News Roundup 16 April 2023
Apr 16, 2023 • 4 min Read
Palace should recall Chinese ambassador over disgraceful statements | INQUIRER.NET – MANILA, Philippines — Senator Risa Hontiveros on Sunday told to recall Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian “as soon as possible,” following his “disgraceful statements” at the 8th Manila Forum
To recall, Huang “advised” the Philippines to “unequivocally” oppose “Taiwan independence” if it “cares genuinely” about the overseas Filipino workers in Taiwan.
Huang said this after stating that China does not renounce the use of force, accusing the Philippines of “stoking the fire” through its new Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement sites with the US.
“These are truly disgraceful statements from Ambassador Huang Xilian. How dare he threaten us. Our OFWs in Taiwan will continue to work where they work. End of story. Filipinos will thrive and make a living according to our wishes. We will never let Beijing decide on the future of Filipino families. Their destiny is not in China’s hands,” Hontiveros said in a statement.
“The Palace should tell Beijing to recall their representative in Manila as soon as possible. He has no business being a diplomat if he is unable to engage with us in a respectful and dignified manner,” she added.
According to Hontiveros, the Philippines “will never interfere” with the issue of Taiwanese independence.
Full Story at: Palace should recall Chinese ambassador over disgraceful statements | Inquirer News
Sacked PNP anti-drug chief may face heavier raps in shabu cover-up case | INQUIRER.NET – MANILA, Philippines — Former Philippine National Police – Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG) head Police Brig. Gen. Narciso Domingo may face heavier charges after 49 PDEG officers are set to face administrative and criminal charges in connection with the seizure of 990 kilograms of shabu worth P6.7 billion in 2022, which some officers allegedly tried to cover up, and even pilfer.
To recall, Domingo, who initially denied the existence of a cover up, has since been relieved from his post after it was discovered PDEG officers tried to cover up the arrest of anti-narcotics operative Police Master Sgt. Rodolfo Mayo in October, 2022, in connection with the P6.7 billion illegal drugs.
“Alam ninyo, the higher the responsibility the higher the accountability, kasi, hindi pwede ‘yon, you are the commander, you should know what is happening to your men. Kaya nga sinasabi namin ‘keep the commander informed,’” said PNP-Investigation and Detective Management Director Maj. Gen. Eliseo Cruz in a press briefing on Sunday.
(You know, the higher the responsibility the higher the accountability, because this shouldn’t be possible. You are the commander, you should know what is happening to your men. That’s why we say ‘keep the commander informed.’)
Full Story at: Sacked PNP anti-drug chief may face heavier raps in shabu cover-up case | Inquirer News
Holding OFWs as hostage? Migrante condemns Chinese envoy’s statement | PHILSTAR.COM – MANILA, Philippines — Migrante International, a global coalition of OFW groups and their families, condemned Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian’s statement where they said Beijing “makes it appear that China is holding OFWs in Taiwan hostage.”
Last week, Huang “advised” the Philippines against supporting Taiwan’s independence if it “cares genuinely” about the 150,000 OFWs based there, instead of “stoking the fire” by giving the United States access to military bases.
The group noted that this may expose OFWs to racist violence when armed conflict begins. If China really is against having troops of the United States in the Philippines, Migrante International said Beijing should start ceasing its aggressive actions against Manila.
“The biggest contribution that you can give to the opposition to US military bases, troops, and exercises in the Philippines is the cessation of your aggressive assertion of your claims over territories that are also being claimed by the Philippines,” the coalition said in a statement on Sunday.
“With its actions, China has presented itself as a convenient bogeyman that requires US presence and intervention in the region – a notion that is incorrect, even as it is influential.”
Full Story at: Holding OFWs as hostage? Migrante condemns Chinese envoy’s statement | Philstar.com
PNP-CSG open on weekends next month | PHILSTAR.COM – MANILA, Philippines — Licensed gun holders can start availing themselves of the Philippine National Police (PNP)’s services for the renewal of their firearms permits even on weekends starting next month.
As part of proactive measures to improve the services of the Civil Security Group, CSG director Brig. Gen. Benjamin Silo Jr. said they are opening their offices to clients every Saturday and Sunday.
Silo said they are just preparing the logistical requirements for the program.
“We are coming up with our plans to do it,” he told reporters in an interview on Thursday.
Apart from the licensing and registration of firearms, the CSG also regulates the business operations of all organized private detectives, security agencies and company guard forces.
Full Story at: PNP-CSG open on weekends next month | Philstar.com
