KAKAMMPI News

Andrew Osborn and Denis Pinchuk, Reuters Posted at  Dec 28 2017 09:16 PM An interior view of a supermarket is seen after an explosion in St. Petersburg, Russia, in this photo released by Russia’s National Anti-Terrorism Committee on December 28, 2017.  National Anti-Terrorism Committee/Handout via Reuters MOSCOW - Russian President Vladimir Putin said a bomb blast in a St. Petersburg supermarket on Wednesday was an act of terrorism, and that security forces whose lives were threatened by terrorist suspects should shoot to kill if necessary. Putin, who is running for re-election in March, was speaking on Thursday at an awards ceremony in the Kremlin for Russian personnel who served in Russia's Syria campaign, which Moscow has framed as an anti-terrorism operation. "You know that yesterday in St. Petersburg a terrorist act was carried out," Putin told the audience, referring to the explosion that injured 13 shoppers in a branch of the Perekrestok supermark...

Published  December 28, 2017 8:59pm  By RIE TAKUMI, GMA News The first Filipina to be elected councilor in New Zealand has promised to push for policies geared toward cultural integration of migrants, including Filipinos. "I would like more recognition for migrants and more migrants to actively be involved in the community," said Thelma Bell of Ashburton Ward on GMA News TV's "Investigative Documentaries" that aired on Thursday. "It doesn't have to be Filipinos. It would be lovely to have another Filipino to come and join, but any migrants: Come and participate." Thelma Bell (middle) in action. Photo courtesy of Investigative Documentaries Bell had been a resident of Ashburton Ward for 23 years before she was elected councilor in 2016 on a platform of representing the migrant community and cultural diversity. Her advocacy is rooted in her own experiences of being a migrant. Then a fresh graduate of BS Nutrition a...

Published  December 28, 2017 6:44pm  Though with heavy hearts, OFWs are beginning to troop back to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to return to their overseas jobs to continue supporting their loved ones in the Philippines. Mark Anthony Jacolbe is one of these OFWs. Though sad, he said he is doing it for his family. "Para sa kanila 'tong gagawin nating sakripisyo," Jacolbe said in a report by GMA News' Ian Cruz on Balitanghali on Thursday. Another OFW, Miraflor Esnardo, told her baby that she loved her minutes before her flight to Saudi Arabia, while Leah Cayog bid her new lover goodbye as he accompanied her to the airport for her return to Italy. "Mabigat, mahirap. Akala sa una madali, pero pag nandito na, talagang mabigat," Cayog said. Yet some OFWs are only beginning their vacations, as is the case with Lorna, who came home from Saudi Arabia to ring in 2018 with her family. "Masayang-masaya kasi makak...

 Fr. Shay Cullen  28 December 2017     A great blessing came into the world over two thousand years ago. Jesus was born in Bethlehem and grew up in Nazareth. He was a humble leader, prophetic, articulate and a prodigy with a profound compassionate understanding of the sick, the poor and oppressed. He sought equality and a society, or kingdom, with no super rich, no dire poor and with fairness, social justice, love, and compassion for all. That is what he taught, lived for and was killed for.  He was a friend to all.   He was loved greatly by the poor, the fisher folks, the farmers and craftspeople, women and children. But the rich, the elite rulers, religious and civil leaders were not pleased with him or his message. He was not silent about the injustice and hypocrisy that surrounded him. He spoke out against the oppressors with sharp words of rebuke. He was challenged, spied upon, reported to the authorities, threatened, criticized, wrongly...

Published   December 26, 2017 7:02pm   By   MICHAELA DEL CALLAR Foreign Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano on Tuesday denied that the Philippines is transferring its embassy in Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, saying Israel never asked the government to consider such move. “To be fair to Israel they haven’t told or asked us to transfer our embassy,” Cayetano told GMA News’ JP Soriano in an interview. “In fact, they clarified reports to their friends that the Philippines did not communicate to them that we will transfer or not.” An Israeli public radio, according to a wire report, said 10 countries, including the Philippines, Romania and South Sudan, are considering moving their diplomatic missions to Jerusalem after talks with Israel. Transferring the embassy to Jerusalem will, in effect, recognize the city disputed by Israel and Palestine as Israel’s capital. Presently, all diplomatic missions are located in Tel Aviv. “We have communicated clearly t...

Philippine Daily Inquirer  / 07:02 AM December 27, 2017 The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) has debunked rumors circulating on social media of a “supertyphoon” that will supposedly hit the country in January 2018. In a statement, Pagasa weather division chief Esperanza Cayanan said that while it was normal for a tropical cyclone to form in or enter the Philippine area of responsibility in January, “predicting the tropical cyclone intensity to reach supertyphoon category for more than one week ahead has a very high uncertainty.” “The general public is advised to be more careful, verify information and listen only to right authority so as not to cause panic,” Cayanan said. Since Tropical Storm “Vinta’s” exit last Sunday, there has been no prevailing storm in the Philippine area of responsibility. In its 4 a.m. forecast on Tuesday, Pagasa said it was the tailend of a cold front affecting the eastern sect...

ABS-CBN News Posted at  Dec 26 2017 02:19 PM  | Updated as of  Dec 26 2017 04:47 PM Rescuers reach out to residents who sought shelter on rooftops to escape flooding triggered by Tropical Storm Vinta.  Froilan Gallardo, ABS-CBN News MANILA - Several governments and international organizations have extended their condolences to the Philippines after some 200 people were killed in floods and landslides spawned by back-to-back storms during the Christmas holidays. Representatives of the United States, China, the United Kingdom, European Union, and the United Nations General Assembly expressed in separate statements. Tropical storm Vinta (Tembin) inundated large parts of Mindanao over the weekend, less than a week after Urduja (Kai-tak) devastated the Visayas. IN PHOTOS: Vinta wreaks havoc in Mindanao "Heartfelt sympathies to the loved ones of the victims of Tropical Storm Vinta. My thoughts and prayers are with them in this difficult time," US Amb...

Reuters Posted at  Dec 26 2017 10:00 PM Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman attends a Cabinet meeting on December 19, 2017.  Saudi Press Agency/handout via Reuters RIYADH - Saudi Arabia has released 23 of the 200-or-so powerful individuals detained since November on corruption charges after they reached deals with the government, Okaz newspaper reported on Tuesday. The report did not name those involved in what appeared to be the first large-scale release since the royals, business people and government officials were detained in a crackdown spearheaded by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The suspects have been held at Riyadh's luxurious Ritz Carlton hotel since early November and told to hand over assets and cash in exchange for their freedom. Okaz said more detainees would be released in the coming days and trial proceedings would begin soon for those who continue to deny the charges against them. Saudi authorities see the settlements not a...

Published  December 26, 2017 5:48pm  After months or even years of working abroad, some Filipino workers will be home to greet 2018 with their loved ones. A report by GMA News' Bernadette Reyes on Balitanghali on Tuesday said OFWs have been arriving at the are Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in droves to welcome 2018 in the Philippines. Two of these were Michelle Lazada and her boyfriend who will finally spend some time together after missing each other for two years due to conflicting schedules. "Fifteen days lang po. Sulitin na lang 'yung 15 days. Sobrang happy kasi sa two years, ngayon lang kami nagkita," Lazada said. Unlike the couple, Riza Vidanes will be unable to spend January 1 with her three children but vowed to make the best of her three-day break with them. "Kahit saglit lang, makauwi lang talaga, makita 'yung mga bata. Kahit hindi na talagang eksaktong Pasko. Basta lang makapag-spend ng Christmas dito s...

WHEN IN TAIWAN OFWs share tips to Pinoy would-be tourists Published  December 25, 2017 2:00pm  By LUCKY MAE F. QUILAO From November 1, 2017 to July 31 next year, Filipino tourists can enjoy visa-free entry to Taiwan for up to 14 days, and Filipinos there are encouraging their kababayans to take advantage and visit the country. Filipinos who are living/working in Taiwan contacted by GMA News Online for this article all agreed that Taiwan has a lot to offer for the Filipino tourist. "Maraming pwedeng pasyalan dito kagaya ng Fo Guang Shan Buddha Museum sa Kaoshiung, National Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall sa Taipei, at Formosa 101 sa Taipei," shared Kenny Asierto, 30, factory worker in Chipbond Technology Corporation. For those who crave adventure, Asierto, administrator of Taiwan OFW Group, suggested the "extreme rides" like the Liphao Land in Taichung or the Jenfusan Theme Park. "Divisoria" of Taiwan Asierto said Filipinos sho...

Published  December 23, 2017 2:56pm  By MARGARET CLAIRE LAYUG, GMA News The Philippines on Saturday expressed strong concern over the spate of ballistic missile attacks targeting Saudi Arabia as it endangers the lives of almost a million Filipino workers in the Kingdom. “The Philippines is strongly concerned over the series of ballistic missile attacks against Saudi Arabia, including the recent launches targeting populated areas of Riyadh, as this puts innocent civilians, including many of our kababayans there, at serious risk,” Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said in a statement. Last Wednesday, Saudi Arabia air defenses intercepted a ballistic missile fired by a Yemeni group. The Saudi-led coalition said the ballistic missile was directed at a populated area in the capital Riyadh. The Yemeni group's most recent attack came a month after the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia shot down another missile over Riyadh's King Khale...

  NEWS BRAND TALK Going abroad to work? Here are some practical tips for first-time OFWs Published  December 22, 2017 7:53pm  Presented by: Metrobank There are  an estimated 2.2 million overseas Filipino workers  (OFWs) around the world, as of September 2016. Most become an OFW to earn higher pay, to fulfill a lifelong dream, to gain new experiences, to advance their career, or to secure their family’s future. If you’re getting ready to work abroad, it’s important to be prepared for the challenges ahead. Let this essential to-do list be your guide before leaving the country. Arrange your paperwork.  Make sure that all needed documents for your travel and new work are in order. These include, among other things, your valid passport and IDs, training certificates, and work papers. Having the necessary paperwork on hand reduces the hassle of unexpected problems. Pack smart.  While it is tempting to bring most of yo...

Published  December 22, 2017 4:13pm  Several overseas Filipino Workers were left without their pasalubong and other essential items upon their arrival at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) when it was discovered that their luggage were left behind in Dubai. According to a report by GMA News' Marisol Abdurahman on GMA News TV's Balitanghali on Friday, a Cebu Pacific official told passengers two hours after landing in Manila that the OFWs' luggage were left in Dubai to avoid flight delays. Crew members put the luggage aside for later transport after the crew ran out of containers to place the cases in. The airline did not deny their negligence in informing their passengers immediately of the complication. Apologies were offered by Charo Logarta Lagamon, Cebu Pacific Corporate Communications director, who said they will deliver the luggage of the OFWs  at a later date. "Humihingi kami ng paumanhin sa mga pasaherong hindi naisak...

Published  December 26, 2017 9:08pm  A Filipina domestic helper in Iraq is now receiving assistance from Philippine officials after she was assaulted and threatened by a relative of her employer. The OFW, Alice Aguilan, was able to broadcast the assault through Facebook Live, GMA News' JP Soriano reported on 24 Oras on Tuesday. The report said Aguilan started the livestream after she was beaten by her employer's relative, who also works as a houseboy, for failing to perform a task he asked her to do. During the livestream, Aguilan pointed to the suspect who was then performing a salat or ritual prayer and asked her viewers to take a screenshot of the man. "'Yang hayop na 'yan o, wala amo ko kaya binugbog ako. Pinagsasakal ako tsaka sinuntok ako at hinampas ako nang hinampas ng step-in," an emotional Aguilan said in the video. The suspect then stopped praying and attacked her by pulling her hair. He only stopped when Aguilan...

  Hong Kong police have arrested the Filipina co-owner of Peya Travel, the agency that allegedly failed to book flights for hundreds of OFWs returning home to the Philippines for the holidays. Rhea Donna Boyce was brought to a police station while several computers from her firm's main office were seized by the authorities, GMA News stringer Corazon Cañete reported on Balitanghali on Tuesday. Police suspect more individuals are connected to Peya Travel, but only Boyce and her husband, Peter Bryan Boyce, were listed as the agency's official owners. Boyce's husband as well as other officers of the agency may also face arrest if proven they were involved in the incident. South China Morning Post reported that Boyce was arrested on Monday for conspiracy to defraud . Police hauled Boyce in earlier for questioning but failed to receive any answers from the Filipina. Peya Travel came under fire for failing to secure the flights of 200 to 1,000 Fil...

By TED CORDERO, GMA News Budget carrier Cebu Pacific has offered to provide free air travel seats to accommodate some of the Manila-bound overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) stranded  in Hong Kong after their travel agency failed to confirm their flight bookings on time. "Cebu Pacific stands behind our migrant Filipinos who encountered problems with Peya Travel and will provide assistance so that our kababayans can have a chance to spend Christmas with their loved-ones in the Philippines," the airline said in a statement. Cebu Pacific said it has found 50 seats on 5J 110 on December 25, 2017 to accommodate the stranded migrant Filipinos in Hong Kong back to the country despite its flights being fully booked or nearing full capacity. The flight departs from Hong Kong at 7:25 p.m. and will arrive in Manila at 9:40 p.m. "Cebu Pacific will shoulder the cost of the round-trip flight of the 50 OFWs who will be flying with us," the airline said. ...

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Thursday reminded the public that there would be no consular services on several dates this holiday season. In an advisory, the DFA's Office of Consular Affairs (OCA) said consular offices will be closed on the following days: December 25, 2017 (Monday) - Christmas Day December 26, 2017 (Tuesday) - Non-working Day December 30, 2017 (Saturday) - Rizal Day January 1, 2018 (Monday) - New Year's Day January 2, 2018 (Tuesday) - Non-working Day Additional closures of specific consular offices in National Capital Region (NCR) and some provinces are as follows: December 23, 2017 (Saturday) - Official activity (year-end assessment or training in Butuan and Iloilo) December 20 to 31, 2017 - Transfer of consular office Tacloban to Robinsons Tacloban North The DFA said there will be no passport online appointment slots scheduled on the above dates. It also said walk-in applicants may proceed to the DFA Consular Office  ...

  The government is now working toward helping the Philippine-bound OFWs who were stuck in Hong Kong after their travel agency failed to confirm their flight bookings on time. Interviewed on Balitanghali on Thursday, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III said his department is now coordinating with the Philippine Airlines and the Department of National Defense (DND) to arrange flights for the affected OFWs, reportedly numbering between 200 to 1,000. Bello said he got confirmation from PAL that it will update their flight from Hong Kong to Manila to have "extra seats" to accommodate the OFWs. "They committed na 'yung mga stranded diyan makakauwi in two to three days so makakarating kayo before Christmas," Bello said. Apart from arranging flights with the flag carrier, Bello said he and Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano have requested Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana for a C-130 plane to bring the OFWs home. "I'm just...

  A new community center for Filipinos will rise in Bahrain as part of initiatives that will be unveiled by the Philippine Embassy to improve bilateral relations, according to a  report on DT News Bahrain . Philippines Ambassador to Bahrain Alfonso Ver said the community center will be opened at the embassy to promote the Philippines to Bahrainis and to celebrate the embassy's 40th anniversary. Ver added that more high-level missions are planned in 2018 to improve trade between the Philippines and Bahrain. President Rodrigo Duterte signed a $250-million investment agreement during his visit to the Gulf country in April that will expand a Bahraini company's agricultural operations to the Philippines. Ver himself accompanied a delegation from the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Bahrain Arabic Club, and the ASEAN-Bahrain Business Council to the Philippines on a trade visit to the country.  —Rie Takumi/KBK, GMA News