For Whom the Balangiga Bells Toll

From The Diplomat (Dec 21): For Whom the Balangiga Bells Toll (By Melchizedek Maquiso)

The return of three church bells, longtime U.S. trophies of war, is a unique opportunity for U.S.-Philippine relations.

One of the Balangiga Bells is removed from its crate before a ceremony honoring the bells' return at Villamor Air Base, Manila‎. Image Credit: U.S. Embassy in the Philippines

 

The recent repatriation by the United States of the Balangiga bells to the Philippines serves as a catalyst to reinvigorate a tarnished U.S.-Philippines relationship. While the timing carries a bit of romantic irony, with an anti-U.S. Philippine president at the driver’s seat, the bells’ return nonetheless came at an opportune and necessary moment for both parties concerned.

During the Philippine-American war (1899-1902), the tolling of the Balangiga church bells was used as a signal for Philippine insurgents to attack American troops of the 9th infantry regiment, stationed close to the church. Forty-eight U.S. servicemen were killed. In retaliation, General Jacob Smith ordered his men to “kill anybody over 10” and turn the island of Samar into a “howling wilderness”; the U.S. revenge ultimately claimed 2,500 Filipino lives. Coinciding with the defeat of the Philippines, the bells, three in total, were taken as war mementos. For more than a century the bells have been on display at U.S. bases in Wyoming and South Korea.

Their return to the Philippines came under Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who has used historical atrocities and present U.S. criticisms of the Philippines as a central theme of his rhetoric to foment his domestic rabble-rousing and an eventual shift of the country’s foreign policy.

While the Balangiga bells and the Philippine-American war as a whole provide a revolutionary backdrop for Duterte’s anti-Western and anti-U.S. narrative, his disdain for the United States goes far beyond history books. While Duterte was still mayor of the southern city of Davao, an American citizen who was charged with possession of explosives following an explosion in the hotel where he was staying, was allegedly spirited out of the country by FBI agents without facing Philippine courts. Strangely, the incident coincided even as the Philippines was made a major non-NATO ally by then-U.S. President George W. Bush following his government’s global war on terror.

Upon assuming the presidency, Duterte has been criticized by the United States for his administration’s war on drugs. The U.S. State Department even blocked the sale of U.S.-made weapons to the Philippines’ police forces.

But more broadly, there’s the question of American reliability as an ally. That was highlighted during Duterte’s meeting with U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim, where the brash talking president directly asked the ambassador why the United States didn’t confront China militarily while it was still in the midst of land reclamation in the disputed South China Sea. To Duterte’s chagrin, all these factors suggest that history has repeated itself. While the Southeast Asian archipelago is one of the United States’ historical allies, as highlighted by the long-enduring 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty, the Philippines is nonetheless still being treated as an expandable friend, which is further exacerbated by colonial undertones.

While the bells’ repatriation will not turn back time on the bloody history associated with them, their return nonetheless presents a moment of opportunity for the United States to assuage Duterte that it can still rely on Washington to be a trusted strategic ally. Especially now that China is getting stronger and more belligerent by the day in the South China Sea, the Philippines and the United States share a common interest to reign in China’s ambitions. If the U.S. intends to remain significant in this part of the world, the Philippines would undoubtedly be an easy ally to tap into, owing to America’s colonial influence in the country. However, times have changed. Now more than ever, with a rabidly anti-U.S. Duterte in firm control of the Philippines, the United States needs to show that it intends to to be an equal partner and that it has shunned the trappings of a former colonial master.

[Melchizedek Maquiso is originally from the Philippines and is a graduate of the Master of Public Policy program at the Johnson-Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy, University of Saskatchewan, Canada.]

https://thediplomat.com/2018/12/for-whom-the-balangiga-bells-toll/

US reaffirms alliance with PH, mutual defense commitments

From the Manila Bulletin (Dec 21): US reaffirms alliance with PH, mutual defense commitments

The United States government on Friday (Thursday in Washington, D.C.) reaffirmed its enduring alliance with the Philippines, including its commitments under the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) of 1951.



US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo
(AFP Photo/NICHOLAS KAMM / MANILA BULLETIN)

State Secretary Michael Pompeo conveyed this commitment when he met with visiting Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. in Washington, D.C., US State Department Deputy Spokesperson Robert Palladino said in a media readout.

“Secretary Michael R. Pompeo met with Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Teodoro Locsin, Jr., at the Department of State today. The Secretary reaffirmed the enduring U.S.-Philippines alliance, including commitments under the Mutual Defense Treaty of 1951,” Palladino said.

The MDT, among others, emphasizes a mutual commitment to peacefully resolve international disputes, separately or jointly developing capacity to resist attack, and the need for consultation when the territorial integrity, political independence, or security of the United States or the Philippines is under threat of attack in the Pacific.

During the meeting between Pompeo and Locsin, they discussed ongoing efforts to address regional issues such as the South China Sea, North Korea, and counterterrorism.

The two officials also explored opportunities to increase people-to-people ties between the two countries, its longstanding commitment to human rights, and cooperation to strengthen the Philippines’ energy security.

Locsin’s office said the secretary conveyed to Pompeo Manila’s appreciation for the return of the historic Bells of Balangiga on December 11. The meeting between the two was a follow-up to their phone conversation last October shortly after Locsin assumed the post as the country’s top diplomat.

Earlier, US Defense Deputy Assistant Secretary for South and Southeast Asia Dr. Joseph Felter expressed their commitment to what he described as “ironclad” alliance between the US and the Philippines under the foundational document of the MDT.

“We are after our alliance, it’s ironclad. The Mutual Defense Treaty has served us well for several years … we abide by it,” said Felter, who accompanied the return of the Balangiga Bells to the Philippines.

Felter stressed that the US is committed to its treaty ally, the Philippines, “in ensuring that its sovereignty isn’t threatened.”

“You’re a treaty ally; we’re going to defend our treaty ally, do all we can to ensure that its interest and sovereignty are not threatened,” Felter told the Manila Bulletin in a recent interview.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/12/21/us-reaffirms-alliance-with-ph-mutual-defense-commitments/

Situation getting alarming: VG

From the Visayan Daily Star (Dec 21): Situation getting alarming: VG

The series of killings in Negros and Bacolod City are getting alarming, Vice Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said yesterday, as he called on authorities to get their acts together in preventing the occurrence of such crimes.

Lacson, who cited the killing of a barangay captain and the ambush of Bacolod Councilor Ricardo “Cano” Tan and his wife in a matter of weeks, as well as the murder of a deputy police chief in Negros Oriental, said “We cannot say anymore that this is an isolated case”.

In the past two months, human rights lawyer Benjamin Ramos was murdered in Kabankalan City, while the police have yet to identify an armed group behind the massacre of nine persons occupying a private property in Sagay City, all in Negros Occidental.

Lacson said authorities must step up and find ways and means on how to control such incidents.

Col. Benedict Arevalo, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, yesterday said that many killings in Negros Occidental have been attributed to the New People’s Army, as they have recorded 26 murder incidents perpetrated by communist rebels since January up to this time.

Arevalo said what they are focusing on how to address the NPA-perpetrated killings.

The National Bureau of Investigation is focusing on the business rivalry angle in the ambush of Bacolod City Councilor Tan and his wife, as its probers raised the possibility that the suspects were hired gunmen.

Lacson, who condemned the series of killings, said there is no reason to kill anybody, unless it is self-defense.

The police in Bacolod City have yet to establish a breakthrough in their investigations in the murder of lawyer Rafael Atotubo and barangay captain Nelson Ligaya, who were both also killed by riding-in-tandem suspects.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2018/December/21/topstory2.htm

Cop chief relieved; NPA denies killing

From the Visayan Daily Star (Dec 21): Cop chief relieved; NPA denies killing

The New People’s Army Apolinario Gatmaitan Command yesterday debunked allegations that they were behind the killing of Senior Inspector Porferio Gabuya on Wednesday in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental, claiming that it could have been perpetrated by a certain group against the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Two motorcycle-riding suspects shot and killed Gabuya, deputy police chief for Operations of the Guhulngan City Police Station, at a commercial establishment, near the police station, where he was having coffee. He succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds as one of the suspects used an M-4 assault rifle in shooting the police officer, a Guihulngan police investigation showed.

The killing of Gabuya also led to the relief of Supt. Mario Baquiran as the police chief of Guihulngan City.

Senior Supt. Raul Tacaca, provincial police director of Negros Oriental, confirmed yesterday the relief of Baquiran, and also designated Supt. Supt. Cristopher Navida as officer-in-charge of the city police station.

Ka Juanito Magbanua, NPA-Negros spokesman, said yesterday that Gabuya had no criminal records with the NPA, and the NPA do not cover their faces, when they kill somebody.

“We are not responsible for his death,” Magbanua clarified in an interview with MBC Aksyon Radyo.

Magbanua also said the NPA will implement the 4-day ceasefire ordered by the Communist Party of the Philippines on Dec. 24 to Dec. 26 and Dec. 31 to January 1 next year, in Negros Island.

While marking the CPP founding anniversary on Dec. 26, they will be also be on a defensive mode, Magbanua said, as they anticipate attacks from government forces.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2018/December/21/topstory1.htm

Magdalo seeks House probe into alleged AFP arms sale to rebels, terrorists

From Rappler (Dec 21): Magdalo seeks House probe into alleged AFP arms sale to rebels, terrorists

'To preserve the honor, integrity, and the dignity of the whole AFP, and most importantly, to preserve the lives of our soldiers who have offered their lives to serve out nation,' says Magdalo Representative Gary Alejano

SMUGGLED FROM WITHIN? The confiscated bullets and guns, linked to the military, are presented in Camp Crame on December 17. Photo by Rambo Talabong/Rappler

A House investigation into the reported sale of Armed Forces of the Philippines' firearms to terrorists and rebels was sought on Thursday, December 20.

Magdalo Representative Gary Alejano filed House Resolution No. 2386 urging the appropriate House committee to conduct the probe to prevent the incident from recurring. (READ: LOOK: AFP guns, ammo found with rebel groups suppliers)

“To preserve the honor, integrity, and the dignity of the whole AFP, and most importantly, to preserve the lives of our soldiers who have offered their lives to serve out nation, the House of Representatives should immediately act on this very alarming incident,” Alejano said in his resolution.

The lawmaker said the “deeply disturbing” incident is “very reminiscent” of violations committed during previous administrations.

It was one of the main reasons why the Magdalo group, led by then Philippine Navy Lieutenant Senior Grade Antonio Trillanes IV, launched the Oakwood Mutiny in 2003 against alleged anomalies in the Arroyo administration and the military.

“[It] was one of the main reasons why the Magdalo staged a protest in 2003 where we asserted that unscrupulous individuals in government has been selling firearms to anti-government forces enriching themselves at the expense of the lives of our soldiers,” said Alejano, who also took part in that mutiny.

“The chronic problem of corruption in the military should be addressed immediately in order to weed out the unscrupulous members of the organization,” he added.

Police have seized around P1.2 million worth of firearms and ammunition from arrested "gunrunners" of the Maute and Abu Sayyaf Group.

Philippine National Police chief Director General Oscar Albayalde had said that the two suspects, Edgardo and Rosemarie Medel, admitted to getting the multimillion worth of firearms and ammunition from the military, particularly in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija, headquarters of the Army's 7th Infantry Division.

The Maute Group was behind the Marawi siege in 2017, and the Abu Sayyaf Group is the suspected orchestrator of a slew of bombings in Mindanao.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/219395-magdalo-seeks-house-probe-alleged-afp-arms-sale-rebels

Photo: NPA family from Pulang Bagani Command surrender

From the Mindanao Times (Dec 20): Photo: NPA family from Pulang Bagani Command surrender



A family of three who were active members of the Pulang Bagani command 1 of the New People's Army (NPA) was presented in a press briefing held at the PRO 11 club house in Camp Quintin Merecido. The said NPA rebel returnees surrendered to the Davao City Police Office on Thursday at 5:45 a.m.

https://www.facebook.com/MindanaoTimes/photos/a.779898372031324/2167295229958291/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/MindanaoTimes/

1,000 IP kids in Talaingod treated to Christmas party

From the Mindanao Times (Dec 20): 1,000 IP kids in Talaingod treated to Christmas party

More than a thousand Lumad children received gifts during the three-day pamaskong handog activity of the 56th Infantry Battalion held at two barangays in Talaingod, Davao del Norte.

Capt. John Louie Dema-ala, the civil-military operations officer of the 56th IB, said the gift-giving activity was conducted in Sitio Lumabag, Barangay Palma Gil and Sitio Napunong, Barangay Sto Niño last Dec. 17 to 19.

Dema-ala said the Lumad children received toys and meal treats and also enjoyed the prizes from the parlor games.

In a statement, Lt. Col. Edwin Paredes said the activity was part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Development Support and Security Plan Kapayapaan or DSSP Kapayapaan.

“Not all of us are given a chance to have a comfortable living," Paredes said. "But with this simple activity, we can help the community a little by giving some of ours, especially to the Lumad youths who are vulnerable to being the main targets of the communist terrorist groups,” he added.

Joemar Mandalisan, sitio Leader of Lumabag, also thanked the military and stakeholders for sharing the blessings to the Lumad communities.

“It's a huge thing for us to feel that there are people helping us and now we really feel the spirit of Christmas,” he said.

 

https://www.facebook.com/notes/mindanao-times/1000-ip-kids-in-talaingod-treated-to-christmas-party/2167319466622534/

Government agencies implement the NSS-NSC

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 21): Government agencies implement the NSS-NSC



The National Security Council urges government agencies to implement the newly released National Security Strategy (NSS).

In a briefing with Cebu media recently, Vicente Agdamag, deputy director of the NSC said they are calling national and local government agencies to study and implement the NSS which was recently released earlier this year.

“We want all government agencies to come up with their own security plan in line with the NSS,” Agdamag said.

The NSS he said was earlier reviewed by 29 agencies of the government and touches the different fields where security is involved.

“It articulates specific strategies like, the security aspect of agriculture, of environment, of education,” Agdamag said.

The NSS covers pressing security concerns in every region and at the national level.

The action areas include terrorism, insurgency and subversion; transnational organized crimes; criminalities, public safety, rule of law and human rights; and governance.

Among the strategic actions pushed were mandatory Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC), dismantling of private armies, institutionalization of reforms in the Philippine National Police (PNP), modernization of the PNP and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and even the monitoring of student activism and many others.

Agdamag said by next year, they can already identify who among the agencies have complied with the implementation of the NSS.

To translate President Rodrigo Duterte’s commitment to deliver a more secure, stable, just and prosperous future for the Philippines, the 2017 National Security Policy 2017-2022 was promulgated. It became the basis for the crafting of the NSS which in essence articulates in the operational terms its policies.

Agdamag and the NSC are going around the Philippines for the initial information dissemination on the NSS and NSP.

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1014811

Davao City peace council seeks closure of 'Salugpungan' schools

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 21): Davao City peace council seeks closure of 'Salugpungan' schools

The City Peace and Order Council (CPOC) has joined the call for the closure of the Salugpungan schools in Davao City, which are all run by the Mindanao Interfaith Services Foundation, Inc. (MISFI).

The CPOC, chaired by Mayor Sara Duterte, approved a resolution of at least seven tribal schools upon the recommendation of Brig. Gen. Ernesto Torres, commander of the Army's 1003rd Brigade, during the council’s meeting on Wednesday.

Torres said the schools are not implementing proper school curriculum such that when they transfer to schools recognized by the Department of Education (DepEd) their students are recommended to return to Grade 1.

Torres identified the schools are implementing "questionable teachings" that are aligned with the "violent ideology" of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA).

CPP-NPA, which espouses the violent overthrow of the government, is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union.

He identified the tribal schools as the MISFI Academy in Malabog, Paquibato District; MISFI Academy in Tamugan, Calinan District; Salugpungan “TaTanu” Igkanugon Learning Center in Manuel Guianga, Tugbok District; MISFI Academy in Tambobong, Baguio District; MISFI Academy in Salaysay, Marilog District; MISFI Academy in Gumitan, Marilog District and MISFI Academy in Tapak, Paquibato District.

Torres also alleged that schools are not implementing proper school curriculum as provided by the Department of Education (DepEd).

Torres said the Army has already asked DepEd to cancel the permits of the seven "Salugpungan" schools.

“The school was taken advantaged by the NPA and it does not have clear teachings. They are teaching the children how to handle firearms and many more,” he said.

The Salugpungan schools were established to give Indigenous Peoples groups in remote areas access to education. It was first established in Bukidnon and spread across Mindanao.

In the Davao del Norte town of Talaingod area, the local government and the tribal leaders already closed 14 schools after being accused as breeding grounds of the communist rebel movement.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1057283

Army starts probe on abduction of soldiers, militiamen in AgSur

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 21): Army starts probe on abduction of soldiers, militiamen in AgSur

The Army’s 4th Infantry Division (4ID) has started its investigation into the predawn attack of a military detachment by communist rebels in Agusan del Sur town of Sibagat Wednesday morning.

Capt. Reggie Go, acting Division Public Affairs Office chief of the 4ID, said members of the Board of Inquiry has already inspected the detachment to determine possible lapses committed by the soldiers.

The raid by some 50 NPA combatants resulted in the abduction of two soldiers and 12 militiamen, and the seizure of high-power firearms including 17 M16 rifles, and two R4 assault rifles.

“If found out that the captured troops committed neglect of duty, they will be held accountable before the military justice system, with corresponding punishment,” Go said.

In a statement Thursday, NPA spokesperson Sandara Amihan said rebels carried out the raid without firing a single shot.

Maj. Gen. Ronald Villanueva, 4ID commander, said the captive soldiers and militiamen will likely be discharged from service if found negligent.

Villanueva added that the military will not negotiate with the NPA.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1057295

PH, US seek enhanced cooperation on energy, people-to-people ties

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 21): PH, US seek enhanced cooperation on energy, people-to-people ties



Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. meets with US State Secretary Pompeo at the Department of State on Dec. 20, 2018 (Washington D.C. time). (Photo courtesy of US State Department)

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. on Friday met with US State Secretary Michael Pompeo and sought ways to increase the Philippines-United States cooperation in areas of energy and people-to-people ties.

The meeting, held in Washington D.C., was a follow-up to the two foreign ministers' phone conversation last October.

"Secretary Pompeo and Secretary Locsin also explored opportunities to increase people-to-people ties between our two countries, our longstanding commitment to human rights, and our cooperation to strengthen the Philippines’ energy security," State Department Deputy Spokesperson Robert Palladino said in a statement.

The two top diplomats discussed "ongoing efforts to address regional issues such as the South China Sea, North Korea, and counterterrorism."

Palladino said the two officials reaffirmed "the enduring US-Philippines alliance, including commitments under the Mutual Defense Treaty of 1951."

According to the DFA, Locsin also expressed Manila’s appreciation for the recent return of the Balangiga Bells during the meeting.

Locsin was accompanied by Ambassador to the US Jose Manuel Romualdez.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1057236

End of security threats, more assets top Lorenzana’s wish list

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 21): End of security threats, more assets top Lorenzana’s wish list

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana wants more naval and aerial assets for the military next year so it can better perform its mandate and end internal security threats.

"My wish list is hopefully we will have more equipment, we need we need more ships, we need more helicopters," Lorenzana said when asked about his priorities for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) during a press briefing Thursday.

He said more equipment would boost the capability of government forces, especially in neutralizing Abu Sayyaf terrorists and communist insurgents.

"If we can reduce the problem areas to just law enforcement problem which could be handled by the police, we can devote military to some other activities like organizing more engineering brigades so that we can also help in the development of countryside," he said.

Earlier, Malacañang assured the government is not taking the threat of terrorism lightly.

Among measures taken by Pres. Rodrigo R. Duterte to boost his comprehensive solution against terrorism was the issuance of Memorandum Order No. 32, which reinforced the guidelines of the military and police in implementing measures to suppress and prevent such lawless violence.

He also issued Executive Order No. 70 directing the creation of a national task force to end local communist armed conflict, as well as the adoption of a national peace framework that will contain policies addressing the root causes of insurgencies.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1057231

Military, Coast Guard to augment BOC capabilities

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 21): Military, Coast Guard to augment BOC capabilities

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will only augment the capabilities of the Bureau of Customs (BOC) but operations will still be handled by Customs personnel, BOC spokesperson Erastus Sandino Austria said.

In an interview with Philippine News Agency's (PNA) program Pros and Cons, Austria said the AFP will help in the BOC's modernization program while the PCG will assist the BOC in the enforcement of tariffs and Customs laws.

"Napaka-unique actually ng function, ng trabaho ng Bureau of Customs (The function of BOC is actually unique) and this was observed by our international counterparts as well as by the World Bank themselves... Kailangan mong balansehin on the one hand ang trade facilitation, on the other hand naman ang iyong border security functions dahil ikaw rin ang tagapagbantay ng lahat ng ports of entry mo (You need to balance trade facilitation on the one hand, and on the other hand is border security because it also serves as guards on all ports of entry)," Austria said.

Austria added that the level of compliance of stakeholders is steadily growing and cited the need for a "slow and steady methodical reform agenda".

"Corruption, it happens because the environment allows it to happen and allows it to thrive. So for as long as meron tayong kasamahan sa gobyerno sa Bureau of Customs that will allow it na kahit non-compliant si stakeholder at si stakeholder naman din ay mababa ang level of compliance, then magpapatuloy yung ganun na sistema (we have colleagues in the government, in the BOC that will allow it, even if a stakeholder is non-compliant and/or stakeholder has low level of compliance, then that system will continue)," Austria said.

President Rodrigo R. Duterte earlier placed the entire BOC personnel in floating status amid the PHP6.8 billion worth of shabu that slipped past the Customs and ordered the military to temporarily replace the Customs personnel.

To date, around 600 AFP and PCG personnel have been detailed to the BOC.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1057069

DND execs, personnel undergo mandatory drug test

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 21): DND execs, personnel undergo mandatory drug test



In line with the government's ongoing campaign against illegal drugs, the Department of National Defense (DND) on Thursday announced that it has subjected 408 of its personnel to mandatory drug testing last December 12.

Of the number, a total of 296 are civilians while 112 uniformed DND personnel.

Defense spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said DND Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, undersecretaries, and assistant secretaries of the department were among those subjected to drug testing.

"This is the second year that the DND Proper has been subjecting its personnel to mandatory drug testing as a requirement for a drug-free workplace as mandated by Republic Act 9165 (The Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002)," he said in a statement Thursday.

He said the annual conduct of mandatory drug testing is in line with the commitment of the DND to uphold the safety, health and well-being of its personnel, and to promote a drug-free workplace.

The activity is also in consonance with the general guideline stated in Department Circular No. 13 approved by the Secretary of National Defense on July 17, 2017, entitled Comprehensive Drug-Free Workplace Policy which provides that "All personnel regardless of status are required to undergo annual mandatory drug testing as a requirement for retention in the government service”.

"The policy applies to all personnel, both civilian and military assigned in the different Bureaus (Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Veterans Affairs Office, Office of Civil Defense, National Defense College of the Philippines, and Government Arsenal) of the Department," Andolong said.

He said the DND considers dangerous drugs use, drug addiction and dependency as a serious misconduct.

Any personnel found positive after confirmatory test for using dangerous drugs shall be charged administratively with a penalty for dismissal at first offense.

The first mandatory drug testing in the DND was conducted on Dec. 7, 2017.

Out of the 346 personnel who were subjected to mandatory drug testing last year, two personnel were found positive for tetrahydrocannabinol, a substance found in “marijuana”.

As a consequence, the contract of service of the two personnel, who were both on job order status, was terminated in compliance with the “one strike” policy of the DND.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1057229

PRRD to new PAF chief: ‘Continue Air Force’s advancement’

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 21): PRRD to new PAF chief: ‘Continue Air Force’s advancement’

President Rodrigo Duterte on Friday urged new Philippine Air Force (PAF) Commanding General Rossano Briguez to continue the reforms and modernization programs that will make the Air Force responsive to national security.

Duterte made this challenge as Briguez officially took over as new PAF chief, replacing Lt. Gen. Galileo Gerard Kintanar during the Change of Command ceremony held at Villarmor Air Base in Pasay City.

“General Briguez, know that we will constantly face threats and challenges as we realize our aspiration for real change and lasting peace. I trust that you will continue the Air Force’s advancement through reforms and modernization programs that will transform the organization into one that is responsive to national security and development and a credible external defense force,” Duterte said in his speech.

The Commander-in-Chief also dared Briguez to engage all stakeholders and communities in fighting insurgency and terrorism.

Duterte asked the PAF troops to support the leadership of Briguez and “to continue performing your duties well as (we) intensify our focused military operations against the communist terrorists, alongside civil-military operations to encourage more members of the communist terrorist groups to surrender”.

“The Filipino people are truly grateful for your service and sacrifice, which have preserved the peace and defended the freedoms we enjoy today. I continue to ask for your unwavering support so that today, I can say that we have created a safer and more secure and truly (progressive) nation for our children,” he said.

The President thanked Kintanar for his “successful tour of duty” especially in his efforts to fight insurgency and terrorism.

Under Kintanar’s "able leadership", Duterte said the PAF achieved thousands of flight hours and performed thousands of sorties as well as ferried almost 160,000 passengers and airlifted more than 160,000 pounds of cargo ”all in support of our territorial defense and security operations”.

Duterte also commended Kintanar for working with other units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and other agencies which “resulted in the surrender (or) arrest of terrorists, the recovery of their firearms, the dismantling of a drug laboratory, the arrest of many drug personalities, and the recovery of millions worth of illegal drugs”.

“During his tenure, General Kintanar has proven his commitment to duty as highlighted by his valuable contributions in ensuring security during the rehabilitation of Marawi, as well as the humanitarian and relief assistance during typhoons, disasters throughout the year,” Duterte said.

“All these attest to the exemplary leadership of General Kintanar and the collaborative efforts of the valiant men and women of the Philippine Air Force,” he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1057302