TATLONG hinihinalang mga sangkot sa iligal na droga ang patay habang isa naman ang sugatan sa magkakahiwalay na insidente ng pamamaril ng hindi kilalang mga salarin sa Caloocan City.

Ginagamot sa Jose Reyes Memorial Medical Center sanhi ng tama ng bala sa katawan si Jaime Lumibao, 54, construction worker, matapos barilin ng hindi kilalang suspek habang naglalakad sa David St. dakong 2 kahapon ng madaling-araw. Inaalam na ng pulisya ang pagkakilanlan ng suspek at motibo sa insidente.

Bandang 11:30 ng Linggo ng gabi naman nang pasukin ng tatlong hinihinalang mga miyembro ng vigilante group na sakay ng dalawang motorsiklo at pawang naka-helmet at maskara ang umano’y drug den sa Blk. 38, Lot 42, Phase 1, Pkg. 3, Bagong Silang, Brgy. 176 bago pinagbabaril sina Edwin Nalait, 48, at Fernando Aquino, 46, sa ulo at katawan na dahilan ng kanilang pagkamatay.

Narekober ng mga tauhan ng SOCO sa insidente ng krimen ang ilang basyo ng bala mula sa .45 baril, drug paraphernalia at apat na sachet ng shabu na nakuha naman sa bulsa ng mga biktima.

Sa Brgy. 188, dakong 6:00 ng umaga, naglalakad pauwi sa kanto ng Orchild at Doña Aurora St. ang barangay tanod na si Pedro Ignacio ng GK 1 Bo. Concepcion nang pagbabarilin ng riding-in-tandem na naka-helmet at maskara.

Matapos ito, mabilis na tumakas ang mga suspek habang isinugod naman ang biktima sa Dr. Jose Rodriguez Memorial Hospital subalit hindi na rin ito umabot nang buhay. Inaalam na ng pulisya ang motibo sa insidente at pagkakilanlan ng mga suspek. RENE MANAHAN

President Duterte capped his two-day visit in Nay Pyi taw on Monday with the Philippines’ commitment to expand its cooperation with Myanmar on a broad range of issues.

“As developing countries, we face similar and complex problems. We must not be afraid to confront them head on. We should use our friendship as a solid base for our fulcrum of collaboration that transformed challenges into opportunities,” President Duterte said in his toast remarks at the official dinner held at the Presidential Palace in Myanmar.

In defense and security, Duterte said both countries “must work closer to address the threats of terrorism and violent extremism that undermine the economic progress we have so far achieved.”

“We should be unrelenting in our fight to dismantle the apparatus of the illegal drug trade. This menace is a challenge that knows no borders and affects all of us in the region,” he added.

In trade and investment, Duterte said both countries must sustain its growth rates so that everyone in the society could enjoy the blessings of prosperity.

Duterte described his first official visit in Myanmar as an auspicious time between the two countries, noting the 60th anniversary of the establishment of the Philippine-Myanmar bilateral relations last year.

“This year, we turn the page for a new chapter of ties that should rightly be strong and deeper,” he said.

According to Duterte, Philippine businesses are helping fuel growth to investments in key sectors in Myanmar such as pharmaceuticals and food and beverages.

Interior Secretary Ismael Sueno has enjoined the public to suggest ways to improve the anti-illegal drugs drive of their respective barangays during the Barangay Assembly to be held in villages across the country on Saturday.

“In the Barangay Assembly, the people have a voice… The people also have the duty to help the Barangay Captain by suggesting ways to resolve the illegal drug problem in the barangay,” Sueno said in a news release issued by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG).

He said the Barangay Assembly is open to all Filipino citizens, 15 years and above who have been residents of the barangay for at least six months.

The interior chief encouraged the people to attend the March 25 meeting, saying it is the proper venue to discuss community concerns and learn how barangay officials are spending barangay funds.

Sueno meanwhile called on barangay officials to discuss with the people the MASA MASID program, a barangay-based anti-criminality, anti-corruption, and anti-illegal drugs program that encourages volunteerism at the community level. MASA MASID stands for Mamamayang Ayaw Sa Anomalya, Mamamayang Ayaw sa Iligal na Droga.

Republic Act No. 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991 requires barangays to hold a Barangay Assembly Day every last Saturday of March and second Sunday of October to give their constituents a chance to hear the developments and discuss concerns in their community.

Saturday’s assembly will carry the theme,”Sulong Barangay Kontra Droga, Krimen at Katiwalian: Makialam! Makilahok! Makiisa!”

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested in Sultan Kudarat a 54-year old American wanted by authorities in Texas for a string of criminal cases.

Steven Wayne Riley was apprehended at his home in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat by BI agents armed with mission order signed by BI Commissioner Jaime Morente on March 14.

The order was issued at the request of the US embassy in Manila which sought the BI’s help in locating the fugitive so he could be deported to the US to stand trial for his crimes.

In a statement, Morente said that last Jan. 13, a district court in Denton, Texas issued an arrest warrant against Riley upon learning that he had jumped bail and fled the US. He was previously convicted of sexually assaulting a 45-year-old woman.

The foreigner was also indicted for causing bodily injury to a family member; larceny; violation of protective order by assaulting and stalking his former victim; disturbance of public peace; harassment; drunk driving; and misdemeanor.

“Undoubtedly, his presence here poses a risk to public safety. We should deport him immediately or he might prey on 0ur women and children,” Morente said.

It was learned that being a registered sex offender in the US, Riley is required to periodically appear in person to local law enforcement authorities to enable them to keep track of his residence and activities.

The Philippine National Police yesterday denied that road rage suspect David Lim Jr., nephew of an alleged drug lord, was given special treatment when he surrendered to authorities.

Lim turned himself in to the Central Visayas police after his mother negotiated for his safe surrender through the help of President Duterte’s top aide Christopher Go.

PNP chief Director General Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa said the negotiations do not entail VIP treatment as it is only “normal” for Lim’s family to try to ensure his safety.

“I don’t think there was special treatment. It’s just normal sa isang mother na gusto niyang mag-surrender ang anak niya peacefully, na hindi ma-harm, na humanap ng linya na makausap kung pwedeng i-voluntary surrender iyung anak nila. [It’s] normal,” Dela Rosa told reporters at Camp Crame.

PNP-Central Visayas director Chief Supt. Noli Taliño echoed Dela Rosa’s statement, adding that Lim was detained in his office.

Lim, however, was spotted leaving an air-conditioned room of the Regional Intelligence Division before his mugshot and fingerprints were taken.

Lim’s father is a sibling of Peter Lim, whom Duterte himself named as a drug lord in July last year. Peter had denied his alleged drug links in a meeting with the President in Malacañang. ###

The Philippine Army (PA)’s annual parade and review was moved to April 4 due to conflict in schedules of some of the visiting dignitaries which include President Duterte and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.

The event, which is supposed to be held Wednesday and in-line with the PA’s 120th anniversary, was rescheduled due to this and occurrence of some international events, Army spokesperson Col. Benjamin Hao said.

During the said event, troops and brand-new assets are usually paraded before the dignitaries.

Guest-of-honors usually inspect troops and chat with them a few minutes before going on the next formation.

Illegal drugs do not bring happiness to a person but only loneliness.

This was the sentiment of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), when officials urged the public to shun illegal drugs, which only push you to do crime and corruption.

PDEA joined the organization “The Way to Happiness” (TWTH) Philippines Foundation Inc. to celebrate the United Nations International Day of Happiness on Monday in the country.

PDEA Director General Isidro Lapeña said Filipinos richly deserve a good, fulfilling and worthwhile life without illegal drugs, criminality and corruption. These are the three societal menaces the administration of President Duterte have vowed to get rid of.

Winning the war against illegal drugs achieves a bigger goal of improving the well-being and happiness of our citizenry. This is a true measure of our progress as a nation. However, the absence of ethics is the scourge that pulls Filipinos deeper in misery and poverty.

The TWTH Foundation, in partnership with the Drug-Free World and the Rotary Club of Malate Prime-District 381, has been training policemen and civilians nationwide to a life of bliss through the booklet “The Way To Happiness.”

The booklet is a global best practice that presents a non-political and non-religious common sense guide to better living. It has 21 precepts that create the foundations of personal and community happiness. Among the precepts are Be Temperate (Do Not Take Harmful Drugs), Do Not Murder, Don’t Do Anything Illegal, Respect the Religious Beliefs of Others, and Flourish and Prosper.

The book says, “The test of a society is whether or not you, your family and friends can live in it safely,” moving away from a superficial view of happiness, where true happiness can only be anchored and sustained with personal ethics and social values.

Explosive speed with precision and determination will be the muscle of waging “dirt war” by veteran rider Glenn Aguilar, and much younger and title-thirsty Bornok Mangosong when the 2017 Diamond Motor Corp, “Supercross” second leg resume this Saturday (March 25) at the MX Messsiah Fairgrounds in Taytay, Rizal.

Glenn Aguilar of KTM Racing Team capitalized his decades of experience and superiority, ruled the Pro-Open Production during the first leg (March 4) beating, Bornok Mangosong, ace rider of the Yamaha Racing Team.

Aguilar’s effort earned him a commanding 25 points in the five-leg series of the race in its second edition presented by Generation Congregation and sponsored by Diamond Motor Corp.

The 44-year old Aguilar,of Las Pinas, and the 2003 Asian Rider of the Year attributed his victory by just keeping his pace.

While the 25-year old and Davao pride, Mangosong, got a taste of “bad break” when he miscalculated a sharp turn midway in fourth lap which caused him precious seconds and settled for second spot for 22 points while Jerick Mitra of H7 Racing came in third with 20 points.

Other top contenders in the Open Production of the event supported by Dunlop, Go PRO Philippines, PTT Philippines, Yamaha Philippines, DC Philippines and Xtreme Adrenaline Sports are: Ralph Ramento, Ompong Gabriel, Buboy Antonio, Jerich Farr, Enzo Rellosa and Patrick Orbe.

The diminutive Pia Gabriel will also try to stamp her class anew in the Ladies Class. Gabriel took the first leg defeating Janelle Saulog who came in second and Jasmin Jao in third spot.

The third leg of the country’s premiere race unfurls on April 29, the penultimate leg on May 13 and the final leg will be held on May 22.

Basketball legend and now Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) official Ramon Fernandez reiterated he will pursue legal action against Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Jose “Peping” Cojuangco over allegations of game fixing.

Cojuangco earlier claimed that the former four-time PBA Most Valuable Player was involved in throwing away games during his heyday as a professional basketball player.

“I wouldn’t have minded his claims if I’m an active player. I’ll let my basketball do the talking,” said Fernandez during the PSA Forum at the Golden Phoenix Hotel on Tuesday.

“Pero respetuhin naman niya ang office ko bilang assistant secretary to the Office of the President.”

Fernandez, , who played for PBA teams like Toyota, Purefoods and San Miguel, said he will likely file a libel case on Friday or early next week in Zamboanga Sibugay.

Fernandez has been critical against Cojuangco’s leadership, particularly on how the POC spent its funding.

“I think you know how he handled the POC presidency, so let’s leave it at that,” he said.

Meralco import Alex Stepheson made light of the physical encounters that he had against NLEX players during their 2017 PBA Commissioner’s Cup game on Sunday.

Stepheson was involved in a minor scuffle with NLEX’s Eric Camson in the fourth quarter of their game, which saw the burly Road Warriors forward claw the import across the face while they were both down on the court trying to gain control of the ball.

Stepheson tried to go after Camson but was stopped by teammates. Camson was called for a flagrant foul penalty 1, and Meralco went on to win 91-84. The import had 18 points and 24 rebounds in the victory.

“It’s physical, but I like it though,” Stepheson told reporters after the game. “I got hit with a slap to the face, I don’t take it personal.”

“I was upset at the moment, but that’s basketball. It happens,” he added. “I get hit, and sometimes I hit people. I dish it out so I can take. It’s nothing personal, just physical ball. I like it.”

Camson was not the only member of the NLEX squad to engage Stepheson. NLEX coach Yeng Guiao was heard shouting expletives at the Meralco import as the fourth quarter wore on, and while Stepheson claims not to have heard Guiao’s curses, he fired back at the NLEX coach.

“I really didn’t hear what he [coach Yeng] said, I just said what I had to say and walked away,” he said.

Manchester United will play games in the United States this summer for Tour 2017, the English Premier League side announced on Monday.

Jose Mourinho’s men will play five games in five cities, including matches in Los Angeles, Salt Lake City, Santa Clara and Washington DC.

In the previous two visits to the United States, the Club has welcomed more than half a million supporters to games across the States, in a country where Manchester United has over eight million followers.

The two-week tour forms part of the club’s preparations for the 2017-18 Premier League campaign, with further details regarding the tour, including opposition teams and venues to be announced in the coming days, the club said.

Manchester United first visited America in 1950 as part of a close season tour, playing against local clubs. The long-standing relationship with the United States has seen the Club make a further 14 visits to the country facing American and Mexican sides as well as a host of clubs from across Europe.

Speaking of the club’s summer plans, Manchester United’s Executive Vice Chairman, Ed Woodward, said: “Visiting North America will give the team the best possible preparation for the new season, using top class training facilities and playing in some great stadiums.

“We have witnessed first-hand the passion and support for the Club in the US in recent years, so naturally it is something that everybody is very much looking forward to this summer.”

DUMULOG na sa doktor ang pamilya ng isang 23-anyos na dalaga sa lalawigan ng Capiz para masuri ang kanyang kalagayan dahil sa pagkakaroon ng dalawang ari o sex organ.

Ayon sa ina ni alyas Jane, matagal nilang itinago ang kalagayan ng anak ngunit napilitan silang isangguni ito sa doktor ngayon dahil sa naramdaman nitong sakit sa kanyang tiyan.

Ayon sa ina, kahit 23-anyos na ang kanyang anak, hindi pa rin ito nagkakaroon ng menstruation o buwanang dalaw.

Pahayag ng ina, isinilang na babae si alyas Jane ngunit habang lumilipas ang panahon humuhugis lalaki ang katawan nito.

Kaya umano ng kanyang anak na magbuhat ng mga mabibigat na gamit na hindi kaya ng isang ordinaryong babae.

Umaasa naman ang pamilya na maisailalim sa masusing pag-aaral ang kondisyon ng dalaga at malaman ang kanyang totoong kalagayan. JOHNNY ARASGA

NALUSAW na ang low pressure area (LPA) na nasa katimugang bahagi ng Baler, Aurora.

Paliwanag ng Philippine Atmopsheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), kaya nalusaw agad ay naapektuhan ito ng ibang weather system, kabilang na ang amihan na tuluyang nagpahina rito.

Sa kabila nito, asahan pa rin ang makulimlim na papawirin sa Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Cagayan Valley at Aurora dahil sa mga ulap na nahatak ng LPA.

Asahan din ang posibleng thunderstorm sa malaking parte ng Luzon, kasama na ang Metro Manila sa dakong hapon at gabi. BOBBY TICZON

ISANG mister ang sugatan nang barilin ng isang barangay kagawad sa harapan mismo ng kanyang anak na lalaki sa Tondo, Maynila kagabi.

Ginagamot ngayon sa Tondo Medical Center ang biktimang si Antonio Langcay, 49, ng A-1 Maginoo St., Tondo matapos barilin sa tiyan ni Dan Aliman, kagawad ng Brgy. 105, Zone 8, at taga-Happy Land, Tondo, sa tulong ng dalawa pang ‘di kilalang lalaki.

Nabatid na dakong 8:50 ng gabi nang maganap ang pamamaril sa Lopez Jaena St. sa Tondo.

Sa imbestigasyon, naglalakad si Langcay sa naturang lugar pauwi nang bigla na lang siyang lapitan ni Aliman, na may kasamang dalawang ‘di kilalang lalaki, at kaagad na pinaputukan sa tiyan, sa harapan mismo ng kanyang anak na si Christopher, 31.

Nang maisakatuparan ang pakay sa biktima ay tumakbo patakas ang mga suspek habang isinugod naman sa naturang pagamutan ang biktima.

Sinasabing may dati nang alitan ang biktima at si Aliman na posibleng dahilan ng pamamaril. JOCELYN TABANGCURA-DOMENDEN

PATRAYDOR na binaril sa ulo ang isang binata ng hindi nakilalang suspek habang hinihintay ang kanyang kaibigan sa isang playground sa Port Area, Maynila kamakalawa.

Binawian ng buhay habang nilalapatan ng lunas sa Gat Andres Bonifacio Memorial Medical Center ang biktimang si Usman Unto, 30, ng 1418 Roxas Blvd., kanto ng Salud St., Pasay City ngunit nasawi rin habang mabilis namang tumakas ang ‘di kilalang suspek, bitbit ang armas na ginamit.

Sa imbestigasyon no SPO2 Richard Escarlan ng Manila Police District (MPD)-homicide section, alas-4:30 ng hapon habang hinihintay ng biktima ang kanyang kaibigan na kakatagpuin sa Baseco Playground sa Blk. 9 Habitat, Baseco Cmpd., sa Port Area, nang bigla na lang lapitan ng suspek mula sa likuran at patraydor na binaril sa ulo saka tumakas.

Ang pangyayari ay nasaksihan ng isang tricycle driver kaya agad na ipinagbigay-alam sa barangay at isinugod ang biktima sa pagamutan ngunit nasawi rin.

Inaalam pa ng pulisya ang motibo sa pamamaslang at pagkakilanlan ng salarin. JOCELYN TABANGCURA-DOMENDEN

BAGAMA’T suportado ng mga kongresista ang anti-illegal drugs campaign ng Philippine National Police (PNP) na tinawag na “Oplan Double Barrel: Reloaded,” ay umapela pa rin ang mga ito na bantayan upang maiwasan ang mga pag-abuso.

Sa pagdinig ng House committee on Public Order and Safety na pinamumunuan ni Antipolo Rep. Romeo Acop, nagpahayag ang mga mambabatas ng suporta sa kampanya laban sa droga ng administrasyong Duterte kasabay ng panawagan kay PNP chief Dir. Gen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa na pag-ingatin ang mga pulis upang makaiwas sa mga pang-aabuso.

Kasunod ito ng pagkilala ng mga kongresista sa natatamong tagumpay ng “Double Barrel,” “Double Barrel Alpha,” at “Double Barrel Reloaded.”

Binigyang-diin ni Iligan City Rep. Frederick Siao kay Baton a ipagpatuloy ang paglilinis sa hanay ng PNP laban sa mga scalawags lalo na iyong mga direktang sangkot sa iligal na droga.

Kinuwestyon din ni Siao ang pagpapatapon sa mga pulis sa Basilan sa halip aniyang suspendihin ngunit ayon kay Dela Rosa mas madali ang maglipat kaysa magsuspinde.

Sa ngayon, ayon sa PNP chief, mas mahigpit ang pagpili sa mga pulis na maaaring isama sa mga opersyon laban sa sindikato ng droga kabilang ang mahigpit na background investigation at interview.

Pagkumbinsi naman ni South Cotabato Rep. Pedro Acharon sa mga kasamahang mambabatas na madagdagan ang pondo ng PNP at bilisan pa ang recruitment sa mga pulis at personnel. MELIZA MALUNTAG

HINDI lang isa kundi tatlong araw na transport strike ang ikakasa ng transport group Stop and Go Coalition para iprotesta ang plano ng gobyerno sa pagwalis sa 15-taong pampublikong dyip para bigyan-daan ang pagmomoderno ng public transport vehicle.

“Magkakaroon kami ng three-day transport holiday. This is again to protest the government’s plan to modernize and phase out jeepneys,” pahayag ni Stop and Go President Jun Magno sa isang phone interview.

Gayunman, hindi idinetalye ni Magno kung kalian at kung sdaan gaganapin ang pagaaklas.

“It will be announced to media, one day before the transport strike,” pahayag nito. BOBBY TICZON

SINERMUNAN ng bagitong justice ng Supreme Court (SC) na si Associate Justice Noel Tijama ang abogado ni Sen. Leila de Lima na si Atty. Florin Hilbay.

Ani Tijama, tila nagmamadali ang kampo ni Senador Leila de Lima na maiakyat sa Korte Suprema ang kasong inihain laban sa kanya ng Department of Justice (DoJ) na may kinalaman sa iligal na droga para kwestyunin ang hurisdiksyon ng Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court Branch 204.

Nagpapakita lamang aniya ang hakbang ng senadora na wala siyang tiwala sa magiging desisyon ni Judge Juanita Guerrero sa kanyang motion-to-quash.

Pinayuhan din niya si Hilbay na bilang isang abogado na ang pangunahin niyang trabaho ay ang pagsilbihan ang interes ng hukuman at hindi ang kanilang kliyente dahil maituturing silang officers of the court.

Dahil dito, iginiit ng Tijam na dapat umanong tumalima ang kampo ni De Lima sa judicial process kabilang na ang doktrina laban sa forum shopping at pagsunod sa hierarchy of courts.

Pero, ayon kay Hilbay, ang mga abogado bilang officers of the court ay dapat na magsilbi para sa hustisya.

Binigyang-diin naman ni Associate Justice Marvic Leonen na hindi dahilan ang pagiging popular ng isang indibidwal para gumawa ng shortcut sa legal procedure.

Nababahala si Leonen na lumikha ang kaso ni De Lima ng tinatawag na dangerous precedent para ang legal procedure ay malapastangan sa iba pang kaso sa hinaharap. BOBBY TICZON

ISASALANG pa sa diskusyon ang pagsusulong sa full odd-even number scheme sa mga pangunahing kalsada sa Metro Manila.

Sa nasabing panukala, ipagbabawal bumiyahe ang mga may plakang nagtatapos sa 1,3,5,7 at 9 tuwing Lunes, Miyerkules, at Biyernes, habang ang 2,4,6,8 at 0 ay hindi naman papayagang bumiyahe tuwing Martes, Huwebes at Sabado at mananatiling libre para sa mga motorista na bumiyahe tuwing Linggo.

Nilinaw ni Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) general manager Tim Orbos na hindi pa ito ipatutupad.

Posible aniyang matalakay pa ito sa Metro Manila Council meeting makaraan pa ang dalawa o tatlong pagpupulong, na tinatayang papatak sa buwan ng Mayo o Hunyo.

Sa ngayon aniya ay hinahabol nila ang pagbibigay pansin sa pagbubukas ng mga kalye, at pagpapahintulot sa carpooling na inaasahang makakagaan ng daloy ng trapiko sa mga pangunahing kalsada sa Metro Manila.

Kaugnay naman nito, iminumungkahi sa kanilang panukala na hikayatin ang village-based o corporate-based na carpooling.

Samantala, sinabi rin ni Orbos na naging maganda ang epekto ng pagbabawal sa mga light trucks na dumaan sa EDSA.

Aniya kapansin-pansing maging sa mga motorista na bahagyang gumaan ang daloy ng trapiko nang mabawasan ang mga light trucks sa EDSA kahit na may ilan pa ring pasaway.

Nanawagan naman si Orbos sa mga nag-ooperate ng light trucks na nagde-deliver ng mga perishable goods na makipag-ugnayan sa kanilang ahensya upang maging opisyal ang kanilang exemption sa nasabing polisiya. JOHNNY ARASGA

SWAK sa kulungan ang isang hinihinalang shabu supplier na nag-o-operate sa lalawigan ng Pampanga sa isinagawang buy-bust operation ng Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) sa Brgy. Sto Rosario, Angeles City kahapon, Marso 21.

Kinilala ni PDEA Dir. Gen. Isidro Lapeña ang suspek na si Joey A. Avilar, Jr., 28, ng Brgy. Pulung Bulu, Angeles City.

Nakumpiska sa suspek ang 50 gramo ng shabu na may street value na P200,000 at isang motorsiklo.

Ayon sa PDEA, si Avilar ay kabilang sa listahan ng drug personalities na patuloy na sinusubaybayan ng PDEA. Kilala siyang supplier ng shabu sa Angeles City at sa San Fernando City sa Pampanga.

Kakasuhan ang suspek ng paglabag sa Section 5 (Sale of Dangerous Drugs), Article II, Republic Act 9165, o Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, na kasalukuyan ngayon nakapiit sa PDEA RO3 custodial facility sa Camp Olivas, San Fernando, Pampanga. SANTI CELARIO