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Trillanes itinanggi na sangkot sa pananaksak sa loob ng Bilibid

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TINANGGI ni Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV ang mga alegasyon na nasa likod siya ng nangyaring pananaksak sa loob ng New Bilbid Prisons (NBP) na nagresulta sa pagkamatay ng Chinese drug lord at pagkasugat ng maraming iba pa.<br /><br />
Ito’y bilang reaksyon sa alegasyon ni Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II na isang opisyal mula sa Navy ang nagturo sa kanya at kay Sen. Leila de Lima, na siyang utak ng nangyaring insidente.
“I categorically deny any involvement in the stabbing incident of Jaybee Sebastian. Why would I even do that? It is totally absurd,” sabi ni Trillanes.<br /><br />

Nauna nang sinabi ni House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez na may nais magpatahimik kay Jaybee Sebastian para hindi siya makapagbigay ng testimonya sa isinagawang pagdinig ng Kamara.
“Anyway, Aguirre and his gang better get their stories straight because we will have a full blown Senate inquiry to get the truth out,” sabi ni Trillanes.

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<p>Source: <a href="http://bandera.inquirer.net/140852/trillanes-itinanggi-na-sangkot-sa-pananaksak-sa-loob-ng-bilibid">bandera.inquirer</a></p>

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Trillanes itinanggi na sangkot sa pananaksak sa loob ng Bilibid

TINANGGI ni Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV ang mga alegasyon na nasa likod siya ng nangyaring pananaksak sa loob ng New Bilbid Prisons (NBP...

Armed men attack Cotabato jail; 130 inmates escape

Unknown 0 5:05:00 PM

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At least 132 inmates escaped from the North Cotabato District Jail (NCDJ) in Kidapawan City as armed men attacked the facility early Wednesday.<br /><br />
A radio dzBB report said one jail guard was killed while an inmate was injured in the incident.<br /><br />
Superintendent Peter Bongat, NCDJ officer-in-charge, said in an interview that more than 100 armed men attacked the facility in Barangay Amas at around 4 a.m.<br /><br />
He said the inmates escaped during the shootout with authorities.<br /><br />
Bongat said they were not able to identify the group that conducted the early morning attack. However, he said the armed men could be members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).<br /><br />
In an interview with Arnold Clavio on "Unang Balita," Bongat said the NCDJ has many high-profile inmates.<br /><br />
He said manhunt operations are ongoing to recapture the inmates.<br /><br />
Felix Capalla, one of the leaders of the inmates at the NCDJ, identified the slain jail guard as a certain Vecido.<br /><br />
Capalla said the armed men, clad in black suits and armed with high-powered firearms, rescued prisoners who are mostly members of the 105th Command of the BIFF, among them the Tamayan brothers, both facing murder charges, and Salik brothers who are charged with drug trafficking.<br /><br />
Capalla, known among NCDJ inmates as the ‘chief expediter,’ disclosed that even before the attack, he already tipped Bongat of the plan to rescue BIFF members.<br /><br />
“I gave him (Bongat) an information that some of the inmates have told us to prepare for rescue and escape. This was last December 31. I saw additional troops deployed in the area from December 31 up to January 1.  But after that, I saw few people manning the jail, then came the attack,” said Capalla.

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<p>Source: <a href="http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/594554/news/regions/armed-men-attack-cotabato-jail-130-inmates-escape">gmanetwork</a></p>

Armed men attack Cotabato jail; 130 inmates escape

At least 132 inmates escaped from the North Cotabato District Jail (NCDJ) in Kidapawan City as armed men attacked the facility early W...

Aguirre says inmate linked De Lima, Trillanes to Sebastian stabbing

Unknown 0 4:21:00 PM

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Senators Antonio Trillanes IV and Leila De Lima have been linked to the attempt on the life of high-profile New Bilibid Prisons inmate Jaybee Sebastian, Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre said on Tuesday.<br /><br />
Aguirre said he was convinced of the threat on Sebastian's life and this was the reason why he had already been transferred to the National Bureau of Investigation jail in Manila.<br /><br />
"'Yung kay Jaybee Sebastian meron one of the inmates said it was instigated to stop Jaybee Sebastian (from testifying on De Lima's drug links at the House of Representatives) at ang itinuturo nila ay an official of the Philippine Navy parang yun ang nag-utos (ng pananaksak)," Aguirre told reporters.<br /><br />
"Nababanggit dun si Trillanes and De Lima but no supporting (evidence). Nababanggit lang. Yung mismong sumaksak (ang bumanggit)," he added. <br /><br />
In his affidavit read before a House inquiry, inmate Tomas Doniña said he attacked Sebastian on instructions from a former colleague at the Philippine Navy supposedly to prevent the convicted kidnapper and confessed drug dealer from testifying on De Lima's links to illegal drugs.<br /><br />
De Lima already denied that she had anything to do with the stabbing incident last September 28 at the national penitentiary that left killed convicted drug lord Tony Co and injured four others including Sebastian.<br /><br />
Sebastian is said to have pooled drug money from fellow high profile inmates for De Lima's campaign kitty during the senatorial elections last year.<br /><br />
Sought for comment, Trillanes said Aguirre should get his stories straight as the matter would be the subject of a Senate inquiry.<br /><br />
"I categorically deny any involvement in the stabbing incident of JB Sebastian. Why would I even do that? It is totally absurd," Trillanes said.<br /><br />
"Anyway, Aguirre and his gang better get their stories straight because we will have a full blown Senate inquiry to get the truth out," he added.

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<p>Source: <a href="http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/594497/news/nation/aguirre-says-inmate-linked-de-lima-trillanes-to-sebastian-stabbing">gmanetwork</a></p>

Aguirre says inmate linked De Lima, Trillanes to Sebastian stabbing

Senators Antonio Trillanes IV and Leila De Lima have been linked to the attempt on the life of high-profile New Bilibid Prisons inmate...

Matobato: Sara Duterte had quarrels with her father over DDS

Unknown 0 4:04:00 PM

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Self-confessed hitman Edgar Matobato on Tuesday claimed that Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte had quarrels with her father over the alleged presence of the Davao Death Squad (DDS) in their hometown.<br /><br />
"Si Mayor Sara mabait yan. Kasi nag-aaway yang mag-ama (tungkol sa DDS). Galit yan," Matobato said in a Facebook interview of the Inquirer.<br /><br />
Matobato added that Sara also called for the resignation of then Davao City PNP chief Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa due to numerous unsolved murder cases.<br /><br />
"Si Mayor, Si Sara noon nagkagalit 'yan ni Bato kasi ang daming namamatay, sabi ni Mayor Sara walang nahuhuli. Sabi ni Mayor Sara bumaba ka na sa puwesto mo. Ang sabi ni Bato naman hindi pa tapos 'yung termino ko," Matobato said.<br /><br />
On the other hand, Matobato said Duterte's youngest son Baste focused on his stint as vocalist of a local band.<br /><br />
"Kanta-kanta yung kang Baste, 'yung combo," he said.<br /><br />
He noted that no other member of the Duterte family is involved in the DDS aside from its patriarch.<br /><br />
Meanwhile, Matobato said solving murder cases involving the DDS is also impossible since members of the death squad are also members of the Davao City PNP.<br /><br />
He noted that even riding in tandem hitmen are also members of the police force.<br /><br />
"Siyemre ang daming namamatay sa Davao pero walang nahuhuli. Kasi paano pagkahuli, mga pulis man mga DDS. 'Yung mga nagche-checkpoint, pagtingin pulis direcho agad sila. Yung mga riding in tandem,yan ang mga naka-sibilyan na pulis," Matobato said.<br /><br />
Last year, Matobato appeared at the Senate justice committee hearing on the alleged state-sponsored killings where he admitted personally executing at least 50 people on the elder Duterte's orders. <br /><br />
However, 11 senators agreed there was no proof on the existence of the so-called Davao Death Squad despite Matobato’s testimony linking Duterte to the killings.<br /><br />
Last month, Matobato filed multiple charges, including murder and kidnapping, against the elder Duterte, Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte, Dela Rosa, and 25 others at the Office of the Ombudsman.<br /><br />
In his affidavit, Matobato claimed the DDS executed more than 1,000 suspected criminals and other individuals from the time it was established in 1988 until the time he left the group in 2013. <br /><br />
Matobato's legal counsel Jude Sabio, meanwhile, said they will also present a new witness who will back his client's statements.<br /><br />
Sabio said the witness allegedly saw Duterte shoot a person in Davao City in May 2012.

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<p>Source: <a href="http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/594533/news/nation/matobato-sara-duterte-had-quarrels-with-her-father-over-dds">gmanetwork</a></p>

Matobato: Sara Duterte had quarrels with her father over DDS

Self-confessed hitman Edgar Matobato on Tuesday claimed that Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte had quarrels with her father over the alleg...

With ‘Nina’ hitting Bicol, Robredo says US trip’s timing ‘unfortunate’

Unknown 0 4:26:00 AM

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Vice President Leni Robredo on Tuesday admitted that her trip to the United States over the holidays came at a bad timing, with Typhoon Nina hitting the Bicol Region at Christmastime.<br /><br />
Robredo, who returned from the said trip on Monday, is now on a week-long visit to the region, starting in Camarines Sur, her home province.<br /><br />
In an interview in Ocampo town, she said it was "unfortunate" that she couldn't be there during the typhoon.<br /><br />
"[M]asama ang timing na iyon, masama din loob ko na nangyari na wala ako," she said. "Actually nasa bakasyon ako pero hindi rin ako makapag-concentrate. Iyong inaasikaso ko iyong relief operations dito."<br /><br />
"Ganoon talaga. Nandoon ako na parang ang sama ng loob ko na may nangyayari dito na wala ako. Isang bagay na hindi din ako masaya, siguro marami din tayong ginawa while wala dito, inaasikaso ang lahat ng relief, pero iba talaga kasi 'pag ako mismo ang nandito," she said.<br /><br />
"Siguro kung mababalik lang, mas gusto ko na nandito ako. Pero making the best out of the situation, hindi na mababalik, pero bumabawi tayo. Asikasuhin... iyong buong staff naman natin, noong wala ako, talaga namang walang napabayaan," she added.<br /><br />
Robredo was criticized, particularly on social media, for being in the US while Nina swept across the Bicol Region and other areas in Luzon in time for Christmas.<br /><br />
Her office came to her defense, saying she was leading their relief operations, called "Task Force Tindog Bikol," even while she was away. <br /><br />
The Vice President herself took to social media to post about developments, including call for volunteers and donations.<br /><br />
On Tuesday, Robredo explained that this year's family reunion was hosted by her sister-in-law, who is based in the US. They have been holding such gatherings for Christmas especially since her husband, former Interior Sec. Jesse Robredo, passed away in August 2012.<br /><br />
She said it was difficult to book an earlier trip back to the Philippines for herself, her three daughters, and her mother because it was peak season. A New Year's Eve trip was the earliest they could get.<br /><br />
"Paglapag ko lang sa US noong pumunta ako, inareglo ko kaagad iyong relief operations, naghahanap ng paraan para makauwi kaagad, pero mahirap kasi peak season," she said.<br /><br />
Asked to comment on bashing she has received, Robredo said she would rather focus on addressing "positive" criticisms.
"Ako kasi, may dalawa kasing kritiko. Iyong isang kritiko positibo ang hinahanap para gawan ng paraan. Mayroon namang mga kritiko na kahit anong gawin mo may puna," she said.<br /><br />
"Siguro ang aasikasuhin natin ay i-address natin iyong mga criticisms ng mga magandang loob na mag-criticize. Tingin ko sa mga constituents namin dito hindi ako magkakaproblema in the sense na hindi ako nagpabaya kahit wala ako," she added.

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<p>Source: <a href="http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/594499/news/nation/with-nina-hitting-bicol-robredo-says-us-trip-s-timing-unfortunate">gmanetwork</a></p>

With ‘Nina’ hitting Bicol, Robredo says US trip’s timing ‘unfortunate’

Vice President Leni Robredo on Tuesday admitted that her trip to the United States over the holidays came at a bad timing, with Typhoo...

Lagman bucks slither toward dictatorial powers

Unknown 0 4:38:00 PM

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MANILA - Albay Representative Edcel Lagman on Saturday said it is dangerous to proceed in amending the Constitution, either by constituent assembly or constitutional convention, "when we have a President who wants the legitimation of dictatorial powers."<br /><br />

President Rodrigo Duterte is seen by political quarters as once again flirting with the idea of martial law and slithering toward a dictatorial regime, this time by wishing to strip the Constitution of safeguards intended to prevent presidential abuse of the emergency power.<br /><br />

The 1987 Constitution allows the suspension the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus or declaration of martial law for not longer than 60 days but requires the president to submit this within 48 hours of proclamation to Congress, which may revoke or extend it.<br /><br />

It also empowers the Supreme Court to review the proclamation if asked to do so by a citizen.<br /><br />

Even if martial law is upheld, the Charter says this "does not suspend the operation of the Constitution, nor supplant the functioning of the civil courts or legislative assemblies, nor authorize the conferment of jurisdiction on military courts and agencies over civilians where civil courts are able to function, nor automatically suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus."<br /><br />

On Thursday, speaking in Pampanga, Duterte described these safeguards as an "almost reckless reaction" to the 14-year dictatorship of former President Ferdinand Marcos after he declared the country under martial law in 1972.<br /><br />

Representative Lagman said in a statement released to news outlets: "All initiatives to amend the Constitution must be consigned to the back burner to assure that the dismantling of congressional and judicial safeguards on the presidential declaration of martial law will not be realized.<br /><br />

"President Duterte's unequivocal pronouncement for a return to a president's absolute and sole authority to declare martial law and suspend the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus betrays his authoritarian designs which must never be constitutionalized.<br /><br />

"The power of Congress to revoke a presidential declaration of martial law and the suspension of the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus as well as the jurisdiction of the Supreme Court to review the factual basis of such declarations were mandated in the 1987 Constitution to preclude abuses curtailing civil and political rights like the unrestrained imposition of martial law without time limit."
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<p>Source: <a href="http://interaksyon.com/article/135556/lagman-bucks-slither-toward-dictatorial-powers">interaksyon</a></p>

Lagman bucks slither toward dictatorial powers

MANILA - Albay Representative Edcel Lagman on Saturday said it is dangerous to proceed in amending the Constitution, either by constit...

Rep. Lagman enumerated the following grounds against the restoration of the death penalty

Unknown 0 4:36:00 PM

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<p>Source: <a href="#"></a></p>

Rep. Lagman enumerated the following grounds against the restoration of the death penalty

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NCRPO: All security measures in place for Manila’s Black Nazarene feast

Unknown 0 4:12:00 PM

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The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) on Monday said the security measures are already in place for the feast of the Black Nazarene in Manila on January 9.<br /><br />
NCRPO chief Director Oscar Albayalde told Unang Balita in an interview that at least 2,000 policemen will deployed in Manila for the Black Nazarene feast.<br /><br />
Albayalde said that the policemen will be augmented by "force multipliers" or local security forces including barangay tanods, numbering to about 3,000 men.<br /><br />
The annual Black Nazarene feast is usually marred by deaths and injuries, which occur during the hours-long procession attended by thousands of devotees.<br /><br />
The police and the military has been on full alert since the night market bombing in Davao City in September 2015, which prompted President Rodrigo Duterte to declare a state of national emergency on account of lawless violence.<br /><br />
In late November, an improvised explosive device planted by suspected members of a local terror group was recovered and detonated near the United States Embassy in Manila.

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<p>Source: <a href="http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/594352/news/metro/ncrpo-all-security-measures-in-place-for-manila-s-black-nazarene-feast">gmanetwork</a></p>

NCRPO: All security measures in place for Manila’s Black Nazarene feast

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) on Monday said the security measures are already in place for the feast of the Black...

Archbishop Villegas hits killings in Christmas plea

Unknown 0 3:45:00 PM

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'Murder is ugly. Extrajudicial killing is ugly,' Archbishop Socrates Villegas says in a Christmas message about the 'ugliness' during this 'feast of beauty'<br /><br />
MANILA, Philippines – On the feast of Christ's birth, the stench of death.<br /><br />

Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas denounced extrajudicial killings in his pastoral letter to be read on Sunday, December 25, in a reality check about the "ugliness" during this "feast of beauty."<br /><br />

Villegas, also the president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines, required his priests to read this as their Christmas homily within his archdiocese of one million Catholics.<br /><br />

"Murder is ugly. Extrajudicial killing is ugly," Villegas, 56, said in his pastoral letter.<br /><br />
"Christmas comes to us as a feast of beauty, but we are not blind and numb to the ugliness that has come upon us," he said.<br /><br />

The archbishop explained: "We have Christmas but there is blood spilling on our streets and sidewalks. We have Christmas and we party but there are now more than 5,000 families mixing Christmas carols with their quiet tears because a loved one has been stricken down by a bullet. Their noche buena (Christmas dinner) is bland and tasteless because the bitter taste of death is too strong to forget."<br /><br />

"There are Christmas carols in the air, but there is blood by the garbage dump and even inside jails. There is a Christmas parol by the window at home but the unresolved murder at home outshines our Christmas lights," he said.<br /><br />

"Christmas brings us pain, not just joy," the archbishop also said. "Let not the Christmas feasting become like morphine to numb us and make us forget."<br /><br />

Villegas issued this message as almost 6,200 people have been killed in President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs.<br /><br />

Of this number, more than 4,000 people have been slain in extrajudicial or vigilante-style killings.<br /><br />

'Christmas is hope'<br /><br />

In an attempt to explain why the killings happen, Villegas pointed out that Filipinos, like those from other parts of the world, tend to elect leaders "not with diligent prudent reflection, but from anger."<br /><br />

"Anger has become so common and ordinary that the culture of revenge is slowly enchaining us. Anger pushes us to pursue the illusion that we must kill in order to defend life," he said.<br /><br />

"Living in anger, we start to live in fear. We fear for our lives and our family's lives," he added.<br /><br />

Villegas, on one hand, acknowledged that fear and anger "are indeed strong human feelings."<br /><br />

On the other hand, he said, "greater than anger and fear is hope."<br /><br />

Villegas said: "Christmas is not a story of anger and fear. Anger and fear came from Herod not from Christ. Christ brings hope; Herod sows anger and fear. Christmas is Christ not Herod. Christmas is hope, hope stronger than fear and anger."<br /><br />

The archbishop said, "Christmas is hope. We have hope."<br /><br />

Villegas is the protegé of the late Manila Archbishop Jaime Cardinal Sin, an outspoken prelate who helped oust dictator Ferdinand Marcos in 1986.<br /><br />

He recently led prayer rallies against the hero's burial for Marcos and against the planned revival of the death penalty, which were Duterte's campaign promises.<br /><br />

Like Villegas, Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle has criticized the recent spate of killings in the Philippines.<br /><br />

In his own Christmas message, Tagle urged Filipinos to make room for the poorest and the most neglected, including those "who have gone astray," as a way of making room for Jesus on Christmas.<br /><br />

"Why is there no room for hope for those who have gone astray but much space for condemnation by the self-righteous?" Tagle asked. "Why is there room for destroying lives but minute space for saving them?" 
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<p>Source: <a href="http://www.rappler.com/nation/156470-archbishop-villegas-killings-christmas-message">rappler</a></p>

Archbishop Villegas hits killings in Christmas plea

'Murder is ugly. Extrajudicial killing is ugly,' Archbishop Socrates Villegas says in a Christmas message about the 'uglin...

Robredo back in PHL from US, visits NIA Road fire victims

Unknown 1 2:44:00 AM

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Fresh from her United States trip, Vice President Leni Robredo immediately went back to work on Monday and visited victims of the fire that razed more than 500 houses along NIA Road in Quezon City last week.<br /><br />
According to a tweet by GMA News' Raffy Tima, Robredo went to see the fire victims “straight from the airport” upon her return.<br /><br />
Tima's tweet showed Robredo talking to the affected residents using a megaphone. He said the Vice President promised the fire victims that she would coordinate a solution to their housing problem.<br /><br />
Robredo flew to the United States over the holiday season for a family reunion. She was criticized for leaving the country while Typhoon Nina wreaked havoc in the Bicol region on Christmas Day.<br /><br />
The Vice President hails from Camarines Sur and had a brief stint as its representative in Congress before she won in the May 2016 elections.<br /><br />
While the Office of the Vice President did not say when Robredo left the country, her spokesperson said she had been monitoring and directing her staff "to work with regional officials and agencies in setting up local relief centers for immediate emergency response on the ground."<br /><br />
Robredo is set to visit her hometown of Naga City “as soon as she arrives,” her spokesperson had said.

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<p>Source: <a href="http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/594388/news/nation/robredo-back-in-phl-from-us-visits-nia-road-fire-victims">gmanetwork</a></p>

Robredo back in PHL from US, visits NIA Road fire victims

Fresh from her United States trip, Vice President Leni Robredo immediately went back to work on Monday and visited victims of the fire...

Diokno: Cops, soldiers to receive pay hike this year

Unknown 0 2:41:00 AM

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President Rodrigo Duterte has fulfilled his promise to increase the salary of cops and soldiers. <br /><br />
On Monday, Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno confirmed the inclusion of the hike in the 2017 national budget. <br /><br />
"The answer is yes," Diokno replied when asked about the increase of both base pay and allowance of soldiers and policemen.  <br /><br />
But Diokno did not disclose any more details as he would announce the figures during a press conference in Malacañang on Tuesday. <br /><br />
In his Budget Action Message, Duterte said that the military, the police, and other uniformed personnel will receive rice subsidy in 2017. But this is put under conditional implementation. <br /><br />
In his many camp visits, Duterte promised the police and the soldiers that he will double their salary by yearend. <br /><br />
In his yearend video report, Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said Duterte kept his word to the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines. <br /><br />
"Kumikilos sa salita at gawa, tinupad ng Pangulo ang pangakong dagdag sahod sa mga sundalo at pulis," he said.
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<p>Source: <a href="http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/594383/news/nation/diokno-cops-soldiers-to-receive-pay-hike-this-year">gmanetwork</a></p>

Diokno: Cops, soldiers to receive pay hike this year

President Rodrigo Duterte has fulfilled his promise to increase the salary of cops and soldiers. On Monday, Budget Secretary Benjamin...

De Lima: How can we celebrate New Year amid killings?

Unknown 0 5:02:00 PM

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Senator Leila De Lima on Saturday criticized anew the Duterte administration’s war against illegal drugs, questioning how Filipinos can celebrate the New Year if killings and human rights violations persist.<br /><br />
“Paano nga ba magdiwang, kung nagpapatuloy ang patayan at kawalang katarungan sa lipunan?” De Lima said in her New Year message.<br /><br />
The senator, who has been tagged by President Rodrigo Duterte as the the public officials who received drug money, said the New Year is a symbol of hope and a celebration of all the blessings of the past year.<br /><br />
“Sagisag ang pagsapit ng Bagong Taon ng bagong simula at bagong pag-asa. Isa itong pagdiriwang dahil sa nalampasan nating mga pagsubok; ng pasasalamat sa mga biyaya, at paghahanda sa isang bagong kabanata," De Lima said.<br /><br />
"Panahon ito ng pagbubuklod ng pamilyang Pilipino, na sa kabila ng mga hamon at problema, ay nagagawa pa ring magsaya at magsamasama,” she added.<br /><br />
But De Lima said that for some people, 2016 is not ending on a positive note for their loved ones either died from calamities or killed “even before they had the chance to change their lives.”<br /><br />
“May mga kababayan tayong hindi makakasama ang pamilya. May mga sinalanta ng bagyo, at mahihirapan pang makabangon sa pagkawasak ng mga tahanan at kabuhayan. May mga kababayan tayong pinatay, bago pa man bigyan ng pagkakataong magbagong-buhay,” De Lima said.<br /><br />
“Sa likod ng mga salo-salo at makikislap na palamuti, mayroon tayong mga kapwang nagdadalamhati at labis ang pighati sa gunita ng pinaslang na magulang, anak, kapatid, asawa, at kaibigan,” she added.<br /><br />
De Lima urged Filipinos to pray for the the victims of killings and continue to be more compassionate of their fellowmen.<br /><br />ng bumabalot ngayon sa ating bayan, nananalig akong darating din ang liwanag,” she said.<br /><br />
“Sa pagsapit ng Bagong Taon, naniniwala ako sa higit pang pagmamalasakit ng Pilipino sa kapwa Pilipino at sa pagrespeto sa karapatang pantao. Sa gabay ng Panginoon, nawa’y magkaisa tayo tungo sa tunay na mapayapa at makatarungang bansa,” she added.<br /><br />
The Philippine National Police reported that from July 1 to 6 a.m. of December 31, a total of 2,167 people have been killed in police operations against illegal drugs under Project Double Barrel Alpha.<br /><br />
A total of 43,114 individuals have also been arrested.

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<p>Source: <a href="http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/594245/news/nation/de-lima-how-can-we-celebrate-new-year-amid-killings">gmanetwork</a></p>

De Lima: How can we celebrate New Year amid killings?

Senator Leila De Lima on Saturday criticized anew the Duterte administration’s war against illegal drugs, questioning how Filipinos ca...

PNP chief: 1 stray bullet death, but holiday season generally peaceful

Unknown 0 4:48:00 PM

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Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa on Sunday said the entire holiday season was "generally peaceful," but reported one fatality from 12 stray bullet cases nationwide.<br /><br />
"Overall, the entire holiday season has been generally peaceful with no serious untoward incidents reported by the Police Regional Offices," Dela Rosa said in a statement.<br /><br />
He, however, reported that the "holiday season was marred" by the cases of "stray bullet injuries and death."<br /><br />
The PNP said that the stray bullet fatality was reported in Metro Manila, but did not provide additional details.<br /><br />
It also reported that three of the nine stray bullet cases were recorded from 9 p.m. December 31 to 12:30 a.m. January 1.<br /><br />
Cop arrested<br /><br />
Dela Rosa said that due to the police's aggressive operations against indiscriminate firing during the New Year revelry, they were able to arrest 15 people for gun-related offenses.<br /><br />
Among those arrested were a policeman, a member of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and 13 civilians.<br /><br />
Dela Rosa added that 13 more people, including four policemen and nine civilians, are being "sought and investigated" for illegal discharge of firearms.<br /><br />
He did not say when the 13 cases were recorded.<br /><br />
Dela Rosa assured the public that policemen involved in these cases will "face the full brunt of the PNP disciplinary system without prejudice to criminal prosecution as warranted by evidence."<br /><br />
In his statement, the PNP chief said that he was pleased with the Department of Health's report about the significant reduction in the number of firecracker-related injuries.<br /><br />
"I am particularly pleased with the DOH report of a 60% reduction in firecracker-related medical emergency cases recorded nationwide compared with the 5-year average recorded since 2010," he said.<br /><br />
"This noteworthy improvement can be attributed to the vigilance of the police with the support of the community in enforcing prohibitions against illegal firecrackers and indiscriminate firing of guns, the heightened awareness of the public through government and NGO information efforts, and the inter-agency coordination by health officials, local governments, and law enforcement," he added.<br /><br />
Dela Rosa reported that police offices nationwide reported the arrest of 18 people for selling illegal firecrackers.

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<p>Source: <a href="http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/594305/news/nation/pnp-chief-1-stray-bullet-death-but-holiday-season-generally-peaceful">gmanetwork</a></p>

PNP chief: 1 stray bullet death, but holiday season generally peaceful

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa on Sunday said the entire holiday season was "generally ...

New UN chief aims to make 2017 ‘a year for peace’

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The new United Nations chief Antonio Guterres said Sunday he would like to make 2017 a year to "put peace first," in a message heralding the new year and marking his first day as the world body's chief.<br /><br />

The Portuguese former prime minister, 67, took over as UN Secretary-general from South Korea's Ban Ki-moon, inheriting complex crises in Syria, South Sudan, Yemen, Burundi, North Korea and elsewhere.<br /><br />

"How can we help the millions of people caught up in conflict, suffering massively in wars with no end in sight?" Guterres said.<br /><br />

"Civilians are pounded with deadly force. Women, children and men are killed and injured, forced from their homes, dispossessed and destitute.<br /><br />

"No one wins these wars; everyone loses."<br /><br />

Ushering in 2017, Guterres asked the world to make "one shared New Year's resolution: Let us resolve to put peace first.<br /><br />

"Let us make 2017 a year in which we all -- citizens, governments, leaders -- strive to overcome our differences."<br /><br />

The unanimous election of Guterres -- who fought for migrants' rights as the UN High Commissioner for Refugees for a decade -- has energized UN diplomats who see him as a skilled politician who may be able to overcome the divisions crippling the international organization.<br /><br />

"Peace must be our goal and our guide," he said. "All that we strive for as a human family -- dignity and hope, progress and prosperity -- depends on peace."<br /><br />

"But peace depends on us."
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<p>Source: <a href="http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/594316/news/world/new-un-chief-aims-to-make-2017-a-year-for-peace">gmanetwork</a></p>

New UN chief aims to make 2017 ‘a year for peace’

The new United Nations chief Antonio Guterres said Sunday he would like to make 2017 a year to "put peace first," in a messa...

Police nab 3 in marijuana farm raid in Ozamis City

Unknown 0 4:05:00 PM

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Police arrested three people in a raid at a marijuana plantation in Ozamis City in Misamis Occidental on Saturday afternoon.<br /><br />
Chief Inspector Jovie Espenido, acting chief of the Ozamis City Police Station, identified the three suspects as Ariel Bundaon, 23; Lindon Bolante, 24; and Rosevilla Villamor, 46, residents of the city.<br /><br />
Espenido said the suspects were arrested during their raid at a marijuana plantation in Purok 3, Barangay Guingona at around 1 p.m.<br /><br />
He said they were able to recover at least 300 large marijuana plants, 620 marijuana plants and 296 marijuana stalks during the raid.<br /><br />
Also seized were three liquor bottles filled containing marijuana seeds, two  homemade shotguns, a homemade .38 revolver and various ammunition.<br /><br />
Charges are being prepared against the suspects.

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<p>Source: <a href="http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/594319/news/regions/police-nab-3-in-marijuana-farm-raid-in-ozamis-city">gmanetwork</a></p>

Police nab 3 in marijuana farm raid in Ozamis City

Police arrested three people in a raid at a marijuana plantation in Ozamis City in Misamis Occidental on Saturday afternoon. Chief In...

‘Fear of Duterte’ lessens New Year injuries —DOH secretary

Unknown 0 2:46:00 AM

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Fears that Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte would harshly  punish revellers who celebrate the New Year with firecrackers caused a "remarkable" decline in injuries, the health minister said Sunday.<br /><br />
The Philippines indulges in an annual orgy of New Year's Eve merrymaking that leaves hundreds maimed as people set off firecrackers and fire guns in the air in a loud and raucous overnight celebration. <br /><br />
But Health Secretary Paulyn Ubial said injuries during this year's revelry were the lowest in 10 years after Duterte said he was considering repeating a ban on firecrackers which he implemented when mayor of his southern home town of Davao.<br /><br />
"People are now afraid to light firecrackers because of the president," Ubial said. <br /><br />
"They have this impression that somehow they will get caught or they will be punished." <br /><br />
Ubial said 350 were injured by firecrackers and fireworks this year compared to a 10-year average of 1,000. <br /><br />
Duterte, 71, has drawn global criticism including from the United States and the United Nations for a war on drugs that has killed over 5,000 people. <br /><br />
Duterte won last year's elections in a landslide on a promise to eradicate narcotics by killing tens of thousands of criminals.<br /><br />
He also vowed to roll out Davao     -style law and order measures nationwide, including banning smoking in restaurants and hotels and curbing drinking in public places. <br /><br />
Duterte last month said he would issue an order to ban people from using firecrackers, limiting their use to community fireworks displays. <br /><br />
"The least that I can say or do is just to issue a warning that it's very, very dangerous," he said pending the order's release. 
Duterte said he was concerned about children, who make up most of the victims. <br /><br />
Ubial said the trend continued this year, with a three-year-old suffering a hand injury at Cabanatuan in the centre of Luzon island.<br /><br />
The worst case involved a 15-year-old girl, who slipped into a coma after a stray bullet hit her head while she was watching a fireworks display in Manila's neighbouring district of Malabon.<br /><br />
"This is one of our saddest incidents," Ubial said. <br /><br />
"Even if it's now down to 350 (injuries), that is still a lot of misery."

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<p>Source: <a href="http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/594299/news/nation/fear-of-duterte-lessens-new-year-injuries-doh-secretary">gmanetwork</a></p>

‘Fear of Duterte’ lessens New Year injuries —DOH secretary

Fears that Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte would harshly punish revellers who celebrate the New Year with firecrackers caused a ...