From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 7): Veterans remembered during sunrise ceremony
At the break of dawn, Armed Forces of the Philippines Commanding General of the Philippine Army Lieutenant General Glorioso Miranda led this year’s sunrise ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (Libingan ng mga Bayani).
Joining Miranda in the ceremony were members of the Veterans Federation of the Philippines, World War II and post-war veterans, students, Boy Scouts of the Philippines, Girl Scouts of the Philippines, World War II descendants, and members of the Technical Working Committee.
Wednesday's event traditionally signals the beginning of the annual observance of Veterans Week (April 5 to 11) at the same time, provides an opportunity for Filipino veterans to honor their fallen comrades and for the families of these veterans to do the same.
AFP Major General Miguel Villamor (Ret), the public relations officer of PEFTOK Veterans Association, Inc., gave the welcome remarks. He said war veterans such as himself should look beyond securing the benefits afforded to them by the government, but rather, focus more on how to contribute in nation building.
In his speech, Miranda recalled the sacrifices made by war veterans and said Filipinos should remember the lives lost in defense of the freedoms this country enjoys today.
“With this ceremony, we convey our gratitude for them, for sacrificing so much,” Miranda said with passion.
He said it is also important to get the next generations to remember because the wars happened a long time ago.
After the program, floral offerings were made in the Tomb of Unknown Soldiert by all key personalities.
By virtue of Proclamation No. 466, signed on Sept. 14, 1989, by then President Corazon Aquino, the welfare of war veterans is a concern of all freedom-loving Filipinos and residents of the Philippines. It states that the principles, ideals and deeds of veterans should be promoted and preserved to enhance patriotism and love of country, especially among the youth.
Meanwhile, then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ammended the proclamation in 2007 to cover not only war veterans but also men and women who served in military campaigns, among others.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/261491524841/veterans-remembered-during-sunrise-ceremony
Friday, April 7, 2017
US ambassador inaugurates new Leyte’s classrooms, training center
From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 7): US ambassador inaugurates new Leyte’s classrooms, training center
Despite the heavy rains, US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Y. Kim visited the province of Leyte Tuesday, last week, where he formally turned over nine new classrooms in Palo, Leyte and a training center in Tacloban City.
Upon arrival, the US official immediately went to Anahaway National High School where he was warmly welcomed by the officials of Palo led by Palo Mayor Remedios Petilla, and the Department of Education, represented by Leyte Schools Division Superintendent Dr.Ronelo Al Firmo, before he proceeded to Tacloban City hall where he also led the inauguration of the training center.
In a short interview, Kim expressed delight when upon disembarking from his car, school children cheered him while holding the flags of the two countries.
When asked by the local media why the US government continuous to help the Philippines despite some noise, he explained that this is due to a very strong alliance between the two countries for many years.
“US and the Philippines have had a close partnership, very close friendship and a very strong alliance for many many years. US-Philippines alliance is the longest alliance we have in the whole Asia pacific region,” Kim said.
Citing the over 4 million Filipino-Americans living, studying and working in the United States and the 300 thousand Americans working in the Philippines, Kim assured to maintain the strong partnership and continue the economic engagement to be very deep as well.
The nine classrooms and the Tacloban Training Center constructed by the United States Agency for International Development USAID) Rebuild are designed to withstand the high velocity winds of up to 360 kilometers per hour and a magnitude of 8.5 earthquake on the richter scale.
The livelihood training center is expected to serve over 6, 000 farmers, fisher folks and entrepreneurs operating in the city of Tacloban and nearby areas.
The center is part of the broader initiatives of the US government to help revive the economy of Leyte after it was hit by Yolanda more than three years ago.
Since June 9, 2014 USAID launched USAID Rebuild, a multi-component effort funded by the US government to support reconstruction and rehabilitation activities in typhoon-affected areas in region 8 and will end on April 30, 2017.
Despite the heavy rains, US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Y. Kim visited the province of Leyte Tuesday, last week, where he formally turned over nine new classrooms in Palo, Leyte and a training center in Tacloban City.
Upon arrival, the US official immediately went to Anahaway National High School where he was warmly welcomed by the officials of Palo led by Palo Mayor Remedios Petilla, and the Department of Education, represented by Leyte Schools Division Superintendent Dr.Ronelo Al Firmo, before he proceeded to Tacloban City hall where he also led the inauguration of the training center.
In a short interview, Kim expressed delight when upon disembarking from his car, school children cheered him while holding the flags of the two countries.
When asked by the local media why the US government continuous to help the Philippines despite some noise, he explained that this is due to a very strong alliance between the two countries for many years.
“US and the Philippines have had a close partnership, very close friendship and a very strong alliance for many many years. US-Philippines alliance is the longest alliance we have in the whole Asia pacific region,” Kim said.
Citing the over 4 million Filipino-Americans living, studying and working in the United States and the 300 thousand Americans working in the Philippines, Kim assured to maintain the strong partnership and continue the economic engagement to be very deep as well.
The nine classrooms and the Tacloban Training Center constructed by the United States Agency for International Development USAID) Rebuild are designed to withstand the high velocity winds of up to 360 kilometers per hour and a magnitude of 8.5 earthquake on the richter scale.
The livelihood training center is expected to serve over 6, 000 farmers, fisher folks and entrepreneurs operating in the city of Tacloban and nearby areas.
The center is part of the broader initiatives of the US government to help revive the economy of Leyte after it was hit by Yolanda more than three years ago.
Since June 9, 2014 USAID launched USAID Rebuild, a multi-component effort funded by the US government to support reconstruction and rehabilitation activities in typhoon-affected areas in region 8 and will end on April 30, 2017.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2681491492324/us-ambassador-inaugurates-new-leyte-s-classrooms-training-center
Despite the heavy rains, US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Y. Kim visited the province of Leyte Tuesday, last week, where he formally turned over nine new classrooms in Palo, Leyte and a training center in Tacloban City.
Upon arrival, the US official immediately went to Anahaway National High School where he was warmly welcomed by the officials of Palo led by Palo Mayor Remedios Petilla, and the Department of Education, represented by Leyte Schools Division Superintendent Dr.Ronelo Al Firmo, before he proceeded to Tacloban City hall where he also led the inauguration of the training center.
In a short interview, Kim expressed delight when upon disembarking from his car, school children cheered him while holding the flags of the two countries.
When asked by the local media why the US government continuous to help the Philippines despite some noise, he explained that this is due to a very strong alliance between the two countries for many years.
“US and the Philippines have had a close partnership, very close friendship and a very strong alliance for many many years. US-Philippines alliance is the longest alliance we have in the whole Asia pacific region,” Kim said.
Citing the over 4 million Filipino-Americans living, studying and working in the United States and the 300 thousand Americans working in the Philippines, Kim assured to maintain the strong partnership and continue the economic engagement to be very deep as well.
The nine classrooms and the Tacloban Training Center constructed by the United States Agency for International Development USAID) Rebuild are designed to withstand the high velocity winds of up to 360 kilometers per hour and a magnitude of 8.5 earthquake on the richter scale.
The livelihood training center is expected to serve over 6, 000 farmers, fisher folks and entrepreneurs operating in the city of Tacloban and nearby areas.
The center is part of the broader initiatives of the US government to help revive the economy of Leyte after it was hit by Yolanda more than three years ago.
Since June 9, 2014 USAID launched USAID Rebuild, a multi-component effort funded by the US government to support reconstruction and rehabilitation activities in typhoon-affected areas in region 8 and will end on April 30, 2017.
Despite the heavy rains, US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Y. Kim visited the province of Leyte Tuesday, last week, where he formally turned over nine new classrooms in Palo, Leyte and a training center in Tacloban City.
Upon arrival, the US official immediately went to Anahaway National High School where he was warmly welcomed by the officials of Palo led by Palo Mayor Remedios Petilla, and the Department of Education, represented by Leyte Schools Division Superintendent Dr.Ronelo Al Firmo, before he proceeded to Tacloban City hall where he also led the inauguration of the training center.
In a short interview, Kim expressed delight when upon disembarking from his car, school children cheered him while holding the flags of the two countries.
When asked by the local media why the US government continuous to help the Philippines despite some noise, he explained that this is due to a very strong alliance between the two countries for many years.
“US and the Philippines have had a close partnership, very close friendship and a very strong alliance for many many years. US-Philippines alliance is the longest alliance we have in the whole Asia pacific region,” Kim said.
Citing the over 4 million Filipino-Americans living, studying and working in the United States and the 300 thousand Americans working in the Philippines, Kim assured to maintain the strong partnership and continue the economic engagement to be very deep as well.
The nine classrooms and the Tacloban Training Center constructed by the United States Agency for International Development USAID) Rebuild are designed to withstand the high velocity winds of up to 360 kilometers per hour and a magnitude of 8.5 earthquake on the richter scale.
The livelihood training center is expected to serve over 6, 000 farmers, fisher folks and entrepreneurs operating in the city of Tacloban and nearby areas.
The center is part of the broader initiatives of the US government to help revive the economy of Leyte after it was hit by Yolanda more than three years ago.
Since June 9, 2014 USAID launched USAID Rebuild, a multi-component effort funded by the US government to support reconstruction and rehabilitation activities in typhoon-affected areas in region 8 and will end on April 30, 2017.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2681491492324/us-ambassador-inaugurates-new-leyte-s-classrooms-training-center
Anti-Terrorism awareness efforts yield results
From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 7): Anti-Terrorism awareness efforts yield results
Efforts by the Task Force Davao to spread awareness on anti-terrorism efforts have produced a more vigilant citizenry.
Col. Erwin Bernard Neri, Task Force Davao commander said they are constantly doing anti-terrorism drive as means of raising the level of awareness of the public and the other stakeholders to the threat of terrorism.
Col. Neri said from the time he assumed the office as TF Davao commander last September 8, 2016 the Task Force Davao has received about 100 reports and tips from citizens.
Many of the reports are concerning unattended bags and other suspicious things.
Neri and TF Davao are currently intensifying an awareness campaign where they are distributing car stickers and pins to passenger van operators, drivers and passengers.
The sticker which bears the words “Let Us Fight Terrorism” exhorts the public to their share in combating terrorism.
“Security is everybody’s concern. We must always be vigilant.” Neri said.
It can be noted that Col. Neri’s appointment came at the heels of the deadly Roxas Night Market Bombing which occurred last September 2, 2016 that killed 15 bystanders.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1541491542190/anti-terrorism-awareness-efforts-yield-results
Efforts by the Task Force Davao to spread awareness on anti-terrorism efforts have produced a more vigilant citizenry.
Col. Erwin Bernard Neri, Task Force Davao commander said they are constantly doing anti-terrorism drive as means of raising the level of awareness of the public and the other stakeholders to the threat of terrorism.
Col. Neri said from the time he assumed the office as TF Davao commander last September 8, 2016 the Task Force Davao has received about 100 reports and tips from citizens.
Many of the reports are concerning unattended bags and other suspicious things.
Neri and TF Davao are currently intensifying an awareness campaign where they are distributing car stickers and pins to passenger van operators, drivers and passengers.
The sticker which bears the words “Let Us Fight Terrorism” exhorts the public to their share in combating terrorism.
“Security is everybody’s concern. We must always be vigilant.” Neri said.
It can be noted that Col. Neri’s appointment came at the heels of the deadly Roxas Night Market Bombing which occurred last September 2, 2016 that killed 15 bystanders.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1541491542190/anti-terrorism-awareness-efforts-yield-results
Navy patrolling Davao Gulf 24/7
From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 7): Navy patrolling Davao Gulf 24/7
The Philippine Navy is patrolling Davao Gulf 24/7 with dedicated naval assets to do the job.
These naval vessels include two patrol craft escorts (PCE), one patrol gunboat, three patrol craft fast (PCF) and two patrol boat light (PBL).
Captain Jose Maria Espeleta Deputy Commander of Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao said the patrols are conducted also during night time in a vast maritime area ranging from Davao Gulf up to the coast of Saranggani Province.
Yesterday (April 5) the patrol arrested three fishing motorboats using illegal fishing gear off the coast of Babak in the Island Garden City of Samal.
The naval patrol are aimed at preventing another repeat of incident in a resort in Samal Island in 2015 where Abu Sayaff terrorists kidnapped three foreigners and a Filipina, the two foreigners were later executed by the Abu Sayaff.
Espeleta said that they would need more ships and patrol crafts to effectively cover their area of responsibility. He also hopes that NFEM’s air patrol capability will be returned.
The naval unit used to have two BN-2 Islander aircraft but they are currently deployed in Cavite. He hopes that the recent delivery of Japanese TC90 maritime patrol aircraft will make available air assets for NFEM.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1541491552061/navy-patrolling-davao-gulf-24-7
The Philippine Navy is patrolling Davao Gulf 24/7 with dedicated naval assets to do the job.
These naval vessels include two patrol craft escorts (PCE), one patrol gunboat, three patrol craft fast (PCF) and two patrol boat light (PBL).
Captain Jose Maria Espeleta Deputy Commander of Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao said the patrols are conducted also during night time in a vast maritime area ranging from Davao Gulf up to the coast of Saranggani Province.
Yesterday (April 5) the patrol arrested three fishing motorboats using illegal fishing gear off the coast of Babak in the Island Garden City of Samal.
The naval patrol are aimed at preventing another repeat of incident in a resort in Samal Island in 2015 where Abu Sayaff terrorists kidnapped three foreigners and a Filipina, the two foreigners were later executed by the Abu Sayaff.
Espeleta said that they would need more ships and patrol crafts to effectively cover their area of responsibility. He also hopes that NFEM’s air patrol capability will be returned.
The naval unit used to have two BN-2 Islander aircraft but they are currently deployed in Cavite. He hopes that the recent delivery of Japanese TC90 maritime patrol aircraft will make available air assets for NFEM.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1541491552061/navy-patrolling-davao-gulf-24-7
President Duterte boosts morale of WESCOM soldiers
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 7): President Duterte boosts morale of WESCOM soldiers
President Rodrigo Duterte went out of his way Thursday afternoon to visit soldiers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in the Western Command (WESCOM) in Palawan, committing to provide them suitable housing and around 30,000 new Glock 30 .45 caliber pistols.
The commitments were made by President Duterte as he talked to the men and women of the WESCOM Thursday afternoon in their headquarters in Barangay San Miguel.
He particularly boosted the morale of Filipino soldiers stationed on different country-claimed islands in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), saying "they are doing great service" although they were not present to meet him personally.
President Duterte said he will personally make a visit to the WPS to plant the Philippine flag there on June 12, the day country celebrates its 119th Independence Day.
"We have to maintain our jurisdiction in the areas we claim," President Duterte said as he also stressed that the Philippines tries to be friends with other claimant countries in the disputed region.
He said he has ordered the AFP to occupy islands being claimed by the Philippines in the WPS and make its presence there strong to ensure the safety of Filipino fishermen and residents of Pag-asa Island.
Pag-asa Island is the seat of government of Kalayaan municipality, where there are over 200 residents.
In committing to provide them housing, President Duterte said what his administration will provide would be large enough to accommodate soldiers with over five family members.
This means not cramped living quarters, where they do not have enough spaces even for their appliances, and which do not have power and electricity.
He said this amidst the controversy of allowing members of the Kadamay group to occupy resettlement areas in Bulacan.
In the provision of new firearms, he said 30,000 units of Glock 30 handguns are due to be delivered Friday to the AFP.
Conferring a few seconds with Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana to confirm the initial delivery, he showed the short firearm and said it is "maintenance free" and only needs barrel cleaning.
There will also be Colt Lightweight Commander caliber .45 handguns for them to have a choice. But he did not detail when the firearms would be delivered to the AFP.
During his visit, the President was also asked about Palawan's Malampaya share, and said that if the court's decision favors the province, he will give its rightful share of around PhP72 billion.
Palawan, he said, would be the richest province in the Philippines, and he hopes it will also share its resources when the time comes.
The President, however, said he is not sure if the share will be given during his term.
President Duterte also asked the soldiers to support his campaign against illegal drugs, crime and even corruption.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=978439
President Rodrigo Duterte went out of his way Thursday afternoon to visit soldiers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in the Western Command (WESCOM) in Palawan, committing to provide them suitable housing and around 30,000 new Glock 30 .45 caliber pistols.
The commitments were made by President Duterte as he talked to the men and women of the WESCOM Thursday afternoon in their headquarters in Barangay San Miguel.
He particularly boosted the morale of Filipino soldiers stationed on different country-claimed islands in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), saying "they are doing great service" although they were not present to meet him personally.
President Duterte said he will personally make a visit to the WPS to plant the Philippine flag there on June 12, the day country celebrates its 119th Independence Day.
"We have to maintain our jurisdiction in the areas we claim," President Duterte said as he also stressed that the Philippines tries to be friends with other claimant countries in the disputed region.
He said he has ordered the AFP to occupy islands being claimed by the Philippines in the WPS and make its presence there strong to ensure the safety of Filipino fishermen and residents of Pag-asa Island.
Pag-asa Island is the seat of government of Kalayaan municipality, where there are over 200 residents.
In committing to provide them housing, President Duterte said what his administration will provide would be large enough to accommodate soldiers with over five family members.
This means not cramped living quarters, where they do not have enough spaces even for their appliances, and which do not have power and electricity.
He said this amidst the controversy of allowing members of the Kadamay group to occupy resettlement areas in Bulacan.
In the provision of new firearms, he said 30,000 units of Glock 30 handguns are due to be delivered Friday to the AFP.
Conferring a few seconds with Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana to confirm the initial delivery, he showed the short firearm and said it is "maintenance free" and only needs barrel cleaning.
There will also be Colt Lightweight Commander caliber .45 handguns for them to have a choice. But he did not detail when the firearms would be delivered to the AFP.
During his visit, the President was also asked about Palawan's Malampaya share, and said that if the court's decision favors the province, he will give its rightful share of around PhP72 billion.
Palawan, he said, would be the richest province in the Philippines, and he hopes it will also share its resources when the time comes.
The President, however, said he is not sure if the share will be given during his term.
President Duterte also asked the soldiers to support his campaign against illegal drugs, crime and even corruption.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=978439
Lawless group 'member' dies in firefight in Zambo Sibugay
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 7): Lawless group 'member' dies in firefight in Zambo Sibugay
Combined military and police forces have killed an alleged member of a lawless group and captured another in a law enforcement operation in the nearby province of Zamboanga Sibugay, officials announced Friday.
Lt. Col. Jo-ar A. Herrera, Army’s 1st Infantry Division spokesman, said that Samuhong Ahod, a member of the Abdusalam crime group, was killed in a brief firefight after troops served the warrant for his arrest on Thursday,
The Abdusalam crime group is involved in killing, robbery, extortion and kidnapping, the official said.
Herrera said the firefight broke out at around 1:30 p.m. Thursday when Ahod and his companion opened fire as lawmen swooped down at their hideout in Sitio Ulingan, Barangay Salipyasin, Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay.
Herrara identified Ahod’s arrested companion as Akmad Dapat.
Brig. Gen. Rolando Joselito Bautista, 1st Infantry Division commander, lauded the residents for reporting the presence of lawless elements in their area, saying this "shows the trust of the public to law enforcers."
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=978659
Combined military and police forces have killed an alleged member of a lawless group and captured another in a law enforcement operation in the nearby province of Zamboanga Sibugay, officials announced Friday.
Lt. Col. Jo-ar A. Herrera, Army’s 1st Infantry Division spokesman, said that Samuhong Ahod, a member of the Abdusalam crime group, was killed in a brief firefight after troops served the warrant for his arrest on Thursday,
The Abdusalam crime group is involved in killing, robbery, extortion and kidnapping, the official said.
Herrera said the firefight broke out at around 1:30 p.m. Thursday when Ahod and his companion opened fire as lawmen swooped down at their hideout in Sitio Ulingan, Barangay Salipyasin, Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay.
Herrara identified Ahod’s arrested companion as Akmad Dapat.
Brig. Gen. Rolando Joselito Bautista, 1st Infantry Division commander, lauded the residents for reporting the presence of lawless elements in their area, saying this "shows the trust of the public to law enforcers."
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=978659
AFP still getting details on Duterte's planned visit to Pagasa Island
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 6): AFP still getting details on Duterte's planned visit to Pagasa Island
As President Rodrigo Duterte announced his intentions to visit Pagasa Island, the largest of the Philippine-held feature in the Kalayaan Island Group, this coming June 12 the military on Thursday said it is still getting details on the purported visit.
"This is a matter I need to consult with our seniors," AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla when asked whether it is advisable for the Chief Executive to visit the island.
Aside from his visit which will fall on the country's 119th Independence Day anniversary, Duterte also ordered the military to occupy and secure all Philippine-held features in the Kalayaan Island Group and set up facilities that will ease the difficulties being experienced by troops manning these islands.
"I was not able to hear what his (President Duterte's) announcement was this afternoon but he has made previous declaration that he supports whatever we are doing in our area and he is after the welfare of our soldiers in our occupied islets, so he is also on the same plane as our military and defense personnel to provide for the better living conditions of our personnel," Padilla said.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the facilities Duterte wanted to set-up for the soldiers included barracks for the men, water desalination plants, and sewage disposal systems, power generators(conventional and renewable), light houses, and shelters for fishermen.
The AFP spokesperson said Duterte was entitled to visit Pagasa Island, both as a Filipino citizen and his status as Commander-in-Chief.
But the President's visit to Pagasa Island is also dependent on what kind of threats the visit might faced.
"There's always the presence of a threat, that’s why we said either it is a low level threat, a high level threat will all depend (on that)," Padilla stressed.
Out of the seven island and three reefs being controlled by the Philippines, Pagasa is the largest measuring 37.2 hectares.
Other Philippine possessions in the Spratlys include Likas Island which measures 18.6 hectares; Parolo Island, 12.7 hectares; Lawak Island 7.93 hectares; Kota Island, 6. 45 hectares; Patag Island, 0.57; Panata Island, 0.44 hectares; Rizal, Balagtas and Ayungin Reefs.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=978280
As President Rodrigo Duterte announced his intentions to visit Pagasa Island, the largest of the Philippine-held feature in the Kalayaan Island Group, this coming June 12 the military on Thursday said it is still getting details on the purported visit.
"This is a matter I need to consult with our seniors," AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla when asked whether it is advisable for the Chief Executive to visit the island.
Aside from his visit which will fall on the country's 119th Independence Day anniversary, Duterte also ordered the military to occupy and secure all Philippine-held features in the Kalayaan Island Group and set up facilities that will ease the difficulties being experienced by troops manning these islands.
"I was not able to hear what his (President Duterte's) announcement was this afternoon but he has made previous declaration that he supports whatever we are doing in our area and he is after the welfare of our soldiers in our occupied islets, so he is also on the same plane as our military and defense personnel to provide for the better living conditions of our personnel," Padilla said.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the facilities Duterte wanted to set-up for the soldiers included barracks for the men, water desalination plants, and sewage disposal systems, power generators(conventional and renewable), light houses, and shelters for fishermen.
The AFP spokesperson said Duterte was entitled to visit Pagasa Island, both as a Filipino citizen and his status as Commander-in-Chief.
But the President's visit to Pagasa Island is also dependent on what kind of threats the visit might faced.
"There's always the presence of a threat, that’s why we said either it is a low level threat, a high level threat will all depend (on that)," Padilla stressed.
Out of the seven island and three reefs being controlled by the Philippines, Pagasa is the largest measuring 37.2 hectares.
Other Philippine possessions in the Spratlys include Likas Island which measures 18.6 hectares; Parolo Island, 12.7 hectares; Lawak Island 7.93 hectares; Kota Island, 6. 45 hectares; Patag Island, 0.57; Panata Island, 0.44 hectares; Rizal, Balagtas and Ayungin Reefs.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=978280
Immigration agents nab two ISIS members in Taguig
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 6): Immigration agents nab two ISIS members in Taguig
Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II on Thursday announced the arrest of two suspected members of terrorist group Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in Taguig City.
Aguirre identified the suspects as Husayn Al-Dhafiri, Kuwait citizen and Rahaf Zina, a Syrian national, who were both active ISIS members.
He said that based on intelligence reports provided by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the information given by Kuwaiti , Al-Dhafiri is a member of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), also known as ISIS.
” Active sila sa ISIS. I believe, but on our part we are speculating. Based on the past relationship, the female was the wife of the number 2 ISIS military member. They are still very active members of ISIS,” Aguirre told reporters during a press briefing held at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in Manila.
“He is alleged to have been involved in explosives manufacturing and possibly on operational planning against Kuwait,” he said.
He also said that investigations were ongoing though they had yet to identify if the suspects had links with local terrorist group.
“This is why we kept this under wrap for several days while we are verifying if there are other persons involved,’ he added.
Aguirre said the two ISIS members were arrested last March 25 by the operatives of Bureau of Immigration Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) with BI Mission Order no. JHM-20107 March 24, 2017, in close coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Philippine National Police (PNP), conducted enforcement operations along 28th St., Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.
Aguirre said that during the apprehension, Al-Dhafiri was in the company of Zina claimed to be the wife of Husayn Al-Dhafiri but the two failed to present any immigration document during verification.
Both of them were brought to the BI Main Office for investigation but Zina was brought to the nearest hospital for immediate medical examination as she claimed that she is pregnant.
On March 26, 2017, the custody of the two was turned over to the National Bureau of Immigration (NBI) Detention Facility for their commitment.
Aguirre said the two were charged for violation of immigration laws in the country as they failed to present immigration documents.
He added that deportation proceedings are being conducted to deport in Kuwait.
Asked how huge the impact of the apprehension of these persons, Aguirre answered “the fact is we were able to arrest these kinds of persons without any adverse consequences. We kept this under the wraps for more than a week. They gave us a number or a person in case they will be captured.”
” We did not do it because we believe that it would be a signal to continue their terrorist activities. That is one of the reasons why we kept this under the wraps several days. For the sake of our intelligence units to verify if there are persons involved,” he added.
For his part, BI Chief Jaime Morente said the intelligence services monitored their travel adding that the two have arrived in the country last January 28.
Al-Dhafiri, he said has entered the country three times in the past, the last one being on Jan. 28, this year.
Morente said Al-Dhafiri would be deported to Kuwait while Zina would be deported to Qatar since it was her last known location before she arrived in the country.
“A note verbale was submitted by the Kuwait embassy seeking his deportation,” Morente said adding that they would be deported in a month or even time.
He said they are coordinating with the security services of Kuwait and Qatar for the turnover of the two.
“They will be answering charges there. They are planning to conduct bombing operations, it could be in Kuwait, it could be in the Philippines. There is a possibility that their planning included the country,” Morente said adding that this is currently being verified by the country’s intelligence services.
Morente said the two initially obtain tourist visas to enter the country though he added Al-Dhafiri was able to get working visa through a recruitment company-Q8 Solutions.
” (Acquire visa) I think it’s a recruitment company. Kuwait solutions. This company was being investigated by the House in 2016. For illegal recruitment,” he noted.
He added that they apprehended them through the coordination of foreign counterparts.
Meanwhile, Aguirre commended the BI for the successful operations to deter the threat of terrorism.
”This apprehension speaks very well of the competence and of the capability of our immigration officers. I commend their efforts at keeping our country safe from the threats of terrorism,” Aguirre said.
"I congratulate our immigration officers for a job well done. The successful conduct of this apprehension speaks well of the competence and of the dedication of our immigration personnel,” he said.
”As the guardians of our ports and all of our entry points, our immigration officers stand watch on our walls and tell us no harm will come to our people while they are on watch. I enjoin all of our immigration officers to continue serving dutifully and loyally regardless of their current circumstance because they are a valuable component of our government’s fight against criminality and in the global war against terror,” Aguirre said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=978302
Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II on Thursday announced the arrest of two suspected members of terrorist group Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in Taguig City.
Aguirre identified the suspects as Husayn Al-Dhafiri, Kuwait citizen and Rahaf Zina, a Syrian national, who were both active ISIS members.
He said that based on intelligence reports provided by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the information given by Kuwaiti , Al-Dhafiri is a member of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), also known as ISIS.
” Active sila sa ISIS. I believe, but on our part we are speculating. Based on the past relationship, the female was the wife of the number 2 ISIS military member. They are still very active members of ISIS,” Aguirre told reporters during a press briefing held at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) in Manila.
“He is alleged to have been involved in explosives manufacturing and possibly on operational planning against Kuwait,” he said.
He also said that investigations were ongoing though they had yet to identify if the suspects had links with local terrorist group.
“This is why we kept this under wrap for several days while we are verifying if there are other persons involved,’ he added.
Aguirre said the two ISIS members were arrested last March 25 by the operatives of Bureau of Immigration Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) with BI Mission Order no. JHM-20107 March 24, 2017, in close coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and the Philippine National Police (PNP), conducted enforcement operations along 28th St., Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.
Aguirre said that during the apprehension, Al-Dhafiri was in the company of Zina claimed to be the wife of Husayn Al-Dhafiri but the two failed to present any immigration document during verification.
Both of them were brought to the BI Main Office for investigation but Zina was brought to the nearest hospital for immediate medical examination as she claimed that she is pregnant.
On March 26, 2017, the custody of the two was turned over to the National Bureau of Immigration (NBI) Detention Facility for their commitment.
Aguirre said the two were charged for violation of immigration laws in the country as they failed to present immigration documents.
He added that deportation proceedings are being conducted to deport in Kuwait.
Asked how huge the impact of the apprehension of these persons, Aguirre answered “the fact is we were able to arrest these kinds of persons without any adverse consequences. We kept this under the wraps for more than a week. They gave us a number or a person in case they will be captured.”
” We did not do it because we believe that it would be a signal to continue their terrorist activities. That is one of the reasons why we kept this under the wraps several days. For the sake of our intelligence units to verify if there are persons involved,” he added.
For his part, BI Chief Jaime Morente said the intelligence services monitored their travel adding that the two have arrived in the country last January 28.
Al-Dhafiri, he said has entered the country three times in the past, the last one being on Jan. 28, this year.
Morente said Al-Dhafiri would be deported to Kuwait while Zina would be deported to Qatar since it was her last known location before she arrived in the country.
“A note verbale was submitted by the Kuwait embassy seeking his deportation,” Morente said adding that they would be deported in a month or even time.
He said they are coordinating with the security services of Kuwait and Qatar for the turnover of the two.
“They will be answering charges there. They are planning to conduct bombing operations, it could be in Kuwait, it could be in the Philippines. There is a possibility that their planning included the country,” Morente said adding that this is currently being verified by the country’s intelligence services.
Morente said the two initially obtain tourist visas to enter the country though he added Al-Dhafiri was able to get working visa through a recruitment company-Q8 Solutions.
” (Acquire visa) I think it’s a recruitment company. Kuwait solutions. This company was being investigated by the House in 2016. For illegal recruitment,” he noted.
He added that they apprehended them through the coordination of foreign counterparts.
Meanwhile, Aguirre commended the BI for the successful operations to deter the threat of terrorism.
”This apprehension speaks very well of the competence and of the capability of our immigration officers. I commend their efforts at keeping our country safe from the threats of terrorism,” Aguirre said.
"I congratulate our immigration officers for a job well done. The successful conduct of this apprehension speaks well of the competence and of the dedication of our immigration personnel,” he said.
”As the guardians of our ports and all of our entry points, our immigration officers stand watch on our walls and tell us no harm will come to our people while they are on watch. I enjoin all of our immigration officers to continue serving dutifully and loyally regardless of their current circumstance because they are a valuable component of our government’s fight against criminality and in the global war against terror,” Aguirre said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=978302
OPAPP, LGU to turnover completed PAMANA projects
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 6): OPAPP, LGU to turnover completed PAMANA projects
The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) together with Provincial Local Government Units (PLGU) in Camarines Norte is conducting a one week turn-over activities of completed PAMANA projects in the province.
These are the road projects in the municipalities of Mercedes, Basud, Labo and Santa Elena, including a bridge in Caayunan, Basud.
A Multi-Service Peace Caravan will be conducted simultaneous with the turnover of the bridge project in Caayunan, Basud.
The conduct of Multi-Service Peace Caravan is among the strategies employed by PAMANA in Bicol to make government presence felt especially in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.
The provinces of Camarines Norte have adopted the strategy and initiated their own multi-service caravans to bring in services in PAMANA and non-PAMANA barangays once a week and monthly, respectively.
From 2011 to 2016, PAMANA has allocated a total of PHP766.1 million fund for 278 projects in 119 conflict-affected barangays in seven municipalities.
Of all the 278 projects, 56 are Pillar 3 projects (such as roads, bridges, electrification, livelihood projects, water system) and 222 are Pillar 2 or community-driven development interventions.
The socio-economic interventions that were implemented in the province thru PAMANA benefitted a number of households, such as the following: a total of 49.64kms of roads and bridges implemented / programmed benefitting 99 barangays; livelihood projects benefitting 1,239 fisherfolks and 299 farmers; twelve water projects benefitting 3,108 HHs in 9 barangays; and 17 electrification projects benefitting 3,244 HHs in 15 barangays.
Based on initial reports from PAMANA LGUs and beneficiaries on the ground, PAMANA has contributed in improving economic conditions in the areas where projects were implemented.
There are reports of reduced transportation and hauling cost in areas where roads have been completed and increased economic activities due to improved access.
Along the completed PAMANA roads, noticeable are newly built houses, newly installed sari-sari stores, increase in the number of transportation vehicles (tricycles and jeepneys) plying the route and increased in the number of households that purchased new motorcycles.
Furthermore, some barangay LGUs have reported increase in their annual income.
In 2009, the provincial poverty incidence of Camarines Norte is 30.1 and it further went down to 21.7 in 2012, after various national government programs poured in the province.
In December 2014, the Province of Camarines Norte together with 9th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army signed the Memorandum of Agreement after the province was declared as a conflict manageable and ready for further development province.
From 78 CNN influenced barangays in 2010, Camarines Norte now has zero CNN influenced barangays (per AFP report as of end of 2016).
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=978347
The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) together with Provincial Local Government Units (PLGU) in Camarines Norte is conducting a one week turn-over activities of completed PAMANA projects in the province.
These are the road projects in the municipalities of Mercedes, Basud, Labo and Santa Elena, including a bridge in Caayunan, Basud.
A Multi-Service Peace Caravan will be conducted simultaneous with the turnover of the bridge project in Caayunan, Basud.
The conduct of Multi-Service Peace Caravan is among the strategies employed by PAMANA in Bicol to make government presence felt especially in geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.
The provinces of Camarines Norte have adopted the strategy and initiated their own multi-service caravans to bring in services in PAMANA and non-PAMANA barangays once a week and monthly, respectively.
From 2011 to 2016, PAMANA has allocated a total of PHP766.1 million fund for 278 projects in 119 conflict-affected barangays in seven municipalities.
Of all the 278 projects, 56 are Pillar 3 projects (such as roads, bridges, electrification, livelihood projects, water system) and 222 are Pillar 2 or community-driven development interventions.
The socio-economic interventions that were implemented in the province thru PAMANA benefitted a number of households, such as the following: a total of 49.64kms of roads and bridges implemented / programmed benefitting 99 barangays; livelihood projects benefitting 1,239 fisherfolks and 299 farmers; twelve water projects benefitting 3,108 HHs in 9 barangays; and 17 electrification projects benefitting 3,244 HHs in 15 barangays.
Based on initial reports from PAMANA LGUs and beneficiaries on the ground, PAMANA has contributed in improving economic conditions in the areas where projects were implemented.
There are reports of reduced transportation and hauling cost in areas where roads have been completed and increased economic activities due to improved access.
Along the completed PAMANA roads, noticeable are newly built houses, newly installed sari-sari stores, increase in the number of transportation vehicles (tricycles and jeepneys) plying the route and increased in the number of households that purchased new motorcycles.
Furthermore, some barangay LGUs have reported increase in their annual income.
In 2009, the provincial poverty incidence of Camarines Norte is 30.1 and it further went down to 21.7 in 2012, after various national government programs poured in the province.
In December 2014, the Province of Camarines Norte together with 9th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army signed the Memorandum of Agreement after the province was declared as a conflict manageable and ready for further development province.
From 78 CNN influenced barangays in 2010, Camarines Norte now has zero CNN influenced barangays (per AFP report as of end of 2016).
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=978347
President Duterte promises better housing settlement for military, police
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 6): President Duterte promises better housing settlement for military, police
President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday vowed that government will construct better housing projects for the uniformed personnel.
"So nakikiusap na ako sa inyo as your President na ibigay na lang natin sa kanila, sa Kadamay and do not worry because I will build you a better one," Duterte told the soldiers during his visit at Camp General Artemio Ricarte.
The President was referring to the group Kadamay who occupied vacant housing units in resettlement area in Pandi, Bulacan intended for the military and policemen.
"Huwag kayo magsama ng loob tutal ang naibigay naman natin sa ating kapwa Pilipino eh at saka mahirap rin. But it doesn’t mean to say that government, ako, has forgotten you. I said I commit to you now na may magdating sa inyo na bago at mas maganda," he added.
The Chief Executive pledged that the resettlement sites will have water and electricity unlike the housing projects of the previous administrations.
Aside from houses, the President also promised to provide firearms to the uniformed service.
He said he does not want soldiers to walk around Mindanao without guns. (These) "hopefully will bolster your sense of security and vigilance," he said.
Prior to his speech, the President witnessed the planting of a narra tree named "Dutertree" in front of the headquarters of the Western Command.
Duterte on the West Philippine Sea
The Chief Executive attended a situation briefing, led by Western Command Commander Lt. Gen. Raul del Rosario, at the News Conference Room: on various security updates on West Philippine Sea; developments in Recto Bank involving other claimant countries; oil explorations; and sustained peace efforts on Internal Security Operations in Palawan.
Meanwhile, the President told reporters that he has instructed the Armed Forces of the Philippines to occupy the islands in the West Philippine Sea during the situation briefing.
"Well, the usual. We tried to be friends with everybody but we have to maintain our jurisdiction now, at least the areas under our control. And I have ordered the Armed Forces to occupy all --- these so many islands, I think nine or 10 --- lagyan ng structures and the Philippine flag," he said.
He also threw his full support to the development of the Pag-asa airport.
"Gagastos ako diyan sa fortifications diyan because I want to --- including the Benham Rise on the right side of the Philippines in the Pacific," he said, adding that he will officially claim it as ours and rename it as “Philippine Ridge”.
"Kasi parang ridge...continuous kasi ang continental shelf diyan sa baba eh...it connects one ridge to another," the President explained.
Duterte to fire more corrupt officials
The Chief Executive said he is eyeing to dismiss more erring government workers.
"Mag-dismiss pa ako ng marami. I have dismissed about 92, karamihan sa mga LTFRB, LTO," he said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=978357
President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday vowed that government will construct better housing projects for the uniformed personnel.
"So nakikiusap na ako sa inyo as your President na ibigay na lang natin sa kanila, sa Kadamay and do not worry because I will build you a better one," Duterte told the soldiers during his visit at Camp General Artemio Ricarte.
The President was referring to the group Kadamay who occupied vacant housing units in resettlement area in Pandi, Bulacan intended for the military and policemen.
"Huwag kayo magsama ng loob tutal ang naibigay naman natin sa ating kapwa Pilipino eh at saka mahirap rin. But it doesn’t mean to say that government, ako, has forgotten you. I said I commit to you now na may magdating sa inyo na bago at mas maganda," he added.
The Chief Executive pledged that the resettlement sites will have water and electricity unlike the housing projects of the previous administrations.
Aside from houses, the President also promised to provide firearms to the uniformed service.
He said he does not want soldiers to walk around Mindanao without guns. (These) "hopefully will bolster your sense of security and vigilance," he said.
Prior to his speech, the President witnessed the planting of a narra tree named "Dutertree" in front of the headquarters of the Western Command.
Duterte on the West Philippine Sea
The Chief Executive attended a situation briefing, led by Western Command Commander Lt. Gen. Raul del Rosario, at the News Conference Room: on various security updates on West Philippine Sea; developments in Recto Bank involving other claimant countries; oil explorations; and sustained peace efforts on Internal Security Operations in Palawan.
Meanwhile, the President told reporters that he has instructed the Armed Forces of the Philippines to occupy the islands in the West Philippine Sea during the situation briefing.
"Well, the usual. We tried to be friends with everybody but we have to maintain our jurisdiction now, at least the areas under our control. And I have ordered the Armed Forces to occupy all --- these so many islands, I think nine or 10 --- lagyan ng structures and the Philippine flag," he said.
He also threw his full support to the development of the Pag-asa airport.
"Gagastos ako diyan sa fortifications diyan because I want to --- including the Benham Rise on the right side of the Philippines in the Pacific," he said, adding that he will officially claim it as ours and rename it as “Philippine Ridge”.
"Kasi parang ridge...continuous kasi ang continental shelf diyan sa baba eh...it connects one ridge to another," the President explained.
Duterte to fire more corrupt officials
The Chief Executive said he is eyeing to dismiss more erring government workers.
"Mag-dismiss pa ako ng marami. I have dismissed about 92, karamihan sa mga LTFRB, LTO," he said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=978357
Rapid advancement in communications, transpo make threats borderless- DND chief
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 7): Rapid advancement in communications, transpo make threats borderless- DND chief
The fast progress in communications and transportation had brought benefits to mankind but it has also increased the capability of threat groups to cause greater havoc as they have now become borderless.
This was the rationale behind the ASEAN Defense Senior Officials Meeting held in Cebu from April 5 to 6.
"There is a need for ASEAN defense leaders to regularly meet because the world has become very interconnected due to advancements in communications and transportation," Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said.
With this development, people and goods move around faster and on a bigger scale than ever, he added.
"As a result, various security threats, such as terrorism, illegal drugs, human trafficking, cybercrimes, and disasters now go beyond borders and often need a quick response on an international scale," Lorenzana disclosed to the Philippine News Agency.
And, with these threats around, the DND chief said it is important that the Philippines craft closer defense ties with its neighbors for better coordination.
"Establish mechanism to prevent miscalculations in areas of common maritime concerns, and develop strategies to counter unwelcome superpower advances and their rivalries in the region," he pointed out.
ASEAN is a regional organization composed of 10 Southeast Asian member states which promotes intergovernmental cooperation and facilitates economic integration amongst its members.
Since its formation on Aug. 8 1967 by Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand, the organization's membership has expanded to include Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam.
Its principal aim include accelerating economic growth, social progress, and sociocultural evolution among its members, alongside the protection of regional stability and the provision of a mechanism for member countries to resolve differences peacefully.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=978392
The fast progress in communications and transportation had brought benefits to mankind but it has also increased the capability of threat groups to cause greater havoc as they have now become borderless.
This was the rationale behind the ASEAN Defense Senior Officials Meeting held in Cebu from April 5 to 6.
"There is a need for ASEAN defense leaders to regularly meet because the world has become very interconnected due to advancements in communications and transportation," Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said.
With this development, people and goods move around faster and on a bigger scale than ever, he added.
"As a result, various security threats, such as terrorism, illegal drugs, human trafficking, cybercrimes, and disasters now go beyond borders and often need a quick response on an international scale," Lorenzana disclosed to the Philippine News Agency.
And, with these threats around, the DND chief said it is important that the Philippines craft closer defense ties with its neighbors for better coordination.
"Establish mechanism to prevent miscalculations in areas of common maritime concerns, and develop strategies to counter unwelcome superpower advances and their rivalries in the region," he pointed out.
ASEAN is a regional organization composed of 10 Southeast Asian member states which promotes intergovernmental cooperation and facilitates economic integration amongst its members.
Since its formation on Aug. 8 1967 by Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand, the organization's membership has expanded to include Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam.
Its principal aim include accelerating economic growth, social progress, and sociocultural evolution among its members, alongside the protection of regional stability and the provision of a mechanism for member countries to resolve differences peacefully.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=978392
EU hails signing of Interim Joint Ceasefire Agreement
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 7): EU hails signing of Interim Joint Ceasefire Agreement
The European Union (EU) on Friday hailed the Interim Joint Ceasefire Agreement signed by the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDGP) during the 4th round of peace talks in The Netherlands.
In a press statement, EU, that has 28-member states, said it “stands ready to support the implementation of the agreement.”
“This Interim Agreement demonstrates the power of political processes to resolve conflict. It is an encouraging step towards generating goodwill and trust in the peace negotiations, to encourage the forging of a more stable and comprehensive Joint Ceasefire Agreement and to provide an enabling environment for an early signing of a comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms,” the statement said.
On April 5, 2017, the GRP and the NDFP reached an Agreement on an Interim Joint Ceasefire which is to be effective until a permanent ceasefire agreement is forged as part of a Comprehensive Agreement on End of Hostilities and Disposition of Forces.
Both panels tried to break the impasse to move forward hoping to attain long lasting peace and put an end to the almost five-decade insurgency.
This after President Rodrigo Duterte alerted the GRP panel not to push through with the 4th round of talks until after his four conditions were met.
The four conditions were the immediate release of captured police and military personnel, the signing of a bilateral ceasefire agreement; a stop to the alleged extortion activities of rebels; and the non-recognition of any territorial claim made by the communists.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=978467
The European Union (EU) on Friday hailed the Interim Joint Ceasefire Agreement signed by the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDGP) during the 4th round of peace talks in The Netherlands.
In a press statement, EU, that has 28-member states, said it “stands ready to support the implementation of the agreement.”
“This Interim Agreement demonstrates the power of political processes to resolve conflict. It is an encouraging step towards generating goodwill and trust in the peace negotiations, to encourage the forging of a more stable and comprehensive Joint Ceasefire Agreement and to provide an enabling environment for an early signing of a comprehensive Agreement on Social and Economic Reforms,” the statement said.
On April 5, 2017, the GRP and the NDFP reached an Agreement on an Interim Joint Ceasefire which is to be effective until a permanent ceasefire agreement is forged as part of a Comprehensive Agreement on End of Hostilities and Disposition of Forces.
Both panels tried to break the impasse to move forward hoping to attain long lasting peace and put an end to the almost five-decade insurgency.
This after President Rodrigo Duterte alerted the GRP panel not to push through with the 4th round of talks until after his four conditions were met.
The four conditions were the immediate release of captured police and military personnel, the signing of a bilateral ceasefire agreement; a stop to the alleged extortion activities of rebels; and the non-recognition of any territorial claim made by the communists.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=978467
Meetings, engagements key to conflict resolution - Lorenzana
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 7): Meetings, engagements key to conflict resolution - Lorenzana
Had the Europeans calmly talked among themselves, then the bloody conflict known as the First World One would have not happened.
This was stressed by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana during his short address to participants in the ASEAN Defense Senior Officials Meeting held in Cebu this week.
"A hundred years ago, countries in Europe went to war without thinking of the consequences. The end result (is the First World War and its horrendous casualties). If people talked more like, we are doing now, they could have prevented that," he added.
Lorenzana was referring to constant engagement between defense and civilian stakeholders of the ASEAN member states.
"We aim to improve our work in the process and find ways to address future challenges in the most efficient and effective way possible," the defense official stressed.
Lorenzana said close cooperation between ASEAN members is urgently needed as the world has now turned into a global community thus good relationships are needed for the betterment of everyone.
"We have to develop relationships because that is the only way we can progress ourselves," he added.
The First World War or or the War to End All Wars, was a global war that originated in Europe from July 28, 1914 to Nov. 11, 1918.
More than 70 million military personnel, including 60 million Europeans, were mobilized in one of the largest wars in history.
Over nine million combatants and seven million civilians died as a result of the war.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=978443
Had the Europeans calmly talked among themselves, then the bloody conflict known as the First World One would have not happened.
This was stressed by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana during his short address to participants in the ASEAN Defense Senior Officials Meeting held in Cebu this week.
"A hundred years ago, countries in Europe went to war without thinking of the consequences. The end result (is the First World War and its horrendous casualties). If people talked more like, we are doing now, they could have prevented that," he added.
Lorenzana was referring to constant engagement between defense and civilian stakeholders of the ASEAN member states.
"We aim to improve our work in the process and find ways to address future challenges in the most efficient and effective way possible," the defense official stressed.
Lorenzana said close cooperation between ASEAN members is urgently needed as the world has now turned into a global community thus good relationships are needed for the betterment of everyone.
"We have to develop relationships because that is the only way we can progress ourselves," he added.
The First World War or or the War to End All Wars, was a global war that originated in Europe from July 28, 1914 to Nov. 11, 1918.
More than 70 million military personnel, including 60 million Europeans, were mobilized in one of the largest wars in history.
Over nine million combatants and seven million civilians died as a result of the war.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=978443
U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires to launch Lights for All Project
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 7): U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires to launch Lights for All Project
U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Michael S. Klecheski will launch Monday the Lights for All Project at Taguig National High School and help assemble 100 solar-powered lamps with 120 scholars and alumni of the U.S. Embassy’s English Access Microscholarship Program.
The Lights for All Project, funded by the United States government and in partnership with MyShelter Foundation, Inc., will assemble and subsequently donate a total of 1,100 solar-powered lamps to communities in conflict-affected and disaster-prone areas throughout the Philippines.
The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines will also donate 15 large solar-powered lights to a community baseball field in Upi, Maguindanao.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=978663
U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. Michael S. Klecheski will launch Monday the Lights for All Project at Taguig National High School and help assemble 100 solar-powered lamps with 120 scholars and alumni of the U.S. Embassy’s English Access Microscholarship Program.
The Lights for All Project, funded by the United States government and in partnership with MyShelter Foundation, Inc., will assemble and subsequently donate a total of 1,100 solar-powered lamps to communities in conflict-affected and disaster-prone areas throughout the Philippines.
The U.S. Embassy in the Philippines will also donate 15 large solar-powered lights to a community baseball field in Upi, Maguindanao.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=978663
PRRD awards wounded personnel medallion to 28 soldiers in Sulu
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 7): PRRD awards wounded personnel medallion to 28 soldiers in Sulu
President Rodrigo Duterte today (Friday) awarded the Wounded Personnel Medallion (WPM) to 28 soldiers of the 41st Infantry Battalion (41st IB) who were wounded-in-action (WIA) after a three-hour crossfire with members of rebel group, Abu Sayyaf.
At Camp Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital, where two officers and 26 enlisted personnel are currently admitted, Duterte personally pinned the WPM, commending the men’s bravery in service of the country.
The soldiers also received cash assistance, a firearm and a mobile phone for their personal use.
“I am impressed by your performance here. Haping-happy ako,” Duterte told members of the 41st IB during a speech at the Camp Teodulfo Bautista covered court, where he was presented with 62 recovered firearms.
He also promised the construction of housing projects for members of the military and the distribution of Gloc caliber 45 model 30 guns to each soldier to ensure their safety outside of camps. This he promised to deliver by the end of the year.
“Lahat ng maitulong ko sa inyo, ibibigay ko. Yung housing na inagaw ng mga mahirap lang rin, hayaan na ninyo ‘yan. Gawaan ko kayo ng bago at yung mas maganda,” Duterte said.
Duterte also said that his administration is in talks with Nur Misuari, leader of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), as well leaders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to help in the pursuit of peace in the country.
“Nur Misuari is talking to me sabi nya konting panahon lang kasi ina-assemble n'ya yung mga tauhan n'ya dito,” Duterte said. “Wala na sana tayong problema, except yung droga pati yung terorismo.”
But while he extends a hand of peaceful cooperation with other rebel groups, Duterte reiterates his tough stand against Abu Sayyaf and terrorism.
“Dito [terrorism] walang atrasan ‘to, pati sa droga. Masisira ang bayan natin dito. Wala tayong makukuha sa kanila [Abu Sayyaf] na ano,” he said. “They would not honor kahit anong klaseng usapan. Gusto lang nila patay, patay, patay, patay. Yun lang ang alam nila. Eh ‘di ubusin natin sila eh.”
On the other hand, Duterte said he has invited CPP-NPA-NDF founder, Joma Sison, to return to the Philippines to full medical treatment and assistance, following the revolutionary group’s call to resume peace talks with the government.
“Ngayon sila ang nakikiusap, alam n'yo bakit? Sison is sick, very sick,” he said. “I offered him, sabi ko, umuwi ka ako mag bayad ng hospital mo. Walang problema sa amin. Pilipino rin tayo pero pagpatuloy natin yung usapan. We have to have peace.”
“Alam ko mabigat sa loob ninyo, kasama ninyo namatay,” Duterte told the 41st IB soldiers. “But you know, we cannot fight another 50 years.”
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=978581
President Rodrigo Duterte today (Friday) awarded the Wounded Personnel Medallion (WPM) to 28 soldiers of the 41st Infantry Battalion (41st IB) who were wounded-in-action (WIA) after a three-hour crossfire with members of rebel group, Abu Sayyaf.
At Camp Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital, where two officers and 26 enlisted personnel are currently admitted, Duterte personally pinned the WPM, commending the men’s bravery in service of the country.
The soldiers also received cash assistance, a firearm and a mobile phone for their personal use.
“I am impressed by your performance here. Haping-happy ako,” Duterte told members of the 41st IB during a speech at the Camp Teodulfo Bautista covered court, where he was presented with 62 recovered firearms.
He also promised the construction of housing projects for members of the military and the distribution of Gloc caliber 45 model 30 guns to each soldier to ensure their safety outside of camps. This he promised to deliver by the end of the year.
“Lahat ng maitulong ko sa inyo, ibibigay ko. Yung housing na inagaw ng mga mahirap lang rin, hayaan na ninyo ‘yan. Gawaan ko kayo ng bago at yung mas maganda,” Duterte said.
Duterte also said that his administration is in talks with Nur Misuari, leader of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), as well leaders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to help in the pursuit of peace in the country.
“Nur Misuari is talking to me sabi nya konting panahon lang kasi ina-assemble n'ya yung mga tauhan n'ya dito,” Duterte said. “Wala na sana tayong problema, except yung droga pati yung terorismo.”
But while he extends a hand of peaceful cooperation with other rebel groups, Duterte reiterates his tough stand against Abu Sayyaf and terrorism.
“Dito [terrorism] walang atrasan ‘to, pati sa droga. Masisira ang bayan natin dito. Wala tayong makukuha sa kanila [Abu Sayyaf] na ano,” he said. “They would not honor kahit anong klaseng usapan. Gusto lang nila patay, patay, patay, patay. Yun lang ang alam nila. Eh ‘di ubusin natin sila eh.”
On the other hand, Duterte said he has invited CPP-NPA-NDF founder, Joma Sison, to return to the Philippines to full medical treatment and assistance, following the revolutionary group’s call to resume peace talks with the government.
“Ngayon sila ang nakikiusap, alam n'yo bakit? Sison is sick, very sick,” he said. “I offered him, sabi ko, umuwi ka ako mag bayad ng hospital mo. Walang problema sa amin. Pilipino rin tayo pero pagpatuloy natin yung usapan. We have to have peace.”
“Alam ko mabigat sa loob ninyo, kasama ninyo namatay,” Duterte told the 41st IB soldiers. “But you know, we cannot fight another 50 years.”
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=978581
Honasan supports Duterte's pitch to raise PHL flag in Pag-asa Island
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 7): Honasan supports Duterte's pitch to raise PHL flag in Pag-asa Island
Sen. Gringo Honasan on Friday said that he supports the pitch of Pres. Rodrigo Duterte to raise the Philippine flag in Pag-asa Island on Independence Day (June 12) to assert the country's sovereign rights in the disputed area.
Pag-asa Island is the seat of government of Kalayaan municipality, where there are over 200 residents.
Pres. Duterte first made the pitch to raise the Philippine flag during his visit to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in the Western Command (WESCOM) in Palawan on Thursday.
"We have to maintain our jurisdiction in the areas we claim," Pres. Duterte said, stressing that the Philippines tries to be friends with other claimant countries in the disputed region.
Honasan, on his official Twitter account, said that there is nothing unconstitutional about the President’s plan.
“There’s nothing immoral or unconstitutional with raising the Philippine flag on Philippine territory and for our elected Pres. Rody Duterte to visit any part of the Philippines,” Honasan said via Twitter.
He pointed out there is no argument over being constitutionally bound since the island the President would be raising the flag is Philippine territory.
“There is no argument over what we are constitutionally bound to do over something that is already ours. It is procedural. And if necessary… “mamatay nang dahil sayo,” he added.
Aside from raising the Philippine flag in Pag-asa Island, the President has ordered the AFP to occupy islands being claimed by the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea and make its presence there strong to ensure the safety of Filipino fishermen and residents of Pag-asa Island.
The President also wanted to rename Benham Rise to Philippine Ridge to "officially" claim it.
This after the Department of National Defense (DND) reported a Chinese survey ship was seen plying the waters of Benham Rise for around three months last year.
Chinese Embassy, however, denied that it intentionally sailed to Benham Rise as the ship simply passed by the area noting that they had the right of freedom of navigation.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=978613
Sen. Gringo Honasan on Friday said that he supports the pitch of Pres. Rodrigo Duterte to raise the Philippine flag in Pag-asa Island on Independence Day (June 12) to assert the country's sovereign rights in the disputed area.
Pag-asa Island is the seat of government of Kalayaan municipality, where there are over 200 residents.
Pres. Duterte first made the pitch to raise the Philippine flag during his visit to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in the Western Command (WESCOM) in Palawan on Thursday.
"We have to maintain our jurisdiction in the areas we claim," Pres. Duterte said, stressing that the Philippines tries to be friends with other claimant countries in the disputed region.
Honasan, on his official Twitter account, said that there is nothing unconstitutional about the President’s plan.
“There’s nothing immoral or unconstitutional with raising the Philippine flag on Philippine territory and for our elected Pres. Rody Duterte to visit any part of the Philippines,” Honasan said via Twitter.
He pointed out there is no argument over being constitutionally bound since the island the President would be raising the flag is Philippine territory.
“There is no argument over what we are constitutionally bound to do over something that is already ours. It is procedural. And if necessary… “mamatay nang dahil sayo,” he added.
Aside from raising the Philippine flag in Pag-asa Island, the President has ordered the AFP to occupy islands being claimed by the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea and make its presence there strong to ensure the safety of Filipino fishermen and residents of Pag-asa Island.
The President also wanted to rename Benham Rise to Philippine Ridge to "officially" claim it.
This after the Department of National Defense (DND) reported a Chinese survey ship was seen plying the waters of Benham Rise for around three months last year.
Chinese Embassy, however, denied that it intentionally sailed to Benham Rise as the ship simply passed by the area noting that they had the right of freedom of navigation.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=978613
AFP, partner agencies capable of limited response to CBRN incidents
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 7): AFP, partner agencies capable of limited response to CBRN incidents
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and its partner agencies are capable of dealing with chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) attack -- albeit in a limited manner.
This was the response of AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla when asked about the country's capability in dealing with CBRN attack in wake of the chemical strike that killed and injured dozens of people in Syria.
"The government through some of its agencies are ready to meet it (CBRN threat) on a limited scale, these agencies include the Bureau of Fire and Protection (BFP), the Department of Health (DOH), the AFP to name a few, and this capability we need to build up some more because of these kinds of incidents," he said.
Padilla, hbowever, said the AFP's current capability to respond to CBRN threats is enough to respond to any threat of this nature with the help of the BFP and DOH.
A typical approach in dealing with CBRN incidents include identifying the target area, isolating it to prevent further incidents of contamination, deploying assets capable of neutralizing or containing the threats, he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=978434
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and its partner agencies are capable of dealing with chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear (CBRN) attack -- albeit in a limited manner.
This was the response of AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla when asked about the country's capability in dealing with CBRN attack in wake of the chemical strike that killed and injured dozens of people in Syria.
"The government through some of its agencies are ready to meet it (CBRN threat) on a limited scale, these agencies include the Bureau of Fire and Protection (BFP), the Department of Health (DOH), the AFP to name a few, and this capability we need to build up some more because of these kinds of incidents," he said.
Padilla, hbowever, said the AFP's current capability to respond to CBRN threats is enough to respond to any threat of this nature with the help of the BFP and DOH.
A typical approach in dealing with CBRN incidents include identifying the target area, isolating it to prevent further incidents of contamination, deploying assets capable of neutralizing or containing the threats, he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=978434
AFP to carry out President Duterte's order calling for occupation of PHL-owned features in Spratlys
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 7): AFP to carry out President Duterte's order calling for occupation of PHL-owned features in Spratlys
The military announced it is prepared to carry out President Rodrigo Duterte's order to occupy Philippine-owned features in the Spratlys Island Chain.
This was confirmed by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo Año on Friday.
"That's an order from the President and I intend to carry that out. Those features (in the Spratlys Island Chain) are ours as per Arbitration Ruling, so we don't see any problem," he said in Filipino.
Año also said that all eight islands in the Spratlys under Philippine jurisdiction, and Ayungin Reef, are already occupied by Filipino troops.
"We will reinforce our troops and improve the structures and facilities there," the AFP chief added
Año said areas that will be occupied by Philippine troops include submerged lands or rocks but the country will need to set up structures for this.
"I can not give you the numbers and location for security reasons," he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=978592
The military announced it is prepared to carry out President Rodrigo Duterte's order to occupy Philippine-owned features in the Spratlys Island Chain.
This was confirmed by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo Año on Friday.
"That's an order from the President and I intend to carry that out. Those features (in the Spratlys Island Chain) are ours as per Arbitration Ruling, so we don't see any problem," he said in Filipino.
Año also said that all eight islands in the Spratlys under Philippine jurisdiction, and Ayungin Reef, are already occupied by Filipino troops.
"We will reinforce our troops and improve the structures and facilities there," the AFP chief added
Año said areas that will be occupied by Philippine troops include submerged lands or rocks but the country will need to set up structures for this.
"I can not give you the numbers and location for security reasons," he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=978592
Report on positive developments in Mindanao caps Washington forum
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 7): Report on positive developments in Mindanao caps Washington forum
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday said Governor Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) capped a two-week focus by the Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C. on peace and development in the southern Philippines, with a forum on Muslim Mindanao and the Duterte Administration at the Embassy’s Romulo Hall on April 6, 2017.
In a statement, the DFA said in his presentation, Governor Hataman described the modern-day Mindanao to an audience composed of US government officials, corporate executives, academics, researchers, students and Filipino-Americans.
He described to the Filipino community how the Bangsamoro struggle evolved, and the steps taken by the Philippine Government towards peace in Muslim Mindanao. He presented the ARMM initiatives following its three pillars of reform and discussed the current Administration’s six-point peace and development agenda in the ARMM and the southern Philippines as a whole, the DFA statement said.
“These positive developments in the peace process are necessary in order to address the perennial issue of underdevelopment and respond to the threat brought about by the existence of terrorist and extremist groups. This will surely usher in the realization of the aspirations of those who sacrificed their lives to gain peace and progress in the Bangsamoro areas, the whole Mindanao and the entire Philippines,” Hataman explained.
Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C. reported that the governor’s visit to the US capital followed an investment mission led by Director General Charito B. Plaza, Philippine Economic Zone Authority, and Executive Director Aleem Siddiqui Guiapal, Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao-Regional Economic Zone Authority, which highlighted the current transformation at PEZA and the investment opportunities in Mindanao, including the ARMM, from 27-29 March 2017.
In the open forum that followed, Hataman fielded questions that touched on counter-terrorism, the role of the United States in Mindanao’s peace and development, Bangsamoro culture and heritage, and the critical importance of an effective healthcare system, among others.
“We hope we have begun a continuing and engaged conversation among relevant stakeholders here in the United States about how to promote more synergies for the genuine development of Mindanao, including the ARMM. We hope that the investment mission last week and the Governor’s talk today delivered a message of hope and optimism for the peace and development of Mindanao,” said Minister Patrick A. Chuasoto, Charge d’Affaires, ad interim of the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C.
The Forum was co-organized by the Embassy and the US-Philippines Society.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=978648
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday said Governor Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) capped a two-week focus by the Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C. on peace and development in the southern Philippines, with a forum on Muslim Mindanao and the Duterte Administration at the Embassy’s Romulo Hall on April 6, 2017.
In a statement, the DFA said in his presentation, Governor Hataman described the modern-day Mindanao to an audience composed of US government officials, corporate executives, academics, researchers, students and Filipino-Americans.
He described to the Filipino community how the Bangsamoro struggle evolved, and the steps taken by the Philippine Government towards peace in Muslim Mindanao. He presented the ARMM initiatives following its three pillars of reform and discussed the current Administration’s six-point peace and development agenda in the ARMM and the southern Philippines as a whole, the DFA statement said.
“These positive developments in the peace process are necessary in order to address the perennial issue of underdevelopment and respond to the threat brought about by the existence of terrorist and extremist groups. This will surely usher in the realization of the aspirations of those who sacrificed their lives to gain peace and progress in the Bangsamoro areas, the whole Mindanao and the entire Philippines,” Hataman explained.
Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C. reported that the governor’s visit to the US capital followed an investment mission led by Director General Charito B. Plaza, Philippine Economic Zone Authority, and Executive Director Aleem Siddiqui Guiapal, Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao-Regional Economic Zone Authority, which highlighted the current transformation at PEZA and the investment opportunities in Mindanao, including the ARMM, from 27-29 March 2017.
In the open forum that followed, Hataman fielded questions that touched on counter-terrorism, the role of the United States in Mindanao’s peace and development, Bangsamoro culture and heritage, and the critical importance of an effective healthcare system, among others.
“We hope we have begun a continuing and engaged conversation among relevant stakeholders here in the United States about how to promote more synergies for the genuine development of Mindanao, including the ARMM. We hope that the investment mission last week and the Governor’s talk today delivered a message of hope and optimism for the peace and development of Mindanao,” said Minister Patrick A. Chuasoto, Charge d’Affaires, ad interim of the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C.
The Forum was co-organized by the Embassy and the US-Philippines Society.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=978648
PNP: We're always in active support of AFP on peace initiatives
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 7): PNP: We're always in active support of AFP on peace initiatives
The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday said they are always in active support of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in so far as peace initiatives are concerned.
"Ever since, we are always in active support of the AFP, sa amin is maintenance of peace and order," said PNP Public Information Office (PIO) chief and spokesman Senior Supt. Dionardo Carlos in a press conference in Camp Crame, Quezon City.
The PNP made the statement following the interim joint ceasefire agreement between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the Communist Party of the Philippines/New People's Army/National Democratic Front (CPP/NPA/NDF).
At the same time, the PNP urged for restraint in the absence of a formal ceasefire between the GRP and the CPP/NPA/NDF.
Carlos said that restraint on both sides would help in the success of the peace process.
He added that they are not conducting "offensive combat operations" like the AFP, since the primary responsibility of the PNP is the maintenance of peace and order.
The PNP official stressed that policemen are just conducting regular patrols to ensure the safety of the citizens but they are not hunting the rebels.
Carlos pointed out that once policemen receive complaints or monitor the presence of armed groups, then that's the time that they become "pro-active" such that it is the duty of the PNP to arrest armed groups.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=978624
The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday said they are always in active support of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in so far as peace initiatives are concerned.
"Ever since, we are always in active support of the AFP, sa amin is maintenance of peace and order," said PNP Public Information Office (PIO) chief and spokesman Senior Supt. Dionardo Carlos in a press conference in Camp Crame, Quezon City.
The PNP made the statement following the interim joint ceasefire agreement between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the Communist Party of the Philippines/New People's Army/National Democratic Front (CPP/NPA/NDF).
At the same time, the PNP urged for restraint in the absence of a formal ceasefire between the GRP and the CPP/NPA/NDF.
Carlos said that restraint on both sides would help in the success of the peace process.
He added that they are not conducting "offensive combat operations" like the AFP, since the primary responsibility of the PNP is the maintenance of peace and order.
The PNP official stressed that policemen are just conducting regular patrols to ensure the safety of the citizens but they are not hunting the rebels.
Carlos pointed out that once policemen receive complaints or monitor the presence of armed groups, then that's the time that they become "pro-active" such that it is the duty of the PNP to arrest armed groups.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=978624
Aguirre to continue probe on terrorist group in PHL
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 7): Aguirre to continue probe on terrorist group in PHL
The Department of Justice (DOJ) will continue its investigation to determine if there are other members of the terrorist group in the country after the arrest of two suspected members of terrorist group Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in Taguig City.
"We are going to continue in partnership with our intelligence units to verify if there are other persons involved," said DOJ Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre III.
Last March 25, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested Husayn Al-Dhafiri, Kuwait citizen; and Rahaf Zina, a Syrian national, who were both active ISIS members.
The two whose arrests stemmed from the deportation request of the Kuwaiti Embassy, are currently detained at the National Bureau Investigation (NBI) while awaiting the finalization of the deportation proceedings against them.
"Baka they wanted to continue briefing or investigating so baka they might be transferred to the custody of the police or military," Aguirre noted.
Based on intelligence reports provided by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the information given by the Kuwaiti government, Al-Dhafiri is a member of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), also known as ISIS.
Al-Dhafiri is allegedly involved in explosives manufacturing and possibly on operational planning against Kuwait, while Rahaf is the widow of the slain Abu Jandal Al-Kuwaiti, who is the number two military commander of the ISIS operating in Syria.
Aguirre said the couple had been in the country since January 28 using working visas which was facilitated by a local company called Q8 Solutions.
Citing verifications made by the BI of Al-Dhafiri's travel records, the DOJ chief noted that the Kuwaiti has been in the Philippines several times in 2016 using a tourist visa.
For his part, BI Commissioner Jaime Morente assured that the bureau is conducting an investigation against the company.
Since their arrival last January, Morente learned during the debriefing of the couple that the couple went to Davao for four days and to Cebu for three days.
During the couple's stay, Morente admitted that it is possible that the two may have met with members of local terror groups like the Maute.
"That is a possibility and that is being investigated by our intelligence service," he assured.
“I think this company (Q8 Solutions) was being investigated by the House (of Representatives) Rep. Joey Salceda in 2016 for illegal recruitment,” the BI chief added.
Salceda last year filed a resolution asking the House of Representatives to conduct an inquiry into the alleged PHP530 million fraud involving the embassy of Kuwait and a private company identified as Mawared Services and Winston Q8 Certification Solutions Inc. handling Kuwait-bound overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
Morente said Al-Dhafiri would be deported to Kuwait while Zina would be deported to Qatar since it was her last known location before she arrived in the country.
“A note verbale was submitted by the Kuwait embassy seeking his deportation,” Morente said.
He said they are coordinating with the security services of Kuwait and Qatar for the turnover of the two.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=978643
The Department of Justice (DOJ) will continue its investigation to determine if there are other members of the terrorist group in the country after the arrest of two suspected members of terrorist group Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in Taguig City.
"We are going to continue in partnership with our intelligence units to verify if there are other persons involved," said DOJ Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre III.
Last March 25, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested Husayn Al-Dhafiri, Kuwait citizen; and Rahaf Zina, a Syrian national, who were both active ISIS members.
The two whose arrests stemmed from the deportation request of the Kuwaiti Embassy, are currently detained at the National Bureau Investigation (NBI) while awaiting the finalization of the deportation proceedings against them.
"Baka they wanted to continue briefing or investigating so baka they might be transferred to the custody of the police or military," Aguirre noted.
Based on intelligence reports provided by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the information given by the Kuwaiti government, Al-Dhafiri is a member of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), also known as ISIS.
Al-Dhafiri is allegedly involved in explosives manufacturing and possibly on operational planning against Kuwait, while Rahaf is the widow of the slain Abu Jandal Al-Kuwaiti, who is the number two military commander of the ISIS operating in Syria.
Aguirre said the couple had been in the country since January 28 using working visas which was facilitated by a local company called Q8 Solutions.
Citing verifications made by the BI of Al-Dhafiri's travel records, the DOJ chief noted that the Kuwaiti has been in the Philippines several times in 2016 using a tourist visa.
For his part, BI Commissioner Jaime Morente assured that the bureau is conducting an investigation against the company.
Since their arrival last January, Morente learned during the debriefing of the couple that the couple went to Davao for four days and to Cebu for three days.
During the couple's stay, Morente admitted that it is possible that the two may have met with members of local terror groups like the Maute.
"That is a possibility and that is being investigated by our intelligence service," he assured.
“I think this company (Q8 Solutions) was being investigated by the House (of Representatives) Rep. Joey Salceda in 2016 for illegal recruitment,” the BI chief added.
Salceda last year filed a resolution asking the House of Representatives to conduct an inquiry into the alleged PHP530 million fraud involving the embassy of Kuwait and a private company identified as Mawared Services and Winston Q8 Certification Solutions Inc. handling Kuwait-bound overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).
Morente said Al-Dhafiri would be deported to Kuwait while Zina would be deported to Qatar since it was her last known location before she arrived in the country.
“A note verbale was submitted by the Kuwait embassy seeking his deportation,” Morente said.
He said they are coordinating with the security services of Kuwait and Qatar for the turnover of the two.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=978643
Metro Manila safe after arrest of ISIS couple -- PNP
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 7): Metro Manila safe after arrest of ISIS couple -- PNP
The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday assured that Metro Manila is now safe after the arrest of a Syrian couple suspected to be affiliated with the ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria).
PNP Public Information Office (PIO) chief and spokesman Senior Supt. Dionardo Carlos made the assurance in a press conference in Camp Crame, Quezon City, saying the PNP has deployed more than 75,000 policemen for the Holy Week until Sumvac (Summer Vacation).
"With the deployment of PNP of over 75,000 policemen for Semana Santa (Holy Week) until Sumvac, wala pa naman po tayong nakikitang banta," Carlos said.
He noted the deployment is to secure the safety of travelers for the Lenten Season.
"We (will) reinforce based on available intel information. So far, wala naman po on the part of PNP, wala kaming info pertaining to other persons connected with the two arrested foreign nationals," he said.
Operation Summer Vacation (Sumvac) started Friday until June 13, 2017.
Likewise, the PNP reminded residents to secure their establishments and homes from burglars, especially during the observance of the Holy Week (April 9-16).
Among others, the significant events during the summer vacation are the Araw ng Kagitingan, Holy Week, Labor Day, Fiestas and Flores de Mayo.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=978599
The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday assured that Metro Manila is now safe after the arrest of a Syrian couple suspected to be affiliated with the ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria).
PNP Public Information Office (PIO) chief and spokesman Senior Supt. Dionardo Carlos made the assurance in a press conference in Camp Crame, Quezon City, saying the PNP has deployed more than 75,000 policemen for the Holy Week until Sumvac (Summer Vacation).
"With the deployment of PNP of over 75,000 policemen for Semana Santa (Holy Week) until Sumvac, wala pa naman po tayong nakikitang banta," Carlos said.
He noted the deployment is to secure the safety of travelers for the Lenten Season.
"We (will) reinforce based on available intel information. So far, wala naman po on the part of PNP, wala kaming info pertaining to other persons connected with the two arrested foreign nationals," he said.
Operation Summer Vacation (Sumvac) started Friday until June 13, 2017.
Likewise, the PNP reminded residents to secure their establishments and homes from burglars, especially during the observance of the Holy Week (April 9-16).
Among others, the significant events during the summer vacation are the Araw ng Kagitingan, Holy Week, Labor Day, Fiestas and Flores de Mayo.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=978599
Communist-terrorist tag on NPA remains
From Malaya Business Insight (Apr 6): Communist-terrorist tag on NPA remains
DEFENSE Secretary Delfin Lorenzana yesterday said the defense and military establishment will continue to refer to the New People’s Army as a “communist-terrorist” organization until the group stops its activities like kidnapping, extortion and arson.
“They are indeed communist-terrorists. In fact, other countries have (labeled) them as communist terrorists,” Lorenzana said.
The United States government has included the NPA, and its political wing Communist Party of the Philippines, in its list of foreign terrorist organizations in 2002. It said the NPA has “active urban infrastructure to conduct terrorism and uses city-based assassination squads.”
Lorenzana said the DND and the AFP will continue to call the NPA and its members as communist-terrorists “if they continue to commit terroristic acts like burning, kidnapping, extortion, which are actually the work of terrorists.”
“If they stop these, then we will change that. Maybe we will call them insurgents only or NPA. But if they continue doing all these things, we will not stop calling them terrorists,” added Lorenzana.
Incidentally, government and communist negotiators have earlier agreed to work for the delisting of the CPP and the NPA as a foreign terrorist organization as part of the ongoing peace process.
Lorenzana said the NPA should also stop these kind of atrocities amid the ongoing peace talks. Negotiators from both sides are also crafting a more permanent and binding bilateral or joint ceasefire.
“Does this mean that while they are talking peace, ceasefire, they will continue to burn and extort? I think that’s not right,” said Lorenzana.
Security officials are actually proposing a halt of the the NPA’s extortion activities in the joint ceasefire. The group will not likely to agree to this because extortion, which they call revolutionary tax, is a major fund source.
“How can they be of help if they continue to burn bulldozers, burn buses, banana plantations? it not helping us. Is that helping us? It’s not so they should stop these,” the defense chief added.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/communist-terrorist-tag-npa-remains
DEFENSE Secretary Delfin Lorenzana yesterday said the defense and military establishment will continue to refer to the New People’s Army as a “communist-terrorist” organization until the group stops its activities like kidnapping, extortion and arson.
“They are indeed communist-terrorists. In fact, other countries have (labeled) them as communist terrorists,” Lorenzana said.
The United States government has included the NPA, and its political wing Communist Party of the Philippines, in its list of foreign terrorist organizations in 2002. It said the NPA has “active urban infrastructure to conduct terrorism and uses city-based assassination squads.”
Lorenzana said the DND and the AFP will continue to call the NPA and its members as communist-terrorists “if they continue to commit terroristic acts like burning, kidnapping, extortion, which are actually the work of terrorists.”
“If they stop these, then we will change that. Maybe we will call them insurgents only or NPA. But if they continue doing all these things, we will not stop calling them terrorists,” added Lorenzana.
Incidentally, government and communist negotiators have earlier agreed to work for the delisting of the CPP and the NPA as a foreign terrorist organization as part of the ongoing peace process.
Lorenzana said the NPA should also stop these kind of atrocities amid the ongoing peace talks. Negotiators from both sides are also crafting a more permanent and binding bilateral or joint ceasefire.
“Does this mean that while they are talking peace, ceasefire, they will continue to burn and extort? I think that’s not right,” said Lorenzana.
Security officials are actually proposing a halt of the the NPA’s extortion activities in the joint ceasefire. The group will not likely to agree to this because extortion, which they call revolutionary tax, is a major fund source.
“How can they be of help if they continue to burn bulldozers, burn buses, banana plantations? it not helping us. Is that helping us? It’s not so they should stop these,” the defense chief added.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/communist-terrorist-tag-npa-remains
US Destroyer Makes Port Call in Philippines’ Subic Bay
From The Diplomat (Apr 4): US Destroyer Makes Port Call in Philippines’ Subic Bay
Move indicates continuing military links between the two allies in spite of what the rhetoric may suggest.
Over the weekend, a U.S. destroyer arrived in the Philippines for a brief port call in a sign of the continuing military links between the two countries in spite of the rough patch under Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte (See: “Will Duterte End the US-Philippine Military Alliance?”).
Despite the sensationalist headlines that Duterte’s rhetoric on the United States have generated, so far the reality is that even though some aspects of U.S.-Philippine military ties have been downgraded, major agreements, exercises, and arrangements have remained in place (See: “Where Are US-Philippine Defense Relations Under Duterte?”).
On Saturday, the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) arrived in Subic Bay for a brief port call in yet another indicator that most aspects of the bilateral alliance are proceeding as usual.
According to a statement by the U.S. military, the crew of the USS Fitzgerald, which is part of Destroyer Squadron 15 and part of the U.S. Seventh Fleet based at Yokosuka, Japan, used the stop to conduct minor repairs with the help of Philippine companies.
The statement said the port call “highlights the strong community and military connections between the Philippines and the United States.”
“The United States and Philippines continue to build upon their 70-year history of partnership through defense cooperation, port visits, and military training activities,” the statement added.
Though port calls are quite common between the United States and the Philippines, Fitzgerald also has additional significance within the context of the alliance since it hosted the signing of the Manila Declaration on November 16, 2011, between then-U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert Del Rosario during the 60th anniversary of the U.S.-Philippine Mutual Defense Treaty.
As I have noted previously, of the U.S. Asian security alliances, the U.S.-Philippine Mutual Defense Treaty was actually the first one to be forged and was signed on August 30, 1951, a few days before the one with Australia and New Zealand (ANZUS) was inked on September 1, 1951 (New Zealand was suspended in 1986) (See: “Oldest US Ally in Asia: Thailand or the Philippines?”).
http://thediplomat.com/2017/04/us-destroyer-makes-port-call-in-philippines-subic-bay/
Move indicates continuing military links between the two allies in spite of what the rhetoric may suggest.
Over the weekend, a U.S. destroyer arrived in the Philippines for a brief port call in a sign of the continuing military links between the two countries in spite of the rough patch under Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte (See: “Will Duterte End the US-Philippine Military Alliance?”).
Despite the sensationalist headlines that Duterte’s rhetoric on the United States have generated, so far the reality is that even though some aspects of U.S.-Philippine military ties have been downgraded, major agreements, exercises, and arrangements have remained in place (See: “Where Are US-Philippine Defense Relations Under Duterte?”).
On Saturday, the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Fitzgerald (DDG 62) arrived in Subic Bay for a brief port call in yet another indicator that most aspects of the bilateral alliance are proceeding as usual.
According to a statement by the U.S. military, the crew of the USS Fitzgerald, which is part of Destroyer Squadron 15 and part of the U.S. Seventh Fleet based at Yokosuka, Japan, used the stop to conduct minor repairs with the help of Philippine companies.
The statement said the port call “highlights the strong community and military connections between the Philippines and the United States.”
“The United States and Philippines continue to build upon their 70-year history of partnership through defense cooperation, port visits, and military training activities,” the statement added.
Though port calls are quite common between the United States and the Philippines, Fitzgerald also has additional significance within the context of the alliance since it hosted the signing of the Manila Declaration on November 16, 2011, between then-U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert Del Rosario during the 60th anniversary of the U.S.-Philippine Mutual Defense Treaty.
As I have noted previously, of the U.S. Asian security alliances, the U.S.-Philippine Mutual Defense Treaty was actually the first one to be forged and was signed on August 30, 1951, a few days before the one with Australia and New Zealand (ANZUS) was inked on September 1, 1951 (New Zealand was suspended in 1986) (See: “Oldest US Ally in Asia: Thailand or the Philippines?”).
http://thediplomat.com/2017/04/us-destroyer-makes-port-call-in-philippines-subic-bay/
Soldiers to attend girl's graduation after dad killed in line of duty
From the Philippine Star (Apr 6): Soldiers to attend girl's graduation after dad killed in line of duty
Army Lt. Colonels Harold Cabunoc and Maynard Camarao have adopted the children of Cpl. Tamano Macadatar as their own. Photo Courtesy of 33rd Infantry Battalion
SULTAN KUDARAT, Philippines - A Visayan Army officer will act as foster parent on the graduation rite Friday of a Muslim pupil whose father, a military carpenter, was killed by bandits Tuesday.
Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc, commanding officer of the 33rd Infantry Battalion, will escort the 13-year-old elementary pupil Hafra Macadatar to their graduation ceremony at the Palumbe Elementary School in Lambayong town in Sultan Kudarat.
Her father, Tamano Macadatar, a corporal in the Army’s 524th Engineer Construction Battalion, was killed by a member of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Barangay Tukanalipao in Mamasapano, Maguindanao, where he and his companions were constructing a peace and learning facility for barrio folk.
Cabunoc will be accompanied to the graduation program by Lt. Col. Maynard Camarao, the battalion commander of Macadatar.
“It’s an honor to stand as father of Hafra on the occasion his father, the late Tammy Macadatar, had supposedly prepared for and had wished to attend,” Cabunoc told The STAR.
The child’s mother, Jean, an Ilocano, is employed in Kuwait and could not attend the event.
Macadatar, a skilled construction worker, was a member of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) who was integrated into the Army as part of the MNLF’s peace deal with the government.
His unit was tapped by a non-government organization to help put up a peace center in Barangay Tukanalipao.
He was killed in the project site by a BIFF bandit using a .30 caliber M1 Garand rifle.
The suspect and his eight cohorts, also armed with assault rifles, managed to escape before responding policemen could reach the scene.
More than 7,000 MNLF guerillas were absorbed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police after the group forged a final peace pact with Malacañang on Sept. 2, 1996.
The gruesome murder of the unarmed Macadatar enraged barangay leaders and local officials in Mamasapano.
His superiors had earlier provided his immediate kin with cash assistance and facilitated his burial immediately after he was killed in keeping with Islamic tradition of burying the dead within 24 hoursfrom the time of death.
Cabunoc said Macadatar’s children are entitled to an AFP scholarship program for military dependents killed in line of duty.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2017/04/06/1688277/soldiers-attend-girls-graduation-after-dad-killed-line-duty
Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc, commanding officer of the 33rd Infantry Battalion, will escort the 13-year-old elementary pupil Hafra Macadatar to their graduation ceremony at the Palumbe Elementary School in Lambayong town in Sultan Kudarat.
Cabunoc will be accompanied to the graduation program by Lt. Col. Maynard Camarao, the battalion commander of Macadatar.
“It’s an honor to stand as father of Hafra on the occasion his father, the late Tammy Macadatar, had supposedly prepared for and had wished to attend,” Cabunoc told The STAR.
The child’s mother, Jean, an Ilocano, is employed in Kuwait and could not attend the event.
Macadatar, a skilled construction worker, was a member of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) who was integrated into the Army as part of the MNLF’s peace deal with the government.
His unit was tapped by a non-government organization to help put up a peace center in Barangay Tukanalipao.
He was killed in the project site by a BIFF bandit using a .30 caliber M1 Garand rifle.
The suspect and his eight cohorts, also armed with assault rifles, managed to escape before responding policemen could reach the scene.
More than 7,000 MNLF guerillas were absorbed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police after the group forged a final peace pact with Malacañang on Sept. 2, 1996.
The gruesome murder of the unarmed Macadatar enraged barangay leaders and local officials in Mamasapano.
His superiors had earlier provided his immediate kin with cash assistance and facilitated his burial immediately after he was killed in keeping with Islamic tradition of burying the dead within 24 hoursfrom the time of death.
Cabunoc said Macadatar’s children are entitled to an AFP scholarship program for military dependents killed in line of duty.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2017/04/06/1688277/soldiers-attend-girls-graduation-after-dad-killed-line-duty
BI officers nab 2 suspected ISIS members
From ABS-CBN (Apr 6): BI officers nab 2 suspected ISIS members
(UPDATED) - Two foreigners suspected to be members of the terror-linked Islamic State were arrested in Taguig City more than a week ago, Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II announced Thursday afternoon.
The arrest for the first time confirmed earlier suspicion that the militant group, responsible for deadly attacks in key cities around the world, had reached the Philippines.
In a press conference, Aguirre presented to the media suspected ISIS members Husayn Al-Dhafiri, a Kuwaiti national, and Rahaf Zina, a Syrian national. Zina claims to be the wife of Al-Dhafiri.
Bureau of Immigration officials arrested the two on Mar. 25 on 28th Street at the upscale Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.
The suspects are now under the custody of the National Bureau of Investigation.
Intelligence reports from the Armed Forces of the Philippines showed that Al-Dhafiri has been involved in explosives manufacturing and was possibly on "operational planning against Kuwait," Aguirre said.
Al-Dhafiri "has links to terrorism and is believed to pose a threat to the national security of the Philippines," Aguirre said, citing information from the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
He is known to have used aliases the aliases Warsh Al-Kuwaiti and Abu Muslim Al-Kuwaiti.
Aguirre said the BI's Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines conducted the operations based on FBI intelligence.
BI Commissioner Jaime Morente meanwhile said he has received reports that the two suspects traveled to Cebu and Davao in January this year, where they had stayed for three and four days respectively.
He added that the two suspects made "many" trips to the Philippines in 2016, and that the Kuwaiti government had cancelled Al-Dhafiri's passport.
Morente said the two suspects used the earlier mentioned names in their passports when they entered the Philippines. The names were not on a lookout bulletin at the time of their entry, Morente added.
The two suspects failed to present any immigration document during verification at the BI Main Office, Aguirre said.
The justice chief said the two will be charged on the basis of immigration laws as they are not properly documented. Deportation procedures will then follow according to Aguirre.
The female suspect was brought to a hospital following the arrest for medical examination as she claimed that she is pregnant.
http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/06/17/bi-officers-nab-2-suspected-isis-members
(UPDATED) - Two foreigners suspected to be members of the terror-linked Islamic State were arrested in Taguig City more than a week ago, Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II announced Thursday afternoon.
The arrest for the first time confirmed earlier suspicion that the militant group, responsible for deadly attacks in key cities around the world, had reached the Philippines.
In a press conference, Aguirre presented to the media suspected ISIS members Husayn Al-Dhafiri, a Kuwaiti national, and Rahaf Zina, a Syrian national. Zina claims to be the wife of Al-Dhafiri.
Bureau of Immigration officials arrested the two on Mar. 25 on 28th Street at the upscale Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.
The suspects are now under the custody of the National Bureau of Investigation.
Intelligence reports from the Armed Forces of the Philippines showed that Al-Dhafiri has been involved in explosives manufacturing and was possibly on "operational planning against Kuwait," Aguirre said.
Al-Dhafiri "has links to terrorism and is believed to pose a threat to the national security of the Philippines," Aguirre said, citing information from the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
He is known to have used aliases the aliases Warsh Al-Kuwaiti and Abu Muslim Al-Kuwaiti.
Aguirre said the BI's Fugitive Search Unit (FSU) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines conducted the operations based on FBI intelligence.
BI Commissioner Jaime Morente meanwhile said he has received reports that the two suspects traveled to Cebu and Davao in January this year, where they had stayed for three and four days respectively.
He added that the two suspects made "many" trips to the Philippines in 2016, and that the Kuwaiti government had cancelled Al-Dhafiri's passport.
Morente said the two suspects used the earlier mentioned names in their passports when they entered the Philippines. The names were not on a lookout bulletin at the time of their entry, Morente added.
The two suspects failed to present any immigration document during verification at the BI Main Office, Aguirre said.
The justice chief said the two will be charged on the basis of immigration laws as they are not properly documented. Deportation procedures will then follow according to Aguirre.
The female suspect was brought to a hospital following the arrest for medical examination as she claimed that she is pregnant.
http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/04/06/17/bi-officers-nab-2-suspected-isis-members
USPACOM ASBBC collects blood for Balikatan exercise in the Philippines
From the Defense Video Imagery Distribution System (Apr 4): USPACOM ASBBC collects blood for Balikatan exercise in the Philippines
Photo By Lance Cpl. Danielle Prentice | A technician draws blood April 3 at the Armed Services Blood Bank Center aboard Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan. The ASBBC is hosting blood drives for Exercise Balikatan in the Philippines. “Balikatan” is a Filipino term that means shoulder-to-shoulder, focusing on the partnership between the two nations. During Exercise Balikatan, Philippine and U.S. service members perform humanitarian assistance projects and tactical-level counter terrorism subject matter expert exchanges throughout the Philippines. Military medical personnel will offer free medical, dental and veterinary care.
CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, Japan -- Having blood on hand is very important during training with live ammunition, especially when held in remote locations where hospitals are out of immediate reach.
The U.S. Pacific Command Armed Services Blood Bank Center is hosting blood drives across Okinawa the first three weeks of April for this year’s Exercise Balikatan in the Philippines.
“This blood is being collected mostly as a contingency plan,” said Navy Lt. Jeffrey Hebert, director of the USPACOM ABBC. “Any exercises where they’re doing something dangerous, have live fire or any weapons discharging, they want to have blood on hand to be able to save lives or stop injuries.”
During Exercise Balikatan, Philippine and U.S. service members perform humanitarian assistance projects and tactical-level counter terrorism subject matter expert exchanges throughout the Philippines. Military medical personnel will offer free medical, dental and veterinary care.
“One successful donation has the potential to save three lives,” said Hebert.
Donated blood is delivered as quickly as possible to the locations of the exercises because it is only good for 42 days after it is collected, according to Hebert.
“For Balikatan, we will be shipping to six different locations, with some units being hand-carried and pre-positioned on a ship,” said Hebert. “This week's collection will be shipped out in approximately two weeks, after we have had time to complete Transfusion Transmitted Disease testing and guarantee a safe product.”
The USPACOM ASBBC is also supporting other upcoming exercises, such as Marine Rotational Force-Darwin, Pacific Pathways, Talisman Strike, and Tiger Balm 2017.
“The USPACOM ASBBC is the only source of blood for all military service members stationed on Okinawa, mainland Japan, and in support of special missions and exercises in the region. We support the blood requirements of USNH Okinawa, USNH Yokosuka, Yokota Air Base, Misawa Air Base, and Branch Health Clinic Diego Garcia,” said Hebert.
There are many things that can prevent someone from being able to donate. Some of those things aren’t always thought of by potential donors, which is why a short screening process is done before they are allowed to donate.
Certain locations that service members are stationed or deployed to could differ them from being an eligible donor. Those locations include Afghanistan, North Korea and Europe. Afghanistan and North Korea can differ someone for two years. Europe can differ someone indefinitely depending on where they travelled and how long they were there, according to Hebert.
The USPACOM ASBBC is accepting all blood types, but specifically for Exercise Balikatan they are looking for O negative and O positive.
Potential donors can visit the website, http://www.militaryblood.dod.mil/, or call the ASBBC aboard Camp Foster at the DSN 646-9939, to check their eligibility.
https://www.dvidshub.net/news/229228/uspacom-asbbc-collects-blood-balikatan-exercise-philippines
Photo By Lance Cpl. Danielle Prentice | A technician draws blood April 3 at the Armed Services Blood Bank Center aboard Camp Foster, Okinawa, Japan. The ASBBC is hosting blood drives for Exercise Balikatan in the Philippines. “Balikatan” is a Filipino term that means shoulder-to-shoulder, focusing on the partnership between the two nations. During Exercise Balikatan, Philippine and U.S. service members perform humanitarian assistance projects and tactical-level counter terrorism subject matter expert exchanges throughout the Philippines. Military medical personnel will offer free medical, dental and veterinary care.
CAMP FOSTER, OKINAWA, Japan -- Having blood on hand is very important during training with live ammunition, especially when held in remote locations where hospitals are out of immediate reach.
The U.S. Pacific Command Armed Services Blood Bank Center is hosting blood drives across Okinawa the first three weeks of April for this year’s Exercise Balikatan in the Philippines.
“This blood is being collected mostly as a contingency plan,” said Navy Lt. Jeffrey Hebert, director of the USPACOM ABBC. “Any exercises where they’re doing something dangerous, have live fire or any weapons discharging, they want to have blood on hand to be able to save lives or stop injuries.”
During Exercise Balikatan, Philippine and U.S. service members perform humanitarian assistance projects and tactical-level counter terrorism subject matter expert exchanges throughout the Philippines. Military medical personnel will offer free medical, dental and veterinary care.
“One successful donation has the potential to save three lives,” said Hebert.
Donated blood is delivered as quickly as possible to the locations of the exercises because it is only good for 42 days after it is collected, according to Hebert.
“For Balikatan, we will be shipping to six different locations, with some units being hand-carried and pre-positioned on a ship,” said Hebert. “This week's collection will be shipped out in approximately two weeks, after we have had time to complete Transfusion Transmitted Disease testing and guarantee a safe product.”
The USPACOM ASBBC is also supporting other upcoming exercises, such as Marine Rotational Force-Darwin, Pacific Pathways, Talisman Strike, and Tiger Balm 2017.
“The USPACOM ASBBC is the only source of blood for all military service members stationed on Okinawa, mainland Japan, and in support of special missions and exercises in the region. We support the blood requirements of USNH Okinawa, USNH Yokosuka, Yokota Air Base, Misawa Air Base, and Branch Health Clinic Diego Garcia,” said Hebert.
There are many things that can prevent someone from being able to donate. Some of those things aren’t always thought of by potential donors, which is why a short screening process is done before they are allowed to donate.
Certain locations that service members are stationed or deployed to could differ them from being an eligible donor. Those locations include Afghanistan, North Korea and Europe. Afghanistan and North Korea can differ someone for two years. Europe can differ someone indefinitely depending on where they travelled and how long they were there, according to Hebert.
The USPACOM ASBBC is accepting all blood types, but specifically for Exercise Balikatan they are looking for O negative and O positive.
Potential donors can visit the website, http://www.militaryblood.dod.mil/, or call the ASBBC aboard Camp Foster at the DSN 646-9939, to check their eligibility.
https://www.dvidshub.net/news/229228/uspacom-asbbc-collects-blood-balikatan-exercise-philippines
Peace pact with MILF closer to fruition than with Reds: peace exec
From ABS-CBN (Apr 6): Peace pact with MILF closer to fruition than with Reds: peace exec
[Video]
A senior official of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process believes the peace talks with Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will more likely bear fruit in the near future than the one with the communist rebels.
"I believe peace talks with MILF [is closer to fruition]. That’s closer because we have an agreement already, the comprehensive agreement that we signed in March 2014," Undersecretary Nabil Tan told ANC's Headstart on Thursday.
"While with the CPP-NPA-NDF, there are three substantive agenda which are kind of difficult but there is hope for that to come out even though it’s a challenging task," he added.
http://news.abs-cbn.com/video/news/04/06/17/peace-pact-with-milf-closer-to-fruition-than-with-reds-peace-exec
[Video]
A senior official of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process believes the peace talks with Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will more likely bear fruit in the near future than the one with the communist rebels.
"I believe peace talks with MILF [is closer to fruition]. That’s closer because we have an agreement already, the comprehensive agreement that we signed in March 2014," Undersecretary Nabil Tan told ANC's Headstart on Thursday.
"While with the CPP-NPA-NDF, there are three substantive agenda which are kind of difficult but there is hope for that to come out even though it’s a challenging task," he added.
http://news.abs-cbn.com/video/news/04/06/17/peace-pact-with-milf-closer-to-fruition-than-with-reds-peace-exec
Military official’s attacks vs NPA ‘poison’ ongoing talks – NDFP
From the often pro-CPP online publication the Davao Today (Apr 6): Military official’s attacks vs NPA ‘poison’ ongoing talks – NDFP
Negotiators from the National Democratic Front of the Philippines and the government is back on the table from April 2 to 6 in Noordwijk, the Netherlands after the termination of the peace talks last February 4, 2017. The peace panels discuss the agenda on ceasefire and the substantive agenda on social and economic reforms. (Zea Io Ming C. Capistrano/davaotoday.com)
The National Democratic Front of the Philippines believes the statements of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ chief, Gen. Eduardo Año do not bode well for the efforts of the two Parties here in negotiating for peace.
NDFP media officer Dan Borjal described Año’s statement as “poisoning the atmosphere of the ongoing talks.”
“While the GRP and NDFP panels are trying to negotiate peace, the militarists in the GRP are only talking about war,” Borjal said.
Ahead of the supposed opening of the peace negotiations here on April 2, Año issued a statement urging the public to condemn the alleged extortion and violent activities of the “communist terrorist”
“While the GRP and NDFP panels are trying to negotiate peace, the militarists in the GRP are only talking about war,” Borjal said.
Ahead of the supposed opening of the peace negotiations here on April 2, Año issued a statement urging the public to condemn the alleged extortion and violent activities of the “communist terrorist”
Año said “national growth has been impeded by the acts of masquerading ideologues who have degenerated into plain terrorists and extortionists.”
He said since resumption of hostilities with the NPA, the AFP has recorded more than 60 incidents of arson related to the NPA’s collection of revolutionary taxes.
The AFP has launched 104 operations from February 4 until March 31, following Duterte’s order to terminate the talks with the communists.
We now see the concrete manifestation of the evil in our society that has been a major cause of underdevelopment, the anti-development and anti-people activities of the NPA. We must join hands and collectively work to end all these so we can protect change for the better,” he said.
Upside down
Borjal slammed Año’s claim that the NPA is anti-development saying that the AFP general is turning the truth “upside down.”
He said since resumption of hostilities with the NPA, the AFP has recorded more than 60 incidents of arson related to the NPA’s collection of revolutionary taxes.
The AFP has launched 104 operations from February 4 until March 31, following Duterte’s order to terminate the talks with the communists.
We now see the concrete manifestation of the evil in our society that has been a major cause of underdevelopment, the anti-development and anti-people activities of the NPA. We must join hands and collectively work to end all these so we can protect change for the better,” he said.
Upside down
Borjal slammed Año’s claim that the NPA is anti-development saying that the AFP general is turning the truth “upside down.”
He said the NPA has been engaged in socio-economic programs in areas it controls precisely because of the neglect and indifference of successive governments in addressing the need for basic social services.
“The NPA carries out programs in health, literacy and improving the living standards of the people through production and marketing cooperatives. This is where much of the proceeds from revolutionary taxation are spent, unlike the GRP where tax money is eaten up by corruption,” Borjal said.
Borjal said farmers in the countryside consider the NPA as “the army of the poor, while the AFP is the army of the landlords, land grabbers and other exploiters.”
The Communist Party of the Philippines in an earlier statement said the militarist approach of the Army is aimed at preventing the peace negotiations from moving forward to resolve socio-economic issues, particularly land reform and national industrialization.
“They are bent on keeping the Philippines as an exclusive dominion of US imperialism, preventing it from exercising an independent foreign policy to engage in economic, diplomatic and military relations with other countries,” the CPP said as they refer to AFP top officials Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, National Security Adviser, Hermogenes Esperon, and Año as “US stooges.”
“(They) are acting in behalf of US imperialism, in seeking to derail the NDFP-GRP peace negotiations with the long-term aim of keeping the country in a perpetual state of economic backwardness, people’s unrest and civil war,” the CPP said.
“The NPA carries out programs in health, literacy and improving the living standards of the people through production and marketing cooperatives. This is where much of the proceeds from revolutionary taxation are spent, unlike the GRP where tax money is eaten up by corruption,” Borjal said.
Borjal said farmers in the countryside consider the NPA as “the army of the poor, while the AFP is the army of the landlords, land grabbers and other exploiters.”
The Communist Party of the Philippines in an earlier statement said the militarist approach of the Army is aimed at preventing the peace negotiations from moving forward to resolve socio-economic issues, particularly land reform and national industrialization.
“They are bent on keeping the Philippines as an exclusive dominion of US imperialism, preventing it from exercising an independent foreign policy to engage in economic, diplomatic and military relations with other countries,” the CPP said as they refer to AFP top officials Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, National Security Adviser, Hermogenes Esperon, and Año as “US stooges.”
“(They) are acting in behalf of US imperialism, in seeking to derail the NDFP-GRP peace negotiations with the long-term aim of keeping the country in a perpetual state of economic backwardness, people’s unrest and civil war,” the CPP said.
Duterte: Joma is ‘very sick’
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Apr 7): Duterte: Joma is ‘very sick’
President Duterte said Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founding chair Jose Maria Sison was “very sick” and would be allowed to return to the Philippines for treatment and live as a free man.
Mr. Duterte on Wednesday said he had told government peace negotiators holding talks with representatives of the communist-led National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) in the Netherlands to tell Sison that the government would not put him behind bars.
“I said, ‘You tell Sison, because he’s sick, very sick, he can come home.’ I’ll give him freedom of movement. I will not arrest him. I’ll even pay for his hospitalization,” Mr. Duterte said in a speech to a gathering of the Prosecutors’ League of the Philippines in Clark, Pampanga province.
A Philippine government broadcaster in the Netherlands who covered the talks and the signing of an agreement to forge a joint interim ceasefire noted that Sison appeared sick and immediately left after signing the document as a consultant to the NDFP in the talks.
President Duterte said Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founding chair Jose Maria Sison was “very sick” and would be allowed to return to the Philippines for treatment and live as a free man.
Mr. Duterte on Wednesday said he had told government peace negotiators holding talks with representatives of the communist-led National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) in the Netherlands to tell Sison that the government would not put him behind bars.
“I said, ‘You tell Sison, because he’s sick, very sick, he can come home.’ I’ll give him freedom of movement. I will not arrest him. I’ll even pay for his hospitalization,” Mr. Duterte said in a speech to a gathering of the Prosecutors’ League of the Philippines in Clark, Pampanga province.
A Philippine government broadcaster in the Netherlands who covered the talks and the signing of an agreement to forge a joint interim ceasefire noted that Sison appeared sick and immediately left after signing the document as a consultant to the NDFP in the talks.
Mr. Duterte did not elaborate on the illness of the 78-year-old Sison, his former college professor who lives in exile in the Netherlands.
Reds boast of ‘victory’ as panel signs ceasefire deal
From the Manila Times (Apr 6): Reds boast of ‘victory’ as panel signs ceasefire deal
ZAMBOANGA CITY: Communist rebels on Thursday boasted of their victory against government forces in Mindanao, owning up to a spate of attacks on soldiers in the rich, but restive region.
Rigoberto Sanchez, spokesman for the New People’s Army (NPA), said the attacks targeted at least three Army battalions – 28th, 60th and 72nd – in Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental provinces where five soldiers were killed recently.
He accused the Army as behind the series of extrajudicial killings of civilians accused as either supporter sor sympathizers of the rebel group. “NPA units launched a series of tactical offensives against the atrocious 60th, 72nd and 28th infantry battalions, including [pro-government militia group] CAFGU for their numerous war crimes of peasant killings, aerial bombardment and other human rights violations in Laak town in Compostela Valley and in Mati City, Davao Oriental,” Sanchez said.
“These punitive actions were directed at the AFP [Armed Forces of the Philippines] battalions and their rabid CAFGU that have perpetrated the most heinous violations which can only be described as war crimes against lumad and peasants in their areas of operation in barely two months since the declaration of the government’s all-out war,” he added.
Sanchez said over 170 families have fled the villages of Tagbinunga, Don Salvador and Calatagan, all in Mati City because of military bombardment that killed farmer Jeffrey Santos and illegal arrested 11 other civilians. He said three civilians – Cora Molave Lino and couple Arlyn and Arman Almonicar – were also killed by soldiers in the village of Bollucan in Laak town that triggered an exodus of civilians.
“These war crimes, which are similarly prevalent in other parts of the country, only showcase exactly what – hitting them hard and flattening the hills [that President Duterte]ordered the military – actually mean. Unarmed civilians are fair game in the fascist rampage of AFP troops in southern Mindanao,” he said.
“As more and more fascist attacks are being committed against defenseless civilians under Oplan Kapayapaan, the murderous troops of the AFP and other reactionary forces are sure to be met head-on not only by tactical offensives of the NPA, but also by all forms of revolutionary resistance of the people they have so viciously victimized in the wake of their all-out war,” Sanchez added.
On Wednesday, government peace negotiators led by Silvestre Bello 3rd announced they signed an interim truce with the rebels after the resumption of stalled talks with the National Democratic Front headed by Fidel Agcaoili in The Netherlands, but the ceasefire would only take effect as soon ass guidelines and ground rules are approved.
The guidelines will govern such areas as the presence of armed groups in local communities; creation of buffer zones; prohibited, hostile and provocative acts including the collection of revolutionary taxes; and undertaking of joint socio-economic projects.
http://www.manilatimes.net/reds-boast-victory-panel-signs-ceasefire-deal/321378/
ZAMBOANGA CITY: Communist rebels on Thursday boasted of their victory against government forces in Mindanao, owning up to a spate of attacks on soldiers in the rich, but restive region.
Rigoberto Sanchez, spokesman for the New People’s Army (NPA), said the attacks targeted at least three Army battalions – 28th, 60th and 72nd – in Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental provinces where five soldiers were killed recently.
He accused the Army as behind the series of extrajudicial killings of civilians accused as either supporter sor sympathizers of the rebel group. “NPA units launched a series of tactical offensives against the atrocious 60th, 72nd and 28th infantry battalions, including [pro-government militia group] CAFGU for their numerous war crimes of peasant killings, aerial bombardment and other human rights violations in Laak town in Compostela Valley and in Mati City, Davao Oriental,” Sanchez said.
“These punitive actions were directed at the AFP [Armed Forces of the Philippines] battalions and their rabid CAFGU that have perpetrated the most heinous violations which can only be described as war crimes against lumad and peasants in their areas of operation in barely two months since the declaration of the government’s all-out war,” he added.
Sanchez said over 170 families have fled the villages of Tagbinunga, Don Salvador and Calatagan, all in Mati City because of military bombardment that killed farmer Jeffrey Santos and illegal arrested 11 other civilians. He said three civilians – Cora Molave Lino and couple Arlyn and Arman Almonicar – were also killed by soldiers in the village of Bollucan in Laak town that triggered an exodus of civilians.
“These war crimes, which are similarly prevalent in other parts of the country, only showcase exactly what – hitting them hard and flattening the hills [that President Duterte]ordered the military – actually mean. Unarmed civilians are fair game in the fascist rampage of AFP troops in southern Mindanao,” he said.
“As more and more fascist attacks are being committed against defenseless civilians under Oplan Kapayapaan, the murderous troops of the AFP and other reactionary forces are sure to be met head-on not only by tactical offensives of the NPA, but also by all forms of revolutionary resistance of the people they have so viciously victimized in the wake of their all-out war,” Sanchez added.
On Wednesday, government peace negotiators led by Silvestre Bello 3rd announced they signed an interim truce with the rebels after the resumption of stalled talks with the National Democratic Front headed by Fidel Agcaoili in The Netherlands, but the ceasefire would only take effect as soon ass guidelines and ground rules are approved.
The guidelines will govern such areas as the presence of armed groups in local communities; creation of buffer zones; prohibited, hostile and provocative acts including the collection of revolutionary taxes; and undertaking of joint socio-economic projects.
http://www.manilatimes.net/reds-boast-victory-panel-signs-ceasefire-deal/321378/