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Japan seeks int’l action against China air zone

 News
Dec 082013
 
Japan seeks int’l action against China air zone

Associated Press 3:56 am | Monday, December 9th, 2013 Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera, center, waves as he arrives at the airport in Tacloban City on Sunday, Dec. 8, 2013, to look at the magnitude of the disaster for additional Japanese aid. Onodera called on the international community on Sunday to oppose China’s recently declared maritime air defense zone over the East China Sea and possibly over the disputed West Philippine Sea (South China Sea). AP PHOTO/AARON FAVILA TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines—Japan’s defense minister called on the international community on Sunday to oppose China’s recently declared maritime air defense zone over the East China Sea and possibly over the disputed West Philippine Sea (South China Sea). Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera discussed Japan’s concern over China’s action separately with Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Australian Foreign Minister Julia Bishop. Onodera and Bishop separately visited Tacloban City, which was devastated by Supertyphoon “Yolanda” (international name: “Haiyan”) last month. In his meeting with Bishop, Onodera said he mentioned that the international community “should meet to deal with this matter together” and that any unilateral action by coercive means should be opposed. “If any country would establish a similar air zone in the South China Sea, that would bring up tension in the region and I mentioned that should be stopped,” he told reporters in Tacloban, where he visited a school serving as a shelter for villagers who lost their homes in the Nov. 8 typhoon. Onodera said the issue should be resolved by dialogue. Read More …

Mom puts up bounty for missing daughter in Tacloban

 News
Dec 062013
 
Mom puts up bounty for missing daughter in Tacloban

Photo of missing 9-year-old Kassandra Mae Villanueva posted on her mother’s Facebook account on November 14. Her mother, Jella Yu, is putting up a P20,000 bounty for Kassandra, who went missing after Supertyphoon Yolanda struck their house in Tacloban City last November 8. MANILA, Philippines— “I know how to make  bubble. I can swim a little.” This  was  nine-year-old Kassandra Mae Yu-Villanueva’s last message to her mother on Facebook  a day before she disappeared when  Supertyphoon “Yolanda” (Haiyan) struck Leyte on November 8. Still missing almost a month after, her mother Jella Yu has now come to terms that Kassandra might have already  joined her  younger  sister, Shamel Anne Jella Yu, who perished  from the typhoon. All Jella wants now is to  find  Kassandra’s  body. The 34-year-old mother, who is working in Abu Dhabi, is putting up a P20,000 bounty for those who can  find  her eldest daughter. “We also distributed pictures  of my daughter in Tacloban. I also put up a reward to whoever can find  her body. Hope you can help me  spread  the  pictures of my daughter  please,” Jella’s status on Facebook read. From Abu Dhabi, Jella travelled 24 hours to Manila and then to Cebu before she could finally  reach  Tacloban City,  one of  the areas severely hit  by  the  typhoon, to personally look for  her two daughters, whom she  left under the care of her elder sister, Jenny, and their  67-year-old mother Salome. Jella said her mother and other relatives  also perished from the  typhoon. Mother, Read More …

Jordanian journalist expected back in Manila–PNP

 News
Dec 062013
 
Jordanian journalist expected back in Manila–PNP

By Julliane Love de JesusINQUIRER.net 2:05 pm | Friday, December 6th, 2013 Veteran Middle Eastern TV reporter Baker Atyani looks at his X-ray record as he undergoes medical check-up following his release from one-and-a-half years of captivity in Jolo, the capital of the island province of Sulu in Southern Philippines late Wednesday Dec.4, 2013. (AP Photo/Nickee Butlangan) MANILA, Philippines–The Jordanian journalist who escaped his Abu Sayyaf captors is expected back in Manila later this Friday, the Philippine National Police said Friday. He’s on his way here,” Chief Superintendent Noel delos Reyes of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao told a media briefing. Baker Atyani is expected to be brought to the Philippine National Police Anti-Kidnapping Group office upon his arrival. PNP spokesperson Reuben Theodore Sindac added that the Jordanian journalist may arrive at the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame in Quezon City between 3 and 4 p.m.After 18 months in captivity, Atyani escaped from the Abu Sayyaf camp in Patikul, Sulu on Wednesday. Follow Us Recent Stories: Complete stories on our Digital Edition newsstand for tablets, netbooks and mobile phones; 14-issue free trial. About to step out? Get breaking alerts on your mobile.phone. Text ON INQ BREAKING to 4467, for Globe, Smart and Sun subscribers in the Philippines. Tags: Abu Sayyaf , Baker Atyani , captive , Jordan , journalist , Moro rebel group , release Factual errors? Contact the Philippine Daily Inquirer’s day desk. Believe this article violates journalistic ethics? Contact the Inquirer’s Reader’s Advocate. Or write The Readers’ Read More …

Filipinos played dead to survive Yemen attack

 General
Dec 052013
 
Filipinos played dead to survive Yemen attack

By Matikas SantosINQUIRER.net 1:53 pm | Friday, December 6th, 2013 This photo provided by Yemen’s Defense Ministry shows damaged vehicles after an explosion at the Defense Ministry complex in Sanaa, Yemen, Thursday, Dec. 5, 2013. A suicide bomber detonated his explosives-laden car Thursday at Yemen’s Defense Ministry, killing more than a dozen soldiers and wounding at least 40 in an attack underlining the persistent threat to the stability and security of the impoverished Arab nation, military and hospital officials said. (AP Photo/Yemen’s Defense Ministry) MANILA, Philippines — The Filipinos who survived the initial suicide attack in a Defense Ministry Complex in Yemen capital city of Sana’a had to pretend to be dead to avoid getting killed in a shootout that followed, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Friday. “Based on accounts of survivors that [our Honorary Consul in Sana’a, Mr. Mohammad Al-Jamal] was able to talk with, he said that the incident started around 9:30 in the morning,” Foreign Affairs spokesman Raul Hernandez said in a press conference. “The first suicide bomber who tried to enter, detonated his explosives at the gate. Another one was apprehended before he could enter. But the third suicide bomber managed to enter and detonated his explosives causing [part of] the building to collapse,” he said. Six Filipino medical workers and one doctor were among the 52 killed in the bombing while eleven other Filipinos were injured. “Others survived the ensuing gun battle by pretending to be dead,” Hernandez said. Foreign media reported that Read More …

US envoy Goldberg vows ‘Yolanda’ aid to continue

 News
Dec 022013
 
US envoy Goldberg vows ‘Yolanda’ aid to continue

New US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg: Continuing aid. AFP FILE PHOTO New US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg on Monday met with President Aquino, expressing condolences for the victims of Supertyphoon “Yolanda” and vowing that his country would continue to help the Philippines in its rehabilitation efforts. “I first want to say that we’re all still saddened and want to send our condolences to the people of the Eastern Visayas, with all the people of the Philippines after Typhoon Yolanda,” Goldberg told reporters in Malacañang after presenting his credentials to the President. “I had a chance to make the same kind of expression to President Aquino that the United States will remain with the Philippines as you move from the relief period into reconstruction. And the United States will take the lead of the Philippine government in areas that are most urgent for rehabilitation and reconstruction,” he said. But Goldberg also took the opportunity to make a pitch for an agreement that would allow “increased rotational presence” of US troops and access to their former military bases in the Philippines. “In the security area, but also in the cooperation that we have undertaken to work on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, we want to further that effort and be able to help even more as we move toward a framework agreement where the United States and the Philippines can move to the next level of [their] relationship,” he said. Goldberg, however, could not say when Manila and Read More …

Germany gives P950M more

 News
Dec 012013
 
Germany gives P950M more

YOLANDA AFTERMATH: Philippine Daily Inquirer 5:40 am | Monday, December 2nd, 2013 MANILA, Philippines–The German government, through its Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), has pledged P950 million (16 million euros) for the reconstruction of areas destroyed by Supertyphoon Yolanda, the German Embassy announced. BMZ Federal Minister Dirk Niebel said the funds were committed to the medium and long-term rehabilitation of schools, hospitals and public infrastructure, as well for the implementation of disaster prevention measures in several areas in the Visayas. The German government had earlier committed 6.5 million euros in humanitarian aid for the immediate relief of the typhoon survivors, raising the German government’s total contribution to 22.5 million euros (P1.35 billion). Emergency relief Apart from the funds provided by the German government, 49.6 million euros (P3 billion) have been received for the emergency relief of the survivors by the fund-raising alliances Aktionsbündnis Katastrophenhilfe (Action Alliance for Humanitarian Emergency Response) and Aktion Deutschland Hilft (Germany’s Relief Coalition). Other German nongovernment organizations are also directly performing relief operations in several areas in the Visayas affected by Yolanda. The German business sector has also mobilized humanitarian aid in the Philippines by providing financial and logistical assistance to relief operations. RELATED STORIES: Lacson accepts job as ‘Yolanda’ rehab czar Pacquiao gives away cash, Bibles in Samar ‘Bayanihan’ impresses UN official Follow Us Recent Stories: Complete stories on our Digital Edition newsstand for tablets, netbooks and mobile phones; 14-issue free trial. About to step out? Get breaking alerts on your mobile.phone. Text Read More …

Filipinos to protest WTO meet

 News
Dec 012013
 
Filipinos to protest WTO meet

By Tina G. SantosPhilippine Daily Inquirer 5:37 am | Monday, December 2nd, 2013 MANILA, Philippines–A Filipino activist group has expressed support for anti-free trade protest actions to coincide with the 9th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization in Bali, Indonesia, on Dec. 3-6. The conference, the top decision-making body of the WTO, is held every two years. The Philippines joined the WTO in 1995, agreeing to lift tariff and regulatory barriers in order to access markets of other WTO members now numbering 159. Ibon International said several civil society groups will converge on the People’s Global Camp to call for an end to free trade. Organized by the Indonesian People’s Alliance, the PGC will conduct workshops and a “global march for sovereignty and trade to serve peoples.” Ibon said the event will call on governments to revoke free trade agreements. RELATED STORIES: Thai response to WTO tobacco ruling probed Thais still afoul of WTO ruling on imported PH cigarettes WTO backs US in chicken trade dispute with China Follow Us Recent Stories: Complete stories on our Digital Edition newsstand for tablets, netbooks and mobile phones; 14-issue free trial. About to step out? Get breaking alerts on your mobile.phone. Text ON INQ BREAKING to 4467, for Globe, Smart and Sun subscribers in the Philippines. Tags: 9th Ministerial Conference , Bali , Ibon International , Indonesia , People’s Global Camp , World Trade Organization Factual errors? Contact the Philippine Daily Inquirer’s day desk. Believe this article violates journalistic ethics? Contact the Read More …

UK companies seek opportunities in PH

 General
Nov 242013
 
UK companies seek opportunities in PH

Philippine Daily Inquirer 4:49 am | Monday, November 25th, 2013 More than 30 companies from the United Kingdom are eyeing business and investment opportunities in the Philippines. “These companies range from the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to multinationals and cover a wide variety of sectors, all of which are interested in the substantial opportunities offered by the Philippines. Some will be looking to export, others to invest and others to partner with local businesses,” Iain Mansfield, director of the UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) in Manila said in an interview. Mansfield told the Inquirer that a mission organized by the Philippines British Business Council (PBBC) was in the country from Nov. 18 to 20 for networking with potential partners. Apart from the heads of the PBCC, participants in the mission include Deerpark Pedigree Pigs, a family-owned and -run pig breeding business with over 50 years of success supplying pedigree pigs to a worldwide market; De La Rue Currency, the world’s largest integrated commercial banknote printer; Hairbyus.com, a fast-growing UK-based Internet business designed to put the public in touch with competent and qualified local hairstylists; Indo British Consulting (IBC); Martyn Skinner Consulting Services (MSCS), which wanted to develop additional contacts in the agribusiness sector; and Mi-Pay UK, which provides hosted, managed white labelled mobile payment services. Also participating in the mission last week were SEGRO, a leading owner, asset manager and developer of modern warehousing, light industrial and data center properties; South-East Asia Consultancy; Standard Chartered Bank; Thomas Broadbent & Read More …

US solons urge defense dep’t to airdrop relief supplies in remote areas

 News
Nov 222013
 
US solons urge defense dep’t to airdrop relief supplies in remote areas

INQUIRER.net US Bureau 9:34 am | Saturday, November 23rd, 2013 Rep. Eric Swalwell WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Air Force should air drop humanitarian supplies and food to the most remote and inaccessible areas of the Philippines following Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda, several lawmakers wrote to the US defense secretary and the USAID head. U.S. Representatives Eric Swalwell (CA-15) and Jackie Speier (CA-14) wrote to Department of Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel and U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) administrator Raj Shah, requesting the airdrops. The bipartisan letter was signed by 36 members of Congress. The U.S. is currently delivering food to the Philippines primarily through distribution centers and via helicopter and V22-Ospreys; but relief personnel have yet to use airdrops although many areas of the devastated by the storm are remote. Airdrops in a disaster situation are not unprecedented. Following the earthquake in Haiti, the U.S. Air Force dropped over 55,000 pounds of food and water into difficult to reach areas. In their letter, the lawmakers encourage use of an aid deployment strategy developed by the U.S. Air Force at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in Livermore, California, called the Tri-wall Arial Delivery System (TRIADS). TRIADS is a proven method, which enables the dropping of food packages from high altitudes without parachutes. Rep. Jackie Speier “Typhoon Haiyan swept through the Philippines, creating unimaginable damage,” said Swalwell. “I’m proud we’ve quickly provided assistance to our friends in the Philippines, but many in remote areas are still in desperate need of basic humanitarian supplies.  I’m Read More …

East Coast Fil-Am communities raise funds for ‘Yolanda’ victims

 News
Nov 152013
 
East Coast Fil-Am communities raise funds for ‘Yolanda’ victims

NEW YORK—Just a few days after Typhoon “Yolanda” (international name: Haiyan) wrought havoc in eastern Visayas, various groups in the New York tri-state area quickly launched fund-raising efforts to raise funds for the typhoon victims. Earlier this week, two fund-raisers happened in the East Village a few blocks away from each other. Pulitzer-prize winning journalist Jose Antonio Vargas partnered with Nicole Ponseca of Maharlika/Jeepney for a fund drive for the victims of the typhoon. Among the evening’s guests were Chef Dale Talde, Filipino actress Cherie Gil and Carlos Celdran. They were able to generate more than $8,500 in cash donations. A few doors down, Ugly Kitchen was having its own fundraiser, attended by numerous young professionals. As of press time, they were able to raise $7,941. For two consecutive Sundays starting this weekend, Purple Yam in Brooklyn is sponsoring a prix-fixed brunch for $40. Both events are now sold out. Purple yam owner Amy Besa said she is also organizing a series of about 6-7 dinners in Metro Manila in the next week or so. “The purpose of these dinners is not only to raise money for the people affected by Typhoon Yolanda, but to raise awareness of the effects of climate change, the need to be prepared for future disasters and how we can take control of how our taxes are being spent. The challenge now is how to rebuild what we lost and help restore dignity in the lives of our people in the south and the rest Read More …

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