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Filipino peacekeeper wounded in Golan Heights incident

 News
Jun 062013
 
Filipino peacekeeper wounded in Golan Heights incident

By Frances MangosingINQUIRER.net 7:05 pm | Thursday, June 6th, 2013 Israeli soldiers stand on top of a Merkava tank stationed in the Israeli annexed Golan Heights near the border with Syria on May 26, 2013. A former commander of UN peacekeeping troops in the Israeli occupied Golan Heights has warned that the entire force would be in jeopardy if Austria withdraws. Austria — which provides the largest number of troops to the UN Disengagement Force (UNDOF) on the Golan — has threatened to withdraw its troops over concerns for their safety if the EU lifts an embargo on supplying arms to the Syrian opposition. AFP PHOTO/JALAA MAREY MANILA, Philippines – A Filipino peacekeeper of the United Nations was wounded when he was hit by “a wayward indirect fire” at Camp Ziouni in ceasefire line Golan Heights on Thursday, the military said. The incident happened at 7:45 a.m. (local time), or 1:45 p.m. Philippine time. Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Zagala, Public Affairs Office chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, said the soldier, whom he declined to identify, is a member of the Philippine Contingent to Golan Heights. He was hit by shrapnel just above his right ankle. He is now being treated by medics inside a shelter and is in “stable and good condition.” The incident happened during a firefight between Syrian government and rebel forces, some three to four kilometers from Camp Ziouni. Camp Ziouni is the logistics base of the United Nations Disengagement Observers Force where the different Read More …

2 US submarines docking in Subic for refuelling

 News
Jun 062013
 
2 US submarines docking in Subic for refuelling

By Frances Mangosing 6:03 pm | Thursday, June 6th, 2013 MANILA, Philippines – Two US Navy vessels are docking in Subic Bay this weekend for routine port calls, the US Embassy said Thursday. The US Navy submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40) and submarine USS Asheville (SSN 758) will be in Subic Bay on Friday, June 7, and Saturday, June 8, respectively, to refuel and receive supplies. The L.Y. Spear-class USS Frank Cable, which was commissioned in 1980, is nearly 200 meters long and has a crew of 1,500. The Frank Cable serves as the US 7th Fleet’s mobile repair and support platform.  It is homeported in Guam. Commissioned in 1991, the USS Asheville is a Los Angeles-class submarine that is 91 meters long, and has a top speed of 32 knots underwater. It is homeported in San Diego, California. 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: Features , Global Nation , Subic , US military , US submarines , VFA 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’ Advocate:

NBI arrests 6 Taiwanese suspects on credit card fraud

 News
Jun 062013
 
NBI arrests 6 Taiwanese suspects on credit card fraud

By Tetch Torres-TupasINQUIRER.net 4:24 pm | Thursday, June 6th, 2013 Nonnatus Caesar Rojas MANILA, Philippines—The National Bureau of Investigation arrested six Taiwanese nationals allegedly involved in credit card fraud. In a report submitted to NBI Director Nonnatus Rojas on Thursday, arrested by members of the NBI Cybercrime Division are Cheng-Yen Yu, 25; Chih-Cheng Chang, 35; Chia-Hung Hung, 26; Sen-Yuan Wu, 24; Chun-Kai Tsou, 25 and Wen-Hao Wu, 26, all with address at Unit 4D, Regency Park Townhomes (Summit Residence), J. Abad Santos Hi-Way corner E. Aguinaldo Street, Clark Special Economic Zone in Pampanga. The six have already been slapped with a complaint for violation of Republic Act 8484 or the Access, Devices, Regulation Act of 1998 before the Pampanga Prosecutors Office. Chih-Cheng Chang, on the other hand is also facing an additional complaint for Corruption of Public Officials for attempting to bribe the NBI operatives. Seized by the NBI-CCD team from the suspects were the P500,000 cash used in trying to bribe the operatives, counterfeit automated teller machine (ATM) cards and counterfeit credit cards, electronic gadgets used in illegal duplication of credit cards and ATM cards, and documents. The NBI arrested the six last June 4 after a series of surveillance operations. Found in the Taiwanese nationals’ possession were several electronic gadgets, devices, ATM cards, credit cards, and documents with Chinese characters which were being used and intended to be used in the  illegal activities of duplication, unauthorized use/access of credit cards/ATM cards. Follow Us Recent Stories: Complete stories on our Read More …

Myanmar democracy ‘not as good as you think’, says ‘Pen’ awardee

 News
Jun 032013
 
Myanmar democracy ‘not as good as you think’, says ‘Pen’ awardee

By Lynette Ordonez-LunaINQUIRER.net 2:01 pm | Monday, June 3rd, 2013 President of WAN-IFRA, Jacob Mathew, (R), alongside delegates from local newspapers, addresses the 65th World Newspaper Congress at a hotel in Bangkok on June 2, 2013. More than 1,000 publishers, editors and other figures from the media gathered for the World Newspaper Congress taking place between June 2-5. AFP PHOTO / PORNCHAI KITTIWONGSAKUL BANGKOK, Thailand — Dr. Than Htut Aung from Myanmar was presented the Golden Pen of Freedom Laureate 2013 here at the World Association of Newspapers and Publishers Monday. Dr. Aung, chairman and CEO of the Eleven Media Group in Yangon, accepted his award for his “struggling people” who continued to live in “fear”. In his speech before over 1,000 delegates to the 2013 World Newspaper and Publishers Congress, Aung said that as a journalist, he has a responsibility and admitted that while “freedom was in front of me after five decades of my life, our transition from a dictatorship to a democracy wasn’t as good as you think”. Aung, who was imprisoned under the dictatorship, alongside another freedom icon, Aung San Suu Kyi, said that accepting the award from his international colleagues meant that he wasn’t alone in this struggle. Erik Bjerager, president of the World Editors Forum, presented the award to Aung. Earlier in the day, Deputy Prime Minister Kittirat Na Ranong, welcomed the participants with his opening address focusing on the challenge of new technology and accountability of freedom of the press. The June 2-5 Read More …

Pia Cayetano cited as RH hero by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

 News
Jun 012013
 
Pia Cayetano cited as RH hero by Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

By Norman BordadoraPhilippine Daily Inquirer 6:52 am | Sunday, June 2nd, 2013 Senator Pia Cayetano. INQUIRER file photo MANILA, Philippines—An international women’s conference organized by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation last week gave Sen. Pia Cayetano its Rising Star Award for her efforts in the passage of the reproductive health (RH) law in the Philippines. Cayetano was recognized for standing up for women’s health and rights at the 3rd Women Deliver Conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, which focused on promoting women’s well-being. “Senator. Mom. Triathlete. That’s how Sen. Pia Cayetano of the Philippines describes herself on Twitter. There’s one thing missing: Hero,” wrote Gabrielle Fitzgerald, director of Global Program Advocacy at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Youngest senator Fitzgerald wrote on the website of the Gates foundation that Cayetano took on the task of pushing for the RH bill—which had been languishing in the Philippine Congress for five years—when she became the youngest woman senator in 2001. Fitzgerald cited Cayetano’s sponsorship of the Responsible Parenthood and Reproductive Health Act that was eventually passed in 2012. The law “ensures all women and men in the Philippines can freely and responsibly decide the number and spacing of their children, and have the information and means to carry out their decisions.” This is a highlight of the international Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) which is recognized by almost all countries. ‘Agents of death’ “It’s a little hard to imagine, but this bill, which guarantees Read More …

OFWs seek PH help on coping with new virus

 News
Jun 012013
 
OFWs seek PH help on coping with new virus

Philippine Daily Inquirer 6:51 am | Sunday, June 2nd, 2013 AP FILE PHOTO MANILA, Philippines—An overseas Filipino workers group has called on the Philippine government to send medical attachés to Saudi Arabia which has been hit by an outbreak of the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV). Migrante-Middle East regional coordinator John Leonard Monterona said OFWs in Saudi Arabia and neighboring countries had many questions about the ailment and the Philippine government should do something to educate them and prepare them for any contingencies. “There are lots of medical concerns of our OFWs not only in Saudi Arabia but also in other Mideast countries. Giving them the right information, education and guidance would be of help to prevent work-related diseases,” said Monterona in a statement. Citing latest reports, Monterona said three more persons had died from MERS-CoV, on top of the 17 previous fatalities in the kingdom. “It is in the best interest of the Filipino workers in Saudi Arabia to be properly informed, educated and guided about taking care of their health amid the spread of MERS-CoV,” he added. He said the Philippine government should also launch a massive information and education campaign about MERS-CoV and other illnesses such as avian flu and swine flu at all entry and exit points of the country like airports and at various diplomatic outposts in the Middle East. On Friday, Italy became the ninth country to report a MERS-CoV infection, which struck a 45-year-old man who had traveled to Jordan. Deployment of Read More …

China raises concerns over PH’s reported development plans on Ayungin Shoal

 News
May 282013
 
China raises concerns over PH’s reported development plans on Ayungin Shoal

By Frances Mangosing Philippine Daily Inquirer 12:51 pm | Wednesday, May 29th, 2013 Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin speaking with Chinese Ambassador to Manila Ma Keqing after the International Day of UN Peacekeepers event at Camp Aguinaldo. Frances Mangosing/INQUIRER.net MANILA, Philippines—China raised its concerns over the Philippines’ reported plans of establishing structures on Ayungin Shoal in the disputed West Philippine Sea. Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and China Ambassador to Manila Ma Keqing discussed issues on Ayungin among other things on the sidelines of the commemoration of the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers on Wednesday at Camp Aguinaldo. The two leaders were seen talking for a few minutes after the event. “They were concerned [with the] Philippines coming up with structures, additional structures in the Ayungin Shoal and I told her that the ship that is moving towards Ayungin is only for provisions of food and water for soldiers who are there,” he told reporters when asked what they discussed. The BRP Sierra Madre is the Philippine Navy’s detachment on Ayungin Shoal. Gazmin said he assured Ma that the Philippines would not build structures there. “We will not violate the agreement not to construct new structures. We told them we’re only bringing supplies for our troops there, like water, food. There will also be rotation of troops because we can’t put our men there permanently or they’ll go crazy,” he said. He quoted Ma as saying that China is continuously monitoring Philippine troops there or whether new structures are being built. Read More …

Filipino bride, 4 others killed in California limousine fire

 News
May 052013
 
Filipino bride, 4 others killed in California limousine fire

Agence France-Presse 7:15 am | Monday, May 6th, 2013 SAN FRANCISCO—A woman and four members of her bridal shower burned to death in a horrific accident, when their rented limousine caught fire en route to a party in California celebrating her wedding, US media reported Sunday. The limo driver and four women managed to escape the burning vehicle, but the bride and four of her friends perished in the blaze, news reports said. “We don’t know what caused the accident yet,” California Highway Patrol Officer James Evans told The San Francisco Chronicle. “It wasn’t a traffic collision, we do know that, but we are still investigating.” The Chronicle reported that the woman for whom the bridal shower was thrown had recently married and had planned to return to her native Philippines for another ceremony next month. But for unknown reasons, the party-bound vehicle—which was en route to a wedding shower in nearby Foster City—burst into flames on the San Mateo Bridge, just south of San Francisco. The dead women, all in their 30s and 40s, included newlywed Neriza Fojas, 31, of Fresno, according to the Chronicle, which quoted the deceased woman’s sister. 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: Accident , Fire , Philippines , US Factual errors? Contact the Philippine Read More …

US Navy relieves 4 officers from grounded minesweeper

 News
Apr 032013
 
US Navy relieves 4 officers from grounded minesweeper

Associated Press 11:12 am | Thursday, April 4th, 2013 This handout photo taken on January 19, 2013 and released on January 20, 2013 by the Philippine Western Command (WESCOM) shows an aerial shot of US Navy minesweeper, the USS Guardian, as it remains trapped on the Tubbataha reef after it ran aground on the western Philippine island of Palawan. AFP FILE PHOTO PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii — Four officers of a U.S. Navy minesweeper that ran aground on coral reef in the Philippines are being relieved of their duties. The U.S. Pacific Fleet said in a statement Wednesday that initial findings indicate all four sailors failed to adhere to standard navigation procedures at the time of the Jan. 17 grounding of the Guardian. The sailors are the commanding officer, the executive officer and navigator, the assistant navigator and the officer of the deck. They’ve been reassigned. Workers recently finished dismantling and removing the minesweeper from Tubbataha National Marine Park. The park’s superintendent has said the grounding damaged about 4,000 square meters, or nearly 5,000 square yards, of reef. The U.S. could face a fine of more than $2 million for the damage. 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: Tubbataha Reef , US Navy , USS Guardian Factual errors? Contact the Philippine Read More …

Jamalul Kiram rules out disengagement from Sabah

 News
Mar 132013
 
Jamalul Kiram rules out disengagement from Sabah

By Marlon RamosPhilippine Daily Inquirer 2:14 pm | Wednesday, March 13th, 2013 Filipino Sultan Jamalul Kiram III. AP FILE PHOTO MANILA, Philippines—Sultan Jamalul Kiram III of Sulu on Wednesday ruled out the possibility of his armed followers leaving Sabah soon, saying he did not authorize his younger brother to negotiate with the government about the “disengagement” of the sultanate’s “royal army”  from the east Malaysian state the sultanate claims to own. Speaking to reporters at his residence in Taguig City, Kiram maintained that while he allowed his brother, Sultan Bantilan Esmail Kiram II, to meet with Interior Secretary Mar Roxas, he did not give the green light to negotiate in behalf of the sultanate. “The truth is I don’t like him to talk to anybody. If possible, I told him to stay with me,” Kiram said. “There is no (negotiation on disengagement). I don’t like that. It’s like playing baseball. I’m already on the third base, why would I leave? Why would I go out?” “That (disengagement) will only happen after I talk with my brother in Sabah,” he said, referring to his younger brother, Rajah Muda Agbimuddin Kiram, who led a 234-strong contingent of the “royal sultanate forces” which occupied Tanduao village in Lahad Datu on February 9. Malaysian security forces have dispersed the group in operations, backed by aerial and artillery bombardment, that have claimed 57 Filipino and 9 Malaysian lives. Asked if he thought Esmail acted on his own when he claimed that the sultanate was open Read More …

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