FMJ grants amnesty to former NPA rebels

By Nidz Godino

“National Amnesty Commission “shall be primarily tasked with receiving and processing applications for amnesty and determining whether  applicants are entitled to amnesty under Proclamation Nos. 403, 404, 405 and 406,”  EO read. NAC, created under EO 125, shall continue to exist and will be dissolved upon completion of its mandate or as may be determined by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

FMJ has issued several proclamations granting amnesty to former separatist rebels and communist insurgents as part of his administration’s peace initiatives, Malacañang said.

FMJt also signed Executive Order 47 amending functions of NAC to cover  processing of applications for amnesty under  new proclamations.

Under Proclamation 403, FMJ granted amnesty to members of  Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army/Alex Boncayao Brigade who have committed crimes punishable under Revised Penal Code and special penal laws, specifically those crimes committed in pursuit of their political beliefs, whether punishable under  Revised Penal Code or special penal laws.

FMJ also issued Proclamation 404 granting amnesty to former members of  Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) who have committed crimes punishable under  Revised Penal Code and Special Penal laws in furtherance of their political beliefs.

Amnesty  is granted to former CPP-NPA-NDF members, or their front organizations,  committed crimes whether punishable under  Revised Penal Code or special penal laws, including but not limited to rebellion or insurrection; conspiracy and proposal to commit rebellion or insurrection; disloyalty of public officers or employees; inciting to rebellion or insurrection; sedition; conspiracy to commit sedition and inciting to sedition,  proclamation read.

Other offenses include illegal assembly; illegal association; direct assault; indirect assault; resistance and disobedience to  person in authority or  agents of such person; tumults and other disturbances of public order; unlawful use of means of publication and unlawful utterances; alarms and scandals; illegal possession of firearms, ammunition or explosives, provided that these crimes or offense were committed in furtherance of, incidental to or in connection with rebellion or insurrection.

Also covered are those charged, detained or convicted of common crimes but who can establish by substantial evidence  they have actually committed these crimes in pursuit of political beliefs.

Proclamations  will not cover members who were involved in kidnap for ransom, massacre, rape, terrorism, crimes committed against chastity as defined in  Revised Penal Code, crimes committed for personal ends, violation of Republic Act 9165 or Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, grave violations of Geneva Convention of 1949 and genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, torture, enforced disappearances and other gross violations of human rights.

Meanwhile, Proclamation 405 and 406 granted amnesty to members of  Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), respectively, who have committed crimes punishable under  Revised Penal Code and Special Penal Laws to advance their political beliefs.

Any MILF or MNLF member who has committed any act or omission in pursuit of political belief, referred to in Section 1, including those detained, charged or convicted for such acts or omissions, may apply for amnesty; provided  crime  amnesty may be granted must have been committed prior to  issuance of  proclamation. 

Executive Order 47, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin by authority of the President on Nov. 22, amended EO 125, series of 2021 or Creation of the National Amnesty Commission.

Amnesty  will restore civil and political rights suspended or lost by virtue of criminal conviction.

Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro lauded FMJ decision to grant amnesty to former NPA rebels.

Teodoro said  amnesty is “step toward if not cessation, reducing amount of ostensible support that they have. Nevertheless, we remain very alert on all forces of extremism and terrorism because as you know, worldwide  reiterations,  modifications, number of extremist potential is still there, we cannot take it lightly.”

National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) has also issued  similar statement praising commander-in-chief for signing Proclamations 403, 404, 405 and 406.

National Security Adviser Eduardo Año said National Security Council expresses its full support and gladly welcomes  amnesty proclamations “aimed at fostering lasting peace in our country through comprehensive peace initiatives.”

Año said  NSC recognizes  proclamations “significant steps towards national healing and peace-building. By providing  path for former rebels to return to  fold of  law,  national amnesty program contributes to  overall stability and unity of our nation.”

NTF-ELCAC executive director Ernesto Torres Jr. said  amnesty proclamations are “ testament to government’s unwavering commitment to unity, peace and justice toward genuine development.”

“Amnesty serves as  bridge toward healing and reintegration for individuals who once stood on opposing sides of armed conflict… imperative to emphasize profound commitment to justice and societal healing embedded within this amnesty program,” he concluded.

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HEADLINES

Pinoy among hostages liberated

By Nidz Godino

“I am overjoyed to confirm that Filipino, Mr. Gelienor ‘Jimmy’ Pacheco, was among  first group of 24 hostages released by  Hamas ,Nov. 24… he is now safely in  custody of officials in our Israel embassy, I salute  work of Philippine foreign service in securing his release, and once again thank  State of Qatar for their invaluable assistance in making Jimmy’s release possible,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said in  post on X  Filipino was among  hostages freed by Palestinian militant group Hamas and is now with officials of  Philippine embassy in Israel.

FMJ also expressed concern over whereabouts of Noralyn Babadilla, another Filipino believed to be among  hostages of Hamas.

FMJ said Philippine government is “sparing no effort to locate and secure her if she is indeed found to be one of  hostages.”

“We pray for  continued success of  truce and for all hostages to be released,”  Chief Executive said.

Pacheco, 33, was among  more than 200 civilians seized by marauding Hamas militants in Israel near border of Gaza on Oct. 7.  Surprise  attack claimed  lives of 1,200 people, mostly Israelis.

In response to  Hamas-perpetrated bloodbath, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared “ state of war” with  militants and immediately ordered bombardment of Gaza. Israel’s retaliatory attacks have since killed 15,000, according to  Hamas government in Gaza. Released along with Pacheco were 13 Israelis and 10 Thais.

Philippine embassy in Tel Aviv said Pacheco appears to be in good health.

“He is able to walk and move without difficulty and speaks coherently,” it said in  statement.

In his conversation with  embassy, Pacheco shared what kept him strong throughout his ordeal.

“I am alive because of  Lord…even on the day they abducted me, I was really thinking about my family…while I was in Gaza, I just wanted to live for my family,”  33-year-old caregiver told Philippine Ambassador to Israel Pedro Laylo Jr., who received him at  Shamir Medical Center outside Tel Aviv. There, Pacheco was also able to speak with his wife, Clarice Joy.

Laylo assured him of  embassy’s full support for all his immediate needs.

“Filipino nation shares  joy of Israeli and Thai families who are now receiving this good news…we continue to pray for  release of  remaining hostages in Gaza,” Laylo said.

Clarice Joy also posted on Facebook  photo of her husband, flanked by his Israeli employers, she identified as Sir Ido and Sir Gilad.

Pacheco and his elderly ward, Amitai Ben Zvi, initially hid from  Hamas terrorists. Hours later, one of Zvi’s sons received  video of his father’s house in  mess and Pacheco in handcuffs, according to  interview of  son by media.

Zvi was killed.

“They never left him/us their whole family on this battle…thank you so much, Lord…such  blessing and big miracle for having your second life…big thanks po to all…let’s pray that all  hostages left will release soon. ..I feel for their familyies, not that easy…just keep fighting,” Pacheco’s wife posted.

Embassy  promised to release at  later time information on Pacheco’s captivity, given  “sensitive nature of  ongoing debriefing of  released persons and to avoid jeopardizing  safety of  remaining hostages.”

House of Representatives has expressed its gratitude to Qatar for helping facilitate  release of Pacheco.

“We, in  House of Representatives, are heartened by  news of Filipino hostage Gelienor ‘Jimmy’ Pacheco’s release by Hamas…our gratitude extends to  State of Qatar for their pivotal role in facilitating Jimmy’s release,” Speaker Martin Romualdez said in  statement.

Pacheco’s release, Romualdez said, was  “breakthrough underscores  relentless and dedicated efforts” of FMJ,  Department of Foreign Affairs and  Philippine foreign service “in safeguarding every Filipino amidst ongoing conflict in  Middle East.”

House committee on workers affairs and Kabayan party-list Rep. Ron Salo also acknowledged Qatar for its “invaluable initiative and assistance throughout this ordeal.”

“As we rejoice in Mr. Pacheco’s safe return, our hearts remain heavy with concern for Ms. Noralyn Babadilla, whose whereabouts are still unknown. ..our thoughts and prayers are with her and her family during this challenging time,” he added.

Hamas fighters are set to release  new wave of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, officials said, offering hope to anguished families after seven weeks of war that have killed thousands of people.

Key mediator Qatar was expected to announce  numbers of prisoners and hostages to be freed later, second swap since four-day ceasefire came into effect on Friday and largely silenced  guns on both sides.

Israeli authorities had received list of hostages to be freed but did not provide numbers or  precise timing.

On Friday,  first day of  truce, Hamas released 24 hostages comprising 13 Israelis  all of whom were women and children, including some dual citizens  10 Thais and one Filipino.

Two minute video released by Hamas showed masked militants with rifles, wearing military fatigues and  green headband of its armed wing, as they handed  hostages over to Red Cross officials.

Israel, in turn, freed 39 women and children from its prisons.

“It’s only  start, but so far it’… gone well,” US President Joe Biden told reporters in Massachusetts, where he was spending Thanksgiving holiday.

“I think  chances are real” for extending  truce, he said.

Biden also urged broader effort to emerge from crisis with  viable Palestinian state alongside Israel.

About 215 hostages remain in Gaza, Israeli army spokesman Doron Spielman said.

“We’re unaware, many of these cases, if they are dead or alive. ..we’re trying to collect intelligence,” he said.

Hamas is expected to free 50 hostages during ceasefire in exchange for 150 Palestinian prisoners, part of an agreement struck after talks involving Israel, Palestinian militant groups, Qatar, Egypt and  US.

In Tel Aviv,  smiling faces of freed hostages were projected onto  walls of  art museum, with  words: “I’m home.”

Near  hospital in  Tel Aviv suburb of Petah Tikva, people applauded and held up Israeli flags as helicopters flew in freed captives.

TODAY’S GOD’S MESSAGE

Hebrews 12:28

²⁸ Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe,

Komedya  o Komida

Ni Derek Jorge

Komedya palasyo

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Proposal to rejoin ICC considered

By Nidz Godino

“There is also  question: should we return under  fold of  ICC…so that’s again under study…so we’ll just keep looking at it and see what our options are,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Proposals for  country’s rejoining International Criminal Court are “under study.” FMJ said  raising possibility of ICC prosecutors being allowed to investigate and possibly prosecute former president Rodrigo Duterte for crimes against humanity in  conduct of his bloody war on drugs.

FMJ also said  while he sees nothing unusual with  filing of resolutions in  House of Representatives urging  government to cooperate with ICC,  country’s judicial system is functioning well and thus can handle such task.

In March 2018, Duterte ordered  Philippines’ withdrawal from  Rome Statute after then ICC chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda announced  launch of  preliminary examination on drug killings.  Rome Statute created  ICC.

“That issue is simple…maybe it’s not right  outsiders, foreigners will tell us who among our police will be investigated, who will be arrested, who will be imprisoned…maybe that’s not right… Filipinos should be ones doing that…we have  police…we have  NBI ,National Bureau of Investigation… we have DOJ ,Department of Justice… they can do that job… that’s really where  conflict is,” FMJ said.

FMJ noted  cooperating with court may have serious implications on country’s judicial system and even sovereignty, considering Duterte’s decision to withdraw.

“But as I have always said, there are still some problems in terms of jurisdiction and sovereignty…now, if you can solve those problems then that would be something else… but those questions are quite fundamental, because if you’re talking about  sovereign  jurisdiction of  ICC, especially since we have withdrawn from  Rome Statute  few years back, that brings into question whether or not this probe on Duterte drug war is actually possible, ” FMJ also said.

FMJ made  remarks when asked in  media interview in Taguig City to comment on  call of some lawmakers on government agencies to assist  ICC in its investigation on former president’s campaign against illegal drugs,  killed thousands of alleged drug offenders.

“This is not unusual… really  sense of House resolution and  sense they are just expressing or manifesting  sense of House that perhaps it’s time to allow or to cooperate with  ICC investigation,” FMJ stressed.

Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla would seek clarification from Malacañang on  possibility of  country rejoining  ICC in line with  resolutions filed in House of Representatives urging  government to cooperate in  ICC probe on Duterte.

Over 6,000 have been killed in Duterte’s drug war based on government data. However, human rights groups said  number of dead could be several times higher.

Duterte had said he would rather die than face  ICC investigation on his deadly drug war.

For  former president’s spokesman and legal counsel, FMJ was just being “courteous and diplomatic” to lawmakers when he said his administration is studying  possibility of  country rejoining the ICC.

“PBBM ,President Bongbong Marcos’s reference to undertaking ‘under study’ on House resolution asking  Executive department to cooperate with  ICC and allow  investigation on alleged extra-judicial killings is  courteous and diplomatic response to  said House resolution,” Salvador Panelo said in  statement.

“Last statement of PBBM that it’s not right for any foreign country to dictate on whom we will file charges against for unlawful acts or for any of them to investigate and prosecute Filipinos or put them to trial for such violations is unequivocal and consistent with his oft-repeated pronouncement, constitutionally correct,  ICC has no jurisdiction over our country, having officially withdrawn as member of  ICC,” Panelo said.

Panelo said ICC’s insistence on investigating Duterte is not only  insult to the country but an assault on its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He said Marcos, as head of state, is the chief architect of foreign policy.

“Having made repeated pronouncements on absence of jurisdiction by  ICC over our country, it behooves  legislature as another branch of government to support  official position of the President…to do otherwise is to undermine  authority of the President and present to  outside world  two branches of our government are at war with each other,” Panelo said.

Earlier, House of Representatives’ joint committees on human rights and justice started hearing House Resolutions 1477 and 1399 that call on concerned government agencies and departments to work with ICC.

Development  came amid  word war between  House leadership and  former president, who called chamber  “rotten institution” after it rejected P650 million in confidential funds requested by his daughter, Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte-Carpio.

Reps. Benny Abante and Ramon Rodrigo Gutierrez of 1-Rider party-list authored HR 1477, while party-list Reps. France Castro of ACT Teachers, Raoul Manuel of Kabataan and Arlene Brosas of Gabriela sponsored HR 1393.

Similar  measure, HR 1482, was filed by Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, manifested during  hearing that Philippines “must cooperate with ICC.”

Lagman argued jurisdiction of  ICC “covered crimes committed in the Philippines took effect on Nov. 1, 2011 after Philippines acceded to  Rome Statute.”

In interview in July, FMJ said  Philippines was done with  ICC after it decided to pursue its investigation on Duterte’s drug war.

“That’s it…we have no more appeals pending…we have no more actions being taken…so, I suppose that  ends our dealings with  ICC,” FMJ said then.

House Majority Leader and Zamboanga City Rep. Manuel Dalipe said there is no instruction from Speaker Martin Romualdez to prioritize  House resolutions seeking government cooperation with  ICC.

In “extraordinary cases where the Speaker wants to expedite House action on certain measures, he would usually ask  House committee on rules…  to prioritize  schedule of deliberations and plenary action, as chair of  committee on rules, I know for a fact  there is no instruction from  Office of the Speaker  requires us to give special attention to  House resolutions seeking our cooperation with  ICC,” Dalipe said.

Dalipe added  measures would be treated like all other House resolutions, as “we have to respect  autonomy of  legislative process and  necessity for adherence to establish procedures.”

He said Duterte is “held in high esteem by  House leadership, including Speaker Romualdez, but it will not suppress any member of Congress advocating for ICC support in investigating his anti-drug campaign.”

“Democratic principles  underpin  legislative process allow for  expression of diverse opinions… House is composed of 310 independent minds and diverse cultural and political backgrounds, so it is important that we hear  sentiment of everyone,” he said.

He added  House leadership acknowledges “diversity of opinions within  legislative body and encourages  respectful exchange of ideas.”

“Democratic process allows for constructive debate, ensuring  all perspectives are considered in  formulation of legislative decisions,” he maintained.

“All members of  House are entitled to voice their perspectives within democratic framework, ensuring  robust and inclusive discussion on matters of national importance,” Dalipe added. 

 As these developed, with President Marcos hinting at allowing country to rejoin Rome Statute creating  ICC, Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa said  like many other people, he was surprised by executive’s softened stance on ICC.

“If the President says categorically he is allowing ICC to come in and make  investigation, then that’s backpedalling,but when he says he is just ‘studying,’ maybe there are a lot of possibilities when he said ‘study”, Dela Rosa said of  ICC’s resumption of its probe on war on drugs.

Dela Rosa  is ready to face any eventuality but again rejected  prospect of being investigated or prosecuted by  “foreign body” for his role as chief enforcer of  Duterte administration’s bloody campaign against drugs.

“Ready to fire, ready to speak, ready to sing, to dance,” Dela Rosa said in interview on sidelines of 31st Annual Meeting of  Asia-Pacific Parliamentary Forum at  Philippine International Convention Center.

Dela Rosa  is only willing to face  charges on domestic front and be tried in Philippine courts.

“I am willing to be tried by  Filipino courts…but by foreign body, I am not willing,” Dela Rosa said.

He  should prepare for outcome of  political situation under new administration. 

“I feel I should be ready for any eventuality…  political situation in the Philippines is very fluid, so I have to be ready,” Dela Rosa said.

FMJ is looking at returning “under  fold of ICC” five years after  Philippines under Duterte withdrew from  Rome Statute.

Dela Rosa respects  executive department’s decision on whether or not to rejoin  ICC.

“The President is the chief architect of our foreign policy…so it is within his discretion to do that, I am not the only one surprised…everybody who heard  statement was surprised…but if he said he will just ‘study’  possibility, then it does not cause alarm to us,” Dela Rosa said.

Slighting from recent House calls urging cooperation with ICC, Vice President Sara Duterte has spoken up in defense of her father and argued local courts can resolve drug war cases without help of ICC.

Duterte  issued for  first-time  strongly-worded statement criticizing ICC’s decision to resume its investigation of  alleged crimes against humanity committed during former President Rodrigo Duterte’s terms as president, and earlier, mayor of Davao City.

FMJ insisted on shutting out ICC, has yet to change his position even as family and lawyers of victims of extrajudicial killings believe  ICC’s intervention will provide “fairest and most just opportunity for justice” for their killed loved ones.

In her statement, Sara said  lower chamber must “respect” Marcos’ previous stance of not supporting ICC’s probe. 

“Let us not insult and embarrass our justice system by showing the world that we believe only foreigners have  ability to provide justice and fairness in our own country,” Sara said.

Third  resolution was filed  by Rep. Edcel Lagman (Albay, 1st District), urged Marcos to cooperate with  ICC to prevent country from appearing as “renegade in  community of nations.”

ICC has ruled  it retains jurisdiction over the country concerning actions committed prior to Rodrigo’s withdrawal of the Philippines from  Rome Statute on March 17, 2019.  

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HEADLINES

Price per kg of chicken soars to P210

By J.Lo

“Many poultry raisers were forced to suspend raising chicks as no less than Department of Agriculture (DA) said that there is  surplus in the supply 115 days after  imported chicken as of October (2023) reached 32 million kilos,” Philippine Egg Board chairman Gregorio San Diego said retail price of chicken went up to P210 per kilo amid  drop in local production as poultry raisers suffered losses amid  flooding of imported frozen products.

Poultry  raisers’ group United Broiler Raisers Association (UBRA) and  San Diego said  farmgate price of chicken started to go up on Nov. 16 as many poultry raisers decided to halt their operations after suffering huge losses due to slump in live weight cost.

San Diego reported  farmgate price of chicken has reached as low as P68 per kilo.

According to San Diego, based on data from  National Meat Inspection Service (NMIS), there was  10 percent increase in  total frozen chicken importation from January to October 2023, with 359,340,308 kilos compared to 327,680,597 kilos in same period of 2022.

“Traditionally, poultry raisers prepare for  holiday season and buy chicks…normally, during this time, chicks are no longer available but until now, you can still buy,” San Diego said.

San Diego added  retail price of P210 per kilo of chicken in  markets is still high.

“Highest farmgate price is P114 per kilo…if you deliver that in market and you incur additional cost, it will be around P165 per kilo, so  P210 per kilo is still high,” he said.

He said  consumers still prefer fresh chicken over imported frozen products  kept in cold storage facilities for  long time.

San Diego said  arrival of frozen imported chicken continues.

“We are preparing a draft  and we hope Senate will finally investigate this over importation even after December,” San Diego said, referring to Senate committee on agriculture and food chaired by Sen. Cynthia Villar.

San Diego said importers take advantage of  expected increase in demand for chicken this Christmas, as frozen products will continue to flood  markets.

He criticized  DA for its failure to limit  issuance of import permits and Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. should finally address issue of over importation of chicken.

Laurel has issued Memorandum Order 69 banning  importation of domestic and wild birds and their products including poultry meat, day-old chicks, eggs, semen products from Minnesota and South Dakota in US amid  outbreak of avian influenza virus in two states.

He cited  official report submitted by  department administrator and chief veterinary officer of  US Department of Agriculture to  World Organization for Animal Health and USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspect Service that  several outbreaks of H5N1 high pathogenicity avian influenza in Minnesota and South Dakota affecting domestic birds as confirmed by  National Veterinary Services Laboratories.

“Rapid spread of H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza in United States in  short period of time since its first laboratory detection necessitates  wider coverage of trade restriction to prevent entry of HPAI virus and protect health of  local poultry population, all shipments coming from mentioned areas of  United States of America that are in transit before  official communication of this order to  American authorities shall be allowed, provided  products were slaughtered 14 days before  first outbreak in  particular locality,” Laurel said.

US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said bird flu spreads among wild aquatic birds worldwide and can infect domestic poultry and other bird and animal species.

Meanwhile, 92.4 kilos of assorted fruits, vegetables and processed meat were confiscated from foreign passengers and  Filipino pilot at  Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1.

Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI) officers confiscated 40.1 kilos of pomelo, 13 kilos of peanuts and 10 kilos of atis or custard apple brought in by  Chinese passenger from Taipei without  necessary import and health certificates.  

BPI officers also seized a kilo of carrots, .5 kilos of fresh tomatoes, three kilos of onions, .9 kilos of garlic, two kilos each of apples and potatoes, 3.9 kilos of oranges and .5 kilos of cucumber brought by Filipino pilot, whom officials did not identify, from Dubai.

Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), on the other hand, confiscated 11 kilos of processed pork, 1.1 kilos of dried pork and 3.5 kilos of “marinated boiled egg chicken nuggets” from three passengers from Xiamen and Taiwan.

Confiscated  items will be destroyed through burning, according to BPI and BAI officials.

---

TODAY’S GOD’S MESSAGE

Colossians 3:17

¹⁷ And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Gov’t. to cancel Teves passport

By J.Lo

“If you are fugitive from justice, your right to travel is impaired, basically… passport is in  process of being canceled,” Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said press briefing.Philippine government is in  process of canceling  passport of expelled Negros Oriental congressman Arnie Teves Jr. who is wanted in  country for multiple murder.

Remulla revealed  Teves is still in Timor-Leste and is believed to be seeking asylum, although his chances are not good.

He noted Teves has filed appeal over  decision of  Timor-Leste government to deny his request for asylum.

 “You have  limit now on your constitutional right to travel when you are fugitive from justice and you cannot seek protection from  government if you have  record of being wanted by  law,” he added.

Teves has warrants of arrest for multiple murder in relation to  March 4 assassination of Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo and nine others, as well as killing of three persons in the province in 2019. He was also designated  terrorist by  Anti-Terrorism Council.

According to Remulla,  Department of Justice is also working on having Teves placed in  red notice of  International Criminal Police Organization or Interpol, especially since expelled congressman was designated as  terrorist.

Name  of Teves as  fugitive will be also placed in records of the Philippine Center for Transnational Crime.

Remulla earlier  would sign this week  letter asking  government of Timor-Leste to hand Teves over.

Remulla will sign this week  letter asking  government of Timor-Leste to turn over expelled Negros Oriental congressman Arnolfo Teves Jr., who is facing several murder charges and has been designated as  terrorist in the Philippines.

Remulla would sign letter for Timor-Leste President Jose Ramos-Horta when he returns from Brunei.

Remulla met with Ramos-Horta and discussed with him  possibility of  rendition of Teves to the Philippines.

Remulla cited  United Nations agreement, which states UN member-states are “duty-bound to render terrorist to  prosecuting country, where  trial will be conducted.”

Rendition, alternative to normal extradition procedure, is carried out when  suspected person is forcibly seized in another state and can only be done when there is outstanding arrest warrant.

Ramos-Horta told Remulla  he would wait for  Philippines’ formal request on matter.

Teves is facing multiple murder charges, including  killing of Negros Oriental governor Roel Degamo. He has been designated as  terrorist by  Anti-Terrorism Council.

Court in Bayawan, Negros Oriental ordered Teves and five others arrested for their alleged involvement in  killings that took place in the province in 2019.

Manila court also issued warrant for Teves’ arrest in connection with  murder of Degamo and nine other persons at  governor’s residence in Pamplona, Negros Oriental in March.

Teves is believed to be seeking asylum in Timor-Leste, where he and former senator Manny Pacquiao had  chance encounter in September, according to the justice department.

A. Ampatuan Jr. gets 210 yrs for graft

By J.Lo

Coincided  with  14th anniversary of  Maguindanao massacre  left 58 people, including 32 journalists, dead, convicted murderer Andal Ampatuan Jr. has been sentenced to  total of up to 210 years in prison for graft charges over  P238.3-million fuel supply deal. In  96-page decision promulgated , Sandiganbayan’s Sixth Division found Ampatuan guilty of 21 counts of violating  Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. He is perpetually disqualified from holding public office.

Ampatuan has been ordered to pay P44.183 million in civil liability to  Maguindanao provincial government.

Graft charges were filed by Office of  Ombudsman in 2018 over  fuel supply deal during  term of late governor Andal Ampatuan Sr. from 2001 to 2008.

Aside from Ampatuan Jr., former provincial budget officer Datu Ali Abpi, former assistant provincial engineer Samsudin Sema and former project engineer Omar Camsa were also convicted. Court records showed  Abpi had already passed away.

As for former provincial accountant John Estelito Dollosa Jr., former provincial treasurer Osmeña Bandila and former project engineer Pendi Abpet, cases have been temporarily archived as they remain at-large.

Decision  was penned by Sixth Division chairperson Associate Justice Sarah Jane Fernandez with  concurrence of Associate Justices Karl Miranda and Kevin Narce Vivero.

Ampatuan Jr. is currently detained in  New Bilibid Prison after he was convicted of 57 counts of murder for  2009 Maguindanao massacre.

Media groups  commemorated 14th anniversary of 2009 Maguindanao massacre, dubbed as  single worst attack against journalists in world history.

Although some suspects were convicted in 2019,  National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) noted  court’s ruling has yet to attain finality and families have yet to receive compensation for  loss of their loved ones.

NUJP also recalled  case of photojournalist Reynaldo Momay,  58th victim whose remains were not found.

In December 2019,  Quezon City court convicted 28 suspects, including prominent members of  Ampatuan clan, of 57 counts of murder.

They were sentenced to 40 years in prison.

At least 56 suspects, mostly police officers and alleged members of so-called private army of  Ampatuan clan, were acquitted while 15 others were convicted of accessory to  crime of murder.

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Subsidize rice for P20 per kilo

By Nidz Godino

“If Bongbong Marcos really wanted P20 per kilo, it is easy…  just that NFA had incurred debts amounting to P15 billion then…but at least P20 was achieved, and it was even P18,” Albay Rep. Joey Salceda said bringing  price of rice down to P20 per kilo, as promised by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. during campaign, is “not impossible.”

Salceda expressed this sentiment  during  briefing of  House committee on agriculture on status of “country’s sufficiency in rice, corn, livestock, poultry, vegetables and other key commodities.”

Salceda told  Department of Agriculture (DA) that during  presidency of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, bringing down  prices of rice was “very simple as National Food Authority (NFA) was subsidizing rice by buying  staple at higher prices and then selling them at lower prices.

But Deputy Speaker and Isabela Rep. Antonio Albano reminded Salceda  NFA “no longer has  power to do so.”

To this, Salceda replied “subsidy fund” could be set up for rice instead.

“You can set up  subsidy fund for it. If there’s no NFA then somebody can do it if you want P20…it’s not impossible, that’s what I am saying…former president Gloria was into importation at P30 and then sell it P18,” he added.

Meanwhile, rice watchdog group Bantay Bigas dared Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. to go to  different palay farms in the country and hear  sentiments of farmers amid  continued spike in retail prices of rice, as  lowest cost is now at P53 per kilo.

Bantay Bigas spokesperson Cathy Estavillo said based on their  monitoring, retail price of well-milled rice ranged between P53 and P56 per kilo.

She added Laurel has been meeting with  rice traders and importers but not with  peasants.

According to Estavillo, consumers can no longer afford  high price of rice.

“P53 to P56 per kilo is too costly for ordinary people,” she noted.

Estavillo reiterated  need to scrap Republic Act 11203 or Rice Tariffication Law.

She said P27 and P32 NFA rice should be returned, adding  government should provide P15,000 subsidy to  farmers.

Based on monitoring of  DA in Metro Manila markets,  retail price of local regular rice was as high as P53 per kilo; local well-milled rice, P55 per kilo; local premium rice, P62 per kilo and local special rice, P66 per kilo.

On  other hand, retail price of imported premium rice was P60 per kilo and imported special rice, P65.