MikeLigalig.com

The Lakas-Kampi-CMD in the city completed its line-up after a party directorate meeting on Friday.

The city Lakas-Kampi will be fielding City Vice Mayor Jose Antonio Veloso to run for city mayor with incumbent Poblacion-2 barangay captain Glorivic De la Serna as running mate.

Re-electionist city councilors Zenaido "Djingo" Rama, Anne Mariquit Oppus and Bebiano Inting will lead 7 other aspirants for the Sangguniang Panlungsod.
       
VELOSO, DE LA SERNA
The Veloso-Dela Serna ticket includes former Liga ng mga Barangay president Alberta Torralba, Cogon barangay kagawad Charles Cabalit, Booy barangay kagawad Jerome Sarabia, Poblacion-3 kagawad Jose Esteban Butalid, former city kagawad Norberto "Jun' Mendez, banker Panfilo Bumaat and Greggy Gatal, a staff of Rep. Adam Relson Jala.

The entire slate will be hearing mass at 7 this morning at the St. Joseph's Cathedral with supporters before heading to the city Comelec office to file their certificates of candidacies.

Mendez, who already filed his COC last Friday will still be joining the group to submit his certificate of party nomination from Lakas-Kampi.

SACRIFICE FOR UNITY
Kagawag Rama who was ready for the vice mayoralty race instead opted to run for re-election as city lawmaker under the Veloso-dela Serna ticket.

"I did it as a sacrifice for the party to remain united," Rama said while stating that the group unites to "topple a corruption-riddled Lim administration."
         
Meanwhile, broadcaster Kagawad Roberto "Batchoy" Alba likewise decided not to run for city councilor.

The vocal critic to the Lim administration said it was "party unity" that made him decide to abandon his candidacy.

"What city residents are looking forward is an end to this abusive and corrupt administration," Alba stressed.

Rama joined the Lakas-Kampi after he formally resigned as member of the Nationalist People's Coalition (NPC).

MAJORITY BLOC

The majority bloc of the Sangguniang Panlungsod identified with Mayor Dan Lim will still have to come up with its slate.

There will be at least three vacancies in the city council as two kagawads who are still eligible for reelection - Oscar Glovasa and Edgar Kapirig - will be running for congressman in the first district while Kagawad Danilo Bantugan is on his third term and is reportedly seeking a seat in the provincial board.

There has been no official announcement yet from the mayor's camp.

Incumbent kagawads who will be seeking reelection under the mayor's ticket are Kagawads Edgar Bompat, Leonides Borja, Lucio Balbin and Nerio Zamora II.

Others who are reportedly being considered by the mayor to run for city councilor are Tiptip barangay captain Marcelo Epe, Manga barangay captain Leda Saco, former city health officer Dr. Ben Galia, businessman Dennis Du and Michael Kapirig, son of city kagawad Kapirig.

According to the Chronicle source, the mayor's group will still be meeting to finalize its line-up. - Bohol Chronicle

By Bohol Chronicle   

Movie actor-director Cesar Montano, gubernatorial timber of the Liberal Party continues to accept candidates who do not want to be identified either with the administration Lakas-Kampi-CMD nor with the Nacionalista Party.

As of presstime last night, there were reports that former DepEd Supt. Elpidio Jala, brother of former Rep. Eladio Jala might consider options to run for congressman in the 3rd district. Another source revealed that Jala might even be Montano's running mate.

The LP bets for congressmen are city kagawad Oscar Kapirig, 1st district and lawyer Danilo Mendez, 2nd district. Cebu-based broadcaster Andy Manatad was also reported to run for congressman in the second district under the Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino (PNP), and not LP as earlier reported.
         
Other prominent names which surfaced as running for provincial board members under the LP are former provincial BM Fred Tirol, former BM Dionisio Balite and Flor Garcia (3rd district), former Ubay Mayor Dodo Boyles, Winceslao Garcia (2nd district), Maribojoc Kagawad Redulla and Cirilo Esperanza (1st district).

Montano is slated to proclaim some mayoralty bets today including retired Gen. Olegario for Valencia, Joseph Rañola for Jagna and former Kagawad Nila Monteno for Panglao.

In the city, the names of businessman-civic leader Johnny Enerio and Edgar Allan Tac-an surfaced as candidates for city kagawads. Tac-an is the chairman of the Noynoy For President Movement (Bohol chapter) and president of the United Filipino Seafarers Federation.

Women heading out for Christmas drinks have been warned by police not to make themselves easy prey for rapists.

Senior officers in England and Wales warned of the risks as the Association of Chief Police Officers (Acpo) launched a campaign to raise awareness.

Poster, radio and TV advertisements will urge women to "let your hair down, not your guard", while warning men, "Rape: short word, long sentence."

Many forces record an increase in sex attacks over the festive period.

It comes as thousands of people head to pubs, bars and clubs.

The Acpo campaign was launched in Manchester where it is thought that alcohol plays a part in two thirds of all rape cases. - BBC

A Jagnaanon who earned his pile in Manila is seeking the mayoralty post of his hometown which is being contested by at least two other candidates.

Joseph Ranola whose  initials JR stands for Jagna Renaissance will carry the banner of the Liberal Party in wrestling the mayoralty crown from graduating incumbent Exuperio Llloren.

Ranola’s Jagna Renaissance will introduce political reforms in the town  as an alternative to patronage politics.

Although Ranola is a popular choice among many Jagnaanons considering his impressive credentials as a rags-to-riches  boy, he will contend with equally bankable opponents. Ranola’s opponents are lawyer Bicbic Abrenilla and international mariner Paris Macarayan.

Believed to be all moneyed, the three candidates will slug it out in a do-or-die finish where at this point no one can claim who is in the upper hand.
The support of Mayor Llloren is also one big factor the protagonists will have to consider in the run-up to the 2010 mayoralty polls.

As of last report, Mayor Llloren was quoted as saying that he was in favor of supporting Abrenilla, a retired executive of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA).

The incumbent mayor will run as Abrenilla’s vice mayor.

As for his running mate, the Manila-based businessman who used to work with Sen. Rodulfo Biazon as a budget assistant chose Yolanda Tadena Ariles.

The rest of their line-up for municipal councilor are Dodong Albino, Al Alvaro, Dr. Cecil Carol Cero, Loloy Cuarto, Pepe Espiritu, Daisy Galagala, Eddie Llido and Jun Sumalinog. - Sunday Post

Sunday Post: The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Office of the Provincial Director, recognized and awarded the provincial winners of this year’s Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentive Awards (LTIA), and the Ten Outstanding Barangay Officials of the year (Toboy).

Among those who bagged the prestigious  titles in the provincial level Wednesday at the JJ’s Seafoods Village and Restaurant, in this city, were barangays Pooc Oriental and Pinayagan  Norte of Tubigon.

Pooc Oriental ranked second place in the Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentive Award (LTIA) 2009 Provincial Level Search for the 1st to 3rd class municipalities. The LTIA illustrates official recognition of the services of the Katarugang Pambarangay mediators and conciliators and give tribute to Lupons that have excelled in their performance in the implementation of the KP Law. It institutionalizes a system of granting economic benefits and other incentives to Lupong Tagapamayapa, known as Lupons, which demonstrates exemplary performance. 

Emma Bangcoy,  punong barangay and chairman of the Lupong Tagapamayapa of Pooc Oriental received the award. while. Esterlita Loresto,  punong barangay of Pinayagan Norte was adjudged second placer in the  Search for the Ten Outstanding Barangay Officials of the Year (Toboy) 2009 for the 1st to 3rd class municipalities.

Among the provincial finalists who were also recognized at the provincial level were Barangay Kagawad of Matabao Enrique Larano and Barangay Secretary of Talenceras, Letecia Bulilan. MLGOO.

Ma. Sharon Marimon-Halasan facilitated the search at the municipal level and the documentation with the full support of the LGU officials. The annual search for Toboy is designed to give recognition to barangay officials of Region VII who have shown exemplary performance in the discharge of their functions. The program was jointly undertaken by the Local Administration and Development Program Alumni Association of the Philippines (LADPAAP) Region 7 chapter, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Liga ng mga Barangay of Region 7, with the support of benevolent parties/institutions that have offered to sponsor and help the program. The municipality of Tubigon will also recognize and award its provincial awardees and municipal nominees. A series of municipal awarding activities will also be conducted in the concerned barangays at the LGU being facilitated by the MLGOO. with the full support of the LGU officials. The municipal awarding was first scheduled last November 12, but was postponed due to official reasons thus, its was reset in  Pinayagan Norte.

The award was presented by lawyer. Luna Piezas and was witnessed by the barangay officials and its proud constituents. Punong Barangay Esterlita Loresto received the award together with the barangay officials.

Pinayagan Norte was recognized as the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) Model Barangay as being showcased during the Search for the Most Child Friendly LGUs. The Presidential Awards for the Most Child Friendly LGUs aims to institutionalize a child-friendly environment and governance  in promoting and protecting children’s right to survival, development, protection and participation. During the short program,  Mayor Piezas delivered a message that inspired the barangays to continue to perform their task to serve the public well.

Adam L. Saligumba 

      Loon basketball fans and aficionados are going to have a thrilling and action-packed Christmas as the battle for hardcourt supremacy begun with the opening of the SK and LGU-Loon Inter-Barangay Basketball League 2009 on Nov. 21, 2009 at the Loon Sports and Cultural Center.

      Dynamic Loon Mayor Lloyd Peter M. Lopez, MD and Vice Mayor Edwin R. Ladeza, led local officials during the opening of the tournament which banners the theme, ”Paugnat sa Batan-ong Kusog Alang sa Maabtik ug Maakuhong Pag-alagad sa Katilingban.”

      Tweny-one teams are seeing action in this year’s edition of the inter-barangay basketball tournament, with powerhouse championship teams like Moto Sur, Cogon Norte, Napo and Basac leading the pack to provide non-stop entertainment for the whole duration of the   holiday season.

      Expected to challenge the four powerhouse teams are Moto Norte, Tangnan Lemurs, Cuasi, Cantomucad, Pondol, Sandingan Slingers, Cabilao, Catagbacan Sur Citi Transport, Catagbacan Norte Basketball Association (CBA), Catagbacan Handig, Song-on, Pig-ot, Canhangdon and the Tubodio, Canmanoc, Cogon Sur team.

      Only players aging 25 years old and below are allowed to participate in the Inter-Barangay Christmas Basketball League, which is played through single round robin with teams going through an elimination round, semi-final, and final.

      Handsome prizes await the winners. The champion will receive P20,000 cash prize plus trophy; second â€" P14,000 cash prize plus trophy; and third â€" P8,000 cash prize plus trophy. Non-winning teams will get a consolation prize of P2,000 each.

      The opening of the league was enlivened by a parade of the participating teams   around the main streets of the town and selection of Best Muse of the League and Best in Team Uniform.

      Pretty and intelligent Carla Jane Francisco, muse of the Catagbacan (Norte) Basketball Association, was adjudged as Best Muse of the League. The board of judges was headed by Coy Ponte and members Joseph Ygay and Wowee Agbon. The petite student of the Sacred Heart Academy received her cash prize of P1,000.00 from SB Kagawads Ricky U. Masamayor, Precy Branzuela and Ignacio M. Castil, Jr.

      The judges also gave their unanimous choice to Cuasi as Best in Team Uniform. The team received the cash prize of P1,000.00 from Vice Mayor Edwin LAdeza.

      Loon SKMF chairman Ivaraxel Ericsson administered the Amateur Athlete’s Oath to the players while the SB Kag. Ignacio M. Castil, Jr., member of the Loon Sports Commission, officially declared the opening of the Inter-Barangay Christmas Basketball League. Sports Commissioner Zaldy Joseph Palma capped the afternoon’s activity through his message of thanks to Mayor Lopez, Vice Mayor Ladeza and the SK municipal federation for sponsoring the league. He also requested the players to exercise sportsmanship and play fairly in the coming hardcourt games.

      In the opening game, Team Napo defeated Cantomucad, while the Tangnan Lemurs blasted the Cogon Norte dribblers.                     

      The Inter-Barangay Christmas Basketball Tournament 2009 is one of the flagship programs of Mayor Lloyd Lopez to promote and develop the talents of the town's youth in sports, particularly basketball. To recall, the Loon Basketball Team is a top crowd-drawer and consistent champion whenever it participates in the Cong. Edgar M. Chatto Cup held annually at the OLTA Kolodrome in Tagbilaran City.     

By: Fred C. Fuertes

MARIBOJOC â€" Four lawyers headed by a Maribojoc-born judge, extended Saturday free legal services to Maribojocanons at the Maribojoc Sports and Cultural Center here.

Regional Trial Court Judge Teofilo “Flux” Baluma, himself a Maribojocanon, told his audience that he owed his town mates why he is on his bench now.  “This is one way of repaying Maribojoc for what i am now today after experiencing trials and tribulations as a working student,” he bluntly told some 100-town mates who attended the daylong forum.

Judge Baluma expertly discussed the topics ‘- “Issues on Violence Against Women and Children” and “Family-Related Issues and Concerns.”

His son, lawyer Cristifil Baluma, a CPA-lawyer, lectured on “Realty Laws ” while  Judge Ma. Elisa E. Ochoco, of the Municipal Circuit Trial Court for Cortes, Maribojoc and Antequera, on tackled “Land Rights Laws.”

Lawyer Joseph Baton, another CPA-lawyer and a Maribojocanon by affinity, handled the topic “Mercantile Law.”

Provincial DOLE Officer Gerry Guidaben completed the cast. The erstwhile Kabataang Barangay provincial federation president discussed the “Labor Code of the Philippines.”
James Ll. Mabilin, municipal manpower development and placement officer, facilitated the whole proceedings.

Mayor Leoncio B. Evasco, Jr. thru Senior Municipal Councilor Fructuoso Redulla, Jr. who acted as the OIC-mayor at that time, profusely thanked Judge Baluma and his peers for the rare opportunity given to the town in extending free legal services to their constituents.

Most of the dust that coats your furniture and floors comes from outdoors and can pose a health threat, a new study suggests.

The researchers developed a computer model that can track the distribution of outdoor soil and airborne particles into homes and found that more than 60 percent of household dust originates from tracked-in soil and airborne particles from the outdoors. The remainder is from dead skin shed by residents, fibers from carpets and upholstered furniture.

This outdoor-based dust can contain lead, arsenic and other potentially harmful substances, said the Arizona researchers. For example, they estimated that 60 percent of arsenic in floor dust may come from arsenic in the surrounding air, with the remainder coming from tracked-in soil.

The substances in household dust that originates outdoors may be a special concern for homes with children, who put dust-contaminated toys and other objects into their mouths, said David Layton and Paloma Beamer of the University of Arizona in Tucson, who added that their computer model may prove useful in evaluating ways to reduce contaminants in dust and associated human exposure. -source: Health Day News

By RIC V. OBEDENCIO

GUINDAKPAN Is., Talibon - Climate change caused by either natural or human activity particularly greenhouse emissions has already taken a toll on this islet, said barangay chairman in this barangay.

Romulo Pendon, barangay captain of Guindakpan island, a little over 26-hectare islet off Talibon town with a population of almost 2,000, has keenly observed that the rise of sea level during high tide has been unusual.

He told Vice-Gov. Julius Herrera and company during the visit of the latter recently of this, saying that the basketball court, which situated a higher ground, is almost flooded by high tide, which is not used to be during the highest tide season.

A resident here interviewed but did not tell his name said his house near the shoreline is already underwater when seawater rises.

In neighboring island barangay of Calituban, an island of almost 4,000 residents and about ten minute-ride from Guindakpan, is also experiencing the same â€" unusual seawater rise.

In Calape town, an island barangay of Mantatao is literally submerged when seawater rises.

Some residents here are starting to look for another place to settle in the future.

These islets may be considered as “Climate takers,” which are “those that are not responsible for large greenhouse gas emissions but nonetheless suffer the consequences of climate change.”

Meanwhile, climate change is one of the bone of discussions during the three day (Nov. 26-28, 2009) Bohol Environment Forum held at Jjs Seafood Village restaurant in this city courtesy of Bohol Nature Conservation Society (Bonaconso), Pakisama and Foundation for Philippine Environment (FPE).

Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Nestor Canda tackled the impact of climate change on Bohol ’s geophysical formation and Mr. Nicanor Perlas separately dealt on governance in light of climate change.

GM Wesley So of the Philippines added defending champion GM Gata Kamsky of the United States to his list of world-class victims, claiming a decisive 1.5-.5 triumph in their crucial third-round showdown in the 2009 World Chess Cup at the Khanty-Mansiysk Center of Arts here Saturday night

In a fitting follow-up to his equally shocking 1.5-.5 upset win over former world championship finalist GM Vassily Ivanchuk in the second round, the 16-year-old So avoided unnecessary risk with the white pieces and finished off Kamsky with a draw in 42 moves of the Dutch defense.

The multi-awarded Filipino champion from Bacoor, Cavite, who is expected to breach the super GM ELO 2700 mark at the end of the year, holds a slight initiative in a rook and bishop ending when he accepted Kamsky's offer to split the point.

When the game was agreed drawn, So and Kamsky had a rook, bishop and four pawns each.

So, who shocked Kamsky in the opener of their two-game third round showdown Friday, thus earned the right to advance to the 16-player fourth round against the winner of the match between GMs Pavel Eljanov of Ukraine and Vladimir Malakhov of Russia.

The 11th-seeded Eljanov ( ELO 2729) and the No. 22 Malakhov (ELO 2706), who drew their first two games. are set to play rapid tiebreak matches late Sunday night.

"I'm really happy to have played well against Kamsky. But I really spend a lot of time for preparations for every single opponent. I know that even if they are already super GMs, they can also make mistakes," So told the official website of the World Cup. - PNA

http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=299398150525#w320-h240&ref=nf
Made in China

Obesity is a major risk factor for left atrial enlargement, which increases the risk of atrial fibrillation, stroke and death, a new study shows.

Atrial fibrillation is the most common type of arrhythmia (an irregular heart rhythm or heartbeat).

Researchers analyzed data on 1,212 men and women, aged 25 to 74, in Germany who were followed for 10 years. The study authors concluded that obesity and hypertension cause structural and functional changes in the heart and are independent predictors of left atrial enlargement (LAE).

The highest incidence of LAE after 10 years was seen in obese people -- 31.6 percent compared to baseline prevalence of 10 percent among all study participants.

The findings, published in the Nov. 17 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, confirm the strong association between obesity and LAE reported in previous research. Some of those studies found that excess weight may affect left atrial size at an early age, potentially predisposing young obese people to future heart problems. - Health Day News

The number of registered voters in the province has reached 736,468.

This was revealed by Provincial Election Supervisor Atty. Eliseo Labaria, saying there is a 10-percent rise from the 656,166 registered for the 2007 elections.

Tagbilaran City registered the biggest number of voters with 48,503.

The top six municipalities with registered voters above 20,000 are Ubay with 35,953; Talibon 30,333; Carmen with 27,549; Inabanga with 26,489; Loon with 25,854; Tubigon with 25,700; and Dauis with 21,558.

Registered voters in the first district is already 238,465 from 212,889; in the second district the number of voters increased to 240,417 from 213,986 and the third district has a total of 257,586 from the previous number of 229,291.

There were 2,950 names of voters that have been deleted by the provincial Comelec due to double entry or double registration, death and for transferring to another residence. No single voter in the province was disenfranchised for failure to vote in two succeeding elections, based on the Comelec report. - Bohol Chronicle

Consumerreports.org: Today, Toyota announced a more definitive recall on eight models to address what has been reported as sudden acceleration.

Beginning next month, the company will begin modifying the accelerator pedals of certain Toyota Avalon, Camry, Prius, Tundra and Tacoma, and certain Lexus ES 350, IS 250, and IS 350 models to reduce the likelihood that they can become trapped under floor mats. Dealers will cut 3/4 inches off the bottom of the gas pedals. Starting in April, replacement pedals will become available to all owners of these models, whether they have had the modification performed or not. 

This was the recall forecast in Japan last week. (See “Toyota may shorten gas pedals in acceleration recall.”)

On the Avalon, Camry, and Lexus models, Toyota will also modify the engine software to include a brake override system that will cut the throttle if the brakes and throttle are applied simultaneously. The brake override system will be standard on all Toyota products for the 2011 model year, but spokesman Brian Lyons says it will take several months to develop and calibrate the system for all the models.

The Avalon, Camry, and ES 350 make up about half the models being recalled. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration applauded Toyota for including the brake override, saying, “NHTSA is particularly pleased that Toyota is taking this additional step.”

On the Camry, Avalon, and ES350, the company will also modify the carpet padding underneath the pedal to increase the distance between the pedal and the floor to allow more room for floor mats. And company Toyota will also replace any old all-weather front floor mats with redesigned ones.

This follows an earlier recall last month when Toyota asked owners of these models to simply remove any drivers floor mats.

Recall notices will be sent to owners by the end of the year, starting with the Camry, Avalon, and Lexus ES 350. Some owners may have to take their vehicles in to the dealer twice, once for the pedal modification, and again for the brake override software or pedal replacement.

The models affected are:
2005 - 2010 Toyota Avalon
2007 - 2010 Toyota Camry
2004 - 2009 Toyota Prius
2005 - 2010 Toyota Tacoma
2007 - 2010 Toyota Tundra
2007 - 2010 Lexus ES 350
2006 - 2010 Lexus IS 250 and IS 350

By Lira Dalangin-Fernandez
INQUIRER.net

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has authorized Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno to carry out the suspension of all officials in Maguindanao following Monday’s mass murders of a least 57 people in the province.

Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said the President gave the orders in a meeting Friday morning that was also attended by Defense Secretary Norberto Gonzales and Justice Secretary Agnes Devanadera.

The President has given Puno “full powers of supervision” to carry out his own recommendation to suspend all government, military and police officials in Maguindanao, Remonde told reporters at the weekly Palace briefing aired live over government station Radyo ng Bayan.

Puno is also authorized to appoint their temporary replacement, Remonde added.

Remonde said the temporary suspension of the local officials would “help restore normalcy and peace and order and to provide an atmosphere conducive for efficient investigation” into the gruesome murders.

On Thursday, Puno recommended the temporary suspension of all local officials in Maguindanao to allow an impartial investigation of the massacre, believed to be linked to a rivalry between two influential political clans in the province.

By Aquiles Zonio
Philippine Daily Inquirer

SHARIFF AGUAK, Maguindanaoâ€"Escorted by soldiers, policemen and supporters on a 50-vehicle convoy, Buluan, Maguindanao Mayor Esmael "Toto" Mangudadatu filed his certificate of candidacy under the administration coalition for the gubernatorial race before the provincial office of the Commission on Elections here around 11 a.m. Friday.

Mangudadatu, accompanied by Lakas-Kampi-CMD presidential bet Gilbert Teodoro, Eastern Mindanao Command chief Major General Raymundo Ferrer and Director Felizardo Serapio of the Western Mindanao police's directorate for integrated police operation, handed his COC to Maguindanao acting comelec supervisor Estelita B. Orbase.

With the COC is a nomination from the ruling party, signed by national president and Sarangani Governor Miguel Dominguez and Teodoro.

"This is now the beginning of new politics in Maguindanao," declared the challenger to the hold of the Ampatuan clan on Maguindanao politics.

Mangudadatu was composed but was obviously holding back his emotions.

On Monday, his wife Genalyn and some members of the Mangudadatu clan tried to file his COC but they were instead murdered in Ampatuan town.

Among those who were slaughtered were journalists covering the filing.

Mangudadatu's filing of his candidacy is a big story as it is the first time that the Ampatuan's hold on power was directly challenged.

The leader of the Catholic Church in Ireland has said he is deeply sorry and ashamed about the widespread sexual abuse of children by priests.

Cardinal Sean Brady also apologised for the way the Church covered up the abuse, which happened in Dublin.

He spoke after an Irish government report revealed abuse over decades, a systematic cover-up by the Church, and a lack of action by the Irish police.

The Church put its own reputation ahead of the welfare of children, it found.

The Report of the Commission of Investigation into the Catholic Archdiocese of Dublin covered a period from 1975 to 2004.

Some offending priests were shifted from parish to parish, leaving them free to abuse again.

Cardinal Brady apologised to the victims and their families.

"I am deeply sorry and I am ashamed," he said.

The report also said that state authorities facilitated the cover-up by allowing the Church to operate outside the law. - BBC

from BBC:
One of Dubai's biggest investment companies, Dubai World, has asked for a six-month delay on repaying its debts, raising fears among investors about the financial health of the emirate.

Following six years of rapid growth, the Dubai economy has slumped since the second half of 2008, which has led to property prices falling sharply.

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By Amanda Gardner
HealthDay Reporter

Both a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet such as the popular Atkins program and a low-fat, high-carb diet appear to help people lose pounds over the course of a year.

But as for mood? Only the low-fat diets will result in long-term improvement in mood, according to a study in the Nov. 9 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine.

People on both diets consumed roughly the same number of calories.

"Both an energy-reduced, very low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet and a conventional high-carbohydrate, low-fat diet are equally effective for achieving weight loss in overweight and obese individuals," explained study author Grant D. Brinkworth, a research scientist with the food and nutritional sciences division of the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation in Adelaide, Australia.

"Both dietary patterns also had similar effects on the cognitive domains assessed," which were working memory and speed of processing, Brinkworth added. "However, the conventional high-carbohydrate, low-fat weight-loss diet was shown to have more positive effects on mood compared to the very low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet."

Dr. Ewald Horvath, interim chairman of psychiatry at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, said the study was the first "to show both long-term weight loss and improved mood."

"This study looked at one factor, and prior studies haven't focused on psychological factors," Horvath said. "This is a great study focusing on something very important."

Other studies have found short-term improvements in mood in people who lose weight on different diets. And the new study also found such improvements over the first eight weeks of dieting.

But few studies have looked at long-term mood changes among people who lose weight.

Exercising may get rid of a hangover, but working out cannot undo the damage that heavy drinking may cause, the government says.

A survey for the Department of Health found almost one in five people in England admitted to exercising to "make up" for a heavy bout of drinking.

The poll also found that one in five people drinks more than double the NHS recommended amounts per day.

For a woman this is two small glasses of wine, and one more for a man.

Some people swear by "sweating out" a hangover and carrying out strenuous exercise to help the body overcome the effects of heavy drinking.

But the government's Know Your Limits campaign is trying to impress upon people that while exercising may make you feel better, it does not undo the damage caused by serious alcohol consumption.

While studies are increasingly showing that alcohol - even large quantities - may be good for the heart, organs such as the liver can suffer grave harm - with alcohol being blamed, for instance, for a large rise in cases of cirrhosis.

It has also been linked to a significant increase in the risk of having a stroke. - BBC

The US Secret Service is investigating reports that a couple gatecrashed Tuesday night's state dinner at the White House, US media say.

Tareq and Michaele Salahi were reportedly not invited but later posted photos of themselves on Facebook.

Secret Service spokesman Ed Donovan said the pair were screened and the president was never in any danger.

The state dinner honouring Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was the first of the Obama presidency.

'Screening'

The Washington Post described the Salahis as "polo-playing socialites" with Ms Salahi said to be on the cast of the Real Housewives of Washington television programme.

It quoted a publicist for the couple as denying they had gatecrashed, saying that the pair "were honoured to be a part of such a prestigious event".

Mr Donovan confirmed an investigation was under way, but said there had been no danger.

Three Filipinos were linked to the killing of two Koreans, who were dumped in sitio Tres, barangay Uling, Naga, Cebu on Nov. 15.

Chief Supt. Lani-O Nerez, police director for Central Visayas, said the three Filipinos were identified by witnesses as among those who participated in the killing of Choi Ho Jun, 41 and Yang Soon Suk, 40.

Nerez declined to name the perpetrators pending the issuance of an arrest warrant by the court.

He said the Filipino accomplices, who remained at large, were still in Cebu province.

Nerez said the motive in the killing was money.

Police investigation showed that Choi and Yang, allegedly attempted to blackmail suspect Park Tae Sung, who had a pending swindling case in South Korea.

Park had fled to Cebu allegedly to escape his case in South Korea.

Last May, the victims arrived and allegedly met with Park.

Their bodies were later found in Naga City with stab and gunshot wounds. Choi’s throat was also slit.

Park fled after the killing but was arrested in Macau by the Hong Kong police.

Nerez said Park would be brought to South Korea to face the swindling case before he would be sent to Cebu to face the double murder charges filed against him and four other suspects.

“There’s a big possibility that his Korean business partner will be brought back here if he has no pending cases in South Korea),” Nerez said.- Correspondent Jucelle Marie P. Cuyos, Cebu Daily News

By Chito Aragon
Cebu Daily News

Police yesterday said that there was no third party involved in the death of a man and a woman inside a Cebu City motel on Saturday.

Cebu City Police Chief Patrocinio Comendador Jr. said no witnesses had come forward to say that another person was involved in the deaths of Gerard Espinosa, 32, and Gaye Muriel Del Rosario, 30.

Both were found dead with gunshot wounds inside Room 551 of Prince Court Motel in barangay Mabolo.

Del Rosario was shot in the chest and head. Espinosa had a gunshot wound in the head.

Police said it was likely that Espinosa shot Del Rosario after learning that she planned to end their relationship.

Homicide investigator Michael Coadasti said that Del Rosario was a lead singer of a local band.

Yesterday, Espinosa's relatives visited the police station to inquire about the incident. They refused to comment on the shooting.

A taxi driver lost his earnings when he was robbed at gunpoint by two robbers who flagged down his cab.

Nicasio Manguilimotan, 50, driver of Angel taxi, picked up the two men about 10 p.m. in Osmeña Boulevard, Cebu City and was told to bring them to barangay Banawa.

When they reached sitio Gun Club in barangay Guadalupe, one of the men poked a revolver at him and declared a holdup.

The driver said he handed over P800 to the two men, who got his car keys before disembarking.

The two men then fled on board a habal-habal (motorcycle-for-hire). - Cebu Daily News

By Chito O. Aragon
Cebu Daily News

Two travelers from Metro Manila reported to the police the loss of a laptop and watch allegedly taken from their room in an uptown hotel in Cebu City where they stayed.

Ryan Charles Carvajal Reyes, 36, of Pasig City, Metro Manila, complained that the items were missing from their room and that the door was damaged to gain etnry to the room in the Century Plaza Hotel on General Maxilom Avenue.

Reyes, who introduced himself as a businessman, said he already brought up the theft to the hotel's management but wasn’t satisfied with their response.

When CEBU DAILY NEWS tried to get the side of the hotel a female staffer referred the inquiry to Bobit Avila, whose clan owns the hotel. Avila, who texted from Dubai, said he wasn’t informed of the case yet so couldn’t comment.

When Reyes reported the incident to the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), he played a video he took of the door of his room to show it could be easily opened with the use of a plastic card inserted in between the door jamb.

Agence France-Presse

An Iranian man convicted of rape was hanged on Wednesday in a prison in the city of Karaj on the western outskirts of Tehran, the ISNA news agency reported.

The report said Mohammad Orouji, 25, had also been convicted of consuming alcohol.

The sentence included 80 lashes, but the report did not say whether Orouji was whipped before his execution.

The latest hanging brings to at least 259 the number of people executed in Iran so far this year, according to an AFP count based on news reports.

In 2008, Iran hanged 246 people, the highest number of executions carried out by any country except for China.

Tehran says the death penalty is necessary for maintaining public security and is applied only after exhaustive judicial proceedings.

Murder, rape, armed robbery, drug trafficking and adultery are all punishable by death in the Islamic republic.

By Maila Ager, PDI

Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago will formalize on Friday her re-election bid in 2010, a statement from her office said on Wednesday.

Santiago will file her certificate of candidacy (CoC) at the Commission on Elections under her own party, the People’s Reform Party.

Apart from her own party, Santiago was also drafted as guest candidate by five other political groups; the administration’s Lakas-Kampi Christian Muslim Democrats, Senator Manny Villar’s Nacionalista Party, former President Joseph Estrada’s Puwersa ng Masa, the Nationalist People’s Coalition and the Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino.

“She will be the only senatorial candidate who will run as a common candidate of five parties,” said the statement, adding the senator would be in a “highly unusual, if not historic, role” when she files her CoC.

A cup of Brazilian mint tea has pain relieving qualities to match those of commercially available analgesics, a study suggests.

Hyptis crenata has been prescribed by Brazilian healers for millennia to treat ailments from headaches and stomach pain to fever and flu.

Working on mice, a Newcastle University team has proved scientifically that the ancient medicine men were right.

The study is published in the journal Acta Horticulturae.

In order to mimic the traditional treatment as closely as possible, the Newcastle team carried out a survey in Brazil to find out how the medicine is typically prepared and how much should be consumed.

The most common method was to produce a decoction. This involves boiling the dried leaves in water for 30 minutes and allowing the liquid to cool before drinking it as a tea. - BBC

Cathay Pacific says its fleet of Airbus planes has been hit by a spate of mysterious toilet blockages.

The problem has been so serious that one flight from Riyadh had to land in Mumbai when the crew discovered none of the plane's 10 toilets were working.

In other cases, the number of passengers boarding flights had to be restricted because of toilet problems.

Airbus engineers are now fitting new toilet pipes to the airline's fleet and carrying out deep cleaning.

Cathay spokeswoman Carolyn Leung said although the exact cause of the blockages was unclear, passengers themselves may be partly to blame.

"You would be amazed what we find in the pipes when we clean the system - not just face towels but medicine bottles, socks, items of clothing and even children's stuffed toys," she said. - BBC

Although they already know the grim fact that befell their loved ones, relatives and friends of the slain journalists waited anxiously for the bodies amid the powerful smell of decay.

Among the bodies recovered was that of local tabloid reporter Andy Teodoro, who would turned 58 years old on Nov. 30.

Also recovered earlier was the body of Napoleon Salaysay, publisher-editor of the tabloid Mindanao Gazette.

Monette, Salaysay’s wife, said her husband’s throat was slit.

Manila Bulletin reporter Alejandro “Bong” Reblando’s body was also recovered.

“All I want is the speedy dispensation of justice and sustenance for the surviving family members of my departed,” said Reblando’s wife Myrna, who was left to take care of their seven children.

The teary-eyed Myrna said she could not believe this would “happen to us while Bong was out there doing his daily (reportorial) work of covering media-related events.”

The staff at Manila Bulletin were also in mourning. “We are deeply saddened and we denounce this blow to press freedom,” the paper said in a statement.

“We call on the authorities concerned, both our police officials and our political leaders, to get to the bottom of this incident and ensure that justice is done.”

The journalists were attacked while covering the filing of the certificate of candidacy of Esmael Mangudadatu for governor of Maguindanao province in next year’s national elections.

The province has been ruled by an ally of President Macapagal-Arroyo, Andal Ampatuan, for the past nine years and his clan is alleged to have organized the killings to ensure Mangudadatu would not register as a candidate for governor.

It emerged on Tuesday that local journalists who regularly cover Maguindanao had stayed away from the opposition activity amid concerns the Ampatuan clan may resort to violence.

Most of the reporters who were targeted had come from neighboring General Santos City. Reports from Charlie Señase, Ryan Rosauro, Julie Alipala and Orlando Dinoy, Inquirer Mindanao; and Agence France-Presse

By Mike Sachoff

Amazon.com has announced that Susan Boyle's upcoming album, "I Dreamed a Dream," has become its largest global pre-order in the history of the online retail giant.

The album will be released by Sony Music Entertainment on November 23. Boyle became a reality show and Internet sensation after her April 11, 2009 appearance on the TV show "Britain's Got Talent," where she sang "I Dreamed a Dream" from "Les Miserables."

"We were excited when Susan Boyle's album became the top CD pre-order in the U.S. We're absolutely ecstatic now that the album has become our largest global CD pre-order," said Craig Pape, senior manager of Music at Amazon.com.

By Gil C. Cabacungan Jr.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Arnis, the Filipino martial art which uses rattan sticks as weapons, is on the verge of being formally declared the Philippines’ national sport.

The House of Representatives has already approved on third and final reading a bill declaring Arnis as the national sport and transmitted it to the Senate where arnis enthusiast, Senator Miguel Zubiri, was expected to take the lead in its approval.

South Cotabato Rep. Arthur Pingoy Jr., the main author of House Bill 6516, said arnis deserved to be hailed as the national sport considering that it has evolved as a distinct martial art along with judo karate and taekwondo.

Pingoy said it was about time to elevate arnis considering that it has spawned avid practicioners not only in the Philippines but also in other countries such as the United States, Canada, Germany, among others, where international Arnis federations and organizations have mushroomed.

Negros Oriental Rep. Pryde Henry Teves said that the bill would finally address the "collective sentiment to put arnis in its rightful historical place in the country."

By Gil C. Cabacungan Jr.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

A number of lawmakers have joined the clamor for boxing icon Manny Pacquiao
to retire, saying they would rather see the legendary pugilist go to politics rather than fight another round in the ring.

But House Speaker Prospero Nograles said that he would want to see Pacquiao fight undefeated American boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr., which would certainly stand as ``one for the ages.’’

“Just one last fight with Mayweather,” said Nograles, who just arrived from the US after leading a virtual cheering squad of lawmakers during Pacquiao’s recent bout at the MGM Grand Las Vegas.

Palawan Rep. Abraham Mitra Jr. said that Pacquiao had nothing more to prove after cementing his place in boxing history as probably the greatest with seven titles in seven different weight classes.

Mitra said with reports that Pacquiao had been nursing an injury since his sparring sessions in Baguio City (one of his trainers claimed Pacquiao complained about incessant ringing in his ears, which they kept under wraps by talking about it in Visayan dialect), his health was more important than furthering his exploits in the ring.

Bacolod Rep. Monico Puentevella said that politics would be a better career choice for Pacquiao than boxing at this point. ``As a godfather to his children, I fear for his health. There’s nothing better for a genuine champion than to retire at the height of his prime, just like Michael Jordan,’’ said Puentevella.

Puentevella, however, was realistic enough to admit that the biggest prize in boxing history that would come with a fight with another pound-for-pound king Mayweather would be ``hard to resist.’’

1. Bai Eden Mangudadatu - Vice Mayor, Mangudadatu, Maguindanao
2. Bai Genalin T. Mangundadatu - Wife of Gubernatorial Candidate DATU TOTO MANGUDADATU
3. Memotabi Mangundadatu - Civilian
4. Rowena Ante Mangudadatu - Civilian
5. Bai Farina Mangudadatu - Civilian
6. Atty. Cynthia Onquendo Ogare - Lawyer
7. Atty. Concepcion Brizuela -Lawyer
8. Mr. Onquendo - Father of Amy Cynthia Onquendo
9. Ian Sublang - Media/Gensan Newsprint
10. Lea Dalmacio - Media/Gensan Newsprint
11. Gina Dela Cruz - Media/Gensan Newsprint
12. Marites Cabunes - Media/Gensan Newsprint
13. Bart Maravilla - Media/Bombo Radyo
14. Jhoy Duhay - Media/Peoples Tonite
15. Henry Araneta - Media/DZRH Correspondent
16. Andy Teodoro - Media/Mindanao Inquirer
17. Neneng Montano - Media/Gensan Newsprint
18. Alejandro Bong Reblado - Media/UNTV
19. Victor Nuñez - Media/UNTV
20. Mac-mac Amola - Media/Gensan Newsprint
21. Unto - Driver
22. Jimmy Cabello - Media/Midland Review
23. Councilor Razul Daud - Media/SK Newspaper
24. Eugene Depillano - Driver
25. Farida Sabdullah - Civilian
26. Suraida Beman - Civilian
27. Raida Sapalon Abdul - Civilian
28. Pinky Balayman - Civilian
29. Ela Balayman - Civilian
30. Rahima Puelo Palawan - Civilian
31. Meriam Calimbol - Civilian
32. Sidick Edza - Driver
33. Patrick Pamansang - Driver
34. Chito - Driver
35. Abdulla Hadji Dodong - Driver
36. Joel Parcon - Media/Prontera News
37. Val Cachuela - Media/Prontera News
38. John Caniban - Media/
39. Art Baloya - Media/Punto Periodico
40. Noel Decena - Media/Punto Periodico
41. Rany Razon - Media/Punto Periodico
42. Bienvenido Jun Legarta - Media/Punto Periodico
43. Jovy Legarta - Media/Punto Periodico
44. Rey Merisco - Media/Punto Periodico
45. Boyet Dela Cerna - Media/Escalera News
46. Art Mascardo - Media/GSC
47. Patricia Palapay - Civilian

10 More Persons will be added in the list...
source: PDI

By Marlon Ramos
Philippine Daily Inquirer

A man who operated the backhoe said to have been used to bury the victims in the massacre of 52 civilians, including journalists, in Maguindanao, last Monday, is now the subject of a manhunt by Philippine National Police.

Chief Supt. Leonardo Espina, PNP spokesman, said on Wednesday the backhoe operator may lead police investigators to the identities of the armed men who held hostage and later executed the victims.

“He has to explain what he was doing in that area,” Espina said in a news briefing in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

He said the operator, who could be an employee of the provincial capitol of Maguindanao, might also help unmask the mastermind of the killings.

Espina said the backhoe, emblazoned with the name of Maguindanao Gov. Andal Ampatuan Sr., was apparently used to dig up the graves where some of the bodies were found.

The victims were either close relatives or supporters of Buluan Vice Mayor Esmael Mangudadatu or journalists sent to cover the filing of his certificate of candidacy for Maguindanao governor at the local Commission on Elections office.

The governor’s son, Datu Unsay Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr. is planning to succeed his father to the governorship. The Ampatuans are suspected of ordering the massacre.

By Ding Cervantes
Phil Star

The Department of Justice has formally charged a former professor of the Holy Angel University here with a total of 32 counts of rape of his underaged female student and is now a subject of two arrest warrants, including one that refuses him bail.

A resolution signed by Chief State Prosecutor Jovencito Zuño and Assistant State Prosecutor Miguel Guido Jr., who is also the chairman of the DOJ’s Task Force on Women and Children Protection, also criminally charged the university registrar and two other professors with unjust vexation in relation to the cases.

The resolution identified the suspects as former university professor Arnel Atienza who is now facing 32 counts of rape and HAU registrar Jesus Panlilio and professors Leandro Sanchez and Elinor Torres who were charged with unjust vexation.

“After a careful study of the records and allegations of parties, the undersigned prosecutor finds probable cause to criminally indict respondents Ocampo, Sanchez, Torres and Panlilio,” the DOJ resolution said.

Regional Trial Court Branch 59 Judge Ma. Angelica Paras-Quiambao issued yesterday warrants for the arrest of the suspects. The two arrest warrants against Ocampo included one that does not allow bail, and another that allows bail worth P250,000.

By Edith Regalado
Philippine Star

Residents here have expressed fear that the violence in Maguindanao that resulted in the gruesome killing last Monday of more than 40 people would spill over to this city since the families of the feuding Ampatuan and Mangudadatu clans have settled here.

Relatives of the Ampatuan patriarch, Maguindanao Gov. Andal Ampatuan Sr., have established residence in     several posh subdivisions while with the Mangundadatus have also built houses in several high-end villages in this city.

Children of the Ampatuan and Mangudadatu families have been studying in leading schools in Davao for the past years.

The killing of 45 people, including the wife of Vice Mayor Ibrahim “Toto” Mangudadatu of Buluan, Maguindanao and two of his sisters, two female lawyers and 13 journalists who covered the supposed filing of certificate of candidacy has drawn widespread outrage.

The Mangudadatus have blamed the Ampatuans for the incident, specifically Mayor Andal Ampatuan Jr. of Datu Unsay, Maguindanao as one of the leaders of 100 armed men who kidnapped Mangudadatu’s supporters.

Residents in Davao fear that violence would escalate when the Mangudadatu clan retaliates and attacks the members of the Ampatuan clan to revive the rido or clan war.

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte said that both the military-led Task Force Davao and the Davao City police were ordered to secure the city following the outbreak of violence in Maguindanao.

Tropical depression “Urduja” on Tuesday evening continues to move eastward slowly but the government weather bureau warned that another typhoon is entering the country.

Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) Mactan chief Oscar Tabada said that aside from Urduja, which will continue to hit the Camotes group of islands Wednesday, a second typhoon, Vinta, is also moving towards the Philippines.

As of 11 p.m. Tuesday, forecasters spotted the eye of Typhoon Urduja at 75 kilometers northeast of Surigao City, packing maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center.

Public storm warning signal number 1 was already raised in provinces of Leyte, Southern Leyte, Biliran, Eastern Samar, and Western Samar in the Visayas, as well as Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Agusal del Norte, Dinagat Island, and Siargao Island in Mindanao.

Pagasa said the typhoon will be experienced in Visayas and Mindanao until Friday.

A total of 1,000 passengers were stranded on Tuesday in Sorsogon and Cebu due to the tropical depression, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said. - Sun Star

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo declared a national day of mourning on Wednesday for the victims of the gruesome massacre in Maguindanao province.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said in his weekly media briefing that the President declared the national day of mourning three days after the violent incident wherein at least 46 individuals, including media men, were brutally killed on Monday at Sitio Masalay, Barangay Salman, Ampatuan, Maguindanao.

According to Ermita, President Arroyo extended the government’s sympathies and condolences to the families of the massacre victims by declaring a national day of mourning.

In the same briefing, Ermita said they are expecting that Secretary Jesus Dureza, the appointed head of the Maguindanao Crisis Management Committee, would submit within the day an update regarding the initial investigation of the gruesome killings.

Earlier, President Arroyo declared a state of emergency in the provinces of Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat and Cotobato City through Proclamation No. 1946 on Tuesday.

She also ordered the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to conduct a swift and precise investigation to give justice to the victims of the massacre. (PNA)

By Christian V. Esguerra
Philippine Daily Inquirer

MALACAÃ'ANG YESTERDAY distanced itself from the mass murder in Maguindanao, saying it was “an incident between two families in Mindanao.”

“We cannot be affected by that… This has nothing to do with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo or the administration,” Lorelei Fajardo, Ms Arroyo’s deputy spokesperson, told reporters.

Asked if the administration had the political will to punish a close ally who might have been involved in the killings, Fajardo said: “If the public would know that we are sincere and that we are doing our best to give justice to the victims, I think that would vindicate us in case there would be impressions later on.”

The President has found herself in the eye of the storm owing to her close ties with Maguindanao Gov. Andal Ampatuan Sr. and his family, who are believed responsible for the massacre on Monday of political rivals, lawyers and journalists.

But according to Gabriel Claudio, her adviser on political affairs, Ms Arroyo has personally assured the Mangudadatu family that justice would be served.

She made the promise during emotional phone calls with Sultan Kudarat Gov. Datu Mangudadatu and Vice Mayor Esmael Mangudadatu of Buluan, Maguindanao, soon after the massacre, Claudio told reporters.

“Disappointment is an understatement,” he said. “There is pain all over. The families of the victims are crying for justice. We cry with them. We weep with them. We share the pain, especially because the victims concerned are friends and members of the same political party.”

Asked if the Palace was willing to sever ties with the Ampatuans in case they were proven guilty, Claudio said: “You can be sure that politics will not get in the way. Justice will be served and the perpetrators of this crime will not go unpunished.”

Her ‘creation’

Former senatorial candidate Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III yesterday said the Ampatuans were a “creation” of Ms Arroyo.

“This is really an acid test for her,” Pimentel told the Inquirer. “What’s more important? The debt of gratitude because you are President because of their support, or the lives of the Filipino people and justice for those who lost their lives senselessly?”

Pimentel said Ms Arroyo owed a lot to the Ampatuans, particularly in the 2004 presidential election when they delivered the votes for her in the province over opposition standard-bearer Fernando Poe Jr.

Three years later in the senatorial race, Maguindanao delivered a controversial 12-0 sweep for the administration’s Team Unity ticket.

Pimentel said that with such incidents, the Ampatuans could always tell Ms Arroyo: “You owe us big time.”

By Donna Pazzibugan
PDI

The current practice of handling newborns, like clamping and cutting the umbilical cord and washing the baby right after birth, have been known to actually contribute to the high incidence of neonatal deaths and illnesses in the country.

Doctors are introducing a new way of caring for newborns in the first few minutes of life, which could cut by almost half the number of newborn deaths estimated at 40,000 each year.

“This is a paradigm shift,” was how Director Honorata Catibog, head of the Department of Health (DoH) task force on the rapid reduction of maternal and neonatal mortality, described the new program introduced by the DoH and the World Health Organization.
Proponents of the Essential Newborn Care (ENC) are changing the protocol currently observed by childbirth practitioners.

The ENC protocol prioritizes drying the newborn and initiating skin contact with the mother before clamping and cutting the umbilical cord. It prescribes a proper sequence of interventions that even a single health worker could perform and calls for initiating breastfeeding within the first hour of life.

“What should be done [immediately] after birth is to dry the baby because hypothermia can lead to several risks,” Dr. Aleli Sudiacal of the DoH explained at a forum held at the Quirino Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City Tuesday.

Libyan leader Col Muammar Gaddafi has agreed to mediate between Algeria and Egypt in an increasingly heated row over football, state media say.

Libyan news agency Jana reported that the Arab League had asked Col Gaddafi to intercede between the two nations.

Each side accused the other's fans of violent attacks after last week's vital World Cup play-off, which Algeria won.

Meanwhile, about 150 Egyptian and Algerian academics and intellectuals issued an appeal to defuse the row.

Algeria qualified for the World Cup by beating Egypt 1-0 in the play-off held in Sudan on 18 November.

But Egyptians were incensed by reports that 21 of their fans had been attacked as they left the stadium in Khartoum.

At an earlier game between the two sides in Cairo, Algerian players were hurt by stone-throwing Egyptian fans and 32 supporters from both sides were injured in clashes when the match finished. - BBC

By Veronica Uy
Phil Daily Inquirer

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon led an international outcry against the “brutal” violence in southern Philippines, where more than 40 civilians were killed in relation to the upcoming local elections.

Ban condemned “this heinous crime” and called for the perpetrators to be brought to justice in a statement issued by his spokesperson and released by the UN Manila office.

“The Secretary General extends heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and hopes that no effort will be spared to bring justice and to hold the perpetrators accountable,” the UN statement said.

British Ambassador to the Philippines Stephen Lillie also condemned the massacre and made the same call for the government to immediately “bring the perpetrators to justice.”

"I condemn this brutal massacre of innocent civilians, including women, journalists and lawyers. I hope that the authorities in the Philippines will take urgent action to bring the perpetrators to justice and prevent further escalation of violence in the run-up to next year's elections here," the ambassador said.

"Effective action will be crucial in maintaining confidence in the Philippines' commitment to protect human rights," Lillie said, also extending profound condolences to the families of the victims.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has declared a state of emergency in Maguindanao province, among other areas, following Monday’s killings, which have been described as the worst election-related violence in the nation’s history.

37 journalists who were just there to cover the filing of a certificate of candidacy were slaughtered. It's the biggest mass slaughter of journalists in world history, according to Paris-based Reporters without Borders.

A German bank employee who secretly transferred money from rich to poor clients has been given a 22-month suspended prison term.

The 62-year-old woman, dubbed the 'Robin Hood Banker', moved more than $11m (£7m) in 117 transfers.

The court in Bonn was told that the employee, who has not been named, took no money for herself.

The bank made a loss of more than $1.5m (£1m) when poor customers were unable to pay back unauthorised overdrafts.

The employee was accused of allowing overdrafts for customers who would not normally qualify for them.

She then used the money from richer customers to temporarily disguise the loans during the bank's monthly audit of overdrafts.

The woman has begun reimbursing the bank for the losses, reportedly from a small retirement pension.

She could have faced a four-year prison sentence, but the court decided on leniency as she had confessed immediately and did not profit personally.

The woman was also considered to have suffered enough, through the loss of her job and the requirement that she pay back the lost funds. - BBC

Fact or fiction? What do you think?

By Aquiles Zonio
Inquirer Mindanao

TACURONG CITY, Philippinesâ€"Ian Subang, a long-time friend and former colleague in the now defunct Gensan Media Cooperative, was in his usual jovial mood, poking fun and exchanging jokes with us.

Alejandro “Bong” Reblando, Manila Bulletin reporter covering the Socsksargen areaâ€"South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and General Santosâ€"was, as always, in his fighting moodâ€"insistent and persistent with his own opinion.

He always came late to media events, the reason why we used to tease him "The Late" Bong Reblando. Now, he will forever be called such.

That was last Monday morning, a few hours before the mass killing took place in Maguindanao province.

The painful truth that these guys together with 32 other media colleagues met death in the hands of a ruthless band of goons just won’t sink into my consciousness, not even now.

Ian would usually play the role of a clown and he could easily make anyone in the group smile with his jokes.

Bong, the most senior among us, was contented with the role of big brother to us. He was already a radio reporter when I was in high school way back in the 1980s.

Early Monday morning, a few hours before they were abducted and slaughtered, we were enjoying a breakfast of "pastel"â€" a kind of stewâ€"served to us by our host.

An intense yet cordial exchange of ideas ensued as this reporter, Reblando and two other journalists discussed with ARMM Assemblyman Khadafy Mangudadatu the security concerns and the scenarios that may arise later that day.

Subang and his group, including several other reporters, were gathered outside the living room of Mangudadatu’s mansion in Buluan town, Maguindanao.

They were waiting for the result of our brainstorming inside. There were just six of us in that discussionâ€"Mangudadatu legal counsel Cynthia Oquendo-Ayon, Khadafy, Reblando, Joseph Jubelag, Paul Bernaldez and myself.

We were insisting that reporters covering the scheduled filing of certificate of candidacy of Buluan Vice Mayor Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu must be assured of their safety. Toto is eyeing the gubernatorial seat in Maguindanao.

Toto had requested for security escorts from Chief Superintendent Paisal Umpa, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) police regional director, but his request was turned down.

He turned to the Philippine Army for help but his request was also denied.

Had the police or military provided security escorts, the mass slaughter of defenseless women and journalists might have been prevented.

According to the Mangudadatus, a week before the massacre, there were massive movements of the Ampatuan’s armed followersâ€"police, civilian volunteers and Cafgu membersâ€"in the area.

Believing in the power of the media, Mangudadatu, who felt helpless then, asked help from the media.

He requested several journalistsâ€"through Henry Araneta of DZRHâ€"to cover the scheduled filing of his certificate of candidacy at the Commission on Elections provincial office in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao.

Araneta managed to invite 37 journalists from the cities of General Santos, Tacurong and Koronadal.

“Maybe, they will not harm us if journalists are watching them,” Mangudadatu said.

Mangudadatu disclosed that he organized a group of women led by his wife, Genalyn, elder sister Vice Mayor Eden Mangudadatu of Mangudadatu town, Bai Farinna Mangudadatu, the youngest of the Mangudadatu siblings, and lawyers Cynthia Oquendo-Ayon and Connie Brizuela.

The gubernatorial aspirant claimed reports had reached him that the Ampatuans had threatened to chop him into pieces once he filed his COC with the Comelec.

“Under our tradition, Muslim women are being respected. They should not be harmed just like innocent children and the elders,” Mangudadatu stressed.

Governor Andal Ampatuan ran unopposed in the 2007 elections.

Mangudadatu claimed that the Ampatuans were considered above the law, warlords and political demigods in Maguindanao.

But, he said, someone must come to the fore to bring about change and improve the lives of the Bangsamoro people.

He said that women from Buluan should be the ones to file his COC, no security escorts, only journalists to avoid creating tension.

Eden, along with his sister-in-law and younger sister, was in a jovial mood before the departure. She was saying that Muslim women should play a more active role in Maguindanao politics to attain genuine social change and economic progress.

“This is women power in action. Let’s help our men chart a better future for the province,” she was heard as saying.

We were confident nothing bad would happen as some of us in the convoy had been frequent visitors to the Maguindanao provincial capitol.

Even while inside the vehicles, the group enjoyed each other’s company. There was no hint of the heartbreaking and vicious fate awaiting them.

All in all, there were 58 personsâ€"37 journalists, 16 Muslim women who handcarried Mangudadatu’s COC and five driversâ€"in the convoy.

After several attempts, I was able to contact Major General Alfredo Cayton, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, through a mobile phone.

He gave an assurance that the national highway going to Shariff Aguak had already been cleared and was safe for travel. He even added that police checkpoints littered the long route from Isulan town in Sultan Kudarat to Shariff Aguak.

Five convoy vehicles left Buluan around 9:30 a.m. Monday. The lead vehicle was an L-300 van of UNTv.

Aside from UNTv reporter Victor Nuñez, his cameraman and driver, Paul Bernaldez and myself joined in.

However, while the convoy was refuelling in Buluan, I decided to transfer to Joseph Jubelag’s vehicle to accompany him. Bernaldez followed suit.

The five-vehicle convoy went ahead and we just told them we will follow right away.

We decided to drop by BF Lodge in Tacurong City where we stayed the night before to get some valuables and meet some personal necessities.

I didn’t expect that such digression would save our lives. I should have been there. I should have been killed together with them.

Two hotel attendants approached me and revealed that two unidentified men riding on separate motorcycles had left barely three minutes earlier.

The hotel personnel claimed the two men were asking for the names of journalists covering Mangudadatu’s filing of COC.

Luckily, the hotel management did not give any name.

This made us change our minds and we decided not to go to Shariff Aguak.

On our way back to Buluan, we tried several times but failed to establish contact with our media colleagues in the convoy.

Upon arrival in Buluan, the vice mayor told us that all the five vehicles had been seized by the Ampatuans’ armed followers.

Not only journalists, family members, relatives and supporters of Mangudadatus were abducted and killed.

Military sources disclosed that several other innocent motorists from Buluan and Tacurong City were seized and summarily executed on mere suspicion that they, too, were followers of the Mangudadatus.

Out of the 34 journalists abducted and brutally killed, only 25 were identified.

They were Ian Subang, Leah Dalmacio, Gina Dela Cruz and Maritess Cablitas, all of Mindanao Focus, a General Santos City-based weekly community newspaper; Bart Maravilla of Bombo Radyo-Koronadal City; Jhoy Duhay of Mindanao Goldstar Daily; Henry Araneta of DZRH and Andy Teodoro of Central Mindanao Inquirer.

Neneng Montano of Saksi weekly newspaper; Alejandro “Bong” Reblando of Manila Bulletin; Victor Nuñez of UnTv; Macmac Arriola, UnTV cameraman; and Jimmy Cabillo, a radioman based in Koronadal City.

Rey Merisco, Ronnie Perante, Jun Legarta, Val Cachuela and Humberto Mumay, all Koronadal City-based journalists.

Joel Parcon, Noel Decena, John Caniba, Art Belia, Ranie Razon and Nap Salaysay.

On Monday evening, gory scenes of slain media colleagues kept flashing in my mind. I didn’t have a decent sleep, for the very first time in my life.

Once again, several working journalists shed their blood in the name of press freedom.

This, however, will not deter us or discourage us from doing our job as journalists.

Underpaid and under threat, be that as it may, we will continue answering the call of our beloved profession.

BBC - Earth News - First film of a 'giant' stingray

It is one of the rarest giants of the ocean, and it has been caught on film for the first time.

An underwater camera crew filming for the BBC recorded a smalleye stingray swimming off the coast of Mozambique.

The smalleye stingray is the largest of all 70 species of stingray, attaining widths of more than 2m.

The elusive creature, first discovered in 1908, has only ever been seen alive off the coast of Tofo in southern Mozambique.

Footage of the fish will be broadcast on BBC Two at 2000GMT on Wednesday 11 November, as part of the programme Andrea: Queen of the Mantas for the BBC documentary series Natural World.

Is the iPod generation missing out?
The emergence of the iPod dock means that people are increasingly listening to MP3 music at home, instead of old-fashioned CDs.

Ipod docks tend to be smaller and more convenient than CD hi-fis, but can they compete in terms of musicality?

MPs debate 'violent' video game
Two Labour MPs have posed questions in the House of Commons ahead of the high-profile launch of videogame Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2.

Labour MP Keith Vaz, who has strongly criticised the new game, questioned Minister for Creative Industries Siôn Simon on protecting children from its "violent" content.

Another Labour MP, Tom Watson, has defended the game and spearheaded a Facebook group to help defend games from critics.

Sharkey on threat to live music
Campaigners from the music industry say licences are preventing musicians and publicans from making a decent living, and government inaction is putting the future of the live music scene in jeopardy.

Former lead singer of the Undertones Feargal Sharkey, and the Culture and Licensing Minister Gerry Sutcliffe gave their views on the row over the licences after a montage featuring Tony Blair on guitar, David Blunkett on drums, Lembit Opik playing harmonica, Ed Balls on drums, Feargal Sharkey singing Teenage Kick and Andy Burnham playing guitar.

Call of Duty game hits the shelves
Hotly anticipated video game Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 went on sale at midnight at stores across the UK.

Online retailer Amazon said pre-orders of the controversial title were already higher than any previous video game.

Where do all the leaves go?
As autumn turns into winter, councils across the country are battling with a perennial problem: how to deal with the huge amount of leaves that fall from the trees, onto streets and parks.

BBC News goes to Camden in north London to follow the council team, led by Anatoly Osukhousky, that collects the leaves - and to find out where they all end up, helped by Camden Councillor Chris Knight.

Coaxing older users to get online
A company is targeting older users to learn how to use computers.

SimplicITy is a new system aimed at making it easier for older people to do key things such as emailing and web browsing on a computer.

Rosetta makes final home call

Europe's Rosetta probe has made its third and final flyby of Earth as it seeks to discover what makes a comet in 2014.

The spacecraft's whip around the planet will give it the extra speed it needs to take it out to the rendezvous location near Jupiter.

Launched in 2004, Rosetta has already flown by Earth twice and Mars once.

Food crisis 'is a wake up call'

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has told delegates at a food summit in Rome that "the food crisis of today is a wake up call for tomorrow".

He added that "there can be no food security without climate security".

Simon's Cat creator on web hit

Simon's Cat is one of the most watched videos on YouTube with hundreds of millions of hits.

Creator Simon Tofield spoke to BBC Breakfast about the inspiration behind his quirky cartoon cat.

Japan's hi-tech bid to boost food
Japan is only growing 40% of its food needs, leaving it dependent on imports.

In an effort to combat the problem, a Japanese company is experimenting with a "hi-tech" approach to farming.

BBC News : Network sites 'need help buttons'

Major social networking websites have been criticised for not introducing a help button for children to report concerns about grooming and bullying.

Jim Gamble, from the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (Ceop), hit out at the sites as one site, Bebo, adopted the button

BBC News - Meteor illuminates the Utah sky

A meteor briefly illuminated parts of the sky in Utah to daylight-level on Wednesday.

Footage from outside security cameras at the University of Utah's Milford observatory shows a blinding flash of light, followed by clear images of the object streaking away.

This footage shows the bright light from the meteor from different camera angles.

BBC News - Large Hadron Collider 'Big Bang' experiment to re-start

The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) experiment could be re-started on Saturday morning at the earliest, officials have said.

The £6bn machine on the French-Swiss border is designed to shed light on fundamental questions about the cosmos.

The LHC has been shut down for repairs since an accident in September 2008.

BBC News - ISS astronauts hook up antenna and cables

Astronauts from the Atlantis space shuttle have been taking the first spacewalk.

Michael Foreman and Robert Satcher floated outside to hook up a spare antenna and cables on the International Space Station.

It was the first spacewalk for Satcher, who became the first orthopaedic surgeon in space when Atlantis blasted off earlier this week. Three space walks are planned during the shuttle's week long visit.

BBC News - Burning wood 'good' for environment

Fifteen conservation groups are supporting the use of wood as fuel, despite the fact it releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

They argue that trees rotting naturally release the gas anyway, and that burning them instead can have benefits for wildlife.

But critics warn that large numbers of wood-burning stoves could harm air quality.

BBC News - Five thousand new species found in deep sea

Scientists exploring the deepest reaches of the ocean have discovered 5,000 new species.

Their study is part of a 10 year census of ocean life, which is due to be completed in 2010.

BBC News - Berlusconi's TV influence scrutinised in Videocracy

The Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi stands accused of tax fraud involving his media empire, but is now facing scrutiny on another front.

A new film called Videocracy paints a very unflattering picture of his impact on Italian culture.

When the film was first unveiled in Italy, many TV networks refused to promote it.

Art museum honours Tim Burton

Film director Tim Burton has been honoured by famous friends and colleagues with a gala event at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City.

It is the first time that the renowned museum has hosted an exhibition focusing on a filmmaker.

Tom Brook has been to find out why.

Boyz II Men are back with 'Love'

Famous for number one songs like 'End of the Road' and 'I'll Make Love to You', Boyz II Men have been making hits since the early nineties and are now back with a new album.

'Love' is a collection of covers including Take That's 'Back for Good' but performed in their own traditional R&B style.

Wanya Morris, Nathan Morris and Shawn Stockman from the group spoke to E24's Tasmin Lucia Khan about the new album.

Hollywood celebrates legends
Hollywood royalty attended the inaugural Governors Awards in California on Sunday evening.

The night's honourees included cinematographer Gordon Willis and actress Lauren Bacall.

Tom Hanks, Quentin Tarantino, George Lucas and Ron Howard recalled the work of B-movie legend, Roger Corman, who was honoured for his contribution to cinema.

BBC News - Liver cancer drug 'too expensive'

A drug that can prolong the lives of patients with advanced liver cancer has been rejected for use in the NHS in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) said the cost of Nexavar - about £3,000 a month - was "simply too high".

Professor Peter Littlejohns, clinical and public health director at NICE, said they have to assess the cost-effectiveness of care.

BBC News - Alcohol in moderation could protect men's hearts

Drinking alcohol regularly could cut the risk of heart disease in men by almost a third, according to research published on Thursday.

Health experts say men should still drink within the recommended limits, as too much alcohol can damage their health in other ways.

BBC News : Public doubts over swine flu jab

The government still has a long way to go to convince the public that the swine flu vaccine is safe, an exclusive survey for the BBC suggests.

Half of the 2,000 people polled said they were happy to have the jab, but safety was the major concern for many of those who had doubts. Fergus Walsh reports.

'Kiss of life' a waste of time?
Would you know how to help someone who was choking or having a heart attack?

Some doctors are warning that giving the 'kiss of life' could be a waste of time, and might even be harmful.

First aid trainers say it's the correct compression of the chest that will help people stay alive.

So, what are the rules? We've sent Richard Westcott to the St John Ambulance centre in Southampton, to learn the basics of first aid.

Conjoined twins op 'successful'

An operation lasting over 24 hours to separate conjoined twins has been successful, say doctors in Australia.

Bangladeshi twins Trishna and Krishna, who are nearly three years old, were joined at the top of the head.

On Tuesday, Chief of Surgery Leo Donnan said both girls were "doing well" following the surgery at the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne.

Daily calorie intake 'too low'
The calorie counts used as the foundation for healthy-eating guidance may be too low, a report suggests.

The recommended daily intake of calories could be increased by up to 16%, a draft report by the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition said.

So how much extra food does that mean you can safely eat?

BBC reporter Greg Wood went to a food market at a shopping centre to find out.

Dementia drug use 'killing many'

The majority of dementia patients are being given unnecessary anti-psychotic drugs linked to thousands of deaths, an official review says.

About 180,000 patients a year are given the drugs in care homes, hospitals and their own homes to manage aggression.

But the expert review - commissioned by ministers - said the treatment was unnecessary in nearly 150,000 cases and was linked to 1,800 deaths.

BBC News - Army 'dissent' over West Bank role

An increasing number of Israeli soldiers are publicly objecting, on religious and political grounds, to their role in the evacuation of Jewish settlements in the West Bank.

"Refuseniks", as dissenting soldiers are called in Israel, are being severely disciplined, amid fears for army morale.

BBC News - China executes two over tainted milk powder scandal
China has executed two people for their role in a scandal involving tainted milk powder that resulted in six children dying, officials have said.

More than 300,000 other infants were made ill from milk powder contaminated with melamine, an industrial chemical.

Zhang Yujun and Geng Jinping were the only people to have been executed, court officials said.

Nineteen other people were sentenced to prison terms for their roles in the scandal.

The BBC's reporter Michael Bristow reports from Beijing.

BBC News - Death toll rises to 46 for Philippines killings

At least 46 people are now known to have died in a mass political killing in the Philippines, after more bodies were discovered in a shallow grave.

Philippine President Gloria Arroyo has declared a state of emergency in two provinces on the island of Mindanao to allow police to search for the gunmen.

BBC News - Design fixed for land speed record 1,000mph car

The UK team aiming to smash its own land speed record has settled on a final design for the vehicle.

The team will aim to drive the car, known as the Bloodhound, beyond 1,000mph (1,610km/h).

The BBC's Robert Hall has been to see the final design.

BBC News - Australian speedboat's 'splash' landing after crash

Two Australians competing in a speed boat race in Western Australia have escaped unharmed from a spectacular accident.

They lost the control of the boat while taking a turn and flew over the river bank before splashing down in the water on the other side.

They are planning to repair their boat in time to compete in another race next weekend.

BBC News - Queen and Duke visit Bermuda to mark anniversary

Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh will arrive in Bermuda on Tuesday to mark the 400th anniversary of its settlement.

The Queen is stopping in Britain's oldest colony on a three day visit on her way to a summit of Commonwealth Heads of State.

BBC News - Belgian man misdiagnosed as being in coma for 23 years

A Belgian man who doctors thought was in a coma for 23 years was conscious throughout that period, say medical staff.
It was believed Rom Houben had sunk irretrievably into a coma after he was injured in a car crash in 1983.

BBC News - Britain's Got Talent star Susan Boyle mobbed in New York

Britain's Got Talent star Susan Boyle has been mobbed by fans as she arrived in New York's Rockerfeller Plaza.

She was taking part in an event to promote her new album 'I Dreamed a Dream', which has just been released.

By Abigail Kwok
INQUIRER.net

Six people, including four children, were shot dead and their house burned by unidentified suspects in the province of Agusan del Norte on Sunday, a police official said on Tuesday.

Chief Superintendent Danilo Empedrad, director of police regional office 10, identified the victims as the Suarez family composed of husband and wife Manuel and Jocelyn and their children Jan Mark, 6, Bebi, 5, Along, 2, and Niño, two months-old.

Initial investigation revealed that the incident occurred at around 11:35 a.m. across the Nilugos River in Sitio (sub-village) Mimbalit, located 14 kilometers from Barangay (village) Kamanikan in Gingoog City.

The victims were among those asked to evacuate because of the ongoing clash between the military and communist New People's Army (NPA) in nearby Sitio Sio-an, Barangay Malinao in Gingoog City.

However, the victims decided to return to their home.

Later on, residents reportedly heard gunshots and, upon checking, local residents discovered the bodies of the Suarez family, their house burned down, Empedrad said.

Police are looking at the NPA as the possible suspects in the killing because it was "an NPA infested area," Empedrad said.

Following is an initial list of those abducted and feared killed as provided by Maguindanao gubernatorial aspirant, Vice Mayor Ishmael “Toto” Mangudadatu of Buluan town:

1. Genalyn Tiamzon-Mangudadatu, the vice mayor’s wife
2. Eden Mangudadatu, the vice mayor’s sister and mayor of Mangudadatu town
3. Farida Sabdula, the vice mayor’s youngest sister
4. Rowena Mangudadatu
5. Manguba Mangudadatu
6. Farida Mangudadatu
7. Farina Manguidadatu
8. Lawyer Cynthia Oquendo
9. Oquendo’s father
10. Lawyer Connie Brizuela
11. Wahida Ali Kaliman
12. Zoraida Vernan
13. A certain Unto
14. Zaida Abdul
15. Pinky Balayman
16. Ella Balayman
17. Rahima Piopo
18. Meriam Calicol
Media practitioners:
19. Ian Tublan
20. Leah Dalmacio
21. Gina dela Cruz
22. Marites Cabutas
23. Bart Maravilla-Bombo Radyo Koronadal
24. Joy Duay
25. Henry Araneta-dzRH
26. Andy Teodoro
27. Bong Reblando, Manila Bulletin
28. Mac-mac Areola
29. Jimmy Cabillo
30. Nening Montaño-dxCP
31. Victor Nuñez
Drivers:
32. A certain Chito
33. Abdula Hajdi
34. Rasul Daud, driver of Rep. Pax Mangudadatu
35. Eugene Dohilyo
36. Patrick Pamansan

source: PDI

RESPONDING TO VIEWERS’ COMPLAINTS, The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) has again reprimanded “Wowowee” host Willie Revillameâ€"this time for allowing a gay contestant and his apparent boyfriend to kiss on the ABS-CBN noontime game show’s Nov. 16 episode.

A memo signed by MTRCB chair Marissa Laguardia ordered the show’s producers to explain their side. - PDI

Denmark has agreed to increase tenfold the amount of money offered to immigrants who return home permanently to 100,000 kroner (13,443 euros, 20,172 dollars), officials said Monday.

The centre-right minority government reached an agreement with its key ally, the far-right Danish People's Party (DPP), on the issue late Sunday as part of their 2010 budget negotiations.

A financial incentive of 11,000 kroner had until now been offered to immigrants to resettle in their country of origin.

The scheme is aimed at immigrants from outside the European Union and Nordic countries, DPP deputy leader Peter Skaarup told AFP.

"It in practice targets those nationals from non-Western countries who are struggling to adapt to Danish society and who would be tempted by a fairly significant sum to go back home forever," he said.

Skaarup said those taking up the offer would receive 11,000 kroner up front. The remainder of the 100,000 kroner would be paid out once they surrender their Danish residency permits, he added.

The agreement also calls for 20 million kroner in aid to city councils in charge of integrating immigrants, to help them "motivate" foreigners to return home.

According to the refugee, immigrant and integration ministry, some 2,524 people have voluntarily left Denmark since 1997 when the repatriation program was introduced. Most of them were from the former Yugoslavia, Iraq, Iran, Lebanon, Somalia and Turkey.

Immigrants represent 7.3 percent of Denmark's population of 5.5 million, including 4.5 percent from non-Western countries. - AFP

The wife of a candidate for governor and about 30 others were abducted Monday morning in the southern Philippines -- with at least 21 of them later killed, army officials said.

The woman was on her way to file her husband's nomination papers, when some 100 armed men abducted her and the others in Maguindanao province, said the candidate, Ibrahim Mangudadatu.

Army Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner said soldiers later recovered 21 bodies -- 13 women and eight men -- from the area where the abduction occurred.

Presidential Adviser on Mindanao Affairs Jesus Dureza has asked the government to place Maguindanao province under a state of emergency.

"This is a gruesome massacre of civilians unequaled in recent history. Even women and media men were not spared. There must be a total stop to this senseless violence," Dureza said told reporters.

Mangudadatu blamed the abduction on the person he is challenging for the governorship of Maguindanao: incumbent Andal Ampatuan, who has held control of the area for the past decade.

The two are competing in elections that will be held on May 10.

The governor could not be reached for comment.

Maguindanao is a Muslim autonomous region out of the control of the central government. - CNN

Ni Stephanie Viovicente-Berganio

Duha ka mga insidente sa pagpangluba ang nahitabo niadtong Dominggo sa hapon ning siyudad sa Cagayan de Oro ug usa sa lungsod sa Misamis Oriental human na sa away ni Manny Pacquiao ug Miguel Cotto.

Unang biktima mao si Ronnel dela Cruz, 22, taga Blk 4, Puntod ning siyudad kinsa giluba ni Rico Namoc, sa susamang dapit human nagkabikil sa estorya.

Ang kapolisan sa Police Station 5 (PS5) sa Macabalan nibutyag sa Sun.Star Superbalita nga giingong kalit lang nga nanulong ang biktima ug gihagit si Namoc og away hinungdan nga gisuklan usab sa suspetsado.

Sa kasuko ni Namoc sa gihimong pagpanghagit nikuha kini og kutsilyo dayon giluba si dela Cruz sa tiyan nga bahin.

Nitumaw usab ang taho nga nagkalalis ang biktima ug nagkabikil sa away ni Pacquiao ug Cotto.

Gidala ang biktima sa Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC) kinsa padayon pa nga giobserbahan sa mga doktor ang kahimtang.

Samtang samad gihapon sa tiyan ang naangkon ni Allan Macabitsa, 30, minyo, lumad nga taga Maitom, Alae, Bukidnon, human giluba sa igsuon niini niadtong Domingo mga alas 4:40 sa hapon.

Giila ang suspetsado nga mao si Annie, kinsa adunay gikaaway niadtong higayona.

Tungod sa kaluoy ni Allan nga unsay mahitabo sa igsuon, niaparta kini sa gikaaway niini apan natingala na lamang ang biktima dihang nitaroy na ang kutsilyo sa iyang tiyan nga bahin.

Uwahi na dihang nahibaw-an sa igsuon nga si Allan ang nalubaan.

Hinuon si Annie nangayo na og pasaylo tungod kay wala gidahom niini nga maunay pagluba ang igsuon.

BBC News: Children should be allowed to get dirty, according to scientists who have found being too clean can impair the skin's ability to heal.

Normal bacteria living on the skin trigger a pathway that helps prevent inflammation when we get hurt, the US team discovered.

The bugs dampen down overactive immune responses that can cause cuts and grazes to swell, they say.

Their work is published in the online edition of Nature Medicine.

Experts said the findings provided an explanation for the "hygiene hypothesis", which holds that exposure to germs during early childhood primes the body against allergies.

Many believe our obsession with cleanliness is to blame for the recent boom in allergies in developed countries.

'Good' bacteria

Researchers from the School of Medicine at University of California, San Diego, found a common bacterial species, known as Staphylococci, blocked a vital step in a cascade of events that led to inflammation.
   
By studying mice and human cells, they found the harmless bacteria did this by making a molecule called lipoteichoic acid or LTA, which acted on keratinocytes - the main cell types found in the outer layer of the skin.

The LTA keeps the keratinocytes in check, stopping them from mounting an aggressive inflammatory response.

Head of the research Professor Richard Gallo said: "The exciting implication of the work is that it provides a molecular basis to understand the hygiene hypothesis and has uncovered elements of the wound repair response that were previously unknown.

"This may help us devise new therapeutic approaches for inflammatory skin diseases."

The lobby group Parents Outloud said the work offered scientific support for its campaign to stop children being mollycoddled and over-sanitised.

A spokeswoman for Allergy UK said there was a growing body of evidence that exposure to germs was a good thing.

But she said more research was needed.

"Rates of allergy have tripled in the UK in the last decade. One in three people now has some kind of allergy.

"Some of this might be that people are better informed. But a lot of it is genetic as well as down to our environment," she said.

By the Bohol Chronicle

The Sandiganbayan Fourth Division acquitted former Carmen town officials who have been charged for violating the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

In a 28-page ruling promulgated last Thursday, the anti-graft court cleared former mayor Pedro Budiongan, former vice mayor (now board member) Josil Trabajo, municipal treasurer Fulgencio Pana, budget
officer Taciana Espejo, and Sangguniang Bayan members Rufino Adlaon, Tito Montajes, Mario Soria, Alfonso Unajan, Carlito Torrefranca and Vicente Torrefranca Jr.

The acquittal came after more than eight years that the complaint was filed at the Ombudsman by former Carmen councilors Arlene Palgan and Valeriano Nadala Sr., the private complainants.

Private complainant Palgan called the Chronicle yesterday saying the state prosecutors will file for certiorari highlighting several mistakes of fact in the Sandiganbayan ruling.

"Justice will not end here. The acquittal of the accused public officers is not our and not my personal defeat, it is the defeat of public interest and the defeat of our advocacy against graft and corruption," Palgan said.

The accused municipal officials were charged for violating Section 3, paragraph (e) of Republic Act 3019, otherwise known as the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act.

Wearing a cell phone on your hip may reduce bone density in an area of the pelvis commonly used for bone grafts, a new study suggests.

Turkish researchers used dual X-ray absorptiometry to measure bone density at the upper rims of the pelvis (iliac wings) in 150 men who carried their cell phones on their belts. The men carried their phones for an average of 15 hours a day, and had used cell phones for an average of six years.

Bone density was slightly reduced on the side of the pelvis where the men carried their cell phones, the study found. The difference wasn't statistically significant and didn't approach bone level density reductions seen in people with osteoporosis. However, the men were relatively young (average age 32), and further bone weakening may occur, said Dr. Tolga Atay and colleagues at Suleyman Demirel University in Isparta.

The study, published in the September issue of the Journal of Craniofacial Surgery, suggests that electromagnetic fields emitted by cell phones may have a harmful effect on bone density.

However, the researchers emphasized that their findings are preliminary and noted that future generations of cell phones may reduce users' exposure to electromagnetic fields. In the meantime, it "would be better to keep mobile phones as far as possible from our body during our daily lives," Atay and colleagues concluded.

The iliac wings of the pelvis are widely used for bone grafting, which means any reduction in bone density there may affect reconstructive surgery. In procedures where bone density is important for good outcomes, surgeons may want to consider the possible effects of exposure to electromagnetic fields from cell phones, the researchers suggested.

By Jennifer Thomas
HealthDay Reporter

If you're tempted to raid your child's Halloween candy stash at the end of this month, here's one reason you might not have to restrain yourself.

Spanish researchers put 42 men and women on a diet that included 40 grams of unsweetened cocoa powder (about 1.4 ounces) mixed with skim milk daily, or plain skim milk. After one month, those who drank the cocoa-flavored milk had lower levels of inflammatory markers associated with heart disease than those drinking the milk alone.

That result was critical because the participants, whose average age was about 70, were at high risk of cardiovascular disease because they had diabetes and three or more risk factors for heart disease, including smoking, high blood pressure, high levels of LDL "bad" cholesterol (more than 160 milligrams per deciliter), low levels of HDL "good" cholesterol (below 35 milligrams per deciliter), obesity or a family history of early coronary heart disease.

The inflammatory markers, called adhesion molecules, are proteins that cause white blood cells to stick to the walls of the arteries, which can lead to the formation of atherosclerotic plaques, explained Shelley McGuire, an associate professor of food science and nutrition at Washington State University and a spokeswoman for the American Society for Nutrition.

"One of the major strengths of the study was they were measuring adhesion molecules, which we have recently learned are very important in the formation of atherosclerosis," McGuire said. "Another strength is that the study was randomized and controlled. Because of this, we can pretty confidently say there was something in the cocoa powder that had an effect."

The researchers also found that the cocoa powder group had an increase in HDL cholesterol, which can help reduce levels of LDL cholesterol and has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant properties.

By Jennifer Thomas
HealthDay Reporter

The secret to a healthier retirement may be surprising: work.

Retirees who continue to work in some capacity, even part-time, are less likely to experience physical decline and disease, new U.S. research suggests.

Using data from the national Health and Retirement Study, researchers analyzed six years of information on the health, finances and employment status of over 12,000 men and women between the ages of 51 and 61 in 1992.

Compared to those who quit working altogether, those who described themselves as officially retired but who continued to work part-time or in temp jobs were less likely to be diagnosed with eight diseases: high blood pressure, diabetes, cancer, lung disease, heart disease, stroke, psychiatric problems and arthritis.

Those who worked at least part-time also were less likely to show signs of functional decline, or inability to perform the activities of daily living, including walking across a room, getting in and out of bed, dressing, eating and bathing.

The findings held true even after controlling for age, sex, financial status, education level and physical and mental health before retirement, according to the study in the October issue of the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology.

"There are tons of reasons why working is good for you," said study co-author Mo Wang, an associate professor in the department of psychology at the University of Maryland. "When you work, you have a daily structure. You may do more physical activity. Working provides financial resources, social context, opportunities to interact and to learn new skills. Working can also be good for self-esteem and nurturing a sense of identity."

By Ed Edelson
HealthDay Reporter

Although new research links mercury in seafood with high blood pressure, this isn't reason enough for most people to stop eating fish, the study leader says.

"The small increase of blood pressure due to methylmercury will never outweigh the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids," said Dr. Eric Dewailly, a professor in the department of social and preventive medicine at Laval University in Quebec and lead author of a report in the Oct. 5 issue of Hypertension.

Diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids from oily fish, such as fatty sardines, herring, trout and salmon, are associated in many studies with a reduced risk of death from heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular disease. The American Heart Association recommends eating two meals a week containing four to six ounces of such fish.

But because fish can contain high levels of methylmercury, which can interfere with the normal development of the nervous system and brain in fetuses and newborns, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration advises pregnant women, those trying to get pregnant, nursing women and children to limit their fish intake.

FDA guidelines limit intake of low-mercury fish for those individuals to 12 ounces a week and high-mercury fish to three 6-ounce servings a month. The FDA also advises avoiding fish most like to carry the highest levels of mercury -- shark, swordfish, king mackerel and tilefish.

At first glance, the Canadian study appears to add high blood pressure to the list of problems linked to methylmercury in fish. Dewailly and his colleagues conducted a survey of Inuit residents of 14 Nunavik communities in northern Quebec, where the traditional diet is based on fish and marine mammals.

It found an average blood mercury level of 50 nanomoles per liter of blood, much higher than the 4-nanomole level of the general U.S. population. It also found a relationship between blood mercury levels and blood pressure after adjusting for other factors, such as smoking and physical activity.

Studies have shown that exposure to environmental mercury can affect the endothelium, the delicate lining of blood vessels, and decrease the ability of smooth muscles to relax, which could explain the slight increase in blood pressure seen in the study, Dewailly said.

It was not a great effect, he said. "For every 10 percent increase in blood mercury level, there is a 0.2 millimeter increase in blood pressure," Dewailly said. "Even if you apply that to an entire population, that is a small effect."

By Steven Reinberg

Only one-third of adults say they are getting enough sleep every night, a new U.S. government report shows.

Some 50 million to 70 million American adults suffer from sleep and wakefulness disorders, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Not getting enough sleep has been tied to mental distress, depression, anxiety, obesity, hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol and certain risk behaviors including cigarette smoking, physical inactivity and heavy drinking.

"There is a relatively small percentage of people getting what sleep experts feel is an adequate amount of rest and sleep," said Dr. Bruce Nolan, director of the sleep center at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, who was not involved in the report. "That is a very important physical and mental health concern."

Getting at least seven hours of sleep results in greater alertness, better work performance and better quality of life, Nolan said. "People who get too little or too much sleep are associated with more health problems, including work problems, performance problems and productivity problems," he noted.

The report is published in the Oct. 30 issue of Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, a CDC publication.

Of the U.S. adults surveyed regarding their sleep in the past month, 11.1 percent said they did not get enough sleep every day of the month.

In addition, CDC researchers found that women (12.4 percent) were more likely than men (9.9 percent) to report not getting enough sleep. There were ethnic differences, with blacks (13.3 percent) saying they got less sleep compared with all other ethnic groups.

There were also geographical differences, which ranged from a low of 7.4 percent of people in North Dakota not getting enough rest to 19.3 percent in West Virginia.

These data were collected from a survey of 403,981 adults living throughout the United States.

The main causes of sleep loss are overlapping and include lifestyle, occupation and specific sleep disorders, the report noted.

In the past, many people thought that sleep was "a waste of time," Nolan said. "It was to be avoided. And getting seven or eight hours of sleep was a sign of laziness," he said.