Brunei News Gazette

Manila, Philippines - The Department of Justice (DOJ) announced Wednesday that it is preparing a legal brief for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., outlining his potential options should the International Criminal Court (ICC) issue arrest warrants against Filipino nationals.

According to Philippines News Agency, the legal brief will present an objective analysis of the pros and cons of each available option for the President in relation to ICC arrest warrants. The document aims to inform President Marcos about the legalities, options, and remedies at his disposal if warrants are indeed issued. Among the considerations presented to Marcos will be the potential advantages and disadvantages of rejoining the Rome Statute, the treaty that established the ICC. Clavano emphasized that these discussions and legal analyses are intended solely for the President's review until he makes a decision on how to proceed.

Clavano also noted that the Philippine government has not yet received any formal communication or arrest warrants from the ICC regarding the arrest of any individuals within the country.

CAMALIG, ALBAY - A grassfire ignited on the lower slopes of Mayon Volcano on Tuesday afternoon, burning until early Wednesday, amid ongoing heat and dry conditions.

According to Philippines News Agency, Chief of the Camalig Information Office, the fire started in a remote, uninhabited area of Barangay Tumpacogon around 5 p.m. and extinguished naturally by 2:10 a.m. Wednesday. The location of the fire was between the six and seven-kilometer Permanent Danger Zones of Mayon Volcano, approximately five kilometers from the nearest residential area. Florece confirmed that there were no casualties or property damage resulting from the incident.

Response teams from the Camalig Fire Station and the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office were deployed shortly after the fire's detection to manage and monitor the situation. This incident marked the second grassfire this month, with the previous one occurring in Barangay Sua, which was quickly contained by local disaster management councils due to its accessibility.

Florece also provided contact information for several emergency services, urging the public to remain vigilant and keep in touch with local authorities for updates and assistance.

DAVAO DEL SUR - The National Irrigation Administration in Davao Region (NIA-11) has officially handed over a new PHP136.6 million irrigation project to the TAKASOTA Irrigators Association Inc. The ceremony took place in Barangay Tanwalang, Sulop town on Wednesday. This significant development is set to enhance agricultural productivity for the association's 35 farmer-members.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Tanwalang Small Irrigation Project encompasses 300 hectares across the Tanwalang, Katipunan, Solongvale, and Tala-o villages, regions from which the acronym TAKASOTA is derived. Initiated in 2018, the infrastructure includes a diversion dam and associated irrigation facilities.

During the turnover event, TAKASOTA IA president Arnulfo Cababat acknowledged the support from the government and committed to maintaining the sustainability of the project. Meanwhile, NIA-11 acting division manager, engineer Dexter Tinapay, emphasized the project's collaborative design involving local, provincial, and barangay officials. Tinapay also encouraged the adoption of advanced farming technologies among local irrigators to ensure long-term benefits.

Quezon, Philippines - On Wednesday, 784 members of the LGBTQIA+ community in Quezon's Bondoc Peninsula received PHP3,000 each in government aid. The financial support was provided under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program, operated by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). The recipients are residents of the towns within the 3rd District of Quezon, including Padre Burgos, Agdangan, Unisan, Pitogo, Macalelon, Gen. Luna, Catanauan, Mulanay, San Francisco, Buenavista, San Narciso, and San Andres.

According to Philippines News Agency, the disbursement occurred during the launch of the 'Puso ni Alona para sa Bahaghari' at the Bulwagang May Puso. The event featured remarks from Mayor Matt Erwin Florido, who underscored the local government's appreciation of the LGBTQIA+ community through financial and other forms of assistance. Suarez highlighted additional support avenues available through her office, including employment contracts, scholarship grants, and hospitalization benefits. She reassured attendees of potential support for medical needs through partnerships with private and specialty hospitals.

Ogie Yulde, a local beneficiary, expressed his gratitude, noting the significance of the recognition and support from the DSWD and the Alona Party-list for one of the society's most vulnerable groups.

NARVACAN, ILOCOS NORTE – The local government has announced a suspension of work at the Narvacan municipal hall on Thursday due to a planned eight-hour power outage necessary for maintenance activities by the Ilocos Sur Electric Cooperative (ISECO).

According to Philippines News Agency, the suspension will not affect offices that deliver basic services. He released a statement on Wednesday detailing that the power interruption is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to facilitate annual preventive maintenance at the Narvacan substation. This outage will impact the entire municipalities of Narvacan, Nagbukel, Sta. Maria, and Santa, with the exception of Nagpanaoan; and parts of Burgos, except for Mapanit. Additionally, the areas of Bessang, Sitio Patpat, Poblacion Norte, and Lidlidda will experience power disruptions.

Mayor Sanidad further noted that the decision to conduct in-person classes and continue work in the private sector during the outage remains at the discretion of the respective authorities.

DAVAO CITY – The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) announced the completion of the runway rehabilitation project at Davao International Airport on May 7. This marks a significant step towards enhancing the airport's operational capabilities.

According to Philippines News Agency, while the main rehabilitation efforts are complete, minor rectifications are still required on some portions of the runway. These adjustments will be carried out during daytime hours when there are no scheduled flights, in close coordination with the air traffic control tower. The authority plans to lift the notice to airmen, which has been in effect since the project's inception, by May 9, contingent on the resolution of all remaining issues.

The runway had been subject to partial closures from midnight to 4 a.m. starting January 29, initially planned to last six hours but later reduced to four to lessen the impact on flight operations. The project, initially scheduled for completion by May 31, was finished ahead of schedule. It involved the removal of 2-inch thick damaged asphalt, application of an emulsified asphalt tack coat, laying of a hot bituminous mixture, and repainting of runway markings.

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL - The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOCPPO) unveiled an innovative anti-criminality reporting system called "Project Dasig" on Wednesday afternoon. This initiative uses a One Button SMS (short message service) mobile application designed to improve the speed and efficiency of police responses to incidents reported by business establishments across the province's 12 component cities.

According to Philippines News Agency, the system was launched during a simulation exercise at the Talisay Component City Police Station. "Project Dasig," which means 'fast' or 'quick' in Hiligaynon, aims to significantly enhance the police's ability to receive and react to crime reports. "This is being piloted in all 12 cities in Negros Occidental. In seconds, the message will be received by the Philippine National Police," De Chavez explained.

The one-click SMS application is expected to improve police responsiveness to information reports and complaints from the public, with the goal of achieving a police response time of less than three minutes. As part of "Project Dasig," the component city police stations have mapped out vital installations and financial institutions for pre-registration into the system. With just one click, registered entities such as banks, pawnshops, money exchange shops, supermarkets, grocery stores, and gas stations can instantly report a crime incident to the police.

In Talisay City, for instance, an initial 26 income-generating establishments have been registered under the new system. Vice Mayor Jose Nicolas Jalandoni III expressed strong support for the initiative. "We will work hand-in-hand with the police in using this system, which is helpful and useful for the people. We will also help educate our people not to abuse the app to ensure that technology will be used in the right way," he stated.

Other component city police stations in Negros Occidental that are implementing "Project Dasig" include those in San Carlos, Escalante, Sagay, Cadiz, Victorias, Silay, Bago, La Carlota, Himamaylan, Kabankalan, and Sipalay.

ILOILO CITY – The local government of Iloilo City is advancing efforts to nominate violin virtuoso Gilopez Kabayao for the "Order of the National Artist," focusing on his significant contributions to Philippine culture and the arts.

According to Philippines News Agency, the City Council received a formal endorsement to consider Kabayao's nomination, recognizing his extensive impact on the arts, particularly in violin mastery. This recommendation is part of a resolution being prepared by the Sangguniang Panlungsod, with the Committee on Tourism, Culture and Historical Affairs, led by Councilor Rudolph Jeffrey Ganzon, tasked to examine the proposal. The mayor highlighted Kabayao's deep resonance within the nation's cultural heritage and his role in inspiring both local and international audiences.

The initiative to nominate Kabayao was initially put forward by the Iloilo Dinagyang Foundation, Inc. (IDFI) in December of the previous year. The foundation, dedicated to preserving and promoting the Ilonggo identity, cited Kabayao’s seven decades of exceptional and consistent artistic excellence. Kabayao, born in 1929 in Negros Occidental with roots in Iloilo, made history as the first Filipino to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York and has received multiple accolades including a Presidential Award of Merit and the President Ramon Magsaysay Award.

Known as the "Father of Outreach for Classical Music," Kabayao has been instrumental in democratizing classical music in the Philippines, performing in diverse and often remote locations across the country from the 1950s onward. Even in his 90s, he continues to perform complex pieces with precision and passion, as noted by Joy de Leon, deputy assistant to the IDFI president.

The Order of National Artists, the highest national recognition given to Filipino individuals who have made significant contributions to the growth of Philippine arts, is jointly administered by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), and conferred by the President of the Philippines.

MANILA - The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has announced an enhancement of its support programs aimed at assisting Filipinos who are experiencing crises, such as job loss, with a particular focus on those affected by recent spikes in unemployment rates linked to the El Niño phenomenon.

According to Philippines News Agency, the unemployment rate rose from 3.5 percent in February to 3.9 percent in March, notably in the agricultural sector. In response, DSWD spokesperson and Assistant Secretary for Disaster Response Management Group (DRMG), Irene Dumlao, stated that affected individuals could access various DSWD services, pending eligibility assessments by social workers. "Through these programs, we aim to help jobless Filipinos by enhancing their skills and competencies, and providing them with resources to access income-generating opportunities, thereby improving their socio-economic well-being," Dumlao explained in a news release.

The Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) is one such initiative designed to support economically vulnerable households. It offers two tracks: micro-enterprise development, which helps small businesses become viable, and employment facilitation, which aids in securing suitable job placements. Participants in the SLP may receive support such as seed capital, cash-for-building-livelihood-assets, skills training, and employment-assistance funds, which cover various employment-related expenses.

Additionally, Dumlao highlighted the DSWD’s Project LAWA (Local Adaptation to Water Access) and BINHI (Breaking Insufficiency through Nutritious Harvest for the Impoverished), which provide training and work opportunities that focus on mitigating food insecurity and water scarcity during drought conditions. Beneficiaries of these projects receive compensation at the regional minimum wage rate for their involvement.

Moreover, the DSWD offers the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program, which provides immediate aid such as food, cash, medical, and educational support to those affected by crises, including job loss. The delivery of AICS benefits is contingent upon assessments by DSWD social workers.

Through these reinforced measures, the DSWD aims to facilitate the recovery and socio-economic stabilization of affected individuals and families across the Philippines.

CEBU CITY - The Visayas Command (Viscom) has successfully orchestrated the provision of approximately PHP 500,000 in livelihood assistance to an organization comprising former members of the New People's Army (NPA). This initiative, announced on May 6, aims to help reintegrate these individuals into mainstream society through sustainable agricultural activities.

According to Philippines News Agency, commander of the 3rd Civil Relations Group based in Camp Lapu-Lapu, the Lawaan Farmers and Livestock Association, led by Flor Lingues and located in the mountain barangay of Lawaan in Danao City, was the recipient of a PHP 483,000 check. This fund is earmarked for a hog-raising project which is expected to provide ongoing economic benefits for its members. "The assistance is not just financial but it symbolizes starting anew their lives in the mainstream society," Lingues commented during an interview with the Philippine News Agency.

The presentation of the grant was officiated by DOLE-7 Regional Director Lilia Estillore, with assistance from Lawaan Barangay Captain Shirley Ramos and officials from Viscom, the 3rd Civil Relations Group, the Civil Relations Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the 14th Civil Military Operations Battalion. In addition to financial support, Martinez noted that Viscom is involved in sustainment efforts aimed at preventing the resurgence of insurgency, helping former rebels become stable and resilient against the influence of communist terrorist groups.