News in Pictures: May 8, 2024
War games up North
American troops taking part in Monday’s “Balikatan” exercises (top) direct their fire power toward the West Philippine Sea during a simulated defense against a mock amphibious landing by “enemy troops,” while others move in position (next) at the La Paz Sand Dunes in Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, the site of the joint drills with Filipino troops.
The exercises marked the last week of this year’s Balikatan, which began on April 22 and ends on May 10. The soldiers were already stationed in the province by the weekend. On Sunday, curious children in the nearby coastal town of Burgos visited Camp Cape Bojeador to see for themselves the armored vehicles and aircraft parked there.
Unwanted visit
Activist groups Pamalakaya and Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment on Monday visit the Philippine Reclamation Authority’s office in Makati to file a complaint against the continuing reclamation and dredging activities at Manila Bay. The protesters also blamed the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for “the irreversible damage” at the bay to their “lives and livelihood” as fishermen.
Change of meeting place
President Marcos on Tuesday presides over a sectoral meeting at the former Maharlika Hall, the Presidential Museum and Library’s second floor, which was renamed Kalayaan Hall in 1986. The President usually holds his meetings at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room in Malacañang Palace itself. Joining that discussion on natural resources development were Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga and Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile, among other officials.
Making do
With his pet cat Galo keeping him company, stroke survivor Noli Laurio repairs shoes at his makeshift home which is also his shop at E. Rodriguez Avenue in Barangay Kalusugan, Quezon City. He said the village has allowed him to set up his modest enterprise there so he could earn a living. An improvised solar panel donated by a customer is connected to an electric fan which provides some relief amid the intense heat of the El Niño weather.
