News Briefs: August 30, 2019

PH Navy joins naval exercise with US, SEA countries

The Philippine Navy’s BRP Ramon Alcaraz set sail on Thursday for Sattahip, Thailand, to take part in the first-ever maritime drill between the United States and Southeast Asian countries from Sept. 2 to 6. “This naval exercise is a platform on how the Philippine Navy and other navies in the region can cooperate and work altogether to address shared maritime security priorities through the development of combined operational doctrines, practices and naval tactics,” Navy acting spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Maria Christina Roxas said.—JEANNETTE I. ANDRADE

Special working days declared in 8 provinces

President Duterte has signed several laws declaring special working days in eight provinces across the country. They are: Republic Act No. 11373 declaring March 31 First Mass Day in Southern Leyte; RA 11374, April 5, Pangasinan Day; RA 11375, Feb. 3, Foundation Day in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija; RA 11376, May 3, Sta. Cruz Day in Sta. Cruz, Marinduque; RA 11377, July 23, Batangas City Foundation Day in Batangas City; RA 11378, June 16, Baybay City Charter Day in Baybay City, Leyte; RA 11379, March 1, Araw ng Dabaw, Davao City; RA 11380, Sept. 9, Foundation Day, Mina town, Iloilo.—JULIE M. AURELIO

PNP chief: Use police camps for training of UP security force

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Oscar Albayalde on Thursday suggested that the training of the University of the Philippines (UP) security force be held in the police camp instead of school campuses. “No less than the chair of the Commission on Higher Education, Prospero de Vera III,  has said that there is really a problem, especially the proliferation of illegal drugs,” Albayalde said.—JEANNETTE I. ANDRADE

DOT hosts food and travel fair at BGC

The Department of Tourism (DOT) on Thursday invited food trippers and gastronomes to a food and travel fair featuring the country’s best farm products this weekend in Taguig City. The sixth Philippine Harvest fair, a joint project of the DOT and SSI Group Inc., offers free admission to the public from Aug. 30 to Sept. 1 at the Central Square in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.—JEROME ANING

PH Navy puts new assets to active use in September

The Philippine Navy is set to put into active service next month four amphibious assault vehicles and three multipurpose attack craft. Navy flag officer in command Vice Adm. Robert Empedrad said the new naval assets would be commissioned on Sept. 16.—JEANNETTE I. ANDRADE

Fisheries research facilities established by new laws

President Duterte has signed two laws creating fisheries research facilities in Cagayan and Lanao del Norte. Republic Act No. 11400 establishes a fisheries research center in Abulug, Cagayan, while RA 11401 establishes a freshwater multispecies hatchery and research center in Balo-i, Lanao del Norte.—JULIE M. AURELIO

Magnum Air granted 25-year franchise

President Duterte has granted a 25-year franchise to Magnum Air Inc., operator of SkyJet Airlines, to establish, operate and maintain domestic and international air transport services. The airline firm presently has four planes in its fleet and operates direct flights from Manila to Basco, Camiguin, Coron and San Vicente in Palawan.—JULIE M. AURELIO

Party list rep: Speed up Marawi rehab

Speed up the rehabilitation of Marawi, Anak Mindanao Rep. Amihilda Sangcopan urged the government on Thursday, adding that the slow process of rebuilding the city could be a factor for dissatisfied residents to join terrorist groups. “This is what we want to avoid, so we call on Task Force Bangon Marawi to really speed up” rebuilding the city,  Sangcopan said during a press conference.—PATRICIA DENISE M. CHIU