IN BRIEF

DFA likely to downgrade alert level in Myanmar

THE Philippine government will likely downgrade its alert level status on Myanmar, in the process allowing overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) to go back to the strife-torn country, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Thursday.

DFA Undersecretary for Migrant Workers Affairs Eduardo de Vega said he was set to meet on Saturday with OFWs in Yangon who have sought a downgrading of the alert level status there.

DFA mulls lowering Myanmar’s alert level status following the OFWs’ request.

“There is the likelihood that the alert level will be lowered? There’s a good chance, but I won’t make any guarantees. But I think that if we see that the condition, the situation there is good, there is a possibility that we can lower the alert level, De Vega said. He noted that the OFWs who have valid working visas for Myanmar may be allowed to return once the alert level is downgraded.

“Pag...ma-lower, ibig sabihin, balik manggagawa maaari. Yung mga nandoon na, na may working visa na sa Myanmar, papayagan na ng ating pamahalaan na makabalik, hindi na sila banned na pumunta doon,” he explained.

Over 400 Filipinos continue to work in Myanmar even after a military junta ousted the elected civilian government years ago.

AFP, PNP tie up with Rotary to boost socio-civic tasks

THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) will partner with the Rotary International (RI) in conducting socio-civic programs and projects all over the country.

In a statement Thursday, AFP public affairs chief Lt. Col. Enrico Gil Ileto said the “sharing of common advocacies will contribute to nation-building.”

“Rotary International will work closely with the security sector through the AFP and PNP in programs anchored in Rotary’s seven areas of focus, which include peacebuilding and conflict prevention, disease prevention and treatment, water sanitation and hygiene, maternal and child health, basic education and literacy, community livelihood and economic development, and the environment,” Ileto said.

In line with this partnership, Ileto said a national bloodletting activity will conducted next month, followed by the implementation of national environmental projects in September. Vince Lopez

BI orders deportation of South Korean fugitive

A SOUTH Korean national wanted in his home country has been ordered to leave by the Bureau of Immigration (BI).

The South Korean was identified as Choi Sunghee, 38, who departed the country last June 20 on board a Jeju Air flight bound for Incheon.

Commissioner Norman Tansingco said the Korean authorities informed the BI about Choi who was said to have set up illegal gambling websites that enticed users to bet on domestic and foreign sports.

He reportedly mustered more than KRW (won) 16 billion from the website’s members. South Korean law states that no person, other than the Seoul Olympic Sports Promotion Foundation or an authorized entity, may issue sports betting tickets or similar things to win at betting.

Violators are punishable by imprisonment with labor for not more than seven years or face a fine not exceeding 70 million won.

Following the information, Choi is set to be blacklisted, perpetually banning him from re-entering the Philippines.

“We greatly value our collaboration with foreign governments in combating transnational crimes and ensuring effective immigration control. Through these partnerships, we exchange vital information and work together to protect our borders from those who may seek to undermine our security,” Tansingco said. Vito Barcelo

Survey says Palawan is top tourist spot among Pinoys, Baguio second

PALAWAN has emerged as the “most preferred tourist destination” among Filipinos, with Baguio City coming in as a far second, an independent survey on Philippine tourism showed.

The poll, dubbed PAHAYAG 2023 Second Quarter Survey listed the top travel destinations preferred by Filipinos, with Palawan mustering 23 percent of the respondents, followed by Baguio City with 16 percent, the pollster PUBLiCUS Asia Inc. said.

“The study provides valuable insights into the travel preferences of Filipinos and highlights the diverse choices among different regions of the country,” it added.

Result of the survey, indicated that 23 percent of the respondents expressed their desire to visit Palawan which was known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rich marine biodiversity, “Palawan has captured the hearts of many Filipinos,” the survey stated.

Baguio City, tagged as the Summer Capital of the Philippines, secured the second position, with 16 percent of respondents selecting it as their preferred destination. Famous for its cool climate, scenic landscapes, and vibrant culture, Baguio City continues to attract travelers seeking a unique experience.

Cebu and Siargao picked up the third and fourth spots, respectively, with identical nine percent rating. Notably, Cebu stood out as the preferred destination among Visayans, with a significant 21 percent of respondents from the region expressing their interest in visiting the province. Siargao, on the other hand, captivated the attention of Mindanaoans, with 13 percent of respondents from the region selecting it as their preferred destination, the researchers explained. Aklan, home to the world-renowned Boracay Island, garnered only eight percent of the respondents’ preference. The stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife of Boracay continue to attract visitors from around the world. Batanes, with its picturesque landscapes and unique culture, secured 6% of the respondents’ preference, particularly favored by residents of North-Central Luzon, with a significant 10% expressing their desire to visit.