US REAFFIRM ALLIANCE, BUT NO MENTION OF VFAMANILA — The Philippines and the United States have reaffirmed their strongsecurity, cultural and economic ties, days after President Duterte orderedthe termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. and Deputy State SecretaryStephen Biegun reaffirmed “the value of the US-Philippine alliance based onthe deep, historic friendship and mutual respect between our two countries”during their meeting in Washington, the US State Department said in astatement yesterday.The two officials discussed the importance of the US-Philippines partnershipin dealing with the current global health challenges and in achieving afully verified denuclearization of North Korea, the State Department said.They also expressed their commitment to ensure “a free and open Indo-Pacificin which all countries prosper side by side as sovereign, independentstates.”The DFA has so far not released a statement regarding Locsin’s visit to theUS. However, the country’s top diplomat earlier said his visit to Washingtonhas nothing to do with the VFA.CHINA COAST GUARD ENTERING FOREIGN WATERS VIA ARTIFICIAL ISLANDSMANILA — China is now capitalizing on its artificial island military basesin the West Philippine Sea to advance its massive maritime and territorialclaims deeper into Indonesian, Malaysian and Brunei waters in the SouthChina Sea, a US-based think tank reported.In its latest report, the Center for Strategic and International Studies(CSIS) Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI) said that Chinese CoastGuard (CCG) ships monitored last month and early this month inside theexclusive economic zones of three Southeast Asian states were either fromnow heavily fortified Chinese bases at Panganiban (Mischief), Zamora (Subi)and Kagitingan (Fiery Cross) Reefs.“This activity matches a pattern seen in other recent CCG actions. Theavailability of China’s artificial island bases in the Spratlys for resupplyand replenishment has enabled sustained weeks or even month-long deploymentsto the farthest reaches of the nine-dash line, something that was much moredifficult for Chinese vessels in the past,” AMTI said.CHINA VIRUS DEATH TOLL RISES TO 259, INFECTIONS SURGEBEIJING - The death toll from China's new coronavirus outbreak has risen to259 and the tally of confirmed infections has surged to nearly 12,000, thegovernment said on Saturday.The National Health Commission said in its daily update that 46 more peoplehad succumbed to the respiratory disease.All but one of the new deaths came in hardest-hit Hubei province, theepicenter of an outbreak that has spread around the world.The virus emerged in December in Hubei's provincial capital Wuhan, and hasbeen traced to a meat market that sold wild game.The number of infections in China also rose by 2,102, bringing thenationwide total to 11,791.That's despite unprecedented quarantine measures imposed last week onmillions of people in Hubei and aggressive preventive steps elsewhere in thecountry.The number of new deaths and newly confirmed cases have both spiraled higheron a daily basis since China sounded the nationwide alarm a week ago.The epidemic has spread far and wide as huge numbers of Chinese traveledwithin and outside the country for the Lunar New Year holiday that startedlast week.It has since ballooned into a global health emergency with cases in morethan 2 dozen countries.The top Communist Party official in Wuhan expressed "remorse" on Friday,saying local authorities acted too slowly in containing the virus.CHINESE-FILIPINOS LAMENT RACISM, CALL FOR UNITY AS NEW CORONAVIRUS SPREADSMANILA — With most of the new coronavirus cases coming from China, attentionhas again focused on the influx of Chinese tourists and workers in thePhilippines.Even in other countries where the 2019 novel coronavirus acute respiratorydisease (2019-nCoV ARD) has spread, media has reported a rising anti-Chinesesentiment and even racism. For instance, there have been reports of childrenof Chinese descent being bullied by schoolmates in the United States andEurope.In the Philippines, this has prompted younger members of theChinese-Filipino community to post about how they are different from the newChinese arrivals.One circulating message mentions not only the fact that they were born andraised in the Philippines, but also how they do not eat exotic animals likebats and snakes -- two of the animals being investigated as the source ofthe new strain of coronavirus, which has killed at least 200 people.Anti-crime crusader and Chinese-Filipino figure Teresita Ang-See toldABS-CBN News on Friday that she is saddened by how some younger members oftheir community and Filipinos in general have resorted to distancingthemselves from the Chinese on the basis of race.“It’s very sad. I feel so sad na imbes na sa panahong ito (that instead atthis time) we stand as one against this fight, this virus, nagiging divisetuloy (it's becoming divisive),” she said.“Hindi naman dapat na magkaroon ng division ang Tsinoy sa new immigrants andold immigrants.”The Philippines has seen an influx of Chinese arrivals, with improving tiesbetween Manila and Beijing giving way to more Chinese investments in thecountry, particularly in offshore gaming, and greater inbound tourism.Ang-See said Filipinos should respond in a way that is befitting a Christiancountry.“Why is this happening? It’s narrow-minded thinking at a time of crisis,”she said in Filipino.Ang-See was at the Manila City Hall on Friday with her group Kaisa Para saKaunlaran and another group the Filipino Chinese Amity Club to turn over4,000 face masks to Manila Mayor Isko Moreno. On Friday morning, they alsohanded over 2,000 face masks to the Intramuros Administration.TEDIOUS SELECTION PROCESS UNDERWAY FOR CARDINAL TAGLE'S SUCCESSORMANILA—Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle is set to leave for his new assignment inRome by next week, leaving behind a trail of uncertainty over his successorin the powerful Archdiocese of Manila.Tagle, 62, is widely considered as a moderate, prefering not to pick a fighton hot-button issues, but working behind the scenes through dialogue.He was appointed in December as prefect of the Congregation for theEvangelization of Peoples, the Vatican’s top missionary department.Back home, his critics often point to missed opportunities for the cardinalto be vocal and use the full weight of the archbishopric during, say, thecampaign against a birth-control law in 2012, and more recently, thedrug-war killings under President Rodrigo Duterte.Much of the criticism also drew from the expectation that church leaders inthe Philippines should be more critical and political, much like the lateJaime Cardinal Sin of Manila.Tagle’s style may be seen as part of a “multiplicity of approaches” amongchurch leaders in dealing with issues such as the drug killings, said Fr.Reginald Malicdem, chancellor of the Archdiocese of Manila.The cardinal believes “we could evangelize” government officials, “not onlyby talking against them, but also through listening,” he told ABS-CBN News.At least 4 names have been floated around in church circles to succeedTagle—Archbishop Gilbert Garcera of Lipa, Archbishop Socrates Villegas ofLingayen-Dagupan, Bishop Pablo David of Caloocan, and Bishop Mylo HubertVergara of Pasig.But the choices remain speculative until Pope Francis actually names Tagle’ssuccessor, following a tedious and highly confidential process.The Manila See has been vacant since Tagle was appointed to the powerfuldicastery in Rome.By church law, he has until Feb. 8 to assume or 2 months after the newassignment was made public.ENVOY SAYS PINOYS IN CHINA TO GET 'BEST CARE' AMID NEW CORONAVIRUS OUTBREAKMANILA - The Chinese government will give the "best care" for Filipinosstaying in China, its envoy in Manila said Friday, amid rising cases of the2019 Novel Coronavirus (2019-nCov)."We are also concerned about your people in China. I know you have nationalsin China. We can assure that they will have the best treatment and best carefrom authorities concerned," Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines HuangXilian told reporters in a press briefing."We believe China and the Philippines [have] come through thick and thin. Wewill continue to go hand in hand to overcome the difficulties and we arevery confident to bring our people back on track at an early date," he said.Filipinos were advised to go on "self-quarantine" by staying indoors and"minimizing" contact with crowds to avoid the new strain of coronavirus inChina, as officials in the Philippines discussed evacuation plans for them.Duterte on Friday ordered a ban on travelers coming from Hubei, whereChinese authorities have enforced expanding lockdown measures in a bid tocontain the virus.Huang said Chinese President Xi Jinping "is personally commanding thisbattle" against the epidemic that has prompted people in Asia to rush to buyface masks amid limited supply."The Chinese people are now fighting very hard against this epidemic," hesaid. -- with a report from ReutersDOH: 31 PATIENTS UNDER INVESTIGATION FOR POSSIBLE NCOV INFECTIONMANILA — The Department of Health on Friday afternoon said the number ofpersons under observation for possible novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV)infection has increased to 31.The figure is lower than an initial report of 56 but higher than the 29reported on Thursday.Four Chinese tourists from Shiyan in China's Hubei province, who arrived inRomblon on Friday morning, are being monitored.Doctor Ederlina Aguirre of the local Provincial Health Office, through thePhilippine Information Agency in Romblon, said that the tourists areapparently healthy and are not displaying any signs of illness."As of 12 noon today, we have two additional persons under investigationreported in the last 24 hours, which brings the total to 31," HealthUndersecretary Eric Domingo said in a press briefing Friday afternoon.CRACKDOWN ON ILLEGAL GAMBLING: PNP CHIEF DENIES TAKING BRIBESMANILA — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Archie Francisco Gamboayesterday belied allegations that he was receiving bribe money from illegalgambling operators.Gamboa made the statement as he ordered an intensified crackdown against allforms of illegal gambling.He said he did not authorize any illegal gambling operations.“May sinasasabi sila na pinapaipon ng PNP chief. No, there is no such thing.Hulihin niyo lahat ng operators ng illegal gambling. Wala akong inutusan,wala akong kinomisyon. I want to make that clear,” Gamboa told reporters,adding that some people have been using his name.He led the destruction of video karera machines at the Quezon City PoliceDistrict (QCPD) headquarters at Camp Karingal yesterday.Gamboa said he is satisfied with the performance of QCPD director Brig. Gen.Ronnie Montejo in addressing the alleged rampant illegal gambling in thecity.The PNP chief urged the public to report to authorities illegal gamblingactivities in their areas.NPA REBELS SURRENDER IN ZAMBOANGA SIBUGAYZAMBOANGA CITY – A platoon of New People’s Army (NPA) rebels surrendered inIpil, Zamboanga Sibugay on Thursday. Col. Leonel Nicolas, 102nd ArmyBrigade commander, said the 28 communist guerrillas turned over theirfirearms and explosives.Nicolas said the surrenderees were with the Western Mindanao Regional PartyCommittee that operates in Zamboanga peninsula and Misamis Occidental. Theywere presented to the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist ArmedConflict represented by Department of the Interior and Local Governmentdirector Mario Baterna and First Army Division chief Brig. Gen. GenerosoPoño.The surrenderees told military officials they were enticed to join thecommunist movement after NPA leaders promised to support their families.“I was assured my family will receive monthly financial support. But thefinancial support they’ve promised did not reach our home,” Nicolas quotedone of the surrenderees.He said the rebel returnees would receive financial and other assistancefrom the government under its Enhanced Comprehensive Local IntegrationProgram or E-CLIP.BAGUIO RECORDS COLDEST DAY SINCE 'AMIHAN' AS NORTHEAST MONSOON FANS LUZONMANILA — Temperatures in Baguio City plummeted to a chilly 10 degreescelsius on Saturday morning, the coolest since the "amihan" or northeastmonsoon season began.State weather bureau PAGASA announced the onset of the amihan season inOctober 2019, forecasting a cold climate as the northeast wind graduallycools surface air temperature in the country."Recent observations and analysis showed that the general wind pattern hasshifted from southwesterly to easterly. This signifies that the southwestmonsoon season has official ended," PAGASA said in an October 2019statement, expecting the transition to the Northeast Monsoon season tocommence in a matter of days.Since November last year up to January 2020, minimum temperatures in Baguiogenerally floated above a moderate 20 degrees celsius.This plummeted to a low 10 degrees celsius on the morning of February 1 andminimum temperatures in the country's summer capital are projected to remainbetween 11 to 12 degrees over the next several days, according to PAGASA'sextended weather outlook posted Saturday."Cold winds from the northeast that bring rains over the eastern side of thecountry" characterize amihan, which typically starts in November or Decemberup to May or June, depending on yearly variations.Weather specialist Meno Mendoza said that the northeast monsoon is affectingthe whole country, but no serious weather conditions are expected to enteror form within the Philippine area of responsibility in the coming days.“Sa Baguio City, pangkahalatang magiging maulap ang ating kalangitan na maymahinang pag ulan. Mararanasan natin ang malamig na temperatura. Maglalaropo yan sa pagitan ng 11 hanggang 20 degrees celsius,” Mendoza said duringPAGASA’s 4:00 a.m. weather briefing on Saturday.'ANG BASTOS NAMAN': JOSHUA GARCIA REFUTES JULIA BARRETTO'S STATEMENT ONHAVING CLOSUREMANILA — Kapamilya actor Joshua Garcia does not agree with ex-girlfriendJulia Barretto’s opinion that “not having a closure is a closure.”In a recent interview with Boy Abunda in “Tonight With Boy Abunda,” theveteran host asked Joshua if he agreed with Julia’s statement.“Hindi, hindi closure yon. Importante sa relasyon 'yung closure kasi kumbagadoon maiintindihan ng isa't isa na 'yon na 'yon, do'n na 'yung end,” Joshuasaid.“Dapat may malinaw na usapan para pagdating ng panahon, walang sisihan namangyari. Halimbawa, kunyari nagkabiruan, kasi normal naman 'yon samagbabarkada, pagsamasama na parang 'ito nang-iwan e,' 'yung mga gano'n.Alam namin sa isat-isa na walang may kasalanan, gano'n,” he added.Joshua said he finds it rude to not give closure to the person you onceloved.“Tsaka parang ang bastos naman no'n sa karelasyon mo na hindi mo ibigay'yung closure eh minahal mo din naman 'yon, 'di ba?” he pointed out.Joshua and Julia are part of the zombie movie “Block Z” under Star Cinema.The movie, directed by Mikhail Red and also starring McCoy de Leon, InaRaymundo, Dimples Romana, Maris Racal and Ian de Leon, is now showing intheaters nationwide.SAF 44 MOVIE LAUNCHED TO MARK MAMASAPANO CLASH 5TH ANNIVERSARYMANILA — Grief was etched all over the faces of three mothers who appealedfor justice, five years after their respective sons – members of the SpecialAction Force (SAF) – died in a police operation that killed terroristZulkifli Abdhir (alias Marwan) in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.“Nothing has changed. We’re still hurting,” Catalina Nacino, one of themothers, said at the recent press conference lawyer Ferdinand “Ferdie”Topacio hosted to announce the filming of “26 Hours: Escape fromMamasapano.”Julie Danao, another mother, tearfully revealed that she hasn’t returned tothe US since her son died because she’s still waiting for elusive justice.LEBRON, LAKERS PREPARE FOR FIRST GAME SINCE KOBE'S DEATHIt will be 5 days before the Los Angeles Lakers hit the basketball courtfollowing the sudden death of one of its legends, Kobe Bryant, earlier thisweek.And it appears their home game against the Portland Trail Blazers (11 a.m.,Saturday, Manila time) will be a tribute like no sports fan has ever seen.The Lakers organization is expected to put out a moving commemoration ofBryant and his daughter, Gigi, who were two of nine people who died in ahelicopter crash Sunday.The team was supposed to see action on Tuesday, but its face-off with cityrival the Clippers was rescheduled after both squads acknowledged theyweren't emotionally prepared to play.Actually, not everyone is ready yet to put on a jersey for theLakers-Blazers outing after Portland forward Carmelo Anthony begged off,citing personal reasons. Anthony considered Bryant a close friend.Staples Center, dubbed the "house that Kobe built", has turned into onegiant shrine for Bryant the past few days. It has already hosted two gamesthis week -- one featuring the Clippers and another the NHL team LA Kings --and both have held ceremonies to salute the Bryants.But the Lakers, for whom Bryant played for 20 years, are expected to hold aneven more thorough, if not more poignant, tribute to a franchise pillar whogave them 5 NBA titles and made them one of the most popular sports teams inthe world.NBA SCORES JAN 30FINAL    1    2    3    4    Tteam logo Hornets 16-32    33    27    19    28    107team logo Wizards 16-31    26    29    31    35    121SCORING LEADERS    M. Bridges CHA23 PTS, 6 REB, 3 AST    B. Beal WAS34 PTS, 9 REB, 9 ASTFINAL    1    2    3    4    Tteam logo Raptors 34-14    31    25    32    27    115team logo Cavaliers 13-36    26    26    24    33    109SCORING LEADERSS. Ibaka TOR26 PTS, 4 REB, 1 ASTK. Love CLE23 PTS, 5 REB, 4 ASTFINAL    1    2    3    4    Tteam logo 76ers 31-18    31    36    25    25    117team logo Hawks 13-36    39    35    25    28    127SCORING LEADERSB. Simmons PHI31 PTS, 6 REB, 5 ASTT. Young ATL39 PTS, 6 REB, 18 ASTFINAL    1    2    3    4    Tteam logo Warriors 10-39    22    28    29    25    104team logo Celtics 32-15    29    31    31    28    119SCORING LEADERSD. Russell GS22 PTS, 3 REB, 5 ASTG. Hayward BOS25 PTS, 8 REB, 3 ASTFINAL    1    2    3    4    Tteam logo Kings 18-30    28    36    21    39    124team logo Clippers 33-15    33    14    24    32    103SCORING LEADERSD. Fox SAC34 PTS, 3 REB, 8 ASTL. Williams LAC22 PTS, 0 REB, 6 ASTFINAL    1    2    3    4    Tteam logo Jazz 32-16    23    25    22    30    100team logo Nuggets 33-15    21    22    33    30    106SCORING LEADERSJ. Clarkson UTA37 PTS, 2 REB, 2 ASTN. Jokic DEN