Maniolas

By Christopher Lloyd T. Caliwan Philippine National Police Chief Director-General Ronald dela Rosa answers questions during a press conference at Camp Crame, Wednesday. Three high-ranking PNP officials allegedly involved in illegal drugs tagged by President Duterte reported to Dela Rosa to clear their names. (MNS photo) MANILA  (PNA) – As part of its intensified anti-drug campaign, the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday said it will look into affluent people and celebrities involved in illegal drugs. Southern Police District (SPD) Acting Director Sr. Supt. Tomas Apolinario said from the PNP’s anti-drug operations also aims to curb the prevalence of party drugs such as ‘ecstasy’. He recalled the five fatalities at the Closeup Forever Summer concert in Pasay City last May 21 who used methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) and alcohol. MDMA, commonly known as ecstasy, is a psychoactive drug used primarily as a recreational drug. Desired effects of MDMA include increased empathy, pleasure, and heightened sensations. With the incident, Apolinario said party and concert organizers are now coordinating with the police to ensure that their events will not be used as a venue for illegal drug trade as these are usually attended by wealthy youth and celebrities. Despite the deployment of civilian-clothed and uniformed policemen during concerts or parties, Apolinario admitted that is difficult to track down people who used drugs before going to an event. As a precautionary measure, Apolinario said that they will deploy drug-testing kits in the entrance of the event to test the suspicious actions of an individual. Meanwhile, Read More …

Taking their oath before speaking at the Senate hearing on the Mamasapano incident are PDDG. Leonardo Espina, Officer-in-Charge of the Philippine National Police, Interior Secretary Mar Roxas, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Justice Secretary Leila de Lima. (MNS photo) MANILA  (Mabuhay) – Former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Alan Purisima has asked the Sandiganbayan to allow him to stay in the United States of America for more than three weeks to visit his son. In a three-page motion filed with the Sandiganbayan Sixth Division, Purisima asked the anti-graft court to allow him to travel to USA from September 5 to 27. Purisima said he intends to visit his son who is studying at the Culinary Institute of America in California. Purisima said he, together with his family, has already booked their tickets for the travel as early as March of this year even before a graft case was filed against him by the Office of the Ombudsman in May. “Section 6, Article III of the 1987 Philippine Constitution provides that the right of every individuals to travel shall not be impaired except in the interest of national security, public safety or public health,” Purisima’s motion read. “Accused Purisima humbly submits that his travel abroad does not, in any means, impair the interest of national security, public safety or public health,” it added. Purisima said he is also willing to post a travel bond that the court may fix as a precondition for his request and as an assurance of his Read More …

President Rodrigo R. Duterte shares a light moment with US Secretary of State Secretary John F. Kerry during a courtesy call at the President’s Hall of the Malacañan Palace on July 27, 2016. (MNS photo) MANILA  (PNA) – The Philippines and the United States affirmed their long-standing relations at Wednesday’s lunch meeting between President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry at the President’s Hall of Malacanang. Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella, in a briefing, told the Malacanang Press Corps that PRRD and Kerry took note of the special relationship, with around four million Filipinos in America and at least 500,000 Americans in the Philippines. Kerry is the highest Cabinet member of U.S. President Barack Obama’s administration to visit President Duterte so far. He led a delegation of U.S. State Department officials and a lone military officer, US Vice Admiral Frank Pandolfe, who serves as assistant chairman to the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Abella said, “First, it was a courtesy call. It was a very interesting lunch because they shared common interests. They talked about motorcycles and hunting.” He added that “they also discussed common concerns: terrorism, crime, drugs, religious fanaticism, and maritime security. They also mentioned a menu of solutions.” The Palace official disclosed that the U.S. has committed USD 32 million in training and services to the Philippines, mainly for law enforcement. He said the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) was touched upon and “it was affirmed that whatever works for the Philippines will be what Read More …

Duterte declares ceasefire with CPP-NPA President Rodrigo R. Duterte, who recently declared unilateral ceasefire with the communist rebels, is welcomed by officers of the Western Mindanao Command during his arrival at Edwin Andrews Airbase in Zamboanga City on July 21.(MNS photo) MANILA  (Mabuhay) – President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday declared a unilateral ceasefire with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF). Duterte made the announcement before a joint session of Congress during his first State of the Nation Address (SONA). “I am announcing a unilateral ceasefire with the CPP-NPA-NDF effective immediately,” he said. He added: “I expect and call on our fellow Filipinos in the National Democratic Front and its forces to respond accordingly.” Duterte also vowed to work for a “permanent and lasting peace” before he ends his term in 2022. “That is my goal, that is my dream,” he said. The Armed Forces of the Philippines expressed support to Duterte’s declaration of peace. “The Commander in Chief has initiated a very bold move and we fully support him in his effort to bring sustainable and lasting peace to our whole country,” military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said. Padilla said that the AFP will “abide by the Commander-in-Chief’s instruction.” He, however, clarified that troops will remain on “alert and vigilant and ready to defend itself and pursue attackers if confronted by armed elements of the NPA.” “The government has shown its sincerity and we expect no less from the other party,” he added. The Read More …

2016 Outlander Sport SEL CYPRESS, Calif  – Mitsubishi Motors North America, Inc. (MMNA) today announced the 2016 Outlander Sport has once again been recognized by the New England Motor Press Association (NEMPA) and awarded the Yankee Value Award for the second consecutive year. Outlander Sport was honored at NEMPA’s annual awards dinner in Cambridge, Mass. where the 2016 Winter Vehicle Awards were presented. “Outlander Sport continues to prove why it’s our sales leader,” said Don Swearingen, executive vice president and chief operating officer, MMNA. “Reliability, quality, competitive pricing and cost of ownership are at the core of Outlander Sport; to be recognized for providing exemplary value in such a competitive CUV segment proves Mitsubishi is providing consumers with what they not only want, but need.” The Yankee Value Award is presented to the vehicle that best exemplifies the hardy New England spirit of understated perseverance – and NEMPA takes its Yankee heritage seriously. To consider a vehicle for the Yankee Value Award the membership must be impressed with the vehicle as a “value proposition.” That rings true with the 2016 Outlander Sport, a vehicle that offers a variety or features and a 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty that continues to grab consumers attention in the competitive crossover segment. For more information on the Mitsubishi Outlander Sport visit media.mitsubishimotors.com