieve a two-thirds majority to elect the new Pope. (PNA)

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

MANILA -- Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle was elected anew as the President of Caritas Internationalis (CI).

"Congratulations to our beloved Luis Antonio Cardinal G. Tagle, for his re-election as the President of Caritas Internationalis!" the National Secretariat for Social Action (NASSA)/Caritas Manila, the social action arm of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), said in its Facebook account NASSA/Caritas Philippines on Friday.

The cardinal was elected at the CI headquarters in Rome during the General Assembly of the global confederation of Catholic charities which started on May 23 until May 28.

The meeting, which is being held every four years, will elect a new secretary general, treasurer, and other senior officials.

Likewise, the gathering will outline and design the confederation's strategic direction for the next four years.

Tagle was first elected to head Caritas in 2015, making him the first president from Asia. His reelection comes as the Vatican is making significant efforts to take a lead in environmental protection.

As president of the Caritas Internationalis, he will travel around the world to deliver speeches, including visits to disaster areas and conflict zones.

The head of the Archdiocese of Manila, together with 31 other prelates from Metro Manila and northern Luzon, are also currently in Rome for their ad Limina visit, which is the periodic visit to the Vatican required of each residential bishop.

They will be reporting on the developments in their respective archdioceses and dioceses and on the programs of the local Church.

The CI is a confederation of 165 Catholic relief, development and social service organizations operating in over 200 countries and territories worldwide. (PNA)

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

MANILA -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Friday extended by one day the election candidates' filing of Statements of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCEs) since the end of the 30-day deadline falls on a holiday.

"Under the law, all candidates and electoral parties are required to submit (their) SOCE within 30 days after the elections. However, considering that the last day of filing of SOCE is June 12, 2019, which is a holiday, SOCE can still be submitted on the following day (June 13)," Comelec spokesman James Jimenez read from a statement.

The country will celebrate Independence Day on June 12.

Jimenez said the submission of SOCEs via registered mail, courier or messenger services "shall not be accepted."

The Comelec reminded all candidates of the recent mid-term elections to submit three copies of SOCE, which should be in Excel format.

"(The) SOCE is required to be submitted despite that: Candidate was not elected; the campaign was self-funded; no expenditures were incurred; candidate did not pursue or continue the campaign; and candidate withdrew his candidacy unless that it was withdrawn officially before the start of election campaign. (Feb. 12 for senators and March 29 for local candidates)," the statement added.

The poll body also said winning candidates may still file their SOCEs beyond the deadline, but have to pay a penalty for late filing.

"SOCE filed beyond the deadline shall not be accepted except from those who won the elections. Until the submission of SOCE, the winning candidate shall not assume office. (Sec. 14 or Republic Act 7166). Provided however, the winning candidate shall submit SOCE within six months from the date of proclamation without prejudice to payment of administrative penalty for late filing (Sec. 13 and Sec. 16 of Comelec Resolution No. 10505)," the statement said.

"Failure to file SOCE may result (in) imposition of administrative sanctions against candidates and electoral parties," it added.

Section 14 of RA 7166 imposes a fine ranging from PHP1,000 to PHP10,000.

The Comelec said SOCE forms can be downloaded from its website, www.comelec.gov.ph. (PNA)

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

BUSAN, South Korea -- The Philippine Navy (PN) is planning to acquire 25 to 30 warships of various types within the next five to 10 years as part of its efforts to augment its fleet.

"We have plans to acquire 25 to 30 in the next five to 10 years. (This) includes corvettes, OPVs (offshore patrol vessels), and even submarines," PN flag officer-in-command Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad told reporters shortly after the keel-laying ceremony for the second missile frigate, BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151), at Dock 4 of Hyundai Heavy Industries' (HHI) shipyard in Ulsan, South Korea on Thursday.

The BRP Antonio Luna is the sister ship of the BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150), the PN's missile frigate, which was formally launched in the same facility also on Thursday.

Empedrad said these projects are open to all shipbuilding firms with naval construction capabilities worldwide.

"I think there is a need to beef up the PN because we have vast maritime (territories) and we need to protect it," the PN chief said.

The BRP Jose Rizal, which is scheduled for delivery in 2020, and the BRP Antonio Luna, which will be delivered in 2021, will be armed with an Oto Melara 76mm Super Rapid main gun, an Aselsan SMASH 30mm remote-controlled secondary cannon, anti-submarine torpedoes and anti-air and ship missiles along with sensors and surveillance systems capable of detecting and neutralizing air, surface, and sub-surface threats.

The BRP Jose Rizal is also equipped with Hanwha Systems' Naval Shield combat management system (CMS), which integrates all shipboard sensors and weapons and decides on the ideal way to deal with any incoming threat.

It can also detect and track about 4,000 targets and is used in various configurations by the Republic of Korea Navy, the Royal Malaysian Navy, and the Indonesian Navy.

Encrypted tactical data systems

Hanwha Systems also developed a tactical data link system for the two ships called "Link P", which will be exclusively used by the two missile frigates.

This was bared by Hanwha Systems Overseas Business Support manager Samsoo Kim after a tour of their facility early this week.

He added that it can communicate with other similar tactical data link systems and has a 32-digit key code encryption to ensure data security.

"There is 32-digit key code for encrypting ('Link P') and we will give this freedom (to the PN) to change the key code. Normally the password has 10 digits. Hacking of this password takes a million years. That's the theory. Thirty-two digits is a very long password (the) PH Navy can randomly put in this system," Kim said.

The Philippines and HHI signed a PHP16-billion contract for two missile-armed frigates. A total of PHP2 billion was also set aside for its weapon systems and munition in October 2016.

PN spokesperson Capt. Jonathan Zata earlier said these frigates will help secure the country's maritime chokepoints or primary sea routes used for trade, logistics, and naval operations for all forms of threats.

Steel-cutting for BRP Jose Rizal took place in April 1, 2018 while the same ceremony for BRP Antonio Luna transpired in November the same year.

This event officially signified the start of the actual construction of the frigates.

Meanwhile, the keel-laying ceremony for BRP Jose Rizal took place last October as the formal recognition of the start of the ship's construction.

Keel-laying refers to the official start of the construction of any ship and is considered among the four highlights of any surface vessel with the other three being steel-cutting, commissioning, and decommissioning.

"These frigates are built based on the Incheon/FFX-I/HDF-3000-type multi-purpose frigate of the Republic of Korea Navy (RoKN), which offers increased operational performance and enhanced survivability," Zata said.

The ship measures 351 feet long and 46 feet wide and has a maximum speed of 25 knots. It can travel up to 4,500 nautical miles at a cruising speed of 15 knots and can sustain operational presence for 30 days. It is also capable of withstanding rough sea conditions up to Sea State 7, which means waves of up to six to nine meters high.

"Each frigate has a complement of more than 100 officers and crew. It has a flight deck located at the stern with the ability to handle one maritime helicopter weighing up to 12 tons. Two rigid-hulled inflatable boats will be carried to conduct military and emergency operations at sea," Zata added. (PNA)

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

ILOILO CITY – The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) is urging residents of Western Visayas, who are interested to undergo skills training, to avail of its training-for-work-scholarship program (TWSP) this year.

TESDA 6 (Western Visayas) Director Ashary A. Banto, in an interview Thursday afternoon, said based on the absorptive capacity of Technical-Vocational Education and Training (TVET) providers and TESDA Technology Institutes (TTIs), they can accommodate about 8,000 individuals.

"Initially, we will fund four batches per course," he said, adding that their central office has already provided the region with initial funding.

Western Visayas has almost 200 registered programs. Based on the absorptive capacity of Western Visayas, the region will need more than PHP200 million for the entire year.

Each course, he said, has a different training cost.

Those who are interested are advised to visit the provincial offices of TESDA.

"They will be assessed based on their chosen course and will determine if they will qualify," he said.

He added that classes have begun but the enrollment is still ongoing.

They just have to bring proper identification cards.

They also have to be 15 years old and above, which is the trainable age, according to the director. (PNA)

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

COTABATO CITY -- Two fishermen engaged in illegal fishing were injured on Friday morning after the dynamite they were using to fish, prematurely exploded.

Abdul Marudin, a sitio leader in the coastal village of Kalanganan here, identified the seriously wounded fishermen as Datu and his uncle, Mahdi, both surnamed Matabalao, both residents of the village.

"They are now recuperating at the Cotabato Regional and Medical Center (CRMC) due to serious injuries," Marudin said at the hospital on Saturday.

Marudin said the duo was fishing at the "Bucana" (mouth) of Rio Grande de Mindanao when three improvised dynamites prematurely exploded while hidden inside the wooden banca at 11 a.m.

Other fishermen rescued the two and rushed them to the CRMC.

Police investigation showed the victims have manufactured explosives fashioned from ammonium nitrate, gasoline, and sulfur.

Dynamite fishing is prohibited under local laws but most fishermen still use it since law enforcement appears to be weak in the coast of this city and in neighboring Maguindanao province.

"While they regularly use dynamites, the risk was so great that one of them lost an arm while the other sustained serious injuries in the face," Marudin said.

Col. Michael Lebanan, city police director, has immediately ordered the local police to monitor manufacturers of dynamite used in fishing to save lives and preserve marine life. (PNA)

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

COTABATO CITY -- The head of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) police has warned his men to refrain from doing illegal acts because the law will eventually catch up with them.

Brig. Gen. Graciano Mijares, BARMM police chief, issued the warning after two cops were arrested for "kotong" or extortion in Wao, Lanao del Sur on Thursday following an entrapment operation.

Jailed were Master Sgt. Erwin A. Piquero and Staff Sgt. Jeffrey R. Fabros, both of the Wao police force.

Acting on complaints by Laut Madale, the two cops were nabbed in an entrapment laid by their companions and officials of the Lanao del Sur provincial police.

"Madale agreed to the entrapment operation and to hand over the extortion money to the two cops after officially filing his complaint before the Lanao del Sur police office," Mijares said.

Mijares added that Madale handed over the PHP50,000 cash to the two cops who threatened to prosecute his son, Ibrahim, who was caught for illegal possession of a .45-caliber pistol.

Col. Madzgani Mukaram, director of the Lanao del Sur provincial police, said the two cops raided and searched the house of Ibrahim without a court warrant and found an unlicensed caliber .45 pistol .

Mukaram said the two policemen, both erring cops from Regions 7 and 4 and transferred to BARMM, demanded PHP100,000 in cash from Ibrahim.

In exchange, the two cops will drop the case against Madale's son. Madale agreed to hand over the initial PHP50,000 to the suspects in an agreed meeting place and time, for which he also informed the Wao police chief about the deal.

"We don't tolerate any misbehavior of our men," Mukaram said, adding that the two rotten cops had just thrown away their monetary benefits upon retirement for the PHP50,000 extortion money they never had.

Mukaram lauded the Madale patriarch for cooperating with the police.

Mijares also lauded the police officers for their efforts to cleanse their ranks by working against their corrupt colleagues. (PNA)

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

KIDAPAWAN CITY – Mayor-elect Joseph Evangelista and vice mayor-elect Jivy Roe Bombeo took their oath of office on Friday.

Evangelista and Bombeo, as well as 10 councilors-elect, took their oath before Regional Trial Court Judge Arvin Sadiri Balagot at the Kidapawan City gymnasium.

Elected as councilors, according to the number of votes they hve obtained, were Melvin Lamata Jr., Marites Malaluan, Gregorio Lonzaga, Ruby Padilla-Sison, Carlo Agamon, Airene Claire Pagal, Aljo Cris Dizon, Lauro Taynan Jr., Narry Amador, and Peter Salac.

Evangelista's better half, Marylene, and their children Dr. Jose Martin Evangelista, lawyer Jose Paolo Evangelista, and daughter-in-law lawyer Angeli Ness Casador, were around to witness the mayor's oath-taking for a renewed mandate.

"Election is over. Now is the time to fulfill what we have promised to our people during the campaign period," Evangelista said.

He vowed to do "finishing touches" on all development projects implemented in 2013 when he was first elected as city chief executive. (PNA

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

DOE TO PITCH PCECP IN USA

TAGUIG CITY – Following its successful kickoff in Singapore last month, the Department of Energy (DOE) gears up to continue its 2019 Philippine Conventional Energy Contracting Program (PCECP) International Road Show at the American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) Annual Convention & Exhibition (ACE) in San Antonio, Texas, USA on 19 to 22 May 2019. This will be followed by road shows in North America, South America, and the Middle East.

Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi said, "As we support and strengthen the effort of President Duterte's administration to explore and discover indigenous petroleum resources, the DOE remains committed in establishing the ‛Explore, Explore, Explore!' program that will elevate energy independence, security and sustainability through effective and reasonable development of all indigenous energy resources in the Philippines."

The AAPG ACE is one of the most prestigious events for the geosciences community and one of the largest global gatherings for oil and gas industry professionals and investors, with an estimated 7,500 professionals from more than 72 countries participating this year.

The DOE delegation to be headed by Undersecretary Donato D. Marcos will be presenting at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center and conduct one-on-one meetings with various petroleum exploration companies at the booth located in the International Pavilion.

To date, 17 requests for the issuance of Area Clearance for various areas in the Sulu Sea, Recto Bank, Palawan, Quezon, Albay, and Mindoro have been received by the DOE from nine local and foreign companies. Three companies have successfully acquired Area Clearances and have submitted their respective Letters of Intent (LOIs) to formalize their Area Nominations for approval by the DOE.

Furthermore, six companies have viewed and four companies have purchased technical data sets that include seismic lines and well listings. Sixteen companies have so far conducted courtesy visits to the DOE for one-on-one meetings regarding the details of the PCECP.

Evaluation of applications is made by the DOE Centralized Review and Evaluation Committee based on the criteria pursuant to Department Circular No. DC2017-12-0017 and existing PCECP guidelines. Interested parties must comply with the legal, financial and technical requirements, which include the proposed work program and economic development plan for the contract area.

At present, there are 22 active petroleum service contracts in the Philippines with Shell Philippines Exploration, Total E&P, PNOC-EC, Nido Petroleum, Philodrill, PXP Energy, and Galoc Production Company, to name a few of DOE operator-partners. The Philippines is home to the Malampaya Deep Water Gas-to-Power Project, the largest and most successful natural gas industrial project in Philippine history.

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

PMA Entrance Exam 2019 Date, Requirements, Coverage and Application Guide

For those who would want to become part of the Cadet Corps Armed Forces of the Philippines and later on serve as one of the leaders of the AFP, he/she may take the Philippine Military Academy entrance examination (PMAEE). The PMAEE is the first step in the selection process to become a cadet in the most prestigious leadership school in the country today. If you think you have all the qualifications below to become an officer of the armed forces, then this post is for you. Please read on.

PMA Entrance Exam 2019 Schedule

The PMA conducts the PMA Entrance Examination on August or September every year in more than 40 testing centers nationwide. They usually announce the start of the application process on the first or second week of April. Please stay tuned for more information.

PMA Entrance Exam Requirements

Here are the qualifications and requirements to become a cadet in the PMA:

Natural Born Filipino Citizen.
Physically fit and of good moral character.
Single and has never been married.
Must pass the PMA Entrance Examination.
No Administrative / Criminal Case.
At least High School Graduate with at least 85% GPA
Height Requirement for both Male and Female is 5 feet (not to exceed 6'4″ for both).
At least 17 years old but not a day older than 22 years on the reporting date (01 June 2020).
Note:

Applicants who are currently in Grade 11 are not qualified to take the exam while those who are currently in Grade 12 are qualified to take if they will graduate before June 1, 2020. Those who have GPA lower than 85 may still apply as walk-in applicants. However, they will be placed on a secondary list of walk-in applicants and will be given a chance to take the exam depending on the slots available.

Medical Disqualifications

Colorblind
Any communicable disease
Physical deformities
Scoliosis
Tattoos
Other medical conditions as determined by AFP Medical Board
How to Apply

Those who are interested and qualified are advised to submit by mail a fully- accomplished application form with a copy of Birth Certificate in security paper issued by PSA and a certified true copy of High School Form 137 or 138. Mail it or hand carry to this address:

Office of Cadet Admission
Philippine Military Academy
Fort del Pilar, Baguio City
2602

PMAEE Venues

Here are the official PMA Entrance Examination centers where the PMA will conduct the 2019 PMAEE simultaneously. Please be reminded that this list may change without prior notice.

CODE PLACE
001 Northwestern University, Laoag City
002 Cagayan State University, Tuguegarao City
003 Mt. Prov. State Polytechnic College, Bontoc, Mountain Province
004 St. Mary University, Bayombong, Nueva Viscaya
005 PMA, Baguio City
006 Narciso Ramos Sports Complex, Lingayen, Pangasinan
007 Araullo University, Cabanatuan City
008 Tarlac State University, Tarlac City
009 Clark Air Base Gym, Mabalacat City, Pampanga
010 San Andres Sports Complex, Manila
011 Ramon Magsaysay High School, Cubao, Quezon City
012 Jose Rizal University, Mandaluyong City
013 UP Losa Banos, Laguna
014 AETDC, Lipa City
015 Southern Luzon State University, Lucena City
016 University of Nueva Caceres, Naga City
017 Bicol University, Legaspi City, Albay
018 Palawan National High School, Puerto Princesa City
019 Dasmariñas National High School, Dasmariñas City, Cavite
101 Northwestern Visayan College, Kalibo, Aklan
102 University of Iloilo, Iloilo City

CODE PLACE
103 STI West Negros University, Bacolod City
104 Negros Oriental State University, Dumaguete City
105 Univ. of Southern Philippines Foundation, Cebu City
106 Samar State University-Main Campus, Catbalogan City
107 Eastern Visayas State University, Tacloban City
108 Holy Name University, Tagbilaran City
201 CARAGA State University, Butuan City
202 Camp Evangelista Gym, 41D, PA, Cagayan De Oro City
203 Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology, Iligan City
204 University of Mindanao, Davao City
206 Provincial Gymnasium, Kidapawan City
207 Lagao Gymnasium, General Santos City
208 Misamis University, Ozamis City
209 Notre Dame University Gym, Cotabato City
210 Tacurong Gymnasium, Tacurong City
212 Western Mindanao Command, Zamboanga City
214 DMC College Foundation, Dipolog City
215 St Mary's College of Tagum, Davao del Norte
216 Pagadian City Gymnasium, Pagadian City

PMA Entrance Exam 2019 Coverage

Like the past examinations, this year's PMAEE will also cover the following subject areas:

Algebra and Geometry
Grammar
Composition
Reading and Comprehension
Verbal Reasoning
Numerical Reasoning
Pattern Analysis.

You may start to review at least 3 months before the scheduled examination date. Gather as much review materials as you can or look for free PMA Entrance Exam reviewers. They will help you hurdle this first step of your PMA career.

What to do if I passed the PMAEE?

Applicants who passed the PMAEE will be notified by the Office of Cadet Admission (OCA) through the mail, newspapers and website announcement. The OCA will also inform the applicant of the date of his/her physical examination.

Report to AFP Medical Center (formerly V. Luna) for medical, dental, and neuropsychiatric examination. They will also give further instructions on the next step of the application process.

Benefits of Being a Cadet

Successful applicants will be granted a free 4-year college education with a well-rounded curriculum, receive a stipend while studying, and a progressive career as an officer of the Philippine Army, Philippine Navy or Philippine Air Force.

For more information and inquiries, please contact the following:

Office of Admission
Philippine Military Academy
Fort del Pilar, Baguio City
Tel Nos. (074)446-8002 / 447-3690 / 447-3292 / 447-3686 local: 6551 or 6545
Telefax. (074) 447-2825
Mobile Phone Nos. 09065466989 / 09284325578

Public Information Office
Philippine Military Academy
Fort del Pilar, Baguio City
Email Address: oca@pma.ph / pio_pma@yahoo.com
Website:Philippine Military Academy
www.pma.ph

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

MANILA -- The Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) on Friday urged government agencies to use licensed software to prevent copyright infringement in the country.

"I see the need for the Intellectual Property Office to meet with relevant government agencies and departments to be able to discuss how to address this issue and be able to solve this," IPOPHL Director General Josephine Santiago said in an interview with reporters on the sidelines of the 2019 Intellectual Property Convergence forum in Makati City.

Santiago was reacting to the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) statement, urging the Philippines to implement effective policies to ensure that government agencies do not use unlicensed software.

She said government agencies must allocate a budget for the procurement of licensed software that may be used by their offices, noting that the use of unlicensed software may compromise the security of data being handled by the government.

"It is very risky especially when it is government having all the information that we have. The security is at the lowest; so you can say that IPOPHL really would like to promote the use of licensed software by all sectors of society," Santiago said.

For the sixth consecutive year, the Philippines remains outside of the 2019 Special 301 Watchlist of the USTR due to the country's creation of an IP Academy to develop IP education incorporating international aspects, the adoption of a multidisciplinary approach to addressing IP issues and its strong anti-camcording legislation.

The USTR noted, however, that the Philippines, Argentina, Brazil, China, Costa Rica, Egypt, Greece, Indonesia, Kenya, Mexico, Nigeria, Romania, Russia, Thailand, and Vietnam, do not have in place effective policies and procedures to ensure their own government agencies do not use unlicensed software.

"It is important for governments to legitimize their own activities in order to set an example of respecting IP for private enterprises," the US government agency's report read.

The USTR's Special 301 Report aims to push countries to better adhere to intellectual property rights standards, by identifying US trading partners which it considers to have weak IP protection and enforcement system.

A recent study from the Business Software Alliance (BSA) showed that the rate of unlicensed software installations in the Philippines has declined by 6 percent from 70 percent in 2011 to 64 percent in 2017.

The rate was still higher than the average of 57 percent in the Asia Pacific region and the worldwide average of 37 percent. (PNA)

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

To all passengers, please divest all metal objects, cell phones, lap tops and other electronic devices and place them in the tray for X-ray screening Check Points (FSCPs) located after the departure immigration area.

Likewise, please drop liquid, Aerosol and Gels (LAGs) at the trash bin at the side of FSCPs.

We request your cooperation on the Security screening procedures for our safety and security.

Thank you!

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

MANILA -- The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has issued a preventive suspension order against bus firm Elavil Tours Phils, Inc. after one of its buses was involved in a road accident in Quezon province.

The Board also directed the bus company to explain why its certificate of public convenience must not be suspended or revoked after an Elavil bus bound for Manila crashed into the roadside metal railing along a highway in Tagkawayan, Quezon at about 12:30 a.m. Friday, leaving 20 passengers injured.

"The agency will await (a) written answer from Elavil Tours Phils, Inc. to explain why its certificate of public convenience should not be suspended, cancelled and/or revoked for violation of the terms and conditions of its franchise," the LTFRB said in a statement.

The Board likewise ordered Elavil to surrender to its legal division by May 24 all the "For Hire" plates of 10 Elavil buses, as well as their GPS recordings, the video clips from their dashcams, and CCTVs.

"All authorized traffic enforcement agencies are ordered to apprehend and impound vehicles of Elavil Tours Phils, Inc. under the said case number (2007-1991ST), if found operating," the LTFRB said.

The operator and driver of the bus involved in the accident have been summoned to appear in a hearing set at the LTFRB central office in Quezon City on May 29.

A report from the Quezon provincial police stated that an Elavil bus with 70 passengers, driven by a certain Allan Robles, crashed into the railings while traversing a descending curved section of the highway.

The overloaded bus was allegedly speeding. The bus driver escaped after the incident.

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

TABUK CITY, Kalinga -- An election protest is reportedly in the offing in Kalinga province after a neck and neck match between two gubernatorial bets that boiled down to a 10-vote difference in favor of Tabuk Mayor Ferdinand Tubban, who has since been proclaimed governor-elect.

His primary opponent, Kalinga Vice Governor James Edduba, was said to be leading earlier on but was narrowly overtaken by Tubban. The transmittal of election results from certain towns were also delayed, according to reports.

In an interview with the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Thursday evening, Edduba confirmed that his camp is preparing to file an election protest that would demand a recount in some areas.

"I was telling them (supporters and volunteers) to just let go as I am already very tired but the volunteers are insisting because they also want to know what happened," he said.
Edduba noted that the volunteers demand an explanation about 25 missing ballots and the delayed transmittal of results from Sucbot in Pinukpuk, which supposedly changed the outcome of the elections.

"The lawyers are the ones in charge. They are doing what needs to be done," he said.

Kalinga provincial election officer, lawyer Ricardo Lampac, in a separate interview told PNA that the delay of the result and the transmission from Sucbot was due to problems related to the vote counting machine (VCM), prompting the change to a substitute machine.

He said they initially thought that it was merely a problem with the memory card but it turned out to be a defect in the VCM itself. (PNA)

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

MANILA -- A cadet of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) died while undergoing summer training program within the school's vicinity in Silang, Cavite due to heatstroke.

Lt. Col. Byron Allatog, PNPA spokesperson, identified on Thursday the victim as Cadet 4th Class Al Rasheed Pendatun Macadato, 21, a native of Kalilangan, Bukidnon.

Macadato was doing a road run when he collapsed around 4:45 p.m. Tuesday. He was immediately picked up by an ambulance and was rushed to PNPA Medical Dispensary.

He was later transferred to the Qualimed Hospital in Sta. Rosa Laguna and was declared dead around 5 a.m. on Wednesday.

Allatog said Macadato has been undergoing training for the past 10 days.

For his part, PNPA director Brig. Gen. Chiquito Malayo said the attending physicians had already ruled out possible hazing against Macadato, which could have caused his death.

"The New Cadet Summer Training Package being used is the same of the previous years following a progressive or increasing timeline in runs, push-ups and pull ups," he explained.

"The other factor affecting the training packet now is the hot weather thus, new cadets are required by their squad leaders to drink 12-14 glasses or more per day," he added.

Malayo, however, assured the family of due assistance and a thorough investigation will be conducted in order to determine the extent of the whole training schedule and if lapses are evident. (PNA)

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

Tabalong is not only a name of a barangay in Dauis, Bohol. It was once a prominent clan in Bohol. A Tabalong family name may be hard to find these days.

Where do the Acas live in Bohol?

MMDA traffic experiment on EDSA-Shaw Boulevard not successful

       MANILA, Sep. 2 2002 (PNA) -- The week-long traffic experiment by
the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) in the EDSA-Shaw
Boulevard area was declared unsuccessful.

       MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando said the experiment which
disallowed the use of service roads in the area for public utility
buses was not effective.

       "It was not successful," Fernando admitted.

       "We have to use another scheme to address the traffic problem
in said area," he added.

       Fernando said they have stopped the experiment since the
commuters were burdened by walking about 500 meters from Shaw
Boulevard to the loading and unloading area at the both end of the
vehicular underpass along EDSA.

       MMDA started pilot testing the system which disallowed PUBs
from using the northbound service road in the area last Monday.

       It lasted for a week, which proved to be a drag for the public
since the traffic congestion in the area was not  solved.

       Fernando, however, said the other traffic problem solutions
they tested which included the breaking and putting away of the
railling in-front of the SM Megamall  Building A, was a success.

       He said traffic in the area decreased because buses were given
a chance to load and unload passengers for a longer time space than
before.

       Closing of the exit gates of parking space, exiting directly
to EDSA from the same mall has also hepled in easing the traffic in
the area, he noted.

       Fernando said they will not stop looking for practical
solutions to the problem of traffic along the EDSA stretch. (PNA)

Pasig squatters stage noise barrange before MMDA office

       MANILA, Sept. 2 2002 (PNA) -- Around 50 squatters living on the
banks of the Pasig River whose homes the Metropolitan Manila
Development Authority (MMDA) has threayened to demolish, staged a
noise barrage for one and a half hour in front of the MMDA main
office in Makati City Monday.

       The protestors, who are members of the Ugnayang Lakas ng mga
Nakatira sa Tabing Ilog Pasig (ULAP), said they are asking MMDA
Chairman Bayani Fernando to reconsider his plan to demolition their
houses to address the flood problem of the metropolis.

       Vener Alpapara, ULAP president said they think the MMDA
chairman is not pro-poor.

      "We are totally disgruntled by Fernando who does not recognize
the rights of the poor including the 10,000 families he sets to
evict," he said.

      Fernando noted, however, that even before President Arroyo
became president of the country, around 4,000 illegal Pasig River
squatter shanties have been demolished.

      He said he would not grant the negotiation asked by the
protestors because they will only exploit it to extend their stay in
the area instead of looking for another  place where they could stay
legally.

      "Negotiation would not help because it will not result to any
better solution," he said.

      Fernando said the protesters must go to the National Housing
Authority (NHA) regarding their housing problem because the
government has plans readied for them.

      "NHA has plans for them regarding their relocation," he said.

      "We have to continue implementing our plan because the whole
Metro Manila will benefit from it," he said.

      Meanwhile, MMDA vice chairman Cesar Lacuna said the protetors'
claims that they would be demolished because of the cancellation of
the P8.9 billion Pasig River loan intended for housing and river
rehabilitation is not true.

      "What they are saying is not true," he said.

      "Demolition of their houses will push through even if Asian
Development Bank did not cancel the loan," he said.

      Lacuna said demolition of the houses on the banks of the Pasig
River has been the government's plan even in the past.

      Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC) Executive Director
Binjie Gutierrez, said, "clearing of the riverbanks and relocation is
the priority activity to be undertaken immediately." (PNA)
JCN/JS/jsd

DAR to put up mini-coconut processing plants in every ARC

      MANILA, Sept. 2 2002(PNA) --  In a move to revitalize the coconut
industry, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR)vowed to construct
mini-coconut processing plants in every agrarian reform
community(ARC) in the country.

     This came to light as DAR inaugurated the Lawa Integrated
Coconut Processing Plant, a joint project of the DAR and the United
Nations Development Programme-Support Asset Reform thru the CARP for
the Development of Indigenous Community (UNDP-SARDIC).

     DAR Undersecretary for Field Operations Efren Moncupa said that
with the processing plant, farmers would be less dependent to a chain
of middlemen who normally dictate the farmgate price of copra, which
has remained stagnant through the years, leading some coconut farmers
to shift to more profitable crops.

     The processing plant was a result of a 15-year research
spearheaded by former University of the Philippines-Los Banos (UPLB)
prof. Ernesto Lozada.

     His pet project made it to the 2 Lawa ARC through the effort of
development facilitator Edgar Silos, who learned about it after
attending one of Lozada's lecture in a seminar organized by the
DAR-UNDP-SARDIC.

     Moncupa said he would recommend to DAR Secretary Hernani
Braganza the replication of the project in other coconut-producing
ARCs to hasten the rehabilitation of the industry and free the
farmers from the clutches of middlemen.

     He said a mini-coconut processing plant in every
coconut-producing ARC would encourage farmers to give coconut farming
another try because of a promising future that goes with it since it
would be they, themselves, would direct the course of their own farm
business.

      Earlier, the Export Development Council (EDC), the country's
export planning and program overseer, reported that coconut
production in the Philippines declined from 11.8  million metric tons
in 1996 to 5.7 million in 2000 because farmers found coconut farming
less attractive due to low prices of copra.

     "Unless appropriate package of measures is taken to arrest its
decline, the demise of the coconut industry will result to a huge
displacement of over 40,000 farmer, traders and coco-based chemical
companies-- something the country can ill-afford," the EDC said.
(PNA)

fpv/MIR/rsm

Palace to brief senators on Sabah issue

       MANILA, Sep. 2, 2002 (PNA) -- Malacanag has invited administration
and opposition legislators to a Palace briefing on the Sabah claim
issue and the alleged abuse of

Filipino deportees by Malaysian authorities on Friday September 6.

       Senate President Franklin Drilon said the invitation was
extended to all senators including the foreign affairs committee of
the House of Representatives.

       Drilon said the Palace briefing will be held on Friday at 1
p.m.

       On the Sabah claim, Senate Majority Leader Loren Legarda said
it will be worth to study the historical, social, economic, and
military implications of pressing the Philippine claim to Sabah.

       She advised that the issue be tackled in the most sober and
academic manner and avaoid sabre rattling. She likewise cautioned
against "sweeping the issue under the rug."

       "We must make sure the move is done not to antagonize our
neigbors but to be able to get to historical truths.  We must seek
out historical truths and know the basis of all these claims whether
it is beneficial to us or not, but never to create more trouble than
we already have," she said.

       For his part, Sen. Ramon Magsaysay said he would like to
support President Arroyo's stand that the Sabah claim should not be
put all together at the same time with the issue of our Filipino
deportees because this only complicates the matter.

      Magsaysay, who chairs the senate committee on national defense
and security said the Sabah claim issue per se "should be set aside
momentarily as we resolve the ill treatment of illegal migrant
Filipinos in Malaysia.

      "I am not saying that Sabah is a non-issue, but that can be
taken up at some other time," he said.

      On the other hand, Sen. Manny Villar said the Senate will
continue to conduct its own hearing on the Sabah claim as well as the
issue of the alleged inhuman treatment of Filipino deportees by
Malaysian authorities.

      Villar, chairman of the senate committee on foreign relations
said it is high time the government reviews its foreign relations
with Malaysia.

      In pursuing the Sabah claim, he said "you cannot change
history, either Sabah is ours or not and none of us can change
history."

      The move, he said, "does not mean we want trouble."

      "I am not saying at this point in time, that we have to
immediately pursue this claim.  We are conducting hearings to enable
us to be enlightened on the issue and what course of action to
undertake just in case," he said.  (PNA)

JCN/LCD/sgp

TESDA warns public on unregistered course offered by vocational
schools in CV

    DUMAGUETE CITY, Sept. 2, 2002(PNA) -- The Technical Education and
Skills Development (TESDA) has warned the public on unregistered
course offered in technical institutions in Central Visayas.

     TESDA officials said the technical schools are offering the
caregivers course and seafarers ratings course without proper
authorization from TESDA.

     Authorized technical institutions in Central Visayas offering
caregiving course are Can-Care Caregiver Training and Development
Center, Inc. in Tagbilaran City, Bohol Institute of Technology also
in Tagbilaran City, MBL Development Training Center Corporation in
Cebu City, St. Paul College Foundation, Inc. also in Cebu City.

    Cebu Caregiving Studies and Development Center, Cebu Normal
University, Intercontinental Health Care Consultants, Primacare
Training and Development Center, SICES, INS Human Resource
Development Corporation, all of Cebu City; Fil-Canadian Training and
Development Center, Dumaguete City, Negros Maritime College
Foundation, Sibulan, Negros Oriental. (PNA)

VCS/magi/JSF/HPV/mve

By Philippine News Agency

MANILA – Despite being an avowed enemy of democracy, the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing, New People's Army (CPP-NPA) and their allies are using the judicial system to get back at the government for exposing the lies, duplicity, and violence they have perpetuated through the years.

Major General Antonio Parlade, Jr., of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC), made this observation on Tuesday noting that communist rebels and their supporters have the temerity to seek redress before the Supreme Court after the government succeeded in blowing the covers of their so-called legal fronts.

"Finally we have a government who openly unrobes and exposes these terrorists of their masks and legal cover. And now everyone (cries) foul by going to the Supreme Court (SC), " he added.

Parlade was referring to the SC's en banc decision on May 3 to hear the Writs of Amparo and Habeas Data petition of the National Union of Peoples' Lawyer (NUPL).

In its petition to the SC last week, NUPL claimed that "their rights to life, liberty and security have been violated and continue to be violated through the persistent threats and harassment and red tagging allegedly done to vilify and intimidate them and prevent them from pursuing their profession as members of the Bar and from practicing their advocacy as peoples' lawyers serving the poor and the marginalized".

It also claimed that some NUPL members have died in the line of duty.

Publicity and lies

"Those press releases of yours about the filing of writ of amparo is about publicity to the international community. It is about perpetuating your lies about 'threats' and 'attacks' happening here against your people. It's about perpetuating those lies to demonize the government," said Parlade, who is also Armed Forces of the Philippines Deputy Chief of Staff for Civil Military Operations.

He said communist rebels' efforts to silence the government are aimed at protecting their rich funding source in Europe and foreign non-government organizations to whom they are obtaining millions of Euros that they are using to fund their insurrection against the duly-elected government.

"By exposing you and letting out the truth be known by the people, you call it 'attack' and 'vilification'? By clarifying that it was (CPP founding chair) Jose Maria 'Joma' Sison who identified you as his allied organization, you complain of red-tagging? By quoting your NDF (National Democratic Front) Panay spokesperson Concha (Araneta) who claimed that you are proud to have contributed to the more than 50 casualties in Panay alone, you attribute that to us as red-tagging?" Parlade added.

These claims were made by Araneta on April 24 which incidentally was the 46th anniversary of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).

"For parroting the NDFP's claim that you are all proud contributors to the ranks of the CPP and NPA, you went to get back at us?" he said.

Parlade also chided the group for getting back at the military and government for quoting their "CPP anniversary statements" on the thousands of NPA members and supporters they have killed and tortured along with the Indigenous Peoples' (IP) and former rebels.

On the claims that using these statements are "dangerous rhetoric", the NTF ELCAC official called these militants "hypocrites" and challenged them to denounce the CPP-NPA for all the atrocities they perpetrated through the years.

"The challenge is so damn simple: denounce the NPA and we are good," he said.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

Abuse of  hard-won freedom

Meanwhile, Parlade also lamented that some members of the media failed to carry the side of AFP regarding the writ of amparo and habeas data filed by the NUPL, and a similar petition filed by Karapatan, Rural Missionaries of the Philippines, and Gabriela on May 6.

"On the contrary, they have published fake news which essentially aided the NUPL in their propaganda. These papers are carrying the line of NUPL that the SC acted on its petition when clearly none of the respondents received the writ from the SC. In short, these media are allowing their government to be punched and bullied without giving it an opportunity to air its side, or more appropriately, to express the truth," he added.

An earlier AFP statement, released by military spokesperson Marine Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo, said they respect the SC decision but said that the May 3 ruling "is not yet the decision on the merits of the case but the procedures of the writs."

Such actions, Parlade said, are clearly an abuse of the freedom that the country has won after the fall of former president Ferdinand Marcos some 32 years ago.

He added that the abuse can be seen by the way the Filipino society, especially the poor and marginalized, has tolerated violation of laws, regulations, and ordinances.

"That's what happened to Boracay. That's what happened to government easements along highways, rivers, coastlines, and railroads. We allowed squatting because they are poor but at the expense of other's rights," he said.

Another example of such abuse is the way Filipinos have allowed illegal drugs syndicates to proliferate because it allegedly provides livelihood opportunities to the poor, he said.

Parlade also cited the danger of rampant activism in the Philippines such that Filipinos no longer know the difference between what is legal or not.

"So was democracy back, or was it anarchy that we promoted?" he asked.

It is a situation that is very favorable for the CPP-NPA as it has allowed them to advance their national democratic revolution through their dual tactics, or simply duplicity.

"So now we have a biased media who do not want to expose the truth about these front organizations of the CPP. We have lawyers from NUPL who threw away their oath to the Constitution and Republic and proclaim to represent the oppressed terrorists. We have Karapatan, human rights defenders, who mulct the European Union and foreign organizations to rescue NPA terrorists," he said.

Parlade also slammed some people who hide under missionary work but provide support to the terrorist CPP-NPA.

"We have terrorist organizations running and taking advantage of democratic processes thru the party-list system. And all of them hide under the legal cloak of the NDF, while doing illegal acts against the State and the people," he added. (PNA)

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

Bukidnon, Philippines

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

Naminyo na ba kaha ang GRO ug lain?

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

"Women want love to be a novel, men a short story." - Daphne du Maurier

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

ILOILO CITY -- Philippine National Police chief, Gen. Oscar Albayalde, said the police 'assassination plot' against Iloilo District Representative Richard Garin and Mayor Oscar Garin of Guimbal town is "fake news".

In a press conference on Friday afternoon at Camp Martin Delgado in this city, Albayalde said the PNP, particularly the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) "won't assassinate or do any harm against them (Garins)".

This came after there were reports of text messages of the "assassination plot" against the Garins for beating up Corporal Federico Macaya Jr. on December 2018.

"The CIDG won't assassinate or probably do any harm against them (Garins) because we have not seen any retaliatory action coming from the Garins after the incident. In fact, they were silent," Albayalde said.

He said the assassination plot is a "fake" as he did not receive validated reports coming from the regional office and even from the province.

He also noted that the Garins personally visited him at his office in Camp Crame to apologize after the incident with Macaya.

"They went to my office and they really were apologetic and we accepted their apology," he said.

Meanwhile, Police Colonel Benliner Capili, Regional Director of CIDG Region 6, said they are never involved in the rumored 'assassination plot.'

"I vehemently deny the allegations. Maybe they are just trying to discredit the police," he said in an interview.

He also advised those who are spreading fake news to stop with what they are doing, especially using the name of the PNP.

"We are just doing our job. We do not know any of it (alleged assassination plot)," he said. (PNA)

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

LAOAG CITY -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in Ilocos Norte is reminding registered voters that over voting, or choosing names more than the maximum number of candidates allowed would invalidate their votes.

Atty. Joel Ginez, Provincial Election Supervisor of Ilocos Norte, announced Friday that Comelec is all set for the May polls as he advised voters to prepare a list of their candidates before going out on election day.

"Voters are allowed to have a list of their candidates so that voting will be quick and easy for them. Let me remind our voters not to over vote because our vote counting machines do not have the capacity to eliminate a name or names in case a voter picked more than the maximum number of candidates," Ginez said.

"Undervote is ok but in case of over voting, our vote for the said position which exceeded the number of candidates will not be counted," he added.

In Ilocos Norte, the Comelec reported a total of 416, 233 registered voters who are expected to exercise their right of suffrage.

Meanwhile, the Comelec also reiterated that "posting of campaign materials outside of the common poster areas is prohibited." The common poster areas prescribed by Comelec are often located in village halls and private places, as long as there is a consent from the owner.

Putting posters in government vehicles, patrol cars, including highways, walls of public buildings, electric posts and trees are prohibited.

Like in previous years, the Comelec jointly with personnel of the Philippine Philippine National Police, Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Department of Interior and Local Government are conducting "Operation Baklas" or removal of campaign materials at least twice a week in the city. (PNA)

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

ILOILO CITY -- A private group of bikers in this city will hold a "Fun Ride for a Cause: Sikad (Cycle) for a Peaceful, Honest and Clean May Elections" on Sunday to entice the public to vote in the May 13 mid-term polls.

The Barbarian Bikers in Action will hold a "Sikad" to show their support to the Philippine National Police (PNP), Commission on Elections (Comelec), and Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) for the conduct of clean and honest elections, said Febe Morales, group's founder.

The bikers' group will start at Cabugao Sur village, Santa Barbara, and will pass through the villages in Cabatuan town, and will also cover New Lucena town.

"A week after the elections, we are going to encourage our fellow Ilonggos to go out and vote on May 13," Morales said.

Around 300 bikers coming from this city, and Iloilo and Guimaras provinces are expected to participate.

Morales said members of the Police Regional Office (PRO) 6, Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO), and the Philippine Army's 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) have expressed their willingness to join the event.

Flyers as information-dissemination materials for the elections will be distributed along the way, he said.

Morales said he expects that this activity will have a positive result, especially in the town of New Lucena, which was placed under Category Yellow or election area of concern.

"We hope that voters in this province will know that their vote is sacred. We hope that they will vote freely and based on what their hearts and minds dictate," he said. (PNA)

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

BACOLOD CITY -- A total of 19 examinees from the two law schools in this city passed the 2018 Bar examinations held in November, results released by the Supreme Court (SC) on Friday showed.

The University of St. La Salle (USLS) College of Law-Bar Operations Committee and the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos (UNO-R) School of Law each posted the list of their successful examinees in their respective Facebook pages.

There were 13 passers from USLS, including Mariz Andraneda, Johnnil Fatima Acero, Kim Andaya, Anthony Isidro Bayawa IV, Carla Ann de la Peña, Ciro de la Cruz, Joelle Erika Fernando, Jose Luis Guatelara, Mary Jovilyn Mauricio, Patrick Jason Palma, Czarina Letecia Rubica, Joshua William Su, and Charisse Tomaro. 

"Thank you everyone for your cheer, support and encouragement," Dean Roseann Juliana Gonzaga of the USLS College of Law said in her Facebook account in response to the congratulatory messages.

The number of passers from USLS this year is higher than the previous year's 12, but the school has not produced a topnotcher in the current batch.

Last year, class valedictorian Mark John Simondo topped the 2017 Bar examinations.

Simondo, the lone USLS graduate and among the four from the Visayas who landed in the top 10, garnered an average of 91.05 percent to clinch the top spot and became the first from Bacolod to place number one in the Bar examinations.

Meanwhile, this year's six passers from UNO-R included Patrick Jon Bañas, Jamie Geolingo, Juniven Rey Umadhay, Marcus AurelianVaflor, Pengie Me Vallega and Christopher Henry Yap.

Bar committee chairman Senior Associate Justice Mariano del Castillo said 8,155 finished all the eight subjects in the bar examinations out of the 8,701 takers.

Only 1,800 or 22.07 percent successfully hurdled the tests, with Ateneo de Manila University's Sean James Borja emerging as the topnotcher.

Others in the top 10 were Marcley Augustus B. Natu-el (University of San Carlos), Mark Lawrence C. Badayos (University of San Carlos), Daniel John A. Fordan (Ateneo de Manila University), Katrina Monica C. Gaw (Ateneo de Manila University), Nadaine F. Tongco (University of the Philippines), Patricia O. Sevilla (University of the Philippines), Kathrine T. Ting (Dela Salle University), Jebb Lynius Q. Cane and Alen Joel Pita (both of University of San Carlos).

The new lawyers will take their oath on June 13 at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City. (PNA)

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

Love in the time of gadgets

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

Policy for Pinoy taxi drivers

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

Philippine road accident

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

Outside a hotel in General Santos City

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

Miniso Philippines at SM

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

Miniso Store in the Philippines

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

Coffee and Tea

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

Street children at General Santos City

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

General Santos Street

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

National highway - Bukidnon-Davao Road

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

Found this note on the wall of a restroom.

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

Philippine Bar Exam Results 2018

 

Home

About the SC

Court Issuances

Oral Arguments

Media Releases

Bar Admissions

E-library

Links

[http://sc]

2018 Bar Exam Results

May 3, 2019

ABAD, Geronimo M.

ABAD, Jerry Kent O.

ABAD, Kristannico S.

ABAD, Manolette Kyla S.

ABAD, Sharel Ann N.

ABAJON, Michael

ABALORIO, Shaniz A.

ABAPO, Shelumiel Ryan B.

ABARCAR, Samuel John Domjoe M.

ABESAMIS, Jose Enrico J.

ABLOLA, Gabriel C.

ABOG, Lester O.

ABONADO, Bomrad Soc R.

ABRERA-MARCUAP, Toni Rose P.

ABRILLO, Jose Miguel C.

ABRINA, Raphael L.

ABUAN, Maricel C.

ABUNALES, Hanna Juvenil M.

ACAL, Neil James S.

ACEBEDO, Caesar Leocadio P.

ACERO, Johnnil Fatima B.

ACEVEDO, Lee Ivy L.

ACIDO, Patricia Nicole Y.

ACOSTA, Athena Nicolette C.

ACOSTA, Jeffrey J.

ACUDILI, Rowena M.

ACUÑA, Michelle Ann M.

ACUÑA, II, Crescente D.

ADAG, JR., Ponciano E.

ADINA, Angelo Ray A.

ADORNA, Felix Jansen C.

ADRANEDA, Mariz

ADVINCULA, Christian Paul L.

AFRICA, Amabel Kay L.

AGAMAO, Brenn Jay-ar R.

AGANTAL, Jamel M.

AGAPITO, Clarisa Anne S.

AGATEP, Dominic Loren R.

AGBAYANI, Christopher P.

AGBISIT, Ralph S.

AGCAOILI, David Levy M.

AGDEPPA, Lew Daniel T.

AGLIAM, Alma Jane C.

AGLIAM, Christy Faith V.

AGRA, Jeare B.

AGRA, Jessica Marie L.

AGUDO, Karina Antonette A.

AGUILAR, Barney B.

AGUILAR, Mariper B.

AGUILAR, Nikita Lorette M.

AGUJAR, Benedict R.

AGUNOY, Marianne Carmel B.

AGUSTIN, Adrian S.

AGUSTIN, Nadine Patriziah D.

AGUTAYA, Ma. Angeli Graciella W.

AJUJI, Ramida I.

ALAGANO, Pert A.

ALARCON, Regine M.

ALBA, I, Francisco Viceni G.

ALBA, II, Francisco Viceni, Ii G.

ALBANO, Mathew Nikkolas O.

ALBAO, Myk Xavier L.

ALBAÑA, Ann Danzel P.

ALBERTO, Ryan Maximin L.

ALBURO, Katherine Louise S.

ALCANCIA, Andrea Claire G.

ALCANTARA, Eric M.

ALCANTARA, Kirk Guille M.

ALCANTARA, Marie Catherine S.

ALCANTARA, Rhiza S.

ALCANTARA, Shinji M.

ALCARAZ, Isabelle Rose B.

ALCUDIA, Ina Adria A.

ALDAY, JR., Enrico H.

ALDEZA, Marisse D.

ALFAD, Nefertiti O.

ALFAR, Shaneen Ray M.

ALI, Mathniya S.

ALIMAN, JR., Florencio B.

ALIMBUYOG, Aldrin P.

ALLAMA, Haidisheena A.

ALMACIN, Aubrey Venus J.

ALMADA, Gracel P.

ALMERO, Kyle L.

ALMIRANTE, Jose Emmanuel T.

ALPAS, Francis Anthony Cris C.

ALPECHE, Jill C.

ALPUERTO, Carl Dominic A.

ALQUIROZ-AGUILAR, Niña Feren P.

ALSIM, Cheryl D.

ALTEA, Jazmin D.

ALVAREZ, Joseph Christian N.

ALVAREZ, Melissa P.

ALVARO, Divina L.

ALVERO, Maria Mirella M.

AMANSEC, Fatima Maria B.

AMANTE, Jacinto Anton U.

AMELLA, Maedelyn G.

AMOR, Therese Marie P.

AMORA, John Frederick O.

AMORES, Carlos Alfonso B.

AMORES, Ma. Patricia Ysabel B.

AMPUAN, Maymona T.

AMULAR, JR,, Daniel B.

ANCHETA, Angelli Camille P.

ANCHORIZ, Andrei Dominic D.

ANDAL, Aira Marie M.

ANDAYA, Kim L.

ANDE, Shari R.

ANGAT, Christine Joy F.

ANGELES, Ethel Catherine Jean H.

ANGSIY, Willie Ann M.

ANTEPUESTO, Chino Luis M.

ANTIGUA, Noel Ephraim R.

ANTIPALA, Jhuneil O.

ANTIPUESTO, Caressa Joanne P.

ANTONIO, Ayries Grace M.

ANTONIO, Karlo Jennuel R.

ANTONIS, II, Jerome Francisco L.

APA, Jeah Larisse R.

APDUHAN, Marvin B.

APEPE, Abrahm A.

APIOTEN, Gloovy Rose B.

APOSTOL, Ma. Bianca Mercelina J.

APOSTOL, Zhainey C.

AQUIATAN, Mark V.

AQUINO, Clarine Joyce U.

AQUINO, Pamela Liane B.

AQUISAN, Wynster G.

ARA, Erika L.

ARAFOL, Trinidad Ii S.

ARAGON, Princess C.

ARANILLA, Neil Alfon S.

ARAO, Michael Thomas S.

ARAULA, Margaret D.

ARBES, Marvyn Rose D.

ARCAINA, Nicolene S.

ARCIAGA, Alexi Val B.

ARCIAGA, Ana Liza B.

ARCILLA, Jinky Jane A.

ARCILLAS, Mary Mae E.

ARCOL, Voltere Edmark O.

ARELLANO, Jerald B.

ARGALLON, Kristine Joy P.

ARNALDO, Kassandra Q.

ARRIBA, Edward Vange P.

ARUMPAC, Aelan B.

ARZAGA, Jesus Joel Mari D.

ASIS, Mary Ann Rose P.

ASPI, Maria Margarita B.

ATIBULA, Rodney D.

AURELLANO, Riabelle L.

AUSTRIA, Natassia Marie N.

AUSTRIA, Norman Alexander C.

AVANCEÑA, Isa Maria N.

AVENGOZA, Teodoro O.

AVESTRUZ, Lemuel Jess L.

AVILA, Jess Stanley A.

AVISADO, Lovely Joy A.

AWIT, Rejzl Anne A.

AYANGCO-SON, Edelyn B.

AYO, Mark Joseph B.

AZARRAGA, Ehren Christian S.

AZAS, Kimberly D.

AZAÑA, Blessa Maruja R.

AÑONUEVO, Euan Paulo C.

BACALZO, Eliseo Raul G.

BACANI, Ma. Melissa T.

BACATAN, Edmundo R.

BACAY, Princess Mclaine E.

BACCAY, Nikka M.

BACOLOD, Christobal C.

BACOSA, Mary Jel B.

BACULI, Glaiza Q.

BADAYOS, Maria Lourdes C.

BADAYOS, Mark Lawrence C.

BADUA, Karina Mae A.

BAGAMAN, Jessamine C.

BAGAYAO, Ivan Yannick S.

BAGBAGEN, Kent Bryan S.

BAGTAS, Nicole Toni Raisa A.

BAGUINGAN, Shasta Ann O.

BAGUIO, Ralph Aidrin E.

BAGUIWAN, John Paul S.

BAINTO, Naereeza Grace M.

BAJANDE, Rigel C.

BALAGAN, Kristine D.

BALANON, Ruby Jean N.

BALASOTE, Juanito, Iii D.

BALAUAG, Ed Warren L.

BALAYANTO, Lexthom B.

BALBEDINA, Maricris D.

BALDEO, Rexcia Maria B.

BALDOVINO, Stephen C.

BALESTRAMON, Nobel N.

BALICDANG, Berto D.

BALINDONG, Abdel Jalloud B.

BALIO, Brian Michael T.

BALNEG, Karla L.

BALOLONG, Desiree D.

BALON, Nazarene Amadeo B.

BALONG, Joyce B.

BALUYUT, Mark Luwie N.

BALVERDE, Gleneden A.

BANA, Jackielyn Krystyl Nehama C.

BANGASAN, Roxanne C.

BANIAGA, Ernesto B.

BANOGON, Noveanne P.

BANTA, Teresa Kristel V.

BANTAY, Czarina May E.

BANTILLO, Epienelle Joy A.

BANTUAS, Yaslani B.

BANTUGAN, Florence June D.

BANZON, Christine Erica P.

BAQUIRAN, Karen S.

BARCEBAL, Glenn Ian P.

BARCELON, Clark Vincent L.

BARCENAS, Beth Kristel M.

BARENG, Orlando Jr. B.

BARIC, Caroline Claire S.

BARLOSO, JR., Romualdo F.

BARQUEZ, Loverly A.

BARREDA, Elmar C.

BARREDO-PAA, Pia Jannie M.

BARRION, Dexter P.

BARROGA, Rhea M.

BARTOLOME, Rizel DC.

BASADA, Annie Hazel D.

BASALO, Gerime Mae A.

BASAÑEZ, Dioscoro A.

BASNIC, Vernon C.

BASTASA, Ma. Cecille S.

BASTO, Allan Patrick T.

BATAC, Jeffrey D.

BATHAN, Maria Aurelia Azucena B.

BATION, Khim Tonne B.

BATOCTOY, Joseph Dale L.

BATUHAN, Juan Emmanuel P.

BAUTISTA, Hazel Dhane A.

BAUTISTA, John Angel N.

BAUTISTA, Kristina Carol A.

BAUTISTA, Lawrence Anthony A.

BAUTISTA, Mae M.

BAUTISTA, Maria Hyacinth D.

BAUTISTA-CAIBAN, Jewel Ian F.

BAUTISTA-MENDIORO, Florbeth O.

BAWA, Ernil L.

BAYAWA, IV, Anthony Isidro N.

BAYLON, JR., Edgar M.

BAYONA, Michael Kevin P.

BAYWONG, III, George C.

BAÑADERA, Juan Paolo P.

BAÑAS, Patrick Jon K.

BAÑEZ, Jaime Lorenzo P.

BAÑEZ, Marco C.

BAÑOC, Ando M.

BEA, Alexis Elaine A.

BELA-O, Mary Hazel G.

BELANDRES, Beverly Z.

BELARMINO, Joshua E.

BELENO, Mayenne Kathryn Z.

BELLO, Rafael Eloy A.

BELTRAN, Joram David D.

BELTRAN, Roberto Francisco R.

BEN-USMAN, Mohammad M.

BENDIJO, Mylene V.

BENITEZ, Cesar Arnulf T.

BERCENIO, Elaine A.

BERCERO-MONTANO, Catherine A.

BERGADO, Anna Marie R.

BERIONES, Ma. Lorna O S.

BERIÑA-IMPERIAL, Shane

BERMEJO, Kazper Vic V.

BERNARDO, Aldrin I.

BERNARDO, Michael Gerard T.

BERNARDO, Samuel John S.

BERONILLA, Gracia Mae A.

BERONIO, Bethel Faith G.

BERTUMEN, Yzabel Eden M.

BETE, Dexter Jade M.

BETIA, Angela Jill G.

BIBAT, Darlene B.

BIGORNIA, Donna Carmel B.

BILBAO, Jorilie Joy A.

BILLONES, Maria Michaela M.

BILOCURA, Cristine D.

BIRAD, JR., Ananias V.

BIRUAR, Hisham Nazz A.

BISNAR, Kimberly Hope D.

BLANCO-VILLAPEÑA, Rosana R.

BLASURCA, Jeric R.

BOBILES, Loraine B.

BOCO, Iryl B.

BOHOL, Vincent Joshua D.

BONDOC, Mycarol L.

BONIFACIO, Christine Joy M.

BONIFACIO, John Albert M.

BONITA, Ray Karlo M.

BONSOL, Ma. Ninna Roem A.

BONTUYAN, Mary Stephanie G.

BORDEN, Faith Marie N.

BORJA, Kristine C.

BORJA, Mark Joseph T.

BORJA, Sean James B.

BORLAGDATAN, April Flor F.

BORLONGAN, Chester Noel R.

BRAGANZA, Ailein Grace L.

BRAGAS, Noreen B.

BRIGOLA, Larra Mae I.

BRILLANTES, Paolo Carlo B.

BRILLO, Daysheelyn Anne P.

BRIONES, Rex Norman E.

BUBAN, Frances Abigail A.

BUELA, Julius Christopher T.

BUENAGUA, Jose Maria B.

BUENDIA, Codei Mariel Beatrice D.

BUENO, III, Jeremy Jesus DP.

BUENVIAJE, III, Manolo R.

BUESER, Marie Hyacinth C.

BUGAY, Samantha Louise B.

BUGTONG, Palmer F.

BULUSAN, Amapola M.

BUMANGLAG, Bina Danica A.

BUMANGLAG, Reymund S.

BURI, Kenneth Roger R.

BUSAIN, Reynolds C.

BUSRAN, Norhaifa B.

BUSTAMANTE, Ma. Annabelle Y.

BUSTILLOS, JR., Edwin C.

CABADING, Suzen Daphne B.

CABAHUG, Adrian A.

CABALLA, Carlo Magno C.

CABANILLA, Laurence F.

CABATAÑA, Danrey D.

CABOJOC, JR., Midardo B.

CABRADILLA, Jenny Vieve B.

CABRERA, Errol D.

CABREROS, Riziel Ann A.

CABUAL, Karen B.

CABUGAWAN, Maria Vanessa C.

CABUYADAO, Lei Anne Q.

CACAL, Lara Mae O.

CADAG, Christopher S.

CADAY-ATITIW, Marchellene B.

CAGUETE, Alyssa Marie D.

CAGUIOA, Isabel Assunta C.

CALABIA, Khristian P.

CALABIO, Florie May P.

CALAMIONG, Jennylyn T.

CALDE, Eden C.

CALDE, Marie Frances Denise D.

CALIGAGAN, Bianca Viel T.

CALIZAR, Brent Louie J.

CALIZO, Jed Harold S.

CALO, James Bernard G.

CALUMAG, Franklin T.

CALVO, Arjunn Marven J.

CALZADO, Lorly G.

CALZADO, Michael J.

CAMACHO, Helene Rose C.

CAMINERO, Meeshel C.

CAMONIAS, Shirlee Mae V.

CAMPOS, Jose Ben L.

CANA, Aldrin Jose M.

CANDA, Lucille Ann C.

CANE, Jebb Lynus Q.

CANO, Jenny Rose

CANONIGO, Amira

CANONIZADO, Monica D.

CANTOS, Julie Mae Marie P.

CAPANGPANGAN, Isis Jane D.

CAPARAS, Jesser M.

CAPE, JR., Alfredo G.

CAPILI, Carmelita G.

CAPONONG, Miguel T.

CAPOQUIAN, Gillian J.

CARANGUIAN, Ruth Anne C.

CARAOS, Rico J.

CARATIQUIT, Reyville M.

CARBA, Ivy Ann C.

CARIÑO, Edward S.

CARIÑO, Morielle Isobel S.

CARIÑO, II, Henry S.

CARLOS, Jay Paul G.

CARPIO, III, Jose Romualdo C.

CARREON, Margery Roana F.

CARREON, May S.

CARRILLO, Glenn Aster R.

CAS, Jose Mari V.

CASIPE, Rommel T.

CASTARDO, Reynaldo O.

CASTILLO, Christiaan Briccio L.

CASTILLON, Medienne Isabelle M.

CASTRO, April Jacob D.

CASTRO, Floricel O.

CASTRO, Maryland DH.

CASTRO, Rachel Ann M.

CATAMIO-BARTOLOME, Joice Ann S.

CATAPUSAN, Kevin C.

CATIIS, Joliv B.

CAYABA, Alyssa Mae G.

CAYLAO, Inna Marie S.

CAÑA, JR., Artemio G.

CAÑARES, Jonathan Chadwick S.

CAÑEDA, Hannah Irish R.

CAÑETE, Luvernie N.

CEBREROS, Rouse Stephen G.

CENTENO, Adonis J.

CERVANTES, Madel M.

CERVERO, Maria Theresa G.

CHAN, Gavin Patek O.

CHAN, Jolinna Ysabelle Mari A.

CHAN, Kevin Yuri C.

CHAVEZ, JR., Bonifacio D.

CHENG, Raymond John S.

CHEUNG, Luis Lorenzo M.

CHIONG, Wejel L.

CHOA, Maureen Gizelle C.

CHUA, Angelyne M.

CHUA, Gian Angelo E.

CHUA, Hans Vincent C.

CHUA, Justine Joyce D.

CHUA, Neil S.

CHUA CHENG, Francis Lawrence C.

CHUNGUNCO, Carlo S.

CLANOR, John Andrew A.

CLARIN-BATERNA, Carolyn DC.

CLARUS, Jonathan L.

CLAVANO, IV, Jose Dominic F.

CLOSAS, Robert Jones H.

CO, Abigail Joyce N.

CO, Chris Evander O.

CO, Mark Ronald A.

CO, Patrick Xavier DR.

CO, Rafael M.

COJAMCO, Christian Jay V.

COLASITO, Vernon Craig M.

COLLADO, Keith Jamaica L.

COLOQUIO, Jo-anne Monique D.

COMORO, Don Wade B.

CONDUCTO, II, Ramon T.

CORBE, Christian Ryan

CORDERO, Marra Francillan P.

CORONA, Jose Mari C.

COROS, Marie Rachel V.

CORPUS, Ma. Agatha Grace U.

CORPUZ, Katherine N.

CORREA, Dana Erika R.

CORTEZ, Anne Sharmaine P.

COS-AGON, Dianne Bernadeth S.

COSTALES, Bryan Joseph S.

COSTALES, Lesley Astrid A.

COSTINA, Jayson N.

CRISOSTOMO, Samantha Carissa D.

CRUZ, Alexandra S.

CRUZ, Annarose Mel M.

CRUZ, Apple B.

CRUZ, Arvin Eduard H.

CRUZ, Jobelyn Ann A.

CRUZ, Jose Rafael S.

CRUZ, Kristina Paulina M.

CRUZ, Paolo F.

CRUZ, Ronel R.

CUA, Sherily B.

CUADRA, Luis Alfonso L.

CUALOPING, Sean Lester N.

CUARTEROS, Pee Jay T.

CUCUECO, Carla Patrice S.

CUENCA, Juliefe P.

CUSTODIO, Patricia N.

DACUT, Francis A.

DADOR, Lance Cedric E.

DAGDAGAN, Jerick Christian P.

DAGUM, Ron Dominic C.

DAGUNA-TELAN, Krizia Lauren N.

DAHILIG, Ana Margaret T.

DAITIA, Rafael Rene B.

DALANAO, JR., Victor G.

DALPIG, Ariane Riza S.

DALUDADO, Christian Jason O.

DALUPING, Febelyn D.

DAMASING, Ma. Feliza Anne Bridgit C.

DAMASING, Tanya Marie Franchezka C.

DAMING, Maria Nenita M.

DAMOCLES, Marieglo G.

DAVID, Aldrian Robert

DAVID, Monica A.

DAYANGHIRANG, Eloize Angeli M.

DAYAO, Cornelia D.

DE ALBAN, Alban Robert F.

DE ALBAN, Margarita P.

DE BELEN, Donna Joyce L.

DE GUZMAN, Antonio Miguel R.

DE GUZMAN, Micaela Lourdes L.

DE JESUS, Isabella Mae N.

DE JESUS, Krshziananda B.

DE JESUS-FRUELDA, Javie V.

DE JUAN, Jan Angeli E.

DE LA CRUZ, Karl P.

DE LA PEÑA, Carla Ann M.

DE LA SERNA, Andrew Rey P.

DE LEON, Fenina Maria C.

DE LEON, Jomari James T.

DE LEON, Joseph Benjamin B.

DE LEON, Juan Miguel E.

DE LEON, Karen R.

DE LEON, Peter Irish R.

DE LEON, Rowel T.

DE LUIS, Jan Eidrienne R.

DE LUNA, Jeizl E.

DE MESA, JR., Eduardo L.

DE OCAMPO, Joana Michelle J.

DE OÑO, Peter Joven Y.

DE QUINTO, Jayvee S.

DE RIVERA, Ana Hendrika A.

DE TORRES, Melvin P.

DE VERA, Clarissa M.

DE VERA, Jo Franz Avelard M.

DEADIO, Mae Fretzel H.

DECANO, Jenny Lou F.

DEDUMO, Richelle B.

DEFENSOR, Kristine Lara G.

DEL CAMAT, Persis S.

DEL CASTILLO, Conie C.

DEL FIERRO, JR., Rolando M.

DEL ROSARIO, Earleen H.

DEL ROSARIO, Janine Gabrielle A.

DEL ROSARIO, Margaux Cleotilde C.

DEL ROSARIO, Richard S.

DELA CRUZ, Ciro P.

DELA CRUZ, Ericson S.

DELA CRUZ, Erin Bianca I.

DELA CRUZ, Jan David B.

DELA CRUZ, Josephine Andrea M.

DELA CRUZ, June Mark L.

DELA CRUZ, Ma. Alessandra B.

DELA FUENTE, Markus Arcangel C.

DELA PAZ, Rikki Daniele Louis A.

DELA RAMA, Enrico Paolo L.

DELA TORRE, Ricky D.

DELFIN, Carly Kathleen B.

DELFIN, Karen M.

DELOS REYES, Christian B.

DELOTINA, John Philip Z.

DENIEGA, Marmie Dyan

DENILA, Jun Marr M.

DENOSTA, Jennylyn Rose C.

DERECHO, Anna Patricia M.

DESCALLAR, Johanne Kristel Emmanuelle R.

DESLATE, Ma. Jiandra Bianca F.

DESQUITADO, Ma. Fatima Yleanna O.

DIAZ, Angelic A.

DIAZ, Rebyanne Giselle C.

DIEGO, Aljalil E.

DIESTA, Mary Catherine A.

DIETA, Ma. Juna V.

DILAG, Marianne A.

DIMAANDAL, Andreanne Hannah B.

DIMAANO, Aaron Marc M.

DIMACULANGAN, Jan Darryl C.

DIMAIN, John Christian M.

DIMALIWAT, Dianne Eunice T.

DIMAPILIS, Abigail E.

DIMAPORO, Asnia M.

DIMSON, Jaime O.

DIONG-AN, Frederick R.

DIOSO, Regina Bella A.

DIPLOMA, Katrina Bianca Louise S.

DITANGCO, Mark Syd F.

DITOL, Francis C.

DIVA, Mary Zen P.

DIVINAGRACIA, Charles G.

DIVIVA, Carlo Martin B.

DIZON, Daezelle Faith S.

DIZON, Hazel Y.

DIZON, Jehann Mae L.

DOBLADO, Marie Cecile P.

DOCTORA, Rustum Daniel Waldo H.

DOGAONG, Azril S.

DOLATRE, Gemille Hernani L.

DOLLISON, Rhea Lopez

DOLORES, Maria Theresa A.

DOLORICA, Carmie T.

DOMANTAY, Sri Michi Cordelle V.

DOMINGO, Arnaldo V.

DOMINGO, Lina Maria DS.

DOMINGO, Russel V.

DOMINGO, JR., Rolando B.

DOMINGUEZ, Jeah Maureen P.

DOMINGUEZ, John Valro V.

DOTE, Jillian Jen T.

DRAPER, Gladys J.

DUBLIN, Maria Rodielita A.

DUEÑAS, Mia Larainne L.

DUGO-AN, Brian Keth P.

DULA, II, Jose D.

DULNUAN, Gina Mae C.

DUMAYAG, Germa B.

DUNGOG, Helen Camille G.

DURAN, Kashmere Tame P.

DY, Darlyn A.

DY, Ervin Fredrick H.

DY, Kimberly Jane R.

DY, Lizelle Sanly C.

EBID, Patrick Dave F.

EDDING, Norbryan B.

EDDING, Rashida N.

EDILLOR, Char Therese R.

EDOLSA, JR., Oliver I.

EGAR, Gail Rose Anne C.

EGUIA, Yoko Marie A.

ELAURIA-TAPALLA, Katrina C.

ELERIA, Romela M.

ELEVADO, Lynn Beth A.

ELMEDORIAL, Olivette D.

ELORIAGA, Ma. Elisha S.

ELUMBARING, April Remar A.

ELUMBARING, Czaryna G.

EMBLAWA, Hanamir N.

ENAJE, Henrie F.

ENCARNACION, Mary Judith Joan B.

ENCISA, Eleaza Marie P.

ENCISO-OYARDO, Louise Faye D.

ENDAYA, Ana Kristina R.

ENOJO, Joselin O.

ENRIQUEZ, Nicole Roland Q.

ENSOMO, Ma. Flordelin T.

ESCALANTE, Alecsis Vivien D.

ESCALONA, Nadine Anne C.

ESCALONA, Paolo Antonio Rodolfo G.

ESCAÑO, Angela Dominique A.

ESCAÑO, Gretchen L.

ESCOBER, Elena Liliosa Q.

ESGANA, Maria Crisanta M.

ESMERIA, Michael Bien D.

ESPARES, Adora Carmel M.

ESPINO, Carla Divina B.

ESPINO, Princess O.

ESPINO, Sheba Nikki E.

ESPINOLA, Jocel Elid E.

ESPIRITU, Mitchell-david L.

ESTOMO, III, Arkadeuz Robert A.

ESTOPA, Jad S.

ESTOQUE, Homelo V.

ESTORGIO, Edwin M.

ESTRADA, Jessel R.

EUGENIO, Richard Oliver H.

EUSEBIO, Rina D.

EVANGELISTA, Ivy

EVASCO, Jess B.

EVORA, Rexlyn Anne M.

FABIA, JR., Francis Hernani L.

FABIAN, Melissa S.

FADERA, Juan Carlo D.

FAJARDA, Sunshine Charry A.

FAJARDO, Karl Benjamin R.

FAJARDO, Reniel Kian R.

FAJARDO, Winona Maraiah M.

FALINGAO, Yolanda Janice S.

FANDIALAN, Maria Almira L.

FANGO-OK, Cita C.

FAUSTO, Jaime Manuel A.

FAVORITO, Bjone Carlo T.

FEDERICO, Genaro V.

FELIX, Demetri Albert L.

FERMILL, Froiland Jover F.

FERMIN, Kevin L.

FERMIN, Rudolph Lad T.

FERNANDEZ, Clea Constantina

FERNANDEZ, Gil Aldrick S.

FERNANDEZ, Graciella S.

FERNANDEZ, Jefferson B.

FERNANDEZ, Jingo G.

FERNANDEZ, Maria Melita Rae J.

FERNANDEZ, Napolyn P.

FERNANDEZ, JR., Datumama P.

FERNANDO, Joelle Erika E.

FERRER, Jayzen Smith T.

FERRER, Loraine Z.

FERRIOL, Dianne E.

FILART, Paula Kathryn Marie G.

FILASOL, Richard Gabriel G.

FILOTEO, Henry Miguel Luigi T.

FLORES, Kate P.

FLORES, Robinson P.

FLORES, Thomas Augustine M.

FLORES-FONTANILLA, Korrine Madeleine C.

FLORO, Alphonso Roberto C.

FOGATA, Javed D.

FONCARDAS, Bingsky S.

FOPALAN, Renee A.

FORDAN, Daniel John A.

FORTO, Israel C.

FRANCISCO, Jecah Grace D.

FRANCISCO, Mark Nel N.

FRANCISCO, Marvis Ervin L.

FRANCO, Florrence Faye S.

FRANCO, Joseph Gavier M.

FRANDO, Marvie

FRIAS, Ma. Jia Denise M.

FRONDA, Racquel T.

FUGABAN, Jomila May B.

FULLON, Chanika Anja B.

GAAYON, John Cris B.

GABITO, Olivette A.

GABRIEL, Iris Camille D.

GABUTERO, Lilibeth D.

GACUSANA, Gilbert G.

GADIA, Sarah Jane M.

GAERLAN, Rhett D.

GALANG, Czarina Justine P.

GALANG, Maritoni Kim Y.

GALANG-BACANI, Katrina D.

GALANO, Kathleen C.

GALI, Leeanne Czarina G.

GALINATO, Jan Igor T.

GALINDON, Jasmin B.

GALIZA, Paul Christian D.

GALLEGO, Mariel Dave M.

GALLENTE, Tremorlyn E.

GALLETO, Joe Ann G.

GALO, Ramel M.

GALOPE, Mark Allen

GALVEZ, Anna Isabella C.

GALVEZ, Juryson A.

GAMAS, Gerson B.

GAMILLA, Janine H.

GANCHERO, Kevin Ken S.

GANIAS, Raymond Nell B.

GAPIT, Jan Kyla O.

GARAYBLAS, Maria Erichelle V.

GARCES, James Peter E.

GARCIA, Aimee Grace A.

GARCIA, Andrew T.

GARCIA, Giovanni F.

GARCIA, Jeshaiah Innoe M.

GARCIA, Jo Alfonso D.

GARCIA, John Paulo C.

GARCIA, Karina Mae P.

GARCIA, Karmela Casandra C.

GARCIA, Kimberly Dyane C.

GARCIA, Klarika Angela C.

GARCIA, Louie A.

GARCIA, Mclair D.

GARCIA, Renz Mark V.

GARCIA, Roelito C.

GARCIA, Stanley Bryan O.

GARDIANO, Von Joven Kristian R.

GASTANES, Raphael Edwin L.

GATCHALIAN, Andrea Mae D.

GAUUAN, Arianejoy Rochelle K.

GAW, Katrina Monica C.

GELARIO, Floreza Lara M.

GELIDO, Aleanna Joy F.

GENERAL, Jose Luis O.

GENSON, Dominic Paul O.

GENZOLA, Neil Marvin F.

GEOLINGO, Jamie T.

GEPTE, JR., Francisco L.

GERONIMO, Allen F.

GERONIMO, Francis L.

GERONIMO, Keizel A.

GO, Deanna Carmelli L.

GO, Koristine P.

GO, Vincent Gregory S.

GOCO, Ricka Marie P.

GOCUAN, Phoenix Mackenzie L.

GOLO, Dearlit Jane C.

GOLONG-GUTIERREZ, Lourdes M.

GOMENDOZA, Janelle L.

GOMEZ, Keysie M.

GONZAGA, Gay D.

GONZAGA, Michael Pert D.

GONZALES, Camille Angelica B.

GONZALES, Christian Mei P.

GONZALES, Joan DC.

GONZALES, Lara Nicole T.

GONZALES, Paolo B.

GOROSPE, Czarina Rose S.

GOZO, Harlem F.

GRAVADOR, Marynette M.

GREGORIO, Aldrin B.

GREGORIO, Jasper John T.

GREGORIO, Karyl Mae S.

GROYON, Kevin Crust B.

GRUPO, Francis Noriel V.

GRUTA, Nicole Bianca O.

GUADALOPE, Eunice V.

GUANZON, Job M.

GUAREN-DONAIRE, Clarice R.

GUATELARA, Jose Luis B.

GUDANI, Benjamin C.

GUERRERO, Jo Beatriz L.

GUERZON, Randolph Jon P.

GUEVARRA, JR., Alexander O.

GUIANG, April Joy B.

GUIANG, Kathleen T.

GUINOO, Francis C.

GUINTO, Ruth B.

GUIRITAN, Emmy Louise S.

GULLAS, Jarred Alexander C.

GULMATICO, Mayen Mar E.

GULMATICO, Therese Mae M.

GURO, Abduljabbar B.

GUSI, III, Francisco B.

GUTIERREZ, Armie D.

GUTIERREZ, Inna Therese F.

GUTIERREZ, Jonald DC.

GUTIERREZ, Karla Rose E.

GUTIERREZ, Ramon Rodrigo L.

GUZMAN, Janine Ysabel A.

GUZMAN, Michael Rangielo B.

GUZMAN, Warren Rodante D.

GUZMAN, JR., Ernesto B.

HABANA, Ken Patrick T.

HABLADO, Lalaine Jertrude L.

HADJI JALAL, Sahania M.

HALINA, Arline C.

HAMID, Sernash L.

HERMO, Deo Paolo Marciano V.

HERNANDEZ, Bryan B.

HERNANDEZ, Leoncio B.

HERNANDEZ, Marichu C.

HERNANDEZ, JR., Numeriano G.

HERNANDEZ, JR., Rodolph B.

HERRERA, Bianca Mari B.

HERRERA-ANGELES, Crishanne D.

HERRERA-LIM, Andrea Paola C.

HERRERA-LIM, Julia Patricia C.

HILARIO, Jose Noel B.

HIMALA, Anna Camille C.

HIPOLITO, Catherine L.

HOCSON, Joseph Erwin D.

HOFILEÑA, Daniel S.

HOJILLA, Nieco Cecilio D.

HONORIDEZ, Kvyn R.

HORTINELA, Phoenix B.

HOYLAR, Shiela Vae A.

HUAB, Hershey Gabrielle B.

HUECAS, Ilyich R.

HUELE, Dianah Jane L.

IBAÑEZ, Emmanuel G.

IBAÑEZ, Tanya D.

IGDANES, Loida D.

IGNACIO, Effie Fielle M.

IGNACIO, Hannah Grace P.

ILAGAN, Kyle Michael T.

INDAP, Jefferson G.

INDIC, Marvin T.

INGARAN, Danna Jeen P.

INOCENCIO, Florris V.

INOCENCIO, Karlo Krisanto B.

INSULAR, Marlon H.

IRASUSTA, Kyle D.

ISMAEL, Alessa May V.

ISMAEL, Rainidah M.

ITAO, Carlo Isidore B.

JACOB, Abigail D.

JALBUNA, Jordan B.

JALIPA, May Leony A.

JAMES, Nicole Kay C.

JAUCULAN, Valerie Hope B.

JAVA, Junine Wednesday D.

JAVELLANA, Domivic A.

JAVELLANA, Mary Camille Denise H.

JAVIER, Ferdinand V.

JAVIER, Lloyd Danielle V.

JAVIER, JR., Francisco M.

JAYME, James Wayne D.

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

DUMAGUETE CITY – Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo criticized his detractors on Thursday for what he believes is a political propaganda to discredit him and put his life at risk, even as he expressed confidence this will not affect his candidacy for reelection in the May 13 polls.

At a hastily called for press conference at the Capitol, the incumbent governor disclosed what he described as the latest round of attacks against him that will put him in a tight spot either with the government's uniformed services or with the New People's Army (NPA).

"The one who thought of this propaganda may have in mind that if I say I am an NPA supporter, which I am not, the police and military will go after my head. And if I say I give my full support to the military, which I truly do, the NPA will punish me," he said.

Degamo disclosed that on Wednesday, tarpaulins that bore two pictures of him with that of a young girl, Myles Albasin, who was previously arrested in Mabinay, Negros Oriental, with five others for being suspected NPA members, were put up across the province.

Showing one such tarpaulin to the media, he pointed out that the campaign material is deliberately meant to discredit him as it raises a question on whether he was pro-government or for the NPA.

He explained that the pictures, which showed him and the girl talking in a congenial manner, were taken during his visit to the Negros Oriental Detention and Rehabilitation Center (NODRC) several months ago for a medical mission.

According to him, he told the girl upon learning she was an alleged NPA member, not to carry guns but books instead.

Degamo reiterated that he is very much against the NPA and that he even had repeatedly said he wants them out of the province and has, in fact, supported the police and the military for so long a time in their anti-insurgency campaigns.

"Throughout the years of my incumbency, my support to the PNP and the AFP has been unequivocal," he pointed out.

While not mentioning names, the governor said that those in the opposition are allegedly behind this and are taking steps to ruin his reputation as they seek to edge him out of office.

Degamo admitted fearing for his life because he believes that this is the work of political candidates who cannot accept defeat.

"The only way to win is to kill me," he said.

"This is a prelude to a more disturbing scenario of eliminating me by assassination; hence, they shall have an easy way to the Capitol," he added.

He said the putting up of the tarpaulins has been reported to the police even as he admitted beefing up security.

"Let us play the game of politics fair and square," Degamo said, addressing his political opponents and their supporters.

"We enter the arena as hopeful combatants; let us leave it with the heart of a warrior – win or lose," he concluded. (PNA)

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

CAPAS, Tarlac -- Workers at the New Clark City in this province got a special treat on Thursday in recognition of their vital contributions to the government's "Build, Build, Build" program.

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade and Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) president and chief executive officer Vivencio "Vince" Dizon led other officials in paying tribute to the New Clark City workers in line with the Labor Day celebration.

Tugade, in his message during a simple program held at the construction site of the New Clark City-National Government Administrative Center here, cited the workers' important role in the construction and completion of the government's massive infrastructure projects.

He said the works and efforts of construction workers contributed to the realization of President Rodrigo Duterte's projects benefiting the people.

"Nandito kami ngayon upang magbigay pugay sa inyong kadakilaang gawain sa ating pamahalaan. Walang bahay, walang gusali, walang kalsada, walang tulay kung walang construction worker. Napakahalaga ninyo. Itong mga pasilidad na ito ay regalo ng ating Pangulong Duterte sa sambayanan (We are now here to pay tribute to your great works for the government. There is no house, no building, no road, no bridge without the construction workers. You are very important. These facilities are gifts of President Duterte to the Filipino people), Tugade said.

Dizon, for his part, said that the massive infrastructure projects under the "Build, Build, Build" program show the desire of President Duterte to uplift the lives of the Filipinos.

"Itong lahat ng mga ginagawa ni President Duterte ay para sa inyo at para sa ating lahat. We all know na gusto ni Pangulong Duterte na mapaganda ang buhay ng mga Pilipino (All these things being done by President Duterte is for all of you and for all of us. We all know that President Duterte wants to improve the lives of the Filipinos)," he said.

As a gesture of appreciation to the workers, various items such as sacks of rice, appliances and cash were raffled off during the event.

Among the ongoing infrastructure projects here are the world-class facilities to be used for the 30th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games which include the Integrated Operations Center and Disaster Risk Recovery Center, government housing, and a river park. (PNA)

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Four persons were arrested while some PHP342,200 worth of suspected shabu were seized in two separate anti-drug operations in this southern port city, an official said Thursday.

Brig. Gen. Emmanuel Luis Licup, Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) director, identified the arrested suspects as Allan Jimenez, 30, hotel decorator; Ashley Francisco, 30, businesswoman; Wilson Luchavez, 39, hotel decorator; and Ranny Lakibul, 23.

Licup said Jimenez, Francisco, and Luchavez were arrested in a buy-bust operation around 8:10 a.m. Wednesday in Acuña Drive, Barangay Tumaga.

They yielded some PHP340,000 worth of suspected shabu packed in nine plastic sachets, and PHP1,000 marked money.

Police said Lakibul was caught in possession of some PHP2,200 worth of suspected shabu when arrested in another buy-bust operation at Lubak, Barangay Campo Islam. Seized from Lakibul's possession was PHP200 marked money.

The suspects were detained pending the filing of appropriate charges against them, Licup said. (PNA)

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro -- Around 756 agrarian reform beneficiaries are now certified land owners after they finally received their Certificates of Land Ownership Awards (CLOAs) from the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in fitting rites at the Bulwagang Panlalawigan of the Capitol Compound here.

DAR Public Assistance and Media Relations Director Cleon Lester Chavez told PNA on Wednesday that farmer beneficiaries of both Oriental and Occidental Mindoro towns each received their CLOAs from DAR Secretary John Castriciones last April 25.

Castriciones also underscored the value of being industrious, hardworking, helpful towards one another and thankful to God, the government, and the DAR for such blessings.   

He also urged the ARBs to cherish the day they received their respective CLOAs that signify their freedom from the bondage of tenancy.

"Ito ang araw na dapat tayo'y maging masaya sapagkat matatanggap ng ating mga farmer-beneficiaries ang kanilang CLOA na kanilang matagal nang hinihintay. Iyan ang magpapatunay na sila ay tunay na mga Pilipino at tunay na nagmamay-ari na ng lupa (this is the day that we should rejoice because our farmer-beneficiaries now receive their CLOA which they have been long waiting for. That is proof that they are true Filipinos and the real owners of their lands now)," Castriciones said.

The DAR chief said the agrarian reform beneficiaries have received God's blessing of the land they till, through the government and the administration of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, and the assistance of the DAR, with the support of partners and the local government units (LGUs) to finally own the lands.

He added the agrarian reform department will continue to give more lands to the landless and provide the necessary support services to the ARBs.

Of the apportioned lots covering some 623 hectares of agricultural lands, a portion considered as home lots were given to 134 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs).

One of the farmer-recipients, Restituto Zapata, 52, a fruit farmer from Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro, was overjoyed that he now owns the 0.6-hectare farm lot given by DAR.

"I have been working in this land, assisting my parents who were tenants since I was 20 years old," said Zapata in Filipino, adding "now that the land I till is mine, I plan to plant it with citrus fruits like kalamansi".

Another farmer from Sablayan, Occidental Mindoro, Jerry Calub, also expressed elation after he was notified as a DAR beneficiary of a 90-square-meter home lot.

"The long wait is finally over. The lot where my house stands is now legally mine," Calub said.

As part of the awarding ceremony, DAR Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officers Joselito Nathaniel Diaz and Luisito Jacinto also led the signing of the memorandum of agreement between DAR and the recipient cooperatives on the Convergence on Livelihood Assistance for Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Project (CLAAP).

The project, in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), aims to boost farmers' household income through assistance to develop their agricultural enterprises, such as livelihood and micro-enterprise projects on vegetable and fruit farming, food processing, and livestock raising, among others.

DAR, with partner DSWD, is implementing the PHP1.3-million project assistance under CLAAP to specifically provide seed capital on the establishment of consumer stores (sari-sari stores), rice retail outlets, and provision of farm agricultural supplies as such fertilizers and pesticides.

"A portion of the CLAAP fund will also be used to train farmers on basic entrepreneurship to help them appreciate and understand the ropes of running a business," Diaz said.

The project targets 93 beneficiaries comprised of ARBs and non-ARBs from three cooperatives, namely the Matatag Multi-Purpose Cooperative, New Dagupan ARB-MPC, and the Bubog Development Cooperative.

"Implementation of the CLAAP will immediately start now that the agreement has been signed," Jacinto added. (PNA)

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

MANILA -- Indian firm Wipro Consumer Care has fully acquired the stake of Ang-Hortaleza Corporation in the personal care business of Splash Corporation, optimistic about the Philippine market but with plans to bring the homegrown brand to the international scene.

Splash is among the largest personal care players in the Philippines which has built brands in whitening, exfoliant, and haircare categories.

Nagender Arya, Regional Director at Wipro Consumer Care, is bullish the local market will continue growing in the next five to 10 years.

"We have to grow the Philippine (market). We expect to continue to grow in double-digit in Philippines and the export of the international business has to be on top," he said in an interview Monday.

Arya said they are eyeing to start this year exporting the personal care products to Nigeria, Middle East, Vietnam, Indonesia and Hong Kong.

"These are the countries which are closer, where the brands have already some appeal. And probably, we will evaluate in China later. So these are the markets that we have in mind to expand these brands," he added.

With the acquisition through signing of a share purchase agreement, Arya said Wipro aimed strengthen its consumer care portfolio in personal care and completes its Southeast Asian footprint.

"In Southeast Asia, we are big in Malaysia, we are big in Indonesia, we are big in Vietnam. We are very small in Philippines. We realized that this one market which is a large market but we don't have direct presence. So we were looking a partner here who could actually grow the business, get us a scale," he added.

Rolando Hortaleza, chief executive officer and founder of Splash Corp., said "I am very glad that Splash is becoming part of the Wipro group. This gives us immediate access to resources that will help us fuel faster growth in our business, and enable us to unlock the true potential of our brands." (PNA)

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

Vacancies await thousands of jobseekers in Iloilo City Labor Day fair

ILOILO CITY -- Applicants during the Labor Day job and livelihood fair in Iloilo City are encouraged to be "presentable" and should "know how to sell themselves", as thousands of vacancies await successful seekers.

Regional Director for Western Visayas Cyril Ticao on Monday said pre-registration is ongoing at the regional office of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). Currently more than 300 interested applicants have already registered.

"We urge them to pre-register so when they arrive they can just proceed directly to apply. They no longer have to queue up," Ticao said during a press conference.

As of April 28, there were already more or less 22,000 vacancies for overseas job placement and 5,000 for local vacancies.

Assistant Regional Director Ma. Victoria G. Mondragon said the top vacancies per industry came from the administrative and support service; wholesale and retail trade; hotels and restaurants; manufacturing; construction; transport, storage, and communications and real estate, renting and business activities.

Specifically, the top vacant positions are technical support/customer service representatives for business process outsourcing (BPO), service crew for hotels and accommodations and registered nurses for BPO.

For the overseas placement, notable vacancies are registered nurses, carpenters, farmers, masons, drivers, engineers, teachers, welders and waiters.

The top 10 countries with highest employment opportunities are Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, New Zealand, Qatar, Hong Kong, Kuwait, Japan, Singapore, Germany, Malaysia, and Bahrain.

"It must be noted that for countries such as New Zealand and Japan, they have the most demand for farmers and construction-related," she said.

The one-day job fair will be held at Robinsons Place Jaro. The registration will start at 8:30 a.m. and the job fair will start as soon as the mall opens.

"We are inviting our new graduates to come and join the job fair," she said.

During the activity, the Professional Regulation Commission, the Social Security System, the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, the Home Mutual Development Fund (Pag-IBIG) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority will also be around to provide some of the documents that they need.

Ticao advised that applicants bring with them their credentials, their transcript of records if available and resume among others.

He added that they can apply in as many agencies that they wanted to; hence it is advised that they bring with them more copies of their application forms.

Meanwhile, a special lane will also be made available for persons with disabilities and members of the Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program (4Ps).

Also on the same day, DOLE has lined up other activities such as the livelihood fair, career coaching and employment forum. (PNA)

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

MANILA — Over 200,000 local and overseas employment opportunities are available in simultaneous job and business fairs in 29 sites across the country in observance of Labor Day on May 1.

Citing data from the Bureau of Local Employment, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said more than 1,500 employers will be participating in the annual affair with more than 200,000 local and overseas jobs in the massive Trabaho, Negosyo, Kabuhayan (TNK) and Build, Build, Build (BBB) job and business caravan.

He added that the main venue for the celebration of Labor Day with the theme "Pagpupugay sa Manggagawang Pilipino" will be in Pampanga.

"The main site for the combined TNK-BBB job and business fair is at the Kingsborough International Convention Center in San Fernando, Pampanga where an initial 150 employers (130 local and 20 overseas placement agencies) will offer vacancies," Bello said said in a press briefing on Monday in Manila.

He added that local jobs are mostly in the field of construction under the government's Build, Build, Build program, while skilled professionals, including English teachers for Thailand, are open for overseas placement.

With this, Bello noted that aside from the job and business fair, the May 1 celebration will be highlighted by the groundbreaking of the first-ever overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) hospital located in San Fernando, Pampanga.

"(This is) to showcase the Duterte administration's grateful recognition of our overseas Filipino workers and the Filipino workingmen in general," the DOLE chief said.

The hospital for Filipinos working abroad will be financed by Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) donors, to be administered by the Department of Health. The property where it will stand is donated by the provincial government of Pampanga.

During the groundbreaking, the OWWA will award livelihood packages worth PHP20,000 each to 100 OFWs under OWWA's Balik Pinas, Balik Hanapbuhay program.

Other job and business fair sites identified were Ayala Mall South Park, Muntinlupa City; Vista Mall, Tuktukan, Taguig City; and City Social Hall and Sports Complex, Paranaque City in the National Capital Region.

In Luzon, the following are the TNK sites: Baguio City High School–Main Campus in the Cordillera Administrative Region; Magic Mall, Urdaneta City, Pangasinan; Robinsons Ilocos Norte Activity Center, San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte; and Pangasinan PESO Compound, Lingayen, Pangasinan in Region 1; Cagayan Coliseum, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan in Region 2; Provincial Government of Bulacan (April 30); Provincial Government of Nueva Ecija; and Bocaue, Bulacan (May 2) in Region 3.

Also in Luzon, there will be job and business fair sites in Calabarzon at Pacific Mall, Lucena City, Quezon; and at Robinson's Mall, Tejero, City of General Trias, Cavite (May 2); in MIMAROPA at Bulwagang Panlalawigan, Provincial Capitol Complex, Camilmil, Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro; and at Puerto Princesa City, Palawan; and in Bicol Region at Pacific Mall, Legazpi City, Albay.

Jobseekers in the Visayas region may visit the TNK sites in Robinson's Place-Jaro, Iloilo City (Region 6); Trade Hall, SM City Cebu; Mandaue City Hall, Centro, Mandaue City; Social Hall, Cebu Provincial Capitol; and Main Atrium, Robinson's Place, Calindagan, Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental (Region 7); and Tacloban Convention Center, Tacloban City; and Ormoc City Superdome, Ormoc City (Region .

In Mindanao, the identified job fair sites are in KCC Mall de Zamboanga (Region 9); The Atrium, Limketkai Mall, Cagayan de Oro City (Region 10); Gaisano Mall of Davao City (Region 11); KCC Convention and Events Center, General Santos City (Region 12); and Balanghai Hotel, Doongan Road, Butuan City (Caraga). (PNA)

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

MANILA -- Local carrier Cebu Pacific (CEB) has warned passengers against fake websites and promos.

The carrier has an ongoing seat sale in line with its anniversary this month.

Beginning March 1, however, many netizens were complaining that they couldn't access CEB's website, or that it is undergoing maintenance.

In its official social media account's post late Saturday, CEB warned the public "against unscrupulous entities using Cebu Pacific and alleged promo fares to lure customers".

It added that these fake websites might put their data at risk or lure them to a scam.

Earlier, CEB provided alternative links to book, manage or check in for flights while the carrier's home page and mobile app were "undergoing improvements".

CEB also reiterated that its promos are only announced through its official social media accounts or via mass media. (PNA)

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

MANILA -- Netizens expressed support to the petition before the Commisison on Elections (Comelec) to cancel the registration of party-list groups identified with the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People's Army (CPP-NPA).

In the comments section of Philippine News Agency's (PNA) Facebook account, a number of netizens said now is the time for the Comelec to take action against party-list groups creating more and unnecessary issues instead of helping the government better address the nation's problems.

Netizen Ysay Baroro commented that NPA-linked party-list groups "have no right to hold a position in the government because all they bring are troubles".

Meanwhile, Antonio del Castillo Jr., in his comment, said Comelec must have done the registration cancellation of such party-list groups a long time ago.

"Madaming dahilan 'yan kung bakit hindi maaksyunan noon ng Comelec. Takot sila sa pagbabanta o nakikinabang sila o may kaibigan sila sa mga partylist na 'yan. Dapat nga hindi na ulit pinapatakbo yung mga panay rally, gaya ng Gabriela, Anakbayan, (There are many reasons why the Comelec is unable to act on the issue. They're scared of threats, or they benefit from it, or they have friends from those partylists. Those who perform rallies shouldn't be allowed to run again like the Gabriela, Anakbayan,) etc.," he added.

Rebecca Labadnoy said NPA-related party-list groups help bring down the country's growth.

"Panahon na para di na sila makagulo sa gobyerno, paano uunlad ang bansa kung palagi na lang rally nang rally na wala namang naitutulong sa katahimikan ng bansa (It's now time that the don't interfere with the government, rallying doesn't help in achieving nationwide peace and development), she said.

On the other hand, Max Lebrando commented that there are more government agencies which help citizens in need.

"I think partylist is a waste of people's tax and most of these partylists in position moslty are against the government. Paano tayo uunlad kung lahat ng projects eh may nasasabi kayo. Puro pa kayo rally, hindi ba pwede gawan ng (How are we going to progress if you criticize every [government] project. All you do is to stage rallies, can't you make a) solution rather than just make noise and mess on the streets? And you're a nuisance to traffic flow)," he added.

On Friday, Angela Aguilar, secretary general of Kababaihang Maralita, a non-government organization, filed a petition before the Comelec against Makabayang Koalisyon ng Mamamayan (MAKABAYAN), Bayan Muna, Anakpawis, Kabataan, Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT), General Assembly Binding Women for Reforms, Integrity, Equality, Leadership, and Action (GABRIELA), with senatorial aspirant Neri Colmenares as the lone individual respondent.

Aguilar, in her petition docekted as SPP 19-006, said that she has personal knowledge that MAKABAYAN party-list groups and Colmenares are connected with the NPA, being a former CPP "kadre" and ACT member.

She cited the Comelec's motu propio powers under the Republic Act 7941 or Party-List System Act's Section 6, Paragraphs 2 and 5 as reference.

The Party-list System Act, which was passed in 1995, allows the Comelec to cancel the registration of any group, which among others, "advocates violence or unlawful means to seek its goal" and "violates or fails to comply with laws, rules or regulations relating to elections."

She also noted that the campaign materials of senatorial aspirant Neri Colmenares and his cohorts were "placed outside of authorized common poster areas in public places, or in private properties, without the consent of the owner." (PNA)

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (PRWEB) APRIL 23, 2019

Anthony's Pronto Kitchen, the Italian takeout and delivery-only eatery, now offers an array of food delivery options to consumers in east Fort Lauderdale through Uber Eats, Door Dash, Grub Hub, Delivery Dudes, as well as their in-house Pronto delivery service.

For those who aren't familiar with food delivery apps, the process is fairly easy. Consumers download one of the above-named food delivery apps, navigate to Anthony's Pronto Kitchen, place an order, and voila! Anthony's Pronto Kitchen is delivered to the requested address.

By working with a complete selection of food delivery partners, Anthony's Pronto Kitchen aims to maximize the accessibility and convenience of ordering for consumers. The tagline, "Italian made easy" sums up the concept. In addition to third party delivery services, Anthony's Pronto Kitchen has recently launched Pronto Delivery, which is free for orders over $50.00.

Anthony's Pronto was inspired by the growing demand for restaurant quality food with the convenience of in-home dining for consumers. Conveniently located in the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale, Anthony's Pronto Kitchen is nestled in the Winn Dixie Plaza situated between Victoria Park and Flagler Village. Takeout is available for orders placed out of delivery range – ideal for consumers who want to quickly pick up high-quality Italian food enroute to a dinner party, sports tailgate, or after a long work day.

Open for lunch and dinner, the menu features appetizers, salads, sandwiches, entrees, family-style meals, desserts, party platters, and custom catering. Wine and beer are also available. Starters and sandwiches range from $8 to $12, with pastas and entrees ranging from $13 to $23. To cater to dietary restrictions, Anthony's Pronto online menu features vegetarian and "light" filters to easily find meals that fit into dietary preferences.

To place an order, visit https://www.anthonyspronto.com/, call 954-289-3685, or download Uber Eats, Door Dash, Grub Hub, Delivery Dudes available in the iPhone App store or Android Play Store.

More About Anthony's Pronto Kitchen
Anthony's Pronto Kitchen is located at 656 N Federal Hwy Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33304. Hours of operation are Monday through Thursday, 11:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m., Friday and Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m., and Sunday 11:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. The main telephone number is 954-289-3685. Order online or over the phone.

For media inquiries, please email Mahiza.Moore(at)exults.com.

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

DALLAS (PRWEB) APRIL 23, 2019

North Texas Medical Center (NTMC) is working to improve the experience of all patients. A major step is NTMC's selection of Simple Interact and its complete suite of Front Office Automation services which are designated to enhance several aspects of a patient's experience.

The medical center will leverage these capabilities to proactively gather and address patient feedback, improve patient experience, streamline patient engagement and patient education before/during/after each encounter, digitize patient intake, and improve data collection to foster better outcomes.

"We are always looking for ways to improve the patient experience and our delivery of quality care to our community," said Tom Sledge, CEO at North Texas Medical Center. "This is a very special community. We're proud of our team and healthcare professionals who work tirelessly to keep patient care our top priority."

"We love working with forward-thinking Healthcare organizations and are thrilled to be selected by North Texas Medical Center." said Ravi Kalidindi, CEO, Simple Interact. "The new management team led by Tom has brought renewed energy and fresh perspective on how best to serve their community. Simple Interact prides itself on always listening and learning from clients, and I am excited about the insights we will gain from this partnership and using that to better serve our expanding hospital client base."

About North Texas Medical Center
North Texas Medical Center is a 60-bed acute care hospital situated on 52 acres located within the city limits of Gainesville, a community approximately 60 miles north of Dallas-Fort Worth and five miles south of the Texas-Oklahoma border. Since NTMC's new campus was built in 2004, it has continued to grow to better serve the medical needs of the North Texas area. We have served Cooke County and neighboring communities for more than 40 years. We bring expertise in the areas of medical imaging, general surgeries, orthopedics, home health, women's services, inpatient care, and therapy services to offer a continuum of care unmatched in our region. Your health. Your hospital. Your choice.
https://www.ntmconline.net

About Simple Interact
Simple Interact is a cloud-based front office automation solution which helps healthcare providers acquire and retain more patients, while also automating repetitive tasks to efficiently service a high patient load. We address front office concerns such as: Online Reputation, HIPAA Compliant Patient Intake Forms, Effective Marketing of ancillary services, and Patient Engagement including Automated Reminders. Our motto: More Patients. Less Paperwork.
https://www.simpleinteract.com

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, FLA. (PRWEB) APRIL 23, 2019

Advanced Orthopedics of Florida, one of the country's premier spine clinics in the U.S. specializing in minimally invasive procedures and pain management is proud to announce that Dr. Morgan Lorio is joining the group's practice.

"We are extremely pleased to announce that Dr. Lorio has joined our practice," Dr. Scott Katzman, AOPM's practice leader said. "Internationally recognized for his surgical expertise and patient advocacy, Dr. Lorio, broadens AOPM's patient-centered approach to surgery with his surgical expertise in orthopedic, spine and micro-surgery."

Dr. Lorio earned his medical degree from Louisiana State University School of Medicine in 1988 and completed a residency at SUNY Buffalo School of Medicine, and completed fellowships in hand and microsurgery, and spinal surgery also in Buffalo.

He has been in practice for more than 30 years and has been a spine, orthopedic, and hand surgeon. He recently relocated from the Hughston Clinic in Nashville, Tenn. He is board certified in all three specialties.

Over that time, Dr. Lorio has become a policy expert and advocate for spinal patients in part due to his own experience with spinal injury. Following a fall from a 35-foot scaffolding in 1982 he suffered from spinal pain until he underwent an intertransverse facet fusion with Posterior Lumbar Interbody Fusion (PLIF) interbody in 2005. Following the procedure, he no longer needs medication or a back brace and has resumed his active life including, hunting, hiking, travel and performing spinal, orthopedic and hand surgery.

"The future of spine is a boutique approach to spinal injury that utilizes minimally invasive surgery coupled with emerging spinal technology that is tailored to each patient's unique needs," said Dr. Morgan Lorio.

Dr. Lorio is licensed to practice in five states and is a fellow member of the American College of Surgeons, the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, American College of Spine Surgery, the American Society for Surgery of the Hand, the International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery, the North American Spine Society and the Orthopedic Trauma Association. (He has served as the official spokesperson for the Spine Health Foundation spearheading a project that provided spine care, including fusion, to those uninsured or under insured in Tennessee.)

His special interests include the pathology of cervical spine conditions affecting upper extremities, artificial discs, motion preservation, sacroiliac joint disease, vertebral augmentation and minimally invasive spinal surgery. He, as Chair for the International Society for the Advancement of Spine Surgery (ISASS) Task Force for Coding and Reimbursement, has recently shepherded the treatment recommendations for vertebral augmentation and bone graft substitutes; this was recognized recently in a Becker's Interview with Dr. Morgan Lorio on the ISASS release on bone graft substitutes and vertebral augmentation.

About AOPM
Advanced Orthopedics, the leading spine and orthopedic care clinic in South and Central Florida, is committed to providing outstanding orthopedic care utilizing advanced minimally invasive surgical procedures. With five locations in South Florida, AOPM's Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeons offer both surgical and nonsurgical solutions to treat spinal injuries, sports injuries, and bone and joint disorders.

AOPM's goal is to help patients feel better and heal faster. We embrace a compassionate, patient-first approach to orthopedic care and pain combined with extensive experience, innovative technology, and advanced treatments to provide you with the most comprehensive treatment plan.

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

ZURICH, SAN FRANCISCO AND NEW YORK (PRWEB) APRIL 23, 2019

Momenta Partners, the leading Global Advisory, Talent, and Ventures firm focused on Connected Industry, announced today the general acquisition of 151 Advisors' global business, including 151 Ventures.

151 Advisors is one of the pre-eminent IoT Advisory firms providing Go-To-Market Strategies, IoT Strategy & Execution, Global Growth Strategies and Channel Development. Founded in 2007 by Bill Rom, a serial entrepreneur with Fortune 500 executive experience, 151 Advisors' expertise derives from decades of experience building ideas into successful businesses and working across the full tech ecosystem to drive revenue growth. Their focus has been providing technology companies with a combination of advisory and execution services to ensure that companies are focused on the right markets, establishing new market positions and accelerating the growth of their services and products.

"We've been pleased to call 151 Advisors our 'partner' since early last year, having worked closely with Bill Rom and his leadership team to progressively co-develop Connected Industry initiatives," said Ken Forster, Managing Director of Momenta Partners. "Bill's extensive executive and entrepreneurial background, together with his operating and executive management success, spanned corporate, venture and entrepreneurial settings." We are honored to carry forward the 151 business and Bill's deep practitioner legacy – complementing our position as the leading Advisory, Talent and Ventures firm in Connected Industry."

Arthur Elwood, Partner of 151 Advisors added, "We've enjoyed working with the Momenta team over the last year. When considering how to scale our advisory business, we could not think of a better home than making 151 Advisors and 151 Ventures part of Momenta."

To find out more about this acquisition or if you are interested in working with Momenta Partners for assistance with your company's Advisory, Talent or Venture needs please contact or visit us at http://www.momenta.partners.

About Momenta Partners:
Momenta Partners are Connected Industry Growth Partners, with industry-leading Advisory, Talent, and Ventures practices, accelerating the growth of Connected Industry companies globally since 2012. For more information, visit http://www.momenta.partners, join the @MomentaPartners conversation or contact info@momenta.partners.

About 151 Advisors:
151 Advisors is the leading IoT consulting firm that provides companies across all industries with real-world go-to-market strategy and execution services that monetize the connected world. Our expertise is built on decades of helping enterprises and vendors define, execute, and accelerate their market positions to drive commercial success.

practices, accelerating the growth of Connected Industry companies globally since 2012. For more information, visit http://www.momenta.partners, join the @MomentaPartners conversation or contact info@momenta.partners.

Media Contacts:
Momenta Partners
Trevor Curwin
info@momenta.partners
+1 917 765 3600

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

LEXINGTON, KY. (PRWEB) APRIL 23, 2019

After an extensive search for a more customizable textbook solution, Parker selected eTechCampus Virtual Bookstores, powered by Edvergent Learning, to deliver a one-stop shop experience for families. Parker will offer an online bookstore with 24/7 access for students and families to purchase their print and digital course materials for the 2019-2020 school year. Families will enjoy a user-friendly ordering process while taking advantage of maximum purchasing flexibility, including the option to purchase new, used, rental, eBook, and a peer-to-peer marketplace.

The eTechCampus platform will promote Parker's commitment to academic excellence by ensuring students are prepared with the right course materials for success. With a shop by schedule model, families will automatically see a list of required course materials based upon their student's schedule, bolstering confidence that they will receive the correct edition and format for every course. Further complementing the solution is a best-in-class management and customer service team who will provide superior year-round support.

"We wanted to provide our families with an efficient, customer-friendly one stop option for acquiring their books," said Marc Thiebach, Associate Head of the Upper School for Francis Parker School. "We think we've found that partner in eTechCampus."

"eTechCampus is excited to partner with Francis Parker School to provide an innovative bookstore experience for its families," said Matt Montgomery, President and CEO of eTechCampus. "We understand the importance of creating a convenient and reliable course materials solution and applaud Francis Parker School's commitment to ensuring academic success through the right textbooks and digital content at the right price."

About eTechCampus

eTechCampus Virtual Bookstores streamlines the entire K-12 textbook and eBook adoption process. Powered by Edvergent Learning, the eTechCampus Virtual Bookstore program offers a comprehensive online solution for private and parochial schools who seek to simplify the purchasing of textbooks and digital course materials for their students and families while decreasing costs. With a focus on innovation and superior customer service, eTechCampus offers maximum purchasing options, including access to the most extensive library of multi-platform digital content available, packaged into a 24/7 online bookstore customized for each school partner. eTechCampus currently serves over 100 K-12 academic institutions with growth experienced each year. Learn more at etechcampus.com.

About Edvergent Learning

Edvergent Learning is an educational solutions company that focuses on innovative content and training solutions for schools, colleges, and businesses. The Edvergent product line includes Converge Learning Management System, eTechCampus Virtual Bookstores, and Vault, an eTextbook reading platform that offers content from all major publishers and its unique digital catalog. With a focus on digital learning, Edvergent's goal is to help partners transition and maintain online and hybrid learning environments using state-of-the-art technology and sound instructional practices. Edvergent has the unique ability to support traditional content sourcing while leveraging the newest platforms and standards to deliver content digitally through any platform adhering to industry standards. Learn more at edvergent.com and convergelearning.com.

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

LOS ANGELES (PRWEB) APRIL 23, 2019

AMGtime is known for comprehensive time, labor management, and scheduling solutions, as well as disrupting the industry with new and innovative ideas. Offerings include intuitive software, industry-specific solutions, advanced add-on modules, biometric hardware, mobile apps, and more. The Elionic, equipped with AMGtime's firmware, is a top of its class biometric fingerprint kiosk that allows employees to clock in and out, approve their timecards directly on the device, view schedules, view benefits, submit PTO requests, transfer between jobs, and more. Most features are activated from the software and can be abled or disabled depending on each company's needs, making the Elionic as simple or as complex as needed. With these advanced labor management features, the interaction between employer and employee becomes more efficient and seamless.

The second generation Elionic includes innovative features focused on compliance and ease of use. Employers can use the Elionic to collect transaction data with the bonus of reporting on failed transactions or transactions made outside restricted time periods. Users can set it so that the Elionic automatically generates transaction "lockout" periods depending on either each individual employee's work schedule or restricted time zones assigned to an employee.

The Elionic also includes Off-Schedule Meal Reporting, which requires employees to explicitly state on the device if lunches/breaks taken outside the normal schedule was a personal decision or mandated by the company. Similarly aiding in lunch compliancy rules, the Elionic can prevent employees from taking lunches shorter than mandated by not allowing clock-in before the allotted time. Due to the device's real-time synchronization capabilities, transactions can be made on any Elionic within a company's possession, eliminating the need for an employee to transact from only one device.

Another new feature is the option to have employees alerted to pending timecards for approval or denial after transacting on the Elionic, with the option to add comments. Features like these make the Elionic a unique and smart tool to help companies manage their labor.

The Elionic's smart layout, instinctive user-experience, and fast processing simplifies administrative/HR and employee tasks and can store up to 200,000 transactions. Employees can transact using fingerprint, proximity card, and/or pin/password. Employers can set the option for the Elionic to take a photo of the employee as she/he clocks in and out on the device. The Elionic also can trigger a bell system and provide door access control. To read more about the new Elionic, visit our website.

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

NEW WINDSOR, N.Y. (PRWEB) APRIL 23, 2019

Interact Marketing, leading digital marketing agency in New York's Hudson Valley, reported double digit revenue growth in 2019's first quarter. The agency credits this growth achievement to a renewed focus on sales with agency partners, more networking and public speaking, an increase in online marketing efforts, and a successfully executed quarterly theme.

Following the company-wide first quarter theme of "See Clearly Now", Interact Marketing doubled down on Mastering the Rockefeller Habits outlined in the book Scaling Up by Verne Harnish, and refined internal processes, including more procedural communication between finance and operations. The Rockefeller Habits, serve as the lens through which management conducts day-to-day operations and strategic planning sessions, and tracks key performance indicators (KPIs).

After creating a digital dashboard in line with one of the Rockefeller Habits, the Interact Marketing operational team was given access to important KPIs, as well as how revenue and profitability was tracking with projections. Department leaders and account managers now have insightful access to tools that measure their billable utilization and profitability on an account by account, basis as well as for their respective departments. This assures that the full benefit of clients' retainers are maximized and provides more oversight into how efficiently tasks are performed by individual employees.

The combination of these efforts helped fuel an unprecedented growth quarter. Since founding the company that would eventually become Interact Marketing in 2007, CEO Joe Beccalori and his team have served over 250 clients in search engine optimization, web development & design, social media marketing and online reputation management. This quarter signifies the beginning of a new phase in the company's history.

On the record growth, Beccalori said, "We've really come into maturity with our offerings for various verticals. At the same time, client and staff attrition is at record low levels, and inbound sales inquiries have increased by over 25% primarily driven by networking organizations, public speaking, and an increase in our own online marketing. For the first quarter ever social media has outperformed search for the in terms of new sales leads." Being consistent with daily, weekly, monthly, and quarterly meetings helped bring the team's operations in line with increased client onboarding from sales efforts.

Anthony Church, Senior Vice President of Client Services recently reached his fifth year with the Hudson Valley agency. On the recent growth, he noted, "We have a strong team of committed individuals that take our clients' success very seriously. Client satisfaction and results are an important part of our growth and the tools and processes we have put in place help us deliver even more value."

About Interact Marketing
Interact Marketing is a full-service New York digital marketing agency based in the Hudson Valley in New Windsor, NY. The agency specializes in organic search engine optimization (SEO), pay per click advertising (PPC), website design and development, content and social media marketing, and online reputation management for brands and executives. Interact Marketing is also a Google Partner Agency. It is one of the fastest growing agencies in New York's Hudson Valley region with 472% organic revenue growth in five years (2010-2015).

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

CHICAGO (PRWEB) APRIL 23, 2019

Swift Passport & Visa Services, a leader in expediting passports and visas for busy travelers, recently announced the opening of their new office located in downtown Chicago. By moving to their new office space, the company hopes to provide their customers with an even higher level of service along with greater convenience.

The office, located at 1 East Erie, Suite #525, is a comfortable open concept space where customers can begin the passport and visa application process. Digital signage will make each step of the process even easier to navigate. For Swift's growing team of travel experts, the new office features a complete kitchen and large conference room for planning and collaborative brainstorming.

"Our new home is a welcoming place for all travelers as they take one of the first steps in planning their upcoming trips, whether for business or pleasure," said Swift Co-Founder, Rob Lee. "The design of our new office is warm, and the furnishings are comfortable which pairs nicely with the attitude we take when helping our customers."

The Erie location is especially helpful for people who have upcoming travel to China. Located around the corner from the Chicago China Consulate, the new office offers a convenient China Visa Pick-Up service. When travelers use Swift's China Visa Pick-Up service, they no longer need to make a second trip to the Consulate to pick up their travel documents. Instead, Swift will pick up their visa and send it to them via FedEx. For many, the investment in this service pays off dividends as they save themselves from a second trip to the Consulate and avoid additional stress, too.

"Planning a long, overseas trip requires a significant amount of time and effort," said Lee. "We cut the process in half and save our customers time when they need it the most. Our company motto is "We'll Get You There" and we stand by that."

About SWIFT PASSPORT SERVICES:

With a network of partnerships nationwide, Swift Passport & Visa Services can reach clients in all 50 states. The company is registered with the U.S. Department of State and has regular access to all foreign consulates nationwide in six major cities. Swift's new Chicago office at 1 East Erie Street is strategically located down the hall from the China Consulate to better serve its clientele and better accommodate the vast number of people needing assistance obtaining China travel visas. Visit https://www.swiftpassportservices.com/ to learn more.

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

ROGERS, ARK. (PRWEB) APRIL 23, 2019

SRI Quality System Registrar is pleased to announce that it has recently awarded an ISO/IEC 27001:2013 Management System certificate to Shiloh Technologies, located in Rogers, Arkansas, for the provision of controls for the information security management system providing the protection of Shiloh infrastructure that supports the secure service delivery process of company and client information in accordance with the company's Statement of Applicability.

According to Edward L. Maschmeier, Associate Vice President, Certification: "We are pleased to acknowledge that Shiloh Technologies has demonstrated effective implementation of a management system. ISO/IEC 27001 certification provides evidence to customers, suppliers, employees, and their community of their commitment to information security and customer satisfaction."

ISO/IEC 27001:2013 is process-based; certification recognizes organizations that can link business objectives with operating effectiveness. Companies that achieve management system certification to ISO/IEC 27001:2013 have demonstrated effective implementation of documentation and records management, top management's commitment to their customers, establishment of clear policy, good planning and implementation, good resources security and management, and efficient process control, measurement, and analysis. Continual improvement has been institutionalized.

SRI Quality System Registrar is an internationally accredited registrar for management systems standards, such as ISO 9001, AS9100, IATF 16949, OHSAS 18001, ISO 13485, ISO 20000-1, ISO 27001, ISO/FSSC 22000 and environmental management systems standards such as ISO 14001, RC14001, and RCMS. SRI also provides public training for auditing, implementing, and maintaining these standards.

About Shiloh Technologies:
Shiloh Technologies, LLC is an award-winning data solutions provider serving more than 100 consumer good companies and retailers across the globe. Founded in 1994 in Bentonville, AR, Shiloh Technologies has been a pioneer in the retail data industry for over 25 years, employing experienced and highly-skilled professionals with a reputation for outstanding customer service and innovation. Today, Shiloh's cutting-edge analytic solutions accommodate some of the most prominent retailers in the world, including Walmart, Target, Home Depot, Lowe's, Kroger, and more. Shiloh's ongoing mission is to make complex data simple and accessible to everyone, putting the right knowledge in the right hands at the right time.

For more information about Shiloh Technologies, its flagship brand ShilohNEXT, or the NEW suite of products, visit http://shilohnext.com or call (479) 464-4598.

PR/Media Inquiries:
Cheryl Yarbrough
cheryl.yarbrough(at)shilohnext(dot)com
479.286.6732

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

ELMA, N.Y. (PRWEB) APRIL 23, 2019

"One-Stop, 100% American Made E-Commerce Site for Retail, Wholesale, Tours & Events"

"Are you looking for...
The perfect 100% American Made Mother's or Father's Day gift? Top-quality gardening, do-it-yourself and spring clean-up products? Group reservations for fun tours and delicious meals? Wholesale opportunities to sell 100% American Made Products in retail stores across the U.S.?

Then http://www.madeinamericastore.com has your answers," stated Mark Andol, Founder and CEO of Made in America Store.T

The flagship Made in America Store is anchored by an 18,000 sq.ft. retail shop, group tour hospitality suite and World Distribution Center at 1000 W. Maple Court in Elma, NY. Motor coach servicing is available next door. The store's e-commerce site provides customers across the U.S. easy access to 100% U.S. made products at their fingertips.

The new http://www.madeinamericastore.com website features the vast majority of 9,000+ products that are available at the brick & mortar flagship store in Elma and satellite locations in both Erie and Niagara County.

"Our new website is user friendly and easy to navigate, according to our focus groups," Andol continued. "Whether a shopper is laser-focused on one item or product category, or browsing through the thousands of American-made products that are top quality at pricing comparable to imported products sold by big box retailers, you'll get the right answer at http://www.madeinamericastore.com".

Andol noted that the store has given a 10% military and veterans discount since the first day it opened on April 3, 2010. The discount has also been available on-line. Made in America Store runs a number of customer appreciation days throughout the year and offers a AAA Discount.

"We also encourage museum shops and other retailers to take advantage of our "store-in-store" option," Andol added. "We design, manufacture and set-up displays of items that are top sellers in our store. That way, retailers can quickly respond to growing customer demand for quality, American-made products, fulfilling our store's mission "for our children's future."

"Beyond our discounts and sales, we made the Made in America Store on-line shopping experience even better. We ship orders of $100 or greater anywhere in the contiguous United States for FREE. It's a win for the customer, win for the 500 plus manufacturers we help support and a big win for jobs in America!" Andol concluded.

Shop over 9,000 products from 500+ manufacturers and help rebuild the American dream here - http://www.madeinamericastore.com

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

CAROL STREAM, ILL. (PRWEB) APRIL 23, 2019

Women have an innate and enormous capacity to persevere and rise to any occasion, which is evident in the first annual Constructech Women Heavy Equipment Operator winners.

The Women Heavy Equipment Operator Awards honors the 10 most successful women who are working in the construction and mining industries. The women were nominated by their peers and are chosen based on the nominees' machine ability, mechanical aptitude, and how the individual embraces technology.

Judges also took into consideration how many hours each candidate worked without a recordable incident, mentorship skills, and the challenges that each individual has had to overcome to make their mark within mining and construction.

"The women have persisted in what has traditionally been a male-dominated industry and have done it with care, precision, stalwartness, meticulousness, and an openness to continue to learn and mentor others with grace in the space," says Peggy Smedley, editorial director of Constructech magazine and president of Specialty Publishing Media. "They are ensuring that the work performed is done right, safely, and with the latest technological innovation in hand."

The 2019 Women Heavy Equipment Operator winners are:
Kirsten Anderson, HEO, Imperial Oil
Sarah Emig, Operating Engineer, Connelly Crane Rental
Linda Gerdon, Equipment Operator/Teamster, TC Construction Co., Inc.
Kristen Hand, Operating Engineer, Granite Construction Northeast
Mikayla Smith, Foreman, LCI-Lineberger Construction Inc.
Terry Stacey, HEO, Imperial Oil
Kimberly Tuttauk, Senior Operator Maintainer, Iron Ore Co. of Canada
Debra Thompson, HEO, Rachel Contracting Inc.
Kathy Tuccaro, HEO, Imperial Oil
Cindy Van Marter, Transportation Craft Recruiter, Sundt Construction Inc.

"These women take a tough job and make it look easy," says Laura Black, editor at large, Constructech magazine. "They have the experience, expertise, drive, and determination to ensure a project moves forward quickly and safely. We can all learn something from these 10 women."

The women will be honored at a dinner being held Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2019 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago, Arlington Heights, IL. In-depth profiles of the women who made the list will be in the Spring issue of Constructech magazine, which is available in print and on the Web.

About Specialty Publishing Media
Specialty Publishing Media is home to Constructech magazine, Connected World, The Peggy Smedley Institute, The Peggy Smedley Show, and Constructech TV. With content spanning print, online, radio, podcasts, and streaming video, each interactive platform delivers audiences the latest in the technological revolution. specialtypublishingmedia.com

About Constructech
Constructech is fierce advocates for construction. It connects people, equipment, technology, and data. Constructech leads contractors and builders in today's digital transformation by leveraging information and emerging technologies, connected equipment, and must-have tools at the jobsite. constructech.com

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

MANILA — The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will send its disaster response teams to help in areas affected by the 6.1 magnitude quake that jolted some parts of Luzon, including Metro Manila, on Monday afternoon.

In a media advisory posted on the Facebook account of the DPWH Regional Office III, DPWH Secretary Mark Villar instructed the regional director to order less affected neighboring district offices to dispatch teams to areas affected by the disaster.

DPWH Assistant Secretary Eugenio Pipo, Jr. also required regional directors to send engineers to assist in the assessment of public buildings, especially school buildings.

On Monday, the DPWH closed roads and infrastructures in Pampanga due to damages caused by the earthquake.

People and vehicles are not allowed on the whole stretch of the megadike in Maliwalu, Bacolor, Pampanga after a portion of the structure was damaged by the quake that rocked some areas in Luzon including Metro Manila.

"The east lateral portion of megadike in Maliwalu, Bacolor, Pampanga has been damaged by the 6.1 magnitude earthquake," the post said.

"The public and all motorists are informed that the whole stretch of megadike has been closed to traffic for everybody's safety," it added.

The DPWH added that the Sasmuan-Lubao Road is also not passable to heavy vehicles due to collapsed slope protection and half of the carriageway's embarkment was scourged. The estimated length of damage is approximately 100 meters.

The Consuelo Bridge in Floridablanca has also been closed to traffic as of 7:00 p.m. last night due to damage.

Rescue operation is ongoing at the Chuzon supermarket in Porac town after it collapsed. Some 40 persons are reportedly trapped inside the supermarket.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology reported that the epicenter of the quake was located in Castillejos, Zambales at around 5:11 p.m. (PNA)

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

MANILA -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on Tuesday asked occupants of the Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) building in Manila to vacate, following the magnitude 6.1 earthquake that struck parts of Luzon on Monday afternoon.

DPWH Secretary Mark Villar said the safety officer of EAC has been informed not to utilize the building anymore.

"DPWH personnel has already cordoned one lane of United Nations Avenue to preclude any further impact on the building which may be caused by vehicles passing through the road," he said in a statement.

Reports showed the school tilted towards an adjacent building following Monday's tremor.

Meanwhile, the agency has fielded the Rapid Assessment Team on buildings and structures in Central Luzon and National Capital Region (NCR) hit by the earthquake.

Villar also ordered the Bureau of Maintenance to conduct rapid assessment on damages in the affected areas.

"Unified Project Management Office (UPMO) Directors handling big ticket projects in Central Luzon and NCR have been instructed to conduct assessment of their on going projects," the DPWH chief added.

Villar said that all equipment and personnel from Region III, NCR, Region 4-A and their corresponding District Engineering Offices have been activated for clearing and rescue operations.

"Coordination was already established by DPWH with their corresponding Provincial Risk Reduction Management Council counterpart in the area for a more synchronized response," he added.

Villar reported that among places massively hit by the quake in Pampanga are Clark (Clark International Airport currently closed), Porac (Chuzon Supermarket collapsed), Lubao (Road damaged and Sasmuan-Lubao bridge - passable to light vehicles only).

Also damaged were areas in the towns of Dinalupihan in Bataan (collapsed Dinalupihan-Pampanga Boundary Arch), Bacolor (Megadike Access Roads, which is closed from Dolores to Calibutbut/Maliwalo in Bacolor, Pampanga) and Floridablanca (Floridablanca Consuelo Bridge), both in Pampanga.

At least five people were killed while over 100 were injured in the earthquake that struck Castillejos, Zambales on Monday afternoon, which was also felt in Metro Manila. (PNA)

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

MANILA -- The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has urged airlines with flights emanating from Clark International Airport (CRK) not to impose transportation and rebooking fees to passengers affected by the magnitude 6.1 earthquake that hit parts of Luzon Monday afternoon.

DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade, who visited the airport after the quake, asked airline representatives to coordinate with the department and the Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) to address the situation.

"Sec. Tugade instructed the airlines to provide free food and drinks for affected passengers. He also asked the airline and airport personnel to extend utmost patience and courtesy," said DOTr Assistant Secretary for Communications Goddes Hope Libiran in a text message to reporters.

Tugade also directed Undersecretary for Road Transport Mark de Leon to facilitate the issuance of special permits to bus companies, in order to provide shuttle services for affected passengers.

CIAC has ordered a 24-hour shutdown of the Clark International Airport effective 7:40 p.m. after the earthquake caused the suspension of local and international flights.

Seven persons suffered minor injuries when a part of the ceiling at the check-in lobby collapsed and were immediately brought for treatment at a nearby hospital, according to CIAC President Jaime Melo.

The earthquake caused no damage to the airport's runway and taxiway, the CIAC crisis team reported. (PNA)

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

MANILA -- Railway operations in Metro Manila have resumed Tuesday after the completion of the inspection to determine the stability of structures and systems, following a magnitude 6.1 earthquake that jolted Luzon Monday afternoon.

In its advisory, the management of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) said it has resumed operations after an inspection conducted by consultants from the Asian Development Bank and the Maintenance Transition Team found that there are no structural defects in all of its structures, including the tracks.

LRT-1 operator Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) announced that regular operations along its railway line from Roosevelt to Baclaran on both northbound and southbound directions have resumed operations as of 5:30 a.m.

"As of 4:38 a.m., tracks inspection completed & confirmed safe. Catenary inspection completed and confirmed safe. Buildings and facilities completed and confirmed safe," the LRMC advisory read.

The Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2) also resumed operations upon the advice of Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) Administrator Gen. Reynaldo Berroya.

The Philippine National Railways (PNR) started its regular operations Tuesday morning, General Manager Junn Magno said.

"Yes, we resumed operations earlier, only remaining matter to undertake is the inspection of Tutuban building for occupancy of higher floors," Magno said in a text message to the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

The PNR expects to complete the inspection of the Tutuban building within the day. (PNA)

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

MANILA -- The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has lifted the implementation of the number coding scheme for public utility vehicles (PUVs) on Tuesday.

The initiative was aimed at assisting commuters affected by the temporary closure of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Metro Rail Transit (MRT) on Monday, but regular operations for LRT Lines 1 and 2, MRT-3 and the Philippine National Railways resumed Tuesday after the inspection of its structures and tracks were completed following the quake.

"We will still continue with our traffic management plan, the number coding scheme for PUVs is suspended but our focus now is more on disaster response," said MMDA spokesperson Celine Pialago in a text message to reporters.

A 10-man team from MMDA's Public Safety Division was deployed to help in the search and rescue operations in Porac, Pampanga, where scores were reportedly trapped in a supermarket that collapsed.

MMDA Chairman Danilo Lim, who also serves as chairperson of the Metro Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, instructed all city disaster risk reduction and management officers in Metro Manila to submit an initial report on inspections within their areas of responsibility not later than 5 p.m. Tuesday.

"All reports from the cities will be consolidated for our metro-wide assessment. DPWH-NCR has submitted their assessment on the situation of bridges in Metro Manila," Pialago said.

The MMDA's Metro Manila Crisis Monitoring and Management Center is on standby and monitoring the latest developments on the Luzon quake. (PNA)

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

MANILA -- Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Monday dismissed claims made by Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founding chair Jose Maria "Joma" Sison that the end for President Rodrigo R. Duterte is near due to the "growing dissatisfaction" within the military and police.

"Mr. Joma Sison, again, claimed today that President Rodrigo Duterte's end is near in view of the "growing dissatisfaction" within the AFP and PNP. Mr. Sison said the country's armed forces are just waiting for the big mass protests to arise in the cities of NCR (National Capital Region) and other provinces," said Lorenzana in the message forwarded to reporters.

Lorenzana said such allegations are baseless as the latest Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey gave the Chief Executive a 70+ satisfaction rating.

"The military and police would rate him 100 percent if a survey is made," the DND chief added.

He also took a swipe at the CPP founding chair, adding that it is Sison's followers who are dissatisfied and disillusioned, as these communist rebels and their supporters have been surrendering in the thousands to avail of the benefits being offered to them by the government.

"But Mr. Sison can certainly dream, can't he? In his evil, convoluted and misinformed mind inured by three decades of good life in Utrecht, he has become the victim of his own propaganda. He is nearing the end of his short life with no accomplishment to show but death and destruction in the wake of the 50-years of insurgency by his discredited and bankrupt ideology," Lorenzana added.

Due to this, Sison will be consigned to the dustbin of history as a once brilliant young man who amounted to nothing, the DND chief added.

"I seriously doubt if anyone is listening to or reading anything that he's saying since he has become inconsequential and irrelevant in our country's affairs," Lorenzana said. (PNA)

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

MANILA -- Seven people were reported dead, 81 injured while 24 others are still missing in the magnitude 6.1 earthquake that jolted parts of Luzon on Monday.

In its 6 a.m. Tuesday update, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said a total of 32 structures in Central Luzon and the National Capital Region (NCR) were damaged by the quake.

The NDRRMC report was signed and released by executive director Ricardo Jalad.

The agency, however, said these information are still being validated.

It also disclosed that an earthquake-induced landslide was reported in Mt. Bimmukel, Sitio Lomibao, Barangay San Rafael, San Marcelino, Zambales. About 120 families were evacuated and provided with relief packs. A total of 22 schools in Central Luzon, Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon) and NCR has suspended classes due to the incident.

Also, the National Disaster Reduction and Management Operations Center was placed on "blue alert" effective 7 p.m. Monday for monitoring and response purposes.

Early Tuesday, government work was suspended in Metro Manila, Zambales, Nueva Ecija, and Pampanga to give way for the inspection of structures that might have been damaged by the earthquake.

Meanwhile, the Department of National Defense (DND) directed the Office of Civil Defense and the Armed Forces of the Philippines to assist in the assessment and relief operations of areas affected by the earthquake.

In response, the AFP said its Joint Task Force-National Capital Region (JTF-NCR) has alerted two platoons of its disaster response task units (DRTUs) for any untoward incident.

"In Metro Manila, JTF-NCR alerted two platoons of DRTU with complete equipment. The AFP has disaster response task groups that are pre organized and pre tasked for possible deployment in any eventualities of disaster," AFP spokesperson, Marine Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said in a message to the Philippine News Agency.

Arevalo also said the AFP will continue its training with civilian rescue groups and ongoing procurement of equipment to further enhance its disaster response readiness.

"Included in our trainings are those had with other armed forces in the region to ensure inter-operability and readiness," the AFP spokesperson stressed.

In line with this, Arevalo said that the Tarlac-based Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom), led by Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Salamat, has already deployed a composite team of disaster rescue groups of 67 personnel (consisting of seven officers and 60 enlisted personnel) to help in the ongoing search-and-rescue operations in the collapsed Chuzon Supermarket in Porac, Pampanga.

Salamat has also instructed all Nolcom disaster response rescue units to be on stand by for rescue operations, the AFP spokesperson said. (PNA)

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

MANILA -- A total of nine schools were damaged by the 6.1 magnitude earthquake, which hit several parts of Luzon on Monday, the Department of Education (DepEd) reported.

In a partial situation report released Tuesday morning, DepEd said nine schools in Bataan, Muntinlupa, Pampanga and Zambales were impaired due to the earthquake.

These are Laukan National High School in Bataan, Mabalacat Elementary School in Mabalacat City, Malusac Elementary School in Pampanga, Pio Elementary School in Pampanga, Camias High School in Pampanga, Subic Central Elementary School in Olongapo City, San Nicolas Integrated School in San Fernando City, Sindalan Elementary School n San Fernando City and Cupang Senior High School in Muntinlupa City.

Most of them had collapsed perimeter fences and pathways and damaged buildings and corridors.

Meanwhile, cracks were found in 20 classrooms of Cupang Senior High School, which is located at the second to fourth floors of the Pagcor Building.

The DepEd released a memorandum for the thorough and immediate inspection of school and office buildings and facilities.

DepEd Undersecretary Nepomuceno Malaluan said classes are suspended today in all National Capital Region (NCR) public schools.

"(The) school year 2018 to 2019 already ended April 5, however, there are still some school activities ongoing. We have instructed the NCR regional director to suspend these for today," he said. (PNA)

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

MANILA -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) leadership on Tuesday ordered an immediate technical inspection and assessment of all police stations and other camp facilities following the magnitude 6.1 earthquake, which hit several parts of Luzon on Monday.

PNP chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde directed Brig. Gen. Elmer Cabreros, Engineering Service director, to conduct inspections on these facilities in Metro Manila and Central Luzon for damages to determine their structural integrity, safety, and fitness for use by PNP personnel and the public availing of police services.

Albayalde also emphasized the physical security of all detention cells to ensure that no suspects under custody can escape.

The country's top cop also directed the Police Regional Office 3 to activate its Disaster Incident Management Task Group and immediately provide assistance to the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, local government units, other government agencies and civilian rescue groups.

The PNP chief also assured the public that the PNP will continue to be vigilant and ready to respond for any call for help.

"Paramount is the safety of the public, the maintenance of security and order in all affected areas, and the clearing of all roads and bridges for search, rescue and relief operations," Albayalde said.

Meanwhile, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) director Maj. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said Marjorie Laurente, 21, was brought to the Perpetual Succor Hospital after she was accidentally hit in the left arm by pieces of broken glass that fell from the 7th floor window of a building in Sampaloc, Manila.

A report from the Manila Police District said the GAW Building, along Tomas Mapua St., Binondo, Manila was slightly leaning on its side and suffered minor damages while water from the roof deck swimming pool of the Anchor Suites along Ongpin Street in Binondo spilled.

On Monday night, Albayalde directed Maj. Gen. Edwin Roque, PNP Director of Logistics, to immediately deploy all available PNP transport vehicles consisting of four coasters, one bus, and four trucks to help transport stranded people from Cubao to Monumento and Cubao to Pasay-Taft after the Light Rail Transit and the Metro Rail Transit suspended operations due to the earthquake.

"Our police will continue to be on full alert. Kindly report any suspicious behavior and unlawful acts being committed to your police stations or police officer," Eleazar said. (PNA)

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

CLARK, Pampanga -- The Clark Development Corporation (CDC) and the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) have reported zero casualties in Clark, as technical teams conduct a continuing assessment of the situation due to the 6.1-magnitude earthquake that badly hit Pampanga and other parts of Central Luzon on Monday afternoon.

CDC has reported that at least 90 percent of power supply has been restored following the strong earthquake. Also, the CDC Health and Sanitation Division (HSD) reported that it has not received any report of casualties inside Clark.

CDC has also designated temporary shelters for travelers and tourists, who might be affected by the closure of operations of Clark International Airport (CRK) and may not be able to afford to stay in hotels.

These include the Training Center at HSD, the pavilion at Bicentennial Park, the Philippine Air Force Gym, and the Clark Parade Grounds. Water and food are also being provided for these shelters.

The assessment of structures in Clark will continue overnight.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) earlier announced that the Clark International Airport will be closed and flights will be suspended for 24 hours beginning 7:40 p.m. Monday to further check on the integrity of the its terminal structure and facilities. No damage was found on the airport's runway and taxiways.

Further, the BCDA reported that there has been no damage at the new Clark International Airport New Terminal Building being built, as well as facilities at the New Clark City Phase 1 -- which includes the government center and the sports stadium, the aquatics center, athletes' dormitory which are being readied for the SEA Games this November.

Assessment of all buildings, structures and facilities in Clark will be done in the next 12 to 24 hours.

BCDA and CDC will be giving another update Tuesday. (PR)

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

MANILA -- A magnitude 6.5 earthquake rocked Eastern Samar on Tuesday afternoon, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.

The quake of tectonic origin, with a depth of 17 kilometers, struck 19 kilometers northwest of the municipality of San Julian at around 1:37 p.m.

The temblor was felt in the following areas:

Intensity 6 - San Julian, Eastern Samar;

Intensity 5 - Tacloban City; Catbalogan City, Samar; Gen. Mc Arthur, Salcedo and Guiuan Eastern Samar; Naval, Biliran; Catarman, Northern Samar; Palo and Pastrana, Leyte;

Intensity 4 - Abuyog, Hilongos, Javier, Capoocan, Julieta, Baybay, Barogo, Jaro, MacArthur, Matalum, Villaba, Leyte; San Francisco, Southern Leyte; Bislig City, Surigao Del Sur; Iloilo City; Naga City; Sorsogon City; Panganiban, Catanduanes;

Intensity 3 - Binalbagan, Negros Occidental; Cabalian, Southern Leyte; Dimasalang, Masbate;
Butuan City; Cabadbaran City;

Intensity 2 - Bago City; Bacolod City

Phivolcs said it is expecting damages and aftershocks from the earthquake. (PNA)

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

MANILA – Mercury Drug Foundation, Inc. (MDFI) on Tuesday donated PHP20-million worth of medicines and medical supplies to hospitals and treatment facilities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

This was done through a deed of donation signed by AFP Chief-of-Staff, Gen. Benjamin Madrigal Jr., and MDFI Board of Trustees member, Jess Mangrobang, in a short ceremony at the AFP General Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

"We are very thankful to the Mercury Drug Foundation, Inc. for their generosity and for recognizing the services and sacrifices of our soldiers," Madrigal said, noting also the scholarship support given to dependents of AFP casualties.

The processing of requests for medical supplies and medicines from the military treatment facilities will be facilitated by the AFP Surgeon General. The MDFI will then validate and deliver directly to the requesting hospitals.

The donation, which is the third since 2017, will further augment the AFP's own supplies and will benefit military personnel, especially soldiers recovering from injuries sustained in legitimate military operations.

"It was during the height of the Marawi situation when we thought that it was high time to extend our Operation Bigay Lunas to the AFP, because of their heroism, their commitment to protect the country. It is a small thing for us to be part of their journey," MDFI executive director, Annie Fuentes, said.

Madrigal said the importance of this partnership was highlighted during the Marawi City incident, when the requirements for medicines and supplies were high. (PNA)

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

MANILA – Some senators on Tuesday called for more mitigation and preparedness measures in the wake of a magnitude 6.1 earthquake that hit Metro Manila and parts of Luzon.

Senator Sonny Angara pushed for the passage of a bill creating a Department of Disaster Resilience (DDR) that would respond to the "new normal" of national disasters and climate change.

"This strong earthquake reminds us of the urgency to create a single, independent and permanent agency devoted to disaster management and resilience," Angara said.

"This new department will oversee a comprehensive and coordinated strategy in managing natural disasters with the main goal of saving lives and minimizing damage to property," he added.

He said the proposed Disaster Resilience Act under Senate Bill 1994 would provide a "whole of government, whole of nation approach" to disasters and emergency situations.

"What we want to ensure is a seamless synergy among government agencies and stakeholders from national down to the grassroots levels to effectively respond to disasters," he said.

Angara said the DDR shall be the principal government institution responsible for ensuring safe, adaptive and disaster-resilient community.

Senate President pro tempore Ralph Recto, meanwhile, said building standards should be improved to withstand stronger earthquakes, considering that the country is situated within the ring of fire.

Recto also urged the Department of Public Works and Highways and other relevant government agencies to inspect and assess transport infrastructures to ensure the safety of passengers.

¨Furthermore, (we should) adopt appropriate measures to prepare our people for the big one. Better to be prepared," Recto added.

On the other hand, Senate President Vicente Sotto III particularly noted that the damage dealt by the quake at the Clark International Airport only emphasizes the need to build a new airport there.

The Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC) has ordered a 24-hour shutdown of the Clark International Airport effective 7:40 p.m. Monday after the earthquake caused the suspension of local and international flights.

Seven persons sustained minor injuries when a part of the ceiling at the check-in lobby collapsed and were immediately brought for treatment at a nearby hospital, CIAC president Jaime Melo said.

The earthquake caused no damage to the airport's runway and taxiway, the CIAC crisis team reported. (PNA)

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

MANILA -- The Metro Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MMDRRMC) has ordered an inspection of government buildings and infrastructures in Metro Manila following the magnitude 6.1 earthquake that struck Luzon on Monday.

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Danilo Lim, MMDRRMC concurrent head, issued a memorandum directing all concerned MMDRRMC member agencies and local disaster risk reduction and management councils to conduct an inspection, focusing on the structural integrity of all government buildings in the metropolis.

"You are hereby directed to conduct inspection of all government buildings and infrastructures in your respective areas of responsibility," Lim said in the memorandum issued on Monday.

The inspection reports must be submitted to the MMDRRMC Secretariat on or before 5 p.m. Tuesday.

The MMDA on Monday night deployed a 10-man team from its Public Safety Division to help in the search and rescue operations in Porac, Pampanga, one of the areas severely affected by the quake. (PNA)

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

COLOMBO -- The death toll from a string of explosions that rocked Sri Lanka on Sunday rose to 310 while over 500 were injured, the police said Tuesday.

Another minor explosion occurred in Kochchikade in the capital Colombo on Monday evening when the Bomb Disposal Squad was attempting to deactivate an explosive device found in an abandoned vehicle, causing no injuries.

Police spokesperson Ruwan Gunasekara said so far 26 suspects have been arrested from across the country and search operations were ongoing to nab more suspects.

He said security would remain beefed up across the island country and urged people to avoid gathering in public places.

He also asked people to immediately inform the police if any suspicious packets were found abandoned on the roads or public transport.

Sri Lanka's Cabinet spokesperson Rajitha Senaratne told reporters on Monday that police had received prior information on possible terror attacks but adequate measures had not been taken.

He said the government would look into this and apologized to the nation over the deadly attacks.

President Maithripala Sirisena declared a conditional state of emergency from midnight Monday to ensure citizens remain safe and for the maintenance of essential supplies and services. (Xinhua)

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

MANILA -- The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) on Tuesday said it is ready to provide assistance for the Luzon areas hit by Monday's 6.1 magnitude earthquake.

"The PCSO, which is directly under the Office of the President, is ready to give assistance to affected Local Government Units and families through the Calamity Assistance Program. The program aims to augment the resources of the LGUs to provide financial assistance to individuals and families affected by natural and man-made calamities," PCSO spokesperson Pilar Pinga Cruz said in a statement.

She said the PCSO is saddened by the casualties and damages to lives and properties brought about by the earthquake which hit the country on Monday.

Cruz said the LGUs are likewise eligible to seek assistance from PCSO in the event of affectation due to a calamity as the PCSO shall primarily provide augmentation through financial assistance to qualified beneficiaries, which may be utilized for food needs, feeding projects for displaced families in evacuation centers and temporary shelters and for the procurement of medicines/medical supplies necessary for the conduct of health-related activities for disease prevention and treatment among the affected population, including water and hygiene requirements.

She added the PCSO can also provide assistance through the conduct of medical missions in the affected communities.

Despite the suspension of work in government offices in Metro Manila on Tuesday, Cruz said the PCSO deployed a skeletal force for its gaming and charity operations.

Charity Sector employees will assist the public in securing their Guarantee Letters within the day, Code Blue teams from the Medical Services Department and support staff from the Accounting and Budget, Treasury and General Services Departments, including Internal Audit Service, will also be reporting for duty.

She noted the PCSO Pampanga, Zambales and Nueva Ecija branch offices have suspended their operations for the day to give way to the inspection of the buildings for possible damages.

She added other unaffected PCSO branch offices nationwide will have regular operations to provide much-needed services to the public. (PNA)

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga -- Public Works Secretary Mark Villar on Tuesday ordered the fast-tracking of assessment of roads and other infrastructures in Pampanga damaged by the 6.1-magnitude earthquake that jolted parts of Luzon on Monday.

Villar arrived in the province to personally see the extent of damage caused by the tremor and instructed Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) 3 (Central Luzon) Director Roseller Tolentino to conduct the rapid assessment on damages in the affected areas.

The DPWH chief first inspected the Consuelo Bridge in Floridablanca town that has been closed to traffic due to damage on abutment A.

"We will fast-track this," Villar said as he saw that the damage on the bridge was not structural.
He said he expects the repair of the damaged portion of the bridge to be finished within two to three days.

"The assessment team is coming and so far, hindi naman substantial ang damage (the damage is not substantial) and hopefully, by today, it would be passable to light vehicles," Villar said.

"But of course, we are going to assess it first," he added, citing the importance of safety.

Villar likewise said his department is ready to help the local government units (LGUs) in rehabilitating the damaged structures, such as the old churches in the province.

"That's why we are here, we are ready to help the LGUs and address the concerns on public infrastructures," he said.

Floridablanca Mayor Darwin Manalansan, likewise, said the bridge is vital not only for quarry trucks but also vehicles coming from Clark and Baguio going to Bataan, Olongapo City, and Zambales.

Also damaged by the earthquake are the Lubao Road; the Sasmuan-Lubao Bridge, which is passable only to light vehicles; and the Megadike Access Road, which is closed to traffic from Barangay Dolores to Barangay Calibutbut in Bacolor town.

After the inspection of the damaged bridge, Villar visited the collapsed Chuzon Supermarket.

"We will conduct first forensic analysis. Of course, we have a concern. To think it is new, which was constructed only four years ago. We would like to determine why the building, which houses the Chuzon Supermarket, collapsed," he said.

So far, four persons have been confirmed dead, nine have been rescued and 19 others remain trapped inside the rubble.

Villar, together with other DPWH officials, likewise visited the Sta. Catalina Church in Porac town whose bell tower has been damaged. (PNA)

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

MANILA -- President Rodrigo Duterte welcomed the very first Boao Forum for Asia in Manila on Monday night describing it as reflective of support for enhanced relations between the Philippines and China as well as East regional cooperation.

Duterte failed to attend the forum as he was "not feeling well" but Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea read the President's speech for him, thanking former Presidents Fidel Ramos and Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, now House Speaker, for taking the initiative to bring the conference to Manila.

"The decision to hold this conference here in Manila is indeed a welcome development as it reflects the international community's growing support for and confidence in Philippines-China relations and East Asian regional cooperation," Duterte said in his speech read by Medialdea at Shangri-La, The Fort, Taguig City.

"I am pleased that through the efforts of my predecessors -- President Ramos being a founding father and President Arroyo currently serving as a member of its board -- the Boao Forum has become instrumental in charting the course of the Philippine economy in this era of globalization and regional integration," he added.

Duterte expressed hope that the holding of the Boao Forum will forge stronger consensus as the Philippines prepares to further strengthen regional cooperation through China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

The President is set to join other heads of states in Beijing for the 2nd Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation on April 25 this year. Duterte attended the inaugural forum in 2017.

Aside from serving as a platform to introduce the Boao Forum to the Philippine business community, Duterte said the conference may also provide the country's neighbors insight on the Philippines' current business environment and trade policies.

Moreover, Duterte also said the forum is a chance for key government officials, business leaders, and economists to reach a consensus on how nations' various sectors, industries, and communities may contribute in reaching their respective development goals.
"We have all seen how open dialogue, cooperation, and innovation have been instrumental in sustaining the advancement of the world economy in this era of globalization and regional economic integration," Duterte said.

Duterte also hoped for a stronger and more vibrant relationship between nations, especially as it continues to elevate the Philippines' ties with China and the rest of the ASEAN community.

Meanwhile, Duterte urged the participants of the forum to ensure "inclusive" growth that should benefit everyone, especially the poor and marginalized.

"To my mind, the Boao Forum is an effective platform if we are to sustain this upward trajectory. Let me emphasize, however, that multilateral cooperation and economic development should always be inclusive. It must always benefit the greater majority, especially the poor and marginalized," Duterte said

Duterte emphasized that countries should work even harder in order to achieve growth that does not "just look good on paper" but is also felt by the masses.

"We must achieve growth that will be felt by ordinary people. Only when economic progress affects the lives of everyone can we claim genuine victory," Duterte said.

"As we continue our discussions, I remain hopeful that the inputs in this conference will put primary consideration on inclusive growth, with profit and income being mere consequences of our progress in this area," he added

The Boao Forum for Asia aims to build further cooperation among leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China in relation to Beijing's ambitious BRI.

Aside from the Philippines, other ASEAN members are Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Duterte skipped the event because "he is not feeling well" and opted to take a break from his punishing schedule including campaign sorties, according to Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo. (PNA)

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

Primer on the 22 April 2019 Magnitude 6.1 Central Luzon Earthquake

Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS-DOST)·Tuesday, April 23, 2019
23 April 2019

What is happening at Zambales and Pampanga?
At 5:11 PM on 22 April 2019, Monday, a moderate earthquake of Magnitude 6.1 shook the provinces of Zambales, Pampanga and vicinity. The epicenter is located 18 kilometers east of Castillejos, Zambales, on a mountainous area, at a depth of 10 kilometers. Small-magnitude earthquakes followed afterwards, and as of 8:00 AM of 23 April 2019, 421 aftershocks have been recorded by the PHIVOLCS-DOST seismic monitoring network.

Based on preliminary intensity reports, the strongest ground shaking was felt at PHIVOLCS Earthquake Intensity Scale (PEIS) VI (Very Strong) in San Marcelino and Subic in Zambales; Olongapo City; Floridablanca, Lubao, Porac, and Angeles City in Pampanga. Intensity V (Strong) was felt in Tarlac City; Castillejos and San Felipe in Zambales; Magalang, Mexico, and San Fernando in Pampanga; Abucay, Balanga, and Mariveles in Bataan; Malolos, and Obando in Bulacan; Indang in Cavite; Lipa City in Batangas; Makati City, Mandaluyong City, Manila City, Quezon City, Pasay City, San Juan City, Taguig City and Valenzuela City.  Intensity IV (Moderately Strong) was felt in Meycauayan, Plaridel, and San Jose Del Monte City in Bulacan; San Rafael in Tarlac; Rosales and Villasis in Pangasinan; Itogon and La Trinidad in Benguet; Kasibu in Nueva Vizcaya; Gabaldon in Nueva Ecija; San Mateo and Antipolo City in Rizal; Bacoor, Imus, and Maragondon in Cavite; Nasugbu in Batangas; Baguio City, Tagaytay City, Caloocan City, Las Piñas City, Marikina City and Pasig City. Furthermore, Intensity III (Weak) was felt in Marilao in Bulacan; Santo Domingo, Gapan City, Cabanatuan City, Palayan City, and Talavera in Nueva Ecija; Maddela in Quirino; Dingalan in Aurora; Lucban in Quezon;  Carmona, Dasmariñas, General Trias and Silang in Cavite; San Nicolas and Talisay in Batangas; Calamba City and Santa Cruz in Laguna; and Muntinlupa City.  Intensity II (Slightly Felt) was felt in Baler, Aurora. The strong ground shaking near the epicentral area resulted to damages to some buildings, roads, and bridges.
Have large to moderate magnitude earthquakes affected Central Luzon in the past?

At least 18 onshore moderate earthquakes occurred in the vicinity of Zambales and Pampanga in the past. Earthquakes ranging from M5.1 to M5.8 and maximum Intensity VI (Rossi-Forel Scale) ground shaking was generated the region from 1928 to 1993 based on SEASEE Report and PHIVOLCS Earthquake Catalog. After the eruption of Pinatubo Volcano in 1991, moderate-sized earthquakes occurred as a result of the activity of the volcano.

Why do earthquakes occur in Central Luzon?
Central Luzon, which includes Zambales and Pampanga, is one of the seismically active areas in the country because of the Philippine Fault, Iba Fault, East Zambales Fault, and Manila Trench, which are the main earthquake generators that can affect the area. In addition, there are other nearby local faults, which may be covered by recent deposits, and may be sources of small- to moderate-magnitude earthquakes.

Can this earthquake indicate volcanic activity?

No. Although the nearest active volcano in Central Luzon is the Pinatubo Volcano, the Magnitude 6.1 earthquake was determined to be tectonic in origin. However, as part of PHIVOLCS-DOST monitoring procedures for moderate to large earthquakes occurring near active volcanoes, the Institute will closely monitor earthquake events in relation to any activity that may be associated to Pinatubo Volcano.

What can we expect from the current earthquake activity?
The current seismic trend indicates that the Magnitude 6.1 earthquake on 22 April 2019 is the main shock, which caused the strong ground shaking.  The succeeding small-magnitude earthquakes are the aftershocks. The aftershocks may continue to occur for several days to weeks, some of which may be felt. However, the probability of an earthquake higher than Magnitude 6.1 to occur from the same source is low.

Aside from strong ground shaking, what other seismic hazards are life-threatening?
Landslides, rock falls, and other types of mass movements may occur in mountainous or hilly areas. Liquefaction, manifested by sand boils or lateral spread may affect low-lying, water-saturated, sandy/lahar areas near the banks of rivers. 

Can this recent earthquake event trigger a destructive tsunami?
No. The magnitude of the earthquake is not big enough to generate a destructive tsunami. Also, the epicenter of the earthquake is inland. The tsunami threat for Zambales and Pampanga would come from the movement of the Manila Trench, located west of the provinces.
What should be done by the affected communities?

People are reminded to be cautious of structures visibly weakened or with signs of damage by the 22 April 2019 earthquake, as these may be further damaged by aftershocks. In case of houses and other buildings with visible damage, it is best to contact the Municipal/City Engineering Office for advice.  Engineers from the local government, other agencies and organizations should inspect buildings and other infrastructures to determine their integrity and recommend appropriate actions to concerned affected groups or individuals.

Slopes should be checked for tension/incipient cracks that may have resulted from the strong ground shaking. Tension cracks may render slopes more susceptible to landslides. These areas should be avoided.

The best course of action is preparedness. In case of another felt earthquake, it is recommended that people protect themselves by doing the "drop, cover and hold".  In homes and offices, heavy furniture should be strapped to the walls, and appliances be secured to prevent them from toppling and causing injuries injury to persons.

What is the role of PHIVOLCS-DOST?
PHIVOLCS-DOST operates and maintains a network of 101 seismic stations spread across the Philippines. Data from the seismic stations are used to determine the location, magnitude and other characteristics of the earthquakes generated.

The closest seismic stations to Zambales are the Pinatubo Volcano Observatory (staff-controlled) in Magalang (Pampanga), and remote-telemetered seismic stations in Santa Cruz and Iba (Zambales), Abucay (Bataan) and Dona Remedios Trinidad (Bulacan). PHIVOLCS also has a volcano monitoring network in and around Pinatubo Volcano that could record seismic activity.
Aside from monitoring the occurrences of earthquakes, PHIVOLCS also conducts hazards analyses and assessments, and makes this information available to the public. PHIVOLCS works hand-in-hand with other government agencies in mitigating the damaging effects of earthquakes.
Please visit our website at http://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph , and our Facebook and Twitter accounts for earthquake bulletins, volcano updates, hazard maps, and other information on earthquakes and volcanoes. Earthquake observations may also be reported to PHIVOLCS at telephone numbers (02) 929-9254 and (02) 426-1468 to 79, local 124 and 125.

MANILA -- No matter how you take tobacco into your body — through smoking or inhaling secondhand smoke — it affects not only your lungs but also your entire body.

Emer Rojas, a victim of tobacco and president of cancer support group New Vois Association of the Philippines (NVAP) said smoking leads to many killer diseases.

"Ang sigarilyo ay may taglay ng mahigit 7,000 kemikal at 70 dito ay maaring magka-cancer ang makalanghap nito. Hindi lang ang humihitit nito ang maaring magkasakit kung hindi pati na ang mga katabing nakakalanghap ng ibinubugang usok nito (Cigarettes contain more than 7,000 chemicals, of which 70 are known carcinogens. Smokers are directly affected while others who do not smoke are affected by secondhand smoke if they come near smokers)," he said in a recent interview with the Philippine News Agency (PNA)

Get FREE 500GB online storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

SAN MATEO, Rizal -- The Department of Health (DOH) has proposed several programs, including the establishment of a senior citizens' "house" in every municipality where they can proceed for their regular checkup, take their medicines and enjoy recreational activities.

"We will also introduce traditional and alternative healthcare for senior citizens to enhance their well-being and to prevent and to cure their illness," said Dr. Eduardo Janairo, regional health director for Calabarzon.

Janairo made the assurance during the two-day DOH Calabarzon "Senior Citizen's Health Summit", which gathered representatives from associations, federations, societies and groups of senior citizens from various cities and municipalities in the region from April 11 to 12 at Ciudad Christhia 9 Waves Resort in Barangay Ampid in this town.

He clarified that the "house" differs from a foster home which offers stay-in arrangements, but rather a special health and recreational hub dedicated for senior citizens, offering health delivery services and recreational activities.

During the event, the DOH also distributed some 160 assistive devices comprised of 40 wheelchairs, 40 canes, 40 walkers and 40 crutches for needy senior citizens, who are wheelchair-bound and those having difficulty in walking and standing, across the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon.

"Napakahalaga ang mga assistive devices na ito sa ating mga senior citizens kaya dapat lang na maibigay ito ng direkta sa mga talagang nangangailangan (the assistive devices are very important to our senior citizens prompting our office to give these directly to those who really need them)," Janairo said.

The summit aimed to address the health needs and concerns of the elderlies, especially in aiding their mobility, checking on their geriatric health conditions, overcoming walking difficulties and in looking into their welfare despite their age.

"It is important that they should observe a healthy lifestyle, exercise or any other physical activity to move their bodies to sustain their strength and avoid any disease," Janairo advised.

He also reminded senior citizens to drink plenty of water, eat vegetables, and fruits as vitamins strengthen their immune system.

Around 110 senior citizens received free medical checkups, including urinalysis, blood screening, body mass index screening, eye checkup, and maintenance medicines for those with hypertension and diabetes during the summit. (PNA)

Get FREE 500GB cloud storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV

ILOILO CITY – The province of Antique is looking towards being declared as malaria-free, after 11 years of not having any case of the mosquito-borne disease.

Maria Lourdes M. Monegro, Entomologist II at the Department of Health-Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) in Western Visayas, said in a press conference on Monday that program officers and consultants from their funding partner, Global Fund, will arrive in Antique from Manila on the last week of this month for the conduct of validation.

The last indigenous case of malaria in the province was monitored way back in 2008, she said.

"One of the criteria is that they should have no indigenous cases for the past five years," Monegro cited.

In Western Visayas, only two provinces have yet to be declared as malaria-free -- Antique and Negros Occidental.

Of the two remaining provinces, only Antique has signified its intent to be declared as free from malaria.

The validation is just in time for the observance of the World Malaria Day on April 25. This year's celebration has the theme, "Zero Malaria Starts With Me".

Meanwhile, Monegro said this year and in 2018, they have monitored a total of four "imported" malaria cases in the region.

In 2018, those infected were from the towns of Patnongon in Antique and Dingle, Iloilo.

This year, the infected were both Ilonggo seafarers -- a 40-year-old from Lambunao and a 26-year-old from Barotac Viejo who acquired the infection in Ghana, Africa. Both have already been treated.

"Workers came from endemic areas, mostly from Africa. Malaria can be acquired through mosquito bites, particularly by the anopheles mosquitoes," Monegro said.

Treatment for malaria takes only three days and the medicines are available at the DOH.

Out of the 81 provinces in the Philippines, 50 are already malaria-free and 27 are on elimination phase, which means they have no cases for the past five years.

Four areas still have local transmission or have indigenous cases -- Palawan, Occidental Mindoro, Sultan Kudarat and Sulu. (PNA)

Get FREE 500GB cloud storage:
https://www.pcloud.com/welcome-to-pcloud/?discountcode=fDiE7jtC01VPbCIygaM67jZV