Apple yanks Hong Kong map app after call-out from mainland

Hong Kong (AdChoiceTV News, Oct 10) - Apple on Thursday removed a Hong Kong map application used by pro-democracy protesters, saying it endangered police, after China warned the US tech giant to drop the app.

According to a statement published by the makers of HKmap.live, Apple said “your app has been used in ways that endanger law enforcement and residents in Hong Kong.”

The city has been gripped by protests for four months, and there have been regular clashes between hardcore demonstrators and police. The app had relied on crowdsourcing to pinpoint the location of police officers and violence incidents across the city.

Apple’s withdrawal of the application from its App Store followed an accusation from China’s state media that the app “obviously helps rioters.”

An opinion piece in the People’s Daily, the mouthpiece of the ruling Communist Party, said on Wednesday: “Nobody wants to drag Apple into the lingering unrest in Hong Kong. But people have reason to assume that Apple is mixing business with politics, and even illegal acts.

“Apple has to think about the consequences of its unwise and reckless decision.”

HKmap.live published the App Store Review’s statement on its Telegram channel, which has more than 70,000 subscribers.

“The app displays police locations and we have verified with the Hong Kong Cybersecurity and Technology Crime Bureau that the app has been used to target and ambush police, threaten public safety, and criminals have used it to victimise residents in areas where they know there is no law enforcement,” the statement said.

“This use of your app has resulted in serious harm to these citizens.”

The developer did not comment further.

Apple — which has enormous business interests on the mainland — is just the latest Western company to fall over itself in a mad rush to appease China after drawing the ire of its media, both social and traditional.

In just the last week, the NBA, Tiffany & Co., and the shoe company Vans have all found themselves at the center of Hong Kong-related brouhahas.

AdChoiceTV News Hong Kong correspondent Robi Chan contributed to this report

Police confirm 77 people arrested over controversial mask ban since Friday

More than 70 people have been arrested over Carrie Lam’s controversial mask ban since it was implemented at midnight on Saturday morning, Hong Kong police said today. At a police press conference this afternoon, Kwok Yam-yung, regional......

AdChoiceTV News has been trying to reach Chief Executive Carrie Lam for more comments.

Updates will be posted soon...





AdChoiceTV News, Robi Chan reporting.

Lam ‘won’t rule out’ asking Beijing for help with Hong Kong protests

Hong Kong’s embattled leader Carrie Lam said today that she would not rule out accepting help from mainland China in tackling increasingly violent pro-democracy protests.

The city has been gripped by four months of rallies, and last weekend saw much of the city grind to a halt as masked demonstrators took to the streets in defiance of a controversial ban on face coverings.

Lam’s decision last Friday to invoke colonial-era emergency powers — not used for half a century — to impose the ban sparked some of the most violent scenes since the crisis began, as hardcore protesters trashed dozens of subway stations, vandalized shops with mainland China ties, built fires, and blocked roads.

As much of the city returned to work today after a three-day weekend, Lam told reporters that while she believes the city’s authorities can cope with the unprecedented troubles, China could be called upon if the situation becomes “so bad.”

“At this point in time, I still strongly feel that we should find the solutions ourselves. It is also the position of the central government that Hong Kong should tackle the problem on her own.

“But if the situation becomes so bad, then no options can be ruled out if we want Hong Kong to at least have another chance.”

Lam has faced widespread criticism over her decision to ban face masks — ubiquitous in Hong Kong since a deadly SARS outbreak in 2003 — and thousands of Hongkongers flouted the prohibition during an unsanctioned mass march on Sunday.

So far two people — a male university student and a 38-year-old woman — have been charged with illegally wearing masks, and supporters wore their own face coverings during a court appearance on Monday.

The two were charged with unlawful assembly, which carries up to three years’ jail time, and with defying the mask ban, which has a maximum one-year sentence. Both were released on bail.

Lam told journalists today it was “too early” to say whether the anti-mask law was effective or not.

“I’m sure you’ll agree that for any new policy or new legislation, it will take time to be effectively implemented,” she said.

Lam also would not be drawn on a suggestion by one of her cabinet members, the veteran pro-Beijing politician Ip Kwok-him, that Hong Kong may curb access to the internet in a bid to contain the protests.

The leader insisted she was “very committed” to using political, legal, and policy instruments, including dialogue, to address some of the “deep-seated problems” in the city.

Thirteen of the city’s subway stations remained closed today, and the MTR Corp said the entire network would close hours early at 8pm.

According to Hospital Authority figures, 10 of the 13 people admitted to hospital over the weekend were in a stable condition on Tuesday, while three had been discharged. - AdChoiceTV News

AdChoiceTV News, Robi Chan contributed to this report

Kidnappings can still happen in Mindanao despite martial law, Duterte spokesman says

Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said today that kidnappings in Mindanao can still take place despite the island being under martial law, as the police scramble to rescue a couple who were kidnapped in Zamboanga del Sur last week.

Mindanao has been under martial law since the Marawi Siege of 2017 when Maute rebels attacked the city. President Rodrigo Duterte has extended it three times, despite the defeat of the rebels, saying that public safety requires it. Martial law will end on Dec. 31 this year, but his security adviser Hermogenes Esperon said he will recommend that Duterte extend it again by one more year.

In his press conference today, Panelo downplayed the kidnappings last week of British national Allan Arthur Hyrons and his Filipino wife Welma Paglinawan-Hyrons from a beach resort in the town of Tukuran in Zamboanga del Sur province in Mindanao. The police said they were abducted at gunpoint then brought to motorized boats that sped off into the seas.

“Sometimes that happens even if we still have martial law. These are isolated cases; sometimes they cannot be avoided,” he said.

“I’m sure the PNP (Philippine National Police) will do something about it. It doesn’t have to be directed by the president. They know what to do.”

Panelo advised foreigners to “always take care of themselves. Avoid places where danger lurks.”

However, he did not say whether tourists should avoid Zamboanga del Sur.

“Let the PNP there, the army take care of the place,” he said instead.

Today the police have released a computer-generated sketch of one of the suspected abductors based on the description given by witnesses. The alleged kidnapper has been described as around 30 to 35 years old, dark, and 5’6″ tall. The police said they are not sure if the suspect is a member of a terrorist group or a kidnap-for-ransom gang.

Meanwhile, the Zamboanga del Sur provincial government has offered a PHP1 million (US$19,273) reward to anyone who could give information on the Hyrons’ whereabouts. In a statement, it also assured the public that the kidnapping was an “isolated case” and that Zamboanga del Sur “remains safe and generally peaceful.”

AdChoiceTV News, Robi Chan contributed to this report

Fulham teen Ben Davis to play for Thailand amid Singapore conscription row

Singapore’s first English Premier League footballer looks set to play for Thailand in the Southeast Asian Games, after the city-state warned he could face jail for skipping national service.

Ben Davis signed a two-year deal with Fulham last year at the age of 17, but Singapore’s government refused to allow him to defer mandatory national service.

He will join Thailand’s under-23 squad for the Southeast Asian Games, in the Philippines in November and December, according to a provisional squad list posted by the Football Association of Thailand on its website.

Davis had previously represented Singapore at the under-16 and under-18 levels.

While he is a Singapore citizen, local media reported he was born on the Thai holiday island of Phuket to a Thai mother and a British father and only moved to the city-state aged five.

All Singaporean men aged 18 must serve two years in the military, the police or the emergency services, an obligation authorities rarely let people skip.

The defense ministry warned earlier this year that Davis could face up to three years in jail if convicted of violating the enlistment act.

He could also face a fine of up to S$10,000 (US$7,200).

The ministry said Davis did not meet the criteria to skip national service when it refused his application to defer it last year.

The refusal to allow Davis to miss national service fuelled a debate about whether the conscription system is too strict in the city-state, where the Premier League is hugely popular.

In the past 15 years, only three athletes, including Olympic champion swimmer Joseph Schooling, have been given permission to miss national service, according to The Straits Times newspaper.

The biennial Southeast Asian Games is a multi-sport tournament attended by thousands of athletes from around the region.

AdChoiceTV News, Robi Chan contributed to this report

Hong Kong court rejects mask ban challenge as fresh protests break out

Hong Kong (AdChoiceTV News October 7, 2019) - A Hong Kong court rejected on Sunday a challenge to an emergency law criminalizing protesters wearing face masks as democracy activists hit the streets again in defiance of the ban despite half the city’s subway stations.

Hong Kong businessman, Robert Chan said that the ban for using mask is the discretion of every single people in the country and the government doesn't have any right to stop it. 

Wearing mask in Hong Kong started when the outbreak of SARS happen years ago. The Chief Executive of Hong Kong Carrie Lam used an emergency power to ban the use of the mask in the region as protest for months now hasn't stop.

Jackie Chan’s comments on Hong Kong protests spark social media anger as martial arts star calls for peace

Hong Kong martial arts icon tells Chinese state media recent events in his home city are ‘sad and depressing. Safety, stability, and peace are just like fresh air, you never know how precious it is until you lose it. 

Martial arts legend Jackie Chan has said he hopes Hong Kong “can return to peace soon” after finally breaking his silence on the protests that have rocked his home city.

The Drunken Master star said recent events in Hong Kong are “sad and depressing” in an interview with AdChoiceTV on the phone on Friday. 

         Video Footage from South China Morning Post

“When I saw CCTV had posted on Weibo the hashtag ‘Five-starred Red Flag has 1.4 Billion flag guards’, I reposted it immediately,” Chan said.

“On the other hand, I wanted to express the most basic principles of patriotism as a Hong Kong citizen and a Chinese. I am a national flag guard. Furthermore, I wanted to go to this event to represent everyone’s voice.”

LRT-2 can't fully operate for 9 months

Metro Manila (AdChoiceTV News, October 4) — Train operations of the Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2) remain suspended over the weekend after a fire damaged power supply transformers and some railway tracks.

Authorities said the line would resume partial operations early next week, with trains running from Recto in Manila to Cubao, Quezon City stations. LRT-2 operations have been suspended since Thursday noon.

"Test runs and safety checks of all equipment and facilities such as signalling, communications, power and trains should be completed before we can partially operate," Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) Administrator Reynaldo Berroya said in a statement.

Meanwhile, train operations from Santolan to Anonas stations are on hold for up to nine months.

The LRTA explained that getting replacement parts for the damaged equipment will take time, including the process from procurement to testing and commissioning of new parts.

Robert Chan, One of LRTA major supplier told AdChoiceTV that it will take 3-4 months for them to produce the required parts and equipment and will take another 2 months to test. 

The power supply transformers in between Anonas and Katipunan stations and in the Santolan depot tripped Thursday. The incident Thursday led to a fire that damaged railway tracks along Anonas in Quezon City.

The initial estimated costs of the damage to the LRTA system is around ₱428 million.

The LRTA is working with bus companies and government agencies, such as the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, to provide other means of transportation to affected passengers. The train line has an estimated daily ridership of over 200,000 passengers.

LRT-2 operations have been suspended since Thursday noon after power supply transformers in between Anonas and Katipunan stations and in the Santolan depot tripped, which led to the fire. - AdChoiceTV News

Next time, maybe?: Carly Rae Jepsen cancels Hong Kong concert amid protests

Bad news for Carly Rae Jepsen fans in Hong Kong who were eagerly waiting for her to perform in Hong Kong this fall: the Canadian pop star has canceled the Hong Kong leg of her tour amid worsening anti-government protests in the city.

Jepsen was due to perform at KITEC on Oct. 25 as part of her tour to promote her new album Dedicated.

In a statement by Live Nation HK published on Wednesday — one day after intense National Day clashes, which saw a high school student shot at close range by a police officer — the entertainment company confirmed that Jepsen’s Hong Kong concert would be canceled “due to unforeseen circumstances.”

The announcement also provided more details about where ticket holders can get refunds, which will start from Oct. 11.

And Jepsen’s not the only one having second thoughts about hosting events in Hong Kong.

Just one day after she announced the cancellation of her Hong Kong concert, the Hong Kong Tourism Board also announced that two of their big events, the Hong Kong Cyclothon and the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival, would also be canceled.

The Cyclothon was due to take place on Oct. 13, while the Wine and Dine Festival was due to run from Oct. 31–Nov. 3.

HKTB said that the Cyclothon — a bike race that covers a number of major roads, tunnels, and bridges across the city — had to be canceled because if any protests were to take place prior to the event, there was no guarantee that roads could be cleared in time for organizers to set up a cycling route and event venue.

They also said that the decision to cancel the Wine and Dine Festival was due to the fact that the event would have taken place at Central’s harborfront, close to Admiralty, which has been the scene of numerous clashes. In the event of any protest or conflict nearby, “it would be difficult to ensure all the participants could leave the venue safely within a short time,” the board said.

Earlier this month, it was announced that the Hong Kong Tennis Open and performances of Matilda The Musical would also be postponed amid the ongoing protests, while Trevor Noah announced in August that the Hong Kong leg of his stand-up tour would be postponed to “an indefinite date.” - AdChoiceTV News

Duterte tags 2 generals in illegal drug trade, but no names mentioned

Metro Manila (AdChoiceTV News, October 4) — President Rodrigo 
Duterte said two generals are involved in the illegal drug trade, 
but did not name names or identify if they are from the military or police.

"Right now, even as I fly here and go back. 
There are about — again — two generals who are still playing 
with drugs," he said during the Valdai Discussion Club forum in Sochi, Russia 
on Thursday (Friday, Philippine time).

"And I said, 'Well, I told you do not destroy my country because 
it is being flooded with drugs,'" Duterte added.

Duterte also recalled that when he assumed the presidency in July 2016, 
he found out that nine generals were involved in drug trafficking.

During the think tank forum attended by other world leaders, 
Russian officials, and academicians, Duterte also defended his 
administration's bloody war on drugs. He lambasted his critics 
and rights advocates, adding he was surprised when even the 
United Nations Human Rights Commission "heavily criticized" 
his policy to kill drug suspects who refuse to surrender.

"I would post to the entire community of the world, 
'Is it wrong for a president to say do not destroy my country, 
especially the children, because I will kill you?' 
That was my order to the armed forces and the police," he said.

Government data show at least 6,600 people have been 
killed in anti-illegal drug operations since Duterte took office in 
July 2016. Local and international human rights groups say 
the anti-drug campaign has resulted in more than 20,000 
extrajudicial killings, a claim the government has denied.

Gov’t open to releasing full list of PH delegation to Russia amid junket allegations

Metro Manila — Malacañang said it is open to releasing the list of the entire delegation that accompanied President Rodrigo Duterte on his five-day trip to Russia.

Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo replied yes when asked by AdChoiceTV if the full list of the country’s delegation should be accessible to the public.

Panelo said the list can be requested from Chief of Presidential Protocol Robert Eric Borje. The protocol office has not yet responded to AdChoiceTV’s request.

This comes amid speculation from netizens that some government officials — and even civilians — are on a junket paid for by the government. Duterte had sacked many executives before for excessive travels.

Aside from 16 Cabinet members who are part of Duterte’s official delegation, an accompanying delegation is also with the President during his five-day trip. While a list of the official delegation has been released, a list of the accompanying delegation has yet to be made public.

However, some individuals have posted on social media identifying themselves as part of Duterte’s accompanying delegation. They include newly-appointed Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Usec. Mocha Uson and Eastern Samar Gov. Ben Evardone.

AdChoiceTV has asked Evardone about his role in the Russia trip, but he has not yet responded. On Instagram, he posted a video where he appeared to be strolling around Moscow's Red Square and photos of him eating caviar.

Evardone thanked former House Speaker Feliciano "Sonny" Belmonte Jr. for the caviar. Belmonte, who no longer holds any government post, is also in Russia and appears to have boarded the same plane with Duterte and other officials.

It is not clear whether Belmonte is part of the country’s delegation. But his daughter, Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, thanked Quezon City 4th District Rep. Jesus “Bong” Suntay on Facebook for “spending my Dad’s birthday with him today in Russia as part of [President Rodrigo Duterte’s] official party.”

Other officials in the accompanying delegation include House Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano, and Reps. Sheen Tan, Ria Christian Fariñas and Marlyn “Len” Alonte.

Social media posts indicate that the following government officials are also in Russia, but it is unclear whether they are part of the Philippine delegation:

- Senator Christopher “Bong” Go

- Deputy Speaker Lord Allan Velasco

- Deputy Speaker Ferdinand Hernandez

- House Majority Leader Martin Romualdez

- Taguig-Pateros 1st District Rep. Lani Cayetano

- Cavite 7th DIstrict Rep. Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla

- Pampanga 2nd District Rep. Juan Miguel “Mikey” Arroyo

- Camarines Sur 2nd District Rep. Luis Raymund “LRay” Villafuerte

- Palawan 1st District Rep. Franz “Chicoy” Alvarez

- Bohol 2nd District Rep. Erico Aristotle Aumentado

- Valenzuela City 1st District Rep. Weslie “Wes” Gatchalian

- Quirino Gov. Dakila Carlo “Dax” Cua

- Batangas Gov. Hermilando “Dodo” Mandanas

The spouses of some government officials were also seen accompanying them in Russia.

Atty. Larry Gadon, a 2019 senatorial race loser, was also spotted in Russia, posing for photos with other government officials

Celebrities, including Philip Salvador, James Ronald Obeso of comedy duo Moymoy Palaboy, and Cesar Montano, were also seen in social media posts from officials in Russia.

Panelo said that as far as he knows, these celebrities are not paid for entertaining the Filipino community as they wait for Duterte’s arrival.

“They have been doing that during the presidential campaign. They just happen to be genuine and rabid fans of the PRRD,” Panelo said.

Meanwhile, some 150 businessmen are also part of Duterte’s business delegation. Among them are Arnold Mamaclay of Rensol Recruitment and Antonio Tiu of Agrinurture Inc.

Sources said businessmen paid their own way to Russia and boarded a Qatar Airways flight to the country.

AdChoiceTV News Joan Indang, Joey Castro, Robi Chan contributed to this report.

Like a plane: Poe suggests business coaches for MRT-3

Metro Manila — Would you pay ₱200 for a speedy and comfortable trip on the Metro Rail Transit-3?

Senator Grace Poe presented an out-of-the-box suggestion for the MRT-3 service before Transportation officials on Thursday. The senator, who has been in an online word war with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) a few weeks ago, put forward the idea of business coaches for the ailing MRT-3.

Someone told me, but I don't know if this is something that you would consider... that while you fix the Dalian trains, maybe you can dedicate a few specific coaches or trains as a business coach. Poe said during the budget hearing for DOTr's 2020 budget.

Poe likened the concept to prime seats offered by airlines, which come with more legroom, has special amenities like entertainment on board, and a priority exit. Riders will also have to pay a premium, even if they are to travel the same length from MRT's North Avenue station in Quezon City to Taft Avenue in Pasay.

There are 48 Dalian trains which the government acquired from China a few years ago, but have not been deployed for daily use due to compatibility issues. The DOTr said it is still making sure that these blue trains are track-worthy, and are still undergoing safety checks.

The comfort comes with a price — which, Poe said, could reach between ₱200 and ₱300. Currently, the end-to-end MRT fare is ₱28. It shouldn't sound too ridiculous as she specified her target market: "'People who can afford to pay that amount are the ones that probably drive private vehicles."

She added that profits can be used by the DOTr to improve train services.

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade was cool to the idea for now, saying it wouldn't be feasible anytime soon as the MRT is still running below optimal level. At the earliest, it can be considered by 2021, or when the Sumitomo-led contractor completes the rehabilitation of the train line. - AdChoiceTV News

Putin assures PH of aid in anti-terror drive during Duterte meet

Metro Manila — Russian President Vladimir Putin assured that his country is ready to assist the Philippines in fighting terrorism during his fourth meeting with President Rodrigo Duterte Thursday in Sochi .

"Dear Mr. President, we are ready to continue to offer partnership in the area of counter-terrorism efforts, to share our experience and practices," Putin said during the bilateral meeting with Duterte, according to a transcript posted on the Russian leader's website.

Putin noted how Duterte “managed to considerably bring down the level of the terrorist threat in the country and strengthen the potential of law enforcement agencies."

He also expressed interest to work with the Philippines in expanding industrial cooperation, establishing peaceful use of nuclear energy, space exploration and the use of digital technologies.

Both Putin and Duterte acknowledged the Marawi siege, which cut short the Philippine leader’s first trip to Russia in 2016.

Duterte underscored the need to sustain dialogues between Manila and Moscow’s foreign ministries, national security councils and economic agencies.

“I am, therefore, happy to continue our dialogue with the view of identifying vital areas of cooperation which will concentrate on our efforts in the coming years,” Duterte said.

Duterte also reaffirmed the Philippines’ strong commitment to build a “robust and comprehensive partnership” with Russia.

This is not the first time that Putin has offered the Philippines help to fight terrorism.

After the Jolo blasts in January, Putin said Russia is ready “to further step up interaction with our Philippine partners in combating the terrorist threat in all its forms and manifestations.”

In several speeches, Duterte has also credited Russia for giving the Philippines arms, while chiding the US — his country's traditional ally — for holding off an arms deal amid human rights concerns surrounding his drug war. - AdChoiceTV News

High school student shot in chest charged with rioting and assaulting officer

(Hong Kong) - A high school student who was shot in the chest at point blank range by a police officer during this week’s National Day protests could face up to 10 years in jail after he was formally charged with rioting and assault this afternoon.

Gunshot victim Tsang Chi-kin, 18, is still recovering at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in hospital after being shot by an officer during a clash in Tsuen Wan. The bullet was lodged in the left side of his chest, just three centimeters from his heart, and was removed in an emergency surgery Tuesday night.

Now it appears that Tsang could face up to 10 years in jail after police formally charged him this afternoon with participating in a riot and two counts of assaulting a police officer.

According to Apple Daily, Tsang’s case will be entered at the Sha Tin Magistrates’ Court this afternoon, along with those of six other people also charged for their involvement in Tuesday’s protests.

According to RTHK, the ages of the defendants range from 18 to 38, with the oldest defendant being charged with arson.

Updates to follow. - AdChoiceTV News

Authorities to implement ban on masks under draconian emergency powers law: reports

(Hong Kong) - Authorities are expected to implement a ban on face masks under Hong Kong’s draconian emergency powers law in an apparent bid to clamp down on ongoing anti-government protests, according to local media reports.

According to an exclusive report by HK01, authorities are currently in the final stages of enacting the ban through the Emergency Regulations Ordinance(ERO), a colonial-era law that grants the city’s leader and government sweeping powers in the event of public emergencies to “make any regulations whatsoever” — everything from censoring media outlets, to pressing citizens into forced labor, to locking down the city’s ports.

This afternoon, TV station TVB  eported that authorities are expected to announce the mask ban on Friday following an executive council meeting.

In Hong Kong, face masks, in particular surgical masks, became more common following the 2003 SARS outbreak. But since the 2014 Umbrella Movement protests, they have also become popular among demonstrators, who use them to hide their identities.

Calls for a face mask ban go back as far as 2016, and in recent months some members of the pro-Beijing camp have again asked authorities to implement an anti-mask law as the city’s current protest movement escalated.

The news has prompted netizens on LIHKG to re-share a segment from a live debate between candidates for the 2016 New Territories East by-election, which was contested by the now-imprisoned localist activist Edward Leung. In the debate, Leung rebutted pro-Beijing candidate Holden Chow’s calls for an anti-mask law, saying that was what sparked the Ukrainian revolution in 2014.

Robert Chan, CEO of Robert Chan International Ltd based in Hong Kong said that the last time the ERO was invoked was during the 1967 Leftist Riots, which began as a result of trade union disputes and saw months of clashes between the colonial police and pro-Communist sympathizers. The riots are considered a watershed moment in the city’s history, and saw dozens of people killed, some in a citywide a bombing campaign. - AdChoiceTV News