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Over 1k Chinese student visa holders not enrolled in Cagayan By Vito Barcelo and Maricel Cruz
Of the 1,516 Chinese granted student visas as endorsed by a major university ONLY one in three Cagayan-based Chi- in Cagayan, only 485 are currently ennese granted student visas are currently rolled, of which only 96 were attending enrolled in a university in the province, classes, Immigration Commissioner Next page the Bureau of Immigration said.
VOL. XXXVIII • NO. 88 • 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 • TUESDAY, MAY 14, 2024
‘Atin Ito’ unfazed by China blockade
‘‘
We shall press forward with our peaceful voyage undeterred by any intimidation.
Largest force off to Scarborough
—Atin Ito Coalition coconvenor Rafaela David
By Vince Lopez
T
HE civilian mission to the West Philippine Sea – composed of two ships and around 100 bancas – is determined to proceed as scheduled despite China reportedly preparing its “largest blockade” in Scarborough Shoal in the West Philippine Sea. “We shall press forward with our peaceful voyage undeterred by any intimidation,” Atin Ito Coalition coconvenor Rafaela David said. “We will sail with determination, not provocation, to civilianize the region and safeguard our territorial integrity. The reported heavy presence of Chinese marine vessels in Bajo de Masinloc is lamentable, but not surprising. It only underscores the urgency of civilianizing the area in response to China’s militarization,” David added. Ex-US Air Force official and former defense attaché Ray Powell warned China will be sending a “huge force” to Scarborough Shoal, also known as Bajo de Masinloc, ahead of the civilian mission, which is set to sail from Next page
SECURITY HUDDLE. President Marcos Jr. and Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro stand at attention while the national anthem is being played at the start of the second Philippine Air Force Command Conference yesterday. Inset photo shows map of Sabina Shoal where the Coast Guard observed coral dumping by Chinese vessels.
DFA eyes illegal actions of foreign diplomats By Rey E. Requejo THE Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Monday said it will investigate any leads of illegal and unlawful activities by diplomatic officials in the Philippines. This follows reports that China
allegedly wiretapped a purported phone call between its diplomat and a Philippine military official. The DFA warned that it will undertake necessary action in line with existing laws and regulations. It pointed out that accredited foreign diplomats in the country are ac-
corded necessary liberties to conduct their duties and are expected, in turn, to conduct “diplomatic activities with the highest standards of integrity and professionalism, in pursuit of common interests and mutually beneficial outcomes.” Next page
House seeks parallel probe on Bamban mayor’s background By Maricel V. Cruz TWO lawmakers on Monday said the House of Representatives may consider a parallel probe into questions raised on the identity of Bamban Mayor Alice Guo at the Senate. “On the issue of Mayor Alice Guo, I guess it’s a possibility to have a parallel investigation here in House of Representatives. This is very serious and at the same time very alarming, because imagine, allegedly she is Chinese person, was able to register her-
self 17 years after she was born, what happened was late registration,” House Assistant Majority Leader and AKO Bicol Rep. Raul Angelo Bongalon told newsmen. Bongalon said the issues pertaining to Guo “are very alarming.” “It appears that they are manipulating our laws and our processes here in our country and this should be stopped. This is a national security issue that needs to be given and focused on by our government,” he said. Next page
Task Force prepares for La Niña; House eyes flood control measures By Vince Lopez and Maricel V. Cruz IFUGAO SCOOTERS. Ifugao clad in their colorful traditional regalis race down a 7.2 kilometer course on their handcrafted wooden scooters race during the main event of Banaue”s foundation day activities. Dave Leprozo Jr
DEFENSE Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, Jr. said on Monday that all government agencies involved in Task Force El Niño (TFEN) have begun preparations for the upcoming La Niña season on the instructions of President Marcos.
Nuke pact with US legal—DOJ By Rey E. Requejo and Alena Flores THE Department of Justice has rendered an opinion that the 2023 agreement on peaceful uses of nuclear energy between the Philippines and United States, known as the 123 Agreement, is aligned with the Constitution and laws
of the Philippines. In a legal opinion dated April 1, 2024, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla stressed that the provisions of the 123 Agreement are not in conflict with the 1987 Constitution and existing laws, and with the pending nuclearNext page
Teodoro said this development comes after the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) released its forecast that La Niña, or the cooling of surface-ocean waters, will develop during the months of June, July, and August. Speaker Martin Romualdez, for his part, Next page
Marcos to new generals: Be vigilant vs. threats By Charles Dantes PRESIDENT Marcos administered the oath of office to 39 newly promoted officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), ordering them to be vigilant about existing and
emerging threats to the country. During the ceremony at Malacañan Palace on Monday, President Marcos emphasized the significance of the additional stars on their shoulders, reminding them of the heavier duties attached to their new ranks.
“You have a great responsibility to fulfill. There are still heavy tasks waiting for you. We still have many missions to face. And most importantly, the people we serve and the Republic we defend and love have high expectations Next page