Troops told to pursue talks with communist rebels

MANILA, Philippines - Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin is encouraging military field units to hold localized negotiations with rebels as the peace talks between the national government and the communists remain stalled.
Gazmin said such move could help the military officials attain peace in their respective areas.
“We encourage the military (to hold localized talks) so that there will be peace in their areas of responsibility,” the defense chief said in a press conference Monday.
“If you are going to wait (for the impasse in the national level to be resolved), it will take long before the instruction is relayed (to the ground),” he added.
Gazmin said the supposed differences between the communist leaders in Netherlands and local commanders also delay the relaying of policies in the field.
“If you are a commander and you want peace, you should talk to them (rebels),” he said.

Gazmin believes that the communist leaders negotiating with the government do not feel the sentiments of those in the farms or those struggling in the mountains.

“Some of them (rebels) are tired (of fighting) and they can see the benefits of peace,” he said.
The peace talks between the government and the communists hit an impasse due to differences over jailed insurgents facing criminal cases.
The National Democratic Front (NDF), which represents the rebels in the talks, insists that its jailed leaders be freed since they are covered by immunity guarantees.
The government, however, refused to do so, saying the NDF has no means to prove that the jailed rebels are indeed peace consultants who should be immune from arrests.
Last week, government chief negotiator Alexander Padilla said they are considering a “new approach” to peacefully resolve the conflict with the communists.
Some sectors believe Padilla practically gave up on the peace talks with the NDF when he made the statement.
“We cannot wait forever for the other side if they continually refuse to go back to the negotiating table without preconditions. The government will be taking a new approach to pursue peace,” Padilla said in a statement.
“We have always been open to resume formal negotiations with them, but they keep on insisting on preconditions, such as the release of their detained consultants,” he added.
Padilla said the communists had also demanded that the government abolish its peace and development programs like the conditional cash transfer and Pamana, which aims to promote prosperity in conflict areas.
“These demands are just preposterous. We don’t want to engage in a negotiation where the other party is clearly fooling us,” Padilla said.
Despite the impasse, Gazmin said they still prefer peaceful means to resolve the conflict with the communists.
“We are all Filipinos and it’s about time we sit down and talk so that we save more lives,” he said. – Alexis Romero with C. M.

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El Shaddai leader backed on electoral endorsement

Manila, Philippines --- Retired Novaliches Bishop Teodoro Bacani said as a lay leader, El Shaddai leader Bro. Mike Velarde has the right to endorse candidates in the May 13 polls.
Bacani, El Shaddai’s spiritual director, cited the Second Plenary Council of the Philippines which states that lay people in responsible position are urged to get elected those who are worthy candidates.
“That’s endorsement. They should work to get elected those candidates they deem worthy,” he said in an interview after presiding a Mass for El Shaddai and other members of the White Vote Movement in Parañaque, on Saturday.
In his homily, Bacani also stressed this point.
“Si Bro. Mike, pwedeng sumigaw. Karapatan niya yan. Karapatan yan ng mga laiko. Karapatan nila na hanapin ang tinig ni Kristo at maging mikropono sila at loud speaker ng kanilang naririnig,” he said.
During the said gathering, Velarde, the spokesman of the White Vote Movement, endorsed six senatorial candidates of Team Buhay, namely: Rep. JV Ejercito, Sen. Gringo Honasan, Rep. Mitos Magsaysay, Sen. Koko Pimentel, Sen. Antonio Trillanes, and Cynthia Villar, all of whom are against the reproductive health (RH) law.
The endorsement comes after Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Socrates Villegas came out with a pastoral letter, wherein he said that bishops, priests, and lay people should not endorse candidates since they will just come out as losers even if their candidates win in the elections.
Instead, the Lingayen-Dagupan archbishop said the Catholic Church must be contented with playing its role as conscience, mother, and teacher of the faithful in going about the conduct of elections.
But Bacani said it’s possible that the prelate was just misquoted.
“Maybe Bishop Villegas was misinterpreted because the right of the lay people is very clear. That’s (endorsement) part of their freedom, that’s part of their right,” he said.
For his part, Velarde said he would want to personally explain to Villegas the rationale behind the movement’s endorsement of the candidates.
“I will be in Dagupan tomorrow (Sunday) evening. We have a big rally there… hopefully, (I can meet him) if he is available,” said the El Shaddai leader.
He also insisted that their endorsement is not to force their members to vote for the six candidates but just to serve as a guide in voting.
“After all, this is an answer to the bishops prodding to the lay that we should make the initiative,” said Velarde.
United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) Senate bets, Zambales Rep. Mitos Magsaysay and San Juan Rep. JV Ejercito welcomed El Shaddai’s endorsement, saying that this is “both an honor and a privilege.”
As she faced the multitude of members of the El Shaddai community Saturday, Magsaysay reaffirmed her commitment to protect the sanctity of life and the family.
According to Mitos, her decisions as a member of the Philippine Congress was fueled by her beliefs in life “because I believe that whatever I am today, whatever decisions I make is influenced by being Catholic and my faith in the Lord.”
She also maintained that she would willingly face criticisms and still remain steadfast in her convictions to object the passage of the Reproductive Health Law.
“It does not matter if I would be criticized 10 times or 1,000 times as long as I am doing the will of God,” she explained in a statement.
“For me it is simple. For as long as we follow in the footsteps of the Lord, it is impossible that we would commit a mistake,” she added.
On the other hand, Ejercito said the support of “one of the biggest Catholic organizations in the country” will be a big boost to his senatorial bid. (With a report from JC Bello Ruiz)

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Miss Universe Philippines 2013: ‘I’m prepared’

MANILA, Philippines - “I can handle it. I’m prepared,” said Miss Universe Philippines 2013 Ariella Arida about the pressure that comes with her new crown.
She spoke these confident words at a press conference last April 14 in Araneta Coliseum, Cubao minutes after she was crowned.
Also crowned Bb Pilipinas were Bea Rose Santiago, Binibining Pilipinas-International; Joanna Cindy Miranda, Binibining Pilipinas-Tourism, Mutya Datul, Binibining Pilipinas-Supranational and Pia Wurtzbach, the first runner-up.
The 5 lovely ladies shed their Binibini numbers as they posed for the media with their crowns and sashes.
"I'm really overwhelmed," a teary-eyed Ariella admitted to the press. "It hasn't sunk in that I've won the crown."
The 24-year-old Laguna native said that winning the crown heralds “a different style of life.”
“It’s really very different from going to a laboratory in your rubber shoes, lab gown and now here I am, with the crown,” added the new beauty queen with a Chemistry degree from the University of the Philippines.
The other winners of the night also shared their initial reactions the pageant results.
Still with tears in her eyes, Pia said, "I'm really happy to be here. This is my first pageant ever. I'm really happy to get this far."
Cindy, the newly-crowned Miss Tourism, admitted that though she was also overwhelmed with happiness, "I was losing hope just before the announcement."

Mutya, wearing her new Miss Supranational crown with regal cheerfulness, enthused, "Sobrang Masaya ako na nakakuha ako ng crown. Nasagot ang prayers ko. Parang panaginip lang lahat (I'm really happy that I got a crown. My prayers were answered. It's all like a dream)."
"I didn't expect to be called," admitted Binibining Pilipinas-International 2013 Bea Santiago.
"But you know that feeling that you're going to win? When I woke up this morning, I felt it," she added.
The road to Miss Universe
With 3 consecutive runner-up placements from Venus Raj (Miss Universe 2010 4^th runner-up), Shamcey Supsup (Miss Universe 2011 3^rd runner-up) and Janine Tugonon (Miss Universe 2012 first runner-up), Arielle has very large high-heels to fill.
But she assured everyone that her win has made her even more determined to succeed in the international pageant.
“I’ve never been this hardworking in my entire life because I used to be a just an average person. I don’t usually work hard because I feel more depressed if I know that I pay more attention to it and then I fail. But now, with this pageant, this is really the time when I really worked hard physically, emotionally.”
Ariella’s journey to the Miss Universe stage has just begun. After coronation night, she will undergo even more rigorous training to shape her body and personality into a Miss Universe candidate with solid-gold chances of winning the crown.
What points of improvement does she plan to work on in the months leading to the pageant?
“I have to improve more on communicating to people because I am here to be a spokesperson to everyone. I want everyone to get what I want to say more easily. And also, I can’t forget the walk and the personality because I think that’s also important.”
Pageant followers will be keeping a close eye on Ariella and the other new queens. She carries not only a crown on her head, but also the hopes of many who desire nothing more than to see a Filipina crowned as Miss Universe 2013. - Rappler.com

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Philippines asks for $1.4M from US for Tubbataha damage

MANILA -- The Philippines will ask the United States to pay a fine of $1.4 million for the damage caused by US Navy minesweeper USS Guardian that ran aground in Tubbataha Reef in January 17.
Under Republic Act 10067, or the “Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park Act of 2009,” a fine of about $600 or P24,000 per square meter of damaged reef is mandatory.
“Further park rule violations boosted the final total to slightly less than P60 million or roughly $1.4 million,” the Tubbataha Management Office (TMO) said.
Reports said a letter requesting compensation would be sent to the US embassy next week.
“1.4 million US dollar is but a slap on the wrist as the salvage operation has been estimated to cost close to $45 million," said Tubbataha Reef park superintendent Angelique Songco.
"However, we respect the rule of law and these are the fines stipulated. TMO will not ask for anything more,” Songco added.
The reef experts, who are from TMO, University of the Philippines-Marine Science Institute, National Institute of Physics, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), De La Salle University (DLSU), the US Navy, and World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), have finished assessing the damage.
According to the assessment, the fine was based on the damaged area that spans about 2,345.67 square meters -- smaller than the 4,000 square meters originally estimated by an American team.
“Swift resolution of this matter will allow TMO to build a significant endowment fund to sustain its operations through the years," said World Wide Fund for Nature-Philippines vice chairperson and CEO Jose Ma. Lorenzo Tan.
"The basic issue here is not tourism. It is food security. This fresh infusion of funds will allow TMO to concentrate on putting the money to good use – from building a better Ranger Station to upgrading their capacity to manage the country’s most productive coral reef. Let us settle what must be settled, learn what must be learned and move forward,” Tan said.
The US embassy has expressed regret about the incident and has reiterated that Washington was prepared to pay for the damage. (PNA/Sunnex)

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Filipinos in Korea get evacuation alert..Embassy in Seoul is coordinating with members of the Filipino community

Manila: Filipinos in South Korea had been alerted to the possibility of evacuation in the event that tensions on the Korean Peninsula take a turn for the worse.

Assistant Secretary Raul Hernandez in his Twitter account @dfaspokesperson, issued a heads-up notice for Filipinos in South Korea on the developing situation on the peninsula.

“A state of heightened awareness remains in force for Filipinos in Korea,” Hernandez said.
The official also noted that the Philippine Embassy in Seoul is coordinating with members of the Filipino community (FilCom) on the steps being taken — including possible evacuation — in light of the fast developing situation

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2014 AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers - What are the Philippines’ chances?

The last time around, the Philippines made waves in the Asian Football Confederation, coming just a win shy of going the distance, to the 2012 Challenge Cup Finals. The Azkals went through the qualifying playoff round, the qualifying group stage, and then emerged from the group of death before falling 2-1 to Turkmenistan in the semifinals, though they did earn third place with a 4-3 victory over Palestine.

A year later, two-time champions North Korea have effectively graduated, with the AFC making the wise decision of finally saying that the ‘developed’ football nation shouldn’t compete in a tournament designed for ‘emerging’ countries, leaving the 2014 Challenge Cup up for grabs.

Two-time finalists Turkmenistan, 2010 winners Tajikistan, the Philippines and already-qualified Palestine are among the frontrunners to win the competition, but if the Azkals are to win a major trophy, they must first navigate qualification.

Here we take a look at the Philippines’ opponents in qualifying, as well as the new system of qualification:


Brunei
FIFA Ranking: 186
Form: W2 D0 L3
Last Match against Philippines: Brunei 1-1 Philippines (2008)

Brunei are perennial bottom-dwellers in South East Asia football, let alone the world. That said, the country has a history of punching above its weight, case in point, their latest two wins came in the Suzuki Cup qualifying, against Cambodia, 3-2, and Timor-Leste, 2-1, with narrow losses against Myanmar and Laos. 

With that said, changes in the qualifying format for the Challenge Cup make every game more important, if they weren't already. In the five groups, each leader will advance to the next round, with the best two runners-up also qualifying, with goal difference being the second criteria, after number of points obtained.

That changes how the Philippines should see Brunei - as a chance to score a lot of goals and boost that stat. Now the Azkals haven't played against Brunei since 2008, but both teams are entirely different now, with the Philippines looking far superior. Anything less than a win would be unacceptable.

Prediction: Philippines 5-0 Brunei


Cambodia
FIFA Ranking: 185
Form: W0 D0 L5
Last Match against Philippines: Cambodia 0-0 Philippines (2012)

[Related: Azkals settle for a draw in a frustrating night in Phnom Penh]

Cambodia has fallen apart recently. A terrible showing in the Suzuki Cup qualifiers left them at the bottom of the heap and they’ve dropped to 184 in the rankings. After their stubborn draw against the Azkals in September last year, they lost their next five games and come in hoping just to reassert they are a better side than Brunei.

The Philippines should be hoping for a much better showing against Cambodia. With goal difference all important, following up a good win against Brunei with another solid victory will put the team in a more comfortable position come the final group game against Turkmenistan. With Group B in progress and scheduled to be completed before the Philippines’ group, the Azkals know six points and a goal difference of more than India’s plus-five will guarantee they go through to the next round. The Philippines will have to be wary of veteran of 46 caps Teab Vathanak and top-scorer Khim Borey, who has ten goals in 24 appearances.

The Philippines should be much more concerned however, with asserting their own game and breaking down the Cambodian defense to rack up the goals here.

Prediction: Philippines 3-0 Cambodia


Turkmenistan
FIFA Ranking: 140
Form: W4 D0  L1
Last Match against Philippines: Turkmenistan 2-1 Philippines (2012)

[Related: Azkals suffer 2nd-half collapse against Turkmenistan]

The Turkmen are worlds above the other two Azkals’ opponents and are probably the best team in the competition. Having reached the Final in the last two editions of the competition, knocking out the Azkals in the semifinal last year, only North Korea have stopped them in the Challenge Cup – and now that country is not in it.

Having played friendlies against Laos and Vietnam at the end of 2012, winning both, they’re preparing for South East Asian competition. They’ve fallen 19 places in the FIFA rankings in the last month but simply, put that’s just the natural swing of the rankings at different times of the year, and they’re well worth a place higher up. They just haven’t played a game so far in 2013.

A mix of new recruits and veterans gives them a balanced team, with Berdimyrat ?amyradow leading the squad up front with nine goals in twenty appearances for the national side, including the goal which put them 1-0 up against North Korean in the 2012 final, though they went on to lose.

All but three of their players play in the domestic leagues, the other three still playing within the region, and so they should know each other well. Turkmenistan will be a difficult team to break down and this is the game all eyes will be on as whoever triumphs here may well inherit the top seed status for the final stage of the tournament. 

Prediction: Philippines 1-1 Turkmenistan


Philippines
FIFA Ranking: 145
Form: W3 D1 L1

[Related: Azkals rise two spots to 145 in FIFA Rankings]

The Philippines have risen two places in the FIFA rankings, just two more places behind their all-time high of 143. A good showing here and the Azkals will no doubt break that ceiling and reach their highest ranking again. Still third in South East Asia, the Philippines is looking to close the distance on Thailand and, surprisingly, Vietnam, which is still at the top of the region despite a lot of poor performances recently.

For this competition, the Philippines will have all their Europe-based players: Neil Etheridge, Roland Muller, Stephan Schrock, Paul Mulders, and Jerry Lucena to name a few. The debut of Javier Patino is also widely anticipated as he was based in the second-tier of Spanish football but recently signed for Thai Premier League club Buriram United. Rufo Sanchez, the UFL’s current top scorer, was even reported as saying that Patino was leagues above him. Patino could very well take the pressure off Phil Younghusband to grab the goals and given Younghusband’s current form and fitness, the 25-year-old may well take over the more established Younghusband as the squad's number one striker.

How quickly the team can adapt to each other though, will be crucial, as the Philippines needs to score a lot to ensure qualification. With potentially a starting eleven coming from abroad to reinforce the Azkals’ line-up, they have the most of any of their opponents coming in at short notice.


Azkals out for revenge against the Turkmen

The Philippines also have a score to settle with Turkmenistan, which turned around a 1-0 Philippine lead in the last ten minutes of the Challenge Cup semis in 2012. Coach Michael Weiss has often been conservative in the past and may well look to play for the draw, assuming Philippine wins against Cambodia and Brunei, to guarantee the Azkals make it through and not run the risk of elimination this early.

Playing at home will be a good advantage for the Azkals, who sported a record of twelve wins, six draws, and six losses in 2012. Winning exactly half their games, the Philippines will be looking to build on a fantastic 2012 after a rather fortunate victory against Myanmar last month.

Unbeaten so far in 2013, Turkmenistan will be their biggest threat to that record and to Challenge Cup Qualification. The games will be played on March 22, 24, and 26, at the Rizal Memorial Stadium, with the Philippines having a very realistic chance of qualification. - AMD, GMA News

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It was a great start for 2013 Jr. NBA Philippines presented by Alaska with Rexona and Master supporting the much anticipated basketball clinic. Held at the British School Manila, local coaches and basketball enthusiasts gathered to jumpstart the program’s sixth consecutive year.

?Jr. NBA provides aspiring Filipino athletes a venue to hone and develop their basketball skills and learn sportsmanship. The most prestigious youth program prepares exciting activities and clinics that will test their talents, increase their knowledge about the sport and prepare them for the real hard court.
The ?highlight of the program is the selection of the 10 best campers who will form the 2013 Jr. NBA Philippine All-Star Team. These young outstanding players get the bragging rights of surpassing the challenges of the national training camp plus have a chance to live the NBA experience as they will go to watch an actual NBA Game in November.
?Welcoming guests and participants at the launch were NBA Asia vice president forbusiness development and marketing partnership Francesco Suarez and director of basketballoperations Sefu Bernard. Joining them were NBA country manager Carlo Singson, Master brand manager Jonathan Pua, and British School Manila headmaster Simon Mann.
?Gracing the event were PBA legend and coach Jojo Lastimosa, 2012 Coach of the Year Alan Ayo, and previous Jr. NBA All-Stars Ichie Altamirano, Carlo Escalambre, Patrick Go, Lorenzo Navarro, Kobe Paras, Tsaddy Rangel and Thirdy Ravena.
?During the opening event, eager coaches learned from the experts the methods and right attitude to train young players. Master and Rexona organized a short talk on efficient coaching and the importance of grooming as basketball athletes, hosted by coach Franz Pumaren. Franz shared tips on how to develop raw talent and inspire future basketball athletes. He also told coaches that they need to educate their students to take care of themselves by following basic and proper hygiene after a game. They can do this by using a deodorant after every bath, before a game and by washing their face with a facial wash right after a challenging basketball game.
Rexona and Master also set up the Master Rexona Challenge booth to test participants if they have what it takes to be a “winner” in the basketball arena. Participants had to put their game face on as they had to wash their face with Master facial care products, put on Rexona Mendeodorant and shoot the ball in the basket after completing the two tasks. A special raffle was then conducted for all those who participated in the Master Rexona Challenge.
?As major sponsors of this prestigious annual event, Rexona and Master will promote proper grooming and hygiene among all the participants. The two brands aim to provide the players with a program that not only focuses on skills and discipline, but also on having the confidence and winning look before and after each game which are equally relevant in their journey to becoming great athletes.

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