Top NPA Commander in Samar cornered

From Manila Channel/Philippine Standard News (may 16): Top NPA Commander in Samar cornered



Santiago Salas, NDF spokesperson earlier denied any PTC fees being collected by the CPP-NPA-NDF

CATBALOGAN CITY – Combined elements of 87^th Infantry Battalion, 801^st Infantry Brigade, and the Municipal Police Station of San Sebastian, Samar arrested late last week a top New People’s Army (NPA) commander, holed up in a secluded safe house at Barangay Dolores, San Sebastian, Samar, a senior military official said.

In a belated statement, Captain Amado Gutierrez, officer-in-charge of the 8^th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office (DPAO) said Renato Abadiano alias “Ka Tiboy” who handles various top positions in the NPA’s Samar Provincial Party Committee, was cornered by the government forces after his presence was tipped off by the residents.

Gutierrez said the NPA commander was reported to be waiting for the arrival of the Permit To Campaign (PTC) and Permit To Win (PTW) fees and other extorted items from political candidates seeking elective positions this coming May 13 elections, when he was arrested by joint elements of the Army and PNP.

Seized from the NPA leader was a caliber .45 pistol, improvised explosive devices, blasting caps, subversive documents, personal belongings and campaign paraphernalia for the NPA-supported election candidates.

Upon verification, Abadiano was found out to be having a standing Warrant Of Arrest (WOA) issued by Judge Janet Cabalona docketed as Criminal Case Number 2012-1862 for Murder with no bail recommended and another Warrant Of Arrest issued by Judge Yolanda Dagandan of Calbiga, Samar Regional Trial Court (RTC) docketed as Criminal Case Number 2010-1779 for attempted murder with the use of an unlicensed firearm.

Local residents told authorities that the arrested NPA leader is responsible for the collection of PTC and PTW fees since the start of campaign period.

The residents in the area also revealed that the group of Ka Tiboy is the same group who were responsible in shooting the tires & fuel tanks of heavy equipment of a construction company in Barangay Pabanog, Paranas, Samar on April 25, 2013 when the owner refused to give in to the extortion scheme of the rebels.

Upon arrest, Abadiano was immediately brought to Camp Lukban Station Hospital for medical check up and found to be in good physical condition.

“Our series of accomplishments in thwarting extortion activities of the NPA is a product of our good rapport with the people much more so with the local candidates who are no longer willing to support the extortion scheme of the NPAs,” Capt. Gutierrez said.

“With the people’s help, we conducted a successful operation against the NPA in Samar and lessened their capability to either fund criminal activities or harass local candidates thru extortion,” Gutierrez added.

Major General Gerardo Layug, Commanding General of 8^th Infantry Division, Philippine Army lauded his troops for a job well done in arresting a top NPA leader who was responsible in extorting money from politicians in the Province of Samar.

“This is the third time that the 8^th Infantry Division was able to spoil the extortion scheme of the NPAs. This only goes to show that since the reports came from the civilians themselves, they are already tired in giving logistical support to the NPAs.

The NPAs have already resorted to sheer banditry in harassing and intimidating the peace-loving people of the whole island of Samar. The Samarnons long for true peace and development, and that is exactly what the 8^th Infantry Division will give to the people.” Major General Layug added.

 

http://www.manilachannel.com/2013/05/16/top-npa-commander-in-samar-cornered/

Taipei sets PH against One-China diplomacy

From the Manila Standard Today (May 17): Taipei sets PH against One-China diplomacy

Taipei is using the death of a Taiwanese fisherman off Batanes Island last week as a basis for making tough demands that will force the Philippines to violate its One-China policy, a former chairman of the congressional committee on foreign affairs said on Thursday.

“Taiwan saw an opportunity to push for recognition as a country instead of just an economic state. Taiwan is pushing us to violate the One-China policy,” former Negros Occidental representative Apolinario Lozada said.

But the House foreign affairs committee chairman said the government must  review its One-China policy and convene the National Security Council to discuss security measures resulting from the shooting, which could develop into a diplomatic crisis.

Albay Rep. Al Francis Bichara said Malacañang appeared “clueless” on how to handle the incident, and the hands of the Department of Foreign Affairs are tied because of the One-China policy, which considers Taiwan as just an economic state.

“We have to look at the ramifications of that kind of a foreign policy. It is time to reassess the government’s foreign policy,” Bichara said.

The fisherman was killed last May 9 when his boat strayed into Philippine waters. Taiwan rejected an apology from President Aquino and snubbed the Filipino envoy he sent to Taipei.

Premiere Jiang Yi-huah announced sanctions against Manila, including removal of the Philippines from its visa-waiver program. More than 80,000 Filipinos work in Taiwan.

Bichara said the One-China policy had resulted in foreign policy blunders, and the first one was sending to China the Taiwanese nationals caught poaching in Philippine seas a few years ago, which angered both the Chinese and Taiwanese governments.

“How many more blunders do we need before we finally decide to reassess the One-China policy?” he said.

“In the meantime, what is the Palace doing? Why is the NSC not being reconvened? It is incumbent upon President Aquino to gather the NSC member for brainstorming,” he said.

The NSC is composed of the President, Vice President, executive secretary, and Cabinet members. Former presidents are also members.

“Our constituents are asking us. We cannot simply say it is all up to the President. We have to have some explanations that we can give to our people. What are our options? What are the possible scenarios? The people demand to know,” Bichara said.

He said the Palace must allow Congress to get involved and the people must be assured of their safety in case another country attacked the Philippines.

“The reason we need to reassess the foreign policy is to avoid military confrontations with our neighbors. Let’s face it. They are more equipped military-wise than us. Our fishermen, as well as theirs, don’t know where the border is onshore,” Bichara said.

He said Congress must be involved because there were other issues as well, such as the Spratly’s dispute with China, the Sabah claim with Malaysia, and now the One-China policy.

Lozada said Aquino should consider sending former President Fidel Ramos to Taiwan as his special envoy.

“It will be a win-win solution. The former president, because of his stature, cannot be rejected by Taiwan. And since he is already a private citizen, we will not be violating the One-China policy,” Lozada said.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2013/05/17/taipei-sets-ph-against-one-china-diplomacy/

‘We’ve gone the extra mile’

From the Manila Standard Today (May 17): ‘We’ve gone the extra mile’

Palace mum if it will do more to  appease Taiwan

The Palace on Thursday said the government had already “gone the extra mile” to meet Taiwan’s demand that it apologize for the May 9 shooting death of a Taiwanese fisherman after Taipei snubbed the personal envoy of President Benigno Aquino III and announced more sanctions against the Philippines.

Asked if the Aquino administration is planning to take any more steps to appease Taiwan, presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said: “ I think the question has a premise that we have to appease them. We did what a decent member, a respectable member of the international community should have done.”

Amadeo Perez, head of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office in Taiwan, arrives in Manila for consultations over Manila’s feud with Taipei concerning the shooting death of a Taiwanese fisherman in disputed waters. JULIE FABROA

He said he was not in a position to say whether the failed mission of Manila Economic and Cultural Office chairman Amadeo Perez to Taipei was a last-ditch effort on the part of the Aquino administration.

Perez was supposed to meet with Foreign Minister David Lin, but was told instead to meet with one of his subordinates, Benjamin Ho, of the ministry’s East Asian and Pacific Affairs office.

Taiwan’s Central News Agency also reported that Perez was denied a request to visit the family of the fisherman who was shot dead, Hung Shih-Chen, and would leave Thursday after failing in his mission to resolve the diplomatic row over the killing.

Perez had planned to go to Siaoliouchiou Island off Pingtung County in southern Taiwan to personally apologize to the family, said.

Siaoliouchiou township chief Tsai Tien-yu. However, Tsai said Perez should not proceed because the Philippine government had not answered Taiwan’s demand for a formal apology, compensation for the victim’s family, a promise to bring those responsible to justice, and the start of fishery negotiations.

While apologizing for the fisherman’s death, the Palace remained firm that the shooting was the result of a law enforcement operation within Philippine waters.
Lacierda added that under Philippine laws, there is a presumption of poaching when foreign vessels are found within the country’s territorial waters.

The Palace earlier said that the fishing vessel kept on ramming the Philippine Coast Guard ship despite repeated warning shots, prompting the PCG personnel to fire on the engine portion of the Taiwanese boat.

The Palace has not repeated that claim since Taiwan announced the first set of sanctions, which included the cancellation of all work visas for Filipinos.

In his meeting with Ho, Perez said President Aquino has already ordered the National Bureau of Investigation to probe the maritime incident.

“We understand the grief and hurt of the family and of the people of Taiwan over this unfortunate loss and we wish to reaffirm the high regard and respect of the people of the Philippines for the people of Taiwan,” Perez added.

Mr. Aquino has already ordered government agencies to prepare contingency measures amid the sanctions imposed by Taipei.

“We have already prepared for the contingencies. For instance, the red travel alert will not only hurt us, it will hurt both countries. It does not do anyone any good. Travel from their end will be affected as well. Their airlines will be affected. So does it help both countries when you do a travel ban?” Lacierda said.

Taiwan’s military on Thursday conducted exercises in waters between Taiwan and the Philippines, close to the spot where Filipino Coast Guard personnel killed the Taiwanese fisherman last week.

Two Lafayette frigates, one Kidd-class destroyer, two missile boats and assorted Mirage and locally produced jet fighters took part in the drill, underscoring Taiwan’s anger over the incident, which has dominated local media coverage for the past week.

The controversy seemed certain to benefit President Ma Ying-jeou, desperately in need of a public relations victory following a protracted economic slowdown that has helped depress his once buoyant approval rating to new lows that were in the mid-teens as of last week.

Ma is also likely to be aided by the seemingly inflexible attitude taken by his premier, who on Wednesday brushed aside an apology by Manila — the second in 24 hours — as insufficient and insincere. As a result, a series of Taiwanese sanctions imposed on the Philippines — a hiring freeze placed on Philippine workers coming to Taiwan, the recall of Taiwan’s semi-official to Manila and the discouraging of Taiwanese travel to the Southeast Asian nation — will all remain in effect.

On Thursday, it was the Taiwanese military exercises in the Bashi Strait that captured most of the attention in Taiwan, with cable TV news stations offering full coverage of the sea and air maneuvers. Commentators drew repeated attention to the presence of heavily armed naval ships protecting the Taiwanese fishing boats working in the area — a reminder that Taiwan is prepared to do everything it can to discourage a reprise of last week’s incident.

“Our naval drill is meant to flex our muscles and protect our sovereignty,” gushed CTI TV, while ETTV added ominously: “Our Mirage fighters are heavily armed with missiles. Our naval crews are maneuvering on the very doorstep of the Philippines.”

The circumstances behind the May 9 shooting remain shrouded in controversy. While the Philippines acknowledges that its Coast Guard personnel did open fire on the Taiwanese boat, it says the action was taken in self-defense to prevent the Taiwanese from ramming their own vessel. Taiwanese fishermen deny the ramming claim.

The Philippines has opened an inquiry into the affair. Fourteen Taiwanese police investigators arrived in Manila on Thursday to take part in the inquiry.

The incident took place in waters southeast of Taiwan and north of the Philippines in a location is considered by both to be well within their 200 nautical mile-from-shore exclusive economic zones.

The continuing tensions between Taipei and Manila has placed the United States into something of a bind, with the State Department on Wednesday saying it was concerned by the increase in tensions “between two neighboring democracies and close partners of the United States.” It welcomed the Philippines’ pledge to investigate the shooting and cooperate with Taiwanese investigators, and urged both parties to avoid further escalation in tensions.

“We want them to work through their differences on this issue as expeditiously as they can,” spokesman Patrick Ventrell told reporters.

China is also closely monitoring the upsurge in tensions between Taiwan and the Philippines, doing its best to make common cause with Taipei on a sensitive issue of maritime sovereignty.

Beijing sees the affair as a good opportunity to emphasize its claims over the island, from which it split amid civil war in 1949. Taiwan has so far resisted China’s efforts to mount a joint front against Manila.

On Wednesday, the spokesman for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council in Beijing repeated the mainland’s condemnation of the Philippines’ handling of the incident.

“It is the shared responsibility of both the mainland and Taiwan to safeguard the interests of compatriots across the strait,” Yang Yi said. “We have urged the Philippines to investigate the incident, punish the murderer and give a satisfactory explanation to the victims.”

Sixteen companies from Taiwan pulled out of the International Food Expo in Manila as relations soured.

An interpreter from the Taiwan External Trade and Development said that all exhibitors during the expo were ordered to pull out their products from the exhibit because of the current tension. They were also ordered to immediately fly back to Taiwan as a sign of protest over the shooting incident last week.

Philippine tourism officials and travel agents, meanwhile, have withdrawn from the coming Taipei Tourism Expo.

A report by CNA quoted expo organizers as saying they received a request from the Philippines that their booking of six booths at the event from May 24 to 27 be canceled.

“The reasons they gave were that their participation will not be effective and they do not expect their presence to attract Taiwanese tourists to their country,” the organizers said, CNA reported.

The cancellation would cost the Philippine participants half of the prepaid booth rentals as a penalty, organizers said.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2013/05/17/weve-gone-the-extra-mile/

79th IB Troopers Clash Anew

From the Negros Daily Bulletin (May 16): 79th IB Troopers Clash Anew

Sta. Catalina, Negros Oriental - Troops from 79th Infantry Battalion led by 1Lt. Ronnie Sarmiento while conducting combat operations encountered more or less 30 heavily armed NPAs in the hinterlands of Sitio Naupao, Barangay San Pedro, Sta Catalina town at around 04:40pm yesterday. Another soldier was reportedly wounded during the firefight.

As the NPAs withdrew in disarray after a few minutes of firefights, they were again engaged by the nearby troops from 79th IB led by 2Lt. John Tumamao and 2Lt. Christopher Eslava. Firefight was still ongoing as of 06:00 P.M. yesterday.

These NPAs were believed to be the same group of NPAs that was encountered by the troops of 79th IB in So Bungabong, Brgy Milagrosa yesterday, estimated four kilometers from the latest encounter site.

Colonel Francisco Patrimonio, the Commanding Officer of the Army’s 302nd Brigade, has directed the troops to conduct pursuit operations following the blood traces left behind by the NPAs. "We will run after them. We will not allow them (bandits) to carry out violent activities to the peace loving residents of the locality," Patrimonio said.

The military has already coordinated with PNP counterparts for complementary checkpoint operations in the nearby barangays to prevent the NPAs from nearing the civilian populace and using them as human shields.

http://ndb-online.com/051613/local-news/local-news-79th-ib-troopers-clash-anew

Philippines faces 2nd wave of Taiwan sanctions

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (May 17): Philippines faces 2nd wave of Taiwan sanctions



An S70-C helicopter takes off from the stern of a Taiwanese Lafayette frigate during exercises off the southern city of Kaohsiung,Taiwan Thursday, May 16, 2013. Taiwan staged a previously scheduled military exercise in the Bashi Strait Thursday, after the United States on Wednesday expressed concern about increasing tensions between the Philippines and Taiwan, following the shooting of a Taiwanese fisherman by Philippines coast guard personnel. (AP Photo/Wally Santana)

The Philippines on Thursday braced itself for the fallout a day after Taiwan enacted a second wave of sanctions against the country to show dissatisfaction with Manila’s responses to its demands involving the killing of a Taiwanese fisherman by Filipino coast guards in the Bashi Channel last week.

President Aquino formally apologized on Wednesday for the death of Taiwanese fisherman Hung Shih-cheng, but Taiwan rejected the apology and proceeded to take retaliatory measures against the Philippines.

The new sanctions included a travel alert urging Taiwanese not to visit the Philippines, suspension of high-level exchanges, economic and trade exchanges, fishery cooperation and scientific research cooperation projects, and the launch of a military drill in waters near northern Philippines.

The military exercises began Thursday, with two Lafayette frigates, one Kidd-class destroyer, two missile boats and a number of Mirage and Taiwan-made jet fighters taking part in maneuvers intended to show Taiwan’s anger over the killing of Hung and to boost President Ma Ying-jeou’s sagging approval rating.

In Manila, the military declined to comment on the Taiwanese drill, saying it did not know whether the Taiwanese vessels were in international or Philippine waters.

On Wednesday, Taiwan froze the hiring of Filipino migrant workers and demanded that the Philippines formally apologize for the killing of Hung, compensate his family, punish the killers, and start fishing talks between the two sides soon.

Extra mile

After learning Thursday that Taiwan rejected President Aquino’s apology, Malacañang said it had “gone an extra mile” to try to appease Taipei and expressed concern that a special envoy sent to the Taiwanese capital on Wednesday had been rebuffed.

Manila Economic and Cultural Office Chairman Amadeo Perez traveled to Taipei on Wednesday carrying a letter of apology from President Aquino but failed to see the Taiwanese foreign minister and Hung’s family.

“The President sent a personal representative to extend his apology to the family of Mr. Hung Shih-chen, and we have acted uprightly and decently as a respectable member of the international community,” said presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda.

Lacierda did not say whether Perez’s mission was the last for Manila in seeking to appease Taipei.

“We’re prepared for contingencies,” he said, but did not make clear whether he was referring to an expected backlash on the 42,000 Filipinos working in Taiwan.

Clarifying Taiwan’s labor sanction, Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said Taipei did not freeze but only slowed down the hiring of Filipino workers.

“Taiwan is still open to accepting Filipino workers, although at a slower pace,” Baldoz said in a phone interview.

US concerned

The new tensions between the Philippines and Taiwan have placed their common ally, the United States, into something of a bind. The Department of State said on Wednesday that it was concerned by the increase in tensions between its two close partners and urged them to resolve their differences as expeditiously as they could.

US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas on Thursday lauded President Aquino for apologizing for the killing of Hung and said he was confident that the two sides would eventually iron out this rough patch in their relationship.

Perez issued a statement saying he went to Taipei to convey Aquino’s and the Filipinos’ “deep regret and apology (for) the unfortunate and unintended loss of life” as Philippine authorities enforced fisheries laws last Thursday.

He said the Philippines was ready to give financial assistance to Hung’s family “as a token of solidarity and as an expression of sympathy of the Filipino people for the demise of Mr. Hung.”

Perez said he handed Aquino’s letter to Benjamin Ho, director general of the Taiwanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on Wednesday night.

Unacceptable

The Taiwanese newspaper, China Post, reported Thursday that Premier Jiang Yi-huah was disappointed that Malacañang called the killing of Hung “unfortunate” and “unintended.”

“We cannot accept this kind of explanation. The bullet-riddled boat is evidence that it was an act of strafing. Although the Philippine government issued a formal apology, they also claimed that it was unintended and unfortunate incident. We think they are attempting to mitigate the severity of the incident and divert people’s attention.

Furthermore, their ambiguous response to our demands shows that they are insincere in their apology,” Jiang said.

Taiwan on Tuesday ordered home the Philippines’ de facto ambassador to Taipei, Antonio Basilio, but the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), which still has to say anything about the fresh tensions between Taiwan and the Philippines, had not acknowledged it as an expulsion.

Lacierda could not say if Basilio had been expelled, saying he learned about Basilio’s return to Manila only from the news.

NBI investigation

President Aquino has ordered the National Bureau of Investigation to look into the killing of Hung and resolve the case as soon as possible.

Justice Secretary Leila de Lima told reporters on Thursday that the NBI investigation was “basically a fact-finding one” to determine the “culpability and liability” of the coast guards involved in the shooting death of Hung.

“What [made them shoot]? Why did someone die?” De Lima said, explaining the objective of the NBI investigation.

China Post reported that a team of Taiwanese investigators had arrived in Manila to join the Philippine investigation, but De Lima said she was not aware that Taiwan had asked for a joint investigation.

De Lima said she did not think the government would agree to a joint investigation.
“We are a sovereign country, we have our own processes, we have our own justice system, and we are already conducting our own investigation. We would not want to have anyone interfering in the NBI investigation,” she said.

The government has relieved 11 coast guards and two Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) employees involved in the killing.

Video of incident

A video footage of the incident has been submitted to the NBI.

Virgilio Mendez, NBI deputy director for regional services, confirmed Thursday that the bureau had the video, but declined to speak about its content, as this still needed verification.

He said the relieved coastguards and BFAR employees would appear at the NBI on Friday for questioning on the incident.

http://globalnation.inquirer.net/74727/philippines-faces-2nd-wave-of-taiwan-sanctions

Fighting erupts between MNLF, MILF fighters in North Cotabato

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (May 17): Fighting erupts between MNLF, MILF fighters in North Cotabato
Fighting between members of the Moro National Liberation Front and Moro Islamic Liberation Front broke out in Matalam, North Cotabato, on Thursday.

Col. Dickson Hermoso, spokesman of the military’s 6th Infantry Division, said at least 75 MILF fighters under Hadji Mansour Imbong were engaged in a firefight with a still undetermined number of MNLF fighters under a certain Commander Aladin.

The local government and military have been communicating with both parties to deescalate the tension, Hermoso said.

Even as the fighting goes on, the MILF has agreed to pull out fighters who are not residents of Barangay (village) Marbel.

“The MILF was persuaded and agreed to withdraw its forces that are not residents of Barangay Marbel and requested for a safe conduct pass for its unhampered movement out in the encounter area,” Hermoso said.

“Likewise, government troops provided escorts to the withdrawing MILF forces and offered military vehicles to transport its wounded,” he added.

The military has also coordinated with MNLF and appealed to the group to cease firing and let the MILF pass.

On May 5, at least 100 families left their homes in the same town when both forces exchanged gunfire after MNLF forces allegedly objected to the entry of armed MILF elements in the area to conduct peace advocacy on the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro.

Von Al-Haq, spokesman of the MILF’s Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces, verified that the MNLF did not want the MILF to proceed to the venue of the peace advocacy program.

“Everything’s prepared including the venue. Even the people were already at the venue when the fighting broke out,” Al-Haq said.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/410765/fighting-erupts-between-mnlf-milf-fighters-in-north-cotabato

Skirmishes in Sulu island town continue

From the Philippine Star (May 16): Skirmishes in Sulu island town continue

Skirmishes between warring clans continued on the island municipality of Tongkil in Sulu, which reportedly left an undetermined number of casualties, a military official said Thursday.

Reports said that the number of casualties in the clashes between the followers of Wahid Sahidulla and Abdulla Alih has reached 21.

“The intermittent skirmishes started Monday and there were reported casualties on both sides. But we cannot really confirm the figure,” said Col. Jose Joriel Cenabre, 2nd Marine Brigade commander and head of Task Force Sulu.

Sulu provincial police chief Senior Superintendent Antonio Freyra has been sacked from his post because of the clashes.

Cenabre said that the skirmishes forced a number of villagers to evacuate for fear from being caught in the crossfire.

He said most of the evacuees fled to their relatives living in other villages.

Cenabre said the fighting between the two clans did not affect the just concluded elections in the island municipality, with the Marines now detailed as a peacekeeping force to pacify the two opposing groups.

He said that they have already coordinated with the respected Muslim elders to help mediate the two factions.

He added that the Philippine National Police will send a team of Special Action Force members to the island municipality.

http://www.philstar.com/election-2013/2013/05/16/942759/skirmishes-sulu-island-town-continue

Defense chief to AFP: Job well done

From the Philippine Star (May 16): Defense chief to AFP: Job well done

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin cited thousands of troops deployed for poll duties for playing a major role in the successful conduct of the just-concluded mid-term elections.

“I am happy and I am commending all AFP troops and the police for a job well done. Your coordinated efforts contributed to the success of our operation. So keep it up and job well done,” Gazmin told the troops.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), in line with its pre-election preparation, ordered the formation several battalion-size troops for poll deployment in known election hotspot areas including Masbate, Abra and Lanao del Sur as well as in Sulu, Basilan and several areas of Central Mindanao.

On top of this, the AFP placed its entire force on a nationwide red alert before the May 13 elections.

Gazmin said that aside from several incidents, the soldiers’ presence to safeguard the voting public paved the way for the conduct of a peaceful political exercise in poll hotspot areas.

The AFP, meanwhile, has downgraded its red alert status to white and is now leaving to all its area commands all post-election security functions in coordination with the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

“We have already downgraded our alert level to white the other day,” Maj. Ramon Zagala, AFP Public Affairs Office (PAO) chief said.

Zagala said that despite the alert downgrading, troops deployed in so-called hotspots where electoral processes are not yet to be completed, will only be pulled out upon the Comelec’s approval.

http://www.philstar.com/election-2013/2013/05/16/942777/defense-chief-afp-job-well-done

(UPDATE) Phl turns down joint probe on Taiwanese fisherman's death

From the Philippine Star (May 16): (UPDATE) Phl turns down joint probe on Taiwanese fisherman's death

The Philippines turned down today Taiwan's request of participating in the investigation into the killing of a Taiwanese fisherman by the Philippine Coast Guard last week.

Responding to a question on the arrival of Taiwanese investigators for a joint probe into the shooting incident, Philippine Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda denied that a joint investigation of the incident had been approved.

"I'm not aware of any approval of any joint investigation," Lacierda said, adding, "As far as I know, Secretary of Justice Leila de Lima has not been made aware of the presence of the investigators."

He said there are protocols to be observed under a Mutual Legal Assistance arrangement.

On another occasion, the justice secretary told reporters today, "I don't think we can agree to a joint investigation because we're a sovereign country. We have our own processes. We have our own justice system."

She said it would be a "protocol" for the Taiwanese investigators to channel their request through the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO), the Philippines' representative office in Taiwan, local television GMA NEWS quoted de Lima as saying.

The Philippine government is already taking "preliminary steps, " by coordinating with the MECO, to send National Bureau of Investigation agents to conduct an investigation, she added.

According to Taiwan media, the Taiwan investigation team has arrived in Manila, but no officials from the Philippine government received the team members.

The shooting incident happened on May 9 at a sea area 164 nautical miles southeast of the southernmost tip of Taiwan, when Philippine Coast Guard shot dead a Taiwanese fisherman, named Hung Shih-Cheng, 65, one of four crew members of the Taiwanese fishing vessel Guang Ta Hsin 28. Moreover, the Philippine ship chased the fishing vessel for about one hour, even when the attacked fishing vessel was fleeing at full speed.

The Philippine coast guard has admitted firing at one of four Taiwanese fishing vessels. Philippine President Benigno Aquino III made an apology on Wednesday to the family of the victim and Taiwan people through his personal representative Amadeo Perez, chairman of the MECO.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/05/16/943016/update-phl-turns-down-joint-probe-taiwanese-fishermans-death

2 dead, 300 displaced as troops clash with NPA in Negros

From the Philippine Star (May 16): 2 dead, 300 displaced as troops clash with NPA in Negros

A soldier and a communist rebel were killed since the launching of a major military operation against the New People’s Army (NPA) on Negros Island on Wednesday afternoon.

Capt. Cresencio Gargar, spokesman of the 302nd Infantry Brigade, reported Thursday that around 300 individuals, mostly women and children, have been evacuated from the Sitio Lamabuanon, Barangay Fatima and Sitio Naupao, Barangay San Pedro, Sta. Catalina in Negros Oriental.

Heavy fighting broke out between elements of the Philippine Army's 79th Infantry Battalion and the main NPA body in the two villages on Wednesday afternoon triggering heavy fighting followed by on and off skirmishes.

Gargar said a soldier identified as Pfc. Quin Banas was killed by a sniper as the troops moved to dislodge the insurgents from their well-entrenched position that also resulted to the slaying of a rebel.

“Troops from 79th Infantry Battalion encountered the main body of NPAs Southeast Front of Komiteng Rehiyon-Negros in Sitio Naupao, Brgy San Pedro, Sta Catalina Wednesday afternoon and fighting continue for more than an hour with rebels holding their line before withdrawing toward different directions,” Gargar said.

Troops have recovered the body of the slain rebel.

Gargar added that several rebels may have also been wounded because of the bloodstains found by troops along the escape route of the insurgents.

“We will not stop until they lay down their arms and surrender. In line with the AFP’s Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) Bayan, we will continue the conduct of relentless combat operations against these armed rebels,” Lt. Col. Marion Sison, 79th Infantry Battalion, said.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/05/16/942807/2-dead-300-displaced-troops-clash-npa-negros

Soldiers start reporting to barracks, 500 Marines stay

From the Philippine News Agency (May 16): Soldiers start reporting to barracks, 500 Marines stay

The 500 marine soldiers assigned in the hinterlands of Misamis Oriental will stay as large number of personnel deployed in the region gradually start reporting back to barracks.

Maj. Leo Bongosia, spokesperson of the army’s 4th Infantry Division here, said the soldiers assigned to escort and secure officials of the Commissions on Election in the hinterlands of Northern Mindanao have started to come back to their mother units.

Bongosia said Brig. Gen. Ricardo R. Visaya, commander of the Army 4th Infantry Division, was glad the soldiers had returned safely to their families after a week assignment in the region’s most difficult places.

Visaya thanked the soldiers for their resoluteness and sincere efforts to maintain a stable peace and order in their areas of responsibilities during the midterm elections, Bongosia said.

He said the division commander also thanked the civilians and local government units for the support extended to the military.

Except for the reported armed skirmishes in Kitao-kitao, Bukidnon on election day, the division has not received any other report of armed encounter in the region, Bongosia said.

No one was hurt in the Bukidnon armed clash, Bongosia added.

Bongosia said that although there were isolated military encounters with the rebels and lawless elements, the 2013 elections in Northern Mindanao was comparatively peaceful than in the last elections in 2010.
 

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=525151

NPA collected P2.1-M from politicians

From Rappler (May 16): NPA collected P2.1-M from politicians



REBEL TERRITORY. NPA guerilla fighters performing a military drill somewhere in the mountains of Laak town in Comspotela Valley. File photo by Karlos Manlupig

The Philippine National Police (PNP) said the 2013 midterm elections were generally peaceful, except for some instances including reports that candidates paid New People's Army (NPA) rebels to increase their chances of winning.

PNP intelligence reports show rebels collected over P2.1-M worth of fees in exchange for permits to campaign and permits to win in the Cordillera region, Bicol and Eastern Visayas.

 

Read: 'NPA extorts up to P5M from each candidate

 

PNP chief General Alan Purisima decried the findings, but said it would be difficult for them to file charges against the politicians because of lack of evidence.

 

"These are just reports from informants and we cannot just present this in court," he said in a press conference on Thursday, May 16.

 

The payments were made over 6 incidents from January 13 to election day, May 13. Rebels in the Bicol region allegedly collected the most mony, P1.7M and had 4 recorded incidents.

 

Read: NPA launches attacks in Bicol

 

On Sunday, April 28, Maj General Jose Mabanta, commander of the Philippine Army's 3rd Infantry Division, said the rebels will likely use the money to buy guns.

He said each candidate who wants to gain access to rebel-controlled areas pays between P50,000 and P5 million.

 

The PNP also said there was an increase in NPA-related violence this year compared to 13 incidents in the 2010 presidential elections. This year, rebels committed 16 incidents of violence including shootings, harassment, extortion, and encounters with government troops, one of which harmed the mother of Sen Teofisto Guingona and killed her two bodyguards.

 

A soldier was also killed on election day by the NPA.

 

http://www.rappler.com/nation/politics/elections-2013/29402-pnp-npa-collected-p2-1m-from-campaigning-politicians

1 soldier, 1 NPA member killed in Negros Oriental clash

From GMA News (May 16): 1 soldier, 1 NPA member killed in Negros Oriental clash

A soldier and a New People’s Army guerrilla were killed in Negros Oriental armed confrontation that also displaced 300 civilians in Sta. Catalina town, the military said Thursday.

Troops from the 79th Infantry Battalion caught up with an undetermined number of NPA insurgents in Sitio Naupao in Barangay San Pedro at around 10 a.m. Wednesday, resulting in a firefight that lasted for an hour, said Capt. Cresencio Gargar, spokesman of the Army’s 302nd Brigade.

Gargar identified the slain soldier as Pfc. Quin Banas who was hit in the lower back.

During clearing operation, soldiers found a body of an unidentified male rebel, beleived to be between 18 to 19 years of age.  Also retrieved from the clash site were a homemade shotgun and two jungle packs.

“They (rebels) belong to the same group we encountered on May 13. [Wednesday's clash was  part of the pursuit operation," Gargar said.

A soldier was killed and another was wounded in last Monday's clash that occurred just a kilometer away from the site of Wednesday's skirmish.

Meanwhile, at least 300 people, including children and infants, were evacuated to safer grounds “for fears of being caught in the crossfire,” Gargar said, adding soldiers have already coordinated with civilian authorities in efforts to provide the evacuees' needs.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/308687/news/regions/1-soldier-1-npa-member-killed-in-negros-oriental-clash

2 wanted Abu Sayyafs fall in PNP operation

From Malaya (May 17): 2 wanted Abu Sayyafs fall in PNP operation

TWO Abu Sayyaf bandits wanted for a string of criminal offenses were arrested in an operation in Marawi City last Saturday, the PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group said yesterday.

Amin Baco alias Reenor Dongon/Codre/Abu Jihad/Johan and Emiahe Acmad alias Imram/Napeh, were subjects of arrest warrants issued by the Pasig City   and Zamboanga City regional trial courts   for kidnapping with serious illegal detention.
CIDG director Chief Supt. Francisco Uyami Jr. said joint police teams led by the CIDG raided the suspects’ safehouse in Barangay Fort in Marawi City.

Acmad gave up without a fight but Baco tried to elude arrest by running away and was cornered a few meters away from their house, he said.

Uyami said his men recovered seven improvised explosive devices from the suspects’ lair.

Intelligence information has tagged the two in past bombings incidents in parts of Mindanao.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/index.php/news/nation/31249-2-wanted-abu-sayyafs-fall-in-pnp-operation

Changing of the guard in AFP G-2

From Malaya (May 17): Changing of the guard in AFP G-2

A SENIOR Air Force officer has been designated as successor of Maj. Gen. Francisco Cruz, AFP deputy chief of staff for intelligence who is bowing out of service today or some three weeks ahead of his retirement date.

Brig. Gen. Virgilio Hernandez will assume Cruz’ post in an acting capacity. Hernandez, currently the assistant AFP deputy chief of staff for intelligence, is a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1983.

Hernandez  previously served as deputy chief of the Intelligence Service of the AFP (ISAFP), the operating arm of the office of the AFP deputy chief of staff for intelligence.

Cruz, also an Air Force officer, described Hernandez as a “hardworking” and a “true-blooded intelligence officer with many accomplishments” in the intelligence field.
Cruz said he is relinquishing his post ahead of his retirement date on June 8 so he can attend to pre-retirement needs.

Cruz also disclosed that he has declined an offer of the military leadership for a testimonial parade.

He  said he requested that a medical mission be conducted instead in Bataan on June 1.

Hernandez was considered by the military leadership to become ISAFP chief in December last year but the post went to his PMA classmate, Brig. Gen. Eduardo Ano.
A military source said Hernandez had been actually recommended by the AFP’s Board of General to succeed Cruz but President Aquino has yet to approve it.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/index.php/news/nation/31254-changing-of-the-guard-in-afp-g-2

PH govt will compensate kin of Taiwanese fisherman killed in Coast Guard operation

From InterAksyon (May 16): PH govt will compensate kin of Taiwanese fisherman killed in Coast Guard operation

The Aquino administration is ready to compensate the family of Taiwanese fisherman Hung Shih-Chen who was killed as the Philippine Coast Guard apprehended his fishing vessel for illegally entering Philippine waters.

In his statement before leaving Taipei Thursday, Manila Economic and Cultural Office chairman Amadeo Perez also denied he was snubbed by Taiwan's Foreign Ministry.

Perez said while he was not able to meet with Foreign Minister David Lin, he had an audience with Foreign Affairs director-general Benjamin Ho Wednesday evening.

"In my capacity as the designated personal representative of President Benigno S. Aquino III, I came to convey the President’s and the Filipino people’s deep regret and apology over the unfortunate and unintended loss of life in the course of a fisheries law enforcement operation on 09 May 2013 by a Philippine Coast Guard/Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources maritime patrol in waters in the northern Philippines," Perez said.

"I also came to convey our readiness to give financial assistance to the family of Mr. Hung as a token of solidarity and as an expression of sympathy by the Filipino people for the demise of Mr. Hung," the MECO chief added.

Perez also reiterated that the President has already ordered the National Bureau of Investigation to probe the maritime incident.

"We understand the grief and hurt of the family and of the people of Taiwan over this unfortunate loss and we wish to reaffirm the high regard and respect of the people of the Philippines for the people of Taiwan," Perez added.

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said Perez also discussed with Ho "ways to avoid a similar occurrence from happening again."

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/61937/ph-govt-will-compensate-kin-of-taiwanese-fisherman-killed-in-coast-guard-operation

Taiwanese probers arrive in RP; De Lima nixes joint NBI inquiry

From the Daily Tribune (May 17): Taiwanese probers arrive in RP; De Lima nixes joint NBI inquiry

A contingent from the Taiwanese government arrived in the country to reiterate its request to seek an audience with the Department of Justice (DoJ) and possible assistance from the government investigators to look into the incident involving the death of a Taiwanese who was shot by the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) last week, airport sources yesterday confirmed.

The source said the investigation team, which consists of representatives from the Taiwanese government’s justice, police and maritime departments arrived in the Philippines even as officials of the Taiwan Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) which serves as a liaison to the Philippines are yet to secure possible discussion with Justice Secretary Leila de Lima who quickly rejected a possible joint investigation by local law enforcers and Taiwanese counterparts to determine the real cause of the incident that led to the shooting and eventual death of Hung Shih-cheng.

De Lima stressed there is no agreement between the two governments to conduct an inquiry.

“That’s not possible. I don’t think we can agree to a joint investigation because we are a sovereign country and we have our own processes,” she told reporters in an interview yesterday.

“We have our own justice system and we conduct our own investigation. We would not want anyone to interfere in the investigation of the NBI (National Bureau of Investigation),” she said, citing the country’s justice system.

The Justice chief said they have not confirmed reports that investigators from Taiwan have arrived in the country.

“As far as we are concerned, there’s no prior coordination nor formal request on such Taiwanese investigators – if there’s any. That’s not allowed. They can’t just (come) here and investigate without prior coordination,” she added.

De Lima said the Taiwanese authorities would have to coordinate with the MECO if they want to conduct an investigation here.

According to her, the NBI is already pursuing its investigation.

“We will find out the entire circumstances behind the incident. The core, of course, is to determine why was there a fatality,” she explained, adding the probe would be “fact-finding” in nature with the end-goal of determining possible criminal or administrative liabilities of those involved.

The DoJ chief also assured that the NBI probe would not in any way be affected by demands made by Taiwanese government.

“It’s not a question of appeasing anybody or entity. It’s a matter of duty. We really want to know what happened,” she stressed.

De Lima revealed that the NBI is set to send a team of investigators to Taiwan to conduct forensic examination of the fishing vessel used by the victim and also to possibly interview his companions who survived the shooting by operatives of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) who were patrolling off Balintang island.

Relatedly, Taiwan yesterday held a military exercise in waters near Batanes in response to the killing of its citizen, after rejecting repeated apologies from the Philippine government.

President Ma Ying-jeou reiterated that Manila should take formal responsibility for the death of the 65-year-old, shot last week by operatives of the PCG claiming that the Taiwanese fisherman’s vessel intruded into Philippine waters.

Amid outrage in the island, Taipei has recalled its envoy and slapped sanctions on Manila, including a ban on the hiring of new Filipino workers, a travel alert urging Taiwanese not to visit the Philippines and the suspension of high-level exchanges.

On Thursday Taiwan sent a destroyer, one frigate and four Coast Guard ships to waters near the Batan island to press its claims in the area, defense authorities said.
The ships went as close as 21 nautical miles west of Batan but stayed within Taiwan’s exclusive economic zone, said Rear Admiral Lee Tung-pao.

“The move is aimed to highlight our determination to safeguard sovereignty. The Coast Guards have vowed to protect our fishermen wherever they are, and we’ll support them,” Lee said.

The fleet did not encounter any Philippine naval or Coast Guard vessels.
Two Taiwanese Mirage 2000-5 fighters flew over the fleet at low altitude as the warships tested their anti-aircraft capabilities.

In Manila, a military spokesman declined comment on the exercise and said it was not immediately clear whether the Taiwanese vessels were in international or Philippine waters.

Malacañang expressed indignation at Taiwan’s treatment of its envoy Amadeo Perez, sent by President Aquino to apologize personally to the victim’s family.

Perez left Taiwan earlier Thursday after Foreign Minister David Lin and the fisherman’s family refused to meet him.

“I came to convey the President’s and the Filipino people’s deep regret and apology over the unfortunate and unintended loss of life,” he told reporters at the airport before his departure.

But presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda vehemently denied that Perez was rejected by Taiwanese officials.

“While it may be true that the Foreign Minister did not see him, there was indeed a meeting with Director General Benjamin Ho of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” Lacierda said.

“There was a meeting last night and Chairman Perez was able to convey the instructions from the President. As to what the response is, we will know from Chairman Perez,” he added.

The Palace official, however, insisted that the incident happened in Philippine waters and said the government should not have to “appease” Taiwan.

“We have gone the extra mile,” Lacierda told reporters, referring to Aquino sending Perez to Taipei. “We have acted uprightly and decently as a respectable member of the international community.”

Lacierda also cautioned that Taiwan’s sanctions would hurt both sides.

“It does not do anyone any good. Travel from their end will be affected as well. Their airlines will be affected,” he noted.

Perez heads the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (MECO) which handles relations with Taiwan in the absence of diplomatic ties. The Philippines formally recognizes China over Taiwan.

Vice President Jejomar Binay, for his part, appealed to the Taiwanese government to lift the freeze-hire on overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), stressing they should be spared from the tension between the Philippines and Taiwan.

The Vice President also expressed concern over reports of harassment and discrimination against Filipinos in Taiwan.

“I appeal to the government of Taiwan to lift the ban on the hiring of OFWs. They are there to earn an honest living for their families and work harmoniously with the Taiwanese people. They should be spared from any political conflict,” Binay, in a statement, said.

“Nonetheless, our Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) has given assurances that the national government has in place measures to mitigate the impact of the freeze-hire policy,” he added.

Sen. Loren Legarda also yesterday criticized the Taiwanese government’s decision to ban the hiring of OFWs, saying the imposition of sanction on the government serves no valid purpose as it only further aggravates the situation between the two countries.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/index.php/headlines/item/14242-taiwanese-probers-arrive-in-rp-de-lima-nixes-joint-nbi-inquiry

Taiwan stages exercise as row rumbles on

From the  Business World (May 16): Taiwan stages exercise as row rumbles on

ABOARD MAKUNG DESTROYER -- Taiwan held a military exercise yesterday in waters near northern Philippines in response to the killing of a Taiwanese fisherman, after rejecting repeated apologies from Manila.

President Ma Ying-jeou reiterated that the Philippines should take formal responsibility for the death of the 65-year-old, shot last week by Philippine coast guards who said his vessel intruded into Philippine waters.

Amid outrage in the island, Taipei has recalled its envoy and slapped sanctions on Manila, including a ban on the hiring of new Philippine workers, a travel alert urging Taiwanese not to visit the Philippines and the suspension of high-level exchanges.

Manila said it had "gone the extra mile" to appease Taipei and expressed concern that its special envoy sent to the island had been rebuffed.

Yesterday Taiwan sent a destroyer, one frigate and four coast guard ships to waters near the Philippines’ Batan island to press its claims in the area, defense authorities said.

The ships went as close as 21 nautical miles west of Batan but stayed within Taiwan’s exclusive economic zone, said Rear Admiral Lee Tung-pao.

"The move is aimed to highlight our determination to safeguard sovereignty. The coast guards have vowed to protect our fishermen wherever they are, and we’ll support them," Mr. Lee said.

The fleet did not encounter any Philippine naval or coast guard vessels.

Two Taiwanese Mirage 2000-5 fighters flew over the fleet at low altitude as the warships tested their anti-aircraft capabilities.

In Manila, a military spokesman declined comment on the exercise and said it was not immediately clear whether the Taiwanese vessels were in international or Philippine waters.

The Philippines expressed indignation at Taiwan’s treatment of its envoy Amadeo R. Perez, sent by President Benigno S. C. Aquino III to apologize personally to the victim’s family.

Mr. Perez left Taiwan earlier yesterday after Foreign Minister David Lin and the fisherman’s family refused to meet him.

"I came to convey the President’s and the Filipino people’s deep regret and apology over the unfortunate and unintended loss of life," he told reporters at the airport before his departure.

Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda insisted the incident happened in Philippine waters and said the government should not have to "appease" Taiwan.

"We have gone the extra mile," Mr. Lacierda told reporters, referring to Mr. Aquino sending Mr. Perez to Taipei. "We have acted uprightly and decently as a respectable member of the international community."

Mr. Lacierda also cautioned that Taiwan’s sanctions would hurt both sides. "It does not do anyone any good. Travel from their end will be affected as well. Their airlines will be affected," he said.

Mr. Perez heads the Manila Economic and Cultural Office which handles relations with Taiwan in the absence of diplomatic ties. The Philippines, like most countries, formally recognizes China over Taiwan.

Taiwan has deemed it "unacceptable" that the Philippines described the fisherman’s death as unintended.

"I do hope they will understand they have to be responsible in the international community. Shooting unarmed and innocent people in the open seas is not an act tolerated by civilized nations," Mr. Ma said.

Amid widespread anger in Taiwan, a group of fishermen rallied at a port near the victim’s home in southern Taiwan, holding placards reading "Protest" and "Seek justice" and burning a Philippine flag.

Taipei has pressed Manila to issue a formal apology by its government, to compensate the fisherman’s family and to apprehend the killer.

Maritime tensions are already high over rival claims in the South China Sea, adjacent to where last Thursday’s shooting took place.

China, the Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei all have competing claims to parts of the strategic and resource-rich maritime region.

http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Nation&title=Taiwan-stages-exercise-as-row-rumbles-on&id=70383

Taiwan plans naval drill after rebuffing PHL over fisherman’s death at sea

From the Business Mirror (May 16): Taiwan plans naval drill after rebuffing PHL over fisherman’s death at sea

TAIWAN deployed fighter jets and a destroyer for military exercises to waters disputed with the Philippines, after rebuffing the Southeast Asian nation’s offer to apologize over the killing of a fisherman in the area.

 

The Philippines violated international law in the May 9 shooting by one of its patrol boats, Taiwan Premier Jiang Yi-huah said on Thursday in a television address. Jiang said Taiwan couldn’t accept that the killing was unintentional because the fishing vessel was riddled with bullet holes.

 

“The Philippines explanation has been inconsistent and lacking sincerity,” Jiang said. “Philippine officials killed one of our fisherman in our waters. This violates international law, maritime law and the laws of morality, and yet they are totally devoid of the will to resolve this.”

 

The dispute over the shooting stoked tensions in an area rich in natural resources that’s beset by competing territorial claims. Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou is battling a 14-percent approval rating, while Philippine President Aquino must weigh the potential losses if Filipino workers lose their jobs on the island because of the dispute.

 

Taiwan’s defense ministry deployed a Kidd-class destroyer and fighter jets as part of the military drill, Liu Hsun-cheng, a ministry spokesman, said by telephone on Thursday. The Coast Guard will send four ships to join the exercise in the Bashi Channel, Shih Yi-che, a spokesman, said by phone.

 

Earlier on Wednesday Ma recalled his representative from the Philippines and froze the hiring of workers from the nation because he believed Mr. Aquino’s response so far had been inadequate, his government said in a statement.

 

“This is an opportunity for him to shore up some confidence,” Alexander Huang, a professor at Tamkang University’s Institute of International Affairs and Strategic Studies in Taipei, said of Ma. “The general public here demands action—they want to see punishments.”

 

After Ma’s decision, Mr. Aquino Spokesman Edwin Lacierda announced that the Philippine leader had appointed an envoy to “convey his and the Filipino people’s deep regret and apology” to the fisherman’s family and Taiwan’s people “over the unfortunate and unintended loss of life.” The Philippines also planned to compensate the fisherman’s family.

 

 “We certainly would hope that the authorities in Taiwan will see this as a sincere gesture,” Lacierda said. “We understand the grief and hurt of the family and of the people of Taiwan over this unfortunate loss and we empathize with them.”

 

The measures imposed also include a travel warning and a halt to airspace negotiations and economic exchanges, the Taiwan Cabinet said in a statement.

 

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/news/nation/13588-taiwan-plans-naval-drill-after-rebuffing-phl-over-fisherman-s-death-at-sea