MANILA, Philippines: The Presidential Task Force on Media Security on Sunday called for the immediate activation of a special investigation group following the killing of a radio news anchor in Misamis Occidental. The victim, Juan T. Jamalon, aka "Johnny Walker," was shot twice by an unknown assailant while in the middle of his show on Gold FM 94.7 where he is also the station manager. "Even as we extend our sympathy to the victim's family and friends over this dastardly attack, we also call on the Misamis Occidental Police Office to immediately constitute its SITG to investigate this incident and apprehend the suspect and others possibly involved in the interest of justice," PTFoMS Executive Director Paul Gutierrez said in a statement. The National Bureau of Investigation has started gathering evidence in support of the ongoing investigation to hasten its resolution, the official said. "While the motive is yet to be determined, we consider this incident as work-related for the moment," Gutierrez said.

Photo of slain broadcaster Juan JumalonA radio broadcaster was fatally shot inside his studio in the Philippines on Sunday, police said, the latest in a long list of journalists killed in the country. The suspect gained entry to the studio by pretending to want to make an on-air announcement, a police statement said. Jumalon is the fourth journalist killed since President Ferdinand Marcos took office in June of 2022, theNational Union of Journalists said. The archipelago nation is one of the most dangerous places in the world for journalists, and their killers often go unpunished. "He tackles mostly current events and is not known to have criticised anyone in his broadcasts," Ragonio told AFP.

House sends 2024 proposed budget to SenateFacade of the House of Representatives at the Batasan Complex in Quezon City. MANILA, Philippines — In a special session held on Saturday to welcome Japan Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, the House of Representatives officially transmitted the General Appropriations Bill (GAB) or the proposed 2024 national budget to the Senate. During the plenary session, Majority Leader and Zambaonga City 2nd District Rep. Manuel Jose Dalipe made the motion to send House Bill (HB) No. Speaker, I move to immediately transmit to the Senate, House Bill No. 8980 took place before minor committee adjustments were made to the proposed budget.

Philippines prepared for escalation in Israel-Hamas conflict — DFAThis picture taken from the Israeli side of the border with the Gaza Strip on Nov. 2, 2023, shows Israeli bombardment in the Gaza Strip, amid ongoing battles between Israel and the Palestinian Hamas movement. MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine government assured the public of its readiness to handle emergencies and crisis situations if the Israel-Hamas conflict escalates into a regional war. (If you recall from last night, Hezbollah pointed fingers at the United States for the conflict, but had not made any direct threats against Israel. De Vega also said that some Israeli cities, including Tel Aviv, are returning to normal, according to Filipinos living in Israel. During the forum, De Vega discussed plans to evacuate Filipinos from Gaza.

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan's military said its forces killed nine armed men who attacked an air force training base on Saturday, with a group affiliated with the Pakistan Taliban claiming responsibility. "All nine terrorists have been sent to hell," the armed forces said in a statement, adding that its operation was over. Three men were killed before they entered the base, and three other attackers had been "cornered/isolated," the military said earlier. In a statement to the media, the Tehreek-e-Jihad Pakistan (TJP), a new militant group that is an affiliate of the homegrown Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) movement, claimed responsibility for the attack. They have largely focused on targeting security forces, with civilians sometimes caught up in the violence.

Previous NextMore than a thousand athletes gathered in a Hong Kong stadium on Saturday to open the Gay Games, the first time the international LGBTQ sporting event has come to Asia. “The first time Gay Games (is held) in Asia... that’s awesome,” said Helene Germain from France, who traveled to Hong Kong for the first time to compete in dragon boat racing. Hong Kong does not permit same-sex marriage and there is no law against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. - Local opposition -A few members of a religious group protested against the Gay Games outside the ceremony venue on Saturday as police watched on. The delay of Hong Kong’s event meant that Mexico’s city of Guadalajara was chosen as a Gay Games co-host.

House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez turns over the final copy of the approved 2024 General Appropriations Bill to Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri during a ceremony at the House of Representatives on Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023. Also present are Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales Jr. and Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda. Video from Speaker Romualdez Media BureauGet the latest newsdelivered to your inbox Sign up for The Manila Times newsletters By signing up with an email address, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Headless DA no more: Issues in agriculture that Marcos leaves behindMANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Friday decided to relinquish his 17-month hold on the post of agricultural secretary, handpicking fishing tycoon and top campaign donor Francisco Laurel Jr. to replace him. The president also said that he is managing the DA directly to give "urgent attention" to the sector. A year and a half later, his successor is entering the DA as prices of basic goods and services, including agricultural products, are surging. Inflation rose to 6.1% in September — higher than the 5.3% recorded in August — which the Philippine Statistics Authority said is driven partly by skyrocketing food prices. PSAC was pushing for the “digitalization of agriculture and the development of the supply and value chains,” among other proposals.

New Zealand warship makes 3-day visit to PhilippinesThis photo shows the HMNZS Aotearoa in the port of Manila. MANILA, Philippines — New Zealand navy ship made a "goodwill visit" to the Philippines after visiting Malaysia, Vietnam, and Singapore. HMNZS Aotearoa participated in Operation Crucible, the New Zealand Defence Force's largest naval deployment to the Indo-Pacific region. “The HMNZS Aotearoa's visit to the Philippines underscores New Zealand's dedication to maritime security, regional stability, and fostering diplomatic relations in the Indo-Pacific. Ito ay nagsisilbing patunay sa matibay na samahan ng New Zealand at Pilipinas,” New Zealand Ambassador Peter Kell said.

China's disinfo campaign shows growing unease about Philippines' WPS actionsMANILA, Philippines — An expert observed that China's recent disinformation campaign has raised a growing anxiety about the Philippines' efforts in the West Philippine Sea. In an interview with ANC's "Hot Copy" on Friday, geopolitical expert Don Mclaine Gill said that these narratives persist due to China's "discontent" with the Philippines openly asserting its sovereign rights in the West Philippine Sea. "Based on its disinformation campaigns, it makes it seem like it is in Manila's best interest not to do anything about securing its sovereign rights," Gill said. Despite these indicators, the expert warned that the Philippines should remain vigilant and not become complacent. Philippine Coast Guard spokesperson Commodore Jay Tarriela also warned about its existence citing three prominent narratives in downplaying China's aggression in the West Philippine Sea.

The SAR government agreed on Friday to make changes to a Transport and Logistics Bureau draft amendment bill after Frankie Yick Chi-ming, a lawmaker for the transport functional constituency, proposed raising the penalty for “illegal carriage of passengers for hire or reward by motor vehicles”. In Hong Kong, ride-hailing services offered by drivers - including Uber drivers - without hire car permits have been deemed illegal. According to the current Hong Kong law, any person who uses a motor vehicle for illegal carriage of passengers for hire or reward is liable to a maximum fine of HK$5,000 and imprisonment of three months, plus a suspension of vehicle license and an impoundment of the vehicle for three months on the first conviction. For subsequent convictions, a maximum fine of HK$10,000 and imprisonment of six months may be imposed along with the suspension of vehicle license and impoundment of vehicles for six months. Yick proposed that the maximum sentence upon first conviction should be increased to six months, while subsequent convictions should see a prison sentence of up to 12 months.

NEW DELHI, India: Schools were shut across India's capital on Friday as a noxious grey smog engulfed the megacity and made life a misery for its 30 million inhabitants. Smoke from farmers burning crop stubble, vehicle exhaust and factory emissions combine every winter to blanket the capital in a deadly haze. On Friday, levels of the most dangerous PM2.5 particles — so tiny they can enter the bloodstream — were almost 35 times the daily maximum recommended by the World Health Organization, according to monitoring firm IQAir. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal announced late Thursday that all primary schools would be closed across the capital for at least two days.

The remains of Angelyn Peralta Aguirre, a caregiver who was killed during an attack by Hamas militants in southern Israel near the Gaza border on Oct. 7, 2023, arrive in Manila, Friday, November 3. Aguirre, who had a chance to escape, refused to leave her 70-year old patient. Photos by J. Gerard Seguia

At least 15 people were injured after a route 70 Citybus exiting Aberdeen Tunnel was hit by a green minibus from behind on Thursday night. The incident took place around 10.30 pm as the Wah Kwai-bound bus was pulling over at the bus stop near the Aberdeen Tunnel toll plaza, Citybus said. The minibus suspectedly didn’t apply the brakes in time and crashed into the rear end of the double-decker, preliminary investigation revealed. The bus driver and a passenger onboard were injured, as well as some 13 people on the minibus. Citybus said it will render full assistance to police during the investigation into the case.

The PDIC said the lots are to be sold as one. The complete list and description of the properties, requirements, e-bidding process, and conditions of bid are posted on the PDIC e-bidding portal. The PDIC said that a one-time registration in the PDIC e-bidding portal at http://assetsforsale.pdic.gov.ph/Account/Register is required for interested buyers. For more information on the scheduled e-bidding, interested buyers may call the PDIC Public Assistance Department at (02) 8841-4141 during office hours. As the statutory receiver, the PDIC sells closed bank-owned assets through public bidding and negotiated sales.