End the Abusive and Corrupt "Oplan Tokhang"

Wazzup Pilipinas!

As the Duterte government proceeds to resume its implementation of the suspended Oplan Tokhang, Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros on Monday filed a resolution calling for an end to the anti-drug campaign, which she branded as abusive and corrupt.

Hontiveros, who in a senate hearing called on the Philippine National Police (PNP) to suspend Oplan Tokhang, said that the campaign is a widely discredited operation which has cost the deaths of thousands, among them a Korean businessman, and stained the integrity of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

On October 18, 2016 Korean businessman Jee Ick Joo was taken from his home in Angeles City. He was brought to Camp Crame and strangled to death allegedly by police officers assigned to the Anti-Illegal Drugs Group (AIDG). Following the ensuing public outcry, PNP Police Chief Ronald “Bato” De la Rosa suspended all anti-drug operations last January 30, 2017.

“The resumption of Oplan Tokhang and project double barrel will only result in more suffering and needless death for our countrymen. Oplan Tokhang has been used by corrupt and abusive policemen as a cover for, among other things, acts of extortion and murder. The president himself has said that nearly 40% of the police force is engaged in illegal activities. Prudence demands that the cleansing of the PNP and regaining the trust of the public be our first priorities. ” Hontiveros said.

Before its suspension, the administration’s war on drugs has claimed over 7,000 lives, 2,555 came from police operations and another 3, 603 unsolved drug-related killings, many presumed to be extrajudicial in nature.

“Our message remains the same. The drug problem is a public health issue and should be treated accordingly, using a variety of approaches. If experience of other nations that have implemented a punitive strategy against drug addiction can teach us anything, it is that these strategies do not work,” Hontiveros said.

Under Armour Circuit Challenge

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Under Armour Circuit Challenge was held last weekend at Greenbelt 3, and was part of a two-part event which served as a preliminary event to help prepare the participants of the regional fitness challenge UA ‘Test of Will’.

Under Armour athlete Elle Adda hosted the event, along with Bellator fighter AJ Matthews and Celebrity trainer Mama Kat. Elle is a French-Filipino fitness trainer, actress, model and an international performing artist. Hosts all wore the latest Threadborne line of Under Armour.

One of the highlights of the event was the on-the-spot challenge that the crowd requested between fighter AJ Matthews and Elle Ada. In said challenge, Matthews and Ada also competed over a round of ball slams, squat, ball rock and roll-ups, press and burpees. Matthews won with a 1-second margin over Ada. Fighter AJ Matthews also showed some self-defense techniques.

Winners of the UA Circuit Challenge event for this leg were Edwin Lobelia (1:47),Ted Waikin (1:56), Jayson Ang (1:57), Jona Constantino (1:53), Marianne Roulade (1:54) and Ericka Mesia (2:00).

The UA Circuit Challenge sets the stage for the much awaited UA ‘Test of Will’ set to take place on March 25 & 26 at the Glorietta Activity Center in Makati City. It is on its second year and will be held in 6 countries, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Brunei and the Philippines.

Participants in ‘Test of Will’, will compete in a four-minute circuit consisting of Burpees, One Arm Thruster, TRX Rows and Sandbag Throw. Each competitor will be scored based on the maximum number of repetitions they can achieve within 60 seconds. The highest scoring man and woman of the national heats from each respective country will win an all-expense paid trip to compete in the regional finals, happening in Kuala Lumpur on 6 May 2017.

This year’s overall champion of the regional finals will walk away with S$2,500 cash prize, or around Php 88,000.00.

For more information on how to register for ‘Test of Will’, please visit: www.testofwill.com.

Sumptuous Alternatives this Lent at Gumbo

Wazzup Pilipinas!

This Lent, Gumbo offers sumptuous alternatives for meat you should not miss! Top of the list are: Prawn Barbecue, Cream Dory Mango, Steamed Pacific Clams, Cheesy Baked Oysters, Jumpin’ Shrimp & Peel, Calamari Friti, Shrimp Remoulade, Cajun Blackened Salmon, Ultimate Seafood Feast, Seafood Boil, Seafood Aglio Olio, Oyster Rockefeller, Fish Aglio Olio, Blackened Norwegian Salmon, Seafood Jambalaya and Seafood Gumbo.

Indeed, these seafood treats are the best and healthy alternative this season. Likewise, enjoy Gumbo’s wide selection of fresh and delicious salads.

Gumbo is located at the 2nd Level Entertainment Hall, SM Mall of Asia in Pasay; 3rd Level Robinsons Manila Midtown; 2nd Level SM City The Block, North EDSA; 3rd Level Gateway Mall in Araneta Center; 2nd Level Atrium Bldg. in SM Megamall and Robinsons Magnolia in Manila.

For reservations and inquiries, please call 5560238, 4420106 and 5271925.