Maniolas

Senator Antonio “Sonny” Trillanes IV speaks with Former Makati Vice Mayor Nestor Mercado and Engr. Mario Hechanova. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) — Former Makati Vice Mayor Ernesto Mercado’s accusations against Vice President Jejomar Binay are only driven by “politics and personal vendetta,” an official of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP) said during a Senate inquiry on Wednesday. During a Senate blue ribbon subcommittee hearing, BSP senior vice president Wendell Avisado said Mercado’s revelations that Binay got kickbacks from a land deal between the Boy Scouts and property developer Alphaland was not motivated by concern for the organization. “Individually and collectively, we cannot see any other reason why Mr. Mercado is refuting the agreement now by his unfounded accusations, except his political vendetta against Vice President Jejomar Binay,” he said. “To destroy the name, honor and reputation of VP Binay, he does not mind unnecessarily dragging the BSP into the controversy, to the extent of destroying it with his malicious assertions,” he added. “By his reckless accusations, he is sowing confusion, suspicion and mistrust in the BSP as a noble youth serving institution.” Avisado also stressed that it was Mercado, then chairman of the BSP’s corporate assets management committee, who “strongly recommended” the transaction to the National Executive Board. “He was fully aware that the agreement was thoroughly discussed and approved by the BSP National Executive Board, the intention being to make the property earn money for the BSP to support its operations,” he said. “The fact is, Mr. Read More …

At a media briefing at Camp Aguinaldo on Wednesday, February 4, AFP chief Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. shows a map where the January 25 Mamasapano clash that killed over 50 people, most of them PNP-SAF commandos, took place. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) — The Moro Islamic Liberation Front on Wednesday turned over to the government the firearms of Special Action Force troopers slain in a clash in Mamasapano in Maguindanao last Jan. 25. Wednesday’s turnover was held during ceremonies at Camp Brig. Gen. Gonzalo Siongco in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao. Handshakes among representatives from the government and the MILF highlighted the turnover of the firearms. Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. was among the officials present. At least 16 firearms, including two machine guns, were included in the turnover. One of the firearms was an M-4 rifle with optics, laser designator and tactical flashlight. The Philippine National Police-SAF had lost about 63 firearms during the Mamasapano operation. Forty-four SAF troopers died during the hours-long gunfight with the MILF and its splinter group, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters. The troopers were then on a mission to arrest Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir alias Marwan of Jemaah Islamiyah and Filipino bomb maker and Abu Sayyaf member Basit Usman. Government peace panel chairperson Miriam Coronel-Ferrer said it was not easy to reach this step. “Hindi po madaling makarating sa araw na ito. Tulad po ng mga pamilya ng Special Action Forces, namatayan rin ng guerilla ang Read More …

Helena Benitez and former PWU student and Jewish refugee Margot Cassel Pins reunite after more than seven decades. Seven-year-old Margot Cassel Pins came to the Philippines with her parents and 1,300 Jewish refugees who were given safe passage by President Manuel Quezon in 1940. He was one of very few heads of state who not only was courageous enough to go against the tide of anti-Semitism, but also did the right thing by offering  “open door” visas to Jews being persecuted in Europe in the years leading up to World War II.  In fact, most of the world turned a blind eye to the atrocities that were being committed in Europe, when being a Jew meant losing one’s home, business, and even one’s life as hundreds of thousands were carted off to concentration camps. Margot and her cousin Lotte entered the Philippine Women’s University as grade 3 and grade 7 students respectively, because it was known as the first progressive and non-traditional school in the country.  The pair was received with open arms by their classmates; not once were they bullied or insulted for being Jewish. They learned English, Philippine history, folk songs and native dances together with their classmates. Margot  vividly remembers that it was her 27-year-old teacher and grade school principal, Naty Osorio, together with the other PWU teachers, who not only made her feel welcome but also treated her lovingly. Bahay Kubo was the first song she learned and it introduced her to the local vegetables.  Her first hero was our very own Jose Rizal. Furthermore, the educator made Read More …

President Benigno S. Aquino III honors the fallen Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) Troopers during the Necrological Service at the NCRPO Multi-Purpose Center of Camp Bagong Diwa in Bicutan, Taguig City on Friday (January 30). (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – Relatives of the 44 Special Action Force troopers who died in a clash in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last Jan. 25 may soon get additional assistance by way of funeral benefits from the Department of Labor and Employment. The assistance from the Employees’ Compensation Program (ECP) is ready for release this week, the DOLE said as it cited a report from Employees’ Compensation Commission Executive Director Stella Banawis. “ECC Regional Extension Units staff were already instructed to coordinate with the families of the SAF 44 and the GSIS branch in their areas. They will inform the families once the checks are available for them to claim,” Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said, quoting a report from Banawis. Baldoz added the Government Service Insurance System had processed the funeral benefits of the 44 and the concerned GSIS branches have been advised to release these. For now, the ECC and GSIS are working on processing the death benefits for the 44. Under the ECP, an employee from the public or private sector who died in a work-related accident or illness will be granted a funeral benefit of P20,000. His or her beneficiaries will also get a death benefit in the form of monthly pensions. Last week, the ECC Board ordered the urgent release of Read More …

President Benigno Aquino III announce that suspected Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) terrorist Zulkipli bin Hir alyas Marwan confirmed dead during SAF operation in Brgy. Tukanalipao, Mamasapano, Maguindanao and Accepted the Resignation of Suspended PNP Chief P/ Director General Allan Purisima during his message on Friday(Frebruary 6, 2015) held at the President hall in Malacanang.MNS Photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – Metro Manila is now a safer place to live in than in previous years. That is because of the dedication of policemen to “do their job to the ultimate,” Interior Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas II said Monday. “Sa pangkalahatan mas safe ngayon ang National Capital Region kaysa sa mga nakaraang taon at ito ay resulta ng masigasig ninyong trabaho, ‘yung dedikasyon ninyo, ‘yung inyong propesyunalismo, at ‘yung inyong pagseserbisyo,” Roxas said in a speech before Metro Manila policemen on the 24th foundation day of the Philippine National Police. (Overall, it is safer now in National Capitol Region compared to the previous years and this is a result of your diligence, dedication, your professionalism, and your service.) Although there are still improvements that need to be done in some police stations in the region, Roxas said he is proud of the National Capital Region Police Office. “They are doing their job to the ultimate. We honor them every day by likewise doing our work professionally, competently, responsibly, to serve and to prootect. The order is very simple. The mandate is simple: to serve and to protect,” he added. The NCRPO’s success, according to Roxas, Read More …