Nicanor Perlas

It is now almost a month since the surprise genocidal attack of Hamas on Israel last October 7, 2023 and the disproportionate and insane genocidal response of Israel against Hamas and Palestinian residents in Gaza. Yet the mainstream media all over the world continues to push an incomplete or false picture of the war. They do not explain the extreme danger facing billions of people in the event of a rapid, unstoppable escalation of the war in Gaza. The planet is now the closest it has even been to nuclear annihilation.

Earlier, CCH wrote that, amidst the massive disinformation war perpetuated by both sides, it is very difficult to come to definitive conclusions. However, this CCH article advanced the position that, whatever the real causes and chains of reactions may be, for the sake of humanity’s moral integrity and future, the world should never accept genocide, the killing of innocent civilians as collateral damage, as a tool for achieving military and political objectives.^[1]

Genocidal Fever in Israel

But it seems that Israel has a genocidal streak stemming from the radical and extreme Zionist faction^[2] that currently controls their government. It is important to note immediately that the majority of Jews in Israel and around the world do not support genocidal policies.^[3] In addition, the vast majority do not support the current Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu. They expressed this by protesting for weeks the hundreds of thousands against Netanyahu’s attempt to control the justice system of Israel.^[4]

This Zionist genocidal streak in Israel brutally manifested itself most recently in the massive attack on the Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza by Israeli military forces.^[5] Hundreds were killed and hundreds more were wounded. This attack came after a vote of the UN calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.^[6] Israel did not deny the attacks unlike in the case of the al-Ahli hospital.^[7] Instead, Israel publicly claimed responsibility for the genocidal attack and said they had to do it to kill a Hamas commander who was present in the refugee camp.^[8]

So, clearly, for Israel, the end justifies the means even if dozens of innocent lives have to be massacred to kill one Hamas commander. This is not only irrational. It is insane and brutal.

Hezbollah Leader’s Much-Awaited Response to Gaza Genocide

Meanwhile, on November 3, 2023, the leader of Hezbollah, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, gave his much-awaited talk to millions around the world.^[9] Despite his intentional “ambiguity”, the direction of his response to the crisis in Gaza was clear. He said that, if the US and Israel continue to commit “genocidal”, and “stupid” acts in Gaza, then Hezbollah will take action to stop the genocide. And, to the excited shouts of support from hundreds of thousands of listeners, Hassan Nasrallah said that “all options are open”. He purposely did not specify what those options were. But it was clear. Hezbollah will do what it takes to stop the genocide in Gaza including an intensification with Israel.

Unknown to most, due to misreporting or conscious censorship, he then also explained that Hezbollah has already had military skirmishes with Israeli forces. On October 8, the day following the “glorious” attack by Hamas, Hezbollah took action at the border of the West Bank and Israel. These were controlled actions meant to divert the full force of the Israeli army away from Gaza.

In short, Hezbollah was already involved in a limited war with Israel since October 8. Nasrallah reported that Israel has already killed more than 50 Hezbollah “martyrs”. With his first full-blown public speech since the start of hostilities in Gaza, Nasrallah warned that Hezbollah will escalate its presence in the war if Israel continues with its genocidal efforts.

For those who have been following this issue historically and presently, this Hezbollah position is a dangerous and alarming position from the perspective of peace and security in the world. Consider the following.

Hezbollah is the only Islamic resistance force that has defeated Israel. Nasrallah referred to this fact several times in his speech. They defeated Israel with a much smaller military force in the July 2006 battle. They also had less sophisticated armaments.

But today, military analysts recognize that Hezbollah has sophisticated missiles that can overcome the Iron Dome defense of Israel. These long-range precise missiles number around 150,000 and can level Israel the way the latter is now leveling Gaza. In addition, Hezbollah is not a rag-tag terrorist group. It has around 100,000 experienced soldiers in its military.^[10]

Hezbollah Involvement Likely to Trigger Domino Effect^[11]

But this Israeli concern is relatively minor compared with the real problem facing Israel. Behind Hezbollah stands Iran.^[12] This is very worrying because Iran has a much larger army of around 523,000 regular combatants and 350,000 reservists.^[13] Iran also has an arsenal of sophisticated military weapons including hypersonic missiles that can deliver nuclear payloads.^[14] Neither the US and Israel have hypersonic missiles that travel at more than 13.5x the speed of sound (Mach 13), or around 10,000 miles per hour or 15,000 kilometers per hour.^[15]

Then there is Russia, the giant behind Iran. The two countries have informal agreements. Iran has also supplied effective and deadly military drones to Russia in the latter’s war in Ukraine. Eventually, there is a high likelihood that Russia will be drawn into the Middle East war should its help be needed by Iran.

One cannot also discount the frustration of Turkey with the genocidal actions of Israel. Turkey is a very significant force in the Middle East and a member of NATO. Turkey just recalled its ambassador to Israel^[16] after its President staged a huge rally warning Israel to desist from its genocidal acts.^[17]

In short, when the Hezbollah military goes to war with Israel, it would eventually result in the involvement of Iran and Russia in the conflagration in the Middle East.

Global Condemnation for the Genocide in Gaza

The Palestinians do not only have the Hezbollah-Iran-Russia axis of support. They also have massive support coming from the Arabic and Muslim countries in the Middle East. Already, Yemen Houthis have declared war on Israel.^[18] US forces in Iraq have also been attacked.^[19] Syria is starting to get activated.

Others, including former allies of Israel have also sent strong signals of displeasure to Israel. Jordan, a staunch ally of Israel, has closed its embassy in Israel.^[20] Jordan’s Queen Rania criticized the genocidal attacks against Gaza.^[21]

Other countries are also displaying their displeasure against Israel’s genocidal attack on Gaza. These include the Latin American countries of Columbia.^[22] Bolivia and other Latin American countries went a step further. They cut off their ties with Israel.^[23]

On this Corner: Israel-US-Europe Axis of Power

But Israel will not be standing alone. It has the support of its major sponsor, the equally Zionist government of the United States of America.^[24] US President, Joe Biden, recently declared that he was a Zionist. He also invoked the War Powers Act and gave notice to the Congress of the US regarding the strong possibility of US involvement in the war in the Middle East.^[25]

Europe often takes its cue from the US. However, while European leaders have expressed support for Israel, they have also advised Israel to consider humanitarian concerns.^[26]

The balancing act of European leaders is due to two factors. First, they foresee that a total breakdown in the Middle East will also mean more problems with war refugees flooding the European landscape, a prospect that could destabilize European governments as in the past.^[27] Second, European leaders also have to face the increasing protests from their own citizens, including Jewish ones, to stop the on-going genocide in Gaza.^[28]

However, if push comes to shove, Europe will most likely align with the US and Israel. Just witness the mendicant, cowardly, and spineless attitude of European leaders in the war in Ukraine. The US blew up the Nord Stream pipeline which supplies vital gas supplies to Germany and Europe. Yet, despite this pre-announced treacherous act of the US against its own supposed allies, no single country in the European Union stood up and protested this strategic betrayal by the US against European interests.^[29]

Meanwhile, while all these horrific messes will surely unfold if the Israeli genocidal attacks on Gaza continue, China will take advantage of the situation and attack Taiwan.^[30] This will expand the war theatre to Asia. US forces in the Philippines will defend Taiwan, dragging the Philippines into war with China.

Shifting Alliances

Another layer of complication amidst all these is that all these alliances can shift at the last minute depending on circumstances. For example, the US has cautioned Israel against escalating the attacks In Gaza. Whether it was a ploy or not, Israel ignored the US advice for a humanitarian ceasefire and continued to attack Gaza.^[31]

For another example, there are Arabic and/or Muslim countries that are not as radical or committed to militarily confronting Israel. These include Jordan and Saudi Arabia, which have friendly relations with Israel. Nonetheless, these moderate or conservative countries may be forced by their angry citizens to take more aggressive actions to stop the genocide in Gaza.

Moving Towards the Nuclear Option

Despite the overwhelming odds stacked against it, Israel continues to ignore global public opinion, activated and horrified by Israel’s continued campaign of genocide in Gaza. Shortly after Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah gave his warning to Israel, the latter continued its bombing of Gazan innocent citizens.^[32]

Given the current circumstances and the prevailing balance of power, Israel will most likely resort to the use of tactical nuclear weapons. Many military experts, however, think that the use of nuclear weapons will not remain at the tactical level. The nuclear response of the enemies of Israel will rapidly evolve into an all-out nuclear war among all nuclear-capable countries in the world, including the US, Russia, China, Iran, Pakistan, the UK, North Korea, and other nuclear powers in the world.

That dear friends, would then mean the end of the world as we know it; that is, if we will still be alive by then.

Social Security System (SSS) Rolando Ledesma Macasaet (left photo, 2^nd from left) and Social Security Commissioner representing the Employers’ Group Robert Joseph M. De Claro (right photo, 3^rd from left) urged the owners of a pharmacy and a household appliances retail store to settle their contribution delinquencies during a recent Run After Contribution Evaders (RACE) operation in Taguig City.

The two establishments were among the six delinquent employers who received notices of violation from the SSS for failing to remit the contributions of its workers and non-production of records. The employers incurred P3.4 million in unpaid workers’ contributions and penalties.

Employers have only 15 days to coordinate with the SSS Bicutan-Sun Valley Branch and settle their contribution delinquencies to avoid filing of civil, criminal, and administrative cases against them for violating Republic Act No. 11199 or the Social Security Act of 2018.

Also joining the said RACE operation are (left photo, from left to right) SSS Executive Vice President for Branch Operations Sector Voltaire P. Agas and Vice President for Operations Legal Services Division I Renato Jacinto S. Cuisia. 

With the onset of flu season these coming holidays, it’s good to know Watsons at SM malls in Marilao, Baliwag, and Pulilan are here to provide a wide range of products to keep us safe and well as we brave the holidays.

While catering to products that boost immunity, Watsons, likewise, raises the bar high when it comes to holistic beauty with premium anti-aging and skin vitamins to keep our bodies fit and healthy.

Health Supplements for Immunity and Energy

Nutrabliss by Watsons offers innovative vitamin products that are fun and easy to take: Nutrabliss Multivitamins and Minerals Chewable Tablets, which help prevent and treat mineral deficiencies; and Nutrabliss Ascorbic Acid with Rosehips Vegetarian Capsules, which help improve skin, bone, and joint health.

Health Supplements for Youthful Beauty

Achieve younger-looking skin through Watsons quality collagen products. There is Nutrabliss Collagen + Vitamin C, which helps increase collagen production, and Nutrabliss Collagen Tablets, which improve skin elasticity and firmness. For those who prefer adding a daily dose of collagen to their favorite drinks or smoothies, Nutrabliss Daily Collagen Sachets are a must-try. For hydrated and moisturized skin, there is Nutrabliss Hyaluronic Acid + Collagen.

Health Supplements for Overall Wellness

For individuals with an active lifestyle who are always on the go, Watsons also offers vitamins and supplements with multiple benefits in one. These include Nutrabliss Vitamin B-Complex + Vitamin E for nerve health; Watsons Vitamin C + Zinc + Vitamin D Effervescent Tabs for immunity; and Watsons Vitamin D3 Softgel Capsule that helps strengthen bones and muscles, aids in weight loss, and improves heart function.

Do not let the fear of sickness get in the way of enjoying the holiday season and beyond. Check out Watsons for your daily dose of immunity-building, anti-aging, and skin health needs, available at SM malls in Marilao, Baliwag, and Pulilan. You can also shop anytime and anywhere through these online channels: Watsons mobile app, http://bit.ly/WatsonsMobileApp, or www.watsons.com.ph. For more information, you may visit https://www.facebook.com/WatsonsPH/.

PhilHealth Region III officials (from left) Ms. Monifer S. Bansil, Head, Public Affairs Unit, Arlan M. Granil, Branch Manager for III-B (Malolos), Rowena Zabat-San Mateo, Branch Manager for III-A and Mariza Paez, IT Unit Head Social Health entertain questions from the media during their “PhilHealth at Media, Forever Partners sa Kalusugan” Central Luzon Media Social Insurance Education Series (SHInES) Kapihan and Pasasalamat held on Oct. 26 at Queen Pia’s Place, City of San Fernando, Pampanga.

As of July this year, PhilHealth already registers a 12.2 million members or 95% from a projected 12.89 million population in the whole of the region.

It has paid a total of P12. 49 billion to all its Partner Health Care Providers for Branch A-Pampanga, Bataan, Tarlac and Zambales and Branch B-Bulacan, Nueva Ecija and Aurora.  Photo by Carmela Reyes-Estrope

Quezon City, Philippines – [Date] – In a momentous event, Binalot, the beloved Filipino fast-food chain, has officially opened its first branch  with Shell at the Shell Mobility EDSA Balintawak. The grand opening was marked with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by esteemed guests, including Mayor Joy Belmonte, the branch owners Engr. Cres Fernandez and his family members, Ms. Joy, Jon, and JV Fernandez, and several other esteemed partners of Shell EDSA Balintawak, among them Chatime.

This inaugural collaboration between Binalot and Shell Mobility EDSA Balintawak reflects a strong commitment to offering a diverse range of quality dining experiences to the people of Quezon City and beyond. This partnership also underscores the importance of promoting local businesses within the community.

During the ceremony, Mayor Joy Belmonte delivered an inspiring speech, emphasizing the vital role of resilient and innovative businesses in the thriving city of Quezon. She commended the collaboration between Binalot and Shell as a prime example of how local enterprises can contribute to the economic growth and overall development of the area.

One of the highlights of the Shell Mobility EDSA Balintawak is the introduction of the largest Shell Cafe in the country. This spacious and inviting café offers a welcoming atmosphere for patrons to enjoy quality coffee, snacks, and meals, further enhancing the overall experience at this Shell location.

Binalot and Shell Mobility EDSA Balintawak look forward to serving the community and providing an exceptional dining and refueling experience for all customers. This partnership is set to usher in a new era of convenience and satisfaction for those visiting the area.

CANDABA, Pampanga—Wagi bilang bagong kapitan ng Barangay Vizal, San Pablo, Candaba, Pampanga ang negosyanteng si Rey Baylon.

Ipinroklama siya ng 1:30 ng umaga noong Martes sa elementary school ng nasabing barangay matapos ang Barangay at Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).

Kabilang sa mga inpinroklama ang kanyang mga kagawad na sina Severnip Sagum bilang Number 1 Kagawad, pangalawa si Kagawad Antonio Buco sa lamang na isang boto at sumunod na sina Rommel Liwag, Yolly Bustamante at Julian Enrile.

Si  Kap. Rey, 52, ang bunsong kapatid ni dating Candaba Mayor Engr. Danilo Baylon.

Si Kap. Rey ang ikatlong Baylon sa kanilang pamilya na sumabak sa pulitika sa Candaba. Ang kanyang anak ay kasalukuyang konsehal ng bayan ng Candaba.

Si dating Mayor Baylon ay isang malakas na naging katunggali ni Pampanga Gov. Dennis Pineda sa pagka-gobernador ng lalawigan noong May 2022 election.

Ayon Kap Rey, paiigtingin niya ang peace and order at tututukan niya ang ptotection sa environment, pagpapalakas ng suporta sa edukasyon ng mga kabataan, mga proyektong pang-imprastratura, suporta sa senior citizens at marami pang iba.

Hindi rin umano siya tatanggap ng kanyang buwanang suweldo upang ilaan amg pondong ito para sa higit na pagtulong at suporta sa 400 mga senior citizens ng Vizal San Pablo.

Unapela rin siya sa kanyang nakatunggali na magsama-sama na sila ngayong tapos na ang halalan dahil iaang araw lamang ang pulitika at wala na dapat kukay-kulay bagkus ay dapat ng magkasama-sama para sa maayos at mahusay na paglilingkod sa kanilang barangay.

“Sana wala ng personalan, wala ng kulay-kukay,” pahayag nito.

Ayon pa sa kanya, hinding hindi siya maaaring lumiko o limihis ng daan sa kanyang paglilingkod- bayan dahil susundan niya ang yapak ng kanyang kuya.

“Pag lumihis ako ng daan, magaggalit ang Diyos at ang kuya ko sa akin,” pahayag ng kapitan.

CITY OF MALOLOS—With a nearly 200,000 and a more than 5,000 marginal winning “no”votes from 820,385-620,707 and 97,954-92,714 votes, respectively in the province of Bulacan and the City of San Jose del Monte, Bulakenyos junk the move to convert the component city into a Highly-Urbanized City (HUC) in a plebiscite to ratify it during the Monday’s Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Election (BSKE).  

Provincial Election Supervisor and chairman of the Board of Canvassers Mona Ann Aldana-Campos led the past 1:00 a.m. proclamation of the rejection of the 19 out of 20 towns and one out of four component cities of Bulacan province in the HUC bid of San Jose del Monte with a 199,678 marginal winning votes from 820,385-620,707 “no” and “yes” votes respectively.

Commission on Election (Comelec) Chairman Erwin Garcia who was present earlier before the past 1:00 a.m. proclamation held at the canvassing area inside the Hiyas Pavilion of the Hiyas ng Bulacan Convention was also briefed of the result of the plebiscite.

“Lost in its own”

Even the people of San Jose del Monte dropped the bid for their place to become an HUC with 5,240 marginal winning “no” votes from 97,954-92,714 votes.

“On the basis of the foregoing, we hereby proclaim that the Conversion of the City of San Jose del Monte, Bulacan into a Highly-urbanized City Pursuant to Proclamation No. 1057 dated December 4, 2020 was rejected and disapproved by the majority of the votes cast in the plebiscite held in the Province of Bulacan on October 30, 2023,” the official result released and signed by Campos and other members of the canvassing board.

Meycauayan and Marilao voted “yes”

“Yes” votes won only in San Jose del Monte’s adjacent town of Marilao with an 8,052 marginal winning “yes” votes through 41,631-33,579 votes and the similar component City of Meycauayan with 34,660 marginal winning “yes” votes through 61,214-26,554 votes.

From the 2,092,248 registered voters in the whole 20 towns and four cities in the province of Bulacan, there was a 1,608,004, or 76. 85 % turn-in of votes.

The no votes constitutes 51% of the 1,608, 004 who casted their votes and the yes votes constitutes 38.6%.

“No” swept the winning votes in Bulakan town with a 13,265 marginal winning votes from 25,113-11,848 votes; Pulilan with a 10,287 marginal winning votes from 28,231-19,944 votes; Guiguinto 7,979 marginal winning votes from 29,029-21,050 votes; San Ildefonso with 10,075 marginal winning votes from 34,447-24,372 votes; Angat with 10,852 marginal winning votes from 21,211-10,359 votes; Bustos with 1,945 marginal winning votes from 18,449-16,504 votes; City of Malolos with 24,079 marginal winning votes from 57,712-33,633 votes; Hagonoy with 23,352 marginal winning votes from 39,773-16,421 votes; San Rafael with 15,467 marginal winning votes from 31,862-16,394 votes; Bocaue with 1,152 marginal winning votes; Pandi with 2,658 marginal winning votes from 34,188-31,530 votes; Sta. Maria town with 18,192 marginal winning votes from 61,285-43,093 votes; Balagtas with 10,270 marginal winning votes from 23,280-13,010 votes; San Miguel with 9,916 marginal winning votes from 41,769-31,853 votes; Calumpit with 14,561 marginal winning votes from 33,025-18,464 votes; Baliwag with 7,480 marginal winning votes from 42,969-35,489 votes; Obando with 1,770 marginal winning votes from 12,190-10,420 votes; Donya Remedios Trinidad (DRT) with 4,284 from 10,337-6,053 votes; Norzagaray with 28,988 marginal winning votes from 42,892-13,904 votes and Plaridel with 10,919 marginal winning votes from 28,658-17,739 votes.

City of San Jose del Monte District 2 Councilor Romeo Agapito who is the sole opposition to the conversion of their city into an HUC thanked his staff and the volunteer residents of San Jose del Monte who all worked hard to explain to the people why they should reject the move.

“We are thankful to God and to all of the San Josensyos and thE whole people of Bulacan for not allowing us to be separated on our own from our mother Bulacan province. We are really not yet ready to become a fully independent city,” the councilor told NEWS CORE in a text message reply on Wednesday morning.

Agapito said more than 70% of the 651,813 people of San Jose del Monte who are just ordinary workers in nearby towns of Bulacan and Metro Manila could not afford the high taxes to be collected when they become and HUC.

He said they also would not want to lose their cultural identity as Bulakenyo. According to Agapito, the only more than 20% old tenants or native Bulakenyos in San Jose del Monte may lose their cultural identity if they separate from Bulacan province. He said, it might also be a precedent to other towns and cities in the province.

According to Agapito, San Jose del Monte will also be economically dislocated from Bulacan when the now ongoing construction New Manila International Airport in Bulakan town opens a few years from now including the nearing operation of the North South Commuter Railways (NSCR).

A “no” to HUC group also expressed frustration that job opportunities for fresh graduates from San Jose del Monte to be brought by the said macro development projects will be put in vain if the city is converted into an HUC.

San Jose del Monte branded today as the Rising City is also known as the “Relocation Capital” of the country as relocation of Informal Settlers (IFS) from Metro Manila started in 1968 in Barangay Sapang Palay. Today, San Jose del Monte hosts more than ten huge national government housing projects which bloats its population to more than 650,000 based on the recent 2020 census.

Gov. Daniel Fernando has earlier expressed sadness that one of the cities of the province would want to separate and go on its own. “There is no father who will be happy if one of his children drifts apart. This is painful to me. I always pray for one and united Bulacan,” he said.

Former Governors Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado and Roberto Pagdanganan also campaigned for “no” as they want to keep Bulacan intact, united and as “One”.  

CITY OF MALOLOS–Bulakenyos junked the conversion of the City of San Jose del Monte (CSJDM) into a highly urbanized city (HUC) as the plebiscite to ratify the move during the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (BSKE) on Monday resulted to an overwhelming “no” votes against the “yes” votes.  

At the canvassing of the turn-in of the election returns from all the 20 tows and four cities in the province by Bulacan Provincial Board of Canvassers led by Provincial Elections Supervisor Atty. Mona Aldana Campos at the Hiyas Pavilion on Tuesday, the “no” votes continue to get a chunk of lead against the “yes” votes  from an earlier partial and unofficial result from the camp of one of the pro “no” groups in CSJDM.

A copy of the said partial and unofficial count tally circulating in social media and was sent to NEWS CORE on Tuesday morning said the “no” votes had a more than 100,000 marginal winning votes through 294,755 — 195,954 votes.

Yes votes only won in CSJDM by 146 votes from 35,530 against 35,374; in Meycauayan by 740 votes from 1,200-520 votes and IN Marilao with 4,661-4,500 votes.

In Bocaue, no votes won through 1,243-1,032; in Bulakan, 1,360-532; in Bustos town 18,443-16,503; in Calumpit 15-911-8957; in Donya Remedios Trinidad (DRT) 2,273-3,763; in Guiguinto 29, 029-21,050; in Hagonoy 2,930-1,306; in City of Malolos 10,276-5,490; in Norzagaray 15,977-4,403; in Obando 4,712-2,799; in Pandi 6,866-4,131; in Paombong 3,528-1,638; in Plaridel 13,259-8,293; in Pulilan 719-345; in San Ildefonso, 7, 694-6,631; in San Miguel 29,631-21,735; in San Rafael 31,861-16,394 and Sta. Maria with 10,328-6,261 votes.

The total 490,719 from the 294,755 no votes and 195,964 yes votes is just more than 23% of Bulacan’s 2,099, 914 number of registered voters.  

Partial unofficial results from the towns of Baliwag, Balagtas and Angat have yet to be included in the data from the source.

A social media campaign ads was earlier released with a merged photos and “No” positions and statements of Gov. Daniel Fernando and two former Bulacan Governors Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado and Roberto Pagdanganan.  

Last week, more Bulacan officials stood against the conversion as majority from the total 615 top positions in the Provincial Government of Bulacan (PGB), league of municipalities and cities and barangays expressed strong opposition and pushed for “One Bulacan” compared with 144 who favored the move.  

More than 470 from these 615 top officials composed of 20 from PGB led by Gov. Daniel Fernando, Vice Gov. Alex Castro and 18 board members; 450 out of Bulacan”s total 572 barangay captains and at least one out of the 24 Bulacan mayors support no. 

The 144 yes come from around 120 barangay  officials from the towns of Plaridel, Paombong, Norzagaray and Cities of Baliwag and Meycauayan and the other 23 mayor members of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines and League of Cities of the Philippines Bulacan chapters. 

Fernando early during the week made known his stand on the issue. In an official statement in his social media page, he said that he wants the people to decide under the principle of democracy but he is unhappy and disappointed over the move of CSJDM to fully separate from the province.  

“There is no father who will be happy if his son will drift apart. This is painful to me. My prayer and desire is for Bulacan to always be united as one”.

“Mula Noon Pa Man ay Aking Sinabi. Let the people decide. Sapagkat ito ang diwa ng demokrasya. Know the issues, then vie wisely. “patungkol sa mga katanungan kung ano ang aking panig sa mungkahing paghiwalay ng CSJDM sa lalawigan ng Bulacan, ito ang aking masasabi” Walang ama na magiging masaya kapag nawalay amg anak. Ito ay masakit para sa akin. Dalangin ko sa tuwina ay Isang Sambayanang Bulakenyong Buo at Nagkakaisa”.

He encouraged every Bulakenyo to know the issues and vote wisely.

Board Member Ramil Capistrano, president of the federation of Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) in 20 towns and four component cities in Bulacan said that some 450 from 572 village chairs in 17 out of 20 towns—Sta. Maria, Hagonoy, Pulilan, Angat, Balagtas, Marilao, San Miguel, Bocaue, Guiguinto, Calumpit, Donya Remedios Trinidad (DRT), Bustos, San Rafael, Bulakan, San Ildefonso, Pandi, Obando and one from three other component cities–City of Malolos  all expressed “No” to the bid. 

Capistrano led other officials and members in stressing their “NO” stand during a recent series of meetings as they supported the “One Bulacan” thrust of Fernando.

Capistrano said, the village officials who support “no” are far more in numbers compared with the whole 23 other Bulacan mayors who support “yes”. 

The 20 member League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) Bulacan chapter headed by Bocaue Mayor Eduardo Villanueva Jr. including Mayors Ferdie Estrella of City of Baliwag, Henry Villarica of City of Meycauayan and City of Malolos Mayor Christian Natividad, the three other component cities other than the CSJDM earlier signed a manifesto of support to the HUC bid of the CSJDM. 

But, a mayor in the third district who earlier signed the manifesto had shifted against the HUC bid and strongly campaigned for no among his constituents.

The mayor said that he was earlier pro yes but now that Fernando has already expressed his sentiments of losing the CSJDM, he need to be where the governor is. 

“Before I will become a good leader, I have first to be a good follower,” he told NEWS CORE at his office on Friday.

Reports have reached the Capitol that many from other mayors who signed the said manifesto have already switched to support no in favor of the governor. 

Doctors Without Borders / Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) calls for an immediate ceasefire to prevent more deaths in Gaza and allow desperately needed humanitarian supplies in.  Since Friday 27 October, the bombing by the Israeli forces has intensified to a degree not seen until now: northern Gaza is being razed to the ground, while the whole Strip is being hit and civilians have no place to take shelter.  

The actions of world leaders are too weak, too slow, as a non-binding UN resolution for a ceasefire has done nothing to rein in the indiscriminate violence unleashed on a helpless people. The international community must take stronger action to urge Israel to stop the bloodshed. People are being killed and forcibly displaced from their homes, and water and fuel are running low. The atrocity is on a scale never seen before in Gaza.  

Hospitals are running out of medical supplies. Earlier this week, Dr Mohammed Obeid, our surgeon in Gaza described the following, “Hospitals are flooded with patients, amputations and surgeries are being carried out without proper anesthesia, and morgues are flooded with dead bodies”. Without proper burials and clearance of dead bodies from the rubble, outbreaks of disease will pose an additional threat to the people of the Gaza Strip. 

The total communications blackout on 27 October further limits the ability to coordinate and provide humanitarian and medical assistance. People under the rubble, pregnant women who are about to deliver, and the elderly are not able to seek help when they need it the most. Because of the blackout, Doctors Without Borders has lost contact with most of its Palestinian staff.  

Across Gaza, the number of injured in need of urgent medical assistance far exceeds the capacity of the health system, which currently has around 3,500 beds. So many victims in such a short space of time is unheard of, even compared with previous large-scale Israeli offensives.  

Hospitals such as Al Shifa in Gaza City, where Doctors Without Borders Palestinian colleagues continue to work, are overwhelmed with patients. Israeli military orders to evacuate the hospital are impossible and dangerous. The hospital is currently at full capacity with patients seeking medical treatment, and tens of thousands of others seeking safe shelter. Under international humanitarian law, patients, health workers and facilities must be protected at all times. 

“Helpless people are being subjected to horrific bombing. Families have nowhere to run or to hide, as hell is unleashed on them. We need a ceasefire now,” says Dr Christos Christou, Doctors Without Borders International President. “Water, food, fuel, medical supplies and humanitarian aid in Gaza need to be urgently restored.” 

Millions of men, women and children are facing an inhuman siege; a collective punishment that is prohibited under international humanitarian law.  

Israeli authorities continue to prevent the entry of fuel into Gaza, which is essential for powering hospitals as well as the desalination plants that produce clean drinking water. On Friday evening, the death toll already stood at over 7,300 according to the local health authorities, with approximately 19,000 injured, and it may have become a lot worse after the most intense night of bombing since the start of the war. The siege will compound the deaths caused by the strikes, as medics will be forced to decide who to treat or not, and people are left without food, water or medicines. 

Prior to 7 October, between 300 and 500 supply trucks crossed into Gaza every day, where most people were dependent on humanitarian aid. Today, despite the Rafah border crossing being open, only 84 trucks have entered since 20 October, a vastly inadequate response to the constant and growing needs in Gaza. 

Those who want to seek safety across the border should be allowed to do so without prejudice to their right to return to Gaza. Our international staff who worked in Gaza before the war are now in the south and are no longer able to coordinate humanitarian activities. They must also be allowed to leave to Egypt.  

Some of Doctors Without Borders’s 300 Palestinian staff have also moved to south Gaza to find shelter from the bombing for their families. Many other Palestinian colleagues continue to work and provide lifesaving care in hospitals and across the Gaza Strip, while the most basic protections for hospitals and medical personnel are not guaranteed.  “We are ready to increase our aid capacity in Gaza. We have teams on standby ready to send medical supplies and to enter Gaza to support the emergency medical response, as soon as the situation allows it,” says Dr. Christou. “But as long as the bombing continues with the current intensity, any effort to increase medical aid will inevitably fall short.”