“I filed criminal complaint against former president Rodrigo Duterte to make him liable amid serious threat against me during his program on Oct. 11…he has no immunity from suit.. he should face case filed against him,” ACT-Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro filed criminal complaint against former president Rodrigo Duterte before Quezon City Prosecutors Office in connection with alleged grave threats from the former chief executive.
She was referring to Duterte’s television program Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa on Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) and aired on Oct. 11, wherein former president addressing criticism of his daughter Vice President Sara Duterte’s confidential funds , “pero ang una mong target d’yan sa intelligence fund mo, kayo, ikaw France, kayong mga komunista ang gusto kong patayin..sabihin mo na sa kanya.”
According to Castro, it was clear Duterte was referring to her.
“I was convinced that he was referring to me as during first part, he mentioned my full name, France Castro, that’s why it was me…there is no other Rep. France Castro, to quote former president Duterte…‘prangkahin mo na yan si France Castro…pati na yang … kun’sabagay kaibigan ko lahat yan … si Satur Ocampo, mahal ko sila at no other time sa history ng Pilipinas ang Communist Party of the Philippines, lahat ng liderato nila,.. I invited them to break bread with me sa Malacañang,” Castro added, quoting Duterte.
She said threat from Duterte happened when she was in grief following recent death of her father.
According to her, case of grave threats filed against Duterte was in connection with Article 282 of Revised Penal Code in relation to section 6 of Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.
Castro said attacks of Duterte against her came after she scrutinized confidential funds of his daughter.
“I, together with some of my colleagues in progressive bloc and like-minded legislators in Lower House, exposed what is perceived to be unauthorized grant to Vice President Sara Duterte of confidential funds in 2022 amounting to around P125 million, and questioned her use of such secret funds from 2022 up to 2023…among eventual consequence of this exposure is decision of House of Representatives to strip Vice President of her requested P650 million confidential funds for 2024 for agencies she leads, namely Office of the Vice President and the Department of Education,” she added. For his part, Antonio La Viña, one of the lead counsels of Castro, said filing of case of grave threats against Duterte was historical, as it is the first time former president will be facing case before local court after his term ended on June 30, 2022. La Viña added Duterte could face maximum of six years imprisonment and fine of P100,000 in case court finds him guilty of grave threats.
“It is not about particular penalty…it is up to judge; it is up to fiscal…it’s about accountability. President Duterte has gotten away with so many things when he was president since he has immunity from suit…we also underscore historical nature of what Rep. France Castro did today. ..it is first time, we are holding president Duterte accountable for his actions in Philippine court,” La Viña stressed. He added Castro is standing up on behalf of legislators.
“We would like to emphasize Congressman Castro is not only acting on her behalf, but all legislators and all citizens to hold former president accountable,” La Viña noted.
Duterte has “no comment” yet on criminal charges filed against him.
The former president was awakened from nap when told of case filed against him by Castro. After being told of charges against him, Duterte reportedly went back to sleep.
“I have been trying to get in touch with PRRD Duterte, but I was just informed that he has taken his afternoon nap after learning that grave threats case has been filed against him by Cong. Castro,” former executive secretary Salvador Medialdea, who for many years acted as former president’s legal counsel, said. “Respondent Duterte has not received any actual copy of complaint yet… I also have to see copy of the same complaint, that is why it is ‘no comment’ still for respondent,” Medialdea added.
Medialdea refused to discuss with media merits of charges.
MUKHANG mapapasubo si dating pangulong Rodrigo Duterte sa demanda ni Rep. France Castro ah. Shout out muna kay katotong Antonio Eustaquio. Hinihintay lamang ni dating Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea ang reklamo ni Castro upang masagot ito bilang legal counsel ni Duterte. Sinasabing grave threat ang kaso. Obligadong harapin ng dating punong ehekutibo ang usapin dahil wala na siyang immunity hindi gaya noong nasa pwesto pa siya. Nananahimik ho ang mga kapatid nitong nawawalang si Ricardo Paolo Tansinco ng Quezon City, marami ang naniniwalang alam nang mga ito ang kinaroroonan niya nguni’t minamabuti nang mga kapatid na mawala na ito sa pansariling dahilan. Mabuti na lamang at may natitira pang kaanak na nagmamalasakit na ipahanap ito. Batay raw sa bali-balita nakapiit ito mula pa noong 2019 sa bawal na gamot. Baka may alam ka rito kasambahay, magtulungan tayo. Aalma na raw ang Pilipinas sa international forum laban sa pangangalabaw ng mga intsik sa timog dagat tsina, ‘tagal, ngayon lang? Nagsisiga-sigaan ang mga singkit dahil hindi tayo pumapalag. Kandidato na naman pala itong kapitan sa kabilang barangay, nagtataka lang ako kung bakit pinagtitiwalaan pa ito gayong iniwan nito ang asawa at sumama sa iba. Idilat nyo naman mga mata nyo mga botante, lalo na ang mga pinagkaitan ng ayuda. Palitan nyo na ito. 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.
“Farmgate price of palay has increased since last week and it follows once farmgate price goes up, retail price of rice will also go up… P45 per kilo and P40 plus per kilo of rice is still available,” Grains Retailers Confederation of the Philippines (GRECON).national president James Magbanua said retail prices of rice have increased by P2 per kilo amid rising farmgate price of palay..
Magbanua saidt in Visayas alone, buying price of fresh palay increased to P19 from P17 per kilo, and between P24 and P25 for dry palay.
He said buying price of palay is higher in Luzon.
Farmers’ group Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (SINAG) chairman Rosendo So earlier said farmgate price of palay has reached P27 per kilo.
“P27 per kilo buying price of palay is in Luzon…here in Visayas, it has yet to reach that level,” Magbanua said.
He does not agree with So’s proposal for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to impose another price ceiling of P45 per kilo on rice next month amid increase in farmgate price of staple.
“To me, price cap is not advisable… not healthy for economy,” Magbanua said.
He said farmers benefit from upward trend in farmgate price of palay.
“For the first time, I did not hear farmers complain about low buying price of palay,” he said.
Magbanua said government should subsidize retail price of rice instead of imposing price ceiling.
“Government can subsidize, but not price cap..if it will release funding, it is better to subsidize retail price of grains,” he said, noting farmers are encouraged to plant more because of high buying price of palay.
“We need to implement long-term solution to increase yield of farmers and lower production cost. .. should include transfer of technology, modernization of sector and lower production cost of farmers… government should address high cost of farm inputs,” Magbanua said.
He gave assurance supply of rice amid peak harvest season would be adequate.
Meanwhile, Raul Montemayor, national chairman of the Federation of Free Farmers (FFF), said traders anticipate high farmgate prices after peak harvest season and possible impact of El Niño phenomenon in increase in buying price of palay.
“There is an uptick in palay prices, which is good for farmers…but with large harvest coming in, I don’t think prices will spike up very much. ..if ever in short-term only, but increase in palay prices , when these should be going down during peak harvest season indicates traders anticipate higher prices after harvest months, probably because of continued high international prices and possible effects of El Niño,” Montemayor said in a separate message to media.
Montemayor is validating reports retail prices of rice have increased.
Like Magbanua, he also opposed suggestion to reimplement price ceiling on rice.
“This increase retail price of rice should not be reason to impose price caps and end up depressing palay prices and penalizing farmers again for something that is not their fault… best and most reliable way to offset increase in international prices and effects of El Niño is to encourage, not discourage, farmers to plant more by giving them good price for their produce,” he said.
Department of Agriculture (DA) has shut down possibility of reimposing rice price cap next month after farmers’ group asked FMJ to implement price ceiling anew to prevent “artificial rice price crisis” toward end of the year.
“No, price cap should really be short-term one… probably other measures that we can already do,” DA Undersecretary for policy, planning and regulations Mercedita Sombilla said in sidelines of 6th International Rice Congress.
SINAG said FMJ should reimpose price ceiling in November “to preempt new attempts to artificially increase retail price of rice.”
“We are all worried of possible repeat of rice price spikes last August where traders tried to justify increase in rice prices because of high farmgate prices of palay,” So said in statement.
“We are also aware scenario of increasing rice prices is being timed with fresh proposal to reduce tariffs on imported rice, corn and pork,” he added.
Instead of imposing price ceiling, Federation of Free Farmers (FFF) suggested government should focus on monitoring stocks, prices, hoarding and price manipulation and providing alternative marketing outlets that will keep other traders “honest.”
Philippines received highest rice export allocation from India with 295,000 metric tons of non-basmati white rice.
Among countries importing from India, Philippines has become its largest rice importer.
“Request made at leadership level and positive decision reflects growing confidence in bilateral relationship,” Indian embassy in Manila said in statement.
Six other countries set to receive export of around 1.034 million MT of rice are Cameroon (190,000 MT), Malaysia (170,000 MT), Cote d’Ivoire and Republic of Guinea (142,000 MT each), Nepal (95,000 MT) and Seychelles (800 MT).
FFF expressed concern over price of India’s rice exports.
“In the past, our local importers have not secured rice from India despite significantly lower prices, most probably due to concerns about quality and reliability of supply,” FFF national manager Raul Montemayor said in statement.
Rice retailers group Grecon said 295,000 MT of rice from India will help stabilize supply and prices of rice in the country.
“It’s a good sign especially with threat of El Niño phenomenon for first quarter of 2024… no fears of possible rice shortage as 295,000 MT is big. ..we will ensure food security in the country,” said Grecon national spokesman Orly Manuntag.
India had banned export of non-basmati white rice , its largest rice export category in July to ease domestic prices climbed after rains caused significant crop damage.
Ban further tightened global supply and sent world prices even higher since India supplies around 40 percent of global rice trade.
FMJ concurrently agriculture secretary, said in July Philippines may seek rice supply deal with India.
According to United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Philippines has overtaken China as world’s top importer of rice.
In its latest “Grain: World Markets and Trade” report, USDA projected Philippine rice importation will reach 3.8 million metric tons in marketing year 2023-2024 while China’s imports will drop to 3.5 million MT.
So said farmgate price of palay has reached P27 per kilo, adding that spike in retail price of rice should be expected in November amid upward trend in buying price of staple food.
He told media rice price ceiling should return next month.
On Oct. 4, FMJ lifted Executive Order 39 imposing P41 and P45 per kilo price ceiling on regular and well-milled rice almost a month after it was implemented on Sept. 5, noting retail price of rice has stabilized with start of harvest season.
In Isabela, buying price of palay is now at P27 per kilo, So said.
“As result, traders go to Pangasinan and buying price in Pangasinan is almost P26 (per kilo),” he added.
Upward trend in buying price of palay was due to competition among traders, So noted.
“Traders competing to secure palay harvest of farmers is one of the reasons why farmgate price of palay in Isabela is high…traders also go to other provinces to buy palay, causing buying price of palay to go up, Ii farmgate price of palay is increasing, retail price of rice will also go up. .. P27 (per kilo) buying price of palay is equivalent to P43 (per kilo) of rice…if rice is delivered in Metro Manila, markup price of wholesalers and retailers could reach P47 per kilo,” he said.
So confirmed buying price of dry palay in Pangasinan and Nueva Ecija is now at P26 per kilo and P21 per kilo for fresh harvest; P27 per kilo for dry palay in Isabela and 23 per kilo for fresh harvest; and P26 per kilo for dry palay in Cagayan and P22 per kilo for fresh harvest.
As for warehouse raids, So said did not affect importation of traders, contradicting reports that some importers chose not to import amid fears brought by recent confiscation of rice stocks.
Buying price of rice in Thailand is now at $580 per metric ton, he added.
Based on DA’s monitoring, retail price of local regular milled rice ranged between P41 and P45 per kilo; local well-milled rice, between P48 and P48 per kilo; local premium rice, between P45 and P48 per kilo; and local special rice, between P54 and P62 per kilo.
Retail price of imported regular milled rice was pegged at P43 per kilo; imported well-milled rice, between P45 and P48 per kilo; imported premium rice, between P52 and P58 per kilo; and imported special rice, between P53 and P60 per kilo.
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“We can file case in International Tribunal of Law of the Sea… it was made clear to us by DFA and PCG that there are violations made by China on collision regulations, so we have recourse there,” National Security Council (NSC) assistant director Jonathan Malaya told media referring to Convention on International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea of 1972, Philippines may file case against China before International Tribunal for Law of the Sea (ITLOS) over last Sunday’s incident in Ayungin Shoal wherein Chinese coast guard ship made “provocative” maneuver and hit Filipino vessel carrying provisions for military outpost on BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal.
Malaya said filing case before ITLOS is among many options on table for Philippine government, as Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) have listed infractions committed by Chinese to hold them accountable.
But it would be up to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Cabinet’s security, justice and peace cluster to decide if case can be filed, based on results of ongoing investigations.
“I’m not at liberty to discuss other options… we will have to wait for announcements of National Security Adviser or Secretary of National Defense,” he stressed.
Malaya stressed evidence being gathered by PCG and other government agencies would be used to compel China to pay for damages.
“I think it’s clear who is at fault there… not true that BRP Cabra turned around… not true that Unaiza May 2 was one rammed Chinese vessel…all these narratives are useless because we have witnesses and videos from media ,independent body not within government control,clearly, there is intent. .. Chinese side did this with clear intent to prevent and block our ships, led to collision, so all evidence will be stacked to bolster our position,” he said.
In interview Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said Chinese intentionally hitting Philippine vessel was not enough to trigger country’s Mutual Defense Treaty with United States.
“These situations do not trigger need to invoke MDT… more serious attacks – deliberate attacks, for instance, on Philippine ships or attack on territory… would necessitate invoking MDT…but such small collisions do not,” Brawner said .
1951 MDT allows Philippines and the United States to come to defense of the other in case of external attacks.
NSC’s Malaya earlier said “armed attack on public vessel of the Philippines will be enough to trigger Mutual Defense Treaty.”
Following collision, Brawner said government instead set its sights on rallying allies, partners and like-minded nations to continue joint exercises in South China Sea as demonstration of united front against aggressors.
Unaiza May 2, AFP-contracted supply boat, was on regular mission to deliver supply to troops stationed on BRP Sierra Madre when it was blocked by Chinese coast guard vessel with bow number 5203.
Resupply boat was 13.5 nautical miles east-northeast from grounded warship when “provocative, irresponsible and illegal action of CCGV 5203 imperiled safety of crew of (Unaiza May 2).”
In same resupply mission, Chinese Maritime Militia vessel 00003 jolted port side of PCG vessel MRRV 4409 while latter was cruising 6.4 nautical miles northeast of Ayungin Shoal.
Incident prompted DFA to file diplomatic protest against Beijing, with allies like US, France, South Korea and Japan rallying behind Philippines.
In post on Facebook or Meta, FMJ said there is no compromise when it comes to Philippines territory and sovereignty. He denounced China’s action in Ayungin Shoal as “illegal” and “reckless.”
“Defense of our people, our territory and our sovereignty is and will always be non-negotiable, I directed PCG to investigate Ayungin Shoal incident in accordance with international maritime laws during our command conference with security officials, DFA also summoned Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian to express our categorical denunciation of China Coast Guard’s illegal and reckless actions,” FMJ wrote on his official Facebook account .
Meanwhile, alumni of National Defense College of the Philippines (NDCP) have issued statement calling on Filipinos to unite against China’s provocations in the West Philippine Sea.
NDCP Alumni Association Inc. also urged public to remain vigilant and well informed amid growing tensions in country’s territorial waters.
“West Philippine Sea is of great importance to our nation, future and children , their inheritance we should not lose during our watch, Not only is it our right but our duty to protect the country when parties launch aggressive acts to challenge our sovereignty and curb our activities over what is legally ours,” NDCPAAI statement read.
NDCPAAI said Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro was right about assailing China for “deliberately obfuscating truth.”
NDCPAAI said “not only are our ships being rammed, truth that is on our side is being pummeled too.”
“Best defense against falsehood are facts which we can learn by educating ourselves about what our country’s rights are over West Philippine Sea and legitimacy of our actions there,” association said.
NDCPAAI emphasized “diplomacy in search of principled peaceful solution is of equal importance,” but added this could only be achieved if “ united citizenry is behind government.”
“We thus call on our fellow Filipinos, regardless of political affiliations, to put aside our differences and rally around our country’s cause…as we maintain credible defense posture, we must engage in constructive dialogue and nurture cordial and conflict-free peaceful solutions, guided by international law and our commitment to upholding justice and fairness, by pursuing these multiple tracks, we project stance strong at home and supported by people and respected abroad and recognized by community of nations as just and right,” association said.
United States has reiterated its support for Philippines in wake of China’s “dangerous and unlawful actions” in Ayungin (Second Thomas) Shoal, renewing commitment to defend its treaty ally in case of armed attack in South China Sea.
US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan gave assurance in telephone call to his Philippine counterpart Eduardo Año.
“Mr. Sullivan reiterated US support for our Philippine allies following PRC Coast Guard and maritime militia’s dangerous and unlawful actions on Oct. 22 obstructing routine Philippine resupply to Second Thomas Shoal,” White House statement declared.
In their phone conversation, Sullivan and Año reaffirmed enduring alliance and friendship between two nations and discussed upcoming US-Philippine engagements and ways to further strengthen close partnership.
Sullivan emphasized ironclad US alliance commitment to Philippines under US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty, which extends to armed attacks on Philippine public vessels, aircraft and armed forces to include those of its Coast Guard in the Pacific, including South China Sea.
Washington slammed China’s “dangerous, unlawful and provocative” actions in Ayungin Shoal, jeopardized Filipino crewmembers’ safety.
“The United States stands with our Philippine allies in face of People’s Republic of China (PRC) Coast Guard and maritime militia’s dangerous and unlawful actions obstructing an Oct. 22 Philippine resupply mission to Second Thomas Shoal in South China Sea,” Office of the Spokesperson of US State Department said in statement.
It said Chinese vessels’ dangerous maneuvers “violated international law by intentionally interfering with Philippine vessels’ exercise of high seas freedom of navigation.”
State Department said China prevented Filipinos from delivering critically needed supplies to troops stationed on BRP Sierra Madre.
Obstructing supply lines to this longstanding outpost and interfering with lawful Philippine maritime operations, it said, undermines regional stability.
State Department stressed Ayungin Shoal is feature situated well within Philippine exclusive economic zone and on Philippine continental shelf.
Legally binding decision by international tribunal in July 2016 decision made it clear “there exists no legal basis for any entitlement by China to maritime zones in area of Ayungin Shoal.”
Same ruling affirmed Ayungin Shoal is low-tide elevation outside territorial sea of another high tide feature as such, China’s territorial claims to it are unfounded.
Japan lauded Philippines for its consistent compliance with 2016 Arbitral Award as well as its commitment to peaceful settlement of disputes in South China Sea.
“Japan believes issue concerning South China Sea is directly related to peace and stability of region legitimate concern of international community including Japan, and thus Japan opposes any unilateral attempts to change status quo by force as well as any actions that increase tensions in South China Sea,” Japanese embassy said in a statement.
“Japan highly appreciates Government of the Philippines for having consistently complied with Arbitral Tribunal’s award as to disputes between Republic of the Philippines and the People’s Republic of China regarding South China Sea and shown its commitment to peaceful settlement of disputes in South China Sea,” embassy said.
Japan has consistently advocated upholding rule of law at sea and re-emphasizes importance of efforts toward peaceful resolution of disputes based on international law.
“Japan will continue to cooperate with international community such as ASEAN member-states and United States to protect free, open and peaceful seas,” embassy said.
Japanese Ambassador Kazuhiko Koshikawa posted on X on Sunday Japan “strongly opposes any unilateral attempts to change status quo by force or coercion.”
“Philippine government has come out to actually strongly condemn this dangerous, irresponsible and illegal action of Chinese Coast Guard and Chinese maritime militia, we strongly believe, China, this is our Exclusive Economic Zone, this is our water,” Department of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza said, addressing Beijing Philippines has lodged diplomatic protest against China over last Sunday’s “dangerous blocking maneuvers” by its ships t led to one of them “slightly” colliding with Philippine vessel carrying supplies and provisions for troops stationed on BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal.
Daza said they summoned Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian to convey protest, but it was Deputy Chief of Mission Zhou Zhiyong who showed up, as ambassador was reportedly out of town. DCM met with DFA Assistant Secretary Aileen Mendiola-Rau.
Chinese embassy said its diplomat “made solemn representations… on trespassing of Philippine vessels into Ren’ai Reef area… expressing strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition to trespassing.” Ren’ai Reef is name given by Beijing to Ayungin Shoal.
Sunday’s incident, Daza said, has put into serious doubt sincerity of Chinese in upholding understanding between President Marcos and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
“We’ve already filed diplomatic protest… DCM was summoned so protest was also conveyed,” Daza said at press conference.
Philippines has filed total of 465 protests since January 2020, according to Daza. Manila has lodged 122 protests under Marcos administration. For this year alone, 55 protests have been filed.
“China has no right to linger in and around waters of Ayungin Shoal and actually to interfere with Philippines’ legitimate activities in and around waters of Ayungin Shoal,” she added.
DFA official emphasized Philippines exercises sovereign right and jurisdiction over Ayungin Shoal, within Philippines’ EEZ and continental shelf as affirmed by 2016 ruling on South China Sea issue by Permanent Court of Arbitration based in The Hague.
She noted Philippine vessels were undertaking routine and regular humanitarian mission for Philippine military personnel on board Sierra Madre as allowed under international law.
“It’s rather difficult to imagine how these activities would be deemed as threatening or provocative to China, not only China action endanger lives at sea, they are also illegal, dangerous and provocative and deplorable,they undermine mutual trust, confidence and respect should underpin our bilateral relation and put into serious doubt sincerity of Chinese side to uphold understanding between President Marcos and President Xi,” Daza said.
But while Chinese action was aggressive, dangerous and provocative, Daza said it has yet to be determined if it could be considered armed attack that could justify invoking Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) with United States.
US State Department said China’s action was “dangerous, unlawful and provocative” and reassured Philippines of its support.
In statement, State Department said Chinese “violated international law by intentionally interfering with Philippine vessels’ exercise of high seas freedom of navigation.” It said Sunday’s incident was latest in string of provocations by Chinese in Philippine waters.
“Unsafe maneuvers on Oct. 22 and PRC water cannoning of Philippines’ vessel on Aug. 5 are latest examples of provocative PRC measures in South China Sea to enforce its expansive and unlawful maritime claims, reflecting disregard for other states lawfully operating in the region,” it said.
State Department emphasized Ayungin Shoal is feature situated well within Philippines’ EEZ and continental shelf.
International tribunal’s July 2016 decision, it said, has made it clear “there exists no legal basis for any entitlement by China to maritime zones in area of Ayungin Shoal.”
US also has reaffirmed Article IV of 1951 US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty extends to armed attacks on Philippine armed forces, public vessels and aircraft, including those on its Coast Guard, anywhere in South China Sea.
Other countries have also denounced China’s latest act of aggression. In statement, France through its embassy “calls for respect of freedom of navigation guaranteed by international law and recalls its attachment to United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and decision rendered by Arbitral Court on July 12, 2016.”
Australia, said its Ambassador Hae Kyong Yu, “is concerned by China’s dangerous maneuvers damaged Philippine vessels and disrupted Philippine resupply mission in Philippine EEZ.”
“We again call for peace, stability and respect for UNCLOS,” she said on X, formerly Twitter.
DFA expressed gratitude to international community for its steadfast support for and defense of rules-based international order.
“Their statements of support show level of concern international community has over persistent efforts to undermine UNCLOS ,United Nations Convention in the Law of the Sea,” DFA’s Daza said.
On Chinese embassy’s lodging complaint against Philippines, National Security Council assistant director general Jonathan Malaya said it’s China that was making provocative actions.
“It’s not Philippines that is increasing tensions… China that is increasing tensions in West Philippine Sea, especially by interfering in blocking our legitimate resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal,” Malaya said.
Malaya stressed China is taking advantage of situation to assert its claim over Ayungin Shoal and entire South China Sea.
“That is clear and unequivocal message being sent by Philippines to China that we do not accept what is happening,” he said.
It is China “that is actually undertaking dangerous maneuvers and putting at risk not only people who are manning vessels,” he pointed out.
Former senator Richard Gordon, for his part, has called on government to stand firm in defense of country’s territorial integrity.
In statement, Gordon characterized China’s actions last Sunday as “crime of aggression” under Rome Statute of International Criminal Court, and that incident should prompt government to “bolster nation’s military and navy capabilities, drawing parallels to assertive actions taken by other countries.”
He cited Indonesia and Argentina, which stood up to China and in case of Indonesia– even resorted to burning encroaching Chinese fishing boats.
Gordon branded China an outright aggressor and not just bully.
“We must call spade a spade… China is not just bully… aggressor… aims to have hegemonic power over Asia Pacific,” he said.
He reminded public of 2016 arbitral ruling which clearly “declares Mischief ,Panganiban Reef and Second Thomas Ayungin Shoal are within exclusive economic zone and continental shelf of Philippines.”
“We have sovereign rights over Ayungin Shoal, it being in our exclusive economic zone…we must protect those rights,” he said.
He also emphasized asserting sovereign rights over country’s EEZ “would be an ongoing effort requires unwavering commitment.”
“Asserting our sovereign rights over our exclusive economic zone will not happen overnight..but we have started already and must continue to do so consistently and without letup,” he said.
US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson condemned China’s “latest disruption of legal Philippine resupply mission to Ayungin Shoal, putting lives of Filipino service members at risk.”
“We stand with our #FriendsPartnersAllies in protecting Philippine sovereignty and in support of #FreeAndOpenIndoPacific,” Carlson said in a post on X, formerly Twitter.
US reaffirmed armed attack on Philippine public vessels, aircraft and armed forces – including those of its Coast Guard in South China Sea would invoke US mutual defense commitments under Article IV of 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty.
European Union Ambassador Luc Véron called the repetition and intensification of incidents “dangerous and very disturbing.”
“We join the Philippines in its call for full observance of international law in South China Sea,” Véron posted on X.
Canada condemned CCG’s “unlawful” and “dangerous” conduct.
“Embassy of Canada condemns unlawful and dangerous conduct of People’s Republic of China’s Coast Guard and maritime militia vessels on 22 October 2023, provoked two collisions with Philippine vessels engaged in routine operations inside Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone, in vicinity of Ayungin Shoal,” embassy said in statement.
Embassy noted t “China has no lawful claim to West Philippine Sea.”
“It is multi-year proposal for next five years or from 2024 to 2028…in last three years of project, we will be shifting to sensors…we just need to validate its effectiveness in second and third year,” Environment Assistant Secretary Gilbert Gonzales told media at least P300 million is needed to upgrade 33 air monitoring stations in Metro Manila to ensure accurate readings amid smog in National Capital Region (NCR).
“Of eight stations were previously offline, we were able to fix four so at least four more need to be repaired as we need to purchase spare parts and it takes a while,” he stressed.
Gonzales noted air quality in Manila has improved after smog or smoke fog on Sept. 22.
“So far, air in Metro Manila is OK except when we experienced haze… air quality index that we got that time was somewhat elevated but it did not reach emergency level…there were areas with unhealthy conditions,” he said.
DFA distances fr Locsin’s statement on Palestinian children
By J.Lo
“Department of Foreign Affairs of Republic of the Philippines completely disassociates itself from statement made on Twitter by Ambassador Teodoro Locsin Jr.,” DFA said in statement DFA “completely disassociated” itself from Ambassador Teodoro Locsin Jr.’s statement Palestinian children should be killed.
“Such statement was made in his strictly personal capacity,” it stressed.
In now-deleted post on X formerly Twitter, Locsin said “that’s why Palestinian children should be killed; they might grow up to become as gullible as innocent Palestinians letting Hamas launch rockets at Israel; not that they could stop them, but that’s no excuse…they are Muslims.”
Locsin, who is concurrently serving as ambassador to United Kingdom and President’s special envoy to China for special concerns, has apologized for his social media post.
“I immediately deleted my sarcastic response to tweet as I realized it could be misconstrued and retweeted to incite,” former foreign affairs secretary said.
“My apologies to those who did misconstrue my sentiments and did in fact get triggered – I obviously was not advocating for literal death of anyone, but rather simply for end of any ideology condones terrorism in any way, shape or form,” he added.
United Nations has expressed deep concern over fate of civilians and victims of terrorism caught up in Israel-Gaza crisis.
UN independent human rights experts denounced ruthless attacks by Hamas on Israeli civilians starting last Oct. 7.
They also stressed their concern for victims of subsequent counter-terrorism measures by Israeli forces.
United Nations Children’s Fund said one million children in Gaza are now facing critical protection and humanitarian crisis.
About a million people have been displaced, around half of them children, and many have taken shelter in overcrowded shelters with extremely limited access to water, sanitation and hygiene , conditions that are especially dangerous for young ones.
Amid this development, another 24 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from war-torn Israel three males and 21 females, majority of whom are caregivers plus one infant have arrived at Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 aboard Etihad Airways from Israel to Abu Dhabi to Manila.
Department of Migrant Workers officer-in-charge Hans Leo Cacdac saw light at end of tunnel when Israel agreed to open border for humanitarian relief goods composed of assorted foods, medicines and drinking water for Palestinian civilians, including Filipinos in Gaza Strip who were caught by war between Israel and Hamas militants.
Cacdac added it would take long process to bring Filipinos back to country even if OFWs cross through Egypt.
Most of 24 OFWs who arrived said they “would never go back to Israel after trauma they suffered on Oct. 7, when Hamas militants fired rockets toward Israel and took hostages of various nationalities in gatherings.”
OFWs will receive same benefits from government like earlier batches of OFWs who arrived.
19 speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord, 20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
“I felt that injustice was committed against Pantollano when he was relieved for simply doing his job,” Quezon City Mayor Ma. Josefina “Joy “ Belmonte-Alimurung said Quezon City police officer who was relieved from duty after stopping traffic for “very important person” has been reinstated to his post on her request.
In statement Belmonte expressed gratitude to Quezon City Police District (QCPD) director Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan for reinstating Executive M/Sgt. Verdo Pantollano.
QCPD has yet to inform local government identity of supposed VIP.
Belmonte said QCPD did not coordinate with them when it stopped traffic along Commonwealth Avenue.
In video posted on social media, it claimed VIP was Vice President Sara Duterte-Carpio, but her office denied.
“These digital applications collect users’ data and create digital images that mimic individual’s looks and speech, which can be used to create fake profiles that can lead to identity theft, social engineering, and phishing attacks,” Supreme Court (SC) has ordered officials and personnel of judiciary to strengthen cybersecurity measures to “minimize risk of cyber threats” as it issued guidelines to be followed by courts on “proper cyber hygiene.”
Directive was in light of recent data breach involving Philippine Health Insurance Corp., where at least 13 million members have been affected.
Under Administrative Order No. 150-2023, guidelines include actions to be followed on email safety, password security, software and system updates, data backup, safe internet usage, device security and suspicious activity reports.
To protect against phishing emails, which usually contain malicious links or attachments, SC said judiciary personnel should examine carefully sender’s email address and not open links and attachments unless these have been verified to be legitimate.
It added personnel should check for misspellings or inconsistencies, typographical errors, grammatical errors, or awkward language.
High court also suggested judiciary personnel should never use personal information and dictionary words in creating passwords and instead use passphrases or sequence of random words, use password manager, and to enable multi-factor authentication system in their accounts.
Judiciary officials and personnel were also directed to ensure operating systems of their devices such as laptops, desktops, smartphones, tablets and other electronic devices are up to date.
Guidelines also recommend court officials and personnel follow “3-2-1 backup rule” where users must maintain three separate copies of their data original in their primary device and two additional copies in different locations; two backup media formats; and one offsite backup.
This, SC said, is “to ensure data redundancy and availability in case of hardware failure, data corruption, or other catastrophes.”
High court also urged court officials and personnel to avoid visiting high-risk websites and downloading files from untrusted sources to protect their personal information, privacy and security.
SC also recommended download files and software only from reputable sources and use only secure and judiciary-approved file-sharing platforms for work-related activities.
Court officials and personnel were also directed to lock their respective computers and devices when not in use, especially when in shared or public places.
They were also instructed to immediately report lost or stolen devices and suspicious emails, links, ads, or email attachments to SC Management Information System Office “to prevent data leak and to maintain safe online environment.”
SC warned court officials and employees of risks of using artificial intelligence in digital applications, particularly those that require users to submit several photos of themselves to generate enhanced portraits.
ISKUP! 