‘Fat salary, desire to serve and protect’ lure hundreds of youths in Region 12 to join police force
KORONADAL CITY (MindaNews / 03 August) – At least 700 young men and women in Region 12 are aspiring to enter the Philippine National Police (PNP), lured by fat starting salary apart from their desire to serve and protect the citizenry, officials from the regional National Police Commission (Napolcom) said. The police aspirants took the […].....»»
Philippines rescues over 1,000 trafficking victims
Philippine authorities have rescued over a thousand people from several Asian nations who were trafficked into the country, held captive, and forced to run online scams, an official said Saturday. International alarm has grown in recent months over internet scams in the region often staffed by trafficking victims tricked or coerced into promoting bogus crypto investments. Michelle Sabino, a spokeswoman for the Philippine national police force's anti-cybercrime group, said officers raided a cluster of buildings Thursday in Mabalacat City, about 90 kilometers north of Manila. A total of 1,090 people were rescued who had been recruited to run online scams. Sabino said the victims were forced to target unsuspecting people in the United States, Europe, and Canada. Their passports were confiscated and they were made to work up to 18 hours a day, with salary deductions for interacting with colleagues or taking extended breaks. "You're like a prisoner without a cell. You're not even allowed to talk to your roommates," Sabino told AFP. "They're not allowed to leave outside the bounds of the gate. After 18 hours of work, they're brought to their dormitory." The victims were mostly Chinese nationals, Vietnamese, Filipinos, and Indonesians, police said in a separate statement. Authorities also rescued people from Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan, Myanmar, Hong Kong, and Nepal. Sabino said the workers were trained to entice strangers into buying cryptocurrency or depositing money into bogus bank accounts after establishing fake romantic relationships. "They will build up a promise of a good future together. Let's buy a house, buy a car, let's invest money, or let's do business together," she said. At least 12 suspected ringleaders of the scheme have been arrested and are set to be charged with human trafficking. They include seven Chinese nationals, four Indonesians and a Malaysian, Sabino said. Sabino also said the police operation was the result of a plea by the Indonesian ambassador in Manila for help locating distressed nationals. A Philippine immigration official also warned on Saturday against trafficking risks while international events are underway. "In the past, we have recorded victims who claimed they were set to join beauty pageants, and shows, only to find out that they were being trafficked abroad," immigration commissioner Norman Tansingco said in a statement. The warning comes as Cambodia hosts the Southeast Asian Games, which began on Friday and runs until 17 May. The immigration bureau said Philippine sports officials were asked to warn Filipino athletes of the "risks of trafficking" in the country. An AFP report last year found people from around Asia have been pulled into cryptocurrency scams in Cambodia, some trafficked and beaten by scam operators. Last month, Philippine senator Risa Hontiveros warned that "scam call centers" were operating in the Philippines and employing foreigners trafficked into the country. The post Philippines rescues over 1,000 trafficking victims appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
1,381 police officers in Ilocos region promoted
PANGASINAN – A total of 1,381 police officers in the Ilocos region were promoted to the next rank on Friday, January 15, in recognition of their sacrifices, merits, and accomplishments, according to Police Regional Office 1 (PRO-1) Director Brig. Gen. Rodolfo S. Azurin Jr. A total of 1,381 police officers took oath following their promotion, in a Simultaneous Oath taking and Donning and Pinning of Ranks administered by Police Brigadier General Azurin, Jr at PRO1 Grandstand, San Fernando, La Union. (PHOTO VIA LIEZLE INIGO/ MANILA BULLETIN) A simultaneous oath taking, and donning and pinning of ranks was held at the PRO-1 Grandstand in San Fernando, La Union. Among those who were promoted were police officers from the Regional Headquarters, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 1 (RMFB1), La Union Police Provincial Office (LUPPO), and Camp-based Regional Support Units (RSUs) physically attended the said ceremony while the rest virtually joined via zoom. Azurin stressed that their promotion came after their sacrifices, and the accomplishments they made while serving and protecting the people of Ilocos region. “Aside from responsibilities, your promotion also adds to you power and authority. Use all these for the benefit of many. Use your position to help, to serve, and to protect and never ever misuse and abuse your power and authority. I want you to cherish this gift and be grateful by doing your jobs better and by constantly seeking what is best for our organization. Show us, show the community that you deserve this,” Azurin said. Of the 1,381 newly promoted personnel, 57 were promoted to the rank of major, 11 to captain and four to lieutenant. For non-commissioned officers (NCOs), 306 were promoted to the rank of executive master sergeant, 97 to chief master sergeant, 344 to senior master sergeant, 50 to master sergeant, 176 to staff sergeant, and 336 to corporal. And of those promoted, 517 were from the Pangasinan Police Provincial Office (PPO), 199 from the La Union PPO, 242 from Ilocos Sur PPO, 172 from Ilocos Norte PPO, 125 from RMFB1 and 126 from the RHQ......»»
Barangays urged to conduct earthquake drills for safety
Interior Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. said on Thursday that Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) should be also done at the barangay level, especially in Metro Manila. “Dapat ito ibaba sa barangay level dahil iisipin natin, ito ay buong Metro Manila so lahat talagang busy. Kung minsan iisipin mo sarili mong pamilya kaya namin pinapakita namin ito ang ideal scenario, pero importante up to the barangay level paghandaan nila kaya nga kinakausap ko yung mga barangay, maghanda sila ng mga tao (It should be brought down to the barangay level because let's think about it, it's the whole of Metro Manila so everyone is really busy. If you sometimes think about your own family, we are showing this as the ideal scenario, but it is important up to the barangay level that they prepare, that is why I am talking to the barangays, they should prepare people),” Abalos told reporters on Thursday during the 2nd Quarter National Simultaneous Earthquake Drill (NSED) at the Greenfield District in Mandaluyong City, Thursday. The DILG chief also prodded the local government units (LGUs) to religiously educate their constituents in practicing earthquake drills to prepare them for inauspicious emergency situations. “Cover your head and neck with one arm and hand. If a sturdy table or desk is nearby, crawl underneath for shelter. If no shelter is nearby, crawl next to an interior wall. Stay on your knees; bend over to protect vital organs,’’ an emergency disaster expert stated. “Dapat pagkatapos yung emergency response, dapat na gagawin ng mga national agencies, ng kapulisan, NDRRMC (National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council), ngunit may malaking papel ang LGUs dito lalo na ang barangay na dapat itrain nila sa ibaba (The emergency response should come next, the national agencies, police force, NDRRMC, but the LGUs play an important role especially in training the barangays at the grassroot level),’’ Abalos stated. He added the barangays should share the responsibility of inspecting the buildings with the local government units (LGUs) in their respective jurisdictions to check the stability of all the structures in their localities. Abalos stressed that sometimes there are misconceptions that high-rise buildings are mostly prone to collapse but insisted that low-rise structures may topple during earthquakes. Due to these circumstances, Abalos pointed out the need for the barangays to assist and regularly coordinate with the LGUs in checking the structural stability of all the buildings in their areas. In a meeting with the LGU officials, Abalos said that they discussed that the Big One (high-magnitude tremor) occurs every 400 years which is nearing. He noted that the whole country must be aware when an earthquake of high intensity or magnitude strikes a particular area nationwide. Abalos explained that other LGUs may immediately provide the appropriate assistance to the distressed localities hit by the earthquake. Compared to the late 1960s when Metro Manila has wide spaces, Abalos pointed out that the region is now under a high-intensity level with an ever-increasing population. With this development, Abalos mentioned that quick responses during emergency situations where time is of the essence are very valuable. He described the K-9 units as ‘life savers’, saying that he enlisted the services of private canines and had them trained for rescue operations during his time at the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA). Abalos also cited the importance of manpower inventory and equipment to determine if the workforce and equipment are enough to respond to emergency situations. The post Barangays urged to conduct earthquake drills for safety appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PNP conducts bonus probe
The Philippine National Police will start the probe on the release of service recognition incentives to police officers for the fiscal year 2022 after reports that some received less than the agreed amount. PNP chief Gen.Benjamin Acorda Jr. said that they will be coordinating with Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. and other offices to look into it because if there is a complaint, there are things that should investigate. “We are constantly coordinating with the SILG. We are looking into this because if there is a complaint, it seems that there are things that should be looked into we are investigating and we are now coordinating with other offices that have something to do with this and I am asking them, we will be sitting down with them to hear for myself together with my command group and we might be inviting also from the other officers of the DILG to see to it and hear together what this explanation is and from there we can see what our next move,” Acorda told reporters after officiating in the oath-taking, donning and pinning of rank 606 insignia for the Newly Appointed Police Commissioned Officers on Monday afternoon held at Camp Crame. Earlier, Abalos said he would also seek guidance from the Department of Budget and Management regarding the policies on the payout of the incentive. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., through Administrative Order 1, authorized in December last year the release of a one-time SRI for employees in the executive branch in recognition of the collective and invaluable contribution to the government’s continuing efforts to ensure the responsive delivery of services, especially in the midst of the public health emergency due to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic and other socio-economic challenges. The AO authorizes the grant of a one-time SRI at a uniform rate not exceeding P20,000 for those working under the executive department. Meanwhile, Acorda urged all the police commissioned officers to continue learning and growing as professionals, always striving to be the best they can be as he reminds them of their responsibility to serve the people and encourages them to seek guidance from the Lord. “Let us embody the spirit of ‘Serbisyong Nagkakaisa’ as we serve and protect our fellow Filipinos. Remember to serve well and in harmony with your fellow police officers, to other government agencies, and to the community that relies on our service and protection,” Acorda said. Acorda emphasized the significance of their roles, stating, “As newly appointed police commissioned officers, you have already proven your capabilities in your respective fields, and now it is time to channel that expertise into the law enforcement arena. You will be entrusted to lead while upholding justice, protecting the innocent, and ensuring the safety and security of our nation. This is a sacred duty that requires integrity, courage, and compassion.” Among the appointees were 91 Technical Officers, and 515 Line Officers, all chosen under the PNP Lateral Entry Program CY 2022 for Line and Technical Officers. Under the program, 29 lawyers, four priests, two pastor, and seven doctors were appointed to the initial rank of Police Captain, entitling them to a basic monthly salary of P56,582.00. The remaining 564 newly appointed PNP officers, which include dentists, psychologists, architects, engineer, chemists, IT, and line officers were appointed to the initial rank of Police Lieutenant, with a basic monthly salary of P49,528.00, along with allowances and various cash and non-cash benefits. The successful candidates of the Lateral Program have undergone a stringent selection process, demonstrating their commitment to excellence, professionalism, and the core values of the PNP. The post PNP conducts bonus probe appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Cash-strapped Lebanese soldiers moonlight as mechanics, waiters
A crushing economic crisis in Lebanon has impelled members of the security forces to take on side hustles to get by, raising concerns about security in the eastern Mediterranean country. Soldiers in Lebanon have seen their salaries diminish to around an eighth of their value in dollar terms since the country's economy began tanking in late 2019. To make ends meet, 28-year-old soldier Samer says he works three days a week with his uncle at a garage in the northern port city of Tripoli. "Almost all of my army friends have a second job," he said, standing near an open car bonnet, his hands dirty with grease and oil. In regular times, moonlighting while serving in the military can be punishable by imprisonment. But now "the army turns a blind eye because if not, everybody would quit", said Samer, whose name has been changed as he is not allowed to talk to the media. The devastating economic crisis -- which the World Bank says is one of the planet's worst in modern times -- has plunged more than 80 percent of the Lebanese population into poverty. On average, a soldier used to earn about $800 a month before the crisis, but the value of the Lebanese currency, the pound, has since crashed and salaries are now worth around just $100. Working at the garage, Samer says he earns double what he does as a soldier -- but still struggles to survive, with nappies and milk to buy for his young son. Since June last year, Qatar and the United States have announced millions to help prop up security force salaries -- particularly for the army, seen as a key pillar of Lebanon's stability. "Even with the $100 extra from the Qataris every 45 days, it's still not enough," Samer told AFP. "At the end of the month, I'm penniless." Around 80,000 Lebanese serve in the army, while almost 25,000 police serve in Lebanon's Internal Security Forces (ISF), according to official sources. The army declined to respond to an AFP request for comment on the issue of soldiers taking up second jobs. Ahmad, 29, chose to desert after 10 years of service, preferring instead to work full-time as a waiter. "I realized that staying was hopeless," he told AFP, also using a pseudonym. He quit early last year and said others from his barracks had also left the army. "I was raised to love the uniform. I still do, but we are suffocating," he said. Lebanon's cash-strapped military struggles to even maintain its own equipment. After the economic meltdown began, the army cut down on meat in meals for on-duty soldiers, while in 2021 it introduced helicopter joyrides for tourists in a bid to boost its coffers. Ahmad said he worried about being arrested for deserting. "But at least I earn seven times the amount from before -- and have enough to eat." Dina Arakji from Control Risks consultancy said morale in the security forces "has decreased as a result of the crisis". Unofficially allowing soldiers to work other jobs has jeopardized "the forces' ability to effectively cover and respond to the country's domestic security needs", she told AFP. Police who serve in Lebanon's ISF say their financial woes are even tougher. "Our situation is pitiful," Elie, a 37-year-old police officer, told AFP at a protest demanding pension increases for armed forces members in March. The father of three said his salary was worth around $50 and that he worked with his father, a farmer, to help feed his family. "The ISF turns a blind eye to those moonlighting as there are no other solutions," a security official told AFP. The official, requesting anonymity as they were not authorized to talk to the media, said health budgets for the armed forces had also collapsed. The army provides its own hospital for its forces, but the ISF has no such facilities. "The worst thing is that if you are injured on the job, you have to pay your own hospital bills," police officer Elie said. The post Cash-strapped Lebanese soldiers moonlight as mechanics, waiters appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PNP chief orders major revamps
Newly — minted Philippine National Police chief Police General Benjamin Acorda Jr. has ordered the reshuffle of some senior police officials including the top three and four posts of the force’s command group. Acorda named Lt. Gen. Michael John Dubria, chief of the directorial staff, as the new deputy chief for operation, the PNP’s third-highest official, replacing Maj. Gen. Jonnnel Estomo, who was reassigned as director of the Directorate for Plans. Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Peralta left his post as chief of the Directorate for Operations to serve as chief of the directorial staff, the PNP’s fourth top post, replacing Dubria. Estomo will head to the Directorate for Plans replacing Maj. Gen. Bernard Banac, who will be the chief of Directorate for Information and Communications Technology Management replacing Maj. Gen. Valeriano De Leon who retired on 7 May. Meantime, Brig. Gen.Leo Francisco, regional director of Police Region Office Western Visayas, will be head to the DO replacing Peralta. The revamp took effect on Monday. On his first flag ceremony as PNP chief, Acorda disclosed his leadership in five-focused agenda which will guide the police organization towards a more effective and efficient police force. Acorda said the five-focused agenda of his stind includes implementation of aggressive and honest law enforcement operations, giving premium to the morale and welfare of police personnel, integrity enhancement, information and communication technology development and boosting of community engagement. He added that part of the implementation of aggressive and honest law enforcement are the relentless campaign against illegal drugs and loose firearms and other illegal weapons as well as the intensified conduct of checkpoint, operations against wanted persons, criminal gangs, organized and private crime groups and other threat groups. The post PNP chief orders major revamps appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Family’s frustration 30 years after racist murder rocked Britain
Thirty years after the murder of their son in a racist attack, Stephen Lawrence's parents are tired of broken promises. They have heard Britain's biggest police force talk about reform many times since a gang of white youths stabbed the black 18-year-old to death. The brutal killing shocked Britain and sparked calls for an overhaul of policing. It led to a damning official review in 1999, which found the force carried out a flawed murder investigation marred by "institutional racism" and recommended a series of changes. But last month, a new review following a spate of fresh police scandals, found racism still rife in the force, along with misogyny and homophobia. "I don't see any change," Neville Lawrence told AFP after giving a talk in central London to mark the anniversary of his son's murder. He said black people still fear the force will not protect them, and vowed to make life safer for his young relatives so they can "walk the streets and not worry about getting stabbed". Stephen had wanted to be an architect, and his father described being "robbed" of the chance to see him grow up and fulfil his ambitions. Battle for justice On the night of his death, 22 April 1993, Stephen was waiting for a bus with his friend Duwayne Brooks in south London. The gang shouted racist abuse before they attacked. Brooks remembers Stephen running fatally wounded from the scene, asking: "What's happened to me?" The suspects were well known in the area, but the mishandled initial murder investigation meant it took the family years of tireless campaigning before two members of the gang were jailed in 2012 after new forensic evidence came to light. Three others were never prosecuted. In recent years, Metropolitan Police officers have faced outrage over their treatment of black Londoners -- from routinely using disproportionate force to strip-searching schoolchildren. Stephen's mother Doreen Lawrence -- now a member of the UK's upper house of parliament -- said this week that the police force had not changed and officers could still be "as brutal as they want" without being held accountable. "I don't know how many more inquiries and how many reviews you need to have to say the same thing -- and still no changes, and still denials," she told the BBC. Over-policed, under protected Suresh Grover, founder of The Monitoring Group anti-racism charity, has been involved in the Lawrence family's campaign for justice since the outset. He said the family was promised "a proper attempt at addressing institutional racism" -- but the latest review showed the force had failed. "What little trust people had is gone -- it's got worse", he said. In Britain, April 22 is officially recognized as "Stephen Lawrence Day". The family will hold a memorial service in a church near Trafalgar Square, which the mayor of London and opposition party leader Keir Starmer are set to attend. On the eve of the anniversary, the head of the Metropolitan Police admitted the force had failed black communities in the three decades following Stephen's death, saying they had been left feeling "over-policed and under-protected". Mark Rowley paid tribute to the family's long battle for justice, acknowledged "systemic biases" in the force, and pledged to "finally" make it anti-racist. But he did not use the term "institutional racism", and his refusal to do so since the latest report's publication has been seen as a key sticking point in efforts to reform the service. "Until they can accept it, they can't fix it", Neville Lawrence said. The post Family’s frustration 30 years after racist murder rocked Britain appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
New lawyer-cops urged: Stay in service
Philippine National Police chief Police General Rodolfo Azurin Jr. on Tuesday lauded police officers who passed the 2022 Bar Examination and urged them to stay in the service while practicing law. In a statement, Azurin stressed that the PNP still needs their service to add more teeth to our legal offensive in the campaign against criminality, illegal drugs, and corruption. “I hope that our new lawyers will continue to serve in the police force,” said Azurin of the 43 policemen and women and non-uniformed personnel who passed the Bar exams. “We have counted so far 43 new PNP lawyers, they were composed of 11 Police Commissioned Officers, 29 Non-Commissioned Officers and three Non-Uniformed personnel,” he added. Based on the data gathered by the PNP Directorate for Personnel and Records Management, the National Capital Region recorded a highest number of bar passers with a total of eight personnel — Lt. Col. Erving Chan; PMSg Jose Mari Quilinguin Whiteside; PSSg Lovely May Bernal Janguin; PSSg Rey Vincent Panganiban Mamauag; PSSg Jerusalem Bungalan Dulnuan; PSSg Marie Rannelle Villaluz Dulnuan; PSSg Desiree Chaclag Pasong; and P/Cpl Dizzy Dominong Buyuccan. Police Regional Office 9, on the other hand, had five bar passers — Maj. Alvin Lepiten; PMSg Marifel Otap Sabandal; PSSg Roderick Isong; NUP Marifer Araneta Miguel; and NUP Loi Dominic Tan Arancon. Meantime, the PRO 10 and PRO COR recorded four bar passers — Lt. Col. Michelle Olaivar; PSSgt. Naif Abubacar Malawani; PSSg Elmond Ordoñez Monteron; NUP (non-uniformed policemen) Rose Anna Opalla Abuhan; Maj. Leonard Danasen; PSSg Jefferson Balay-odao Cadap; PCpl Tetchie Paclay Assudo; and PCpl John Bryan Latawan Cong-o. Additional names of bar PNP bar passers from different units and regional offices were PMSg Christian Philip Mariñas Reduca, and PSSg Febelyn Digap Tebes of PRO1; PEMS Alex Correa Becerra and PSMS Roland Gliocam Molino of PRO 3; PCpl Joan Collado Mecono and PSSg Lorena Castillo Ripalda of PRO 8; Maj. Gabato and PMSg Faidzal Ganion Sendad of Maritime Group; PLTCOL Alvin Laborte Villalon of PNPA; Lt.Col. Caesar Ian Cordero Binucal of NPTI; Maj. Jericho Partido Rapiz of Finance Service; Maj. James O Bad-e of Forensic Group; Cpt. Jenyvie Butalid Nagtalon of Aviation Security Group; Cpt. Cherry Madrinan Ricafort of EOD/K9; PMSg Joey Alcantara Gumera of WCPC; PMSg Sherwin Mendez Balagat of SAF; PSSg Ailyn Don Delos Angeles of PRO 5; PSSg Jazal dela Cruz Andrada of PRO 6; PSSg Joel Bacsal Purog, Jr. of CIDG; PCpl Joy Pingad Dayag of PRO 4A; PCpl Rogelio Gutierrez Marcelo of PRO 4B; and Pat Melody Bedey Mamilig of Health Service. The Supreme Court said a total of 3,992 out of 9,183 examinees, or 43.47 percent passed the 2022 Bar examination. The oath-taking of the successful examinees will be at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City on 2 May. The post New lawyer-cops urged: Stay in service appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Azurin: Next PNP chief must be tougher, principled
Seven days before his retirement, Philippine National Police chief, Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr., on Monday said he will request President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to choose and name a tougher and level-headed successor. “I will recommend one who is stricter than me because we are leveling up. We don’t need someone who has no principle and no commitment to the President,” Azurin said in Filipino. Though admitting that he finds himself less strict, he said President Marcos Jr. should be compromised. “He is the only person we’ve got to uplift the country’s economy. Let us not shame our President,” Azurin told reporters in Camp Crame. He said he will hang his police uniform a week from now with his head up high because he has served the country and the 228,000-strong PNP well with my integrity and credibility intact. “I will conclude my tour of duty, knowing fully well that I have done my job to my people, my country, and our Almighty,” said Azurin, who is a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Makatao” Class of 1989. Appointed by Marcos as the country’s 28th top cop in August last year, Azurin is set to retire on 24 April upon reaching the mandatory age of 56 after 38 years in service. Among the possible contenders for PNP chief are the three top officers of the command group — deputy chief for administration, Lt. Gen. Rhodel Sermonia; deputy chief for operations, Maj. Gen. Jonnel Estomo; and Lt. Gen. Michael John Dubria, chief of the directorial staff. Other contenders are Directorate for Intelligence chief, Maj. Gen. Benjamin Acorda; Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management chief, Maj. Gen. Eliseo Cruz; Criminal Investigation and Detection Group chief, Brig. Gen. Romeo Caramat Jr.; and National Capital Region Police Office head, Maj. Gen. Edgar Alan Okubo. Azurin admitted the PNP is suffering from demoralization over the recent issue of the involvement of police officers in the alleged cover-up of the P6.7 billion shabu haul last year. He urged the hardworking and dedicated men and women of the PNP to remain steadfast and committed to serving the organization and the Filipino people. “Do not be bothered by the sweeping, false accusations hurled against some of the PNP officials. Let us be content with the fact that we are serving the Filipino the best way we can, until the last drop of our blood — to serve and protect, with all our hearts, and with all our might,” he said. He added: “Continue to believe in the organization, have faith in the leadership. For in the end, the truth shall prevail, and we shall come out triumphant.” Azurin said he still dreams of a transformed PNP organization where no PNP officer is involved in the use, possession, manufacture, trade, or selling of illegal drugs. The post Azurin: Next PNP chief must be tougher, principled appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Azurin: Next PNP chiefmust be tougher, principled
Seven days before his retirement, Philippine National Police chief, Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr., on Monday said he will request President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to choose and name a tougher and level-headed successor. “I will recommend one who is stricter than me because we are leveling up. We don’t need someone who has no principle and no commitment to the President,” Azurin said in Filipino. Though admitting that he finds himself less strict, he said President Marcos Jr. should be compromised. “He is the only person we’ve got to uplift the country’s economy. Let us not shame our President,” Azurin told reporters in Camp Crame. He said he will hang his police uniform a week from now with his head up high because he has served the country and the 228,000-strong PNP well with my integrity and credibility intact. “I will conclude my tour of duty, knowing fully well that I have done my job to my people, my country, and our Almighty,” said Azurin, who is a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Makatao” Class of 1989. Appointed by Marcos as the country’s 28th top cop in August last year, Azurin is set to retire on 24 April upon reaching the mandatory age of 56 after 38 years in service. Among the possible contenders for PNP chief are the three top officers of the command group — deputy chief for administration, Lt. Gen. Rhodel Sermonia; deputy chief for operations, Maj. Gen. Jonnel Estomo; and Lt. Gen. Michael John Dubria, chief of the directorial staff. Other contenders are Directorate for Intelligence chief, Maj. Gen. Benjamin Acorda; Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management chief, Maj. Gen. Eliseo Cruz; Criminal Investigation and Detection Group chief, Brig. Gen. Romeo Caramat Jr.; and National Capital Region Police Office head, Maj. Gen. Edgar Alan Okubo. Azurin admitted the PNP is suffering from demoralization over the recent issue of the involvement of police officers in the alleged cover-up of the P6.7 billion shabu haul last year. He urged the hardworking and dedicated men and women of the PNP to remain steadfast and committed to serving the organization and the Filipino people. “Do not be bothered by the sweeping, false accusations hurled against some of the PNP officials. Let us be content with the fact that we are serving the Filipino the best way we can, until the last drop of our blood — to serve and protect, with all our hearts, and with all our might,” he said. He added: “Continue to believe in the organization, have faith in the leadership. For in the end, the truth shall prevail, and we shall come out triumphant.” Azurin said he still dreams of a transformed PNP organization where no PNP officer is involved in the use, possession, manufacture, trade, or selling of illegal drugs. The post Azurin: Next PNP chiefmust be tougher, principled appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
China tells Phl: Oppose Taiwan’s independence
If the Philippines “genuinely cares” about 150,000 overseas Filipino workers in Taiwan, it should “unequivocally oppose” Taiwan’s independence, China said Friday. Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian stressed this in his keynote speech at the 8th Manila Forum, which was co-presented by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Manila and the Association for Philippines-China Understanding. “The Philippines is advised to unequivocally oppose ‘Taiwan independence’ rather than stoking the fire by offering the US access to the military bases near the Taiwan Strait if you care genuinely about the 150,000 OFWs,” Huang said. While China commends the Philippines for adhering to the one-China principle, he explained that Taiwan's issue is “entirely China’s internal affair, as is the Mindanao issue to the Philippines.” “You will never allow any third party to meddle with resolving rebel issues in Mindanao. Likewise, it should not be hard to understand why the announcement of the four additional EDCA sites has caused widespread and grave concern among Chinese people,” he said. Last week, Malacañang identified the locations of the four additional EDCA sites, to where American forces will have access. The Presidential Communications Offices said the new locations will be in Camilo Osias Naval Base in Sta. Ana town and Lal-lo Airport in Lal-lo town, both in Cagayan province; Camp Melchor dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela province; and Balabac, the southernmost island in Palawan province. Of the four additional EDCA sites, three are situated in the northern part of the country, with the naval base at Cagayan's Santa Ana being about 400 kilometers (250 miles) from Taiwan. Huang said the new EDCA sites were “obviously” chosen by the United States to “interfere in the situation across the Taiwan Strait to serve its geopolitical goals, and advance its anti-China agenda at the expense of peace and development of the Philippines and the region at large.” Earlier this week, Beijing conducted live-fire drills for three days near Taiwan, in response to Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen’s recent trip to the United States. China considers Taiwan, an ally of the US, as part of its territory, to be retaken one day -- by force, if necessary. Huang said that China is the “last country that wishes to see conflict over the Strait because people on both sides are Chinese.” “This is to guard against external interference and all separatist activities,” he said. China also warned the Philippines against the plan to increase American military deployment in the country. “To know if increased US military deployment in another country truly helps to protect the host country’s sovereignty and security, one just need to take a look at the long list of mess left behind by the scourge of American military around the world, the turmoils, divisions and devastation,” he said. “Answers will not be difficult to find. To have strategic independence or to be at the mercy of others? French President Macron proffered the answer: Being an ally does not mean being a vassal,” he added. ‘Phl, China friendship’ Huang noted that the bilateral relations between the Philippines and China were “defined by peaceful coexistence for over a thousand years and will continue to be so in the future.” “Friendship is always the mainstream of our bilateral relations,” he said. “We each have our respective claims and positions regarding the South China Sea. Differences thereof should be resolved by parties directly involved through dialogues and with mutual respect,” he added. Huang said that Beijing is committed to strengthening dialogue mechanisms with the Philippines. Under the 2016 ruling of a Hague-based arbitral tribunal, the Philippines has sovereign rights over the West Philippine Sea, which invalidates China’s nine-dash line claim. Beijing, however, has continued to disregard the UNCLOS decision, installing man-made military infrastructure on several reefs and features within the exclusive economic zone of the Philippines. Huang said that “provocative actions or bringing in external forces will not help but further complicate the situation and cause more problems, putting regional peace and security at risk.” “We should learn from history and avoid repeating mistakes,” he added. The post China tells Phl: Oppose Taiwan’s independence appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Clashes in Barcelona over virus restrictions
Protesters clashed with police in central Barcelona on Friday after hundreds gathered to demonstrate against new coronavirus restrictions, including a curfew and a ban on leaving the city over the holiday weekend. A protester throws crowd control barriers towards members of the Catalan regional police force Mossos d’Esquadra as clashes erupt during a demonstration against new coronavirus restrictions in Barcelona on October 30, 2020. (Photo by Josep LAGO / AFP) A spokesman for the Mossos d’Esquadra regional police told AFP up to 700 protesters attended the rally which later turned violent when a group of some 50 people “began throwing dangerous objects” at police, prompting them to try and break up the crowd. An AFPTV correspondent in the central Plaza Sant Jaume saw scores of demonstrators wearing face masks, many chanting “freedom”, hurling rocks and crowd control barriers at police in full riot gear as the surrounding streets filled with smoke from burning barricades. Sirens wailed throughout the city centre as police sought to disperse the protesters with batons and firefighters hosed down fires in several large wheelie bins. Twenty police officers were injured in the clashes and twelve people were arrested, the regional police said on Twitter. At least two establishments were looted and several police vehicles damaged, it added. A protest in the northern Spanish city of Burgos also turned violent when several dozen young protestors began throwing bottles and stones at police and torching rubbish bins, the Diario de Burgos news website reported. “What’s happening in Burgos tonight only brings more pain and destruction. Anger won’t get us out of here,” tweeted Francisco Igea, number two in the Castilla y Leon region. Despite the many restrictions imposed in Spain since July, when the number of cases began rising again, infections have spiralled with the virus claiming more than 35,000 lives and infecting more than 1.1 million people. Almost all of Spain’s regions have imposed border closures in the hope of avoiding a new lockdown, but in Catalonia, where bars and restaurants have been closed since mid-October, the authorities have imposed extra restrictions. Residents have been barred from leaving towns and cities over the weekend with police on Friday checking drivers on the main roads leading out of Barcelona......»»
PNP will launch massive recruitment drive
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is eyeing a visit in every college and university across the country—not to discourage students from joining rallies but to recruit them to join the police service.PNP chief Gen. Camilo Pancratius Cascolan said the move is part of the effort to recruit the best and the brightest among the next breed of policemen in the country, citing that the salaries of policemen are now competitive with private companies.“We are going to colleges and universities talking to them so that we will come up with recruits that are best for the PNP,” said Cascolan.Over the years, the PNP has been re-strategizing the recruitment of its personnel amid the perennial problem of the involvement of rookie policemen to illegal activities that include extortion and various crimes.During the time of PNP chief Raul Bacalzo, the recruitment was shifted from the ‘muscle to brains’ in a bid to encourage more smart students to join the police force.By muscle, then PNP chief Bacalzo said they would avail more slots for academic achievers rather than those who are entering the police service because of easily hurdling past the physical examinations.The move, however, failed as smart students would prefer working in private companies due to low monthly salary and perks being offered for policemen.Former PNP chief Alan Purisima had expressed strong preference for recruits who graduated with an education degree rather than criminology, as he noted that the PNP needs more recruits who have a strong foundation on character and the ability to teach good manners and right conduct. But with the competitive salary and benefits for the PNP, Cascolan expressed confidence that they would be able to recruit academically prepared college graduates......»»
CHR to investigate killing of teen who accused Ilocos Sur cops of rape
"We hold on to our police force’s commitment to 'serve and protect' our rights and, if needed, ensure accountability for the indignities committed even if the perpetrators are among their ranks," De Guia said......»»
Thousands flee flooded homes after Ukraine dam destroyed
Thousands were fleeing their homes Wednesday after the destruction of a frontline Russian-held dam in Ukraine flooded dozens of villages and parts of a nearby city, sparking fears of a humanitarian disaster. Downstream from the breached Kakhovka dam, Ukrainian police and troops in the southern city of Kherson were bringing people out from inundated areas in inflatable boats, most clutching only a few documents and pets. Despite the evacuations, officials said Russian forces have kept shelling the residential neighborhoods. Ukraine and Russia have traded blame for the dam being ripped open early Tuesday, prompting Turkey's president to propose to both nations' leaders an international probe of the breach. The destruction has also raised fears of an environmental disaster and nuclear safety risks as it provides cooling water for Europe's largest nuclear plant. One woman, Nataliya Korzh, 68, had swum part of the way to escape from her house. She emerged from a rescue boat barefoot, her legs covered with scratches, her hands trembling from cold. "All my rooms are underwater. My fridge is floating, the freezer, everything. We're used to shooting, but a natural disaster is a real nightmare. I wasn't expecting that," she told AFP. She feared for her two dogs and cat, which she was unable to save. "To get to the room where the dogs were, I would have had to dive. I don't know what's happened to them." The water was waist-deep in the central streets of Kherson and the ground floors of buildings were submerged. A spokesman for Ukraine's emergency services, Oleksandr Khorunzhyi, said that "currently there is no information about the dead or injured". Water levels in Kherson have risen by five meters (16 feet), he said. While finger-pointing continued over the dam's destruction, Moscow accused Kyiv of blowing up a key pipeline that Russia used before the war to export ammonia and whose re-activation it has requested as part of grain deal talks. Continued shelling The governor of the Kherson region, Oleksandr Prokudin, said 1,700 people had been evacuated so far and reported that ongoing shelling was endangering rescuers and locals. Moscow-installed officials on the Russian-occupied side of the river said on Tuesday that more than 1,200 people had been evacuated. A policeman, Sergiy, 38, was using a radio to coordinate the rescue boats. "Today we've already saved 30 people, 10 pets. There was one child. We will work until we've brought out all the people," he told AFP. Washington warned there would be "likely many deaths" due to the breach of the Kakhovka dam. Kyiv said the destruction of the dam -- seized by Russia in the early hours of the war -- was an attempt by Moscow to hamper its long-awaited offensive, which Ukraine's leader stressed would not be affected. The United Nations warned that hundreds of thousands could be affected on both sides of the frontline. The governor of the Kherson region, Oleksandr Prokudin, said 1,852 houses had been flooded by early Wednesday. "According to our forecasts, the water level will increase by one meter within the next 20 hours," he warned. An official in President Volodymyr Zelensky's office, Daria Zarivna, said that in the occupied territory "the Russians simply abandoned people" and in the town of Oleshky on the opposite bank from Kherson, "many spent the night on the roofs of houses". 'Environmental bomb' Zelensky accused Russia of detonating an "environmental bomb of mass destruction", saying authorities expected up to 80 settlements with tens of thousands of residents to be flooded and urging the world to "react". "This crime carries enormous threats and will have dire consequences for people's lives and the environment," Zelensky said. But the explosion would "not affect Ukraine's ability to de-occupy its own territories", he added. Last October, Zelensky accused Russia of planting mines at the dam, warning that its destruction would spur a new wave of refugees into Europe. Kyiv said 150 tonnes of engine oil had spilled into the river, and the agricultural ministry said about 10 thousand hectares of farmland on the right bank of the river would be flooded and "several times more" on the left bank. China expressed "serious concern" over the dam destruction, while EU chief Charles Michel called it a "war crime" and NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg condemned it as "outrageous". Russia has said the dam was partially destroyed by "multiple strikes" from Ukrainian forces and urged the world to condemn Kyiv's "criminal acts". Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's office said he proposed setting up an international commission to investigate the destruction of the dam in calls with Zelensky and Russian leader Vladimir Putin. The Soviet-era dam, built in the 1950s, sits on the Dnipro River, which provides cooling water for the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant some 150 kilometers (90 miles) away. The UN nuclear watchdog agency said the dam break was posing "no short-term risk" to the plant. Separately, Moscow accused a Ukrainian "sabotage" group of blowing up a section of the Togliatti-Odesa pipeline that Russia used to export ammonia and that is part of the international talks on allowing grain exports from Ukraine amid the conflict with Russia. Ukrainian officials have accused Russian forces of firing at the ammonia pipeline. The post Thousands flee flooded homes after Ukraine dam destroyed appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Kuya Bong pushes advanced nursing education measure
Recognizing the pivotal role of nurses in healthcare and in a move to elevate the nursing profession in the country, Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go continues to advocate for measures that will ensure the welfare of healthcare workers and improve their working conditions. In an ambush interview after his visit to Naga City, Camarines Sur on Saturday, Go stressed that healthcare workers deserve fair remuneration that reflects their invaluable service as he pushed for the provision of benefits and incentives to help nurses and encourage them to remain in the country. To recall, Go authored and co-sponsored RA 11466, or the SSL5 in 2019 to give nurses and other civilian government employees their fifth round of salary increases broken down in tranches. In the same year, he also ensured that enough funding was allotted for the implementation of the 2019 Supreme Court decision that upheld Section 32 of the Philippine Nursing Act of 2002, which sets the minimum salary grade of the Nurse I position at SG-15. In addition, the senator continues to push for the advancement of nursing education through his proposed Advanced Nursing Education bill. Go stressed that the nursing education in the country has long been acknowledged as a strong foundation for producing competent and compassionate healthcare professionals. However, with the rapidly changing healthcare landscape, it has become crucial to update the curriculum and training methods to meet the demands of modern healthcare practices while encouraging nurses to serve their communities and stay in the country. The proposed “Advanced Nursing Education Act of 2022” seeks to protect and improve the nursing profession by instituting measures that will result in relevant nursing education for better career prospects and a dignified existence for our nurses. Go’s proposed measure will require the establishment of standard basic and graduate programs for nursing education, to be established in Commission on Higher Education-accredited institutions of higher learning. Under the basic program, students will be mandated to undergo community integration and immersion to encourage them to work in various communities. Meanwhile, a graduate program will be built on the experiences and skills of the nurses towards mastery, expertise and leadership in practice, research and education. The post Kuya Bong pushes advanced nursing education measure appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go fights for nurses’ welfare
Recognizing the pivotal role of nurses in healthcare and in a move to elevate the nursing profession in the country, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go continues to advocate for measures that will ensure the welfare of healthcare workers and improve their working conditions. In an ambush interview after his visit to Naga City, Camarines Sur on Saturday, June 3, Go stressed that healthcare workers deserve fair remuneration that reflects their invaluable service. He likewise pushed for the provision of benefits and incentives to help nurses and encourage them to remain in the country. “Alam n’yo, nu’ng nakaraang 18th Congress, isa po ako sa author at co-sponsor po ng Salary Standardization 5. At nagkaroon tayo ng SSL 5 kung saan po itinaas ang sweldo ng lahat ng government workers. At hopefully po magkaroon pa sana ng SSL 6 para po matulungan pa ang ating mga government workers na tumaas pa ang sweldo, including na po itong mga (public) healthcare workers natin,” cited Go. Go authored and co-sponsored RA 11466, or the SSL5 in 2019 to give nurses and other civilian government employees their fifth round of salary increases broken down in tranches. In the same year, he also ensured that enough funding was allotted for the implementation of the 2019 Supreme Court decision that upheld Section 32 of the Philippine Nursing Act of 2002, which sets the minimum salary grade of the Nurse I position at SG-15. In addition, the senator continues to push for the advancement of nursing education through his proposed Advanced Nursing Education bill. Go noted that nursing education in the country has long been acknowledged as a strong foundation for producing competent and compassionate healthcare professionals. However, with the rapidly changing healthcare landscape, it has become crucial to update the curriculum and training methods to meet the demands of modern healthcare practices while encouraging nurses to serve their communities and stay in the country. The proposed "Advanced Nursing Education Act of 2022" seeks to protect and improve the nursing profession by instituting measures that will result in relevant nursing education for better career prospects and a dignified existence for our nurses. “Dapat po ay bigyan natin sila ng tamang kompensasyon para hindi na sila umalis na po, mangibang bansa dahil naintindihan ko naman na kailangan nilang magtrabaho sa ibang bansa dahil napakalaki talaga ng sweldo, ng diperensya ng sweldo dito sa ating bansa kumpara po sa ibang bansa. So, the more na dapat nating tulungan ang ating mga nurses,” Go emphasized. “At mayroon din po akong nai-file sa Senado itong Advance Nursing Education Bill para po sa karagdagang curriculum upang mahikayat natin silang magtrabaho dito sa ating bansa, sa Pilipinas. Maisama po ang iba pang curriculum, ‘yung community integration at immersion po, karagdagang kaalaman din iyon,” he explained. Go’s proposed measure will require the establishment of standard basic and graduate programs for nursing education, to be established in Commission on Higher Education (CHED)-accredited institutions of higher learning. Under the basic program, students will be mandated to undergo community integration and immersion to encourage them to work in various communities. Meanwhile, a graduate program will be built on the experiences and skills of the nurses towards mastery, expertise and leadership in practice, research and education. ### The post Bong Go fights for nurses’ welfare appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Turkey’s Erdogan unveils new cabinet after inauguration
Turkey's Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Saturday unveiled a new cabinet lineup, naming a powerful spy chief as foreign minister and market-friendly Mehmet Simsek as finance minister, hours after swearing in for a third term as president. Erdogan took the oath of office in parliament after winning a historic runoff election to extend his two-decade rule and promised to serve "impartially". He also called for unity and the anger and resentment of the campaign to be set aside as he spoke during a lavish ceremony at his presidential palace in the capital Ankara attended by dozens of world leaders. Turkey's transformative but divisive leader won the May 28 runoff against a powerful opposition coalition, despite an economic crisis and anger over the response to a February earthquake that killed more than 50,000 people. Erdogan won 52.18 percent of the vote while his secular rival Kemal Kilicdaroglu scored 47.82 percent, official results show. "As president, I swear upon my honour and integrity, before the great Turkish nation... to work with all my power to protect the existence and independence of the state... and to fulfil my duty impartially," Erdogan said in parliament after a ceremony outside the building where he saluted soldiers under pouring rain. Supporters in parliament gave Erdogan a minute-long standing ovation after his swearing-in, while some opposition lawmakers refused to stand up. In his oath, Erdogan also promised not to deviate from the rule of law and the secular principles of the republic founded by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk 100 years ago. Turkey's longest-serving leader, who has survived mass protests, a corruption scandal and a failed coup attempt since he came to power in 2003, now faces significant immediate challenges in his third term, including the slowing economy and tensions with the West. New cabinet Erdogan changed almost all his cabinet members except for his health and culture ministers. He named former deputy prime minister Mehmet Simsek, a reassuring figure with international stature, as treasury and finance minister. Addressing the country's economic troubles will be Erdogan's first priority, with inflation running at 43.70 percent, partly due to his unorthodox policy of cutting interest rates to stimulate growth. A former Merrill Lynch economist, Simsek is known to oppose Erdogan's unconventional policies. He served as finance minister between 2009 and 2015 and deputy prime minister in charge of the economy until 2018, before stepping down ahead of a series of lira crashes that year. Erdogan appointed the head of the National Intelligence Organisation (MIT), Hakan Fidan, as foreign minister. Fidan has been at the helm of MIT since 2010 -- and Erdogan once called the 55-year-old his "secret keeper". Watch the video here: 'Let's make peace' Erdogan, standing next to his wife Emine, promised to embrace all segments of society during a ceremony at his palace earlier in the day. "We will embrace all 85 million people, regardless of their political views, origins, creeds or sects," he said, hoping that his appeal would be reciprocated also by his opponents. "Turkey needs unity and solidarity more than ever," he said. The polarization in society has deepened under the rule of Erdogan -- called "Reis" by his supporters ("the chief"). "We want all opposition segments, including journalists, writers, civil society, artists and politicians, to reconcile with the national will," he said. "If there is resentment, if hearts are broken, let's find a way to make peace." Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, Iran's vice president Mohammad Mokhber, Hungary's right-wing Prime Minister Viktor Orban and the speaker of the lower house of Russia's parliament, Vyacheslav Volodin, were among the foreign guests at the ceremony. In the latest sign of a thaw between the two arch-foes, Armenia's Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan was also present. NATO allies are anxiously waiting for Ankara to green-light Sweden's drive to join the US-led defence alliance, before a summit in July. Erdogan has delayed approving the application, accusing Stockholm of sheltering "terrorists" from the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) which is listed as a terror group by Ankara and its Western allies. NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg and Sweden's former prime minister Carl Bildt, who attended the ceremony at Erdogan's palace, are expected to press him to drop his opposition to Stockholm's bid. The post Turkey’s Erdogan unveils new cabinet after inauguration appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Kyiv strikes kill 3, Russian town shelled
Missiles struck Ukraine’s capital early Thursday killing three people while shelling of the Russian region of Belgorod injured eight people. A dozen people were also wounded in the 3 a.m. missile strikes on Kyiv. “In the Desnyanskyi district: three people died, including one child (born in 2012) and 10 people were injured, including one child,” the Kyiv City Military Administration wrote on Telegram. Shebekino is facing uninterrupted shelling. “In the Dniprovskyi district: two people were injured,” it added. In Russia’s western Belgorod region, at least two people were wounded Thursday morning in an attack on the town of Shebekino blamed on Ukrainian troops, governor Vyacheslav Gladkov said on Telegram. “Shebekino is facing uninterrupted shelling” with rocket launchers, Vyacheslav Gladkov said on Telegram, accusing Ukrainian forces of bombarding “the center and periphery” of the town. “Eight people were injured. There were no fatalities,” he said, revising his earlier toll of five. Russia said Wednesday it was evacuating hundreds of children from villages due to the intensifying attacks. The first 300 evacuated children would be taken to Voronezh, a city about 250 kilometers further into Russia, Gladkov said. Over 1,000 more children would be moved to other provinces in the coming days, he added. Show of unity Meanwhile, European leaders staged a show of unity in the face of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine and Moldova on Thursday, holding a strategy summit on the continent’s political frontline in Bulboaca. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived first, making the short journey from the border of the two countries. Moldova President Maia Sandu welcomed the leaders to the second summit of the European Political Community hoping to boost her country’s bid to join the European Union. The post Kyiv strikes kill 3, Russian town shelled appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Motorcyclist shot dead by snatcher in Cavite
LUCENA CITY – A motorcyclist was shot and killed on Wednesday night, May 31, after he struggled to protect his sling bag from a snatcher in Tanza town in Cavite province. The Police Region 4A said in a report on Thursday that Erwin Sidon was traveling around 8:30 p.m. aboard his motorcycle when another motorcycle rider grabbed […] The post Motorcyclist shot dead by snatcher in Cavite appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»