Manila-From March 24 to 28, the United States government, through the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA) International Counterproliferation Program (ICP), hosted a maritime security training to enhance Philippine government’s efforts to counter the maritime trafficking of hazardous chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) materials.

During the Targeting and Risk Management Workshop held in Manila, DTRA experts and Filipino facilitators from the Philippine Office for Transportation Security (OTS) trained 35 representatives from various Philippine government agencies in identifying, targeting, and interdicting illicit vessels and cargoes that traffic hazardous components of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) in different maritime domains. It also included “train-the-trainer” activities to sustain the agencies’ efforts in identifying maritime security operational and doctrinal gaps.

Participants included representatives from the Department of Trade and Industry’s Strategic Trade Management Office, Department of Transportation’s OTS, Bureau of Customs, Philippine Ports Authority, Maritime Industry Authority, Presidential Office for Maritime Concerns, Philippine Nuclear Research Institute, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Navy, and Philippine National Police Maritime Group.

In his remarks, Director Jose S. Embang, Jr. of the CBRN office of the Philippines’ Anti-Terrorism Council Program Management Center (ATC-PMC) thanked DTRA for its support in helping the Philippines refine its tracking methods and response procedures for potentially hazardous unauthorized materials discovered at seaports. He added that these efforts contribute to national and global security.

“We value our longstanding partnership with ATC-PMC and their unwavering efforts to strengthen Philippine CBRN policy and legislation. We anticipate continued engagement with ATC-PMC, the National Maritime Center, and the Philippine interagency in support of initiatives that reinforce the ironclad commitment between our two countries,” said Nicholas DeDominici, Chief of DTRA at the U.S. Embassy in Manila.

The workshop is part of DTRA’s efforts to help strengthen interagency cooperation within Philippine government agencies; improve their capabilities to counter WMD proliferation and respond timely and effectively to maritime security incidents.; and strengthen U.S.-Philippine cooperation in support of a secure, prosperous, free, and open Indo-Pacific. (PR)

ORMOC CITY– A 15-year-old Grade 10 student died following a road accident involving a motorcycle and a tricycle along the national highway in Barangay Poblacion, Merida, Leyte, on April 13.

The victim, identified only by the alias “Zorren,” was reportedly driving a white-and-black Honda XRM motorcycle with his mother and a cousin as back riders when the collision occurred around 6:00 pm.

His back riders were identified as his 10-year-old cousin, alias “Louie,” and his mother, alias “Nissa,” 41, a housewife. All three are residents of Barangay Can-unzo, Merida.

According to a police report, the mother went to the Merida Municipal Police Station at around 5:45 p.m. on Monday, April 14, to report the incident. She recounted that they were traveling toward the town proper when a tricycle, driven by a certain “Tony” from Barangay Lundag, was spotted at the right shoulder of the road and suddenly signaled a U-turn.

“Nissa” said she immediately warned her son to brake, but a collision still occurred. The impact caused all three motorcycle riders to fall to the pavement. The boy’s abdomen reportedly struck the handlebar of the motorcycle.

The teenager was rushed to Gatchalian Hospital in Ormoc City onboard a municipal ambulance, but he was declared dead by attending physicians while undergoing treatment.
Authorities are conducting a follow-up investigation to determine liability and further circumstances surrounding the incident.

(ROBERT DEJON)

Cause of death yet to be known

TACLOBAN CITY– An Italian national was found dead inside a restroom at his temporary residence in Purok Cantimog, Barangay Libhu, Maasin City around 8:00 am on Monday, April 21.

The victim, identified only by the alias “Carlo,” was a 63-year-old foreigner temporarily residing in the area.

According to a report from the regional headquarters of the Philippine National Police (PNP) based in Palo, Leyte, the Maasin City Police Station (CPS) received a phone call at around 8:50 am from a barangay councilor of Libhu reporting the discovery of a lifeless body.

Responding officers proceeded to the scene, where a doctor from the City Health Unit (CHU) of Maasin conducted an examination on the remains of the foreign national.
The foreign national was found lying on the floor of the comfort room and was declared dead at approximately 9:45 am.

Based on the statement of the victim’s live-in partner, the two of them had woken up around 8:00 am that morning.

While the Italian was defecating in an inflatable pool set up inside the restroom, he suddenly collapsed, the report said.

The victim’s remains were later brought to a funeral home.

Result of the post-mortem examination conducted on the victim has yet to be released by the CHO as of press time.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)