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HEADLINES

Hamas releases hostages

By Nidz Godino

“Absolutely nothing has been done,”Israel military said  Assaf Shem Tov, whose nephew was abducted from  music festival wants more from their efforts in reply to Hamas atrocities.

Hamas released two American hostages held in Gaza, offering “sliver of hope” to desperate families as  first 20 trucks carrying humanitarian aid entered  war-torn and besieged region through  Rafah border crossing with Egypt.

Islamist group took more than 200 people hostage when it stormed into Israel from  Gaza Strip on Oct. 7,2023, and killed at least 1,400 people, mostly civilians.

In response, Israel launched  military campaign and cut food, water, electricity and fuel supplies to  densely populated and long-blockaded territory of 2.4 million people, sparking fears of humanitarian catastrophe.

Fate  of the hostages has been shrouded in uncertainty, so  release of mother and daughter Judith and Natalie Raanan offered  rare “sliver of hope,” said Mirjana Spoljaric, president of  International Committee of  Red Cross.

United States President Joe Biden was “overjoyed” by release  had spoken to  released pair and promised US support “as they recover from this terrible ordeal.”

He thanked Qatar,  hosts Hamas’ political bureau, for its mediation in securing  release, and  was working “around clock” to win  return of other Americans being held.

Hamas said Egypt and Qatar had negotiated release and it was “working with all mediators to implement  movement’s decision to close  civilian hostage file if appropriate security conditions allow.”

Release  comes days after Biden visited Israel to express solidarity with  wounded country and press for humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Journalists  saw 20 trucks from  Egyptian Red Crescent,  responsible for delivering aid from various UN agencies, pass through  Rafah border crossing from Egypt, and  first trucks entering Gaza on other side.

Crossing  only one into Gaza not controlled by Israel closed again after  trucks passed. Lorries  had been waiting for days on Egyptian side after Israel agreed to allow aid to enter following  request from  US.

UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths said convoy “must not be  last” and delivery would start “sustainable effort to provide essential supplies” to Gaza.

UN chief Antonio Guterres warned  aid was “ difference between life and death” for many Gazans.

But World Health Organization emergencies director Michael Ryan said Biden’s deal for  initial 20-truck delivery was “drop in  ocean of need” and that 2,000 trucks were required.

Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas, and says around 1,500 of  group’s fighters were killed in clashes before its army regained control of  area under attack on Oct. 7.

Israel’s military campaign has leveled entire city blocks in Gaza, killing 4,137 Palestinians, mostly civilians, according to Hamas-run health ministry.

Israeli troops are massed on border with Gaza ahead of an expected ground invasion  officials have pledged will begin soon.

But  full-blown land offensive carries many risks, including to hostages from Israel and around the world held by Hamas.

Israel’s military said  “ majority” of those abducted are still alive, while traumatized families demanded more action.

 “We ask humanity to interfere and bring back all those young boys, young girls, mothers, babies.”

Boasting good relations with both Western governments and Hamas,  emirate of Qatar has emerged as  key power in efforts to release hostages seized by  Palestinian militant group from Israel even as other states show readiness to help.

French President Emmanuel Macron lauded  key role played by Qatar in  release by Hamas of two American hostages held since its attack against Israel on October 7, adding he was confident of further releases.

West is increasingly using  influence of  small but gas-rich Gulf Arab state,  key global investor, in such situations, with  role of Qatar also crucial to  release last month of five Americans held by Iran.

While Egypt has traditionally in recent years served as  main mediator between Israel and Palestinian groups and Turkey under President Recep Tayyip Erdogan also makes no secret of its desire to be involved, focus is on Qatar helping to return hostages safely.

“Most accommodating mediator is Qatar, it knows Hamas well and is its loyal financial backer, ” said Hasni Abidi, director of Geneva-based Center for Studies and Research on  Arab and Mediterranean World (CERMAM).referring to Doha’s financing of  salaries of civil servants in  Hamas-run Gaza Strip.

Qatar,  hosted Hamas’s political office for more than 10 years, is also respected by US, Israel’s chief ally. It is home to  largest US military base in the region.

Israel says 203 people Israelis, dual nationals and foreigners  were abducted by Hamas gunmen when they launched  deadliest attacks in Israel’s 75-year history. At least 1,400 people were killed, mostly civilians, according to  government.

US hostages Judith Tai Raanan and her daughter Natalie Shoshana Raanan were back in Israel,  Israeli government said.

“This is  very good outcome obtained by  negotiators,  Qatar played  very important role,” Macron told  group of reporters.

Macron said France wanted similar operations to go on in  next “hours and days” to continue “allowing hostages, in particular our hostages, to get out.”

“We are confident:  channels we have are  right ones and are useful,” he added. In a later message on X, formerly Twitter, Macron said Qatar played  “decisive role” in securing  release of  two American hostages.

Qatar is  “specialist in the release of hostages”, said Etienne Dignat of Sciences Po university in Paris and expert on hostage situations.

It was with Qatar  $6 billion of frozen Iranian funds from South Korean banks was parked pending  release in  hugely complex and sensitive swap deal of  five American citizens held by Iran.

It appears to have been no coincidence  Macron’s envoy for Lebanon,  former foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian,  trusted confidant of president on security issues, was in Qatar, according to diplomatic sources.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also paid  visit to Qatar on his marathon trip to region this week.

“Qatar plays  double game: it maintains both relations with terrorist groups and certain Western nations which are indebted to it,” said Dignat. 

Emirate  had invited  Taliban to open  office in Doha with  approval of US, making it possible to negotiate  withdrawal of American forces from Afghanistan in 2021, although this was then followed by  return of  Taliban to power.

Other heavyweights in the region are simultaneously trying to intervene. 

Turkey has received “requests from several countries” to help, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, his country’s ex-spy chief, said in Beirut. 

Erdogan has in recent months sought to warm relations with Israel which have suffered in  last years after  string of bitter disputes. But this risks having  consequence Ankara is trusted by neither side.

And it was Egypt  helped secure  release in 2011 of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, who had been held by Hamas for over five years.

Potential actors are “only those who have established long-standing relationships with Hamas and therefore  only ones authorized to make contact with its leaders,” said Abidi.

But in this case, unprecedented number of hostages held and  number of nationalities represented among them means there will be no single solution and diplomacy is likely to be painstaking.

“There will be no collective negotiation, each state will be called upon to negotiate  release of its own hostages ,” said Abidi. 

 Israel intends to end all responsibility for Gaza as part of  “new regional reality” it expects to emerge after its war with Hamas militants, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said.

Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005 before soon afterwards imposing  land, sea and air blockade on enclave  intensified in 2007, when Hamas took power.

But according to  International Committee of the Red Cross, Gaza “remains occupied”, due to  restrictions, and Israel is therefore bound by international law to protect its 2.4 million residents. 

Yet nearly two weeks after  latest Gaza conflict erupted, Gallant outlined “three stages” of  hostilities which will see Israel abandon its obligations.

His remarks come after Hamas militants infiltrated Israel’s southern border on October 7, killing at least 1,400 people, mostly civilians slain on the day of the largest attack in Israel’s history, according to Israeli officials.

Gallant said  initial and current phase of incessant strikes across Palestinian territory would be followed by “neutralizing terrorists and destroying Hamas infrastructure”.

Subsequent  stage will take not ” day, nor  week, nor  month”, Gallant told parliament’s foreign affairs and defense committee.

After hitting “pockets of resistance”,  defense minister foresaw ” end of Israel’s responsibilities in  Gaza Strip”.

Military  campaign will “put in place  new security reality for  citizens of Israel”, Gallant said.

An Israeli foreign ministry source, speaking to media on condition of anonymity, said Israel envisaged “handing over  keys” to neighbouring Egypt.

Israel’s military last week ordered more than  million residents of northern Gaza to flee to south, prompting Palestinians to argue  army was seeking permanent mass displacement of residents.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi will not allow any influx of refugees from Gaza, without commenting on any potential future role Cairo may play in  enclave.

Palestinians have also faced tight border restrictions imposed by Egypt, at Gaza’s southern Rafah crossing.

TODAY’S GOD’S MESSAGE

Proverbs 15:23

²³ A person finds joy in giving an apt reply—
    and how good is a timely word!

LTFRB whistle-blower summoned

By Nidz Godino

“NBI has  anti-graft desk… usually motu proprio…but we will remind them,” Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla told  press  National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has issued  subpoena for  former Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board employee who blew  whistle on alleged corruption in  LTFRB but later recanted his claims.

Subpoena  was issued despite former executive assistant Jefferson Tumbado retracting his corruption allegations against LTFRB Chairman Teofilo Guadiz III and other agency officials, NBI public information officer Nick Suarez told media.

Department of Justice (DOJ) said while  subpoena had been issued, it could not be served due to  incorrect address in Tumbado’s affidavit.

DOJ spokesperson Mico Clavano said  NBI obtained  certification verifying  address in Tumbado’s affidavit does not exist.

Clavano noted NBI is in  process of serving another subpoena to Tumbado.

In  press conference, Remulla said  DOJ would work closely with NBI on the case.

 “I think Undersecretary Brigido Dulay will be one to talk with NBI to go after this LTFRB case and to interview  chairman of  LTFRB,” he stressed.

Tumbado previously claimed  top officials of LTFRB accepted bribes of up to P5 million to issue franchises, special permits or board resolutions.

Tumbado recanted his claims days later, saying all things he said were born out of “impulse, irrational thinking, misjudgment and poor decision making.”

Meanwhile, Manila Rep. Benny Abante has filed House Resolution 1381, urging  House committee on good government and public accountability to conduct investigation in aid of legislation of  LTFRB’s implementation of  public utility vehicle modernization program (PUVMP) .

“While  whistle-blower has recanted his initial statements…he maintains  there are still problems in  LTFRB that merit  immediate inquiry,” he said.

Abante also called for  suspension of  PUVMP pending  results of  investigation. 

‘Deaf’ traveler with fake Ph passport

By J.Lo

“We have reason to suspect  this man is pretending to be deaf to avoid having to speak Filipino,” Bureau of Immigration (BI) Commissioner Norman Tansingco said  traveler who claimed to be deaf was arrested upon his arrival at  Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 from Bangkok, Thailand  when he presented  fake Philippine passport.

Passport  indicated  traveler’s name as Sengaloun Phimpa.

Immigration officer Cristine Niepes had subjected  passport for tertiary inspection with  Bureau of Immigration (BI)’s forensic documents laboratory after finding inconsistencies in  document.

Results of  forensic inspection showed  passport was fraudulent and had  counterfeit immigration stamp and Thai visa.

Phimpa was found to be carrying Philippine taxpayer’s and postal identification cards and Thai identification papers.

Tansingco said  Phimpa’s case will undergo further investigation. If it is proven that Phimpa is  foreigner, he will be transferred to  BI detention facility at Camp Bagong Diwa while he awaits deportation, he added.

An immigration expert told media that  traveler used  fake Philippine passport to hide in the country “because he may have  case in Thailand.”

Morales is new PSG head

By Nidz Godino

Malacañang announced President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has named  new head of Presidential Security Group (PSG)..

Brig. Gen. Jesus Nelson Morales of  Philippine Air Force (PAF) will replace Brig. Gen. Ramon Zagala.

Prior to his new post, Morales was deputy commander of  PAF’s Air Logistics Command.

Zagala will become chief of  civil relations service of  Armed Forces, according to  statement from  Presidential Communications Office (PCO).

There was no word from Malacañang yet on why Zagala was replaced as PSG chief, but such movements are usually preceded by recommendations from  Department of National Defense and  Armed Forces leadership.

Zagala is expected to be promoted to major general,  two-star rank required for his new post.

He previously served as spokesman of Armed Forces. He is  graduate of VIP Protection Course and held various positions in  PSG during his junior years. Zagala was an aide-de-camp of former president Joseph Estrada.

His father, retired military general Rafael Zagala, was army chief from 1972 to 1975 during  administration of FMJ late father and namesake.

PCG to acquire 40 Ph made vessels

By Nidz Godino

“We will eventually have 40 patrol boats and that will give us  increased capability…this is ongoing,” President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said  government is acquiring 40 patrol boats to enhance  Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)’s capability to defend  country’s maritime territory.

During  PCG’s 122nd anniversary in Manila, FMJ  said  vessels are being built in Cebu and are intended to help  PCG perform its functions.

 “We can see that our capability to defend our maritime domain,  sovereign territory of  Philippines, is increasing,” he stressed.

Acquisition  of  15-meter patrol boats is in line with administration’s effort to upgrade  equipment and strengthen  capabilities of PCG.

FMJ did not say how much would be spent to acquire vessels.

“We are continuing with upgrading of  equipment, training and  capabilities of all our people, especially  coast guard, not only because they are in  frontline of  problems  we are facing in  West Philippine Sea, but also because of  very important function  they play when it comes to search and rescue, maritime incidents, when it comes disaster assistance,  Philippines is lucky as we have many friends around the world and many of our friends from nearby countries and even from distant ones are helping us improve and strengthen our coast guard,”. President added.

FMJ thanked PCG for providing steadfast service and dedication to duty during times of calamity, upholding  Philippines’ maritime security and promoting its maritime rights, fighting against  entry of smuggled goods, protecting  marine environment and securing  safety of fisherfolk as they pursue their means of livelihood.

“Be assured  this administration firmly stands with you in your plans and efforts to improve, expand and modernize capabilities and services so that you may better contribute to  security and welfare of our people and  nation,”  Chief Executive said.

As part of  celebration of  PCG’s 122nd anniversary, FMJ honored coast guard personnel who rendered exceptional performance, including those who upheld  country’s rights over  West Philippine Sea.

Coast  guard distinguished service medal and ribbon were awarded to Commodore Jay Tarriela for demonstrating “distinguished and commendable competency, courage and patriotism” as  adviser to  commandant on maritime security affairs and as PCG spokesman for  West Philippine Sea.

Distinguished  coast guard cross medal and ribbon were awarded to Petty Officer 3 Jason Nicol and Seaman First Joseph Rivera, who cut rope barriers placed by  Chinese coast guard at  southeast entrance of Scarborough or Panatag Shoal.

Same  award was given to  BRP Malapascua “for meritorious courage, bravery and patriotism in face of danger resulted in success of coast guard operations in West Philippine Sea.

Ship  was involved in resupply missions in Ayungin Shoal.

BRP Malabrigo,  hit by  Chinese coast guard water cannon, also received award.

Also feted were  PCG District Palawan headed by its commander Captain Dennis Labay; coast guard stations Manila, Malacañang and Sorsogon; PCG substation Tanza, Petty Officer 1 Ronald Empeñado, non-uniformed personnel Gloria Ricafrente and lighthouse keeper Antonio Beruela.

“Despite dangers of operating in West Philippine Sea,  coast guard continues to fulfill its mission of ensuring  we do not yield even  square inch our territory to any foreign power,” PCG chief Artemio Abu said

Hse defends confidential fund realignment

By Nidz Godino

“It is essential to understand  decision was made for benefit of the nation and not as  personal affront to any individual, including VP Duterte,” leaders representing super majority coalition,  support  leadership of Speaker Martin Romualdez, declared former president Rodrigo Duterte and Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte-Carpio should not be offended by  decision of House of Representatives to realign confidential funds of  latter.

Beneficiaries  of  House’s realignment of  confidential funds from Office of the Vice President and  Department of Education include  National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (P300 million), National Security Council (P100 million) and Philippine Coast Guard (P200 million).

It is still five years away from  next presidential elections, and politicking among possible contenders at this early stage is  last thing  country needs, especially in light of economic challenges brought about by global inflation, among many others, according to lawmakers.

“Last thing we need right now is for crass, divisive politics distracting us from  possible problems that could arise from this brewing crisis, oil prices have begun to spike as  result of  ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict… government needs to be prepared for possible fallout resulting from this,” Camarines Sur 2nd District Rep. LRay Villafuerte said, in reference to  latest news about  ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.

Villafuerte, ally of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., called on “perpetrators of this kind of politics at its lowest form” to back off and assist government instead in providing solutions that will support  country’s economic renewal.

Manila 6th District Rep. Bienvenido Abante, for his part, appealed for calm and composure amid  heated national discussion about confidential funds as he urged  nation’s leaders to instead focus on  welfare of  Filipino people.

“It is always preferable and always more productive to dial up dialogue and dial down divisive rhetoric when we deliberate on issues  concern our people…in Congress, we have been taught it is possible to disagree without being disagreeable, naturally, we leaders can be passionate about our advocacies and can be very resolute in our positions…but even in our most intense debates, there should always be room for comity and collegiality,” Abante said.

Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers extolled  successes of  chamber they belong to, in reaction to recent attacks from  former president.

“As one of  senior members of  House, I stand by  institution’s integrity and strict adherence to  law, I join hands with my colleagues in support of  leadership of Speaker Romualdez and priority legislations of President Marcos aimed toward advancing interests of  people, uplifting their lives through measures that improve  economy, safeguarding our territory and ensuring our safety in  face of threats against our nation’s peace and independence,” Barbers said.

Despite exchange of tirades,  relationsip between Duterte and  House of Representatives as an institution remains cordial, according to House secretary general Reginald Velasco.

There is “no personal problem” in  relationship between lawmakers and former president, who earlier tagged  chamber as  “most rotten institution,” Velasco said.

He said House members have been supportive of Duterte even when he was still  president.

“During time of COVID, you know that all of Duterte’s administration’s proposed legislation were approved by  House, including COVID measures and emergency procurement, things like that,” he added.

House official also stressed there is no problem in  relationship of  House and Duterte, but political party leaders deemed it necessary to issue  joint statement countering  former president’s tirades.

Lawmakers  were also concerned over Duterte’s threat to ACT Teachers party-list Rep. France Castro,  staunch critic of  younger Duterte.

Former  president also accused Romualdez of spearheading moves to remove  P650-million confidential fund of his daughter.

On insinuations  diversion of  funds of some departments to agencies involved in protection of West Philippine Sea was politically motivated, Velasco said  Speaker still has two years to finish his term.

Velasco added  Romualdez also has another term, from 2025 to 2028, to meet  term limit.

“So why talk about 2028 elections?” Velasco said. 

Malolos Diocese sets Oct 24,day of contemplation, prayer for peace

By J.Lo

“Everyone is expected to offer sacrifices and prayers and to have  Holy Hour in each parish,” Roman Catholic  Diocese of Malolos has scheduled Oct. 24 as  day of contemplation and prayer, for  intention of peace for Israel and Palestine.

In its official Facebook page, Bishop Dennis Villarojo of  Diocese of Malolos announced  Oct. 24 has been designated as  day of Contemplation and Prayer for Peace in Israel and Palestine.

This is in line with  appeal of  Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem, His Eminence Pierbattista Cardinal Pizzaballa, for  entire Catholic Church to unite in their cause.

“Come, let’s pray together for peace in  Holy Land,”  diocese added.

For  Archdiocese of Manila, Vice Chancellor Fr. Carmelo Arada Jr. issued  two-page circular last Oct. 14 which requested their clergymen to pray  rosary on Oct. 17 and offer it for peace in  Holy Land, especially Israel and Palestine.

Call  to prayers for peace was raised amid  ongoing conflict in the region.

ASF vaccine black market denied

By J.Lo

“We don’t sell in  market…in fact, this is not available in small-scale markets… claim  it was  cause of outbreak is really  attempt to sabotage  impending issuance of certificate of product registration of government on vaccine,” KPP Powers Commodities Inc. legal counsel and spokesman Reynaldo Robles said  importer of  African swine fever vaccine countered  claim of farmers’ group Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura chairman Rosendo So that  sale of ASF vaccine in black market was  cause of  spread of  virus in the country.

In interview with media, Robles said  ASF outbreak in the country started in 2020, adding company was able to secure  special permit from  Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to conduct field trials in the Philippines.

So has blamed  spread of ASF on  illegal sale of 300,000 vials of ASF vaccine.

“This is impossible as outbreak started way back in 2020,” Robles stressed.

For his part, KPP head Juancho Robles said  vaccine,  manufactured in Vietnam, has undergone rigid farm trials in 550 farms involving more than 600,000 doses in various regions in Vietnam under  scrutiny of their Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development,  US Department of Agriculture and  World Health Organization for Animals.

“In fact,  Vietnam government has authorized  nationwide use of  ASF vaccine in their country since July 2023,” Robles, brother of  legal counsel, said.

He said  FDA also issued  special import permit for 300,000 doses for large-scale commercial trials at qualified large farms only.

“Proponents of  vaccine confirmed there have been no untoward incidents reported regarding  trials…based on  vaccine protocols,  distribution of vaccine is strictly monitored and reports and confirmation of participation are required from farms  signed up for  trials for monitoring and tracking purposes,” he added.

According to Robles, all vaccines are accounted for by KPP as an exclusive distributor of  vaccine in the Philippines.

“It has also come to  attention of KPP that some unscrupulous groups have been smuggling fake ASF vaccines and claiming these vaccines are same ones from Vietnam. It is unfortunate that many farmers are being deceived by these groups, resulting in unmitigated pig deaths,” Robles noted.

He added local agricultural and regulatory authorities are apparently trying to find  way to speed up  approval process for  vaccine so that pig farmers can avail themselves of  safe and effective vaccine to save  country’s swine industry.

Gibo prohibits AFP use of AI photo generator apps

By J.Lo

“All DND and AFP personnel are directed to refrain from using Al photo generator applications, and practice vigilance in sharing information online,” Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro said in  memorandum order to  Department of National Defense and Armed Forces dated Oct. 18,2023 they may be  global craze, but artificial intelligence photo generator apps can pose security risks.

Teodoro, issued order prohibiting military and defense personnel from using  apps.

He warned that AI apps can create fake profiles using photos collected from users of  apps. Such fake data and information can be used for scamming, identity theft, social engineering, phishing attacks and other criminal activities, even espionage.

“Online trending digital application  uses artificial intelligence,  requires its users to submit at least 10 photos of themselves to generate enhanced portrait, poses significant privacy and security risks,  application compiles its users’ data and creates  digital person that mimics how  real individual speaks and moves,” Teodoro said.

Teodoro said  collected photos can be used to create fake profiles that can lead to identity theft, social engineering, phishing attacks and other nefarious activities.

Defense  chief said there have already been reports of such illegal activities.

“This seemingly harmless and amusing Al-powered application can be maliciously used,” he stressed.

Teodoro reminded DND and AFP personnel to make sure their actions “are aligned to  department’s values and are in adherence to existing policies.”