From GMA News (Sep 10): Bello to ask NBI to probe farmers’ killings in Nueva Ecija
Labor Secretary and lead peace negotiator with the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Silvestre Bello III on Saturday vowed justice for farmers slain in their homes in Laur, Nueva Ecija.
The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) said that Bello will request the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to investigate the series of killings in the province.
"I will request the NBI to investigate these dastardly acts to ensure that the perpetrators are identified and brought to justice,” Bello said.
The slain farmers, identified as Emerenciana Mercado-de la Cruz, Violeta Mercado-de Leon, Eligio Barbado, and Gaudencio Bagalay, were shot dead while resting in a nipa hut in their farm in Laur last September 3.
Several others were wounded in the carnage perpetrated by still unidentified gunmen whose firearms were reportedly dropped from a helicopter.
Four days later, Danggayan Dagiti Mannalon ti Isabela (DAGAMI) chairperson Ariel Diaz was shot to death by three armed men in his farm in Villa Pereda, Delfin Albano town in Isabela.
Diaz was the head of the the provincial chapter of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Plipinas (KMP) in Isabela.
The four farmers belonged to the Alyansa ng mga Magbubukid na Nagkakaisa, a chapter of the KMP.
Angeles City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan, adviser of the government's peace panel, had earlier condemned the killings.
He alleged that the CPP's armed wing, the New People’s Army, and its political wing, the National Democratic Front (NDF) are behind the killings due to land disputes.
In response to Pamintuan's statement, Bello said that there cannot be a repeat of the 1987 Mendiola massacre which resulted to the NDF pulling out of negotiations.
"We cannot allow a repeat of the Mendiola massacre where peasant leaders and farmers had been killed while we are in the middle of peace negotiations," Bello said.
Formal negotiations were recently held in Oslo, Norway, ending with several major issues resolved. Both panels have also agreed to implement a ceasefire. The two parties will meet again in the first week of October.
From the Philippine Star (Sep 10): The perfect spy chief
Hermogenes Esperon Jr. National Security Adviser
He was a young Army first lieutenant in 1974 when Rodrigo Duterte was a struggling fiscal in Davao City. Several decades later, Hermogenes Esperon Jr. finds himself serving the president of the country in the person of fiscal turned Davao City mayor Duterte.
Esperon said he is honored to rejoin government service as National Security Adviser under President Duterte. Esperon has served six out of the seven presidents of recent history.
Esperon, who belongs to PMA Class 1974 Marangal, started his military career in strife-torn Mindanao, specifically in Basilan and Sulu. His battlefield experience became the hallmark of his military service.
Deployed in battlefronts across the country, Esperon rose through the ranks and earned medals for his gallantry in defense of the country. He capped his illustrious military career with a stint as chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in 2006 until he retired in 2008.
To this day, he bristles whenever his critics would refer to him as one of the so-called “Hello, Garci generals.” He was accused of involvement in alleged cheating during the 2004 elections after being mentioned in the “Hello, Garci” phone conversation recordings. A fact-finding report later cleared him of any wrongdoing.
Esperon was deployed to Mindanao right after his graduation from the PMA, battling Muslim secessionists from the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and rebels from New People’s Army (NPA) when the country was still under martial law.
When the late Corazon Aquino was swept into Malacañang following the 1986 People Power revolution, Esperon was the army intelligence chief of the Northern Luzon Command based in Camp Aquino, Tarlac.
Under president Fidel Ramos, Esperon was named Task Group Commander for the 1996 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Leaders’ summit. Amid the global threats of terrorism and local security concerns, Ramos lauded Esperon’s handling of the APEC security preparations.
Impressed by his APEC feat, Ramos made Esperon deputy commander of the Presidential Security Group (PSG), concurrently commander of the Presidential Escorts who are the close-in security of the president.
He was a special mission by Ramos to apprehend fugitive former Zamboanga congressman Romeo Jalosjos, who was accused of statutory rape. Esperon led a small group of PSG personnel and caught Jalosjos after a chase around Metro Manila from his hideout in Quezon City. Jalosjos was later convicted and jailed.
At the end of his term, Ramos awarded Esperon the Presidential Merit Medal.
Esperon returned to the battlefront in Mindanao when former president Joseph Estrada launched an all-out war against the MILF. He was instrumental in the taking of one of the big MILF camps, Rajah Muda in Basilan.
Recalled back to AFP headquarters, Esperon was given a new assignment following the ouster of Estrada in 2001, when newly-installed president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo named him PSG Group Commander. During this tumultuous period when militants tried to attack the seat of government, Esperon fortified the Palace grounds with electrified gates and used concertina wires and empty container vans to barricade all entry points to Malacañang.
After retiring from the AFP, Esperon was appointed by Arroyo as Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process and later as Cabinet Secretary, Presidential Management Staff (PMS).
One year after his exit from government service, he was appointed executive vice president in charge of security of the Manila Bulletin Publishing Corp.
In 2010, Esperon ran but lost in the elections for the 6th congressional district in Asingan, Pangasinan.
Golf brought Ramos, Duterte and Esperon together. It was sometime in 2014 when Esperon and Ramos flew to Davao City to push Duterte to run for the presidency. During the campaign in the May 9 elections, Esperon worked behind the scenes in Duterte’s camp, contributing significantly to his victory.
Knowing all the tricks of the trade in and out of government to deal with internal or external threats, his new job as chief spook of the Duterte administration fits Esperon to a tee.
From GMA News (Sep 10): AFP chief urges Abu Sayyaf members to surrender
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Ricardo Visaya on Saturday encouraged members of the Abu Sayyaf Group to turn themselves in while encouraging troops to renew the government's offense against the bandits.
Visaya said during his visit to the troops that they would neutralize all ASG fighters who refuse to surrender and release their hostages.
"Those in the Abu Sayyaf who want to surrender, the AFP will accept them, provided that they release their hostages; if not, our soldiers will hunt them down and pursue them until all of them are neutralized," Visaya said.
It was Visaya's fifth visit to troops in Sulu since ASG took hostages from the local community and the second since the terrorist group beheaded Patrick James Almodvar, a local Muslim resident.
Around 32 ASG rebels have been killed in Sulu while 27 were killed in Basilan since President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the military to "destroy" the terrorist group in August.
Fifteen soldiers have also been killed and 27 more have been wounded in action in Sulu while one was wounded in Basilan.
Brig. Gen. Dela Vega, commander of Joint Task Force Sulu, said they have no deadline "on how long the focused military operations will last" and will "hunt and pursue" the ASG "as long as needed."
Dela Vega said that local officials and residents in Sulu have been cooperating in the military's campaign against the group.
"The local officials and residents appreciate the effort of our soldiers and are providing much needed help in fighting the ASG and in rescuing the kidnap victims," Dela Vega told Visaya during the visit.
From The Standard (Sep 11): Duterte: Beware of more bombings
PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday warned the public of more bombings as Philippine National Police chief Ronald dela Rosa confirmed that a group linked to the so-called Islamic State was behind the Davao night market blast that killed 14 people and hurt 70 others.
“There will be more [bombings] because of retaliations, reprisals,” Duterte said upon his arrival at the Davao International Airport after his working visit to Indonesia.
President Rodrigo Duterte
The President did not reveal details because of ongoing investigations and said the matter was an issue of national security.
“But there will be a day of reckoning. Wait for it,” the President said as Dela Rosa confirmed that the suspect in the Davao blast was a member of a group that has pledged allegiance to the terrorist Islamic State.
“They share the same faith as that of the Abu Sayyaf group. They both pledged allegiance to ISIS,” Dela Rosa said at the Mimaropa regional police office which celebrated its anniversary on Saturday.
Dela Rosa said the police have already identified the person who actually planted the bomb at a massage booth at the Roxas night market in Davao City last September 7 but declined to reveal the suspect’s name because of the ongoing investigation.
He said terrorism and multiple murder charges are being prepared against the suspect, who was earlier said to be around 30 years old with a slim build and between 5’7 to 5’8 in height.
Duterte said he will have to assess if Davao City is still an appropriate venue for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations that the country will be hosting next year.
“That will depend on the security of Davao City. I would have to listen to the military and the police for an accurate assessment,” he said.
“We do not want any bloody thing here,” Duterte said. “I have stated my case very clearly: we are in a state of lawlessness. I do not need any additional power.”
From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Sep 8): PEFTOK | Army honors Filipino’ Korean War Veterans
FORT BONIFACIO, Taguig City – The Philippine Army joins the celebration of 17th Korean War Veterans of the Philippines Memorial Day in a traditional wreath laying ceremony and floral offering held at the Korean War Memorial Pylon, Libingan ng mga Bayani here, 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 07.
Army officers and enlisted personnel headed by BGen. Robert
M. Arevalo, the Army Chief of Staff, joined the Filipino’ Korean Veterans and
Korean community in remembering the courage and heroism shown by the Filipino’
Korean War Veterans who composed the Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea
(PEFTOK).
The event was graced by the presence
of His Excellency Kim, Jae Shin, the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea,
as the guest of honor and speaker.
Meanwhile, a flag raising ceremony
and the 42nd PEFTOK Veterans Association, Inc. Annual Convention were also
conducted at the Korean Memorial Hall along Bayani Road here with AFP Chief of Staff,
General Ricardo R. Visaya as the guest of honor and speaker.
Heroism of PEFTOK Soldiers during Korean War
PEFTOK’s mission was to defend the Republic of Korea
against communist conquest.
The first PEFTOK, the 10th Battalion Combat Team (BCT)
reached South Korea
in September 1950. They were deployed to South
Korea in fulfillment of the Philippines
pledge of assistance to the United Nation’s effort to stem North Korea’s Communist invasion of South Korea in
1950s.
Massively outnumbered, the 10th BCT with only 900 men
withstood the night attack of an entire Chinese army of 40,000 men during the
Battle of Yuldong in North
Korea on April 23, 1951.
Considering the
strength of the Chinese, all UN forces retreated, except the Filipinos who
engaged the Chinese People’s Volunteer (CPV) army in a bitter close quarter
fighting. UN Command ordered the Filipino forces to disengage but was ignored
and instead they engaged the enemy up to the last man.
The 20th BCT relieved the 10th BCT,
which returns to the Philippines
covered in glory as “The Fighting Tenth” on Sept. 5, 1951. The 20th BCT again
seized Hill Eerie, a strategic observation post that proves invaluable to
PEFTOK in the coming battles against CPV.
The 19th BCT replacing the 20th BCT emerged victorious after
a fierce four-day battle to defend Hill 191 and Hill Eerie in June 21, 1952.
This gory “Battle
for Combat Outpost No. 8” inflicts heavy losses on the Chinese. Triumphant
Filipinos plant the national flag on the summit of Hill 191 to proclaim their
victory over the Chinese.
On Mar. 26, 1953, the 14th BCT takes over the PEFTOK colors
in Korea.
It was then followed by the last PEFTOK contingent the 2nd BCT who arrived in Korea on April 19, 1954 and returned in the Philippines on
June 1955.
Indeed, the PEFTOK soldiers fought on
the inspired the whole UN effort to stem the communist attack. This great
Filipino victory helps deny the communists the decisive victory that would have
ended the Korean War with their complete conquest of the Republic of Korea
and the destruction of the United Nation Command (UNC). It would be an
understatement to say that they prevented the UN front from collapsing.
The Philippines
and its 20 other UN allies paid in blood and pain for depending the democracy
in South Korea.
The war between democracy and communism took the lives of 112 Filipino
soldiers, wounding 313 others and 16 missing.
This year’s celebration of the Korean War Veterans Memorial
Day, the Philippine Army as well as people of the Republic of Korea
remembers the heroism of the PEFTOK soldiers and their invaluable service not
just to the country, but to the attainment of world peace as well.
Korea
condemns DavaoCity bombing
In his message,
His Excellency Kim, Jae Shin, the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea strongly
condemn the recent terrorist attack in Davao City which left at least 14 people
dead and over 60 others wounded.
“We strongly condemn this cowardly and senseless act of
violence carried out by this lawless group. We also extend our deepest sympathy
and condolences to the bereaved families of the victims,” said Jae Shin.
“Rest assured that the Korean
government will fully support the Philippine government in its effort to end
terrorism in this country,” Jae Shin added.
From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Sep 8): JTF Sulu advisory on terror threats
On the threat of terrosism and sudden spike of messages and social media posts pointing on specific targets of terrorists that tends to alarm people unnecessarily, Brig. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, the Commander of Joint Task Force Sulu advises the people of Sulu. “All information are being validated.
The public is advised not to panic but be vigilant and alert. Report any suspicious individuals/groups or unattended bags or package to authorities. Do not touch or remove unattended packages.
The public is also advised to do their daily routine activities unless dire circumstances prevent them from doing such.
The aim of terrorists is to sow fear and panic by means of bloodshed, destruction and intimidation. If we subscribe to their threat even without them actually doing it, they succeeded in disturbing our way of life. If you receive text or any information about supposed terror threat, send it to the AFP and PNP for validation.
It is also wise not to spread text or any message that specifically details a supposed terroristic attack on a specific establishment as this may only be a ploy by some interest groups riding on the issue.
The fight against terror is everyone’s responsibility and we must unite against terrorism. We hope this will help our people and the different communities. Rest assured that your soldiers and policemen are on the double finding bits and pieces of information in order to protect our communities.”
This is the appeal of Brig. Gen. Dela Vega in series of community gatherings with the latest in the Provincial Peace and Order Council attended by more than a hundred public officials, health workers, teachers, NGOs and other stakeholders called by Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan II 9am to 1230pm Wednesday.
From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Sep 8): NEW LEADERSHIP | Eastmincom’s chief of staff now heads TF-Davao
Army Col. Erwin Bernard L. Neri, the former chief of unified
command staff of the AFP’s Eastern Mindanao Command, assumed his new post as
commander of the Task Force Davao in a formal military ceremony held here,
Thursday, Sept. 8.
Neri, a member of the Philippine
Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1988replaced Col. Henry Robinson following the
bombing incident in DavaoCity last Sept. 3 which
left at least 14 people dead and over 60 others wounded.
Army’s 10th Infantry Division (ID) Commander, Maj. Gen. Rafael
Valencia presided the change of command ceremony at Headquarters Task Force
Davao here.
Army Chief Lt. Gen. Eduardo M Año has approved the
replacement of Robinson after the bombing incident in DavaoCity.
Meanwhile, the relief and designation of officers in leading
line units is normally done to carry out mission accomplishment above anything
else. Unit commanders shall take full responsibility for anything the unit does
or fails to do.
Prior to his new post, Neri also served as Deputy, Assistant
Chief of Staff for Civil Military Operations, G7, Philippine Army and Executive
Officer at the Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Education and
Training, OG8, Philippine Army.
He likewise commanded the 79th
Infantry Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division, and was the Executive Officer of the
302nd Brigade, also of the 3rd Infantry Division.
Neri has a Masters Degree in
Management major in Public Management from UP Baguio.
From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 9): NHCP leads commemoration of 109th death anniversary of Macario Sakay in Los Banos
The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) will lead the commemoration of the 109th death anniversary of Macario Sakay on September 13, 2016 at Camp Gen. Macario Sakay in Barangay Lalakay, Los Banos.
Camp Gen. Macario Sakay is formerly well known as Camp Eldridge which was renamed this year, in honor of the heroism of Sakay as the last general to surrender during the Phillipine-American War (1899–1902).
“In this coming significant and historical day, September 13, the 109th death anniversary of Macario, we will remember on this day, not as the day of his death but his heroism, his exploits during the Philippine-American War,” Eleonor Samonte of NHCP said.
Samonte is enjoining the provincial government of Laguna, the local government of Los Banos, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Department of Education, the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office, the Philippine Information Agency, the University of the Philippines-Los Banos, and other government agencies to ensure their participation in this historical day.
“This event is not yet in the calendar of events of the NHCP this year, so, we have no budget for the expenses that may be incurred in the activity. With this, I am requesting all national and local government agencies involved to cooperate and contribute for the successful staging of the commemoration,” Samonte said.
According to Samonte, the ceremony will start at 9 in the morning with the traditional flower offering. A photo canvass with the image of Macario Sakay will be displayed. “We have difficulties looking for a bust or even a statute of Macario Sakay, so, the NHCP will just prepare a photo canvass of Macario Sakay.
She said, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and NCHP Chair Maria Serena I. Diokno are expected to join local government officials and the military in the commemoration ceremony.
Other activities aimed to heighten public awareness about Macario Sakay include, free showing of the indie film “Macario Sakay” directed by Raymond Red and starring Julio Diaz at AFP Theater, Camp Aguinaldo on Sept 13 and at the University of the Philippines-Los Banos Umali Hall on Sept. 13 and 14.
From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 9): PHl Navy arrests 17 Vietnamese poachers at West Phl Sea
The Naval Forces Northern Luzon (NFNL) arrested on Thursday three Vietnamese fishing vessels in waters off 21 nautical miles west of Dile Point, Vigan City for suspected illegal poaching.
According to Navy Commander Ronnie Paba, the chief of the Naval Task Group 11.1, the 17 Vietnamese fishermen on board the vessels were brought to the Fort Salomague in Cabugao town for further investigation.
The 17 Vietnamese crewmen were identified as: Tran Huu Trung, Bui Van Liem, Le Tien, Bui Van Luom, Huynh Hgoe Tuan, Le Than Trung, Tran Hoang Kim, Va An, Phan Haui Tuy, Nguger Van Phoung, Ngryan Dy Fuong, Vo Thien, Dink Thien Son, Nguyen Gio, Hyunh Thanh Thang, Do Thenh Lai and Tran Huu Phuc.
Paba said the arrested Vietnamese fishermen will be charged for illegal poaching and illegal entrant after they fail to present legal documents allowing them to have fishing venture in the Philippine coastal waters.
As of Thursday afternoon, he said that other concerned agencies are having a coordination meeting to decide on the agency responsible for the temporary custody of the arrested fishermen.
Meanwhile, the local office of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) is now coordinating to the Vietnamese embassy to inform the arrest of their citizens at the West Philippine Sea.
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is also presently conducting inventory of the caught coastal water resources loaded in the captured vessels.
The Philippines, along with other Southeast Asian countries, is in dispute with China over its expansive claims to most of the West Philippine Sea.
From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 9): PNP, AFP establish 199 checkpoints in Central Luzon
Philippine National Police (PNP) and Armed Forces of the Philippines have established around 199 checkpoints in Central Luzon following President Duterte’s declaration of a State of National Emergency on Account of Lawless Violence in Mindanao.
These checkpoints are meant to intensify police interdiction operations and maximize police visibility.
“I have directed our provincial and city directors as well as chiefs of police to supervise checkpoints and deployment of patrols in areas of public convergence and vital installations. Also, the entire Central Luzon Police Force is placed in full alert status and all leaves of police personnel are canceled at this time,” PNP Regional Director PCSupt. Aaron Aquino said in a statement.
“The same rules on arrest still apply under State of Lawless Violence and all police units were reminded to strictly observe the prescribed Police Operational Procedures when conducting law enforcement operations, particularly when effecting arrests,” Aquino added.
From the Visayan Daily Star (Sep 10): PNP: Checkpoint operations ‘target hardening measures'
The joint checkpoint operations of the Philippine Army and National Police, simultaneously conducted Thursday night in some key areas of Negros Occidental, form part of the target hardening measures to protect urban centers from possible terrorist activity, Senior Supt. William Señoron, provincial police director, said yesterday.
Señoron said this was after President Rodrigo Duterte declared a state of emergency on account of lawless violence, following the Davao bombing that claimed the lives of 14 persons and causing injuries to more than 60 others.
This will be a continuing process, Señoron, who supervised the conduct of joint checkpoint with the Philippine Army Thursday night in Talisay City, said.
He also urged motorists and commuters to cooperate with law enforcers, whom he also reminded to strictly adhere to policies and procedures in the conduct of checkpoints.
Maj. Gen. Raul del Rosario, commanding general of the Armed Forces Central Command, said in his security briefing on Thursday at Camp Alfredo Montelibano Sr. in Bacolod City, that there is nothing to be alarmed about in Negros island on possible terror threats, but validation continues.
Police intelligence units have been ordered to double their efforts in intelligence gathering to ensure that similar incidents as that in Davao will not take place in their areas.
A memorandum order containing the guidelines for the PNP and AFP under a state of lawlessness issued by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea specifically emphasized that “no civil or political rights are suspended during the existence of a state of lawless violence.”
Senior Supt. Dionardo Carlos, PNP spokesman, that the declaration of a state of lawlessness does not change the rules prescribed in the Revised Police Operational Procedures, or rules of engagement.
From the Visayan Daily Star (Sep 10): SAF to beef up troops
The elite Special Action Force unit of the Philippine National Police in Negros Island Region will soon get more troopers, Chief Supt. Benjamen Lusad, acting SAF director, said yesterday during the installation of Chief Inspector Jerome Jay Ragonton as the new acting commander of the 6th SAF Battalion.
The 6th SAB is now conducting a six-month Commando Course training for newly-recruited SAF troopers in Sagay City.
Lusad said they are recruiting 2,400 qualified SAF applicants.
This forms part of his thrust to re-organize the SAF by further strengthening its specialized DEER (Deep Reconnaisance Company) and sniper units, by having cross-training with the elite Army's Scout Ranger unit.
With the indefinite ceasefire declared with the communist New People's Army, the PNP SAF troopers are being eyed to assist the local PNP in the war against drugs in the Negros Island Region.
Yesterday, Lusad commended Supt. Marlu Conag, who was replaced by Ragonton as 6th SAB commander, for a job well done.
Conag, who was assigned as deputy commander and later as battalion commander of 6th SAB, was conferred yesterday with the Medalya ng Kasanayan by Lusad, in recognition of his leadership.
Lusad also acknowledged the help of local government units, including Sagay City and the provincial government of Negros Occidental, as well as individuals, who have made the job easier for the 6th SAB.
Before leaving Negros Occidental, Lusad also visited the “tent city” in Sagay City, where neophyte SAF troopers undergoing the Commando Course training, which the subjects include combat skills, weapons efficiency, jungle moutaineering and navigation techniques to communications, air to ground support, markmanship, among others.
The SAF is the counter-terrorism unit of the PNP, whose members are trained in both law enforcement and military operations.
Unfortunately, 44 of them died in what some describe as controversial Mamasapano incident in Maguindanao, two years ago.
From Update.Ph (Sep 10): US gathering 18,000 troops, 180 aircraft, warships for wargames in Pacific
Valiant Shield 2014. US Navy photo United States Navy will gather its forces from the Pacific Command (USPACOM) to participate in exercise Valiant Shield (VS) 2016 from September 12 to 23 on Guam and around the Marianas Island Range Complex.
“Participants include USS Ronald Reagan (CVN 76), nine surface ships, the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group – to include three amphibious vessels – an estimated 18,000 personnel and more than 180 aircraft from the U.S. Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps,” USPACOM said.
According to USPACOM, Valiant Shield is a biennial field training exercise (FTX) with a focus on integration of joint training in a blue-water environment exclusively for US force.
“This training enables real-world proficiency in sustaining joint forces through detecting, locating, tracking and engaging units at sea, in the air, on land, and in cyberspace in response to a range of mission areas,” USPACOM said. “The range of capabilities include maritime security operations, anti-submarine and air defense exercises, amphibious operations, and other elements of complex warfighting.”
From Rappler (Sep 10): How cities, provinces are tightening security after Davao blast
Rappler lists localities where authorities have added police patrols, set up checkpoints, and increased security measures
TIGHT WATCH. Special response units are deployed by the National Capital Region Police Office in malls around Metro Manila after the Davao blast. NCRPO Photo
Several cities and provinces have gone on full alert in the past few days in the aftermath of an explosion at the Davao City night market that killed at least 14 people and injured dozens on September 2.
Rappler lists here the localities where authorities have added police patrols, set up checkpoints, and increased security measures.
Metro Manila
The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), under director Chief Superintendent Oscar Albayalde, has intensified the 24-hour monitoring of its Special Reaction Unit (SRU), which includes the SWAT, Explosive Ordnance Disposal, and K-9 units.
They have set up check points, that cops – augmented by the Armed Forces of the Philippines – are helping man. SRU teams are inspecting schools and informing teachers and students about managing bomb threats, and reminding them of the implications and consequences of spreading bomb jokes, according to an NCRPO press release.
Covert operatives of the NCRPO are also deployed in transport terminals, while air and sea ports, business centers, churches, vital installations, and other places of convergence are also regularly inspected.
The public may contact Metro Manila police through these hotlines:
NCRPO 838-3203; text 0917-708-1135 or 0917-856-1040; Twitter: @ncrporeact; Facebook page: NCRPOReact
Northern Police District 285-2396 / 285-2838; text 0917-847-5757 / 0905-454-2547 / 0916-558-2419
Eastern Police District 641-0171 / 641-0877; text 0915-888-8181 / 0999-901-8181 / 0917-728-3790
Manila Police District 523-1367 / 523-3378; text 0919-995-0976 / 0917-899-2092
Southern Police District 519-5525 / 519-8644; text 0908-377-0025
Quezon City Police District 925-8417 / 0917-840-3925; text 0995-645-1999 / 0919-496-7833
City of Manila
SECURING COMMUTERS. Security checks are conducted at train stations in Metro Manila. NCRPO Photo
Manila Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada has directed the 4,500-strong Manila Police District (MPD), under Director Joel Coronel, to conduct 24-hour tight watch on public places in Manila.
Places to be watched include stations of the Light Rail Transit-1, hospitals, schools, shopping malls, marketplaces, bus terminals, ports, and places of worship.
Estrada recalled that when he was president of the Philippines, the so-called Rizal Day bombings happened – 5 bombs were simultaneously set off around Metro Manila on December 30, 2000, killing at least 22 people. Two of the bombs went off at Plaza Ferguson in Malate and inside an LRT coach at the Blumentritt station in Manila.
Boracay Island, Antique
The police community relations chief of the Boracay Tourist Assistance Center (BTAC), Senior Police Officer 1 Christopher Mendoza, said 85 police officers have been tasked to secure barangays Yapak, Balabag, and Manoc-Manoc.
Cops have also been deployed to Cagban port, Yapak (Puka) Beach, and Ilig-Iligan Beach.
The Aklan Provincial Public Safety Company has set up a detachment at Boracay Ati community village in Sitio Lugutan, Barangay Manoc-Manoc.
The Philippine National Police Maritime Group, Philippine Army, and Philippine Coast Guard units on Boracay Island and the Boracay Action Group are also on full alert.
Some 1.24 million tourists have stayed in Boracay from January to August this year.
Central Visayas and Cebu
Central Visayas Police Regional Director Noli Taliño said more police patrols have been deployed to “places of convergence like malls, terminals, airports, and seaports.”
He has ordered more checkpoints to be set up across the region.
In Cebu City, Deputy Director Superintendent Artemio Ricabo told the public to stay home in the meantime if they have no “pressing matters to attend to,” and urged them to “report new faces who are foreign-speaking and not in our dialect.”
The Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA) is under heightened alert.
Mandaue City is strictly implementing a curfew for minors, between 11 pm and 4 am.
Eastern Visayas and Tacloban City
POLICE PATROLS. The Eastern Visayas Police Offices increases the visibility of cops in public places after the Davao blast. Photo by Jazmin Bonifacio/Rappler
Police Chief Inspector Ma. Bella Rentuaya, spokesperson of the PNP in Eastern Visayas, said more cops have been deployed in places of convergence, such as terminals and airports.
Vital installations and camps are further secured, while more checkpoints are being set up.
In Tacloban City, policemen have been deployed to airports, transit hubs, and other crowded areas.
Tacloban’s police director, Superintendent Rolando Bade Jr, urged bus personnel and commuters to be on the lookout for people with suspicious behavior and for unattended packages.
The public can contact the regional police through:
Facebook Page “Pulis ha RehiyonOtos”
Text hotline 09173114794 or 09478907155
Northern Mindanao
Regional police spokesperson Superintendent Surki Sereñas said checkpoints had been set up across northern Mindanao.
Chief Superintendent Constantino, regional police director, said the PNP is in “constant coordination with AFP and other government agencies” in monitoring security threats after the Davao blast.
“The public is advised to remain calm but extra vigilant for suspicious persons and packages,” he said.
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Sep 10): Maguindanao vice mayor, 3 others tagged in Davao blast face probe Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II has said Talitay Vice Mayor Abdulwahab Sabal of Maguindanao and three others are now being investigated for alleged involvement in the recent bombing in Davao City that killed at least 14 persons and injured 60 others.
Aguirre said Sabal, along with wife Mohanna Sabal, bodyguard Nasser Maulana and driver Norodin Abas were presented for inquest to the Department of Justice (DOJ) on Saturday following their arrest at the Cotabato City airport.
He said the four suspects faced possible charges of illegal possession of firearms, explosives and dangerous drugs.
“The filing of criminal charges will be determined by Tuesday,” said Aguirre in a text message to Inquirer. “Complaint is for illegal possession of firearms, explosives and dangerous drugs.”
From GMA News (Sep 10): Bomb seized from Maguindanao vice mayor at Awang Airport
An improvised explosive device (IED) was among the items seized from Talitay, Maguindanao Vice Mayor Abdulwahab Sabal and his bodyguards at Awang Airport in Maguindanao, police said Saturday.
A report by the Maguindanao provincial police office said Sabal and his two bodyguards identified as Maulana and Nasser were arrested at the Awang Airport at around 1 p.m. last Thursday. Sabal's wife, Mamalo, was also with him during the arrest.
The police report said an IED made from a 60mm mortar round was seized from the possession of Sabal's group. Also seized from them were two pieces of .45 pistols, an M16 rifle, and 12 plastic sachets of shabu.
Sabal, who has been brought to the Department of Justice in Manila for inquest proceedings and detention at Camp Crame in Quezon City, is included in President Rodrigo Duterte's "narco-list."
The vice mayor and his men are facing charges for violation of the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act, illegal possession of firearms and explosives.
Police have tightened security measures in airports nationwide following the deadly bomb attack in Davao City last September 2, which left 14 people dead and at least 70 others injured.
Philippine National Police spokesperson Senior Superintendent Dionardo Carlos clarified that the arrest of the vice mayor had no connection with the police's efforts to arrest people responsible for the Davao City blast.
"Walang connection sa bomba (Davao City blast), yun ang sabi ni Chief," Carlos said.
Earlier in the day, PNP chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa announced the arrest of Sabal but declined to confirm reports that the local official was involved in the Davao City blast. He only cited Sabal's inclusion in the narco-list.
"Napangalanan siya ni presidente, kasama siya sa listahan ng mga narco-politicians... Pero ito ngayon, sa particular na bomb blast ng Davao, hindi pa natin na-establish," the PNP chief announced during his visit at the MIMAROPA regional headquarters in Mindoro.
Dela Rosa had said that drug lords may have a hand in the Davao City blast, which prompted Duterte to declare a state of national emergency.
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Sep 10): MILF rebels nab at least 30 drug suspects in Maguindanao Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebels rounded up at least 30 suspected drug users and pushers in two Maguindanao towns since Wednesday, a rebel official said Saturday.
But Von al-Haq, the spokesperson of the MILF’s armed wing – the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces – said the arrests were in support of President Rodrigo Duterte’s anti-drug campaign.
He said their forces, backed by authorities, conducted operations the towns of Sultan Mastura and Sultan Kudarat.
From InterAksyon (Sep 10): Bill to end ‘revolving door’ among AFP chiefs revived
A bill that seeks to end the “revolving door” among military commanders has been revived by Surigao del Sur Representative Johnny Pimentel.
“The quick turnover of AFP chiefs of staff has become counterproductive -- even somewhat disruptive,” Pimentel, a member of the House committee on national defense and security, said of House Bill 3402 in a statement Saturday.
Noting that President Benigno Aquino III vetoed a similar measure four years ago, Pimentel said he hopes President Rodrigo Duterte approves the bill if it is passed.
“Over the last 30 years, the AFP has had 28 chiefs of staff who each served an average of only 12 months. In the case of our last 10 chiefs of staff, each actually served only an average of seven months,” Pimentel said, noting that in the US, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff has a fixed two-year term.
After the 1986 People Power uprising, he added, the AFP has had only two chiefs of staff -- Generals Renato de Villa and Lisandro Abadia -- who served the maximum three years allowed by the 1987 Constitution.
The shortest stint, only 10 days, was that of acting chief of staff Nestor Ochoa.
“If we are to reinforce the military as our protector and defender of the national territory, we should give its chief operating officer a stable stint to carry out programs and projects with some degree of constancy,” Pimentel said.
The measure would defer the mandatory retirement of an incumbent chief of staff who turns 56. At the same time, it affirms the power of the president, as commander-in-chief, to remove the AFP chief at any time within the 36-month term.
From Oil Price (Sep 9): Declining Oil Prices A Factor In The Decrease In Piracy
While the
industry has struggled to find ways to cope with the decline in oil prices,
there has been one positive note: the dip in crude prices has at least in part
contributed to a decrease in incidents of piracy in Southeast
Asian waters.
Increased law enforcement activity has also been a factor. Promotion Group International, which provides security data about onshore and maritime activities for companies and government, notes that between August 23, 2015 and August 23, 2016, there were only four ship hijackings, as compared to the same period from 2014 to 2015, during which time there were 22. Fifteen of those 2014/2015 incidents involved oil tankers.
Promotion Group International’s Director, Tom Bacon, noted that because the financial incentive to re-sell stolen oil has declined, so has the “siphoning and theft of oil.” The price of fuels for ships has followed a similar decline as other markets. As global prices saw an approximate 50 percent drop, from August of 2014 to August of 2016, 380 CST bunker fuel deliveries from Singapore fell 58 percent. S&P Global Platts showed that product was assessed at $260 per metric ton this week.
Law enforcement has also played a role. Several crime rings that have engaged in criminal maritime activity have been broken up, and Indonesia and Malaysia have increased patrols in the Strains of Malacca.
In May, Indonesian naval patrol boats intercepted a hijacked tanker near Indonesia and rescued the crew. At that time, Indonesia, the Philippines and Malaysia agreed to increase patrols in the Sulu and Celebes seas following activity by militants in those waters. A more stable political situation in Southeast Asia has also been a contributing factor.
Tim Wilkins, the regional Asia manager for the International Association of Independent Tanker owners notes that piracy remains a problem in the Gulf of Guinea because of the political unrest in Nigeria. Pirates there, said Wilkins, are more aggressive and well-coordinated in their use of high-powered weapons.
Posted to the Manila Bulletin (Sep 10): (Full Transcript) Press statement of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte in his working visit to Indonesia
Thank you, Your Excellency. Again, I express gratitude for your warm welcome and the exceptional arrangements accorded to me and my delegation during my visit to Indonesia.
I am very pleased and honored to be in Jakarta.
The Philippines considers its relations with Indonesia as among the most important. And today, we have taken steps to ensure that those ties remain vibrant and will gain greater depth and new dimensions.
My meeting with President Widodo was very productive and fruitful. We discussed ways of strengthening existing bilateral cooperation and identified new areas of partnership, including maritime security and in law enforcement.
We expressed grave concern over the security of our waters. We agreed to step up joint measures to address the issue of piracy and lawlessness in the waters in our region.
We agreed to encourage the earliest and effective implementation of cooperative frameworks to address security issues in maritime areas of common concern. We expressed commitment to take all necessary measures to ensure security in the Sulu Sea and maritime areas of common concern.
As two of the largest archipelagos in the world, we recognized the value of maritime cooperation between the Philippines and Indonesia.
We will explore cooperation in this area, particularly in human resource development, fisheries and aquatic resources expertise and shipbuilding cooperation.
We also expressed serious concern over recent developments in the region, including in the South China Sea. We called on parties to respect the rule of law and welcomed the support of partners in efforts to ensure the security and stability in the region, especially in the peaceful settlement of disputes, in accordance with international law.
We underscored that peace is a necessary condition for growth and progress. I expressed appreciation for Indonesia’s abiding support as the Philippine Government moves forward with our peace processes.
We also recognized the value of connectivity in spurring and sustaining growth in our countries. We discussed ways to boost air and sea connectivity and how enhanced trade and people-to-people exchanges can improve lives and spread progress, particularly in the BIMP-EAGA area.
Both sides likewise viewed with grave concern the threat of terrorism and violent extremism. We agreed to work together to prevent, arrest and prosecute all those who seek to sow fear and terror in our societies.
We share the deep concern over the trade in illicit and illegal drugs and its impact on our societies. We will seek ways to intensify cooperation in the campaign against illegal drugs. We will do our part in contributing to the aim of a drug-free ASEAN Community.
With the Philippines chairmanship of ASEAN in 2017, I am glad to hear President Widodo’s support for the Philippines. I look forward to working closely with him on regional initiatives that will strengthen ASEAN.
Certainly, the ties that bind the Philippines and Indonesia are long and enduring. The Philippines holds its relations with Indonesia as one that is truly valued.
Indonesia is not only a friend but a brother. Indonesia is assured of the Philippines’ commitment to grow these relations in the years to come.
I look forward to reciprocating President Jokowi’s hospitality when he visits the Philippines at a mutually convenient time. I look forward to working closely with my friend and brother.
And may I add to the — just a few minutes, Mr. President. In 1972, there was this problem of oil and there was almost a crisis and there was rationing of fuel all over, including my country, the Philippines.
I was still a student at that time when I read the assurance of the Indonesian government: that not to worry if no oil would get to us by way of the Middle East. And they said that, “You Filipinos will be supported by the Indonesians. You will have your oil and gasoline.”
From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 10): E. Visayas troops, police intensify security patrols, checkpoint operations
Troops and police officers in Eastern
Visayas have intensified their security patrols and checkpoint
operations in the region as part of efforts to secure people, vital facilities
and infrastructure against possible attacks of the Abu Sayyaf and other terror
groups.
This is in line with the "state of national emergency
on account of lawless violence in Mindanao" declared by President Rodrigo
Duterte following the Sept. 2 bomb blast in a DavaoCity
night market that killed 14 and injured 70 people.
1st Lt. Cherry M. Junia, 8th Infantry Division public
affairs office chief, said a coordinating conference was initiated by unit
commander, Maj. Gen. Jet B. Velarmino together with Eastern Visayas regional
police acting director, Chief Supt. Elmer C. Beltejar and other law enforcement
agencies to come up with measures to ensure the safety and well-being of the
people of the region.
She added that they agreed to enhance security measures,
especially in public places, such as bus terminals, airports, seaports, commercial
centers and places of worship.
Junia said the 8th Infantry Division will also deploy
sufficient troops to augment the police in their foot and mobile visibility
patrols, checkpoints and inspections.
Likewise, troops and K-9 bomb-sniffing dogs will be deployed
to help the Philippine Coast Guard and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines
secure all seaports and airports in their areas of operation.
From UPI (Sep 9): Philippines to allow Indonesia access to waters to fight off pirates
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and Indonesian President Joko Widodo agreed to work closely to combat maritime piracy and curb Islamic extremism. Photos courtesy of Malacañang Photo Bureau/Government of the Philippines and Yanuar/Wikicommons
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and Indonesian President Joko Widodo agreed Friday to work closely to curb Islamic extremism and combat maritime piracy in the open waters between the island nations.
The two leaders signed an agreement for added patrols in the Sulu Sea, allowing Indonesian authorities access to Philippine waters if they are in pursuit of pirates.
Duterte, known for his outspoken style and controversial comments, said piracy is a "crime against humanity" and encouraged Indonesian forces to "feed [pirates] to the sharks."
"[Indonesian forces] can go ahead and blast them off. That's the agreement," Duterte said.
The Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia have been building plans to patrol the shared waters to stop piracy and a surge in abductions this year. The Islamic State-linked extremist group Abu Sayyaf, the leading cause of the kidnappings and deaths in the region, has been focusing its efforts on dismantling the Philippine government.
"Both sides likewise viewed with grave concern the threat of terrorism and violent extremism. We agreed to work together to prevent, arrest and prosecute all those who seek to sow fear and terror in our societies," Duterte said before hundreds of Filipinos at the Shangri-La hotel in Jakarta.
From Anadolu Agency (Sep 10): Duterte: Philippines pursuing autonomous foreign policy
Rodrigo Duterte arrives home from ASEAN forum to underline foreign policy will best serve, protect interests of Philippines
President Rodrigo Duterte meets Indonesian counterpart Joko Widodo during a trip to Jakarta on his way back from this week's ASEAN meet in Laos. ( Repayona Delita - Anadolu Agency )
The Philippines president has declared that his administration will adopt an “independent foreign policy” hours after arriving home from an almost weeklong trip to the ASEAN forum in Laos and a quick stop off in Indonesia.
In a speech to reporters at Davao International Airport early Saturday, Rodrigo Duterte said that he would shun interference from foreign governments after arriving by plane from Jakarta.
"In our relations with the world, the Philippines will pursue an independent foreign policy," Duterte told the news conference in his hometown in the southern Philippines.
“We will observe and I must insist -- I repeat, I must insist -- on the time honored principles of sovereign equality, non-interference and commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes to best serve our people and protect the interests of our country."
Duterte's declaration comes days after a controversial expletive-laden statement made prior to his trip to Laos for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)-East Asia Summit, during which he lashed out at U.S. President Barack Obama for his perceived
meddling in his government's crackdown on drug traffickers, pushers and peddlers.
He said it would be "rude" for President Obama to raise the question of human rights when they met.
Such a conversation would prompt him to curse Obama, he said, using a Filipino phrase which can mean "mother of whores", "son of a bitch", or "son of a whore".
Duterte cited the 600,000 Moro he said were killed during the American colonizers’ pacification campaign of the Philippines at the turn of the century.
"America has one too many to answer for the misdeeds of this country... We have not heard any apology until now,” Duterte underlined.
“I do not, I said, I do not kneel down before anybody else, except for the Filipinos in Quiapo walking in misery and in extreme hunger and poverty."
Quiapo is an impoverished district of the capital Manila where many Muslims live.
Last month, the U.S. state department and two United Nations human rights experts urged Duterte and Filipino authorities to stop the extrajudicial killings taking place in the country in the fight against illegal drugs, while ensuring law enforcement compliance with international human rights obligations.
Duterte responded to the criticism by threatening to pull the Philippines out of the international body.
"I am the president of the Philippines, not the republic of the international community," he underlined.
Duterte– accompanied by an entourage of cabinet secretaries and other officials – arrived in Davao from Jakarta aboard a chartered Philippine Airlines plane around 12.50 a.m. (0450GMT Friday).
The president had been in Indonesia to push for a joint maritime security operation to deal with rampant vessel hijacking perpetrated by the Daesh-linked Abu Sayyaf in the seas between Malaysia, the Philippines, and Indonesia.
"We expressed grave concern over the security of our waters. We agreed to step up joint measures to address the issue of piracy and lawlessness in the waters in our region," the Philippine News Agency quoted Duterte as saying in Jakarta.
During his speech in Davao early Saturday, Duterte underlined that pushing the interests of the Philippines has been his objective at ASEAN.
“I engaged the leaders of ASEAN and its dialogue partners on important regional and international issues that impact on peace, security, stability and prosperity of our region,” Duterte was quoted by the Philippine Daily Inquirer as saying.
He added that he also brought up the issue of the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) -- where the Philippines is engaged in a long running territorial spat with China -- but stressed "commitment to the peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law, including UNCLOS [United Nations on the Convention on the Law of the Sea]”.
In July, the international arbitration court ruled in a case brought by the Philippines that there was no “legal basis” for China to claim historic rights in the waters.
Duterte brought up his concerns about terrorism and violent extremism, saying that he had urged ASEAN and other leaders to “redouble our cooperative efforts in order to address this menace”.
He then turned his attention to the purges of drug sellers that had so raised the U.S. and UN's ire.
Duterte said that nobody had expected how serious the drug problem had become until he brought it up, claiming that in the Philippines alone there were now about 3.7 million drug addicts.
“So it is never wrong to threaten criminals [to end the problem],” he said.
“As your President and a lawyer, I have every right to threaten criminals and how it develops to the ending is another problem."
From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 10): Troops on checkpoint duties ordered to strictly uphold human rights
Troops tasked to augment police checkpoints and visibility
operations across the country have been directed to strictly uphold human
rights and the rule of law.
"The guidance is of course to follow and strictly
observe human rights, rules of law and the procedures in the conduct of
checkpoint," deputy commander Col. Vic Tomas of the Joint Task
Force-National Capital Region (JTF-NCR) said in an interview Friday.
Some 200 officers and enlisted personnel of the unit have
been deployed to five Metro Manila police districts.
Tomas said they also have a stand-by force to help the
police in possible contingencies.
"We would like to inform everybody that they should
feel safe with the presence of both police and military. They have nothing to
fear as this is not martial law," he added.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office
chief Col. Edgard Arevalo earlier reminded troopers not to touch or open any
vehicle or order its occupant to alight.
Checkpoints must also be well-lighted and personnel manning
them must be in full uniform.
Baggage can only be inspected if the owner or passenger
gives permission, he added.
Arevalo warned that failure to comply with these reminders
could result in the filing of administrative sanctions and other charges.
"We would like to ensure that as we respond to the
Commander-in-Chief's call for the AFP to help suppress lawless violence in
Mindanao and prevent its spread in other areas of the country, the execution of
our tasks will always be proper and with due regard to every citizen's
entitlements under the Bill of Rights," he pointed out.
A "state of national emergency on account of lawless
violence in Mindanao" was declared by President Rodrigo Duterte in the
aftermath of the Sept. 2 bomb blast in DavaoCity
that killed 14 and wounded 70 persons.
"We would like to enlist the willing cooperation of our
'kababayans' (compatriots) in this endeavor to suppress lawless violence and prevent
the spread of similar violent incidents in other parts of the country," he
said.
From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 9): President Duterte, Widodo agree to address piracy, lawlessness in Southeast Asian region waters
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and his Indonesian
counterpart Joko Widodo agreed on Friday to expand cooperation in maritime
security with the goal of fighting piracy and lawlessness in the Southeast
Asian region vast waters.
”We expressed grave concern over the security of our waters.
We agreed to step up joint measures to address the issue of piracy and
lawlessness in the waters in our region,” Duterte said in a joint statement
after their bilateral meeting in Jakarta,
Indonesia.
In a meeting earlier with the Filipino community in Jakarta, President Duterte stressed the need to combat
piracy in the high seas between the Philippines,
Indonesia and Malaysia.
He said the international rules in the high seas provide
that a pirate can be arrested by any nation “because piracy is a crime against
humanity.”
In particular, President Duterte mentioned the Philippines’
problem with Abu Sayyaf, a terrorist group engaged in bombing,
kidnap-for-ransom and beheading of their hostages if ransom is not given.
”The Abu Sayyaf, they are now officially telling everybody
that they are with ISIS and that makes it
doubly really terrible. We’d have to do something about this,” the President
said.
”In the Philippines, it’s not allowed too, that’s why I said
that, maybe there are sharks around and just feed them to the sharks. It would
make them fat. Good for sashimi also,” he added.
As two of the largest archipelagos in the world, the two
leaders recognized the value of maritime cooperation between the Philippines and Indonesia.
”My meeting with President Widodo was very productive and
fruitful. We discussed ways of strengthening existing bilateral cooperation and
identified new areas of partnership, including maritime security and in law
enforcement,” Duterte said.
”We agreed to encourage the earliest and effective
implementation of cooperative frameworks to address security issues in maritime
areas of common concern. We expressed commitment to take all necessary measures
to ensure security in the Sulu Sea and
maritime areas of common concern,” he added.
Duterte asked the Filipino community in Indonesia to
pray for him “not because you love me but because you need me.”
”I will suppress drugs and in the fullness of God’s time..
you can walk about in the Philippines
free of the fears of being mobbed,” the President said.
”Human rights, I will continue the campaign against the
criminals. I don’t have any pity with them,” he said.
Both leaders viewed with grave concern the threat of
terrorism and violent extremism
”We agreed to work together to prevent, arrest and prosecute
all those who seek to sow fear and terror in our societies,” Duterte said.
”We share the deep concern over the trade in illicit and
illegal drugs and its impact on our societies. We will seek ways to intensify
cooperation in the campaign against illegal drugs. We will do our part in
contributing to the aim of a drug-free ASEAN Community,” he added.
President Duterte said the Philippines
considers its relations with Indonesia
as among the most important.
”And today, we have taken steps to ensure that those ties
remain vibrant and will gain greater depth and new dimensions,” he said.
”Indonesia
is not only a friend but a brother. Indonesia
is assured of the Philippines’
commitment to grow these relations in the years to come,” he added.
President Duterte recalled that Indonesia
helped the Philippines
during oil crisis 1972.
”I was still a student at that time when I read the
assurance of the Indonesian government: that not to worry if no oil would get
to us by way of the Middle East. And they said
that, 'You Filipinos will be supported by the Indonesians. You will have your
oil and gasoline',” he said.
