Day: December 9, 2023

Manila – The National Task Force for the West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) has issued a stern directive for Chinese Coast Guard (CCG) ships to immediately leave Bajo de Masinloc (Scarborough Shoal), following their confrontational interaction with Philippine vessels on Saturday.

According to Philippines News Agency, the incident involved “illegal and aggressive actions” by CCG ships against three Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) vessels – BRP Datu Sanday, BRP Bankaw, and BRP Datu Tamblot. These vessels were on a humanitarian mission, delivering oil subsidies and grocery packs to over 30 Filipino fishing vessels at Bajo de Masinloc. Reports indicate that the CCG used water cannons to obstruct the BFAR vessels, causing damage to the communication and navigation equipment of the BFAR vessel Datu Tamblot.

The NTF-WPS also reported the involvement of Chinese Maritime Militia (CMM) vessels in dangerous maneuvers and the deployment of a long-range acoustic device, causing temporary incapacitation to some Filipino crew members. The task force condemned these actions as illegal and inhumane, emphasizing the urgency for the Chinese government to address these aggressive activities and respect Philippine sovereignty.

The statement further highlighted that actions such as preventing the distribution of humanitarian support and installing a floating barrier at the shoal’s entrance are violations of international law. The task force reiterated that Bajo de Masinloc, located 124 nautical miles off Zambales and within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone (EEZ), is under Philippine sovereignty and jurisdiction, as per the 2016 Arbitral Award.

Reacting to these events, the Chinese Embassy in Manila, through a statement from Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin, accused the Philippines of escalating maritime disputes and urged for a return to negotiation and consultation for resolving these issues. China maintains its claim over Bajo de Masinloc, referring to it as Huangyan Dao or Huangyan Island.

International condemnation followed, with United States Ambassador MaryKay Carlson describing China’s actions as “aggressive and illegal,” violating international law and endangering lives. Japanese Ambassador Kazuhiko Koshikawa expressed serious concerns and reaffirmed Japan’s recognition of the 2016 arbitral ruling. Canadian Ambassador David Hartman labeled the actions as “dangerous and escalatory,” and European Union Ambassador to the Philippines Luc Veron emphasized the legal binding nature of the 2016 UNCLOS Tribunal Award, underscoring its importance in peacefully resolving disputes.

Manila – The Bureau of Customs (BOC) of the Philippines is on track to exceed its revenue collection targets for 2023, as indicated by an agency official on Saturday.

According to Philippines News Agency, chief of staff of Commissioner Bienvenido Rubio, the BOC is optimistic about reaching its 2023 goals, having already logged a surplus of PHP17.68 billion in revenues as of November. From January to November, the bureau has collected PHP813.65 billion, with a target range set between PHP900 billion to PHP1 trillion for the entire year.

Agaceta attributed the increase in revenue collection to strict monitoring of values, despite a lower volume of goods, and an intensified anti-smuggling drive, which has led to improved compliance from importers. As of November 30, the BOC has confiscated PHP42.4 billion worth of smuggled commodities, including PHP24.3 billion worth of counterfeit goods, PHP7.58 billion in illegal drugs, PHP4.55 billion in agricultural products and tobacco, and PHP964 million in general merchandise.

The bureau achieved its highest annual revenue collection in 2022, amassing PHP862.929 billion, significantly surpassing its PHP721.52 billion goal by 19.6 percent or PHP141.409 billion.

Furthermore, Agaceta revealed that at least 3,000 employees who were with the BOC in 2018 are set to receive a total of PHP1 billion in cash rewards, based on the agency’s 2018 revenue performance, where it collected PHP9.1 billion in excess cash, exceeding its target of PHP576 billion by reaching PHP585.45 billion. This reward, approved under Commissioner Rubio’s efforts to boost employee morale, is in accordance with Republic Act No. 9335 or the Attrition Act of 2005, which entitles BOC employees to individual rewards for surpassing revenue targets. The computation for the rewards will be based on the employee’s salary grade and actual duties in 2018, with distribution anticipated by the end of the year.

In addition, Agaceta mentioned that at least PHP341 million in rewards and incentives would be distributed among BOC units.

Quezon City – In a move to influence the youth’s development positively, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. of the Philippines has encouraged the nation’s media to engage in promoting ‘child-sensitive’ content.

According to Philippines News Agency, During the Anak TV Seal Awards in Quezon City on Friday, a speech delivered by Communication Secretary Cheloy Garafil on behalf of President Marcos highlighted the significant role of older generations, including media professionals, in shaping the behaviors and values of the youth. The President called upon television network stakeholders, celebrities, and journalists to create a media landscape that is ‘positive, nurturing, and inspiring’ for Filipino children. This initiative is expected to be supported by policies and programs encouraging responsible TV viewership.

President Marcos pointed out the influential role of adults and role models in teaching younger generations about social behaviors. He emphasized the need for guidance in media consumption and the promotion of programs that teach effective engagement with peers, elders, and communities. He urged all Philippine TV networks, artists, and journalists to use their platforms to advance media and online literacy and advocate for child-sensitive content.

The Anak TV Seal Awards, a national accolade bestowed by a coalition of stakeholders including parents, educators, businesses, and media organizations, recognizes programs that foster responsible TV viewership through child-friendly formats. After a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the awards ceremony resumed this year, focusing on commending television programs that contribute to raising a new generation of socially conscious Filipinos.

In his remarks, President Marcos also praised Anak TV for organizing the awards and acknowledged the recipients for their efforts in creating quality content that helps shape the values of Filipino children.

Manila – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. of the Philippines has been officially declared ‘recovered’ from Covid-19, showing no further symptoms of the virus, as announced by Malacañang on Saturday.

According to Philippines News Agency, President Marcos is progressing well in his recovery, now symptom-free for over 24 hours. The PCO’s Facebook post detailed that the President no longer exhibits symptoms such as cough, nasal congestion, and fever. All other medical assessments were noted as unremarkable, leading to the conclusion of his Covid-19 recovery.

The PCO reported that throughout his home isolation period, which concludes on Sunday, President Marcos was under the close watch of medical professionals. Following the end of his isolation, as a preventive measure, he will continue to wear a face mask during public engagements for an additional 10 days.

This follows the Department of Health’s revised guidelines, which stipulate a five-day home isolation period for both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals infected with Covid-19. The guidelines allow for shortening the isolation period for those who are fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of antipyretics, such as paracetamol, and who show improvement in respiratory symptoms. Furthermore, individuals are required to wear well-fitted face masks for 10 days post-isolation.

Puerto Princesa, Palawan – A Philippine Air Force (PAF) light cargo aircraft experienced a runway mishap at the Puerto Princesa airport on Saturday morning, veering off the runway without causing injuries or property damage.

According to Philippines News Agency, wing commander of the Tactical Operations Wing West, the incident occurred around 9:30 a.m. Escarcha described the event as minor, explaining that the aircraft skidded into an adjacent grassy area. The pilots promptly took precautionary measures, shutting down the aircraft safely. He emphasized that there was no damage to property and likened the incident to an airplane going out onto the sidewalk of a road.

Escarcha confirmed that the aircraft was not carrying any civilian passengers, only its two pilots and three crew members, all of whom remained unharmed. The NC212i light lift aircraft, used for various air operations including troop and cargo transport, search and rescue, medical evacuation, and maritime patrols, is capable of operating on unpaved runways. The aircraft is stationed at the Antonio Bautista Air Base and continues to be fully operational despite the incident.

El Nido, Palawan – A group of sailing enthusiasts and activists from Palawan joined the Manila-based ‘Atin Ito Coalition’ flotilla on Saturday in El Nido, preparing to embark on a journey to the disputed areas of the West Philippine Sea (WPS) on Sunday.

According to Philippines News Agency, convenor of the Palawan Patriots for Peace and Progress (P4), this coalition, primarily made up of residents from Palawan’s 3rd District, aims to participate in the ‘Christmas Sail’ to assert Philippine sovereignty over parts of the WPS. The flotilla plans to visit Ayungin Shoal, Patag and Lawak Islands, and the inhabited Pag-asa Island to distribute gifts to resident and deployed soldiers, highlighting the Philippines’ presence in these contested areas.

Ortega mentioned that the group’s involvement in the expedition received support from House of Representatives Speaker Martin Romualdez, the current caretaker of Palawan’s 3rd District following Rep. Edward Hagedorn’s passing. He described his group as a multi-sector collective focused on educating Palaweños about the disputed region and motivating them to defend the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

The ‘Atin Ito Coalition’ comprises various organizations, including the youth-driven Ahon Palaweño, Chef Aiza’s Community Kitchen, the Environmental Legal Assistance Center (ELAC), Palawenyo Savers Club, the Pioneer Publication of Palawan State University (PalawanSU), and Saguda Palawan. At the time of reporting, members of the alliance, along with local journalists, were traveling from Puerto Princesa City to El Nido, where they will meet for a safety briefing before setting sail.

The coalition, whose flagship is the Kapitan Felix Oca, embarked from Manila on Friday with an initial count of 40 boats. The final size of the flotilla, with the inclusion of the Palawan sailors, remains to be determined. The group faces a challenging 420-km journey to Ayungin Shoal, with their farthest destination, Pag-asa Island, located 560 km from El Nido.