PHILIPPINES DENOUNCES 'DANGEROUS, OFFENSIVE' CHINESE ACTIONS IN WEST PH SEA

MANILA — The Philippine military on Monday called on Beijing to stop its "dangerous and offensive" actions in the West Philippine Sea, after a Chinese ship allegedly shadowed and tried to block a Philippine Navy vessel during a resupply mission.

The Chinese vessel came as close as 350 yards when it attempted to cross in front of the Philippine Navy vessel near Pag-asa Island on Friday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said.

The Philippine Navy issued a radio challenge to the Chinese military vessel. Its response cited the "10-dash line", an extended version of Beijing's nine-dash line that it uses to stake its claims over nearly the entire South China Sea, including parts of Philippine waters, AFP spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar told ABS-CBN News.

"These dangerous and offensive maneuvers by China's PLAN (People's Liberation Army Navy) not only risk collision but also directly endanger the lives of maritime personnel from both sides," AFP chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said in a statement.

AFP Western Command chief Vice Admiral Alberto Carlos said China "must immediately halt these unsafe actions and conduct themselves in a professional manner by adhering to international law."

The National Security Council said the Philippines would continue to assert its sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea and undertake resupply missions, despite China's harassment.

"We will just continue to do with what we are doing, which is implement the 2016 arbitral award," said National Security Council Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya in a televised briefing.

Malaya said the Philippines would continue to enforce international and domestic laws over Pag-asa island, following reports that the area was being "subjected to Chinese law enforcement."

PHILIPPINES, CANADA SIGN DEAL VS UNIDENTIFIED, ILLEGAL SHIPS

The Philippines has signed an agreement with Canada for the use of Canada's Dark Vessel Detection System (DVD) to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone. The arrangement, signed during the 6th Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation in Canada, aims to enhance maritime domain awareness and address issues related to Chinese activities in the West Philippine Sea. The DVD System is designed to counteract vessels that turn off their Automatic Identification System (AIS) to hide illegal activities. It uses multi-sensor satellite data, including historical vessel information and environmental data, to support analysis. The system will be jointly managed by the Philippine National Coast Watch Center (NCWC) and Canada's Department of Fisheries and Oceans (DFO).

In response to recent Chinese harassment in the West Philippine Sea, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has urged the Philippine Navy to protect the country's interests. The AFP emphasized that China's actions harm its international image, which has generally recognized the Philippines' stance on the South China Sea issue. Despite dangerous maneuvers by the Chinese targeting the BRP Benguet, the AFP successfully completed a rotation and resupply mission for troops near Pag-asa Island. The Philippines expressed concern about China's violation of international laws and conventions and its disregard for the well-being of other people's lives. The Philippines and the UK also discussed common defense and diplomatic positions to address security challenges in the West Philippine Sea.

MARCOS TO ATTEND ASEAN-GULF MEET IN SAUDI THIS WEEK

President Marcos is set to attend the first ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia on Oct. 20.

Department of Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary for the Office of ASEAN Affairs Daniel Espiritu on Monday said the summit proper would focus on the endorsement of a framework of cooperation between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the GCC for 2024 to 2028.

Espiritu expressed hopes that Marcos’ trip would help pave the way for a rollback in prices of petroleum products if an agreement is reached on a stable supply of petroleum products in the region.

“Actually, we’re going far, far ahead already because so far we’re only… at this point, we’re still talking of possible cooperation on supply activities,” Espiritu said in a media briefing.

“If the two original organizations can cooperate on that and assure each other a continued and reliable supply in spite of what we called the vicissitudes of energy economics and the geopolitical instabilities, then we can more or less assure…. ASEAN has a continued and consistent volume of supply throughout the year,” he added.

Espiritu said the GCC is important as it is composed of highly developed Arab economies. At the same time, these countries were petrochemical powerhouses, as well as hub and logistics economies.

“Now, they can help ASEAN in addressing energy and food security – energy security because they’re petrochemical powerhouses – but also food security because some of the countries there, especially Qatar, are among the largest producers of fertilizers and they can fill up the slack or the deficit on the ASEAN side,” he said.

CALLS MOUNT TO LET AID IN TO BESIEGED GAZA

MANILA — Aid agencies on Monday called for vital humanitarian supplies to be allowed into the Gaza Strip, warning time was running out to save millions of people as water supplies dried up and food and fuel stocks dwindled.

Israel has been bombing targets in Gaza as part of its war on Hamas, whose fighters broke through the heavily fortified border on October 7 and killed more than 1,400 people, most of them civilians.

It was the worst attack in the country's 75-year history. Israel's relentless series of retaliatory air strikes have flattened neighbourhoods, killing at least 2,750, most of them ordinary Palestinians.

It has requested some 1.1 million Gazans -- nearly half the population of 2.4 million -- to leave the north of the densely populated enclave, in anticipation of a ground offensive against Hamas.

But in doing so -- and cutting off water, food and fuel supplies until the conflict is over -- it has heaped extra pressure on a territory already struggling under a years-long blockade.

As thousands massed on the Rafah border crossing with Egypt -- the only one in the Gaza Strip not controlled by Israel -- Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ruled out a temporary ceasefire to allow aid supplies in or foreigners out.

On Monday evening, strikes hit an area near the crossing, an AFP reporter said.

UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths is heading to the Middle East Tuesday, in the latest effort of frantic diplomacy to prevent the crisis worsening.

"We need access for aid," he said in a video statement.

The regional director of the World Health Organization, Ahmed Al-Mandhari, gave a stark warning about the situation, which he said was barrelling towards a "real catastrophe".

"There are 24 hours of water, electricity and fuel left" in Gaza, he told AFP in an interview in Cairo. If aid is not allowed in, doctors will have to "prepare death certificates for their patients", he added.

ISRAEL MILITARY CONFIRMS 199 HOSTAGES ABDUCTED BY HAMAS

The Israeli military on Monday raised the figure to 199 people confirmed to have been abducted by Hamas to the Gaza Strip in the militants' cross-border attacks which sparked a devastating war.

"We have updated the families of 199 hostages," military spokesman Daniel Hagari told a media briefing, revising up an earlier figure of 155 captives.

Israelis and foreigners are among those abducted in the Hamas assault on October 7.

"The efforts on the hostages are a top national priority," Hagari said. "The army and Israel are working around the clock to bring them back."

At least 1,400 people have been killed in Israel and 2,750 in retaliatory strikes on Gaza, according to tolls from officials on both sides.

The Israeli military has said the bodies of some 1,500 militants were located in the wake of the attacks.

FAMILIES OF SLAIN FILIPINOS IN ISRAEL-HAMAS WAR TO GET OVER P200,000 FINANCIAL AID

MANILA — The families of slain Filipinos in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war will get more than P200,000 in financial assistance, the Palace said on Monday.

The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) will provide P200,000 cash assistance for the families of 3 Filipinos who were killed in the conflict. They will also receive P50,000 cash from the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said.

The OWWA and the DMW will give P20,000 for wake and burial assistance, the PCO said, adding that the agencies would shoulder the cost of repatriating their remains to the Philippines.

The PCO said Marcos ordered the agencies to provide educational assistance to the children of the victims as well as livelihood assistance and medical and psychological support for their families.

OWWA Administrator Arnell Ignacio said Monday that Filipinos repatriated from Israel and Gaza are entitled to P10,000 in financial assistance once they return to the country.

Meanwhile, OWWA members may also avail of a wide range of financial and livelihood support, on top of the assistance that other agencies will provide.

OWWA: AID READY FOR OFWS RETURNING FROM ISRAEL

MANILA — Another 18 Filipinos are expected to arrive from Israel on Wednesday and will receive financial assistance for work disrupted by the war between Israel and Hamas militants in Gaza, the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration said.

Speaking on TeleRadyo Serbisyo, OWWA Administrator Arnell Ignacio also said 131 Filipinos in Gaza are still waiting to cross into Egypt, where they will be met by Philippine government officials for assistance and repatriation.

"So far, ang mga naiuwi natin hanggang October 14, nasa 28 na. Itong mga umuuwi, not necessarily dahil sa nangyayaring gulo. Marami sa kanila ay naka-schedule nang umuwi," Ignacio also said.

He said the Philippine government has been helping send Filipinos back from Israel since October 10.

He said the OWWA will give P50,000 in assistance and the Department of Migrant Workers will also provide counterpart funding of another P50,000.

HAMAS TRIED TO INFILTRATE PHILIPPINES IN 2018, 2022 – NSC

The National Security Council (NSC) in the Philippines has revealed that alleged operatives of the Hamas militant group, which is currently in conflict with Israel, attempted to operate and establish alliances with local extremist groups in the Philippines in both 2018 and 2022. NSC Assistant Director General Jonathan Malaya explained that one of these individuals was a bomb expert who was arrested and deported in 2018. Their intentions, as per the Philippine National Police (PNP) investigation, included killing Jews in the Philippines, raising funds, utilizing social media for propaganda, and organizing rallies at embassies and other locations to create discord or chaos.

As a result of these revelations, the Philippines' Anti-Terrorism Council is working towards designating Hamas as a terrorist organization, aligning with the United States, the European Union, Australia, and other nations that have already classified Hamas as such. The primary objective is to enhance national security and prevent potential threats stemming from the presence of Hamas operatives. Additionally, designating Hamas as a terrorist organization would enable Philippine authorities to more easily apprehend its members and detain them, even without specific arrest warrants. It would also facilitate the freezing of assets linked to individuals or groups declared as terrorists, thereby disrupting terrorist financing.

This decision reflects the Philippine government's stance on not allowing Hamas to operate within its borders and also serves as a symbol of solidarity with Israel. It is important to note that the intention behind this designation is to protect the country's security and not to resolve the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict, which has deep historical roots.

HOUSE FIRM ON DECISION TO SCRAP P1.2B IN CONFIDENTIAL FUNDS AMID RODY’S THREAT

House Deputy Majority Leader, Rep. Franz Pumaren, defended the decision to redistribute confidential funds in the 2024 national budget despite threats. Former President Rodrigo Duterte had criticized the move. Pumaren emphasized that lawmakers do not respond well to threats, urging a more constructive approach. The House had redirected funds from offices associated with Vice President Sara Duterte to agencies with national security functions. Pumaren stated that this decision was not personal and that the House was open to dialogue.

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COMELEC APPROVES TRANSFER OF 'INCOMPETENT' PHILHEALTH OFFICIALS

MANILA — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has approved the request of Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa to transfer at least 7 officials of state insurer PhilHealth due to “loss of confidence”.

The request of Herbosa, who is also the PhilHealth board chairperson, complied with exemptions under the Omnibus Election Code that bans the transfer of government employees during an election period, according to an Oct. 16 Comelec memorandum.

The memo signed by Comelec Chairman George Garcia said the PhilHealth board expressed its "loss of confidence" on 7 members of the executive committee due to their "observed incompetence, gross negligence, and ineffective leadership", which "directly and adversely impacted" the insurer.

Last week, Herbosa blamed PhilHealth's executive committee for late payments to hospitals.

Herbosa recently sought Congress help to cleanse PhilHealth, which previously faced accusations of corruption.

Comelec said the transfer of the PhilHealth officials should be essential in the proper functioning of insurer, must not influence the Oct. 30 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE), and should not involve any promotion or salary increase.

The BSKE's election period is from Aug. 28, 2023 to Nov. 29, 2023.

LTFRB THREATENS TO CANCEL FRANCHISE OF TRANSPORT STRIKERS

Jeepney operators involved in the recent transport strike in the Philippines may face suspension or the revocation of their franchises, according to Joel Bolano, the chief of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board's (LTFRB) Technical Working Group. The LTFRB plans to investigate public utility jeepney (PUJ) operators who took part in the strike, with show-cause orders issued to the drivers. Bolano emphasized that while drivers have the right to express their concerns, transport strikes should not disrupt routes and commuters. The strike was organized by Manibela, with members protesting against the government's modernization program deadline set for December 31, 2023.

‘HOLY HOUR’ SET FOR PH CHURCHES TO PRAY FOR PEACE

The Archdiocese of Manila on Monday asked churches across the country for a “holy hour” to pray for peace in the Holy Land.

“In solidarity with our brothers and sisters in the Holy Land, we request that our parishes and communities gather our people for prayer like the Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament/Holy Hour and the praying of the rosary on October 17, 2023 or any day your community decides,” it said in a circular dated Oct. 14 and released yesterday.

The archdiocese added it will be sending the special prayer prepared by its Archdiocesan Liturgical Commission.

The circular said the order is in accordance with the call of Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem Pierbattista Cardinal Pizzaballa for prayer and fasting for peace in the Holy Land.

ENTERTAINMENT & LIFESTYLE

MISS GRAND PHILIPPINES 2023 CANDIDATE REPORTED MISSING

MANILA — The family of Catherine Camilon, a 26-year old Miss Grand Philippines 2023 candidate, reported that she has been missing since Thursday, October 12.

In a phone interview, her mother Rose Camilon revealed that Catherine went to Batangas City for a meeting with an online media company.

“Umalis ho siya ng bahay Huwebes ng gabi, mga 6 siguro ‘yun. Maayos naman po ‘yung pagpapaalam niya na pupunta siya ng Batangas,” Rose said.

“Ang lagi po niyang pinapaalam sa amin, pupunta po siya ng Balisong Channel. Ang sinasabi niya ay meron silang quarters na tinutuluyan. Ako naman po ay naniniwala sa sinasabi niya dahil naging talent siya ng Balisong,” Rose added.

The family members became worried when they could no longer contact Catherine’s cellphone number.

“‘Yung huli po niyang tawag sa akin, nandun daw siya sa Bauan Petron, naka-park daw po siya doon at may hinihintay siyang kasama na pupunta din sa Balisong,” Rose recalled.

“Hindi naman niya ugali na magpatay ng cellphone ‘pag siya ay naalis samin dito. Kung ano po ang ginagawa niya, sinasabi niya sa amin,” she added.

On Friday evening, they went to the Balisong office and to two gasoline stations in Bauan, Batangas but did not find Catherine.

The family sought assistance from the police, who are looking into where she might be.

“Wala po akong iniisip na masama nangyari sa kanya. Buhay po ang aking anak. Umuwi ka na anak. Marami na kaming naghihintay sayo dito,” Rose said.

Catherine represented Tuy, Batangas in the Miss Grand Philippines 2023 pageant last July, where Cagayan de Oro's Nikki De Moura was crowned winner.

SPORTS

OBIENA'S CAMP HITS 'RECKLESS, IRRESPONSIBLE' DOPING ACCUSATION

MANILA — The mentor of EJ Obiena slammed the doping accusation against the pole vaulting star, calling it "reckless" and "irresponsible."

In an interview on CNN Philippines' "Sports Desk" which aired Monday, October 16, James Michael Lafferty, an advisor of Obiena, attested to the athlete's good character.

"EJ Obiena is a great athlete, but he's an even better human being. And I know this young man, inside and out, I know all about him... I think he has a huge future in this world, well beyond pole vaulting," Lafferty said in the interview.

"And it breaks my heart to see someone slander his name so recklessly, so irresponsibly, without any information because of ill will going back to the 2016 Olympics, what happened in Brazil, and you know, all kinds of things," he added.

In a shared Facebook post by Vaulter Magazine - Vaulter Club Inc., a profile named Anais Lavillenie, wife of former world record-holder and 2012 Olympics gold medalist Renaud Lavillenie, commented that Obiena "doped" his way up in pole vault rankings.

Lafferty, meanwhile, reiterated that Obiena never tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs. He said in the same "Sports Desk" interview that Obiena will do a certified polygraph test and his team will release the results "just to bolster the case."

"That's how confident we are," the mentor said.

Earlier, the world's number two pole vaulter said he is mulling legal actions against those behind the accusation.

Renaud Lavillenie, now 37 years old, was the previous world record holder in pole vault.

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THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm. - Ralph Waldo Emerson