Palace takes more cautious approach to reports on US surveillance network using PH

From InterAksyon (Nov 4): Palace takes more cautious approach to reports on US surveillance network using PH

Palace officials have taken a more cautious approach on reports citing leaked documents from Edward Snowden tagging the Philippines among the countries that United States intelligence agencies have used as hubs for tracking communications networks in Asia, pointing journalists to the Department of Foreign Affairs.

In a press briefing Monday, Presidential Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma said, in response to queries from media, that "that report was apparently taken from published news items and it would not be appropriate for me to make an official comment at this time."

Coloma added that "matters like these are within the purview of both the DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) and the DND (Department of Defense)."

Last week, Coloma had said the two agencies will be asked to look into the matter, after Australian media—followed a few days later by US media—reported that a document leaked by whistle-blower Snowden showed a map in Asia where there were “listening posts” of the US National Security Agency (NSA).

Others listed were Indonesia, Malaysia, Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar, Hong Kong, Taiwan and China.

The revelations of the Asian “spying hubs” came as the US grappled with the fallout from revelations that it had spied even on heads of key allies, notably Germany’s Chancellor Angela Merkel.

Vienna Convention rules

The DFA, meanwhile, said the Philippines will act according to the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations once it is proven that Manila is included in a US-led surveillance network. DFA spokesman Raul Hernandez said in a briefing, “The functions of the embassy are governed by the treaty . . . Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. We expect countries to be guided by this principle and respect the laws and procedures.”

At trhe same time, he said, matters pertaining to spying and clandestine surveillance must be reviewed by security agencies that have the mandate and the resources for such. “If any information is given to us by these agencies, then the department will act accordingly. They [diplomatic missions] have to follow the rules and regulations of the host country. If there is a determination by security agencies, we will be able to act accordingly,” Hernandez said.

The 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations protects the functions of the United Nations, the diplomatic missions and other international organizations.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/74130/palace-takes-more-cautious-approach-to-reports-on-us-surveillance-network-using-ph