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AFP chief vows to 'decimate' Abu Sayyaf in 3 months

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DECIMATE. AFP chief General Ricardo Visaya vows to 'decimate, neutralize' the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf before he retires on December 8, 2016. Photo by Camille Elemia/Rappler

MANILA, Philippines – Armed Forces chief General Ricardo Visaya vowed to “neutralize” and “decimate” the Abu Sayyaf group before he retires on December 8.

Visaya, who was the Army battalion commander during the 2004 bloody clashes with Hacienda Luisita workers, was appointed on July 1, 2016. He is set to retire on December 8, when he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 56 for the military.

Despite the short stint, Visaya is confident he can neutralize the terrorist group based in Mindanao which has been mostly involved in kidnap-for-ransom activities. He said he would channel all his energy in his last 3 months as AFP chief to fight them.

“Not really drive away (Abu Sayyaf) but neutralize them. That’s why...most of our resources are dedicated to them,” Visaya said after his confirmation hearing before the Commission on Appointments on Wednesday, September 21.

“Ang goal namin diyan (Our goal there is) no more hostages; Abu Sayyaf will be decimated,” he said, saying that is the "tall order of the President."

At present, Visaya said the terrorist group still has 16 hostages under its custody – 6 Indonesians, 5 Malaysians, 4 Filipinos, and one Dutch.

Norwegian hostage Kjartan Sekkingstad was released on September 16, a year he and 3 others were abducted in Samal Island in Davao del Norte in September 2015.

Chief Peace Adviser Jesus Deruza said Moro National Liberation Liberation Front leader Nur Misuari and former Sulu governor Sakur Tan, "and other volunteers" helped facilitate Sekkingstad's release. There are unconfirmed reports that ransom was paid.

Visaya said a third of the Philippine Army has beendeployed to Tawi-Tawi, Basilan, and Jolo to eliminate the terrorist group.

"With the rate we are going ano na eh, nagiging we are towards that end eh. Kasi biruin mo, starting last August we have neutralized 57 (With the rate we are going, it's like we are towards the end. Just imagine, starting last August, we have neutralized 57)," he said.

The Abu Sayyaf, he said, has about 400 forces on the ground.

Short stint enough?

Visaya is staying as chief-of-staff for only 5 months, amid the government’s intensified fight against illegal drugs and terrorism.

Asked if his short stint would jeopardize this, Visaya acknowledged the need to extend the term of office of AFP chiefs.

“Kaya after this, inaano ko rin naman 'yan na it should be longer 'yung term ng chief of staff. Although the law says you can continue not beyond 3 years that’s the prerogative of the President,” Visaya said.

(That's why after this, I am pushing that the term of the chief of staff should be longer. Although the law says you can continue not beyond 3 years, that's the prerogative of the president.)

He, however, pointed out the President has the discretion to extend his appointment not more than 3 years past retirement age.

He noted that out of 47 chiefs-of-staff of the AFP, there were “about 10” generals whose terms were extended by the sitting president.

Is he expecting to be extended by President Duterte? “No naman… kasi (Not really because) that is always prerogative of the President," he said.

Beyond Hacienda Luisita, Visaya is said to be an effective counter-insurgency commander. He was closely associated with his superior at the time, the now detained Major General Jovito Palparan, who was 7th Infantry Division chief in charge of Army units in Central Luzon. Palparan faces various charges of human rights violations allegedly committed under the Arroyo government.– Rappler.com


Why was CIDG excluded from 2014 Bilibid raid?

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BILIBID DRUGS PROBE. Police Director Benjamin Magalong attends the House probe into the alleged proliferation of illegal drugs at the New Bilibid Prison on September 21, 2016. Photo by LeAnne Jazul/Rappler
MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – For months, over several “discreet meetings,” top officials of the Philippines’ law enforcement agencies planned and discussed a top-secret operation to raid the New Bilibid Prison, based on intelligence reports that there were illegal drug operations inside the maximum-security prison.

But Police Director General Benjamin Magalong was surprised and admittedly, dismayed, when on December 15, 2014, he found out that the top-secret Bilibid raid was conducted without the presence of the Philippine National Police (PNP)’s Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).

Magalong made the disclosure on Wednesday, September 21, at the House inquiry into the alleged spread of illegal drugs inside the Bilibid when Senator Leila de Lima was justice secretary.

“We waited for them to finally conduct the raid. But we were already out of the picture,” Magalong, current PNP Deputy  Chief for Operations, said.

Magalong was referring to a December 2014 raid on the New Bilibid Prison’s Maximum Security Compound that made headlines for the contraband items seized from convicts. The operation was led by De Lima and involved the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), which was under her watch as justice secretary.

During the raid, De Lima and NBI agents found that the so-called “Bilibid 19,” among the NBP’s high-profile inmates, were living in the lap of luxiury. “Kubols” or individual dwellings were airconditioned, had bathtubs and even featured a full entertainment system.

Magalong said they made several other proposals for the planned joint operation: first, police wanted the CIDG and the PNP’s National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) to raid one part of the prison controlled by convict Herbert Colanggo while the NBI and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) to raid another area controlled by Jaybee Sebastian.

The former CIDG chief also suggested that the high-profile convicts be brought and isolated in either Palawan or Zamboanga.

In the end, none of those suggestions were implemented.

The De Lima-led raid only covered the Maximum Security Compound and the inmates were held at the NBI instead.

Magalong’s testimony comes as the House heard testimonies from convicts claiming that as justice secretary, De Lima coddled drug lords and received money in exchange, supposedly to raise funds for her senatorial run.

De Lima has slammed the hearings as a “sham,” supposedly retaliation because she started a probe into the rise of deaths in connection with the administration’s “war on drugs.”

‘Stop the raid’

Magalong, who was appointed CIDG chief late 2013, said he approached De Lima to talk about the drug trade inside Bilibid after they traced drug “recycling” operations to the prison. The CIDG then was investigating police personnel known to “recycle” or resell drugs seized during operations.

When they first met on the matter, said Magalong, De Lima had in hear room a white board with a diagram of personalities inside Bilibid. Before their meeting ended, Magalong said told De Lima, “Ma’am, we need to raid Bilibid because this is already happening.”

De Lima agreed, and called for a high-level meeting with then PDEA chief Arturo Cacdac, then NBI chief Virgilio Mendez, and a representative from the military’s intelligence branch.

Magalong said he was surprised to see Rafael Ragos, an NBI agent assigned at the Bureau of Corrections, at the meeting. When he pointed out Ragos' presence to De Lima, she too was surprised and Ragos was asked to leave the meeting.

Ragos would later testify against now-senator De Lima, accusing De Lima of accepting drug money from convicts inside Bilibid. Convicts who testified at the House probe alleged that Ragos was the bagman of De Lima. (READ: Bilibid probe witnesses: We delivered P5-M 'quota' to De Lima)

Magalong recalled that in one of the 4 “discreet” meetings with other agencies, Bureau of Corrections chief Franklin Jesus Bucayu sat in. Officials wanted Bucayu out of the planning sessions but he eventually had to be brought in for coordination.  

During the meeting, Bucayu discouraged law enforcers from pushing through with the operation. “Don’t push through with the raid. You’ll have a hard time,” Magalon recalled Bucayu as saying.

Bucayu would later arrange a private meeting with Magalong at the CIDG office in September 2014. With Bucayu was Reginald Villasanta from the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC).  During the meeting, Bucayu asked Magalong not to push through with the operation. “Benjie, mamamatay ako (I’m going to die),” Bucayu pleaded.

Magalong said Bucayu did not relent and instead told him to ask De Lima, who was Bucayu’s boss. De Lima and Bucayu spoke and Magalong went on with preparing the case operation. The CIDG’s role in the operation was dubbed “Case Operation Plan Cronus.”

In the end, neither the CIDG nor the PDEA were involved in the raid. Only PDEA K9s were requested, but supposedly only hours before the raid.

Asked if De Lima ever explained the CIDG’s exclusion, Magalong could not give a clear answer.

“We presented [the plan] to [De Lima] in one top level meeting. She said she will sign it jointly with [Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II]. After that, in a few occasions we met in a particular event, I’d always ask [De Lima]: 'How will the operation work? I’m willing to be the ground commander.' She would tell me, 'Let’s just wait, Benjie,'” recalled Magalong.

The NBI did tap police – the NCRPO and the PNP’s Special Action Force (SAF) – as the “main force” in the raid.

Responding to a lawmaker's query, Magalong said the series of raids yielded contraband, including cash, weapons, and illegal drugs.

"It was a very successful raid," he said. "The only frustration I felt was that the why were some personalities inside the NBP not included in the special detention center in the NBI."

When asked, Magalong also said he felt bad by the exclusion of the CIDG from the operation as it was part of the planning process.

He declined to comment on why he and the CIDG was eased out of the picture, saying he did not want to speculate on the possible reason. – Rappler.com

DSWD chief appeals to Senate to boost 4Ps staff

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UNDERMANNED. Social Welfare Secretary Judy Taguiwalo said that there is only one municipal worker monitoring the 500 household beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

MANILA, Philippines – Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Judy Taguiwalo sought Senate action to help increase their staff running the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) and the benefits given to family-beneficiaries. 

Taguiwalo, during the Senate briefing on her agency's budget, said that the implementation of the 4Ps is not as efficient because of the volume of families each worker has to handle.  

"Our municipal links, in terms of admin support have a 1:500 ratio. One worker handles 500 households. It is not a very efficient means of administering a program," she told senators Wednesday, September 21.  

Municipal or city links monitor the households' compliance with the program's conditions such as a pregnant mother's regular check up and the children's attendance in school. 

"I hope the [Senate] can help us in terms of services. The staff at the ground level are key in ensuring that benefits actually go to the beneficiaries," she said. 

Taguiwalo brought up the issue after Senate President Pro-Tempore Franklin Drilon questioned the increase in the administrative costs of the program. 

"[Between 2012 and 2013], the actual amount had an increase of P5 million in administrative costs. It also increased between 2013 and 2014," Drilon said. 

He also emphasized that the proposed budget for 2017 also provides for a higher administrative cost compared to 2016. 

The additional cost, he noted, is due to the handling of rice. For 2017, DSWD has proposed a higher budget for rice provisions, as President Rodrigo Duterte promised. 

Benefits 

The social welfare chief also said that most of their grassroots staff are working under a memorandum of agreement (MOA) and do not receive benefits. 

Out of its 13,000 contractual workers, over 3,000 are hired through a MOA. 

She asked the Senate to allow them to grant benefits to their MOA workers since the Commission on Audit prohibited them from doing so. 

Taguiwalo also said they are working on regularizing contractual workers. 

"We have requested for additional items from the budget department. [But] we have hired contractual personnel to fill in vacant positions. But it is very limited," she said. – Rappler.com

De Lima to DFA: Invite UN expert to probe killings

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UN PROBE. Senator Leila De Lima urges the Department of Foreign Affairs to invite the United Nations to conduct a probe into the extrajudicial killings in the Philippines. Photo by Cesar Tomambo/PRIB

MANILA, Philippines – Neophyte Senator Leila De Lima on Wednesday, September 21, called on the Department of Foreign Affairs to invite the United Nations special rapporteur to probe the extrajudicial killings in the country under President Rodrigo Duterte.

De Lima, former chairperson of the Commission on Human Rights and justice secretary, filed Senate Resolution No. 153 urging the DFA to invite UN special rapporteur Agnes Callamard.

A third party is needed, De Lima said, to determine the “whole truth” behind the killings.

“Unless a third-party investigator comes in, there is reason to believe that we may not be able to ferret out the whole truth behind the killings, and to serve complete justice to the victims and the Filipino people,” she said.

The United Nations and the European Union have expressed grave concerns over the drug-related killings in the country and have urged the government to put a stop to these killings.

“This call for a speedy and impartial investigation is justified by the perception that our local institutions of law enforcement and justice, including domestic mechanisms of accountability of public officials, appear to be either inadequate, compromised or weak,” the senator said.

The fate of the resolution remains unclear to date, as Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III said it would be referred to the committee on foreign relations, which is headed by Senator Alan Peter Cayetano – Duterte's staunchest ally in the chamber.

De Lima, as former justice committee chairperson, launched a Senate investigation into the matter. She was later ousted as panel head, after she presented witness Edgar Matobato, a self-confessed hitman of the Davao Death Squad, who accused Duterte of ordering killings in Davao City when he was mayor.

Obligation?

As signatory to the UN, the Philippines is obligated to conduct “prompt, impartial, and independent” probe into cases of extrajudicial killings, De Lima said. If there are questions on the government's impartiality, UN rules state that one way to conduct a probe is through a “country visit” by its special rapporteur, the senator added.

The UN's special rapporteur on summary executions earlier said Duterte's promise of immunity and bounties to security forces who killed drug suspects violated international law.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon in June also strongly criticized Duterte who, during the election campaign, promised to kill 100,000 people and dump so many bodies in Manila Bay that the fish would grow fat from feeding on them. (READ: UN human rights experts urge PH to stop drug-related killings)

Duterte, in response to the UN, threatened to leave the international body but later claimed it was just a joke. (READ: Philippines 'not leaving' UN amid Duterte threat)

Duterte also earlier invited Callamard to a public debate but retracted it later on. – Rappler.com

VP Robredo asks for vigilance vs return of Martial Law

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NEVER AGAIN. Vice President Leni Robredo called on the government to uphold the rule of law.

MANILA, Philippines – “Not in this lifetime, never again.”

This was the declaration on Wednesday, September 21, of Vice President Leni Robredo on the 44th anniversary of the signing of Presidential Decree 1081, the basis of the declaration of Martial Law.

Robredo, who beat Marcos’ only son Ferdinand Marcos Jr in the last elections, urged the public to remain watchful against the return of a dictatorship “or any of its elements.”

“We call upon those of us who serve in the government to continue to be instruments of truth and justice and to maintain an unwavering commitment to the rule of law. Let us be safeguards of freedoms of life, liberty, speech, and due process.”

Critics of the current administration fear that Martial Law may again be resurrected, given President Rodrigo Duterte’s firm stance against criminality. Over 3,000 drug-related deaths have already been recorded since he waged his war against drugs.

Duterte on Tuesday, September 20, said he is eyeing the revival of the Philippine Constabulary (PC) to curb “urban terrorism.”

The PC was a former service command of the military that was at the forefront of the implementation of martial rule. It was abolished in 1999 through a law that created the Philippine National Police that is “civilian in nature.” (READ: LOOK BACK: The Philippine Constabulary under Marcos

Remember the victims

The Vice President, who joined protests that led to the EDSA People Power Revolution, also sought to remember the human rights victims of the iron fist rule. Robredo is a member of the Liberal Party, which has several members who were Martial Law victims. (WATCH: Rappler’s Martial Law playlist

“We urge everyone to remember the 70,000 who were imprisoned, the 34,000 who were tortured, the 3,240 who were killed, and the 390 who disappeared during one of the darkest periods of our history,” she said. (READ: Worse than death: Torture methods during martial law

“They were fathers and mothers. They were brothers and sisters. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that their stories are neither forgotten nor twisted for political purposes and ambitions,” she added. 

Republic Act 10368 or the Human Rights Victims Reparations Act seeks the recognition of the sacrifices of victims under Martial Law through monetary reparation and the establishment of museums. The measure was passed under the administration of former president Benigno Aquino III – son of two democracy icons who fought the Marcos regime.

To date, victims have yet to receive reparation since the Human Rights Victims Claims Board (HCRVB) is still verifying the claims of 75,000 claimants. The Commission on Human Rights and the National Historical Commission of the Philippines are still working on the establishment of the museum for the victims of Martial Law. – Rappler.com

PSG investigating alleged De Lima bagman

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DE LIMA'S BAGMAN? Senator De Lima's former security detail and alleged bagman Joenel Sanchez is currently under the Presidential Security Group. Photo by LeAnneJazul/Rappler

MANILA, Philippines – Joenel Sanchez, the alleged bagman and former security detail of Senator Leila de Lima, is being investigated by the Presidential Security Group (PSG), the agency he is currently assigned to.

This was announced by PSG Spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Michael Aquino in an interview with Palace reporters on Wednesday, September 21. Sanchez' name cropped up in the ongoing House probe into the New Bilibid drug trade.

"Upon hearing the news that he was implicated, PSG immediately conducted investigation effective September 18, 2016. To ensure his safety, we immediately placed him, confined in barracks, so that we can give way for investigation," said Aquino.

Sanchez, whose name the PSG statement spelled as "Jonel," is a sergeant who had been recently assigned as security of Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea. Previously, he was detailed to De Lima when she was still justice secretary.

Back in July 1, or the day after President Rodrigo Duterte's oath-taking, the PSG had requested for Sanchez' reassignment. But because he was still "securing his pertinent papers in the unit for his new assignment," he was temporarily assigned to Medialdea.

The PSG, led by PSG Commander Rolando Bautista, decided to confine Sanchez and conduct an investigation after hearing his name during the House probe.

"Because his name was implicated so we thought it's proper to investigate the case as a part of due process," said Aquino.

Alleged drug lord and gang leader Herbert Colanggo claimed Sanchez spoke to high-profile detainees at the national penitentiary upon instructions of De Lima and delivered money from them to her.

Asked if the PSG would urge Sanchez to appear at the House probe, Aquino said, "Given the proper invitation, we will [allow him to]."

Whether or not Sanchez will be court martialed will depend on the outcome of the PSG investigation. Aquino could not say how long the investigation would last since there are many doucments the PSG still has to "secure."

The House probe into the drug trade in New Bilibid Prison entered its second day on Wednesday, September 21.

Witnesses produced by Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aquirre have tagged De Lima as a "coddler" of drug lords who supposedly accepted millions of money in exchange for various privileges.

De Lima has denied these accusations and claimed the House probe was orchestrated by President Duterte to discredit her.

De Lima had been at the helm of Senate investigations looking into Duterte's alleged involvement in extrajudicial killings.– Rappler.com

CA confirms AFP chief Visaya, 24 others despite SALN 'issues'

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CONFIRMED. The Commission on Appointments confirms the appointment of AFP Chief of Staff General Ricardo Visaya and 24 other military officials. Photo by Camille Elemia/Rappler

MANILA, Philippines – The Commission on Appointments confirmed the appointment of Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Ricardo Visaya and 24 other military officials on Wednesday, September 21.

Visaya, who will serve as AFP chief until December 8 only, was confirmed without any opposition from the body.

While this is the case, San Juan Representative Ronaldo Zamora, however, raised some issues involving the military’s Statements of Assets, Liabilities, and Networth (SALN).

“Some of you have made mistakes. Some of you did not file correct SALNs. Some of you did not include transactions that should be included. All of these are in a report, which I will send to each one of you,” Zamora said during the hearing of the CA panel on national defense.

These, however, are mere “issues” and not "formal" dissent.

“Even if there is no opposition to your appointment, there are some issues being raised about your nominations. (These are) not formal oppositions, these are issues,” he added.

Visaya, for his part, said they would “rectify” the errors.

“Kumpleto naman ‘yan kaya lang minsan yung pagkafill-up, nagkaproblema,” he told reporters after the hearing.

(That's complete but sometimes we have problems with how they were filled out.)

Visaya, who was the Army battalion commander during the 2004 bloody clashes with Hacienda Luisita workers, was appointed on July 1, 2016. He is set to retire on December 8, when he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 56 for the military.

Despite the short stint, Visaya is confident he can neutralize the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf based in Mindanao, which has been involved mostly in kidnap-for-ransom activities. He said he would channel all his energy in his last 3 months as AFP chief to fight them. (READ: AFP chief vows to 'decimate' Abu Sayyaf in 3 months

Beyond Hacienda Luisita, Visaya is said to be an effective counter-insurgency commander. He was closely associated with his superior at the time, the now detained Major General Jovito Palparan, who was 7th Infantry Division chief in charge of Army units in Central Luzon.

Palparan faces various charges of human rights violations allegedly committed under the Arroyo administration.

Other confirmed military officers

The CA also confirmed the following officers:

1. Alexander Macario – to the grade of Brigadier General
2. Jonathan Manuel – to the grade of Colonel, Medical Corps
3. Dante Hidalgo – to the grade of Brigadier General
4. Salvador Melchor Mison Jr – to the grade of Lieutenant General
5. Ramon Ochoco – to the grade of Commodore
6. Virme Torralba – to the grade of Rear Admiral
7. Raul Del Rosario – to the grade of Lieutenant General
8. Ernesto Enriquez – to the grade of Rear Admiral
9. Leandro Loyao III – to the grade of Brigadier General
10. Antonio Ramon Lim – to the grade of Brigadier General
11. Rommel Jude Ong – to the grade of Commodore
12. Allan Ferdinand Cusi – to the grade of Commodore
13. Arnel Duco – to the grade of Brigadier General
14. Felimon Santos Jr – to the grade of Brigadier General
15. Jose Ariel Niembra – to the grade of Colonel, Philippine Army
16. Narciso Vingson Jr – to the grade of Rear Admiral
17. Rozzano Briguez – to the grade of Major General
18. Jose Mirandilla Jr – to the grade of Major General
19. Rolando Acop – to the grade of Brigadier General
20. Cesar Idio – to the grade of Brigadier General
21. Allen Paredes – to the grade of Brigadier General
22. Harold Cabreros – to the grade of Major General
23. Ronald Villanueva – to the grade of Brigadier General
24. Arthur Blanca – to the grade of Brigadier General – Rappler.com

Second ethics complaint filed against De Lima

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PITY. Some members of the ethics committee say they pity Senator Leila De Lima. Photo by Camille Elemia/Rappler

MANILA, Philippines – Another ethics complaint was filed against neophyte Senator Leila De Lima on Tuesday, September 20.

Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III, chair of the committee on ethics and privileges, confirmed this on Wednesday. He said, however, that he has yet to read the complaint. No other details were so far given.

“I will make sure that that the letter that we received last night be – a new complaint that was filed last night – I’ll make sure that all the members get a copy, so that when we call for a hearing next week,” Sotto told reporters.

The first complaint alleges that De Lima is linked to the proliferation of illegal drug trade in the national penitentiary, which is the same subject of an ongoing House probe. It also accused De Lima of being immoral for having a relationship with her supposed married driver.

Senator Panfilo Lacson, vice chairman of the committee, said he is “inclined” to move that the panel dismiss the two complaints against the neophyte senator.

“Personally kahit sinasagot-sagot niya ako (even if she has been talking back to me), I’m inclined to go for the dismissal of the complaint due to lack of jurisdiction,” he said.

Lacson said the alleged unethical acts transpired years before De Lima won as senator.

The ethics panel is set to have its 3rd hearing next week. The committee has decided to settle the issue of jurisdiction before tackling whether or not the 1st complaint is sufficient in form and substance. (READ: Senate ethics body torn on how to handle complaint vs De Lima)

Sotto said it remains to be seen if the two complaints would be merged, as they have to determine first if the contents are the same.

'Pity'

Despite their disagreements, Lacson said he pities the lady senator, saying he knows how it feels to be in her situation.

During the term of former president Gloria Arroyo, then opposition senator Panfilo Lacson was “harassed” and linked to several crimes.

“Kasama na yan. Sa totoo lang, kasi naranasan ko rin 'yan and I know how it feels. Pero ang buwelta niya sa akin doublespeak ako. So advice ko, mas kailangan niya ng kakampi ngayon kesa sa kaaway lalo dito sa loob ng Senado. Mas mainam 'pag embattled ka huwag ka makipagaway or at the very least, tahimik ka na lang kung di ka makakuha ng kakampi,” Lacson said.

(That goes with it. Honestly, I experienced that and I know how it feels. But she made a 'doublespeak' retort against me. So my advice is she needs more allies now than enemies especially here in the Senate. If you're embattled, it would be better if you're not picking fights or at the very least, just keep silent if you can't get anyone on your side.)

Senator Manny Pacquiao, another member of the ethics committee and an ally of President Rodrigo Duterte, also said he pities De Lima.

"Naaawa nga ako sa kanya dahil syempre bilang may nanay din ako (I pity her because of course I also have a mother)," Pacquiao told reporters.

While this is the case, Pacquiao was quick to point out that it is still important to know the truth.

"Pero kailangan natin 'yung katotohanan, kailangan natin 'yung tama para sa kabutihan (But we need the truth. We need what is right for the good of the people)," Pacquiao said. 

It was the world boxing champion who moved to declare  vacant the chairmanship and membership of the committee on justice and human rights.

Pacquiao, after voting to oust De Lima, said he did so because she was already being biased in the conduct of the probe into extrajudicial killings under the Duterte administration.

Aside from the two ethics complaints, De Lima is the subject of a House probe and is facing an electoral protest and a possible graft case from the Department of Justice. – Rappler.com

 


Bilibid gang leaders: Sebastian got funds for De Lima Senate bid

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WITNESSES. From L-R: Hans Anton Tan, Jojo Baligad, Noel Martinez and Jaime Pacho testify before the House committee on justice on September 21, 2016. Photo by LeAnne Jazul/Rappler

MANILA, Philippines – At least 5 convicts detained at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) on Wednesday, September 21, accused Senator Leila de Lima of raising funds for her senatorial bid through the sale of illegal drugs.

The allegations were made during the continuation of the House of Representatives’ probe into allegations that De Lima, former justice secretary, coddled and benefitted from Bilibid inmates who continued leading illegal drugs operations from inside the high-security prison. 

The following prison gang leaders, convicted for different crimes, testified during the Wednesday hearing: 

  • Noel Martinez, commander or “Bosyo” of the Genuine Ilocano Group, supposedly the “biggest group” inside the Maximum Security Prison 
  • Jojo Baligad, adviser of the Batang City Jail in 2012, when a grenade exploded inside the prison
  • Jaime Pacho, commander of the Batman group 

The allegations against De Lima are not new. On Tuesday, during the first day of the House of Representatives’ probe, Bilibid inmates and officials of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said that De Lima was collecting millions from the spread of illegal drugs inside the prison itself. The funds were supposedly intended for her “plans” or her senatorial bid. 

De Lima has denied these allegations, labelling the House probe a “sham” even before it began. De Lima, among the fiercest critics of President Rodrigo Duterte, claims the legislative probe by her colleagues in Congress are meant to discredit her. 

De Lima used to lead a Senate probe into the apparent rise of killings linked to the ongoing “war on drugs.” She was later stripped of her chairmanship of the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights. Duterte’s PDP-Laban heads the majority coalitions in both houses of Congress. 

De Lima in Bilibid?  

Martinez said that in 2012, his group decided to build a multi-purpose prison inside the prison so he asked for the help of Jaybee Sebastian, head of the Sigue-Sigue Commando Group. Based on the testimony of Bilibid convicts, Sebastian was among the most powerful inmates inside the prison. 

“[Sebastian] helped me make sure the project would be approved by the Office of the Superintendent. But that debt of mine would complicate my life later on,” Martinez read from an affidavit signed on September 9. Martinez is asking that he be moved from Building 14 in Bilibid, where he is current detained, to another area for his protection. 

In 2013, Sebastian supposedly approached him because “Secretary Leila de Lima was going to his office that afternoon.” Martinez claimed that leaders of different gangs were present during the meeting with De Lima inside Bilibid. 

A month later, Martinez said he was summoned by Sebastian again. This time, it was supposedly to “raise huge funds” for De Lima’s plan to run for senator in 2014. 

“Because of this, [Sebastian] told me that we needed to centralize the sale of drugs inside Bilibid and all gang leaders should organize as a show of help. In exchange, [Sebastian] said, was our protection and special treatment,” said Martinez. The remittances – from the sale of illegal drugs inside and outside the prison – started right after  

Upon interpellation, however, Martinez said he could not remember the account name and account number that he remitted to. 

Pacho said that he, too, was forced to peddle illegal drugs to raise funds for De Lima. 

Martinez claimed that sometimes, De Lima herself would visit Sebastian inside his “kubol” or individual housing units. Other times, her “driver” Junel (spelled Joenel in other affidavits) Sanchez, would collect the money. Sanchez, a member of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) assigned to De Lima then, is now being investigated by his mother unit.

Baligad said he remitted over P1.5 million through another inmate, Herbert Colanggo, for De Lima’s campaign kitty. 

Sebastian, whom the justice department first invited as a witness against De Lima, was supposedly spared from a high-profile 2014 raid on the Maximum Security Compound so he could monopolize illegal drug operations inside Bilibid. Other inmates, of the “Bilibid 19,” meanwhile, stayed inside the National Bureau of Investigation for over 8 months. 

“During this time, Sebastian ruled the illegal drugs operations inside Bilibid,” said Baligad. – Rappler.com

Pacquiao, Sotto echo Duterte: UN should not meddle with PH

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UN INTERVENTION. Senators Vicente Sotto III and Manny Pacquiao say the United Nations should not meddle with Philippine affairs.

MANILA, Philippines – Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III and neophyte Senator Manny Pacquiao opposed Senator Leila De Lima’s resolution seeking a United Nations-backed probe into the extrajudicial killings in the country.

Sotto said the UN has no reason to meddle with Philippine affairs.

“If you’re asking for my personal opinion, hindi ako supportive (I am not supportive). Bakit makikialam ang UN sa atin? Payag ba sila na makikialam din tayo sa kanila? (Why would UN meddle with our affairs? Will they allow us to meddle in theirs?)” Sotto told reporters on Wednesday, September 21.

Sotto said the UN should be the one to explain their stance on abortion, saying it is the “highest form” of human rights violation.

Sotto is strongly against abortion, contraceptives, and the Reproductive Health law.

“Eh di pakikialaman ko yung pagtuturo nila ng (Then I will meddle in their teaching of) abortion because to me, the highest form of human rights violation is abortion and the UN officials are supporting it and recommending it,” Sotto said.

Citing what he said was a speech of UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, Sotto hit the UN for encouraging countries where abortion is illegal to “find ways to skirt strict abortion law.”

“For me that's the highest form of human rights violations. Tapos pakikiaalam nila tayo? And dinadamay nila ang mga namamatay sa drug operations ng police na nag-resist, (And then they will intervene with our affairs? And they're including those who died in drag operations because they resisted.) Sotto said.

Sotto also hit the international body for only reporting on the killings and not on the 16,582 arrests.

They are concentrating on drug operations of the police tapos dinadamay nila pati ang mga pinapatay ng mga gang war (and then they will also count those who were killed by gang wars). Bakit natin hahayaang na makialam ang UN dito? (Why would we allow them to intervene? he said.

Sotto said De Lima’s resolution would be referred to the committee on foreign relations, which is headed by Senator Alan Peter Cayetano – a staunch ally of President Rodrigo Duterte.

'Very wrong move'

Pacquiao, for his part, said no other nation should tell the country what to do. For him, it is a “very wrong move.”

“It’s a very wrong move na gagawin natin. Walang pwedeng makialam dito sa atin, sa problema natin. Di pwede makisawsaw ang ibang bansa. Pangit ang makialam ang ibang bansa, (No one can interfere with us, our problems. Other countries can't do it. It's bad if they do so.)” Pacquiao said.

He defended President Duterte’s actions, saying he only wants the good for the Philippines. After all, he said the country needs discipline, which only Duterte could offer.

“Wala naman hangad ang ating Pangulo kung hindi kabutihan ng ating bansa. Di naman naging Pangulo yan para sa kanyang sarili. Ayaw nga nya ng corruption, ayaw ng drugs, kung baga ang ginagawa ng ating Pangulo ay para sa ating bansa,” Pacquiao said.

(Our President has nothing but good intentions for the country. He did not become President for himself. He does not want corruption, drugs. In short, all the President's actions are for the country's welfare.)

“Dapat talaga may disiplina dahil matitigas ang ulo. Kung sumunod lahat, di rin naman ganun magdisiplina ang pangulo,” he added.

(There really should be discipline because people are hard-headed. If everyone follows, the President wouldn't discipline like that.)

The UN has repeatedly cricitized Duterte’s stance on human rights – something that did not sit well with the President.

Duterte, in response to the UN, threatened to leave the international body but later claimed it was just a joke. (READ: Philippines 'not leaving' UN amid Duterte threat)

Duterte also earlier invited the UN special rapporteur to a public debate but retracted it later on. – Rappler.com

Lawmaker: House Bilibid probe limited to ‘De Lima perspective’

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BILIBID DRUGS PROBE. The House committee on justice resumes its inquiry into the proliferation of drugs in the National Bilibid Prison during the Aquino administration on September 21, 2016. Photo by LeAnne Jazul/Rappler

MANILA, Philippines – A member of the House committee on justice expressed frustration over the flow of the congressional inquiry into the drug trade in the New Bilibid Prison, saying it seemed to be directed to implicate Senator Leila De Lima.

On the second day of the hearing on Wednesday, September 21, Cebu City 2nd District Representative Rodrigo Abellanosa said the sworn statements of the witnesses presented by the Department of Justice (DOJ), so far, all point to De Lima's alleged links to the illegal drug trade at the state penitentiary.

“There seems to be an effort on the part of the DOJ to make the flow of the statements point to De Lima. In other words, the purpose of this committee in this inquiry has been constricted to the De Lima perspective,” said Abellanosa.

“I’m not against it, of course, it is very helpful, nevertheless. But how we wish through the efforts of the DOJ or perhaps the committee can bring in additional witnesses outside the initiative of the DOJ so that we can have a broader perspective of what really happened in the national prison,” he added.

For the past two days, Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II had presented 9 witnesses – two of whom are National Bureau of Investigation officials and the rest inmates detained at the NBP. (READ: Witnesses pin De Lima on day 1 of House probe into Bilibid)

Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez has given 10 witnesses, 8 convicts at the Bilibid,  immunity from suit for their testimonies at the House probe.

The witnesses claimed that De Lima, through her "people" had allowed drugs to proliferate at the NBP and allegedly received millions of pesos in drug money to fund her 2016 senatorial bid.

The witnesses also claimed that De Lima received the money through Ronnie Dayan, her former bodyguard and driver, with whom President Rodrigo Duterte accused her of having an illicit affair.

“I feel like you’re also helping Duterte against his war against De Lima,” Abellanosa told Aguirre.

But Aguirre denied this, saying he did not force any of the witnesses to execute their affidavits because they made these through the help of their respective lawyers. (READ: Duterte not behind House probe on Bilibid – Aguirre)

“Kung ‘yang mga affidavits nila ay patungo sa culpability ni Secretary De Lima, wala pa akong kagagawan doon. Ibig ko lamang pong sabihin, kung ‘yan ay talagang patungo doon, sapagkat ‘yun po siguro ang hinihingi ng ebidensiya,” said Aguirre.

(If the affidavits are going in the direction of Secretary De Lima’s culpability, I have nothing to do with that. If that is where things are going, it’s probably because that is what the evidence is pointing to.)

Based on the witnesses’ sworn statements, some of them simply wanted to help Duterte’s ongoing war against drugs.

Other witnesses executed affidavits in exchange for favors. “Bilibid 19” high-profile convict Herbert Colanggo is requesting inclusion in the DOJ’s Witness Protection Program.

Noel Martinez, meanwhile, is requesting that his cell be moved out of the NBP’s Building 14, where other high-profile inmates and gang leaders are currently staying.

Oriental Mindoro Representative Reynaldo Umali, House committee on justice chairperson, said the panel will subpoena other personalities mentioned by the witnesses to gain a wider perspective during the hearings.

“We have subpoenaed many others those whose names came out that Secretary Aguirre could not produce one reason or another. We will subpoena them and this will probably give that wider perspective that you wish this committee to cover,” Umali told Abellanosa.

Hintay lang po at darating din po tayo diyan. Hindi po natin mapipiga ang lahat ng nandito (Just wait and we will get there. We can’t squeeze everything out immediately). We are giving time to these witnesses because their testimonies are so important in the establishment of the facts that we need to perform our mandate as committee on justice,” he added.

The House panel plans to summon former Bureau of Corrections chiefs Gaudencio Pangilinan, Franklin Jesus Bucayu, and Ricardo Cruz to testify at the hearing.

They also plan to subpoena Dayan and former justice undersecretary Francisco Baraan III, who denied Colanggo’s allegations that he had made money from the transfer of inmates within the NBP. – Rappler.com

‘Jaybee Sebastian’s law ruled Bilibid’

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TIES TO DE LIMA. Noel Martinez testifies before the House committee on justice on September 21, 2016 as it resumes its inquiry into the alleged drug trade inside the New Bilibid Prison. Photo by LeAnne Jazul/Rappler

MANILA, Philippines – “Ang batas ni Jaybee, nasusunood doon sa (Jaybee’s law is what’s followed inside) [New Bilibid Prison].” 

Noel Martinez, an inmate inside the New Bilibid Prison (NBP), said he did not want to have anything to do with illegal drugs while incarcerated, but upon the orders of Jaybee Sebastian, a co-inmate, he had no other choice but to find a way to deal narcotics. The proceeds, Martinez claimed, would be used for then justice secretary Leila de Lima’s 2016 senatorial bid

Martinez made the disclosure on Wednesday, September 21, during the House of Representatives’ probe into allegations that the illegal drug trade flourished inside what was supposed to be a maximum-security prison during De Lima’s stint as justice secretary. Bilibid is managed by the Bureau of Corrections which is under the justice department. 

Asked why Sebastian was so influential inside Bilibid, Martinez claimed this was because of his supposed close ties to De Lima. Sebastian is also the leader of the Sigue-Sigue Commando Group. 

Martinez is only one of several inmates brought to testify against De Lima in the legislative hearing. All of the witnesses, convicts and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) officials, were granted immunity from suit in the context of their testimonies by Congress. Other convicts claimed De Lima herself visited Sebastian’s “kubol” inside Bilibid, sometimes to collect proceeds from drug sales. 

Sebastian was also feared for his violent streak, said Martinez, who claimed that the gang leader once had someone “hammered on the head” inside prison. “You will just follow what he says to avoid conflict,” said Martinez of Sebastian. 

Martinez also lamented De Lima’s supposed preferential treatment for select inmates, particularly when the NBI raided the Maximum Security Compound in December 2014. De Lima singled out the “Bilibid 19,” high-profile inmates with supposed links to illegal drugs. 

“That’s my grudge against De Lima, she did not investigate well. Many of the ‘Bilibid 19’ aren’t even linked to drugs. Why was I included? That’s my question. Why was I included while [Sebastian] grew his business inside?” said Martinez. Proof of his unwillingness to be involved in drugs, he said, was his refusal to peddle 200 grams of drugs, despite Sebastian’s orders. 

It was supposedly Sebastian himself who fed De Lima information on who to isolate and list as part of the “Bilibid 19.” Martinez said Sebastian included Chinese nationals without links to drugs in the list, while excluding Chinese nationals whom he transacted with. 

Martinez, who heads the Genuine Ilocano Group inside Bilibid, said it was his job to “punish” inmates caught using illegal drugs. – Rappler.com

Medialdea issues memo on who can speak for Duterte

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DUTERTE SPOKESMEN. Communications Secretary Martin Andanar (left) and Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella are the only officials who can speak for President Duterte, according to a memorandum

MANILA, Philippines – Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea acceded to the request of Communications Secretary Martin Andanar for a memorandum limiting the officials who can speak for President Rodrigo Duterte to the media.

The memorandum, dated September 20, 2016, was addressed to "All members of the Cabinet and Heads of Agencies."

"Please be advised that official statements of the President on significant national and international issues shall be coursed through and delivered only by the Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto C. Abella or in his absence Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Jose Ruperto Martin M. Andanar," reads the document.

The memorandum stems from "instructions of the President and in accordance with the consensus reached during previous Cabinet Meetings," it says.

It makes PCOO the office authorized to respond to media on queries relating to Duterte's statements, policies, official activities, and accomplishments.

Cabinet members, agency heads, and heads of government-owned or controlled corporations are ordered not to give statements to the media "except on matters directly concerning their office or unless clearance has been secured from the PCOO."

The memorandum comes after the PCOO budget hearing in the Senate during which Senator Franklin Drilon suggested that Andanar ask Medialdea for a memorandum to ensure only official spokesmen speak for Duterte.

Andanar had responded positively to the suggestion and said he would request for the memo right away. (READ: Abella alone can speak for Duterte – Andanar)

Prior to the memo, Cabinet members apart from Abella and Andanar would speak to media about Duterte's statements. These include Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Salvador Panelo and Peace Process Adviser Jesus Dureza.

The number of "Duterte spokesmen" has led to confusion, observed Drilon and Senator Panfilo Lacson.

The confusion has reflected badly on the performance of Andanar's agency which some netizens have taken to calling the "Presidential Miscommunication Office."

Andanar has said he has taken such criticism to heart and has promised to streamline the Palace communication strategy. – Rappler.com

4 medics killed in strike on clinic near Syria's Aleppo – NGO

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BEIRUT, Lebanon – Four medics were killed and a nurse critically wounded when an air strike hit a clinic in a village near Syria's second city Aleppo late Tuesday, September 20, the aid group that supports it said.

The four staff of the Union of Syrian Medical Relief Organisations (UOSSM) were in two ambulances that had been called to the clinic to take some patients for more specialised treatment, the group said.

The clinic in the village of Khan Tuman was completely levelled in the 11:00 pm (2000 GMT) strike and more dead were feared to be buried under the rubble, the group added.

"The building has three floors, including a basement. Because of the intensity of the bombardment, the three storeys collapsed and are completely destroyed," the groups' hospitals and trauma director for the area, Ahmed Dbais, said in a statement.

"We don't yet know exactly how many dead there are."

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group said that nine members of the Army of Conquest rebel alliance who were working in the clinic were also killed.

The alliance groups Islamist rebels with former Al-Qaeda affiliate the Fateh al-Sham Front and Moscow has repeatedly demanded that it be disbanded to allow intensified air strikes against the jihadist faction.

Khan Tuman is near Orum al-Kubrah, the town where an attack on aid trucks and a warehouse killed around 20 civilians on Monday, triggering a war of words between major powers after Washington accused Moscow of responsibility.

According to the World Heath Organization, Syria is the most dangerous country in the world for health professionals with 135 strikes on clinics and hospitals last year.

The head of UOSSM France, Dr Ziad Alissa, condemned the "unacceptable" attack on the group's clinic and staff.

"Deliberately targeting humanitarian workers and medical professionals is a clear violation of international humanitarian law," he said.

"We appeal to the international community to act swiftly to put a stop to these atrocities. Too many lives have been lost."

The UOSSM is a medical aid group originally founded by Syrian expatriates but now international. – Rappler.com

At least 13 dead after Bangladesh ferry capsizes

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DHAKA, Bangladesh – At least 13 people died when an overcrowded ferry capsized and sank in southern Bangladesh on Wednesday, September 21, and around a dozen more remain missing in the country's latest river accident.

Some passengers managed to swim to shore when the ferry sank shortly after setting off from the Barisal district carrying an estimated 70 to 80 people.

"So far we have recovered 13 bodies including 3 women and a child. Around a dozen people are still missing," said Barisal police chief Mohammad Akhteruzzaman.

He said divers had located the sunken vessel which will be dragged to shore.

"Another salvage vessel is coming to the scene to help the rescue effort," he added.

Hundreds of people die every year while travelling on Bangladesh's ferries due to overcrowding or poor maintenance.

An accident in February last year left 69 people dead in central Bangladesh, just a fortnight after 5 others were killed when an overloaded ferry sank.

The initial figures for those missing in Bangladeshi boat disasters are often revised downwards as details emerge of passengers who manage to swim to shore.  – Rappler.com


Vietnam to delay TPP ratification – lawmaker

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TPP DELAY. US President Barack Obama speaks to the press as he meets with business, government, and national security to discuss the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, DC, on September 16, 2016. Photo by Nicholas Kamm/ AFP

HANOI, Vietnam – Vietnam will delay ratifying the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) until after the US elections, a lawmaker said Wednesday, Septmebr 21, in the latest blow to the massive trade pact.

Prospects that the 12-country deal could be ratified in Washington this year have dimmed, with US lawmakers casting doubt on whether President Barack Obama's signature Pacific trade deal will receive substantial backing or even come to a vote. 

Both US presidential hopefuls Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton have said they oppose the TPP, raising questions about the future of the pact come the November ballot. 

Vietnam, which stands to gain enormously from the trade deal that spans 40% of the world's economy, had set a July target to approve it, according to the government's website. 

But a member of the National Assembly, or parliament, told the Agence France-Presse Wednesday the deal would not be discussed in the next parliamentary session that opens on October 20 and runs until mid-November.

"The important issue here is to find a proper time to discuss and ratify the trade deal. Everybody knows that the US is the most important member in this deal and the country is in the middle of an election,"  Dung Trung Quoc told AFP. 

"Therefore, Vietnam pushing back the discussion of TPP is only normal," he said, adding that the pact still had full support from parliament. 

Comments on the National Assembly website confirmed that TPP ratification would be delayed.  

The trade deal has been a major policy of Obama's administration, and a key component of his "pivot to Asia". 

The TPP, which excludes economic powerhouse China, must be ratified by all participating countries: Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, the United States and Vietnam. – Rappler.com

29 migrants dead as boat capsizes off Egypt

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CAIRO, Egypt – At least 29 people have drowned after a boat carrying migrants capsized off the Egyptian coast on Wednesday, two health ministry officials told AFP, raising an earlier toll.

"The toll now is 29 dead and five injured," said health ministry spokesman Khaled Megahed.

Another health ministry official, Adel Khalifa, confirmed the toll and said the dead included Egyptians and Sudanese and "other African nationalities."

The incident comes months after the head of the EU's border agency warned that growing numbers of Europe-bound migrants were turning to Egypt as a departure point for the perilous journey.

Smugglers often overload the boats, some of them scarcely seaworthy, with passengers who have paid for the journey. 

More than 10,000 people have died crossing the Mediterranean to Europe since 2014, according to the UN.

With the closure of the Balkans route popular with migrants seeking to reach northern European countries, as well as an EU deal with Turkey to halt departures, asylum seekers have been turning to other options. 

"Egypt is starting to become a departure country," Frontex chief Fabrice Leggeri said in an interview with the Funke group of German regional newspapers in June.

"The number of boat crossings from Egypt to Italy has reached 1,000 (so far) this year," he said. – Rappler.com

Paris climate accord closer after UN meeting

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THE PARIS AGREEMENT. UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon speaks the United Nations during the Entry into Force of the Paris Agreement September 21, 2016 at the United Nations in New York. 
Photo by Don Emmert/AFP

UNITED NATIONS – The landmark Paris agreement on climate change moved closer to reality on Wednesday, September 21, after 31 countries joined during the United Nations General Assembly.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon voiced confidence that the accord, through which countries commit to take action to stem the planet's rising temperatures, would come into force by the end of the year.

"The momentum is remarkable," said the outgoing UN chief, who convened a meeting on the Paris accord during the annual UN gathering of leaders.

"When the Paris agreement enters into force this year, it will be a major step forward on our journey for a more secure, more equitable and more prosperous future," Ban said.

The accord requires all countries to devise plans to achieve the goal of keeping the rise of temperatures within two degrees Celsius (3.6 Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels.

Scientists say that such a temperature rise still poses risks but could save the planet from the worst effects of climate change, including worsening flooding, storms and droughts that may cause food shortages, species extinction and significant human displacement.

The countries that joined the accord on Wednesday included Latin American powerhouses Argentina, Brazil and Mexico as well as major fossil fuel powers Brunei and the United Arab Emirates.

To come into force, the Paris agreement needs ratification from 55 countries that account for at least 55 percent of the planet's greenhouse gas emissions responsible for climate change.

With Wednesday's event, in which leaders ceremonially submitted paperwork to ratify the accord, a total of 60 countries have joined the Paris accord, meeting the threshold.

But they account for just less than 48 percent of emissions, according to UN figures.

Ban's office said that 14 other countries accounting for 12.58 percent of emissions had signaled they would ratify the accord this year, meaning the agreement is virtually certain to come into force, barring a widespread change of heart.

Notably, the European Parliament is expected to vote to approve the Paris accord next month.

China and the United States, the two largest emitters, gave a major boost to the accord when they signed on during a summit earlier this month between Presidents Xi Jinping and Barack Obama.

French Environment Minister Segolene Royal, who heads the body behind the Paris accord, told AFP earlier in the week that she hoped it would come into force before the next UN climate meeting on November 7 in Marrakesh, Morocco.

That conference opens one day before the presidential election in the United States, in which Republican candidate Donald Trump has dismissed mainstream science on climate change and vowed to tear up the Paris accord if elected. – Rappler.com

Expect longer nights: Autumnal equinox begins September 22

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SETTING SUN. The sun sets behind US Navy ship USS Blue Ridge (LCC-19) docked at the Manila Pier in Manila on March 5, 2016. File photo by Noel Celis/AFP

MANILA, Philippines – You can expect the nights to be longer beginning Thursday evening, September 22. 

State weather service PAGASA said in its astronomical diary the 2016 autumnal, or fall, equinox would begin at 10:21 pm of September 22.

September's autumnal equinox occurs when the sun crosses the celestial equator, an imaginary line in the sky above Earth's equator, changing the angle of sunlight and making the day and night last approximately the same length.  

The equinox is a worldwide event, and is one of two yearly equinox events, with the spring equinox happening in March. – Rappler.com

Canada schools evacuated over unsubstantiated bomb threats

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MONTREAL, Canada – Some 60 schools and universities in eastern Canada were evacuated on Wednesday, September 21, over a series of bomb threats, including one received by police, that appeared to have been bogus.

No bombs were found, but administrators said the schools would remain closed throughout the day as police conducted another sweep of the schools, with classes expected to resume in the morning.

Authorities said they are investigating possible links between the threats, as well as to another that targeted at least one school in the United States.

"At this point, we don't know who is responsible for the threats," Royal Canadian Mounted Police Sergeant Kevin Bailey told a press conference.

He said the threats were received by fax machine. "The threat said there was a bomb in a school or a number of schools that would detonate today," Bailey said.

So far, searches had uncovered nothing suspicious, he said. "If nothing is found, I'll be satisfied that the threat was a hoax."

Earlier, the RCMP announced in a statement that all Prince Edward Island schools were being evacuated "due to a potential threat."

Students at all primary and secondary schools across the Atlantic island province were taken to designated safe locations, federal police said, with parents anxiously awaiting information about where to pick up their children.

In Nova Scotia, meanwhile, police were probing an anonymous bomb threat against 3 university campuses in the province.

The campuses of Nova Scotia Community College in Halifax and in Sydney were shuttered after local police received the threat, at about 7:50 am local time (1050 GMT).

Cape Breton University was also evacuated.

The US school or schools possibly also targeted were not identified by Canadian authorities. – Rappler.com

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