EAGLENEWS.PH “WE LIVE IN INTERESTING TIMES” Issue No. - 2 DECEMBER 2017 PHL Arena to be the venue of 2023 FIBA World Cup, as PHL-Japan-Indonesia awarded hosting rights

he Philippine Arena will be the site of the 2023 FIBA World Cup after the three-na- Ttion consortium of the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia was chosen to host the presti- gious international basketball competition. The International Basketball Federation or FIBA on Saturday, December 9, awarded the hosting rights for the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 to Philippines/Japan/Indonesia. “This marks the first time in the competi- tion’s history that it is to be staged in more than one country,” said a news release from FIBA, the world governing body for basketball. FIBA is an independent association formed by 213 National Basketball Federations throughout the world and is recognized as the sole competent authority in basketball by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The Philippines-Japan-Indonesia group and the Argentina-Uruguay group were the final- ists to host the event due to take place in just under six years’ time. The 2023 is now set to break attendance records for FIBA World Cup matches as the venue for the most awaited international bas- FIBA President Horacio Muratore shows the FIBA decision that the three-nation group of the Philippines, Japan and Indonesia ketball competition is at the 55,000-seater will be the host of the 2023 FIBA Basketbal World Cup. (Photo courtesy FIBA) Philippine Arena, the largest mixed use indoor arena in the world. The Philippine Arena is the “The World Cup is an event that fans of gether bids of the highest quality to host our very high quality, with both vying to host FIBA’s centerpiece structure of Ciudad de Victoria in basketball in these three countries are very World Cup.” flagship competition. Bocaue, Bulacan. proud of and hosting it will allow to spread the “We look forward to witnessing a FIBA “Faced with such fortunate circumstances The decision was made by FIBA’s Central basketball fever across the three countries and Basketball World Cup Final played in a venue and acknowledging similar trends in the world Board after the bidders gave final presentations the region,” he added. packed with more than 50,000 basketball cra- of sport, the Central Board decided that Argen- to support their candidatures to host the 19th FIBA President Horacio Muratore congrat- zy fans in the Philippines, a country where bas- tina/Uruguay will have the privileged opportuni- edition of basketball’s biggest competition. ulated the Philippines and its partner countries ketball is (like) a religion,” the FIBA president ty to adapt their candidature for the FIBA Bas- After the presentations, the “Central Board Japan and Indonesia for winning the hosting said. ketball World Cup 2027 and present it to the voted unanimously in favor of the candidature rights for the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup. The FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 will Central Board,” a FIBA release said. put forward by Philippines/Japan/Indonesia,” “Congratulations to Philippines/Japan/In- see the Group Phase take place in Philippines, “FIBA will communicate to Argentina/ FIBA said. donesia as they will host a first-of-a-kind FIBA Japan and Indonesia, with the Final Phase to Uruguay the requirements for the hosting of its Manuel V. Pangilinan, Chairman Emeritus Basketball World Cup in 2023, when it is staged follow in the Philippine capital city of . leading event at the beginning of 2018. Subject of the Philippines Basketball Association (PBA), across multiple countries,” Muratore said. There will be two rounds of eliminations, to meeting these, and following visits by a new headed the Philippines/Japan/Indonesia can- “This was a very difficult decision as both with the Philippines hosting 16 teams, while In- Evaluation Commission and the submission of didature. candidatures were of exceptional quality. We donesia and Japan will host eight teams each. the required guarantees, the Central Board will “We are extremely happy that FIBA has want to congratulate both bidders for their out- Manila will host the quarterfinals up to the fi- vote to decide the host(s) of the FIBA Basket- decided to award the hosting right for the FIBA standing work,” he said. nals. ball World Cup 2027 at its next meeting in June Basketball World Cup 2023 to Philippines/Ja- Muratore said that they were “very pleased The bidding process for the FIBA Basket- 2018,” FIBA said. (Eagle News Service) pan/Indonesia,” Pangilinan said. to see national federations team up and put to- ball World Cup 2023 saw two candidatures of Former President Aquino should be asked to explain Dengvaxia vaccine mess, says Gordon Trump tells NASA to send Americans to Moon See Page 6

Bitcoin rises in debut as SEC warns on digital money Former President Benigno Aquino III meeting with officials of Sanofi Pasteur in Paris, France on December 1, 2015. Photo from Senate Blue Ribbon committee hearing presentation of Senator Richard Gordon. Also in the photo is for- mer Health Secretary Janet Garin and former Finance Secretary . See Page 7

enator Richard Gordon said former Pres- porters he is considering inviting Aquino in the ident Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III should next senate blue ribbon committee hearing. Salso be investigated, and possibly even “I’ll talk to the others and see whether we invited to the senate hearing probing the gov- should pero if I were him, I’d go para mas ma- ernment’s unusually hasty procurement and ganda sa kanya na mapaliwanag ko ‘yung side implementation of the anti-dengue vaccination ko,” Gordon told reporters. program, particularly the Dengvaxia vaccine According to the timeline on the Dengvax- which has not completed clinical trials. ia vaccines’ procurement, it was already De- Over 6,000 firefighters Gordon said that the P3.5 billion bud- cember 22, 2015 when the Food and Drug Ad- battling southern get released for the Dengvaxia vaccination on ministration approved the certification for the more than 800,000 schoolchildren was also Dengvaxia vaccine. California blaze released with undue haste, or in just a matter The following day, December 23, former of months when it would normally take this at Budget Secretary Florencio “Butch” Abad al- least a year or two. ready issued a memorandum for President See Page 8 The vaccination of school children was Aquino for the funding for the Dengvaxia even done in April 2016, when the school year vaccination using savings from the Miscel- was about to end, and just a month before the laneous Personnel Benefits Fund (MPBF). May 2016 national elections. Senator Gordon said former President turn to page 2 Aquino has a lot of explaining to do. He told re-

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 nation 3 Drilon: Congress’ authorization of 1-year extension of Dela Rosa to remain in gov’t service martial law in already “a foregone conclusion” Congress approves Duterte proposal for 1-year extension of martial law in Mindanao

even after retirement from PNP ongress on Wednesday, posed an objection to the in- an “abdication of our sacred authorities themselves had nearer to peace..Sobra na ang Brosas added that the tion, the Congress will autho- December 13 voted to clusion of their votes after the duty” to act as a check and already, according to her, said pagdanak ng dugo sa ating extension would pave the way rize the extension of martial approve President Ro- final results were already an- balance, and was contrary to that the New People’s Army lansangan,” Hontiveros said. for what she said were more law for one year in the entire Apparently, even after he retires, Philippine National Police Chief Ronald Dela Rosa will be in gov- C drigo Duterte’s proposal for a nounced. human rights violations. ernment service. Mindanao,” he said. one-year extension of martial “Taimtim tayong Some dissenting opinions in “Ang target nito ay to si- Dela Rosa told reporters on Tuesday that President has already told him He said ultimately then, law in Mindanao. nanumpa na matapat nating House lence critics..at di kakampi ng which agency he would be transferred to after his retirement in January 2018. “the Supreme Court will have The approval pushed itataguyod ang pagtatanggol Rep. Kaka Bag-ao said Pangulo,” she said. He, however, refused to divulge which agency this was exactly. to decide the validity of the ex- through with a vote of 14-4-0 sa Saligang Batas. Pinag-isa that the declaration of mar- “Everyone failed in that agency. Bahala na kayo mag-isip,” Dela tension.” in the Senate, and a vote of tayo ng Saligang Batas….Arti- tial law was a “big step back- 2nd time Rosa said. He said this was because 226-23-0 in the House of Rep- cle 7, Section 18 of the Con- wards” from peace. This is the second time Pressed, Dela Rosa only said that the agency was he was certain several groups resentatives, with joint results stitution states..Wala na hong “Our soldiers deserve Congress voted to approve a “corruption-laden (masuhol).” would question such before of 240-27-0. aktwal na rebelyon, hindi kail- a better strategy..We do not proposal to extend martial law “I don’t run (away) from challenges lalo na kung the High Court. The four senators who angan ng bayan (ang extension match terror with another ter- in Mindanao from President pinaka-nirerespeto ko ang nagsabi,” Dela Rosa said. Duterte has already for- voted against the 1-year mar- ng martial law),” Pangilinan ror,” Bag-ao said. Duterte. Dela Rosa is set to retire on Jan. 21, 2018, the ongress’ “authorization” curity officials on the proposal, mally asked Congress to allow tial law extension were Frank- said in explaining his vote. Rep. Gary Alejano said he The first time was on July day he turns 56 years old. of a one-year extension noted that Congress, after all, the one-year extension of mar- lin Drilon, Bam Aquino, Risa “For us to go after ter- voted no because the Marawi 22, when the 60-day martial This is the age of mandatory retirement in of martial law is already was a “political body,” and that tial law in Mindanao, starting Hontiveros and Francis Pan- rorists and those who disre- crisis was over, and there was law imposed on Mindanao C January 1, 2018. the uniformed service. a foregone conclusion, Senate President Rodrigo Duterte has gilinan. gard our laws we must do so therefore no longer a legal ba- lapsed. Minority Leader Franklin Drilon a super majority in both hous- The imposition of martial The votes of Senators consistent with the law and sis for such an extension. President Duterte first said on Tuesday, December es. law is set to expire in Decem- Cynthia Villar and Francis Es- the Constitution, otherwise Rep. Christopher Bel- declared martial law there 12. “…And therefore it is ex- ber, months after Congress cudero, who were unable to we become lawbreakers..,” he the Constitution. was already a “spent force.” monte, Rep. Arlene Brosas and after Islamic State-inspired Drilon, who spoke to re- pected that notwithstanding gave the go-signal for a first PHL consulate: No reports of Filipino vote in the first round, were added. Hontiveros, for her part, “Martial law is not the Rep. Edcel Lagman echoed his groups overran Marawi in May. porters prior to a briefing of se- our reservations and opposi- extension. (ENS) casualties in New York subway blast no longer counted after Drilon He said the approval was reiterated her position that solution..It will not bring us argument. (Eagle News Service)

In final preparation for New Year’s Eve, the iconic New federalism campaign administrator appointed Former President Aquino should be asked to Times Square New Year’s Eve ball was lit and sent Guerrero: It’s “overly ambitious” to think up the 130-foot pole atop One Times Square for one final test run before the countdown to 2017. explain Dengvaxia vaccine mess, says Gordon (from Reuters video) terrorism will be eradicated by end of my term

Contination from page 1 United Nations Conference Kung saka-sakali pong sa im- on Climate Change. He was bestigasyon niyo, your honors, rmed Forces of the By: Mar Gabriel, Eagle News Service also with former health sec- ay meron po akong command Philippines Chief Rey retary Janet Garin and former responsibility as secretary of AGuerrero on Friday, De- Finance Secretary Cesar Puri- that time, I am not pointing cember 15 stopped short of saying he would be able to Former President sima. fingers with other… I welcome Benigno Aquino III Gordon said the former and I will fully answer whatev- eradicate terrorism by the President should be asked to er it takes. At rerespetuhin ko end of his term in April, say- explain this. po kung ano man ‘yung inyong ing making such a promise “Ang region 3, 4 tsaka magiging desisyon,” she said. would make him “overly am- NCR ang pinakamaraming Sanofi Pasteur had -ear bitious.” boto eh, so kung hindi pera, lier released a statement “I’m just being practi- boto. Wala pa akong sinasa- that based on their studies, There are no reports of injured in the subway attack in Times Square on Monday cal. Ang sabi ko nga sa inyo Eagle News) — The Depart- Malaya was Assistant country and lead it towards bi. Nakakapagtaka dun lang the Dengvaxia vaccine is not so far. the AFP operates based on ment of the Interior and Secretary for Communication development..And with ASec nila inilagay ang sample pag- recommended for those who The Philippine Consulate General urged the Filipino-American community to contact a campaign plan. We’ve set This photo taken on July 22, 2017 shows government troops patrolling a de- Local Government’s Fed- and Capacity Development of Malaya at the helm of the katapos ang laki ng amount. have not had dengue prior to 9172940196 should they know of any Filipino or Filipino-American affected by the attack po- targets and timelines and serted street in Marawi on the southern island of Mindanao. In May, the city eralism and Constitutional the DILG before the appoint- campaign, I am confident The amount was Mukhang hindi pinag-aralan vaccination since this would lice said was done by Akayed Ullah using a home-made pipe bomb. right now may targets kami,” was overrun by terrorists inspired by the Islamic State. / AFP / Ted Aljibe/ Reform program has a new ment. that we can make this hap- P3,556,155,900 for the ex- ng husto yung efficacy ng ga- lead to a more severe type of At least four people, including the Bangladeshi suspect, were hurt in the attack. Guerrero said in a press administrator. “As directed by President pen,” Cuy said. panded program for immu- mot,” Gordon noted in an am- dengue. briefing. as the chief of staff,” Guerrero public “can expect a more Interior Assistant Sec- (Rodrigo) Duterte, the DILG Malaya was assistant nization where the Dengue bush interview with reporters. This had caused alarm He said, however, that said. focused military” conduct- retary Jonathan Malaya has needs to let the local govern- secretary of the Office of the vaccine is to be used in three He said former President for parents whose children “as far as the neutralization He said now that Con- ing “intensified focused mili- been appointed to the posi- ments and the ordinary people President. identified regions: NCR or Na- Aquino should explain this un- had been vaccinated in the PSA: Unemployment rate, bahagyang tumaas nitong Oktubre of terrorist threats is con- gress has approved the one- tary operations…nationwide, tion, DILG Officer-in-Charge appreciate and understand He was also executive tional Capital Region, Region due haste in the purchase of school-based dengue vaccina- cerned, I’ll do my best…(and) year extension of martial law most especially in Mindan- announced on how federalism will be able director of PDP-Laban Feder- 3 or Central Luzon, and Re- the Dengvaxia vaccines and tion program. There had also the most that I can give at in Mindanao, for instance, the ao.” (Eagle News Service) Sunday. to change the course of our alism Institute. gion 4-a or Southern Tagalog its immediate vaccination been at least two reported the time that I am afforded region. on hundreds of thousands deaths of school-children after On December 28, a Mon- of schoolchildren, even if the they had been given Dengvax- day, after the holidays, the De- vaccine had not completed its ia shots. (with a report from Pasay court allows Pampanga Rep. partment of Budget and Man- clinical trials. Meanne Corvera, Eagle News Duterte to appoint Kariton Klasrum’s Efren agement (DBM) already asked Former Health Secretary Service) the EPI or the Expanded Pro- Janet Garin insisted, however, Arroyo to travel abroad Peñaflorida as PCUP commissioner gram on Immunization to pre- that there was no corruption pare procurement documents in the procurement of the for the dengue vaccine. Dengvaxia vaccines. But It should be noted that she said she is open to it was only on December 1, an investigation. Bahagyang tumaas ang unemployment Bahagya itong tumaas kumpara sa 4.7 2015, that former President “We are hoping rate ng bansa nitong Oktubre 2017 kumpara percent na naitala sa kaparehong panahon Aquino had a meeting with Sa- that this would real- sa kaparehong panahon noong 2016. noong nakaraang taon. nofi Pasteur executives at the ly be investigat- Ayon sa Philippine Statistics Authority, Katumbas ito ng 2.2 million Filipinos at 2 Hotel Scribe in Paris. This was ed … Ako rin po tinatayang nasa 5.0 percent ang unemployed million naman noong nakaraang taon. when he was in Paris for the ay nababagabag. na mga Pilipino. Four SC justices detail Sereno’s unlawful acts; Treason, manipulation, lack of respect by CJ cited

ore high court jus- of Justice’s request to trans- Chief Justice, she should’ve to the Ito Abba rock formation she learn of it? And what has proper cases, the Court finds tices testified against fer the cases involving Maute taken the initiative of bringing as an “island.” the judiciary have to do with the subject shortlist as tainted MSupreme Court Chief terrorists to either Luzon or Vi- it to the attention of the en “Iyong sinasabi ko na ang our case?” Jardeleza said, He with a vice that it is assigned to Justice Maria Lourdes Sere- sayas. banc because, after all, it is chief justice ang nag commit also questioned Sereno’s ref- guard against. Indeed, the in- no, giving details on how she The request of Justice the en banc that will decide on ng disloyalty and treason is not erence to Itu Aba as an island, vocation of Section 2, Rule 10 Former President Gloria Arroyo. had acted “through unlawful secretary Vitaliano Aguirre the matter,” he said. a plain opinion. Iyon ay batay which is contrary to the Phil- of JBC-009 must be deemed means” in at least one in- II was dated May 29, 2017. sa facts. Ginamit at pinalabas ippine government’s position to have never come into oper- stance in the West Philippine This was however not tackled -High court suffering from Sere- nya sa publiko ang classified that it is “merely just a rock ation in light of its erroneous QUEZON CITY, Philippines (Eagle News) –A Pasay City regional trial court issued a decision allow- Sea controversy, and manipu- during the SC’s en banc on no’s actions, says De Castro na dokumento. Tinawag na is- formation where no life form application on the original ing Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to travel abroad for vacation and official lated the Court several times June 6. Instead, Sereno opted land ang feature na hirap ang can exist.” ground against Jardeleza’s business. Efren Peñaflorida, named CNN’s hero of the year in 2009, making a speech. /Peñaflorida Twitter account/ without consulting her fellow to bring this out during lunch Supreme Court Associ- gobyerno na i-prove na rock,” Retired Supreme Court integrity,” the high court’s de- Judge Jesus Mupas of Pasay City Regional Trial Court Branch 112 issued the decision allow- justices, to the point of violat- with some of the magistrates ate Justice Teresita De Castro, Jardeleza said. associate justice Arturo Brion cision dated August 19, 2014, ing the former President to go to Japan, Hong Kong and Myanmar from December 26, 2017 to (Eagle News)– President Rodrigo is set to appoint Kariton Klasrum founder Efren Peñaflorida as a ing its own rules. on the same day. on the other hand, point out “I just want to ask her: also testified before the House penned then by Associate Jus- January 12, 2018. commissioner of the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor. First it was only, Supreme “There is a distinct dif- on how Sereno in the last five who is disloyal to the Philip- committee on justice to cor- tice Jose Mendoza said. Mupas approved Arroyo’s request after her lawyers Ferdinand Topacio and Joselito Loman- Duterte made the announcement days after he fired commissioners of the agency, including Court Associate Justice Teresi- ference between discussing years, have been repeatedly pine government?” said during roborate the testimonies of “This rule may well be ap- gaya submitted a “very urgent supplemental motion for leave to travel abroad” and paid the travel its chair, left-leaning Terry Ridon. ta de Castro who had earlier something important during disregarding rules and proce- the House committee on jus- the other high court justices. plied to the current situation bond of Php 700,000. Duterte made the move after Ridon traveled seven times outside the country since he was testified against Sereno. But the en banc session, where dures of the high court. tice yesterday. He also noted how Sere- for an opposing view submits Topacio submitted Arroyo’s motion to travel abroad in November 2017 after assigned to the commission in September. in yesterday’s (December 11) you have the docket folders, De Castro said she had Jardeleza served as Solic- no blocked the earlier JBC to an undue relaxation of the the Sandiganbayan dismissed her graft case over the botched national broad- The President said the PCUP just met two to three times despite it being a collegial body. hearing, three other Associate the materials with you and been telling Sereno, the most itor General of the Republic of nomination on Jardeleza to Bill of Rights. To this, the Court Justices – Francis Jardeleza, holding a caucus on an im- junior among the justices, that the Philippines from February the Supreme Court. The high shall not concede,” the high band project deal with the Chinese firm ZTE Corp. Noel Tijam and retired justice portant matter where in front she cannot do this, but Sereno 2012 until his appointment as court later ruled in favor of Jar- court’s resolution said then. Arturo Brion – testified on the of you are plates, forks and did not heed her advice. the 173rd Associate Justice of deleza’s inclusion to the JBC Sereno’s lawyers, howev- same thing, that Sereno violat- food,” Tijam said. “Hanggang kailan ba the Supreme Court on August shortlist. er, insisted that the Chief Jus- ed several of the Court’s own “I’d like to decipher why kami magtitiis?” De Castro 20, 2014. He also served as tice did no wrong. (Eagle News Cebu Rep. Garcia says she requested for the dengue program expansion for her constituents rules. the Chief Justice did not act said during the House com- Deputy Ombudsman for Lu- “You are getting what you Service) They said that for the five on it promptly, being the mem- mittee on justice hearing on zon. want through these devious years that Sereno served as ber in charge. I was not the the impeachment complaint He also served as Agent means that are not right,” Bri- (Eagle News) — Cebu Rep. She recalled telling Ubial “Sa kaniya po, as kept “badgering” her for al- the Chief Justice, she did not member in charge but I acted against Sereno. for the Republic of the Philip- on said of Sereno. Gwendolyn Garcia on Friday during a session in 2016 that secretary of health (then), if most an hour. show respect nor courtesy to more promptly by circulating a pines and Head of the Philip- said she was only trying to the dengue incidence in Cebu she really believes na kailan- She said the other her fellow justices who are memorandum to the en banc Treason pine legal team handling the In the high court’s de- do what she could for her was “very high” and that there gang ihinto, panindigan niya. lawmaker was Iloilo Rep. even more senior than her. and trying to force a vote,” he United Nations Convention on cision on the case of former constituents when she asked were already people dying. Health e, buhay na ng mga Oscar Garin, former Health “The Supreme Court is a added. Another Supreme Court the Law of the Sea Annex VII solicitor general Jardeleza then-Health Secretary Paulyn “So sinabi ko sa kaniya, bata ang nakasalalay dito,” Secretary Janette Garin’s collegial, it is a consultative, Tijam said that Sereno associate justice Francis Jar- arbitration with China, in rela- against Sereno, it called the Ubial to expand the govern- dalawa kayong nagtatalong she said. husband. deliberative, participatory should have promptly referred deleza said Sereno commit- tion to the West Philippine Sea exclusion of Jardeleza be- ment’s dengue vaccination schools of thought. As of now, Ubial said on Thurs- The female Garin, body. The Chief Justice is not the matter en banc, regardless ted no less than “treason” for maritime disputes. cause of Sereno’s manipula- program to her province. ang (Department of Health), day Garcia was among the however, noted that her hus- the Supreme Court,” Tijam told of her position or thoughts on illegally obtaining classified Jardeleza wondered how tion as a ‘defect’ and a “vice” “Ginagampanan lang ang undersecretaries mo, lawmakers from the House band was not a member of the House committee on jus- the case, thus a delay in the information on the Philippine Sereno was able to get infor- that the high court should namin ang role namin as parehong inendorse ito. Kaya of Representatives who the Commission on Appoint- tice hearing the impeachment resolution of the petition could government’s claims over the mation that was confidential guard against. fiscalizer at mabigyan ng sabi ko, if you stop this, e na- “pressured” her into imple- ments that ended up reject- complaint against Sereno. have been avoided. disputed West Philippine Sea. and restricted, and known only “As the branch of govern- benefits ang constituents bayaran na yan?” Garcia said. menting the controversial den- ing Ubial’s appointment as Tijam cited how Sereno “But the point is, regard- He said Sereno commit- to lawyers in the executive de- ment tasked to guarantee that namin kung may government She said if lawmakers gue vaccine program. health secretary at that failed to present during an en less of the thoughts, the sen- ted not only treason but disloy- partment. the protection of due process program na ganito,” Garcia like her asked, “that is our She alleged that in one time. (Eagle News Service) banc session the Department timents, the feelings of the alty to the public for referring “My question is: how did is available to an individual in said in a radio interview. role.” session in 2016, Garcia had 4 metro news Provincial News 5 Dalawang magkahiwalay na ambush ng Military truck na nag-rescue ng mga Pag-dedeploy ng traffic enforcers sa gabi 4 na katao, arestado sa drug buy- bust operation sa Tondo, Manila NPA sa pulis, nangyari sa Surigao del Norte sundalong sugatan, nahulog sa bangin; at madaling araw plano sa Quezon City By: Jabes A. Juanite, Eagle News Correspondent 2 patay, 9 na katao sugatan By: Ferdinand C. Libor, Jr., Eagle News Correspondent

Patay ang dalawa katao habang siyam naman ang sugatan matapos mahulog sa bangin ang kanilang sina- sakyang military truck sa Sitio Dumalian, Barangay Lourdes sa Pagadian City. Ayon sa report ng 53rd Apat katao ang arestado ma- ni Vicente Anciado Jr. Habang Infantry Battalion, ang nasa- karaang mahulihan ng ipinag- sa drawer ng kwarto ni Ruel bing sasakyan ay nag-rescue babawal na gamot sa ikina- Maestro alias Yamson nakuha sa dalawang sugatan na mga sang anti-drug operations ng ang limang sachet ng illegal na sundalo na nakipagbakbakan Habang binaybay ng mga awtoridad ang dalawang Philippine Drug Enforcement droga. sa rebeldeng New People’s nasabing military truck ang nasawi at maging ang siyam Agency (PDEA). Samantala, tatlong sa- Dalawang magkahiwalay na ang nagpaputok sa kanila. mga miyembro ng NPA, dito na Army (NPA) sa Brgy. Lison Val- kahabaan ng Lison Valley pa- na sugatan dahil patuloy pa Sa bisa ng search war- chet ng shabu naman ang na- insidente ng ambush ang Ang pangalawang ins- nagkaroon ng putukan sa da- ley sa nasabing lungsod. tungo nang Pagadian City, pag- umano ang kanilang isinaga- rant, isa-isang hinalughog ng kuha sa bahay ni Virgilio Estra- nangyari sa Surigao del Norte idente ay nangyari naman sa lawang grupo na tumagal din Bandang 10:00 ng um- dating nito sa lugar ay nawalan wang imbestigasyon. Special Enforcement Service da sa Osmeña Street. nito lamang Linggo, Disyem- Brgy. Mabuhay, Sison, Surigao ng ilang minuto. aga nitong Linggo, Disyembre ito ng preno at aksidenteng Sa ngayon ay nagpa- ng PDEA ang tatlong bahay sa Ayon sa PDEA, ginaga- bre 10. del Norte, kung saan nasa 15 Wala namang nasaktan 10 ng magkapalitan ng putok nahulog sa isang bangin. patuloy pa ang opensiba ng Brgy. 112 Tondo, Maynila. wang drug den ang bahay nina Papunta sana ang tropa kalalakihan ang namataan ng sa panig ng gobyerno. ng Claver Municipal Police mga miyembro ng PNP Pro- Samantala, patuloy ang tropa ng Charlie company Agad dinala sa pinaka- mga militar laban sa mga re- Pinagpaplanuhan ang pagdedeploy ng karagdagang traffic en- trol Group (PNP-HPG) Police Community Relations Chief Glen- Sa bahay ni Ramil Para- Paragas at Estrada habang Station sa Surigao City para vincial Mobile Force sa isang naman ang isinagawang clear- ng 53rd IB sa mga rebeldeng malapit na ospital ang labing beldeng grupong NPA habang forcers na magbabantay tuwing gabi hanggang madaling araw da Lim, na dapat ikunsidera ng Inter-Agency for Council for gas sa C.P Garcia St. Corner habang notoryus na pusher ipaayos ang kanilang service bundok. ing operation ng PNP Mo- grupo na tumagal ng apat na isang sakay nito na mga sun- nagdagdag na rin ng karag- sa mga pangunahing kalsada sa Quezon City. Traffic (i-ACT) maging ng local government ng Quezon City ang Dandan Street nakuha ang naman sina Anciado at Mae- vehicle ng paputukan ang Huminto ang mga miyem- bile Force para matukoy ang oras . Dalawa ang sugatan sa dalo ngunit dalawa dito ay dagang puwersa ang militar Ito’y matapos lumabas sa datos ng Metropolitan Ma- pagdedeploy ng mga enforcer kahit gabi hanggang madaling mga sachet ng umano’y shabu stro. kanilang patrol car. Tinatayang bro ng otoridad para tiyakin kinalalagyan ng mga NPA. hanay ng militar na kinakailan- idineklarang dead on arrival. sa lugar para tugisin ang mga nila Development Authority (MMDA), na nagaganap ang mga araw. at drug paraphernalia. Dinala sa PDEA head- nasa sampung kalalakihan ang sitwasyon kung ito ba ay *** gang madala agad sa ospital. Hindi pa pinangalan ng bandidong grupo. malubhang aksidente simula alas-onse ng gabi hanggang ala- Bukod sa EDSA at Commonwealth Avenue, madalas ding Nakita din sa kapare- quarters ang mga suspek na una ng madaling araw kung kailan wala nang mga traffic -en naitatala ang mga aksidente sa quirino highway, Katipunan hong kalye ang apat na sa- mahaharap sa reklamong forcer. Avenue, Quezon Avenue, Aurora Boulevard, Andres Bonifacio chet ng hinihinalang shabu paglabag sa Comprehensive Dahil dito, iginiit ni Philippine National Police-Highway Pa- Avenue at E. Rodriguez Senior Avenue. malapit sa lababo sa kwarto Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. Matataas na kalibre ng armas, iba pa Isang barangay kagawad sa Dimataling, Zamboanga del Sur, nakumpiska sa mga miyembro ng NPA patay matapos pagbabarilin sa loob ng kaniyang bahay sa Zamboanga del Sur Mga transport group na tutol Dela Rosa defends appointment of Ferro as anti-drug chief By: Ferdinand C. Libor Jr. Eagle News Service By: Mar Gabriel sa PUV modernization, Eagle News Service muling binalaan ng Pangulo hilippine National Police Villegas to the Anti-Kidnap- Chief Ronald dela Rosa ping Group so he could tell all. Pon Tuesday defended the appointment of Senior Ferro, he added, was a Supt. Albert Ferro as head of very competent officer. the PNP Drug Enforcement “Some guys are lucky Group. but not so competent but In a press conference, some guys are unlucky but Dela Rosa said it has been very competent. Rarely can proven that Ferro, former you find officers now (who) Ang ilan sa mga gamit na narekober ng militar sa mga miyembro ng NPA sa head of the Anti-Illegal Drugs are both lucky and compe- isinagawang combat operation noong Lunes, Disyembre 11, 2017. (Photo courtesy 53rd Infantry Battalion) Group, had nothing to do with tent. Si ferro nakikita ko he the kidnapping and killing of is very competent sa trabaho akumpiska ng militar ang matataas na kalibre na ar- Korean National Jee Ick Joo pero naging unlucky siya kasi mas at iba pa sa panibagong engkwentro laban sa by policemen in 2016. nasingitan siya,” he said. NNew People’s Army sa Zamboanga del Sur. The group was abolished He noted the police of- Ayon kay LTC Virgilio Hamos Jr., commanding officer ng Dead on the spot ang isang barangay kagawad matapos pag- Nagtamo ng tama ang biktima sa ulo at sa iba’t ibang following news of the killing. ficial, who is currently the 53 Infantry Battalion, noong Lunes, Disyembre 11 nakuha babarilin sa loob ng kaniyang bahay sa Zamboanga del Sur. bahagi ng katawan na siyang dahilan ng kaniyang agarang “Nangyari lang na yung deputy chief of the Firearms ang mga armas–isang M60 general purpose machine gun, Kinilala ang biktima na si Arao Bonga, 58 taong gulang, pagkamatay. uling binalaan ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte ang mga mga tao na gumawa ng kri- and Explosives Office, “has M16 assault rifle, improvised explosive device, magazine at isang peace and order chairman sa Brgy. Poblacion, Dimataling. Agad namang tumakas ang suspek sa hindi pa matukoy na transport group na tutol pa rin sa Public Utility Vehicle men ay under his command… established contacts with our mga bala—sa sagupaan sa pagitan ng mga tropa ng 53IB at Base sa inisyal na imbestigasyon, habang nanunuod ng lugar matapos magawa ang nasabing krimen. (PUV) modernization program. M Lumabas na hindi siya in- foreign counterparts.” 5th IB, at ng nasa mahigit na 30 mga NPA sa Lakewood. telebisyon sa loob ng kaniyang bahay ang biktima noong Lunes, Nakuha sa crime scene ang 16 na basyo ng M16 armalite. Ayon kay Pangulong Duterte, tiyak na may kalalagyan ang volved and was even instru- “So siya ay established Ang mga miyembro ng NPA ay pinaniniwalaang miyem- bandang alas 8:00 ng gabi, isang di pa kilalang suspek ang Away sa pamilya naman ang tinitingnan na anggulo ng mga mga transport group na hindi susunod sa batas dahil wawasakin mental in the resolution of na, pinagkatiwalaan na siya bro pa rin ng Regional Guerilla Unit at SECOM KARA. biglang pumasok at pinagbabaril ang biktima gamit ang M16 otoridad sa nasabing pamamaril. niya ang mga sasakyan ng mga ito. Then- the head of the Philippine National Police Anti-Illegal Drug Group the case,” Dela Rosa said. and I hope sa pagbabalik Nakuha rin ang ilang mahahalagang dokumento. armalite. Maka-ilang beses ng naglunsad ng tigil-pasada ang mga (PNP-AIDG) Senior Supt. Albert Ferro announces that the three other com- panions of police suspect SPO3 Ricky Sta. Isabel are now under restrictive He noted that it was Fer- niya, ganun din ang mang- Tumagal ang palitan ng putok ng halos isang oras at grupong Piston at Stop and Go Coalition bilang protesta sa PUV custody inside Camp Crame in Quezon City. (Eagle News Service) ro himself who took SP03 Roy yari,” he said. (ENS) limang minuto. modernization program. Nagtatapon ng wastewater sa Boracay, binalaan P3.3 bilyong halaga ng sigarilyo, inihingi ng Department of Environment Mga transport group na tutol sa PUV Several senators welcome impending sinunog sa Bulacan and Natural Resources (DENR) ang mga permit ng mga establesimiyento sa Bo- appointment of Dela Rosa as BuCor chief Hracay na ilegal na nagtatapon ng basura. modernization, muling binalaan ng Pangulo Sinabi ni DENR Western Visayas Region- By: Meanne Corvera, Eagle News Service al Director Jim Sampulna, ipapakansela nila sa Department of Tourism (DOT) at local gov- ernment unit (LGU) ang mga permit ng mga “Here I come…I’m coming. See you there.” establesimiyento kung patuloy na magtata- pon sa lugar. Philippine National Police Chief Ronald Dela Rosa had this to Bago nito, naglabas ng notice sa 12 es- say to convicts still engaged in illegal drug activities in the Bureau tablesimiyento sa lugar matapos masuri ng of Corrections, which he is expected to head after his retirement mga otoridad na may mga tubo na nagtatapon ng mga basura sa dagat. (Eagle News Service) from the police force in 2018. Aerial View of Boracay. (Photo: en.wikipedia.org) “He is my boss ever since and he will be my boss forever. So hindi ako puwede na aayaw sa pagtatrabaho niya sa akin,” indi bababa sa 3.3 billion pesos na halaga ng Mighty Dela Rosa told reporters in explaining why he accepted the job Corporation Cigarettes na may mga pekeng stamp ang President Rodrigo Duterte himself offered to him. Hsinunog sa Bulacan. Pekeng PDEA agent areastado matapos nakuhanan ng iligal na droga Although he has accepted the position, Dela Rosa Ang mga nasabing sigarilyo ay sinunog sa Holcim Ce- said he will not be working as BuCor chief right ment Processing Plant sa Norzagaray na sinaksihan ni Fi- after he retires on January 21, 2018. nance Secretary Carlos Dominguez III. By: Aser Bulanadi at Godofredo Santiago Eagle News Correspondent He said he would ask the President for Binigyang diin ng finance secretary, na ang Holcim ang a vacation. napiling partner ng gobyerno sa pagsira ng mga pekeng sig- “Hihingi muna ako ng vacation time sa arilyo, dahil ang nasabing kompanya ang pioneer sa “geocy- restado ang isang 42 anyos na lala- kaniya, kung papayag siya…sana mga two weeks mag-enjoy yung pamilya ko,” he said. cle” technology. ki na nagpanggap na miyembro ng APhilippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA). PHIVOLCS “closely monitoring” Mt. Naaresto ng mga tunay na ahente ng PDEA ang suspek sa ikinasang buy-bust op- Duterte to extend PNP Chief Dela Rosa’s Photo courtesy: hashgurus.com Kanlaon after 578 earthquakes eration sa may kanto ng Mc Arthur highway at Lazatin Subd., Tarlac City kamakailan. term “for two to three months” were recorded there in 24 hours Ayon kay Tarlac PDEA Provincial offi- “Drug lords…must be quaking in their slippers,” Lacson says cer Marie Fe V. Manto, ang suspect ay si he Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology Lorenzo Narbolita, taga-Brgy. Mapalaciao, (Eagle News) — President Rodrigo (Eagle News) — Several senators on Wednes- in the aspect of being hands on not to mention his on Wednesday said that 578 earthquakes were record- Tarlac City. Duterte on Wednesday said he day welcomed the impending appointment of track record of being mission-oriented.” ed in Mt. Kanlaon in the last 24 hours. Matagal na umanong nasa PDEA tar- would extend the term of Philippine Philippine National Police Chief Ronald dela T get list ang suspek. As such, PHIVOLCS director Renato Solidum said they National Police Chief Ronald dela Rosa at the helm of the Bureau of Correc- Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, for his part, Modus operandi umano ng suspek would “closely monitor” the activities of the volcano on Ne- Ang suspek na si Lorenzo Narbolita. Rosa “for two to three months.” tions. noted that Dela Rosa’s qualities as a “tough and gros Island. na magpanggap bilang isang PDEA agent Dela Rosa is set to retire from “The drug lords serving time in the (New decisive leader” were needed to “completely over- “Maliban sa lindol, may pressure na nakikita at ang gas o kaya naman ay gagamit ng mga pan- the police force on January 21, Bilibid Prison) must be quaking in their slip- haul the system inside BuCor and once and for all galan ng mga tunay na PDEA agent para na mas marami kaysa dati, from below 100 minsan ay 800 Nakumpiska kay Narbolita ang dalawang plastic sachet ng shabu, marked mon- 2018, when he reaches the man- pers at the thought of Bato in their midst eliminate illegal drugs and corruption inside the makapang-extort ng ilegal na droga sa mga tons per day…All of these three observations—madaming vol- ey at motorsiklong walang plaka. datory age of retirement of 56. practically 24/7,” Lacson, a former PNP chief facilities.” inaakala niyang mga tao na may kinala- canic earthquakes, patuloy na may pressure, ground defor- Kinasuhan na ang suspeck dahil sa paglabag sa Comprehensive Dangerous After the extension, Dela himself, said. “That facility has been the face of illicit drug man sa kalakalang ito. mation, at pagtaas ng sulfur dioxide gas sa Kanlaon—would Drugs Act o R.A. 9165. Rosa is expected to assume the He added Dela Rosa’s assignment as trade being perpetuated by convicted drug lords. Kapag nakakumpiska na siya ng ile- President Rodrigo Duterte meeting with PNP Police Director General tell us na talagang abnormal,” he said. Nakakulong ngayon si Narbolita sa lock-up cell ng PDEA Regional Office 3 sa helm of the Bureau of Corrections. Ronald Dela Rosa in the Malacañan Palace, August 2016. BuCor director “could very well serve its pur- I’m confident that he has experience and grit to put gal na droga ay ide-deliver niya ito sa kani- PHIVOLCS said residents should avoid entering the des- Pampanga. (Photo: en.wikipedia.org) pose what with his reputation preceding him BuCor order,” he said. ignated four-kilometer radius permanent dangerous zone. yang mga customer. 6 international international 7 Trump tells NASA to send Americans to Moon Peru Congress to debate impeachment of president Bitcoin rises in debut as SEC warns on digital money

WASHINGTON, United States The last time US astro- exploration and discovery,” NEW YORK, United States tial coin offerings have been for volatility as the exchange for the online money dubbed currencies, such as ethere- mindful pitfalls given the Wild (AFP) — US President Don- nauts visited the Moon was and “marks an important (AFP) — Bitcoin experienced registered with the SEC,” said was forced to suspend trad- “digital gold” by its advocates, um, ripple and litecoin, which West nature of the market. ald Trump directed NASA on during the Apollo missions of step in returning American some big swings but finished Jay Clayton, chairman of the ing twice due to major price which began life in 2009 as a employ the same “blockchain” Regulators have increasing Monday to send Americans the 1960s and 1970s. astronauts to the Moon for higher in its debut on a ma- US Securities and Exchange swings. But Tilly said that indi- bit of encrypted software sup- software foundation as bit- scrutiny of initial coin offer- to the Moon for the first time On July 20, 1969, US the first time since 1972.” jor exchange Monday, while Commission. “If any person cates the exchange was oper- posedly written by an unknown coin. ings (ICOs), a key fundraising in decades, a move he said astronaut Neil Armstrong be- The goal of the new a leading US securities regu- today tells you otherwise, be ating as intended. coder with a Japanese-sound- “The level of interest is tool for cryptocurrency fund- would help prepare for a fu- came the first man to walk on Moon missions would include lator warned investors about especially wary.” The exchange set a pol- ing name. unbelievable,” said Timothy raising. ture Mars trip. the Moon. “long-term exploration and the risks of cryptocurrencies. “I encourage Main Street Enneking, founder and the pri- The US Securities and “This time we will not Trump and Vice Presi- use” of its surface. Bitcoin futures for January de- investors to be open to these mary Principal of Crypto Asset Exchange Commission on only plant our flag and leave dent Mike Pence, who heads A White House state- livery finished at $18,850.00 opportunities, but to ask good Management, an asset and Monday halted the ICO by our footprint,” Trump said the newly revitalized National ment said the US “will work near 2115 GMT on its first questions, demand clear fund management company blockchain-based food re- at the White House as he Space Council, have previous- with other nations and private full day of trading, a bit below answers and apply good com- that created a digital currency view service Munchee, signed the new space policy ly vowed to explore the Moon industry to return astronauts session peaks but soaring mon sense when doing so,” index. that had been seeking $15 directive. “We will establish again, but offered few details. to the Moon, developing the well past the $15,000 initial Clayton warned. “We get dozens of peo- million, after concluding that a foundation for an eventual Flanked by Pence and technology and means for price when Cboe launched Many major banks stayed ple contacting us each day the company was attempting mission to Mars and perhaps two female astronauts, Trump manned exploration of Mars the platform on Sunday night. out of the Cboe trading and to know how to invest in to sell securities without the someday to many worlds be- said the directive “will refocus and other destinations in our The Cboe launch have generally kept their cryptocurrencies and we don’t required registration. yond.” the space program on human solar system.” (AFP) marked the first opportunity distance from bitcoin, the even do any marketing.” The SEC last week shut for professional traders to most prominent of a plethora Fidelity Labs, part of the down another ICO, charging invest in bitcoin on a tradi- of emerging cryptocurrencies. giant Fidelity Investments, has fraud against Dominic tional platform and is expect- Cboe chief Ed Tilly called been active in bitcoin for four Lacroix, a Canadian with a Venezuela government, opposition ed to be followed in a week on critics of the virtual curren- icy requiring such halts due What began as the years, said managing director history of securities law vi- by a rival listing on Chicago cy to express their skepticism to major price moves, for preserve of computer nerds Hadley Stern. olations, and his company hold new round of talks A handout picture distributed by the Peruvian Presidency shows President Pedro Pablo Kuczynski appearing in Lima on a Mercantile Exchange. in the market. example requiring a five-min- and financial experts has “It really started with our PlexCorps, charging the com- televised message to the Nation on December 14, 2017, surrounded by his Ministers of State and and lawmakers to an- nounce he would not resign his position, and ruled out having received illegal payments from the Brazilian construction Still, in a sign of the “Whether it’s a fraud, ute suspension due to a 20 gained a broader following executive team starting to see pany that took millions from SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican company Odebrecht, an accusation that the political opposition is using to demand he steps down or face impeachment. unease generated by mete- whether it’s a bubble, percent move. among those seeking alter- what was going on in bitcoin,” investors, “falsely promising” Republic (AFP) — Venezue- / AFP PHOTO / Peruvian Presidency / HO oric rise of the digital cur- whether it’s legitimate… you “So we hit those barriers natives to traditional invest- Stern said. a speedy, 13-fold profit.(AFP) la’s government and opposi- rency, the top US securities will be able to express all of on price movements and we ments, and now can be used “And then we be- “For the amount of tion concluded a new round regulator Monday cautioned those thoughts in a transpar- did halt according to plans,” to pay for a pint in a London came very interested in the bullishness surrounding cryp- investors on the risks of cryp- ent market place,” Tilly told Tilly said. “All things operated pub or a manicure, as well as underlying blockchain tech- toassets, there appears to of talks Friday in an effort to By: Carlos Mandujano / Moises Avila the legislature, had already do, whom Odebrecht paid $20 tocurrencies and “initial coin AFP in an interview several as they should.” to invest in startup ventures, nology. The root of it was this be an equal amount of doubt bridge deep and entrenched Agence France-Presse warned it would begin im- million in kickbacks to win a offerings,” a major fundrais- hours after the trading launch. and its valued has soared in transformational ability to surrounding the vast majority differences to find a way to peachment proceedings if the contract managing a highway ing tool of new currencies. Bitcoin’s Cboe debut, ‘Digital gold’ arrives recent weeks. transfer value from software of ICOs,” said Canaccord an- end the dire political and eco- president did not resign by project, the company said. “Investors should un- while largely uneventful, once Bitcoin’s breakthrough is Investor interest has to software alone.” alyst Michael Graham. (AFP) nomic crisis tearing apart their next Thursday. Kuczynski denies any derstand that to date no ini- again showcased its penchant the latest in a spectacular run also risen in other digital But investors are also country. LIMA, Peru (AFP) — Peru’s Con- But Kuczynski has wrongdoing. After eight hours of dis- gress voted overwhelmingly on brushed off the ultimatum. He is the third Peruvi- cussions at the foreign minis- Friday to consider impeach- an president to become em- try in Santo Domingo, the two ing President Pedro Pablo “I am not going to abdi- broiled in the Odebrecht affair. Japan eyes $46bn defense budget to counter N. Korea: report sides agreed to resume nego- Kuczynski next week over al- cate my honor, my values or Former president Ollanta Film about poor kids at tiations on January 11, Domin- legations he received bribes my responsibilities as presi- Humala is in preventive de- (L-R) Representatives of the Venezuelan opposition Luis Florido, Eudoro Gonza- ican President Danilo Medina from Brazilian contractor Ode- dent,” Kuczynski said in a tele- tention, accused of receiving TOKYO, Japan (AFP) — Japan ons and missile development, Disney’s gates is fairy tale hit announced. lez, Deputy Simon Calzadillas and Julio Borges take part in a press conference brecht. after a meeting between Venezuelan government representatives and mem- vised speech to the nation late $3 million from Odebrecht to plans a record $46 billion de- the newspaper said. It will be followed by a bers of the Venezuelan opposition at the Dominican Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ninety-three of the 118 on Thursday, backed by his fund his political campaigns, fence budget for the next fiscal The extra funding will cov- By: Fiachra Gibbons meeting of foreign ministers in Santo Domingo on December 15, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / Erika SANTELICES legislators present supported ministers. while Toledo faces an order for year to strengthen its missile er the cost of preparations for Agence France-Presse on January 12. the proposal to debate im- “I won’t run, I won’t hide his extradition from the United defence against the threat introducing the US military’s “There has been signifi- peachment on December 21. tage” it claims is being waged The opposition coalition, nor do I have any reason to do States. posed by North Korea, a report Aegis Ashore land-based mis- cant progress,” said Medina, “This decision will be so,” he said, promising to co- The Odebrecht scandal said Saturday. sile interceptor system, the whose country is hosting the by the opposition with support the United Democratic Round- communicated to the presi- from the United States and Co- table, over the same period operate with investigations by has ensnared politicians in The government is ex- Nikkei said. second meeting after a first dent to exercise his right to Congress and the office of the several other countries includ- pected to set aside 5.19 trillion Last week Japan’s de- on December 1 and 2 yield- lombia. saw negativity toward its im- defense (during the next ses- The opposition is seek- age increase from 46 percent attorney general. ing Ecuador, Mexico, Panama yen for defence in the coun- fence minister, Itsunori Onod- ed what was similarly termed sion) and assist with a lawyer On Wednesday, Ode- and Venezuela. try’s initial budget proposal era, said the country plans to “significant advances.” ing guarantees that presiden- to 66 percent. if required,” said Luis Galar- tial elections next year will be Venezuela, once Lat- brecht said it had paid Under investigation by for the fiscal year starting April purchase long-range cruise “There are six major is- reta, the head of Peru’s sin- Kuczynski $5 million (4.25 mil- the US Justice Department, 2018, the Nikkei daily said. missiles with a range of some (FILES) A PAC-3 surface-to-air missile launch system is seen in position at transparent and fair. in America’s richest country Japan’s Defence Ministry in Tokyo on September 11, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / sues that we are discussing… gle-chamber Congress. lion euros) in consulting fees Odebrecht agreed in Decem- It will mark the sixth 900 kilometres (560 miles) We cannot announce any of The government of Ven- thanks to its vast oil reserves, Dismissal of Kuczynski Kazuhiro NOGI ezuelan President Nicolas is on the brink of default after between 2004 and 2013. ber 2016 to pay a record straight year of increases in from US firms. the advances we have had be- would require support from 87 $3.5 billion fine after admit- Maduro is feeling politically a long slide into penury that defence outlays, topping the The move is controversial Director Sean Baker attends the Hammer Museum Presents The Contend- cause they are part of a pack- of the chamber’s 130 mem- en this year, with Washington fallen short of persuading key strengthened after winning has seen supplies of food For part of that period, ting to paying $788 million 5.12 trillion yen budget for the as Japan’s pacifist constitu- ers 2017- “The Florida Project” at The Hammer Museum on December age. As long as agreements bers. calling on other UN members North Korean backers China local elections last weekend and medicine become scarce Kuczynski was economy min- in bribes across 12 countries current fiscal year, the busi- tion bans the use of force as a 13, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. are not reached completely, The rightwing Popular to cut ties with Pyongyang in and Russia to take steps to Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images/AFP in which the main opposition and hundreds of thousands ister and head of cabinet for to secure contracts. (Agence ness daily said. means of settling international we cannot make an announce- Force party, which controls order to squeeze the secretive isolate the regime. (Agence groups were excluded and af- emigrate to survive. (Agence then-president Alejandro Tole- France-Presse) Much of the increase will disputes. ment.” go on protecting Japan against Global anxiety about regime. France-Presse) ter mostly triumphing in Octo- France-Presse) PARIS, France (AFP) — It is already the fairy tale of this year’s Chilean Foreign Minis- North Korea’s nuclear weap- North Korea has steadily ris- The call, however, has ter Heraldo Munoz expressed ber gubernatorial polls. Oscars race: A little film about homeless children living in hope that an agreement would However, an opposition the shadow of Walt Disney World in Florida that threatens be “finalized” by January 12. advisor, Colette Capriles, said to turn the tables on the big-budget favourites. The parties agreed to those victories merely showed Islamic State: What happened to all the foreign fighters? Director Sean Baker, who shot his last film on an iP- designate a spokesperson for that Maduro was using the tac- Firefighter killed in massive California blaze hone, has scored a surprise hit with a gritty yet heartwarm- each side: Communication tics of “contemporary dictator- By: Michel Moutot many have gone elsewhere ing tale, “The Florida Project”. Agence France-Presse Minister Jorge Rodriguez for ships.” to fight?” said Seth Jones, It has already been showered with prizes by US critics, the government and, for the Despite broad unpopular- director of the International usually reliable pointers for the Oscars, and has made the ity at home and stern pressure Security and Defense Policy lists for best film of the year on both sides of the Atlantic. opposition, Julio Borges, presi- WASHINGTON, United States from most countries in the Center at the Rand Corpora- Not bad for a movie that no one initially wanted to back dent of the opposition majority (AFP) — An estimated 40,000 Americas, Maduro has been tion. and whose rookie lead actor Baker found on Instagram. parliament. people traveled from around able to tighten his grip on pow- “How many have given Driven by the remarkable performances he drew from In addition to the Do- the world to take up arms for er in Venezuela, in large part up? I don’t think we have a Bria Vinaite as a tattooed single mother living hand-to- minican Republic and Chile, the Islamic State group as because of a weak and frac- good answer.” mouth in a motel with her seven-year-old daughter (Brook- foreign ministers from Bolivia, it occupied territory in Syria tured opposition. International counter- lynn Prince), the film has built a head of steam since it pre- Mexico, Nicaragua and Saint and Iraq and declared a ca- The opposition is divided terror groups are putting miered at the Cannes film festival in May. Vincent and the Grenadines liphate in 2014. over the talks. Some in the co- huge efforts into answering “I am happy for my actors,” Baker told AFP, “because are serving as guarantors of A few hundred are alition dismiss them as noth- those questions, working they deserve it, but I try not to take anything too seriously.” the process, along with former believed to still be fighting ing more than an attempt by hard to name, count and “It is not why I made the film,” said the director, who Spanish prime minister Jose as IS struggles to survive, An undated picture taken from an online edition of the Islamic State’s weekly Maduro to buy time as he con- track IS foreign fighters. was partly inspired by the rascally spirit of the “Our Gang” Luis Rodriguez Zapatero. having lost most of its terri- magazine al-Nabaa, allegedly shows Abu Mohamed Al-Adnani. AFP PHOTO / tinues to consolidate power. In France, officials say, street kid comedy films, which were hugely popular during tory to campaigns by West- AL-NABAA Over the last three around 1,700 people went to the Great Depression of the 1930s. Divided opposition and ‘sabotage’ ern-backed Syrian and Iraqi months, his public support has Many thousands were formidable threat going ahead. Iraq and Syria since 2013 to Baker went to live in a budget hotel along the Kissim- coalition armies. risen from 24 percent to 31 certainly killed in the intense “The issue is: how many join IS. Of those, 400 to 450 mee Strip that leads from Disney World to see for himself The Venezuelan govern- But what happened to percent, according to surveys fighting, but US experts believe have died? How many are still have been killed, and 250 re- how people struggle to make ends meet within sight of ment is demanding an end to the rest? what it calls economic “sabo- by the Venebarometro firm. many have survived, posing a there and willing to fight? How turned to France. (AFP) the theme park that bills itself as “The Happiest Place on Earth”.

Other side of American Dream

“I am drawn to these kind of stories, the other side of the American Dream — those that are left behind,” Baker A helicopter drops water over a house on a hilltop in Bel Air, east of the 405 freeway on December 6, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. said. California motorists commuted past a blazing inferno as wind-whipped wildfires raged across the Los Angeles region, with flames triggering the closure of a major “You have this population living in budget hotels un- Islamic State: What happened to all the foreign fighters? freeway and mandatory evacuations in an area dotted with mansions. / AFP / Frederic J. Brown/ derneath signs trying to sell a dream to tourists, yet the peo- ple living there cannot afford the things being pushed into their face.” LOS ANGELES, California (AFP) as incident. Please join me in far is a 70-year-old woman ma wine region in the fall. In this lurid landscape of gun shops, ice cream par- NEW DELHI, India (AFP) — her 47-year-old son. helm since 1998 following election. — A firefighter was killed in keeping our fallen firefighter who was in an accident as she California governor Jer- lours and chain restaurants, the film’s child heroes play, India’s Rahul Gandhi took Rahul, wearing a long the assassination of her hus- He was strongly crit- one of the largest blazes in and his loved ones in your fled in her car, and the blaze ry Brown told AFP on Tuesday hustle and cause havoc, frequently testing the patience of over Saturday as president flowing white kurta, smiled band Rajiv. She helped the icised for what was Con- California’s history, officials prayers,” he tweeted. was considered 30 percent wildfires ravaging his state the motel’s long-suffering manager, played by Willem Dafoe. of the main opposition Con- and waved from the dais Congress win the general elec- gress’ worst-ever showing said Thursday, as emergency The Thomas Fire has contained by Thursday, ac- should serve as a warning for Baker shot the film in almost a documentary style at gress, becoming the sixth adorned with posters of his tions in 2004 and 2009. as it lost power to Modi. services spent another day blackened almost 250,000 cording to Cal Fire. other parts of the world threat- the bright purple Magic Castle motel in Kissimmee, using member of the Nehru-Gand- late grandmother and father, But the party was swept Since then, the par- struggling to contain infernos acres (100,000 hectares) California’s most dev- ened by climate change. mostly amateur actors, the hotel’s residents and passing hi dynasty to head the party former prime ministers Indira out of office by Prime Min- ty has lost polls in many across the tinder-dry state. since it broke out ten days astating blaze remains the “The important fact is tourists as extras, even giving some of them small speaking that has ruled the country and Rajiv Gandhi. ister Narendra Modi’s right states to the BJP, exposing San Diego-based Cal Fire ago, Cal Fire said, making it 2003’s Cedar Fire, which that these fires are going to parts. for much of its independent Slogans of “long live wing Bharatiya Janata Party in Rahul to further criticism. engineer Cory Iverson died the fourth-largest blaze in the scorched 270,000 acres and become a very frequent occur- “I wanted a real environment and I wanted the com- history. Rahul” were shouted as hun- 2014 and is now in a fight to On Saturday Sonia fighting the Thomas Fire in state’s history. destroyed almost 3,000 build- rence, that’s what the science munity to be involved,” he said. Fireworks erupted dreds of supporters danced win back support before a na- was handed a memento by Ventura County, according to Thousands have had to ings. is telling us,” he said at the Baker insisted that his child stars also came from Flor- over the party headquarters to drum beats and burst fire- tional election which must be former prime minister Man- Cal Fire Chief Ken Pimlott, who evacuate and almost 1,000 This year is the worst on One Planet Summit in Paris, ida, and even found one — the remarkable Valeria Cotto, in New Delhi drowning out crackers. held by 2019. mohan Singh as a token of gave no further details on the buildings have been razed, record for wildfire devastation, two years to the day after 195 then five — in a nearby Target superstore. the voice of his mother So- Gandhi was elected un- Newly elected President of the Indian National Congress party Rahul Gandhi Rahul has been party appreciation for her “astute incident. most of them single-family with more than 40 deaths nations signed an agreement “I gave my card to her mother and I remember the look nia Gandhi as she handed opposed to take over from his gestures while speaking during a ceremony at the party headquarters in New vice-president since 2013 and leadership” over the years. “I am very saddened to houses, while another 18,000 and around 9,000 structures to rein in global warming. on her face. She obviously was very suspicious because my Delhi on December 16, 2017. / AFP PHOTO / Prakash SINGH over the reins of power to mother who has been at the led its campaign for the 2014 (Agence France-Presse) report that a firefighter fatali- are still seen as under threat. destroyed, following fires that (Agence France-Presse) cards have my dogs on them. I will have to change that,” he ty has occurred on the Thom- The only other victim so ravaged the Napa and Sono- laughed. (Agence France-Presse) 8 international Over 6,000 firefighters battling southern California blaze Japan expands sanctions

LOS ANGELES, United States that we don’t see any precip- ers.” was becoming increasingly aimed at N. Korea (AFP) — Thousands of fire- itation for the next two weeks “Praying for my town,” vulnerable and wildfires were fighters were battling one of at minimum, it could become actor Rob Lowe, a Santa Bar- becoming the “new normal.” the most destructive wildfires the largest fire in the state’s bara County resident, wrote on “The fire season used to in California’s history Mon- history.” Twitter. Fires closing in. Fire- be a few months in the sum- day as it crept relentlessly up The Thomas Fire has fighters making brave stands. mer,” Brown said. “Now it’s the Pacific coast and forced burned 230,500 acres Could go either way. Packing to almost year-long.” new evacuations. As a wild- (93,300 hectares) since it evacuate now.” Brown has been one of fire near Los Angeles was erupted a week ago, Cal Fire the most vocal critics of Presi- brought under control, fire said, making it the fifth-largest ‘New normal’ dent Donald Trump’s decision crews were being redeployed fire in the state’s history. It was to pull the United States out to battle the Thomas Fire only 15 percent contained as May Osher, a 66-year- of the Paris accord on global northwest of America’s sec- of early afternoon Monday. old retired schoolteacher in warming, and he renewed his ond-largest city. The blaze spread over Carpinteria, told the Los Ange- attacks on the administration Japan’s top government spokesman Yoshihide Suga gestures during his press Fixed-wing aircraft and the weekend in the mostly un- les Times she had put photo over its attitude toward cli- conference at the prime minister’s official residence in Tokyo on September 4, helicopters were assisting inhabited Los Padres National albums and pet supplies in her mate change. 2017. / AFP/ nearly 6,400 firefighters try- Forest, and was threatening car and was ready to evacuate “Nature is not a political ing to keep the Thomas Fire the coastal towns of Monteci- if told to do so. game. Nature is the ground TOKYO, Japan (AFP) — Japan Japan has already im- away from beachfront towns to, Summerland and Carpinte- “I’m staying until it’s time on which we stand, it’s the air said Friday it had added 19 posed strict sanctions on south of the historic city of ria. to go,” Osher told the newspa- which we breathe,” he said. more entities to its list of or- North Korea, including a blan- Santa Barbara, the California Mandatory evacuation or- per. “The truth of the case is ganizations and individuals ket ban on trade and port calls. Fire Department (Cal Fire) ders were lifted for the inland Cal Fire said 800 build- that there’s too much carbon targeted by asset-freeze sanc- Top government spokes- said. cities of Ojai and Santa Paula ings have been destroyed by being emitted, that heat-trap- tions on North Korea. man Yoshihide Suga said: “Gusty northeast winds in Ventura County, which has the fire, which is being fueled ping gasses are building up, The sanctions list now “North Korea launched an will cause the fire to threaten been the hardest hit by the by tinder dry brush and strong the planet is warming and all comprises 103 entities and ICBM ballistic missile that areas of the city of Santa Bar- Thomas Fire. and unpredictable Santa Ana hell is breaking loose.” 108 individuals in total, includ- landed in our exclusive eco- bara,” which has a popula- Comedian and talk show winds. This has been Califor- ing seven Chinese entities, five nomic zone and continues to tion of 91,000, Cal Fire said. host Ellen DeGeneres was Despite the intensity of nia’s deadliest year ever for Chinese individuals, one Sin- repeat provocative commen- Eric Boldt, a meteorolo- among those preparing to flee the fires stretching from north wildfires. More than 40 peo- gaporean entity and two Na- taries. gist with the National Weath- her beachfront home. of Los Angeles down to San Di- ple died in October when fires mibian entities, it said. “In light of this, as we er Service in Los Angeles, “Our house is under ego, authorities have reported swept through the state’s They include organi- host a ministerial meeting of said he did not see any imme- threat of being burned,” DeGe- only one fatality — a 70-year- wine-producing counties zations involved in financial the UN Security Council on De- diate respite to the dry, windy neres said on Twitter. “We just old woman who died in a car north of San Francisco. services, coal and minerals cember 15, we have decided conditions that are fueling had to evacuate our pets. crash while fleeing a blaze. Trump has issued a trading, transportation and on the asset freeze in order to the blaze. “I’m praying for everyone California Governor Jer- state of emergency for Cal- sending North Korean labor- further increase pressure” on “The conditions are very in our community and thankful ry Brown has warned that cli- ifornia, authorizing the re- ers abroad, the foreign minis- the reclusive state. (Agence critical,” Boldt said. “Given to all the incredible firefight- mate change meant the state lease of federal funds.(AFP) try said in a statement. France-Presse)

China, S. Korea eye warmer ties following tensions

By: Becky Davis signalled their willingness to yang could spark war on the not changed.” Agence France-Presse improve relations as they met Korean peninsula. at the Great Hall of the People The two leaders met Injured journalist BEIJING, China (AFP) — The in Beijing. amid mixed US signals that presidents of China and Xi said Moon’s first state Washington is willing to hold Hours before the sum- South Korea sought Thurs- visit to Beijing was an “import- talks with Pyongyang. mit, Chinese security per- day to repair ties strained ant opportunity to improve re- “As friendly neighbors sonnel beat and severely over a US anti-missile lations as we seek to find ways and strategic partners, China injured a South Korean defense system, but the to carve a better path based and South Korea have broad photojournalist covering beating of a South Korean on mutual respect and trust.” common interests in keeping Moon’s attendance at a photojournalist by Chinese The Chinese president the region peaceful,” Xi said. trade partnership event, ac- security cast a pall over the said he was willing to “step up” Moon noted that he ex- cording to the Korea Press summit. communication and coordina- pected to “reaffirm and dis- Photographers Association Relations between tion with Moon, stating that cuss specific cooperation” (KPPA). Beijing and Seoul have “we shall deepen the connec- with Xi on the issue. Security blocked South been icy since South Korea tion and accurately navigate Their meeting came af- Korean photographers from allowed the United States to the bilateral relationship.” ter US Secretary of State Rex following his delegation, install the THAAD (Terminal He added the two coun- South Korean President Moon Jae-In (L) and Chinese President Xi Jinping (R) Tillerson said Washington grabbing one photographer High Altitude Area Defense) tries could also support each listen to the South Korean anthem during a welcome ceremony at the Great was ready to talk to North Ko- by the neck and throwing system to guard against other and increase coopera- Hall of the People in Beijing on December 14, 2017. / AFP/ rea “without preconditions,” him to the ground, then threats from North Korea. tion as they prepared for their though it was determined to seized another’s camera, China considers respective Winter Olympic force Pyongyang to give up its the KPPA said. THAAD a threat to its own games, to be hosted in Pyeo- China and South Korea North Korea talks? nuclear arsenal. When the Chinese security, and has imposed ngchang next year and in Bei- were “partners set by desti- China and Russia wel- guards again tried to block economic measures against jing in 2022. ny to walk the path of mutual Improving Sino-Korean comed Tillerson’s remarks, journalists from entering South Korean companies in Moon praised Xi, calling prosperity and cooperate for ties has become increasingly even after the White House another event hall, even a move seen as retaliation. him a “very sincere and reli- world peace”, he said, while important amid growing con- appeared to put his proposal though they showed identity South Korean Pres- able leader in terms of both acknowledging the recent cern that bellicose rhetoric be- in question by saying Trump’s cards, a photographer sur- ident Moon Jae-In and words and behaviour”. “temporary difficulties.” tween Washington and Pyong- “views on North Korea have named Lee objected. (AFP) Chinese leader Xi Jinping US House Speaker Ryan eyeing exit from Congress: report

WASHINGTON, United States it clear Trump wants Ryan to (AFP) — Paul Ryan may be in stay. his final term as speaker of “The president did speak the US House of Representa- to the speaker not too long tives and could leave Congress ago, and made sure that the by year end, Politico reported speaker knew very clearly, in Thursday, in a report that no uncertain terms, that if the could set off a scramble for a news was true he was very un- successor. happy about it,” White House The news outlet cited sev- spokeswoman Sarah Sanders eral people who know Ryan, said. including fellow lawmakers, It is not known whether congressional aides, conser- Ryan would run for his con- vative intellectuals and party gressional seat in next No- lobbyists, saying they did not vember’s mid-term elections. expect him to remain in Con- But should he announce his gress beyond 2018. departure well ahead of time, Asked directly after a it would dramatically diminish Thursday press conference his deal-making leverage and whether he would be stepping his ability to raise money for down soon, Ryan said, “I’m the party. not… no.” “Ryan’s preference has A spokeswoman for Ry- become clear: He would like an’s office, AshLee Strong, to serve through Election Day called the report “pure specu- 2018 and retire ahead of the lation.” next Congress,” Politico report- “As the speaker himself ed. said today, he’s not going any- Some Republicans in where any time soon,” she Congress were already antici- added. U.S. Speaker of the House Paul Ryan (R-WI) answers questions during a press conference at the U.S. Capitol December 7, 2017 in Washington, DC. Ryan an- pating a leadership battle. swered a range of questions related to continued funding of the U.S. government and the pending tax reform legislation. Win McNamee/Getty Images/AFP But the report appeared “Brace yourselves for the to heighten the conjecture mother of all barn cleanings,” about the Wisconsin lawmak- tweeted House conservative er’s future. 2015, after his predecessor wing conservatives. But Ryan has developed landmark issues including Thomas Massie, who has Ryan, 47, made no secret John Boehner abruptly an- He also spoke out crit- a better-than-expected rela- health care and the current big been a thorn in the Republi- about his hesitation in taking nounced he was retiring when ically against Donald Trump tionship with Trump, and has legislative push, tax reform. can leadership’s side. (Agence the top congressional job in he faced a revolt from right- during the presidential race. worked with him on several The White House made France-Presse)