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2021 LETTER FROM OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT FOUND IN PORAC POGO Ban POGOS, says China embassy
By Charles Dantes
THE Chinese Embassy on Friday called on the Philippine government to ban offshore gaming operations in the country, most of which are run by Chinese nationals. Next page
VOL. XXXVIII • NO. 120• 3 SECTIONS 16 PAGES • P20 •SATURDAY, JUNE 15, 2024 •
Have no fear, we will protect you, AFP assures fishermen China anti-trespassing rule in SCS takes effect today
THE Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) recovered a letter from the Office of the President with the name of a former presidential spokesperson during a search of the raided POGO hub in Porac, Pampanga. In an interview with ABS-CBN, PAOCC Undersecretary Gilbert Cruz said the documents, which date back to 2021, and bore the letterhead of the Office of the President and the name of former presidential spokesperson Harry Roque were seized inside the Lucky South 99 Compound. "If these documents from the Palace in 2021 are authentic, we will understand their purpose," Cruz said. However, Cruz emphasized the need to verify the letters to ensure their authenticity. Roque, on the other hand, denied any connection to the documents. "I value my reputation. That affidavit of support is for a different purpose. It is clear that it has nothing to do with any POGO operation," Roque stated. Roque had previously served as an attorney for Whirlwind Corporation, a real estate company which leased the property to Lucky South 99. Next page
By Vince Lopez
T
HE Armed Forces of the Philippines said it would not be deterred in doing maritime domain patrols and assured Filipino fishermen they will be protected in the West Philippine Sea as China's new regulation allowing its coast guard to detain “trespassers” in the South China Sea takes effect today (Saturday). “Don’t be afraid to fish in the West Philippine Sea. Continue fishing in our exclusive economic zone despite the threats coming from China that they are going to arrest civilians who will be coming into their so-called territory. It’s not their territory,” AFP chief of staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said. He said the military already discussed steps to ensure the safety of Filipinos in the WPS with the Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine National Police, and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. “Our exclusive economic zone is ours and we have the right to exploit our resources in the area. That’s why our fishermen should not be afraid. Your Armed Forces of the Philippines is there through the Philippine Navy, as well as the Philippine Coast Guard,” he added. AFP Public Affairs Office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad described China's presence in the WPS as “illegal, coercive, aggressive and deceptive.” “We will not be deterred or intimidated... We will continue our maritime patrols in areas within the Philippines' jurisdiction,” he said. Next page
DEFIANT ONES. Members of militant groups rally outside the Chinese consulate yesterday in Makati City to condemn China's 'trespass rule' in the West Philippine Sea which takes effect today. Danny Pata
Solons, senator trade barbs over building issue By Maricel V. Cruz and Macon Ramos-Araneta THE now controversial construction of the new Senate building is driving a wedge between the members of the Lower and Upper House just as lead-
ers from both sides have vowed to work together. House representatives have strongly responded to recent statements made by Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel III regarding the controversial new Senate building project, say-
ing the senator was diverting the issue. “Almost everybody is in praise of Senate President Chiz Escudero’s decision to suspend construction of the new Senate building pending comprehensive review. All except Next page
PBBM assures help for seafarers hit by Houthis By Charles Dantes
PURRTY CATS. The Philippines 1st World Cat show was held yesterday at One Ayala Mall in Makati City. A portion of the proceeds from the event was donated to Island Rescue Organization (IRO) in Mandaue City, Cebu, an organization tcommitted to re-homing animals and to finding ways to lessen the stray population of cats and dogs. Manny Palmero
3 top cops, 12 others relieved over Quiboloy raids in Davao THREE Davao police officials and 12 other cops have been relieved to give way to an investigation into the allegations of overkill when arrest warrants were served in raids on the properties of fugitive pastor Apollo Quiboloy, Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesperson Colonel Jean Fajardo
said yesterday. She identified the officials as Police Regional Office 11 director Police Brigadier General Aligre Martinez, PNP Directorate for Operations head Police Major General Ronald Lee, and Intelligence Group director Police Next page
Bigtime fuel price hike in the offing THE Department of Energy (DOE) warned of a big time oil price hike of as much a P1.90 per liter next week due to the movement of prices in the world oil market. The DOE estimated the increases in the pump prices at P0.60 to P0.85 per liter for gasoline; P1.45 to P1.70 per liter for diesel; and P1.85 to P1.90 for kerosene based on the 4-day trading. "We will be expecting an increase
in the domestic pump prices of petroleum products by Tuesday next week due to the developments in the international oil market," Department of Energy director Rodela Romero said in a statement. She said the forecast of higher pump prices next week was driven by the upbeat global demand forecasts from the U.S. Energy Information Next page
PRESIDENT Marcos on Friday said the government is taking all possible measures to ensure the safety and repatriation of Filipino seafarers aboard the MV Tutor which was attacked by Houthi rebels on Friday morning. According to the Department of Migrant Workers, 22 Filipino seafarers were onboard and one was reportedly missing. In a short video, President Marcos said the country's officials are coordinating with the UK Maritime Trade Operations to secure the crew's immediate transfer to Djibouti. "We are coordinating with the UK Maritime Trade Operations and looking for a way to bring you to Djibouti first. From there, arrangements are being made for the seafarers to return home to the Philippines," he said. “Rest assured, we are doing everything in our power to bring them home safely," he added. Next page