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ASEAN to beef up counterterrorism cooperation after deadly MSU blast By Rey E. Requejo
VOL. XXXVII • NO. 296 • 3 SECTIONS 12 PAGES • P20 • SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9, 2023 •
THE Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) vowed to strengthen regional cooperation to counter terrorism in the wake of the deadly explosion at Mindanao State University (MSU) in Marawi City that killed four and injured
dozens last Sunday. The foreign ministers of the 10 ASEAN member states issued a statement on Friday condemning what it described as a “heinous terrorist attack” on Dec. 3. “We stand in solidarity and are ready Next page
Troops arrest Marawi bomb attack suspect
Suspected terrorists caught on CCTV before explosion By Vince Lopez and Macon Ramos-Araneta
T
ROOPS and police have captured a suspected accomplice in the bombing at Mindanao State University (MSU) last week, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said Friday.
The suspect, Jafar Gamo Sultan a.k.a. Jaf/Kurot, was arrested in an operation in Barangay Dulay by the combined troops of Task Force Marawi and Marawi City police on Dec. 6. He was identified as a companion of a certain Omar, the person identified by witnesses to have placed the improvised explosive device at the Dimaporo Gymnasium before it blew up during a Mass service, killing four people and wounding dozens. A spokesperson for MSU, Shidik Abantas, said the developments were confirmed by the AFP and said the
university is closely monitoring the investigation and coordinating with the government. “We welcome this update as it shows that our security forces are serious in finding justice for the victims of the unfortunate incident," Abantas said. "Rest assured, that the university will extend all the necessary help it can provide to the authorities in order to deliver justice to the victims," he added. The AFP said that it was still investigating any links between the suspect and terrorist groups. Next page
CAPTURED. Photo released by the Armed
Forces of the Philippines shows Jafar Gamo Sultan, alias Jaf/Kurot, who was arrested by government troops on Dec. 6, 2023 in relation to the Marawi explosion that left four people dead.
Unite Christmas convoy departs for West Philippine Sea Marcos: behind labor
market recovery
By Vince Lopez THE first batch of Christmas convoy participants to the West Philippine Sea (WPS) left Manila for El Nido, Palawan on Friday morning, said the coalition that initiated the mission. "In a profound display of solidarity and patriotism, over 40 volunteers, comprising youth and student leaders, along with fisherfolk representatives, embarked on a "Christmas Convoy Civilian Supply Mission" to the West Philippine Sea (WPS) from Manila on Friday morning," said the ATIN ITO Coalition in a statement. The volunteers were aboard a 150-capacity civilian marine vessel carrying donations and supplies. Upon arrival in El Nido, the volunteers will join a larger contingent of 100 fishers, the group said. The convoy with 40 boats will then set sail for the general vicinity of Ayungin Shoal, Patag, and Lawak islands from Dec. 10 to 12 to distribute the donations and supplies. Initially, ATIN ITO had proposed
By Charles Dantes PRESIDENT Marcos on Thursday urged employers, laborers, and various stakeholders to stand united in fostering the complete recovery of the labor market amid the prevailing economic challenges. Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin, representing the President, served as the guest of honor and keynote speaker at a ceremony marking the 90th founding anniversary of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) on Thursday at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City. In his address, President Marcos encouraged stakeholders to contribute to the creation of more high-quality jobs in the pursuit of a progressive and inclusive Bagong Pilipinas (New Philippines). Next page
LOWER FUEL, POWER RATES NEXT WEEK
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NEWS / A2
PhilHealth set to decide on benefit increase By Maricel V. Cruz MOTHERSHIP. Members of the Atin Ito Coalition prepare banners on board M/V Kapitan Felix Oca, the mothership of the Christmas convoy that will bring holiday gifts to soldiers manning the West Philippine Sea. Noche Buena packs, canned goods, solar lamps, hygiene kits and even toys are loaded in the vessel that left for Palawan on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. The coalition said the convoy will reach all seven islands in the Kalayaan Island Group in Palawan.
Taiwan fetes Filipino child rights advocate TAIWAN President Tsai Ing-wen conferred the Asia Democracy and Human Rights Award to Filipina child rights advocate Amihan Abueva for her 30 years of unwavering commitment in fighting child trafficking, sexual exploitation, and all forms of violence against children in Asia. Abueva currently serves as the regional executive director of Child Rights Coalition Asia, a network of non-profit organizations spanning 16 countries that Next page
Richard, Sarah living separately for a month now—Annabelle
Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen (left) and Filipina child rights advocate Amihan Abueva
AMID rumors of a breakup between celebrity couple Richard Gutierrez and Sarah Lahbati, the actor's mother and talent manager Annabelle Rama confirmed her son has left the conjugal home and has been staying with her for about a month now. "I can't speak about it yet. But I can tell you that Richard is currently with me," Rama said in an interview with ABS-CBN News. She said her son is gradually moving his belongings to his new residence in Alabang. Next page
Sarah Lahbati and Richard Gutierrez
THE board of Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) will meet on Dec. 14 to decide on expanding its coverage and increasing benefit packages by 10 percent to 30 percent across the board. PhilHealth president and chief executive officer Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. told lawmakers that the agency was mulling over an across-the-board increase of 10 percent to 30 percent in benefit packages. The proposal received the go-signal from PhilHealth's executive committee and was awaiting approval from the board. Rep. Wilbert T Lee, (AGRI Party-List), a member of the House of Representatives committee on appropriations and part of the majority bloc, welcomed the development. Lee, who advocated for higher PhilHealth's benefit packages, described the pending increase in benefits the "best gift that our kababayans will be able to use for the rest of their lives: better healthcare." Lee, in a letter to PhilHealth on Oct. Next page