President Duterte to visit “Tabak” Division on Wednesday

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 9): President Duterte to visit “Tabak” Division on Wednesday President Duterte to visit “Tabak” Division on Wednesday

President Rodrigo R. Duterte is slated to visit the 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division, the premiere division of the Philippine Army at Camp Major Cesar Sang-an, Pulacan, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur on Wednesday, August 10.

Being the commander-in-chief, President Duterte will visit the camp for two events: situation briefing and “talk to men.”

An initial meeting was held yesterday at the 1ID headquarters with the Presidential Management Staff, Media Affairs Relations Office, Presidential Security Guard and 1ID officials to beef up security measures.

This will be the 7th visit of the president to military camps in the country. He has made camp visits at the Western Mindanao Command in Zamboanga City and the 104th Infantry Battalion in Isabela City, Basilan on July 21;  Camp Siongco, Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao on July 22; Fort Magsaysay, Palayan City, Nueva Ecija on July 26; Camp Guillermo Nakar, Lucena City, Quezon on July 28; and the 60th Infantry Battalion headquarters in Asuncion, Davao del Norte on July 29.

The president will be welcomed by officers of the 1ID during his arrival at the headquarters.

Duterte’s  military camp-hopping is a way to the soldiers heart and a boost to their morale.

He is expected to have a command conference with the camp’s highest officials and deliver a speech in front of the troops as soon as he arrives.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1371470711051/president-duterte-to-visit-tabak-division-on-wednesday

President’s visit to 1ID draws optimism among ZamboSurians

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 9): President’s visit to 1ID draws optimism among ZamboSurians

President Rodrigo R. Duterte is scheduled to visit the 1st Infantry “Tabak” Division, the premiere division of the Philippine Army, in Camp Major Cesar Sang-an, Pulacan, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur on Wednesday, August 10.

Lt.Col. Hubert Acierto, commanding officer of the 1st Field Artillery Battalion, Army Artillery Regiment said “it's a great honor and privilege for us (troopers) to meet our commander-in-chief in the ground.”

“We will listen to the pronouncement of the president especially on the internal security policies and counter-insurgency campaign,” Acierto, who will be attending the arrival ceremony along with his fellow officers, declared.

Deputy Provincial Director Supt. James A. Turbela of the Zamboanga del Sur Police Provincial Office stressed that they are one with the military in the fight against illegal drugs, which is the battle cry of the president’s administration.

The PNP will likewise assist in providing security to President Duterte.

Meanwhile, Aida Ascabano, a bakery cashier said the president’s camp visit will boost the soldiers’ morale.

“As the country’s leader, it is very important for President Duterte to visit the camps of the soldiers because they are our protectors,” she said.

“Kinahanglan nga ipatuman usab sa presidente ang AFP modernization program aron makabaton ang atong mga sundalo sa state-of-the-art military equipment pagpakigbatok sa mga terorista nga maoy naghatag kasamok sa atong nasud,” she added (The president should also implement the AFP modernization program for the soldiers to possess state-of-the-art military equipment in fighting against terrorists and those who wreak havoc in our country.)

 “I am grateful that the president will visit Tabak division for him to see and assess the needs of our soldiers,” Rosalina Cane, a fruit vendor said in the local dialect.

Cane describes the president as a simple and humble person who is true to his word. He also has a heart for the wounded soldiers. “Duterte is the only president in our country who declared total war against drugs and criminality,” she added.

Sonia Inferido, a plain housewife is optimistic that the president’s visit will surely bring good news to the soldiers.

Duterte’s pronouncement to increase the salaries of soldiers, giving scholarships to military dependents, and other incentives would  encourage the soldiers to perform their duties with utmost sincerity and honesty.

“I believe that with the reforms introduced by the president in the AFP, we can no longer see scalawags in the organization,” she added.

It can be recalled that for 6 years, the province has not been visited by the highest official of the land.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1371470721933/president-s-visit-to-1id-draws-optimism-among-zambosurians

Government calls for convergence and inclusivity in all Moro factions in the pursuit for peace in Mindanao

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 9): Government calls for convergence and inclusivity in all Moro factions in the pursuit for peace in Mindanao

Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Jesus Dureza confirmed meeting with the faction of the Moro National Liberation Front headed by former Cotabato City Mayor Muslimin Sema as part of the government’s effort to reach out to all key players to attain a sustainable peace in the Bangsamoro.

He said that earlier, President Rodrigo Duterte affirmed the roadmap for peace in Mindanao which aims   convergence, inclusivity amongst Bangsamoro People.

Dureza revealed meeting with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front chair Al Hajj Murad two weeks ago, and other groups involved in the works for the realization of peace in the Bangsamoro.

“Today I met with the group headed by Muslimin Sema and will still be meeting with other groups that have something to do with the peace in the Bangsamoro,” he said.

Dureza said that it was the guidance of President Duterte to implement all signed agreements as a move towards convergence.

“The Moro National Liberation Front headed by Sema and the MILF headed by Al Hajj Murad Ibrahim, express willingness to converge and make all efforts for the realization of peace inclusive,” he said.

Dureza said the government is open to talk with other groups so that their concerns aside from that of the Moro groups will be heard.

He said the government looks forward to meeting the MNLF faction headed by chair Nur Misuari until all his legal constraints like the pending cases and pending unserved arrest warrant are resolved.

Dureza said the legal issues facing Misuari must be addressed in order for government to talk to him on a person-to-person basis.

“The president and I have been in touched with Misuari by telephone,” he said.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2381470729202/government-calls-for-convergence-and-inclusivity-in-all-moro-factions-in-the-pursuit-for-peace-in-mindanao

Pres. Duterte reiterates peace talks with Reds

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 9): Pres. Duterte reiterates peace talks with Reds

CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar -- President Rodrigo Duterte would love to see the Armed Forces of the Philippines and New People’s Army (NPA) talking about peace instead of fighting for as long as insurgents will stop using landmines.

Talking to 500 soldiers at the covered court of the Philippine Army's 8th Infantry Division in Camp Lukban, this city late Monday afternoon, Pres. Duterte said he really wanted to end the four decades of fighting between government troops and NPAs.

“I want to show to them the good faith on the part of the government by going ahead with the ceasefire. I would insist to talk with the rebels with or without their leader (Jose Maria) Sison,” he said.

However, peace negotiations will only proceed if rebels will completely stop using landmines.

“If you will continue to use landmines, I will withdraw from the talks and there will be no ceasefire. I am prepared for another 45 years (of fighting). Do you want to fight for another 45 years?” he asked.

“I am just saying if you will use landmine again, I will forego peace talks and forget about it.”

“My job as a President is not to look for fight and to allow people die. My job is to seek peace with everybody so that we can move on to the next generation. The next generation after us has no more problems with insurgency. They can go anywhere through the country and develop the Republic for their children,” he said.

Pres. Duterte noted the communist insurgents were quick to invoke the Geneva Conventions when it is to their favor. “When it is not, then you invoke on it. If you are caught, you file cases against soldiers.”

The 1980 Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons in Geneva specified the use of landmines, booby traps, incendiary weapons and blinding laser weapons, among others, as “excessively injurious” or “to have indiscriminate effects.”

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=911881

Pres. Duterte to visit government troopers in Cagayan De Oro

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 9): Pres. Duterte to visit government troopers in Cagayan De Oro

CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan De Oro City -- President Rodrigo Duterte is scheduled to visit this largest military camp in Northern Mindanao Tuesday to boost the morale of about 6,000 government troopers in the region.

Secretary Martin Andanar, of the Presidential Communication Office (PCO), has confirmed the scheduled visit.

“President Duterte is coming to Cagayan De Oro City Tuesday, but I could not divulge the details of his visit for security reason,” Andanar told the local press.

Military sources, however, said that Duterte is scheduled to arrive at 1:30 Tuesday to visit the government troopers and meet with top military and police officials in Camp Evangelista.

Duterte would also visit and pin medals to the wounded soldiers who are undergoing treatment at the military hospital in the military camp.

Provincial Governor Yevgeny Vincente Emano, of Misamis Oriental, was at the Laguindingan Airport in Misasmis Oriental to meet Duterte and his party.

From the Laguindingan Airport, Duterte would take a military helicopter that would fly him directly to Camp Evangelista.

As of 11:00 Tuesday morning, about 400 government troopers and military officials have been waiting at the grandstand of the military camp sprawling parade ground here.

Police Supt. Ronnie Cariaga, the chief of the city’s police force here, said that the military and the police have adopted an elaborate security contingency that includes the deployment of a K-9 team inside and outside the military camp.

On Monday, the Presidential Security Group (PSG) has already taken the names of the local media who were scheduled to cover Duterte’s visit here.

A military official said that the PSG would no longer issue an identification card to the media, but would only obtain the names of the local media personnel.

From the military camp, Duterte would reportedly fly back to Laguindingan airport and back to Manila, the military said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=911918

President Duterte arrives at Camp Evangelista

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 9): President Duterte arrives at Camp Evangelista

President Rodrigo Duterte arrived at the 4th Infantry Division here, the largest military camp, at about 4:20 Tuesday afternoon on board a civilian helicopter.

The President arrived at the Laguindingan Airport in Misamis Oriental about 4:00 p.m. where he was welcomed by provincial government officials led by Governor Yevgeny Vincente Emano.

Duterte, clad in a checkered blue polo shirt, off-white pants, and a pair of rubber shoes, walked toward the military headquarters after disembarking from a civilian helicopter that landed on the military ground a few meters away from Philippine Army headquarters.

The visit, dubbed as “Talk to Troops”, is among the regular visits of President Duterte to military camps in the country where he personally interacts with government troopers, a military official said.

The Presidential Security Group has barred the taking of photos and television footage of the President as the helicopter landed and while he was walking toward the army headquarters where he will have a close-door conference with top military and police officials in Northern Mindanao.

The photo ops and television footage would be allowed only in the military gymnasium where the President would deliver a message to the military personnel and the few invited local officials.

Capt. Patrick Martinez, the spokesperson of the army’s 4ID, said the President would also pay his last respect to the army trooper who was killed in action in an armed encounter with the communist rebels in Bukidnon last week.

He said from the camp mortuary, Duterte would visit the wounded soldiers who are undergoing treatment at the army station hospital in the military camp.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=912053

Army probes shooting of civilian in Tagum City

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 9): Army probes shooting of civilian in Tagum City

The 10th Infantry (Agila) Division of the Philippine Army is investigating the alleged involvement of a trooper in the fatal shooting of a civilian last Aug. 7 in Tagum City.

In a statement to the media in Davao City, 10th ID chief information officer, Capt. Rhyan Batchar, said Maj. Gen. Rafael Valencia has already directed the commander of the 60th Infantry Battalion (IB) to cooperate and support the investigation being conducted by the Tagum City Police regarding the incident.

Last Sunday, Private 1st Class (PFC) Ian Paul Pascua was reportedly involved in the fatal shooting of Juan Clarion Alcarez, 62, a civilian and a resident of Barangay Cuambogan, Tagum City.

The incident took place at about 12:45 noon in Purok Maaharlika, Barangay Cuambongan.

The victim died on the spot while Pascua fled after the incident. Pascua is a member of the Alpha Company of the 60th IB, Batchar added.

Batchar said a manhunt was immediately launched against Pascua but he surrendered to his company commander at about 5 p.m. on Sunday.

“We will fully support and cooperate with the investigations that the Philippine National Police and other concerned agencies will undertake. The command does not condone any misbehavior or participation in criminal acts of our soldiers,” Batchar said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=912003

Military's 10th ID supports police probe vs Army trooper

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 9): Military's 10th ID supports police probe vs Army trooper

The Compostela Valley-based 10th Infantry Division has assured it will cooperate with an ongoing police probe on the fatal shooting incident involving one of its troopers in Tagum City last Aug. 7.

Capt. Rhyan Batchar, 10th Infantry Division public affairs office chief, identified the suspect as Pfc. Ian Paul Pascua, a member of the 60th Infantry Battalion.

Pascua is held by police and undergoing investigation for the shooting and killing of Juan Clarion Alvarez, 62, at Purok Maharlika, Barangay Cuambugon, Tagum City after a heated spat.

Batchar said Pascual initially escaped but decided to surrender to his company commander later that day.

"We will fully support and cooperate on the investigations that the Philippine National Police and other concerned agencies undertake. The command does not condone any misbehavior or participation in criminal acts of our soldiers," Batchar said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=911821

DBP supports vision to transform country into shipbuilding hub in Asia

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 9): DBP supports vision to transform country into shipbuilding hub in Asia

One of the leading players in the construction industry in Region 8, the Chua Group of Companies, recently inaugurated a new ship repair and shipbuilding facility in Albuera, Leyte.

The 3,000 DWT capacity shipyard with port facility of Megaship Builders, Inc. (MBI) was partially financed by the Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP).

During the inauguration ceremony, Engr. Francis Lloyd T. Chua, president of Megaship Builders, Inc., said the new shipyard is the first in the Visayas to use marine airbag technology.

It has the capacity to simultaneously repair three to five vessels with 2,500-3,000 gross tons in size. The facility can repair more than 40 vessels per year excluding new vessels for construction.

Since Albuera is only 111 kilometers away from Cebu City, shipping operators based in Cebu and nearby areas will not have to go far for the dry docking of their fleet.

MBI’s primary target market includes shipping companies that are based in the neighboring island of Tacloban, Cebu and Bohol.

There are about 25 operational ports in these islands where ships and boats from the Northern and Southern regions mostly dock, deliver, load and upload their cargo or passengers.

The first two customers that entered into a shipbuilding contract with MBI for the construction of steel-hulled cargo passenger LCT are Camotes Ferry Services and Banton Liner Transport Services.

Chua anticipates that more operators of wooden-hulled vessels will avail of their services as they are forced to modernize their fleet in consonance with the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Circular on the progressive/ gradual phase out of wooden-hulled ships in domestic trade.

Engr. Manuel A. Chua, chairman of the Chua Group, said that establishing the shipyard facility was first borne out of the need for the regular repair and maintenance of their own fleet of vessels hauling aggregates for their construction business.

He added that after years of availing of the services of Cebu-based shipyards for the regular dry docking of their vessels, which takes at least three months before they are serviced, they saw the opportunity to help the industry and decided to put up their own shipyard facility.

Based on MARINA’s latest data, the ratio of shipyard to number of vessels is 40 vessels to one shipyard.

In his message during the inauguration ceremony, DBP senior assistant vice president Raymond Valdez emphasized that the bank supports the vision of MARINA to transform the Philippines into a shipbuilding hub in Asia by continually expanding DBP financing for transport infrastructure and logistics facilities.

He emphasized that such projects are high on DBP’s priority thrusts as it is a way forward to economic development.

Being a country composed of thousands of islands, the Philippines requires efficient and modern transport infrastructure and logistics facilities to accelerate and sustain socio-economic growth, improve global competitiveness, and promote physical integration.

To address the financing requirement for such capital-intensive projects, DBP offers special long-term credit facilities with significant advantages that may not be found in other financing vehicles, ie. a fixed interest rate for the duration of the loan, and a longest payment term of 15 years.

MBI is one of the beneficiaries of this special lending program.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=911953

President Duterte to pay his last respects to slain army troopers in CDO

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 9): President Duterte to pay his last respects to slain army troopers in CDO

President Rodrigo R. Duterte will visit the wake of slain soldiers at the camp mortuary during his brief visit here Tuesday, a military spokesperson has said.

President Duterte would speak to the families of the slain soldiers as part of his itinerary when he visits Northern Mindanao's largest military camp, spokesperson of the army’s 4th Infantry Division, Capt. Patrick Martinez, said.

Martinez, in an interview with a radio reporter, did not identify the slain army troopers, but said they were killed in action in one of the latest encounters with communist rebels in Bukidnon.

He said that from the camp mortuary, President Duterte will proceed to the army station hospital, where wounded soldiers are confined.

According to Martinez, President Duterte's visit to various military camps in the country has boosted the morale of government troops.

“As the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, President Duterte’s visit to the military camps and installations always boost the morale of the government troopers,” Martinez said.

With about 6,000 personnel, the 4th infantry division is the largest military camp in north and northeastern Mindanao, covering the provinces of Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental, Camiguin, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, and Surigao del Sur.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=911943

(Update) 4 ASG bandits killed, 4 high-powered weapons seized in Sulu encounter

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 9): (Update) 4 ASG bandits killed, 4 high-powered weapons seized in Sulu encounter

Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) fighters have shot and killed four Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits and recovered four automatic rifles folllowing a clash in Kalinggalang Caluang town, Sulu Tuesday morning.

The encounter took place 7 a.m. in Barangay Tanjung of the said locality, said Western Mindanao Command spokesperson Major Filemon Tan.

Among the four ASG bandits slain were one Jennorr Lahab alias "Kumander Jim Dragon" and another terrorist believed to be his son.

The cadavers recovered by the MNLF were brought to Barangay Masjid Punjungan, Kalinggalang Caluang and will be turned over to the local government unit for proper disposition.

A known follower of ASG sub-commander Alhabsy Misaya, Lahab is believed to be involved in the kidnapping of 10 Indonesians last March 20 and in the armed confrontation against the group of former Kalinggalang Caluang Mayor Jerry Misuari on April 15, 2015.

Also recovered were two M-14 rifles, one M-16 automatic rifle, and one M-4 carbine.

The clash between the ASGs and the MNLF fighters headed by Commanders Taib Sahibad, Alih Kipli and Abraham Joel ensued as the MNLF tried to retrieve hostages being held by the terrorists.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=911957

4 ASG bandits killed during clash with MNLF in Sulu

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 9): 4 ASG bandits killed during clash with MNLF in Sulu

Four Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits were killed following a clash with Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) fighters in Kalinggalang Caluang town in Sulu Tuesday morning.

The incident took place 7 a.m. in Sitio Panas, Barangay Tanjung in the said locality.

Involved in the fighting were ASG bandits reportedly under sub-commander Alhabsy Misaya and MNLF leader Ali Julkipli.

The clash reportedly took place during efforts of the MNLF to recover kidnap victims being held by the terrorists.

No other details are immediately available regarding this matter.

Four of the bandits were killed in the gunfight, with one of them identified as Jennor Lahab alias "Jim Dragon."

Also recovered were two high-powered ASG firearms, one M-16 automatic rifle and a M-14 carbine.

 

Remains of the slain bandits were taken to Barangay Masjid Punjungan.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=911925

PA increases security in Libingan ng mga Bayani

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 9): PA increases security in Libingan ng mga Bayani

The Philippine Army (PA) has increased security at the "Libingan Ng Mga Bayani" (LNMB) in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City as part of security efforts for scheduled internment of former president Ferdinand E. Marcos.

This is in anticipation of possible protest actions that might mar the proceedings and groups planning to bring rocks, said Army spokesman Col. Benjamin Hao.

"We have increased (the) security (for) the LNMB to maintain its peace, sanctity and tranquility after receiving reports that some groups are planning to conduct protest actions and put rocks (at the site of Marcos' burial plot). This is not the place for this," he said in Filipino.

The PA spokesman said they have been receiving such reports since last July ahead of President Rodrigo Duterte's order to intern Marcos at the LNMB.

"We understand (protesters' sentiments) but (the LNMB) is a place for families and relatives of fallen heroes so they must be given the solemn opportunity," Hao stressed.

He added that while protesters are welcome to stage their protest outside LNMB premises, they cannot do the same inside the cemetery proper.

"Remember this is a national shrine, this is not a place to express their sentiments on whatever political issues they have. We ask for understanding (that as) a national cemetery, everybody should give proper response," Hao stressed.

As this develops, the Army spokesman said Marcos representatives are now cleaning and making initial digs at the regulation 100 square meter plot former presidents are allocated in the LNMB's 5,000 square meter Presidential Section.

As of this posting, the remains of three presidents -- Carlos P. Garcia, Diosdado Macapagal and Elpidio Quirino -- are now interred there.

Hao said the Presidential Section still has room for 46 more.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=911991

Japanese FM Fumio Kishida to call on President Duterte, DFA Secretary Yasay, in Davao on Thursday

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 9): Japanese FM Fumio Kishida to call on President Duterte, DFA Secretary Yasay, in Davao on Thursday

Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida will undertake an official visit to the Philippines from Aug. 10 to 12, 2016. He will meet with President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Secretary Perfecto R. Yasay, Jr. on Aug. 11.

The Philippines will be FM Kishida’s first official visit following his reappointment to the position of Foreign Minister of Japan after a cabinet reshuffle on Aug. 3, 2016.

The Philippines was also the first country he visited after his first appointment as Japan’s Foreign Minister in 2012.

In his meeting with President Duterte, Kishida will be treated to a merienda cena.

The Philippines and Japan are celebrating the 60th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations this year.

In 2015, the Philippines and Japan signed the Joint Declaration, A Strengthened Strategic Partnership for Advancing the Shared Principles and Goals of Peace, Security, and Growth in the Region and Beyond.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=912086

PAF spokesperson: F-28 readily transformable into air ambulance

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 9): PAF spokesperson: F-28 readily transformable into air ambulance

"Kalayaan" or the Fokker F-28 "Fellowship" jet liner assigned to the 250th Presidential Airlift Wing can be readily transformed into an air ambulance, Philippine Air Force (PAF) spokesperson Col. Araus Robert Musico said in message to the PNA Tuesday.

"Yes, it is feasible. (But it will take some time) as the aircraft will be converted to perform a different mission. There will be definitely some modifications to be made," he added.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, during his visit to the 8th Infantry Division headquarters in Catbalogan, Samar Monday, wants the F-28 to be converted in an air ambulance to transport sick and wounded troopers to hospitals.

The F-28 is used for domestic flights of the incumbent president and is named "Kalayaan."

It is a short range jet airliner designed and built by defunct Dutch aircraft manufacturer Fokker.

The 250th Presidential Air Wing is in charge of flying the President and his family aside from providing transportation to visiting heads of state and other government officials.

It is also equipped with a Fokker F-27 "Friendship" transport, four Bell 412 helicopters, three Sikorsky S-76 helicopters and one S-70 "Blackhawk."

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=911974