Alliance with Malaysia, Indonesia reduces radius of terrorist groups

From the Mindanao Timesn (Jan 16): Alliance with Malaysia, Indonesia reduces radius of terrorist groups

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte publicly called out members of the Maute Group and said that his intelligence network has already identified the members of the group responsible for terrorist activities in Mindanao.

 

Speaking before the business community at the Marco Polo Davao, Duterte announced to the nation that his newfound allies are already watching every move of the terrorist group.

 

Mr. Duterte said his new alliance with Malaysia and Indonesia reduces the radius of safety perceived by the terrorist group suspected to be the perpetrators of last year’s atrocity in the city.

 

The President’s statement comes amid news that Malaysian authorities already have Datu Abduljabbar Sema, son of Muslimin Sema, in custody for his alleged role in the Sept. 2 Roxas Night Market bombing, which killed 15 and injured 69 others.

 

President Duterte said he and his fellow heads of state have even coordinated naval pursuit protocols for terrorists such as the Abu Sayyaf Group, which is being suspected of being responsible for a spate of kidnappings along the Malacca Strait.

 Duterte even joked to the businessmen to “avoid being kidnapped,” since he has authorized the shooting of boats being pursued by naval boats.

 

“Kaya wag talaga kayong magpa-kidnap,” Duterte said, to the laughter of amused business leaders.

Last year, Duterte visited both countries to work out partnerships in maritime security during a marathon goodwill visit that lasted weeks at a time.

“It was very easy for us,” President Duterte said about apprehending the culprits, citing existing measures such as CCTV systems scattered around the city.

 

Following the Davao blast, foreign countries have warned their citizens from travelling in the city, with business establishments suffering the setback.

 

But Duterte assured the businessmen that they will still enjoy the benefits of a healthier business climate.

 

“I will demand the other LGUs (local government units) do what we do in (Davao),” he said, referring to the three-day processing period that fast-track application in the city. “Just look to Davao.”

 

President Duterte was in town to swear in the officers of the influential business group, Davao City Chamber of Commerce of Industry, Inc. (DCCCII). He was the keynote speaker of its 49th annual installation rites.

 

Duterte and DCCCII have maintained friendly ties, even with certain local laws that are deemed unfriendly to the business, such as the vehicle speed-limit, the anti-smoking and the required installation of CCTVs for businesses with capital of at least P3 million.

 Recalling the group’s friendship with President Duterte, former DCCCII President John Gaisano said the group always approached the administration of then-Mayor Duterte whenever they needed to clarify certain policies that could affect the sector.

The group was among those who rallied for Duterte to run for the highest elected post.

 DCCCII officers swore into the new officers were Antonio Dela Cruz, Chair; Capt. Ronald Go, President; Sofronio Jucutan, EVP; Fredrick “Dicky” Puyod, VP for Industry; Wifred T. Teves, VP for Trade and Commerce; Teresita Pascual, VP for Agribusiness; Belinda Torres, VP for PSV; Yvonne Cabada, Corporate Secretary; Alvin Pinpin, Corporate Treasurer Bonifacio T. Tan, Trustee; Antonio Ajero, Trustee; Arturo Milan, Trustee; Joan Romero, Trustee; Jennifer Sazon, Trustee; and Ricky Tagabucba, Trustee.

http://mindanaotimes.net/alliance-with-malaysia-indonesia-reduces-radius-of-terrorist-groups/