Panelo clarifies 'be thankful' remarks on Beijing's rescue centers in disputed sea Patricia Lourdes Viray (philstar.com) - February 1, 2019 - 4:25pm MANILA, Philippines — After drawing flak for his recent remarks on Beijing's installment of a maritime rescue center on a Manila-claimed reef in the West Philippine Sea, presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo clarified his stand on the matter. The Malacañang spokesman was earlier quoted saying the country "should be thankful" as the center on Kagitingan or Fiery Cross Reef might be of service to everybody in the region. "I said thankful on the assumption that one — it has informed the government and sought permission and... if that is not just a ruse 'yun pala gagawin na nila kung anu-ano," Panelo told reporters. Panelo advised his critics, particularly Liberal Party president and Sen. Francis Pangilinan, who pointed out that it was also the presidential … [Read more...] about Panelo clarifies ‘be thankful’ remarks on Beijing’s rescue centers in disputed sea
Villalobos rescue center adoptable dogs
Carpio: Philippines should protest China’s rescue center on Kagitingan Reef
Carpio: Philippines should protest China's rescue center on Kagitingan Reef Patricia Lourdes Viray (philstar.com) - January 31, 2019 - 4:09pm MANILA, Philippines — Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio called on the Philippine government to protest China's establishment of a maritime rescue center on Kagitingan or Fiery Cross Reef in the West Philippine Sea. Carpio, one of the leading figures in the Philippines' arbitration against China, pointed out that not doing so would imply that the country consented to Beijing's putting of a center on one of the geologic features that the country claims. "This means we are recognizing that China has a right to occupy and use Fiery Cross Reef. Occupation and use are acts of sovereignty," Carpio said in a statement released Thursday. Putting up a maritime rescue center on Kagitingan Reef is an act of administration, which is essential to acquiring sovereignty, … [Read more...] about Carpio: Philippines should protest China’s rescue center on Kagitingan Reef
Palace: China’s rescue center on Manila-claimed reef ‘could help everybody’
Palace: China's rescue center on Manila-claimed reef 'could help everybody' Patricia Lourdes Viray (philstar.com) - January 31, 2019 - 2:53pm MANILA, Philippines — Beijing's establishment of a maritime rescue center on a Manila-claimed reef in the West Philippine Sea would benefit everyone, Malacañang said Thursday. Chinese-state run Xinhua earlier reported that China's Ministry of Transport has opened a rescue on Kagitingan or Fiery Cross Reef, one of its artificial islands in the Spratly Islands. "Maybe we should be thankful. I share the sentiment of (Defense) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana that could help seamen in distress in that area. It can help everybody," presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a press briefing. RELATED: Locsin: China's weather stations 'not claims of ownership' | Philippines cannot physically confirm China's weather stations — Lorenzana The Malacañang … [Read more...] about Palace: China’s rescue center on Manila-claimed reef ‘could help everybody’
Inquiry launched after rescue of ailing dogs
Most of the 61 dogs, who are now being temporarily kept at a separate section within the Elephant Nature Park compound in Chiang Mai's Mae Taeng district, were suffering from pneumonia and infections to various parts of their bodies, she said, adding that four dogs were so seriously sick that they had been sent to Thong Lor Animal Hospital in Sansai district. Tuesday’s visit to the farm in Tambon Pong Kha and the subsequent rescue of the dogs was conducted by the foundation in collaboration with the Facebook-based "SOS Animal Thailand" community page. The latter group is now in discussions with related state agencies about whether to lodge a police complaint against the farm owner over offences under the Cruelty Prevention and Welfare of Animal Act 2014. The two groups checked on the farm, which reared 80 dogs, after they received a complaint from nearby residents that they had heard the animals yelping in agony and noticed a foul smell coming from the … [Read more...] about Inquiry launched after rescue of ailing dogs
Sea rescue center will protect tourists
CHALONG: A 15-million-baht Sea Rescue Center is to be set up to coordinate emergency rescue operations off Phuket, Phang Nga and Krabi, it was revealed today. The center, to be set up in Chalong, will become a nerve center for information about mishaps and accidents at sea, which will be gathered and disseminated to various marine agencies. Making the announcement today, Dr Prasit Koeysiripong, President of the Phuket Provincial Administration Organization, said, “The navy has ships and helicopters. The Harbor Master’s Office, the police and the Phuket Provincial Health Office also have vessels or helicopters. “So we are looking at a budget which will allow us to use these vehicles for rescue operations.” The project was aimed at promoting safety for tourists, Dr Prasit said, adding that all radio frequencies will be open so that the public can listen. “We regard the safety of tourists as paramount, and a lot of tourists travel by sea, so their safety must … [Read more...] about Sea rescue center will protect tourists