Monday, April 10, 2017

Armed forces: on right track to beat Abu Sayyaf

From the Manila  Bulletin (Apr 10): Armed forces: on right track to beat Abu Sayyaf

The chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Public Affairs Office (AFP-PAO) said that the military is on the right track in defeating the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).



Members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (Mark Balmores | Manila Bulletin)

Marine Colonel Edgard Arevalo, chief of Armed Forces PAO, said the AFP is confident it can meet the timetable of six months within which the President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) defeated.

During his visit to operating units in Sulu, AFP Chief of Staff General Eduardo Año rallied soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen of Joint Task Force Sulu and urged them to speed up its campaign to strategically eliminate the ASG within the specified time frame of up to June 30, 2017.

“The AFP is midway in its campaign against the Abu Sayyaf, General Año inspired them to operate at full speed, double or increase the operational tempo some more. The AFP has proven its capacity to inflict heavy casualties against the terrorist group,” Arevalo said.

Año, on the other hand, stressed that the Abu Sayyaf are no match to the military.

“We have actually perfected the art of combined and joint operations. We saw the interplay among major services, and the interplay of ground troops to deliver in different lines of operation, the maneuvers, the fire support and the combat leadership,” Año declared.

On Thursday, Año along with senior Generals of the AFP visited the officers and men in Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista in Sulu.

He awarded new Glock pistols to the officers who led the successful operations against the ASG that led to the recovery of a .50 Caliber Heavy Machine Gun, an 60mm Mortar, thousands of ammunition, 4 machine gun, mortar rounds, 40 mm. rounds, assorted M-16, M-14, Carbines, Garand rifles, FALN, and other war materiel.

http://news.mb.com.ph/2017/04/10/armed-forces-on-right-track-to-beat-abu-sayyaf/

Abu Sayyaf member surrenders to military in Basilan

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Apr 10): Abu Sayyaf member surrenders to military in Basilan

A member of the dreaded Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and a known follower of sub-leader Nurhassan Jamiri surrendered to the Joint Task Force Basilan last Saturday apparently tired of military pressure on the terrorist group.

A report from the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) said Ferdauz Asgari, alias Mammong, surrendered to troops from the 74th Infantry Battalion in Poblacion in Tipo-Tipo town.

Asgari also surrendered his caliber .30 M1 Garand rifle (Springfield) and a clip loaded with eight live ammunition.

Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., Wesmincom commander, lauded Asgari’s surrender and expressed hope that more Abu Sayyaf members would follow suit.

“The recent surrender only manifests that the pressure employed by the military and the coordination made by the Joint Task Force Basilan with the local government and the people of Basilan have compelled the Abu Sayyaf bandits to surrender to the government forces,” Galvez said.

“I commend the men and women of the Joint Task Force Basilan, led by Colonel Juvymax Uy, for this achievement, which is a result of the intensified conduct of focused military operations in the province.”

Meanwhile, in Barangay Cabcaban in Sumisip, Basilan, patrolling troops from the 4th Special Forces Battalion clashed with ASG on Monday morning.

The soldiers were immediately reinforced by the 1st Special Forces Company, which were fired upon by withdrawing ASG members bandits.

As of press time, pursuit operations against ASG members were ongoing as Special Forces men followed a blood trail by fleeing terrorists.

In the first encounter, five members of the Civilian Active Auxiliary were wounded while three CAA members were killed in action. Six other soldiers were also wounded during the second encounter.

“The military will continue to secure the area and work with the local chief executives to contain the Abu Sayyaf bandits in the barangay,” Galvez said.

“This incident will not stop us from doing our mandate, in order to free the community from the terror these bandits are causing the people,” he stressed.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/888155/abu-sayyaf-member-surrenders-to-military-in-basilan

PCG deploys 2 more boats in anti-poaching operations

From Rappler (Apr 10): PCG deploys 2 more boats in anti-poaching operations

The two Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance (MCS) vessels are meant to run after local and foreign poachers in Philippine waters

POLICING AGAINST POACHERS. New boats are being deployed to help stop poachers. Image from Philippine Coast Guard website at http://www.coastguard.gov.ph

POLICING AGAINST POACHERS. New boats are being deployed to help stop poachers. Image from Philippine Coast Guard website at http://www.coastguard.gov.ph

Following a number of poaching incidents in Batanes, the Philippine Coast Guard is looking to further its efforts to stop foreign poachers by deploying two Monitoring, Control, and Surveillance (MCS) vessels in Philippine waters.

The MCS boats are meant to run after foreign poachers, as well as locals fishing illegally or poaching. “They would patrol the area up to the northern tip of Batanes,” PCG spokesperson Commander Armand Balilo explained.

The MCS boats are jointly operated by the PCG and the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

Poachers face a fine of up to $1 million under Republic Act 10654 or the Philippine Fisheries Code.

The Coast Guard expects foreign poachers to come into the country's northern waters from April to June, a common poaching season. Hundreds of Illegal fishermen, namely locals as well as those of Taiwanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese origin, have been arrested, with their vessels seized by joint PCG-BFAR operations.

Balilo said, “Illegal fishermen should be arrested, according to the fisheries law." He was unable to give further details on whether or not poaching was increasing in Batanes.

The efforts to stop poaching have strained Philippine relations with its neighboring countries, such as Taiwan and China.

In 2013, a shootout between PCG personnel and Taiwanese fishermen in the Balintang Channel, off the coast of Batanes, killed a Taiwanese crew member.

In 2014, a Philippine court found 9 Chinese fishermen guilty of poaching and environmental crimes. They had fished in disputed waters.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/166576-pcg-deploys-boats-anti-poaching-batanes

Duterte to China: Relax, no guns in PH islands

From Rappler (Apr 10): Duterte to China: Relax, no guns in PH islands

'For the information of China, we will not place there (in the South China Sea) any offensive weapons, not even one gun,' says Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte

MARITIME ROW. President Rodrigo Duterte speaks to media during his visit to the Western Command Headquarters at Camp General Artemio G. Ricarte in Puerto Princesa, Palawan on April 6, 2017. Malacañang file photo

MARITIME ROW. President Rodrigo Duterte speaks to media during his visit to the Western Command Headquarters at Camp General Artemio G. Ricarte in Puerto Princesa, Palawan on April 6, 2017. Malacañang file photo

President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday, April 10, further explained his decision to order the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to "occupy" islands in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), saying he just wants to "maintain the geopolitical balance" there.

Speaking to reporters before he left for a state visit to 3 Middle Eastern countries, Duterte also asserted that ties between the Philippines and China remain friendly. Beijing claims virtually all of the South China Sea.

"For the information of China, we will not place there any offensive weapons, not even one gun. We are just there to claim the island for us because that is really ours. And I have ordered the Armed Forces to build structures there to signify to all that atin ito, at lagyan ng flag ang structures (the islands are ours, and the Philippine flag should be placed on the structures)," the President said.

"We do not mean harm to China. We're friends, as a matter of fact," he continued. "China can relax. We are friends. We will not go to war with you. We are just trying to maintain the balance of the geopolitical situation. Eh lahat nagkukukuha eh (Everyone's claiming the islands as their own)."

Duterte had announced his orders for the AFP last Thursday, April 6, during a press briefing in Palawan, the province on the frontlines of the sea row with China. He had visited soldiers in Camp Artemio Ricarte there.

Duterte's friendly approach toward Beijing is in stark contrast to that of his predecessor, Benigno Aquino III. Under Aquino, the Philippines filed a case against China before an arbitral tribunal at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, Netherlands, and won. China, however, refuses to recognize the ruling.

Duterte was also previously hostile toward the United States, a traditional ally of the Philippines. He has, however, displayed warmer behavior toward the administration of US President Donald Trump, in contrast to tirades against Trump's predecessor, Barack Obama. (READ: Duterte asks US envoy, 'Why didn't you stop China?')

Asked for comment about the friendly meeting between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Florida last week, Duterte called it "a welcome development."

"As a matter of fact, I've been praying that they get together and talk about really what ails this planet, and talk about peace and stop violence all over the world," he said.

The US and China are jostling for power in the South China Sea, where around 80% of world trade passes through.

Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua earlier told Duterte that Beijing is determined to work with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in finalizing the Framework of the Code of Conduct (COC) on the South China Sea.

The Philippines, chairman of the ASEAN for 2017, aims to finish the framework by year-end.

The framework is intended to lay the foundation for legally-binding rules on the management of disputes on the South China Sea.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/166567-duterte-china-relax-no-guns-philippines-islands

Du30 to China: Relax, only structures, flags will rise in West PH Sea territories

InterAksyon (Apr 10): Du30 to China: Relax, only structures, flags will rise in West PH Sea territories

 
Reuters file photo of President Rodrigo Duterte

President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday told China not to be bothered by his order to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to occupy nine to 10 islands within the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), which China continues to claim even after the United Nations Arbitral Tribunal ruled in July 2016 that the Philippines has exclusive sovereign rights over the territories.

"China can relax. We are friends, we will not go to war with you. We are just trying to balance the geopolitical situation there," said Duterte during a press briefing at the Davao International Airport before leaving for the Middle East.

Duterte reiterated that he had ordered the military to occupy the islands but he said only structures and flags would be placed in the territories.

"For the information of China, we will not place there offensive weapons, not even one gun. I have already ordered the AFP to build structures to signify to all na atin ito [that these are ours]...lagyan ng [put] structures, flags," the President said.

The chief executive said he wanted all nine to 10 islands filled with structures and flags "so [these] cannot be further opened to explorations."

"They have to get permission from us," said Duterte.

He said he had ordered the AFP to put structures on the territories in anticipation of a possible "violent low intensity war over" the West Philippine Sea as other countries such as China, Vietnam, Taiwan, "are trying to position themselves [there] strategically."

"Baka maunahan pa ako, at baka mapasubo pa ako... I-occupy natin, sa atin na 'yan [Others might get first, I might be placed in an awkward situation...Let's occupy it, that's ours]" Duterte said.

He added that when he comes back from his official visits to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Qatar, he might issue an executive order renaming Benham Rise to Philippine Ridge.

"We will rename it the Philippine Ridge as our exclusive property."

 http://interaksyon.com/article/138391/du30-to-china-relax-only-structures-flags-will-rise-in-west-ph-sea-territories

2 reported NPAs arrested over IED

From the Mindanao Times (Apr 10): 2 reported NPAs arrested over IED

TWO ALLEGED members of New People’s Army ( NPA) were arrested by the 67th Infantry Battalion after they were caught detonating an improvised explosive device at Sitio Magong-ong, Barangay San Rafael, Cateel, Davao Oriental on Saturday afternoon.
 
Capt. Alexandre Cabales, acting chief of Division Public Affairs Office (DPAO), said the troops of 67th IB on board two KM450 from Sitio Yapsay, Barangay Taytayan, Cateel were heading towards Sitio Tagadao,San Rafael when an IED exploded at around 1 p.m.

The troops immediately jumped from the vehicles and assumed defensive positions.

Two suspects were then arrested in a follow-up operation. They were identified as Ronron Bacquiao alias Gong-gong and Jodel Nunez alias JB who was allegedly the one who triggered the device.

They recovered a backpack from the suspect containing one cellphone, one blasting cap, one set of battery and 50-meter electrical wire.

The apprehended suspects were interrogated and presented to the Cateel police for proper filing of cases.
 

Fierce Sayyaf clash in Basilan leaves over a dozen military casualties

From the Mindanao Examiner (Apr 10): Fierce Sayyaf clash in Basilan leaves over a dozen military casualties

Government troops clashed Monday with Abu Sayyaf rebels in the restive southern Philippine province of Basilan that left over a dozen casualties on the military side, officials said.

Officials said the fighting was so fierce that more soldiers were needed to reinforce the troops battling the rebels in the town of Sumisip, where security forces earlier liberated several villages from the influence of the Abu Sayyaf.

Army Captain Jo-ann Petinglay, a spokeswoman for the Western Mindanao Command, said three pro-government militias were killed and 11 more wounded, including six Special Forces soldiers.

“A heavy armed confrontation ensued between patrolling troops of the Joint Task Force Basilan and members of the Abu Sayyaf group in Sumisip,” she said, adding “as a result of the earlier engagements, five members of the Civilian Active Auxiliary sustained wounds, while three CAA members were killed in action. Six other soldiers were also wounded during the second encounter.”

Petinglay said 8 of the injured were brought to Camp Navarro General Hospital in Zamboanga City while the others remain in hospital in Basilan, one of 5 provinces under the Muslim autonomous region. There was no immediate report of enemy casualties.

Last month, Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman led civilians and local leaders and the military and police in celebrating the liberation of several villages in Sumisip and even launched “People’s Day” as tribute to democracy and freedom from the Abu Sayyaf.

“This is the last bastion of the Abu Sayyaf that we are liberating. This village of Macalang has been impenetrable for years because of the presence of the Abu Sayyaf,” Hataman told villagers during the celebration. “We earlier liberated the villages of Baywas in the town Sumisip, and Baguindan in the adjacent town of Tipo-Tipo. The Abu Sayyafs are on the run. They don’t have any more strongholds in Basilan.”

“We agreed with the Armed Forces of the Philippines to add a military battalion in this town to ensure the safety of the residence and prevent the Abu Sayyaf from establishing its presence again,” he said, pledging an initial P10 million worth of infrastructure projects in Macalang. “The ground-breaking ceremony is a symbol that governance is back in Macalang.”

Hataman said since 2012, the regional government allocated some P877 million worth of projects like roads and bridges to spur development and help the local economy progress.

But despite all these efforts, the Abu Sayyaf continues to sow terror in the province just several nautical miles away from the port city of Zamboanga.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/fierce-sayyaf-clash-in-basilan-leaves-over-a-dozen-military-casualties/

AFP mulls making BRP Sierra Madre a permanent structure

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 10): AFP mulls making BRP Sierra Madre a permanent structure

The Armed Forces is eyeing to make permanent the grounded navy ship BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal.

“That’s one of the options we are considering," Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff  General Eduardo Año said when asked of the plans to make the grounded World War II vintage Landing Ship Tank (LST) a permanent structure to guard the disputed shoal.

Gen. Año was the Davao International Airport today (April 10) during the departure of President Rodrigo Duterte in a week-long visit to the Middle East.

The President had ordered the Armed Forces to fortify the islands located in South China Sea during a visit to a Palawan military base last April 6.

Año said that the Philippines occupies 9 islands and shoals in Spratlys. There are about 96 shoals and islands in the Spratlys and about 24 are occupied by claimant countries, China has occupied seven.

“We will reinforce, we will put additional troops, we will put structures. Mga ibang reefs na sinasabi ng Presidente (the other reefs mentioned by the President) it would be taken in consideration with due respect to the ASEAN Code of Conduct.

As for BRP Sierra Madre, the chief-of-staff ruled out repairing and re-floating the vessel as it is beyond economical repair. However constant efforts are being made to improve the living conditions of the marines and sailors living there.

The ship was grounded in Ayungin Shoal in 1999 to guard the shoal after China occupied Mischief Reef (Panganiban Reef) in 1995. Since then the ship has been garrisoned by Philippine Marines.

President Rodrigo Duterte in jest told members of the media during an interview in Palawan that he would replace the rusty vessel with a cruise ship.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1541491814933/afp-mulls-making-brp-sierra-madre-a-permanent-structure

Japan affirms defense aid to PH amid regional issues

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 10): Japan affirms defense aid to PH amid regional issues

Japan will cooperate with the Philippines as it confronts regional issues in Southeast Asia and provide partnership on security and defense to the former adversary that it now tags as “close friend.”

During the 75th commemoration of Araw ng Kagitingan, Japanese Ambassador Kazuhide Ishikawa underscored the importance of Philippines-Japan relations and cited that these countries are working closely with the United States and partner nations in upholding democracy and rule of law.

This developed as Philippines entangles with regional concerns on maritime and security that has since caught international attention.

“75 years ago, we are on opposing sides. Now we have become friends, close friends,” Ishikawa said.

Japanese occupation of the Philippines in World War II is considered one of the darkest days in country’s history, made most infamous by the Bataan Death March where about 75,000 Filipino and American soldiers endured fatally long walk, torture and incarceration.

Kazuhide, even since his first visit in Bataan in 2015, restated his apologies for the atrocities and said Japan has long changed into a peace-loving nation which will remain unchanged.

“It is determined to make greater contributions to peace, stability and prosperity for the international community. Japan also hopes to actively cooperate on regional issues with Philippines as this year’s [Association of Southeast Asian Nations] chair,” he said.

Kazuhide described as flourishing their partnership with the Philippines specifically on trade investments and humanitarian assistance.

This partnership, he added, has expanded into security and defense, and people-to-people exchanges.

Japan is the single largest locator of factories in the Philippines’ industrial economic zones, and since the signing of the Philippines-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement in 2006, the land of the rising sun has become the country’s number one trading partner, according to the Department of Trade and Industry.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1951491819800/-japan-affirms-defense-aid-to-ph-amid-regional-issues

Araw ng Kagitingan prods ideals, deeds of veterans for youth- NHCP Chair

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 10): Araw ng Kagitingan prods ideals, deeds of veterans for youth- NHCP Chair

National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) Chairperson Rene Escalante remarked that the 75th Commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) not only preserves the ideals and deeds of veterans, but also promotes them to the youth of today.

“Needless to say, the fall of Bataan was among the most tragic events in Philippine history, but it was not in vain,” he said.

According to Escalante, the 9th of April 75 years ago marked the end of the four-month battle in Bataan, where the last line of defense for some 76,000 Filipinos and Americans finally surrendered to the Japanese forces.

“The prolonged defense of Bataan bought ample time for the escape of the Philippine government and General Douglas McArthur to Australia and the formation of guerrilla resistance units from dispersed military forces and civilians. These two events were instrumental in the liberation of the Philippines in 1945,” he stressed.

Likewise, the NHCP Chairperson emphasized that the sheer tenacity and valor of the Filipino and American forces are worth remembering.

Quoting the late Lt. Normado Reyes, Escalante shared, “Bataan has fallen, but the spirit that made it stand a beacon to all liberty-loving peoples of the world cannot fail.”

“We will remember our heroes of World War II, both dead and the living veterans. We inherit from them our freedom, as well as the responsibility to preserve and wisely use it,” he said.

In 1961, Republic Act 3022 was approved, making the 9th of April as “Bataan Day”, and in 1980, the said commemoration was expanded to “Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor)”.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/3221491804490/araw-ng-kagitingan-prods-ideals-deeds-of-veterans-for-youth--nhcp-chair

Veterans laud Duterte’s efforts on retirees’ pension

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 10): Veterans laud Duterte’s efforts on retirees’ pension

The veterans present during the 75th Commemoration of the Araw ng Kagitingan beamed with gratitude for President Rodrigo Duterte’s pronouncement regarding the early release of the Armed Forces of the Philippines retirees’ pension credentials.

After citing his speech, Duterte announced his directive towards the Department of Budget and Management and the Department of National Defense to expedite the early release of the pension credentials of retirees for fiscal years 2008 to 2013 amounting to over Php6 billion.

“We are very happy that the President announced the good news. We have been waiting so long for this. This administration has indeed been very generous and helpful to us veterans,” Veterans Federation of the Philippines President Bonifacio De Gracia said.

De Gracia, a retired Colonel of the Philippine Army, shared that immediately after President Duterte assumed the position [as President], he ensured that all veterans will receive their rightful benefits.

“The difference now is prioritizing all the veterans, and when I say ‘all veterans’, we have the World War II veterans, and the post-war veterans, who are all composed of retirees from the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” he said.

Furthermore, the 79-year-old post-war veteran lauded the Commander-in-Chief’s actions for including the surviving spouses of the retirees among the recipients of the said benefits.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/3221491809880/veterans-laud-duterte-s-efforts-on-retirees-pension

US diplomat tags PH as close ally in new war

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 10): US diplomat tags PH as close ally in new war

Allies in war 75 years ago, Philippines and the United States are allies now still, but this time against a different enemy: international terrorism.

The commemoration of 75th Araw ng Kagitingan led Michael Klecheski, charge d’ affaires of US Embassy, to recall the alliance of Filipino and American troops against invading Japan in World War II.

Klecheski said Filipinos today continue to draw strength from the forged binds built decades ago by “brave Filipino and American men and women who fought with honor during those desperate weeks of 1942.”

“Ours is a really powerful alliance that stood the test of time, but it has been enhanced by legacy of the era,” he said.

The two countries have since framed strong relationship with Japan, and now that the challenge of international terrorism has emerged, US has called for a united front.

Klecheski said these nations are unified in fighting the scourge of terrorism that plagues Philippines and continues to stave off further international investments.

“We must also remember the importance of standing together as the Philippines and United States have done in many, many decades,” he said.

“We must recommit to continue standing together as the close allies that our two countries have been.”

The diplomat said the Philippines, US, Japan and other countries have forged a rules-based order in Asia that has created stability, which nations must continue to defend.

This developed as Japan and Southeast Asian nations confront regional issues on maritime and extremism, with reports on piracy in Philippine waters and secessionism in the country’s south.

“We must also remember the horrors of war and we must remember the importance of striving for peace,” Klecheski said.

President Rodrigo Duterte, Japanese Ambassador Kazuhide Ishikawa and Klecheski offered wreaths of flower in Mt. Samat National Shrine in honor of war veterans.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1951491820474/us-diplomat-tags-ph-as-close-ally-in-new-war

(Update) 3 militiamen killed, 11 injured in fresh clash in Basilan

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 10): (Update) 3 militiamen killed, 11 injured in fresh clash in Basilan

Three militiamen were killed while 11 others, including six soldiers, were wounded after government troops clashed Monday with suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Sumisip town, Basilan province.

Capt. Jo-ann Petinglay, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) spokesperson, clarified a report earlier in the day that a soldier was killed during the encounter.

The first gunfight occurred when troops of the Army’s 4th Special Forces Battalion encountered a group of Abu Sayyaf bandits while conducting security patrol at around 7:15 a.m. in Barangay Cabcaban, Sumisip.

The battalion had just established a detachment in the village following a request from the municipal government.

At around 7:45 a.m., the engaged troops were reinforced by the 1st Special Forces Company, who were fired upon by the withdrawing bandits as they were traversing the temporary patrol base in Barangay Cabcaban, Petinglay said.

Of the 11 wounded, eight were taken to the Westmincom’s Camp Navarro General Hospital in this city while the other three were brought to a hospital in Basilan province.

Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., Westmincom chief, said there has been a clamor from the local government of Sumisip to establish a detachment in Cabcaban due to security threats from the Abu Sayyaf bandits.

As of posting time, he said the firefight was still raging in the town of Sumisip between soldiers and the Abu Sayyaf bandits.

The military will continue to secure the area and work with the local chief executives to contain the Abu Sayyaf bandits, Galvez said.

“This incident will not stop us from doing our mandate. We will free the community from the terror these bandits are causing,” he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=979245

Royal Norwegian Gov't. elated with progress in peace talks

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 10): Royal Norwegian Gov't. elated with progress in peace talks

The Royal Norwegian Government on Monday extended its congratulations to the negotiating panels of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP) and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) for moving ahead in ending the armed conflict with the signing of an agreement that will lead to a permanent cessation of hostilities.

On their website, Ambassador Martin Sorby, the Norwegian envoy to the Philippines, said his government was elated with the advance of the peace talks as both panels signed a pact that set off mechanisms for a joint ceasefire between state forces and the New People’s Army (NPA).

The Royal Norwegian Government has been facilitating the talks between the GRP and the NDF since 2001.

Ambassador Sorby met key members of both the Philippine and NDF delegations at his residence here shortly after the Agreement on a Joint Interim Ceasefire was sealed on Wednesday, on the second day of the 4th round of formal talks at the Radisson Blu Palace in Noordwiijk, about 50 kilometers southwest of Amsterdam.

Reports claimed that the delegations were accompanied by Elisabeth Slattum, the Norwegian special envoy to the peace process.

The Philippine delegation to the meeting was led by Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza and panel member Rene Sarmiento while the NDF team was represented by its political consultant Jose Ma. Sison and negotiating panel head Fidel Agcaoili and Luis Jalandoni.

For his part, Dureza thanked the Royal Norwegian Government for hosting the formal talks in The Netherlands and for its full support being the third party facilitator of the peace talks. Jalandoni also extolled Norway for its efforts in the peace process.

Also present during the meeting were Secretary Rafael Mariano of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Representatives Henry Ong of Leyte and Ruby Sahali of Mindanao, and Undersecretary Adora Navarro of the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA).

Sison and Agcaoili were joined by NDF senior adviser Satur Ocampo and members of the NDF negotiating panel couple Benito and Wilma Tiamzon, Juliet Sison, Connie Ledesma, Rafael Baylosis and Vicente Ladlad.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=979134

PNP chief confirms terror threat in Central Visayas

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 10): PNP chief confirms terror threat in Central Visayas

The Philippine National Police (PNP) confirmed Monday the existence of terror threats in Central Visayas following an advisory of the US Embassy in Manila to its citizens to avoid visiting the region.

PNP Chief Director General Ronald Dela Rosa, in a press conference in Camp Crame, said the Regional Director of the Police Regional Office 7 (PRO 7) informed him about the terror threats.

He assured though that the PNP have taken appropriate actions.

Although the PNP chief did not give details on the content of the intelligence report, he, however, assured that the PNP is ready to address such a "terror threat" in the country's security.

The United States Embassy, in a statement, said it has received unsubstantiated yet credible information that terrorist groups may attempt to conduct kidnappings in Central Visayas, which includes both Cebu and Bohol provinces.

American citizens were advised to carefully consider such an information as they make their travel plans, and to review personal security plans, avoid large crowds and gatherings, and remain vigilant at all times.

Meanwhile, Dela Rosa reminded tourists to avoid travel to places with "history" of kidnapping and lair of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=979157

AFP still under 'white alert' for Holy Week

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 10): AFP still under 'white alert' for Holy Week

Military alert level in Metro Manila remains at "white" or the lowest possible as it is yet to detect any security threat for the Holy Week.

"(Alert levels) is still at 'white'. It is still normal at the National Capital Region. Area commanders have the say elsewhere in the country based on their existing security situation," Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla in an interview with the Philippine News Agency Monday.

"White alert" is followed by "blue" which means that 50 percent of all available troops and vehicles must be available for instant deployment, and "red", the highest, means 100 percent of all personnel and assets must be ready for immediate deployment if needed.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=979182

Gov't plans to turn Rancudo Airfield into all weather-capable airport

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 10): Gov't plans to turn Rancudo Airfield into all weather-capable airport

There are plans to develop Rancudo Airfield in Pagasa Island into an airport capable of handling planes in all kinds of weather, Department of National Defense (DND) public affairs office chief Arsenio Andolong said in an interview Monday.

And, while there is no exact timetable yet for the Rancudo Airfield upgrade, he said improvements will include concreting of the dirt runway and installation of additional safety features.

Andolong said there is an urgent need to upgrade the said facility as ferrying supplies by sea is quite a difficult task due to the inclement weather conditions in the area, making it difficult for ships to dock and unload cargoes in Pagasa Island.

He also added that a concrete runway will allow day and night operations in Rancudo Airfield despite stormy weather, providing a much needed lifeline to the residents in case of medical emergencies.

The DND public affairs office chief said improvement of Rancudo Airfield is one of the upgrades being pushed by President Rodrigo Duterte, aside from upgrades in the living and sleeping quarters of troops stationed in the Kalayaan Island Group.

Pagasa Island, the hosting site of Rancudo Airfield, measures 32 hectares and is the largest Philippine-owned feature in the Kalayaan Island Group.

This is followed by 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; Rizal, Balagtas and Ayungin Reefs.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=979171

CA junks Pemberton plea for lack of merit

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 10): CA junks Pemberton plea for lack of merit

The Court of Appeals (CA) dismissed the plea filed by United States Marine Lance Cpl. Joseph Scott Pemberton, who was tagged in the killing of a transgender woman in Olongapo City in October 2014, for lack of merit.

In a 48-page decision dated April 3, 2017 but was released to media on Monday, penned by Associate Justice Marlenez Gonzales-Sison and concurred in by Associate Justices Ramon Cruz and Henri Jean Paul Inting, the CA’s 16 Division affirmed the ruling of Olongapo City Regional Trial Court Branch 74 which found Pemberton guilty of homicide and sentenced him to a maximum of 10 years of imprisonment as ordering him to indemnify the heirs of his victim Jeffrey “Jennifer” Laude, a Filipino transgender, on October 11, 2014.

Pemberton has been meted a penalty of up to 10 years imprisonment after he was convicted of homicide. He was also ordered to pay PHP4.3 million for loss of earning capacity, PHP30,000 exemplary damages, PHP50,000 each for civil indemnity and moral damages.

The CA said for an unlawful aggression to exist, there has to be an actual physical assault or at least a threat to inflict real imminent injury.

On Pemberton's claim that Laude fought like a man, slapped him that made his ear ring, the CA noted that a general physical examination conducted on Pemberton showed no sign of injury on his head and face.

The CA said there was no physical evidence that would suggest that Pemberton was first slapped by Laude or that he was in grave danger that prompted him defend himself.

“Indeed, a plea of self-defense cannot be justifiably appreciated where it is not only uncorroborated by independent and competent evidence, but also extremely doubtful by itself. Self-defense, like alibi, is a defense which can easily be concocted as it is in this case,” the CA ruled.

Likewise, the Court did not give weight to Pemberton’s plea that his voluntary surrender should have been appreciated in his favor as mitigating circumstance considering that he was detained in Camp Aguinaldo as early as December 2014 or before his warrant of arrest was issued on December 16, 2014 and that there was no intention on his part to commit such a crime.

The appellate court noted that the case was filed against Pemberton on December 15, 2014 or four days before Pemberton presented himself to the trial court.

It added that physical evidence also contradicts Pemberton’s claim that he had no intention to commit so grave wrong.

“As proven by the prosecution, Pemberton did not leave Laude merely unconscious, but ensured his death by submerging his head inside the toilet bowl. Clearly, Pemberton intended the natural consequence of his wrongful act,” it pointed out.

The CA also upheld the award of loss of earning capacity to the heirs of Laude in the amount of PHP4.32 million as well as exemplary damages of P30,000.

The CA, meanwhile increased the PHP100,000 (PHP50,000 each ) civil indemnity and moral damages to PHP150,000 (PHP75,000 each) because recent jurisprudence showed that the amount imposed should be the latter.

On the other hand, the actual damages of PHP155,250.00 was affirmed after Laude's family was able to produce receipts of expenses incurred for the autopsy, wake and burial.

The CA further said that Pemberton shall pay 6 percent interest per annum on all civil liability from the finality of the decision until fully paid.

“Further, it is only apt that all awards for damages shall bear legal interest at the rate of six percent (6%) per annum from the date of finality of judgment until fully paid,” the CA said.

The CA also agreed with the trial court that Pemberton’s time at JUSMAG compound in Camp Aguinaldo should be credited in the service of his penalty.

“Consequently, the argument that Pemberton was not under local custody during the trial has no leg to stand on. Further, Pemberton is entitled to be credited with the full time of his preventive imprisonment…,” the CA ruled.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minority Leader Harry Roque welcomes the CA affirmation of the guilty verdict of Pemberton.

“The Court of Appeals’ affirmation of the guilty verdict of Pemberton is a welcome development. The fact that a member of the US Marines was found guilty for breach of our criminal laws for the very first time is an affirmation of Philippine sovereignty,” Roque said in a statement, who represents the Laude family as a private prosecutor.

Roque added that the Laude family is alarmed that unless the President intervenes, Pemberton could be set free as early as July this year with allowance for good conduct and his alleged enrollment in a distance learning program.

”An incarceration of only three years for the death of a Filipino trivializes the death of our sovereignty,” he noted.

For her part, Atty. Virginia LAcsa Suarez, Laude family legal counsel said that justice for Jennifer Laude has just been served again by the Court of Appeals.

"This is also a victory for the Filipino people because it was a fight for sovereignty... a battle for independence from the unequal treaty relations and lopsided security agreements like the VFA.
I must say that this is an expected victory as the defense has not offered any new argument. Pemberton’s arguments are all rehashed,” she said in a statement. 


”The Court of Appeals is a Trier of facts. Thus, sustaining the findings of facts of the Regional Trial Court means even the Supreme Court will have to respect it with finality. Filing of Motion for Reconsideration is only seen as availment of a legal remedy to simply make the case remain pending and further delay the execution of the civil aspect,” Suarez added.

Pemberton is the second US soldier to be involved in a criminal act in the country since 2005, when Lance Corporal Daniel Smith was charged and later on convicted for the rape of a Filipino woman.

Last December 4, 2006, Makati Regional Trial Court (RTC) branch 139 Judge Benjamin Pozon convicted Smith and sentenced him to 40 years in prison for sexually assaulting the complainant at the former US naval base in Subic Bay, Zambales last November 1, 2005.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=979208

PA assures safety of 2 detained ISIS members

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 10): PA assures safety of 2 detained ISIS members

The Philippine Army (PA) has assured the safety of two members of the terrorist group Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) who were formally turned over to its custody last Saturday.

"The inmates are in safe place which is not easily accessible. Clearance and approval for visits shall be granted by the Bureau of Immigration (BI)," said Army spokesperson Lt. Col. Ray Tiongson.

Tiongson said the two were turned over to them last April 8, around 11:55 a.m., following the request of the Department of Justice (DOJ) to Department of National Defense (DND), to provide temporary detention facility for the two foreign detainees.

On March 25, BI agents arrested Kuwaiti Husayn Al-Dhafiri and Syrian national Rahaf Zina in Taguig City.

Based on intelligence reports provided by the 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.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=979219

Kuwaiti Embassy asks for quick deportation of nabbed ISIS member in PHL

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 10): Kuwaiti Embassy asks for quick deportation of nabbed ISIS member in PHL

The Kuwaiti Embassy in the Philippines on Monday demanded for the immediate deportation of its national Hussein Aldhafiri, a suspected member of terrorist group Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) who was arrested by authorities last month.

”With regards to the deportation proceedings of the arrested Kuwaiti National Hussein Aldhafiri, has the honor to seek the assistance of the esteemed Department to request the competent authorities in the Republic of the Philippines particularly the Bureau of Immgiration’s Mr. Bobby R. Raquepo Intelligence Officer III, OIC Fugitive Serch Unit, to provide the Kuwaiti Security Services Personnel all the necessary assistance to carry out their mission to depost to the State of Kuwait soonest possible Hussein Aldhafiri, who is currently under arrest in the Republic of the Philippines to stand trial in the State of Kuwait for is involvement in the terrorist group,” the Kuwaiti Embassy said in an urgent letter to the the Department of Justice.

It also bared that Aldhafiri has a standing arrest warrant issued by their prosecutor general "in relation to crimes against the state security."

"Evidence obtained by Kuwait's statement security agencies also showed that he is planning to carry out terroristic attacks in the State of Kuwait," it revealed.

The Kuwaiti Embassy added that the passport of the fugitive has already been cancelled and that all documents for his deportation has been prepared.

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) arrested Al-Dhafiri along with his wife Rahaf Zina, a Syrian national on March 25.

Based on intelligence reports provided by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the information given by the Kuwaiti government, Al-Dhafiri is an ISIS member.

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.

Justice Secretary Vitalino Aguirre II presented the two suspects to the media last week and has been transferred from the National Bureau of Investigation to the Armed Forces of the Philippines headquarters on Saturday.

Aguirre said the couple would still undergo further investigation by intelligence agencies to determine if they were able to establish links with other groups in the country or recruit members for the terrorist group.

"The inmates are in safe place which is not easily accessible. Clearance and approval for visits shall be granted by the Bureau of Immigration (BI)," said Army spokesperson Lt. Col. Ray Tiongson.



Tiongson said the two were turned over to them before noon on Saturday, following DOJ's request to Department of National Defense (DND) to provide a temporary detention facility for the two foreign detainees.

BI Commissioner Jaime 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.

He said they are coordinating with the security services of Kuwait and Qatar for the turnover of the two suspects.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=979260