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The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) regional field office in Iloilo City on Thursday issued a "Guide for Media Practitioners on the Reporting and Coverage of Cases Involving Children".

The media guide is a product of the Special Committee for the Protection of Children and a symposium for social media ethics held November 14 in the city in coordination with area-based standards network Panay I cluster.

Panelists include Claribelle Magno of ABS-CBN, Gerthrode Tan-Mabilog of GMA TV6, Ben Palma Jr of Task Force Internet Gaming and Anti-Pornography and Porferio Fangco of the National Bureau of Investigation Region VI.

The media guidelines focus on the children’s absolute right to privacy and the child’s dignity must be respected at all times. Children have the right to be heard and access to media by children must be encouraged.

The mass media is a partner in the promotion of child rights and the prevention of child delinquency and is encouraged to relay consistent messages through a balanced approach.

DSWD is encouraging all media and media professionals to maintain the highest ethical and professional standards and should promote within the industry the widest possible dissemination of information about the International Convention on the Rights of the child and its implications for the exercise of independent journalism. - PNA

An estimated 3,000 participants or more are expected in the 4th Dumaguete Adventure Marathon (DAM) on Sunday, with a number of competitive runners coming from all over the Philippines for the 42k and 21k distances which had also doubled from last year.

The marathon, which is one of the highlights of Dumaguete’s Fiesta and Charter Day celebration this November, is spearheaded by the Foundation University, said Amy Villanueva, FU Advancement Officer, in a news release.

Described as Foundation University’s gift to the gentle people of Dumaguete, the marathon will start and finish at the Dumaguete Business Park beside Robinson's Place shopping mall on Sunday. - PNA

Siblings Esteban and Florencio stood beneath rows of “duhat” trees â€" or what northerners like them call “longboy” â€" in an upland farm in Paoay, Ilocos Norte, their thoughts parallel on the folk belief it is good for dysentery, diarrhea and diabetes.

The “duhat,” variously called in English as Java plum, Indian blackberry or plain black plum, is found throughout this Southeast Asian country, with probable pre-historic introduction from Malaya following waves of Indonesian settlers in ancient times.

Old hands describe the plum, particularly its fruit and bark, as an astringent, carminative, stomachic, anti-diabetic and anti-diarrheal.

When the fruits reach their season, wide baskets of the ripe fruits crowd public markets and pavements in the urban centers, including entrances to markets in Cubao, Caloocan City, Novaliches and Quiapo, among other places, in the National Capital Region.

Filipinos describe it as among the most popular fruits in the country â€" in the league of the Spanish plum or “siniguelas” of the Tagalogs or “sarguelas” of the Ilocanos, the “atis” â€" the sugar apple or sweet sop â€" which has its season during the rainy season here.

The ripe “longboy” â€" called “duat” by Pampangos, “dungboi” by Igorots, “lomboy” by Bicolanos and Visayans in Central Philippines and “hai nan pu tao” by the Chinese â€" can be eaten straight from the branches.

Its juice can be made into wine, and can be used in the manufacture of red wine or the "tinto dulce" while its fruit, some studies claim, is a good source of calcium and a fair source of iron.

A local manufacturer in Ilocos Norte has, like her counterpart in Malaysia who has been making vinegar from the juice of the unripe fruit, in recent years begun making vinegar from “longboy” juice, competing with the more popularly described “sukang Iluko” fermented from crushed sugar cane juice. - PNA

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=10&sid=&nid=10&rid=471739]http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=10&sid=&nid=10&rid=471739[/url]

A public school teacher from Tabaco City is applying her science background in processing malunggay (Moringa oleifera) leaves into nutritious food supplements that are now making a big hit in the local market.

Ms. Tomasa Camu who teaches science at the Tabaco National High School (TNHS) here started discovering years back malunggay’s rich nutritional values through experiments in her science classes as output for research projects.

“Our experiments were inspired by the big problem on malnutrition confronting school children particularly in the pre-school and elementary levels in the city, other parts of Albay and most provinces of Bicol as per data gathered then from the local office of the National Nutrition Council (NNC),” Camu told the Philippines News Agency over the week.

Together with her students, Camu tested and analyzed several locally available vegetable varieties and found out malunggay to have the most potential to address malnutrition and other health concerns.

And for the result of the experiment not to be left only as a school project output, Camu in 2008 put up a small entrepreneurship venture named Moringa Health Products and Pastries in her residence at Barangay Bangkilingan here where she processed malunggay leaves into powder, tea, capsules, polvoron, and coffee creamer.

In less than a year, her products became known and popular. It came to a point in 2009 that production was no longer enough to meet the local market demand.

Camu sought help from the regional office of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Legazpi City which under its Small Enterprises Technology Upgrading Program (SET-UP) provided her assistance in the project entitled, “Scaling Up the Production, Packaging and Marketing of Malunggay Powder and By-Products”.

SET-UP is a program of the DOST that provides local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) assistance through a comprehensive package of science and technology (S&T) service and facilities to improve competitiveness and productivity.

This assistance comes in the modes of technology acquisition, product testing and standards, packaging and labeling, consultancy and advisory services, database and information management system and linkaging and networking. - PNA

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The first travel exchange between the Philippines and the Middle East was held Wednesday at the Centennial Hall of the Manila Hotel.

Called "Philippine-Middle East Travel Exchange 2012," the activity is a follow through of the successful Philippine participation as exhibitor during the recently concluded 18th World Routes Development Forum held at the National Exhibition Center in Abu Dhabi from 29 Sept. 29 to Oct. 2, 2012, where in aviation opportunities were forged.

A total of 16 travel and tour operators, nine from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and seven from the United Arab Emirates, arrived in Manila to explore possible market opportunities with 60 local travel and tour operators, who sold different travel packages.

Department of Tourism (DOT) Undersecretary Maria Victoria Jasmin in her welcome remarks underscored the promising potential of this market.

"The Department of Tourism has identified the tourist market in the Middle East, specifically the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates as opportunity markets,” Jasmin said.

“Manila can offer luxurious accommodation facilities, high-end shopping, and gaming establishments while outside the metro there are high-end resorts, exotic island getaways with white sand beaches and other facilities for the discriminating taste of the ME market,” she said.

“Halal cuisine is generally available in five-star hotels and DOT is undertaking a program that will make certified Halal food easily available outside Manila,” she added.

USEC Jasamin also said, “We are also expanding air connectivity between the region and the Philippines, as well as air connectivity into various destinations in the country.”

PHL-ME Travel Exchange 2012 comes at the most opportune time as major airlines from the Middle East such as Emirates and Etihad will commence their daily direct flights from Dubai to Manila in December 2012 and January 2013, respectively, Jasmin said.

Cebu Pacific and Philippine Airlines are also more likely to follow suit. These were among the many aviation opportunities forged during the 18th World Routes Development Forum held in Abu Dhabi, she added.

According to DOT Marketing Representative to the Middle East Mohamad Ibrahim Masri, the travel expo is aimed at providing the local travel trade with an opportunity to conduct tabletop discussions, interact with some of the biggest counterparts from the Middle East, conclude contracting, and provide packages to be sold in the region.

The Middle East is now looking for new and alternative destinations in Asia, and the Philippines happens to be one of its preferred locations for its many amazing destinations and great value for money. The Middle East Broadcasting Company (MBC), one of the biggest and most viewed broadcast companies in the region, along with in-flight magazines from Etihad and Emirates are coming to the country to participate in a familiarization tour organized by DOT Manila in cooperation with the DOT office in Dubai to experience and document various points of interest.

"The Philippines is a gold mine, with many beautiful attractions, rich heritage, and diverse cultures. But what makes the complete Philippine experience is its soft element--the Filipino people," Masri said. “And the Philippines is no stranger to the Middle East people, with its more than two million Overseas Filipino workers (OFW).” - PNA

Leaders of countries and political parties across the globe sent congratulatory messages Thursday to Xi Jinping on his election as general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee.

U.S. President Barack Obama extended his warm greeting on Xi's assumption of the post.

"I recall your successful visit to the United States last February, and the positive and constructive discussions we had about the future of U.S.-China relations," he said.

"I look forward to working with you in the years ahead to continue building a cooperative partnership that benefits both of our peoples and advances peace and prosperity, especially through practical cooperation on regional and global economic and security challenges," Obama said.

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said, under the leadership of the CPC, the Chinese people had made great achievements in building their country.

"I am convinced that the implementation of the Decisions of the 18th Congress of the CPC will serve to further the prosperity of the friendly People's Republic of China," said Medvedev, who is also leader of the United Russia Party.

He hoped the two parties would step up exchanges and enrich the content of bilateral relations.

"I am ready for an active joint work with you so as to further strengthen cooperation between the United Russia Party and the Communist Party of China," Medvedev said. - PNA

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Crude prices on Wednesday rose on tension in the Middle East and a weaker dollar against the euro.

Tension between Hamas and Israel intensified after the Palestinian Islamist group claimed Hamas's military chief was killed by an Israeli air strike targeting the Gaza Strip and an Israeli official said the attack on Hamas's top commander was not the end of the assault on the coastal territory and more strikes would follow.

Besides, a series of car bombs killed at least 14 people across Iraq on the eve of a Muslim festival. And unrest in Syria and disputes over Iran's nuclear program lingered, all clouding over oil production and exports in the oil-rich region while pushing up oil prices.

Meanwhile, the dollar weakened against the euro on Wednesday, helping boost oil prices.

Also supportive to oil prices, TransCanada said the loss of power on its Keystone pipeline that carries Canadian crude into the U.S. midwest, had affected the company's oil shipments and would cause supplies delays.

But worries about oil demand outlook weighed and limited gains, as U.S. "fiscal cliff" loomed and international lenders held back from offering further bailout fund to the debt-burdened Greece. - PNA

The deadly Ebola hemorrhagic fever has broken out in the central Ugandan district of Luwero about one month after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the East African country free of the disease.

Joaquim Saweka, the WHO country representative told Xinhua by telephone on Wednesday that the outbreak was confirmed on Tuesday following laboratory tests that turned out positive for the disease.

"Yes that is true, we have dispatched one team to make preliminary assessment and also set up an isolation unit," he said.

The epicenter of the outbreak is in Sombwe Parish, Nyimbwa Sub County, Luwero district which is located about 40km north of the capital Kampala.

Joseph Okware, the Luwero District Health Officer was quoted by Daily Monitor on Wednesday as saying that two people belonging to the same family had died of the disease over the weekend.

The outbreak comes at a time when the country is still experiencing the deadly Marburg fever in several parts of western Uganda.

In July this year the Ebola outbreak in the Midwestern Ugandan district of Kibaale left at least 20 people dead.

Ebola victims present with symptoms like fever, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache, measles-like rash, red eyes, and sometimes with bleeding from body openings. - PNA

The Senate committee on agriculture released on Thursday morning the five rice traders who surrendered Wednesday when an arrest order was issued against them for ignoring invitation in the Senate inquiry into the foiled smuggling of 420,000 sacks of rice from India at the Subic Bay Freeport.

Senator Francis Pangilinan, chairman of the agriculture panel, said the five traders have been released from the Senate detention room a day after they surrendered when they sincerely apologized and promised to attend future Senate inquiries.

The five rice traders are Elpidio Mendoza of the Sili Multi-purpose Cooperative; Emily Alabado, Ugnayang Magbubukid ng San Isidro Inc.; Juanito Evangelista, Riverview Multi-Purpose Cooperative; Maximo M. Hernandez, Samahan ng Magsasakang Kapampangan at Katagalugan; and, Crisanta Reyes, Malipampang Concerned Citizens Multi-purpose Cooperative.

The five rice traders sought the assistance of Candaba, Pampanga mayor Jerry Pelayo who accompanied them to the Office of the Sergeant-At-Arms on Wednesday.

The traders were among the 20 rice importers who were ordered arrested for not responding to the subpoena to attend the Senate inquiry last November 7.

The five representatives of cooperatives are among the suspected fronts of rice smugglers after the 420,000 bags of rice from India worth P500 million was intercepted in Subic without the needed importation requirements from the National Food Authority (NFA).

Others ordered arrested include Juanito A. David of the Kapatirang Takusa Multi-purpose Cooperative; Michael H. Villanueva, Jaded Ranch Grains and Cereals Trading; Gil O. Calipayan, King Casey Trading; Sandra Lime, Lexant International Trading; Mary Joyce Lim, Loui London Trading; Willy Sy, Montevallo Enterprises; Enigo Espiritu, Nemic Fusion Rice and Grains Enterprises; Jason C. Colocado, Pure Country Trading; Dennis Gonzales, St. Dominique Rice and Foods Enterprises; Jenny A. Reyes, West Point Rice and Cereals Enterprises; Ricardo R. Gatuz, Formosa Mutli-purpose Cooperatives; Ronaldo S. Valdez, Sitio Muzon Farmers Multi-purpose Cooperative; Zenadia Abanio, Sta. Cecilia Multi-purpose Cooperative; Felix Villena Sr., Ugnayan ng Magsasaka sa Kaunlaran; and Eugene Guiang Pioquinto, attorney-in-fact for Nemic Fusion Rice and Grains Enterprises, West Point Rice and Cereals Enterprises and St. Dominique Rice and Foods Enterprises. - PNA

The Senate is now ready to proceed to the period of individual amendments after two weeks of grueling interpellation on the committee amendments of the Sin Tax measure ended on Wednesday night.

Senator Franklin Drilon, acting chairman of the Senate committee on ways and means, said the Senate will proceed on Monday to the period of individual amendments on Senate Bill 3299.

”Because of the peculiar circumstances that happened here, in accordance with our procedures, what we did was to close the period of interpellations on the original committee report,” Drilon said, referring to Senator Ralph Recto’s Committee Report 411.

”Then, having closed that, we now proceeded to the period of the individual amendments and to the period of committee amendments.

On Wednesday night, the Senate closed the interpellations on the committee amendments which the senators accepted and adopted as a substitute bill.

Drilon said the Senate is eyeing to approve on third and final reading on Monday.

”The procedure is we accept it and if there no objection, it (committee amendments) will be included as part of the bill. If we do not accept it then a vote is taken,” Drilon told the media after six hours of debates on Wednesday.

During the period of interpellations, Senator Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. expressed deep concern on the possibility that illicit trades of cheap cigarettes and alcohol products will take over if the Sin Tax bill targets to collect P40 to P45 billion revenue in the first year of implementation.

Records show that in many countries like Romania, New York and United Kingdom, illicit trades increased due to higher tax rates on alcohol and tobacco products, Marcos said.

Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile focused questions on the concerns on the possibility that many tobacco farmers and workers will be affected as a result of higher taxes on sin products.

Drilon, however, allayed the fears as he assured that Senate Bill 3299 or An Act Restructuring Excise Tax on Tobacco and Alcohol Products will have minimal effect on the tobacco farmers.

Drilon said an additional P6 billion will be allotted for the tobacco farmers as well as workers in the cigarette industry that will be displaced if the measure will be enacted into law.

He explained that cigarette manufacturing companies are “highly-mechanized” thus, the effect would be minimal to the workers.

”Cigarette manufacturing sector is fully mechanized and thousands are being produced by the hour. So the effect on the manpower requirement would be minimal,” Drilon said. - PNA

The upcoming Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit and related meetings in Phnom Penh from November 15 - 20 will be the real test for ASEAN in managing regional uncertainty, particularly in dealing with the territorial dispute in the South China Sea.

Currently, Indonesia stands alone as the only member that can mediate in the dispute between the association`s member states and China.

Ludiro Madu, Director of Diplomacy Department for Indonesia Centre for Democracy, Diplomacy and Defence, said that ASEAN faces a challenge of building one voice on the South China Sea conflict, as reflected in the last ASEAN Ministerial Meeting of Foreign Ministers.

On a brighter note, shuttle diplomacy of Indonesia`s Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa managed to solve the disagreement among the ASEAN member states and he took a regional position on dealing with China through ASEAN`s Six Principles on the South China Sea.

The main problem lies in the indecisive position of Cambodia as the Chair of the 2012 ASEAN Summit. Although Cambodia has committed to stick to the Six Principles on the South China Sea, the ASEAN members are waiting for Cambodia`s national position during the Summit.

According to him, the South China Sea conflict will be the first test of the regional commitment, based on the Bali Concord III.

Dr. Connie Rahakundini Bakrie, from University of Indonesia, noted that the South China Sea issue has been a global hotspot for several years. In addition, many international agencies view the region as a global flashpoint that has the potential to trigger new and wider conflicts in Asia.

The South China Sea in the Southwest Pacific region has regional and international significance because it is one of the world`s busiest international trade routes. It contains more than 100 small islands and reefs, spread across 158,000 square miles. It includes a group of islands called the Spratlys, which are claimed in whole or partly by China, the Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam and Taiwan.

These islands are believed to hold fish, oil and natural gas reserves. Furthermore, members of the ASEAN signed a non-binding pledge in 2002, stating that they would settle the South China Sea dispute peacefully.

Frequent naval clashes between countries in the South China Sea, especially in the areas near the Spratlys and the Paracel islands, have turned the territory into a source of tension.

She said that Vietnam, Singapore and the Philippines have indicated their desire for a continued US presence in the region. Vietnam has opened the Cam Ranh Bay to visits by the US naval vessels, Singapore will host the forward deployment of the US Navy Littoral Combat Ships, and the Manila Declaration was signed in November reaffirming the US-Philippines Mutual Defence Treaty.

Despite the fast pace of globalisation, economic development plays an important role in the growth of the neighbouring countries. Countries in Asia, in particular, those in the ASEAN region, are at their peak in terms of economic development. Under such circumstances, sea power plays a significant role in economic development, forcing several countries to place their competing interests before the territorial sovereignty of the seas in the region.

Therefore, establishing peace and putting various conflict resolution mechanisms in place will certainly contribute to the settlement of these disputes. Since the 1990s, efforts have been undertaken by countries in the region, to stabilise the situation and these efforts have resulted in the ASEAN Declaration on the South China Sea in 1992, and later, the ASEAN-China Declaration on the Conduct (DOC) of Parties in the South China Sea in 2002.

The DOC is the first step towards the establishment of a Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea, which has been a discussion topic for over a decade. "The 2002 DOC of Parties in the South China Sea has a multilateral dimension, and is based on the convergence of views on the need to peacefully manage the dispute," said Dr. Bakrie. "The declaration is only an interim political agreement."

Between November 1 and 2, a workshop in light of the 10th Anniversary of the DOC, was held in Phnom Penh, which highlighted the progress of the DOC implementation over the past ten years. It also emphasised how the ASEAN and China can work together to implement the DOC, which could contribute to the peace and stability in the region.

During the discussion, the ASEAN member states and China stressed the importance of their partnership in promoting the ASEAN-China Strategic Partnership in the implementation of the COC, based on consensus.

All the claimants of the South China Sea should agree to have an ideal model of cooperation that can supersede the overlapping claims of sovereignty, which in Dr. Bakrie's opinion, should be the China ASEAN Strategic Petroleum Resources & ASEAN maritime power cooperation.

Beijing`s willingness to negotiate with ASEAN should be restored. China should have clearer guidelines for ASEAN with regards to the usage of US$ 500 million, allocated for maritime cooperation, said Dr Bakrie, Executive Director of Institute for Defence and Security Studies.

After receiving an honorary doctorate degree from the Tsinghua University in Beijing on March 23, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono urged the claimant countries not to view the South China Sea as an area of conflict, but as a scope for cooperation, which will benefit all the parties.

To control potential armed conflicts in the South China Sea, ASEAN has urged China to conclude the COC as soon as possible and replace the DOC. ASEAN hopes that the more legally-binding COC will encourage all the parties to refrain from resorting to force or other coercive measures in resolving disputes over the South China Sea, according on the international law, including the UNCLOS 1982, Treaty of Amity and Cooperation (TAC), DOC and the Guidelines for the implementation of the DOC. - PNA

Malacañang on Wednesday denied allegations by proponents of the Freedom of Information (FOI) bill of delaying its passage.

"That’s not true. It’s not true that Executive Secretary (Paquito) Ochoa (Jr.) is lobbying against FOI," said Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda in a press briefing.

"Categorically, we have submitted our (version of the) FOI bill. We have no hand in delaying (the passage of) the bill," he said.

Lacierda said that as far as the Palace is concerned, they hope that the measure would be approved at the committee level of the House of Representatives.

"We don’t know what was going on there (House of Representatives). As far as our discussions (are concerned), (Budget and Management) Secretary Butch Abad and I discussed with Congressman (Ben) Evardone. We were hoping that it would be out of committee," he said.

Lacierda said that the Aquino administration has been very open and it lives up to its promise of transparency and accountability.

"This bill… We have spoken to the stakeholders, we have spoken to the coalition, they keep on telling us they have no problem with this administration because we know this administration is transparent. So, on that statement alone -- that particular statement coming from the FOI advocates -- should douse any speculation that this President will not support or is the lead conspirator in the fight against FOI bill. That is totally incorrect," he said.

"We are a government that practices transparency and our actions speak for themselves. It’s for the future administration," he said.

The House committee on public information, headed by Eastern Samar Ben Evardone, on Tuesday failed to put the FOI bill to a vote.

Meanwhile, Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. also denied that Ochoa lobbied against the passage of the FOI bill.

Belmonte, in a text message, said there was no basis for the report which tagged Ochoa as the official behind efforts to halt developments on the FOI bill.

Evardone also denied that Ochoa sought him out to delay or put a stop to the FOI’s approval.

"I vehemently deny the report that ES Ochoa lobbied against the passage of the FOI. He did not talk to me about the FOI when I met him during the budget deliberations of DILG and Office of the President," said Evardone in a text message.

"It is unfair to drag ES Ochoa to the issue because it was the Malacanang’s communications group (with whom) we were in constant dialogue. And even the Malacañang communications group did not also give a hint that the Palace was against (the FOI)," he said. - PNA

The Supreme Court (SC) on Wednesday released its resolution allowing eight Commission on Elections (Comelec)-disqualified party-list groups to participate in the May 13, 2013 mid-term elections.

In a two-page resolution dated Nov. 13, the SC issued the status quo ante (SQA) order in favor of AKO Bicol (AKB), Association of Philippine Electric Cooperatives (APEC), Aksyon Magsasaka-Partidoo Tinig ng Masa (AKMA-PTM), Kapatiran ng mga Nakulong na Walang Sala, Inc. (KAKUSA), 1st Consumers Alliance for Rural Energy Inc. (1-CARE), Association for Righteousness Advocacy on Leadership (ARAL), Alliance for Rural Concerns (ARC) and Alliance for Rural and Agrarian Reconstruction, Inc.(ARARO).

The Comelec had earlier disqualified them from taking part in next year’s polls supposedly because they do not represent marginalized sectors.

An SQA order is issued to preserve the last actual peaceable and uncontested status before the litigation or filing of a petition, which means it is as if there is no resolution disqualifying them.

"The Court resolved to require the parties to observe the status quo prevailing before the issuance of the assailed Comelec resolutions," the SC said.

The SC gave the Comelec a "non-extendible" period of 10 days within which to submit its comment. - PNA

President Benigno S. Aquino III will depart for Phnom Penh, Cambodia on Saturday to join other ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) leaders and leaders of ASEAN’s Dialogue Partners in the 21st ASEAN Summit and Related Summits from November 18 to 20, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a statement released Wednesday.

The Summit’s theme is “ASEAN: One Community, One Destiny” in preparation for an ASEAN community by 2015.

The DFA said Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen will formally open the Summit on Nov. 18 with the official launching of the ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation (AIPR) and the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP).

The RCEP Framework establishes an ASEAN-led process for engaging interested ASEAN Dialogue Partners and, subsequently, other external economic partners.

Also up for signing is the ASEAN Human Rights Declaration (AHRD) which is envisioned as ASEAN’s articulation of its human rights principles, which would serve as the guiding document for activities aimed at promoting and enhancing regional cooperation on human rights.

President Aquino will have series of meetings with nine ASEAN leaders and with ASEAN’s East Asia Summit (EAS) partners.

One of the meetings will be the East Asia Summit (EAS), a regional leaders' forum for strategic dialogue and cooperation on critical challenges facing the East Asian region. The EAS is an important regional grouping with a significant role to play in advancing closer regional integration and cooperation in a dynamic East Asia.

In these meetings, the President is expected to express Philippine positions on maritime security and cooperation/West Philippine Sea (WPS), migrant workers’ protection and welfare and human rights, among others. - PNA

The Commission on Elections on Wednesday disqualified 10 more party-list groups from joining the 2013 midterm polls.

Comelec chairman Sixto Brillantes Jr said two of the disqualified partylists were existing while the eight others were new entrants.

The disqualified groups that took part in the 2010 elections are Action Brotherhood For Active Dreamers, Inc. and Abot Tanaw.

The eight new entrants that failed to get accreditation are Courage; Guardian; Hukbong Querubin; Ilaw; Samahang Ilocanong Magsasaka; Angat Ahon Magsasaka; Good; and Una Edukasyon.

Brillantes said the groups were disqualified since they did not represent the marginalized sector.

Meanwhile, the poll body approved the accreditation of Ang Nars Inc. which has five nominees.

Ang Nars, a new entrant, is the second allowed to join the 2013 polls. The poll body earlier approved the accreditation of Pilipinos with Disabilities (PWD).

Brillantes said the Supreme Court status quo ante order stopping the implementation of their resolution disqualifying eight party-list groups would not affect the commission en banc's ongoing purging of party-list groups.

"It will not deter us from continuing with the purging of unqualified party-list groups. We will continue to come out with decisions in the coming days," he said.

"Also, the SQA order has no immediate effect as the configuration of the PCOS machines and printing of ballots will not start until late this year," he said.

The poll chief said they would await the decision of the High Court on the merits of the petitions of the party-list groups.

The High Court also ordered the Comelec to comment on the matter within 10 days.

Brillantes said he hoped that the Supreme Court would come out with a ruling on the petitions before the end of the year since printing of ballots would begin by January 2013.

"We will also include in our comment a reminder of our timelines para malaman ng Supreme Court na nakikiusap kami sa kanila na kung pupwede i-resolve lahat ito... magkaron sila kung pwede ng sort of consolidation of all cases and come out with some specific rulings on individual party-lists para matapos lahat ito at the end of the year," he said. - PNA

The UN General Assembly (UNGA) on Tuesday overwhelmingly adopted a resolution to condemn the U.S. blockade of Cuba, urging Washington to end its long-running embargo against the Caribbean island-country.

The resolution, titled, "Necessity of ending the economic, commercial, and financial embargo imposed by the United States of America against Cuba," was approved by the 193-nation assembly with 188 votes for, three against and two abstentions.

The United States, which imposed the blockade against Cuba in the early 1960s, voted against the draft resolution along with Israel and Palau. The Federated States of Micronesia and the Marshall Islands abstained, as they also did last year.

The resolution, which is not legally binding, once again urged states that have applied and continue to apply laws and measures for Cuba embargo to "take the necessary steps to repeal or invalidate them as soon as possible in accordance with their legal regime."

This is the 21st year in a row that the UNGA has adopted such a resolution by overwhelming majority to condemn the U.S. Cuba embargo. Last year's vote was 186-2, with three abstentions.

The UNGA, as it did in the previous years, also reaffirmed "the sovereign equality of states, non-intervention and non- interference in their internal affairs and freedom of international trade and navigation."

The Tuesday resolution, introduced by Cuba, also called on all states to "refrain from promulgating and applying laws and measures" of such kind against Cuba, "in conformity with their obligations under the Charter of the United Nations and international law."

Despite the continuous adoption of similar resolutions at the UNGA, Washington has repeatedly rejected their calls and demands. - PNA

Britain's Health Protection Agency (HPA) on Tuesday published the completed genome sequence from the British case of novel coronavirus, which was diagnosed this September and got much attention because it is close to the SARS virus.

The publication of the full genome sequence will enable scientists to see how closely the British case is linked to the first case of this novel coronavirus, which was diagnosed in a patient from Saudi Arabia in June, and who subsequently died.

The emergence of this new virus had gotten much attention all over the world, because it belongs to the genus of coronavirus, which also includes the SARS virus that caused panic in 2003. The World Health Organization has confirmed the new virus is not SARS.

Analysis of the genome indicates that the closest relative to this new coronavirus was a bat virus identified in 2008 in the Netherlands. The variation in the genomic sequences of the first two cases, coupled with the three month gap of time, indicate there are probably independent sources of infection.

Prof. Maria Zambon, director of HPA's reference microbiology services, said understanding more about the virus could help determine its origin as well as develop strategies for treatment and prevention, such as vaccine development, should further cases emerge.

"There have been huge technological leaps since viruses such as H5N1 and SARS were discovered 10 to 15 years ago. The speed of response is a testament to the lessons learnt by the scientific community after SARS," Prof. Zambon added. - PNA

With the impending leadership change in Beijing, the Philippines on Thursday said it hopes for a better relationship with China following several months of intensified territorial disputes between the two Asian neighbors.

“We wish China a smooth generational leadership change and we look forward to working with the incoming leaders in forging a positive, peaceful and stable relationship with China,” the Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

“We hope that our political bilateral relations would improve, and that economic cooperation and people-to-people ties would continue to flourish for the benefit of our peoples,” it added.

The Philippines and China, along with Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have long disputed ownership of the West Philippine Sea or also known as the South China Sea, a chain of islands, cays, reefs and atolls believed to be rich in oil and gas.

The disputed territories also straddle busy shipping routes and have been known to be teeming with fish and other marine resources.

Last year, the Philippines and Vietnam separately accused Chinese vessels of intruding into their territories in and near the Spratlys off the West Philippine Sea and of disrupting their oil exploration activities.

But China has claimed it has sovereignty in those areas on historical grounds. - PNA

President Benigno S. Aquino III will invoke an international treaty shared by members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

This has reference to the extradition of a Filipino-Malaysian wanted for allegedly duping hundreds of Filipinos of their hard earned savings by enticing them to invest in a multi-level marketing company he put up.

In an interview at the sidelines of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas 38th Top Level Management Conference held here Thursday, the President said the ASEAN Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty could be invoked to bring back Aman Futures Group, Incorporated founder Manuel Amalilio to the Philippines to face charges.

Amalilio was reportedly spotted in Malaysia after fleeing the country.

“Actually, sa ASEAN, merong tinatawag na MLAT, iyong Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty. We can invoke that,” the President said.

He added that the National Bureau of Investigation has been coordinating with its counterparts in Malaysia in searching for Amalilio. - PNA

President Benigno S. Aquino III cited the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) for maintaining the strictest standards of fair, honest and complete broadcast reporting in the Philippines by which media practitioner-members have bound themselves to emulate.

The President said in his speech keynoting the KBP’s 38th Top Level Management Conference here on Thursday that after 40 years, the KBP has managed to maintain and even improve its standards of broadcast reporting etiquette.

“Ang sabi ko na nga lang po, mabuti’t laging nariyan ang Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas. Sa loob ng mahigit apat na dekada, itinataguyod at patuloy ninyong iniaangat ang pamantayan ng pagbabalita. Kasabay ng pangangalaga sa mga karapatan ng inyong kasapi bilang mga brodkaster, isinusulong din ninyo ang responsableng pamamahayag sa inyong masugid na pagbabantay sa ethical standards sa broadcast media,” the President said.

He added that the KBP, together with government, has gone further in just reporting news to include important government achievements worth broadcasting to Filipinos wherever they are by coordinating with the Outdoor Advertising Association of the Philippines and the Advertising Foundation of the Philippines.

“Sa pamamagitan ng advertising campaigns, special events, at iba pang social marketing projects, napapagyaman natin ang mga katangian ng Pilipinoâ€"tulad ng katapatan, disiplina, pagbabayanihan, at ang kahusayan sa pandaigdigang entablado,” the President said.

“lyan lang po ang mga halimbawang pagpapatunay na kayang magkaisa’t magtulungan ng pamahalaan at ng media,” he added.

He called on the KBP to always foster the concept of thinking of others before oneself and towards the betterment of the country.

“Ang panawagan ko lang po sa ating lahat: sa bawat pagkakataon, pagsumikapan nating iangat ang isa’t isa. Sa bawat pahayag na ating ilalabas, lagi’t lagi nating isipin ang kapakanan ng ating kapwa, at ang ikabubuti ng ating bansa,” the President said.

“Sa huli, tayong mga lingkod-bayan ay pare-pareho pa ring mga alagad ng katotohanan. Tungkulin nating makapaghatid ng sapat at matapat na impormasyon; obligasyon nating pagsilbihan ang nag-iisa nating bossâ€"ang taumbayan,” he added.

“Bilang nagkakaisang lahi, iwaksi na natin ang kultura ng hilahan, ng tulakan, at ng pag-uunahan; sama-sama nating isulong ang pagbabagong atin nang nasimulan,” the President said. - PNA

President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Thursday efforts are ongoing to hunt down and build a case against the Aman Futures.

"Hindi ho tayo titigil, kailangan ho may hustiya pero sa dulo po nito, kailangan rin natin ang pakikiisa ng ating mga kababayan," the President said at the sidelines of the 38th Top Level Management Conference of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster sa Pilipinas (KBP) held at Taal Vista Lodge in Tagaytay City.

Aman Futures founder Manuel Amalilio was reportedly in hiding in Malaysia.

Since the Philippines has no extradition treaty with Malaysia, President Aquino said the Philippines may invoke the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) that exists within the ASEAN to cause the repatriation of Amalilio.

He said the National of Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is now coordinating with the Malaysian Embassy to bring back Amalilio to the country.

The President stressed the government had been going after perpetrators of pyramid scam in the country and had warned investors early on but was rebuffed by investors.

There is also ongoing investigation being conducted by the NBI on Aman Futures.

The President said that as early as July, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in August, also warned investors against pyramid scam.

"Noong nag-umpisa ang NBI, pinuntahan daw sila nitong mga investors at sinabing killjoy sila," the President said.

"Gusto ko lang pagdiinan na talaga namang ginawa ng mga ahensya ng gobyerno, bago pa lumaki ang problema dito, na-warningan na ang ating mga kababayan," he noted.

"'Yung mga tumutupad ng kanilang tungkulin na ma-prevent nga 'yung ganitong scam, sana tinutulungan po imbes na pinahihirapan n'yo sa trabaho," he lamented.

Despite that, President Aquino said, those involved in pyramid scam should be brought to justice.

"Ganunpaman din ho, kailangan din nating madala sa bars of justice itong mga taong 'to. Hinahahanap natin ang lahat ng involved. Kailangan nating dumaan sa proseso," he said.

Had investors cooperated as early as July, the President said, authorities would have been able to build a case early on and might have arrested the perpetrators.

"Sayang, sana noong July nahuli na natin lahat ng mga tao. Pero 'yun nga, nahirapan mag-prosper 'yung kaso. Dahil (in the) absence nung witnesses, 'yung magbibigay ng paper trail, 'yung magbibigay ng salaysay para maging matibay ang kaso," he said.

Meanwhile, President Aquino declined to comment when asked if Pagadian City Mayor Samuel Co will also be held liable for issuing the permits for Aman Futures to operate.

The President said no direct evidence has been seen so far on Co's possible liability.

"Sa ngayon, assertion po 'yan, allegation. I'm not ready to comment dahil ongoing 'yung other facets of the investigation, amongst them 'yung issue sa allegedly involving the LGUs (local government units). So wala pa tayong nakitang diretsuhang ebidensya tungkol doon. Pero maliwanag kung sino ang nagpatakbo," he said.

Aside from Amalilio, the government is also looking for Fernando "Nonoy" R. Luna, head of the Aman Futures operations in Pagadian City, and other officials of Aman Futures.

Aman Futures was able to lure investors, mostly in Pagadian City, by offering a 30-percent to 40-percent return on investment within eight days, and a 50-percent to 80-percent profit for 18 to 20 days.

Aman Futures claimed that the profit would come from a customer agreement with Malaysian brokerage firm Okachi (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd. that in turn engages in futures trading of commodities such as oil, manganese, palm oil and nickel.

At first, the victims could receive cash by just showing their official receipts. But later, investors were issued post-dated checks with a 50-day maturity date in lieu of cash. Investors started to panic when the Aman office in Pagadian closed last Sept. 26.

Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel A. Roxas II has relieved Zamboanga del Sur Provincial PNP Director Senior Superintendent William T. Manzan and Pagadian City Chief of Police Superintendent Kenneth H. Mission in connection with the Aman Futures investment scam that victimized thousands in the province and other parts of Mindanao.

Roxas said this is meant to avoid chances of whitewash in the ongoing police investigation into the latest "get-rich-quick" scheme that has reportedly duped some 15,000 individuals into investing about P12 billion of their hard-earned money. - PNA

U.S. President Barack Obama in his second term is ready to consult closely with the winner of next month's presidential election in South Korea on how to deal with North Korea's nuclear weapons program, a Seoul official said Tuesday.

The foreign ministry official made the remarks after he met with senior U.S. diplomats in Washington, including James Zumwalt, deputy assistant secretary for East Asian and Pacific affairs and Clifford Hart, Washington's special envoy for the six-nation talks on ending the North's nuclear program. The meetings took place shortly after Obama won re-election.

Some analysts have expressed concern that the current lockstep alliance between South Korea and the U.S. is unlikely to be sustainable, particularly for North Korea policy. Whoever wins the Dec. 19 presidential election in South Korea, a new leader is expected to take a more conciliatory stance toward North Korea than outgoing President Lee Myung-bak.

Obama, in his second term, "is willing to hold close consultations with South Korea on its policy on North Korea, based on the spirit of alliance," the official said on the condition of anonymity.

The Obama second term is not expected to adopt a major change in its policy on North Korea, the official said, adding that a looming reshuffle of his foreign-policy and security team would be an indicator of which direction Obama plans to go with regard to the North's nuclear issue.

"U.S. officials are watching the presidential election in South Korea with great interest, but they expressed their willingness to fine-tune policies with the next Korean government," the official said. - PNA

The Spanish Banking Association has announced it will stop evicting people unable to pay their mortgages for the next two years in cases of "extreme necessity".

The Spanish banks confirmed the measure in a press release, stating "members of the AEB, due to humanitarian reasons and as part of their social responsibility policy" will stop evictions for two years in cases of "extreme necessity".

The AEB didn't say what it means by "circumstances of extreme necessity," although AEB President Miguel Martin explained that "serious illness, dependence, old age, and children" could be taken into consideration.

Meanwhile, the Spanish Confederation of Saving Banks (CECA) also announced they stopped evictions of people unable to pay their mortgages until authorities pass the new regulation.

According to the figures provided by the banking industry, there have been 172,000 evictions since 2008 and the problem has become one of the main issues in the crisis in Spain, especially after two people about to be evicted from their homes committed suicide last month.

The latest suicide occurred last week in the town of Barrakaldo in the Basque region of Spain.

The victim was a former Socialist town councilor, who jumped to her death from her window.

The tragedy provoked a demonstration in her hometown, while on Monday there were further protests opposite the offices of the ruling Popular Party in Madrid. - PNA

A first squad of 558 Chinese troops assigned for the United Nations-mandated peacekeeping mission in Liberia departed on Tuesday aboard a chartered plane.

The second and final squad will set off for the west African country 10 days later.

Comprising 275 engineers, 240 members of the infantry and 43 medical staff, all from the Beijing Military Area Command, the troops will assume an eight-month-long mission in Liberia, replacing a previous Chinese peacekeeping team.

Their duties will include constructing roads, bridges and bunkers, repairing houses and airports, maintaining water and electricity supply facilities, transportation, as well as medical treatment and epidemic prevention.

This is the 14th Chinese peacekeeping detachment to Liberia. China started dispatching peacekeepers to the country in December 2003 under UN Security Council Resolution 1509. - PNA

President Vladimir Putin has signed into law an amended bill on citizenship.

The document was adopted by the State Duma on October 26 and approved by the Federation Council on October 31, 2012, the Kremlin press service said on its website.

The bill aims to specify the status of certain categories of citizens who live on the territory of the Russian Federation for a long time, including citizens of the former Soviet Union who failed to get the Russian citizenship in the established order; their adolescent children or grown-up children who came of age if they have neither citizenship of any other foreign country nor a document confirming their right to live in a foreign country; citizens of the former Soviet Union who had received a passport of a Russian citizen prior to July 1, 2002 but subsequently were not confirmed as Russian citizens by an authorized body of the Russian Federation.

The above-mentioned citizens may determine their legal status on the basis of an application for the Russian citizenship made on their own free will or a residence permit issued to such citizens. Citizens of the former Soviet Union who had received a Russian passport but subsequently were not confirmed as having the citizenship of the Russian Federation may get the Russian citizenship in accordance with a procedure of recognizing the citizenship of the Russian Federation.

The amended bill specifies the terms and order of their admission into the Russian citizenship, reasons for which an applicant cannot be recognized a citizen of the Russian Federation, a period during which an application for the Russian citizenship is to be considered, the order of making a decision on such applications and the order of revoking such decisions. - PNA

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton Tuesday emphasized the importance of the Indo-Pacific rim to U.S. strategic interests during an address at the launch of the Perth USAsia Centre, in Western Australia.

The former first lady, in Australia for the Australia-United States Ministerial Consultations (AUSMIN) beginning in Perth Thursday, told an audience of academics and dignitaries that the Indo-Pacific was at the heart of an American vision of itself as a "pacific power".

Mrs Clinton said,"Increasingly these waters are at the heart of the global economy and a key focus of Americas expanding engagement in the region, what we sometimes call our "pivot to Asia".

The U.S. has been seen as reinvigorating its Pacific interests and relationships as a counter to the rise and influence of regional leaders like India and China, however Mrs Clinton refuted the notion that the 'pivot to Asia' implied a neglect on the part of U.S. administrations obsessed with militant Islam and the ' war on terror.'

"We never actually left Asia, we've always been here, had a presence here and we consider ourselves a pacific power. But in the 21st century its important we make it absolutely clear that we are here to stay and how we think about the Asia pacific, the Indo pacific region is crucial to our future as well as yours," she said. - PNA

The UN General Assembly has elected 18 states to fill in the seats on its 47-member Human Rights Council that become vacant in 2013.

Elected on Monday were Argentina, Brazil, Venezuela, Ivory Coast, Ethiopia, Gabon, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Montenegro, Pakistan, South Korea, Sierra Leone, the United Arab Emirates, Germany, Ireland and Estonia.

The United States was reelected for the second consecutive term.

“Today's vote affirms that active US leadership in the Human Rights Council and throughout the United Nations system will continue to pay real dividends for Americans and for the rest of the world," US Ambassador to the UN Susan Rice said after the vote.

New York-based Human Rights Watch (HRW) has criticized the election of countries with dubious records, such as Ethiopia, Venezuela, Pakistan, Ivory Coast, Kazakhstan, and the United Arab Emirates, due to the lack of competition for the seats.

The General Assembly established the UNHRC in 2006 as an inter-governmental body responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe and for addressing situations of human rights violations and make recommendations on them.

The Council’s Membership is based on equitable geographical distribution as follows: as follows: 13 for Africa, 13 for Asia, six for Eastern Europe, eight for Latin America and the Caribbean (GRULAC), and seven for the Western European and Others Group (WEOG). - PNA

The Japanese government said Tuesday that anti-Japan protests in China in September have damaged Japanese companies in that country by up to 10 billion yen.

Japan has asked China to take appropriate, fair and prompt measures to compensate for the damage under domestic law, the government said in an official statement.

Amid demonstrations against the Japanese government's purchase of the China-claimed Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea, protestors looted Japanese supermarkets and destroyed Japanese factories and offices. - PNA

The National Bureau of Investigation filed with the Dept. of Justice a criminal complaint against 10 people allegedly involved in the abduction of convicted killer Rolito Go and his nephew Klemens Yu, DOJ Secretary Leila M. De Lima announced Tuesday.

The NBI is the Philippines' premier investigating body and is an attached agency of the DOJ.

Charged for violation of the Revised Penal Code, particularly Article 267 or kidnapping and serious illegal detention and Article 294 or robbery with violence against or intimidation of persons were Emilio Ortiz, Lawrence Yurong; a certain "alias Bong"; Fernando Fransisco (also known as Pando); Armando Mondero; Jerry Duenas; a certain "Reggie"; a certain "Kumander Rico"; a certain minimum security prison trustee of the New Bilibid Prisons, and Go's cook.

The NBP trustee and Go's cook have yet to be identified.

Ortiz was the alleged mastermind behind Go's abduction.

Only Mondero and Duenas are under the NBI custody.

They have manifested to help authorities in their investigation.

Go and his nephew Yu disappeared from the NBP on Aug. 14, 2012 and appeared two days later.

Go insisted he did not escape but they were abducted.

The DOJ, NBI and the Philippine National Police conducted an investigation on the allegations of abduction.

Records show a confidential informant volunteered to give an information, including photos on the identities of the suspects responsible for Go's abduction.

The photos were presented to Go and Yu, who both identified Mondero, Duenas and Yurong.

In his sworn affidavit, Mondero identified Ortiz as the mastermind of the whole operation and was assisted by alias "Bong", Yurong, and Fransisco.

The three reportedly recruited him and Duenas.

Mondero said Ortiz was the one who secured fake NBI identification cards and provided the firearms and the vehicle, which is a black Ford Everest with an NBI commemorative plate, in perpetrating the abduction.

He added that it was "Bong", Armando, Mondero, Duenas and Yurong who went inside and forcibly herded Go and Yu in the car owned by Go's nephew.

"Yurong's contacts (the cook and the trustee) inside the NBP gave them information on Rolito Go's schedule and whereabouts," Mondero said.

Go and Yu were brought to San Vicente, Sto. Tomas, Batangas with the assistance of Yurong's cohorts, who were identified as Kumander Rico and a certain Reggie, and were held captive in a nipa hut.

Mondero said that Kumander Rico asked Go if the latter could afford to give the amount of P5 million "because they know that he is the owner of Century Tuna, has a lending business, and was reportedly involved in illegal drugs."

On the other hand, Mondero heard Ortiz, "Bong" and Fransisco negotiating with Rolito Go's sister Julie Yu when they were already at Ortiz's house in Capitol Subdivision, Caloocan City.

He also said that Yurong and Duenas, guarding the victims, together with Reggie and another unidentified male suspect, were also demanding P1 million from the victims. - PNA

Value of merchandise exports grew 22.8 percent to US$ 4.8 billion in September 2012 compared to a year ago, making the Philippines the strongest performer among its East and Southeast Asian neighbors for the period, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

The Philippines emerged on top of countries in the region that posted positive growth in exports in September 2012, which includes Hong Kong (15.8%), Vietnam (15.6%), Taiwan (10.4%), China (9.9%), and Thailand (0.2%).

“The strong export performance mainly reflected the moderate improvement in global economic activity as industrial production and business confidence indicators showed signs of recovery,” said Emmanuel F. Esguerra, Deputy Director-General of NEDA’s National Development Office for Planning and Policy.

Japan recorded the steepest fall in exports with an 11.8-percent decline in the same period, followed by Indonesia (-9.4%), Singapore (-4.8%), and the Republic of Korea (-2.0%).

For the first three quarters of 2012, the National Statistics Office (NSO) reported that total merchandise exports reached US$ 40.1 billion, which is up by 7.2 percent from US$ 37.4 billion in the same period last year.

“The Philippines is only one of four East and Southeast Asian countries that posted positive growths in the first nine months of 2012, along with Vietnam (18.3%), China (7.4%), and Hong Kong (1.8%),” said Esguerra.

According to the NSO, annual gains in shipment revenues from manufactures (29.0%), forest products (185.0%) and petroleum (7.4%) supported the robust growth of total merchandise exports in September 2012.

Manufactured exports rose to US$ 4.1 billion from US$ 3.2 billion in September 2011.

This was due to higher revenues from miscellaneous manufactures (1,434.8%), electronic equipment and parts (142.5%), wood manufactures (87.2%), electronic products (1.1%), processed food and beverages (23.1%), baby carriage and toys (56.2%), iron and steel (59.3%), furniture and fixtures (16.6%) and footwear (134.1%).

“Improved overall demand for the country’s manufactured exports was mainly due to the generally favorable developments in global industrial production, with new orders further showing signs of expansion following persistent declines,” the NEDA official said.

However, electronic exports grew by only 1.1 percent (US$ 1.83 billion) in September 2012 following five consecutive months of contractions since April 2012.

“The nearly flat performance of electronics shipments was due to the drag coming from electronic data processing (EDP) units amid renewed strengths in other electronics sub-segments such as telecommunication, which was projected to surpass computers as one of the leading market drivers,” said Esguerra.

He added that the observed weakness in overseas sales of EDP units in September 2012 (-26.6%) was due to consumers’ greater preference for lower-end desktop PCs and notebook computers over higher-performance models on account of a still sluggish global economy. - PNA

The Smart Club Championship-Visayas Regional Elimination, organized by the Philippine Footbal Federation, is slated on Nov.21-25 in San Carlos City.

Different football clubs from the Visayas, particulary from Negros Occidental, Iloilo, Leyte, Negros Oriental and Cebu will vie for the Visayas elimination with the top two football clubs to advance to the Round of 16 slated on January 19-20, 2013 and the finals on February 2 at the Rizal Memorial Football stadium in Manila.

This tournament will serve as a qualifying matches of teams planning to join the country’s premier football league - the United Football League. - PNA

The Smart Club Championship-Visayas Regional Elimination, organized by the Philippine Footbal Federation, is slated on Nov.21-25 in San Carlos City.

Different football clubs from the Visayas, particulary from Negros Occidental, Iloilo, Leyte, Negros Oriental and Cebu will vie for the Visayas elimination with the top two football clubs to advance to the Round of 16 slated on January 19-20, 2013 and the finals on February 2 at the Rizal Memorial Football stadium in Manila.

This tournament will serve as a qualifying matches of teams planning to join the country’s premier football league - the United Football League. - PNA

After two weeks of routine buildup regimen that concentrated on body-conditioning, Manny Pacquiao looked to have almost recovered what he needed to regain during his five-week training camp in Los Angeles, California.

With his fourth fight against Mexican nemesis Juan Manuel Marquez only four weeks away and the body pains have slowly but surely subsided, it’s now time for the eight-division world champion and his team to shift to retracing the best years in his career when he was beating the likes of Juan Diaz, Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton and Miguel Cotto black and blue with his quickness and razor-sharp punches.

“Almost complete na ang recovery portion ng training at kailangan nang harapin kung anong strategy ang gagamitin to offset what Marquez does best, which is counter-punching,” Pacquiao, who battles Marquez anew on Dec. 8 (Dec. 9 in Manila), said Monday after another whole day on the road that saw him run alongside NBA Hall of Famer Reggie Miller at the Griffith Park and doing the mitts in the gym.

“I really feel good na after two weeks here in LA. I feel I can do everything now going into the next two weeks when I expect to bring my body back to where I was three or four years ago,” Pacquiao added. “And this is how to pack more power to my fist and add more speed to my feet, which we believe will be crucial in this fight.”

Chief trainer Freddie Roach had the same idea when he told this writer before pitching the LA camp that the last two weeks at the Wild Card sweat shop will sort of make or break what his pupil must do atop the ring comes Dec. 8 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

“Two weeks here at LA will be devoted to continuing what Manny started in General Santos (where Pacquiao began his preparations). The next two weeks will be focused on correcting the mistakes in Manny’s failure to do what we intended to do the last here times,” Roach said upon Pacquiao’s arrival at the Vine Street gym at the heart of Hollywood.

Although Pacquiao and his team intend to bring him back to the days when he was still 24 or 25 years old, turning the clock back to when he was in his 28th summer looks enough for him to score more convincingly than the split and majority decisions he fashioned out over “El Dinamita” in the second and third fights of their trilogy.

It was at this age when, four years ago, he destroyed and sent legendary De La Hoya to retirement in a bloody 8th round technical knockout victory in the same MGM Grand Arena where he fought his first fight as a welterweight from lightweight.

It was also on Dec. 8, 2008 when Pacquiao gave the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games gold medalist a lot to think about, beating and battering De La Hoya around the ring for 24 minutes non-stop in a display of tremendous firepower and speed and forcing his rival not to answer the bell signaling the start of the ninth frame.

Pacquiao’s domination was so shocking, coming in the hands of a relatively shorter and smaller fighter who only nine months before that showdown had been fighting as a 130-pounder.

De La Hoya, who was then 35, was so dominated he landed in a hospital after the fight. He won just one round in one of the three ringside scorecards and none in the other two judges.

“Yun ang target naming maibalik para sa laban na ito,” Pacquiao said. "Ang lakas at ang bilis ko noon, no? Kaya nating ibalik ang araw na yun at ito ang gagawin namin this coming weeks until we move to Las Vegas for the final week of preparations.”

Even when he was 29 the following year, Pacquiao remained devastating, knocking out Hatton in only two rounds and Miguel Cotto in 12 before demolishing, too, Joshua Clottey and Antonio Margarito, both via unanimous decision triumphs. - PNA

The country’s young and upcoming jins will display their wares Nov 17-18 when they vie for honors in the 2012 SMART National Age-Group Taekwondo Championships at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.

“This event gives our aspiring fighters, some as young as four years old, the chance to test what they have learned so far,” says Organizing Committee chair Sung Chon Hong.

Sponsored by the Philippine Sports Commission, the Philippine Olympic Committee, SMART Communications, MVP Sports Foundation, PLDT, Meralco, TV5 and Milo, the tournament starts the sport’s lovers at a young age and contributes to the government’s grassroots program.

Around 1,000 athletes are expected to compete in two divisions â€" juniors (men and ladies aged 14 to 16 years old) and gradeschool (boys and girls 13 years old and below).

Parents interested to see their children learn the sport at a young age will definitely enjoy watching this tournament, which starts at 9 a.m.

The age-group competition also prepares young jins for important future and international tournaments.

Only recently, Filipino bets produced an explosive showing in the Korean Open international championships by winning five gold, seven silver and 14 bronze medals mostly in kyorugi (sparring). - PNA

Increasing cigarette prices via higher taxes imposed on manufacturers will save more than 27 million lives in five Asian countries, the Asian Development Bank said in a study released Tuesday.

The Manila-based lender said increasing the price of cigarettes by 25 to 100 percent would also cut the number of current and future smokers in China, India, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam by nearly 67 million.

ADB noted that a 50-percent increase in cigarettes which corresponds to a tax increase of about 70 to 122 percent will generate 24 billion U.S. dollars in additional "Aggressive tobacco control via higher taxation enhances overall economic welfare," the ADB study read.

Apart from increasing government revenues, the study said discouraging smokers through higher prices will also result in higher productivity and reduced health expenditures. - PNA

President Benigno S. Aquino III underscored the need to seek God's help in leading the nation to achieve inclusive and sustained economic growth.

In his speech at the opening day of the Asia for Christ Movement (AFCM) Mission Congress 2012 held at the Plenary Hall of the Philippine International Convention Center, along Roxas Boulevard in Pasay City on Tuesday, the Chief Executive acknowledged God's intervention to help the country's leaders in initiating changes in the fulfillment of their aspiration for the country’s stability and prosperity.

"Aminin ko sa inyo ho, nung nagumpisa kami sa ating panunungkulan eh talaga hong bigay ang katapusan ng bawat araw sa dismaya na natutuklasan natin na mga problema na kailangan ayusin," the President said.

The President said he is seeking God's guidance in dealing the issues and concerns of the country and the Filipino people.

"At ang naaalala ko lang nga ho, siguro ngayon lalo na napatingkad, na kada nga ho sitwasyon kung saan binibigyan tayo ng kalbaryo natin o ang mga mabibigat na problema, eh talagang binibigyan natin ng pagkakataon ang Diyos na tayo’y tulungan at ipakita, number one... ipaalala, na tao ka, mayroon kang kakulangan," he said.

"Sa lahat ng nangyayari sa ating bansa, ako na siguro ang unang aamin... Ito ba ay dahil nga ba sa napakagaling ko? Hindi naman siguro.... Ako ba ay napapaligiran ng mas magagaling pa sa akin? Nakakatulong po iyon... pero maski naman magaganda ang plano natin, maski na honest ang ginagawa natin, maski na talagang nagsumumikap tayo... pero hindi po tayo pinagpapala... eh wala naman rin pong mangyayari. Pero magtiwala ka at hindi mo kaya, sagot ka Niya," the President said.

He cited the congregation's long track record of Christian services and civic work that has inspired many of the Filipinos in their pursuit and continuing journey of national transformation.

"Nakakagalak talagang nakikita kayong lahat dito, nagkakasama sa pananampalataya at pagtitiwala sa kapangyarihan ng pagdarasal," the President noted.

During the event, the President was prayed over by the church leaders led by Brother Eddie C. Villanueva, chairman of the AFCM and Spiritual Director and International president of the Jesus is Lord Church Worldwide. - PNA

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said on Tuesday it will comply with the Supreme Court order stopping the implementation of its resolution disqualifying four party-list groups from participating in the 2013 midterm polls.

Comelec Commissioner Rene Sarmiento said the poll body respects the decision and hopes that the High Court would come out with the merits of the petitions before January, next year.

The printing of ballots is set to begin on Jan. 20, 2013 after the poll body finalizes the list of candidates for the May 13 elections.

On Tuesday, the SC issued a status quo ante order in favor of disqualified party-list groups such as Ako Bicol, 1st Consumers Alliance for Rural Energy Inc. (1-CARE), Alliance for Rural Concerns (ARC), and Association of Philippine Electric Cooperatives (APEC).

It also ordered the poll body to comment on the matter within 10 days.

The four party-list groups separately filed petitions asking the Supreme Court to immediately act on their disqualification by the poll body. - PNA

AFTER NEARLY 1,300 YEARS OF ANTICIPATION, AUSTRALIANS ARE SET TO WITNESS A RARE TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE, WHICH HAS BEEN ATTRACTING THOUSANDS OF ASTRO-ENTHUSIASTS FROM ACROSS THE WORLD.

OVER 60,000 VISITORS ARE EXPECTED TO WITNESS ON WEDNESDAY THE PERFECT ALIGNMENT OF THE SUN, MOON AND EARTH WITH THE BACKDROP OF THE GREAT BARRIER REEF, WHICH IS EXPECTED TO RUN FOR A LITTLE OVER TWO MINUTES. - PNA

President Benigno S. Aquino III bared on Tuesday the results of the investigation of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) on the ill-fated Piper Seneca that killed Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo, saying it was mainly due to pilot error.

The President said three months have passed since the untimely death of Secretary Robredo on August 18, and that "we owe it to the victims to find out what really happened."

"Heto po and resulta ng imbestigasyon: Bagaman marami ang nagsabing ekspertong piloto si Captain Jessup M. Bahinting, wala siyang angkop na karanasan at kasanayan sa one-engine inoperative emergency," the President said at a press briefing in Malacanang.

"Malinaw ito nang nabigo niyang (Bahinting) panatilihin ang ligtas na paglipad ng eroplano nang iisang makina na lamang ang gumagana," he said.

President Aquino also said that 23 minutes after the plane took off at Mactan Airport, the pilot already knew that one of his engines malfunctioned.

"Subalit sa halip na bumalik, tumulak pa rin sila sa Naga. Inabot pa sila ng 70 minuto sa himpapawid bago ang kanilang pagbagsak," he said.

"Ibig sabihin, kung agad silang bumalik sa Mactan, mataas ang posibilidad na naiwasan ang aksidente," he noted.

The CAAP also found that Bahinting extended landing gears and flaps even if he was not sure he would be able to land the aircraft, which was contrary to the Piper Seneca Manual Procedures for twin engine planes.

"Ayon sa mga eksperto, dumagdag ito sa 'drag' na siyang nagpabagal sa eroplano, hanggang sa hindi na ito makontrol, at tuluyang bumagsak," the President said.

The CAAP probe body also found that Aviatour's staff, are not authorized by the manufacturer to serve as aircraft maintenance mechanics.

Aviatour is the company that owns the ill-fated Piper Seneca plane.

"Dahil sa patung-patong at pare-parehong tungkulin ng kanilang (Aviatour) mga opisyal, nagkakaroon ng conflict of interest, kaya hindi nabibigyan ng tamang atensyon ang ligtas na kondisyon ng eroplano," the President said.

He said there was also collusion between Aviatours and a CAAP inspector who certified to the plane’s airworthiness.

"Base sa ilang papeles na nalikom ng investigation panel, sangkot rin diumano sa kuntsabahan ang Aviatour’s at ang isang inspektor ng CAAP sa tahasang paglabag sa mga regulatory requirements," he said.

Based on the investigation report, President Aquino said, the right hand propeller of the plane was replaced in November 2011. CAAP inspector Fernando Abalos has cleared the aircraft, saying the result of the test flight was satisfactory. However, the CAAP probe team found no record of the test flight.

"Subalit ayon sa isinagawang imbestigasyon, walang record sa aircraft logbook ang nasabing test flight. Wala ring nakatalang flight plan dito, ayon sa Mactan International airport. Malinaw po ang ginawa nilang panlilinlang at pandaraya," he said.

To avoid a repeat of the incident, President Aquino said he directed the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) and CAAP to implement reforms that would strengthen the aviation industry.

He also ordered for a re-audit of all licenses and permits previously approved by CAAP.

"Kung may makita tayong dumaan sa shortcut at lumabag sa mga nakasaad sa Philippine Civil Air Regulations, agad po nating babawiin," he said.

The President also ordered for a review of the operational guidelines of Flying Schools, Air Taxi, and other groups related to the aircraft industry in the country.

"Nais nating matiyak na kung hindi ka kwalipikado, hindi ka mabibigyan ng lisensya," he said.

President Aquino also ordered DOTC and CAAP to improve the mechanism to ensure safety of passengers. - PNA

The fate of the proposed Freedom of Information (FOI) bill at the House of Representatives was left hanging in the balance Tuesday as deliberations on the contentious bill at a House panel went beyond 4 p.m. when plenary sessions began and lawmakers were required to be at the plenary hall.

The proposed bill was already set to be voted upon after a motion to approve the said bill was moved and seconded at the House Committee on Public Information.But opponents of the bill called the attention of panel members on the time limit, eventually leading to the adjournment of the discussions.

Deputy Speaker Lorenzo “Erin” Tañada, who earlier said that the bill was at a make or break situation, was greatly disappointed at the turn of events and said that today’s non-approval of the FOI bill at the House Committee on Public Information greatly reduced the chances of the proposed measure of being enacted into law in this 15th Congress.

He blamed the infrequent hearings being conducted by the committee, which is chaired by Eastern Samar Rep. Ben Evardone, as the culprit behind the setbacks encountered by the proposed transparency bill.

“Today’s deliberations and other misunderstandings would have been avoided had the Committee on Public Information conducted more hearings on the FOI bill. As it was, the last hearing was last March and before that was last February, 2011,” Tañada said.

“It was as if the opponents have contrived to delay the proceedings by employing parliamentary tactics,” the Quezon lawmaker and main FOI bill proponent lamented.

After prolonged deliberations that were highlighted by several pointed and heated debates, Akbayan Partylist Rep. Walden Bello moved for the approval of the proposed measure, a move that was immediately seconded by Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez.

Nueva Ecija Rep. Rodolfo Antonino registered his objection after which he called the committee’s attention on the time limit triggering another round of debates.

In the end, Evardone ruled for the adjournment of the hearings to the chagrin and disappointment of the bill’s proponents.

The next hearing was set for Nov. 27.

Bello said that opponents of the bill, particularly Antonino who had wanted a “right of reply” provision inserted to the proposed bill, employed dilatory tactics to the hilt in order to kill the proposed measure. - PNA

The enlistments of Singapore Armed Forces are expected to be affected by declining birth rates going forward, Defense Minister Ng Eng Hen said Monday.

The national service is compulsory for eligible male citizens and permanent residents in Singapore, and about 15,000 national service men were enlisted into the armed forces each year in the 1990s, the minister said in a reply to parliament.

The number peaked in 2011 at about 21,000, partly as a result of more children given birth by cohorts of the baby boomers came of enlistment age, including those born in 1988, the year of the dragon.

But the enlistments are expected to gradually taper and revert to levels in the 1990s going forward, due to an aging population and declining fertility rate.

Nevertheless, Ng said even with the numbers, the long-term projections till 2040 indicate that the armed forces will still be able to mobilize about 300,000 soldiers from regulars, full time national servicemen and operationally ready national service men, if needed. - PNA

Three more Filipino fighters have earned a crack at the world championships in their respective divisions next year following their recent victories.

World Boxing Organization bantamweight champion Dayer Gabutan of Mountain Province and Ilocos Sur, who recently defended his OPBF 118-pound crown with a quick seventh round demolition of Indonesian Lande Olin, will be rewarded for his efforts by securing the right to dispute the WBO belt against the winner of the Puenglong Sor Singyo-Paula Abunda title fight early next year.

The pride of Katipa, Misamis Occidental Rey Migreno, the new international flyweight titleholder, on the other hand, stands to meet WBC 112-pound champ Toshiyuki Igarashi of Japan also in the first quarter of 2013, said trainer Joven Jorda last Friday during the SCOOP session at the Kamayan Restaurant-Padre Faura.

Minimum weight Mateo Handig likewise became the mandatory challenger to Mexican International Boxing Federation titlist Mario Rodriguez following his split decision victory over Japanese two-time belt-owner Katsunari Takayama.

Handig, who like Gabutan and Migreno, belongs to the Highland Boxing stable managed by Brico Santig and supported by Gregorio Abalos and Naris Ssingwancha.The much-awaited Handig-Rodriguez title encolunter is scheduled January 27 in Mexico City, while those of Gabutan and Migreno will be held at a time and place still to be decided, Santig said during the SCOOP session, sponsored by Powerade, AKTV and FILA.

The 24-year-old Gabutan is so far undcefeated in his lat 12 fights.

Migreno had, actually, beaten Igarashi black and blue in a technical knockout triumph last November 1 in Naakahon Rachasima in Thailand.

The three Filipino fighters assured SCOOP members that they can beat their respective opponents and bring honors to the country with the championship belts in their pocket when they return home. - PNA

James Bond's appeal with nostalgic audience has once again been proven over the weekend as the latest installment of the blockbuster spy series debuted with 87.8 million U.S. dollars worth of tickets for an easy ride to the top of the box office in North America.

"Skyfall," the 23rd film in the 007 series which reprises Daniel Craig for his third romp as the legendary MI6 agent and one of the most famous character in the film industry, easily shattered the record of biggest bond opening in North America held by "Quantum of Solace," the last James Bond film which premiered to a 67.5 million dollar weekend four years ago. This feat well exceeded the projections of analysts. It is also the ninth No. 1 film which Sony distributed so far this year.

"Skyfall" has already raked in 33 million dollars in ticket sales from special showings in the United States and Canada between Thursday and Friday when the flick opened to general release at 3,505 locations, distributor Sony projected. The latest fare is poised for a worldwide receipt of 500 million dollars during its first week in exhibition. Sony ascribed the record opening to positive reviews, strong pre-sale figures and broad social media awareness. Its decision to open the spy flick two weeks before its North America debut also helped to build a good buzz.

The PG-13 rated film, which is directed by Sam Mendes (" American Beauty"), centers on Bond's efforts to track down and destroy a threat to his boss, M. It also stars Javier Bardem, Ralph Fiennes, Judi Dench and Naomie Harris.

"Skyfall" is also the first James Bond film which was released simultaneously in IMAX theaters. It is made on a budget of between 150 and 200 million dollars.

The Daniel Craig vehicle is an older audience-skewing fare. Seventy-five percent of those who have seen it were over the age of 25, and moviegoers assigned it an average grade of "A," according to market research firm CinemaScore. - PNA

Davao del Norte Rep. Antonio del Rosario(First District)is pushing for the establishment of a "Stem Cell Research and Storage Facility in Mindanao" through House Bill 5037.

“The Science and Technology Committee has already approved the proposed bill but is now pending with the Technical Working Group as Congressman Jules Ledesma wants to make sure the law is complete before it comes out of the Committee,” said Del Rosario, principal author of the bill.

He said they are asking the inputs of concerned government agencies such as the Department of Budget and Management considering the facility will entail costs.

“First world countries like the United States and Singapore already have stem cell treatment but this is virtually a new concept for third world countries like the Philippines,” he said.

Stem cell research is already in its advanced stage in countries like Germany and France. It is a highly-debated emerging technology that makes use of three sources for the stem cells including embryonic, cord, and adult cells.

He said stem cell technology is already available in the Philippines but only in private and expensive hospitals such as the Makati Medical Center and St. Luke’s. Since the private hospitals are very expensive, not all Filipinos who can benefit from the said technology can avail of it, he said.

“This is a new technology so we need a Research Center to study how it can benefit people suffering from cancer,” he said.

The rate of success for stem cell is very high compared to the other remedies, he said.

While del Rosario, who is the primary author of the bill, is pushing for the establishment of the Stem Cell Research Facility in Mindanao, other lawmakers want the center to be located in their own areas in Visayas or in Manila and deciding on its location alone can take some time.

“Of course as the principal author of the bill I would insist that it be established in Mindanao but other lawmakers are saying that since the experts are in Manila then it should be located there,” he said. - PNA

The South Korean unit of U.S. computer software maker Microsoft will sign an agreement with the Unification Ministry to provide support for Seoul's efforts to educate North Korean defectors on information technology.

The ministry said Monday Graig Shank, the general manager for Microsoft's international affairs team, will meet with Minister Yu Woo-ik Tuesday to sign the deal, according to the ministry.

Under the agreement, the software maker will provide 100 million won (US$ 91,869) worth of PCs, peripherals and IT education programs to seven schools specializing in North Korean defector education over the next three years, it said. - PNA

Residents of remote villages in nearby Sultan Kudarat have expressed apprehension of possible flashfloods anew as torrential rains continue to threaten Maguindanao and nearby provinces.

Sukarno Mamalinta, a resident of Barangay Gang, the hardest hit village among 15 low lying barangays of Sultan Kudarat, said fears developed among the villagers that a repeat of Monday dawn’s flashfloods that swept through their homes.

“May agam-agam kami, di malayong magbaha ulit dahil umaapaw ang Simuay river (We are apprehensive. Flashfloods might hit anew as Simuay river overflows,” Mamalinta said.

Senior Inspector Esmael Maguid, Sultan Kudarat police chief, said residents of low lying barangays decided to stay in higher grounds or homes of their relatives in other areas to avoid getting caught by rampaging flood waters.

Monday dawn’s floods have killed an elderly woman after allegedly suffering from cardiac arrest.

Many houses were damaged by floodwaters, especially those near the riverbank of Gang river in Barangay Gang.Simuay river emanates from the towns of Buldon, Barira and Matanog, where heavy downpour occurred Sunday night.

The state weather bureau reported the sightings of active low pressure area east of Mindanao and residents have been alerted of possible landslides and flashfloods. - PNA

President Benigno Aquino III stands by his decision not to revive the death penalty despite the recent incidents of heinous crimes.

"Nasabi na po ng Pangulo ang kanyang posisyon tungkol diyan (no to death penalty). Yan na po ang posisyon ng Pangulo way, way back, even before he became President," Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda told a press briefing Monday.

Instead, Lacierda said, the President has said there is a need to improve the judicial system in the country as current loopholes in the judicial system may result in an innocent man being given the death penalty.

"The likelihood of somebody getting the death penalty -- assuming it is going to be re-imposed -- you might see an innocent man suffering the death penalty. And so the position taken by the President is that we have to improve the judicial system. Hence, the President is not inclined to revive the death penalty," he said.

Besides, Lacierda noted that efforts to improve the police system are underway to curb crimes, pointing out the increased police visibility especially on the streets of Metro Manila.

The number of index crimes has gone down except for "petty crimes," he said.

"On the side of police enforcement, we’re doing reforms in police enforcement. (DILG) Secretary Mar Roxas is in charge of that together with the President. The President has already made marching orders for (Roxas) to ensure that we improve in curbing criminality not just index crimes," he stressed. - PNA

About 4,000 villagers living in low lying barangays of Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao were awakened by rampaging flood waters at 1 a.m. Monday when the Simuay River overflowed due to heavy downpour overnight.

The flood waters which reached neck-deep forced the villagers to leave their homes to high grounds until the break of dawn.

As a result of the overflow of Simuay river, portions of the Cotabato-Davao highway were closed beginning 2 a.m. as waist deep water reached the road network.

It was opened to motorists at about 6 a.m.

The military were also deployed along the highway to prevent conflict among motorists who have to be regulated as floodwater would rise quickly.

No one was reported injured in the calamity which the villagers have been living with the past three years.

“We have not experienced heavy rain since Sunday,” Minalindang Aladin, a resident of Barangay Gang which is heavily flooded, told reporters.

“But when heavy downpour occur upstream in the northern part of Maugindanao we brace for floods because we are the catch basin here,” she said. - PNA

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council raised a blue alert status on Monday in preparation for the possible effects of a low-pressure area (LPA) east of Surigao.

NDRRMC Executive Director Benito Ramos said that blue alert requires half of the agency’s personnel to be ready for contingencies.

Ramos also said that the personnel on duty should coordinate efforts to ensure zero casualty.

The NDRRMC particularly placed on alert Eastern Visayas, Caraga, and Regions 10 and 11.

The NDRRMC also said it has directed the disaster risk reduction and management councils at the local level to prepare local residents for evacuation if needed.

”Office of Civil Defense centers have been instructed to undertake precautionary measures in their respective areas of responsibility," the NDRRMC said.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said that the LPA, spotted east of Surigao embedded along an intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ), is threatening to bring rains that may cause flash floods and landslides in parts of the Visayas and Mindanao. - PNA

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said on Monday that a low pressure area off east of Surigao dissipated Sunday evening after making a landfall but another LPA has formed in the same location.

“Nagdissipate na yung LPA sa east of Surigao around 8 p.m. Sunday pagkatapos maginteract sa kalupaan ng Mindanao and dahil sa intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ) may nabuo ulit na LPA,” weather forecaster Fernando Cada explained.

An ITCZ is a merge of winds from different directions, which is also a breeding ground for a low pressure area (LPA).

As of 4 a.m. Monday, the LPA, which was embedded along the ITCZ, was spotted at 180 km east of Surigao City (9.5°N, 127.0°E) affecting Southern Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao.

However, Cada said it has a slim chance to intensify into a tropical depression but it band of rain clouds is expected to bring moderate to heavy rains over Southern Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao.

Cada said the Visayas and Mindanao and Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan) and Bicol will be cloudy with moderate to heavy rainshowers and thunderstorms which may trigger flashfloods and landslides.

He added that the northeast monsoon or “amihan” will bring light rains over Cagayan Valley Region and the provinces of Aurora and Quezon.

The rest of Luzon including Metro Manila , will continue to have mix weather from sunny to cloudy skies with passing light rains mostly in the afternoon or evening due to localized convections in the next two to three days.

Meanwhile, Cada also said that the agency has monitored a new weather disturbance outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) and has a potential to become a tropical cyclone.

“Itong bagong minomonitor natin na nasa labas pa ng PAR nasa karagatan ng Mariana Island, Guam ay posibleng maging bagyo sa mga susunod na araw,” Cada said adding the agency continues monitoring.

Once it becomes a tropical cyclone and enter the PAR, Cada said the first storm of the month will be locally named “Pablo”, the 16th tropical cyclone to enter the country this year.

He said that PAGASA is expecting two to three storms that may affect the country this month.

In its advisory, PAGASA said that moderate to strong winds blowing from the northeast will prevail over Luzon and Visayas and the coastal waters along these areas will be moderate to rough.

Elsewhere, winds will be light to moderate coming from the northeast with slight to moderate seas. - PNA

A magnitude 4.8 earthquake jolted parts of Batanes on Saturday evening, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

In its bulletin, Phivolcs said the quake’s epicenter was traced 34 kms S 76° E of  Basco, Batanes.

The tremor, which was tectonic in origin, was recorded at 9:39 p.m. It has a depth of 33 kms.

The agency said that Intensity 4 was felt at Uyugan, Batanes while Intensity 3 felt at Basco, Batanes.

Phivolcs said there was no initial report of damage or casualty from this tremor and no aftershocks from the earthquake. - PNA

Malacañang assured Monday there were no plans to allow the return of American military bases in the country despite the announcement of the Obama administration to increase military presence in the Asia Pacific region.

“There are no basing arrangements with the Americans. That has been ruled out,” Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said Monday during the regular press briefing in Malacañang.

Allowing the US to revive its military bases in the Philippines is not consistent with the country’s 1987 Constitution, Lacierda said. The Philippine government will instead focus on the Visiting Forces Agreement to improve the capability of the Philippine military. Under the VFA, US and Filipino forces conduct joint military exercises to increase their combat readiness.

The Philippine military is in the process of modernizing its military, Lacierda said, adding that during the visit of Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper last weekend, the Philippines and Canada agreed for the purchase of military hardware for the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

During the commemoration of the Veterans’ Day at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial in Taguig City Sunday, US Ambassador Harry Thomas Jr. said the US government has no plans of putting up military bases in the Philippines despite President Barack Obama’s Pacific Rim policy.

Under the new US policy, the American military aims to refocus its forces in the Asia Pacific region.

Thomas said, however, that the US military will continue giving extensive trainings to Philippine military personnel under the existing military tie up.

Aside from providing the Filipino soldiers' training, the US military is also committed in assisting the Philippines by extending humanitarian assistance particularly during calamities, he said.

Under its military engagement in the Asia Pacific region, the US government has increased its military presence in Singapore and Australia. - PNA

Malacañang said it is ready to assist the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in translating and disseminating the Framework Agreement to several languages for the easier understanding of the Muslim population in the south.

The MILF said it is seriously considering the translation of the Framework Agreement into different languages, acknowledging however that they could encounter logistical difficulties in mass producing the peace pact translation.

In a regular press briefing in Malacañang on Monday, Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said the Aquino government was ready to assist the MILF in raising awareness on the peace agreement by translating it into different languages.

Lacierda said the Palace is ready to support initiatives that will benefit the people, particularly the Framework Agreement for Mindanao peace. He added that they will consult with government chief negotiator Marvic Leonen on how the government could extend its assistance.

“That’s something that we certainly would help. May mga nuances sa language so pag-uusapan pa ‘yun. Pero certainly it’s something that we would like to help,” he said.

Lacierda also expressed hopes that both panels will be able to come up with a decision on the annexes of the Framework Agreement. - PNA

The cadaver of a Syrian national killed in the Nov. 1 fuel truck explosion in Saudi Arabia was mistaken for the body of a Filipino truck driver who reportedly died in the same accident, the Department of Foreign Affairs said on Monday.

Florentino Santiago was among those identified by the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh as among the 22 fatalities from the explosion.

Following a DNA test on one of the two charred cadavers by Saudi authorities, DFA spokesman Raul Hernandez said Philippine Ambassador to Riyadh Ezzedin Tago reported Sunday night that the body that was identified by Santiago’s brother in law “turned out to be not him but that of a Syrian national.”

Hernandez declined to say if Santiago can be considered now as “missing” pending result of the DNA test on the other body.

“We will only know he’s dead if we are able to see and identify scientifically that one of the bodies are his,” Hernandez said. - PNA