PH appeals ICC’s revival of ‘drug war’ probe

by TETCH TORRES-TUPAS Inquirer.net

MANILA — The Philippine government has asked the International Criminal Court (ICC) to reverse the January decision of its pre-trial chamber (PTC) which authorizes the resumption of investigation on abuses and deaths related to the Duterte administration’s brutal war against illegal drugs.

Solicitor General Menardo

Guevarra confirmed that the notice of appeal was filed by the government last February 3.

The five-page appeal registered the Philippine government’s disagreement to and rejection of the PTC’s reasons for reviving the “drug war” probe. The PTC concluded that the Philippine government is not undertaking tangible, concrete steps to investigate abuses and deaths in the conduct of the anti-drug campaign.

The Philippine government requested the ICC to suspend the implementation of the PTC’s decision pending final resolution of its appeal, which was signed by Guevarra and Assistant Solicitor Generals-Myrna Agno-Canuto, Henry Angeles, Marissa Dela

Duterte, meanwhile, obtained a net satisfaction rating of “excellent” +77 in December, up from “excellent” +73 in October.

SWS classifies net satisfaction ratings of at least +70 as “excellent;” +50 to +69 as “very good;” +30 to +49 as “good;” +10 to +29 as “moderate;” +9 to -9 as “neutral;” -10 to -29 as “poor;” -30 to -49 as “bad;” -50 to -69 as “very bad” and -70 and below as “execrable.”

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POPE Francis has appointed Monsignor Anthony Celino, a Filipino immigrant, as auxiliary bishop of the diocese of El Paso in Texas.

Celino is currently the pastor of St. Raphael Parish on the eastside of El Paso in Texas and the diocese's judicial vicar. He will replace Bishop Mark Seitz.

Celino will be El Paso's first auxiliary bishop since its establishment as a diocese in 1914. The episcopal ordination for Celino will be on March 31, 2023 at St. Patrick Cathedral in El Paso.

"We thank the Holy Father for his attention and care for the Diocese of El Paso," said Seitz in a statement. "He [Celino] brings a unique experience as a Filipino immigrant serving our border community as a priest for the past 25 years, a steadfast dedication to pastoral ministry, and fidelity to the Gospel."

Born in the Ilocos region, Celino finished his studies in Philosophy at the Mary Help of Christians Seminary in Dagupan City in 1993. He later immigrated to the US and pursued his theology studies at the University of Saint Mary of the Lake in Mundelein, Illinois.

After his ordination in 1997, Celino was assigned

by FRANCO JOSE C. BAROÑA ManilaTimes.net

THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced on Monday, February 6 that the 38th iteration of the annual Balikatan Exercises has been scheduled for this April.

"The AFP and the U.S. Armed Forces are once again holding the 38th iteration of the annual bilateral Balikatan exercises. Although this is a bilateral activity, the AFP takes the lead in planning and execution, supported by the U.S. Armed Forces with other like-minded nations as observers," AFP spokesman Col. Medel Aguilar said in a statement.

Balikatan 38-2023 will result in the development of the AFP capability not only in the conduct of external defense operations but also in fulfilling its obligation in working with other countries in the region against terrorism and other threats," Aguilar added.

The number of personnel who will take part in this year's Balikatan to be held in the second week of April is still being finalized.

However, the AFP said the maneuvers will be held in areas under the Northern Luzon Command, the Visayas Command and the Western Command.

This year's Balikatan is projected to include field training composed of combined and live-fire exercises and military  PAGE 2