From GMA News (Oct 23): Alleged Abu Sayyaf member included in drugs watchlist killed in Basilan
Police on Sunday killed an alleged member of the Abu Sayyaf Group, who was also included in the drugs watchlist in Lantawan, Basilan.
The Basilan Police Provincial Office identified the slain suspect as Said Ummal alias Said Usman.
The suspect was killed by members of the Lantawan Police Station at around 12:35 p.m.
Policemen were serving an arrest warrant against the suspect when he allegedly fired at the lawmen.
The Basilan police said Ummal is listed as the fifth most wanted person in Lantawan town and was being suspected as a drug pusher.
It said the suspect is facing several criminal charges and was among those who escaped from the provincial jail last January 27.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/586122/news/regions/alleged-abu-sayyaf-member-included-in-drugs-watchlist-killed-in-basilan
Sunday, October 23, 2016
AFP beefs up security in Davao
From the Philippine Star (Oct 23): AFP beefs up security in Davao
The Eastern Mindanao Command activated Joint Task Force Haribon yesterday to beef up security in this city, which has become the alternate seat of power and a venue of international events.
Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio and other peace and security stakeholders in the region attended the ceremony marking the activation of the task force at the Naval Station Felix Apolinario.
President Duterte has made it a point to spend weekends here. He also holds office at the Department of Public Works and Highways compound in Barangay Panacan.
The air, land and sea capabilities of the military will be integrated to enhance security in the city and its peripheries, including sea lanes, from terrorism and other threats.
The task force will also assist the Presidential Security Group in securing the President and other very important personalities.
It will have control over Task Force Davao and Task Group Samal. Task Force 71 and the special operations unit of Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao will form part of the task force.
The tactical and special operations wings of the Philippine Air Force in the Davao region will comprise the air component.
Brig. Gen. Ronnie Evangelista, former head of the Special Forces Regiment, was named task force commander.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2016/10/23/1636338/afp-beefs-security-davao
The Eastern Mindanao Command activated Joint Task Force Haribon yesterday to beef up security in this city, which has become the alternate seat of power and a venue of international events.
Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio and other peace and security stakeholders in the region attended the ceremony marking the activation of the task force at the Naval Station Felix Apolinario.
President Duterte has made it a point to spend weekends here. He also holds office at the Department of Public Works and Highways compound in Barangay Panacan.
The air, land and sea capabilities of the military will be integrated to enhance security in the city and its peripheries, including sea lanes, from terrorism and other threats.
The task force will also assist the Presidential Security Group in securing the President and other very important personalities.
It will have control over Task Force Davao and Task Group Samal. Task Force 71 and the special operations unit of Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao will form part of the task force.
The tactical and special operations wings of the Philippine Air Force in the Davao region will comprise the air component.
Brig. Gen. Ronnie Evangelista, former head of the Special Forces Regiment, was named task force commander.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2016/10/23/1636338/afp-beefs-security-davao
Duterte rhetoric causes 'head-scratching' in US – envoy
From Rappler (Oct 23): Duterte rhetoric causes 'head-scratching' in US – envoy
In a Rappler Talk interview, US Ambassador Philip Goldberg also says a perceived anti-US sentiment is affecting the Philippines' global image
Outgoing US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg voiced concern about the anti-US rhetoric of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, the kind that the US has heard elsewhere "but not from a friend and ally."
WATCH: Full interview with Ambassador Goldberg
In a Rappler Talk interview, US Ambassador Philip Goldberg also says a perceived anti-US sentiment is affecting the Philippines' global image
Outgoing US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg voiced concern about the anti-US rhetoric of Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, the kind that the US has heard elsewhere "but not from a friend and ally."
In a Rappler Talk interview with Maria Ressa on Thursday, October 20, Goldberg also said a perceived anti-US sentiment is affecting the Philippines' global image.
"The rhetoric that we've heard is something that causes a bit of head-scratching and quite frankly a bit of concern in Washington, because we don't necessarily think that this is something that is consistent with a friend and ally," Goldberg said.
"We've never heard…that kind of rhetoric from a friend and ally, certainly. We have from other places but not from a friend and ally," he also said.
Goldberg made these remarks days after Duterte threatened to cut ties with the US and strengthen alliances with China and Russia. (READ: PH-China ties 'shouldn't be at expense' of US – envoy )
A few hours after Goldberg's interview with Rappler last Thursday, Duterte announced in China his "separation from the United States" in economic and military terms.
Philippines' image affected
Duterte has also described Goldberg, one of the most senior US diplomats, as "gay" and a "son of a bitch."
Duterte's comments have fueled perceptions of anti-US sentiment in the Philippines, even as a recent survey showed that 76% of Filipinos have "much trust" in America.
Discussing the Philippines' global image, Goldberg cited a recent violent clash at the US embassy in Manila as an example.
Referring to the embassy clash, Goldberg said: "You know, that was on the 3 network newscasts in the United States – ABC, NBC, and CBS. The video was shocking, but it was also tied to a kind of anti-US riot."
Goldberg pointed out that leftists "demonstrate in front of the embassy regularly, the leftist militant groups." Wednesday's protesters, however, formed "a larger group than usual, and maybe that's because of some of the environment at the moment."
"But it's also the case that that's the image that’s created, and it feeds on that," Goldberg said.
"You have to deal with the perceptions also. And then if you add in some of the rhetoric and the rest, that's the impression that's created – in Europe, in the United States, in many parts of the world."
Duterte and Xi talked about fishing rights in Scarborough Shoal
From Rappler (Oct 23): Duterte and Xi talked about fishing rights in Scarborough Shoal
’ll leave it to the Chinese authorities, what they will do in the next few days...Let us see what develops in the days to come,' says Duterte, hinting at possible developments on the sticky issue of fishing rights
TALKING MARITIME DISPUTE. President Rodrigo Duterte and President Xi Jinping are welcomed by Chinese students during the arrival ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on October 20. Photo by King Rodriguez/PPD
President Rodrigo Duterte apparently discussed fishing rights of Filipinos in disputed Scarborough Shoal (Panatag Shoal) during his talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Asked if this sticky topic was discussed between the two leaders during his China state visit, Duterte said, "Yes, of course we did."
He gave this response during a press conference he gave upon landing in Davao City from Beijing early Saturday, October 22.
But Duterte refused to elaborate since his talks with Xi are considered confidential. Their one-on-one talk on October 20 was said to have gone overtime.
"Napag-usapan namin pero (We talked about it but), no, no – I’ll leave it to them to – that’s one of the things I said that in the private talks which I cannot [disclose]," said Duterte.
The President hinted that there could be a development on the issue soon.
"I’ll leave it to the Chinese authorities, what they will do in the next few days...Let us see what develops in the days to come," he said.
In the weeks before his China visit, Duterte said he would "demand" that China "give back" Filipinos' fishing rights in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).
Chinese coast guards have been reported to block Filipino fishermen from Scarborough Shoal, part of the disputed waters. But an international arbitration court ruled in July that China's expansive claim in the West Philippine Sea has no basis.
The decision also ruled that Scarborough Shoal is a traditional common fishing ground of Chinese, Filipino, and Vietnamese fishermen.
During Duterte's visit, Xi and he agreed to pursue bilateral talks on the maritime dispute and to exercise "self-restraint" in conducting activities in the West Philippine Sea.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/150052-duterte-brought-up-fishing-rights-china-xi
’ll leave it to the Chinese authorities, what they will do in the next few days...Let us see what develops in the days to come,' says Duterte, hinting at possible developments on the sticky issue of fishing rights
TALKING MARITIME DISPUTE. President Rodrigo Duterte and President Xi Jinping are welcomed by Chinese students during the arrival ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on October 20. Photo by King Rodriguez/PPD
President Rodrigo Duterte apparently discussed fishing rights of Filipinos in disputed Scarborough Shoal (Panatag Shoal) during his talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Asked if this sticky topic was discussed between the two leaders during his China state visit, Duterte said, "Yes, of course we did."
He gave this response during a press conference he gave upon landing in Davao City from Beijing early Saturday, October 22.
But Duterte refused to elaborate since his talks with Xi are considered confidential. Their one-on-one talk on October 20 was said to have gone overtime.
"Napag-usapan namin pero (We talked about it but), no, no – I’ll leave it to them to – that’s one of the things I said that in the private talks which I cannot [disclose]," said Duterte.
The President hinted that there could be a development on the issue soon.
"I’ll leave it to the Chinese authorities, what they will do in the next few days...Let us see what develops in the days to come," he said.
In the weeks before his China visit, Duterte said he would "demand" that China "give back" Filipinos' fishing rights in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).
Chinese coast guards have been reported to block Filipino fishermen from Scarborough Shoal, part of the disputed waters. But an international arbitration court ruled in July that China's expansive claim in the West Philippine Sea has no basis.
The decision also ruled that Scarborough Shoal is a traditional common fishing ground of Chinese, Filipino, and Vietnamese fishermen.
During Duterte's visit, Xi and he agreed to pursue bilateral talks on the maritime dispute and to exercise "self-restraint" in conducting activities in the West Philippine Sea.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/150052-duterte-brought-up-fishing-rights-china-xi
Top US official visiting PH, set to tackle 'uncertainty'
From Rapper (Oct 23): Top US official visiting PH, set to tackle 'uncertainty'
Previously scheduled before President Duterte's announced economic and military 'separation' from the US, the visit of Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Russel happens this week
US Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Russel is set to tackle the "unnecessary uncertainty" in Philippine-US relations as he makes a previously scheduled trip to the Philippines this week.
Previously scheduled before President Duterte's announced economic and military 'separation' from the US, the visit of Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Russel happens this week
TOP OFFICIAL. US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Daniel Russel speaks during a press conference in Hanoi on May 10, 2016. File photo by Hoang Dinh Nam/AFP
US Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Russel is set to tackle the "unnecessary uncertainty" in Philippine-US relations as he makes a previously scheduled trip to the Philippines this week.
Russel is visiting the Philippines from Saturday to Tuesday, October 22 to 25.
He is supposed "to meet with government officials and have lunch with Young Southeast Asian Leaders Initiative (YSEALI) participants," the US embassy said in a statement.
Russel is the US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs.
Before becoming assistant secretary in July 2013, Russel served as special assistant to US President Barack Obama and also as National Security Council senior director for Asian affairs.
Russel is the US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asian and Pacific Affairs.
Before becoming assistant secretary in July 2013, Russel served as special assistant to US President Barack Obama and also as National Security Council senior director for Asian affairs.
At the White House, Russel helped in crafting the US rebalance or "pivot" to Asia, a cornerstone of Obama’s foreign policy, with a shifting of focus away from the Middle East toward the Asia-Pacific.
White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest said on Friday, October 21, that Russel "is actually traveling to the Philippines on a previously scheduled trip to have a discussion about the scope of the relationship between the United States and the Philippines."
'Unnecessary uncertainty'
On Russel's trip to Manila, Earnest added, "I'm confident that these recent comments from President Duterte will be on the agenda as we seek some clarity from the Filipino government."
Russel's visit comes days after Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte announced in China his "separation from the United States" in economic and military terms.
Earnest said: "We haven't heard any specifics from the Filipino government about what precisely President Duterte means when he refers to a separation, but those comments are creating unnecessary uncertainty in our relationship."
Referring to Duterte, Earnest said: "Again, you all have extensively covered the kind of rhetoric that he has used. Some of it personal, some of it offensive, some of it confusing, all of it walked back by senior officials in his government."
"So that's the source of the uncertainty that will certainly be part of the discussions that the Assistant Secretary of State, Mr Russel, will convene in the Philippines when he arrives there," Earnest said.
In an earlier interview with Rappler, US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg said Duterte's anti-US rhetoric has caused "head-scratching" in Washington. He said this is a kind of language that the US has heard elsewhere, "but not from a friend and ally."
US envoy leaving: 'I've never met warmer people than in PH'
From Rappler (Oct 23): US envoy leaving: 'I've never met warmer people than in PH
On tirades against him by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, US Ambassador Philip Goldberg says, 'I'm a diplomat'
STRONG TIES. US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg visits graves at the Manila American Cemetery in the Philippines after the Memorial Day Ceremony on May 29, 2016. File photo from the US embassy’s Facebook page
Despite being called "gay" and a "son of a bitch" by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, outgoing US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg is leaving Manila soon with the best memories of the Filipino.
STRONG TIES. US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg visits graves at the Manila American Cemetery in the Philippines after the Memorial Day Ceremony on May 29, 2016. File photo from the US embassy’s Facebook page
Despite being called "gay" and a "son of a bitch" by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, outgoing US Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg is leaving Manila soon with the best memories of the Filipino.
"I've served on 4 continents. I've never met warmer and more friendly people than in this country," Goldberg said in a Rappler Talk interview with Maria Ressa on Thursday, October 20.
Goldberg, the US ambassador to the Philippines since November 2013, had previously served as ambassador to Bolivia (2006-2008); chief of mission in Pristina, Kosovo (2004-2006); and deputy chief of mission in Santiago, Chile (2001-2004).
The Spanish-speaking diplomat also worked as consular and political officer at the US embassy in Bogotia, Colombia, and as political-economic officer in Pretoria, South Africa.
Reflecting on his 3-year stay in the Philippines, Goldberg said: "It is a wonderful feeling – the feeling toward Americans, the feeling to everybody, the welcoming that they give. I'll always bring that with me, too."
"And it's important to remember in all the hoopla about political events and geostrategy and the rest, that at bottom, the people of the two countries really, at this point, are so interconnected that that image of Filipinos and their friendship will stay with me as well," Goldberg said.
According to Pew Research, Filipinos have the most "favorable" view of the US based on a global survey of countries' attitudes toward the superpower. In 2015, 92% of Filipinos surveyed said they had a favorable view of the US compared to 54% for China. An earlier survey showed more Filipinos favor the US than Americans. (READ: Filipinos like the US even more than Americans do – Pew Research)
US envoy on Duterte's tirades
Goldberg is soon ending his tour of duty in the Philippines, and is set to be replaced by Ambassador Sung Kim.
Goldberg's departure from the Philippines had been scheduled even before Duterte took office on June 30. The White House, in fact, announced Goldberg's replacement as early as May 19.
It was while waiting for his replacement that Goldberg got a taste of Duterte.
To the point of calling him "bakla" (gay), Duterte has slammed Goldberg even on the campaign trail. This is because Goldberg, for one, criticized rape jokes after Duterte joked about the rape of an Australian missionary in 1989.
The senior US diplomat, however, said he is "used to it."
Goldberg, as US ambassador to Bolivia, was even expelled from his host country after the Bolivian president accused him of "conspiring against democracy and seeking the division of Bolivia."
Goldberg said: "You just have to be ready for these things. What I will say is that it's not necessarily me or anything that's said about me, but that in the US, when people hear that, they think about the Philippines and what they're thinking about the United States, and that's not a good thing, I think, for a friend and ally." (READ: Duterte rhetoric causes 'head-scratching' in US – envoy)
The outgoing US ambassador added: "I'm a diplomat. I'm not here on a personal adventure. I'm here representing my country."
WATCH: Full interview with Ambassador Goldberg
Duterte's Japan visit to focus on defense, investments
From Rappler (Oct 23): Duterte's Japan visit to focus on defense, investments
The Philippine president will visit a ship-building company and meet with top Japanese business leaders during his official visit from October 25 to 27
INVITATION TO JAPAN. President Rodrigo Duterte and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe meet in Vientiane, Laos during the ASEAN Summit in early September 2016. Photo from PPD
After back-to-back state visits to Brunei and China, President Rodrigo Duterte will soon fly to Japan for an official visit from October 25 to 27.
The Philippine president will visit a ship-building company and meet with top Japanese business leaders during his official visit from October 25 to 27
INVITATION TO JAPAN. President Rodrigo Duterte and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe meet in Vientiane, Laos during the ASEAN Summit in early September 2016. Photo from PPD
After back-to-back state visits to Brunei and China, President Rodrigo Duterte will soon fly to Japan for an official visit from October 25 to 27.
His Japan trip will be his 6th foreign trip as Philippine president. It was arranged after Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe formally invited Duterte to his country during a Southeast Asian summit in Laos last September.
Talks on economic cooperation and investments, defense cooperation, and a commemoration of 60 years of diplomatic ties between the Philippines and Japan will be the highlights of Duterte’s visit.
In Japan, Abe and Duterte are expected to hold a meeting. Abe will also host a dinner for Duterte and members of the official Philippine delegation, according to Minister for Political Affairs of the Japanese embassy Atsushi Ueno.
“The two leaders are expected to discuss bilateral issues and regional issues and through these conversations…We expect to reaffirm the cooperation on regional and international issues,” said Ueno.
One issue Japanese officials may be interested to discuss with Duterte is the West Philippine Sea dispute between the Philippines and China.
Japan wants freedom of navigation to be preserved in the sea lanes of the West Philippine Sea. China’s expansive claim to these waters is seen as a threat to freedom of navigation.
When the Philippines’ claim to the West Philippine Sea was affirmed by an international arbitration court, Japan backed the ruling and urged China to comply. Chinese officials, however, have declared that the ruling is nothing but a “piece of waste paper.”
Duterte is not sure if the West Philippine Sea issue will crop up in his talks with Abe.
“If you’re asking me now since I have to talk to [Prime] Minister Abe, I cannot make any projections,” he said during an October 21 press conference in Davao City.
But he said that multilateral talks with China and Japan are possible in the future.
“It could be bilateral [with China], depends on the development. It could be multilateral and that would include Japan. Those are what I suggested, in the future,” said Duterte.
Economy, investments
Similar to his China visit, Duterte will meet with top Japanese business leaders and possibly keynote a business summit. He will be accompanied by Filipino businessmen, some with investments in Japan, according to sources.
It’s also possible that economic managers in Duterte’s Cabinet will meet with Japanese companies interested in bidding for infrastructure projects in the Philippines like the Mindanao Railway, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said on October 19.
He previously said Japanese companies, aside from Chinese ones, are eyeing the massive infrastructure project. The Mindanao Railway was among Duterte’s biggest campaign promises.
Japan has long been a partner of the Philippine government in transportation and infrastructure projects.
Last year, Japan announced it would lend the Philippines P93 billion for the Tutuban-Malolos railway.
New ships, plane
Aside from trade and investments, defense cooperation is on the agenda.
Duterte is set to visit a company in Yokohama City that makes coast guard vessels. In fact, one of its vessels, named BRP Tubbataha, was turned over recently by the Japanese government to the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).
“President Duterte is also planning to visit Japan Marine United Corporation, where the company is making Coast Guard vessels provided for PCG…So President Duterte will actually see the company, how the Coast Guard vessels [are] built,” said Ueno.
Nine more of these vessels will be delivered to the Philippines soon, he added.
Japan is also set to hand over a Japanese training airplane, called the TC-90, to the Philippines.
Japan is the Philippines’ top source of Official Development Assistance.
Yet another highlight of Duterte’s visit is his state call on Emperor Akihito at the Imperial Palace. Last January, the Emperor and Empress Michiko made a state visit to the Philippines.
Like in other foreign trips, Duterte is set to meet members of the Filipino community in Japan.
Japan might join PH, China talks on South China Sea – Duterte
From Rappler (Oct 23): Japan might join PH, China talks on South China Sea – Duterte
Duterte visits Japan next week, his 6th foreign trip as Philippine president
BILATERAL OR MULTILATERAL? President Rodrigo Duterte says talks with China over the South China Sea will depend on 'developments.' Malacañang photo
Depending on "developments," President Rodrigo Duterte said future talks with China over maritime disputes in the South China Sea might include Japan.
"We (Philippines and China) will find the day to talk about it – only on the issue of the South China Sea. It could be bilateral. It depends on the developments. It could be multilateral, and that would include Japan," Duterte said Friday night, October 21, during a press briefing in Davao City upon his arrival from Beijing.
"Those are what I suggested (to China) [that we can do] in the future," Duterte said.
Duterte is visiting Japan next week, his 6th foreign destination as Philippine president. His statement Friday night was a response to a Japanese reporter who asked about the agenda in Japan. (READ: Duterte's Japan visit to focus on investments, defense)
"We can only agree to talk peacefully to resolve the dispute and maybe come up with something that is good for everybody. Just maybe," Duterte said.
Japan also has maritime disputes with China, particularly over the Japan-controlled Senkaku Islands located west of Japan and east of China. Taiwan is also a claimant.
Based on their common alliance with the US, Japan and the Philippines stepped up security cooperation during the previous administration of President Benigno Aquino III, donating ships to beef up the fleet of the Philippine Coast Guard.
In 2015, Philippine and Japanese navies flew together over the West Philippine Sea for the first time since the World War 2. The two countries also began talks on a possible visiting forces treaty that will allow Japanese troops in the Philippines.
How the new Duterte administration is going to proceed with plans under the former administration with respect to cooperation with Japan remains unclear as his administration pivots to China and away from the US.
Duterte's state visit to China has resulted in, among others, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the establishment of "joint coast guard committee on maritime cooperation."
Duterte resumed bilateral relations with China, years after the previous administration froze communications lines because of China's practical occupation of Scarborough Shoal. The Philippines filed and won an arbitration case against China to junk its blanket claim of historic rights over the seas.
Duterte gave assurances that he will not give up the country's sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea amid concerns that his pivot to China will allow the military superpower to dominate the South China Sea.
"I told everybody and I told China, I cannot surrender anything there," Duterte said.
Duterte said his visit to Japan will focus on economic cooperation.
"My talks with the Japanese government would really be solely on, most of it really, is economic cooperation and, of course, shared interests," he said.
Duterte said he also wants to visit Japan's Congress, the Diet.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/150069-japan-philippines-china-talks
Duterte visits Japan next week, his 6th foreign trip as Philippine president
BILATERAL OR MULTILATERAL? President Rodrigo Duterte says talks with China over the South China Sea will depend on 'developments.' Malacañang photo
Depending on "developments," President Rodrigo Duterte said future talks with China over maritime disputes in the South China Sea might include Japan.
"We (Philippines and China) will find the day to talk about it – only on the issue of the South China Sea. It could be bilateral. It depends on the developments. It could be multilateral, and that would include Japan," Duterte said Friday night, October 21, during a press briefing in Davao City upon his arrival from Beijing.
"Those are what I suggested (to China) [that we can do] in the future," Duterte said.
Duterte is visiting Japan next week, his 6th foreign destination as Philippine president. His statement Friday night was a response to a Japanese reporter who asked about the agenda in Japan. (READ: Duterte's Japan visit to focus on investments, defense)
"We can only agree to talk peacefully to resolve the dispute and maybe come up with something that is good for everybody. Just maybe," Duterte said.
Japan also has maritime disputes with China, particularly over the Japan-controlled Senkaku Islands located west of Japan and east of China. Taiwan is also a claimant.
Based on their common alliance with the US, Japan and the Philippines stepped up security cooperation during the previous administration of President Benigno Aquino III, donating ships to beef up the fleet of the Philippine Coast Guard.
In 2015, Philippine and Japanese navies flew together over the West Philippine Sea for the first time since the World War 2. The two countries also began talks on a possible visiting forces treaty that will allow Japanese troops in the Philippines.
How the new Duterte administration is going to proceed with plans under the former administration with respect to cooperation with Japan remains unclear as his administration pivots to China and away from the US.
Duterte's state visit to China has resulted in, among others, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the establishment of "joint coast guard committee on maritime cooperation."
Duterte resumed bilateral relations with China, years after the previous administration froze communications lines because of China's practical occupation of Scarborough Shoal. The Philippines filed and won an arbitration case against China to junk its blanket claim of historic rights over the seas.
Duterte gave assurances that he will not give up the country's sovereignty over the West Philippine Sea amid concerns that his pivot to China will allow the military superpower to dominate the South China Sea.
"I told everybody and I told China, I cannot surrender anything there," Duterte said.
Duterte said his visit to Japan will focus on economic cooperation.
"My talks with the Japanese government would really be solely on, most of it really, is economic cooperation and, of course, shared interests," he said.
Duterte said he also wants to visit Japan's Congress, the Diet.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/150069-japan-philippines-china-talks
What Duterte accomplished in China
From Rappler (Oct 23): What Duterte accomplished in China
His visit restored bilateral ties with China but was unable to secure a commitment for Filipino fishermen to be allowed in Scarborough Shoal. He comes home with billions worth of deals, but some of them are not binding.
President Rodrigo Duterte’s state visit to China was marked at the beginning and in the middle by two powerful storms back home. But Duterte caused his own kind of storm in Beijing.
Permits given back to 27 Philippine companies exporting tropical fruits
Agreement for China to open a consulate in Davao City
4 MOUs on infrastructure in former military bases
His visit restored bilateral ties with China but was unable to secure a commitment for Filipino fishermen to be allowed in Scarborough Shoal. He comes home with billions worth of deals, but some of them are not binding.
President Rodrigo Duterte’s state visit to China was marked at the beginning and in the middle by two powerful storms back home. But Duterte caused his own kind of storm in Beijing.
On October 18, the Philippine President, tired from his Brunei trip, landed in China’s capital without much fanfare save for a trail of journalists. By his departure on October 21, the world’s headlines would blast his declaration of a “separation” from the United States, in favor of China and Russia.
GRAND WELCOME. President Duterte and President Xi review the honor guards during the arrival ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on October 20. Photo by King Rodriguez/PPD
In between, Duterte was given red carpet treatment by Chinese President Xi Jinping, had several meetings with Chinese companies, keynoted a business forum attended by Filipino and Chinese businessmen, and even had time to walk to a Peking duck restaurant in a busy shopping district.
He was accompanied during his trip by several Cabinet secretaries and lawmakers. Businessmen representing 300 Filipino companies also joined some of his Beijing events. Two members of Duterte’s delegation garnered their own headlines: former senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr and his sister, Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos.
Duterte visit won for the Philippines plenty of cooperation deals with the Chinese government, billions worth of business and financial deals, and billions worth of developmental assistance.
There were also many Memoranda of Understanding (MOU) signed between government agencies and companies. But in some MOUs, it is emphasized that the document is not legally-binding and that the government is free to consider other companies for the project's implementation.
Though unquantifiable, restored diplomatic relations with China is a major milestone in his visit. He also set the stage for bilateral talks with the Asian giant on the prickly issue of the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) issue.
Amidst these accomplishments, he was unable to secure any concrete commitment from China to let Filipino fishermen fish in Scarborough Shoal (Panatag Shoal), supposedly traditional common fishing grounds for Chinese, Filipinos and Vietnamese.
But Duterte said he and Xi were able to discuss fishing rights in their one-on-one talk, a meeting that supposedly went overtime. He hinted that there may soon be developments on the thorny issue.
Here’s a list of what Duterte was able to accomplish in China:
'Full recovery' of Philippines-China bilateral relations
Agreement with President Xi Jinping to discuss West Philippine Sea dispute through bilateral talks
Agreement with President Xi Jinping for both China and Philippines to exercise 'self-restraint' in conducting activities in the West Philippine Sea
$24 billion (P1.16 trillion) worth of business-to-business contracts ($15 billion or P724 billion) and public financing agreements ($9 billion or P434 billion)
Some of these deals are listed below:
- Memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Columbus Capitana and China CAMCE Engineering Co., Ltd. involving joint projects in renewable energy, major infrastructure and real estate ($100 million)
- Strategic Cooperation Agreemnet to infuse $200 million to build a Generation Steel Mill Plant (Mannage Resources Tradign Corp and SIIC Shanghai International Trade Hongkong)
- MOU to invest about $500-700 million to construct a steel plant (Global Ferronickel and Baiyin International Investment Ltd)
- MOU to jointly pursue development and construction of renewable energy products in various locations (Trademaster Resources Corp, Servequest Inc. and TBEA Xinjing Sunoasis Co., Ltd worth $97 million US dollars)
- MOU involving Davao Coastline and Port Development Project (Mega Harbour Port and Development, Inc and China Harbour Engineering Co., Ltd, worth $780 million)
- MOU involving Manila Harbour Center Reclamation Project (R-II Builders and China Harbour Engineering Co., Ltd, worth $148 million)
- MOU involving Cebu International and Bulk Terminal Project ( Mega Harbour Port and Development Inc, and CCCC Dredging Co., worth $328 million)
- MOU worth $2.5 billion (MVP Global Infrastructure and China Railway Engineering Corp)
- MOU to invest $ 3 billion to build cabling manufacturing facilities (MVP Global Infrastructure and Suli Group)
- MOU to develop Manila EDSA Bus Transportation program and for other places with initial investmenf of $100 million (Philippine State Group of Companies and Yangtse Motor Group and Minmetals International (H.K) Ltd.)
- Cooperation agreement to invest $160 million to produce hybrid rice enough to plant in 2 million hectares of rice fields (SL Agritech and Jiangsu Hongqi Seed Co., Ltd)
- Letter of Intent (LOI) to invest $300 million to build a manufacturing facility (Zhuhai Granton Bus and Coach Company)
- MOU to invest $100 million in Banana Plantation (AVLB Asia Pacific Conglomerate Inc. and Shanghai Xinwo Agriculture Development Co., Ltd)
- MOA on development of 300 MW Pulangi-5 Hydro Project (Greenergy Development Corp and Powerchina Guizhou Engineering Corp., worth $1 billion)
- MOU on Pasig River, Marikina River, Manggahan Floodway Bridges Construction Project (Zonar Construct and SinoHydro, worth $600 million)
- Ambal Simuan Sub-River Basin of the Mindanao River Basin Flood Control Project (One White Beach Land Development Corporation and Sino Hydro, worth $325 million)
- Nationwide Island Provinces Link Bridges for Sustainable Development (Zonarsystems Solutions Inc and Powerchina Sinohydro, worth $800 million)
$9 billion (P433 billion) in soft loans for development projects or programs ($15 million or P724 million will go specifically to drug rehabilitation programs)
13 bilateral cooperation agreements with the Chinese government
All the agreements are listed below:
- Agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines and the Government of the People's Republic of China
- Memorandum of Understanding between the National Economic and Development Authority of the Republic of the Philippines and the National Development and Reform Commission of the People's Republic of China for Developing Cooperation on Production Capacity and Investment
- Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of Transportation and the Department of Public Works and Highways of the Republic of the Philippines and the National Development and Reform Commission of the People's Republic of China on Transportation Infrastructure Cooperation Project List
- Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of Trade and Industry of the Republic of the Philippines and the Ministry of Commerce of the Government of the People's Republic of China on Strengthening Bilateral Trade, Investment and Economic Cooperation
- Memorandum of Understanding between the National Economic and Development Authority of the Republic of the Philippines and the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China on Formulation of the Development Program for Economic Cooperation
- Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of Finance of the Republic of the Philippines and the Ministry of Commerce of the People's Republic of China on Supporting the Conduct of Feasibility Studies for Major Projects
- Action Plan on Agricultural Cooperation between the Department of Agriculture of the Republic of the Philippines and the Ministry of Agriculture of the People’s Republic of China 2017-2019
- Memorandum of Agreement between the State Council Information Office of the People’s Republic of China and the Presidential Communications Operations Office of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines on News and Information Exchange, Training and for other Purposes
- Memorandum of Understanding between the Department of Agriculture of the Republic of the Philippines and the General Administration of Quality Supervision Inspection and Quarantine of the People’s Republic of China on Cooperation of Animal and Plant Inspection and Quarantine
- Memorandum of Understanding between the Philippine Coast Guard and the China Coast Guard on the Establishment of a Joint Coast Guard Committee on Maritime Cooperation
- Implementation Program of the Memorandum of Understanding on Tourism Cooperation between the Department of Tourism of the Republic of the Philippines and the National Tourism Administration of the People’s Republic of China 2017-2022
- Protocol on Cooperation between the Philippines Drug Enforcement Agency and the Narcotics Control Bureau of the Ministry of Public Security of the People’s Republic of China; and
- Memorandum of Understanding on Financing Cooperation between the Export-Import Bank of China and the Government of the Republic of the Philippines, represented by the Department of Finance
Permits given back to 27 Philippine companies exporting tropical fruits
Agreement for China to open a consulate in Davao City
4 MOUs on infrastructure in former military bases
- MOU on establishment of the Manila-Clark Railway, a cargo train connecting Subic Seaport and Clark Airport (Bases Conversion and Development Authority and China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd.)
- Fort Bonifacio-NAIA Bus Rapid Transit System (BCDA and China Road and Bridge Corporation)
- Industrial park in Clark Green City (BCDA and CFLD Investment Pte. Ltd.)
- Smart Cities in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig and Clark, Pampanga (BCDA and Huawei Technologies Phils. Inc.)
Groups condemn embassy rally dispersal in protest at PNP Caraga HQ
From InterAksyon (Oct 22): Groups condemn embassy rally dispersal in protest at PNP Caraga HQ
Protesters denouncing the violent dispersal of a mostly IP rally at the US Embassy last Oct. 19 gather in front of the Police Regional Office-13 in Caraga. ERWIN MASCARINAS, INTERAKSYON.COM
Hundreds of participants at the culmination of Peasant Month here staged a brief protest outside Police Regional Office 13 (PRO13) headquarters to condemn the violent dispersal of mostly indigenous ralliers outside the US Embassy last Oct. 19.
“The national minorities composed of our Lumad and Moro brothers and sisters trooped to the US Embassy" to protest against the "neoliberal policy that attacks their land, that exploits their land for large-scale mining and destructive plantations," said Godfrey Dunque, spokesperson of Kabataan Caraga.
Mindanaoan minorities traveled to Manila for engagements for the Lakbayan ng Pambansang Minorya. "This action exercises their right to expression and assembly and enshrined by the Philippine Constitution as affirmed by no less than the president himself,” Dunque said.
He noted a 61 year-old Lumad-Mamanwa woman and a member of Kasalo Caraga, Baling Katubigan, was seriously wounded in the dispersal. More than 50 other national minorities and supporters were injured; 29 were arrested.
They sustained injuries both from the beatings by police, and the act of a policeman who drove a patrol vehicle repeatedly through a pahalanx of ralliers.
“We denounce in the strongest terms possible Manila Police District Senior Supt. Marcelino Pedrozo as the person who gave the orders that led to the heartless attack against our national minorities,” said Dunque.
Alvin Ygot, spokesperson of the College Editors' Guild of the Philippines in Caraga, said that “while we welcome the relief of 60 policemen to pave the way for a thorough investigation, we fear that the PNP chief and the President are fed with twisted information in defense of their men. The protest of national minorities is legitimate exercise of their democratic rights and should be protected by the agents of the State,”
Ygot said the PNP leadership is expected to defend their men, but that the footage and injured protesters attest to the violent police action. "We are glad that the president himself would initiate his own probe but it should not only end with relieving abusive cops. The PNP and Embassy officials who triggered the attack should be held accountable. The bloody dispersal of our lumad and Moro fellows is also an attack against our civil liberties and cultural heritage." He said they will "watch this case until justice is served.”
Chief Superintendent Rolando Felix, director of Police Regional Office 13 (PRO13), said the situation in Caraga region is far removed from the protest rally in Metro Manila.
“Our police personnel here in Caraga have remained steadfast in adhering to our police operation procedures in handling rallies." And, should any situation "get out of hand, there is always a procedure that should be followed during dispersals,” said Felix.
Around 2,000 Indigenous People (IP) and Moro representatives from key southern areas converged in Tacloban City, and onward to Samar for the annual people’s caravan from Mindanao to Manila, with a mission to bring a message to President Duterte.
Dubbed the Journey of the National Minorities for Self Determination and Justice, the groups left October 9, 1026 Sunday morning for the Lakbayan that had been held annually since 2012 to bear the message of Mindanaoans to the seat of power.
ALL PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERWIN MASCARIÑAS, InterAksyon
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/133605/groups-condemn-embassy-rally-dispersal-in-protest-at-pnp-caraga-hq
Protesters denouncing the violent dispersal of a mostly IP rally at the US Embassy last Oct. 19 gather in front of the Police Regional Office-13 in Caraga. ERWIN MASCARINAS, INTERAKSYON.COM
Hundreds of participants at the culmination of Peasant Month here staged a brief protest outside Police Regional Office 13 (PRO13) headquarters to condemn the violent dispersal of mostly indigenous ralliers outside the US Embassy last Oct. 19.
“The national minorities composed of our Lumad and Moro brothers and sisters trooped to the US Embassy" to protest against the "neoliberal policy that attacks their land, that exploits their land for large-scale mining and destructive plantations," said Godfrey Dunque, spokesperson of Kabataan Caraga.
Mindanaoan minorities traveled to Manila for engagements for the Lakbayan ng Pambansang Minorya. "This action exercises their right to expression and assembly and enshrined by the Philippine Constitution as affirmed by no less than the president himself,” Dunque said.
He noted a 61 year-old Lumad-Mamanwa woman and a member of Kasalo Caraga, Baling Katubigan, was seriously wounded in the dispersal. More than 50 other national minorities and supporters were injured; 29 were arrested.
They sustained injuries both from the beatings by police, and the act of a policeman who drove a patrol vehicle repeatedly through a pahalanx of ralliers.
“We denounce in the strongest terms possible Manila Police District Senior Supt. Marcelino Pedrozo as the person who gave the orders that led to the heartless attack against our national minorities,” said Dunque.
Alvin Ygot, spokesperson of the College Editors' Guild of the Philippines in Caraga, said that “while we welcome the relief of 60 policemen to pave the way for a thorough investigation, we fear that the PNP chief and the President are fed with twisted information in defense of their men. The protest of national minorities is legitimate exercise of their democratic rights and should be protected by the agents of the State,”
Ygot said the PNP leadership is expected to defend their men, but that the footage and injured protesters attest to the violent police action. "We are glad that the president himself would initiate his own probe but it should not only end with relieving abusive cops. The PNP and Embassy officials who triggered the attack should be held accountable. The bloody dispersal of our lumad and Moro fellows is also an attack against our civil liberties and cultural heritage." He said they will "watch this case until justice is served.”
Chief Superintendent Rolando Felix, director of Police Regional Office 13 (PRO13), said the situation in Caraga region is far removed from the protest rally in Metro Manila.
“Our police personnel here in Caraga have remained steadfast in adhering to our police operation procedures in handling rallies." And, should any situation "get out of hand, there is always a procedure that should be followed during dispersals,” said Felix.
Around 2,000 Indigenous People (IP) and Moro representatives from key southern areas converged in Tacloban City, and onward to Samar for the annual people’s caravan from Mindanao to Manila, with a mission to bring a message to President Duterte.
Dubbed the Journey of the National Minorities for Self Determination and Justice, the groups left October 9, 1026 Sunday morning for the Lakbayan that had been held annually since 2012 to bear the message of Mindanaoans to the seat of power.
ALL PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERWIN MASCARIÑAS, InterAksyon
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/133605/groups-condemn-embassy-rally-dispersal-in-protest-at-pnp-caraga-hq
Despite UN court victory, PH agrees to bilateral talks with China on sea row
From InterAksyon (Oct 21): Despite UN court victory, PH agrees to bilateral talks with China on sea row
President Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping are seen at arrival honors for the Philippine president in Beijing. AFP PHOTO
(UPDATED) Beijing and Manila will resume talks on their South China Sea disputes, both sides said Friday, an apparent diplomatic victory for China after an international tribunal dismissed its claims to the waters.
The announcement came during Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's visit to China where he sought economic support from the Asian giant and announced his "separation" from longtime ally the US.
"A bilateral consultation mechanism can be useful, which will meet regularly on current and other issues of concern to either side on the South China Sea," the countries said in a joint statement.
The move to hold talks, suspended several years ago, will please Beijing, which has a longstanding policy of insisting territorial disputes be discussed directly between the parties, in an environment where analysts say it has more clout due to its economic size, rather than in multilateral forums.
(UPDATE: President Duterte dwelt on that part of his talks with Chinese officials when he arrived at Davao airport late Friday night.)
The joint statement made no reference to a ruling by a tribunal at the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague earlier this year, which ruled that there was no legal basis to China's claims to nearly all of the sea -- a verdict Beijing dismissed vehemently.
Flip-flop on raising SCS
Duterte initially told reporters he would raise the ruling in China, but later said that doing so would be rude to his hosts and that territorial disputes would take a "backseat" as he heaped praise on Beijing.
"Both sides affirm that contentious issues are not the sum total of the Philippines-China bilateral relationship," the joint statement added.
It confirmed that China would lift a ban on imports from Philippine banana and pineapple growers which it imposed in 2012 as maritime tensions mounted.
China seized control of Scarborough Shoal, a fishing ground in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, the same year.
The two countries agreed to step up defence exchanges and co-operation between their coastguards, though no details were given. Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit the Philippines at an unspecified time, it added.
Beijing greeted Duterte with military honors and offered the Philippines $9 billion in soft loans for development projects. It has also pledged to support his controversial war on drugs which has seen thousands killed.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/133555/read--despite-un-court-victory-ph-agrees-to-bilateral-talks-with-china-on-sea-row
President Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping are seen at arrival honors for the Philippine president in Beijing. AFP PHOTO
(UPDATED) Beijing and Manila will resume talks on their South China Sea disputes, both sides said Friday, an apparent diplomatic victory for China after an international tribunal dismissed its claims to the waters.
The announcement came during Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte's visit to China where he sought economic support from the Asian giant and announced his "separation" from longtime ally the US.
"A bilateral consultation mechanism can be useful, which will meet regularly on current and other issues of concern to either side on the South China Sea," the countries said in a joint statement.
The move to hold talks, suspended several years ago, will please Beijing, which has a longstanding policy of insisting territorial disputes be discussed directly between the parties, in an environment where analysts say it has more clout due to its economic size, rather than in multilateral forums.
(UPDATE: President Duterte dwelt on that part of his talks with Chinese officials when he arrived at Davao airport late Friday night.)
The joint statement made no reference to a ruling by a tribunal at the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague earlier this year, which ruled that there was no legal basis to China's claims to nearly all of the sea -- a verdict Beijing dismissed vehemently.
Flip-flop on raising SCS
Duterte initially told reporters he would raise the ruling in China, but later said that doing so would be rude to his hosts and that territorial disputes would take a "backseat" as he heaped praise on Beijing.
"Both sides affirm that contentious issues are not the sum total of the Philippines-China bilateral relationship," the joint statement added.
It confirmed that China would lift a ban on imports from Philippine banana and pineapple growers which it imposed in 2012 as maritime tensions mounted.
China seized control of Scarborough Shoal, a fishing ground in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, the same year.
The two countries agreed to step up defence exchanges and co-operation between their coastguards, though no details were given. Chinese President Xi Jinping will visit the Philippines at an unspecified time, it added.
Beijing greeted Duterte with military honors and offered the Philippines $9 billion in soft loans for development projects. It has also pledged to support his controversial war on drugs which has seen thousands killed.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/133555/read--despite-un-court-victory-ph-agrees-to-bilateral-talks-with-china-on-sea-row
NUPL: Mauled driver contacted by cops without benefit of legal counsel
From InterAksyon (Oct 23): NUPL: Mauled driver contacted by cops without benefit of legal counsel
Melee during the police dispersal of a protest rally in front of the US Embassy.
The National Union of Peoples Lawyers (NUPL), acting as counsel for Mr. Raymark Sumalbag and other victims of grave physical abuse sustained during the Wednesday (October 19, 2016) dispersal of a protest rally at the U.S. Embassy, has expressed serious concern over "the attempts of persons in uniform" to talk to its clients without the presence of its representatives.
According to an NUPL advisory by Atty. Ephraim Cortez, NUPL Secretary General distributed to journalists on Saturday, several policemen visited Mr. Sumalbag in his residence – unannounced.
"The policemen tried to ask him questions and make him sign a document without explaining the nature of the same."
Also, the NUPL advisory added, "several uniformed men went to the kampuhan of the Lakabayanis at the University of Philippines, Diliman, and made inquiries as regards the victims who were injured during the dispersal."
"Mr. Sumalbag was the jeepney driver who was mercilessly brutalized by policemen just as he was fleeing the violent dispersal.
"For obvious reasons, he felt threatened and harassed and is now in fear for his life and safety after such visit. The other victims also feel the same," NUPL elaborated.
"Mr. Sumalbag and the other victims of the violent dispersal wish not to be approached, interviewed and/or asked for any statements without our presence and assistance as their counsels. Hence, from this point on, all communications must be directed to us. We expect your cooperation," NUPL said, obviously addressing itself publicly to the law enforcement and judicial establishments, as well as other pertinent entities.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/133612/nupl-mauled-driver-contacted-by-cops-without-benefit-of-legal-counsel
Melee during the police dispersal of a protest rally in front of the US Embassy.
The National Union of Peoples Lawyers (NUPL), acting as counsel for Mr. Raymark Sumalbag and other victims of grave physical abuse sustained during the Wednesday (October 19, 2016) dispersal of a protest rally at the U.S. Embassy, has expressed serious concern over "the attempts of persons in uniform" to talk to its clients without the presence of its representatives.
According to an NUPL advisory by Atty. Ephraim Cortez, NUPL Secretary General distributed to journalists on Saturday, several policemen visited Mr. Sumalbag in his residence – unannounced.
"The policemen tried to ask him questions and make him sign a document without explaining the nature of the same."
Also, the NUPL advisory added, "several uniformed men went to the kampuhan of the Lakabayanis at the University of Philippines, Diliman, and made inquiries as regards the victims who were injured during the dispersal."
"Mr. Sumalbag was the jeepney driver who was mercilessly brutalized by policemen just as he was fleeing the violent dispersal.
"For obvious reasons, he felt threatened and harassed and is now in fear for his life and safety after such visit. The other victims also feel the same," NUPL elaborated.
"Mr. Sumalbag and the other victims of the violent dispersal wish not to be approached, interviewed and/or asked for any statements without our presence and assistance as their counsels. Hence, from this point on, all communications must be directed to us. We expect your cooperation," NUPL said, obviously addressing itself publicly to the law enforcement and judicial establishments, as well as other pertinent entities.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/133612/nupl-mauled-driver-contacted-by-cops-without-benefit-of-legal-counsel
DSWD holds dialogue with IP groups; assures continued support to improve plight of minorities
From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 23): DSWD holds dialogue with IP groups; assures continued support to improve plight of minorities
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Judy M.Taguiwalo led the consultation dialogue with leaders of various Indigenous People’s groups, such as the Lumads, Aetas, Cordillera People’s Alliance, and Kasalo Caraga, among others, held at the University of the Philippines, during the Lakbayan 2016 ng Pambansang Minorya Para sa Sariling Pagpapasya at Makatarungang Kapayapaan.
During the consultation dialogue, leaders of the various minority groups expressed their common concerns and grievances which include lack of support from the previous administrations which translated into lack of basic social services, such as health, education, infrastructure, electricity, employment and livelihood opportunities.
They also aired their protest over continued exploitation and encroachment of their ancestral lands of local and foreign entities, which build dams, mining operations, plantations and other establishments in their communities, shutting out the tribal groups.
The leaders said that they travelled from Mindanao to other parts of the Philippines “Para malaman ng pamahalaan at aming mga kababayan ang aming mga hinaing (So the government and our countrymen will be aware of our grievances).”
Tatay Alberto, a Subanen from Zamboanga Peninsula lamented, “Sa loob ng mahabang panahon nagpalit-palit na ang mga presidente, ay hindi umayos ang kalagayan ng aming kabuhayan, kalusugan at edukasyon (For a long period of time wherein presidents, administrations have changed but our lives, livelihood, health and education have not improved).”
“Patuloy ang pagkamkam sa aming mga lupang ninuno (There is continued grabbing of our ancestral lands),” he continued.
The IPs also decried militarization of their communities.
“Kami ay inaakasuhan ng military na mga NPA, ginagawang CAFGU ang iba naming mga katribu at pinag-aaway-away kami (The military accuses us of being NPAs, they organize some of our tribesmen into CAFGUs and instigate us to fight against each other),” Tatay Alberto continued.
Tatay Alberto also expressed their support to President Duterte’s Independent Foreign Policy.
“Nais din naming mapaalis ang mga sundalong Amerikano dahil sila din ang tumutulong mag-organisa sa mga CAFGU na nagreresulta sa kaguluhan sa aming mga komunidad (We want the American soldiers to leave because they also help organize the CAFGUs resulting to chaos in our communities).”
On the other hand, Tatay Danny, spokesperson of KASALO Caraga stated that outsiders dictate the prices of their products. Since they have to travel seven kilometers from their villages to the nearest town market, their products are often wilted or spoiled and they cannot command good prices.
“Ang aming mga produkto katulad ng mais at saging, kadalasan ay sira na pagdating sa bayan. Kailangan namin ay maayos na daan upang mapabilis ang pagdadala namin ng aming mga produkto sa pamilihan (Our products like corn and bananas, are often spoiled when we reached town. We need good farm to market roads so we can speedily transport our products to the market),” he added.
He also appealed that their children who finished schooling be given jobs.
Abuses against women and children
Meanwhile, Tatay Andres from Cordillera narrated, “Napakabagal ng pagresponde ng DSWD noong nakaraang administrasyon sa mga apektado ng kalamidad sa aming lugar (During the previous administration, DSWD’s response to those affected by calamities in our area was so slow).”
He also enumerated the abuses of the military against women and children and for using children as spies, even desecrating their rituals and traditions.
“Ang kailangan namin ay maagap na pagtugon ng DSWD at lokal na pamahalaan sa mga kaso ng pang-aabuso sa aming mga kababaihan at mga bata (What we need is
DSWD and local government’s prompt response to the cases of abuse against our women and children),” he emphasized.
For her part, Sec. Taguiwalo assured the minority groups of the Department’s continued support.
Earlier, the Secretary and other DSWD officials and employees participated in a solidarity lunch with the tribal groups’ leaders.
“Patuloy naming kayong susuportahan sa inyung adhikain na magkaroon ng tunay na kaunlaran at kapayapaan (We shall continue to support your aspiration for real progress and peace).”
The dialogue concluded with a solidarity pledge among the DSWD officials and employees and the minority groups. (DSWD).
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1141477055822/dswd-holds-dialogue-with-ip-groups-assures-continued-support-to-improve-plight-of-minorities
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Judy M.Taguiwalo led the consultation dialogue with leaders of various Indigenous People’s groups, such as the Lumads, Aetas, Cordillera People’s Alliance, and Kasalo Caraga, among others, held at the University of the Philippines, during the Lakbayan 2016 ng Pambansang Minorya Para sa Sariling Pagpapasya at Makatarungang Kapayapaan.
During the consultation dialogue, leaders of the various minority groups expressed their common concerns and grievances which include lack of support from the previous administrations which translated into lack of basic social services, such as health, education, infrastructure, electricity, employment and livelihood opportunities.
They also aired their protest over continued exploitation and encroachment of their ancestral lands of local and foreign entities, which build dams, mining operations, plantations and other establishments in their communities, shutting out the tribal groups.
The leaders said that they travelled from Mindanao to other parts of the Philippines “Para malaman ng pamahalaan at aming mga kababayan ang aming mga hinaing (So the government and our countrymen will be aware of our grievances).”
Tatay Alberto, a Subanen from Zamboanga Peninsula lamented, “Sa loob ng mahabang panahon nagpalit-palit na ang mga presidente, ay hindi umayos ang kalagayan ng aming kabuhayan, kalusugan at edukasyon (For a long period of time wherein presidents, administrations have changed but our lives, livelihood, health and education have not improved).”
“Patuloy ang pagkamkam sa aming mga lupang ninuno (There is continued grabbing of our ancestral lands),” he continued.
The IPs also decried militarization of their communities.
“Kami ay inaakasuhan ng military na mga NPA, ginagawang CAFGU ang iba naming mga katribu at pinag-aaway-away kami (The military accuses us of being NPAs, they organize some of our tribesmen into CAFGUs and instigate us to fight against each other),” Tatay Alberto continued.
Tatay Alberto also expressed their support to President Duterte’s Independent Foreign Policy.
“Nais din naming mapaalis ang mga sundalong Amerikano dahil sila din ang tumutulong mag-organisa sa mga CAFGU na nagreresulta sa kaguluhan sa aming mga komunidad (We want the American soldiers to leave because they also help organize the CAFGUs resulting to chaos in our communities).”
On the other hand, Tatay Danny, spokesperson of KASALO Caraga stated that outsiders dictate the prices of their products. Since they have to travel seven kilometers from their villages to the nearest town market, their products are often wilted or spoiled and they cannot command good prices.
“Ang aming mga produkto katulad ng mais at saging, kadalasan ay sira na pagdating sa bayan. Kailangan namin ay maayos na daan upang mapabilis ang pagdadala namin ng aming mga produkto sa pamilihan (Our products like corn and bananas, are often spoiled when we reached town. We need good farm to market roads so we can speedily transport our products to the market),” he added.
He also appealed that their children who finished schooling be given jobs.
Abuses against women and children
Meanwhile, Tatay Andres from Cordillera narrated, “Napakabagal ng pagresponde ng DSWD noong nakaraang administrasyon sa mga apektado ng kalamidad sa aming lugar (During the previous administration, DSWD’s response to those affected by calamities in our area was so slow).”
He also enumerated the abuses of the military against women and children and for using children as spies, even desecrating their rituals and traditions.
“Ang kailangan namin ay maagap na pagtugon ng DSWD at lokal na pamahalaan sa mga kaso ng pang-aabuso sa aming mga kababaihan at mga bata (What we need is
DSWD and local government’s prompt response to the cases of abuse against our women and children),” he emphasized.
For her part, Sec. Taguiwalo assured the minority groups of the Department’s continued support.
Earlier, the Secretary and other DSWD officials and employees participated in a solidarity lunch with the tribal groups’ leaders.
“Patuloy naming kayong susuportahan sa inyung adhikain na magkaroon ng tunay na kaunlaran at kapayapaan (We shall continue to support your aspiration for real progress and peace).”
The dialogue concluded with a solidarity pledge among the DSWD officials and employees and the minority groups. (DSWD).
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1141477055822/dswd-holds-dialogue-with-ip-groups-assures-continued-support-to-improve-plight-of-minorities
IP group seeks justice for violent dispersal
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 22): IP group seeks justice for violent dispersal
Leaders of an indigenous people’s (IP) coalition sought President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s help after a violent dispersal of militants at the US Embassy.
In a visit at Malacanang Friday, Sandugo leaders presented a letter for President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, who is still on a state visit in Beijing, China.
The group was met by Presidential Communications Office (PCO) officials led by Undersecretary for Administration and Finance Noel Puyat, Undersecretary for Legal Affairs Enrique Tandan III, Assistant Secretary for Operations and Special Concerns Marie Banaag and Assistant Secretary for Strategic Communications Kissinger Reyes.
Assisted by Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) secretary general Renato Reyes, Jr, Sandugo leaders urged the President to order a thorough investigation of the violent dispersal of protesting IPs who were reportedly just supporting President Duterte’s assertion of Filipino sovereignty and independence from the United States.
Sandugo called for justice for all Moro and IPs, whose human rights have been violated and their lands illegally taken away through deception of unscrupulous individuals.
The group also called for the abolition of agreements signed with the United States that allow militarization of Moros and IP communities, and the exploitation of their resources.
Sandugo leaders, who also asserted the right to decide for themselves, expressed their support for a foreign-independent policy that s more democratic and best suited for the development of not only the IPs but also for all Filipinos.
Puyat and Banaag assured the group that their request will be forwarded to President Duterte as soon as he gets back from his official visit to China.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=933629
Leaders of an indigenous people’s (IP) coalition sought President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s help after a violent dispersal of militants at the US Embassy.
In a visit at Malacanang Friday, Sandugo leaders presented a letter for President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, who is still on a state visit in Beijing, China.
The group was met by Presidential Communications Office (PCO) officials led by Undersecretary for Administration and Finance Noel Puyat, Undersecretary for Legal Affairs Enrique Tandan III, Assistant Secretary for Operations and Special Concerns Marie Banaag and Assistant Secretary for Strategic Communications Kissinger Reyes.
Assisted by Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) secretary general Renato Reyes, Jr, Sandugo leaders urged the President to order a thorough investigation of the violent dispersal of protesting IPs who were reportedly just supporting President Duterte’s assertion of Filipino sovereignty and independence from the United States.
Sandugo called for justice for all Moro and IPs, whose human rights have been violated and their lands illegally taken away through deception of unscrupulous individuals.
The group also called for the abolition of agreements signed with the United States that allow militarization of Moros and IP communities, and the exploitation of their resources.
Sandugo leaders, who also asserted the right to decide for themselves, expressed their support for a foreign-independent policy that s more democratic and best suited for the development of not only the IPs but also for all Filipinos.
Puyat and Banaag assured the group that their request will be forwarded to President Duterte as soon as he gets back from his official visit to China.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=933629
OPAPP briefs UN on PHL experience in protecting civilians in armed conflict
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 22): OPAPP briefs UN on PHL experience in protecting civilians in armed conflict
The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) presented to United Nations the Philippine experience in protecting civilians during armed conflicts in the Southern Philippines.
In a high-level briefing at UN headquarters in New York, OPAPP Undersecretary for Peace Accords Nabil Tan discussed the present unarmed civilian protection component of the peace process between the Philippine government (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
He said this component had allowed multi-sectoral and proactive responses to the security issues, increased involvement of the civil society in a security infrastructure under the peace process, and provided specific interventions to women, children, and other vulnerable sectors.
“Our civilian-based ceasefire monitoring and response has served as model for other countries with domestic conflict situation,” Tan said.
“For instance, grassroots leaders from the states of Karen, Kachin and Shan State in Myanmar as well as Georgia have traveled to Mindanao to learn how to implement these UCP (unarmed civilian protection) practices,” he added.
The foreign delegates present during the briefing commended the Philippine experience in civilian protection that it can be replicated for other conflict situations.
The UCP is currently one of the four peace and security concerns under the International Monitoring Team (IMT), a peace infrastructure created to monitor the parties’ compliance to ceasefire agreements.
The other components are those dealing with security, socio-economic and humanitarian, rehabilitation and development.
“Even though civilian protection is a part of the International Monitoring Team, the agreement provides that it will continue to operate even if the IMT had already ceased its operation, highlighting the fact that we are putting civilian protection as one of the core priorities in our peace work,” Tan pointed out.
To ensure issues on civilian protection are effectively addressed, Tan disclosed that both the GPH and MILF implementing panels are considering on creating a Civilian Protection and Ceasefire Monitoring body separate from the IMT to give more focus to this important element in the peace process.
“Through all of our efforts towards peace, we shall keep the welfare and protection of our civilian population as a priority,” the OPAPP official said.
The high-level on UCP briefing was organized by the permanent missions of Netherlands, Australia, Belgium, Costa Rica, the Philippines to the UN, and the international organization Nonviolent Peaceforce.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=933704
The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) presented to United Nations the Philippine experience in protecting civilians during armed conflicts in the Southern Philippines.
In a high-level briefing at UN headquarters in New York, OPAPP Undersecretary for Peace Accords Nabil Tan discussed the present unarmed civilian protection component of the peace process between the Philippine government (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
He said this component had allowed multi-sectoral and proactive responses to the security issues, increased involvement of the civil society in a security infrastructure under the peace process, and provided specific interventions to women, children, and other vulnerable sectors.
“Our civilian-based ceasefire monitoring and response has served as model for other countries with domestic conflict situation,” Tan said.
“For instance, grassroots leaders from the states of Karen, Kachin and Shan State in Myanmar as well as Georgia have traveled to Mindanao to learn how to implement these UCP (unarmed civilian protection) practices,” he added.
The foreign delegates present during the briefing commended the Philippine experience in civilian protection that it can be replicated for other conflict situations.
The UCP is currently one of the four peace and security concerns under the International Monitoring Team (IMT), a peace infrastructure created to monitor the parties’ compliance to ceasefire agreements.
The other components are those dealing with security, socio-economic and humanitarian, rehabilitation and development.
“Even though civilian protection is a part of the International Monitoring Team, the agreement provides that it will continue to operate even if the IMT had already ceased its operation, highlighting the fact that we are putting civilian protection as one of the core priorities in our peace work,” Tan pointed out.
To ensure issues on civilian protection are effectively addressed, Tan disclosed that both the GPH and MILF implementing panels are considering on creating a Civilian Protection and Ceasefire Monitoring body separate from the IMT to give more focus to this important element in the peace process.
“Through all of our efforts towards peace, we shall keep the welfare and protection of our civilian population as a priority,” the OPAPP official said.
The high-level on UCP briefing was organized by the permanent missions of Netherlands, Australia, Belgium, Costa Rica, the Philippines to the UN, and the international organization Nonviolent Peaceforce.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=933704
Cabinet men explain separation
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 23): Cabinet men explain separation
Cabinet officials of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte explained to reporters his ‘separation with the U.S. remarks’ a day after he had delivered his keynote speech at the Philippines-China Trade and Investment Forum.
Talking to reporters in Beijing, National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Director-General Ernesto Pernia said the Philippines is broadening its investment and trade base with greater attention given to the Asian region.
“The way to understand that (separation) is what we are really going to do is re-balance our economic relations from too much dependence to the West to the Asian region. Because the Asian region is the growth area of this century and China is a major player in this growth area,” Pernia pointed out.
The country’s chief economist expects faster growth in the share of the Philippines’ economic relations in Asia as a result of the ASEAN integration, which includes China, than its share of economic relations with the Western countries.
This will be beneficial for the economy in the long-run according to the Economic Planning Secretary, as global gross domestic product (GDP) grows higher with open international trade.
Related to this, Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said it is about time the Philippines opens its doors to other countries for business.
“Our country is now open to other countries like China and we’ve missed so many opportunities from China for the last six years,” Secretary Andanar said.
The Philippines is indeed catching up with the state visit of President Duterte to China generating USD 24 billion worth of investments and credit facilities.
These investments and credit facilities touch across different industries, such as agriculture, renewable energy, tourism, food, manufacturing, telecommunications, infrastructure among others.
It is estimated that more than two million jobs over a period of five years are expected to be generated with these investments and credit facilities by China.
Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez is optimistic of this balancing of relations with China.
“Pagka kasi kaibigan na, marami pwede pag-usapan, ‘yun lang nabanggit nating mga lifting of suspension, opening up the trade, ili-lift din ‘yung advisory sa mga tourists, so definitely mas dadami na ‘yung pupunta dito. And hundred million tourists going out so parang ang daming opportunity, ilang percent lang ‘non mapunta sa atin eh, milyon milyon na na tourists. Eh ngayon 500,000 lang. So ang laki ng difference,” Secretary Lopez underscored.
This rebalancing, Secretary Pernia assured, does not mean cutting ties with the West. American investments, such as business process outsourcing (BPOs), which contributed heavily to our economic growth, will continue.
“The relationship is there. It’s like having a co-equal relationship with everyone. No one is above anyone. We have good relations with China. Soon, we’re gonna have good relations with Russia. And we have good relations with Japan. We’ve had good relations with the United States, with UK, and other countries,” Secretary Andanar concluded.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=933652
Cabinet officials of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte explained to reporters his ‘separation with the U.S. remarks’ a day after he had delivered his keynote speech at the Philippines-China Trade and Investment Forum.
Talking to reporters in Beijing, National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Director-General Ernesto Pernia said the Philippines is broadening its investment and trade base with greater attention given to the Asian region.
“The way to understand that (separation) is what we are really going to do is re-balance our economic relations from too much dependence to the West to the Asian region. Because the Asian region is the growth area of this century and China is a major player in this growth area,” Pernia pointed out.
The country’s chief economist expects faster growth in the share of the Philippines’ economic relations in Asia as a result of the ASEAN integration, which includes China, than its share of economic relations with the Western countries.
This will be beneficial for the economy in the long-run according to the Economic Planning Secretary, as global gross domestic product (GDP) grows higher with open international trade.
Related to this, Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said it is about time the Philippines opens its doors to other countries for business.
“Our country is now open to other countries like China and we’ve missed so many opportunities from China for the last six years,” Secretary Andanar said.
The Philippines is indeed catching up with the state visit of President Duterte to China generating USD 24 billion worth of investments and credit facilities.
These investments and credit facilities touch across different industries, such as agriculture, renewable energy, tourism, food, manufacturing, telecommunications, infrastructure among others.
It is estimated that more than two million jobs over a period of five years are expected to be generated with these investments and credit facilities by China.
Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon Lopez is optimistic of this balancing of relations with China.
“Pagka kasi kaibigan na, marami pwede pag-usapan, ‘yun lang nabanggit nating mga lifting of suspension, opening up the trade, ili-lift din ‘yung advisory sa mga tourists, so definitely mas dadami na ‘yung pupunta dito. And hundred million tourists going out so parang ang daming opportunity, ilang percent lang ‘non mapunta sa atin eh, milyon milyon na na tourists. Eh ngayon 500,000 lang. So ang laki ng difference,” Secretary Lopez underscored.
This rebalancing, Secretary Pernia assured, does not mean cutting ties with the West. American investments, such as business process outsourcing (BPOs), which contributed heavily to our economic growth, will continue.
“The relationship is there. It’s like having a co-equal relationship with everyone. No one is above anyone. We have good relations with China. Soon, we’re gonna have good relations with Russia. And we have good relations with Japan. We’ve had good relations with the United States, with UK, and other countries,” Secretary Andanar concluded.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=933652
PAF's 5th C-130 aircraft to be formally handed over to 220th Airlift Wing Monday
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 23): PAF's 5th C-130 aircraft to be formally handed over to 220th Airlift Wing Monday
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) will formally turned over its fifth Lockheed C-130 "Hercules" cargo aircraft to the 220th Airlift Wing after a short blessing ceremony in Villamor Air Base, Pasay City Monday.
The C-130, with tail number 5040, is the second T-model acquired from the US Excess Defense Article Program aimed at beefing the PAF's humanitarian assistance and disaster relief capabilities.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana is the event's guest-of-honor and speaker.
The latter aircraft arrived at the Benito Ebuen Air Base in Mactan, Cebu 7:56 p.m. last October 9.
The C-130 aircraft took off from Guam's Andersen Air Base at 2:50 p.m. on the same date for the final leg of its flight to the Philippines.
PAF spokesperson Col. Antonio Francisco said the pilots who flown the C-130 back to the Philippines are Lt. Col. Joey Inacay, mission commander; Lt. Col. Jason Rom Lacida, aircraft commander; Major Anthony Amora, test pilot and pilot-in-command; Major Meritto Jay Quijano, pilot-in-command; Major Marjorie Mukay, pilot-in-command and Major Ronel Salas, pilot.
The PAF spokesperson also said that Mukay is the first female to be certified as a pilot-in-command of a C-130.
”Please take note that Major Mukay, the other pilot-in-command, is the first female pilot to be checked out as pilot-in-command of a C-130 aircraft,” Francisco said.
The PAF’s fifth C-130, which was acquired through the US Excess Defense Articles Program, took off from Tucson, Arizona (Davis-Monthan Air Base) last Oct. 6 (American time).
The Air Force’s fifth C-130 as well as the fourth belong to the "T" model of the class and original configured as a airborne tanker.
The fourth C-130 arrived in Benito Ebuen Airbase, Mactan, Cebu last April 5.
It was flown by Filipino pilots headed by Col. Alejando Baclayon, Lt. Col. Ian Earth Lamzon, Major Ian Dexter Danes, Major Anthony Amora, and Major Ramil Daet.
The two C-130Ts are worth USD61 million and were acquired through the US Excess Defense Article Program.
Francisco said the additional C-130s will boost the PAF's transport and logistic capabilities.
Aside from the four C-130s, the PAF has three Airbus Military C-295 medium and three Fokker F-27 transports for its logistics and lift missions.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=933830
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) will formally turned over its fifth Lockheed C-130 "Hercules" cargo aircraft to the 220th Airlift Wing after a short blessing ceremony in Villamor Air Base, Pasay City Monday.
The C-130, with tail number 5040, is the second T-model acquired from the US Excess Defense Article Program aimed at beefing the PAF's humanitarian assistance and disaster relief capabilities.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana is the event's guest-of-honor and speaker.
The latter aircraft arrived at the Benito Ebuen Air Base in Mactan, Cebu 7:56 p.m. last October 9.
The C-130 aircraft took off from Guam's Andersen Air Base at 2:50 p.m. on the same date for the final leg of its flight to the Philippines.
PAF spokesperson Col. Antonio Francisco said the pilots who flown the C-130 back to the Philippines are Lt. Col. Joey Inacay, mission commander; Lt. Col. Jason Rom Lacida, aircraft commander; Major Anthony Amora, test pilot and pilot-in-command; Major Meritto Jay Quijano, pilot-in-command; Major Marjorie Mukay, pilot-in-command and Major Ronel Salas, pilot.
The PAF spokesperson also said that Mukay is the first female to be certified as a pilot-in-command of a C-130.
”Please take note that Major Mukay, the other pilot-in-command, is the first female pilot to be checked out as pilot-in-command of a C-130 aircraft,” Francisco said.
The PAF’s fifth C-130, which was acquired through the US Excess Defense Articles Program, took off from Tucson, Arizona (Davis-Monthan Air Base) last Oct. 6 (American time).
The Air Force’s fifth C-130 as well as the fourth belong to the "T" model of the class and original configured as a airborne tanker.
The fourth C-130 arrived in Benito Ebuen Airbase, Mactan, Cebu last April 5.
It was flown by Filipino pilots headed by Col. Alejando Baclayon, Lt. Col. Ian Earth Lamzon, Major Ian Dexter Danes, Major Anthony Amora, and Major Ramil Daet.
The two C-130Ts are worth USD61 million and were acquired through the US Excess Defense Article Program.
Francisco said the additional C-130s will boost the PAF's transport and logistic capabilities.
Aside from the four C-130s, the PAF has three Airbus Military C-295 medium and three Fokker F-27 transports for its logistics and lift missions.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=933830
PAF in the market for spares of 2 S-211 ejection systems
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 23): PAF in the market for spares of 2 S-211 ejection systems
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is in the market for spare parts needed for the maintenance of two SIAI-Marchetti S-211 jet trainer ejection systems.
Budget for the project is placed at PHP12,400,000.
Pre-bid conference is slated for Oct. 25, 9:00 a.m. at the PAF Procurement Center Conference Room, Villamor Air Base, Pasay City.
While submission and opening of bids is on Nov. 9, 9:00 a.m. at the same venue.
The PAF is known to operate between three to six S-211 airframes for training, ground-attack and surveillance missions.
Ejection systems are designed to rescue the pilot or other crew of an aircraft (usually military) in an emergency.
In most designs, the seat is propelled out of the aircraft by an explosive charge or rocket motor, carrying the pilot with it. Once clear of the aircraft, the ejection seat deploys a parachute.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=933863
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is in the market for spare parts needed for the maintenance of two SIAI-Marchetti S-211 jet trainer ejection systems.
Budget for the project is placed at PHP12,400,000.
Pre-bid conference is slated for Oct. 25, 9:00 a.m. at the PAF Procurement Center Conference Room, Villamor Air Base, Pasay City.
While submission and opening of bids is on Nov. 9, 9:00 a.m. at the same venue.
The PAF is known to operate between three to six S-211 airframes for training, ground-attack and surveillance missions.
Ejection systems are designed to rescue the pilot or other crew of an aircraft (usually military) in an emergency.
In most designs, the seat is propelled out of the aircraft by an explosive charge or rocket motor, carrying the pilot with it. Once clear of the aircraft, the ejection seat deploys a parachute.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=933863