Philippines News

A ONE-YEAR-OLD boy died after he was ran over by a sport utility vehicle (SUV) as he crossed the street.

The incident happened at 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 29, 2023, along the national highway in Barangay San Roque, Asturias town.

The victim was identified as Jherence Taglucop, who sustained severe head and body injuries.

According to Police Staff Sergeant Ronald Duran of Asturias Police Station, the child crossed the street without being noticed by his mother, Babie Enejean Purisima Taglucop, 22.

The Ford Everest Titanium (C45676) color black driven by Junthy Lepiten Valenzuela, 44, married, from Barangay Poblacion, Asturias, hit the victim.

Valenzuela was on his way home when the incident occurred.

He said the incident was so sudden that he failed to avoid the child.

Valenzuela was brought to Asturias police station but was later released after he promised to shoulder the funeral expenses of the victim. (GPL, TPT)

Hanoi [Vietnam], June 30 (ANI/WAM): Vietnamese men's football secured 95th place in FIFA's latest rankings and No.1 in Southeast Asia after its wins over Hong Kong (China) and Syria in friendly matches in June, Vietnam News Agency (VNA) reported. In the Southeast Asian region, Thailand climbed one place to 113th in the world thanks to its 2-2 draw with Chinese Taipei and 1-0 victory against Hong Kong (China). The Philippi

THE municipal assessor of Minglanilla town was suspended.

Mayor Rajiv Enad placed the town's municipal assessor, Melanie Vargas, on a 15-day preventive suspension.

The suspension order came after the local government learned that Vargas has not finished her reappraisal work despite the deadline given by the Cebu Provincial Government.

Enad asked Vargas to explain why the increase in real property values was slightly lower and why only 10 establishments were inspected.

As this developed, Mayor Enad organized a task force that will reappraise the real estate properties in the municipality.

"Na shock si Mayor Rajiv sa hitabo tungod kay sa iyang weekly meetings with department heads, ni report man ang assessor nga okay na ang tanang mga buluhaton sa iyang opisina," it added.

(Mayor Rajiv was shocked by the incident because in his weekly meetings with the department heads, the assessor reported that all the tasks in his office are done).

Lawyer Junrie Bragat, municipal administrator, expressed his commitment to finish the reassessment as soon as possible as well as to facilitate and deliberate on the results of reappraisal reports.

Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia had earlier called a meeting this week with all the assessors, engineers, treasurers, and mayor representatives of the 44 municipalities in the province to find out what progress has been made.

Vargas, when asked to explain, however said that she was not done yet with her reappraisal work.

Garcia gave all the municipal and city assessors under the jurisdiction of Cebu province to complete their reassessment reports in three months.

Because of the said incident, the Minglanilla municipal council submitted a resolution requiring Vargas to undergo an investigation. (ANV, TPT)

POLICEMEN in Cebu province are now ready to provide tight security for the Barangay and Sanguniang Kabataan Election (BSKE) this coming October 30, 2023.

According to Police Colonel Rommel Ochave, the chief of the Cebu Police Provincial Office (CCPO), they have already prepared contingency plans such as the deployment of police officers in the polling precincts and the patrolling of the barangays as the election draws near.

One of their tasks is to dismantle the private armed groups or PAGS and go after criminals who are hiding weapons that can be used in the campaign period.

But Ochave disclosed that they have not been able to keep track of any armed groups that could be utilized in the October election.

“As of now based sa ating validation wala pa yung mga private armed groups or armed groups nga pweding gamitin nung mga kandidato (that can be used by the candidatese) but continuous yung ating info gathering together with our counterpart sa AFP and other branch of government para masiguro na tahimik yung (to ensure a peaceful) election,” Ochave said.

In the 1,202 barangays in Cebu, the police have not yet monitored any election-related incidents, but they continue to investigate by tracking back the events of the previous election.

According to Ochave, they are now looking forward to the submission of the certificates of candidacy from August 28 to September 2 since this is the time when places where there are heated political rivalries will likely be known.

It is on August 28 when the gun ban starts.

Like in the previous elections, the police will intensify the conduct of checkpoints especially when the Comelec gun ban starts.

Meanwhile, the Police Regional Office (PRO 7) announced that they are always prepared regardless of whether the BSKE in Negros Oriental will proceed as scheduled.

But PRO 7 Chief Brigadier General Anthony Aberin said they still have to wait the decision of the concerned government agency.

“But we have to understand also na hindi naman po ang PNP ang mag di-decide (it is not the PNP that will decide), whatever the decision of the higher office or the agency concerned we the PNP will fully support to it,” Aberin explained.

The PRO 7 also pointed out that the crime incidents in Negros Oriental has lessened.

“We have seen that crime incidents on the first 100 days after March 4 has dwindled compared to the 1st 100 days before March 4,” Aberin said.

Police and military personnel beefed up security in Negros Oriental after Governor Roel Degamo was shot to death inside his residential compound in Pamplona town on March 4.

The incident also killed eight people and injured 17 others.(AYB, BBT, TPT)

Nicaragua is keen to pay for wheat in rubles or cordoba, its foreign minister has said

Nicaragua wants to pay for Russian grain in national currencies, its foreign minister Denis Moncada told Sputnik on Thursday.

He said that the two countries have been discussing trade in rubles or cordoba in an effort to boos

FDA Director General Samuel Zacate said that the Pfizer bivalent vaccines can only be injected onsite once purchased from a pharmacy. Buyers will not be allowed to bring the jabs home or outside the store.

Today, Human Rights Watch and Innocence Project Japan, a Japanese nongovernmental group, launched a joint project to end the practice of "hostage justice" in Japan. The project will advocate with policymakers for legal reform

As the Northern Hemisphere again experiences a surge in extreme h

THE Globe Group showcased yet again its steadfast commitment to the progressive evolution of Cebu's Information Technology and Business Process Management (IT-BPM) organizations, taking part in the recently concluded Digital Transformation Summit 2023.

Organized by the Cebu IT-BPM Organization (CIB.O), the conference was the largest signature event in the industry.

The Digital Transformation Summit 2023 brought together thought leaders and experts in digital transformation, financial technology, artificial intelligence, Global Shared Services, and other crucial and sought-after topics that require discussion in today's modern society.

Post-pandemic, the industry has gone through accelerated digital transformation, revving up growth, inclusivity, and progress. Globe Business and CIB.O stand side-by-side, brought together by a shared goal of propelling this change by offering a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and actionable insight.

Ana Paula Villaflo, the Globe Business Enterprise sales head for Visayas and Mindanao, highlighted the Globe Group's role in this undertaking, emphasizing how Globe supports the industry by providing innovative solutions and reliable connectivity.

"Globe Group continuously transforms itself from Telco to TechCo, providing the latest innovation platforms while ensuring stable and reliable network connectivity in Cebu and the rest of the Visayas region. Our ongoing partnership with Cebu IT-BPM Organization affirms our commitment to support our customers in their own digital transformation journey," said Villaflor in a panel discussion at the event.

Echoing these sentiments, Yoly Crisanto, chief sustainability and corporate communications officer of the Globe Group, added that their "mission is to see families' dreams come true, businesses flourish, and our nation admired. As a digital platform, we are moving forward with our vast ecosystem of ICT companies and partners within the Globe Group from the very foundation of connectivity services to higher-value services such as Big Data and Digital Applications. Globe’s suite of solutions continues to support the IT-BPM industry in the region."

The 2023 Transformation Summit, held on May 26, 2023, at the Cebu City Sports Club, marked a significant stride in Cebu's IT-BPM industry as it continues to grow exponentially. CIB.O continues to market the city to potential locators and ensure the industry's concerns are addressed locally and nationally.

“I take immense pride and honor in hosting this year's edition of the biggest convergence of experts in the local arena to foster better and more progressive collaboration that benefits not only the IT-BPM industry but every Cebuano and the revitalization of the biggest award-giving body of the region’s IT-BPM sector,” said CIB.O President Aseem Roy in his keynote speech.

This year’s theme "Going Beyond the Next Level Play" aligns with the Globe Group's commitment to exceeding client and partner expectations and extending its support beyond connectivity. The Globe Group's participation underscores its dedication to driving digital transformation and innovation to help boost the IT-BPM industry and drive national development.

To learn more about Globe, visit globe.com.ph. (SPONSORED CONTENT)

According to the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh, only 10 out of the 200 Filipino pilgrims were endorsed for medical care at the hospitals in the Mina area and have since been discharged.

As President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. marks his first year in office, experts are optimistic about the potential for collaborative and transparent governance to thrive in the Philippines.

A PHILIPPINE offshore gaming operator (Pogo) that was raided by the police on Monday, June 26, 2023, is seeking an impartial investigation from the Philippine National Police (PNP), alleging arbitrary detention and reported abuse of those arrested while in police custody.

Xinchuang Network Technology penned a demand letter addressed to the PNP on Friday, June 30, 2023, questioning the continued detention of 1,184 foreign nationals who were held in custody following the raid, despite the absence of formal charges being filed.

It said some of them were made to sign documents “which they could not understand” without the assistance of their lawyers, while eight individuals, including three Chinese nationals, were reportedly subjected to physical abuse.

“In this regard, we are calling your good office to conduct an unbiased investigation on this matter so as to make accountable the people involved in the physical abuse and attack on these foreign nationals,” the letter reads.

A total of 2,714 alleged Pogo workers, including 1,534 Filipinos, were “rescued” during the implementation of a search warrant at Xinchuang Network Technology conducted by the National Capital Region Police Office and the PNP-Anti-Cybercrime Group, among others.

Brigadier General Red Maranan, chief of the Public Information Office (PIO) of the PNP, clarified in an interview that the foreign nationals, which include Vietnamese, Chinese, Malaysians, Singaporeans, Africans, Pakistans, Indian and Iranian, among others, will be released as soon as they are cleared for any offense.

He noted that representatives of the Bureau of Immigration as well as concerned foreign embassies are present during the process.

“’Yung na-rescue natin diyan at ayon sa ulat ay kasalukuyang pino-profile ng mga ahensya na concerned at siya pong in-charge sa pagkilala diyan sa lahat ng mga tao na natagpuan doon sa loob ng compound,” said Maranan.

(The ones we rescued there, according to reports, are currently being profiled by the concerned agencies, and they are in charge of identifying all the individuals found inside the compound.)

“As a matter of fact, majority of the Filipinos na nandoroon ay nai-release natin sapagkat madali naman ‘yung profiling sa kanila. Ang tinitingnan lang natin talaga maigi ‘yung mga foreign nationals, tinitingnan maigi ng Bureau of Immigration yan. But ‘yung kani-kanilang mga respective embassies were fully informed at ang alam ko nandun na ‘yung kanilang mga representatives para umalalay at asikasuhin yung kanilang mga nationalities,” he added.

(As a matter of fact, the majority of Filipinos who were there have already been released because their profiling was relatively easy. We are primarily focusing on thoroughly examining the foreign nationals, which is being carefully handled by the Bureau of Immigration. However, their respective embassies were fully informed, and I believe their representatives are already there to provide assistance and attend to their respective nationalities.)

Maranan also denied the maltreatment of the foreign nationals, noting that some of them sustained injuries during an attempt to escape the raid.

He assured that there will be an impartial investigation into the incident. (SunStar Philippines)

AUCKLAND, New Zealand, June 30 (Xinhua) -- New Zealand women's national team head coach Jitka Klimkova announced her 23-strong squad for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup here on Friday.

Of the 23, ten players are set to make their World Cup debut at home in New Zealand.

Speaking on her team selection, Klimkova said she was proud of the work of all the extended squad during the nine-week selection process.<

A MAN drowned after he was swept away by the strong water current as he crossed a spillway in the upland barangay of Cambinocot, Cebu City on Thursday, June 29, 2023.

Capt. Wilmer Castillo, deputy station commander of Talamban Police Station, identified the victim as Nelson Suplaag, 57, from the neighboring barangay of Paril.

Castillo said the victim went to the area to catch fish with his son and nephew when the incident occurred past 4 p.m.

Castillo said Suplaag was warned by his companions not to cross the river but he ignored their pleas.

Suplaag’s body was found two hours after the incident. / BBT, TPT

A MAN drowned after he was swept by the strong water current when he crossed a spillway in the mountain Cebu City barangay of Cambinocot on Thursday, June 29, 2023.

Police Captain Wilmer Castillo, deputy station commander of Talamban Police Station, identified the victim as Nelson Suplaag, 57, from the neighboring barangay of Paril.

Castillo said the victim went to the area to catch fish with his son and nephew when the incident occurred past 4 p.m.

Castillo said Suplaag was warned by his companions not to cross the river but he ignored their pleas.

Suplaag’s body was found two hours after the incident. (BBT, TPT)

PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. assured on Thursday, June 29, 2023, the members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer/Questioning, Asexual (LGBTQIA+) of his administration's support and protection against all forms of discrimination.

In a meeting with the LGBT Pilipinas in Malacañang, Marcos rallied for fairness and equality for all Filipinos regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity and expression.

He expressed confidence that Filipino people are more open-minded on such matters.

“I just wanted to say hello and to let you know that we in the Philippines ay ang habol lang naman talaga natin is that everybody is treated not for any other thing, not for race, not for creed, not for orientation, but just as Filipinos,” Marcos said.

“And that this government, that’s what it’s trying to do. But of course, there are many... I’m sure First Lady Liza (Araneta-Marcos) is even better briefed on the legal issues that impact upon your community,” he added.

Marcos said that as long as everyone stays true to the idea of recognizing fellow Filipinos, everyone will be treated fairly and without discrimination.

During the meeting, the LGBT Pilipinas pushed for more visibility and representation in the bureaucracy through the creation of an advisory body or commission on LGBTQIA+ affairs under the Office of the President.

They seek the first lady’s support to endorse their proposal.

In response, Liza expressed confidence that Marcos will grant their proposal “because he knows that you all campaigned for him and he wouldn’t be there without you guys.”

As she witnessed the oath taking of the new set of officers of LGBT Pilipinas led by Director Dindi Tan as its national president, the First Lady urged for the LGBTQIA+ community to always support one another, insisting there’s strength and resilience in unity.

For its part, the group, the only Securities and Exchange Commission-registered national alliance of LGBTQIA+ organizations, networks, and allied groups across the country, which was established in June 2016, committed to help local government units pass their respective ordinances on anti-discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity or expression and sexual characteristics (SOGIESC) such as those passed by the local government of Cebu City, Bacolod City, and Davao City.

They also further pushed for the national anti-discrimination law which is still being deliberated in Congress.

The group has around 120,000 members across the country. (SunStar Philippines)

Acknowledging their “shared interest in a free, open and inclusive Indo-Pacific region,” the Indian government has once again extended a loan offer to help finance the Philippines’ defense requirements. 

AT least two projects worth around P27 million broke ground in Barangay Talima, Olango Island.

Mayor Junard "Ahong" Chan and his wife, Lapu-Lapu City Lone District Rep. Cindi Chan spearheaded the groundbreaking for the proposed evacuation center and a multi-purpose building on Olango Island on Thursday, June 29.

The evacuation center with an area of 1,335 square meters has an allocated budget of P17,810,000.

The project will be completed on November 30, 2023.

While the two-story multi-purpose building that will be sitting on a 153 sq.m. lot has an allocated budget of P9,894,004.

This will be completed on October 31, 2023.

Meanwhile, the construction of Pangan-an-Sabang bridge on Olango Island has already started, according to Congresswoman Chan.

Mayor Chan said that once completed, the bridge will boost the economy of Olango Island and Pangan-an islet.

He added that through the bridge, they can already provide electricity to Pangan-an 24/7.

Water pipes will also pass through the bridge to supply water to Pangan-an residents.

Mayor Chan said the bridge will also give the residents easy access to a mini hospital in Olango.

About P300 million has been allocated for the bridge project.

The phase one construction of the project costs P60 million.

“The Pangan-an-Sabang bridge holds immense significance as it reflects the current administration’s commitment to connecting people and communities in Lapu-Lapu City, ensuring equitable access to government services,” part of the resolution reads.

The 2.8-kilometer long bridge will feature shaded viewing decks with 500-meter intervals.

It will be accessible only to hikers, joggers, and bicycle riders to avoid disturbing domestic animals and birds in the nearby sanctuary.

Meanwhile, more than half of Congresswoman Chan’s budget allocation for 2023 has already been used for the rehabilitation and repair of the Angasil port in barangays Mactan and Marigondon that is expected to be completed in six months.

Chan is also planning to implement road asphalting project on Olango Island next year and finish all the uncompleted projects of the previous administration. (HIC with PR)

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed six pieces of legislation after one year into his term as the 17th president of the Philippines.

An Expert work Group Meeting to examine the Report of the Study on "The Opportunities of Regional Value Chains in West Africa in the context of the African Continental Free Trade Area  (AfCFTA )" was organized from June 20 to 21 in Dakar by the Sub-Regional Office for West Africa of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA/SRO-WA), in collaboration with the Economic Commissi