Soldier previously assigned in Marawi City shot dead by police

MANILA, Philippines - Following the brutal killing of 17-year-old Kian Loyd Delos Santos, members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) are once again under fire for shooting a soldier who came from combat in Marawi City.

Netizens are furious over the death of Cpl. Rodilo Torres Bartolome, 33, an enlisted personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines 53rd Infantry Battalion who died after he was shot by PO2 Ronald Zeros at PO1 Michael Bulanday on Wednesday, August 23, at Crossing Monte Alegre Aurora in Zamboanga del Sur.

PHOTO CREDIT: Facebook/Pagadian Express News by Jesrel Himang

According to reports, Bartolome, who was wearing civilian clothes and was packing a handgun on his waist, was reported by a civilian to the police. When the police arrived at the scene, they confronted him but Bartolome allegedly drew his .45 caliber pistol.

Threatened by Bartolome’s actions whom they thought was a gunman, the two policemen fired shots at him resulting to his instantaneous death.

Pagadian Express News by Jesrel Himang reported that Bartolome’s wife claimed that her husband was traveling from the battleground of Marawi City to their home when he decided to alight in the said location because he couldn’t figure out his way. His wife disclosed that Bartolome seemed out of his mind at the time he called her.

Many netizens believe that Bartolome was just traumatized from the war in Marawi City prompting him draw his gun. They insisted that the untimely death of the soldier could have been prevented if the police assessed the situation first.

Still, there are others who claim that Bartolome didn’t really draw his gun.


Check out what the netizens think about the incident.

“Na warshock yan dahil sa bakbakan sa marawi kaya ganun na lang attitude niya akala lagi may kalaban..hustisya para saiyo..panagutin ang bumaril.” Ab's Dodong Ontoy Manampan commented.

Prencess Meryl wrote : “bkit kaya nagkakaganyan. dba cla marunong mag usisa o mgtanong bsta nlang cla ttira.npakawalang awa nmn nlang gnawa ng mga pulis na mga yan,kapwa paman din nla naglilingkod sa bayan.napakasakit isipin na naghintay ang pamilya, umusa na mgkikita na cla pero anong nangyare.d nla inaasahan na patay na pala!!!. cno ba nman ang d maaantig sa pangyayaring ito...REACE IN PEACE sir BARTOLOME…”

“Mga walang puso di nyo ba alam kung gaano sila kahirap makikipagbakbakan sa marawi,lagi silang kabado tuwing sumasabak sa gyera tapos nakaligtas nga sa gyera sa marawi sa kamay pa ng mga pulis namatay,dapat yang mga pulis ibadala dun sa marawi para malaman nila kung paano magutom paano humiga ng nakaupo sa ilalim ng mga punong kahoy kung paano makakain ng sardinas at noddles at sa twing matutulog laging kabado na baka anjan ng mga kalaban.hind na kayo naawa sa mga pinapatay nyo dapat mga rapist ang mga pinapatay nyo,” Crisne Baroa said.

-- Mini, The Summit Express

'Bagyong Jolina' PAGASA weather update August 25, 2017

MANILA, Philippines - 'Bagyong Jolina' (international name: Pakhar) has intensified into a tropical storm and has slightly accelerated as it moves closer towards Northern-Central Luzon areas, state weather bureau PAGASA announced in its 5:00 a.m. update on today, August 25, 2017.

At 4:00 a.m. today, the center of Tropical Storm 'Jolina' was estimated based on all available data at 300 km East Southeast of Casiguran, Aurora (15.3°N, 124.7°E).

'Bagyong Jolina' has maximum sustained winds of up to 65 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 80 kph. It is forecast to move West Northwest at 19 kph.

Forecast Positions:

• 24 Hour (Tomorrow morning): In the vicinity of Tubo, Abra (17.2°N, 120.8°E)
• 48 Hour (Sunday morning): 625 km West of Basco, Batanes (OUTSIDE PAR) (20.2°N, 116.0°E)
• 72 Hour (Monday morning): 1,250 km West Northwest of Basco, Batanes (OUTSIDE PAR) (22.4°N, 110.1°E)
• 96 Hour (Tuesday morning):1,645 km West Northwest of Basco, Batanes (OUTSIDE PAR) (22.7°N, 106.3°E)

Tropical cyclone warning signal (TCWS) No. 2 (61-120 kph Expected in 24 hours) is up in 7 Luzon areas: Isabela, Northern Aurora, Quirino, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, and Nueva Vizcaya.

Impacts of the wind

• Light to Moderate damage to high risk structures;
• Very light to light damage to medium-risk structures;
• No damage to very light damage to low risk structures
• Unshielded, old dilapidated schoolhouses, makeshift shanties, and other structures of light materials are partially damaged or unroofed.
• A number of nipa and cogon houses may be partially or totally unroofed.
• Some old galvanized iron (G.I.) roofs may be peeled or blown off.
• Some wooden, old electric posts are tilted or downed.
• Some damage to poorly constructed signs/billboards
• In general, the winds may bring light to moderate damage to the exposed communities. Most banana plants, a few mango trees, ipil-ipil and similar types of trees are downed or broken.
• Some coconut trees may be tilted with few others broken.
• Rice and corn may be adversely affected.
• Considerable damage to shrubbery and trees with some heavy-foliaged trees blown down.

Wave Height: (Open Sea) 4.1-14.0 meters Storm surge possible at coastal areas

Meanwhile, Signal No. 1 (30-60 kph Expected in 36 hours) was raised over Cagayan including Babuyan group of islands, Apayao, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Abra, La Union, Benguet, rest of Aurora, Nueva Ecija, Pangasinan, Northern Quezon including Polillo island, Catanduanes, Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur.

Impact of the wind

• Very light or no damage to low risk structures,
• Light damage to medium to high risk structures
• Slight damage to some houses of very light materials or makeshift structures in exposed communities. Some banana plants are tilted, a few downed and leaves are generally damaged
• Twigs of small trees may be broken.
• Rice crops, however, may suffer significant damage when it is in its flowering stage.

Wave Height: (Open Sea) 1.25-4.0 meters

PAGASA said that the estimated rainfall amount is from moderate to heavy within the 400 km diameter of the Tropical Storm.

'Jolina' is expected to further intensify before making landfall over Isabela-Aurora area this evening (25 August).

In addition, moderate to occasionally heavy rains is expected over most parts of Luzon beginning today. Residents in these areas, especially those under Tropical Cyclone Warning Signals 2 and 1 are alerted against possible flashfloods and landslides.

Sea travel is risky over the seaboard of Northern Luzon and the eastern seaboards of Central and Southern Luzon.

'Bagyong Jolina' PAGASA weather update August 24, 2017

MANILA, Philippines - The Low Pressure Area (LPA) estimated over East Northeast of Virac, Catanduanes has developed into a tropical depression and was named "Jolina", state weather bureau PAGASA announced in its 5:00 p.m. bulletin on Thursday, August 24, 2017.

At 4:00 p.m. today, the center of "Bagyong Jolina" was estimated based on all available data at 540 km East of Casiguran, Aurora (15.7 °N, 127.1 °E).

"Jolina" has maximum sustained winds of 45 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 60 kph. It is forecast to move West Northwest at 17 kph.

Forecast Positions:

• 24 Hour( Tomorrow afternoon, August 25): 255 km East of Baler, Aurora(16.0°N, 123.9°E)
• 48 Hour(Saturday afternoon):65 km West of Laoag City, Ilocos Norte(18.2°N, 120.0°E)
• 72 Hour(Sunday afternoon): 730 km West of Basco, Batanes (OUTSIDE PAR)(20.6°N, 115.0°E)
• 96 Hour(Monday afternoon):1,255 km West of Basco, Batanes (OUTSIDE PAR)(21.7°N, 110.0°E)
• 120 Hour(Tuesday afternoon):1,880 km West of Basco, Batanes (OUTSIDE PAR)(19.8°N, 104.0°E)

Tropical cyclone warning signal No. 1 (30-60kph expected in 36 hrs) was raised in three areas: Southern Cagayan, Isabela, and Northern Aurora.

Impacts of the wind:

• Very light or no damage to high risk structures,
• Light damage to medium to low risk structures
• Slight damage to some houses of very light materials or makeshift structures in exposed communities. Some banana plants are tilted, a few downed and leaves are generally damaged
• Twigs of small trees may be broken.
• Rice crops, however, may suffer significant damage when it is in its flowering stage.

Wave Height: (Open Sea) 1.25-4.0 meters

The estimated rainfall amount is from moderate to heavy within the 300 km diameter of the Tropical Depression.

"Jolina" is expected to further intensify before making landfall over Northern Luzon by Friday evening or Saturday early morning.

PAGASA advised of possible raising of Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal (TCWS) No. 1 over Quirino, Ifugao, Mt. Province, Kalinga and Northern Cagayan tonight.

Man with disability sells buko salad, ice candy to earn a living

MANILA, Philippines - Having special needs didn’t prevent a man from working hard to achieve his dreams. Mervin J. Salvador, a 39-year-old man with disability, sells buko salad and ice candy in order to earn a living and even send himself to school.

In a viral Facebook post Maryjane Mayo Zosa, she revealed that she often encounters Salvador, who lives in Barangay Holy Spirit in Quezon City, peddling products everyday to earn an honest living. Despite having a disability, Salvador not only supports himself but is also chasing his dreams by going to school. In fact, he is currently enrolled at the Department of Education’s Alternative Learning System (ALS).

PHOTO CREDIT: Facebook/Maryjane Mayo Zosa

Unfortunately, Zosa found out that many are taking advantage of Salvador’s disability. Some would take away his earnings or get his products without paying him.

“Ngunit sa kabila ng kanyang kalagayan hindi parin nawawala ang ibang nananamantalang mga masasamang tao na kinukuha ang benta nya. Nariyan pang kukunin ang paninda nya at hindi sya binabayaran.Nariyan pang may mga taong niloloko sya dahil sya ay may kapansanan,” Rosa wrote in her post.

Towards the end of her post, Zosa decided to take photos and videos of Salvador while selling on the street and share his story on social media to encourage netizens to pursue their dreams. Rosa is hoping that Salvador’s story will inspire people to persevere in order to attain their goals.

“Nasasabi na lang nya na khit ganun sya marangal siyang naghahanap buhay,at hindi hadlang ang knyang kapansanan para makamit nya ang knyang pangarap..Isa po syang inspirasyon..Tayo pba? Na walang kapansanan ang mawawalan ng pag asa????” Zosa wrote.

Several netizens recognized Salvador and confirmed that he is indeed a kind and hardworking man.

“Araw araw dumadaan yan sa bahay nila mama Nora Bonaobra Vanz Bonaobra para mag kape malayo pa lang xia tatawag na xia momi dadi pakape dahil sa sobrang bait niya lagi siyang welcome samen,” Haccej Copo Arboanob commented.

Ana Baston Firs wrote: “Hala si kuya mam babalot yan dati nun mga bata pakmi .. takot pko saknya dati nun bata ako hahah ang sipag nya nga dati pasya gumagwa ng praan pra kumita ng pera.”

“Kilala ko poh yan..lagi ko poh yan nakikita nung dun pa poh ako nakatira sa old balara..subrang sipag poh talaga nya'n..dalaga pa poh ako nun at madalas ko yan makita na sumisigaw ng Ice Buko na tinda nya at admitted din poh ako na isa ako sa takot na lumapit sa kanya at medyo nangaasar cguro kc dahil bata pa poh ako nun hehehe..pero subrang sipag poh talaga ng Taong yan..at mabait poh xa at di na nanakit kahit minsan ung mga ibang tao pinagtitripan xa...sinasabi nya lang dati na "inaano ko ba kau,nagtitinda lang naman ako..if i am not wrong I remember na inaasar din poh xa dating Kalabaw..un poh ung tinatawag sa knya dati.

Yan ang taong may kapansanan pero di naging hadlang ang kanyang karamdaman o kapansanan para maging mbuting tao at maging magandang halimbawa sa mga taong kumpleto at walang kapansan na gumagawa ng kasalanan at mali para kumita lang ng pera na ndi naman pinaghihirapan at hindi sa marangal sa paraan.Tularan poh natin c Melvin sa pagiging masipag at matiya nya tao..siya poh ay tunay na Inspirasyon para magsipag tau at magtrabaho ng marangal kahit maliit ang suweldo basta walang ibang taong inaagrabyado,” Nairehjnairb Serrob de Mesa said.

Read the full story below.


-- Mini, The Summit Express

LOOK: Akyat-bahay’s head gets stuck in the metal grills while trying to escape

MANILA, Philippines - A minor’s attempt to steal from a home ended up getting jeopardized after his escape plan failed big time.

According to media reports, the robber is a 16-year-old boy who entered a house located in Barangay Tugos, Sorsogon in the early morning of Monday, August 21.

PHOTO CREDIT: Facebook/Filipino Vines

At around 2 a.m., one of the kids of the owner of the house caught him inside the house and yelled at him. This prompted the robber to hurriedly escape but he unfortunately ended up getting his head caught in between the metal grills of a window.

Although it took hours before the teen was rescued, he didn’t sustain any serious injuries. In addition, no property was stolen from the house.

Several photos showing the akyat-bahay’s head stuck in the metal railings of a window while he stands on the rails of a ladder while he was trying to escape have gone viral on social media.

While many think that the robber, who is now under the custody of the barangay police, deserved what he got, others felt pity for him because he was somehow violated. Some photos show him wearing only a shirt and an underwear, suggesting that people in the scene may have taken off his clothes to take revenge and shame him.

Check out some of the netizens’ comments.

“Posting this just to earn likes and entertain others is one of the stupidest things to do. There’s nothing funny about it unless if you people are stupid enough to laugh at this situation. This is inhumane. Sadly, we’re already living in a world wherein people treat others as if they were animals. They aren’t using their brains,” a certain Jose Lagata wrote.

“Nakakatawang tingan pero ang totoo kaawa-awa si kuya sa kalagayan niya. Siguro hindi naman niya gusto gAwin yan. Ganyan talaga ang kapIt sa patalim para lang mabuhay,” Jay-Anne Dinagat commented.

Mark Picao said: “Mga tao ngayon, sumikat lang kahit pag papahiya sa iba pinatpatos na, kahit Masaya dahilan niyan may karapatan pa din siyang irespeto.”


-- Mini, The Summit Express