Author: malaysiang

North Cotabato – At least 75 persons deprived of liberty detained in North Cotabato were released on Thursday, following expedited legal proceedings. The release, part of the Enhanced Justice on Wheels (EJOW) program, marked the fifth event in the province, following similar proceedings in 2012, 2014, 2016, and 2018.

According to Philippines News Agency, the EJOW program not only expedites the administration of justice but also raises public awareness about the High Court’s efforts to improve the justice system. Javier highlighted the five pillars of justice: community, law enforcement, prosecution, courts, and corrections. She thanked the provincial government and Governor Lala Taliño-Mendoza for their support in making the program successful. Javier also emphasized the role of EJOW in improving access to justice, facilitating prompt case resolution, easing case backlog, and bringing justice to remote areas. Governor Mendoza assured her continued support for EJOW activities in the province.

Hanoi has been honoured for its attractiveness in startup and innovation under the Vietnam Smart City Award 2023 programme series.

Launched on July 20, 2023, the award aims to honour provinces, cities, real estate investors, and technology businesses that feature urban development solutions. The award promotes cooperation in building appropriate models and the development of smart cities in Vietnam, said President of the Vietnam Software and IT Services Association (VINASA) Nguyen Van Khoa at an award ceremony held by the association on November 30.

A total of 32 units and businesses were honoured in the categories of urban management, industry real estate, and technology services and solutions.

Nguyen Nhat Quang, Director of VINASA Institute of Science and Technology, pointed to the urgent need to build unified data infrastructure to serve the development of smart cities.

Deputy Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Huy Dung also held that smart urban development should go in tandem with dig
ital transformation, with people put at the centre.

The award ceremony took place within the framework of the Vietnam – Asia Smart City Summit 2023, which is taking place from November 29-30 under the theme of ‘Data Mining – Building Smart Cities for Sustainable Development’./.

Source: Vietnam News Agency

Thailand welcomed 24,081,613 foreign tourists between January 1 and November 25, including 100,059 arrivals recorded in November alone, the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has announced.

In the reviewed period, Malaysians contributed the most to the total number of foreign arrivals with 3.66 million, followed by Chinese with 3.03 million, Koreans with 1.43 million, Indians with 1.4 million and Russians with 1.24 million.

TAT Governor Thapanee Kiatphaibool credited the successful revival of the tourism industry to the government’s economic and tourism stimulus campaigns, as expressed appreciation to all Thais for being such great hosts to overseas guests.

Thapanee said TAT would continue to promote Thailand’s image and ensure the safety of tourists to further attract foreign visitors./.

Source: Vietnam News Agency

The ongoing National Action Month for HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control 2023 is themed ‘Creative community – Determination to end the AIDS pandemic by 2030’, which stresses the need for the entire community’s engagement in the work.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Phan Thi Thu Huong, Director of the Vietnam Administration of HIV/AIDS Control under the Ministry of Health, said the country is assessed by international organisations as a bright spot in the global map of the HIV/AIDS fight. However, there remain challenges as HIV is transmitted mostly by sexual contact, more popular among men who have sex with men (MSM), in recent years.

Elaborating the theme of this year’s National Action Month, she said the community mentioned here covers ministries, sectors, and organisations from central to local levels, the private sector, and social organisations. It especially targets communities, including HIV patients and those with high-risk behaviours such as MSM, transgender women, drug users, sex workers, and sex partners of those
persons.

The theme aims to remind that HIV/AIDS prevention and control require the engagement of the political system from central to local levels and the entire community, along with creative methods since the understanding about HIV/AIDS has changed much, she noted.

The HIV situation has changed while the approach to and interventions related to HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment have also changed. More effective tools are now available to control this pandemic by 2030, Huong went on.

There are currently 534 HIV/AIDS treatment establishments nationwide, including 506 supplying the antiretroviral (ARV) therapy covered by health insurance. As of September 14, there were 177,009 patients receiving ARV therapy, including 2,748 children and 174,261 adults, statistics show.

Efforts are being made to expand this therapy under the health insurance coverage and raise the rate of patients on ARV therapy achieving viral suppression to at least 95%.

To ensure financial self-sufficiency, the country has been working
to switch funding for the ARV therapy from assistance sources to health insurance. It has also been mobilising the provision of anti-AIDS services by private health facilities. Technology application is also being boosted to manage and monitor the pandemic, Huong said.

Among the 250,000 people living with HIV in Vietnam at present, 88% know their status, 80% who know their status are on ARV therapy, and 98.4% of those on ARV therapy has achieved viral suppression./.

Source: Vietnam News Agency

The 12th Meeting of the Sub-regional Ministerial Steering Committee on Transboundary Haze Pollution in the Mekong Sub-region took place in the central coastal province of Khanh Hoa’s Nha Trang city on November 30.

With the participation of representatives of Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam, the event was an opportunity for them to share knowledge and experience, discuss measures, and make important decisions related to such issues as forest fire management, peatland fire control, and the management and control of haze pollution in the sub-region and the ASEAN community, aiming for a haze-free ASEAN.

In his opening remarks, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Nguyen Quoc Tri affirmed that Vietnam is committed to allocating all necessary resources to effectively implement sustainable forest management, protect and develop forest resources, with a particular focus on forest fire prevention and control.

Vietnam calls for comprehensive cooperation among Mekong River sub-region c
ountries as well as joint efforts of sponsors and international organisations serving a haze-free and sustainable ASEAN community, he stated.

The meeting outlined the second roadmap of ASEAN collaboration towards cross-border haze pollution control, related implementation measures, the second ASEAN Peatland Management Strategy, and the ASEAN framework for sustainable and haze-free land management.

Participants agreed to establish an ASEAN coordination center for transboundary haze pollution control. They expressed a desire for a midterm assessment of the implementation roadmap to check progress and maintain momentum in achieving the bloc’s haze-free goal by 2030.

The meeting positively evaluated the progress of implementing the ASEAN Peatland Management Strategy, with participating ministers emphasising the need for more comprehensive research to enhance understanding of the pollution.

The 13th meeting will be held in Cambodia next year./.

Source: Vietnam News Agency

Six more suspects in the case of “terrorism aimed at opposing the people’s administration” in the Central Highlands province of Dak Lak has been put on the special wanted list, the provincial Department of Public Security said on November 30.

These suspects have been charged with terrorism under Article 299 of the Penal Code. Through investigation, the police have determined that the suspects are not present in the province, and their whereabouts are unknown.

The six wanted individuals are Y Quynh Bdap, 31, and Y Chik Nie, 55, from Krong Pak district, and Y Mut Mlo, 63, from Krong Buk district, Dak Lak, as well as Y But Eban, 38, Y Nien Eya, 45, and Y Chanh Bya, 39, from Cu Jut district, Dak Nong province.

These suspects are wanted domestically and internationally. Upon capture, they will be brought back to the country and face legal actions in accordance with Vietnamese law.

On early June 11 this year, two groups of armed persons attacked the headquarters of the People’s Committees of Ea Tieu and Ea Ktu
r communes, including communal police offices, in Cu Kuin district, killing nine and injuring two.

In connection with this case, the provincial police in Dak Lak have conducted investigation and transferred 94 individuals to the provincial People’s Procuracy on charges of terrorism against the people’s government, engagement in terrorist activities, illegal immigration, and concealing criminals./.

Source: Vietnam News Agency

Manila – Senators in the Philippines have expressed optimism regarding the recent announcement of peace negotiations resuming between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the National Democratic Front (NDF). In a statement issued on Thursday, Senator Jinggoy Estrada hailed the move as a “major stride towards progress,” noting that the willingness of both parties to discuss and reach consensus despite differences is a positive step for the country’s advancement.

According to Philippines News Agency, “This development signifies a critical step toward peacefully resolving the long-standing armed conflict. With President Marcos Jr.’s initiative to grant amnesty to rebels, we see new possibilities for lasting peace,” Estrada stated. He pledged to monitor the negotiations closely, emphasizing that any agreements should reflect justice, inclusivity, reconciliation, and the best interests of the Filipino people.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian described the resumption of talks as a “breakthrough,” signifying a mutual commitment to prioritize diplomacy and foster understanding and cooperation. He expressed hope that this would lead to a sustained cessation of hostilities, particularly benefiting communities affected by the conflict.

Gatchalian emphasized the importance of an inclusive economic development strategy as part of a comprehensive approach to resolve issues with the communist rebels. “This significant step is a testament to both sides’ dedication to the welfare and progress of the Filipino people,” he added.

The peace talks, set to resume following the signing of a joint statement in Oslo, Norway, on November 23, are recognized as crucial for uniting the nation and addressing the root causes of the armed conflict.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine Army (PA) also expressed their support for the initiative. DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. noted that this move aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s inclusive peace agenda and is vital for uniting the nation and resolving long-standing grievances.

Abalos acknowledged the detrimental impact of insurgency on local communities, underscoring the necessity of peace for economic growth and progress. “We urge all Filipinos to support efforts towards peacefully resolving the conflict and ending the CPP-NPA-NDF’s armed struggle,” he stated.

The Philippine Army echoed similar sentiments, hoping that the exploratory talks would lead to national progress. While emphasizing continued vigilance until a final peace framework is established, the Army affirmed its commitment to work with various sectors to achieve lasting peace for all Filipinos.