Santos named new EastMinCom chief

From the Mindanao Times (Jan 17, 2018): Santos named new EastMinCom chief

Gen. Felimon Santos Jr., the commander of 7Th Infantry Division has been appointed the new chief of the Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMinCom) effect Jan. 8, 2019.

Malacanang has approved the recommendation letter of the Department of Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, the Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff and the chairman of the AFP Board of Generals, pursuant to Republic Act No. 8186, as amended by RA NO. 9188.

 

The 7th Infantry Division is based on Fort Ramon Magsaysay, Palayan City, Nueva Ecija.

 

The current officer-in-charge of the EastMinCom is Maj. Gen. Ronald Villanueva, also the commander of the 4th Infantry Division based in Cagayan de Oro City.

 

Lt. Col. Ezra Balagtey, the spokesperson of EastMinCom, said the tentative schedule for the change of command ceremony will be on Monday, Jan. 21, which will be officiated by AFP Chief of Staff Benjamin Madrigal Jr.

 

Santos is a member of the Philippine Military Academy “Sinagtala” Class of 1986 with his classmate, Lt. Gen. Macairog S. Alberto, the current Philippine Army Chief.

 

He has a Master’s Degree in Management. He is also a Scout Ranger, Field Artillery Officer, and an Intelligence Officer.

 

Santos is a seasoned combat officer who was honored with numerous awards which include the Gold Cross Medal for gallantry in action, Bronze Cross Medal, Distinguished Service Star, an Outstanding Achievement Medal, Military Merit Medals, Military Commendation Medals and numerous letters of commendations and appreciation from the military and civilian organizations.

 

https://www.facebook.com/notes/mindanao-times/santos-named-new-eastmincom-chief/2207874525900361/

Human rights worker tagged as NPA tax collector seized in Tagum City

From MindaNews (Jan 18): Human rights worker tagged as NPA tax collector seized in Tagum City

A worker of Karapatan in Mindanao was abducted by still unknown assailants on Wednesday morning, an official of the human rights group said on Thursday.

In a statement Karapatan secretary general Cristina Palabay identified the victim as Racquel Quintano, spokesperson of Kalumonan, an organization of kin of political prisoners in Southern Mindanao.

The military, however, said Quintano, an alleged New People’s Army (NPA) tax collector, voluntarily surrendered to Lt. Col. Esteveyn Ducusin, commander of the 71st Infantry Battalion based in Mawab, Compostela Valley.

Palabay said Quintano was waiting for a jeepney in Barangay Madaum, Tagum City in Davao del Norte when a black car stopped in front of her, dragged her inside and sped off.

She said Quintano’s whereabouts remain unknown despite efforts by a search team to locate her.

She blamed the incident on “State forces” and demanded Quintano’s return to her family.

“We know Racquel as a staunch rights advocate. She assisted two torture victims in the filing of their complaints at the Commission of Human Rights last year. She has worked tirelessly to seek accountability for the injustices done against the two victims, one of whom was a minor when the incident occurred,” Palabay said.

NPA tax collector?
But on Thursday, 1Lt Jhocell de Asis, spokesperson of the 71st IB said Quintano was a tax collector of the NPA’s Sub-regional Committee 2 in Southern Mindanao, and surrendered on Wednesday to Ducusin.

“Target of their extortion activities are businessmen, politicians, mining and logging (firms) and store owners wherein the collections are remitted to their higher command in the region,” De Asis said in a statement.

The 71st IB posted on Wednesday in its Facebook page an article on the alleged surrender of Quintano whom it initially identified as alias Fiona together with a supposed photo of hers with the face blurred.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2019/01/human-rights-worker-tagged-as-npa-tax-collector-seized-in-tagum-city/

Economic hardships fuel violent extremism – report

From MindaNews (Jan 18): Economic hardships fuel violent extremism – report

Unemployment and other economic difficulties are pushing Moro youth into joining extremist groups, a consolidated report based on visioning workshop sessions attended by various groups and sectors in the Bangsamoro said.



Visioning workshop for Sulu and Tawi-tawi delegates held in Zamboanga City on 5 November 2018. MindaNews file photo by BOBBY TIMONERA

The workshops, facilitated by the UNDP-backed Insider Mediators, aimed to come up with a unified vision for the emerging political entity that will replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao once the Bangsamoro Law is ratified in a plebiscite slated on January 21 and February 6.

The visioning workshops were held in November last year. The participants came from areas covered by the Bangsamoro and those outside the region with sizeable Moro populations.

“Even graduates who are unemployed would join extremist groups. Many MNLF (Moro National Liberation Front) combatants who were not integrated into the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police joined the extremists, too,” the report said.

The 1996 Final Peace Agreement between the Philippine government and MNLF provides for the integration of a certain number of former Moro rebels into the AFP and PNP.

The report said educating the youth will help prevent violent extremism.

“Education and employment are intertwined, as quality education is needed for employment,” it said.

In one of the workshop sessions, participants blamed a “misguided interpretation of Islam” as one factor contributing to the spread of violent extremism.

To address this, a group suggested that madaris must follow a unified curriculum on a single school of thought of Islam.

Another group of participants, however, pointed out that in other countries Muslims are following certain ethics on disagreement about how Islam should be interpreted.

“The processing of primary sources [about Islam] is problematic. Differences [in interpretation] will always be there, and it is positive. Diversity, not unity of knowledge about Islam, will help us,” they said.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2019/01/economic-hardships-fuel-violent-extremism-report/

Ex-NPA member now an active IP youth advocate in Caraga region

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 18): Ex-NPA member now an active IP youth advocate in Caraga region

 

In time with the conduct of the Regional Youth Leadership Summit held here, Roel “Datu Igtudan” Gano of the Manobo tribe based in Agusan del Sur shared how his life has changed when he surrendered to the government and experienced life in the mainstream society.

Datu Igdutan is one of the 13 members of the Mindanao Indigenous Peoples Youth Organization (MIPYO) who has been going around places to intensify their advocacy with other youths against the terrorist New People's Army (NPA) group.

Now that he enjoys living a life with his family free from causing harm to other people, Datu Igtudan said he is happy that he was able to see his tribesmen during meetings and other big events in the regional and national levels.

“Ang tinud-anay sa dihang ania nako sa gobyerno, nindot na akong kahimtang. kay ngano, makuyog nako ankong katribu, ma-invite nako kung naa mi meeting para makabalo pod sila. So dakong kalahian adtong tua ko sa bukid sauna ug karon nga naa ko sa MIPYO (The truth is, right after I surrendered to the government, I experienced good life and I was able to bring my tribesmen with me during meetings so they will also learn new things as well. Life in the mountain is very different compared with my life now with the MIPYO),” explained Datu Igtudan.

Datu Igtudan further stressed that the NPAs have long been abusive with the indigenous peoples.

The NPAs use them in their extortion activities, killing of innocent people and even in the conduct of senseless rallies on the streets, he said.

He added that he could not forget how he and his relatives suffered the ruthless acts of the NPAs and hoped that it will serve as a lesson to all the youths.

“Ang tan-aw nako nga matabang namo sa among grupo nga among agnihon ang ubang tribu kadto nakasulod ug wala pa kasulod sa NPA nga magbalik-loob sa gobyerno ug magminatarong ang uban nga wala pa kasulod sa NPA, ug manginabuhi og tarong (I think our organization could help by convincing other youths especially those who already joined the NPA to surrender to the government. While those who were not yet exposed to the ruthless acts of the NPAs, they should choose to live rightfully and peacefully),” said Datu Igtudan.

He also underlined that the implementation of Martial Law in Mindanao helps in securing the safety and protection of the people as security measures have been intensified thru the Philippine Army.
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1017170

Ex-rebels in NegOr receive financial aid

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 18): Ex-rebels in NegOr receive financial aid



DILG Provincial Director Dennis Quiñones (extreme left) announces the granting of P65K each to four rebel returnees during the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) yearend conference. (PIA/Negros Oriental)

The Negros Oriental Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) through the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has allocated P260,000 worth of financial assistance to four rebels who have surrendered in the municipalities of Mabinay and Zamboanguita.

DILG Provincial Director Dennis Quiñones said the rebel returnees were awarded the financial grants through the department’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

Quiñones said the former rebel beneficiaries were given immediate livelihood assistance worth P65,000 each to provide them with the necessary aid in their reintegration to the mainstream society where they belong.

Part of the financial aid distributed includes immediate assistance, livelihood assistance, and firearm remunerations.

The DILG official wish to attract more insurgents to surrender to the folds of the law this year.

Expected to have bigger budget allocation, Quiñones said they also "anticipate large influx of rebels to surrender that include the Kapatas and Militia ng Bayan to the expanded CLIP program.”

E-CLIP is the government’s program that responds to the circumstances, needs, and concerns of former rebels through the provision of assistance and seeks to consider their basic rights and situations as men and women.
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1017104

NPA ‘revolutionary tax’ collector yields in Davao

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 18): NPA ‘revolutionary tax’ collector yields in Davao

A member of the New People’s Army (NPA) who described herself as a "revolutionary tax collector", surrendered to the Philippine Army’s 71st Infantry Battalion (71IB) on Wednesday, five years after joining the organization.

Capt. Jerry Lamosao, Army 10th Infantry Division spokesperson, identified the surrenderer only as Fiona, 42, a resident of Maragusan town, Compostela Valley.

Fiona surrendered to the 71IB under Lt. Col. Esteveyn Ducusin based in Nueva Visayas, Mawab town.

Lamosao said on Thursday that Fiona figured in many extortion activities being the “revolutionary tax collector" of the NPA's Sub-Regional Committee (SRC) 2. She was also the former sub-section secretary and counsel of the Hugpong Mag-Uuma sa Walog Compostela.

According to him, Fiona revealed during a debriefing that the NPA targets businessmen, politicians, mining and logging firms, and even store owners in their extortion activities.

Fiona also described herself as an organizer of NPA-supported anti-government mass demonstrations and rallies throughout the Davao region.

Ducusin assured that Fiona will receive government assistance for NPA surrenderers to help her live a normal life and contribute to the government’s peace building efforts.

Lamosao said an increasing number of NPA regulars and members of the Sangay ng Partido sa Lokalidad have surrendered to the government.

NPA surrenderers this month include two NPA regulars, nine Militia ng Bayan members, and seven underground supporters. The rebel group, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1059293

Army slams NPA for torching civilian truck in Bukidnon

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 18): Army slams NPA for torching civilian truck in Bukidnon



At least 20 members of the New People’s Army (NPA) burned down a truck in Valencia City, Bukidnon at dawn on Friday, the military said.

Military and police reports said that after burning the truck in Barangay Lilingayon at about 3 a.m., the rebels robbed the driver and a civilian security escort of their cellular phones.

Police said charges will be filed against the rebels.

The military said the incident has been reported to the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) and International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) as proof of NPA violation of the International Humanitarian Law.

Col. Edgardo de Leon, commander of the 403rd Brigade, condemned the incident as nothing but an act of terror by the NPA, which is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States and the European Union.

"We strongly condemn the CPP (Communist Party of the Philippines) - NPA terrorists for its blatant disregard of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) despite signing an agreement to respect IHL," de Leon said.

"The NPA terrorists, with the guidance of their leaders, still continue to attack civilians and their properties," he added.

De Leon pointed out that under the provisions of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL), civilian population and civilians "shall be treated as such and shall be distinguished from combatants and, together with their property, shall not be the object of attack."

The Army official said attacks against civilians "only fuel our utmost desire to protect our people from these thugs. And in order to fully protect and do our mandate, we need the full cooperation of the public in ensuring that these NPA atrocities will be pre-empted."

Major Gen. Ronald Villanueva, commander of the 4th Infantry Division, also assailed the NPA's "wanton disrespect" for human rights.

"The NDFP that signed CARHRIHL representing the NPA must be made to explain why the NPA attacked a civilian-owned farm equipment," Villanueva said, referring to the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, the political wing of the NPA.

"What is the ‘direct participation’ of that farm equipment in the armed conflict between the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) and the NPA? The NDF and the NPA must provide a clear answer," he said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1059401

New Eastmincom chief to assume post next week

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 18): New Eastmincom chief to assume post next week



The newly-appointed Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) commander will assume his post next week.

Major Ezra Balagtey, Eastmincom spokesperson, said Friday Major Gen. Felimon Santos Jr., commander of the Philippine Army’s 7th Infantry Division based in Fort Ramon Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija, will assume his new post on Monday.

Santos was appointed this week by President Rodrigo R. Duterte upon the recommendation of Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana.

Balagtey said Santos is described as a "strategist who is not new to the situation in Mindanao."

“Santos is adept to the wide range of peace and security programs, having been assigned with the strategic offices of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) dealing with operations, intelligence and civil-military operations, he added.

He will replace Major Gen. Ronald Villanueva, who assumed in an acting capacity following the assumption of Gen. Benjamin Madrigal as the new Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff.

Santos once headed the 11th Intelligence Service Unit based in Davao City and subsequently became the group commander of the Army's Intelligence Service Group.

Santos also served the 39th Infantry Battalion, a unit deployed to various provinces in Mindanao; the 703rd Infantry Brigade in Central Luzon; battalion commander of the 63rd Infantry Battalion in Samar province; and as assistant division commander of 6th Infantry Division based in Maguindanao.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1059390

MILF lauds PRRD for 'siding with Bangsamoro'

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 18): MILF lauds PRRD for 'siding with Bangsamoro'

PEACE ASSEMBLY. President Rodrigo Duterte speaks before a peace gatheirng  for the raification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law in Cotabato City on Friday (Jan. 18), several days ahead of the scheduled Jan. 21 plebiscite for the proposed formation of the new Bangsamoro political entity. (Photo by PNA Cotabato)

COTABATO CITY -- The chief of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has commended President Rodrigo Duterte for making the dream of every Moro a reality with the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).

Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, chair of the MILF, was all praises for the President during the peace assembly for the ratification of Republic Act No. 11054 or the BOL at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex (SKCC), the provisional seat of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao here Friday afternoon.

“We have come (to) the finishing line of our struggle as we transition from revolution to governance,” Murad said, adding that if not for Duterte, their struggle for self-determination may have remained a dream.

“We notice that you are always on our side to see to it that the will of the people is heard,” he told the President.

“Siguro kung hindi kayo naging president, wala pa tayong BOL, wala pa tayong Bangsamoro government (Had you not become president, we have no BOL, we have no Bangsamoro government),” Murad said.

Addressing the crowd of about 500 inside the SKCC and more than 5,000 outside the venue but within the 10-hectare ARMM compound, Murad said, “Let me appeal to you. Let us give this BOL a chance because it will only come once. It may not come again if we won’t take it.”

Duterte has urged the Bangsamoro people and non-Muslims to vote for “yes” on Monday to ratify the BOL.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1059406

Intel ops necessary to maintain peace, order: PNP

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 17): Intel ops necessary to maintain peace, order: PNP

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday stressed the need for continuous gathering of intelligence information on members of left-leaning groups as part of efforts to preserve the country's internal security.

PNP spokesperson Chief Supt. Benigno Durana Jr. said this move does not violate any law and is in compliance with their mandate to protect the people against “enemies” of the state.

“The Philippine National Police is the national police force mandated with the duty to enforce the law and maintain peace and order as a function of government consistent with state policy declared in Article II Section 5 of the Constitution that “the maintenance of peace and order, the protection of life, liberty, and property, and the promotion of the general welfare are essential for the enjoyment by all the people of the blessings of democracy,” Durana told the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

“Gathering intelligence allows the state to distinguish genuine progressives from unrepentant communist terrorists out to overthrow a duly elected government through violent means; routinely extort, burn and loot assets of businesses that gave livelihood to peace-loving citizens of this country,” Durana stated.

He said the enemies of the state included the communist terrorist groups, particularly the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front (CPP-NDF) and its armed wing, the New People’s Army (NPA).

Durana said it was CPP founding chairman Jose Maria Sison himself who tagged Bayan, Gabriela, Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT), Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP), League of the Filipino Students (LFS) and Kilusang Mayo Uno (KMU) as allied groups of the communist movement.

He, however, explained that the Data Privacy Act of 2012, which could be the basis of the ACT’s petition, does not apply to “information necessary in order to carry out the functions of public authority which includes the processing of personal data for the performance by the independent, central monetary authority and law enforcement and regulatory agencies of their constitutionally and statutorily mandated functions.”

“The PNP recognizes ACT as a legitimate union of teachers in the Philippines established since 1982 for the purpose of protecting the rights of teachers. But they ceased to enjoy this recognition when the enemies of the state proclaimed ACT as one of their own-- as among the front organizations under its wings that work in support of the forces of the armed revolution,” Durana said.

On Thursday, ACT, represented by its National Chairperson Joselyn Martinez and Secretary-General Raymond Basilio, filed a petition against the PNP before the Court of Appeals over the supposed police surveillance of its members.

In a 40-page petition for prohibition, the group, through its lawyers from the National Union of People's Lawyers, asked the appellate court to hand down a temporary restraining order against the PNP's "profiling or procuring lists of teachers affiliated with petitioner (ACT)".

PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde, meanwhile, welcomed the group's move.

"Well that's good so that we can answer it in the proper forum. I think this is a way to know the truth and what our police officers are doing as well as the people who are involved. If the allegations are not true, let them prove it," the PNP chief told reporters on the sidelines of a forum organized by the Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1059217

Troops pre-deployed to secure BOL: AFP

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 18): Troops pre-deployed to secure BOL: AFP

Military efforts to secure the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) plebsicite are now complete with only minor adjustments to be done, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief Col. Noel Detoyato said Friday.

"Yes, troops securing the BOL plebiscite (are) already pre-deployed and only minor adjustments are being done by field commanders as 'D-Day' (election day) comes," Detoyato said when asked for updates on security preparations for the plebiscite.

While they have yet to detect any specific threats against the elections, Detoyato said that they are monitoring the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and other ISIS-inspired terror groups who might have plans to disrupt Monday's polls.

"Yes, we are monitoring and other troops are operating (to forestall possible disruption attempts by these groups)," he added.

The military is earmarking around 10,000 plus troops and support units to help secure the BOL plebiscite along with the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Jan. 21.

"Rest assured, the AFP together with the PNP and with the big help from OPAPP (Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process) the LGUs (local government units) and MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) leadership, the coming plebiscite will be conducted smoothly," Detoyato added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1059308

DILG, PNP welcome ACT case before CA

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 18): DILG, PNP welcome ACT case before CA

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday welcomed a case filed by a teachers' organization before the Court of Appeals (CA) against the PNP's alleged profiling of the group’s members.

Members of the Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) filed a petition for prohibition, citing alleged violations of their members’ right to association and right to assembly by PNP personnel.

The petitioners are asking the government for redress of grievances, freedom of expression, and their members' right to privacy.



"I wish to emphasize that the PNP has done nothing to violate any of the rights mentioned in the petition. In fact, allegations of a police crackdown on ACT is absolutely devoid of basis or evidence and is merely a propaganda ploy to earn precious media mileage ahead of the partylist elections in May," Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said in a news release.

Año noted that it is part of the mandate of law enforcers to gather intelligence on groups -- including the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its armed wing, the New People's Army (NPA) -- that want to wreak havoc on government institutions and the general public.

"We must be reminded that intelligence gathering is a task routinely done by law enforcement officers all over the world as part of their mandate and it was CPP founder Joma Sison himself who identified the front organizations of the CPP-NPA-NDF (National Democratic Front)," he said.

"With this, we maintain that, as stated by the Supreme Court in several of its decisions, that the right to privacy is not absolute and may nevertheless succumb to an overriding state interest deemed legitimate and compelling," he added.

Año said government law enforcement agencies will continue to do their duty to maintain peace and order and "to take all necessary steps to ensure public safety within the bounds of law."

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1059326

DND chief reiterates strong gov't support for BOL

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 18): DND chief reiterates strong gov't support for BOL

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Thursday reiterated the government's strong support for the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), which will pave the way for the creation of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

"We in the national government, most especially in your Department of National Defense (DND), fully support the BOL and the BARMM. For all we know, only unity and love of country can propel us to greater heights as one nation," Lorenzana said in his speech at the "BOL Meeting de Avance" at the Mindanao State University (MSU) campus municipality of Jolo, Sulu, which was forwarded to reporters in Manila.

Lorenzana noted that the measure will help the Bangsamoro people attain social justice, equality, peace and prosperity.

"Through the BARMM, the socio-economic potentials of Muslim Mindanao will be realized and strengthened. Our 1987 Philippine Constitution guarantees an equal opportunity for every Filipino," the defense chief added.

The BOL plebiscite is slated to be held on January 21.

"The ideal Mindanao we are all aspiring is now coming into a reality. Yes, our vision for the land of Mindanao is now gaining a very positive momentum. This is our national aspiration: A sustainable peace, enduring political stability and socio-economic advancement towards our dream for a world-class Philippines," he added.

Lorenzana also stressed that the "BOL Meeting de Avance" is a clear testament that the Bangsamoro People of Mindanao are lovers of peace and are all eager to contribute to national prosperity.

"Let me therefore state that with the eventual ratification of the BOL, the existing Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao or the ARMM will be supplanted by a better and bolder Bangsamoro (Autonomous) Region in Muslim Mindanao or BARMM. This is our dream, this is our national aspiration. Together we will succeed," he added.

President Rodrigo Duterte signed the BOL on July 27, 2018.

The law is part of his campaign promise to heed the Moro people’s clamor for genuine autonomy, saying the nation needs to address the “historical injustices committed against the Moro people” in Mindanao.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1059311

Chinese flotilla in Manila for 4-day goodwill visit

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 17, 2019): Chinese flotilla in Manila for 4-day goodwill visit

A Chinese naval task force consisting of two guided-missile frigates, Wu Hu (Hull 539) and Han Dan (Hull 579), and replenishment ship, Dong Ping Hu (Hull 960), arrived at Pier 15, South Harbor, Manila on Thursday for a goodwill visit that will last until Sunday.

At 10 a.m., Commodore Wilfredo F. Burgonio, Philippine Fleet deputy commander and representing Philippine Navy flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Robert A. Empedrad, accorded the Chinese flotilla a welcome ceremony followed by a port briefing related to health and security aboard the Wu Hu.

“We have elevated our relationship to one of comprehensive strategic cooperation, opening a new chapter for China-Philippine relationship. I believe that we come here with peace, friendship and a better vision of common development and shared prosperity,” Rear Admiral Xu Haihua, North Sea Fleet deputy chief-of-staff and naval task group commander said in his speech at the ceremony.

Meanwhile, Burgonio expressed hope that the arrival of their counterparts from the Chinese Navy underscored the continuing efforts to further strengthen the relationship between the two Navies.

This will further enhance and sustain the promotion of peace, stability, and maritime cooperation through naval diplomacy.

The visit aims to strengthen the relationship between the two navies. It will further enhance exchanges and mutual trust through naval diplomacy.

The event was also witnessed by members of the Filipino-Chinese community, who joined in welcoming the Chinese Navy contingent.

This is the second visit for the People’s Liberation Army Navy ships during the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.

The first visit took place in April 30, 2017 at Sasa Wharf in Davao City.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1059261