EXCLUSIVE//Police: Dutch hostage has joined Abu Sayyaf

From the Manila Times (May 17, 2019): EXCLUSIVE//Police: Dutch hostage has joined Abu Sayyaf

SULU: A Dutch hostage had joined the Abu Sayyaf seven years after he was kidnapped, along with a Swiss, in the southern province of Tawi-Tawi, a police official claimed.

Ewold Horn, 54, from Holland and Lorenzo Vinciguerra from Switzerland were abducted in February 2012 by Abu Sayyaf militants and suspected Moro National Liberation Front members in the coastal village of Parangan in Panglima Sugala town, Tawi-Tawi.

Vinciguerra escaped in 2014 after he allegedly killed one of his guards with a bolo.

Sulu police commander Pablo Labra said Horn had developed Stockholm syndrome, a condition where the captive starts feeling sympathetic toward his captors as a survival strategy. The term was coined in 1973, following a bank robbery in Stockholm, Sweden where the hostages defended the robbers and refused to testify in court.

“We received information that he has developed Stockholm syndrome and has been spotted carrying a weapon,” Labra told The Manila Times.

“We really don’t know if he has fought troops, but if he engages security forces and the lives of our troops are put in grave danger then we have no other recourse but to fight back,” he added.
Labra said police forces were continuing to search for Horn and captives and, at the same time, maintaining operations against the Abu Sayyaf.

Philippine authorities have blamed the Abu Sayyaf and Islamic State (IS) for suicide bombings that hit a cathedral in Sulu’s capital town of Jolo earlier this year.

The bombings occurred two years after hundreds of Abu Sayyaf and pro-IS militants and civilian supporters took over Marawi City in Lanao del Sur and were only forced out after a five-month siege.

https://www.manilatimes.net/police-dutch-hostage-has-joined-abu-sayyaf/556095/

Hundreds flee as soldiers intervene in Maguindanao conflict between vice-mayoral bets

From the Manila Bulletin (May 17, 2019): Hundreds flee as soldiers intervene in Maguindanao conflict between vice-mayoral bets

Hundreds of residents were forced to flee their homes in Talitay town of Maguindanao as Army troopers were sent to contain the conflict between two rival candidates for vice mayor.

Col. Gerry Besana, spokesman of the military’s Western Mindanao Command, said soldiers were able to confiscate explosive devices and high-powered firearms when they swept the suspected lairs of supporters of two warring politicians.



(WestMinCom / MANILA BULLETIN)

Besana said soldiers started arriving in some barangays of Talitay town after receiving reports of the firefight between the supporters of Montasir Sabal and Suraida Ameril, both vice mayoralty candidate of Talitay town.

The gun battle, he said, started on Wednesday.

The military operation was immediately launched to contain the escalation of conflict and protect the civilian community in the area, after a reported firefight between the private armed groups of the two vice-mayoralty candidates,” said Besana.

Hundreds of residents in the area were forced to evacuate to give way to the pacification effort of the Joint Task Force Central troopers,” he added.

Besana said the conflict was contained after the soldiers arrived.

“The operating troops intervened with the warring groups and conducted clearing operation to bring back normalcy in Barangay Bentan,” said Besana.

While scouring the area, he said troops were able to recover one M16 rifle, four M653 rifles, two M203 rifles, two M14 rifles, an M79 rifle, a Garand rifle, two Thomson, a Carbine, a homemade shotgun, a KG9 Luger, one 60mm mortar, a Baofing Radio, 15 pieces of large plastic drums (suspected to be anti-personnel mines), 12 PVC anti-personnel mine and four hand grenades.

“We recovered these war materiel which were hastily left along the route of withdrawal of the private armed groups. Our clearing operations continue to this time,” said Lieutenant Colonel Crizaldo A. Fernandez, Commanding Officer of the 90th Infantry Battalion.

He said the Third Explosive Ordnance Disposal of the Philippine Army are currently checking the plastic drums suspected to contain anti-personnel mine components and illegal substance for bomb making.

Fernandez said Army troopers have started escorting back the displaced residents as of Friday.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/05/17/hundreds-flee-as-soldiers-intervene-in-maguindanao-conflict-between-vice-mayoral-bets/

US PACAF commander concludes Philippine visit, reinforces commitment to AFP, PAF

From the Manila Bulletin (May 17, 2019): US PACAF commander concludes Philippine visit, reinforces commitment to AFP, PAF

United States Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) Commander Gen. Charles Q. Brown Jr. on Friday concluded his three-day visit to the Philippines, reinforcing their commitment to the bilateral ties with the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

Brown, who arrived on Wednesday in Manila, paid a call on Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Benjamin Madrigal, Jr. at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City where they had the opportunity to discuss increasing multilateral training opportunities between PACAF and the AFP.

“Our relationship with the Philippines is one of our most enduring relationships in the Indo-Pacific region,” said Brown. “It’s an honor to be here to be part of the friendship and cooperation between our two nations and our two air forces.”

From Camp Aguinaldo, Brown met with Lt. Gen. Rozzano D. Briguez, PAF commanding general at the Villamor Air Base where they participated in a wreath-laying ceremony at the Monument of the Fallen Airmen and discussed building partner capacity in the Philippines.

“Enhanced engagement between our people and our forces benefits the entire region, and is grounded in personal relationships established during visits such as these,” said Brown.

Brown also commended the vision laid out by the PAF in their Flight Plan 2028.

“We have the same vision of peace, security and friendship not just for today, but for tomorrow and the future ahead,” he said.

This is Brown’s first visit to the Philippines since taking command of PACAF, the air component command of Indo-Pacific Command.

In a statement issued by the US Embassy in Manila, it said the PACAF chief’s visit reinforces the US Air Force’s commitment to its bilateral relationship with the PAF.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/05/17/us-pacaf-commander-concludes-philippine-visit-reinforces-commitment-to-afp-paf/

US: South China Sea operations not meant to be provocative

From the Philippine Star (May 17, 2019): US: South China Sea operations not meant to be provocative

This photo taken on May 14, 2019, US coastguard ship Bertholf sails along the South China Sea, off Subic bay prior to a joint search and rescue with their Philippine counterpart, as cargo ships pass by. Two Philippine coastguard ships, BRP Batangas and Kalanggaman and US coastguard cutter Bertholf participated in the exercise, as two Chinese coastguard ships monitor from a distance.
AFP/Ted Aljibe

As the US Navy vows to maintain its presence in the South China Sea, its chief clarified that naval operations in the region are not meant to provoke any country.

China has been protesting US freedom of navigation operations in the South China Sea, the latest of which was when two US warships sailed near Gaven and Chigue reefs in the Spratly Islands last week.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry expressed "strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition" to the operation, claiming that the US ships entered without permission.

"The relevant actions of the US warships violated China's sovereignty and undermined peace, security and good order in the relevant sea areas," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said.

Adm. John Richardson, US Navy chief, clarified that these operations are "just normal" types of operations for them.

"Certainly not meant to be provocative in any sense. Just a normal advocacy for international law," Richardson said in a telephone briefing Thursday.

Richardson stressed that the US Navy's freedom of navigation operations in the South China Sea abide by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

These operations signify Washington's advocacy for a rules-based order brought together by the UNCLOS, the admiral added.

"The operations, we do a dozen or so of these throughout the world including contesting the excessive maritime claims of even our allies and partners," Richardson said.

As they have done so in the past 70 years, the US will continue to maintain its presence in the South China Sea, part of which is the West Philippine Sea.

"Our operations there have really not fluctuated much over those seven decades, including in recent times. And so we’ll consistently be present. We have a tremendous amount of national interest," the US Navy chief said.

As for China's expansion in the region, Richardson said Washington hopes Beijing would would abide by the rules-based order in their activities in the disputed waterway.

"We shouldn’t hesitate or be concerned about competition. Again, it’s a natural thing. But by abiding by the rules-based order, by being transparent in our activities and actions, whether it’s in the South China Sea, the Taiwan Straits, or around the world, this once again engenders consistency with those rules, engenders trust and confidence with other parts of the international system, and certainly minimizes the risk and vulnerability of some kind of a miscalculation which would be a setback for everybody involved," Richardson said.

Earlier this week, the US Navy chief also said he did not want maritime tensions with China to boil over.

Speaking at the sidelines of a security forum in Singapore, Richardson said the US will maintain communications with China to avoid any untoward incident.

https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2019/05/17/1918658/us-south-china-sea-operations-not-meant-be-provocative

US Navy Chief: US Hasn't Stepped up Sea Patrols to Confront China

From The Diplomat (May 17, 2019): US Navy Chief: US Hasn't Stepped up Sea Patrols to Confront China (By Annabelle Liang)

The U.S. says it has not stepped up maritime patrols to challenge China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea.

U.S. Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson delivers a speech during the International Maritime Security Conference on the sidelines of the International Maritime Defense Exhibition in Singapore, Wednesday, May 15, 2019.  Image Credit: AP Photo/Yong Teck Lim

A top U.S. admiral said Wednesday the Navy has not stepped up maritime patrols to challenge China’s sweeping territorial claims in the South China Sea but is maintaining a “consistent” presence in the disputed waters.

Chief of Naval Operations Admiral John Richardson, addressing an international security conference in Singapore, sought to reassure regional partners, some of whom have opposing claims in the waters but benefit from good relations with China on other fronts.

“I’ve done the analysis so that I can state with confidence that our level of operations, our presence there, has been consistent over the decades,” Richardson said. “There’s nothing that has spiked recently.”

The International Maritime Security Conference was attended by representatives from 33 navies, including 16 navy chiefs. A Chinese delegate was also present.

The U.S. Navy maneuvers in the South China Sea, so-called freedom of navigation operations, “are by design non-provocative, non-escalatory. They’re just challenging excessive maritime claims in a very consistent basis,” Richardson told the conference.

China has built military installations on seven man-made islands in the crucial waterways it claims on historical grounds. The other claimants, most notably the Philippines and Vietnam, have protested China’s behavior but they also maintain good relations with Beijing.

Richardson said “routine” freedom of navigation operations will proceed with transparency, consistency, and predictability.

They usually involve a U.S. vessel sailing within an island’s coastal waters without prior notification and draw sharp rebukes from China, which claims the South China Sea virtually in its entirety.

“This is not a zero-sum game. There is tremendous prosperity to be gained out there for all, and so we’ll strive to do so in a way that everyone can grow,” Richardson said.

Meanwhile, U.S. and Philippine coast guard ships conducted a joint exercise in the South China Sea.

Captain John Driscoll, commanding officer of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Bertholf, told reporters during a port call in Manila that two Chinese coast guard ships were spotted in the vicinity of the exercise.

China is building naval vessels at a rate outpacing its rivals, including the United States, and its missile destroyers and nuclear attack submarines are equipped with increasingly lethal weaponry. Its first domestically built aircraft carrier is set to enter service, with more believed to be in the works.

Richardson said China appears to be “early” in the process of constructing and operating aircraft carriers, but the United States is watching it “very closely.”

“I just have a great deal of respect for how fast things can happen when it comes to China,” he said.

He also pushed for strengthening partnerships with regional navies through exercises, information sharing, and cooperative agreements.

https://thediplomat.com/2019/05/us-navy-chief-us-hasnt-stepped-up-sea-patrols-to-confront-china/

US urges Southeast Asia to respond to China’s island fortification

From ABS-CBN (May 17, 2019): US urges Southeast Asia to respond to China’s island fortification

An aerial shot of Chinese-claimed reef Subi reef, from a Philippine airforce plane, as Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana along with some journalists visit the Philippine-claimed Thitu island just opposite Subi reef in Spratlys on April 21, 2017. A group of Filipino fishermen have accused China's coast guard of shooting at their vessel in disputed South China waters, Philippne authorities said April 21. Ted Aljibe, AFP
A senior United States Naval officer is encouraging Southeast Asian nations to determine its own response to China’s military expansion in the South China Sea.

Speaking during the Asia-Pacific Media Hub telephonic conference on Thursday, US Naval Operations chief Adm. John Richardson specifically called on Australian and Indonesian maritime forces to step up presence in the contested waterway.

“I think every nation’s going to have to assess their situation and take their own approach. But, at some point, navies are meant to get under way and be present to provide options to their leadership, and how they choose to do that is a matter of their national sovereign approach,” Richardson said from Tokyo, Japan where he was making a visit.

The Philippines has claims to the South China Sea and recently complained of Chinese incursions into its exclusive economic zone in the disputed sea. Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and Taiwan also have partial claims.

Indonesia claims sovereignty over a section of what it calls the North Natuna sea, and last year opened a small military base on an island there.

Australia has backed all nations having access to the strategic sea lane, through which nearly one third of global shipping passes annually.

"Where we can see opportunities to work together, exercise together, be present together — those, I think, are things that we are constantly looking for. We’ve got a robust relationship with both of those navies, so we’ll just continue to do that,” Richardson said.

"But I think one size does not fit all. One size doesn’t fit every part of the Pacific. There’s a lot of variability there. Neither does one approach fit for every nation in the Pacific. Everybody’s got to determine their own approach," he added.

Meanwhile, the four-star admiral hailed the Philippine Navy’s enthusiasm for modernization that has been said to be effective in intensifying maritime security.

“[Philippine Navy chied Vice Adm. Robert Empedrad] gave a presentation which highlighted the effectiveness of some of the patrols that have been going on, both in a multilateral context to the south, and then maybe looking to expand with a similar multilateral approach to the north. He was able to show with data that the undesired behavior in the maritime domain around the Philippines has gone dramatically down by virtue of these patrols, particularly the multinational patrols,” Richardson said.

For their part, Richardson assured that Washington will be consistent in its advocacy for rules-based order and challenge excessive maritime claims around the world that impinge on free and open seas.

“With respect to freedom of navigation operations, it’s important to understand that the United States Navy advocates doing these operations for freedom of navigation, open seas, consistent, abiding by UNCLOS. And we do these around the entire world. The operations, we do a dozen or so of these throughout the world including contesting the excessive maritime claims of even our allies and partners. And so this is part of the way that the United States continues to show a strong advocacy for a rules-based order that was brought together by UNCLOS, and it represents this balance and holistic agreement to govern the maritime commons,” he said.

UNCLOS refers to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, an international treaty that defines the rights and responsibilities of nations with respect to their use of the world’s oceans, establishing guidelines for businesses, the environment, and the management of marine natural resources. It is under the same convention that a Hague tribunal invalidated China’s nine-dash line claim over nearly all of South China Sea as it ramped up militarization and island-building activities in the waters.

Last week, two Washington warships — US guided-missile destroyers Preble and Chung Hoon — angered Beijing when it sailed within 12 nautical miles of some reefs being claimed by China in the Spratly Islands.

Richardson dismissed the Chinese Foreign Ministry’s “strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition."

"We’ll consistently be present," he said. "We have a tremendous amount of national interest. About a third of the world’s trade flows through the South China Sea. The United States is a maritime nation. We have great national interest in that body of water. So, we’ll consistently be there.”

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/17/19/us-urges-southeast-asia-to-respond-to-chinas-island-fortification

Misuari seeks Sandiganbayan nod for Saudi Arabia trip

From the Manila Bulletin (May 17, 2019): Misuari seeks Sandiganbayan nod for Saudi Arabia trip

Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chairman and former Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Governor Nur Misuari is asking the Sandiganbayan Third Division to allow him to travel to Saudi Arabia from May to June.



Former ARMM Gov. Nur Misuari arrives at Sandiganbayan to attend a hearing to request on travel grant for the 46th session of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation’s Council of Foreign Ministers happening in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (MARK BALMORES / MANILA BULLETIN)
In his amended motion to travel, Misuari said that his intended travel will be for the pilgrimage to the holy land of Mecca, where he will fast in the holy cities of Mecca and Medina, both in Saudi Arabia.

“That he is a devout Muslim, a political and religious leader looked upon by his people as a role model in observing the teachings of the Holy Quran and in observing the five pillars of Islam among them making a pilgrimage to the holy land of Mecca,” the motion read.

“That he is most desirous of further strengthening his faith by attending the holy activity which he considers to be obligatory,” it added.

Misuari is facing two graft and two malversation through falsification charges in relation to the reportedly anomalous purchase of different educational packages and materials from 2000 to 2001.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/05/17/misuari-seeks-sandiganbayan-nod-for-saudi-arabia-trip/

Bayan, Kontra-Daya slam red-tagging of party-lists under Makabayan coalition

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (May 17, 2019): Bayan, Kontra-Daya slam red-tagging of party-lists under Makabayan coalition

MANILA, Philippines — Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) and election watchdog Kontra-Daya denounced on Friday the alleged “state-sponsored” red-tagging of party-lists belonging to the Makabayan coalition.

The groups, which also slammed law enforcers for “electioneering,” claimed that it had affected their campaign for the May 13 polls.

In a protest in front of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) office in Quezon City, the groups said officers of the Philippine National Police (PNP) had distributed its official newsletters on Election Day tagging Bayan Muna party-list as “supporter” of the New People’s Army (NPA).

“In the past years, ‘red-tagging’ or ‘redbaiting’ has been proven dangerous,” said Mong Palatino, chairperson of Bayan’s Metro Manila chapter.

The groups likewise claimed that DILG Assistant Secretary Ricojudge Echiverri had linked the Makabayan coalition to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) through a social media post.

In an interview with INQUIRER.net, Echiverri admitted that he posted on social media “sentiments on how the Makabayan bloc party-lists failed in getting the votes which they enjoyed getting previously.”

“I did post on my Facebook [account] how we were successful in convincing our friends not to support the party-list whch the President asked us not to support because of their affiliation with the NPA,” he said.

Echiverri, however, said that it cannot be called electioneering because it was posted on May 15, two days after election day.

“It’s so easy to implicate. Ano’ yung na-violate (What was violated)? Tell me, if they think there is a violation, they are free to file complaints,” he added.

He said the protest was an attack to his freedom of expression, as he also explained that some comments on his now deleted post posed threats to his life.

As protesters shouted their allegations during the protest, ground personnel of the DILG played a two-minute video of a younger Jose Maria Sison, founder of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), supposedly revealing organizations from the coalition linked to the communist movement.

Protesters were irked as the loud sound of the video mixed with their voices.

“Ang bastos di ba (It’s rude, right)? Yung reaksyon ko diyan napakabastos naman, hindi naman namin sila ginaganyan (That’s very rude. We don’t do that to them),” said Gabriela Rep. Arlene Brosas in an interview with reporters.

Echiverri said he did not know who ordered the video to be played.

PNP chief Police General Oscar Albayalde, meanwhile, said the PNP remains non-partisan and apolitical and does not meddle with political activities.

The Makabayan bloc had earlier filed a complaint against officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines for allegedly tagging them as “house fronts” of the CPP, the NPA and the National Democratic Front in a Facebook post.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1120348/bayan-kontra-daya-slam-red-tagging-of-party-lists-under-makabayan-coalition

MILF: Editorial -- Be magnanimous in victory

Posted to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Website (May 17, 2019): Editorial -- Be magnanimous in victory

In the Philippines, elections for the members of Congress and local positions – except barangay officials – occur every second Monday of May every third year, and presidential and vice presidential elections occur every second Monday of May every sixth year. The terms of office of all elected officials, except those at the barangay level, start and end on June 30 of the election year.

That there will be winners and losers in elections is inevitable. For instance, regardless of the number of the candidates who vie for the respective positions, there are only twelve slots for senators for the whole country, one slot for provincial governors and vice governors for every province, one slot for mayors and vice mayors for each municipality or city and other pre-determined number of slots for other elective positions.

This being so, what must the winners do and so with the losers? The winners must strive hard to be true to their promises to the people during the campaign period. Anyway, no one runs for an elective position only for his or her own interest but to serve their constituencies.

For the losers, they must find some ways to let the people know and feel their presence by befriending them even before the start of the campaign period for the May 9, 2022 national and local elections.

The elected officials should bear in mind that their constituencies are not only those who voted for them last May 13 but even those who did not, provided that they are residents of their respective jurisdictions. Basic government services must be delivered to one and all.

Be magnanimous in victory.

As one Australian lawyer and writer once said:

“Violence isn’t a proper response to losing an election, and using the law to coerce one’s political enemies isn’t a proper response to winning one.”

http://www.luwaran.com/news/article/1797/be-magnanimous-in-victory

AFP-CRS: Colombian general shares people’s role in ending insurgency

Posted to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Civil Relations Service (AFP-CRS) Facebook page (May 17, 2019): Colombian general shares people’s role in ending insurgency

A former Colombian Armed Forces officer shared his country’s experience in defeating communist guerillas during a cross-learning seminar attended by Philippine Army senior officers, division and brigade commanders held at the Philippine Army Headquarters, on Wednesday, May 15, 2019.

Retired Major General Carlos Rojas of the Armed Forces for the Republic of Colombia discussed the role of the people in compelling the Revolutionary Armed Forces in Colombia (FARC) to surrender to the government and lay down their arms. He was accompanied by Dr. Alberto Lara of the Social Development Group and delegates from the Norwegian Center for Conflict Resolution during the seminar.

Rojas recounted that five million Colombians supported the military by going out to the streets clamoring for the end of violence.This mass movement against communist insurgency was a crucial element that prompted members of the FARC to finally come to an agreement with the government to reintegrate themselves back to society.

The Colombian government’s conflict with the FARC dates back to its formation in 1964. Known as the Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia, this Marxist-Leninist guerilla organization claims to fight for social equality and resist the influence of foreign governments in Colombia. It is a large rebel group that carried out violent attacks against the people, committed kidnap for ransom activities, and drug trafficking.

Out of many attempts, Colombia finally succeeded to resolve armed conflict through a negotiation with the FARC using a model that involved the military on the peace table. The negotiation between Colombia and FARC had three peace agenda – agrarian reform, political participation, and end of conflict. The Colombian delegates further stressed that inclusivity, accountability and sincerity must be present on both parties for a peace negotiation to work.

Among the three peace agenda, the military was focused on the end of conflict which consists of the demobilization, disarmament and the reintegration to the society of the former FARC members upon the signing of the peace deal in 2016.

Under the agreement, the military had 180 days to gather all weapons of former FARC rebels which were subsequently turned over to the United Nations to be destroyed. The rebels were then transferred in confinements and given military protection as they prepare for their reintegration to the society.

According to Rojas, three critical factors contributed to the defeat of communist insurgency namely the military’s overwhelming combat power, intelligence, and the fall of five out of seven FARC key leaders. Of the three, he emphasized that the use of a hundred Blackhawk helicopters to transport troops quickly in and out of battles provided them with a tactical advantage against the guerillas.

“As shown by the Colombian experience, the Philippine Army recognizes the importance of the people’s support in ending violence and the promotion of inclusive peace and development. If we can gain the same level of popular support in our country, then we can end this conflict once and for all. That is why we implore the active involvement of every Filipino in this pursuit for the sake of our children and the nation,” said the Army Chief Public Affairs, Lieutenant Colonel Ramon P. Zagala. | Philippine Army

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/posts/2469699146382128?__tn__=K-R

https://www.facebook.com/peace88.3fm/photos/pcb.2253088421425290/2253087554758710/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/peace88.3fm/photos/pcb.2253088421425290/2253087811425351/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/peace88.3fm/photos/pcb.2253088421425290/2253087958092003/?type=3&theater

https://www.facebook.com/CivilRelationsServiceAFP/?fref=photo

Kalinaw News: CPP-NPA atrocities against Indigenous Peoples reach UN

Posted to Kalinaw News (May 17, 2019): CPP-NPA atrocities against Indigenous Peoples reach UN



National Security Council Deputy Director General Vicente Agdamag (right) on Feb. 21 hands over to Ambassador Evan P. Garcia, Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations and other International Organizations in Geneva, the documents containing the official complaints of the different tribal communities represented by the Mindanao Indigenous People Council for Peace and Development pertaining to the 17 atrocities committed by the Communist Party of the Philippines – New Peoples Army – National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF). (PNA photo by Gigie Arcilla)

GENEVA, Switzerland – The National Security Council on Thursday handed over to Ambassador Evan P. Garcia, Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN) and other International Organizations in Geneva, the documents containing the official complaints of the different tribal communities.

In a simple ceremony held at the Philippine Mission office here, National Security Council Deputy Director General Vicente Agdamag gave Garcia the official documents from IP groups represented by the Mindanao Indigenous People Council for Peace and Development pertaining to 17 atrocities committed by the Communist Party of the Philippines-New Peoples’ Army (CPP-NPA) against the Indigenous Peoples.

“Thank you for these information. Rest assured that this will be properly handed over and move forward for the sake of our country and prosperity of our IPs,” Garcia said in his brief remark.

The submission of documentary evidence was in reference to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights’ Resolution 33/12 dated Sept. 29, 2016 which defines the mandate of the UN Special Rapporteur for Indigenous People.

“We humbly submit the official complaints of the different tribal communities represented by the Mindanao Indigenous Peoples Council for Peace and Development relative to the ongoing persecution of peace-loving IPs by the CPP-NPA-NDF and their front organizations like Rural Missionaries of the Philippines, Mindanao Interfaith Service Foundation, Incorporated, IBON Foundation and KARAPATAN,” said the letter dated Feb. 21, 2019, addressed to the UNHCHR.

“The 17 violations of tribal culture and tribal rights include: the recruitment of IP children to become child warriors; encroachment of tribal ancestral domain through the CPP schools without free and prior informed consent (FPIC); rape and molestation of IP children in these schools; trafficking of IP children by CPP allies; and the continuous killing of tribal leaders opposing the CPP-NPA programs in the ancestral domain,” the letter signed by Agdamag added.

The documents also include IP affidavits and resolutions.

First time

The NSC letter said “all the violations have been going on for years since the communist groups indigenized the revolution (communist) in the 1980s.

“It must be noted that the current UN Rapporteur Victoria Tauli-Corpuz seems to have never lifted a finger to intervene in these communist terrorist groups’ (CTGs) violations and has rather trained her attention to government forces who have been trying to defend the human rights of the IPs,” the letter said.

Tauli-Corpuz, a Filipina development consultant and an international indigenous activist of Kankana-ey Igorot ethnicity, assumed responsibilities as the third UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples on June 2, 2014.
Agdamag, in a separate interview, said this is the first time that the Philippine government submitted documentary evidence against the CTGs.

“It becomes very clear that the government is serious in ending the local communist armed conflict,” he added.

President Rodrigo R. Duterte, on December 4, 2018, signed Executive Order No. 70, which also institutionalizes a “whole-of-nation approach” in attaining an “inclusive and sustainable peace, creating a National Task Force to end local communist armed conflict, and directing the adoption of a National Peace Framework. “

“There is a need to create a national task force that will provide an efficient mechanism and structure for the implementation of the whole-of-nation approach to aid in the realization of the collective aspiration of the Filipino people to attain inclusive and sustainable peace,” the order read.

Philippine News Agency
Sec. Jose Ruperto Martin Andanar
Presidential Communications Office (PCO)
Visayas Avenue Quezon City, Philippines
pna.govph@yahoo.com
http://www.pna.gov.ph

https://www.kalinawnews.com/cpp-npa-atrocities-against-indigenous-peoples-reach-un/

Rebel with explosive nabbed in Escalante

From the Visayan Daily Star (May 17, 2019): Rebel with explosive nabbed in Escalante

An alleged member of the New People’s Army was arrested yesterday by Army soldiers in Purok Bagong Buhay, Brgy. Balintawak, Escalante City, Negros Occidental.

Nabbed was Rem Lanie Pintor, 49, of the place.

The arrest of Pintor by Army soldiers yielded a rifle grenade. He was immediately turned over by soldiers to the Escalante City Police Station for detention.

The apprehension of Pintor came in the wake of ongoing pursuit operations against fleeing NPA rebels encountered on Wednesday by 79th Infantry Battalion soldiers in Brgy. Minautok, Calatrava.

But Brig. Gen. Benedict Arevalo, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, said yesterday that the arrest of Pintor was made, as his troops were following two women, who came from the encounter site in Calatrava.

The pursuit of the two women, who were riding in two motorcycles, ended at the residence of Pintor in Brgy. Balintawak, Escalante City, that led to his arrest for illegal possession of explosives, Arevalo said.

But he added that the two women they had been following were nowhere to be found, following the arrest of Pintor.

Three soldiers were slightly injured in the latest gunbattle in Calatrava, the third encounter initiated by the 79th Infantry Battalion since January that left three rebels killed, and the recovery of two high-powered firearms.

Arevalo said that the group of NPA rebels encountered by 79IB troopers alleged to be supporting a candidate in Calatrava, were mobilized against another candidate.

The Roselyn Jean Pelle Command, meanwhile issued a statement of giving honors to Ka Julie and Ka Zero, who died during a raid initiated by the 79IB in Brgy. Marcelo, Calatrava on April 17.

Rebel spokesperson Cecil Estrella, however, debunked military claims that a certain Sulpicio Hernan, who also died in the raid, was among their members, insisting that he was a civilian.

Meanwhile, two persons were arrested by the police at a checkpoint on Tuesday in Sitio Polopangyan, Brgy. Bug-ang, Toboso, Negros Occidental.

Nabbed were Ronnie Panday, 31, of Brgy. Makiling, Sagay City, and Aljune Navarro, 20, of Brgy. Minapasok, Calatrava.

Recovered by the police from the Fuzo Canter, where the two suspects were riding, were a 9mm caliber pistol and three magazines containing 47 live ammunition.

Panday and Navarro are now locked up in jail.


http://www.visayandailystar.com/2019/May/17/topstory9.htm

U.S. to continue West PH Sea patrols despite China's disapproval

From Rappler (May 16, 2019): U.S. to continue West PH Sea patrols despite China's disapproval

'We'll consistently be present,' says United States Navy chief Admiral John Richardson



ON PATROL. The guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) on June 26, 2017. U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Joshua Mortensen/Released

MANILA, Philippines – The United States will continue sailing in the South China Sea despite the opposition of China, US Navy chief Admiral John Richardson said on Thursday, May 16.

Speaking to reporters in a teleconference from Tokyo, Japan, Richardson said their fleets’ freedom of navigation will continue despite opposition from China.

“The United States Navy has been consistently present in the South China Sea for 70 years. Our operations there have really not fluctuated much over those 7 decades, including in recent times. And so we'll consistently be present. We have [a] tremendous amount of national interest,” Richardson said.

This comes after the US Navy was slammed by the Chinese government for sailing in May close to Gaven and Chigua reefs in the Spratly Islands, which Beijing calls Nansha.

China also rebuked the US in February after it sent two ships through the Taiwan Strait. The pass-by was seen by China as a breach of its sovereignty. The US, however, disputed this, saying they were simply sailing through international waters.

Richardson stressed that the operations are all consistent with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. It’s under the same convention that a Hague tribunal ruled in 2016 that China’s excessive claims in the South China Sea were illegal.

“We do this around the entire world, and the operations a dozen or so of these throughout the world, including contesting the excessive maritime claims of even our allies and partners,” Richardson added.

In early May too, navies from the Philippines, United States, India, and Japan flexed their muscles in the disputed South China Sea after coming together for the ASEAN-Plus Defense Ministers' Meeting Maritime Security Field Training Exercise. (IN PHOTOS: PH, U.S., Japan, India flex muscles in South China Sea)

Rest assured, Richardson said, the operations were not intended to be “provocative” to the Chinese in any way. As the US Navy and Filipino fishermen have seen, however, Chinese sea forces are easily provoked.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/230814-us-navy-to-continue-west-philippine-sea-patrols-despite-china-disapproval

U.S. Pacific Air Forces chief visits Philippines to boost ties

From Rappler (May 17, 2019): U.S. Pacific Air Forces chief visits Philippines to boost ties

'We’re finding ways to better integrate and to better train together,' says US Pacific Forces commander General Charles Brown Jr

CHIEFS. US Pacific Air Forces commander General Charles Brown Jr meets with Philippine Air Force chief Lieutenant General Rozzan Briguez in Manila on May 16, 2019. Photo courtesy of the US Embassy - Manila

MANILA, Philippines – US Pacific Air Forces commander General Charles Brown Jr is in the Philippines for several engagements with his counterparts, a signal of firm ties between the two militaries amidst geopolitical shifts in the region.

"It's important that we continue to work together. It's part of the reason I'm here in the Philippines for this visit," Brown said in a roundtable with select journalists on Thursday, May 16.

"We’re finding ways to better integrate and to better train together," he added.

Brown met with Philippine military chief General Benjamin Madrigal Jr and Philippine Air Force chief Lieutenant General Rozzano Briguez on Thursday. He was also scheduled to visit air bases in Clark and Basa in Pampanga on Friday, May 17.

The two militaries bound by a Mutual Defense Treaty hold regular exercises to improve interoperability between commanders and among troops. President Rodrigo Duterte, who pursued warmer ties with China despite a maritime dispute over the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), threatened at the beginning of his presidency to cut ties with the US.

The Philippine military scrapped a few exercises with the US then, but the decades-long ties prevailed even as the Philippines also initiated engagements with the Chinese military.



CAMP AGUINALDO VISIT. US Pacific Air Forces commander General Charles Brown Jr paid a visit to Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff General Benjamin Madrigal Jr on May 16, 2019. Photo courtesy of the US Embassy - Manila

More exercises for 2019

In 2019, concerns about the strength of the Philippines-US alliance under Duterte have ebbed. The two militaries even increased engagements this year with a total of 281 bilateral activities, including 60 engagements involving the Philippine Air Force and the Pacific Air Forces. There were a total of 251 engagements in 2018.

In January, the two air forces held a major exercise, the Bilateral Air Continent Exchange-Philippines (BACE-P) where the Pacific Air Forces flew in its F-16 fighter jets for drills with the FA-50 fighter trainer jets of the Philippine Air Force. (ANALYSIS: Despite rhetoric, US military gains forward base in PH)

"One of the requests of the Philippines is to bring fighter aircraft there because the Philippines is looking to rebuild its fighter air force capablity," said Brown.

They also hold regular airman-to-airman talks or subject matter expert exchanges, where counterparts visit each other in the Philippines or the headquarters of the Indo-Pacific Command in Hawaii.

Brown said the US is also committed to assist the Philippines in response to natural disasters.

"In the time that I’ve been here, I noticed a number of typhoons, earthquakes, and tsunamis that impact the region. I think the key aspect is we take our capabilities to respond very quickly where it can take sometimes take days and weeks to get to.... We can do those in hours so that to me is important," Brown said.
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Brown assumed as the commander of the Pacific Air Forces in July 2018. –

https://www.rappler.com/nation/230861-us-pacific-air-forces-chief-brown-visits-philippines-may-2019

Peace 911 to mark anniversary

From the Mindanao Times (May 16, 2019): Peace 911 to mark anniversary

The City Peace 911 will celebrate its first anniversary this coming May 25 with a theme “From Terrorism to Tourism” in Barangay Malabog, Paquibato District.

Meanwhile, in the last City Peace and Order Council (CPOC) meeting, a motion was passed creating the City Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, as mandated by the national task force.

Brig. Gen. Ernesto Torres Jr., the deputy commander of Eastern Mindanao, told reporters yesterday during the AFP-PNP press briefing that the Peace 911 is an effective mechanism to address the insurgency problem.

“As a move of city mayor, she instructed the legal officer to study the EO so that we can, through the council, already establish the city task force,” he said. “With this, we are looking forward to a more closer coordination to the launching of a more focused program to address the problem of insurgency.”

The principles and mechanisms of Peace 911 were used as a model in implementing the Executive Order 70 or the Whole of Nation Approach in Attaining Inclusive and Sustainable Peace.

The EO reframes and refocuses government policy by recognizing that insurgencies and other armed conflicts are not only military and security concerns, but are symptomatic of broader social, economic and historical problems.

The Peace 911 will mark its anniversary with a program conducted in Barangay Malabog, Paquibato.

“Everybody would be there to really put an end and to bring in lasting peace in Davao City,” he said.

He also said by next month, the city task force to end insurgency should already be in place.

The National Task Force to End National Conflict was created by EO 70. The task force should also be created at regional level, provincial, municipality, and city level. The Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police are a member of the task force.

Torres said the role of the AFP is to defeat the New People’s Army while other agencies, such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the National Economic Development Authority, will bring in basic services to improve the lives of the communities.

http://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2019/05/16/peace-911-to-mark-anniversary/

NPA rebels, supporters surrender in Bukidnon

From the Mindanao Times (May 17, 2019): NPA rebels, supporters surrender in Bukidnon

Forty-three NPA members and supporters surrendered to the 8th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Poblacion, Impasugong in Bukidnon on Wednesday, May 15.

Lt. Col. Ron Illana, the commander of 8th IB, attributed the surrenders to the efforts of the community support teams that have been engaging communities and helping bringing basic services to far-flung villages.

On March 19 this year, Illana said the unit immersed its community support teams in Barangay Kibalabag, Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, a geographically isolated heavily influenced by the NPA.

He said after series of dialogues, the residents understood the unit’s mission.

Then on May 15, around 43 individuals decided to surrender through the community support teams. They are composed of one regular NPA fighter, eight Militia ng Bayan members, and 34 supporters.

For the past years, they have been directly helping the Guerilla Front 89, particularly Sentro de Grabidad, operating in Malaybalay City in Bukidnon.

Illana commended the soldiers for helping convince the NPA members and supporters into surrendering.

“I am encouraging all teams immersed in other isolated areas to do the best they can for the people to understand the Army now,” he said.

“I thank also the NPA supporters who chose the right path by approaching our Army teams. This marks a new life with the government. No NPA affectation in our barangay will lead to development so I’m again calling those NPA members and supporters to approach your Army. They are there to help you get closer to our government,” he added.

http://mindanaotimes.com.ph/2019/05/17/npa-rebels-supporters-surrender-in-bukidnon/

High-powered guns, explosives seized in Maguindanao

From MindaNews (May 17, 2019): High-powered guns, explosives seized in Maguindanao

DATU ANGGAL MIDTIMBANG, Maguindanao (MindaNews/17 May) – Government troops seized Friday several high-powered firearms and explosives from two groups who were engaged in a gunfight starting Tuesday over the results of the election in Talitay, Maguindanao.

Lt. Col. Crisaldo Fernandez, commander of the 90th Infantry Battalion covering Talitay town, said his unit moved to pacify the two warring groups.

Fernandez said his troops made it appear that they had left but returned early morning on Friday to the surprise of one of the armed groups, which fled the area, some on bancas, leaving their armaments behind.

Firearms and explosives seized from armed men reportedly backed by politicians in Talitay, Maguindanao are shown to reporters at the 90th Infantry Battalion headquarters in Datu Anggal Midtimbang, Maguindanao on Friday, 17 May 2019. MindaNews photo by FERDINANDH B. CABRERA

Among the seized firearms were five M-16 rifles, four M-653 rifles, three Garand rifles, four M-203 grenade launchers, one shotgun, one carbine rifle, one KG-9 automatic rifle, two Thompson rifles, two RPG launchers, and a caliber 50 sniper rifle.

The explosives included assorted mortars and four hand grenades.

Ammunition for various firearms were also seized.

The military added they recovered illegal drugs paraphernalia, election campaign T-Shirts and bandoliers.

Maj. Arvin Encinas, spokesperson of the 6th Infantry Division, said the clash started in Sitio Sultan, Barangay Kilalan in Talitay on Tuesday and spread to the nearby village of Bentan, forcing some civilians to flee.

Encinas said the groups involved were men of the brothers Abdulwahab and Montasir Sabal, who both won as mayor and vice mayor of Talitay, respectively, and those of Sedik Ameril, former assemblyman of the abolished Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

The Sabals’ group of armed men was reportedly led by a certain “Kalbo” while that of Ameril was led by Mike Sitti.

Montasir, the elder brother, was the elected mayor in 2016 while Abdulwahab was his vice mayor. But both brothers went into hiding when they were included in the narco list.

Abdulwahab later resurfaced and cleared his name, and thus succeeded his brother on the vacated mayoral post.

Ameril was also in the narco list, the reason why he is also in hiding.

Encinas said that what apparently triggered the feud is rooted on an unfulfilled agreement between Abdulwahab and Sedik.

Both parties, he said, agreed that to establish a harmonious relationship between them, Abdulwahab must junk Montasir so Ameril’s sister Suraida would win in the vice mayoral race in Talitay.

Encinas said that based on information they gathered in their investigation, the Sabal brothers dumped Suraida in the last minute. Abdulwahab thus backed his elder brother despite the funds contributed by Sedik to the younger Sabal’s campaign.

Montasir garnered 2,350 votes in the vice mayoral race, while Suraida Ameril was only in third place with 1,537 votes.

Col. Wilbur Mamawag, commander of the Army’s 603rd Brigade said they were looking for more firearms.

Joint Task Force Central commander, Major General Cirilito Sobejana commended the joint efforts of his troops and local government units which enabled the the displaced residents to return to their homes.

https://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2019/05/high-powered-guns-explosives-seized-in-maguindanao/

Rebel returnees in Iloilo get E-CLIP aid

From the Philippine News Agency (May 17, 2019): Rebel returnees in Iloilo get E-CLIP aid

NPA SURRENDER. A former member of the New People's Army (NPA) (left) shakes hand with Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor, Sr. as he receives financial assistance under the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program. Seven former rebels alongside their surrendered war materiel were presented to the governor on Friday (May 17, 2019). (PNA photo by Gail Momblan)

Seven rebels in Iloilo province who have returned to the fold, received financial assistance under the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) on Friday.

Teodora Sumagaysay, director of the provincial office of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), said six of the seven returnees were members of the New People’s Army (NPA) and one was a member of the Militia ng Bayan (MB).

They hailed from the towns of Lambunao, Calinog, Bingawan, Igbaras, and Barotac Viejo, Sumagaysay said.

She said the E-CLIP also grants government assistance to the MBs, who are supporters or force multipliers of the rebels.

The rebel returnees received PHP65,000 each -- PHP15, 000 in immediate assistance and PHP50,000 in livelihood assistance.

“Our Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office monitors the returnees to ensure that the financial assistance given to them are being used for the ntended purpose,” Sumagaysay said in an interview Friday.

Rebel returnees who availed of the E-CLIP have submitted their business plans, she said, noting that most returnees venture into livestock raising.

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Joel Benedict Batara, commander of the 16th Infantry Battalion (IB) of the Philippine Army (PA), said the surrender of the seven is the result of the community support program conducted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

“This is a victory, not only for the Philippine Army but also for the people of Panay because we see that this activity is a manifestation that the dying bogus organization, New People’s Army, is only good in making false promises.

Their members are slowly being enlightened,” Batara said in an interview.

He noted that among the war materiel surrendered by the former rebels were a US Rifle caliber .30 M1 Springfield (garand), clips and bandolier, homemade 12-gauge shotgun, caliber 357 revolver, caliber .38 revolver, and grenade.

“We have turned them (firearms) over to the local government and they will be turned over to the Philippine National Police,” Batara said, adding the E-CLIP committee will determine ways to dispose of the firearms.

Although he was unable to cite a figure, Batara said there will be a next batch of returnees, particularly from the northern municipalities of Iloilo, whose surrender is being processed.

Sumagaysay and Batara both encouraged other rebels to return to the government.

“The government does not stop thinking of programs that will benefit them (rebels). There are a lot of programs in store for them,” Sumagaysay said.

The rebel returnees and the surrendered firearms were presented to the E-CLIP chairman in the province.

The NPA, which has been engaged in a five-decade armed struggle, is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1070090

Army Signal Regiment vows more reforms

From the Philippine News Agency (May 17, 2019): Army Signal Regiment vows more reforms

The Army Signal Regiment (ASR) celebrated its 8th founding anniversary on Wednesday and pledged to further strengthen its organization with the institutionalization of new doctrines and the acquisition of new equipment.

Strengthening the organization will be through the conduct of combat training of its troops, pursuing the modernization program to acquire the latest information and communications technology (ICT), and developing leaders and training personnel to ensure that the regiment has the right man for the right job, said Philippine Army (PA) spokesperson Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, in a statement forwarded Thursday.

Also, the unit is aiming to institutionalize the Army Signal Doctrine in collaboration with the PA Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff for Command and Control Systems.

The ASR is the Army's sole provider of signal support and services and aims to provide one network for the PA through its various transformation initiatives.

Zagala said all these transformation efforts will ensure that the ASR is equipped with the right technology and facilities as well as skilled personnel ready to perform the mandate of the regiment.

Present during its eighth founding anniversary ceremonies was PA chief, Lt. Gen. Macairog Alberto.

The ASR's theme for this year's celebration is “ASR@8: Transforming the Army Signal Regiment to provide One Network to the Philippine Army.”

“Your accomplishments will continue to enable stronger Army, particularly in cyber operations capability with the establishment of the Cyber Security Operations Center and Cyber Laboratory and the activation of the Network Enterprise Battalion," Alberto said.

The regiment also acquired several ICT facilities and established networks and databases being maintained at secured locations that operate on a 24/7 basis.

The PA recognizes the vital role of the ASR and fully supports its transformation endeavors that greatly contributes to the Command's journey to be a world class Army by 2028.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1070060

People's support vital in defeating insurgency

From the Philippine News Agency (May 17, 2019): People's support vital in defeating insurgency

People's support is essential in defeating communist guerillas, a former Colombian Armed Forces officer told his Philippine Army (PA) counterparts Wednesday.

Retired Major Gen. Carlos Rojas made this statement during a cross-learning seminar held in PA headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City, which was attended by senior officers, division and brigade commanders, said Army spokesperson Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala in statement Thursday.

In the seminar, Rojas recounted that five million Colombians supported the military by going out to the streets clamoring for the end of violence.

This mass movement against communist insurgency was a crucial element that prompted members of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), a large Marxist-Leninist guerilla organization claiming to fight for social equality and resist the influence of foreign governments in Colombia, to finally come to an agreement with the government to reintegrate themselves back to society.

The Colombian government’s conflict with the FARC dates back to its formation in 1964.

Out of many attempts, Colombia finally succeeded to resolve armed conflict through a negotiation with the FARC using a model that involved the military on the peace table.

The negotiation between Colombia and FARC had three peace agenda – agrarian reform, political participation, and end of conflict.

The Colombian delegates further stressed that inclusivity, accountability and sincerity must be present on both parties for a peace negotiation to work.

In its three-point peace agenda, the Colombian military was focused on the end of conflict which consists of the demobilization, disarmament and the reintegration to society of the former FARC members upon the signing of the peace deal in 2016.

Under the agreement, the military had 180 days to gather all weapons of former FARC rebels which were subsequently turned over to the United Nations to be destroyed.

The rebels were then transferred in confinements and given military protection as they prepare for their reintegration to the society.

According to Rojas, three critical factors contributed to the defeat of communist insurgency, namely, the military’s overwhelming combat power, intelligence, and the fall of five out of seven FARC key leaders.

Of the three, he emphasized that the use of 100 Blackhawk helicopters to transport troops quickly in and out of battles provided them with a tactical advantage against the guerillas.

“As shown by the Colombian experience, the PA recognizes the importance of the people’s support in ending violence and the promotion of inclusive peace and development. If we can gain the same level of popular support in our country, then we can end this conflict once and for all. That is why we implore the active involvement of every Filipino in this pursuit for the sake of our children and the nation,” Zagala said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1070063

Japanese destroyer arrives in SBMA for goodwill visit

From the Philippine News Agency (May 17, 2019): Japanese destroyer arrives in SBMA for goodwill visit

The three-day goodwill visit of the JS Samidare (DD-106), a Murasame-class destroyer, will further beef up ties between the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) and the Philippine Navy (PN).

"The goodwill visit aims to strengthen the relationship between the PN and JMSDF. It targets to further enhance and sustain the promotion of peace, stability, and maritime cooperation of the two countries through naval diplomacy and camaraderie," PN spokesperson, Captain Jonathan Zata, said in a statement Friday.

Zata said the Japanese ship berthed on Alava Wharf, SBMA, Olongapo City Friday morning.

The naval vessel, which is carrying two SH-60 patrol helicopters and 200 officers and enlisted personnel, will stay in Olongapo until Sunday.

The JMSDF contingent is led by the Commander of Escort Division Four, Captain Takahiro Nishiyama. In his speech, he stated that the purpose of their visit is to deepen cooperative relationship with the Philippine Navy (PN) through various exchanges and interactions.

“I believe that this visit will make a great contribution to further strengthen relations between our two countries,” Nishiyama added.

Meanwhile, the welcoming PN delegation was headed by Captain Jose B. Petilla Jr., representative of the Navy flag-officer-in-command, Vice Admiral Robert A. Empedrad. The visit is the first for JS Samidare in the Philippines and the second for the visit of the JMSDF this year and the eighth since 2016.

Similar to their previous visits, there will be a scheduled courtesy call to the head of Naval Education, Training and Doctrine Command; pre-coordination meetings; reciprocal reception; and shipboard tour.

A send-off ceremony with customary Passing Exercise (PASSEX) will cap off the JS Samidare's visit.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1070103

DND chief discharged after brief hospitalization

From the Philippine News Agency (May 17, 2019): DND chief discharged after brief hospitalization



Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana was discharged from the Veterans Memorial Medical Center early Friday where he was confined after suffering from stress and eye troubles.

"Hi everyone, I was released earlier today (Friday). Except for some issues that go with advancing age such as elevated cholesterol, sugar, BP(blood pressure), I was given a clean bill of health. Thanks for your concern. I am now in my office catching up with paper works," he said in a message to reporters.

Lorenzana earlier denied rumors claiming that he was hospitalized due to cardiac arrest Wednesday night.

"No I did not. Just a routine executive check up after came here at the Veterans Hospital for some eye problem. They are doing a series of tests. While here they did a full check up. Stress related daw," he told the Philippine News Agency when asked regarding his medical status.

He was also advised by doctors not to push himself too hard with work.

The 70-year-old Lorenzana was supposed to attend a disaster risk reduction conference in Geneva, Switzerland last Monday but this was shelved due his hospitalization.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1070125