MikeLigalig.com

He said he is “okay" now but will have to go back to the hospital for further check-up.

Surat, meanwhile, is now detained in a “high-risk facility.”

He will be transferred to the New Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa, Fadullon said.

Fadullon is one of the more well-known state prosecutors in the Department of Justice, having handled the prosecution of the Ampatuans in the Maguindanao massacre case and the Moro National Liberation Front members in the Zamboanga siege.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/

When the judge dismissed them, Fadullon told the family of the victim that they should leave the court room ahead of the convict.

“As I was motioning for them out the door, he [Surat] lunged at my neck and used the grooves of the handcuff to choke me,” Fadullon said.

He said he managed to push Surat away which enabled the guards to subdue the convict.

He said he did not know he already had gashes until the judge called his attention that he was bleeding.

Fadullon said he was immediately given first aid, but he had to go to the hospital to get some anti-tetanus shots.

Fadullon narrated that after Branch 226 Judge Manuel Sta. Cruz, Jr. read the decision against Surat, the latter gave a short response.

“He said something like, ‘I’d like to say sorry to the family of the victim, but I really did not do anything wrong,’” Fadullon recalled.

Fadullon said the judge then asked him if he had any reply to Surat’s statement.

“I said, ‘Kalokohan po yung ganun. You apologize for something but you’re not admitting to what you did. Parang walang remorse. It’s more hurtful to the family.’”

Prosecutor recalls getting choked by convict using handcuffs

by Ira Pedrasa, ABS-CBNnews.com
02/27/2014

MANILA - Senior Deputy State Prosecutor Richard Anthony Fadullon on Thursday recounted how he was choked and injured by a convict using handcuffs.

Fadullon was with Onofre Surat Jr. when the latter was found guilty of kidnapping for ransom with homicide and sentenced on Thursday morning at the Quezon City Regional Trial Court.

In an interview with radio dzMM, Fadullon recalled noticing that Surat was handcuffed in front of his body instead of on his back.


Richard Anthony Fadullon

“The protocol should have been the handcuffs were on the back, especially since his case is not an ordinary crime," Fadullon said.

Surat had been tagged as the mastermind behind the 2001 kidnap-slay of Mark Harris Bacalla, the son of the late Quezon City Judge Marciano Bacalla.

da harmless panda leche...

hinoon, di nato maklaro kun nagtiniil ba na o nagbakya.

hadlok na ka mao nga balik na lang sa harmless pandas?

go ahead.  aron matul-id ug samot nang iyang hairline, hihihi.

oh-oh, i ain't ask him no more.  he had joined the pyramids at giza after the beer.

aguy!  now you're the one speaking from experience.

i cannot believe you can eat that.

hinaot manudnod ni siya sa sunod election.  tinuod gyod diay, this guy loves his voice so much, he loves listening to himself.  way issue nga di ni siya mo-landing sa media for saying something.  whether he speaks sense or not is another matter.

ka-cute.  tagnaa kinsay mas brayt...

arang lingawa gyod tuod, gipiskat god pagkahuman.

pagtuyok anang usa sa mga dials, beer ba ang mogawas?

ambot lang ug nalipat ba ning kusog mopailob.

ang takla gi-introduce ni fr chic dinhi sa una, ang uwang nanglagot na ko.  imagine, another alien.  mora bayag alien ning mga shrimps.

wa ta kahibawo... judging from his track record when it comes to money.  he talks too much about other people's (fellow officials') faults.  is it to deflect things away from him?  by all means, those who are guilty of thieving must be punished, but can't he at least keep quiet because it is his fellow senators who are on the dock?

civilized aliens

hait-hait man hinoon kog siko kun imo kong hagiton...

aw, basta shrimp, bahalag takla o uwang.  kamao man ko manakla gamay, makauwang pod kog naay mag-away.  

oo, nakapasaylo pa intawon ko.

requiem and burial ganinang hapon ang ambushed cebu lawyer.  same barangay namo; grabe ang traffic sa kadaghang nihatod ni lawyer archival sa iyang final resting place.

hinaot maapil kadugayan sa cayetano sa mga ipangiha.

Photograph by Gaia Light

http://news.yahoo.com/

Photograph by Gaia Light

Photograph by Gaia Light

Photograph by Gaia Light

Photograph by Gaia Light

Photograph by Gaia Light

Photograph by Gaia Light

Photograph by Gaia Light

Photograph by Gaia Light

Photograph by Gaia Light

Photograph by Gaia Light

Photograph by Gaia Light

Photograph by Gaia Light

Photograph by Gaia Light

Photograph by Gaia Light

Photograph by Gaia Light

Photograph by Gaia Light

Photograph by Gaia Light

Photograph by Gaia Light

The series documents two months of the centennial anniversary year, portraying the amazing humanity that, on a daily basis, courses through the main arteries of this quintessential urban hub, aiming to capture the intensity of the proverbial “other”, the complexity of present-day quotidian experience, I and not-I, I and Thou â€" or, human subjects dancing with and within an often-macabre, inhumane, and machinic metropolis.

(Photography and text and by Gaia Light)

Born in Rome Italy, Gaia Light’s work can be see in exhibitions worldwide. She, along with her partner Alessandro Cosmelli, was recently honored with Pictures of the Year International (POYi), 2013 Best Photography Book Award Finalist for their book Brooklyn Buzz.

'The People’s Republic Of Grand Central': Photographer Gaia Light, captures the commuter culture

Grand Central Terminal is the iconic commuter and railroad terminal at 42nd Street and Park Avenue in Midtown Manhattan in New York City, United States. Nearly demolished during the decades of incessant urban renewal in the second half of the twentieth century, it survives amidst skyscrapers in all directions, including above. Manhattan proper is technically, and notably, the only borough in New York City entitled to call itself “New York, New York”. At the center of this world city, then, is another center.

The Main Concourse is both the center of Grand Central Terminal and the epicenter for the set of nearly infinite stories that constantly unfold in time, stories generated by the swirling crowds and the pulsing rhythms of one of the busiest commuter train stations in the world. Above it all the stars of the painted ceiling watch quietly.

Grand Central Station, New York, 1913


Grand Central Station, New York, 2013

Demonstrators use slingshots against National Guard troopers during a protest against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro's government in San Cristobal, about 410 miles (660 km) southwest of Caracas.

http://www.voanews.com/

grabeha.  dahon may gihiklaran.  pista ba ni o tapos?  kun diha ko, unahon nako ang pasayan ug cucumber pickles.  aherm, gigutom man kog ahat nga nagtan-aw.

bag-ong gipasaylo ang sinner.

just as modern and civilized too...

Incidentally, if the massive beast shown in the picture was actually real, it would almost certainly weigh much more than 800 pounds as claimed in the message. The Galápagos tortoise, the largest living species of tortoise, reach weights of more than 550 pounds, although they are considerably smaller - around five feet or so for the larger animals - than the monster depicted in the picture. Although the Galápagos tortoise cannot fly or battle deadly monsters like Gamera can, they are remarkable creatures that can live for more than 100 years in the wild. And, unlike Gamera, they actually exist in real life.


Image credit: Matthew Field, Wikimedia Commons
Galapagos tortoise

http://www.hoax-slayer.com/

Later, the "kaiju" (strange beast or monster"), now enormous, reappears to do battle with the malevolent monster Zedus. However, the juvenile Gamera is bested by Zedus in the battle and is wounded. An article discussing the film on ScifiJapan.com explains what happens after the battle:

    People line the streets to see Gamera. Before long, a military unit arrives and the unconscious kaiju is loaded onto a truck and transported to a research facility in Nagoya for scientific examination. Kousuke and Toru follow, and soon learn that the scientists have information that will hopefully help them to revive Gamera.

Presumably, the circulating image is taken from this portion of the film. The same snapshot is included in several articles about the movie.

Not surprisingly, the picture does not depict a real tortoise or turtle or even a "tortise". The picture is in fact taken from a 2006 Japanese movie titled "Gamera the Brave". The movie is one in a series of titles that feature a gigantic turtle with special powers.

In this film, a young boy finds an egg that hatches a small turtle. The turtle grows very quickly and later flies away and does not return after the boy and his friends move him to an abandoned shack.

The Wolrd largest Tortise found in Amazon river its age around 529 /Hieght-59/Weight- 800 Pounds

Giant Fukushima Mutant Turtle Finally Captured By Japanese Military

Noto, Japan â€" Japan had to call on US naval seal teams to help reel the the iron-shelled beast in. Weighing in at over 7 tons, the locals had taken to calling the newest Fukushima mutant, quite literally translating to The Great Demon King Koopa (Bowser) of modern lore.

(Message includes a copy of the image displayed above.)

Quote from: hubag bohol on February 28, 2014, 01:22:57 PM
Tortoises are prone to gigantism, as shown here...

hubag pasiaw in action.

enter hoax slayer...

Brief Analysis
The "tortoise" is not real. The picture is a scene from the 2006 Japanese movie "Gamera the Brave" which features a giant turtle creature. At one point in the movie, the wounded Gamera is transported via a military truck to a research facility. The circulating image is apparently taken from this part of the movie.

Quote from: hubag bohol on February 28, 2014, 01:16:43 PM
Tortoise vs turtle: mas lami ang turtle.

you haven't tasted hare.

Quote from: hubag bohol on February 28, 2014, 01:32:52 PM
World's Oldest Cheese Was Snack for 3,500-Year-Old Chinese Mummy in Afterlife

it could have been milk as their snack drink that became cheese because of aging.

A corpse is meat gone bad. Well and what's cheese? Corpse of milk. ― James Joyce

Photo by: Colston Julian

'Slumdog Millionaire' Cast
From left: Rubina Ali, 15; Gajiwala, 20; Lonkar, 18; and Azharuddin Ismail, 15. Says Boyle of Ismail and Ali: “They’re bright kids. She’s very bright â€" it’s tough for a girl from that background.”

more at http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/gallery/

Photo by: Colston Julian

Tanvi Lonkar
She was photographed Feb. 19 by Colston Julian in Mumbai.

Photo by: Colston Julian

Tanvi Lonkar, 'Slumdog's' Latika
'Slumdog Millionaire' child actor Tanvi Lonkar, now 18, is working toward a Ph.D. in psychology at Mumbai’s Wilson College while pursuing acting.

[But] controversy accompanied the film's triumph as the two poorest children, Azharuddin Ismail and Rubina Ali, returned home amid reports of abuse, bulldozed shanties and infighting among opportunistic family members. (One tabloid said Ali's father tried to "sell" her for $400,000; he denied it.)

"We were aware we would have to make provisions for the children," says [Danny] Boyle, who admits the backlash caught him off guard. Boyle designated Ismail and Ali, both now 15, as beneficiaries of a trust with an emphasis on completing school. Ismail is clear that the trust is making a difference: "I used to live in a slum. Now I live in a nice apartment and go to a good school." While the director concedes there are concerns ranging from the kids' attendance to what will happen to the money they'll receive for finishing their education, he is proud that, for now, they're "benefiting hugely."

more at http://movies.yahoo.com/news/slumdog-millionaire-kids-reunite-five-years-later-theyre-050000757.html

Photo by: Joao Canziani

Chheda
Chheda was photographed Feb. 19 by Joao Canziani in Wallingford, Conn.

Photo by: Joao Canziani

Tanay Chheda
"More than a dream, it was fantasy come true," recalls Chheda -- a student at Connecticut's Choate prep school -- of the film's eight statuettes won at the 2009 Oscars, including best picture and best director for Danny Boyle.

Photo by: Joao Canziani

Tanay Chheda, 'Slumdog Millionaire's' Jamal
Recalls Tanay Chheda, now 17, of the $378 million-grossing film: “No one had any idea; there were stories of going straight to DVD. Suddenly all our lives changed.”

Meet the Kids From 'Slumdog Millionaire,' Five Years Later

2/27/2014
by Seth Abramovitch

THR caught up with the six child actors who were pushed into the spotlight after the $378 million film took home eight Oscars.


Photo by: AP Photo/Chris Pizzello
   
'Slumdog Millionaire' Cast at 2009 Oscars
At the 2009 Oscars, from left: Ali (Young Latika), Lonkar, Ismail (Young Salim), Chheda (Middle Jamal), Ayush Khedekar (Young Jamal) and Ashutosh Gajiwala (Middle Salim). Says Gajiwala, “When Meryl Streep came to me, it was seriously a heart- shattering moment in itself.”

Members of the Nepalese army demonstrate their skills during the Army Day celebrations, which falls on the same day as the Shivaratri festival, in Kathmandu.

http://www.voanews.com/

Dancers of the state opera ballet perform during a dress rehearsal for the Opera Ball in Vienna, Austria.

http://www.voanews.com/

Francesco Schettino (R), the captain of the Costa Concordia cruise liner (pictured at rear), boards a ferry as he leaves Giglio harbour February 27, 2014. Schettino, went back on board on Thursday for the first time since the huge cruise liner sank with the loss of 32 lives just over two years ago, accompanying experts investigating the capsize. (REUTERS/Alessandro Bianchi)

http://news.yahoo.com/

The cruise liner Costa Concordia is seen outside Giglio harbor, Italy. Captain Francesco Schettino returns to Giglio island for the first time since the shipwreck of the cruise liner in 2012 in which 32 people died. The captain is expected to tour the wreck as part of his ongoing trial.

http://www.voanews.com/

A Formosan Black Bear and paper pandas are positioned during an exhibition called "Pandas on Tour" near the 101 building in Tainan, Taiwan. Some 1,600 paper-made pandas are on display, designed by French artist Paulo Grangeon.

http://www.voanews.com/

Local residents look at the paper pandas designed by French artist Paulo Grangeon, during an exhibition called "Pandas on Tour" in Taipei, Taiwan.

http://www.voanews.com/

if these are the ones who will man the nine-dash line claimed by china, wa na ko say.

Historically, slavery was institutionally recognized by most societies; in more recent times, slavery has been outlawed in all countries, but it continues through the practices of debt bondage, indentured servitude, serfdom, domestic servants kept in captivity, certain adoptions in which children are forced to work as slaves, child soldiers, and forced marriage.

Slavery is officially illegal in all countries, but there are still an estimated 20 million to 30 million slaves worldwide. Mauritania was the last jurisdiction to officially outlaw slavery (in 1981/2007), but about 10% to 20% of its population is estimated to live in slavery. (wikipedia)

Slavery is a system under which people are treated as property to be bought and sold, and are forced to work.

Slaves can be held against their will from the time of their capture, purchase or birth, and deprived of the right to leave, to refuse to work, or to demand compensation. (wikipedia)

amen.

Russel's statements marked a remarkable departure from Washington's careful refusal in the past to take any direct position on the disputes. Previously, the Obama administration tried to present itself as a neutral external party that was only concerned with freedom of navigation in international waters. This was followed by the mid-February visit by U.S. Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Jonathan Greenert, where he raised hops of direct American assistance to the Philippines in an event of conflict in the South China Sea by stating, "Of course we would help you. I don't know what that help would be, specifically. I mean we have an obligation because we have a treaty."

Above all, the Philippines and the U.S. are expected to sign a new defense pact, to be cemented by Obama's planned visit to Manila in late-April. For the Philippines, an upgraded military alliance could potentially mean, among other things, a considerable increase in American rotational military deployments and (quite possibly) temporary access to sophisticated military hardware. The ultimate aim is to deter further Chinese incursions into what the Philippines believes is its rightful maritime territories under the provisions of UNCLOS.

Overall, Aquino may have risked a permanent estrangement with the Chinese leadership over his fiery rhetoric. But it is hoping that rising international concerns over the South China Sea disputes will translate into greater external support against China. As a result, diplomacy has seemingly taken the backseat.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/

The New Geopolitical Landscape

This was beyond just a soft power victory for Philippines' allies. Filipino officials (and their American counterparts) were quick to point out the necessity of greater American military presence in the country, if the Philippines were to effectively cope with humanitarian and security challenges. During the ASEAN-Japan Summit in late 2013, Tokyo also promised up to $20 billion in aid and investment pledges to the Southeast Asian countries. Both the U.S. and Japan presented themselves as the anchor of stability and prosperity in the region, pushing back against China's rising influence in Asia.

Much to the delight of the Philippines, the U.S. upped the ante in the following months by vigorously criticizing China's quasi-legal and para-military maneuvers in the South China Sea. Then, in early February, the U.S. made the unprecedented decision to directly question China's claims in the South China Sea. Danny Russel, the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific affairs, argued before the U.S. Congress that "any Chinese claim to maritime rights not based on claimed land features would be inconsistent with international law," and encouraged Beijing to display its respect for international law by "clarifying or adjusting its claim(s)" accordingly.

There is not even a single Southeast Asian state that can militarily challenge such prospective measure. Throughout 2013, the Philippines and the U.S. also struggled to iron out a new military agreement, which could boost American rotational military presence in the South China Sea. Pushed against the wall, President Aquino painstakingly sought direct negotiations with the top Chinese leadership. Reportedly, the overtures where turned down, unless the Philippines dropped its legal challenge to China's territorial claims.

This year, however, has seen a swift movement towards greater American presence in the region. Much of it was facilitated by the massive deployment of American troops during the Haiyan crisis in the Philippines. Japan also made the historical decision to deploy its largest ever post-war humanitarian contingent to the Philippines, with more than a thousand members of the Japanese Self Defense Forces (JSDF) vigorously assisting the victims of super typhoon in the Philippines.

The Pivot Has Arrived

In geopolitical terms, recent years have been particularly tough for the Philippines. Bilateral and regional negotiations over a diplomatic resolution of the South China Sea disputes have stalled, while China has stepped up its para-military patrols across the area. The Philippines lost the Scarborough Shoal to China in mid-2012, and came dangerously close to losing the Second Thomas Shoal the following year. Manila took the risky decision to challenge Beijing's maritime claims at The Hague without coordinating a similar move by other claimant states such as Vietnam and Japan.

As a result, China was able to isolate the Philippines in various international fora, while leveraging its massive aid and investment pledges to woo other members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Since 2012, China has introduced two amendments to its maritime law in the southern province of Hainan, which have reinforced Beijing's jurisdiction over disputed waters. And there are fears that China will impose a new Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) in the South China Sea.

The Shinzo Abe administration, which enjoys considerable legislative support in the Japanese parliament, is pushing for the revision of Japan's pacifist constitution, paving the way for a full-blown military alliance between Manila and Tokyo. The U.S., meanwhile, is finally signaling its support for the Philippines in an event of war in the Western Pacific, with a new bilateral defense pact entering the final phase of negotiations.

Three years into the U.S.' pivot to Asia, we may finally see a more concrete and decisive effort at "constraining" China by a burgeoning counter-alliance. With the latest Gallup Poll suggesting that China -- not Iran or North Korea -- is seen as America's No. 1 enemy, the Obama administration could count on greater public sympathy for increased U.S. military footprint in Asia.

Among Filipino policy-makers, who have nervously watched China's rising territorial assertiveness in recent years, there is a growing feeling that the tide is finally turning in their favor. And this may explain Aquino's decision to risk a permanent breakdown in Philippine-China bilateral relations by likening China to Nazi Germany, and demanding more support from Western powers lest a regional conflict erupts. The Philippines' emergence as a leading emerging market in Southeast Asia has generated additional confidence over its (presumed) importance to Western powers.

Allies to the Rescue

Although lacking even a minimum deterrence capability against China, which is expected to outspend the combined military expenditures of Europe's leading powers next year, the Philippines is relying on increased strategic commitment from two key actors: Tokyo and Washington. And to be fair, there are signs that the Aquino administration could benefit from such gamble.

As expected, Hague was extremely cautious with reiterating Britain's commitment to democracy and stability in Asia, without necessarily irking the most important economy in the region, China. Other leading European countries such as Germany and France, which have developed massive investment and trade relations with China in recent decades, have displayed considerable sensitivity to Beijing's geopolitical interests. But given Britain's close ties to Washington and its (still) relatively modest economic stakes in China -- although bilateral trade hit a record high in 2013 -- many in Manila believe that it's far from unrealistic to seek strategic sympathy from European powers such as London.

In fact, Hague emphasized his country's commitment to a rule-based, peaceful resolution of territorial disputes in the South China Sea, but fell short of taking a direct stance on the ownership of contested maritime features. Nonetheless, his endorsement of international law as a basis for ensuring regional peace and security could be interpreted as an implicit endorsement of the Philippines' legal challenge to China's notorious 9-dashline doctrine, which, many neighboring countries contend, contravenes the provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

In many ways, it seems that Aquino has abandoned his earlier efforts -- to no avail -- at reviving communications channels with the Chinese leadership to seek a diplomatic compromise in the South China Sea. But, does he have meaningful external support?

During his recent trip to Asia, I asked British Foreign Secretary William Hague whether the European Union (EU) -- and his country, as a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council -- is willing to play an active role in resolving territorial disputes in the Western Pacific. After all, the EU has played a proactive role in resolving most pressing international security issues such as the Syrian civil war and the Iranian nuclear conundrum. And as the Asia-Pacific region emerges as the geopolitical pivot of history, where booming consumer markets increasingly serve as the engine of the world economy, the international community has a stake in ensuring stability and the unimpeded flow of trade and investment across the region.

South China Sea Disputes Enter a Dangerous Phase: The U.S. Pivot Gathers Steam

Richard Javad Heydarian
Academic/Policy Advisor/
Foreign Affairs and Economic Analyst
02/24/2014

"At what point do you say: 'Enough is enough'?" Philippine President Benigno Aquino exclaimed in an exclusive interview with the New York Times. It was a forceful call for international support amid intensifying territorial disputes with China. Quite shockingly, he even compared China to Nazi Germany, cautioning the Western powers against appeasing Beijing over disputed maritime features in the Western Pacific. China was infuriated by the comments, dismissing him as an "amateurish" politician.

thanks, hof.  our language is truly powerful.  there's a lot more to discover.  viva, bisaya!  viva, bol-anon!

Golez said he also sees the Philippines and the United States finishing negotiations on the planned increase in the presence of US troops before US President Barack Obama visits Manila in April.

He said the deal will not lead to the return of permanent US military bases in the Philippines.

"I think something will culminate before the arrival of President Obama in April. I think that will be good for the country and not only for the US but for our other allies like for example India, Indonesia, Japan and maybe even Vietnam. All of us have a common cause in making sure there is freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, part of it being the West Philippine Sea," he said.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/

"I think we have been keeping calm. The fact that we did not exaggerate the issue. We simply reported the incident and it is our duty to report that because it is the government's duty to protect our fishermen especially poor fishermen, hungry fishermen, thousands of them whose livelihoods for hundreds or maybe thousands of years have been dependent on this fishing area which is well within our exclusive economic zone," he said.

Golez said Filipino fishermen should continue to fish in the area to assert the country's rights over the territory.

He also does not believe that China's attempts to deter Filipino fishermen would lead to deaths.

"I think the fishermen should continue going there. They may be harassed by Chinese surveillance ships but there are a lot of them and I think at this point, China is simply trying to intimidate them and deter them but I don't think anything foolish will be resolved in the death of our fishermen especially well within our exclusive economic zone," he said.

"Ang hirap. Sabi nila set aside this dispute...e nandun na sila. It is to their advantage that we keep quiet about this this and we don't know what their plans are. Also about the withdrawal, how can we accept an offer for withdrawal in exchange for us not to file the memorial? If we don't file the memorial, it could resolve into something irreversible. On the other hand, if they withdraw today, they could come back tomorrow," he added.

The former national security adviser noted the Philippines has kept calm about an incident wherein Chinese Coast Guard vessels used water cannon to drive away Filipino fishermen from Panatag Shoal.

President Aquino even noted that the use of water cannon was "inconsistent" since some Filipino fishermen were not being harassed by the Chinese Coast Guard.

"The memorial is like, in common legal parlance, is that it is like a pleading, a brief where we have the statement of facts, our history in the area, the basis for our claims and the statement of law why we are saying that legally by international law especially UNCLOS this area is ours and there is no basis for the 9-dash line of China," he said.

He also said China offered a "trade carrot" to the country after Beijing said it had $10 trillion in trade being opened to the world.

He said that in September last year, the Chinese ambassador even mentioned that the Philippines and China should concentrate on trade and set aside the dispute.

Manila has asserted the shoal falls within its 200 nautical mile Exclusive Economic Zone(EEZ), giving it the right to exploit the natural resources in this area.

It has pursued legal action by filing a complaint with a UN-backed tribunal challenging the basis of China's large territorial claims.

Game-changer

On Wednesday, a Palace spokesman said the Philippines will go ahead and file its memorial or written arguments before the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) in a bid to bolster its case against China’s sweeping nine-dash claim over the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea).

Golez said the filing of the memorial before ITLOS could be a game-changer especially in the Philippine government's initiative to take the rule of law in settling the dispute.

"I said - what kind of an incentive is that? It is our exclusive economic zone. Why should we reciprocate them leaving our own exclusive economic zone? Parang sa Tagalog e pinasok yung bakuran mo tapos sasabihin nung pumasok sa bakuran: 'O sige, aalis ako. Umalis ka din.'

Anong klaseng palitan ng incentive yan?" he asked.

China and the Philippines have been locked in a tense dispute over ownership of the Panatag or Scarborough Shoal, which is 220 km from Zambales.

The Philippine government claims Beijing has effectively gained control of the shoal, while China says the shoal is part of its historical claim to most of the South China Sea including waters near the coasts of its neighbors.

"It is also our exclusive economic zone. The marine resources there are also priceless. I think that cannot be compared to all this harassment," he added.

Golez revealed that China had offered incentives in exchange for the Philippines dropping its arbitration case against China before an international tribunal.

He said reliable sources told him that China had offered the Philippines a "mutual withdrawal" from the shoal in exchange for Manila dropping the arbitration.

However, he likened the offer to an "intruder in your own backyard asking the owner that they should both leave."

China in Scarborough 'like a dagger': Golez

ABS-CBNnews.com
02/27/2014

MANILA - China's occupation of Panatag or Scarborough Shoal is like a "dagger to the solar plexus" especially if Beijing builds a military installation there, former National Security Adviser Roilo Golez warned on Thursday.

Speaking to ANC's Headstart, Golez said the Philippines should reject any offer of incentive from China because it is disadvantageous to the country.

"Security is priceless. If ever they convert Scarborough Shoal into another military installation the same way they did with Mischief Reef, that is a dagger right in our solar plexus. It is very close to our economic zones, Manila Bay, Subic, even our military bases in the area. They could use that to monitor and interdict us in the future," he said.

Man, sentenced to life, chokes prosecutor

ABS-CBNnews.com
02/27/2014

MANILA â€" A man who was sentenced to life choked a state prosecutor in Quezon City after his verdict was handed down Thursday.

Onofre Surat Jr., who was convicted of kidnapping for ransom with homicide, choked Senior Deputy State Prosecutor Richard Anthony Fadullon after his sentence was read at a Quezon City trial court.

Fadullon said Surat still managed to choke him because the latter's handcuffs were worn in front of his body.

The prosecutor was given treatment, and Surat is now back in police custody.

A Philippine Star report said Surat had been tagged as the mastermind in the 2001 kidnap-slay of Mark Harris Bacalla, son of the late Quezon City Regional Trial Court Judge Marciano Bacalla. â€" report from Johnson Manabat, dzMM

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rio de Janeiro is the former capital city of Brazil before the transition of the federal government to Brasília. It is renowned for its beautiful bay, its numerous beaches, and its statue of Christ dominating the bay on the top of Concovado Mountain.

Penguins
Two penguins perched together on a rock, with mountains in the background in Antarctica.

Array
It crosses the East River since 1909 linking Manhattan to Brooklyn. For its centennial year, it was named a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark.

Bora Bora Islands
Bora Bora is part of a group of volcanic islands in the south pacific ocean called the French Polynesia.

Galapagos Sea Lion
The Galapagos sea lion is a species of sea lion that exclusively breeds on the Galapagos Islands. They are often spotted sun-bathing on sandy shores or gliding gracefully through the surf.

Tower Bridge lit up at night
This suspension bridge crosses the Thames since l894 without disrupting the river traffic. It was considered the largest and most sophisticated bascule bridge ever completed. Famous landmark of London, it offers a luxurious lounge and a bridge masters dining room.

Bluestripe snapper
The bluestripe snapper sea perch or the blue-line snapper is a common species of marine fish of the snapper family. They are given this name because of the four horizontal blue stripes on its body.