EAGLENEWS.PH “WE LIVE IN INTERESTING TIMES” Volume 1 - Issue No. - 3 JANUARY 2018 Highlights of the 30-minute fireworks display at the PHL Arena welcoming Year 2018

Some of the highlights during the 30-minute fireworks display at the in Ciudad de Victoria in , that signaled the start of the new year, 2018. (Eagle News Service) Thousands troop to Philippine Arena for year-end celebration

Photo grab from - eagle news update

(Eagle News) - Thousands trooped to the annual New Year’s Countdown in the Philippine Arena, eager to welcome 2018 with a bang. Families and friends took to the venue in Bulacan, home to attractions that catered to the old and young alike. The Garden housed a variety of flowers, plants and even animals which delighted visitors who took photos and even selfies during their visit. The carousel was also a magnet for children and even the young at heart looking for fun and relaxation. (Eagle News Service)

SEC revokes Rappler’s certificate of incorporation; says Death toll from California Ahead of pope’s Chile visit, priests it violated laws against foreign ownership of media mudslides rises to 20 accused of child sex abuse See Page 3 See Page 6 See Page 8

CONNECT WITH US ON FACEBOOK: FOR MORE NEWS UPDATES, VISIT OUR Subscribe to our newsletter facebook.com/eaglenewsph OFFICIAL WEBSITE AT WWW. EAGLENEWS.PH eaglenews.ph 2 NATION One dead, 800 injured in Philippine Catholic parade SC orders several gov’t officials to answer Dengvaxia petition

This file photo taken on September 9, 2016 shows the dengue vaccine A devotee who collapsed is carried by the crowd during the annual religious Black Nazarene procession in on January 9, 2018. / AFP / Noel Celis/ Dengvaxia developed by Sanofi Pasteur./ AFP / Yuri Cortez /

ne devotee died and 9 in what police described as a Catholics risk life and Cross. he Supreme Court on Wednesday, January 10 asked more than 800 peo- “generally peaceful” event de- limb to kiss or touch the icon The procession began several government officials to comment on the- pe Ople were injured in the spite crowds jostling to touch with towels, believing the icon before dawn on Tuesday and Ttition seeking to compel them to address the health Philippine capital when mil- the icon. to possess miraculous powers. ended after midnight, some risks attributed to Dengvaxia. lions joined a Catholic proces- However a former jail Two people died during 22 hours later. In a press conference, SC Spokesperson Theodore Te sion, officials said on Wednes- officer died of a heart attack the 2016 event. During the parade, said the respondents–Health Secretary Francisco Duque day, January 10. after joining the scramble to More than 800 peo- police shut down mobile III, Department of the Interior and Local Government offi- The annual feast of the climb onto the carriage bear- ple were hurt in this year’s phone signals in many areas cer-in-charge Catalino Cuy, Education Secretary Leonor Bri- Black Nazarene, one of the ing an image of what Catholics procession, including one who of Manila to prevent potential ones, Food and Drug Administration Director General Nela world’s largest Catholic festi- call the Black Nazarene on sustained a suspected neck terror attacks on the proces- Charade Puno, and program director of the Department of vals, drew 3.5 million barefoot Tuesday morning, city officials and spine injury in a fall, ac- sion. (Agence France-Presse) Health-National Center for Disease Prevention and Control devotees on Tuesday, January and police said. cording to the Philippine Red Dr. Lyndon Lee Suy—-were given ten days to submit their comment. In the petition filed by Gabriela and 70 parents and their children who were administered the anti-dengue vac- Diokno says Duterte admin plan to increase public cine, among others, the petitioners sought to compel these agencies to provide “free medical services” to those who experience side-effects from the vaccine, or those who suf- school teachers’ pay “not a priority” so far fer from severe dengue. Public school teachers will experience another hike in pay under EO 21, he assures The petitioners argued that the services should con- tinue “until it would have been determined and declared by (Eagle News) — President revealed Duterte’s plan for competent and medical and/or scientific experts that the ’s promise to the teachers. threat/s brought about by the Dengvaxia vaccine have been increase public school teach- He said he would talk to the minimized or eliminated.” ers’ pay may have to wait. President about the matter. The petitioners also asked the SC to compel the De- Budget Secretary Benja- According to the budget chief, partment of Health to probe whether it was safe to use min Diokno on Wednesday, even without the increase, Dengvaxia in the first place. Janaury 10 said that increas- the salaries of public school They said the results of such a review should be ing their salaries was “not a teachers would still increase made public but should also be subjected to review by “in- priority” as of this time, giv- under Executive Order No. dependent and competent medical experts.” en the focus on the “Build, 21, which said that civilian Over 800,000 schoolchildren were administered Build, Build” program of the government personnel would Dengvaxia under the government’s national immunization government and “social pro- be given four tranches of pay program since it was procured during the term of then-Pres- tection.” increases until 2019. ident Benigno Aquino III. “I think we have to study He said the third tranche of The program was suspended after Sanofi Pasteur ad- that very carefully,” Diokno increase was already im- mitted its vaccine could cause “severe cases” in those who said, a day after Presidential plemented this year. (Eagle have not had dengue beforehand. (With a report from Moira Spokesperson (Photo grab from Net25, Mata ng Agila) News Service) Encina, Eagle News Service)

SC sets oral arguments on petitions vs. one- Roque: President Duterte to ask Congress to year extension of martial law in enact law banning firecrackers, pyrotechnics

SC spokesperson Theodore Te (Photo grab from Net25, Mata ng Agila) (Photo grab from Net25, Mata ng Agila)

By Moira Encina ed to submit their respective on December 27, 2017—was (Eagle News) — President Rodrigo Duterte will push for Congress to enact a law that will ban all Eagle News Service memoranda on January 20, lodged by six opposition con- firecrackers and pyrotechnics. on Saturday, not later than 5 gressmen led by Albay Rep. This is according to Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, who spoke in a press confer- he Supreme Court has p.m.,” Te said. Edcel Lagman. ence on Tuesday. set oral arguments in The Supreme Court also In seeking for an injunc- According to Roque, the topic was among those discussed during a Cabinet meeting on Mon- Tconnection with the peti- ordered the consolidation of tion, both petitions argued day afternoon, January 8. tions filed against the one-year the two petitions challenging there was “no factual basis” “(The President) wants Congress to enact this law at the soonest time possible so that the extension of martial law in the one-year extension of mar- for the extension, which was public debate on the banning of fireworks and pyrotechnics could begin as early as possible,” Mindanao. tial law in Mindanao. approved by Congress in De- Roque said. In a press conference on It, however, asked Mala- cember upon President Rodri- As for the around 75,000 who are expected to be displaced by the firecracker ban, Roque Wednesday, January 10 SC canang to comment on the go Duterte’s request last year. said that the President has already asked the Department of Trade and Industry to look for other spokesperson Theodore Te second petition filed by mili- They argued that there livelihood options for them. said these were scheduled on tant lawmakers not later than was no “actual rebellion,” a On June 20, Duterte signed Executive Order No. 28 that limits the use of firecrackers to that January 16 at 2 p.m., and on January 13, 2018, Saturday, 5 constitutional requirement for of a “community fireworks display.” January 17 at 10 a.m. p.m. such a declaration to be made. The Department of Health attributed the overall 27 percent decrease in firecracker-related “The parties were direct- The first petition–filed (Eagle News Service) injuries to the issuance of the executive order, among others. (Eagle News Service) NATION 3 SEC revokes Rappler’s certificate of incorporation; says it violated laws against foreign ownership of media

(Eagle News) – The Securities and Exchange Commis- sion has directed the revocation of the Certificate of Incorporation of the online news site Rappler, and its holding firm, Rappler Holdings Corporation, saying it violated the Constitution that barred foreign owner- ship of media. In a decision dated January 11, 2018, the SEC said that both companies violated Philippine laws, specifically the Foreign Equity Restriction under the Philippine Constitution. The SEC said that Rappler, Inc. and Rappler Holdings Corporation were “liable for violating the constitutional and statutory Foreign Equity Restric- tions in Mass Media enforceable through rules and laws within the mandate of the Commission.” “Revocation of Certificate of Incorporation on each respondent—Rappler Inc. being the mass me- dia entity that sold control to foreigners, and Rappler Holdings Corporation being its alter ego, existing for no other purpose than to effect a deceptive scheme to circumvent the Constitution,” the SEC’s 29-page decision read. Rappler said it would exhaust all legal means to contest the decision. In its own news item about the issue, Rappler called the ruling “a blow to press freedom.” “We intend to not only contest this through all legal processes available to us, but also to fight for our freedom to do journalism and for your right to be heard through an independent platform like Rappler,” Rappler said in a separate statement posted on its A screenshot of Rappler’s top story on the Securities and Exchange Commission’s decision to revoke its certificate of incorporation, website. (Eagle News Service) essentially revoking its license to operate. (Screenshot of Rappler website/Courtesy Rappler)

Bongbong Marcos rules out possibility of Robredo camp slams Bongbong Marcos for running for a Senate seat in 2019 statement he won the vice presidency

Former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. (Photo by: Noel CELIS / AFP) Vice President

ormer Senator Ferdinand Marcos on Wednes- being “biased against” him in the electoral he camp of Vice President Leni Robredo on Wednesday, January 10 slammed former Senator day, January 10 ruled out the possibility of case he filed against Vice President Leni Ro- Bongbong Marcos for saying he won the vice presidency, noting that it was “too presumptu- Frunning for a seat in the Senate in 2019. bredo. Tous” of him to make the statement. In a forum in Manila, Marcos said he was Marcos said he was contemplating as “Or he is just dreaming. If he won as vice president, why is it that it was Robredo who was “determined to finish” his electoral protest against such to ask that Associate Justice Alfredo proclaimed by Congress as winner?” Romulo Macalintal said. Vice President Leni Robredo instead. Benjamin Caguioa be changed as chair of According to Macalintal, Marcos’ reaction was “the usual reaction of an election loser who “Bakit ako tatakbo ng senador e nanalo na the tribunal as he said it was “obvious” he cannot accept defeat in good grace.” ako ng bise presidente?..Hindi ko titigilan ito,” was siding with the vice president, whose He said he was “merely trying to preempt the coming results of the recount of ballots where he said. camp he has accused of cheating in the his ridiculous and frivolous claim of massive election cheating will be proven false and a mere According to Marcos, “what is at stake” after 2016 elections. imagined victory..” all, “is not only my candidacy, not only the result Caguioa is an appointee of former “For the results of the recount will just tally with the results generated by the vote counting of the vice presidential election, but what is President Benigno Aquino III, Robredo’s par- machines from the automated election system, which Marcos himself admitted to be credible and also at stake here is the electoral process.” ty-mate. for which his first cause of action questioning the system was dismissed by the Presidential Elec- “At ang mga tao kailangang malaman kung According to Marcos, recent decisions toral Tribunal,” Macalintal said. ano ba talaga ang resulta,” he said. of the PET were “unfair and unjust.” Marcos has ruled out the possibility of running for a Senate seat in 2019, saying that he did In the May 2016 elections, Marcos lost to Ro- For instance, he said the tribunal or- not see the need to do this since he already won the vice presidency in the 2016 elections. bredo by only 263,473 votes. dered Marcos to pay P2,974,075 that rep- He also accused the PET, where he has lodged an electoral protest against Robredo, of being Marcos–who said the polls were marred by resents the cost of decryption and printing biased against him. fraud–has asked for a recount, which is expected of ballot images from pilot provinces, while Marcos criticized the tribunal’s magistrate officer in charge, Associate Justice Alfredo Cagu- to start this February. Robredo was given soft copies of reports ioa, in particular. The recount covers Iloilo, Camarines Sur, and from the SD cards from Iloilo, Camarines Sur In the 2016 elections, Marcos was declared as having lost to Robredo by 263,473 votes. Negros Oriental. and Negros Oriental without her paying for (Eagle News Service) anything. Bongbong Marcos accuses PET of being biased vs him “We should definitely do something para maging pantay at matapos na ito,” Mar- Meanwhile, Former Senator Bongbong Mar- cos said. cos on Wednesday accused the Supreme Court, Marcos lost to Robredo by 263,473 Martin Diño named DILG undersecretary sitting as the Presidential Electoral Tribunal, of votes. (Eagle News Service) (Eagle News) - Martin Diño is now undersecretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Gov- ernment. PHL to continue to be “fastest-growing President Rodrigo Duterte himself made the appointment, months after he was asked to give economy” in ASEAN up his post as chair of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority chair “in the name of public interest.” (Eagle News) - The will continue to be the “fastest-growing economy” in the Associ- The President then appointed lawyer Wilma ation of Southeast Asian Nations in the next three years. Eisma, then the SBMA administrator, in Diño’s This is according to the World Bank’s January 2018 Global Economic Prospects report place. released on Wednesday. The chief executive did this after issuing Ex- According to the WB, the country’s Gross Domestic Product was expected to grow 6.7 ecutive Order 42 that effectively repealed a pre- percent in 2018 and 2019. vious executive order that separated the powers In 2020, the growth rate is expected to be 6.5 percent. and duties of the SBMA chairperson and adminis- The WB said the forecast was “despite some stabilization of investment growth.” trator. (Eagle News Service) Martin Diño 4 METRO NEWS

DOJ reopens Castillo case to allow for DOTr, tiniyak na walang taas-pasahe admission of suspect-turned-witness’ statement hangga’t hindi naisasaayos ang serbisyo sa MRT

Larawan ay kuha mula sa Agila Balita Larawan ay kuha mula sa Agila Balita

(Eagle News) — The De- Program—was received of Sto. Tomas law fresh- indi tataas ang dan ng mga pasahero Kaugnay nito, dumating partment of Justice said only on January 3. man, is believed to have pamasahe sa ang mas maayos na ser- na ang 48 bagong bagon it has reopened the in- Last year, the case been killed during initi- HMetro Rail Tran- bisyo, partikular sa con- mula sa isang kumpanya vestigation into the death was submitted for resolu- ation rites conducted by sit (MRT) hangga’t hindi venience, availability at sa China. Gayunman, hin- of hazing victim Horacio tion. the Aegis Juris fraternity nararamdaman ang im- reliability sa operasyon di pa muna ito gagamitin Castillo III to allow for the “We can’t resolve in September. provements nito. ng MRT-3. para sa MRT. formal admission of the the case if the evidence Several people–in- Ito ang naging pagtitiyak Pagtitiyak din ni Batan na Isasailalim muna sa au- sworn statement of Aegis is incomplete,” Assis- cluding the alleged frater- ng Department of Trans- bukod sa MRT-3 ay wala dit assessment ang mga Juris member Marc Ven- tant Prosecutor Wendel nity leader Arvin Balag— portation (DOTr) sa pub- ring planong magtaas ng ito para malaman kung tura. Bendoval, a member of have been charged in liko. pamasahe sa ibang rail tatanggapin o hindi ng The DOJ said the the panel of prosecutors connection with his Ayon kay DOTr Undersec- system sa bansa, kabil- DOTr ang mga bagon. statement of Ventura– handling the case, told death. (Eagle News retary TJ Batan, walang ang na ang Light Rail (Eagle News Service) who has been admitted reporters. Service) dagdag-singil sa MRT Transit (LRT) at Philippine to the Witness Protection Castillo, a University hanggang hindi nararam- National Railways (PNR).

Isang commercial-residential area 3 Chinese who allegedly abducted, detained sa Pasig City, nasunog Taiwanese national arrested in Parañaque

Larawan ay kuha mula sa Agila Balita

(Eagle News) — Nasunog ang isang commercial-residential area sa Pasig City

noong Miyerkules, Enero 11, pasado alas-nuebe ng umaga. Photos from Eagle News Service Ayon kay Barangay Captain Bien Daryl Legazpi ng Kapasigan sa Pasig City, iniakyat sa ikaapat na alarma ang sunog sa Blumentritt Street. Ayon kay Legazpi, mabilis na kumalat ang apoy dahil pawang gawa sa light (Eagle News) — Authorities on Wednesday, January 10 arrested three Chinese nationals for materials ang mga bahay. allegedly abducting and detaining a Taiwanese national against her will after she failed to pay Tinatayang walumpu hanggang isandaang pamilya ang naapektuhan ng her P100,000 debt to a casino financier. sunog. Cai Xing Bao, Tia Xao Lin, and Zhao Xu were arrested in a condotel in Baclaran, Parañaque, following a tip to the police by the Taiwanese Economic Cultural Office. Matapos ang halos dalawang oras na sunog, idineklara namang fire-out The victim’s kin had earlier sought the help of TECO. na ng Bureau of Fire Protection-Pasig ang naturang insidente. The three Chinese are facing charges for serious illegal detention.

TNCs agree to mandatory opening of passengers’ packages

Transport Network Companies ence. on Wednesday, January 10 He said if the sender re- agreed to the mandatory open- fused to show any identifica- ing of the packages of their tion or open the package, the passengers to ensure they do TNC driver would refuse to not contain any contraband. send the item. Grab, Uber, and U-Hop Intel also agreed to ask their pas- Under the agreement, sengers for any identification, TNCs would also be required based on a memorandum of to report any intelligence infor- agreement the companies mation to authorities. signed with the Philippine Aquino said this would Drug Enforcement Agency. be a big help to law enforcers, “It’s mandatory, kahit who are waging a war against anong klaseng package ‘yan drugs, based on a directive by dapat buksan…Io-open nung President Rodrigo Duterte. driver sa harapan ng sender… The agreement between Bago niya open, please give the TNCs and PDEA was signed me your identification,” PDEA following reports of their vehi- chief Director General Aaron cles being used as drug couri- Aquino said in a press confer- ers. (Eagle News Service) PROVINCIAL NEWS 5 Ombudsman seeks re-arrest, detention of former Palawan Governor Reyes this time for graft

(Eagle News) — After being fled the country with his broth- cleared by the Court of Ap- er, former Coron Mayor Mario peals of any involvement in Reyes, after they were indicted the killing of Gerry Ortega and for Ortega’s killing in 2012. being released from detention, “Had it not been for the state prosecutors moved for intervention of Thai authori- former Palawan Governor Joel ties, accused Reyes would not Reyes to be re-arrested and have been deported to face detained, this time in connec- the criminal charges against tion with a graft case. him,” the prosecution argued. In a three-page omni- But in a statement, bus motion, the Ombudsman Reyes’ lawyer said “it would asked the Sandiganbayan be absurd to even think” that to reconsider its decision to this client would be a flight grant bail to Reyes while his risk “considering that he has appeal over his conviction for just scored a very significant violation of the Anti-Graft and legal victory at the Court of Ap- Corrupt Practices Act was still peals.” pending. “Why would he mitigate The case stems from the value of this victory by flee- what the Ombudsman said ing?” Custodio said. was Reyes’ renewal of the Reyes was freed from de- small-scale mining permit of tention after the CA ruled that Olympic Mines and Develop- the Puerto Princesa Region- ment Corp., even if the com- al Trial Court had no basis to pany violated small-scale min- hold him for trial over Ortega’s ing laws and had already gone murder. beyond the annual maximum The CA also nullified the extraction limit of 50,000 dry finding of probable cause and metric tons of ore. to eight years in prison, but he man, the “cancellation” of the fertilizer fund scams, and his The anti-graft prose- the local court’s issuance of After being found guilty in was allowed to post a P60,000 bail of Reyes, who is facing “immediate commitment to cutors noted that “accused an arrest warrant against him. August last year, the Sandigan- bail pending his appeal. separate charges in connec- prison are warranted” given Reyes was a fugitive,” empha- (Eagle News Service) bayan sentenced Reyes to six According to the Ombuds- tion with the Malampaya and his “previous record.” sizing that the former governor Court grants prosecution’s bid to allow suspect in Jee Ick Joo’s abduction to turn state witness 10 dead in gunfight between BIFF, military in Maguindanao (Eagle News) — After being cleared by the Court of Ap- peals of any involvement in the killing of Gerry Ortega and being released from detention, state prosecutors moved for former Palawan Governor Joel Reyes to be re-arrested and detained, this time in connec- tion with a graft case. In a three-page omni- bus motion, the Ombudsman asked the Sandiganbayan to reconsider its decision to grant bail to Reyes while his appeal over his conviction for violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act was still pending. The case stems from what the Ombudsman said was Reyes’ renewal of the A South Korean mourner is overcome with emotion as he speaks during a memorial service for South Korean small-scale mining permit of businessman Jee Ick-Joo who was allegedly killed by policemen, inside the police headquarters in Manila on Olympic Mines and Develop- February 6, 2017./ AFP / Ted Aljibe/ ment Corp., even if the com- pany violated small-scale min- separate charges in connec- “Had it not been for the “Why would he mitigate ing laws and had already gone tion with the Malampaya and intervention of Thai authori- the value of this victory by flee- (Eagle News)– Nine Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters beyond the annual maximum fertilizer fund scams, and his ties, accused Reyes would not ing?” Custodio said. and a member of the Philippine military died on Saturday extraction limit of 50,000 dry “immediate commitment to have been deported to face Reyes was freed from de- night, January 6 in a gunfight in Maguindanao, the Philippine metric tons of ore. prison are warranted” given the criminal charges against tention after the CA ruled that Army reported on Sunday. After being found guilty in his “previous record.” him,” the prosecution argued. the Puerto Princesa Region- Capt. Arvin Encinas, spokesman for the Army’s 6th In- August last year, the Sandigan- The anti-graft prose- But in a statement, al Trial Court had no basis to fantry Division, said the gunfight ensued in Barangay Maitu- bayan sentenced Reyes to six cutors noted that “accused Reyes’ lawyer said “it would hold him for trial over Ortega’s maig, Datu Unsay, at 7:23 p.m. on Saturday. to eight years in prison, but he Reyes was a fugitive,” empha- be absurd to even think” that murder. The military also launched airstrikes to deter the around was allowed to post a P60,000 sizing that the former governor this client would be a flight The CA also nullified the 50 BIFF under the leadership of Imam Karialan who initiated bail pending his appeal. fled the country with his broth- risk “considering that he has finding of probable cause and the gunfight. According to the Ombuds- er, former Coron Mayor Mario just scored a very significant the local court’s issuance of Pursuit operations are ongoing. Eagle News Service) man, the “cancellation” of the Reyes, after they were indicted legal victory at the Court of Ap- an arrest warrant against him. bail of Reyes, who is facing for Ortega’s killing in 2012. peals.” (Eagle News Service) PAO to file criminal, civil, administrative charges over Dengvaxia mess

Eagle News) — The Pub- lic Attorney’s Office on Monday, January 8 said that it would file crimi- nal, civil and administra- tive charges in February in connection with the Dengvaxia mess. PAO chief Persida Acosta did not say exactly against whom the charges would be filed. She, however, said that in the civil case, includ- ed were those who “had something to do with al- lowing” the implementa- tion of the immunization program. She said said that almost the charges, which were planned to do so. substance could cause pany said the information with Dengvaxia under the 300 families whose chil- apart from the plunder The Dengvaxia snafu “severe cases” in those came to light only recent- government’s immuniza- dren were given doses of charges the Volunteers started when Sanofi Pas- who have not had dengue ly. tion program that start- the dengue vaccine ex- Against Crime and Cor- teur, the vaccine man- before. Over 800,000 school- ed during then-President pressed willingness to file ruption would file, if they ufacturer, admitted the In its defense, the com- children were vaccinated Benigno Aquino III’s time. 6 INTERNATIONAL Death toll from California mudslides rises to 20

LOS ANGELES, United States in Montecito, a community just told a news conference, warn- (AFP) –Search and rescue east of the city of Santa Barba- ing that he expected the death teams combed the after- ra. Many more buildings were toll to increase. math of a deadly mudslide damaged or threatened. The Santa Barbara Coun- in southern California on Heavy rain on Tuesday, ty Fire Department said on Sunday, January 14, as au- which followed 10 months of its Twitter feed it was using thorities confirmed another drought, sent rivers of mud dogs to look for victims where death, raising the number of and debris flowing down the multiple homes once stood in fatalities to 20, officials said. hills into Montecito. Montecito following heavy rain, Four people remained Massive wildfires in the with more than 20 people re- missing after the mudslides, area forced evacuations in ported missing. according to an update post- December, and the mudslides The department posted ed on Santa Barbara Coun- struck just two weeks after pictures of rivers of waist-high ty’s website, which warned people returned. mud flowing through neighbor- that the figure could “fluctu- The fires burned most hoods and roads rendered im- This file photo taken on January 10, 2018 shows a Cal Fire inmate crew hiking down a creek while ate significantly.” vegetation, leaving perfect passable by fallen trees. learing debris to aid in the search for survivors of a massive mudflow in Montecito, California. “The unstable envi- conditions for the latest disas- “Firefighters successfully Search and rescue teams combed the aftermath of a deadly mudslide in southern California on January 14, 2018 as authorities confirmed another death, raising the number of fatalities to 20, officials said. ronment remains a criti- ter to unfold. rescued a 14-yr-old girl after Four people remained missing after the mudslides, according to an update posted on cal threat to civilians and On Tuesday, January __, she was trapped for hours in- Santa Barbara County’s website, which warned that the figure could “fluctuate significantly.” responders. The large authorities said the first 13 side a destroyed home in Mon- amounts of mud and de- bodies reovered were discov- tecito,” it added. sending mud and huge rocks was recorded at five inches issued in a section of the bris are making access and ered in mud and debris during Roads were clogged rolling into housing areas. (13 centimeters) in Ventura Los Angeles suburb of Bur- progress challenging,” the rescue operations in Monteci- throughout the region with Emergency services told County, according to the Na- bank, which was hit by a joint statement from sever- to, northwest of Los Angeles. mudflows shutting down more reporters at least “two dozen” tional Weather Service Los mudslide that pulled cars al state and local agencies “We are saddened to re- than 30 miles (50 kilometers) people were missing with “sev- Angeles. out of driveways and carried said. port that this incident so far of the 101 Freeway and knock- eral dozen” homes damaged Much of the affected area them downstream. “Search and rescue re- has resulted in 13 confirmed ing a number of homes from or destroyed. They said they is land scorched by the mas- The slide also caused mains the highest priority.” fatalities, as result of the their foundations. had rescued scores of resi- sive Thomas fire last month, a “significant” gas leak, and The slide left 28 people storm that came through our Pounding rain weakened dents, including 50 airlifted by where there is no vegetation repair efforts left homes on injured and destroyed 65 area last night,” Santa Barba- south-facing slopes above hoist. to soak up the excess water. the street with no gas, elec- homes and eight businesses ra County Sheriff Bill Brown Montecito and flooded a creek, The highest rainfall total A evacuation order was tricity or water. (AFP)

Tournament of Roses Parade Nearly 100,000 displaced by fighting 2018 wows fans worldwide in northwest Syria: UN

(Photo by: Eliza Manglicmot)

The Parade Royal Court 2018 (The Rose Queen and her princesses (Photo by: Eliza Manglicmot)

By Allen and Eva Basallaje Eagle News, US Bureau

n the very first day of Displaced Syrians who fled the fighting in Idlib province’s southeastern town of Sinjar drive on a road in a 2018, picturesque rebel-held area near the city of Saraqib on January 7, 2018. /AFP/ OPasadena, Califor- nia welcomed the year with 53-degree-fahrenheit weather celebrating the 129th Tourna- BEIRUT, Lebanon (AFP) coordination office UNO- of Idlib province in or- ment of Roses Parade. — Nearly 100,000 CHA. der to secure a route Every year, over 70 mil- people have been dis- “Heavy bombard- between Damascus lion people worldwide view placed since early De- ment on many commu- and second city Alep- the Rose Parade. In 2017, an cember by fighting in nities in southern and po, both under its con- estimated 700,000 specta- Vegetable patch float reflecting this year’s theme:Making A northwestern Syria, southeastern rural Idlib trol, according to the tors crowded the streets of Difference (Photo by: Eliza Manglicmot) Pasadena to witness this floral where the regime is continued unabated, Observatory. festival that inarguably has be- waging an offensive causing casualties and Its forces are now come a national tradition. Rose Parade, watched the Team Tour Band; South Wales, Australia’s Marching Koalas; against jihadists, the displacement among ci- close to the military An event of this magni- Rose Bowl game, sitting in my United Nations said on vilians and destruction of air base of Abu Duhur, tude requires tens of thou- basement with 3-feet of snow Republic of Panama’s Banda sands of hours of manpower, outside,” Stephen recalled, “I De MusicaHerberto Lopez; Wednesday, January vital infrastructure,” UNO- their next target, the brigades of volunteers, and a have always dreamed of com- and Japan’s Kyoto Tachibana 10. CHA said in a statement. war monitor said. whole lot of planning. ing to Pasadena. It’s a beauti- High School Green Band. Russian-backed re- The UN agency said More than Tournament official Ste- ful city and the involvement in And what’s a parade without a court? Members of gime forces launched the situation in Idlib was 340,000 people are phen Macala, a self-confessed the city is amazing!” an offensive at the end “extremely chaotic” with estimated to have been long-time fan of the parade, Marching bands from this year’s Parade Royal Court saidwhile growing up in Ohio across the United States are agree how huge of a deal this of 2017 on the edge of newly displaced peo- killed in the Syrian war, he admired from afar the floral a big part of the event. How- annual celebration is.Royal Idlib province, the last ple reportedly scattered which began in 2011 exhibition so being in Pasade- ever, what makes the Rose Princess Savannah Bradley- in the country still ful- across open areas. as the regime brutally na during this year’s Tourna- Parade more global in scope is said it is quite a big deal for her and her family. ly outside the govern- “Due to the large crushed anti-govern- ment of Roes is a dream come band participation from other ment’s control. numbers of people mov- ment protests. Millions true. countries. Joining the list of “Being part of the parade “I was one of the peo- marching bands this year are has been astounding,”said Idlib province is al- ing, many are left with have been displaced. ple who have watched the Ontario, Canada’s Burlington Bradley. most entirely controlled no shelter, which could On his first visit to Isabella Marez, admitted by a jihadist outfit expose them to various Syria, UN humanitari- how proud she is to be the 100th Rose Queen. known as Hayat Tahrir risks, especially as the an chief Mark Lowcock “There were 99 women al-Sham (HTS) consist- winter temperatures con- met with Syrian authori- before me and I am so hon- ing mostly of fighters tinue to drop,” it added. ties and travelled to the ored to keep the tradition and from a former Al-Qaeda Ninety-six civilians, central city of Homs on to represent Pasadena,” the affiliate. including 27 children, Wednesday to see the crowned Rose Queen said. This year’s floats reflect- The fighting has have been killed in Syri- impact of the conflict ed the theme: Making a Differ- seen 99,569 civilians an or Russian air strikes on civilians for himself. ence, recognizing those whose flee southern Idlib as on Idlib province since “In 2017, the Unit- actions, big or small made a well as north and north- the start of the offensive, ed Nations, through profound impact on people’s eastern parts of neigh- said the Britain-based our appeal, raised $1.7 lives. Tijuana’s International boring Hama province Syrian Observatory for billion to help meet the Float spoke the loudest mes- between December 1 Human Rights. needs of people all sage: Racing to save the chil- and January 9, said The regime’s goal is over Syria,” he told re- Tijuana’s International Float Racing for the Children (Photo by: Eliza Manglicmot) dren. (Eagle News Service) the UN’s humanitarian to retake the southeast porters in Homs. (AFP) INTERNATIONAL 7 North and South Korea agree to first talks in two years

by Park Chan-Kyong “We won’t take any of the Agence France Presse talks seriously if they don’t do something to ban all nuclear weapons in North SEOUL, South Korea (AFP) Korea.” — North and South Korea agreed on Friday, January Mass rally 12 to hold their first talks in Jon Wolfsthal, former more than two years, hours director of arms control at after Seoul and Washington the National Security Coun- decided to defer joint mili- cil under president Barack tary exercises which always Obama, warned that Seoul infuriate Pyongyang until af- and Washington were di- ter the Winter Olympics. verging in their approach. The meeting, the first “US has all but forced since December 2015, will ROK (South Korea) and take place in Panmunjom, President Moon to forge the truce village in the heav- his own path,” he said on ily fortified Demilitarized Twitter. “Easy pickings for Zone that divides the pen- KJU to play the charm of- insula. fensive and divide the alli- South Korean Presi- ance. Critical US and ROK dent Moon Jae-In said that get on same side, Trump “overly optimistic expecta- team has to adjust.” tions” were “undesirable” North Korea’s young but added: “We will do our leader has shrugged off best to make the Pyeongc- multiple sets of new Unit- hang Olympics an Olympics ed Nations Security Coun- for peace and settle the nu- In a photo taken on November 30, 2016 North Korean People’s Army (KPA) soldiers stands guard before the military demarcation line and cil sanctions — including ‘Peace House’, proposed as the venue of upcoming talks between North and South Korea, at the truce village of Panmunjom in the clear issue peacefully.” Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) between North and South Korea. Nuclear-armed North Korea on January 5, 2018 accepted the South’s offer of talks next week, restrictions on coal sales Tensions have been said Seoul’s Unification ministry, which oversees relations with Pyongyang. The meeting will take place in Panmunjom, the truce village in the and petroleum imports — high after the North carried heavily fortified Demilitarized Zone that divides the peninsula. / AFP PHOTO / Ed JONES and heightened rhetoric out multiple missile launch- from Washington as his re- es in 2017, including a num- gime drives forward with its ber of ICBMs, and its sixth Resolve joint military drills un- on the southern side of Pan- powerful”, prompting scorn said in a statement: “The two weapons programs, which atomic test, by far its most til after the Winter Olympics, munjom, where troops from and alarm from analysts. leaders agreed to de-conflict it says are intended to de- powerful to date. which begin in Pyeongchang the two sides face off against Concerns over North Ko- the Olympics and our military fend against US aggres- The tentative rap- on February 9. each other across a concrete rea have overshadowed the exercises so that United States sion. prochement comes after That announcement dividing line. Winter Games, which Seoul and Republic of Korea forces Authorities in Pyong- the North’s leader Kim came hours after Trump said Ministry spokesman and the organizers have pro- can focus on ensuring the se- yang gathered thousands Jong-Un warned in his New high-level talks between North Baek Tae-Hyun told journalists claimed a “peace Olympics”, curity of the Games.” of citizens in Kim Il Sung Year speech that he had a and South would be “a good that the size and composition urging Pyongyang to partici- US Defense Secretary Square on Thursday in a nuclear button on his desk, thing” — although the US has of the delegations would be pate, unlike the 1988 Summer Jim Mattis later said the drills show of support for the but at the same time offered long insisted that it will not ne- settled by fax. Olympics in the South, which it would take place some time leadership. Seoul an olive branch, say- gotiate with Pyongyang unless “I understand the North boycotted. after the Paralympics, which South Korean oppo- ing Pyongyang could send it first takes concrete steps to- is also going to have talks with Tensions always rise end on March 18. sition parties struck a cau- a team to next month’s wards disarmament. the International Olympic Com- during the annual drills, which He insisted the postpone- tious note, warning against Games in the South. Seoul’s unification min- mittee next week,” he added. Pyongyang condemns as ment was for practical rather making concessions to the Seoul responded with istry said it had received a fax preparations for invasion and than political reasons, citing North to secure its Olympic an offer of talks and earlier from Ri Son-Gwon, head of the ‘Peace Olympics’ often responds to with provo- the importance of the Olym- participation. this week the hotline be- North’s Committee for Peace- Last year saw fears of cations. Beijing and Moscow pics for South Korea’s tour- Kim Sung-Tae, parlia- tween them was restored ful Reunification of Korea, conflict spike, with Kim and both see the exercises as add- ist industry, and added that mentary leader of the main after being suspended for a state agency handling in- Trump trading personal insults ing to regional tensions. Washington would not lower opposition Liberty Korea almost two years. ter-Korean affairs, saying: “We and threats of war, and the US But recent days have pressure on Pyongyang in oth- party, said a meeting about Late Thursday, Moon will come to the Peace House president responded to Kim’s seen a rare softening of tone er areas. the Games without dis- and his US counterpart Don- at Panmunjom on January 9.” New Year message with a on both sides. And the US ambassador cussing denuclearization ald Trump agreed to delay The Peace House is a Tweet that his nuclear button Announcing the delay to the United Nations Nikki would be “meaningless”. the giant Foal Eagle and Key South Korean-built building was “much bigger and more to the drills, the White House Haley said earlier this week: (Agence France-Presse)

Global warming will expose millions more to floods Vatican takes over scandal-hit Catholic group in Peru

A general view of the flooded municipality of Kabacan, North Cotabato, on the southern island of Mindanao on December 23, 2017, after Tropical Storm Tembin dumped torrential rains across the island. / AFP/

MIAMI, United States (AFP) — ing projected to go from 70 to (PIK). Global warming is expected to 156 million by 2040, it said. The increase in river unleash more rain, exposing For instance, Pakistan, flood risks over the next few millions more people to river already prone to flooding, “will decades is being driven by the flooding particularly in the Unit- observe almost a doubling in amount of greenhouse gases Pope Francis (C) attends the funeral mass for US cardinal Bernard Law on December 21, 2017 at St Peter’s basilica ed States and parts of Asia, high-end flood risk,” with 11 already emitted into the atmo- in Vatican. Cardinal Bernard Law, one of the most influential Catholic prelates in the United States until he resigned in disgrace for covering up decades of sexual abuse, died on December 20, 2017 in Rome. He had moved there Africa and central Europe, re- million people at risk of floods sphere by the burning of fossil after his 2002 resignation as the abuse scandal unleashed a major crisis in the Catholic Church that continues to searchers said Wednesday, unless protective measures fuels. reverberate around the world. / AFP PHOTO / Andreas SOLARO January 10. are taken by 2040. When more heat-trapping The study in the journal “In South America the pollutants surround the Earth, VATICAN CITY (AFP) — The and young adults between boasts some 20,000 mem- Science Advances calculates number of people affected more moisture is held in the Vatican has taken control of 1975 and 2002. In December bers and has spread to how much more flood protec- by flooding risks will likely in- air, leading to more rainfall. a Catholic movement in Peru Peruvian prosecutors called Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Co- tion will be needed to keep the crease from six to 12 million, Cutting these emissions whose founder is accused for them to be thrown in jail. lombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, risks of high-end floods con- in Africa from 25 to 34 mil- is crucial to reducing flood of sexual abuse, just days An internal SCV investi- Italy and the United States. stant in the next 25 years. lion,” it added. risks for future generations. before the pontiff visits the gation found at least five of The move comes a Unless actions are taken In Germany the num- “It is clear that without country. the top brass had “sexually week before Francis heads — such as enhancing dikes, ber of people affected is pro- limiting human-caused warm- Pope Francis has been abused 19 minors and 10 to Latin America to visit Chile boosting building standards, jected to rise sevenfold, from ing to well below two degrees “following with concern” de- adults”. One of those accused and Peru. relocating settlements and 100,000 to 700,000. Celsius (36 Fahrenheit), river velopments at the Sodali- has since died. The scandal came to managing rivers — the number In North America, it could flood risks in our century will tium Christianae Vitae (SCV) “The pope has been par- light in an investigative book of people affected by devas- rise from 100,000 to one mil- increase in many regions to a and the investigation into ticularly attentive to the gravity published in 2015 by two tating floods could skyrocket, lion. level that we cannot adapt to,” its scandal-hit founder Luis of the information about the journalists. warns the report, based on “More than half of the said Anders Levermann, a re- Fernando Figari, the Vatican internal governance, forma- Figari, 70, founded the models that are 10 times more United States must at least searcher at Columbia Univer- said Wednesday, January tion and the management of movement in 1971 with the precise than commonly used double their protection level sity’s Lamont-Doherty Earth 10. economic-financial affairs” at aim of transforming teenag- climate computer simulations. within the next two decades if Observatory in New York. Figari and several other the SCV, the statement said. ers into “soldiers of Christ”. Asia — the continent with they want to avoid a dramatic “The findings should be a high-ranking figures in the Francis has appointed He currently lives in a retire- the largest historical high-end increase in river flood risks,” warning to decision-makers,” lay organisation have been Colombian bishop Noel Anto- ment home in Rome and is flood risk — would get hit the said lead author Sven Willner added Levermann. accused of the psychological nio Londono Buitrago to take forbidden by a Vatican de- hardest, with the number of from the Potsdam Institute “Doing nothing will be and sexual abuse of minors over the movement, which cree from returning to Peru. people affected by river flood- for Climate Impact Research dangerous.” (AFP) 8 INTERNATIONAL Ahead of pope’s Chile visit, priests accused of child sex abuse

by Giovanna Fleitas known if Chile’s church lead- Agence France-Presse ers were required to report to law enforcement, if its legal system allowed victims more SANTIAGO, Chile (AFP) time to bring criminal and civ- — Almost 80 Roman Cath- il charges, or if dioceses and olic clergies have been religious orders were investi- accused of sexually abus- gated by prosecutors or state ing children in Chile since commissions.” 2000, a US-based moni- The list includes Chilean toring group said Wednes- priest Fernando Karadima, day ahead of a visit to the accused of abusing children country next week by Pope in 2010 and convicted by the Francis. Vatican, but not Chile. Francis, the first Lat- Foreign-born clergy mem- in American pontiff, has bers on the list included Irish- spoken out against such man Jeremiah Healy, Ameri- abuse, which has rocked can Jesuit H. Cornell Bradley, the church for years but has and Filipino Reverend Richard faced calls to improve ac- Joey Aguinaldo. countability and transpar- The group said it hoped ency. the timing would push the BishopAccountability. pontiff to take action needed org compiled its database to stem the tide of abuse. of clergy publicly accused Protesters are expected of sex abuse against mi- along the pope’s parade route nors using court and media during his visit next week to records. Chile, a largely Catholic and The group said the socially conservative country. list represented a “fraction The pontiff will then of the total number of ac- travel on to Peru. (Agence Catholic Pope Francis salutes Italy’s Guardia di Finanza police members during a weekly general audience at the Paul VI hall on cused clerics who would be France-Presse) January 10, 2018 at the Vatican. / AFP / Alberto Pizzoli/ Clouds lift as North Korea Catholic Pope Francis mum about Chile clergy sex boosts Pyeongchang Olympics abuse scandals in video message ahead of visit

In a photo taken on January 10, 2018 members of the South Korean air force Black Eagle perform above the ski jump venue of the Pyeongchang 2018 winter Olympics, in Pyeongchang. / AFP/

SEOUL, South Korea (AFP) — “No-one would now think Pyeongchang Winter Olympics the North could lob nuclear organizers are entering their fi- bombs over the heads of its nal preparations with renewed own athletes.” confidence after neighboring ‘Army of beauties’ North Korea ended months The North Korean dele- of speculation by confirming gation is expected to run into its attendance, immediately the hundreds, even though easing fears over security and only two North Korean ath- ticket sales. letes have so far qualified to With one month to go, compete, figure skaters Ryom the outlook is suddenly much Tae-Ok and Kim Ju-Sik. brighter for the “Peace Olym- But Olympic officials have pics,” which had been rocked said they will consider offering by the drugs ban on Russia’s wildcards to athletes from the team and concerns over po- country. Cross-country skiers tential disruption by the nucle- and speed skaters are under- ar-armed North. stood to be among those who North Korea, which boy- could benefit. cotted the 1988 Seoul Sum- According to reports, the mer Games, this week agreed North Koreans — including to attend its first Olympics in its “army of beauties” female the South during talks which cheering squad — could be ac- defused soaring tensions over commodated on a cruise ship its nuclear program and mis- off the nearby coastal city of sile tests. Sokcho. France, Germany and “There has been plenty of Austria had all voiced fears speculation on whether North A screenshot of Catholic Pope Francis as he is delivering his video message ahead of his scheduled visit to Chile and Peru. about competing in Pyeongc- Korea would participate or not, (Photo grabbed from Vatican News video released on January 9, 2017) hang during the stand-off with but now that it’s been con- North Korea, which lies just firmed, we’ll have to be - pre 80 kilometers (50 miles) away pared that much more,” said (Eagle News) — Catholic Francis said in his video mes- if Chile’s church leaders were socially conservative country. from the Olympic site across a Lee Hee-Beom, head of the or- Church’s Pope Francis did sage in Spanish released by required to report to law en- Sexual abuse scandals heavily fortified border. ganising committee, according not address directly the the Vatican on January 9. forcement, if its legal system that had rocked the Catholic “Security concerns over to Yonhap news agency. controversial sex abuse “Peace and hope shared allowed victims more time Church for years elicited calls the North’s nuclear threats “Accommodation for ath- scandals confronting at among all,” he added. to bring criminal and civil for Francis and the Vatican to during the Pyeongchang letes and other officials is all least 80 priests in Chile, in His entire video message charges, or if dioceses and improve accountability and Olympics have evaporated at ready. Since the cheering and his recent video message did not make any mention of religious orders were investi- transparency. a stroke,” Park Sung-Bae, a performing squads will also released by the Vatican the sexual abuse of children in gated by prosecutors or state But in his video mes- sports industry expert from make their way, we’ll have to ahead of his scheduled visit Chile done by Catholic priests commissions.” sage, the Catholic Pope South Korea’s Hanyang Uni- make our preparations accord- in Chile and Peru. for years. The list includes Chilean steered clear of these contro- versity, told AFP. ingly.” (Agence France-Presse) Francis, the first Lat- -At least 80 Catholic priest Fernando Karadima, versial sex abuse scandals. in American pontiff, said priests accused of sex abuse accused of abusing children The theme of Francis’ that he would be convey- against minors in Chile- in 2010 and convicted by the visit in Chile is “I Give You My ing his message of peace A US-based monitoring Vatican, but not Chile. Peace,” while that of Peru is and hope to both countries, group on Wednesday, January Foreign-born clergy mem- “United by Hope.” mention the sex abuse scandal one-time venerated career. which had been rocked by 10, accused almost 80 Roman bers on the list included Irish- Francis aired his video that forced the once-influential It is traditional for the sexual abuse scandals in- Catholic priests of sexually man Jeremiah Healy, Ameri- message just days ahead of church figure to resign. pope to issue a message volving Catholic priests and abusing children in Chile since can Jesuit H. Cornell Bradley, his departure for Chile and “I raise prayers for the of condolence and prayer lay leaders. 2000. and Filipino Reverend Richard Peru, where he will be from repose of his soul,” Francis said after the death of the “Brothers and sisters BishopAccountability. Joey Aguinaldo. January 15 to 22. in a telegram after Law, 86, died red-hatted church seniors. of Chile and Peru, as my org compiled its database of The group said it hoped in Rome on December 20, 2017. But the telegram journey to your countries clergy publicly accused of sex the timing would push the No mention of sex abuse scan- The former Boston cardi- then made no reference draws near, I greet you with abuse against minors using pontiff to take action needed dals after death of Boston car- nal had fallen from grace after to the pedophilia scandal, affection. I will visit you as a court and media records. to stem the tide of abuse. dinal he allegedly shielded priests and neither did the official pilgrim of the joy of the Gos- The group said the list Protesters are expected Last December, af- involved in a wide-reaching biography issued by the Vat- pel to share the peace of represented a “fraction of along the pope’s parade route ter the death of US Cardi- sex abuse scandal that shook ican. (Eagle News Service- the Lord with all and to con- the total number of accused during his visit next week to nal Bernard Law, the Pope the Roman Catholic Church with reports from Agence firm you in the same hope,” clerics who would be known Chile, a largely Catholic and and the Vatican also did not and eclipsed his long and at France Presse)