28 Enero, 2025 Martes

election campaign period, gun ban in effect

3 days to love month

Happy 21st anniversary, Servants of God in Jesus Christ Christian Ministries Incorporated, Rev. Nestor Sadim, Rev. Manuel Soliman, Director Jorge Lopez

No to Divorce!!!

Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez, Happy 91st birthday Nanay  

No to SOGIE bill

supports National Bible Month 2025

supports Marked Men for Christ Philippines Seminar, January 30,31,February 1,2025, Kabaleyan Cove, San Carlos City, Pangasinan 

supports National Autism Prevention Week, January 2o-25 2025

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ABS 2025

FMJ to create more med sch in SUCs,new college of med to ESSU, Borongan City

By Nidz Godino

“We must democratize and widen student access to state-subsidized medical schooling so that Philippines can produce more Doctor of Medicine graduates in the years ahead,” House Minority Leader Marcelino Libanan represents 4Ps party-list, said in  statement citing  scarcity of doctors,  leader of  opposition bloc at House of Representatives  called on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.to certify as urgent  bills creating more medicine schools in state universities and colleges (SUCs) across the country. New  college of medicine would be created at Eastern Samar State University in Borongan City.

Libanan noted  there are nine bills  seek to create additional schools of medicine in SUCs since Filipinos, especially those in far-flung provinces, badly need doctors to strengthen  public health care system.

Lawyer  by profession, Libanan took  medical technology course as his pre-law degree.

“Right now, we are not producing enough new doctors due to  prohibitive cost of medical schooling in private higher education institutions…this is why we need more colleges of medicine in our SUCs, especially in  provinces,if we want to assure Filipinos access to quality health care, we need  constant supply of new doctors to replace those retiring or migrating overseas,” he said.

Opposition  lawmaker authored one of the nine House bills  seek to establish new schools of medicine in SUCs.

As he proposed in House Bill 9872,  new college of medicine would be created at Eastern Samar State University in Borongan City.

Libanan hails from Eastern Samar and had represented province’s lone district in Congress for nine years.

In addition to his bill, eight other measures seek to establish new colleges of medicine at  Polytechnic University of the Philippines in Quezon City; University of Science and Technology of Southern Philippines in Cagayan de Oro City; Samar State University in Catbalogan City, Samar; Aklan State University in Ibajay, Aklan; Mindanao State University in General Santos City; North Eastern Mindanao State University in Tandag, Surigao del Sur; Bukidnon State University in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, and Sultan Kudarat State University in Tacurong City, Sultan Kudarat.

Country’s doctor-to-population ratio is only around 3.6 doctors for every 10,000 people, according to  Department of Health.

World Health Organization has pegged  ideal ratio at 10 doctors for every 10,000 people, or one doctor for every 1,000 people.

28 Enero, 2025 Martes

election campaign period, gun ban in effect

3 days to love month

Happy 21st anniversary, Servants of God in Jesus Christ Christian Ministries Incorporated, Rev. Nestor Sadim, Rev. Manuel Soliman, Director Jorge Lopez

No to Divorce!!!

Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez, Happy 91st birthday Nanay  

No to SOGIE bill

supports National Bible Month 2025

supports Marked Men for Christ Philippines Seminar, January 30,31,February 1,2025, Kabaleyan Cove, San Carlos City, Pangasinan 

supports National Autism Prevention Week, January 2o-25 2025

PM for any hospital discharge problem

ABS 2025

FMJ appoints new BFAR director

By Nidz Godino

“If we have more cold storage facilities, local farmers can compete… no need to import as cold storage facilities are full,” Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (Sinag). executive director Jayson Cainglet said with cold storage facilities, farmers can negotiate better prices without fear of vegetables possibly rotting.

 President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.has appointed Elizer Salilig as permanent director of  Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) after  ombudsman upheld  former chief’s dismissal.

Salilig replaced Demosthenes Escoto, dismissed over alleged irregularities in awarding  P2.1-billion contract for vessel monitoring system (VMS) transceivers to  British company in 2018.

The new BFAR director is  career official serving  fisheries sector for over 34 years.

Starting as  fishery technician in Soccsksargen, Salilig had advanced to aquaculturist I and planning and budget officer overseeing  development and evaluation of key fisheries programs.

Salilig contributed to  implementation of  Fisheries Scholarship Program.

In 2016, Salilig was appointed regional director of  BFAR in Mimaropa.

During his tenure, he spearheaded the Tilapia Intensive Hatchery Production program to strengthen aquaculture production. Salilig also established the country’s first shrimp hatchery in Oriental Mindoro.

Salilig led the modernization of the regional office facility.

In an eight-page order, Ombudsman Samuel Martires dismissed  motions for reconsideration filed by Escoto, former agriculture undersecretary and BFAR national director Eduardo Gongona and British national Simon Tucker of SRT Marine Systems Solutions.

Defendants  moved to reverse their graft indictment over alleged anomalies in  VMS project.

Escoto’s involvement in  scheme to favor SRT-France and SRT-UK – despite  former’s ineligibility to participate in  bidding process  established his probable guilt and liability,  ombudsman said.

French embassy in the Philippines had declared SRT-France’s lack of qualifications due to  absence of manufacturing records or engineering facilities in France.

James Mier Victoriano had filed  complaint after  contract for BFAR’s Integrated Marine Environment Monitoring System Project Phase II was awarded to SRT-UK.

Meanwhile, constructing 99 cold storage facilities nationwide will lessen imported farm products as farmers can store their produce, according to peasants’ Sinag.

Citing onion farmers’ experience last year, the group said red onions were not imported as the government saw there were stocks, with bulbs lasting until December.

A P3-billion initiative to construct 99 cold storage facilities nationwide will be rolled out by  Department of Agriculture.

“Middlemen cannot dictate prices as farmers would have  option to store their products until  better price is offered,” he said.

Facilities  should be free and operated by farmers’ cooperatives, Cainglet said.

Farmers spend at least P300 per bag to avail themselves of cold storage facilities for six months, Cainglet noted.

Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said  facilities would feature sustainable, cost-efficient designs powered by renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, alongside electricity from  grid.

President Marcos should create  national council to address rice smuggling, hoarding and profiteering in the country, a lawmaker said.

Despite tariff cuts and lower prices in  world market, rice has remained costly for Filipinos, Agricultural Sector Alliance of the Philippines party-list Rep. Nicanor Briones pointed out.

The proposed council, he said, would be comprised of the trade, finance and agriculture departments, as well as the National Economic and Development Authority.

The council shall formulate policies and form  law enforcement group against smugglers, hoarders and profiteers, he noted.

Despite  passage of  Anti-Economic Sabotage Act, no one has been punished yet, Briones said.

Under the law, he noted that agricultural smuggling, hoarding, profiteering and engaging in a cartel are classified as economic sabotage,  non-bailable crime with  penalty of life imprisonment.

Twenty-one containers of smuggled frozen mackerel from China were seized last year by Customs officials at the Manila International Container Port, Briones recalled.

Charges were filed against importer Pacific Sealand Food Corp.  Hold  departure order must be issued against owners, Briones said.

27 Enero, 2025 Lunes

election campaign period, gun ban in effect

4 days to love month

Happy 21st anniversary, Servants of God in Jesus Christ Christian Ministries Incorporated, Rev. Nestor Sadim, Rev. Manuel Soliman, Director Jorge Lopez

No to Divorce!!!

Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez, Happy 91st birthday Nanay  

No to SOGIE bill

supports National Bible Month 2025

supports Marked Men for Christ Philippines Seminar, January 30,31,February 1,2025, Kabaleyan Cove, San Carlos City, Pangasinan 

supports National Autism Prevention Week, January 2o-25 2025

PM for any hospital discharge problem

ABS 2025

EDSA Shrine, 2 other sites now National Shrines

By J.Lo      

Status as national shrine has been given to Archdiocesan Shrine of Mary, Queen of Peace (EDSA Shrine), Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Loreto and  Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Aranzazu.

CBCPNews reported that  Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines, during its 129th plenary assembly on Jan. 25, voted to designate  three churches as national shrines.

Both EDSA Shrine and  Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Loreto are under  Archdiocese of Manila.  Diocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Aranzazu is under  Diocese of Antipolo.

More than 70 bishops are attending  three-day assembly in Sta. Rosa City, Laguna,  set to end today.

EDSA Shrine, built in 1989, commemorates  Feb. 25, 1986 people power revolution. It was also  site of  2001 demonstration that led to  ouster of former president Joseph Estrada.

Loreto Church in Sampaloc district houses centuries-old image of  Virgin Mary as Our Lady of Loreto. It is currently  only parish in the country dedicated to this Marian title.

Aranzazu Shrine in San Mateo, Rizal, meanwhile has  rich history dating back to 1596, when Augustinian friars established  first settlements in the area.

CBCPNews explained  national shrine is  sacred site recognized by Catholic Church for its historical, spiritual, or cultural significance, often linked to popular devotion, significant religious events, miracles, or apparitions.

It is also designated to promote  faith through exemplary liturgical celebrations, pastoral care, and dedicated ministry to fanatics.

To become  national shrine, church must first be designated as  diocesan shrine by  local bishop or archbishop.

This requires  church to be  pilgrimage site for  specific piety, offering superior worship, Christian formation and social services. Once these conditions are met, parish can petition for canonical elevation.

If devotion grows,  diocesan shrine may then petition  national conference of Catholic bishops for recognition. In the Philippines, CBCP oversees  requirements for national shrines.

27 Enero, 2025 Lunes

election campaign period, gun ban in effect

4 days to love month

Happy 21st anniversary, Servants of God in Jesus Christ Christian Ministries Incorporated, Rev. Nestor Sadim, Rev. Manuel Soliman, Director Jorge Lopez

No to Divorce!!!

Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez, Happy 91st birthday Nanay  

No to SOGIE bill

supports National Bible Month 2025

supports Marked Men for Christ Philippines Seminar, January 30,31,February 1,2025, Kabaleyan Cove, San Carlos City, Pangasinan 

supports National Autism Prevention Week, January 2o-25 2025

PM for any hospital discharge problem

ABS 2025

Headlines

DA to build P3 B cold storage facilities for fruits, vegetables

By Nidz Godino

“This approach not only addresses immediate agricultural needs, but also aligns with broader environmental goals,” Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said Department of Agriculture (DA) is set to roll out  P3-billion initiative to construct 99 cold storage facilities nationwide, aiming to extend  shelf life of fruits, vegetables and high-value crops, while ensuring price stability and food security.

In  statement Tiu Laurel  said  facilities would feature sustainable, cost-efficient designs powered by renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, alongside electricity from  grid.

Project,  cornerstone of  DA’s logistics master plan, aims to strengthen  agricultural supply chain by reducing post-harvest losses and improving  distribution of goods.

Plan, spearheaded by  Agriculture and Fisheries Logistics Office under Assistant Secretary Daniel Alfonso Atayde, includes cold storage facilities, road networks, agricultural seaports and  integrated cold chain system.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.has approved  use of P1.5 billion in unprogrammed funds for 2024 to initiate the project, while another P1.5 billion is allocated in  2025 General Appropriations Act.

“Unprogrammed funds will be spent to build around 65 small or modular chiller-type cold storage facilities across the country and  large cold storage facility to be built in Camarines Sur,” Tiu Laurel said.

Additional plans include two large facilities, potentially in San Jose, Occidental Mindoro and Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija, as well as 31 smaller modular units.

Each large facility, designed to store 2,800 to 3,500 pallet positions, will take 18 to 22 months to complete, with operations managed by  DA in coordination with local government units and farmers’ cooperatives.

Modular  units, akin to 40-foot container vans with 7 to 15 metric tons capacity depending on  agricultural products to be stored, will be operational within three months, offering quicker solution for immediate storage needs nationwide.

DA further noted  investment in cold chain infrastructure aims to stabilize supply and prices, and enhance returns for farmers and fisherfolk which will benefit both producers and consumers to  sustainable agricultural economy.

“Budget allocation for cold storage in 2025 is  strategic approach towards bolstering this critical aspect of agricultural sector,” Atayde said.

TODAY’S GOD’S MESSAGE

Ephesians 6:12-13

¹² For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. ¹³ Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand.

26 Enero ,2025 Linggo

election campaign period, gun ban in effect

5 days to love month

Happy 21st anniversary, Servants of God in Jesus Christ Christian Ministries Incorporated, Rev. Nestor Sadim, Rev. Manuel Soliman, Director Jorge Lopez

No to Divorce!!!

Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez, Happy 91st birthday Nanay  

No to SOGIE bill

supports National Bible Month 2025

supports Marked Men for Christ Philippines Seminar, January 30,31,February 1,2025, Kabaleyan Cove, San Carlos City, Pangasinan  

supports National Autism Prevention Week, January 2o-25 2025

PM for any hospital discharge problem

ABS 2025

6 Ph universities ranked global

By J.Lo

Times Higher Education (THE)’s World University Rankings by Subject lauded six Philippine universities earned spots in, missing only one out of 11 disciplines rated this year 2025.

University of the Philippines, Ateneo de Manila University, De La Salle University (DLSU), University of Santo Tomas, Mapua University and Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) earned spots in all subjects except Law.

Under Arts and Humanities, Business and Economics, only UP and DLSU earned rankings and shared spots for each subject at 601+ and 801+ brackets, respectively.

Both universities were also  only institutions  earned rankings in  Medicine
 and Health subject, with UP emerging at the top locally at  501-600 spot.

UP was lone school to be ranked within  Life Sciences at  801-1000 bracket.

Mapua emerged as  top Philippine school in Computer Science and Engineering, ranking within  801-1000 and 1001-1250 brackets, respectively. Under the same subjects, UP and DLSU shared  No. 2 spot.

DLSU was top Philippine university in Education studies at  401-500 spot, followed by UP and UST at 501-600 bracket. DLSU also topped ranking among local universities in Psychology at  401-500 spot, followed by Ateneo at 501-600.

Under Physical Sciences, only UST did not receive  ranking. Mapua and MSU-IIT earned rankings within  801-1000 bracket, followed by UP, Ateneo and DLSU at the 1001+ bracket.

UP, Ateneo and DLSU landed on the same spots globally in Social Sciences at 801-1000 bracket.

Rankings  were based on key indicators submitted by each university during  academic year 2022, THE said.

Key indicators included research quality, industry, international outlook, research environment and teaching.

Most Filipinos perceive  University of the Philippines as  “best university” in the country,  survey conducted by OCTA Research group showed.

Survey, conducted from Nov. 10 to 16, found that 71 percent of  respondents perceiving UP as  best university in the Philippines.

Some 15 percent selected DLSU, while 14 percent chose Ateneo de Manila.

Respondents  were asked to select among three universities or provide different answer.

Less than one percent chose “others,”  survey results showed.

Based on  poll, UP was perceived as  “best performing” university in the country across all geographic areas and socio-economic indicators.

OCTA, whose founders include several UP professors, said it released  survey results to UP as  public service.

Survey  was non-commissioned and had 1,200 respondents and  margin of error of plus/minus three percent. 

26 Enero,2025 Linggo

election campaign period, gun ban in effect

5 days to love month

Happy 21st anniversary, Servants of God in Jesus Christ Christian Ministries Incorporated, Rev. Nestor Sadim, Rev. Manuel Soliman, Director Jorge Lopez

No to Divorce!!!

Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez, Happy 91st birthday Nanay  

No to SOGIE bill

supports National Bible Month 2025

supports Marked Men for Christ Philippines Seminar, January 30,31,February 1,2025, Kabaleyan Cove, San Carlos City, Pangasinan 

supports National Autism Prevention Week, January 2o-25 2025

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ABS 2025

Ronnie Ricketts in entering politics: ‘Dapat meron kang misyon’

By Cynthia Montojo

“No, no…how do you say it na walang masasagasaan, ‘di ba…nasa kanila ‘yan actually, but nakikita ko kung anong nangyayari diyan sa loob e,”Ronnie Ricketts has no plan to enter politics, citing  it is  pursuit that needs knowledge and understanding of duties and responsibilities.

The ‘90s action star said  politics is not for him amid  looming mid-term elections in May this year. 

 “I mean, alam ko, alam ko e… I just hope, kung gusto mong tumakbo, makatulong ka, alam mo ‘yung gagawin mo,” Ronnie said after  press conference for his TV comeback “Mga Batang Riles”. 

“Hindi lang dahil may pangalan kami, takbo tayo…hindi dapat ganon e… dapat meron kang misyon… kasi ‘pag pumunta ka doon tapos doon ka pa lang matututo, it’s very hard…ang hirap nu’n,” he stressed. 

In recent years, many of his ‘90s action star contemporaries ran and lost in their bid for local and national positions. 

Robin Padilla joined Bong Revilla, Lito Lapid and Jinggoy Estrada in senate. Philip Salvador hopes to find his place in senate when he filed his certificate of candidacy last year for this year’s mid-term elections. 

For Ronnie, holding  public post means putting  nation’s interest and service to  electorate as top concerns.

“Pero ‘pag pupunta ka lang doon para pumorma, magkaroon ng extra income or gamitin ‘yung position mo, hindi yata maganda…dapat ang priority mo ay para sa tao, ‘yung service…ako yun ‘yun e,” he said. 

The action star also advised taking note of  political candidate’s intentions and of  company  he keeps.

“‘Tingnan mo rin ‘yung character ng tao…ano ba ang ginagawa niya sa buhay niya…tingnan mo, sino barkada niya…lalabas ‘yung character…iba ‘yung campaign…ako ang pinakamabait, pinakamagaling’…but sino ‘yung other side ng tao…alamin mo ‘yun… hindi lang ‘yung binebenta ‘yung sarili,” he said. 

He acknowledged that there are those who were able to deliver on their campaign promises, but there were those who were not able to. He also expressed hope that corruption will be eradicated. 

Ronnie previously served as  chairman and chief executive officer of  Optical Media Board from 2009 to 2016.  Agency  is part of the Office of the President of the Philippines  regulates  production, use, and distribution of recording media in the country. 

23 Enero, 2025 Huwebes

election campaign period, gun ban in effect

 8 days to love month

Happy 21st anniversary, Servants of God in Jesus Christ Christian Ministries Incorporated, Rev. Nestor Sadim, Rev. Manuel Soliman, Director Jorge Lopez

No to Divorce!!!

Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez, Happy 91st birthday Nanay  

No to SOGIE bill

supports National Bible Month 2025

supports Marked Men for Christ Philippines Seminar, January 30,31,February 1,2025, Kabaleyan Cove, San Carlos City, Pangasinan 

PM for any hospital discharge problem

ABS 2025

Ballot  printing to resume

By Nidz Godino

“Earliest is Friday,  latest is Saturday,” Commission on Elections (Comelec). Chairman George Garcia said Supreme Court is done issuing temporary restraining orders (TROs) covering disqualified candidates, and printing of ballots for  midterm polls can now proceed.

Comelec sources told media poll body is no longer expecting TROs from  SC that could delay ballot printing.

Eleven candidates disqualified by  Comelec secured TROs from  SC.

They are senatorial candidates Subair Guinthum Mustapha and Francis Leo Marcos; dismissed Albay governor Noel Rosal,  seeking reelection; former congressman Edgar Erice; Charles Savellano,  vying for  congressional seat of Ilocos Sur’s first district; Chito Bulatao Balintay, running for Zambales governor; Florendo de Ramos Ritualo Jr., vying for  seat in  San Juan City council; Marie Grace David, running for vice mayor in Limay, Bataan; Mary Dominique Oñate, running for mayor of Palompon, Leyte; Aldrin Sta. Ana., running for mayor of Bocaue, Bulacan and dismissed Mandaue City mayor Jonas Cortes, who is seeking reelection.

After  first batch of TROs was issued, Comelec suspended  printing of official ballots, saying about six million ballots have to be destroyed through shredding.

High  court has received about 25 petitions for TROs concerning May polls, Supreme Court spokesperson Camille Sue Mae Ting said.

Ballot printing has been delayed for three weeks, Garcia noted.

Comelec, he said, will take action on  case-to-case basis if  Supreme Court issues another TRO after Saturday.

Meanwhile, having another Marcos surname on official ballot might confuse voters,  Comelec said.

Name  of Francis Leo Marcos will be printed before Sen. Imee Marcos’ name, Garcia noted.

Supreme Court earlier issued  TRO to include Francis Leo Marcos among  list of senatorial candidates on the ballot.

Marcos was declared  nuisance candidate by  Comelec.

Printing of 73 million ballots for  midterm elections had to be deferred again following  high court’s decision.

Citing  Omnibus Election Code, Garcia said  purpose of nuisance candidates is to confuse electorate.

While it is up to Sen. Marcos’ legal team to decide what their next step will be, Garcia said  Comelec must comply with  high court’s decision.

“Supreme Court’s ruling is  temporary remedy, not  decision on merits of the case that affirms  Comelec’s decision was wrong,” Garcia pointed out.

Candidates granted  TRO on their disqualification may still be disqualified as it is not  final ruling, he noted.

If  high court eventually affirms  Comelec ruling, Garcia said  votes obtained by disqualified candidates would not be counted.

Retirement  of Comelec Commissioners Marlon Casquejo and Socorro Inting in February will not adversely affect election preparations, Garcia said.

He called for  immediate appointment of two new commissioners so that  poll body could “normally” prepare for this year’s elections.

Despite election appointment ban, Garcia noted that President Marcos has  continuing authority and does not need to secure exemption.

Meanwhile, candidates using text blast devices during their campaign will face criminal charges, according to  Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT).

Text blasters are illegal and will be confiscated, DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy said.

Earlier, Malaysian selling fake cell towers was arrested in Parañaque.

Suspect  reportedly sold  Octopus 5G blaster for P600,000, capable of mass SMS broadcasting without  database, SIM card or WiFi, according to police Anti-Cybercrime Group director Brig. Gen. Bernard Yang.

23 Enero, 2025 Huwebes

election campaign period, gun ban in effect

 8 days to love month

Happy 21st anniversary, Servants of God in Jesus Christ Christian Ministries Incorporated, Rev. Nestor Sadim, Rev. Manuel Soliman, Director Jorge Lopez

No to Divorce!!!

Get well soon Nanay Angelita Santiago-Lopez, Happy 91st birthday Nanay  

No to SOGIE bill

supports National Bible Month 2025

supports Marked Men for Christ Philippines Seminar, January 30,31,February 1,2025, Kabaleyan Cove, San Carlos City, Pangasinan 

PM for any hospital discharge problem

ABS 2025

Headlines

Another  China vessel deployed near Zambales

By J.Lo

“Philippine Coast Guard remains steadfast in its commitment in safeguarding  country’s maritime interests and upholding international law without escalating tensions,” Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Commodore Jay Tarriela said China Coast Guard (CCG) sustained its presence in  West Philippine Sea miles away from  shores of Zambales province, with  new patrol ship replacing another vessel and its “monster ship” almost 20 nautical miles away from Panatag or Scarborough Shoal.

The 77.7-meter CCG patrol ship with bow number 3103 took over position of CCG vessel with bow number 3304 with  length of 111 meters, Tarriela said in  statement last earlier.

Personnel onboard PCG’s 44-meter patrol vessel BRP Suluan flagged CCG 3103 that was spotted 65 nautical miles off  coast of San Antonio, Zambales, according to  video shared to journalists by Tarriela, PCG’s spokesman on West Philippine Sea issues. Suluan replaced BRP Gabriela Silang  patrolled  area since Jan. 15.

As usual,  PCG through Suluan sent radio challenges to CCG 3103  also done to CCG 3304 and  “monster ship” 165-meter CCG 5901  notifying it of violating Republic Act 12064 or Philippine Maritime Zones Act,  United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and  2016 arbitral award  upheld Philippines’ sovereign rights over its 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

BRP Suluan also detected  three CCG ships within  West Philippine Sea, according to Tarriela.

At 9 in the evening, CCG 5901 was around 19 nautical miles from Panatag or Scarborough Shoal also called Bajo de Masinloc, while CCG 3304 was approaching  shoal at 28 nautical miles, and CCG 3103 was last spotted at 76 nautical miles off  coast of Pundaquit in Zambales.

PCG patrol ship would continue to “closely monitor”  activities of  three CCG ships within  West Philippine Sea, he declared.

Panatag Shoal, considered  traditional fishing area for Filipinos, has been  flashpoint for both Filipino and Chinese forces. Standoff  in 2012 forced  Philippines to file  case against China at Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2012, led to  landmark 2016 arbitral ruling.

Congress is committed to  welfare and development of Pag-asa Island and its residents in Palawan, Speaker Martin Romualdez gave assured in  message read on his behalf by committee on foreign affairs chairperson and Pangasinan Rep.  Rachel Arenas during  House delegation’s visit.

Delegation, led by House committee on foreign affairs, distributed food and grocery goods to the island’s 230 residents, including military and uniformed personnel last Jan. 6.

“I know  challenges of being at  distance from  primary city,  lack of facilities, and  hardship of facing your needs each day.. despite of this, you remain strong,” Romualdez said, as he lauded  residents’ resilience and dedication and vowed that Congress would not ignore their needs.

Romualdez also assured  residents that  government, under  leadership of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., is fully committed to enhancing their welfare.

Among  concrete measures announced was establishing  rural health unit. The Speaker also highlighted ongoing and future livelihood programs aimed at providing economic opportunities for  residents, promising that Congress will continue to push for necessary resources to help them thrive.

Boodle  fight lunch was also held for military personnel stationed on the island, highlighting  House’s recognition of their service and sacrifices.

Majority Leader Francis Tolentino said PCG should require its 4,000 new recruits to undergo  crash course on  newly enacted Philippine Maritime Zones Act (Republic Act 12064), particularly  conflict in  WPS, to help them better understand  bounds of  country’s territorial sea.

Tolentino,  principal author of RA 12064, proposed  crash course, through its spokesman Commodore Algier Ricafrente,  interviewed on senator’s radio program “Usapang TOL.”

“Beyond basic training and physical formations,  PCG’s new recruits must undergo crash course on  Philippine Maritime Zones Act,  would help them better understand  metes and bounds of our territorial sea, international waters, exclusive economic zone, and so on…these are basic knowledge, but very important, especially when there are challenges[to foreign ships entering  WPS, said Tolentino.

Ricafrente told Tolentino that  new recruits,  will be deployed to various regional offices, have bolstered  PCG’s 35,000 personnel. He welcomed  Senate’s recent passage of House Bill 10841, sets  three-year fixed term for PCG commandant.

Ricafrente added  measure would allow  PCG leadership to carry out its long-term plans and programs,  would benefit maritime safety and security. 

‘Foreign power’ maps Philippines

By J.Lo

“Foreign nationals were arrested with fake government IDs, foreign nationals with birth certificates…so if we look at  entire expanse of the country… and start connecting  dots, there seems now to be  deliberate and calculated move to map out the country by  foreign power,” Philippine Navy spokesman for West Philippine Sea Rear Admiral Roy Vincent Trinidad said during  press conference military officials and law enforcers revealed  arrest of  Chinese national and two Filipinos for allegedly engaging in espionage. They are accused of conducting surveillance operations in military and civilian facilities, including areas where Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement sites are located. Chinese national’s detailed mapping of military camps and public places across Luzon has led military officials to suspect foreign agents are working to create blueprint of key locations in the Philippines. 

Trinidad  pointed to seemingly unrelated recent events that, when examined together, suggest  pattern of systematic mapping of military and civilian infrastructure across the country.  

Chinese national, identified as Deng Yuanqing, reportedly spent more than a month starting December 2024 mapping locations from northern Luzon to Bicol region, said Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson Col. Francel Magareth Padilla during same press conference.

Deng has reportedly lived in the Philippines for over a decade.

“If we notice what happened just recently, Chinese national may be isolated case…but if you look at  bigger picture, last month we received submersible glider,  drone from fisherfolk… fifth that we have in our possession undergoing forensics,” Trinidad said.

Trinidad said if one takes “two steps further backward,” these incidents may also be  related to  recent discovery of foreign nationals with fake government IDs and  uncovering of “local chief executive with dubious character and background.”

Alleged  surveillance conducted by Deng covered not just military and police camps, but also shopping malls, communication and power grids, and major airports and seaports, Padilla said.

“Our intelligence operatives also noted that this Chinese national achieved this through  network of financiers, technical experts, also Chinese nationals, and support personnel,Deng,married to Filipina reportedly runs undisclosed number of businesses in the country,” Trinidad added. 

“Same businesses are also being used as fronts to receive large amounts of funds to enable his illicit activities,” she said.

Deng’s equipment is capable of creating precise three-dimensional models of buildings and installations. “These are high-precision topographic mapping and 3D modeling of military installations and critical infrastructures,” Padilla said.

Meanwhile, military officials also linked Deng’s surveillance activities to  recent discovery of underwater surveillance equipment in Philippine waters. 

military  last year recovered five submersible drones, with  latest found in Masbate.  First  drone, discovered in Calayan Island, had been collecting data about water depth, temperature and other ocean conditions. 

Drone  found in  waters off Masbate bore Chinese markings, but authorities have not directly accused China of owning the device. 

“While there is no direct correlation yet with what happened  few days ago, if we connect  dots, we don’t have to look far, that there seems to be orchestrated move by foreign power to gather critical information in  maritime domain and on critical government infrastructures,information that is derived from our seas would have political, economic and military applications,” he added.

While military officials avoided explicitly naming China as foreign power behind these activities, they noted that investigations with  National Bureau of Investigation are ongoing to uncover  full scope of these operations. 

“Any foreign power who would like to take advantage of our country would need political, economic, and military information,” Trinidad also said. 

AFP called for public vigilance but cautioned against panic. Trinidad also said issues are “not yet  threat to national security but may pose  risk to public safety, to peace and order.” 

“While we do not want to create unnecessary panic, we ask our fellow Filipinos to be discerning and to help us,” Padilla added, urging civilians, particularly fisherfolk, to report suspicious activities or equipment they might encounter.

Padilla said AFP will modernize its defenses and beef up its cybersecurity to ensure it can “respond swiftly to attacks on our critical infrastructures and even to look at trojan horses within our midst.”