From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 21): 2 troopers killed, 2 others wounded in Zamboanga Del Sur clash
Two troopers were killed while another two were wounded after they were attacked by heavily-armed men in Dinas, Zamboanga Del Sur, Monday morning.
Western Mindanao Command (WMC) spokesperson Major Filemon Tan said the incident took place at 8:28 this morning, in Purok 4, Guinicolalay, Dinas town.
Fallen and wounded troops are from Joint Task Force ZAMPELAN engaged in "Bayanihan" activities in the area.
"As a result, the government side suffered two killed and two wounded in action, while undetermined on the enemy side. Names of the casualties were not yet released pending notification of their immediate families," he added.
Additional military assets were dispatched for reinforcement and casualty evacuation.
As this develops, 1st Infantry Division public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Benedicto Manquiquis said the casualties are from the 53rd Infantry Battalion.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=941841
Sunday, November 20, 2016
Defense industrial parks eyed
From The Standard (Nov 20): Defense industrial parks eyed
The Philippines will open its doors to military equipment manufacturers and plans to set up defense industrial zones, the new head of Philippine Economic Zone Authority said over the weekend.
Newly-appointed Peza director general Charito Plaza said the agency was eyeing to establish several defense industrial parks in strategic areas that were “vulnerable to attacks.”
“We are seeing one in Palawan because it is facing Spratly [Islands], another in Zambales because it is facing Scarborough. We might continue with Olongapo as a shipyard and as [base for] aircraft manufacturing industries,” she said.
“I also suggested to have two in Mindanao. We can modernize the Armed Forces and the police once we have established these parks,” Plaza told reporters at the sidelines of the 7th anniversary of KMC Saville in Makati City.
“Hopefully, these will deter attacks,” she said, adding that the Philippines was now an open market and no longer an exclusive military base of the US.
Plaza said Peza extended open invitations to the world’s defense industries to locate in Philippine defense zones.
She said an ongoing project was the DND Arsenal, a defense industrial complex in Bataan province which was a result of the collaboration between the Defense Department and Peza.
All products manufactured inside the defense industrial parks will be for export, she said.
“But we are also looking at a business agreement that instead of them leasing for land, they can pay us in terms of the equipment we need. For example, within how many years can they supply us, say, of a squadron of military aircraft or a fleet of ships for our navy,” said Plaza, who is a reservist military officer.
She said Peza recently attended a military police forum in Qatar where the participants were defense industries of 86 countries.
“So you see, we have started window shopping already,” she said, adding that the Philippines had a standing offer to the defense industries of Russia, China, Israel and Japan to put up their own armament manufacturing in the Philippines.
Plaza has military background, having served in the Philippine Army, Philippine Navy and Philippine Air Force. She was the first lady general of the AFP reserve force with the rank of brigadier general.
Peza asked the Environment Department, the Philippine Reclamation Authority and the National Mapping and Resource Information Authorit to give an inventory of existing vacant lands, islands, public and private lands that could be used as sites for different kinds of ecozones.
Peza oversess 72 manufacturing economic zones, 234 information technology parks, 21 agro-industrial economic zones, 17 tourism economic zones and 2 medical tourism parks.
http://www.thestandard.com.ph/business/221920/defense-industrial-parks-eyed.html
The Philippines will open its doors to military equipment manufacturers and plans to set up defense industrial zones, the new head of Philippine Economic Zone Authority said over the weekend.
Newly-appointed Peza director general Charito Plaza said the agency was eyeing to establish several defense industrial parks in strategic areas that were “vulnerable to attacks.”
“We are seeing one in Palawan because it is facing Spratly [Islands], another in Zambales because it is facing Scarborough. We might continue with Olongapo as a shipyard and as [base for] aircraft manufacturing industries,” she said.
“I also suggested to have two in Mindanao. We can modernize the Armed Forces and the police once we have established these parks,” Plaza told reporters at the sidelines of the 7th anniversary of KMC Saville in Makati City.
“Hopefully, these will deter attacks,” she said, adding that the Philippines was now an open market and no longer an exclusive military base of the US.
Plaza said Peza extended open invitations to the world’s defense industries to locate in Philippine defense zones.
She said an ongoing project was the DND Arsenal, a defense industrial complex in Bataan province which was a result of the collaboration between the Defense Department and Peza.
All products manufactured inside the defense industrial parks will be for export, she said.
“But we are also looking at a business agreement that instead of them leasing for land, they can pay us in terms of the equipment we need. For example, within how many years can they supply us, say, of a squadron of military aircraft or a fleet of ships for our navy,” said Plaza, who is a reservist military officer.
She said Peza recently attended a military police forum in Qatar where the participants were defense industries of 86 countries.
“So you see, we have started window shopping already,” she said, adding that the Philippines had a standing offer to the defense industries of Russia, China, Israel and Japan to put up their own armament manufacturing in the Philippines.
Plaza has military background, having served in the Philippine Army, Philippine Navy and Philippine Air Force. She was the first lady general of the AFP reserve force with the rank of brigadier general.
Peza asked the Environment Department, the Philippine Reclamation Authority and the National Mapping and Resource Information Authorit to give an inventory of existing vacant lands, islands, public and private lands that could be used as sites for different kinds of ecozones.
Peza oversess 72 manufacturing economic zones, 234 information technology parks, 21 agro-industrial economic zones, 17 tourism economic zones and 2 medical tourism parks.
http://www.thestandard.com.ph/business/221920/defense-industrial-parks-eyed.html
Army officer, soldier shot dead in Zambo ambush
From Rappler (Nov 21): Army officer, soldier shot dead in Zambo ambush
Gunmen attack a military vehicle in Danas, Zamboanga del Sur
Gunmen ambushed a military vehicle in Dinas, Zamboanga del Sur on Monday, November 21, killing at least 2 soldiers – an Army lieutenant and one enlisted man – and wounding 2 others, initial reports said.
Gunmen attack a military vehicle in Danas, Zamboanga del Sur
Gunmen ambushed a military vehicle in Dinas, Zamboanga del Sur on Monday, November 21, killing at least 2 soldiers – an Army lieutenant and one enlisted man – and wounding 2 others, initial reports said.
The troops belong to the Philippine Army’s 53rd infantry battalion, according initial reports from the Western Mindanao Command based in Zamboanga City.
They were attacked as their vehicle was passing through Dinas town at around 8:30 am.
The identities of the casualties were not immediately reported, but one of the dead is an Army officer, according to Senior Superintendent Sofronio Ecaldre, police chief of Zamboanga del Sur.
PEZA wants defense industrial complex in ‘vulnerable areas’
From the Manila Bulletin (Nov 20): PEZA wants defense industrial complex in ‘vulnerable areas’
The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) invites foreign investors to develop defense industrial complex in the country, particularly in areas vulnerable to attacks.
PEZA Director General Charito Plaza told reporters that a number of defense industrial complex will be among the new economic zones that will be put up during her administration in the investment promotion agency.
“We have military reservation areas. [It] can be utilized as defense industrial complex,” Plaza said.
She added that the areas of these defense industrial zones will depend on studies that will be undertaken by the Department of National Defense.
Plaza, who is also a brigadier general of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Reserve Force, suggests to develop the defense industrial zones in Palawan (facing the Spratly Islands), and in Zambales (facing the Scarborough Shoal) where it can be linked to Olongapo shipyard and Clark where an aircraft manufacturing industry can be created.
The official targets establishing two defense industrial zones in Mindanao.
“Our market is not exclusively open to the U.S.A. We’re inviting Russia, China, Israel, Japan, and everybody that has the defense industries that they can locate here,” the new PEZA chief said.
Since PEZA gives incentives to export-oriented enterprises, majority of the defense equipment that will be manufactured in the country will be exported.
“It’s for exports, but we might come up with an agreement that instead of leasing the land, they can pay us in terms of equipment,” Plaza noted.
“It’s not just the transfer of technology, but we’ll be able to modernize the Armed Forces [of the Philippines] and the people,” she added.
The government has the same facility in Limay, Bataan.
The 370-hectare DND Arsenal operates to design, manufacture, procure, and allocate weaponry and ammunition for the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police.
According to Plaza, she already discussed this plan to President Rodrigo Duterte.
“He’s very excited that we’ll have our own [defense] industrial complex so we can modernize and equip our own police,” Plaza said.
http://business.mb.com.ph/2016/11/20/peza-wants-defense-industrial-complex-in-vulnerable-areas/
The Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) invites foreign investors to develop defense industrial complex in the country, particularly in areas vulnerable to attacks.
PEZA Director General Charito Plaza told reporters that a number of defense industrial complex will be among the new economic zones that will be put up during her administration in the investment promotion agency.
“We have military reservation areas. [It] can be utilized as defense industrial complex,” Plaza said.
She added that the areas of these defense industrial zones will depend on studies that will be undertaken by the Department of National Defense.
Plaza, who is also a brigadier general of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Reserve Force, suggests to develop the defense industrial zones in Palawan (facing the Spratly Islands), and in Zambales (facing the Scarborough Shoal) where it can be linked to Olongapo shipyard and Clark where an aircraft manufacturing industry can be created.
The official targets establishing two defense industrial zones in Mindanao.
“Our market is not exclusively open to the U.S.A. We’re inviting Russia, China, Israel, Japan, and everybody that has the defense industries that they can locate here,” the new PEZA chief said.
Since PEZA gives incentives to export-oriented enterprises, majority of the defense equipment that will be manufactured in the country will be exported.
“It’s for exports, but we might come up with an agreement that instead of leasing the land, they can pay us in terms of equipment,” Plaza noted.
“It’s not just the transfer of technology, but we’ll be able to modernize the Armed Forces [of the Philippines] and the people,” she added.
The government has the same facility in Limay, Bataan.
The 370-hectare DND Arsenal operates to design, manufacture, procure, and allocate weaponry and ammunition for the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police.
According to Plaza, she already discussed this plan to President Rodrigo Duterte.
“He’s very excited that we’ll have our own [defense] industrial complex so we can modernize and equip our own police,” Plaza said.
http://business.mb.com.ph/2016/11/20/peza-wants-defense-industrial-complex-in-vulnerable-areas/
Marcos burial won’t derail talks between gov’t, NDFP, say communists
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Nov 20): Marcos burial won’t derail talks between gov’t, NDFP, say communists
Communist rebel negotiator Fidel Agcaoili, (right), gestures during a rare news conference, Thursday, June 2, 2016 in Quezon city, (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)
The sneaky burial of dictator Ferdinand Marcos is an issue that should not be overlooked but it would not derail the peace talks between the Philippine government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, according to a top communist leader.
Fidel Agcaoili, chief negotiator of the NDFP, the political negotiating arm of the Communist Party of the Philippines and New People’s Army, told the Philippine Daily Inquirer that the cordial relationship between President Duterte and the communist movement has remained despite the furor over the burial of Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, and that the ongoing negotiations would continue as scheduled.
But Agcaoili said the NDFP has been observing closely each and every move of the government.
Agcaoili said it would be “too forward” or premature for the NDFP to say that the Marcos burial would adversely affect the talks.
“We will wait how the issue develops,” Agcaoili said.
Immediately after the election, President Duterte reached out to the Left, both the legal and underground movements, to explore ways to settle the almost five-decade long conflict.
To show his sincerity, Mr. Duterte opened the government and offered Cabinet positions to the top leaders of the Communist Party of the Philippines.
The CPP, however, refused and instead offered the opportunity to recommend political activists in the country.
Despite the close relations between the Left and Duterte, the revolutionary movement has implemented and maintained its policy of guarded optimism towards the Duterte administration.
While working with the administration, the revolutionary movement would be consistent in criticizing anti-people policies and statements from President Duterte and his administration, the CPP explained earlier.
But Agcaoili said they would not be coopted and that accountability for government’s actions must still be demanded.
He reminded President Duterte that Marcos’ crimes during his dictatorial rule were well established in court.
Duterte earlier said that his government was just following legal procedures in allowing the burial.
“There is a judgment in a US federal court. You cannot deny that,” Agcaoili said, referring to the financial award granted by a US court to martial law victims against the Marcos estate.
Agcaoili expressed alarm over the continuing efforts of the Marcoses to regain power without any remorse.
“The Marcoses continue to be non-apologetic,” Agcaoili said.
The people must be relentless in hounding the Marcoses for their alleged crimes including thousands of human rights violations and the syphoning of public funds, he said.
Agcaoili said victims of Martial Law must pursue their claims and demand justice.
“For the government to fail in giving compensation for the victims is an outright violation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL),” Agcaoili said. And, he said, this can be grounds for violations to the peace process and would affect the formal talks.
(During the presidency of Benigno Aquino III, Congress passed a law instituting a commission to review, process and approve claims of human rights violations filed by martial law victims during the 1970s.)
The Philippine government and the NDFP have agreed in the framework of the peace process that there could be no peace in the country until justice issues are addressed.
He said the Left must support the mounting protests against the sneaky burial of Marcos must be supported.
“It would be nice to the extent that the mass movement would really grow and strengthen,” Agcaoili said.
Groups from various sectors will hold nationwide protests on November 25 to express disgust over the burial of Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.
When President Duterte announced he was allowing the burial of Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, seven petitions were filed at the Supreme Court against it. Two status quo ante orders were issued, stopping the burial until Nov. 8. On Nov. 8, the Supreme Court voted 9-5-1 allowing the burial, saying President Duterte did not commit grave abuse of discretion when he allowed the burial of Marcos at the Libingan, which under the law has been reserved for former presidents, soldiers, dignitaries and public figures worthy of emulation. The high court upheld Duterte’s argument that as a former president and a veteran of World War II who had received a Medal of Valor, Marcos was qualified to be interred at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. It also lifted the status quo ante order, effectively removing any legal barrier to the burial.
Supreme Court spokesman Theodore Te told media a day after the sudden burial on Nov. 18 and protests erupted, that that there was no motion for reconsideration filed by the petitioners and no order from the Supreme Court stopping the burial; hence, it was legal.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/846093/marcos-burial-wont-derail-talks-between-govt-ndfp-say-communists
Communist rebel negotiator Fidel Agcaoili, (right), gestures during a rare news conference, Thursday, June 2, 2016 in Quezon city, (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez)
The sneaky burial of dictator Ferdinand Marcos is an issue that should not be overlooked but it would not derail the peace talks between the Philippine government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, according to a top communist leader.
Fidel Agcaoili, chief negotiator of the NDFP, the political negotiating arm of the Communist Party of the Philippines and New People’s Army, told the Philippine Daily Inquirer that the cordial relationship between President Duterte and the communist movement has remained despite the furor over the burial of Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, and that the ongoing negotiations would continue as scheduled.
But Agcaoili said the NDFP has been observing closely each and every move of the government.
“For now, it is a developing question,” Agcaoili said referring to the Marcos issue and their relations with Duterte.
“We will wait how the issue develops,” Agcaoili said.
Immediately after the election, President Duterte reached out to the Left, both the legal and underground movements, to explore ways to settle the almost five-decade long conflict.
To show his sincerity, Mr. Duterte opened the government and offered Cabinet positions to the top leaders of the Communist Party of the Philippines.
The CPP, however, refused and instead offered the opportunity to recommend political activists in the country.
Despite the close relations between the Left and Duterte, the revolutionary movement has implemented and maintained its policy of guarded optimism towards the Duterte administration.
While working with the administration, the revolutionary movement would be consistent in criticizing anti-people policies and statements from President Duterte and his administration, the CPP explained earlier.
But Agcaoili said they would not be coopted and that accountability for government’s actions must still be demanded.
He reminded President Duterte that Marcos’ crimes during his dictatorial rule were well established in court.
Duterte earlier said that his government was just following legal procedures in allowing the burial.
“There is a judgment in a US federal court. You cannot deny that,” Agcaoili said, referring to the financial award granted by a US court to martial law victims against the Marcos estate.
Agcaoili expressed alarm over the continuing efforts of the Marcoses to regain power without any remorse.
“The Marcoses continue to be non-apologetic,” Agcaoili said.
The people must be relentless in hounding the Marcoses for their alleged crimes including thousands of human rights violations and the syphoning of public funds, he said.
Agcaoili said victims of Martial Law must pursue their claims and demand justice.
“For the government to fail in giving compensation for the victims is an outright violation of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL),” Agcaoili said. And, he said, this can be grounds for violations to the peace process and would affect the formal talks.
(During the presidency of Benigno Aquino III, Congress passed a law instituting a commission to review, process and approve claims of human rights violations filed by martial law victims during the 1970s.)
The Philippine government and the NDFP have agreed in the framework of the peace process that there could be no peace in the country until justice issues are addressed.
He said the Left must support the mounting protests against the sneaky burial of Marcos must be supported.
“It would be nice to the extent that the mass movement would really grow and strengthen,” Agcaoili said.
Groups from various sectors will hold nationwide protests on November 25 to express disgust over the burial of Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.
When President Duterte announced he was allowing the burial of Marcos at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, seven petitions were filed at the Supreme Court against it. Two status quo ante orders were issued, stopping the burial until Nov. 8. On Nov. 8, the Supreme Court voted 9-5-1 allowing the burial, saying President Duterte did not commit grave abuse of discretion when he allowed the burial of Marcos at the Libingan, which under the law has been reserved for former presidents, soldiers, dignitaries and public figures worthy of emulation. The high court upheld Duterte’s argument that as a former president and a veteran of World War II who had received a Medal of Valor, Marcos was qualified to be interred at the Libingan ng mga Bayani. It also lifted the status quo ante order, effectively removing any legal barrier to the burial.
Supreme Court spokesman Theodore Te told media a day after the sudden burial on Nov. 18 and protests erupted, that that there was no motion for reconsideration filed by the petitioners and no order from the Supreme Court stopping the burial; hence, it was legal.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/846093/marcos-burial-wont-derail-talks-between-govt-ndfp-say-communists
MILF: Philippines: Deepening dialogue on Humanitarian Law and Islamic law
Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Nov 20): Philippines: Deepening dialogue on Humanitarian Law and Islamic law
A seminar that aims to highlight the common ground between international humanitarian law (IHL) and its equivalent in Islamic tradition and jurisprudence is being held today (November 17) at the University of the Philippines in Quezon City.
Titled “Exploring Correspondences between International Humanitarian Law and Islamic Law Related to Armed Conflict and Their Relevance in the Southern Philippines,” the seminar, organized by the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos, the UP-Institute of Islamic Studies, and the ICRC, aims to deepen dialogue among Islamic institutions and the ICRC for the common purpose of preserving the life and dignity of victims of armed violence.
“Many rules and customs to protect life and dignity in times of war have been codified in IHL. The Geneva Conventions—the main instruments of IHL—are universally accepted by all States, but many arms carriers and civilians lack knowledge of these legal rules, and feel more bound by their traditional values and religious beliefs,” said Andrew Bartles-Smith, ICRC regional advisor for humanitarian affairs.
“The discussions we’ve held recently in Mindanao and today in Manila aim to promote understanding and knowledge of the rules of armed conflict, and to highlight correspondences between modern humanitarian law and Islam,” he added.
All four seminars—three of which were successfully held in Zamboanga, Marawi, and Cotabato cities—include panel discussions on IHL and Islamic law related to armed conflict and challenges related to the observance of these rules, and how to improve respect for them.
The ICRC has reached out to Muslim scholars and dignitaries since the late 1990s to search for common ground between IHL and its equivalent in Islam. It stepped up its engagement with Islamic scholars and organizations in Southeast Asia in 2010.
“This dialogue has helped to overcome misperceptions and to enhance understanding of each other’s perspectives. It has resulted in the integration of the perspectives of scholars and communities in assisting and protecting the vulnerable, and better access to conflict-affected areas and populations,” said Dr. Ahmed Al-Dawoody, ICRC’s legal adviser for Islamic law and jurisprudence, and a leading expert on the subject.
The ICRC is a neutral, impartial, and independent humanitarian organization that assists and protects victims of armed conflict and other situations of violence. It reminds all parties to a conflict of the need to respect human life and dignity at all times.
http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/news/19-national/969-philippines-deepening-dialogue-on-humanitarian-law-and-islamic-law
A seminar that aims to highlight the common ground between international humanitarian law (IHL) and its equivalent in Islamic tradition and jurisprudence is being held today (November 17) at the University of the Philippines in Quezon City.
“Many rules and customs to protect life and dignity in times of war have been codified in IHL. The Geneva Conventions—the main instruments of IHL—are universally accepted by all States, but many arms carriers and civilians lack knowledge of these legal rules, and feel more bound by their traditional values and religious beliefs,” said Andrew Bartles-Smith, ICRC regional advisor for humanitarian affairs.
“The discussions we’ve held recently in Mindanao and today in Manila aim to promote understanding and knowledge of the rules of armed conflict, and to highlight correspondences between modern humanitarian law and Islam,” he added.
All four seminars—three of which were successfully held in Zamboanga, Marawi, and Cotabato cities—include panel discussions on IHL and Islamic law related to armed conflict and challenges related to the observance of these rules, and how to improve respect for them.
The ICRC has reached out to Muslim scholars and dignitaries since the late 1990s to search for common ground between IHL and its equivalent in Islam. It stepped up its engagement with Islamic scholars and organizations in Southeast Asia in 2010.
“This dialogue has helped to overcome misperceptions and to enhance understanding of each other’s perspectives. It has resulted in the integration of the perspectives of scholars and communities in assisting and protecting the vulnerable, and better access to conflict-affected areas and populations,” said Dr. Ahmed Al-Dawoody, ICRC’s legal adviser for Islamic law and jurisprudence, and a leading expert on the subject.
The ICRC is a neutral, impartial, and independent humanitarian organization that assists and protects victims of armed conflict and other situations of violence. It reminds all parties to a conflict of the need to respect human life and dignity at all times.
http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/news/19-national/969-philippines-deepening-dialogue-on-humanitarian-law-and-islamic-law
MILF: Mercy Center offers free training in facilitating Da’wah
Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Nov 20): Mercy Center offers free training in facilitating Da’wah
Mercy Center, an organization engaged in Da’wah (Call to the way of Allah), is inviting interested Muslims who would like to be trained with techniques in handling Da’wah to be held at the Center’s mosque in Davao City on November 21-25, 2016, every 6PM to 9PM.
The activity will impart knowledge on effective Da’wah techniques to the participants which they can use in preaching both Muslims and non-Muslims.
Sheikh Eisa Javier of Mercy Center said the training will be held at night to give opportunity to those working or studying.
“How many among us are doing Da’wah to their siblings, parents or friends,” he asked during a Khutbah yesterday (Nov 18).
He underscored the essence of learning and sharing Islamic knowledge to others. “The Holy Prophet said when evil is widespread, Da’wah becomes obligatory,” Javier related.
He said explaining Islam to others and showing characters of Muslim being peace-loving, respectful and tolerant are good ways of spreading Islam.
Javier related that the Center immediately called a press conference to denounce September 2 night market bombing incident in davao City.
Aside from Islamic symposium and forum, Mercy Center is also using Cable TV and social media in doing Dawah. Free Islamic reading materials are also available at the Center.
http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/news/22-davao-region/971-mercy-center-offers-free-training-in-facilitating-da-wah
Mercy Center, an organization engaged in Da’wah (Call to the way of Allah), is inviting interested Muslims who would like to be trained with techniques in handling Da’wah to be held at the Center’s mosque in Davao City on November 21-25, 2016, every 6PM to 9PM.
Sheikh Eisa Javier of Mercy Center said the training will be held at night to give opportunity to those working or studying.
“How many among us are doing Da’wah to their siblings, parents or friends,” he asked during a Khutbah yesterday (Nov 18).
He underscored the essence of learning and sharing Islamic knowledge to others. “The Holy Prophet said when evil is widespread, Da’wah becomes obligatory,” Javier related.
He said explaining Islam to others and showing characters of Muslim being peace-loving, respectful and tolerant are good ways of spreading Islam.
Javier related that the Center immediately called a press conference to denounce September 2 night market bombing incident in davao City.
Aside from Islamic symposium and forum, Mercy Center is also using Cable TV and social media in doing Dawah. Free Islamic reading materials are also available at the Center.
http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/news/22-davao-region/971-mercy-center-offers-free-training-in-facilitating-da-wah
MILF: Moro woman reaps Int’l peace awards for interreligious peace advocacy
Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Nov 21): Moro woman reaps Int’l peace awards for interreligious peace advocacy
A Moro woman leader garnered N-Peace Awards, an international recognition for peace-builders, for her efforts in setting up an organization that espoused interreligious peace advocacy.
In the website of N-Peace Network, the institution which gives the award, it said that Mariam Barandia from the Philippines was chosen among the nominees “for her efforts to bring inter-religious peace at the grass-roots level by setting up the Kapamagogopa Incorporated, an Islamic volunteer group that brings Muslim and Christian communities together.”
Fellow peace-builders from other countries bestowed with the same recognition are Habibi Sarabi from Afghanista, Ruby Khalifah from Indonesia, Basanti Chaudihary from Nepal, Rizwana Shah from Pakistan and Sumika Perea from Sri Lanka.
“We would like to congratulate each of our inspiring N-Peace Awards winners for their achievements and their tireless efforts in the name of Women, Peace and Security,” the peace network said.
N-Peace Awards 2016 has three categories: Untold Stories which recognizes women grassroots peacebuilders; Campaigning for Action that awards one man and one woman whose advocacy has resulted in the advancement of Women, Peace and Security; and Peace Generation that recognizes one young man and one young woman whose volunteerism has contributed to social cohesion and gender equality.
The winners who all underwent rigorous selection process will receive their awards the N-Peace Awards Gala in February 2017 in Bangkok, Thailand.
http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/news/76-international/972-moro-woman-reaps-int-l-peace-awards-for-interreligious-peace-advocacy
A Moro woman leader garnered N-Peace Awards, an international recognition for peace-builders, for her efforts in setting up an organization that espoused interreligious peace advocacy.
Fellow peace-builders from other countries bestowed with the same recognition are Habibi Sarabi from Afghanista, Ruby Khalifah from Indonesia, Basanti Chaudihary from Nepal, Rizwana Shah from Pakistan and Sumika Perea from Sri Lanka.
“We would like to congratulate each of our inspiring N-Peace Awards winners for their achievements and their tireless efforts in the name of Women, Peace and Security,” the peace network said.
N-Peace Awards 2016 has three categories: Untold Stories which recognizes women grassroots peacebuilders; Campaigning for Action that awards one man and one woman whose advocacy has resulted in the advancement of Women, Peace and Security; and Peace Generation that recognizes one young man and one young woman whose volunteerism has contributed to social cohesion and gender equality.
The winners who all underwent rigorous selection process will receive their awards the N-Peace Awards Gala in February 2017 in Bangkok, Thailand.
http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/news/76-international/972-moro-woman-reaps-int-l-peace-awards-for-interreligious-peace-advocacy
MILF: UPIIS hosts forum exploring correspondences between IHL and Islamic law related to armed conflict
Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front Website (Nov 21): UPIIS hosts forum exploring correspondences between IHL and Islamic law related to armed conflict
The University of the Philippines (UP) Institute of Islamic Studies (IIS) hosted the forum entitled “Exploring Correspondences between International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and Islamic Law related to armed conflict and their relevance in the Southern Philippines” held at UP Balay Kalinaw on November 18, 2016.
The activity, co-sponsored by International Committee of the Red Cross and National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF), pooled expert panellists and discussants.
Dr. Ahmed al Dawoody -Legal Adviser for Islamic Law and Jurisprudence, ICRC Geneva, discussed Islamic Law related to armed conflict and correspondences with IHL.
Topics that were also discussed were the treatment of prisoners, protection of medical and humanitarian workers, human shields, suicide attacks and women and children in the armed conflict.
The panellists delved on the continuing violations and challenges faced to ensure the observance of IHL, the different interpretation of Islamic Law related to armed conflict and how respect to the two laws be improved.
Among the panellists were Atty. Mehol Sadain, Senior Lecturer of UPIIS and UP College of Law, Atty. Abdel Jamal Disangcopan, Law Reform Specialist from UP, Sheikh Nhorul-am Abdullah, Chairman of Dawah and Masajid Committee in Cotabato City, and Sheikh Mahir Gustaham, ICRC.
Other panellists were Prof. Rommel Banlaoi, Chair of Institute for Peace, Violence and Terrorism Research, Pascal Porchet, Head of ICRC delegation, Atty. Algamar Latiph, former chief of Human Rights Commission in the ARMM, Prof. Carmen Abubakar, Member of Shari’a and Islamic Jurisprudence Dept., Philippine Judicial Academy-Supreme Court and Commissioner Mohammad Al0Amin Julkipli of NCMF.
Prof. Macrina Adjerol-Morados, Dean of UPIIS, said, “Academic institutions like the UPIIS can take up more challenging and greater role using instruction and research in educating ourselves and our students in the application of pertinent laws that protect the rights of the people in conflict situations.”
In his post at facebook, Sadain, former NCMF Secretary, said “The Holy Qur'ān sets an important policy in warfare or armed conflict which can be enumerated as follows: 1. Fighting must be in the cause of GOD, or as ordained by Islamic Law; 2. Defensive fighting is advocated; 3. There are limits or rules in war, and these must be observed. These rules replicate the rules under IHL; and 4. Observance of the rules of war is a religious duty, as it draws the love of GOD on those who follow the same.”
He cited Chapter II, verse 190 of the Holy Qur’an which says, “Fight in the cause of GOD those who fight against you, but do not transgress limits for GOD loveth not transgressors."
http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/news/21-southern-mindanao/973-upiis-hosts-forum-exploring-correspondences-between-ihl-and-islamic-law-related-to-armed-conflict
The University of the Philippines (UP) Institute of Islamic Studies (IIS) hosted the forum entitled “Exploring Correspondences between International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and Islamic Law related to armed conflict and their relevance in the Southern Philippines” held at UP Balay Kalinaw on November 18, 2016.
Dr. Ahmed al Dawoody -Legal Adviser for Islamic Law and Jurisprudence, ICRC Geneva, discussed Islamic Law related to armed conflict and correspondences with IHL.
Topics that were also discussed were the treatment of prisoners, protection of medical and humanitarian workers, human shields, suicide attacks and women and children in the armed conflict.
The panellists delved on the continuing violations and challenges faced to ensure the observance of IHL, the different interpretation of Islamic Law related to armed conflict and how respect to the two laws be improved.
Among the panellists were Atty. Mehol Sadain, Senior Lecturer of UPIIS and UP College of Law, Atty. Abdel Jamal Disangcopan, Law Reform Specialist from UP, Sheikh Nhorul-am Abdullah, Chairman of Dawah and Masajid Committee in Cotabato City, and Sheikh Mahir Gustaham, ICRC.
Other panellists were Prof. Rommel Banlaoi, Chair of Institute for Peace, Violence and Terrorism Research, Pascal Porchet, Head of ICRC delegation, Atty. Algamar Latiph, former chief of Human Rights Commission in the ARMM, Prof. Carmen Abubakar, Member of Shari’a and Islamic Jurisprudence Dept., Philippine Judicial Academy-Supreme Court and Commissioner Mohammad Al0Amin Julkipli of NCMF.
Prof. Macrina Adjerol-Morados, Dean of UPIIS, said, “Academic institutions like the UPIIS can take up more challenging and greater role using instruction and research in educating ourselves and our students in the application of pertinent laws that protect the rights of the people in conflict situations.”
In his post at facebook, Sadain, former NCMF Secretary, said “The Holy Qur'ān sets an important policy in warfare or armed conflict which can be enumerated as follows: 1. Fighting must be in the cause of GOD, or as ordained by Islamic Law; 2. Defensive fighting is advocated; 3. There are limits or rules in war, and these must be observed. These rules replicate the rules under IHL; and 4. Observance of the rules of war is a religious duty, as it draws the love of GOD on those who follow the same.”
He cited Chapter II, verse 190 of the Holy Qur’an which says, “Fight in the cause of GOD those who fight against you, but do not transgress limits for GOD loveth not transgressors."
http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/news/21-southern-mindanao/973-upiis-hosts-forum-exploring-correspondences-between-ihl-and-islamic-law-related-to-armed-conflict
CPP/NPA: Pagkakapaslang kay Corporal Fidel Penano walang kinalaman ang BHB
Posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines Website (Nov 20): Pagkakapaslang kay Corporal Fidel Penano walang kinalaman ang BHB
Norben Gruta Command NPA- West Camarines Sur
Nais ipabatid ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan –Norben Gruta Command, West Camarines Sur na wala itong kinalaman sa pagkakapaslang kay Corporal Fidel Peniano , Assistant Detachment Commander ng 22nd IB na naganap sa isang kasalan, bandang alas-8:00 ng gabi Nobyembre 15, 2016 sa Brgy. Baya, Ragay Camarines Sur. Kaugnay nito, dapat itong malalim na maimbestagahan para matukoy ang mga tunay na salarin. Mali na awtomatikong ituro sa Bagong Hukbong Bayan para mailihis ang imbestigasyon sa mga tunay na salarin. Lumalabas ngayon sa mga inisyal na impormasyong aming nakalap na may personal na nakatunggali ang Corporal sa mga kasamahan nito bago ang pangyayari na maaring naging dahilan na pagkakabaril sa kanya.
Ang naganap na pagbaril kay Corporal Fidel Peniano ay sa gitna ng nagaganap na pansamantalang tigil-putukan sa pagitan ng GPH at ng NDFP kaya nararapat lamang na mabigyan ng linaw ang pangyayari. Kaugnay nito, mariing ipinapahayag ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan ang mahigpit na pagtalima at pagtaguyod nito sa nagaganap na usapang pangkapapaan at ang kaakibat nitong pansamantalang tigil-putukan. Sang-ayon dito, mahigpit ang tagubilin sa lahat ng Yunit ng BHB na iwasan ang paglulunsad ng anumang taktikal na opensiba sa lahat ng naka unipormeng elemento ng reaksyunaryong armadong pwersa. Gayunman, magpapatuloy ang papel ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan para sa epektibong pag-ehersisyo ng Demokratikong Gubyernong Bayan sa katayuan nito bilang isang pwersang belligerent na may sariling pampulitikang otoridad sa saklaw na teritoryo. Ibig sabihin, patuloy na tutuparin ng BHB ang tungkulin nito sa pagpapanatili ng katahimikan at pagsugpo sa kriminalidad, at pagpapatupad ng rebolusyonaryong batas at hustisya sa mga base at sonang gerilya.
Matatag na itinataguyod ng lahat ng kasapi ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas, Bagong Hukbong Bayan at lahat ng pwersang rebolusyonaryo ang pansamantalang-tigil labanan para bigyang puwang at mahusay na klima ang nagaganap na usapang pangkapayapaan sa pagitan ng GPH at NDFP . Sa kabila nito patuloy naman itong nilalabag ng reaksyunaryong pwersang AFP. Sa ilalim ng Oplan Bayanihan patuloy ito sa operasyong militar, operasyong saywar at paniktik. Walang habas at sustinido ang operasyon ng mga ito sa kanayunan at patuloy na nagkakampo ang mga pwersa ng 49thIB sa mga baryo at komunidad sa mga Bayan sa Unang Distrito ng Camarines Sur—sa Lupi , Ragay at Del Gallego.
Sa 3 barangay ng bayan ng Del Gallego, mula noong ikatlong-linggo ng Hunyo 2016 hanggang sa kasalukuyan ay pabalik-balik na nagkakampo ang mga elemento ng 49 th IB. Sa San Pablo, humimpil sa barangay hall ang 20 sundalo na pinamunuan ni Lt. Tapang at Cpl. Soriano. Ang napakaliit na populasyon sa barangay Pamplonahin, na may humigit-kumulang 30 bubong ay binabasehan ng 30 tauhan ng Philippine Army. Ayon sa mga residente ay halos hindi na sila makakilos dahil sa pakiramdam nila ay bantay-sarado sila. Sa Bagong Silang, sa tabing ng konstruksyon ng eskwelahan maliban sa pagkakampo sa mismong eskwelahan na nasa gitna ng mataong lugar, ay madalas ring pinatatawag, iniinteroga ang pinaghihinalaang nilang sumusuporta sa NPA at pinapipirma umano para linisin ang kanilang mga pangalan sa mga dokumentong di naman maintindihan ng masa kung anong nakasulat. Gayundin sa Ragay, sa Barangay Cabadisan, na may maliit na populasyon ay may aabutin ding 20 sundalo ang nakapakat. Humimpil sila sa bahay ng masa nang walang pahintulot. Sa Panaytayan Nuevo, Ragay at nakabase naman ang mga sundalo sa barangay health center at doon pa nag-iinuman na minsan sa kalasingan ay sila-sila ay nag-aaway. Sa Lupi, sa Bahi at Belwang naman ay nagtayo sila ng kampo samantalang sa Napolidan ay nagsasagawa sila ng pagsesensus sa lugar kasama ang DENR. Ang ganitong aktibidad ng AFP ay paglabag sa CARHRIHL, Geneva Convention at Ceasefire. Nagdudulot din ito ng takot at pagkabahala sa mga residente taliwas sa ipinapangako ng kasalukuyang rehimen na hakbangin para sa pagkakamit ng pangmatagalang kapayapaan.
Nanawagan kami sa Rehimeng Duterte, sa lokal na masmidya , sa mga taong simbahan at sa lahat ng mamamayang nagnanais na makamit ang pangmatagalang kapayapaan na paimbestigahan at tutulan ang mga nabanggit na paglabag na nagsasalaula at nananabotahe sa tigil-putukan at sa usapang pangkapayaapan.
Hinahamon namin ang AFP na itakwil ang maka-imperyalistang oryentasyon nito at seryosong suportahan at itaguyod ang Usapang Pangkapayapaan at Tigil-Putukan. Dapat din nilang igalang ang pagsisikap ang Panel ng GPH at NDFP na bumuo ng mga kasunduang lulutas sa usapin sa ekonomya, pampulitika at panlipunang ugat ng armadong tunggalin sa bansa. Dapat mabigyan ng laya at pagkakataon ang masang magsasaka, manggagawa at iba pang aping uri sa bansa na organisadong maiparating sa rehimeng Duterte ang kanilang lehitimong interes sa ekonomya na magiging sentro ngayon ng usapang pangkapayapaan. Ang pagpapatuloy na pananalakay ng reaksyunaryong armadong pwersa sa kanayunan ay malinaw na sagka sa pagkakamit ng inaasam na tunay at pangmatagalang kapayapaan na nakabatay sa katarungan.
Itigil ang militarisasyon sa kanayunan!
Itaguyod ang usapang pangkapayapaan at Tigil-Putukan!
Magpunyagi para sa isang Malaya , Demokratiko at Masaganang Pilipinas!
https://www.cpp.ph/pagkakapaslang-kay-corporal-fidel-penano-walang-kinalaman-ang-bhb/
Ang naganap na pagbaril kay Corporal Fidel Peniano ay sa gitna ng nagaganap na pansamantalang tigil-putukan sa pagitan ng GPH at ng NDFP kaya nararapat lamang na mabigyan ng linaw ang pangyayari. Kaugnay nito, mariing ipinapahayag ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan ang mahigpit na pagtalima at pagtaguyod nito sa nagaganap na usapang pangkapapaan at ang kaakibat nitong pansamantalang tigil-putukan. Sang-ayon dito, mahigpit ang tagubilin sa lahat ng Yunit ng BHB na iwasan ang paglulunsad ng anumang taktikal na opensiba sa lahat ng naka unipormeng elemento ng reaksyunaryong armadong pwersa. Gayunman, magpapatuloy ang papel ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan para sa epektibong pag-ehersisyo ng Demokratikong Gubyernong Bayan sa katayuan nito bilang isang pwersang belligerent na may sariling pampulitikang otoridad sa saklaw na teritoryo. Ibig sabihin, patuloy na tutuparin ng BHB ang tungkulin nito sa pagpapanatili ng katahimikan at pagsugpo sa kriminalidad, at pagpapatupad ng rebolusyonaryong batas at hustisya sa mga base at sonang gerilya.
Matatag na itinataguyod ng lahat ng kasapi ng Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas, Bagong Hukbong Bayan at lahat ng pwersang rebolusyonaryo ang pansamantalang-tigil labanan para bigyang puwang at mahusay na klima ang nagaganap na usapang pangkapayapaan sa pagitan ng GPH at NDFP . Sa kabila nito patuloy naman itong nilalabag ng reaksyunaryong pwersang AFP. Sa ilalim ng Oplan Bayanihan patuloy ito sa operasyong militar, operasyong saywar at paniktik. Walang habas at sustinido ang operasyon ng mga ito sa kanayunan at patuloy na nagkakampo ang mga pwersa ng 49thIB sa mga baryo at komunidad sa mga Bayan sa Unang Distrito ng Camarines Sur—sa Lupi , Ragay at Del Gallego.
Sa 3 barangay ng bayan ng Del Gallego, mula noong ikatlong-linggo ng Hunyo 2016 hanggang sa kasalukuyan ay pabalik-balik na nagkakampo ang mga elemento ng 49 th IB. Sa San Pablo, humimpil sa barangay hall ang 20 sundalo na pinamunuan ni Lt. Tapang at Cpl. Soriano. Ang napakaliit na populasyon sa barangay Pamplonahin, na may humigit-kumulang 30 bubong ay binabasehan ng 30 tauhan ng Philippine Army. Ayon sa mga residente ay halos hindi na sila makakilos dahil sa pakiramdam nila ay bantay-sarado sila. Sa Bagong Silang, sa tabing ng konstruksyon ng eskwelahan maliban sa pagkakampo sa mismong eskwelahan na nasa gitna ng mataong lugar, ay madalas ring pinatatawag, iniinteroga ang pinaghihinalaang nilang sumusuporta sa NPA at pinapipirma umano para linisin ang kanilang mga pangalan sa mga dokumentong di naman maintindihan ng masa kung anong nakasulat. Gayundin sa Ragay, sa Barangay Cabadisan, na may maliit na populasyon ay may aabutin ding 20 sundalo ang nakapakat. Humimpil sila sa bahay ng masa nang walang pahintulot. Sa Panaytayan Nuevo, Ragay at nakabase naman ang mga sundalo sa barangay health center at doon pa nag-iinuman na minsan sa kalasingan ay sila-sila ay nag-aaway. Sa Lupi, sa Bahi at Belwang naman ay nagtayo sila ng kampo samantalang sa Napolidan ay nagsasagawa sila ng pagsesensus sa lugar kasama ang DENR. Ang ganitong aktibidad ng AFP ay paglabag sa CARHRIHL, Geneva Convention at Ceasefire. Nagdudulot din ito ng takot at pagkabahala sa mga residente taliwas sa ipinapangako ng kasalukuyang rehimen na hakbangin para sa pagkakamit ng pangmatagalang kapayapaan.
Nanawagan kami sa Rehimeng Duterte, sa lokal na masmidya , sa mga taong simbahan at sa lahat ng mamamayang nagnanais na makamit ang pangmatagalang kapayapaan na paimbestigahan at tutulan ang mga nabanggit na paglabag na nagsasalaula at nananabotahe sa tigil-putukan at sa usapang pangkapayaapan.
Hinahamon namin ang AFP na itakwil ang maka-imperyalistang oryentasyon nito at seryosong suportahan at itaguyod ang Usapang Pangkapayapaan at Tigil-Putukan. Dapat din nilang igalang ang pagsisikap ang Panel ng GPH at NDFP na bumuo ng mga kasunduang lulutas sa usapin sa ekonomya, pampulitika at panlipunang ugat ng armadong tunggalin sa bansa. Dapat mabigyan ng laya at pagkakataon ang masang magsasaka, manggagawa at iba pang aping uri sa bansa na organisadong maiparating sa rehimeng Duterte ang kanilang lehitimong interes sa ekonomya na magiging sentro ngayon ng usapang pangkapayapaan. Ang pagpapatuloy na pananalakay ng reaksyunaryong armadong pwersa sa kanayunan ay malinaw na sagka sa pagkakamit ng inaasam na tunay at pangmatagalang kapayapaan na nakabatay sa katarungan.
Itigil ang militarisasyon sa kanayunan!
Itaguyod ang usapang pangkapayapaan at Tigil-Putukan!
Magpunyagi para sa isang Malaya , Demokratiko at Masaganang Pilipinas!
https://www.cpp.ph/pagkakapaslang-kay-corporal-fidel-penano-walang-kinalaman-ang-bhb/
President Duterte to declare Panatag Shoal a marine sanctuary area
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 21): President Duterte to declare Panatag Shoal a marine sanctuary area
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is set to declare the lagoon in Panatag Shoal a marine sanctuary area, a senior security official said Sunday.
National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. disclosed that the President will sign an executive order declaring a lagoon in the Panatag Shoal, internationally known as Scarborough Shoal, a “no-fishing zone” for both Filipino and Chinese fishermen.
This ‘unilateral declaration’ has been relayed to Chinese President Xi Jinping during the two leaders’ bilateral meeting held at the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting, according to Cabinet officials present during the APEC Media Press Conference with the Philippine media delegation.
Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said that President Xi hoped to create something favorable out of this.
“We will mobilize government forces to promote our agreements, step up guidance to create a favorable environment. Yun ang sinabi niya (President Xi) pagkatapos mabanggit ni Presidente Duterte yung kanyang unilateral declaration na gawing marine sanctuary,” Andanar said quoting the Chinese leader.
The Panatag Shoal is a traditional fishing ground for Filipino fishermen. It was virtually off-limits to local fishermen as they complain of incidents of harassment they received from the Chinese Coast Guard.
The situation soon changed after President Duterte brought the sorry plight of Filipino fishermen to his Chinese counterpart during his successful state visit to China in October.
Filipino fishermen can now access and fish at Panatag Shoal without experiencing harassment or being shooed away.
The two Asian leaders seem to hit it off well resulting in renewed friendship between the Philippines and China, Secretary Ramon Lopez explained.
“I guess on a personal level as well as at an official level, nagkalapit talaga ang ating dalawang leaders between Philippines and China. With that renewed friendship, it really opened up a lot of opportunities. Now, we are talking of economic cooperation na dati hindi masyadong pinag-uusapan,” Secretary Lopez underscored.
Meanwhile, President Duterte held his first bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin where the latter praised the former for his ‘firm” character.
Secretary Lopez added, “Na-appreciate niya (Putin) yung stance, yung pagiging firm leader ni President Duterte. Parang, in a way, parang pinuri niya … na may respect, may dignity.”
Philippines and Russia trade relations is expected to increase especially with the forthcoming visit of the President to Russia.
These include opening of opportunities in areas such as agriculture, energy, and infrastructure, machine engineering, hardware, modernizing industrial machineries, railways and light transport system, tourism and cultural development.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=941758
President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is set to declare the lagoon in Panatag Shoal a marine sanctuary area, a senior security official said Sunday.
National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. disclosed that the President will sign an executive order declaring a lagoon in the Panatag Shoal, internationally known as Scarborough Shoal, a “no-fishing zone” for both Filipino and Chinese fishermen.
This ‘unilateral declaration’ has been relayed to Chinese President Xi Jinping during the two leaders’ bilateral meeting held at the sidelines of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting, according to Cabinet officials present during the APEC Media Press Conference with the Philippine media delegation.
Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar said that President Xi hoped to create something favorable out of this.
“We will mobilize government forces to promote our agreements, step up guidance to create a favorable environment. Yun ang sinabi niya (President Xi) pagkatapos mabanggit ni Presidente Duterte yung kanyang unilateral declaration na gawing marine sanctuary,” Andanar said quoting the Chinese leader.
The Panatag Shoal is a traditional fishing ground for Filipino fishermen. It was virtually off-limits to local fishermen as they complain of incidents of harassment they received from the Chinese Coast Guard.
The situation soon changed after President Duterte brought the sorry plight of Filipino fishermen to his Chinese counterpart during his successful state visit to China in October.
Filipino fishermen can now access and fish at Panatag Shoal without experiencing harassment or being shooed away.
The two Asian leaders seem to hit it off well resulting in renewed friendship between the Philippines and China, Secretary Ramon Lopez explained.
“I guess on a personal level as well as at an official level, nagkalapit talaga ang ating dalawang leaders between Philippines and China. With that renewed friendship, it really opened up a lot of opportunities. Now, we are talking of economic cooperation na dati hindi masyadong pinag-uusapan,” Secretary Lopez underscored.
Meanwhile, President Duterte held his first bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin where the latter praised the former for his ‘firm” character.
Secretary Lopez added, “Na-appreciate niya (Putin) yung stance, yung pagiging firm leader ni President Duterte. Parang, in a way, parang pinuri niya … na may respect, may dignity.”
Philippines and Russia trade relations is expected to increase especially with the forthcoming visit of the President to Russia.
These include opening of opportunities in areas such as agriculture, energy, and infrastructure, machine engineering, hardware, modernizing industrial machineries, railways and light transport system, tourism and cultural development.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=941758
USS McCampbell arrives in Manila
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 21): USS McCampbell arrives in Manila
The forward-deployed Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS McCampbell (DDG 85) arrived in Manila Nov. 18.
A US Embassy in Manila statement on Monday said the port visit highlights the strong community and military connections between the Philippines and the United States.
The port visit follows McCampbell’s successful completion of a training exercise with the Royal Brunei Navy during Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) 2016. CARAT is a series of annual maritime exercises between the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, and the armed forces of nine partner nations to include Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Timor-Leste.
The brief port call will allow McCampbell to replenish supplies as well as give sailors time to rest and relax.
Petty Officer 1st Class Ambrosio Maddagan, a Filipino-American from Honolulu, Hawaii, said, “I am very excited for this upcoming port visit because I will be able to show my fellow shipmates my heritage and culture."
McCampbell is commanded by Cmdr. Ed Angelinas and crewed by approximately 300 Sailors, of whom 20 are Filipino-Americans.
McCampbell is on patrol with the Carrier Strike Group Five (CSG 5) in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=941786
The forward-deployed Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS McCampbell (DDG 85) arrived in Manila Nov. 18.
A US Embassy in Manila statement on Monday said the port visit highlights the strong community and military connections between the Philippines and the United States.
The port visit follows McCampbell’s successful completion of a training exercise with the Royal Brunei Navy during Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) 2016. CARAT is a series of annual maritime exercises between the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, and the armed forces of nine partner nations to include Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Timor-Leste.
The brief port call will allow McCampbell to replenish supplies as well as give sailors time to rest and relax.
Petty Officer 1st Class Ambrosio Maddagan, a Filipino-American from Honolulu, Hawaii, said, “I am very excited for this upcoming port visit because I will be able to show my fellow shipmates my heritage and culture."
McCampbell is commanded by Cmdr. Ed Angelinas and crewed by approximately 300 Sailors, of whom 20 are Filipino-Americans.
McCampbell is on patrol with the Carrier Strike Group Five (CSG 5) in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=941786
Military patrols Tawi-Tawi, Sulu waters to block armed group holding Indons from entering PHL
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 21): Military patrols Tawi-Tawi, Sulu waters to block armed group holding Indons from entering PHL
The Western Mindanao Command's naval and air units are conducting patrol and blocking operations in the provinces of Tawi-Tawi and Sulu after an armed group boarded a Malaysian-flagged trawler in Sabah waters and kidnapped two Indonesian crew members last Nov. 18.
In a statement Monday, WMC Spokesperson Major Filemon Tan said deployment of these assets would prevent the suspects from entering the provinces which are known hotbeds of the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group.
"Troops of the Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi under the WMC were promptly alerted for counter-action and informed air and naval assets patrolling the area to scour the sea lanes and verify possible docking sites," he said.
He added the area is continuously being monitored to confirm reports of Indonesians possibly being brought to Sulu or Tawi-Tawi.
Earlier, Malaysian security forces reported that five heavily-armed men boarded the Malaysian trawler and took hostage two of its crewmen identified as Saparuddin Kone, the craft's captain and crew member, Sawal Maryam.
The attack took place on Merabong waters near Kunak District, Sabah. The suspects immediately fled using an unmarked speed boat after the crime.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=941801
The Western Mindanao Command's naval and air units are conducting patrol and blocking operations in the provinces of Tawi-Tawi and Sulu after an armed group boarded a Malaysian-flagged trawler in Sabah waters and kidnapped two Indonesian crew members last Nov. 18.
In a statement Monday, WMC Spokesperson Major Filemon Tan said deployment of these assets would prevent the suspects from entering the provinces which are known hotbeds of the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group.
"Troops of the Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi under the WMC were promptly alerted for counter-action and informed air and naval assets patrolling the area to scour the sea lanes and verify possible docking sites," he said.
He added the area is continuously being monitored to confirm reports of Indonesians possibly being brought to Sulu or Tawi-Tawi.
Earlier, Malaysian security forces reported that five heavily-armed men boarded the Malaysian trawler and took hostage two of its crewmen identified as Saparuddin Kone, the craft's captain and crew member, Sawal Maryam.
The attack took place on Merabong waters near Kunak District, Sabah. The suspects immediately fled using an unmarked speed boat after the crime.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=941801
WATCH: Davao City-based anti-terror unit showcases capability
From Update.Ph (Nov 20): WATCH: Davao City-based anti-terror unit showcases capability
Joint Task Force Haribon’s activation last month came amid the changing security landscape in Davao City with its emergence as the alternate seat of government and a venue for international events. The said joint task force is also assisting the Presidential Security Group in securing President Rodrigo Duterte.
It is in command of Task Force Davao and Task Group Samal as its land component, while Task Force 71, which includes the Navy Special Operations Unit of the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao, comprises the joint task force’s naval component.
Additionally, elements from the Tactical Operations Group XI and the Special Operations Wing of the Philippine Air Force comprises its air component.
http://www.update.ph/2016/11/watch-davao-based-anti-terror-unit-showcases-capability/11179
Joint Task Force Haribon, the Davao City-based anti-terror unit under the operational control of Eastern Mindanao Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines has conducted a showcase of assets and capabilities.
It is in command of Task Force Davao and Task Group Samal as its land component, while Task Force 71, which includes the Navy Special Operations Unit of the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao, comprises the joint task force’s naval component.
Additionally, elements from the Tactical Operations Group XI and the Special Operations Wing of the Philippine Air Force comprises its air component.
http://www.update.ph/2016/11/watch-davao-based-anti-terror-unit-showcases-capability/11179
Duterte rants about US bullying, hypocrisy in meet with Putin
From the Philippine Star (Nov 20): Duterte rants about US bullying, hypocrisy in meet with Putin
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, left, listens to Russian President Vladimir Putin during their meeting at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in Lima, Peru, Saturday, Nov. 19, 2016. Mikhail Klimentyev, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP
President Rodrigo Duterte ranted about the western nations’ supposed hypocrisy and their alleged bullying of smaller countries during his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin Sunday (Manila time) here.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, left, listens to Russian President Vladimir Putin during their meeting at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in Lima, Peru, Saturday, Nov. 19, 2016. Mikhail Klimentyev, Sputnik, Kremlin Pool Photo via AP
President Rodrigo Duterte ranted about the western nations’ supposed hypocrisy and their alleged bullying of smaller countries during his meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin Sunday (Manila time) here.
Duterte, in particular, chided the United States (US) and other western nations for supposedly forcing their allies, including the Philippines, to join them in the wars they wage.
“Of late, I see a lot of these western nations bullying small nations. And not only that, they are into so much hypocrisy… They seem to start a war but are afraid to go to war. That is what's wrong with America and the others,” Duterte told Putin during their bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit.
“They insist if you are allied with them that (you follow them),” the Philippine leader added.
Duterte said the US asked the Philippines to send troops to Iraq, Vietnam and South Korea but “nothing happened.”
“They (US) went to an expedition in Iraq on an excuse of weapons of mass destruction and there was none,” Duterte said.
“They forced my country to contribute military forces. And when one Filipino worker in the Middle East was captured by the groups there, they threatened to behead the Filipino unless we (get) out of (the) war against the Middle East at that time,” he added.
“The condition was that if we withdraw our forces, then they would spare the life of the Filipino worker. And we decided to withdraw.”
Duterte was referring to Angelo dela Cruz, a Filipino migrant worker who was kidnapped by Iraqi rebels in 2004. Dela Cruz’s abductors demanded that the Philippines pull out its troops in Baghdad in exchange for his freedom. Then president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo gave in to the demand, earning criticisms from the US and its allies.
“From that time on, the Americans made it hard for us,” Duterte said.
The relationship between the Philippines and the US has had a rough sailing under Duterte mainly due to differences over Manila’s intense campaign against illegal drugs. The US, the European Union and the United Nations have raised concerns over the crackdown, which they fear would result in summary executions and human rights abuses. Duterte was angered by their comments and accused them of meddling with the Philippines’ affairs.
In an apparent effort to explain Duterte’s tirades against the west, Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. said Duterte talked about the “mistakes of the past” so everyone can learn from them.
“I'd like to tell our people that it is very important for everybody to make sure in order for them to successfully move forward, in forging a brighter future for our country, we must learn from the mistakes in the past,” Yasay said.
“Unless we are able to recognize that and acknowledge that our own mistakes made, then there will be no way that we can move forward and I think the president conveyed the message quite clear to the president of Russia,” he added.
Duterte also mentioned his anti-drug war during his meeting with Putin. Duterte informed Putin about his hardline stance against narcotics during his stint as mayor of Davao City.
Exchange of pleasantries
While Duterte had tough words on the US and other western nations, he was all praises for Putin, whom he considers his idol.
“I have been looking for this moment to meet you Mr. President not only because you represent a great country but (because of) your leadership too,” the president said.
“We've been longing to be part of Europe especially in commerce and trade around the world,” he added, apparently referring to his administration’s efforts to boost economic ties with other countries.
Putin, for his part, congratulated Duterte for winning the 2016 presidential race, which coincided with Victory Day a celebration of Russia’s victory over the Nazis in 1945.
“Mr. President, in the presidential election in your country was held on the 9th of May for us it is indeed a very bright day, public holiday that marks the victory in the Great Patriotic War over the Nazis group,” Putin said.
“For you, it has been your personal victory so once again congratulations, Mr. President,” the Russian leader added.
Putin noted that the Philippines and Russia are celebrating the 40th anniversary of their diplomatic ties this year.
“You (Duterte) have been able to do a lot in a short period of time in terms of developing the partnerships between our countries and with respect to promoting greater trust and confidence between us. And it is my pleasure to have a chance to speak to you and your colleagues about developing our bilaterals,” he said.
Stronger ties
Yasay described the bilateral meeting between Duterte and Putin as “very encouraging.”
“We had agreed to really foster stronger trade relationship with Russia. We acknowledge that in the past, somehow, even as we have we are celebrating long years, 40 years, of diplomatic relations with Russia, our relationship has not really matured especially in the area of trade and investment and commercial relationship,” Yasay said.
“But this time, we are going to push through for it, the president has explained to president Putin the historical basis of our present situation, why it was necessary for us to really engage in an independent foreign policy,” he added.
Yasay said Putin had formally invited Duterte to visit Russia to discuss ways to further strengthen the ties between Manila and Moscow. He said he would also visit Russia next month to discuss possible bilateral agreements.
“I look forward for even a more optimistic and closer and more detailed discussion of the president with the head of state of Russia and that will mark the beginning of our entering into various agreements that will achieve our objective and goals,” Yasay said.
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/11/20/1645651/duterte-rants-about-us-bullying-hypocrisy-meet-putin
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/11/20/1645651/duterte-rants-about-us-bullying-hypocrisy-meet-putin
Duterte to align foreign policy toward China-led Asian economic development
From the Philippine Star (Nov 20): Duterte to align foreign policy toward China-led Asian economic development
President Rodrigo Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping greet each during a bilateral meeting at the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders' Summit in Lima, Peru on November 19. REY BANIQUET/ Presidential Photo
President Rodrigo Duterte said Sunday (Manila time) he would adopt a foreign policy that veers towards a China-led regional development in a pronouncement that highlights Manila’s pivot towards Beijing amid its rocky relationship with its traditional ally Washington.
President Rodrigo Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping greet each during a bilateral meeting at the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders' Summit in Lima, Peru on November 19. REY BANIQUET/ Presidential Photo
President Rodrigo Duterte said Sunday (Manila time) he would adopt a foreign policy that veers towards a China-led regional development in a pronouncement that highlights Manila’s pivot towards Beijing amid its rocky relationship with its traditional ally Washington.
“I have given you my word, we will cooperate with you,” Duterte told China President Xi Jinping during their bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Peru.
“I said, with my thrust of an independent foreign policy, we will find ourselves mutually agreeing in so many things and align our foreign policy towards the development of Asia, strengthening of ties among the countries in the region, with China leading the way in the economic development,” he added.
The Philippines, which towed the line of the United States (US) during previous administrations, is now seeking closer ties with China following a rift between Duterte and American officials over his aggressive campaign against illegal drugs.
The White House has called out Duterte for the spate of killings tied to his anti-drug war and has asked him to make sure that human rights are upheld in all law enforcement operations. Duterte responded by accusing the US of hypocrisy, citing the alleged discrimination against African-Americans and the atrocities committed by American troops against Muslim Filipinos during the 20th century.
During his visit to Beijing last month, Duterte declared that he would be “separating” from the US in terms of security and the economy. Officials clarified though that the Philippines is not cutting ties with US but is just pursuing a more independent foreign policy “where the national interest is paramount.”
In the same meeting, Duterte told Xi that his four-day state visit to Beijing last month “opened a new chapter in the Philippine-China relations” and signified the need to “fast-track mutually beneficial areas of cooperation.”
“Though it was a short visit, it has produced a lot of goodwill in my country and we hope to remain a good friend of China,” he added.
Duterte also invited Xi to visit the Philippines at a mutually agreeable date. Xi accepted the invitation.
Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. said the purpose of the meeting was to follow through on the memoranda of understanding (MOUs) signed during Duterte’s state visit.
Thirteen bilateral agreements covering a wide range of areas including trade, tourism, agriculture, security, health and infrastructure were signed during the visit.
“I'm very happy to report that we are on track on this one. We will be pushing for now a more vigorous talks for the purpose of implementation the broad strokes that we have arrived at when we signed the MOUs,” Yasay said
Yasay said China reiterated its offer to train Filipino fishermen on the culturing of fishes to support their livelihood.
“We also had made sure that any actions that would be taken by us will be precisely to just simply promote our interests in the area of jurisdiction. Territorial ownership and sovereignty will be set aside in the meantime until a solution is in sight in the future,” Yasay said.
“These are things we are looking forward to. We're very happy that China is as enthusiastic as the Philippines in making sure that the trade and economic relationships that we would like to foster would be fast tracked,” he added.
South China Sea row
Yasay said Duterte and Xi also talked about the South China Sea dispute, with the Chinese leader guaranteeing Filipino fishermen access to the Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal.
“We spoke a little bit about the South China Sea disputes not for the purpose of resolving them now but I think most of the conversation along that line was an expression of good will,” Yasay said.
“We have the assurance, we have not asked for it but this is a voluntary act on the part of the Chinese that fishermen will continue to be having free access to their traditional fishing grounds,” he added.
Panatag Shoal is located 124 nautical miles off Zambales and is within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. China started occupying the shoal in 2012 when it prevented the Philippine Navy from arresting Chinese poachers who harvested endangered species.
Yasay said China reiterated its offer to train Filipino fishermen on the culturing of fishes to support their livelihood.
“We also had made sure that any actions that would be taken by us will be precisely to just simply promote our interests in the area of jurisdiction. Territorial ownership and sovereignty will be set aside in the meantime until a solution is in sight in the future,” Yasay said.
Duterte upbeat on Philippine-China ties
Yasay said Duterte is “very optimistic” about the prospects of the relationship between the Philippines and China.
“We have instructions from the president to also move forward fast on this and incidentally, the agricultural aspect, sector of our relationship will be pushed through. China has indicated an intention to really beef up their importation of agricultural products particularly in the area of fruits,” he said.
“They also mentioned the lifting of the ban of tourists coming over and we expect in the few weeks a marked increase in tourists coming from China.”
Yasay said Xi also invited Duterte to attend the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) conference in September 2017.
“That will involve the BRICS countries but he (Xi) personally asked the president to be a participant in that very important conference because of the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit) that is going to be hosted by the president of the Philippines in 2017,” the foreign affairs chief said.
China's Xi presses PH, Vietnam to keep South China Sea issues bilateral
From InterAksyon (Nov 20): China's Xi presses PH, Vietnam to keep South China Sea issues bilateral
Chinese President Xi Jinping (C) is seen in a huddle with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Peru at the weekend. REUTERS
China's President Xi Jinping, in separate meetings with the leaders of the Philippines and Vietnam, said disputes over the South China Sea should be resolved bilaterally, state media reported on Sunday.
The comments underscore Beijing's opposition to involving other countries or international organizations in the maritime territorial dispute, where claimants to the waters also include Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan.
Experts say China prefers a 'divide and conquer' tactic over allowing its opponents to group together.
Beijing has also repeatedly blamed the United States for stirring up trouble in the South China Sea, and opposes an arbitration tribunal's July ruling in favor of the Philippines, rejecting China's claims to economic rights across large swathes of the waters.
During a meeting in Peru, Xi told Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte "to actively mull maritime cooperation and promote positive interaction on the sea," turning the South China Sea into "an opportunity for bilateral friendly cooperation," said the official Xinhua news agency.
That sentiment was echoed by Duterte, Xinhua reported. The Philippines president has overseen a rapid improvement of previously frosty relations between the two countries since taking office in June.
The Philippines "is willing to properly address maritime issues with China through dialogue and consultation," said Xinhua.
Xi made similar overtures to Vietnam President Tran Dai Quang while attending a summit of Asia-Pacific countries in Lima.
The Chinese president said the two countries should "solve disputes through bilateral consultations and dialogues, adhere to a cooperative path of 'shelving differences and engaging in joint development,' and properly address problems in order to maintain regional peace and tranquillity," Xinhua said.
The Chinese news agency did not say whether Quang also addressed the South China Sea.
On Thursday, a US think tank reported that Vietnam is extending a runway on an island it claims in the South China Sea, in apparent response to China's building of military facilities on artificial islands in the region.
http://interaksyon.com/article/134491/chinas-xi-presses-ph-vietnam-to-keep-south-china-sea-issues-bilateral
Chinese President Xi Jinping (C) is seen in a huddle with Russian President Vladimir Putin on the sidelines of the APEC Economic Leaders' Meeting in Peru at the weekend. REUTERS
China's President Xi Jinping, in separate meetings with the leaders of the Philippines and Vietnam, said disputes over the South China Sea should be resolved bilaterally, state media reported on Sunday.
The comments underscore Beijing's opposition to involving other countries or international organizations in the maritime territorial dispute, where claimants to the waters also include Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan.
Experts say China prefers a 'divide and conquer' tactic over allowing its opponents to group together.
Beijing has also repeatedly blamed the United States for stirring up trouble in the South China Sea, and opposes an arbitration tribunal's July ruling in favor of the Philippines, rejecting China's claims to economic rights across large swathes of the waters.
During a meeting in Peru, Xi told Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte "to actively mull maritime cooperation and promote positive interaction on the sea," turning the South China Sea into "an opportunity for bilateral friendly cooperation," said the official Xinhua news agency.
That sentiment was echoed by Duterte, Xinhua reported. The Philippines president has overseen a rapid improvement of previously frosty relations between the two countries since taking office in June.
The Philippines "is willing to properly address maritime issues with China through dialogue and consultation," said Xinhua.
Xi made similar overtures to Vietnam President Tran Dai Quang while attending a summit of Asia-Pacific countries in Lima.
The Chinese president said the two countries should "solve disputes through bilateral consultations and dialogues, adhere to a cooperative path of 'shelving differences and engaging in joint development,' and properly address problems in order to maintain regional peace and tranquillity," Xinhua said.
The Chinese news agency did not say whether Quang also addressed the South China Sea.
On Thursday, a US think tank reported that Vietnam is extending a runway on an island it claims in the South China Sea, in apparent response to China's building of military facilities on artificial islands in the region.
http://interaksyon.com/article/134491/chinas-xi-presses-ph-vietnam-to-keep-south-china-sea-issues-bilateral
USS Comstock arrives in Subic Bay
From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 20): USS Comstock arrives in Subic Bay
The amphibious dock landing American ship, USS Comstock (LSD 45) with embarked Marines of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit visits Subic Bay to provide the crew and Marines an opportunity to rest and recuperate after nearly a month and a half at sea.
Alava Pier in Subic Bay marks the second port visit for the Comstock after departing Naval Station San Diego on October 14. Several Filipino-American Sailors and Marines will also spend time with their families and experience the local culture while learning about their own heritage.
"I am very proud that my first port visit as the Commanding Officer of the Comstock was to my birthplace, Guam, and I'm even more honored that our next port visit will be to the country where my mother and father were born - the Philippines,” said Comstock Commanding Officer Cmdr. Gervy Alota.
“It will be a fantastic opportunity for my crew to enjoy and learn about the history and culture of the Philippines and to strengthen the already close ties between our two nations. I look forward to reuniting with my family and forming new friendships with the people of Subic Bay," he added.
The Comstock and embarked 11th MEU, part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, have been conducting training together for nearly a month and a half at sea. Comstock and other ships of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group are currently on a routine patrol in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the region. The Comstock is based out of Naval Station San Diego, Calif. The 11th MEU is based out of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif. (US Embassy Manila)
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1141479455664/uss-comstock-arrives-in-subic-bay
The amphibious dock landing American ship, USS Comstock (LSD 45) with embarked Marines of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit visits Subic Bay to provide the crew and Marines an opportunity to rest and recuperate after nearly a month and a half at sea.
Alava Pier in Subic Bay marks the second port visit for the Comstock after departing Naval Station San Diego on October 14. Several Filipino-American Sailors and Marines will also spend time with their families and experience the local culture while learning about their own heritage.
"I am very proud that my first port visit as the Commanding Officer of the Comstock was to my birthplace, Guam, and I'm even more honored that our next port visit will be to the country where my mother and father were born - the Philippines,” said Comstock Commanding Officer Cmdr. Gervy Alota.
“It will be a fantastic opportunity for my crew to enjoy and learn about the history and culture of the Philippines and to strengthen the already close ties between our two nations. I look forward to reuniting with my family and forming new friendships with the people of Subic Bay," he added.
The Comstock and embarked 11th MEU, part of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group, have been conducting training together for nearly a month and a half at sea. Comstock and other ships of the Makin Island Amphibious Ready Group are currently on a routine patrol in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the region. The Comstock is based out of Naval Station San Diego, Calif. The 11th MEU is based out of Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif. (US Embassy Manila)
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1141479455664/uss-comstock-arrives-in-subic-bay
2 Indonesians abducted in Abu Sayyaf-infested waters
From the Manila Bulletin (Nov 20): 2 Indonesians abducted in Abu Sayyaf-infested waters
AFP confirms Saturday abduction of two fishermen
Two Indonesian fishermen have been abducted in waters off Malaysia that are plagued by kidnappings by the Abu Sayyaf, the Armed Forces of the Philippines reported on Sunday, November 20.
ABS-CBN News quoted the AFP Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) as saying that five masked men aboard a speedboat took the victims off the Kunak district in Sabah. They could not say yet if the Abu Sayyaf were indeed behind the abduction.
The Indonesian victims were identified as Sawal Maryam and Saparuddin Kone.
Westmincom said the Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi has been alerted about the incident.
The Malaysian head of security in the area, Wan Abdul Bari Wan Abdul Khalid, was quoted by Bernama news agency as saying the pair were seized Saturday night.
The perennially poor security situation in the area has prompted the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia to cooperate more closely on bringing the banditry to heel.
Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said earlier this month after talks with President Rodrigo Duterte that the Philippines had agreed to allow Malaysian and Indonesian maritime forces to pursue the Islamist kidnappers into its waters.
The three countries agreed earlier this year to increase cooperation, including possible joint sea patrols.
The waters between Malaysia’s eastern state of Sabah on Borneo island and the southern Philippines have for years seen repeated kidnappings by the Abu Sayyaf.
While the Abu Sayyaf’s leaders have in recent years pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group, analysts say it is mainly focused on running a kidnapping business rather than religious ideology.
On November 11, gunmen abducted five crewmen of a Vietnamese cargo vessel in southern Philippine waters.
http://news.mb.com.ph/2016/11/20/2-indonesians-abducted-in-abu-sayyaf-infested-waters/
AFP confirms Saturday abduction of two fishermen
Two Indonesian fishermen have been abducted in waters off Malaysia that are plagued by kidnappings by the Abu Sayyaf, the Armed Forces of the Philippines reported on Sunday, November 20.
ABS-CBN News quoted the AFP Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) as saying that five masked men aboard a speedboat took the victims off the Kunak district in Sabah. They could not say yet if the Abu Sayyaf were indeed behind the abduction.
The Indonesian victims were identified as Sawal Maryam and Saparuddin Kone.
Westmincom said the Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi has been alerted about the incident.
MB FILE—Bongao, Tawi-tawi. EPA/BEN HAJAN
The perennially poor security situation in the area has prompted the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia to cooperate more closely on bringing the banditry to heel.
Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said earlier this month after talks with President Rodrigo Duterte that the Philippines had agreed to allow Malaysian and Indonesian maritime forces to pursue the Islamist kidnappers into its waters.
The three countries agreed earlier this year to increase cooperation, including possible joint sea patrols.
The waters between Malaysia’s eastern state of Sabah on Borneo island and the southern Philippines have for years seen repeated kidnappings by the Abu Sayyaf.
While the Abu Sayyaf’s leaders have in recent years pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group, analysts say it is mainly focused on running a kidnapping business rather than religious ideology.
On November 11, gunmen abducted five crewmen of a Vietnamese cargo vessel in southern Philippine waters.
http://news.mb.com.ph/2016/11/20/2-indonesians-abducted-in-abu-sayyaf-infested-waters/
Esscom confirms yet another kidnapping in Sabah waters
From the New Straits Times Online (Nov 20): Esscom confirms yet another kidnapping in Sabah waters
The Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) has confirmed that two Indonesian fishermen were kidnapped in Lahad Datu waters yesterday.
Esscom commander Datuk Wan Abdul Bari Wan Abdul Khalid said the incident occurred at 7.30pm when a group of fishermen was fishing in the Merabung area.
“A fishing trawler with 13 people on board was in the area at about 6.30pm.
“About an hour later, a boat with five masked men armed with long rifles approached the fishing trawler.
“The gunmen stormed the trawler and destroyed the boat’s communications system, and confiscated all handphones and money belonging to the crewmembers,” Wan Abdul said.
The gunmen then grabbed two fishermen, aged 43 and 36, and fled towards to international waters.
About an hour later, the remaining crewmembers came across another fishing boat and sought help.
“One of the crewmembers contacted a friend, who then alerted the Esscom operation centre,” he said, adding that assets were immediately deployed.
On another matter, Wan Abdul confirmed that Esscom was alerted by Philippine authorities about a speedboat they were pursuing in waters near Tawi-Tawi’s Taganak Island in the southern Philippines yesterday.
It is learnt that Malaysian security forces were already on the alert at 6.40pm after being informed of the speedboat by their Filipino counterparts.
The island is located very close to Sandakan, which is about 27 km away.
“We were informed. However, I cannot confirm whether the boat crossed over into Malaysian waters or was involved in the kidnapping (of the two Indonesians).”
Sabah’s east coast is reeling from a series of kidnapping incidents over the past year. The last abduction took place in Kinabatangan waters on Nov 5, when gunmen kidnapped an Indonesian fisherman from a fishing boat.
As the group fled towards international waters, they abducted another Indonesian fisherman from another boat.
On July 18, five Malaysians were abducted in Lahad Datu waters. They are currently being held hostage by the Abu Sayyaf kidnap-for-ransom group in the southern Philippines.
On Nov 10, Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte, in a meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, had pledged that his administration will give permission for Malaysian and Indonesian authorities to pursue kidnappers who enter Philippine waters.
The standard operating procedure on the agreement is expected to be ironed out by the foreign ministers of the three countries when they meet in Vientiane, Laos on Nov 22.
Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) commander Datuk Wan Abdul Bari Wan Abdul Khalid confirmed that two Indonesian fishermen were abducted by gunmen near the Merabung area. File pix by MALAI ROSMAH TUAH.
http://www.nst.com.my/news/2016/11/190256/esscom-confirms-yet-another-kidnapping-sabah-waters
The Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) has confirmed that two Indonesian fishermen were kidnapped in Lahad Datu waters yesterday.
Esscom commander Datuk Wan Abdul Bari Wan Abdul Khalid said the incident occurred at 7.30pm when a group of fishermen was fishing in the Merabung area.
“A fishing trawler with 13 people on board was in the area at about 6.30pm.
“About an hour later, a boat with five masked men armed with long rifles approached the fishing trawler.
“The gunmen stormed the trawler and destroyed the boat’s communications system, and confiscated all handphones and money belonging to the crewmembers,” Wan Abdul said.
The gunmen then grabbed two fishermen, aged 43 and 36, and fled towards to international waters.
About an hour later, the remaining crewmembers came across another fishing boat and sought help.
“One of the crewmembers contacted a friend, who then alerted the Esscom operation centre,” he said, adding that assets were immediately deployed.
On another matter, Wan Abdul confirmed that Esscom was alerted by Philippine authorities about a speedboat they were pursuing in waters near Tawi-Tawi’s Taganak Island in the southern Philippines yesterday.
It is learnt that Malaysian security forces were already on the alert at 6.40pm after being informed of the speedboat by their Filipino counterparts.
The island is located very close to Sandakan, which is about 27 km away.
“We were informed. However, I cannot confirm whether the boat crossed over into Malaysian waters or was involved in the kidnapping (of the two Indonesians).”
Sabah’s east coast is reeling from a series of kidnapping incidents over the past year. The last abduction took place in Kinabatangan waters on Nov 5, when gunmen kidnapped an Indonesian fisherman from a fishing boat.
As the group fled towards international waters, they abducted another Indonesian fisherman from another boat.
On July 18, five Malaysians were abducted in Lahad Datu waters. They are currently being held hostage by the Abu Sayyaf kidnap-for-ransom group in the southern Philippines.
On Nov 10, Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte, in a meeting with Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, had pledged that his administration will give permission for Malaysian and Indonesian authorities to pursue kidnappers who enter Philippine waters.
The standard operating procedure on the agreement is expected to be ironed out by the foreign ministers of the three countries when they meet in Vientiane, Laos on Nov 22.
Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) commander Datuk Wan Abdul Bari Wan Abdul Khalid confirmed that two Indonesian fishermen were abducted by gunmen near the Merabung area. File pix by MALAI ROSMAH TUAH.
http://www.nst.com.my/news/2016/11/190256/esscom-confirms-yet-another-kidnapping-sabah-waters
TRADOC playing major role in improving military ties with ASEAN
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 20): TRADOC playing major role in improving military ties with ASEAN
Aside from turning out quality Filipino military personnel, the Philippine Army's Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) is also playing an important role in improving the country's relations with other ASEAN members.
"You (TRADOC) have greatly contributed in the molding of my professional being, and the thousands of PA and the ASEAN armies who benefitted from the professional training programs and erudite tutelage of this illustrious military learning Institution," Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said.
TRADOC celebrated its 65th founding anniversary last November 18.
He also expressed confidence that the institution will be able to scale higher heights of achievements in the coming years.
ASEAN's 10 member states consist of Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei Darussalam, Thailand, Singapore, Philippines, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia.
Incidentally, this special relationship will come again to the fore when the PA will hosts this year's ASEAN Chief of Army Multilateral Meeting this coming Dec. 4 to 8.
Possible topics to be discussed in the four-day meeting are areas of common security concerns and closer coordination, and disaster response initiatives, and military training.
It is the meeting's 17th iteration and will be held at PICC Complex in Pasay City.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=941606
Aside from turning out quality Filipino military personnel, the Philippine Army's Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) is also playing an important role in improving the country's relations with other ASEAN members.
"You (TRADOC) have greatly contributed in the molding of my professional being, and the thousands of PA and the ASEAN armies who benefitted from the professional training programs and erudite tutelage of this illustrious military learning Institution," Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said.
TRADOC celebrated its 65th founding anniversary last November 18.
He also expressed confidence that the institution will be able to scale higher heights of achievements in the coming years.
ASEAN's 10 member states consist of Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei Darussalam, Thailand, Singapore, Philippines, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia.
Incidentally, this special relationship will come again to the fore when the PA will hosts this year's ASEAN Chief of Army Multilateral Meeting this coming Dec. 4 to 8.
Possible topics to be discussed in the four-day meeting are areas of common security concerns and closer coordination, and disaster response initiatives, and military training.
It is the meeting's 17th iteration and will be held at PICC Complex in Pasay City.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=941606
AFP continuously addressing gaps in curbing ASG threat
From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 20): AFP continuously addressing gaps in curbing ASG threat
Efforts are now underway to bridge the gaps in the the military's ongoing campaign against the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits, who despite the constant pressure, are still capable of conducting kidnapping attacks in Basilan and Sulu waters.
"We are looking at the lens that a determined criminal, terrorist or kidnapping group, can hit and do their intention (even with constant military pressure)," Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo said.
He was referring to instances of the ASG terrorists being able to conduct against shipping passing in Basilan waters like the case of Vietnam-flagged M/V Royal Dawn where six Vietnamese sailors were kidnapped last November 11.
The ship, which was homeported in Haiphong, Vietnam, was carrying a cargo of cement for Davao City when boarded by the bandits.
"But rest assured that we, in the military, is continuously going through this, we are studying the cracks, gaps (and looking on possible ways to seal it) and how to neutralize their tactics through (much improved) security combat operations, sea denial and sea control," Arevalo said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=941653
Efforts are now underway to bridge the gaps in the the military's ongoing campaign against the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits, who despite the constant pressure, are still capable of conducting kidnapping attacks in Basilan and Sulu waters.
"We are looking at the lens that a determined criminal, terrorist or kidnapping group, can hit and do their intention (even with constant military pressure)," Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo said.
He was referring to instances of the ASG terrorists being able to conduct against shipping passing in Basilan waters like the case of Vietnam-flagged M/V Royal Dawn where six Vietnamese sailors were kidnapped last November 11.
The ship, which was homeported in Haiphong, Vietnam, was carrying a cargo of cement for Davao City when boarded by the bandits.
"But rest assured that we, in the military, is continuously going through this, we are studying the cracks, gaps (and looking on possible ways to seal it) and how to neutralize their tactics through (much improved) security combat operations, sea denial and sea control," Arevalo said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=941653
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