Gasoline seen up P1.20/l next week

By Alena Mae S. Flores

DOMESTIC pump prices may go up next week by as much as P1.20 per liter for gasoline to reflect the movement of prices in the world market week-on-week.

Industry sources said that based on the four-day trading of the Mean of Platts Singapore, there will be a mixed movement in the prices of petroleum products next week.

Superstorm...

From A1 gale-force winds of up to 220 kilometers per hour and torrential rains, state weather bureau forecasters said Friday.

Betty/Mawar would still be in the PAR at typhoon strength by Wednesday morning, the track and intensity forecast of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administrationadded, even as it moves westward over the Philippine Sea.

Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal (TCWS) No. 3 would be hoisted overBatanes as Betty is forecast to be within be 250 km of the province and the Babuyan Islands by Sunday morning while it barrels its way toward Taiwan and possibly Japan.

After a rapid intensification, Mawar became the most powerful storm of2023 globally, according to the Joint Typhoon Warning Centre (JTWC).

Its intensification in waters east of the Philippines came after abrief weakening as it passed by Guam on Wednesday, lashing the US island with heavy rains and winds that uprooted trees and blew awayroofs and cars.

According to the Guam Power Authority, nearly all the island’s 52,000homes and businesses experienced power outages, with only 1,000 retaining electricity. There were no reports of loss of life, butextensive damage was reported, alongside localized flooding, fallen debris, and downed power lines.

Its strong to typhoon-force winds extend outwards up to 550 km from its eye or center, PAGASA said.

In its 10 p.m. thunderstorm advisory Friday, PAGASA said Metro Manila, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija and Tarlac would expe-

PH...

From A1

National Security Adviser Eduardo

Año countered that the placement of navigational buoys in the disputed waters off the West Philippine Sea (WPS), saying it is “an act of a sovereign nation and is pursuant to the country’s obligations under international law.”

“As a maritime nation, it is imperative that the Philippines prioritize the maintenance of navigational safety to ensure the

PBBM:...

From A1 capabilities. So, those were our priorities and then hopefully when the time comes and the conditions are agreeable then we might be able to acquire those submarines.”

“If they are built here and we can actually build submarines here andprovide those submarines to other countries then that’s another source of jobs, and of income and increased capability for our Navy.”

Last year, the Department of National Defense (DND) said that procurement of submarines for the PN was not a priority, saying that it was focusing on the implementation of modernization contracts signed by the previous administration.

A defense official said that although submarines were on their wish list for Horizon 3, the department is prioritizing the implementationof existing contracts, given the limited resources available to the government.

At the same event Friday, Marcos reiterated his commitment to ensuring the welfare of the members of the Armed

Army...

From A1 of the 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade, said Baratumo has a standing warrant of arrest for murder issued by the 12th Judicial Region, Branch 8, Marawi City.

The military and police have been working together since February in tracking the suspect, according to Santos.

Baratumo is now under the custody of the South Cotabato ProvincialPolice Office and will be turned over to Lanao del Sur Provincial Police Office for proper disposition, the military said.

On February 17, gunmen ambushed the convoy of Adiong in Kalilangan, Bukidnon, and killed four of his companions.

The fatalities were identified as Police Staff Sergeant Mohammad Jurai Mipanga Adiong, 40; Police Corporal Johanie Lawi Sumandar, 39; PoliceCorporal Jalil Ampuan Cosain, 40, and a driver identi-

The sources said gasoline prices may go up by P1.10 to P1.20 per liter and diesel by P0.10 per liter, while kerosene may go down by P0.10 to P0.30 per liter. They said the price movement of die- rience moderate to heavy rain showers with lighting and strong winds owing to Betty’s influence on the southwest monsoon or “habagat.”

These conditions were already being experienced in Zambales, Bataan, and Pampanga provinces last night, the state weather bureau added.

Fishermen in Cagayan no longer went out to sea as a precaution on Friday as the province was expected to raise its red alert last night. Ten towns had been classified as areas of concern by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO).

In Batanes, Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office head MarvinPama said the town of Ivana has activated its evacuation center to accommodate evacuees from high-risk communities.

PAGASA weather specialist Ana Clauren said the hoisting of TCWS may begin today in anticipation of severe winds.

Strong to storm-force conditions may be experienced over extreme Northern Luzon, while strong to gale-force conditions are possible in the northern and eastern portions of the mainland of Northern Luzon,she said.

Clauren said Betty may enhance the southwest monsoon that could trigger rains over the western portion of Central and Southern Luzon and the Visayas beginning Sunday or Monday.

She urged the public to coordinate precautionary measures with the local government because the moderate to heavy rains may trigger flash floods or landslides.

Mawar is the strongest storm to enter the country this year, but is weaker than Yolanda, which killed more than 6,000 people in 2013.

While Yolanda packed maximum sustained winds of 235 kilometers perhour, protection of our waters and the people who rely on them," Año said in a statement.

He stressed that neglecting navigational safety can lead to catastrophic incidents resulting in accidents, loss of life, and damage to the environment.

"We wish to stress that safe and efficient navigation is critical tointernational trade and commerce, and any disruption to this can have far-reaching consequences."

"Besides, our maritime borders are vulnerable to threats such as piracy, smuggling, and terrorism. Thus, main-

Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and their families.

“And so, to the brave men and women of our Navy: in fulfilling your duties and mandates, be agents and exemplars for our citizenry by working for unity and by championing respect for our Constitution and the rule of law,” President Marcos said in his speech at the Philippine Navy Headquarters in Manila.

“Rest assured that as your commander-in-chief, this administration will work tirelessly not only to improve the Armed Forces but also in looking for ways and means to improve your individual welfare and those of your families and loved ones as well,” he said.

The President paid tribute to the Navy as an institution and to the men and women behind it, both uniformed and civilian, for continuing the noble cause of defending the republic's sovereignty and keeping the peace.

Two PN vessels, Patrol Gunboat (PG) 903 (BRP Gener Tinangag) and PG 905 (Domingo Deluana), were commissioned Friday. (See full story online at manilastandard.net) fied only as Kobi. Adiong survived while two of his staff were hurt in the attack.

One of the suspects identified only as “Otin” was killed during pursuit operations conducted from February 17 to 19, police said.

Another prime suspect in the ambush, identified as Oscar “Tacmar" Capal Gandawali, was also killed in a police operation on May 3.

Police Regional Office 12 (Soccsksargen) Chief, Brig. Gen. Jimili Macaraeg, lauded the South Cotabato Police for the arrest in Surallahtown of one of the suspects in the Feb. 17 ambush of Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr.’s convoy.

"We commend the unwavering efforts and great synergy of all units,” Macaraeg said in a statement Friday.

Baratomo, alias Commander Lomala, of Barangay Bato-Bato, Maguing, Lanao del Sur, did not resist arrest when nabbed at a checkpoint in Surallah. (See full story online at manilastandard.net) sel and kerosene will depend on Friday's trading movement in the world oil market.

Department of Energy director for Oil Industry Management Bureau Rodela Romero said there are several factors that affected world oil prices this week.

Romero said this included the increase in the US oil demand forecast for the second half of the year and the coming Memorial Day weekend in the US.

She said the decline in the oil supplies coming from Canada and the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies in recent weeks also

Mawar is likely to move at a slower pace, with maximum sustained winds of 175 kph, said Jun Galang, PAGASA weather division chief.

Galang warned, however, that Mawar can still be dangerous.

“If a typhoon is fast, its impact on land is stronger. If it’s slower, it will bring more rain. Fast or slow, they’re both dangerous,” he said in Filipino.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said local government units (LGUs)should lead response efforts but assured them that the national government will be ready to assist in areas that will be affected by the super typhoon.

“We have already warned the LGUs to prepare in case of heavy rains and flooding. What we do is we leave it to the LGUs right now to make the call on what they will do,” Mr. Marcos said in an interview with reporters in Manila.

“What we’re saying is the national government is here to assist. We are in constant contact with the local governments, so we’ll see what the situation is in their place,” the President said.

Mr. Marcos said the government has been preparing for the onslaught of super typhoon Mawar, saying it had a different strategy since thetyphoon will also pull the southwest monsoon, which may cause heavy rain even in the Visayas and Mindanao.

“It’s a little different from the usual situation where the typhoon passes and that’s all we worry about,” he said.

“The typhoon is strong. It's pulling weather patterns, entering here in the Philippines. So that’s what we are looking out for,” he added.

President Marcos earlier said he had discussions with Defenseofficer-in-charge Carlito Galvez about positioning funds, taining navigational safety is critical to safeguarding the nation against these threats," he added.

Citing Koshikawa’s letter, Garafil said the twin summits resulted in the issuance of “consequential decisions encompassing matters related to the Philippines.”

“The outcome document of the recently-concluded 2023 Group of Seven and Quadrilateral Security Dialogue summits in Japan strongly supported President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on his position to adhere to the international rules-based order and maintain peace and stability in

Kuwait...

From A1 workers in shelters, searching for runaways without involving state institutions, communicating with Kuwaiti citizens without permission from authorities, and pressuring Kuwaiti employers to add clauses to employment contracts.

Neither the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait nor Malacanan Palace had a comment as of press time.

Earlier, Mr. Marcos told the media after gracing the 125th anniversary celebration of the Philippine Navy: “I'm never very comfortable with banning like that, because it's like banning is saying that it's forever, it's not possible anymore."

“Sometimes, the ban is an overreaction. As long as we're just banned, it's not right,” he added.

The President said the administration will pursue negotiations with the Kuwaiti government, which suspended issuing work visas to Filipinos.

“The problem we have is that we are talking to the people of Kuwait, and they don't want to issue new visas. We

5th...

From A1 Villanueva said in an interview. He said they will be filing a habeas corpus suit to question Javier’s continued detention.

“Mr. Javier was qualified to be a state witness against others who are being pointed to as responsible for the Pamplona massacre. That is the reason why up to this time no case has been filed against Mr. Javier,” Villanueva said in an interview with news channel ANC.

Javier was a sergeant with the Philippine Army’s counterterrorism unit Light Reaction Regiment. He went absent without leave in 2018 and wasamong the first suspects brought from Negros Oriental to Manila for their safety.

influenced prices. "Drop in WTI [West Texas Intermediate] due to inflation concern but China's demand alleviates uncertainties, and Iraq's Kurdistan production continued to drop," Romero said.

On May 23, the oil companies implemented a per liter increase of P0.80for gasoline and P0.60 for diesel but cut the price of kerosene by P0.10 per liter. These resulted in a year-to-date net decrease for diesel at P5.05 perliter and kerosene at P6.40 per liter. Gasoline, on the other hand, has a net increase of P5 per liter.

food packs and response teams in areas that will directly be affected by Mawar.

Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, meanwhile, announced the availability of the P18.3 billion disaster relief fund to support the government’s rescue and relief operations.

The latest data showed that the government still has some P18.3 billion in its calamity fund, including the P1.5 billion carryover from last year’s budget, that can be used for various disaster relief operations until the end of 2023.

From January 2023 to date, calamity fund releases amounted to about P3.9 billion. “Our government is prepared,” Pangandaman said in a statement.

After the typhoon, if necessary, agencies may tap into the availableNational Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (NDRRMF) under the FY 2023 General Appropriations Act upon completion of damage assessment and recommendation by the National Disaster Risk Reductionand Management Council (NDRRMC) and following the approval of the President.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines said it has alerted all its search, rescue, and retrieval units in anticipation of Mawar’s arrival.

In a statement released on Friday, the AFP said that all unified commands and major services are placed on alert for humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) operations in areas expected to be hit by Mawar.

A total of 12,000 personnel including reservists are deployed as firstresponders.

Additional troops and assets will be committed when necessary. With Macon Ramos-Araneta (See full story online at manilastandard.net) the region,” she said.

Koshikawa informed Garafil that during the G7 summit, the leaders had reaffirmed their resolve to meet global challenges and further champion shared international principles and values.

To maintain a free and open IndoPacific, the G7 leaders had emphasized their commitment to strengthen coordination with regional partners, including the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Koshikawa said. Rey E. Requejo (See full story online at manilastandard.net) don't get along because they say we are violating their rules, but we don't see anything, so that's the situation,” he said.

“But you know, I don’t want to burn any bridges… We have to react to the situation as it is, and I think the proper reaction is to take the decision of the Kuwaiti government to no longer issue new visas,” the President added.

State-run Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) on Thursday said the Ministry of Interior has reaffirmed the suspension of issuance of all visas to Philippine passport holders after Manila “rejected” Kuwait’s request for it to recognize the alleged violations of the Philippine Embassy there.

Citing the Kuwait Public Authority of Manpower, KUNA said one of Manila’s “violations” was lodging Filipinos in “shelters and camps” run by the embassy.

Following this development, the Kuwait Ministry of Interior said it will “outsource the skills and expertise needed for its labor market through contracts with other countries.”

Vince Lopez (See full story online at manilastandard.net)

Fellow suspects Jhudiel Rivero, Romel Pattaguan, Dahniel Lora andRogelio Antipolo Jr. have all recanted and gave similar narratives of coercion on the part of the government.

In his recantation confirmed on Monday by counsel Harold Montalbo, Rivero (a.k.a. Osmundo Rivero) claimed the police coerced him to admit his involvement and that he does not know fugitive Negros Oriental 3rd District Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr., the alleged mastermind.

Three counts of murder and frustrated murder cases have been filed before the Tanjay, Negros Oriental Regional Trial Court against Javier, Rivero, Joric Labrador, Benjie Rodriguez and 12 other JohnDoes.

Prosecutors previously said they expect recantations from the suspects after private defense lawyers surfaced to represent them.