Maniolas

24kidnap.jpg — Eastern Mindanao Deputy Commander Col. Harold Cabreros and police Chief Supt. Frederico Dulay show an artist’s sketch of one of the Samal Island kidnapping suspects during a media briefing in Davao on Wednesday. Motorized boats used during the kidnapping were recovered but abductors remain unidentified. (MNS photo) MANILA  (Mabuhay) – Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Gov. Mujiv Hataman is against putting Sulu and Basilan under martial law, and prefers an all-out offensive against the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG). Calls to declare martial law in Sulu and Basilan surfaced after the rebel group beheaded Canadian hostage Robert Hall on Monday. On Wednesday, a senior official of the Armed Forces of the Philippines resumed a push for martial law to “solve the problem.” The official refused to be identified due to lack of authority to speak to media. A severed head was found near the Jolo Cathedral on Monday night. The AFP’s Western Mindanao Command on Tuesday confirmed the beheading. Although he supports all efforts to bring down the ASG, Hataman is apprehensive of martial rule due to possible human rights abuses. “There are better options that will not trigger human rights abuses,” Hataman said. “It’s not necessary. No need as of this time. The martial law experienced by Moros in Mindanao has been traumatic,” he added. Hataman is instead proposing a “well coordinated, intensified and participative” law enforcement operation against ASG, including simultaneous military offensives in Sulu and Basilan, where the presence of rebels has been reported. “Why Read More …

During this past weekend’s Le Mans 24-hour race, which Porsche won for a record-breaking 18th time, it still found a free moment to announce an endurance racing-inspired, limited edition take on the iconic 911, called the 911 Endurance Racing Edition. The Porsche 911 Endurance Racing Edition© Porsche AG The fact that Porsche 911’s basic outline and engine position haven’t changed since 1964 shows that it is already a car with enduring appeal. However, to highlight this point further, and to remind everyone that Porsche is the most successful automotive marque in motorsport history, it has built another special edition 911, through its Porsche Exclusive arm. A first sneak peek was offered at this past weekend’s Le Mans and it will be followed by a full-on showcase at next weekend’s Goodwood Festival of Speed. But based on first impressions, it could well live up to its name as a car that endures. The new model takes the Carrera S as a starting point but then starts honing the car for the best possible road-legal track performance. It keeps the stock 3-liter flat-six twin turbo powerplant — 420hp and a 191mph top speed, but adds to this power and acceleration with a revised chassis. The car rides 20mm lower than standard and comes with the Porsche Dynamic Chassis Control and Active Suspension Management systems as standard. That means power is always going to the wheel with the most traction and that each wheel can independently be pushed up or down (i.e., damping) Read More …

By Leilani S. Junio A student reacts before a nurse administers the anti-dengue vaccine at Parang Elementary School in Marikina.© AFP PHOTO/NOEL CELIS MANILA  (PNA) – The Department of Health (DOH) said on Wednesday it has expanded its School-Based Dengue Immunization program to more regions in the country. Aside from Central Luzon (Region III), Calabarzon (Region IV-A), and the National Capital Region (NCR), Grade 4 pupils aged nine years and above in public elementary schools in Central Visayas (Region VII) will also benefit from the immunization campaign. The DOH announcement was made during the annual celebration of the ASEAN Dengue Day in the country. Region VII ranks fourth among the regions in the country with the highest number of reported dengue cases since Jan. 1, 2016. Last April 4, 2016, the DOH started the administration of the dengue vaccine Dengvaxia to Grade 4 pupils aged nine years and above in Regions III, IV-A, and National Capital Region (NCR). The first dose of the vaccine is currently being given from April until June 2016. It will be followed by the second dose for the same students in October-December 2016 and the last dose in April-June 2017. As of June 12, 2016, a total of 300,087 pupils have been vaccinated in the three regions with parents’ consent. Strict surveillance is being conducted to identify possible adverse reactions to the vaccines. To date, less than one percent adverse reactions has been reported, majority of which are mild fever, dizziness, vomiting, and rash. “This Read More …