Shelter teams in quake-hit areas

By J.Lo

“We would expect at most  magnitude 5.8 aftershock,” Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs). Director Teresito Bacolcol said magnitude 4.3 aftershock jolted Sarangani.

Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) activated over the weekend its shelter cluster teams to respond to regions in Mindanao affected by  6.8-magnitude earthquake hit Sarangani, Davao Occidental.

DHSUD Undersecretary Randy Escolango issued  memorandum  for  activation of  teams and ordered all affected regional offices “to closely monitor your respective areas of jurisdiction and facilitate emergency responses and humanitarian assistance as needed.”

According to National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), among  most affected areas were Davao region and Soccsksargen.

NDRRMC also reported at least 55 houses were partially damaged, while 19 were totaled in Davao region and Soccsksargen due to tectonic quake.

Affected  DHSUD regional offices were also tasked to submit daily situation reports to  central office.

Escolango said  DHSUD and its partner,  International Organization for Migration, have readied shelter-grade tarpaulins for distribution to affected families.

Phivolcs said quake’s epicenter was located 22 kilometers south of Glan, Sarangani, with  depth of focus of 33 km.

Instrumental intensity 1 was recorded in Kiamba and Malungon, Sarangani and General Santos City.

Bacolcol said aftershocks could persist for several days to weeks.

Based on  monitoring of Phivolcs, close to 100 aftershocks were recorded ranging from magnitude 1.4 to 4.3.

Meanwhile, Department of Public Works and Highways was instructed by Senate public works committee chairman Sen. Ramon Revilla Jr. to immediately deploy personnel to inspect infrastructure in General Santos City and other parts of Southern Mindanao which were hit by  earthquake.

“While there are only minor damage apparent now, it is important to ensure that no structural damage were sustained by buildings and bridges,” Revilla explained.

On the other hand, Philippine National Police (PNP) said  minimal damage in police stations in Mindanao was reported following  earthquake.

Given  aftermath of  earthquake, PNP public information office chief Col. Jean Fajardo stated police are heavily involved in activities such as road clearing and supporting temporary evacuation centers.

Affected  regions, Fajardo said, witnessed incidents of stampedes and traffic congestion, prompting PNP to assist in managing these situations.

Fajardo called for cooperation and solidarity, particularly from transportation groups in affected areas.

“Instead of staging rallies during  transport strike, let’s work together so that we can extend our help to those affected by  earthquake,” Fajardo said.

Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) has started its distribution of relief in earthquake-struck communities of South Cotabato, Sarangani and General Santos.

Melquiades Robles, PCSO general manager and vice chairman of the board, had promptly directed their branches and Small-Town Lottery operators  damaged areas, to distribute food packs to affected families and victims, ensuring that swift assistance reaches those in need.

“Our deepest concern lies with  families affected by earthquake…through our close collaboration with local government units, we aim to ensure that these families receive  necessary assistance during this challenging time,” Robles said.

PCSO also offered to provide medical aid to individuals injured or hospitalized due to calamity through its Medical Assistance Program. Additionally, agency has allocated calamity funds to support affected communities in their recovery from  devastating effects of  natural disaster.

Among those that responded promptly to Robles’ call are  PCSO South Cotabato Branch Office and STL Operators, Tentro Gaming and Leisure Corp., and JGM Gaming & Leisure Corp.

STL operators teamed up with concerned local government units  for  distribution of food packs to 200 families in Malapatan, Sarangani province, and 200 families in Barangay Bula, in General Santos City.

Meanwhile, Japan expressed its condolences to  victims of the magnitude 6.7 earthquake.

“I express my deepest condolences to the victims of the earthquake in southern Mindanao and their families… I wish for speedy recovery of affected areas,” Japanese Ambassador Kazuhiko Koshikawa said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

NDRRMC said  seven people were killed and several others were wounded in the earthquake.

5 cops fall for robbery

By J.Lo

POLICE authorities are looking into five police officers accused of robbing  businessman  arrested in separate operations in Zamboanga City and Zamboanga Sibugay.

Zamboanga City police chief Col. Alexander Lorenzo identified those arrested as Lt. Ariel Jolatoria, Senior M/ Sgt. Alnajer Ynawat, S/Sgts. Edcel Nicolas and Bobby Judan, and Pat. Ryan Apostol.

Lorenzo said  except for Judan, four of  suspects were arrested in Zamboanga City.

Judan was reportedly arrested in Alicia, Zamboanga Sibugay, although some reports said he surrendered to  municipal police station.

Lorenzo said police managed to identify  suspects through  help of  car rental company, where they rented their  getaway vehicle.

Reports said  suspects went to house of businessman Al-Ghabid Abdul  to supposedly serve  warrant for his arrest.

Suspects  allegedly took P2.1 million and eight phones from Abdul’s home.

Criminal and administrative charges will be filed against  suspects, Lorenzo said.

Michelle D. among 10 finalists in Miss Universe

By Cynthia Montojo

“In my heart, I still believe you deserved  spot in  top 5…but as I often say, we can only control so much;  rest is beyond our grasp…yet, in uniting  Filipino people and showing that kindness can indeed move mountains and create change, you have already triumphed…we eagerly await your return, our Queen…you’ve made us all so proud,”  national director of Miss Universe Philippines Shamcey Supsup-Lee  praised Miss Universe Philippine bet Michelle Dee concluded her Miss Universe 2023 journey in  Top 10 during coronation night in El Salvador.  

Sheynnis Palacios of Nicaragua was crowned Miss Universe 2023 with Anntonia Porsild of Thailand as first runner-up and Moraya Wilson of Australia as second runner-up.  

Dee was one of  Gold winners of Voice of Change special awards, along with Angola and Puerto Rico, for her autism acceptance, inclusivity and empowerment advocacy. Dee also received  “Spirit of Carnival” award.  

Kapuso actress dazzled in red swimwear during  swimsuit portion of  pageant. She sported black gown created by Mark Bumgarner drawing inspiration from 106-year-old Kalinga tattoo artist (mambabatok) Apo Whang-od in  evening gown segment.  

In her social media, Dee posted, “we did what we could but destiny has greater things for us! Everything ALWAYS happens for  reason! I’m still trying to compose my thoughts & feelings with everything going on, but all I know is I’m truly indebted to all of you! We showed  whole universe what our #BAYANIHAN spirit can do and let’s keep shaking them. Mahal na mahal ko kayo.”  

Dee is daughter of Miss International 1979 Melanie Marquez and cousin of Reina Hispanoamericana 2017 Winwyn Marquez.  

Mexico will be  host country of  next edition of Miss Universe.  

The Autism Society Philippines has congratulated Dee, an ASP goodwill ambassador, for her accomplishment.  

Lee penned  message on her social media for Dee, saying, “To Michelle, words are not enough to express how immensely proud I am of you and your relentless drive to elevate your cause on  Universe stage. Being awarded as  gold winner in the Voice for Change category is  true testament to your dedication and your ability to walk the talk like true queen. Securing  place in  top 10 is  remarkable achievement in itself. You have put  Philippines back on  map as  pageant powerhouse, and for that, we are immensely grateful.”

Malacañang declares local holidays

By Nidz Godino

Commemorating  founding anniversaries and local festivals,.Malacañang has issued proclamations declaring special non-working days in various parts of the country.

Proclamations  were signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin by authority of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Proclamation 402, signed on Nov. 16, declared Nov. 20,  Monday, special non-working day in the municipality of Hinoba-an, Negros Occidental to mark its founding anniversary and  Huba-Huba Color Festival.

Proclamation 401 was also signed on Nov. 16, declaring Nov. 25,  Saturday,  special non-working day in  town of Aurora in Zamboanga del Sur for  celebration of  Badak Festival or  80th Adlaw sa Aurora.

Proclamation 400, signed on Nov. 10, declared Nov. 23,  Thursday,  special non-working day in Angono, Rizal for  celebration of  Higantes Festival.

Proclamation 399, on the other hand, declared Nov. 17,  Friday,  special non-working day in Aroroy, Masbate to mark its founding anniversary. Proclamation  was likewise signed on Nov. 10.

Proclamation 398, which was also signed on Nov. 10, declared Nov. 17  non-working day in Santa Barbara, Iloilo to commemorate  anniversary of Cry of Santa Barbara.

Proclamation 395, signed on Nov. 8, declared Dec. 18,  Monday,  special non-working day in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan to mark the celebration of its 24th Charter Anniversary.

Komedya  o Komida

Ni Derek Jorge

Komedya sa kalsada

KUNG pinatulan lamang sana ng mga traditional jeepney operator ang alok ng may-ari ng air-conditioned jeepney byaheng Makati City 10 taon na ang nakalilipas, wala sana silang problema ngayon. Shout out muna kina Ptr. Wilfredo Jimenez Jr., Alex Driodoco, Delfin Lawa. Noon kasi kasambahay ay magaan ang alok na aircon jeep kaya lang hindi naniniwala ang mga tsuper na Ibabasura ang kanilang jeep. Paano nga ba naman ipephase ang napakaraming jeep at napakaraming myembro ng populasyong mananakay. Heto na ngayon, nagrereklamo kayo sa milyones na modernize jeepney pero kung makalaklak kayo ng agua de pataranta, para kayong mauubusan. Pasyal kayo sa mga pondahan, sa mga beerhouse, puro tsuper ang parukyano, kaya hirap kayo dahil nagbibisyo kayo. Minsan pa tatlo-tatlo ang pamilya, paano hindi maghihirap? Hindi rin inaasikaso ang ipinamamasadang sasakyan, mabibilang mo sa daliri ang may basurahan. Marami ring sira-sira ang kaha, kapag minalas-malas ka punit ang damit mo. Minsan hindi mo nahalatang napunit, makapapasok ka sa opisinang kahiya-hiya ang suot mo. Naglayag nang muli sa Panatag Shoal ang mga mangingisda sa paniniwala sa usapan nina FMJ at Xi pero iniskortan ng mga coast guard china, hindi nakapagtrabaho nang ayos ang mga dyaske, umuwi tuloy luhaan.  Maligayang bati Ginoo at Gng. Aristides Valdez, mabuhay ang bagong kasal.  Pastor Saturnino Abraham, agarin mo naman ang dokumento ng lupa para sa pabahay ng mga Badjao sa Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat. Jonathan Fernandez, muzta na, nagkakalimutan na tayo a. Problem aba, pag-usapan natin, ndgodino@yahoo.com.

Class suspensions for Nov 20 to 22 due to transport strike, earthquake

By J.Lo

Educational  institutions and local government units have suspended in-person classes due to  transport strike starting on Monday, November 20, 2023.

On November 15, transport group PISTON announced  three-day transport strike , month ahead of  December 31 deadline for PUV consolidation deadline.

National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said  Digos, City in Davao del Sur also suspended classes at all levels for November 20.

General Santos City, meanwhile, declared suspention of classes in public and private schools in all levels from November 18 to 21 due following  magnitue 6.8 felt in General Santos.

Several schools have also declared their transition to online learning due to  strike starting Monday.

• Pampanga: suspension of in-person classes in all levels of public and private schools.
• Cabuyao, Laguna: suspension of in-person classes in all levels to shift to asynchronous (modular or online) classes
• Calamba, Laguna: suspension of in-person classes in all levels, public and private schools to shift to online learning. 
• Camalig, Albay: suspension of in-person classes of public and private schools at all levels

• Adamson University: Synchronous online classes at all levels to be conducted.
• Arellano University: No in-person classes in all levels and branches from November 20 to 22. 
• Ateneo de Manila University: Undergraduate and graduate classes in the Schools of Education and Learning Design, Humanities, Management, Science and Engineering, and Social Sciences to hold online classes for the duration of the strike scheduled from Nov. 20 to 23. However, classes are to resume once the strike ends according to Ateneo’s student publication “The Guidon.”
• De La Salle University-Manila campus: Classes in all levels to shift online from November 20 to 22.
• De La Salle University-Laguna: In-person classes in all levels from preschool to college to shift online from November 20 to 22.
• Far Eastern University – Manila and Makati: Online classes will be conducted.
• FEU High School: Synchronous online classes are also to be conducted.
• Mapua University: Synchronous online classes are to be conducted for all levels.
• Miriam College – Loyola Heights: Basic Education Unit, Skills Development and Technical Education Center, and Higher Education Unit will shift to online classes from November 20 to 21.
• Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila: To shift to synchronous online classes from November 20 to 22.
• Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Marikina: All classes are to shift to asynchronous mode from November 20 to 22.
• Polytechnic University of the Philippines: All campuses will shift to online mode of classes from November 20 to 22.
• University of the East – Manila and Caloocan Campus: Classes in all levels for November 20 and 21 will be delivered in online asynchronous mode.
• University of the Philippines-Diliman: Classes to shift to remote or asynchronous learning modes from November 20 to 22.
• University of the Philippines-Manila: Classes to shift to online mode on November 20.
• University of the Philippines-Los Baños: Classes shall be delivered via remote or asynchronous mode.
• University of Santo Tomas: Classes and office work will shift to the “enriched virtual mode” and remote arrangements.

TODAY’S GOD’S MESSAGE

Psalm 95:1-2

Psalm 95

¹ Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord;
    let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.
² Let us come before him with thanksgiving
    and extol him with music and song.

PCIJ hit by ‘most serious’ cyberattack

By J.Lo

“We are taking this security concern seriously and are taking steps to protect our infrastructure and archives,” Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) Executive Director Carmela Fonbuena said attempts to hijack  website of PCIJ forced it to go offline.

Fonbuena said  they experienced  “active hacking attack” on  PCIJ website, prompting them to render it temporarily inaccessible to “assess and prevent further damage.”

PCIJ’s recent stories include a report on online communities of Filipinos who have been amplifying and supporting pro-Beijing narratives, include  claims of  Chinese government in  West Philippine Sea.

Published on October 23 and written by journalist Camille Elemia, PCIJ story also documented  pro-China content being pushed by two think tanks  have recently caught attention of  National Security Council. 

Other recent stories published by  PCIJ were about  votes being sold at the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections Percy Lapid case and  excessive profit at the NGCP.

This is  “most serious” cyberattack in recent years on the Philippines’ primary media agency focused on investigative reporting, according to  National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP).

NUJP said  incident follows other similar cyberattacks experienced by news outlets. 

“Every news website that has to go offline, even temporarily, means less public access to information and fewer resources devoted to reporting,”  NUJP added.

FMJ raises plight of Ph fishers in Xi mtg

By Nidz Godino

“And of course, as ever, whenever this issue comes up, I always bring up fight of our fishermen…and I asked  we go back to  situation where both Chinese and Filipino fishermen were fishing together in these waters…and so, I think the point was well taken by President Xi,” President Ferdinand Marcos Marcos Jr. said. Filipino fishermen should have access to fishing grounds in South China Sea. FMJ told Chinese President Xi Jinping  during their meeting where they again reaffirmed commitment to dialogue but admitted challenges remain.

Speaking to reporters, FMJ relayed to Xi his concern over recent incidents involving Chinese and Philippine vessels  ended in actual collision near  Ayungin Shoal last October.

He hope  two countries would find ways to avoid such incidents, during their meeting held on  sidelines of  Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.

FMJ and Xi tried to come up with mechanisms to lower tensions in  South China Sea.

Two leaders also agreed problems related to  maritime dispute should not be defining element of their countries’ relationship.

“But nonetheless,  problems remain and it is something that we will need to continue to communicate to find ways to avoid such incidents,” FMJ said.

Asked whether  meeting,  requested by Manila, would prod China to refrain from changing its narratives on  dispute, FMJ replied: “we really should view this as  work in progress… a process… no one thing  we will do that will solve all problems…we have to continue to communicate…we have to continue to be candid with one another and to be sincere in our desire to keep peace…and I think that sincerity exists for all parties involved.”

FMJ acknowledged  discussion or agreement would not put an end to  dispute… “I do not think anybody wants to go  to war,” he said.

“And so that is something  premise actually to everything , all  discussions  we have been having, how to maintain  peace so that  sea lanes and  airways over  South China Sea are open and continued to be  important gateway to Asia as it is today.”

FMJ said  important  he was able to talk to Xi “and that always makes  difference.”

It was  third time FMJ met with Xi since becoming president last year. Cases of Chinese harassment and provocations continue despite previous commitments by Beijing to ease tensions in the area.

China claims virtually entire South China Sea,  claim invalidated in 2016 by  arbitral tribunal based in The Hague. Beijing has vowed not to honor ruling,  it calls “illegal.”

Duterte has option not to attend PI

By J.Lo

“Respondent has  option whether to attend or not…he can go there and represent himself or  lawyer representing him,” former chief presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo said former president Rodrigo Duterte need not appear before  Quezon City prosecutor’s office on Dec. 4 to answer its summons for  preliminary investigation on criminal complaint of grave threat filed against him by ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro.

Panelo  maintained  Duterte has  option to send  lawyer to represent him in  preliminary investigation.

He argued  complaint has no legal basis, and  former chief executive can also file  counter affidavit.

Asked whether  prosecutor’s office can order Duterte’s arrest should he snub its subpoena, Panelo said  prosecutor’s task is to determine whether  case has probable cause.

Panelo,  also Duterte’s spokesman, defended  former president saying his statement against Castro was not  threat but  mere “expression of  idea or  desire.”

“We know  president  likes to use hyperbole,” he said. Panelo earlier dismissed  case against his former boss as  “political propaganda.”

“The only reason why complaint was filed is for political propaganda,” he told media.

Duterte, no longer immune from suit after  end of his term, has been issued subpoena to attend preliminary investigation on Dec. 4 and 11.

Complaint  against  former president stemmed from his statement on Sonshine Media Network International earlier this month,  he red-tagged Castro and other members of  Makabayan bloc. SMNI is owned by Duterte friend, pastor Apollo Quiboloy, to whom  warrant of arrest had been issued by  US court for his alleged various offenses including sex trafficking and fraud.

Duterte said  first target of  confidential funds of his daughter, Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte-Carpio, should be Castro.  House earlier rejected her request for P650 million confidential funds in  2024 budget. She later announced her withdrawal of her request, saying  issue had become divisive.

“Ikaw France, kayong mga komunista ang gusto kong patayin ,” he said in  TV program. Castro said even though Duterte only mentioned her first name, he was clearly referring to her.Duterte, 78, now lives in his hometown in Davao City