3 US MARINES DEAD AFTER AIRCRAFT CRASHES DURING DRILLS IN AUSTRALIA

DARWIN, Australia — Tragedy struck during war games as three US Marines lost their lives in an Osprey aircraft crash on a remote tropical island situated north of Australia. Amid the chaos, five Marines were successfully rescued from the crash site but were flown to a hospital in Darwin in a "serious condition," as reported by US military officials. Meanwhile, Australian police were providing immediate triage and assistance to the other injured crew members at the scene.

The tragic incident unfolded with a total of 23 personnel on board, as stated by US military officials. The geographical location of the crash added complexity to the rescue efforts. Melville Island, the crash site, is both remote and sparsely populated, located approximately 60 kilometers (37 miles) to the north of the Australian mainland.

US officials have confirmed that recovery efforts are ongoing and an investigation into the incident's cause has been launched. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his condolences and described the incident as "tragic" and "regrettable." He emphasized the importance of ensuring that all provided information is absolutely accurate during the ongoing inquiry.

The ill-fated Osprey, a versatile hybrid aircraft combining elements of both helicopters and turboprop planes, was participating in the Predators Run exercises. These exercises encompass a series of joint warfighting drills that involve thousands of soldiers from the United States and Australia and Philippines.

COMELEC WARNS: FILING CERTIFICATE OF CANDIDACY? DON'T BRING A CROWD

Memo to aspiring candidates: Don't bring a crowd after filing your certificate of candidacy or you could be disqualified for premature campaigning.

This is the warning of Comelec Chairman George Garcia at the start of the official filing of certificates of candidacy from August 28-September 2 for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections.

"Sabi nga natin, bago mag file ng candidacy pwede marami ang tao pero pagkatapos ng filing, pull out na sila kasi makakasuhan na sila ng pangangampanya," he said in a TeleRadyo Serbisyo interview.

He noted that a crowd shouting the candidate's name or distributing flyers after the filing is premature campaigning.

"Gawin niyo po 'yan at kayo'y mahaharap sa disqualification at kaso ng premature campaigning," he said.

Even posters of candidates in public places could be considered premature campaigning if the candidate ignores Comelec warnings.

Social media posts promoting the candidate before the official campaign period are also violations, Garcia said.

The official campaign period will be from October 19-28.

GORING LEAVES 2 INJURED IN CAGAYAN; 700 FAMILIES LEAVE HOMES

Two people were injured while 700 families in 14 municipalities left their homes in Cagayan province during the onslaught of Typhoon Goring, a disaster official said Monday.

Ruelie Rapsing, head of the Cagayan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, said local officials conducted preemptive evacuation in 14 municipalities due to floods and rain-induced landslides.

There were no reported deaths as a result of the typhoon. Authorities have yet to give an estimate on the damage wrought by Goring.

Rapsing said power has been restored and the weather improved since Sunday night.

"Last night 6pm huminto 'yung moderate to heavy rains...Lumiliwanag na ang kalangitan namin dito," he said.

He noted that his office's budget for 2023 had just been approved.

"Ito 'yung annual budget...kailangang maghabol na kami sa utilization," he said.

The Philippines is hit by an average of 20 major storms each year that kill hundreds of people and keep vast regions in perpetual poverty.

GORING WEAKENS INTO TYPHOON, SIGNAL NO. 1 UP IN N. LUZON

Goring has weakened into a typhoon as it continues its counter-clockwise loop over the Philippine Sea early Monday, weather bureau PAGASA said.

As of 4 a.m., the center of the eye of the typhoon was estimated based on all available data, including those from Baler and Daet Weather Radars, at 210 km east of Casiguran, Aurora.

Packing 175 kph winds and 215 kph gusts, the typhoon is moving east southeastward at 15 kph.

PAGASA said Goring is forecast to slightly weaken further in the next 12 hours due to upwelling of cooler ocean waters and onset of dry air intrusion before re-intensifying as it turns northwestward.

"It may be upgraded again to super typhoon category by mid tomorrow," the weather bureau said.

The typhoon will make a close approach (a landfall scenario is not ruled out) to Batanes between Wednesday morning and evening and to the southern portion of Taiwan between Wednesday evening and Thursday morning.

PAGASA has forecast 50-100mm of accumulated rainfall in northeastern portion of mainland Cagayan for Monday.

It said the southwest monsoon enhanced by Goring will bring occasional or monsoon rains over the western portions of Central Luzon, Southern Luzon, and Visayas over the next three days.

‘PH-CHINA MILITARY DRILLS NOW UNLIKELY’

The joint military exercises that China has offered the Philippines in July might no longer push through considering the recent tensions in the West Philippine Sea, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said Sunday.

“Well, with what they’re doing, it looks like it won’t happen anymore,” Brawner said in an interview with radio dzBB.

On the other hand, he said military drills with countries the Philippines considers as “partners” like the United States, Japan and Canada would continue.

“We need to let the whole world know what is happening here in the South China Sea. Because of what is happening recently, we have been successful in exposing China’s coercive and dangerous tactics,” he added.

MERALCO TAPS INTO MORE RENEWABLE ENEGRY SOURCES FOR POWER SUPPLY

MANILA -- Power distributor Meralco on Sunday said it has contracted 1,880 megawatts (MW) of renewable energy capacity from various suppliers in compliance with the government's Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) policy.

Meralco said this is already above their original target of 1,500 MW of renewable energy.

The power supplier said it hopes renewable energy will account for 22 percent of its supply portfolio by 2030, allowing it to reduce its total carbon emissions by 15 percent based on its projections.

Under the RPS, electricity suppliers must source a portion of their requirements from renewable energy, in support of the government’s push to increase the share of renewable energy in the energy mix to 35 percent by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040.

Currently, the RPS requirement is set at +2.52 percent per annum.

Meralco First Vice President and Chief Sustainability Officer Raymond B. Ravelo said they will continue to adopt clean technology and deep decarbonization efforts as they hope to be coal-free by 2050.

BI VOWS IMMIGRATION PROCESS DONE IN 45 SECONDS

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has requested an additional budget of P2.63 billion for the next year, with the promise of processing incoming and outgoing travelers within 45 seconds. This request is part of the BI's 2024 budget proposal of P4.24 billion, a 163 percent increase from the current year's budget, according to House Deputy Speaker Ralph Recto.

The BI's commitment for 2024 is to achieve a primary inspection processing time of 99 percent of travelers within 45 seconds. Recto emphasized that this pledge must be delivered upon, especially since the requested increase in budget is intended for new equipment.

Recto also called for clarity in measuring the processing time, suggesting that it should start when travelers begin to line up, rather than when they reach the immigration booth. He also raised concerns about how new guidelines for departing Filipinos aimed at combating human trafficking might impact the goal of processing travelers within 45 seconds.

Over the weekend, the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) defended the new guidelines, emphasizing their role in strengthening government measures against human trafficking without hindering the right to travel.

EXPECT 'HOTLY CONTESTED' BARANGAY, SK POLLS THIS OCTOBER: COMELEC

MANILA — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is preparing for a highly contested Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) on Oct. 30. Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia emphasized the personal nature of these polls, where candidates and voters often have familial, neighborly, or acquaintance relationships. The election period and gun ban will be enforced from Aug. 28 to Nov. 29, with certificates of candidacy (COCs) accepted from Aug. 28 to Sep. 2. Once a COC is filed, candidates can only campaign from Oct. 19 to 28.

Garcia highlighted the significance of these elections, as barangay officials are often the first point of contact for Filipinos facing local issues, particularly during crises like the pandemic and fires.

The BSKE will involve voting for positions such as barangay chairman, Sangguniang Barangay members (kagawad), SK chairperson, and SK members in all 42,000 barangays in the Philippines. Barangay chairmen have various powers, including maintaining peace and order, imposing taxes, and entering authorized contracts. To run for a barangay position, candidates must be Filipino, registered voters in their respective villages, and at least 18 years old on election day.

The SK focuses on programs benefiting young residents, including the Comprehensive Youth Development Plan. SK candidates must be between 18 and 24 years old on election day and have literacy in Filipino, English, or the local dialect.

Both barangay and SK officials serve for three years, but due to a Supreme Court decision, winners in this year's elections will have shorter terms, aligning with the next local polls scheduled for Oct. 2025.

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CHECKPOINTS, GUN BAN START TODAY FOR OCTOBER 30 BARANGAY, SK POLLS

The three-month gun ban and police checkpoints for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan polls will start today (Monday), the Commission on Elections said.

“The Comelec is ready for the start of the election period and gun ban for the BSKE,” Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said on Sunday.

The Comelec will also ban carrying cash of P500,000 or more from Oct. 25 until election day on Oct. 30, Laudiangco said.

“If an individual cannot explain the purpose for the cash they are carrying, we will assume that they are engaging in vote buying,” he added.

Comelec chairman George Erwin Garcia, for his part, said the poll body is bracing for a “hotly contested BSKE.

“The barangay and SK polls are more personal because candidates and voters are blood relatives, neighbors, and even acquaintances. Therefore, we expect the polls to get more heated as we get closer to proclaiming winners,” he said.

Those running for barangay and SK posts are expected to file their certificates of candidacy (COC) starting today until Sep. 2.

Once a person files his or her COC, he or she will already be considered a candidate and will be prohibited from campaigning except during the prescribed period from Oct. 19 to 28.

Voters in all 42,000 barangays across the country will have to vote for the following positions on Oct. 30: one barangay chairman, seven Sangguniang Barangay members (kagawad), one SK chairperson and seven SK members.

EX-COP IN VIRAL ROAD RAGE INCIDENT LOSES GUN LICENSE

A former police officer, identified as Wilfredo Gonzales, has faced significant consequences following a viral video that depicted him engaging in a confrontational incident with a cyclist. In the video, Gonzales was seen slapping the cyclist and brandishing a firearm after the cyclist accidentally bumped into his vehicle.

In response to this incident, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has taken decisive action. The PNP's Firearms and Explosives Office issued an order to revoke Gonzales' License To Own and Possess Firearm (LTOPF), Firearm Registration (FR), and Permit To Carry Firearms Outside Residence (PTCFOR). This move underscores the importance of responsible gun ownership, highlighting that the possession and ownership of firearms are not absolute rights but rather privileges. The PNP has the authority to revoke such privileges, especially when there are grounds for revocation and cancellation.

Despite Gonzales' claim that he had resolved the matter with the cyclist during a press conference on August 27, there are conflicting accounts of the situation. Attorney Raymon Fortun, an avid cyclist and legal expert, refuted Gonzales' statement. Fortun asserted that the cyclist was coerced into signing a statement that placed blame on him for the altercation. Additionally, Gonzales allegedly pressured the cyclist to pay P500 as compensation for scratching his vehicle.

Fortun further disclosed that the cyclist refrained from pursuing legal action due to receiving threats against himself and his family. Shockingly, a police official reportedly contacted the cyclist, advising him not to file any lawsuits.

Fortun, determined to seek justice, announced his intention to file a formal complaint with the Land Transportation Office (LTO). He plans to request the revocation of Gonzales' driver's license, citing reckless driving behavior that endangered the life of the cyclist, identified as AB.

This incident has raised concerns about responsible conduct, law enforcement ethics, and the protection of citizens' rights in the Philippines. While the cyclist may have chosen not to pursue criminal charges, legal actions related to Gonzales' driving behavior are now in motion, indicating that accountability is a priority in this case.

LPG PRICES MAY GO UP BY P5/K, DIESEL BY P0.60/L THIS WEEK

Consumers will have to brace for higher pump and liquefied petroleum gas prices next week to reflect higher prices in the world oil market.

Sources said LPG prices may go up by P2 to P5 per kilo, which translates to a P22 to P55 per kilo increase for every 11-kilo tank, used primarily by households.

LPG is currently sold at P718 to P935 per 11-kilo tank in Metro Manila.

Oil firms adjust LPG prices every first day of the month and pump prices every Tuesday.

The firms said the following oil price hike would take effect on Tuesday, August 29.

PILIPINAS SHELL, SEOIL (from 6 a.m.)

Gasoline - P0.30 per liter increase

Kerosene - P0.80 per liter increase

Diesel - P0.70 per liter increase

CLEANFUEL (from 4:01 p.m.)

Gasoline - P0.30 per liter increase

Diesel - P0.70 per liter increase

CALTEX (from 12:01 a.m.)

Gasoline - P0.30 per liter increase

Kerosene - P0.80 per liter increase

Diesel - P0.70 per liter increase

An expert said that the price hikes followed fears of supply cuts after Saudi Arabia said it was studying the extension of its voluntary oil production cut until October.

ONSITE, ONLINE OR HYBRID? TWO TECH SCHOOLS CHOOSE DIFFERING PATHS

MANILA – While most schools are returning to full onsite classes, some colleges are going ahead with online learning as they aim to expand the reach of their educational offerings.

Two of these colleges are the Mapua Malayan Digital College (MMDC) which was launched just last year, and the CIIT College of Arts and Technology, founded in 2007.

Billing itself as the country’s premier digital-first college, MMDC focuses on technology and business programs, offering a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Information Technology (IT) and a BS in Business Administration.

Under MMDC’s BS-IT, students can major in software development, network and cybersecurity, and data analytics. For BS Business Administration, students have the option to specialize in marketing management, human resource management, and operations management.

“We wanted to apply the Mapuan academic excellence into digital learning and allow our students to have some offline experiences as well,” MMDC spokesperson Joshua Villanueva told ABS-CBN News in an interview.

CIIT College of Arts and Technology in Quezon City, meanwhile, specializes in multimedia arts, technology, and business programs and short courses. It also offers boot camps, specialist courses, corporate training and bachelor’s degree courses.

SPORTS

FIBA: GILAS FALLS SHORT AGAINST ANGOLAN'S STIFLING DEFENSE

MANILA -- Gilas Pilipinas put up a huge fight in the final minutes of the game, but still fell short against Angola, 80-70, in the 2023 FIBA World Cup on Sunday at the Araneta Coliseum.

The nationals took a big hit with the loss, their second since bowing to Dominican Republic, 87-81, last Friday. They are now 0-2 in Group A.

Trailing by double digits, the Filipinos rallied to within 68-73 with 1:12 remaining. But a defensive breakdown led to a three-pointer by Gerson Domingos that gave Angola a 76-68 lead, and Gilas could not recover.

Gilas had a good start with Roger Pogoy and Jordan Clarkson leading the offense for a 15-12 lead. A tip in and two free throws by CJ Perez hiked the lead for the nationals, 19-12.

In the second period, Gilas uncorked a 9-0 run capped by Pogoy's jumper, 26-17. But Angola’s Bruno Fernando began to assert himself in the paint and successive treys by Gerson Goncalves tied the count, 28-all.

Gilas then fell to a maze of errors against Angolan defense. The Angolans then piled the points from beyond the arc to take the halftime lead.

The Angolans kept pestering the nationals, forcing Kiefer Ravena and Clarkson to bleed for points in the third. Angola secured a 56-52 lead on fastbreak points heading to the fourth.

The gap widened to 66-55, but Gilas kept battling in the last three minutes. AJ Edu's incursions pulled the Filipinos to within 73-66 with 2:10 to go.

But Domingos rattled in a dagger three with 47 seconds remaining for Angola's 76-68 lead and the Filipinos could not get any closer.

Clarkson was the lone Gilas player who scored in double digits with 21 points, seven assists and three rebounds. However, Clarkson shot just 7-of-22 from the field as he was stifled by Angola's defense throughout the game.

Edu had nine markers and Sotto added eight. June Mar Fajardo was limited to four points. As a team, Gilas made just 43% of its shots -- including just four of 22 three-pointers.

On the other hand, Goncalves connected four treys for 17 points for Angola. Domingos added 15, while Fernando had 14.

Gilas fell to 0-2 and remained the winless team in Group A. Angola improved to 1-1 and is now tied with Italy.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Wail not for precious chances passed away, Weep not for golden ages on the wane! Each night I burn the records of the day, At sunrise every soul is born again! - Walter Malone