Japan, US pledge stronger ties with PH

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 9): Japan, US pledge stronger ties with PH



Japan and the United States pledged today stronger ties with the Philippines as the three countries mark the 76thAraw ng Kagitingan.

Japanese Ambassador Koji Haneda said Prime Minister Shinzo Abe vowed to devote to world peace and cultivate friendship with the Philippines.

“We are here enjoying what President Duterte called the Golden Age of Strategic Partnership between Japan and the Philippines,” Haneda said.

He stressed that partnership has expanded beyond trade, investment and development assistance as it now includes security and defense cooperation.

For his part, United States Embassy Charge d’ Affaires Michael Klecheski paid tribute to the Filipino heroes who fought during the war with the Americans.

“It’s a day to remember that Filipinos and Americans fought together and sacrificed together. Our peoples remain allies and friends,” Klecheski said.

He also pledged that the United States will continue its aid to the Philippines particularly on counter-terrorism.

“We will continue to support livelihood, health, education and other programs to Mindanao which was affected during the war in Marawi City,” Klecheski furthered.

 

http://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1006476

Palace exec advises vigilance vs ‘new enemies’

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 9): Palace exec advises vigilance vs ‘new enemies’

During the 76^thCommemoration of Araw ng Kagitingan today at Mt. Samat Shrine, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea advises the country to practice vigilance in the face of new enemies—poverty, corruption, terrorism, illegal drugs, criminality and threats to environment. (Mar Jay S. Delas Alas/PIA 3)

PILAR, Bataan, April 9 (PIA) -- Remembering the horrors of World War II (WWII), Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea urged the country to be vigilant in acts against the sovereignty of people instigated by foreign bodies.

Medialdea recalled the Battle of Marawi where 165 soldiers and police died to free the city last year from the invasion of Islamic State-inspired attacks.

“Another threat that we should diligently guard against and not allow to prosper are acts against our sovereignty and democratic process by foreign bodies,” he said.

During the 76thCommemoration of Araw ng Kagitingan today at Mt. Samat Shrine, Medialdea said after “one of the worst chapters in history” that is the Fall of Bataan in WWII, the country faces new enemies in the form of poverty, corruption, terrorism, illegal drugs, criminality and threats to environment.

These enemies, he said, are creeping into the very fabric of society that remembers today the sacrifice of 76,000 soldiers who endured the Bataan Death March, of whom approximately were 66,000 Filipinos and 10,000 Americans.

“It is constant vigilance, courage and by saving our nation from these forces that we can continue to enjoy the liberty that our forbearers fought for,” Medialdea said.

Dr. Rene Escalante, Chairperson of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, expressed the same concern on the global level, citing “very volatile” geopolitical situations in Middle East and in the Korean Peninsula.

He rued that hatred and conflict rule in many parts of the world that disadvantage most the poor and the children.

“We must go back to the hard earned lesson we learned from our experience in WWII that is the importance of diplomacy, of states engaging each other in peaceful dialogue,” Escalante said.

In front of war veterans and their families, Medialdea assured that the administration of President Duterte will provide better health benefits and improve the management of pension accounts of more than 44,000 military and war veterans, in which are over 6,000 aging citizens who fought in WWII.

From 2017 until March this year, more than 6,000 veterans and their dependents benefited in medical services through 270 accredited hospitals.

In the same period, Php50.7 billion worth of educational assistance was allocated for the Iskolar ng mga Bayani program, which produces 450 college graduates annually.

Medialdea also highlighted Philippine relations with WWII ally United States of America and erstwhile aggressor Japan.

“To this day, America has remained our strong military and economic ally. The Japanese against whom our soldiers defended Bataan for many years now remains as one of our biggest regional allies, a major trading partner, and the largest provider of official development assistance that aids in our fight against poverty and our quest for economic progress,” he said.

Japanese Ambassador Koji Haneda and US Embassy Charge d’ Affaires Michael Klecheski both acknowledged the gallantry of war heroes during the Japanese invasion in 1941 to 1945 and cited stronger relations with the Philippines.

The groundbreaking ceremony of the Mt. Samat Flagship Tourism Enterprise Zone was also held, prompting infrastructure development in the national shrine that will include cable cars, underground museum and a center for WWII studies.

 

http://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1006477

AFP joins 'Araw ng Kagitingan' commemoration

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 9): AFP joins 'Araw ng Kagitingan' commemoration

ARAW NG KAGITINGAN. Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea leads the commemoration activities of Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor) in Mt. Samat National Shrine, Pilar, Bataan on Monday (April 9, 2018). (Screengrab from RTVM) 

As the country commemorates the 76th anniversary of the Fall of Bataan, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) joins the observance of "Araw ng Kagitingan" (Day of Valor) and salutes soldiers who valiantly defended the nation against foreign occupation during the World War II.

"We remember the sacrifices of our veterans, their bravery, and their selfless dedication to the country's defense. Through their gallantry, we were able to show the determination of Filipinos to stand against overwhelming odds," AFP public affairs office chief, Lt. Col. Emmanuel Garcia said.

Underarmed and meagerly supplied American and Filipino forces fighting in the Bataan frontlines were forced to surrender on April 9, 1942 after 93 days of resistance against the superior Japanese force equipped with then the latest war equipment.

Some 60,000 Filipino and American troops were taken prisoners of war by the Japanese. They were made to walk some 112 kilometers from Mariveles, Bataan to Capas, Tarlac under the scorching sun with no food and water for days in what is known the world over as the “Death March.”

The AFP public affairs chief also lauded the current crop of Filipino soldiers for their courage and selfless service in recent events against terrorists and violent extremists.

"The deeds of heroism and ideals of our world war veterans will always be inculcated in the minds of our current soldiers who exhibit in their own actions the same fervor and willingness to defend our country and our people," Garcia said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1031276

No signing of joint exploration deal between PH, China yet: envoy

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 9): No signing of joint exploration deal between PH, China yet: envoy

There will be no agreement to be signed between the Philippines and China on joint explorations in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) during the Boao Forum for Asia in China this week, an envoy said Monday.

Philippine Ambassador to China Jose Santiago Sta. Romana said that he does not see the agreement being signed by Philippine and Chinese top officials during the forum, as talks are still ongoing.

President Rodrigo R. Duterte is currently heading to China, in a bid to advance the country's interests in trade expansion and investments promotions at the Boao Forum for Asia.

“That is ongoing, the talks on joint exploration. There will be no agreement signed this time on the joint exploration,” Sta. Romana told reporters in Bo’ao, Hainan in China.

Sta. Romana said the Philippine and Chinese governments are still trying to find a suitable legal framework that is “acceptable to both sides”.

“The Philippine side is aware of certain parameters, you know, we have to be, it has to be within our Constitutional requirements and our legal requirements and the Chinese also have their own parameters,” Sta. Romana said.

The ambassador, however, said that there is political will on both sides to be able to move forward on the joint exploration agreement but it will not be at the Boao Forum.

Although an agreement was least likely to be signed, Sta. Romana said that a continuing discussion on the joint exploration may be pursued.

Sta. Romana, meanwhile, noted that a special panel on the West Philippine Sea issue will be a part of the Boao Forum for Asia.

“Actually there is a special panel on the South China Sea issue that will be conducted as part of the Boao Forum,” Sta. Romana said when asked if the sea dispute will be brought up in the forum.

“If you look at the program, there is a special -- there’s a special panel on this on the 11th and there are representatives from the different Southeast Asian countries, mostly diplomats and academic experts,” he added. “It is not the focus of the forum itself but it is an annual, it’s a topic every year.”

The main reason Duterte is attending the forum, Sta. Romana said, is to discuss the issue and to look for ways of possible solution, areas of cooperation once solutions have been pursued.

“The main focus really is how to maintain the growth trajectory of Asia because Asia now is a major source of global economic growth,” the ambassador sad.

He also allayed fears of a trade war, stressing that the forum will serve as a venue for the Philippine government to reiterate the need for globalization, or to maintain the open trading system and how to prevent protectionism from hampering the global economic growth.

Critics of the Duterte administration previously slammed plans of a joint exploration between the Philippines and China, stressing that it violates the law.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque explained that joint explorations were allowed in the 1987 Constitution and that there was nothing new about it.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1031327

Solon seeks more benefits to Filipino veterans

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 9): Solon seeks more benefits to Filipino veterans 

In observance of the Philippine Veterans Week and the Araw ng Kagitingan (Day of Valor), Magdalo Party-list Rep. Gary Alejano on Monday called for more benefits and assistance to Filipino veterans as a fitting tribute for their bravery and sacrifice during World War II.

"The least we can do is to provide what the government has promised them in honor of their service. It is my fervent call that all of us in the government service render attention and respond to the plight of our veterans," Alejano said in his Araw ng Kagitingan message.

Alejano said the country's war veterans have exemplified that Filipinos would not easily back down and surrender especially when it is already our freedom and sovereignty that are being threatened.

"In the face of oppression from greater powers, our armed forces stood its ground to fight for our freedom and sovereignty in spite of being undermanned, unprepared, and ill-equipped. This is the brand of heroism and valor that our fellow Filipinos have shown to the world," Alejano said.

He also noted that this special day should be a reminder for Filipinos of their duty to serve and protect the country at all costs.

"Makita nawa natin sa ating mga sarili ang giting at tapang upang tumayo para sa ikabubuti ng ating bayan (May we find in ourselves the valor and courage to stand up for what is right for our nation's sake)," he said.

Meanwhile, the House committee on appropriations has already approved House Bill 270, seeking to increase to PHP20,000 per month the Old-Age Pension of Veterans of World War II, Korean and Vietnam Wars.

Bataan Rep. Geraldine Roman, principal author of the bill, said the current PHP5,000 pension is clearly inadequate for senior veterans to meet the basic necessities for decent living.

Underarmed and meagerly supplied American and Filipino forces fighting in the Bataan frontlines were forced to surrender on April 9, 1942 after 93 days of resistance against the superior Japanese force equipped with then the latest war equipment.

Some 60,000 Filipino and 16,000 American troops were taken prisoners of war by the Japanese. They were made to walk some 112 kilometers from Mariveles, Bataan to Capas, Tarlac under the scorching sun with no food and water for days in what is known the world over as the “Death March.”

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1031306

MILF member, 2 others nabbed for drugs in Cotabato

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 9): MILF member, 2 others nabbed for drugs in Cotabato

Another member of Moro rebel group, a village watchman, and a laborer were arrested during a series of anti-drug operations by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) here over the weekend.

Director Juvenal Azurin of the PDEA in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PDEA-ARMM) said the weekend anti-drug operations were conducted on Saturday and Sunday in two separate areas in the city.

On Sunday, government agents collared at around 10 a.m. in Barangay Mother Poblacion here a certain Tony Muhammad, 37, laborer, a high value target and member of the Kautin Drug Group operating in the city.

Recovered from him were 11 sachets of shabu and paraphernalia.

On Saturday, combined PDEA agents and police arrested at around 10 a.m. in Barangay Bagua 1 Allan Kusain Abdillah alias Allan Abdillah or Abdullah, 28, a “habal-habal” (passenger motorbike) driver and remnant of the Bua Drug Group during a buy-bust operation.

Azurin said Abdillah is an active barangay tanod (village watchman) of Barangay Matilac, Pigcawayan, North Cotabato. He was a high value target for drug peddling in Cotabato City and in North Cotabato.

Also seized from him were 11 sachets of shabu and drug paraphernalia.

On the same day, PDEA and elements of City Drug Enforcement Unit served a warrant of arrest against Norodin Barandia, 51, for large scale drug peddling in Barangay Poblacion 1.

Barandia claimed he was a member of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and showed his identification cards. Seized from him were two sachets of shabu, two cal. 45 pistol, 9 mm pistol, bladed weapons, and PHP111,860 cash.

All suspects are now detained at PDEA lock-up cell here while cases for violation of RA 9165 (Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002) are being prepared against the suspects and violation of RA 10591 (Illegal Possessions of Firearms and Ammunitions), against Barandia for illegal possession of firearms.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1031281

Maguindanao town mayors surrender guns from civilians

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 9): Maguindanao town mayors surrender guns from civilians



SOME of the firearms turned over to Army in Datu Piang town. (Photo by 6ID)

DATU PIANG, Maguindanao -- More town mayors in Maguindanao are coming out with loose guns collected from residents and have turned them over to the military.

The latest town executive to respond to military’s campaign against loose firearms was Mayor Genuine Kamaong of this town, which is one of the most conflict-affected areas in the province.

“This is our support to President Duterte’s dream of a gunless Maguindanao,” Kamaong told reporters and military personnel during turnover rites last Saturday at the town’s covered court.

Kamaong turned over 16 assorted firearms to Lt. Colonel Alvin Iyog, chief of the Army’s 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion and later to Brig. Gen. Diosdado Carreon, Army’s 601st Brigade commander.

The surrendered firearms comprised of four locally-made Barrett .50 caliber sniper rifles, four 9mm pistols, one M14 rifle, two Hydramax M16 rifle, three homemade M79 launchers, a shotgun, and two Garand rifles.

Maj. Gen. Arnel B. Dela Vega, Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID) commander, expressed his gratitude to the efforts of Datu Piang officials for extending their support to the AFP in its campaign against loose firearms.

A total of 338 firearms were surrendered in Maguindanao since January this year. Lt. Colonel Gerry Besana, head of the 6ID civil-military operations unit, said more guns are expected to be turned over by the local officials since they are well-informed of Martial Law Order No. 1 for them to help in the disarmament drive.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1031282

3 fishermen probed over abduction of marine product firm worker

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 9): 3 fishermen probed over abduction of marine product firm worker

The police have place under questioning three fishermen over the abduction of Laarni Buen, 38, secretary of the Cebeles Marine Products, who was abducted by gunmen on April 3 in Malangas, Zamboanga Sibugay. (Photo courtesy: PRO-9 PIO)

ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Three people were invited for questioning to help shed light in the abduction of a marine products firm secretary in the province of Zamboanga Sibugay, a top police official disclosed Monday.

The victim, Laarni Buen, 38, the secertary of the Cebeles Marine Products company, was seized by seven gunmen believed to be members of a kidnap-for-ransom-group (KFRG) on April 3 at Purok Maabiabihon, Barangay Poblacion, Malangas, Zamboanga Sibugay.
Chief Supt. Edwin De Ocampo, deputy regional director for administration (DRDA), said those invited for questioning were all fishermen and residents of Barangay Ilisan in the nearby town of Alicia.

De Ocampo said that a team of policemen led by Senior Insp. Joemar Mukarram were scouring Sitio Dalama, Barangay Ilisan, after receiving information that some of Buen’s abductors were seen in the area when the three fishermen approached them.

The fishermen told the police that two members of the lawless group, namely Jalil Sanday and a certain Lagbas, armed with handguns, borrowed a motorboat from one of them in the evening of April 6.

The two bandits sped to the open sea of Alicia town as the owner, out of fear, was forced to lend his motorboat to Sanday and Lagbas.

De Ocampo said the owner of the motorboat was a childhood friend of the two, who were former residents of Barangays Sinusayan and Camanga, Malangas town.

Earlier, six lawless group members, who surrendered to the authorities, were also placed under investigation to shed light over the abduction of Buen.

De Ocampo said the troops are continuously scouring all areas where the KFRG men are possibly keeping Buen hostage.

It was unclear whether there are already demands in exchange for the safe release of the victim.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1031311

Araw ng Kagitingan’ remembered in Zamboanga

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 9): Araw ng Kagitingan’ remembered in Zamboanga



Zamboanga City joins the commemoration of the 76th Araw ng Kagitingan, which is celebrated as a national memorial day for the brave souls who fought during the Fall of Bataan on April 9, 1942 during the World War II. (Photo by: Teofilo P. Garcia)
 ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The public, especially the young generation, have been urged to continue honoring the Filipino soldiers who sacrificed their lives for the country’s freedom.

Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, made the call on Monday as the country commemorates the 76th “Araw ng Kagitingan” marking the fall of Bataan during World War II.

“As we celebrate the different faces of heroism today, let us continue to honor the valor and the bravery of the Filipino soldiers and those who fought for the country’s liberation and freedom,” Galvez said in his keynote speech during the commemoration program here.

Galvez said that April 9 is a day to remember the World War II (WWII) veterans since “we owe them the breath of freedom and democracy that we are enjoying today.”

“Let us remember our recent battlefield victories and achievements that are attributed to the sacrifices of those who dared to bleed,” Galvez said.

“This is a time of remembrance and we recall those who have gone ahead of us and those who died a very dignified death,” he added.

Galvez noted that the captured soldiers, who made their last stand in Bataan 76 years ago, “stood strong and heroes emerged from the event” despite their surrender to the Japanese imperial forces.

“Without this stand, the Japanese might have quickly overrun all of the US bases in the Pacific,” Galvez said.

“(The battle of) Bataan forced them (Japanese forces) to slow down, giving the allies valuable time to prepare for future great battles, such as the battle of the Coral Sea and the Battle of Midway,” he added.

The American and Filipino soldiers eventually retook Bataan Peninsula on February 8, 1945.

Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar has paid tribute to the WWII veterans as well as the modern day heroes.

Salazar defines modern day heroes as those who sacrificed their lives during the 21-day 2013 Zamboanga siege and the five-month battle in Marawi City last year.

The “Araw ng Kagitingan” is celebrated as a national memorial day for the brave souls who fought during the Fall of Bataan on April 9, 1942 during the World War II.

It also pays respect and tribute to the many civilian men who died in the tragic Death March which started from Bataan and ended in Tarlac.

April 9 is a national holiday in the Philippines.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1031299

Wescom rescues injured crew off cargo vessel in Sulu Sea

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 9): Wescom rescues injured crew off cargo vessel in Sulu Sea

AIR EVACUATION. Naval Forces West personnel assist cargo vessel crewman Santos Tambo Jr., who was air evacuated from the Sulu on April 8, after suffering from a third-degree burn in the face. (Photo courtesy of Western Command PAO)

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan -- A 49-year old cargo vessel crew, who suffered third-degree burns on his face due to an air-conditioning unit that blew up, was rescued Sunday by personnel of the Naval Forces West (Navforwest) in the Sulu Sea.

Captain Cherryl Tindog, spokesperson and chief of the Public Affairs Office (PAO) of the Western Command (Wescom), in a statement Monday, said an emergency medical air evacuation was activated to get Santos Tambo Jr. from cargo vessel MV Evangelia that was traversing the Sulu Sea 35 nautical miles off Puerto Princesa.

The statement said that around 4 p.m., the Coast Guard District Station (CGDS) Palawan informed Navforwest about the incident after it was reported by Captain Ernesto Abuan of the cargo vessel.

“MV Evangelia’s Capt. Abuan requested for an immediate medical evacuation and treatment for Mr. Tambo, who suffered burns in the face caused by the explosion of one of their air-conditioning units,” said the statement.

An AW109 helicopter by the Naval Air Unit West (NAU-W) was dispatched with Wescom medical personnel to get Tambo from the cargo vessel.

From the Sulu Sea, he was taken around 7:30 p.m. to the Palawan Multipurpose Cooperative Hospital for emergency burns treatment.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1031309