Latest news with #MindaNews
AFP
21-05-2025
- Politics
- AFP
Jailed Philippine ex-leader not released after election win
"So happy, welcome back home Father Digong," says a Tagalog-language Facebook post on May 16, 2025, using Duterte's popular nickname and sharing pictures of him on a flight. Image Screenshot of the false Facebook post taken May 21, 2025 Duterte's supporters on Facebook shared similar posts days after he was re-elected mayor of his family stronghold Davao city in a landslide vote while in a cell in The Hague (archived link). He was arrested at Manila's international airport on March 11, 2025 and flown to the International Criminal Court to face charges tied to his crackdown on drugs that killed thousands (archived link). His camp has said they would seek his interim release but AFP has not found any official notice on the tribunal's website this had been granted as of May 21 (archived here and here). Duterte's communication has come sporadically and through surrogates, mainly his daughter Vice President Sara Duterte who was asked about Davao city possibly having an "absentee mayor" (archived link). "Well definitely yes, he really isn't here," she said following Duterte's mayoral win. Moreover, the circulating visuals purportedly showing Duterte's return home are misrepresented. A reverse image search on Google found the ex-president's photo on a commercial plane in a July 8, 2016 article from MindaNews (archived link). "Philippine Air Lines steward greets President Rodrigo Duterte at the economy section of the aircraft that would bring him to Davao City from Manila on Thursday, July 7, 2016," says its caption. Local media outlet Rappler said he was attending an event with Muslim leaders from southern Philippines (archived link). Image Screenshot of the false Facebook post (L) and the photo shared by MindaNews Meanwhile, his other picture surrounded by aides inside an aircraft was taken on an official trip to India, according to state-run Philippine News Agency that published the photo on January 25, 2018 (archived here and here). "President Rodrigo Roa Duterte flashes his signature pose with the members of his delegation while on board Philippine Airlines chartered flight PR001 bound for New Delhi, India on January 24, 2018," reads the caption. Image Screenshot comparison of the false post (L) and the handout photo published by Philippine News Agency Duterte's to confirm charges is scheduled on September 23 (archived link). AFP has debunked more misinformation surrounding his arrest here.
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Yahoo
Coast guard makes disturbing discovery during routine stop: 'An apparent attempt to conceal and smuggle them'
Authorities in the Philippines made a disheartening discovery during a routine stop that will result in charges being filed. As detailed by Minda News, four Indonesian nationals are facing wildlife smuggling and illegal entry charges after a patrolling Philippine Coast Guard intercepted them in the seas off Balut Island as they were attempting to illegally transport two critically endangered bird species. Lawyer Felix Alicer, regional executive director of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-12, told Minda News that the seized birds were confirmed to be a yellow-crested cockatoo and a white cockatoo, both of which are endangered under the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List. They are also considered protected species under Republic Act 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act. "The birds were found contained inside individual thermoses, an apparent attempt to conceal and smuggle them," Alicer said in a statement, per Minda News. Under the RA 9147, wildlife smuggling carries a sentence of up to 12 years in prison and a fine of up to P1 million ($17,358.11). Wildlife trafficking is a growing issue in various parts of the world, as individuals often boldly attempt to transport endangered species or their parts through illegal methods for financial gain. Removing these creatures from their natural habitats can carry serious consequences, as ecosystems can be disrupted when invasive species are introduced to a new area and push out natives by outcompeting them for resources. The two birds that the Indonesian nationals were attempting to smuggle represent a small sample of how these schemes can go down. For example, a Massachusetts man was accused of smuggling over 100 parts from endangered and protected animals. In another case, six Indian nationals were arrested in Bangkok after they tried to smuggle 87 exotic animals. These instances highlight just how far these smugglers will go in their attempts to traffic a diverse range of species. Alicer pleaded for the public to do their part by reporting any suspicious activities regarding illegal wildlife smuggling or unlawful entry into the Philippines. Per Minda News, public disclosures helped PCG and Maritime personnel intercept illegal shipments of various exotic animals from Indonesia that were reportedly being sent to Metro Manila and other areas. The creatures seized included endangered species such as cockatoos, echidnas and wallabies. "This operation highlights the Philippine government's intensified efforts to combat wildlife trafficking and enforce environmental and immigration laws," Alicer said. Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty? Definitely Only in some areas No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. You can do your part by supporting and getting involved with conservation efforts dedicated to protecting the planet's biodiversity. Being vigilant against suspicious activities can help combat wildlife trafficking and create a safer future for all animals. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
