From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 1, 2019): Blast rocks ex-cop’s house in Cotabato
A grenade exploded outside the house of a former police officer in this city on Thursday night.
Police Col. Michael Lebanan, city police director, said that family members of ex-policeman Rudy Payag of Sitio LR Sebastian, Barangay Rosary Heights 10, are all safe as the grenade exploded at the back of the house.
“The grenade landed at a muddy section of Payag’s house, suppressing in a way the explosive’s shrapnel effect,” Lebanan said.
Payag, for his part, said he and his family were about to sleep at about 9:30 p.m. when they heard a thud on their roof, followed seconds later by a loud explosion.
“The hard object rolled on our roof and landed at the mud-covered back portion of our house. Then suddenly, a loud explosion stunned us,” he told reporters here in an interview Friday.
Fortunately, he said no one in his family was hurt from the incident.
Payag claimed he has no known enemies since retiring from the police service several years ago.
Authorities are still investigating the case.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1063286
Friday, March 1, 2019
Army hails tip-offs that led to recovery of NPA firearms
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 1, 2019): Army hails tip-offs that led to recovery of NPA firearms
Troops under the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) recovered firearms buried by the New People’s Army (NPA), after two former rebels tipped off their locations in Davao del Norte and Agusan del Norte on Wednesday.
Col. Ezra Balagtey, Eastmincom spokesperson, said Thursday soldiers belonging to the 56th Infantry Battalion recovered four high-powered firearms in Barangay Dagohoy, Talaingod, Davao del Norte.
Balagtey said the recovered firearms consisted of two M14 rifles, a caliber 50 Browning heavy machine gun, and a 60-mm. mortar.
He said troops under the 23rd Infantry Battalion in Agusan del Norte also recovered two firearms and 90 bottles of medicines in a cave in Lower Olave, Buenavista town, Agusan del Norte.
In both cases, Balagtey said the information was provided by former NPA combatants who have already returned to the fold of the law.
Major Gen. Felimon T. Santos Jr., Eastmincom commander, underscored the cooperation among government troops, community residents, and former rebels in the recovery of firearms and ammunition.
The partnership, Santos said, manifested "their dream to attain peace."
"The security of the communities can be best done if stakeholders of peace will complement each other. The effort of the communities of providing information and declaring the armed terrorist (as) undesirable denies them space to hide, plan and carry out evil plans,” the Army official said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1063237
Troops under the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) recovered firearms buried by the New People’s Army (NPA), after two former rebels tipped off their locations in Davao del Norte and Agusan del Norte on Wednesday.
Col. Ezra Balagtey, Eastmincom spokesperson, said Thursday soldiers belonging to the 56th Infantry Battalion recovered four high-powered firearms in Barangay Dagohoy, Talaingod, Davao del Norte.
Balagtey said the recovered firearms consisted of two M14 rifles, a caliber 50 Browning heavy machine gun, and a 60-mm. mortar.
He said troops under the 23rd Infantry Battalion in Agusan del Norte also recovered two firearms and 90 bottles of medicines in a cave in Lower Olave, Buenavista town, Agusan del Norte.
In both cases, Balagtey said the information was provided by former NPA combatants who have already returned to the fold of the law.
Major Gen. Felimon T. Santos Jr., Eastmincom commander, underscored the cooperation among government troops, community residents, and former rebels in the recovery of firearms and ammunition.
The partnership, Santos said, manifested "their dream to attain peace."
"The security of the communities can be best done if stakeholders of peace will complement each other. The effort of the communities of providing information and declaring the armed terrorist (as) undesirable denies them space to hide, plan and carry out evil plans,” the Army official said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1063237
3 soldiers die, 2 hurt in separate ambushes
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 1, 2019): 3 soldiers die, 2 hurt in separate ambushes
Three soldiers died Thursday while two others, including a civilian, were injured in separate ambush incidents perpetrated by still unidentified gunmen in the Maguindanao town of Datu Salibo and Cotabato City.
Major Arvin John Encinas, the Army’s 6th Infantry Division spokesperson, identified the casualties in the Maguindanao incident, as Privates Junard Estribor and Nelier Pinto, both of the Army’s 57th Infantry Battalion (57IB).
Injured in the same incident were Pvt. Muqtadir Sampulna, also of 57IB, and a female bystander whose identity was not immediately known.
Encinas said the soldiers were aboard a Toyota Vios car when waylaid along Sitio Kurungan, Barangay Sambulawan past 2 p.m. Estribor and Pinto instantly died, while Sampulna and the woman were rushed to the hospital after sustaining bullet wounds.
“The gunmen used M16 rifles based on empty shells recovered at the site of ambush,” he said.
Encinas said intelligence reports pointed to the Islamic State-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) as behind the attack.
“The BIFF continues to be on the run due to ongoing military operations against them in their pinpointed lairs in Maguindanao,” he said.
Also on Thursday, motorcycle-riding gunmen shot dead an Army man along Sinsuat Ave., Rosary Heights 10, Cotabato City, shortly before noontime.
Police Col. Michel Lebanan, city police director, said Staff Sgt. Verande Lardera, 40, of the Army’s 37IB, was on board a motorbike when tailed and fired upon by the gunmen.
“The suspect succumbed to four gunshot wounds in the body,” Lebanan said.
He said the city police is currently pursuing several “persons of interest” believed to have perpetrated the attack. Initial police investigation points to personal grudge as a possible motive behind Lardera’s murder.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1063284
Three soldiers died Thursday while two others, including a civilian, were injured in separate ambush incidents perpetrated by still unidentified gunmen in the Maguindanao town of Datu Salibo and Cotabato City.
Major Arvin John Encinas, the Army’s 6th Infantry Division spokesperson, identified the casualties in the Maguindanao incident, as Privates Junard Estribor and Nelier Pinto, both of the Army’s 57th Infantry Battalion (57IB).
Injured in the same incident were Pvt. Muqtadir Sampulna, also of 57IB, and a female bystander whose identity was not immediately known.
Encinas said the soldiers were aboard a Toyota Vios car when waylaid along Sitio Kurungan, Barangay Sambulawan past 2 p.m. Estribor and Pinto instantly died, while Sampulna and the woman were rushed to the hospital after sustaining bullet wounds.
“The gunmen used M16 rifles based on empty shells recovered at the site of ambush,” he said.
Encinas said intelligence reports pointed to the Islamic State-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) as behind the attack.
“The BIFF continues to be on the run due to ongoing military operations against them in their pinpointed lairs in Maguindanao,” he said.
Also on Thursday, motorcycle-riding gunmen shot dead an Army man along Sinsuat Ave., Rosary Heights 10, Cotabato City, shortly before noontime.
Police Col. Michel Lebanan, city police director, said Staff Sgt. Verande Lardera, 40, of the Army’s 37IB, was on board a motorbike when tailed and fired upon by the gunmen.
“The suspect succumbed to four gunshot wounds in the body,” Lebanan said.
He said the city police is currently pursuing several “persons of interest” believed to have perpetrated the attack. Initial police investigation points to personal grudge as a possible motive behind Lardera’s murder.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1063284
SoCot starts building halfway house for ex-NPA rebels
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 1, 2019): SoCot starts building halfway house for ex-NPA rebels
The provincial government of South Cotabato said preparatory works are underway for the construction of the halfway house for former and returning New People’s Army (NPA) rebels.
Haide Agustin, head of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, said Friday they are looking at completing the facility, which is supported by a PHP5-million grant from the national government.
Located in Barangay Tinongcop, Tantangan town, the facility broke ground last week and will be built within the compound of the provincial government’s Animal Production and Processing Center.
Agustin said they envision the facility to be a place “where returnees will experience healing process through the services of a social worker.”
She said the facility will have dormitory, basic amenities, and facilities where beneficiaries will be trained on various skills, handle their finances and sustain their livelihood projects.
“The former rebels will temporarily stay in the halfway house while processing their documents,” she said, referring to the application of the returnees to the expanded Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program or E-CLIP.
E-CLIP provides beneficiaries with livelihood assistance and other benefits through the convergence of various government agencies.
Severino Samgan, president of a peace advocacy group composed of former rebels from South Cotabato, said the halfway house would be a huge help for their former comrades who want to lead normal lives and return to their communities.
Samgan urged the remaining rebels to surrender and avail of the benefits being offered by the government.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1063306
The provincial government of South Cotabato said preparatory works are underway for the construction of the halfway house for former and returning New People’s Army (NPA) rebels.
Haide Agustin, head of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office, said Friday they are looking at completing the facility, which is supported by a PHP5-million grant from the national government.
Located in Barangay Tinongcop, Tantangan town, the facility broke ground last week and will be built within the compound of the provincial government’s Animal Production and Processing Center.
Agustin said they envision the facility to be a place “where returnees will experience healing process through the services of a social worker.”
She said the facility will have dormitory, basic amenities, and facilities where beneficiaries will be trained on various skills, handle their finances and sustain their livelihood projects.
“The former rebels will temporarily stay in the halfway house while processing their documents,” she said, referring to the application of the returnees to the expanded Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program or E-CLIP.
E-CLIP provides beneficiaries with livelihood assistance and other benefits through the convergence of various government agencies.
Severino Samgan, president of a peace advocacy group composed of former rebels from South Cotabato, said the halfway house would be a huge help for their former comrades who want to lead normal lives and return to their communities.
Samgan urged the remaining rebels to surrender and avail of the benefits being offered by the government.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1063306
2 ASG ‘bandits’ surrender amid gov't offensives in Sulu
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 1, 2019): 2 ASG ‘bandits’ surrender amid gov't offensives in Sulu
Muktar Moharaji Morsalin, 27, and Babaing Amil Jalaidi, 45, join the Joint Task Force Sulu military officials in a photo session after they surrendered on Friday to Col. Antonio Nafarrete, Army's 1101st Infantry Brigade commander, in Jolo, Sulu. (Photo Courtesy of Joint Task Force Sulu)
Two Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits surrendered amid the intensified focused military operations in the province of Sulu, officials said Friday.
Brig. Gen. Divino Rey Pabayo, Joint Task Force Sulu commander, identified the ASG surrenderers as Muktar Moharaji Morsalin, 27, and Babaing Amil Jalaidi, 45, both residents of Sitio Akang, Barangay Buroh, Talipao, Sulu.
Pabayo said Morsalin and Jalaidi turned over an M-16 Armalite rifle and a Garand rifle when they surrendered around 9 a.m. Friday to Col. Antonio Nafarrete, the Army’s 1101st Infantry Brigade chief in Jolo, Sulu.
Pabayo said Morsalin is a follower of ASG sub-leader Jun Irad while Jalaidi of ASG sub-leader Basaron Arok. Irad and Arok are among the sub-leaders of ASG leader Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan.
“The successful surrender was facilitated by the combined efforts of the military and intelligence operatives,” Pabayo said.
“We are pleased to welcome them back to the mainstream of society and we will guarantee that they will be abetted in their reintegration,” he added.
Lt. Gen. Arnel Dela Vega, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, attributed the successive surrenders of ASG members to the intensive government operations and the cooperation of community residents.
“Let us continue to help one another in order to accomplish our mission of bringing back peace and prosperity in the beautiful island of Mindanao,” dela Vega said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1063378
Two Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits surrendered amid the intensified focused military operations in the province of Sulu, officials said Friday.
Brig. Gen. Divino Rey Pabayo, Joint Task Force Sulu commander, identified the ASG surrenderers as Muktar Moharaji Morsalin, 27, and Babaing Amil Jalaidi, 45, both residents of Sitio Akang, Barangay Buroh, Talipao, Sulu.
Pabayo said Morsalin and Jalaidi turned over an M-16 Armalite rifle and a Garand rifle when they surrendered around 9 a.m. Friday to Col. Antonio Nafarrete, the Army’s 1101st Infantry Brigade chief in Jolo, Sulu.
Pabayo said Morsalin is a follower of ASG sub-leader Jun Irad while Jalaidi of ASG sub-leader Basaron Arok. Irad and Arok are among the sub-leaders of ASG leader Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan.
“The successful surrender was facilitated by the combined efforts of the military and intelligence operatives,” Pabayo said.
“We are pleased to welcome them back to the mainstream of society and we will guarantee that they will be abetted in their reintegration,” he added.
Lt. Gen. Arnel Dela Vega, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, attributed the successive surrenders of ASG members to the intensive government operations and the cooperation of community residents.
“Let us continue to help one another in order to accomplish our mission of bringing back peace and prosperity in the beautiful island of Mindanao,” dela Vega said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1063378
ASG ‘bandit’ killed, 2 captured in latest Sulu clash
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 1, 2019): ASG ‘bandit’ killed, 2 captured in latest Sulu clash
An Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandit was killed in a clash with Marine troops while an ASG couple was captured on an island in the province of Sulu, a top military official said Friday.
Rear Adm. Rene Medina, Naval Forces Western Mindanao (Navforwem) commander, said the still unidentified ASG bandit was slain in a clash that occurred Sunday on Simisa Island, Banguingui, Sulu.
On the other hand, Medina said the ASG couple--Abdu Mohammad and Nurlinda Sulaiman--was captured on Wednesday in Sitio Suba, Barangay Bakaan, also on Simisa Island.
Medina said Sunday's firefight ensued when the Marine troops chanced upon 15 ASG bandits, led by Salip Mura, while conducting focused military operation in Simisa Island.
An R4 rifle with two magazines and one backpack containing two cell phones with assorted clothes were recovered from the clash site. The troops have recovered five motorboats when they captured the Mohammad couple on Wednesday in a follow-up operation on Simisa Island, the military official said.
He said the five motorboats were supposed to be used by the ASG bandits in fleeing Simisa Island to evade the advancing troops.
Medina said the intensive focused military operation and "selfless dedications of the troops" in Sulu have led to the neutralization and capture of the ASG bandits, as well as the recovery of high-powered firearms and motorboats.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1063373
An Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandit was killed in a clash with Marine troops while an ASG couple was captured on an island in the province of Sulu, a top military official said Friday.
Rear Adm. Rene Medina, Naval Forces Western Mindanao (Navforwem) commander, said the still unidentified ASG bandit was slain in a clash that occurred Sunday on Simisa Island, Banguingui, Sulu.
On the other hand, Medina said the ASG couple--Abdu Mohammad and Nurlinda Sulaiman--was captured on Wednesday in Sitio Suba, Barangay Bakaan, also on Simisa Island.
Medina said Sunday's firefight ensued when the Marine troops chanced upon 15 ASG bandits, led by Salip Mura, while conducting focused military operation in Simisa Island.
An R4 rifle with two magazines and one backpack containing two cell phones with assorted clothes were recovered from the clash site. The troops have recovered five motorboats when they captured the Mohammad couple on Wednesday in a follow-up operation on Simisa Island, the military official said.
He said the five motorboats were supposed to be used by the ASG bandits in fleeing Simisa Island to evade the advancing troops.
Medina said the intensive focused military operation and "selfless dedications of the troops" in Sulu have led to the neutralization and capture of the ASG bandits, as well as the recovery of high-powered firearms and motorboats.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1063373
Security up in NoCot town after bomb found near school
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 2, 2019): Security up in NoCot town after bomb found near school
Security measures were tightened in Pikit, North Cotabato, following the discovery of a bomb near a public school there on Friday.
Police Lt. Col. Aldrin Gonzales, speaking for Police Regional Office 12 (Soccsksargen), said classes were delayed at the Ginatilan Elementary School in Barangay Ginatilan, Pikit after an anti-personnel mine was found by the roadside leading to the school.
“Teachers and pupils were prevented from proceeding to the school while Army and police bomb experts were deactivating the bomb,” he said.
The Pikit police office also received a call from village officials about a suspicious bag left unattended beside the highway at past 6 a.m. on the same day, prompting authorities to shut down the section of the highway in the village.
The bag contained two 40-mm. rifle grenades, a local area network hub cable, a 12-volt battery, and a plastic gallon that contained gasoline.
Gonzales said police and Army investigators are jointly looking into the case. He said the anti-personnel mine could have been intended for other areas but the presence of the police and military manning checkpoints in Pikit forced the courier to abandon it.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1063397
Security measures were tightened in Pikit, North Cotabato, following the discovery of a bomb near a public school there on Friday.
Police Lt. Col. Aldrin Gonzales, speaking for Police Regional Office 12 (Soccsksargen), said classes were delayed at the Ginatilan Elementary School in Barangay Ginatilan, Pikit after an anti-personnel mine was found by the roadside leading to the school.
“Teachers and pupils were prevented from proceeding to the school while Army and police bomb experts were deactivating the bomb,” he said.
The Pikit police office also received a call from village officials about a suspicious bag left unattended beside the highway at past 6 a.m. on the same day, prompting authorities to shut down the section of the highway in the village.
The bag contained two 40-mm. rifle grenades, a local area network hub cable, a 12-volt battery, and a plastic gallon that contained gasoline.
Gonzales said police and Army investigators are jointly looking into the case. He said the anti-personnel mine could have been intended for other areas but the presence of the police and military manning checkpoints in Pikit forced the courier to abandon it.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1063397
Duterte, Pompeo discuss reg'l security, counter terrorism
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 1, 2019): Duterte, Pompeo discuss reg'l security, counter terrorism
POMPEO VISITS PH. President Rodrigo R. Duterte introduces the members of his Cabinet to United States Secretary of State Michael Pompeo during their meeting at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City on February 28, 2019. (Valerie Escalera/Presidential Photo)
MANILA -- President Rodrigo R. Duterte and United States Department of State chief Michael Pompeo met on Thursday night and discussed various topics of mutual interest, particularly on security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
"They reaffirmed the long-standing US-Philippines alliance, discussing ways to improve cooperation on regional security and counterterrorism," State Deputy Spokesperson Robert Palladino said in a statement.
"The Secretary and President Duterte also exchanged views on ongoing efforts to achieve the denuclearization of North Korea," he added.
Pompeo arrived at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City at 8:36 p.m. on Thursday and was welcomed by US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim and Senior Bureau Official for the US Department of State Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs W. Patrick Murphy.
Pompeo met with Duterte shortly after at the Kalayaan Lounge at Villamor Air Base.
On Friday morning, Pompeo will join Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. for a bilateral meeting. During his visit, the US official will also engage with Philippine business leaders about opportunities for increasing the two nations’ robust economic partnership, the US Embassy in Manila said.
According to the Embassy, Pompeo's first official visit to the country "underscores the US commitment to deepening" its economic relationship and security cooperation with the Philippines.
Pompeo traveled to Manila from Hanoi, Vietnam, where he participated in President Donald Trump’s summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, as well as bilateral meetings with Vietnamese leaders.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1063282
POMPEO VISITS PH. President Rodrigo R. Duterte introduces the members of his Cabinet to United States Secretary of State Michael Pompeo during their meeting at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City on February 28, 2019. (Valerie Escalera/Presidential Photo)
MANILA -- President Rodrigo R. Duterte and United States Department of State chief Michael Pompeo met on Thursday night and discussed various topics of mutual interest, particularly on security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.
"They reaffirmed the long-standing US-Philippines alliance, discussing ways to improve cooperation on regional security and counterterrorism," State Deputy Spokesperson Robert Palladino said in a statement.
"The Secretary and President Duterte also exchanged views on ongoing efforts to achieve the denuclearization of North Korea," he added.
Pompeo arrived at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City at 8:36 p.m. on Thursday and was welcomed by US Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim and Senior Bureau Official for the US Department of State Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs W. Patrick Murphy.
Pompeo met with Duterte shortly after at the Kalayaan Lounge at Villamor Air Base.
On Friday morning, Pompeo will join Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. for a bilateral meeting. During his visit, the US official will also engage with Philippine business leaders about opportunities for increasing the two nations’ robust economic partnership, the US Embassy in Manila said.
According to the Embassy, Pompeo's first official visit to the country "underscores the US commitment to deepening" its economic relationship and security cooperation with the Philippines.
Pompeo traveled to Manila from Hanoi, Vietnam, where he participated in President Donald Trump’s summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, as well as bilateral meetings with Vietnamese leaders.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1063282
PH-US defense treaty review needs 'further thought': DFA
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 1, 2019): PH-US defense treaty review needs 'further thought': DFA
Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. on Friday said the call to review the Philippine-United States Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) needs "further thought" as he cited the repeated assurances made by Washington to Manila.
"Some seek a review of the MDT. This requires further thought. In vagueness lies uncertainty: a deterrent. Specificity invites evasion and actions outside the MDT framework," Locsin said during a press conference at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) office in Pasay City.
Locsin cited the repeated assurances US that it is ready to respond in the event of an act of aggression against the Philippines.
"I don’t believe that going down into the details is the way the sincerity of the American commitment will be shown. They will respond, depending on the circumstances. But we are very assured, we are very confident that United States has, in the words of Secretary Pompeo and in the words of President Trump to our President, ‘We have your back,’” he said.
In the joint press briefing, Pompeo categorically said the disputed South China Sea is also covered in the 67-year-old defense pact.
The briefing came following a "productive meeting with frank exchanges" between Pompeo and Locsin on the future the two nations' alliance.
During the bilateral talks, the two officials also discussed the US support to the Armed Forces of the Philippines' Modernization Program as well as the government's campaign against all forms of criminality especially terrorism and its connection with illegal drugs trade.
"Ideally mutual defense should cover a partner’s back as well as its front. Secretary Pompeo and I agreed that it was in both our countries’ interest to ensure that the alliance effectively address other non-traditional security issues such as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief; and, above all, the fight against human trafficking," Locsin said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1063312
Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. on Friday said the call to review the Philippine-United States Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) needs "further thought" as he cited the repeated assurances made by Washington to Manila.
"Some seek a review of the MDT. This requires further thought. In vagueness lies uncertainty: a deterrent. Specificity invites evasion and actions outside the MDT framework," Locsin said during a press conference at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) office in Pasay City.
Locsin cited the repeated assurances US that it is ready to respond in the event of an act of aggression against the Philippines.
"I don’t believe that going down into the details is the way the sincerity of the American commitment will be shown. They will respond, depending on the circumstances. But we are very assured, we are very confident that United States has, in the words of Secretary Pompeo and in the words of President Trump to our President, ‘We have your back,’” he said.
In the joint press briefing, Pompeo categorically said the disputed South China Sea is also covered in the 67-year-old defense pact.
The briefing came following a "productive meeting with frank exchanges" between Pompeo and Locsin on the future the two nations' alliance.
During the bilateral talks, the two officials also discussed the US support to the Armed Forces of the Philippines' Modernization Program as well as the government's campaign against all forms of criminality especially terrorism and its connection with illegal drugs trade.
"Ideally mutual defense should cover a partner’s back as well as its front. Secretary Pompeo and I agreed that it was in both our countries’ interest to ensure that the alliance effectively address other non-traditional security issues such as humanitarian assistance and disaster relief; and, above all, the fight against human trafficking," Locsin said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1063312
Attacks on civilian targets part of Reds’ extortion scheme
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 1, 2019): Attacks on civilian targets part of Reds’ extortion scheme
The New People's Army’s (NPA) spree of attacking and destroying civilian targets is aimed at pressuring businesses to give in to their extortion plans, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief, Col. Noel Detoyato said Friday.
The wanton attacks also highlight the communist rebels’ terroristic inclinations, he added.
"The burning spree of heavy equipment being perpetrated by the CPP-NPA (Communist Party of the Philippines - New People's Army) is meant to continue with their terrorism plans and to pressure the companies to give in to their extortion demands," Detoyato said in a message to the Philippine News Agency (PNA).
The NPAs target the equipment of construction companies because they are soft and undefended targets and destroying them would delay and prevent the government from bringing basic services to rural communities.
Detoyato added that the presence of poverty and lack of critical services give the NPA a strong reason to exist.
The NPA is listed as a terrorist organization in the United States and European Union.
"We are calling on peace-loving Filipinos to express their dismay on this group by denying them logistics support and not voting for their supported candidates and party-lists this coming mid-term elections," the AFP official said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1063303
The New People's Army’s (NPA) spree of attacking and destroying civilian targets is aimed at pressuring businesses to give in to their extortion plans, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief, Col. Noel Detoyato said Friday.
The wanton attacks also highlight the communist rebels’ terroristic inclinations, he added.
"The burning spree of heavy equipment being perpetrated by the CPP-NPA (Communist Party of the Philippines - New People's Army) is meant to continue with their terrorism plans and to pressure the companies to give in to their extortion demands," Detoyato said in a message to the Philippine News Agency (PNA).
The NPAs target the equipment of construction companies because they are soft and undefended targets and destroying them would delay and prevent the government from bringing basic services to rural communities.
Detoyato added that the presence of poverty and lack of critical services give the NPA a strong reason to exist.
The NPA is listed as a terrorist organization in the United States and European Union.
"We are calling on peace-loving Filipinos to express their dismay on this group by denying them logistics support and not voting for their supported candidates and party-lists this coming mid-term elections," the AFP official said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1063303
Attack in SCS to trigger PH-US defense pact obligation: Pompeo
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 1, 2019): Attack in SCS to trigger PH-US defense pact obligation: Pompeo
POMPEO IN PH. Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr. shakes hands with visiting US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo who is in the country to discuss, among others, the PH-US mutual defense cooperation and counterterrrorism efforts. (PNA photo by Oliver F. Marquez)
US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo on Friday said an armed attack against Philippine forces in the disputed South China Sea (SCS) would "trigger" the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) between the Philippines and the United States.
"As the South China Sea is part of the Pacific, any armed attack on Philippine forces, aircraft or public vessels in the South China Sea would trigger mutual defense obligations under Article IV of our Mutual Defense Treaty," he said during a speech after his bilateral meeting with Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr.
Article IV of the MDT states that: "Each Party recognizes that an armed attack in the Pacific area on either of the Parties would be dangerous to its own peace and safety and declares that it would act to meet the common dangers in accordance with its constitutional processes. Any such armed attack and all measures taken as a result thereof shall be immediately reported to the Security Council of the United Nations, such measures shall be terminated when the Security Council has taken the measures necessary to restore and maintain international peace and security."
Pompeo said the US commitments, as well as its obligations to the MDT, are clear.
"South China Sea is certainly part of an important body of water for freedom of navigation," he said.
"We remain committed to supporting not only the Philippines in that effort, and the Philippines willing to do its part as well, but all the countries in the region so that these incredibly vital economic sea lanes are open and China does not pose a threat to closing them down,” he added.
Manila and Beijing are locked in years-long territorial dispute in the SCS. In 2016, an international tribunal in The Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines, saying China has no legal basis to claim historic rights to the bulk of the SCS.
Last December, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana ordered the treaty's review to assess whether there is a need to maintain, strengthen, or abrogate the only defense pact of the Philippines with a foreign nation.
The MDT, signed in 1951, contains eight articles requiring the two Pacific allies to provide aid in case of an armed attack against either Washington or Manila by an external party.
In the past, Washington's commitment to the agreement had been put into question when tensions escalated between Manila and Beijing over its territorial row in the South China Sea.
Previously, Lorenzana said the agreement, signed more than 10 years before Filipino troops occupied claimed areas in the West Philippines Sea, does not cover the disputed territories, adding the US government has also been "ambivalent" in the maritime row.
Locsin, however, said he sees no need to review the treaty, noting that "in vagueness lies the best deterrence."
"How do you flesh out that vagueness? In repeated assurances that the United States in the event an act of aggression is committed against the Philippines, I don’t believe that going down into the details is the way the sincerity of the American commitment will be shown," Locsin said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1063320
POMPEO IN PH. Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr. shakes hands with visiting US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo who is in the country to discuss, among others, the PH-US mutual defense cooperation and counterterrrorism efforts. (PNA photo by Oliver F. Marquez)
US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo on Friday said an armed attack against Philippine forces in the disputed South China Sea (SCS) would "trigger" the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) between the Philippines and the United States.
"As the South China Sea is part of the Pacific, any armed attack on Philippine forces, aircraft or public vessels in the South China Sea would trigger mutual defense obligations under Article IV of our Mutual Defense Treaty," he said during a speech after his bilateral meeting with Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr.
Article IV of the MDT states that: "Each Party recognizes that an armed attack in the Pacific area on either of the Parties would be dangerous to its own peace and safety and declares that it would act to meet the common dangers in accordance with its constitutional processes. Any such armed attack and all measures taken as a result thereof shall be immediately reported to the Security Council of the United Nations, such measures shall be terminated when the Security Council has taken the measures necessary to restore and maintain international peace and security."
Pompeo said the US commitments, as well as its obligations to the MDT, are clear.
"South China Sea is certainly part of an important body of water for freedom of navigation," he said.
"We remain committed to supporting not only the Philippines in that effort, and the Philippines willing to do its part as well, but all the countries in the region so that these incredibly vital economic sea lanes are open and China does not pose a threat to closing them down,” he added.
Manila and Beijing are locked in years-long territorial dispute in the SCS. In 2016, an international tribunal in The Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines, saying China has no legal basis to claim historic rights to the bulk of the SCS.
Last December, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana ordered the treaty's review to assess whether there is a need to maintain, strengthen, or abrogate the only defense pact of the Philippines with a foreign nation.
The MDT, signed in 1951, contains eight articles requiring the two Pacific allies to provide aid in case of an armed attack against either Washington or Manila by an external party.
In the past, Washington's commitment to the agreement had been put into question when tensions escalated between Manila and Beijing over its territorial row in the South China Sea.
Previously, Lorenzana said the agreement, signed more than 10 years before Filipino troops occupied claimed areas in the West Philippines Sea, does not cover the disputed territories, adding the US government has also been "ambivalent" in the maritime row.
Locsin, however, said he sees no need to review the treaty, noting that "in vagueness lies the best deterrence."
"How do you flesh out that vagueness? In repeated assurances that the United States in the event an act of aggression is committed against the Philippines, I don’t believe that going down into the details is the way the sincerity of the American commitment will be shown," Locsin said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1063320
US vows defense aid to PH: Palace
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 1, 2019): US vows defense aid to PH: Palace
US Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo assured President Rodrigo R. Duterte of his country's commitment to protect and help the Philippines in its defense in case an attack happens on its territories in their Thursday night meeting, Malacañang said Friday.
"First, according to them, if there is an attack on us then they will be protecting us or helping us in our defense. Number two, they will be providing us with arms – but not free. We’re going to buy it from them," Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a briefing.
"In fact, the President related to the Secretary of State how he was disappointed when we were trying to buy rifles from them, but some senators opposed it until we were not able to buy. That’s why we have to run to other countries. And in fact, (Foreign Affairs) Secretary (Teodoro) Locsin (Jr.) commented - after in the courtesy call - he can’t even understand why we’re supposed to be allies of the US, and the US has been giving arms for free to other countries and yet, we, the strongest ally of the US cannot even purchase rifles from them," he added.
Panelo said Duterte cited the need for stronger ties between the two countries to preserve peace in disputed territories and fight terrorism.
"The President highlighted prospects of stronger and more meaningful ties with the United States, particularly on defense and security, peace and order, regional stability, as well as the rule of law in the conduct of activities in the West Philippine Sea to prevent escalation of tensions among countries involved. PRRD thereafter discussed ways to further strengthen cooperation between the two countries in countering terrorism and violent extremism," Panelo said in a statement.
Duterte also thanked Pompeo for the return of the Balangiga bells in the Philippines, Panelo said.
"The President then reaffirmed the strength of Philippines-US alliance. In response, US Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo expressed confidence in the strength of Philippines-US alliance," he said.
Panelo said Pompeo "reaffirmed their country's commitment to strengthen cooperation and deepen engagement with the Philippines on matters of mutual interest and common concern at the regional and global arena, including the rule of law and need for a rules-based regime in the West Philippine Sea."
Aside from the President, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., and Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez were also in the meeting.
Pompeo arrived in Manila on Thursday for a two-day visit in the Philippines.
He traveled to Manila from Hanoi, Vietnam, where he participated in President Donald Trump’s summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, as well as bilateral meetings with Vietnamese leaders.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1063332
US Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo assured President Rodrigo R. Duterte of his country's commitment to protect and help the Philippines in its defense in case an attack happens on its territories in their Thursday night meeting, Malacañang said Friday.
"First, according to them, if there is an attack on us then they will be protecting us or helping us in our defense. Number two, they will be providing us with arms – but not free. We’re going to buy it from them," Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a briefing.
"In fact, the President related to the Secretary of State how he was disappointed when we were trying to buy rifles from them, but some senators opposed it until we were not able to buy. That’s why we have to run to other countries. And in fact, (Foreign Affairs) Secretary (Teodoro) Locsin (Jr.) commented - after in the courtesy call - he can’t even understand why we’re supposed to be allies of the US, and the US has been giving arms for free to other countries and yet, we, the strongest ally of the US cannot even purchase rifles from them," he added.
Panelo said Duterte cited the need for stronger ties between the two countries to preserve peace in disputed territories and fight terrorism.
"The President highlighted prospects of stronger and more meaningful ties with the United States, particularly on defense and security, peace and order, regional stability, as well as the rule of law in the conduct of activities in the West Philippine Sea to prevent escalation of tensions among countries involved. PRRD thereafter discussed ways to further strengthen cooperation between the two countries in countering terrorism and violent extremism," Panelo said in a statement.
Duterte also thanked Pompeo for the return of the Balangiga bells in the Philippines, Panelo said.
"The President then reaffirmed the strength of Philippines-US alliance. In response, US Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo expressed confidence in the strength of Philippines-US alliance," he said.
Panelo said Pompeo "reaffirmed their country's commitment to strengthen cooperation and deepen engagement with the Philippines on matters of mutual interest and common concern at the regional and global arena, including the rule of law and need for a rules-based regime in the West Philippine Sea."
Aside from the President, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr., and Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez were also in the meeting.
Pompeo arrived in Manila on Thursday for a two-day visit in the Philippines.
He traveled to Manila from Hanoi, Vietnam, where he participated in President Donald Trump’s summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, as well as bilateral meetings with Vietnamese leaders.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1063332
Pompeo underscores importance of free speech, press in PH
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 1, 2019): Pompeo underscores importance of free speech, press in PH
US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo signs the guestbook at the Department of Foreign Affairs during his visit in Manila on March 1, 2019 (PNA photo by Oliver F. Marquez)
United States Secretary of State Michael Pompeo on Friday underscored the importance of press freedom during his official visit to the Philippines.
"I raised with my counterparts the importance of protecting the rights and liberties of all Filipinos, including free speech, a free press, and due process under the law," Pompeo said during a speech after his bilateral meeting with Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr.
During the joint press conference, the US official said Washington expects a free press in all corners of the world.
"We communicate that to adversaries, to our partners and friends, we are never shy about talking about its importance," he stressed.
The US official also answered in affirmative when asked whether he raised the human rights issues and the treatment of opposition figures in the Philippines during his talk with Locsin.
"I did raise human rights, in travels everywhere our expectation for countries to observe the rule of law is fundamental," he said.
"Our Embassy raises these issues around the world, we never forget the importance of human rights, rule of law, transparency, justice wherever it is that we go," he added.
Pompeo’s visit is his first in the Philippines. He arrived on Thursday from Vietnam where he participated in President Donald Trump’s summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, as well as bilateral meetings with Vietnamese leaders.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1063336
United States Secretary of State Michael Pompeo on Friday underscored the importance of press freedom during his official visit to the Philippines.
"I raised with my counterparts the importance of protecting the rights and liberties of all Filipinos, including free speech, a free press, and due process under the law," Pompeo said during a speech after his bilateral meeting with Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr.
During the joint press conference, the US official said Washington expects a free press in all corners of the world.
"We communicate that to adversaries, to our partners and friends, we are never shy about talking about its importance," he stressed.
The US official also answered in affirmative when asked whether he raised the human rights issues and the treatment of opposition figures in the Philippines during his talk with Locsin.
"I did raise human rights, in travels everywhere our expectation for countries to observe the rule of law is fundamental," he said.
"Our Embassy raises these issues around the world, we never forget the importance of human rights, rule of law, transparency, justice wherever it is that we go," he added.
Pompeo’s visit is his first in the Philippines. He arrived on Thursday from Vietnam where he participated in President Donald Trump’s summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, as well as bilateral meetings with Vietnamese leaders.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1063336
Ex-rebel group backs localize peace talks
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 1, 2019): Ex-rebel group backs localize peace talks
As President Rodrigo Duterte signals the resumption of peace talks, a group of former rebels staged a picket rally in Manila on Friday, supporting the government's efforts to push for the localization of peace talks for a guaranteed positive result.
The coalition of former rebels, led by Ka Dario, said peace talks will progress if it is held in the country and not in some third-party country that recognizes "the belligerent National Democratic Front (NDF)" as a political entity.
"Nagtitipon kami upang igiit ang isang localize peace talks. Ito at hindi sa foreign country na kinikilala ang CPP-NPA-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army) na isang political entity ang solusyon para matapos na ang limang dekadang panggugulo ng teroristang grupo (We gather here to call for localized peace talks. It is the solution and not a peace talk hosted by a third-party country that recognizes terrorist group CPP-NPA-NDF as a political entity that would solve the five decades of troubles by a terrorist group)," Ka Dario said.
"Kahit kailan hindi na exercise ng CPP-NDF ang kanyang pamumuno o soberanya sa kahit anong teritoryo ng Pilipinas sa kahit sinong miyembro ng lipunang Pilipino (The CPP-NDF never exercises rule or sovereignty in any territory of the Philippines and to any member of the Filipino community)," the anti-terrorists group leader added.
The group also condemned the CPP-NPA-NDF's criminal activities, such as the extortion, kangaroo court system, and its use of minors as combatants.
"Ang mga ito ay matagal nang kinondena ng Geneva Convention gaya ng paggamit ng landmines [na patuloy pa nilang ginagamit] (These were long condemned by the Geneva Convention, including the use of landmines [that these terrorists still do today])," he said.
President Duterte earlier ordered the country's law enforcement agencies to let National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) chief negotiator Fidel Agcaoili come home and resume the peace talks with the government.
Agcaoili, NDFP senior adviser Luis Jalandoni, and NDFP negotiating panel member Coni Ledesma called off plans to be Manila in November to conduct informal talks with the government due to security concerns.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1063315+6
As President Rodrigo Duterte signals the resumption of peace talks, a group of former rebels staged a picket rally in Manila on Friday, supporting the government's efforts to push for the localization of peace talks for a guaranteed positive result.
The coalition of former rebels, led by Ka Dario, said peace talks will progress if it is held in the country and not in some third-party country that recognizes "the belligerent National Democratic Front (NDF)" as a political entity.
"Nagtitipon kami upang igiit ang isang localize peace talks. Ito at hindi sa foreign country na kinikilala ang CPP-NPA-NDF (Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army) na isang political entity ang solusyon para matapos na ang limang dekadang panggugulo ng teroristang grupo (We gather here to call for localized peace talks. It is the solution and not a peace talk hosted by a third-party country that recognizes terrorist group CPP-NPA-NDF as a political entity that would solve the five decades of troubles by a terrorist group)," Ka Dario said.
"Kahit kailan hindi na exercise ng CPP-NDF ang kanyang pamumuno o soberanya sa kahit anong teritoryo ng Pilipinas sa kahit sinong miyembro ng lipunang Pilipino (The CPP-NDF never exercises rule or sovereignty in any territory of the Philippines and to any member of the Filipino community)," the anti-terrorists group leader added.
The group also condemned the CPP-NPA-NDF's criminal activities, such as the extortion, kangaroo court system, and its use of minors as combatants.
"Ang mga ito ay matagal nang kinondena ng Geneva Convention gaya ng paggamit ng landmines [na patuloy pa nilang ginagamit] (These were long condemned by the Geneva Convention, including the use of landmines [that these terrorists still do today])," he said.
President Duterte earlier ordered the country's law enforcement agencies to let National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) chief negotiator Fidel Agcaoili come home and resume the peace talks with the government.
Agcaoili, NDFP senior adviser Luis Jalandoni, and NDFP negotiating panel member Coni Ledesma called off plans to be Manila in November to conduct informal talks with the government due to security concerns.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1063315+6
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