External Affairs Division PPAO

CITY OF MALOLOS – As part of the commitment of the Provincial Government of Bulacan in expanding the rehabilitation programs for Bulakenyo persons deprived of liberty (PDLs), the Provincial Civil Security and Jail Management Office led by PCOL. Rizalino A. Andaya spearheaded the Bulacan Provincial Jail Sportsfest 2024 with the theme ‘Programang Pampalakasan, Tungo sa Malusog na Piitan’ held at the BPJ Plaza here recently.

The sportsfest activities will be held throughout the month of April wherein nine teams consisting of 10-12 players will play for Basketball; two teams consisting of 8-12 players for Men’s Volleyball; four teams with 8-12 players for Women’s Volleyball; eight players for Class A Billiard and 16 players for Class B Billiard; and 12 individuals will compete for chess tournament.

In his message during the kick-off ceremony, Governor Daniel R. Fernando emphasized PGB’s advocacy “Kapitolyo for Life”, which promotes improving the quality of life for every Bulakenyo such as sports activities, thus, expressing his gratitude to the BPJ and other partner organizations for their dedication in guiding the PDLs toward a smoother path through Community Service Programs and Skills Trainings while serving their sentence.

“Everybody deserves a second chance, lalo’t higit ang mga taong pursigidong magkaroon ng maayos na pamumuhay. Ipagpatuloy niyo lang ang inyong magandang nasimulan upang maging mabubuting mamamayan ng ating lalawigan. Patuloy pong susuporta ang inyong lingkod sa inyong pagsisikap na magbago, kaya’t atin pong palalawigin ang holistic approach ng inyong rehabilitasyon, kung saan pangangalagaan natin ang inyong physical, mental, emotional at spiritual wellbeing,” the governor said.

Fernando also congratulated BPJ upon receiving commendation from Honorable Judge Julie P. Merculito of RTC Bulacan Branch 12 for maintaining orderly and clean facilities at Bulacan Jail.

Moreover, winners of each sport event will receive cash prizes and trophies from the PGB.

SUBIC, ZAMBALES – Five drug suspects including a drug den operator were arrested and approximately Php 54,400.00 worth of shabu were seized after a buy-bust operation in Purok 1, Barangay Calapacuan on late Saturday night (April 6).

Operating teams identified the apprehended den operator as ALFRED ACERON Y LADIERAS @PHAPERTZ, male, 41 years old. The other four suspects were:

1. ABDULSAID IBNUHALI Y SARAL @MOBY, male, 43 years old, resident of Purok 6B, Brgy. Calapacuan, Subic, Zambales;

2. NIEL JOHN SILANI Y MURUSALIM, male, 21 years old, resident of Brgy. Calapacuan, Subic, Zambales;

3. MHEL CABUSAS Y ABELLA, male, 29 years old, resident of Brgy. Kalaklan, Olongapo City; and 

4. KEVIN SOBRON Y FERMIN, male, 32 years old, resident of Brgy. Barretto, Olongapo City.

The sting operation yielded a total of seven (7) plastic sachets containing more or less eight (8) grams of shabu amounting to Php 54,400.00; assorted drug paraphernalia; and the buy-bust money.

Confiscated illegal items will be forwarded to PDEA RO III laboratory for forensic examination.

The operation was conducted by the combined elements of PDEA Zambales Provincial Office, Subic MPS, PDEU Zambales PPO and PDEG SOU3.

Charges for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 will be filed against the arrested suspects.

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SM APPLIANCE CENTER

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As we commemorate the Fall of Bataan this April 9, I invite you to review with me the complex web of the history and heroism of our people. This pivotal day reminds us to pause, contemplate, and act in the midst of the present issues on sovereignty disputes, economic uncertainties, and the specters of kleptocracy and oligarchy, in contrast with our vibrant youth eager to stake their claim in politics and the voting process.

Day of Valor—also known as the Araw ng Kagitingan, the Bataan Day, or the Corregidor Day—

extends beyond its calendar date. The steadfast will of the Filipino troops, who showed bravery in the Battle of Bataan during WWII, is shown crystal clearly. Their heroism—a testament to the courage required to defend a nation’s sovereignty—is haunted by the current territorial conflicts and dangers to our nation’s stability.

Remembering the grave threats to our nation’s independence, personal freedoms, and human rights is of the utmost importance as we honor this Day of Valor. There must be an unwavering defense of our interests both at home and abroad in the face of threats to our independence. The fight for our freedom has just begun. This is why safeguarding our nation’s autonomy is of the utmost importance.

In addition, the perseverance needed to triumph over economic challenges is symbolized by Araw ng Kagitingan. Even though it may seem like an impossible goal for many, remembering the sacrifices our forefathers made for us helps us strive for everyone’s financial independence and prosperity. The day encourages us to break free from reliance and poverty and build a future that is fair and rich.

Furthermore, this day offers a chance to highlight the ongoing struggle against graft, kleptocracy, and the concentration of power among a select few. It is a sobering reminder that the fight for transparency, accountability, and equitable leadership has only just started. As we celebrate Corregidor Day, let us remember that power should not belong to a few but to everybody. Let us resist the temptation to let corruption win and stand firm against injustice.

Amist all these, our youth, as shown in the recent elections, are showing a clear interest and giving hot stake in participating in the electoral and legislative processes. On this Day of Valor, let us remember the legacy of the bygone generations in the hopes that it may inspire the next wave of social justice warriors. It calls on young people and their allies to use their limitless energy, creativity, and determination to build a fair, democratic, just, and flourishing society.

A powerful call to Filipino patriotism and unity, this day also has another purpose. Right now, as a society, we need to set aside our disagreements, come together, and remember the brave people whose beliefs and sacrifices have shaped our nation. The significance of genuinely uniting in order to forge a common future that honors our past while courageously tackling the challenges that await us is brought to light today.

Remembering how significant this day is forces us to remain vigilant. It is our duty to ensure that the freedoms that our forefathers battled so hard for will be preserved for the benefit of generations to come. The present moment is not only for contemplation, but also for the excited anticipation of what the future may bring.

The Day of Valor represents optimism in the face of contemporary challenges such as economic instability, oligarchy, kleptocracy, and sovereignty issues. It calls on us to remember the sacrifices our soldiers made for us and to do what we can to help our country right now. We shall achieve even more success in the future by maintaining the same level of bravery, candor, and devotion as our ancestors.

Let us remember the traitors who have betrayed and are still betraying our nation. They continue to betray us by giving away our political integrity, economic freedoms, and sovereignty with contempt on this day that marks the anniversary of the Fall of Bataan. We must never lose sight of the bravery and vigilance required to safeguard our heritage from individuals who would sell it for naught.

Even after 82 years have passed since the American and Filipino armies surrendered at Bataan, the Day of Valor remains highly significant. Being a continual reminder that the struggles we face today are consequences of the battles our forefathers waged, this historical commemoration acts as an active call to action.

All throughout history, courageous Filipinos have battled for the defense of our nation, and we proudly carry on this great tradition. This legacy demands courage, action, and firm commitment to the ideas that have shaped our nation, not merely reminiscence. We are committing ourselves to the future while also honoring the past. Our goals for the future include safeguarding sovereignty, achieving economic independence, eliminating corruption, and providing a strong platform for youth voices. As a nation, we hope to truly unite one day and build a legacy to our soldiers, one that will endure long after April 9 has passed.

STRATEGIC COMMUNICATION DIVISIONCommission on Human Rights – Central Office

The Commission on Human Rights (CHR) notes the gains that the United Nations Joint Programme (UNJP) has provided to further allow the government for a more focused implementation of efforts which actively promote developments on the human rights situation in the Philippines. As the end of the program nears in July 2024, we recommend the prospect of continuing this partnership as a foundational pillar, ensuring that the country stays clear-sighted towards its goal to comply with its international human rights obligations and to implement domestic policies which respond to the needs of the vulnerable and marginalised.

This three-year collaboration between the United Nations (UN) and the Philippine government, together with the CHR and civil society organisations, reinforces the institutions already available in the country to ensure that Filipinos are constantly guaranteed the free exercise and enjoyment of their rights. Through the adoption of Human Rights Council (HRC) resolution 45/33 in 2020, the UNJP paved towards an intensified UN engagement with the Philippines through effective technical assistance and capacity-building measures within the human rights sphere. In fact, this stands congruent with the State commitment to prioritise “measures that protect and enhance the right of all the people to human dignity” in the 1987 Constitution and is also strengthened through the Partnership Framework for Sustainable Development 2019-2023.

It must be noted that the strategic framework of the UNJP envisions to broaden the human rights-based approaches amongst duty-bearers, to strengthen domestic accountability mechanisms which address human rights violations and abuses, and to ensure that rights-holders, especially victims, are able to be afforded better means to claim their rights.

While the UNJP has provided much to improve the human rights situation in the country, the Commission believes that more has to be achieved to make sure that the intended purpose of this partnership remains faithful to initial goals. In particular, we are hopeful that the technical capacity-building efforts will be utilised immediately to address the very matters which prompted the establishment of UNJP in the Philippines, such as the alleged war on drugs which resulted in extrajudicial killings.

The Commission views this cooperative stance as an effective means to keep the human rights conversation pertinent to the governance framework of the country and ensures that accountability measures are kept in place. Keeping the UNJP alive in the Philippine context allows for a better positioning within the international sphere. After all, efforts to improve the human rights situation across the globe is a constant work in progress.

We also take this opportunity to show that the vision of the UNJP and the CHR Charter currently being deliberated in the Philippine Congress run parallel with each other in terms of cultivating a country towards its full potential to protect and enhance the rights of all. Just as it is crucial to keep the dialogue ongoing, the very institutions which pave the way to ensure that human rights remain to be a State priority and obligation should be empowered as a sign of this commitment. The human rights framework in the Philippines will be further established if both local and global mechanisms are strengthened and treated as co-existing channels which envision to continuously improve the situation of the country. If anything else, we hope that the passage of the CHR Charter will allow the international community for better means to interact with the Philippines and prove that we are on track with our commitments.

We look forward to more productive engagements between the Philippine government and the international community which will strengthen domestic policies that promote truth, justice, and accountability. As the human rights watchdog, monitor, educator, and adviser, the CHR is more than ready to extend its proactive participation to all relevant government actors and allow for a more holistic undertaking of the State obligation to promote and protect the fundamental rights of all Filipinos

Manila, April 8, 2024 – VRITIMES, a leading media company known for its innovative press release distribution services, announced a strategic partnership with Technophile, a rising Philippine tech blog and reviews website. This collaboration aims to widen the dissemination of press releases across various industries, utilizing Technophile’s powerful platform and VRITIMES’s distribution expertise.  

Technophile is a trusted source for Filipinos seeking unfiltered reviews of tech gadgets and insightful information about the latest technological advancements. Through its engaging content and growing readership, Technophile has established itself as a prominent voice within the Philippine tech landscape.

VRITIMES, on the other hand, provides a comprehensive solution for press release creation and distribution. Their user-friendly platform allows companies to craft impactful press releases, distribute them to relevant media outlets like Technophile, and analyze the performance of their campaigns – all in one place.

“We’re thrilled to join forces with Technophile,” said Ferry Bayu, Co-Founder and CEO of VRITIMES. “Their commitment to delivering accurate, real-world facts aligns perfectly with VRITIMES’ mission to facilitate a more efficient flow of information. This partnership will provide brands with unparalleled access to a highly engaged audience, allowing them to share their stories and innovations effectively.”

By Herman M. Lagon

HUMANITY has always been fascinated and in awe of the vastness of the universe. It addresses some of our deepest existential concerns and is the area where philosophy, science, and spirituality frequently meet. The age-old query at the center of all of this is: Are we alone in the universe? When young Ellie Arroway asks her father a similar question in the classic movie “Contact,” he responds with grace, “If it is just us, it seems like an awful waste of space.” This sentiment, which encapsulates the infinite size of the universe, provides a somber context for our ceaseless quest for extraterrestrial life.
 
Illustrations of life beyond Earth have captivated generations, frequently capturing our curiosity, anxieties, and hopes in stories about both friendly and malevolent extraterrestrials. Amidst the thick web of made-up stories, it is important to keep in mind that there is still no solid proof of extraterrestrial life. But this does not rule out the possibility. Many sages have taught us that the pursuit of knowledge, motivated by faith and curiosity, forces us to see our place in the vast scheme of things.
 
The multidisciplinary scientific study of life in the universe known as astrobiology has provided intriguing hints about the possibility of life existing outside of our blue planet. The distinction between what was formerly thought to be fact and fiction is becoming increasingly hazy, as evidenced by the discovery of extremophiles in some of the most hostile areas of Earth as well as fascinating discoveries about planets and moons in our solar system. Consider Mars as an example. The theory of alien presence is propelled from mere conjecture to a serious scientific endeavor by the revelation that prehistoric Mars supported conditions favorable to microbial life. If life—even microbiological life—did emerge on Mars, it would force us to face a sobering truth: the occurrence of life may not be as uncommon as we previously believed.
 
Furthermore, the progress we have made in finding exoplanets has been nothing short of revolutionary. There are already over 5,000 exoplanets known to exist, some of which are located in what is known as the “Goldilocks zone,” which is an area orbiting stars where conditions may be favorable for life as we know it. It is clear from NASA’s efforts with the James Webb Space Telescope that this never-ending search is about more than just finding new celestial bodies. It is an investigation entwined with the more fundamental and in-depth search to comprehend life’s diverse expressions.
 
However, what exactly is life? Replication and metabolism might be the subject of a straightforward definition, but when we explore new areas, the conventional benchmarks might need to change. If extraterrestrial life exists, it may function according to concepts or ingredients that are very dissimilar from what we understand from comprehending carbon-based life on Earth. Thus, the hunt for extraterrestrial life involves more than just discovering life in other planets’ soils. It is about stretching the limits of our expectations and definitions and deepening our grasp of life itself.
 
Life is not merely possible but likely in a vast and enigmatic world. This investigation is still driven by the complex dance between science and spirituality, which is supported by the search for knowledge and discernment. The infinite universe, with all of its stars and planets, is calling. It is worthwhile to consider the immense interconnection of all creation and the amazing possibilities that lie ahead as we gaze farther into space. The question now is not whether life exists elsewhere on Earth, but rather when and how this finding will alter our conception of existence altogether.

Nakikiisa po tayo sa buong bayan sa paggunita ng Araw ng Kagitingan. 

Sumasaludo po tayo sa mga kababayan nating araw-araw bumabangon at nakikipagsapalaran tulad ng ating mga manggagawa, mga OFWs at ang bawat Juan at Juana na nagsasakripisyo para maglingkod sa kanyang kapwa tao, pamilya, mahal sa buhay at buong bayan. 

Panatilihin po nating buhay sa ating mga puso at isip ang dinanas na hirap at sakripisyo ng mga Pilipino sa kamay ng mga dayuhan noong Ikalawang Digmaang Pandaigdig alang-alang  sa ating tinatamasang demokrasya.

Paalala rin po ang araw na ito sa kahalagahan ng pagkakaisa ng mga Pilipino upang mapagtagumpayan ang mga hamong hinaharap ng bansa lalo na ang patuloy na agresyon ng Tsina at ang kanilang tahasang pagsupil sa karapatan ng bansa sa West Philippine Sea.

 Mabuhay ang Pilipinas!

SM Center Pulilan, The Kwik Hobby Shop, and Tamiya Tiangge Online collaborate to bring one blazing event this summer—the Tamiya Mini 4WD Race 2024, recently held at the Mall Atrium.

At least 81 enthusiasts hailing from different parts of Luzon participated in the exciting event, including Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Baguio, Laguna, Marikina, Las Piñas, Pasay, and Quezon City. The event was highlighted by an exciting mini 4WD race and car show.

Among the participants who emerged victorious were Joren Pascual from Las Piñas as the champion, Jervin Santos from Bustos, Bulacan, as the second placer, and Wilson Balagtas from Calumpit, Bulacan, the 3rd placer and the Farthest Non-AR Winner.

Meanwhile, Adrian Santos from Pampanga was declared the champion of the car show competition with a 98% total score.

The Tamiya Mini 4WD Race 2024 is one of the many exciting activities lined up for summer at SM Center Pulilan. Watch out as the mall unveils full-speed activations to cater to fun and entertainment in the province. For updates, check out SM Center Pulilan’s official Facebook page.

PASAY CITY –  A 22 year old lad  involved in the bulk distribution of shabu was arrested and yielded some Php 3,400,000.00 worth of methampetamine hydrochloride (shabu) following an entrapment operation along Diosdado Macapagal Blvd on Tuesday night (April 9).

PDEA Pampanga chief identified the apprehended suspect as JOMARIE ALAMIL RABANG, a 22 year old resident of BF Homes, Paranáque City.

Recovered from Rabang were five (5) pieces of knot-tied transparent plastic sachets containing more or less 500 grams of shabu amounting to Php 3,400,000.00;  one (1) unit cellphone; one (1) unit motorcycle; and the marked money used by poseur buyer.

Authorities said that Rabang was involved in the bulk distribution of shabu in Metro Manila, nearby towns of Bulacan and Pampanga.

The operation was jointly conducted by operatives led by PDEA Pampanga Provincial Office and PDEA-NCR-SDO.

A case for violation of Section 5 (sale of dangerous drugs), Article II of Republic Act 9165 will be filed against the arrested suspect.