Category: General

GEORGE TOWN, The Penang government today handed over contributions to the family of Commander Muhammad Firdaus Ramli, a member of the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) who along with nine others, perished in a helicopter crash in Lumut on Tuesday.

The contribution, a special allocation by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, was personally delivered to Muhammad Firdaus’ father, Ramli Abd Hamid, 69, during a visit to their residence in Pantai Jerejak here this evening.

Chow said the state government is ready to discuss further assistance for Muhammad Firdaus’s family and hoped that the Malaysian Armed Forces (ATM) and RMN will conduct a thorough investigation to ascertain the actual cause of the incident.

‘We are all saddened by the incident that claimed the lives of 10 national heroes, especially for the families of the victims. Today, we are providing a small contribution as a sign of our care and concern,’ he told reporters.

Earlier, Chow spent about 20 minutes with Muhammad Firdaus’ family members. Also present were
Second Division Commander Major General Datuk Azhan Md Othman and Naval Region 3 Commander First Admiral Roslee Mohamad Isa.

Speaking to reporters later, Ramli expressed his gratitude for the state government’s concern and words of encouragement during a time when he greatly needed support after losing his son in the heart-wrenching tragedy.

Meanwhile, the Yang Dipertua Negeri of Penang Tun Ahmad Fuzi Abdul Razak also visited the Muhammad Firdaus’ family, spending about 30 minutes inquiring about their well-being and the latest developments regarding the investigation into the tragedy.

Ahmad Fuzi handed over a contribution in the form of a RM10,000 cheque to Muhammad Firdaus’ wife, Sofiyyah Sa’adon, from Yayasan Amal Tuan Yang Terutama (TYT) Pulau Pinang as well as RM30,000 donated by several corporate individuals.

The family also received three boxes of necessities from Yayasan Amal TYT Pulau Pinang and was informed arrangements are being made for the transfer of Sofiyyah, who is currently serving as a p
harmacist at Likas Hospital in Kota Kinabalu to Kajang.

The couple have a four-year-old son.

Muhammad Firdaus was laid to rest at the Masjid Jamek Sungai Nibong Besar Muslim cemetery here last night.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

KUALA LUMPUR, No words can describe or console the next-of-kin, parents and grieving families of victims who perished in a tragic helicopter crash at the Royal Malaysian Navy’s (TLDM) Lumut Base yesterday morning.

The funeral prayers and final respects for eight of the 10 victims of the helicopter crash was carried out at the 23rd Malay Royal Regiment Camp before the bodies of the victims made the final journey to their respective destinations for funeral and burial purposes,

The entire nation mourns the tragic incident whereby 10 TLDM officers of various ranks died as two helicopters crashed yesterday morning.

The bodies of the Muslim victims arrived at the camp at 4.50pm following the completion of the post-mortem process at the Raja Permaisuri Bainun Hospital at 2.20pm before being bathed and shrouded.

The funeral prayers for the navy personnel were held at the camp’s Salahudin Al-Ayubi Surau, led by Lt Col Ahmad Kamil Abdullah amidst an atmosphere of sorrow and sadness.

The remains of 503 Squadron Co
mmander Muhammad Firdaus Ramli, 44, was buried at the Sungai Nibong Masjid Jamek Muslim Cemetery in Penang tonight in the presence of TLDM chief Tan Sri Abdul Rahman Ayub.

The body of TLDM pilot Lt Com Wan Rezaudeen Kamal Zainal Abidin, 37, was buried at the Batu Muda Raudhatul Sakinah Muslim Cemetery at about 10pm after the ‘Solat’ prayers at the Salahuddin Al-Ayubi Mosque in Taman Melati, Kuala Lumpur.

Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin who attended the burial of Wan Rezaudeen later handed over the Ensign Flag to his wife Alia Amalina Md Noor.

The burial of two more victims from Perak, ended at about 9.25pm tonight, namely that of Warrant Officer II Mohd Shahrizan Mohd Termizi, 41, at the Batu 10, Lekir Muslim Cemetery in Lumut and Warrant Officer II TNL Noorfarahimi Mohd Saedy, 41, was buried at the Jalan Ulu Nor Muslim Cemetery in Sungai Bayor, Selama.

In Kedah, the body of Petty Officer TNL Noor Rahiza Anuar, 39, was buried with full honours at the Haji Nyak Gam Mosque in Kampung Ruat,
Yan at 9.55pm, next to her late mother Ratipa Yahaya.

Warrant Officer II Muhammad Faisol Tamadun, 36, was buried at the Sik Dalam Muslim Cemetery in Sik at about 10.10pm next to his mother Fatimah Abdullah who passed away in August last year.

The remains of Lt Commander Mohammad Amirulfaris Mohamad Marzukhi, 35, was laid to rest at the Senawang Muslim Cemetery, Negeri Sembilan at about 11 pm.

The body was earlier taken to the At-Taufiqiah Mosque, Taman Pinggiran Senawang, for funeral prayers, with Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun also joining the congregation.

The remains of Squadron 502 commanding officer Commander Muhamad Amir Mohamad, 44, were also laid to rest at the Bukit Kepong Felcra Muslim Cemetery in Labis, Johor.

The Strategic Communications Branch of the Naval Headquarters in a statement said that the body of Lt T. Sivasutan, 31, would be taken to his family residence in Sitiawan, Perak before being cremated tomorrow (April 25).

Meanwhile, the Royal Malaysian Air Force
‘s (RMAF) C-130 aircraft carrying the remains of Able Seaman I JJM Joanna Felicia Rohna, 26, arrived at the RMAF Air Base in Kuching, Sarawak at 11.54 pm today and her remains will be laid to rest in Serian.

In the 9.32 am tragedy yesterday, 10 TLDM personnel were killed when two helicopters crashed while conducting a flypast rehearsal in conjunction with the TLDM Fleet Open Day at the TLDM Base in Lumut.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

KUALA LUMPUR, SLPR Worldwide has announced its acquisition of a significant stake in Grim Film, a renowned content and film production company celebrated for its storytelling and cinematic excellence.

SLPR Worldwide, in a statement, said this strategic investment is poised to significantly enhance its offerings, particularly in the realm of integrated public relations campaigns – aligning with its goal to drive greater campaign impact and engagement for its client.

Leveraging Grim Film’s creative content production expertise, SLPR Worldwide would offer enriched narrative and visual content, enhancing its campaign strategies and delivering measurable outcomes for clients and stakeholders.

Senior partner and group chief operating officer of SLPR Worldwide Leon Tang emphasised the importance of the acquisition, underscoring the forward-looking nature of the partnership.

‘Integrating Grim Film’s expertise with our existing capabilities enables SLPR Worldwide to offer comprehensive and impactful public relatio
ns campaigns. This is a strategic move to enhance shareholder value through innovative services and operational efficiency,’ he said.

In addition to this strategic acquisition, SLPR Worldwide also reaffirmed its commitment to innovation through RM15.5 million investment in technologically advanced video production over the next five years.

The agency said this initiative would revolutionise content production by optimising costs, and quality enhancement while increasing the speed and efficiency of content deployment in integrated campaigns.

Meanwhile, founder of Grim Film Jared Lee in the same statement said he believed this collaboration represents the next step in Grim Film’s evolution since its inception in 2011.

‘Together, I believe we can provide brands with a complete solution, where films are not just produced, but fully optimised to resonate with their target audience. By merging Grim Film’s narrative abilities with SLPR’s adeptness in impactful public relations campaigns, we’re setting new standa
rds for brand communication.

‘Our collaboration aims to provide unparalleled value to our clients, turning their stories into compelling narratives that captivate and engage audiences across diverse platforms,’ he said.

SLPR Worldwide Group, a leading Integrated public relations agency in Malaysia, specialises in omnichannel perception transformation for the digital age and has played a crucial role in developing, evolving, and establishing brand reputations for multinational corporations across the region.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency

MANILA: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has disqualified Manuel Mamba as governor of Cagayan province in relation to the 2022 National and Local Elections (NLE).

In a decision released on April 24, 2024, the Comelec First Division disqualified Mamba for violation of Sections 2 and 13 of Resolution No. 10747 in relation to Section 261(v) of the Omnibus Election Code (OEC), which prohibits the release, disbursement, or expenditure of public funds for any and all kinds of public works from March 25, 2022 until May 8, 2022.

The ruling also declared the office of the Governor of Cagayan as vacant, and will be automatically filled by the Vice-Governor in accordance with the law on succession.

In a statement, the poll body noted that ‘Mamba is incorrect in claiming that the prohibition does not extend to local government units.’

‘This prohibition aims to prevent the use of public funds for campaign purposes, and it serves a deterrent effect on incumbent public officials having control and access to public
funds from using the same in furtherance of their own political interests.’

‘Furthermore, the ban clearly covers ongoing infrastructure programs. Section 2 of Resolution No. 10747 enumerates the programs, projects and activities (PPAs) which are exempt from the ban, and ongoing social welfare projects are not included in the list. No Certificate of Exemption was secured from the Comelec for the continued implementation of the subject PPAs during the 45-day prohibition period,’ it said.

The Comelec said violation of this prohibition is a ground for Mamba’s disqualification as gubernatorial candidate in the 2022 NLE under Section 68 of the OEC.

The Commission further stated that ‘Comelec and San Luis (GR No. 212398), authorizes COMELEC to hear and decide disqualification cases on the basis of violating said provision.’

However, the decision stated that Mamba may not be held liable for allegedly violating Sec. 7(c) of Resolution No. 10730 since a violation thereof is not a proper ground in a Petition for Dis
qualification under the law.

‘Neither may he be disqualified on the ground that he violated Sec. 68(1) of the OEC, for insufficiency of the evidence submitted in relation thereto. The source of the election paraphernalia bearing his name and containing Php1,000 bill could not be verified, thus, his culpability therefore cannot be established,’ it explained.

Petitioner Victorio Casauay filed separate disqualification cases against Manuel Mamba, Mabel Mamba, and Francisco Mamba III as candidates for Governor, Vice-Governor, and Representative of the 3rd District of Cagayan in the 2022 NLE, respectively.

He alleged that they used public funds in providing financial aid, scholarship grants, and various transport vehicles to their constituents during the 45-day prohibition period, in violation of election law and resolutions.

The Comelec noted that there being no justiciable controversy that remains with respect to Mabel Mamba and Francisco Mamba III who lost their candidacies in the 2022 polls, the Petitions
for Disqualification against them were dismissed for being moot.

Source: Philippines News Agency

MANILA: Government officials and employees who will coordinate with the International Criminal Court (ICC) or participate in its investigation in the Philippines may be held liable, the Department of Justice (DOJ) said Thursday.

In a Palace press briefing, DOJ Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Mico Clavano said government officials and personnel may be charged with violation of Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees for going against a ‘government policy.’

‘As mentioned by the Solicitor General, this is a government policy. So, when a government officer or official is coordinating with the ICC against the direction or the orders and the policy of the government, there may be accountability involved,’ Clavano said.

He said uniformed service personnel are also covered by the liability.

‘If there’s any law enforcement or government official that goes against the policies and orders of the authorities in position, then obviously there will be some
sort of conflict of interest, there will be accountabilities and definitely liabilities that go with it,’ he said.

Former senator Antonio Trillanes IV recently claimed that the ICC have ‘directly communicated’ with over 50 active and former officials of the Philippines National Police (PNP) in relation to its investigation on the alleged crimes against humanity under the drug war of former president Rodrigo Duterte.

The government has repeatedly said the ICC has no jurisdiction over the country after it withdrew from the ICC’s Rome Statute in 2019.

As to Trillanes’ remarks, Clavano said they have yet to receive information to support the former senator’s claims.

‘We have not received the same information. So, just like everybody else, we only found out from Senator Trillanes about this supposed development,’ he said.

‘But, I think we’ve been consistent from the very start that we have a working justice system here in the Philippines evidenced by a lot of different cases and reforms that we have been unde
rtaking – and the commitment has been stronger to prevent and to hold responsible and accountable those erring law enforcement officers who engaged in this heinous crime I would say of extrajudicial killings,’ he added.

Source: Philippines News Agency

MANILA: The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will soon build a regional complex on a five-hectare land in Magalang, Pampanga donated by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) to better serve the marginalized and disadvantaged sectors in the Central Luzon region.

DSWD Undersecretary for General Administration and Support Services Group Edward Justine Orden and DAR Undersecretary for Support Services Office Rowena Niña Taduran signed the Deed of Transfer on Wednesday at the Regional Rehabilitation Center for the Youth (RRCY) in Magalang.

‘This transfer of ownership not only ensures the legality and security of the DSWD facility but also symbolizes our enduring dedication to deliver our mandate of protecting the most vulnerable,’ Orden said during the signing that marked the official turnover of the land currently occupied by the RRCY.

The Deed of Transfer, Orden said, will allow the DSWD to offer more services to marginalized and disadvantaged sectors through its planned Welfare Ville in
the region.

‘As we witness the formal signing and turnover of the Deed of Transfer from the DAR to the DSWD, we reaffirm our commitment to the well-being of our nation’s youth,’ he said.

Other facilities to be built in the proposed Welfare Ville are the Reception and Study Center for Children (RSCC), Lingap Center, Trafficking in Persons’ Processing Center, and a DSWD satellite warehouse.

‘We, at the DSWD, commit to continuously provide a nurturing out-of-home placement for children in need of assistance to enhance their psychological, emotional, and psycho-social well-being,’ Orden said.

Aside from the turnover of land, the RRCY also officially inaugurated its infirmary and therapy room.

The RRCY is a rehabilitation facility run by DSWD Central Luzon for over 44 years, providing care and rehabilitation services to male children in conflict with the law who are below 18 years old.

DSWD Undersecretary for International Affairs, Attached and Supervised Agencies (ASA) Emmeline Aglipay-Villar, Assistant Sec
retary Elaine Fallarcuna, and Administrative Service Director Karina Antonette Agudo, Field Office-3 (Central Luzon) Regional Director Venus Rebuldela, Assistant Regional Director for Administration (ARDA) Maribel Blanco and Assistant Regional Director for Operations (ARDO) Armont Pecina attended the signing ceremony.

Other government officials present during the event were DAR-Bureau of Land Acquisition Domingo Roque and DAR Region-3 – Land Tenure Service head Marissa Nagun.

Source: Philippines News Agency

MANILA: The country’s elite and promising cyclists will join the Lumba Tamo Zambales 2024 on May 7.

The race is one of the highlights of the province’s world-famous celebration of the Dinamulag Mango Festival.

About 500 riders in the Elite, Junior, and Youth categories will vie for medals and cash prizes at stake in the 150-km. road race that will cover an out-and-back course at the Zambales Sports Complex in the provincial capital Iba.

‘Cycling tourism is growing increasingly popular, not only in Zambales province but throughout the country. And, through our ingenuity, we have combined cycling and trail tourism and along this line, I welcome all the athletes taking part in the Lumba,” Governor Hermogenes Ebdane said in a statement.

Zambales has been a regular venue for cycling, triathlon, off-road races, and even multi-sport competitions, such as regional athletic meets, in the past 15 years.

Lumba Tamo (let’s race) is sanctioned by the Integrated Cycling Federation of the Philippines (PhilCycling) as o
ne of its ranking races for the national championships and will bring the riders to the picturesque coastline of Zambales, one of the longest in the country province wise.

The race, however, will offer a tough challenge for participants as the summer heat and unpredictable crosswinds would demand the most from the riders.

The race is principally organized by the provincial government of Zambales through the Zambales Youth and Development Office headed by Eric Matibag.

The Dinamulag Mango Festival 2024 celebration will start on May 2 and culminate on May 11 with a series of daily festivities and activities.

Source: Philippines News Agency