Minister says Sabahans aiding and abetting kidnappers

From the Free Malaysia Today (Sep 26): Minister says Sabahans aiding and abetting kidnappers

Masidi Manjun says the full force of the law must be used on local villagers and weapons dealers who are profiting from kidnapping-for-ransom activities.



PETALING JAYA: While the world watches in horror as the sixth case of kidnapping-for-ransom is reported this year alone in Sabah, minister Masidi Manjun says it is becoming painfully apparent that locals are playing a heavy hand in the illegal activities and turning a tidy profit from it.

Commenting on how challenging the situation had become, Masidi, who is state tourism, culture and environment minister, was reported in news portal Malay Mail Online as saying local villagers and weapons dealers were likely to be involved as they stood to gain financially from the illegal activities.

“There are so many people involved, it is fast becoming a public-listed company,” he said during his speech at a workshop on marine environment and security at University Malaysia Sabah today.

He also said the authorities were pulling out all the stops to nab those involved but that the state’s security forces would be saddled with the burden of balancing aggressive and deadly response with human rights and diplomatic relations, the news portal reported.

Filipino militants have been suspected of boldly crossing the borders of Sabah to carry out kidnappings, with Masidi warning authorities including the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) to prepare for a surge in intrusions following heavy military action in Southern Philippines against the Abu Sayyaf’s stronghold on Jolo island.

“Everyone knows they (militants) will flee here, that will mean double trouble for us. They are armed and dangerous and some of them may already be here.

“All this while, we are asking them (Esscom) to protect our borders, but these people manage to slip in. If they are living here, then Esscom will be rendered ineffective,” the news portal quoted him as saying.

He also said that while regional talks between Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia were ongoing, nothing concrete had emerged as yet apart from all three governments agreeing in principle to collaborate on maritime security.

“We need to turn this into actual action to be effective and soon. The consequences are too high a risk. And unfortunately, it is a risk some have been taking,” said Masidi.

The minister’s grave comments come in the wake of the latest kidnapping-for-ransom involving five Malaysian fishermen — Tayuddin Anjut, Mohd Ridzuan Ismail, Fandy Bakran, Mohd Zumadil Rahim and Abd Rahim Summas — who were taken by suspected militants near Dent Haven, Lahad Datu in July and who are still in captivity.

Their captors have allegedly demanded RM8.5 million for their release.

http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2016/09/26/minister-says-sabahans-aiding-and-abetting-kidnappers/

Coast Guard launches patrols vs Abu Sayyaf

From the Philippine Star (Sep 26): Coast Guard launches patrols vs Abu Sayyaf



Philippine Coast Guard personnel. File photo

The Philippine Coast Guard has started conducting night patrols in response to reports that Abu Sayyaf militants have been fleeing Sulu to escape a military offensive there.

 

Commodore Pablo Gonzales Jr., commander of the PCG Southwestern Mindanao district, said Monday in a press briefing at City Hall that the night patrol was launched because of persistent threats that the Abu Sayyaf might attack the city.

 

“All of our efforts, including the night patrols, are in coordination with the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) which is on focused military operations in Sulu,” Gonzales said.

 

Gonzales said the Coast Guard district has to stretch its limited manpower and patrol vessels across the vast and contiguous coastline to prevent the fleeing Abu Sayyaf from slipping in.

 

The district is headquartered in Zamboanga City and has stations in Pagadian, Cotabato, Jolo, Mapun and Bongao.

 

Meanwhile, Malaysian security officials are also on high alert against Abu Sayyaf militants who may attempt to slip into Sandakan via Taganak off Tawi-Tawi and Bakunggan off the border of Sabah.

 

The Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM), in a statement posted in a Sabah-based news site, said that about 400 Filipinos are waiting to breach its security along the Sabah border.

 

Westmincom spokesperson Maj. Filemon Tan Jr., earlier disclosed that the Abu Sayyaf group had split up into factions to evade about 10,000 soldiers deployed in Sulu.

 

“Our troops continue to close in and hope they will engage with their targets,” Tan said.

 

Zamboanga City Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar said security had been on alert even before President Rodrigo Duterte warned of a potential bomb attack there after a bomb attack in Davao City earlier this month.

 

Salazar said the city, which will have its month-long Zamboanga Festival in October, has doubled security and will hold some of the festival activities indoors for tighter security.

 

She said the city will also relax the implementation of a law requiring the wearing of motorcycle helmets within five kilometers of the city to monitor suspects who might disguise themselves as motorcyclists.

 

http://www.philstar.com:8080/nation/2016/09/26/1627601/coast-guard-launches-patrols-vs-abu-sayyaf

Philippine govt says hostage appeal an Abu Sayyaf tactic

From the Free Malaysia Today (Sep 26): Philippine govt says hostage appeal an Abu Sayyaf tactic

Telephone calls, photographs showing plight of Malaysian hostages meant to pressure families, employers for ransom, embassy says.



PETALING JAYA: The telephone calls made to The Star and release of photographs showing Malaysian hostages are part of the militant group Abu Sayyaf’s tactic to force the Philippine army to relent from on-going efforts to free the captives.

According to a statement by the Philippine government, the pictures and phone calls were also meant to “stir up and play on” the emotions of the victims’ families and employers and pressure them to pay the ransom.

“The payment of ransom is counter-productive, as any amount handed over will provide the requisite logistics for the next kidnapping attempts in coming days and weeks, and will foster the criminal enterprise of the group and their cohorts anchored on kidnapping-for-ransom and terrorism,” the Philippine government said in a statement released by its embassy in Kuala Lumpur.

A report in The Star today showed one of the hostages, Mohd Ridzuan Ismail, pleading for the Malaysian government to rescue him and four other hostages from the Abu Sayyaf militant group.

Ridzuan, who was one of five Malaysians abducted by Abu Sayyaf in waters off Lahad Datu on July 18, told the daily of the nightmarish conditions he faced in captivity, including enduring starvation and beatings.

According to the report, Abu Sayyaf spokesman Abu Rami contacted The Star, from Jolo island, in southern Philippines and passed the phone to Ridzuan to relay a message to the Malaysian Government.

In the eight-minute conversation, the sailor from Pahang, asked the Malaysian Government and his employer to rescue him and the other hostages.

Aside from Ridzuan, 32, the other hostages are Sabahans, Tayudin Anjut, 45, Abd Rahim Summas, 62, Mohd Zumadil Rahim, 23, and Fandy Bakran, 26.

The Embassy went on to state that the claim by the terrorist that there was no military presence where the hostages were being kept was an attempt at misdirection.

The number of police and military men currently in the island, it clarified, were “at its highest in decades”.

“This claim is meant to mask the immense military pressure that has been made to bear on them, which has already led to the escape or recovery of other kidnap victims, notably Filipina Edrina Manalas Bonsil on August 18, Indonesians Mohamed Sayfan and Ismail on the same day, and Filipina Tina Yee on September 21.”

Philippine authorities, it added, were working closely with their Malaysian counterparts in sharing intelligence and other information in the effort to secure an early, safe recovery of the hostages.

http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2016/09/26/philippine-govt-says-hostage-appeal-an-abu-sayyaf-tactic/

Duterte trying to quell rumblings within military

From the Philippine Star (Sep 27): Duterte trying to quell rumblings within military



National Democratic Front chief negotiator Luis Jalandoni (thirdfrom right) is welcomed by Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila president Ma. Leonora de Jesus and other officials during a forum on the peace talks between the government and NDF at the PLM campus in Intramuros, Manila yesterday. MIGUEL DE GUZMAN

President Duterte allayed fears in the military over his efforts to kick-start peace talks with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Moro Islamic National Front (MILF) that are reportedly creating “rumblings” among the ranks of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

“I have heard that there are rumblings kasi (because) about natural enemy. Maraming ring patay (many were killed in the) military ‘di ba. And I told them that you know guys, I am a President, I am your commander-in-chief, that’s the title for war, unfortunately, I am not a wartime president,” Duterte said.

“My main job, my main task is really to seek peace for my land,” he added.

While he seeks peace with the Moro group, Duterte said he is not ready to talk peace with the extremist Abu Sayyaf.

The President rejected the recommendation of MNLF chairman Nur Misuari to include the Abu Sayyaf in the peace negotiations.

“And then Nur, the problem is Nur... hinihigop niya ‘yun isali na niya ‘yun (he wants to include the) Abu Sayyaf, which I would like to tell to the nation now: no. I will not talk peace with the Abu Sayyaf,” he said.

“Every time you do that it’s like slapping the nation. Hinihiya mo kami (you humiliate us). And you did it even during my time,” Duterte said.

The President slammed the Abu Sayyaf anew for the despicable acts, with its latest victim being a child.

“And the last time was just a child na hindi naman milyonaryo yun (who was not a millionaire). It’s not even audacious, I can describe – despicable. It’s really a despicable ideology. Hindi pwede ‘yan (That cannot be),” he said.

Peace talks with the communist

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, who is also head of the government panel negotiating with communist rebels, claimed yesterday that the administration and the National Democratic Front-Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (NDF-CPP-NPA) could sign a permanent ceasefire agreement within the next 60 days.

Bello also expressed optimism that the government and the NDF would finish the peace talks within nine to 12 months or by July next year.

Duterte hosted a dinner for communist leaders Benito and Wilma Tiamzon last night in Malacañang as part of his effort to talk peace with armed rebel groups.

He said leaders of the communist movement had invited him for a meeting to Davao but he chose to talk to them in Malacañang due to lack of time.

“This would really be the first time that the enemies of the state are here. It’s part of what you would call civility,” he said during the induction of officers of the Malacañang Press Corps, the Malacañang Cameramen Association and the Presidential Photojournalists Association.

“Just because we are in a war doesn’t mean to say that we have to be at war at all times. We can always talk and maybe, just maybe, it will bring peace to the land,” he added.

Benito Tiamzon is chairman of the CPP while his wife is secretary-general.

Formal negotiations between the government and the NDF, the political umbrella of the NPA-CPP, resumed last month in Oslo, Norway.

As a goodwill measure, the government released 22 communist personalities so they could participate in the negotiations.

Among those who were released were the Tiamzons, who were arrested in Cebu in 2014 on murder charges.

Bello said unlike in the past administration, the peace talks between the Duterte government and the NDF-CPP-NPA have been achieved “without fighting and walkout.”

“After two days, we achieved what we never imagined we could achieve. We agreed to a ceasefire, from seven days to an indefinite unilateral ceasefire. The ceasefire is holding, no reports of burning of equipment. Sooner or later, in 60 days, this unilateral indefinite ceasefire will become a joint-bilateral permanent ceasefire which will lead to the end of hostilities,” Bello said.

Bello said that in the past, the NDF-CPP-NPA never agreed to a ceasefire because they thought it was a capitulation.

“Now, they signed an indefinite unilateral ceasefire. They were enamored with President Duterte, especially when the President said he would order the release of NDF consultants –which he did. He said he would declare a general amnesty with the concurrence of Congress, of course,” Bello said.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/09/27/1627851/duterte-trying-quell-rumblings-within-military

Jalandoni urges youth to join talks

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Feb 27): Jalandoni urges youth to join talks


PEACE FORUM Chief peace negotiators—Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III (left) for the government and Luis Jalandoni for the communist-led National Democratic Front of the Philippines—speak during a forum on the peace process at Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM). With them is PLM president Leonora de Jesus. ARNOLD ALMACEN

FOR THE NATIONAL Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) chief negotiator, Luis Jalandoni, the success of the peace talks in ending the 47-year communist insurgency lies not in just the negotiators, but the Filipino youth as well.

Speaking before students and faculty of Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila (PLM), Jalandoni said the conflict would not be so easy to resolve without genuine land reform and national industrialization.

“The key factor in the peace talks depends not only on the negotiating panel, but on the Filipino people … . It requires the active participation of all, especially the youth,” he said.

Jalandoni shared the stage with his government counterpart, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, during PLM’s first Public Policy Forum.

Bello expressed optimism that the peace talks between the NDFP and the government would be “concluded and signed within nine to 12 months” and that a development may be expected by August next year.

Prisoners’ freedom

The government chief negotiator noted that President Duterte’s commitment to free jailed NDFP consultants and the announcement of general amnesty paved the way for the smooth flow of negotiations.

“The peace talks will not bring lasting and just peace if the root causes of the conflict, which is extreme poverty, public belief that the government is capable of bringing justice, and massive corruption among government ranks, are not addressed decisively,” Bello said.

Like Jalandoni, Bello urged Filipino youths to support the peace process so that the peace talks will push through and that the “next generation may reap the dividends of peace.”

Mr. Duterte declared a unilateral and indefinite ceasefire on the eve of the formal resumption of the peace talks with the NDFP on Aug. 21.

The NDFP then extended its own ceasefire to an indefinite and unilateral ceasefire upon the conclusion of the first round of talks on Aug. 26 in Oslo, Norway.

Prior to this, 22 NDFP consultants were released so that they may take part in the peace talks.

Timetable

For his part, Jalandoni said both sides were working hard to achieve the target to conclude the peace talks in nine to 12 months.

“But I have to be frank also, a 47-year-old conflict will not be so easy to resolve,” he said.

There will be no real and lasting peace if peasants do not have genuine land reform, without national industrialization, and if students, women groups, indigenous peoples and the urban poor are not able to get justice and their rights respected, he said.

“Land reform and national industrialization will be key factors in addressing roots of the armed conflict. With Mr. Duterte’s commitment and with the support of the people especially the youth, this can be taken up,” he said.

Students are welcome to send their suggestions to end the conflict. “The youth in this university will be necessary to build and create a strong powerful and independent Philippines,” he said.

The second round of talks is scheduled on Oct. 6-10 in Oslo, Norway.

Jalandoni expressed optimism that political prisoners would be granted amnesty as promised by Mr. Duterte.

The President sees the grant of general amnesty as an important point in pushing for peace talks and unity in the country as well as respecting the rights of the political prisoners,” he said.

He said that Congress would likely approve amnesty for political prisoners, noting that majority of the lawmakers were the President’s allies.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/819324/jalandoni-urges-youth-to-join-talks

Fort Magsaysay rehab center underway

From the Philippine Star (Sep 27): Fort Magsaysay rehab center underway



President Duterte earlier asked the military to allot at least one hectare of land to build rehabilitation facilities for drug dependents. AP/Aaron Favila

The first mega drug rehabilitation and treatment center in the country is under construction.

Col. Benjamin Hao, Philippine Army spokesman, said the rehabilitation center is being built on a 10-hectare land in this military reservation, the headquarters of the 7th Infantry Division, Special Operations Command and Army Artillery Regiment.

Hao said the project is a joint venture of the Department of Health and the Army’s real estate office.

President Duterte earlier asked the military to allot at least one hectare of land to build rehabilitation facilities for drug dependents.

The government is also eyeing vacant areas at Camp Macario Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz and Camp Tecson in San Miguel, Bulacan.

Meanwhile, a family in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya has offered four hectares of their 20-hectare property as the site of another drug rehabilitation center in the province.

The lot owned by the family of Oca Valencia is located in Upper Magsaysay.

Bayombong Mayor Ralph Lantion said the Valencias offered the property when lawyer John Castriciones of the Department of the Interior and Local Government visited the province recently. 

“We hope the national government will consider the offer as one of the four sites of major drug rehabilitation centers,” Lantion said.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2016/09/27/1627686/fort-magsaysay-rehab-center-underway

Duterte hosts Malacañang dinner for communist rebels

From Rappler (Sep 26): Duterte hosts Malacañang dinner for communist rebels

President Rodrigo Duterte also asks the military to support the peace talks amid supposed rumblings on the ground



PEACE PROCESS. President Rodrigo Duterte calls for support for peace talks with communist rebels. Rappler file photo

President Rodrigo Duterte hosted a dinner for communist rebels at Malacañang on Monday night, September 26, two weeks before the second round of peace talks in October.

Duterte announced the dinner earlier in the day. "I have to meet the Tiamzons and the communists. They're having dinner tonight," he said in a press conference.

He was referring to Benito Tiamzon, a key figure in New People's Army (NPA) operations before his arrest in 2014, and Benito's wife Wilma, also a high-ranking member of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

"Oh, pinagbigyan ko. Okay na ba iyong lason natin diyan?" the President joked during the press conference.

Members of the National Democratic Front (NDF), the political arm of the CPP-NPA, were present during the dinner.

"They will break bread with me. Sila lahat mga komunista (All the communists), they're going to host me," Duterte said during the press conference.

Duterte again asked the military to support the peace talks amid supposed rumblings on the ground. The CPP-NPA is behind Asia's longest-running communist insurgency.

"Look, kayong mga military. Minsan kasi sila... I've heard that there are rumblings... kasi natural enemy. Marami ring patay na military 'di ba?" he said. (Look, you guys from the military. Sometimes... I've heard that there are rumblings... because the NPA is considered a natural enemy. Many soldiers died as well, right?)

"I told them that you know, guys, I am a president. I am your commander-in-chief, yes? That is a title for war. Unfortunately, I am not a war-time president. My main job, my main task is really to seek peace for my land that's why inuna ko na iyan sila (I am prioritizing them). Even before I assumed office, nagkaintindihan na kami mag-usap (we agreed to talk)," he added.

The first round of talks in August resulted in the declaration of unilateral ceasefires from the military and the NPA.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/147405-philippines-duterte-ndf-communist-rebels-malacanang-dinner

Duterte: No amnesty for Abu Sayyaf

From Rappler (Sep 26): Duterte: No amnesty for Abu Sayyaf

President Rodrigo Duterte says he is rejecting MNLF leader Nur Misuari's suggestion to include the terrorist group in the Mindanao peace talks


Under his watch, members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) will never be granted amnesty, said President Rodrigo Duterte.

"The Abu Sayyaf were decapitating people like they would just fowls and pigs and goats. And there will be no talks. The Armed Forces is right, rejecting amnesty for them. I will not, I will never. There will never be an amnesty for so much killing," said Duterte on Monday, September 26.

 

He was speaking at the oath-taking ceremony of Malacañang Press Corps officers at the Palace.

Apparently, the suggestion to include the Abu Sayyaf in peace talks, with the possibility of the granting of amnesty, was suggested by Moro National Liberation Front (MILF) leader Nur Misuari.

 

Misuari had facilitated the release of Norwegian hostage Kjartan Sekkingstad from the ASG.

 

According to an exclusive Rappler report, Misuari may have even earned from Sekkingstad's release.

 

"Then Nur, problem is Nur, parang hinihigop niya iyong – isali na niya iyong Abu Sayyaf (it's like he wants to include the Abu Sayyaf), which I would like to tell the nation now: No. I will not talk peace with the Abu Sayyaf," said Duterte.

 

He is averse to the idea because including the bandit group in talks would be "like slapping the nation," said Duterte.

 

The President also described the group's beliefs as "despicable."

 

'Destroy' Abu Sayyaf

 

The Duterte administration is heightening its crackdown on the ASG, sending thousands of troops to Jolo, Sulu, the group's stronghold. Duterte has vowed to "destroy" the group.

 

The increased military presence comes amid Duterte's call for peace in Mindanao. His administration has kickstarted peace negotiations with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

 

Duterte hopes to include Misuari and the rest of the MNLF in the peace talks. (READ: Duterte to MILF, MNLF: Cut ties with Abu Sayyaf)

 

Duterte previously identified with the ASG's anger stemming from historical injustices committed against Moros.

 

But he has blasted the group for its "ungodly" acts such as gruesome beheadings of hostages and kidnap-for-ransom schemes.

 

http://www.rappler.com/nation/147403-philippines-duterte-no-amnesty-abu-sayyaf

WATCH | Manila court defers issuance of warrant vs Marcelino

From InterAksyon (Sep 26): WATCH | Manila court defers issuance of warrant vs Marcelino



Lt. Col. Ferdinand Marcelino and PAO chief Atty. Persida Acosta hold a press conference in this Sept. 23, 2016 file photo. INTERAKSYON.COM

A Manila court heard Monday the motion filed by Lt. Col. Ferdinand Marcelino in connection with the illegal drugs charges he is facing, and suspended the issuance of a warrant of arrest.

The Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 17 also deferred the arraignment of Marcelino and his co-accused, a Chinese national whom government agents had used as translator.

The RTC gave the government 10 days to comment on the motions filed by Marcelino through his counsel, Public Attorney's Office chief Persida Acosta.

Acosta expressed confidence the government's case is weak against the Marine officer, whose intelligence work had in the past been recognized as crucial to busting illicit drug operations.

Acosta had helped Marcelino Friday morning in filing the urgent motion to stop the issuance of an arrest warrant, defer arraignment and seek a judicial determination of probable cause.

This, after the Justice department reversed its earlier decision clearing Marcelino of charges that he was working with a drug syndicate after being found at the scene of a Manila shabu warehouse busted last January by authorities. Marcelino had claimed he was there as part of his intelligence work.

He was detained for five months over this case, and ordered freed in June after the Department of Justice concluded the evidence against him was weak.

However, the DOJ recently reversed itself and filed charges in court against him.

Acosta, meanwhile, made it clear no politics was involved in the Marcelino case, especially considering speculations that the officer was being pressured to testify against Sen. Leila de Lima, against whom the Department of Justice is building a case. The senator is being accused by her successor, Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguiree, of having coddled convicted drug lords at the national penitentiary in exchange for funds for her Senate run.

Click and watch the video report below:


http://www.interaksyon.com/article/132788/watch--manila-court-defers-issuance-of-warrant-vs-marcelino

AIR CONTINGENT | US deploys Pacific Air Forces assets to Mactan at PH invitation

From InterAksyon (Sep 26): AIR CONTINGENT | US deploys Pacific Air Forces assets to Mactan at PH invitation



File photograph of air preparedness exercise. Erwin Mascarinas, InterAksyon

The United States carried out the third iteration of the so-called Air Contingent in the Philippines on September 25 "at the invitation of the Government of the Philippines, and at the direction of the U.S. Pacific Commander."

An announcement of the US Air Force indicated that, as part of this contingent, "the U.S. Air Force has deployed two C-130 Hercules aircraft and approximately 100 Airmen from the 374th Air Wing at Yokota Air Base, Japan, and the 36th Contingency Response Group from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam," to Mactan-Benito Ebuen Air Base, Lapu-Lapu City.

While there, the Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) Airmen are conducting "bilateral training missions as well as Subject Matter Expert Exchanges, and integrating with units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)."

The purpose of the Air Contingent, is "to promote increased interoperability between U.S. and Filipino forces, and to further enhance security cooperation between the allies."

The announcement said that "PACAF Airmen stood up the first rotation of an Air Contingent at Clark Air Base, Philippines, in April 2016, following a joint announcement by then-Philippine Secretary of National Defense Voltaire Gazmin and U.S. Secretary of Defense Ash Carter that highlighted several initiatives aimed to reinforce our long-standing relationship with the Philippines, and to reaffirm our commitment to the Indo-Asia-Pacific region."

The two-week Air Contingent in April consisted of A-l0C Thunderbolt IIs, HH-60G Pave Hawks, and approximately 200 personnel from multiple PACAF units.

The second two-week iteration of the Air Contingent, stood up June 15, 2016, was comprised of EA-18G Growlers and Navy personnel.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/132780/air-contingent--us-deploys-pacific-air-forces-assets-to-mactan-at-ph-invitation

Malaysia intensifies negotiation with Abu Sayyaf for release of 5 sailors

From the Mindanao Examiner (Sep 26): Malaysia intensifies negotiation with Abu Sayyaf for release of 5 sailors

Malaysia has ordered its negotiators to intensify talks with the Abu Sayyaf in an effort to secure the freedom of five Malaysian tugboat crew members being held captive in the southern Philippine province of Sulu, reports said.

Deputy Home Minister Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed said he would direct the police to intensify communication and negotiations with the kidnappers to free the victims, according to the Malaysian newspaper The Star.

The Abu Sayyaf has contacted the newspaper and allowed one of the hostages Mohd Ridzuan Ismail to speak to its staff. Mohd Ridzuan was kidnapped in Sabah on July 18 with four other sailors – Tayudin Anjut, 45, Abd Rahim Summas, 62, Mohd Zumadil Rahim, 23, and Fandy Bakran, 26.

The 32-year old Mohd Ridzuan said they were constantly being beaten up and threatened by the Abu Sayyaf and pleaded desperately with their employer and Malaysian government to immediately secure their safe release.

“We can’t bear it anymore. We are in pain. All of us are sick. We have cuts on our bodies. We are weak. No food to eat. What’s more, we are beaten. There are people who want to shoot us. Please help us,” The Star quoted the sailor as saying during the eight minute conversation.

It said a man who introduced himself as Abu Rami demanded P100 million ransoms for the 5 hostages.
The hostage are being held in three separate groups by the Abu Sayyaf under Abu Khalif in the town called Luuk and that there were no government troops in the area.

“We’re suffering in Jolo (Sulu) Island. We appeal to the Malaysian government and our boss to negotiate for our release as we want to return home as soon as possible,” Mohd Ridzuan said, adding, their captors only give them rice and rarely feed them. “We are frightened. This is not our place. They whack us and they told us that they can shoot us.”

There were no immediate statements either from the Philippine government or the military forces. Thousands of troops have been deployed to Sulu, one of five provinces under the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, to hunt down the Abu Sayyaf and rescue their hostages.

Just over the weekend, troops disarmed an improvised explosive planted by the Abu Sayyaf on a road in the village of Tagbak in Indanan town road where military patrols usually pass. Villagers discovered the device, made from ammonium nitrate and blasting cap hidden in a 30-liter container, and quickly informed the military about it.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/malaysia-intensifies-negotiation-with-abu-sayyaf-for-release-of-5-sailors/

Former rebels in Davao del Sur gets assistance

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 26): Former rebels in Davao del Sur gets assistance

Fourteen former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) who surrendered to 73rd Infantry Battalion (73IB) received a total of ₱700,000.00 livelihood assistance from the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) of the Province of Davao del Sur.

The returnees formally received their assistance during the flag-raising ceremony held at Provincial Coliseum, Davao del Sur on September 26, 2016.

In a simple awarding ceremony, Governor Douglas Cagas of Davao del Sur and Chairman of CLIP Committee, Provincial Director Remedios Baldovino of DILG, Col Tyne Banas, Commander 1002nd Brigade and Lt. Col. Ronnie Babac, Commander 73IB handed-in the check worth ₱50,000.00 to each of the fourteen (14) former rebels.

Aside from the livelihood assistance, the awardees also received their immediate cash assistance worth ₱15,000.00 each during the Former Rebels Peace Summit-Davao del Sur last April 27, 2016 held at Mer Grande Beach Resort, Toril, Davao City.

“The livelihood assistance awarded to the former rebels (FRs) is a successful collaborative effort of the provincial government, PNP-Davao del Sur and 73IB in support to the unit’s mission and government’s effort of permanent and peaceful closure of all armed conflict in the country” Lt. Col. Babac said. (Captain Rhyan Batchar,10th ID)

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2381474868227/-former-rebels-in-davao-del-sur-gets-assistance

Tagalog News: Kapulisan at militar sa N. Cotabato hiniling ang suporta ng mga mamamayan

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 26): Tagalog News: Kapulisan at militar sa N. Cotabato hiniling ang suporta ng mga mamamayan (Police and military in N. Cotabato requested the support of the citizens)

LUNGSOD NG KIDAPAWAN, North Cotabato - Hiniling ng pamunuan ng Cotabato Police Provincial Office (CPPO) at ng pwersa ng militar na nakabase sa
probinsyaang suporta ng mamamayan  upang mapanatili ang kapayapaan at
mapalakas ang seguridad sa lalawigan.

Ayon kay PSSupt. Emmanuel Peralta, provincial director ng CPPO, lalong magiging epektibo 

ang hakbang ng kapulisan at kasundaluhan kung nakikiisa ang mamamayan.

Kabilang sa hinihiling ng otoridad sa publiko ay ang pagiging alerto at mapagmatyag lalo na sa mga kaduda-dudang tao o bagay na kanilang makikita.

Sa ginanap na press forum and conference kamakailan, hinimok ni Peralta ang publiko sa 

pamamagitan ng media na makipagtulungan sa pulis at militar lalo na sa kampanya laban sa kriminalidad.

Nanawagan din ang otoridad sa mamamayan na makipag- ugnayan sa kanila sa pamamagitan ng maagap na pagulat sa mga insidente o mga kaduda- dudang personahe na mamamataan sa kanilang lugar.

Kaugnay nito, tiniyak ni Peralta at ni Lt. Col. Edgar delos Reyes ng 7th IB na pinaiigting na 

nila ang mga check point at choke point sa highway at sa mga pampubliko o matataong lugar.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2301474859385/tagalog-news-kapulisan-at-militar-sa-n-cotabato-hiniling-ang-suporta-ng-mga-mamamayan

DAR Surigao Norte holds coordination meeting on conflicting land claims .

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 26): DAR Surigao Norte holds coordination meeting on conflicting land claims .

The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Surigao del Norte spearheaded a coordination meeting with other concerned government agencies on Sept. 15, 2016 at the Gateway Hotel, this city.

Other government agencies present during the meeting were representatives from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), and the 30IB of the Philippine Army.

The discussion puts emphasis on conflicting claims on ancestral domain lands and timber lands that were allegedly covered under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program and were issued with Certificate of Land Ownership Awards in the barangays of Bunyasan, Cansayong, Hanagdong and Tinago, all of Malimono town, Surigao del Norte.

The meeting also focused on the issues regarding land tenure and security, and issues on mining activities of the identified above barangays under the Peace and Development Outreach Program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Lt. Ryan D. Layug of the 30IB said he was overwhelmed with the result and stressed that the purpose of the coordination meeting between the concerned government agencies is to iron out and look for a common solution that will answer the identified issues of the concerned communities.  .

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2731474867358/dar-surigao-norte-holds-coordination-meeting-on-conflicting-land-claims

Army holds Muslim Youth Leadership Summit in Banaybanay .

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 26): Army holds Muslim Youth Leadership Summit in Banaybanay .

The Philippine Army’s 701st Infantry Brigade (IB) based in Mati City conducted on September 22-25, the Muslim Youth Leadership Summit at the Municipal Gymnasium, Brgy. Poblacion, Banaybanay, Davao Oriental.

Around 120 youth leaders from the provinces of Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley participated in the summit with the theme, ‘”Engage, Unite, Ignite.”

The summit was a partnership activity of the brigade, Youth for Peace Movement in Davao Oriental (YFPMDO), Department of Health (DOH), provincial government of Davao Oriental and local government unit of Banaybanay.

701st IB commander, Col. Bienvenido Datuin Jr. stressed the role of the youth in the whole-of –the-nation approach for peace in development.

Colonel Datuin also emphasized the convergence gorged by the public and the Philippine Army as a potent component in nation building.

Also present during opening of the summit were Banaybanay Mayor Adalia Lopez-Tambuang, Brgy Captain of Poblacion Reynante Madanlo and 28th Infantry Battalion commander Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Zagala.

The brigade also conducted the 1st Indigenous People Youth Leadership Summit last April 23-27 in Baganga, Davao Oriental.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2871474877081/army-holds-muslim-youth-leadership-summit-in-banaybanay

NPA rebel yields to army troopers in Ilocos Sur

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 26): NPA rebel yields to army troopers in Ilocos Sur

A self-proclaimed member of the New People’s Army (NPA) group operating in the northern part of Ilocos Sur abandoned his unit and surrendered to the Army.

According to Colonel Eugenio Julio Osias IV, the commander of the  81st Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, the rebel surrenderee was identified as alias Ka Monsor, 38 years old, and a resident of Barangay Maratudo, Magsingal town.

Osias spent 17 years as member of the NPA’s Kilusang Laranang Sinag based in the mountainous areas within the boundary of the provinces of Ilocos Sur and Abra.

He confirmed that Ka Monsor, who voluntarily submitted himself to the authorities through the intervention of his family members, is one of the remnants of the NPA rebel operating in Northern Luzon. He is also one of the five NPA rebels who surrendered to their unit this year.

In a tactical interrogation, Ka Monsor claimed that he decided to return to the fold of law due to the hardships he experienced while hiding in the mountains.

Last week, the rebel returnee received P65,000 worth of livelihood assistance from Ilocos Sur Governor Ryan Luis V. Singson in a simple rite at the provincial capitol.

Meanwhile, Singson called the remaining members of the NPA group operating in the province to voluntarily surrender to authorities for the sake of peace and development.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/381474860615/npa-rebel-yields-to-army-troopers-in-ilocos-sur

Media, PIA attend US Embassy seminar

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 27): Media, PIA attend US Embassy seminar

Selected private media practitioners and information officers from the Philippine Information Agency underwent a two-day seminar on disaster preparedness, courtesy of the United States Embassy.

The 7th US Embassy Seminar for Regional Media focused on the role of media in disaster preparedness and emergency management.

Included in the discussions during the seminar were humanitarian assistance protocols and partnerships with non-government organizations and local governments, information to mitigate disasters, particularly Project NOAH (Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards) of the Department of Science and Technology, and Communicating programs and initiatives in disaster preparedness and emergency management.

The initiatives of the Philippine Information Agency in responding to citizens’ communication needs in times of disasters and emergency, use of web and mobile technology during disasters, disaster reporting for television, and mobilizing the community press in times of disasters were likewise given emphasis.

External Affairs Director Oscar Victor Lizardo of the DOST’s Project NOAH stressed that there is a need for media to effectively communicate the risks through disaster awareness programs, visual information and bridging the gap between the media and science for the general public.

He also said that localizing the information and the importance of local leaders, communicating the disasters that did not happen, and use of ambassadors to get the message across are important in communicating the risks.

Science and Technology Institute Deputy Director Alan Taule pointed out to mediamen the six focal points to be considered in covering disaster events such as the danger and killer factors, location of the communities at risk, scale and magnitude to determine the needed level of response and coordination, timing and duration of disaster event, impact or hazard’s effects on the community, and response.

For her part, Molly Koscina US Embassy incoming Information Officer in Public Affairs thanked the participants of  the training and expects that whatever they learned will be applied  for the betterment of their respective communities.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/991474876248/media-pia-attend-us-embassy-seminar

SEEKS RUSSIA'S HELP Duterte: I'm about 'to cross the Rubicon' with the United States .

From GMA News (Sep 26): SEEKS RUSSIA'S HELP Duterte: I'm about 'to cross the Rubicon' with the United States .

President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday hinted that he's about to go past a point of no return in terms of the Philippines' relationship with the United States, revealing that he had sought help from Russia about the matter.

"I'm about to cross the Rubicon between me and the United States. At least for the next six years. I would need your help," he said, referring to his meeting earlier this month with Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Mevdevev at the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit.

The Philippines and the US are treaty allies, having signed a mutual defense treaty in 1951 and a visiting forces agreement in 1998.

The US is also the Philippines' biggest foreign investor and the country's second biggest export market next to Japan.

But the relationship has been frayed under Duterte, who has bristled at criticism about the rising death toll of his administration's drug war from the US and other institutions such as the United Nations and the European Union.

He has repeatedly expressed his desire to rid Mindanao of American troops supposedly to pursue peace talks, while declaring earlier this month that he wanted to stop joint patrols with the US in the South China Sea amid a maritime dispute with Beijing.

Duterte, meanwhile, has expressed openness to welcome more investments from China and Russia.

He has also raised the possibility of buying arms from the two nations.

Congress approval

When asked to clarify his statement, Duterte noted that United States needed to get the Congress' approval before its President can declare war to help an ally.

"There is a RP-US Pact that was in the ‘50s. It says that an attack on the Philippines would be an attack of the United States," Duterte said.

"But in the United States Constitution, it says that before a President can declare war, with anybody in defense of an ally, he has to Congress for permission to go to war. That’s the problem. So if Congress will not give him that authority, what will happen to us?"

In the same press conference, Duterte said he didn't have any plans to junk alliances. "I am not really going to break ties but we are opening alliances with China," he said.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/582786/news/nation/duterte-i-m-about-to-cross-the-rubicon-with-the-united-states

Troops, police foil roadside bombing in Sulu province

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 26): Troops, police foil roadside bombing in Sulu province

Government troops and policemen, with the help of civilians, on Sunday foiled a roadside bombing in Indanan, Sulu by defusing an improvised explosive device (IED).

Col. Rodrigo Gregorio of the Joint Task Force Sulu's information office, said the IED was discovered by local residents at about 1:40 p.m. at Km. 3 between Kajatian and Tagbak barangays in Indanan.

Gregorio said that when they learned of the IED from the residents, troops from the Army’s 501st Infantry Brigade and police immediately cordoned off the area, while the joint task force’s Quick Reaction Force scoured the vicinity for possible secondary devices or the presence of armed men.

He said an Explosive and Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team assessed and successfully defused the IED at 2:45 p.m.

Troops have recovered a 30-liter container filled with ammonium nitrate as the IED's main charge, a blasting cap and a 150-meter wire. The IED components were turned over to the Jolo Internal Defense Force.

He said that EOD personnel believed the IED was for passing troops but could have been more deadly to passing civilians.

Brig. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, Joint Task Force Sulu commander, attributed the successful recovery of the IED to the "vigilance and cooperation of the local residents and the timely action of soldiers and policemen”.

“Terrorism has no place in our society. The collective efforts of our people in collaboration with authorities have been proven to be a formidable weapon against terrorism. Let us unite in the fight against terrorists and make our communities safe and secure for our families, for our children,” dela Vega added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=926266

Third US Air Contingent now in PHL

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 26): Third US Air Contingent now in PHL

The United States deployed Sunday the third iteration of its Air Contingent to the Philippines at the invitation of the Government of the Philippines.

"As part of this contingent, the US Air Force has deployed two C-130 Hercules aircraft and approximately 100 Airmen from the 374th Air Wing at Yokota Air Base, Japan, and the 36th Contingency Response Group from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, to Mactan-Benito Ebuen Air Base, Lapu-Lapu City, Philippines," a US Embassy statement said.

And while there, the Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) airmen are conducting bilateral training missions as well as subject matter expert exchanges, and integrating with units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The Air Contingent aims to promote increased inter-operability between US and Filipino forces, and to further enhance security cooperation between the allies.

PACAF stood up the first rotation of an Air Contingent at Clark Air Base, Philippines, in April 2016, following a joint announcement by then-Philippine Secretary of National Defense Voltaire Gazmin and US Secretary of Defense Ash Carter that highlighted several initiatives aimed to reinforce US long-standing relationship with the Philippines, and to reaffirm their commitment to the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

The two-week Air Contingent in April consisted of A-l0C Thunderbolt IIs, HH-60G Pave Hawks, and approximately 200 personnel from multiple PACAF units.

The second two-week iteration of the Air Contingent, stood up June 15 and consists of EA-18G Growlers and Navy personnel.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=926139

President Duterte meets with Nat'l Democratic Front officials in Malacañang

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 26): President Duterte meets with Nat'l Democratic Front officials in Malacañang

Officials of the National Democratic Front (NDF) went to Malacañang Palace Monday to pay a courtesy call on President Rodrigo Duterte, a month after they joined government peace negotiators in Norway.

”I have the entire communist hierarchy (who) wanted to talk to me in Davao but I was short of time. So I said (we should) rather talk here (in Malacañang),” President Duterte said in a short press conference after presiding over the induction of officers of the Malacañang Press Corps at the Palace's Heroes Hall.

The President said it was the communist leaders who requested a meeting with him.

”So this would really be the first time that the enemies of the state are here for its part of what you would call civility. Just because we are in a war doesn’t mean to say that we have to be war at all times. We can always talk and maybe, just maybe, it will bring peace to the land,” he said.

President Duterte said the communist leaders include Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) chairman Benito Tiamzon and wife, Wilma who is the group’s secretary-general.

The two were part of the CPP-NPA-NDF delegation that traveled to Oslo, Norway last Aug. 20 for the resumption of peace negotiations.

In his recent visits to military camps, the Commander-in-Chief said he told his troops that he will walk the extra mile to achieve peace in the land.

”I’ve heard that there are rumblings about… because they are enemies, they killed many military. And I told them that you know, guys, I am a president. I’m your Commander-in-Chief. I am not a war-time president,” the President said.

”My main job, my main task is really to seek peace for my land. That’s why I went to them first. Even before I assumed office, we agreed to talk,” he added.

The President said he also met with Moro rebels, particularly the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) headed by Al-Haj Murad Ebrahim, and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) led by Nur Misuari.

”I went to Murad, he said, without BBL there will be war. I told him: ‘No. Let’s talk.’," he said.
According to the President, it seems Misuari wants to include the Abu Sayyaf Group in the peace process.

”I will not speak peace with Abu Sayyaf. Every time you do that (kidnapping), it’s like slapping the nation. It’s really a despicable ideology. It’s not acceptable,” he said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=926334

Dela Rosa: 5-day conference in Colombia was very productive

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 26): Dela Rosa: 5-day conference in Colombia was very productive

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa on Monday described as very productive the five-day conference he attended in Colombia last week.

In a press conference, Dela Rosa said there are many aspects and many programs from Colombia that can be recommended to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte which can be used in the Philippines to succeed in the all-out war against illegal drugs.

Dela Rosa said “that was a very productive trip, very professional and I have heard a lot of good practices na ginagawa nila doon and hopefully yung mga magaganda na nakuha natin doon ay gamitin natin.”

He said the Philippines can adopt the law and equipment against illegal drugs of Colombia.

Dela Rosa said that “for example yung mga sa wiretapping law, equipped yung kanilang kapulisan doon para mag-wiretap sa lahat ng mga suspected criminal group members, drug group members itong suspected drug trafficker andyan kaagad kaya sila effective.”

Likewise, the PNP chief said the conference in Colombia also tackled the problem of narco-terrorism.

Dela Rosa noted that narco-terrorism had also been a problem in Colombia, especially that there were many killings such that many politicians were killed in Colombia because of narco-terrorism.

As a solution, he said, various high police officials of different countries who attended the Colombia conference have agreed to strengthen the police force as an effective remedy to solve narco-terrorism.

The PNP chief earlier admitted that the presence of narco-terrorism was one of the angles being looked into the Davao bombing that claimed the lives of 15 individuals and injured 70 others last Sept. 2.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=926149

President Duterte is prepared to discuss West PHL Sea issue in Vietnam – DFA

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 26): President Duterte is prepared to discuss West PHL Sea issue in Vietnam – DFA

President Rodrigo Duterte is ready to discuss the West Philippine Sea or South China Sea dispute if the issue comes up during his upcoming two-day visit to Vietnam, a foreign affairs spokesman said on Monday.

”The President will be prepared to discuss the South China Sea issue,” Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) spokesman Charles Jose said in a press briefing in Malacañang about the President’s official visit to Vietnam set on Wednesday and Thursday.

If ever the WPS issue is raised, the discussion would be in the context of emphasizing the need to pursue peace, stability and security in the region, Jose said.

”It will also be in the context of reaffirming our firm commitment to peaceful settlement of the dispute and adherence to the rule of law,” he said.

China, the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia, and Taiwan have overlapping claims to the South China Sea.

”Vietnam’s role in the South China Sea remains to be significant,” Jose said.

The DFA official said it is important for the Philippines to work bilaterally with China and at the regional level, referring to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) “to build trust and confidence, lower tension, and promoting peace, security and stability”.

”That’s at the bilateral level and the government. This administration has already made clear that we would like to get into direct talks with China, at the same time, is also to work at the regional level together with ASEAN,” he added.

He said the ASEAN’s centrality will remain a driving force behind the developments in the South China Sea.

While in Hanoi, President Duterte is scheduled to meet with Vietnam President Tran Dai Quang and other top leaders of the country.

Jose said President Duterte will also meet with the Filipino community in Vietnam. There are 3,800 Filipinos in the country.

He said the President and the Vietnamese leaders are also expected to discuss various areas of bilateral exchanges, including maritime cooperation, enhancement of law enforcement and defense cooperation, increasing two-way trade and investment, strengthening of joint cultural activities, and heightened cooperation in agriculture and fisheries.

President Duterte and the Vietnamese leaders are also expected to exchange views on regional and international issues.

”Moreover, the President’s visit is also an opportunity to solidify the strategic partnership between the two countries,” Jose said.

He said the two leaders will pursue direction and specific activities in line with the vision of the joint statement and establishment of strategic partnership signed in Manila in November 2015.

”The visit will be more of a policy statement… and (a) reiteration of our commitment to this strategic partnership with Vietnam,” he said.

Jose said 2016 marks the 40th anniversary of the diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Vietnam.

”The relations between the two countries have been growing and deepening steadily since formal ties were established on July 12, 1976,” he said.

President Duterte and Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc met on the sidelines of the ASEAN Summit and Related Summits held on Sept. 6-8 in Vientiane, Laos.

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Secretary Martin Andanar has said Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea will be officer-in-charge of Malacañang while President Duterte is out of the country.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=926171

Russia arms deal eyed

From The Standard (Sep 25): Russia arms deal eyed

Moscow planning donation or loan

MOSCOW is planning to donate or loan military equipment and technology to Manila, only days after President Rodrigo Duterte said he would go to Russia or China if the United States did not like his “dirty mouth.”

Ambassador to Russia Carlos Sorreta announced the plan after he met with Russian officials over how the two countries could boost trade and security cooperation as Duterte discussed with Russian Ambassador Igor Khovaev last May.

At the same time, the US State Department also announced on Saturday that Washington approved the release of $6.725 million (more than P300 million) from the $32 million fund that US State Secretary John Kerry pledged during his visit to Manila last July.

Ambassador to Russia Carlos Sorreta

Sorreta said the plan to donate or loan military equipment was discussed when he and vice consul Luningning Camoying were briefed by officials of the Russian Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation (FSMTC).

The FSMTC is a federal agency directly under the Office of the President of the Russian Federation responsible for control and oversight in the field of military-technical cooperation between the Russian Federation and foreign countries.

Russian officials who hosted the briefing are First Department on Military and Technical Cooperation with Foreign States chief Serggey Buganov; and Section on Military-Technical Cooperation with Countries of the Asia-Pacific Region chief Valery Orel.

“We welcomed the briefing, which was quite revealing, particularly the extent that Russia is able to interact with a large number of countries in this field and the different mechanisms that are employed, including acquisition and transfer of Russian military equipment,” Soretta said.

“This is all part of our job to explore opportunities that could contribute to our government’s efforts to modernize our defense capabilities,” Sorreta said.

Aside from the military equipment and technology, Sorreta said Russia is also willing to provide training, after-sales service and maintenance, transfer of technology, investment in domestic military production and servicing and different modes of financing.

Sorreta and Camoying were briefed after a similar meeting between a Department of National Defense delegation, led by Undersecretary for Finance and Materiel Raymundo de Vera Elefante, and Russian defense officials including officials of the FSMTC.

The talks with Russia developed after Duterte met with Russian Ambassador Khovaev, who met with Duterte in Davao City a few days after the May 9 elections.

Khovaev said he was impressed by Duterte during a “very productive” meeting where they discussed how to jump-start Philippine-Russian relations which officially started only in 1976.

Khovaev said that it was “time for Russians to discover the Philippines, and it is time for the Philippines to discover Russia,” adding that strengthened trade cooperation could begin before the end of this year.

The Russian envoy said there is much potential in the two country’s bilateral ties because “there were no disputes and no contradictions” and only develop “cooperation in practical terms.”

Meanwhile, the US, through State Assistant Secretary for international narcotics and law enforcement William Brownfield the $6.7 million fund was meant to boost law enforcement in the Philippines.

In an interview with online news site Rappler, Brownfield said the fund was part of the $32 million that Kerry pledged for law enforcement training and services.

US State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs said that $4.665 million of the larger amount “is set to be transferred soon, via an Interagency Agreement, from INL to the US Coast Guard.”

This funding aims “to support maritime security in the Philippines.”

“There is additional money which was previously appropriated by Congress for use in the Philippines, but no decisions have to be made on that funding’s use until next year,” Rappler quoted the INL as saying.

http://www.philnews.com/headlines/2016/headline_news_0924af.htm

Donation or loan not part of preliminary discussions on PHL-Russia Military-Technical Cooperation

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 26): Donation or loan not part of preliminary discussions on PHL-Russia Military-Technical Cooperation   

The Philippine Embassy in Moscow clarified that the donation to or borrowing of Russian military equipment and technology are not part of any discussions on military and technical cooperation between the Philippines and Russia, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) disclosed on Monday.

This clarification was issued in response to an article titled, “Russia arms deal eyed, Moscow planning donation or loan,” which was published locally in its Sunday issue (September 25).

“As stated in our previous press releases, there have been briefings and preliminary discussions with Russia on military technical cooperation,” Philippine Ambassador to Russia Carlos Sorreta said, adding, “We have also been briefed on the different modes of financing, but there have been no discussions on donating or lending military equipment or technology.”

He also said that he had not spoken to any other reporter regarding this issue.

Sorreta said that the Philippine defense establishment knew what it needed, particularly in terms of internal defense and counterterrorism.

“What we are doing now is to see if the systems we need are available from Russia, if the prices are competitive, if the terms are beneficial to the Philippines, if there will be transfer of technology and if there will be local investments,” Sorreta said.

“There are military items that the Philippines needs to deal decisively with our internal threats that are not readily available from other sources, either because some countries don’t believe we can use these hi-tech systems properly or because of certain country-specific conditionalities,” he further said.

According to the Ambassador, it appears that the military systems and technologies the Philippines needs are available from Russia and “they trust that we will use these in accordance with international humanitarian law.”

In addition, he explained that there were no conditionalities, other than those that generally apply to all nations.

“For example, not to use these to commit acts of aggression in violation of the UN Charter or to develop weapons of mass destruction,” Sorreta pointed out.

Russia sells military equipment and military-related equipment to a host of nations.

The Pentagon has bought a large number of Russian helicopters for use in Afghanistan.

The Republic of Korea has also purchased Russian helicopters for use in different roles. Citing an article in the Wall Street Journal (July 6, 2016),

Sorreta noted that in the five-year period through 2015, Russian arms sales to Southeast Asia more than doubled to nearly USD 5 billion from the preceding five-year period.

In that same time frame, the region accounted for 15 percent of all Russian arms exports, up from 6 percent.

“We also want to make sure as much as possible, should we decide to source military equipment and technology from Russia, we do so at terms no less favorable that those given to our ASEAN neighbors,” the Philippine envoy said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=926147

ISAFP gets new commander

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 26): ISAFP gets new commander

The Armed Forces of the Philippines on Monday announced the appointment of Brig. Gen. Ronald Villanueva as commander of the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP).

AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo said the new ISAFP head had extensive experience both in intelligence and infantry operations.

"He has logged an aggregate total of 10 years of intelligence work rising through the echelons from the smallest Intelligence unit up to Counter Intelligence Division Chief of Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, J2., " he added.

Villanueva also vowed to be a good team player and is committed to providing good intelligence to the Commander-in-Chief, Defense, and AFP leadership, Arevalo said.

Villanueva pledged to work hard to attain good intelligence information to stakeholders and decision-makers.

Prior to his designation, the new ISAFP chief was commander of 1002nd Infantry Brigade in Mindanao.

He is a member of Philippine Military Academy Class of 1985.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=926247

DoJ set to install 2 signal jammers inside NBP

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 26): DoJ set to install 2 signal jammers inside NBP

The Department of Justice (DoJ) is set to install the donated two signal jammers inside Building 14 at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) in Muntinlupa City.

DoJ Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II refused to reveal the identity of the Filipino who donated the two jammers from South Korea worth PHP2 million which is more than 10 times more powerful than the improvised jammer inside the Bilibid.

Engineers who will install the jammers said a tower type cellsite jammer is needed for the Maximum Security Prison.

Aguirre said it is important to cut inmates’ communication outside to stop illegal drug transactions.

Each jammer can cover 1,200 square meter area and both will be installed from both ends of Building 14.

Building 14 is a 1,200 square meter property within the NBP’s Maximum Security Compound. Its gate however is not accessible via the heavily guarded main entrance and has no access to the Maximum Security compound. Its gate is along the main road of the New Bilibid Prison leading to the Reception and Diagnostic Center and near the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) Museum, formerly the lethal injection chamber.

The building currently houses 53 high profile inmates including Herbert “Ampang” Colangco, Jaybee Sebastian and Peter Co who allegedly still manages to continue drug operations despite incarceration.

But Aguirre said they still need to procure “more and bigger signal jammers’ to cover the entire NBP.

He said that without cellular phones, the illegal drugs trade in the NBP would be eradicated since mobile phones are the main communication devices used by convicted drug lords in going through their illegal activity.

Members of the Special Action Force (SAF) took over the security at the NBP’s maximum security compound in July this year. They still managed to seize almost 2,000 mobile phones and wifi devices.

The PNP-SAF contingent numbering more than 300 replaced the jail guards of the Bureau of Corrections in securing the maximum security compound where high-profile inmates are detained.
 
It will be recalled that upon his assumption to the top DOJ post, Aguirre called on supporters of President Rodrigo Duterte to help address the illegal drugs trade at the NBP by donating signal jammers.

He even said that they are looking at Israeli-made jammers to procure though he added it would cost more.

At present, Aguirre said the improvised signal jammers inside the maximum prison are not capable of jamming 3-G and LTE-equipped mobile phones.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=926297

Abu Sayyaf bandit nabbed at Zamboanga airport

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 26): Abu Sayyaf bandit nabbed at Zamboanga airport

Combined police and military operatives on Monday arrested a suspected Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) brigand facing a string of criminal cases in this city.

The arrest came as government authorities heightened security measures in this city to prevent a spill over of violence as troops are continuously pursuing the ASG in the nearby provinces of Basilan and Sulu.

Chief Insp. Elmer Solon, Police Station 4 chief, identified the arrested suspect as Abdul Baliyung alias Majula Gani, 34, a resident of Barangay Sangali, this city.

Solon said Baliyung was arrested around 2:22 p.m. Monday in the vicinity of the Zamboanga International Airport by police and military intelligence personnel.

Solon said Baliyung has standing warrant of arrest for seven counts of kidnapping and serious illegal detention issued by a court in Isabela City, Basilan dated January 28, 2008.

He said the suspect is detained at the headquarters of Police Station 4 pending turnover to the court concerned.

He said the suspect will also be placed under investigation to determine why he was at the airport.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=926319