OVER 13K EVACUATED AS LAVA FROM MAYON REACHES NEARLY ONE KILOMETER FROM CRATER

MANILA  — Over 13,000 have been evacuated from their homes as the state volcanology and seismology service said Tuesday that lava from Mayon Volcano’s summit crater has reached around 800 to 1,000 meters downslope.

Disaster response officials reported that 13,811 people were forced to flee their homes due to Mayon’s restiveness, with 13,179 of them in evacuation centers and 632 staying with friends or relatives.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office reported Monday that 14,300 residents were evacuated from their homes due to increased activity in Mayon.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said it has observed “very slow” outflow of lava from Mayon’s summit crater and recorded one volcanic earthquake, 221 rockfall events and one pyroclastic density current event.

Phivolcs recommended that entry into the six-kilometer radius of the permanent danger zone and flying any aircraft close to Mayon should not be allowed.

It also warned that rockfalls, landslides or avalanches can occur, along with ballistic fragments, lava flows and lava fountaining, pyroclastic density currents, moderate-sized explosions and lahars during heavy and prolonged rainfall.

The provincial government of Albay province, where Mayon is located, has extended the danger zone to seven kilometers and has directed residents within that area to prepare for evacuation at any time if the situation worsens.

State volcanologists on June 8 raised Alert Level 3 over Mayon, signifying “relatively high level of unrest as magma is at the crater” and a warning of the increased possibility of a hazardous eruption within weeks or even days.

PHIVOLCS: MAYON UNREST MAY TAKE MONTHS AS THOUSANDS STAY IN EVACUATION CENTERS

The Mayon volcano could continue rumbling for months and force thousands of people in the central province of Albay to remain in evacuation centers, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said on Tuesday.

Lava or red-hot rocks continued to ooze slowly from Mayon's rumbling crater, Phivolcs Director Teresito Bacolcol said.

Phivolcs recorded one volcanic earthquake in the past 24 hours, down from 21 quakes logged the previous day. Sulfur dioxide emissions meanwhile went slightly up to 723 tons on Monday from Sunday's 642 tons, he said.

"Ang nakikita namin (what we are seeing) right now, it’s following the template of the 2014 eruption, which was a quiet eruption, effusive eruption," Bacolcol said.

"Based on our previous experiences, this activity may persist for a few months. Kapag naman violent yung eruption niya, this will probably just take a few days to weeks. Pero kapag ganitong mabagal, it will probably take several months," he told ABS-CBN's TeleRadyo.

"Unless i-lower natin iyong alert level natin, we have no choice but yung mga taong nasa permanent danger zone will have to stay muna sa mga evacuation centers. In the first place, dapat walang tao d’yan sa permanent danger zone," Bacolcol said.

COUNTRIES GREET PHILIPPINES ON 125TH INDEPENDENCE DAY

MANILA  — Foreign nations sent messages of congratulations to the Philippines on its Independence Day, with US State Secretary State Antony Blinken acknowledging the historic event as part of “shared sacrifices that form the foundation” of his country’s alliance with the Philippines.

“We have accomplished much together, and I am confident we will continue to collaboratively confront the most pressing regional and global challenges,” Blinken said.

“Best wishes to the people of the Philippines for a joyous Independence Day,” he said.

US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson tweeted “Happy 125th Independence Day to all of our Philippine #FriendsPartnersAllies.” Japan, Canada and France also congratulated the Philippines on its Independence Day.

“Mabuhay! Happy 125th Independence Day! I join all Filipinos in celebrating this auspicious day. As like-minded nations, may our ties continue to champion peace and democracy – values that this day represent! May our solidarity flourish for everlasting peace & prosperity,” Japanese Ambassador Kazuhiko Koshikawa said in a Twitter post.

The Canadian embassy in Manila said strong people-to-people links are the cornerstone of the two countries’ close ties.

“As we look toward our 75th anniversary of bilateral relations in 2024, the opportunities for cooperation on shared priorities like upholding a rules-based international order, combatting climate change, enhancing food and energy security, expanding trade, and building a more prosperous, inclusive and stable Indo-Pacific region are boundless,” the embassy said.

“The Philippines is at the core of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, and the time for ambition is now,” it added.

“France wishes the Philippines a Happy Independence day. Congratulations to the Philippines government and people in celebrating their freedom,” French Ambassador Michele Boccoz tweeted.

Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian also sent a congratulatory message to the Philippines.

“Happy Philippine Independence Day! The Chinese Embassy and I join the Filipino people in celebrating the 125th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Philippine Independence!” Huang said.

OVER 7,000 OFWS IN TAIWAN MARK PHILIPPINE INDEPENDENCE

MANILA  — Thousands of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) gathered yesterday in Sanchong Metropolitan Park in Taiwan to celebrate the Philippines’ 125th Independence Day.

The Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) organized the event attended by over 7,000 OFWs from various parts of Taiwan.

“This is the first time in three years that OFWs in Taiwan gathered to express their unity in helping the government move our nation forward,” MECO chairman Silvestre Bello III said.

“This is also our way of saying how grateful our government is to OFWs for their contribution in keeping our economy afloat,” Bello added.

The OFWs joined the fun run and cheered as raffle numbers were drawn for cash prizes and round trip plane tickets to the Philippines.

There were also booths of government agencies such as the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration and Pag-IBIG that provided services for OFWs.

A group of Filipino artists flew to Taiwan and provided entertainment to the OFWs.

In a video message, President Marcos called on the Filipinos, including OFWs, to unite and continue working for a just and inclusive Philippines.

Filipino community leader Apple Joy Juico said the event rekindled the bond among OFWs after three years of the pandemic.

SHADOWED BY CHINA SHIPS, PCG FERRIES AID TO PAG-ASA

The civilian patrol vessel of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), BRP Francisco Dagohoy, has embarked on a mission to Pag-asa Island in the disputed West Philippine Sea. The ship is carrying P5 million worth of materials to support local fishermen, including fishing gear and post-harvest equipment. During the mission, the Philippine vessels are being shadowed and receiving radio challenges from the Chinese Coast Guard (CCG). The commanding officer of BRP Francisco Dagohoy expects a radio challenge from the CCG as they pass through the disputed waters. Despite the challenges, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will continue to assert the country's rights in the occupied territories and gather evidence for filing diplomatic protests. The BFAR aims to provide support to fisherfolk in Pag-asa Island and improve their livelihood through capacity-building programs and training seminars. The bureau is also considering providing additional support to Filipino fisherfolk in the West Philippine Sea and adjacent areas.

PBBM: DECLARE LIBERTY BOLDLY

Faced with “new oppressors,” the country must declare its freedom boldly, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said Monday as the nation marked its 125th Independence Day celebration.

“With new oppressors and challenges, our people remained defiant — affirming that it is in our core to defend what is ours. And with all that this occasion symbolizes and entails, we understand better now that liberty will not flourish on its own: freedom will not materialize unless it is declared boldly, believed sincerely, and demonstrated passionately,” the President said in his Independence Day message.

Marking the anniversary at the Quirino Grandstand, Mr. Marcos said he was honored to stand as the country’s representative to commemorate the heroism of the Filipino heroes who fought for the country’s independence.

“The heroes of our liberation would be proud to know that we have thrown off the ‘ominous yoke of domination’; never again to be subservient to any external force that directs or determines our destiny.” President Marcos said.

He also urged the Filipino people to pause and reflect on how far the Philippines had come “from that transformative event” in Philippine history.

“I appeal for unity and solidarity in our efforts to perfect our hard-fought freedom, and achieve genuine national progress. Heeding this call will indispensably require patriotism and a strong sense of community, diligence, industry, and responsibility from all our citizens,” Marcos said.

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QUEZON PROVINCE NOW REBEL-FREE

LUCENA CITY  — The entire province of Quezon has been declared free from the influence of communist rebels.

The province has 39 towns and two cities, Tayabas and Lucena, which were declared insurgency-free in a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed yesterday by Gov. Angelina Tan together with officials of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, Southern Luzon Command and Philippine National Police.

The signing of the MOU at the Quezon Convention Center in this city was among the highlights of the local celebration of the country’s 125th Independence Day, according to Col. Ledon Monte, Quezon police director.

“This day marks the turning point for our province. We are the first in the region to be formally proclaimed insurgency-free,” Tan said.

She said investors could now establish businesses in any municipality or city in the province without having to worry about communist attacks.

“The declaration will bring development and improve the economy of the province,” Tan said.

She said government services could now be delivered in barangays that were formerly under the control of the rebels.

During the event, 10 rebel-returnees received livelihood assistance under the government‘s enhanced comprehensive local integration program.

WEEKLY COVID CASES DROP, BUT SEVERE ONES RISE

The Philippines listed 6,630 new COVID-19 infections last week or from June 5 to June 11, the lowest weekly tally of fresh coronavirus cases in six weeks.

The Department of Health (DOH) weekly bulletin said the daily case average last week was 947, lower compared to the average daily 1,301 infections monitored from May 22 to June 4.

Latest data also showed 112 cases this week were tagged as critical and severe, the highest in 66 reporting weeks, GMA Integrated News Research noted.

This also marked the sixth straight week of at least 50 severe new cases.

Meanwhile, five COVID-19-related deaths were reported belatedly by the DOH, four last month and one in March. No fatality was reported from May 29 to June 11.

The agency said 527 severe and critical cases were admitted to hospitals as of June 11. This accounts for 11.3% of the total coronavirus admissions.

Out of 2,134 intensive care unit (ICU) beds for coronavirus patients, 377 or 17.7% are occupied, the lowest in five weeks, while 3,493 or 19.5% of the total 17,922 non-ICU beds were in use.

TAGUIG MAYOR CAYETANO URGES SC: PROBE MAKATI MAYOR BINAY OVER 'FALSE' LAND DISPUTE CLAIMS

MANILA — Taguig Mayor Lani Cayetano has asked the Supreme Court to investigate allegedly false claims that Makati Mayor Abby Binay made over a case involving a territorial dispute between their respective cities.

In an extremely urgent manifestation with motion filed before the Supreme Court on Tuesday, Cayetano urged the high court to “require petitioner City of Makati and Mayor Abigail Binay to show cause why they should not be sanctioned.”

Cayetano was reacting to statements made by Binay in a media interview where she supposedly claimed that Makati City received an order from the Supreme Court setting the case for oral arguments on the land dispute over the Fort Bonifacio Military Reservation.

In a press release in April, the Supreme Court said it had ruled with finality that the entire Fort Andres Bonifacio, which includes Bonifacio Global City, and some enlisted men’s barangays (EMBO’s) belong to Taguig.

But in a recent interview, Binay claimed the ruling is not yet final as they allegedly received an order setting the case for hearing.

Supreme Court spokesperson Brian Keith Hosaka earlier clarified that he had “no information about an oral argument being set regarding this case.”

MGA PRODUKTONG PILIPINO, TAMPOK SA ASEAN MARKET 2023

BUSAN, SOUTH KOREA - Lumahok ang Pilipinas sa ASEAN Market 2023 na ginanap sa Busan, South Korea noong June 3 at 4. Ang taunang event na ito ay pinangungunahan ng Korea Foundation-ASEAN Culture House o KF-ACH.  

Ayon pa sa Embahada ng Pilipinas sa Korea, tampok sa Philippine booth ang ipinagmamalaking tourist destinations ng Pilipinas tulad ng Clark, Manila, Cebu, Palawan, Bohol, at Boracay.

Ang booth ng Pilipinas sa idinaos na 2023 ASEAN Market sa Busan, South Korea noong June 3-4

Ipinakilala rin sa mga bumisita sa PH booth ang kampanya ng Department of Tourism o DOT na “Bisita, Be My Guest” o BBMG kung saan binibigyan ng pagkakataon ang mga Pinoy sa Korea lalo na ang Overseas Filipino Workers o OFWs at Overseas Filipinos o OFs na mag-imbita ng mga dayuhan para magbakasyon o bumisita sa Pilipinas. Mayroong tyansang manalo ang mga nag-imbita ng vacation tour packages sa ilang piling PH destinations.

Pinatikim din ang mga bisita ng ilang produktong Pinoy tulad ng ground coffee, dried mangoes, banana chips, durian chips, pineapple chips, orange-flavored sunflower crackers, bangus in oil, burong isda, burong hipon at garlic chili paste, pickled radish, pickled mango at mango salsa.

Na-enjoy rin ng mga bisita ang pa-sample ng mga alak na gawang Pinoy tulad ng lambanog, mango rum, at coffee-flavored liqueur.

DMW HOLDS JOB FAIR WITH 40 RECRUITERS

Forty licensed recruitment agencies with overseas job offers totaling 11,750 took part in a “mega job fair” held at the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) main office in Mandaluyong City in conjunction with Monday’s observance of the 125th Philippine Independence Day.

DMW Assistant Secretary Levinson Alcantara said the recruiters screened the applicants based on their skills and work experience.

“Ang hinahanap ng mga private recruitment agencies at manning agencies ay yung mga matched ang skills at experience dun sa requirements ng mga employers nila na nasa overseas,” Alcantara said.

“So if they see you as the closest match, they will set an appointment for your interview, or they will give you a slot or date so that you can complete the requirements. If that is the case, you are probably matched with the vacancy they are looking for),” he added.

A total of 32 private recruitment agencies and eight manning agencies took part in the job fair.

These agencies seek nurses, welders, construction workers, waiter/waitresses, baristas, warehouse supervisors, food servers, chefs, accountants and seafarers.

There are 17 countries of destination for interested Filipino workers which include Guam, Maldives, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Ireland, Japan, Australia, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, Bahrain, Germany, the United Kingdom, China, Czechia Republic, Macau and the United States of America.

SPORTS

JOKIC, NUGGETS CLOSE OUT HEAT FOR HISTORIC NBA TITLE

DENVER – The Denver Nuggets captured their first title in 47 NBA seasons on Monday (Tuesday, Manila time), defeating the Miami Heat, 94-89, behind 28 points and 16 rebounds from Nikola Jokic.

The Nuggets won the best-of-seven NBA Finals 4-1 to bring the Mile High City an NBA crown as a sellout crowd roared in delight while delivering Miami's third finals loss in 10 seasons.

"I've got news for everybody out there. We're not satisfied with one," Nuggets coach Michael Malone said afterwards. "We want more."

The championship filled the final gap in the impressive resume of Serbian star Jokic, a two-time NBA Most Valuable Player and five-time All-Star center in his eighth NBA campaign.

Two days after countryman Novak Djokovic won the French Open for his record 23rd Grand Slam tennis crown, Jokic was named the NBA Finals MVP.

He delivered on a night when the team struggled with shooting futility but blanked Miami for more than five minutes of the fourth quarter.

"It was amazing effort by the team," Jokic said. "It was an ugly game. We couldn't make shots. But at the end we figured it out, how to defend and we scored 90 points. That's why we won. I'm just happy we won the game.

"It's good. The job is done and we can go home now."

Denver was the playoff top seed in the Western Conference while the Heat had to win a play-in game just to reach the playoffs but then upset NBA wins leader Milwaukee, New York and Boston to advance to the finals.

Michael Porter Jr. added 16 points and 13 rebounds and Jamal Murray added 14 points, eight rebounds and eight assists for the Nuggets.

"We're winning for the guys next to us," Jokic said. "That's why this means so much. Everything this year is amazing. We believe in each other."

Jimmy Butler led Miami with 21 points while Bam Adebayo added 20 and 12 rebounds.

With their seasons on the line, players brought intensity and physical defending over the final minutes to create an electric atmosphere inside Ball Arena.

Jamal Murray's jumper gave Denver an 81-76 lead with 6:43 remaining while the Heat began the fourth quarter hitting only 2-for-14 from the floor and going scoreless for more than five minutes.

Butler, who had struggled all night, sank back-to-back 3-pointers and made three free throws after a controversial foul on Denver's Aaron Gordon was upheld on video review.

Butler and Jokic traded hoops and Butler followed with two free throws to give Miami an 89-88 lead.

Bruce Brown answered with a rebound basket to put Denver ahead 90-88 and Max Strus missed a 3-pointer for Miami to give Denver the ball with 1:09 remaining.

Jokic and Gordon missed shots and Strus rebounded for Miami.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope stole a pass by Butler and sank two clutch free throws with 24 seconds remaining to give Denver a 92-89 edge.

Butler missed a 3-pointer, Brown grabbed a rebound for Denver and then made two free throws to seal the victory with 14 seconds remaining.

SCORES OF JUNE 12 - GAME 5

Final

1          2          3          4          T

8 Heat

24        27        20        18        89

1 Nuggets

22        22        26        24        94

GAME 5: DEN wins 4-1, Ball Arena, Denver, CO

PLAYERS OF THE GAME

player headshot

J. Butler MIA SF

21 PTS , 3 REB , 5 AST

player headshot

N. Jokic DEN C

28 PTS , 16 REB , 4 AST

INDICATORS

FOREX $1 = P 56.05

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

I love when people that have been through hell walk out of the flames carrying buckets of water for those still consumed by the fire. - Stephanie Sparkles