From GMA News (May 28): PHL neglected its territories in West PHL sea - national security analyst
Vietnam has surpassed the Philippines in the number of structures built on islands in the West Philippine Sea, where the Philippines has territorial disputes with neighboring countries, according to a national security analyst.
The “structure gap” supports the assertion made by Rommel Banlaoi, head of think tank Philippine Institute for Peace, Violence and Terrorism Research's Center for Intelligence and National Security Studies, that the country has neglected its territories in the West Philippine Sea.
"While others have fortified their facilities, we remained modest in our facility development. We also have to develop our same type of deterrent capability," he said in a GMA 7 "24 Oras" report by Maki Pulido.
Vietnam has the most number of establishments in the area with 21 buildings, followed by the Philippines with nine, China with seven, Malaysia with five and Taiwan with one.
Vietnam has no less than three buildings in Pugad Island, while it has built wind mills and solar panels in Namyit Island, which is part of the disputed Spratlys Islands, Banlaoi said. The Vietnamese have also built three-story buildings in Collin Reef, Petley Reef and West London Reef, while it has a satellite dish in Pigeon Reef.
Meanwhile, Taiwan has a concrete runway in Itu Aba Island, while Malaysia has built a helipad in Ardashia Reef.
An earlier report by Pulido said that the Philippines only has huts in the disputed area, where the Navy takes shelter.
"Nung panahon ni Marcos, walang ginawa ang navy natin kundi magpasabog ng magpasabog ng mga structures 'dun. After 1986... naging abala tayo sa ating internal politics... nakalimutan natin 'yan," Banlaoi added in the report.
Lt. Commander Gregory Pavic of the Philippine Navy refused to comment, saying that it was the Department of Foreign Affairs which has a say on the matter.
DFA spokesperson Raul Hernandez meanwhile said they would issue a statement on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson Brig. Gen. Domingo Tutaan said Banlaoi is entitled to his opinion.
He, however, countered that the AFP has not neglected the area. "His opinion is not what we're doing... We have monitored the developments there, that's why there's a protest filed before the United Nations body, so we can have a peaceful ending to this issue," Tutaan told GMA News Online in a phone interview.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/310307/news/nation/phl-neglected-its-territories-in-west-phl-sea-national-security-analyst
Monday, May 27, 2013
NPA rebel surrenders due to lack of food
From the Sun Star-Cagayan de Oro (May 26): NPA rebel surrenders due to lack of food
HUNGER and lack of communication with his family prompted a member of the New People’s Army (NPA) to lay down his arms and yield to the government on Saturday.
Major Leo Bongosia, spokesperson of the Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry Division (4ID) based at Camp Edilberto Evangelista in Cagayan de Oro City, said Celestino Cadavido Jr., 20, single, a resident of Rosario, Agusan del Sur, has given himself up to the government due to grave reasons.
“Mi-ambak siya (Cadavido) for reasons of lack of food and lack of communication with his family. He was even deprived of cash...and was tired of running away from authorities,” Bongosia said.
Bongosia said some rebels have sensed “impossible leadership” of the communist group and have “sensed na nag-binotbot ug nag-binakak sa ila ang kalihukan (they sensed they were being deceived and lied to by the movement).”
Bongosia even said no military officers or other groups encouraged Cadavido to yield but it was his own decision.
“No one incited him to surrender. But his decision to end his misery prompted him to lay down his arms and struggle. In short, mi-ambak sa iyang kaugalingong kabubuot-on (He left the movement at his own will),” he added.
30 rebel returnees
Bongosia said the number of NPA members who yielded has reached 30 for 2013 alone. Cadavido is the 30th NPA rebel to lay down his arms.
“Government initiatives are on process. They opted to live with their families than live a life that is on the run,” he said when asked on what help the government can offer to former rebels.
The 4ID belied claims of the NPA that there are 27 soldiers killed from May 3 to 11 in separate clashes in Northern Mindanao and Caraga regions.
As of April 26, the army tallied eight high-powered and eight low-powered firearms recovered from 26 government-initiated encounters.
In two separate encounters in Surigao del Norte and Bukidnon, two government forces died, four NPA rebels were killed, and four former rebels in Agusan del Sur surrendered with firearms.
Together with the firearms recovered are ammunitions such as 825 rounds for M16; 670 rounds for M14; 1,531 rounds for AK47; 90 rounds for Carbine; 15 rounds for Cal. 45, and 10 hand grenades, Bongosia said.
But since January this year, Bongosia added, the 4ID listed 20 high-powered firearms and 22 low-powered-firearms recovered, 11 NPA rebels killed, and 29 insurgents have surrendered.
He said the armed forces owed this success to the soldiers of 4ID and the relentless combat operations in maintaining peace and security in the region especially in the recently concluded May elections.
With “Oplan Bayanihan” (the counterinsurgency program of President Benigno Aquino III), the 4ID has its door opened for those who want to surrender their arms, leave the struggle, and live peacefully with their families and friends without fear and intimidation, Bongosia added.
The 4ID, he said, vows to maintain its security operations for the rest of the election period until June 13.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/local-news/2013/05/26/npa-rebel-surrenders-due-lack-food-284333
HUNGER and lack of communication with his family prompted a member of the New People’s Army (NPA) to lay down his arms and yield to the government on Saturday.
Major Leo Bongosia, spokesperson of the Philippine Army’s 4th Infantry Division (4ID) based at Camp Edilberto Evangelista in Cagayan de Oro City, said Celestino Cadavido Jr., 20, single, a resident of Rosario, Agusan del Sur, has given himself up to the government due to grave reasons.
“Mi-ambak siya (Cadavido) for reasons of lack of food and lack of communication with his family. He was even deprived of cash...and was tired of running away from authorities,” Bongosia said.
Bongosia said some rebels have sensed “impossible leadership” of the communist group and have “sensed na nag-binotbot ug nag-binakak sa ila ang kalihukan (they sensed they were being deceived and lied to by the movement).”
Bongosia even said no military officers or other groups encouraged Cadavido to yield but it was his own decision.
“No one incited him to surrender. But his decision to end his misery prompted him to lay down his arms and struggle. In short, mi-ambak sa iyang kaugalingong kabubuot-on (He left the movement at his own will),” he added.
30 rebel returnees
Bongosia said the number of NPA members who yielded has reached 30 for 2013 alone. Cadavido is the 30th NPA rebel to lay down his arms.
“Government initiatives are on process. They opted to live with their families than live a life that is on the run,” he said when asked on what help the government can offer to former rebels.
The 4ID belied claims of the NPA that there are 27 soldiers killed from May 3 to 11 in separate clashes in Northern Mindanao and Caraga regions.
As of April 26, the army tallied eight high-powered and eight low-powered firearms recovered from 26 government-initiated encounters.
In two separate encounters in Surigao del Norte and Bukidnon, two government forces died, four NPA rebels were killed, and four former rebels in Agusan del Sur surrendered with firearms.
Together with the firearms recovered are ammunitions such as 825 rounds for M16; 670 rounds for M14; 1,531 rounds for AK47; 90 rounds for Carbine; 15 rounds for Cal. 45, and 10 hand grenades, Bongosia said.
But since January this year, Bongosia added, the 4ID listed 20 high-powered firearms and 22 low-powered-firearms recovered, 11 NPA rebels killed, and 29 insurgents have surrendered.
He said the armed forces owed this success to the soldiers of 4ID and the relentless combat operations in maintaining peace and security in the region especially in the recently concluded May elections.
With “Oplan Bayanihan” (the counterinsurgency program of President Benigno Aquino III), the 4ID has its door opened for those who want to surrender their arms, leave the struggle, and live peacefully with their families and friends without fear and intimidation, Bongosia added.
The 4ID, he said, vows to maintain its security operations for the rest of the election period until June 13.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/local-news/2013/05/26/npa-rebel-surrenders-due-lack-food-284333
OPAPP signs MOA with Cordillera civil society groups for transparency in projects implementation in CAR
From the Philippine Information Agency (May 27): OPAPP signs MOA with Cordillera civil society groups for transparency in projects implementation in CAR
The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) has signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with civil society groups here on May 24 to improve governance and monitoring of government’s peace and development projects and programs in the Cordillera.
The MOA signing initiated the setting-up of Monitoring, Evaluation and Transparency (MET) mechanism by the OPAPP, represented by Undersecretary Marie Cleofe Gettie Sandoval, and partner civil society groups Concerned Citizens of Abra for Good Governance, Peoples Organization for Social Transformation Development Network, Inc. of Apayao, Philippine Association of Social Workers, Inc. of Ifugao, International Association for Transformation of Kalinga; and CSO Ebgan, Inc. of Mountain Province.
The signing was witnessed by Cordillera Bodong Administration (CBA) President Marcelina Bahatan, Police Regional Office Cordillera Regional Director Chief Superintendent Benjamin Magalong, Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Director Marilyn Sta. Catalina, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Assistant Regional Director Jonathan Leusen, and National Commission on Indigenous Peoples Regional Director Sancho Boquing.
Sandoval said in a statement that the MET mechanism shows the commitment of both the government and the CBA - Cordillera People’s Liberation Army (CPLA) to the principles of transparency and accountability in implementing the peace process MOA they forged in 2011.
“The MET will utilize collaborative approaches and engage the public in promoting an atmosphere of constructive and productive dialogue and mutual cooperation in the monitoring and implementation of the peace and development projects and program under the 2011 GPH-CBA-CPLA MOA,” Sandoval said.
With the said MOA now on its second year of implementation, Sandoval said that peace and development projects and programs are on track, in line with the transformation of the CBA-CPLA into a potent socio-economic organization.
Sandoval also said that program and project implementations are done through the different regional line agencies such as infrastructure projects through the DILG, livelihood programs through DSWD, scholarships through the Commission on Higher Education, farm-to-market roads through the DA, Philhealth for health insurance coverage, among others.
Sandoval added that by the end of this year they are optimistic that all programs and projects are already in place.
OPAPP is set to present their accomplishment report by July for the second year anniversary of the MOA.
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=61369369512
The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) has signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with civil society groups here on May 24 to improve governance and monitoring of government’s peace and development projects and programs in the Cordillera.
The MOA signing initiated the setting-up of Monitoring, Evaluation and Transparency (MET) mechanism by the OPAPP, represented by Undersecretary Marie Cleofe Gettie Sandoval, and partner civil society groups Concerned Citizens of Abra for Good Governance, Peoples Organization for Social Transformation Development Network, Inc. of Apayao, Philippine Association of Social Workers, Inc. of Ifugao, International Association for Transformation of Kalinga; and CSO Ebgan, Inc. of Mountain Province.
The signing was witnessed by Cordillera Bodong Administration (CBA) President Marcelina Bahatan, Police Regional Office Cordillera Regional Director Chief Superintendent Benjamin Magalong, Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Director Marilyn Sta. Catalina, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Assistant Regional Director Jonathan Leusen, and National Commission on Indigenous Peoples Regional Director Sancho Boquing.
Sandoval said in a statement that the MET mechanism shows the commitment of both the government and the CBA - Cordillera People’s Liberation Army (CPLA) to the principles of transparency and accountability in implementing the peace process MOA they forged in 2011.
“The MET will utilize collaborative approaches and engage the public in promoting an atmosphere of constructive and productive dialogue and mutual cooperation in the monitoring and implementation of the peace and development projects and program under the 2011 GPH-CBA-CPLA MOA,” Sandoval said.
With the said MOA now on its second year of implementation, Sandoval said that peace and development projects and programs are on track, in line with the transformation of the CBA-CPLA into a potent socio-economic organization.
Sandoval also said that program and project implementations are done through the different regional line agencies such as infrastructure projects through the DILG, livelihood programs through DSWD, scholarships through the Commission on Higher Education, farm-to-market roads through the DA, Philhealth for health insurance coverage, among others.
Sandoval added that by the end of this year they are optimistic that all programs and projects are already in place.
OPAPP is set to present their accomplishment report by July for the second year anniversary of the MOA.
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=61369369512
NPA rebels seize 6 persons involved in logging for not paying 'taxes'
From InterAksyon (May 27): NPA rebels seize 6 persons involved in logging for not paying 'taxes'
New People’s Army rebels abducted six people involved in the logging business in Purok 8, Barangay Naboc, Monkayo, Compostela Valley, for not paying them the so-called “revolutionary tax”
Senior Supt. Camilo Cascolan, the provincial police director, said the victims--Lino Armada, 62; his wife Frescielita, and their companions Joel Lingaya, 30; Raymund Gumpan, 21; a certain Beninido, 43, and one Jason Arata, all of Barangay Poblacion, Monkayo—were taken “at around 1 p.m. on May 24 at an NPA checkpoint. The victims were on board a Delica van when blocked by armed rebels.”
The rebels, however, released Frescielita after two hours, and she relayed the incident to the police.
Cascolan said the Armada couple was involved in falcata lumber buying.
He quoted Frescielita as saying “the rebels want them to pay monthly taxes considering they are involved in the logging business.”
He said negotiations for the release of the five captives are ongoing.
The incident, said officials, has also exposed the logging activities in the province despite President Bengino Aquino III’s Executive Order 23, which imposes a total log ban in the country.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/62691/npa-rebels-seize-6-persons-involved-in-logging-for-not-paying-taxes
New People’s Army rebels abducted six people involved in the logging business in Purok 8, Barangay Naboc, Monkayo, Compostela Valley, for not paying them the so-called “revolutionary tax”
Senior Supt. Camilo Cascolan, the provincial police director, said the victims--Lino Armada, 62; his wife Frescielita, and their companions Joel Lingaya, 30; Raymund Gumpan, 21; a certain Beninido, 43, and one Jason Arata, all of Barangay Poblacion, Monkayo—were taken “at around 1 p.m. on May 24 at an NPA checkpoint. The victims were on board a Delica van when blocked by armed rebels.”
The rebels, however, released Frescielita after two hours, and she relayed the incident to the police.
Cascolan said the Armada couple was involved in falcata lumber buying.
He quoted Frescielita as saying “the rebels want them to pay monthly taxes considering they are involved in the logging business.”
He said negotiations for the release of the five captives are ongoing.
The incident, said officials, has also exposed the logging activities in the province despite President Bengino Aquino III’s Executive Order 23, which imposes a total log ban in the country.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/62691/npa-rebels-seize-6-persons-involved-in-logging-for-not-paying-taxes
Ex-NPA rebel rewarded for returning firearms in Negros
From the Philippine News Agency (May 27): Ex-NPA rebel rewarded for returning firearms in Negros
A former squad leader and political instructor of the New People’s Army’s Southwest Front Committee in Negros Occidental got rewards for returning four loose firearms to Philippine Army on Monday.
303rd Infantry Brigade Commander Col. Jon Aying handed over P110,000 remuneration to 39-year-old rebel returnee Elizaldy Martisano during the turning-over ceremony held at the Social Hall of Negros Occidental Provincial Capitol.
Martisano, also known as “Ka Nonoy or Bong”, formally surrendered last April 9 at 8:30 pm to army troops stationed at Sitio Payab-on, Barangay Asia, Hinoba-an town in Negros Occidental.
The surrender materialized only after a series of thorough negotiations.
Martisano, who served the notorious NPA group for seven years, returned with him four Colt M16 rifle with one short magazine loaded with 18 rounds of live ammunition and three Mossberg 12-gauge shotguns with 23 rounds of live ammunition.
The firearms remuneration he got was part of Armed Forces of the Philippines’ “Guns for Peace Program” aimed at encouraging NPA rebels to peacefully return to the fold of the law and laid down their arms.
During his speech, Martisano thanked the 303rd Infantry Brigade for helping him and his family.
He also recalled the days when his wife and children suffered from hunger while he was in the mountain embracing the communist’s idealism.
But his struggle ended in 2010 when he realized that the group he was with could only bring him in peril.
“I’m very disappointed of the fact that NPAs could bring genuine land reform in reality. All were just empty promises (sic),” he said in Hiligaynon.
His decision to surrender was also strengthened when he realized that their high ranking leaders only cared for themselves and not to the group’s real “cause”.
The AFP’s “Guns for Peace Program” has served as the gateway for NPA rebels to surrender and live a normal live.
Meanwhile, Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. thanked Martisano as well as other rebel returnees for their brave and wise decision to return to the mainstream society.
To date, Marañon disclosed that there were 89 rebel returnees who benefited from the AFP’s program.
As re-elected governor, Marañon assured to help the ex-rebel’s family prosper through the province’s livelihood and education scholarship programs.
“I assure you that your children and your children’s children will be educated and employed so you will no longer live in poverty,” Marañon told Martisano.
Marañon also urged other NPA rebels to surrender since armed struggle was no longer relevant today. If there is war we should win, that is war against poverty, according to the governor.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=528206
A former squad leader and political instructor of the New People’s Army’s Southwest Front Committee in Negros Occidental got rewards for returning four loose firearms to Philippine Army on Monday.
303rd Infantry Brigade Commander Col. Jon Aying handed over P110,000 remuneration to 39-year-old rebel returnee Elizaldy Martisano during the turning-over ceremony held at the Social Hall of Negros Occidental Provincial Capitol.
Martisano, also known as “Ka Nonoy or Bong”, formally surrendered last April 9 at 8:30 pm to army troops stationed at Sitio Payab-on, Barangay Asia, Hinoba-an town in Negros Occidental.
The surrender materialized only after a series of thorough negotiations.
Martisano, who served the notorious NPA group for seven years, returned with him four Colt M16 rifle with one short magazine loaded with 18 rounds of live ammunition and three Mossberg 12-gauge shotguns with 23 rounds of live ammunition.
The firearms remuneration he got was part of Armed Forces of the Philippines’ “Guns for Peace Program” aimed at encouraging NPA rebels to peacefully return to the fold of the law and laid down their arms.
During his speech, Martisano thanked the 303rd Infantry Brigade for helping him and his family.
He also recalled the days when his wife and children suffered from hunger while he was in the mountain embracing the communist’s idealism.
But his struggle ended in 2010 when he realized that the group he was with could only bring him in peril.
“I’m very disappointed of the fact that NPAs could bring genuine land reform in reality. All were just empty promises (sic),” he said in Hiligaynon.
His decision to surrender was also strengthened when he realized that their high ranking leaders only cared for themselves and not to the group’s real “cause”.
The AFP’s “Guns for Peace Program” has served as the gateway for NPA rebels to surrender and live a normal live.
Meanwhile, Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. thanked Martisano as well as other rebel returnees for their brave and wise decision to return to the mainstream society.
To date, Marañon disclosed that there were 89 rebel returnees who benefited from the AFP’s program.
As re-elected governor, Marañon assured to help the ex-rebel’s family prosper through the province’s livelihood and education scholarship programs.
“I assure you that your children and your children’s children will be educated and employed so you will no longer live in poverty,” Marañon told Martisano.
Marañon also urged other NPA rebels to surrender since armed struggle was no longer relevant today. If there is war we should win, that is war against poverty, according to the governor.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=528206
Army renews call for NPAs to return to folds of law
From the Philippine News Agency (May 27): Army renews call for NPAs to return to folds of law
The Philippine Army on Monday appealed anew to members of New People’s Army (NPA) in Negros Occidental to end its four decades of continuing armed struggle.
303rd Infantry Brigade Commander, Col. Jon Aying, said they will be very happy to welcome and help the rebels live a decent life through the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) “Gun for Peace Program.”
The program provides avenues for the peaceful return of armed rebels to the mainstream society.
It also provides firearms remuneration to rebel returnees. The general valuation cost of turned-in firearms are about P2,000 for "paltik" (home-made) revolver, P10,000 for vintage firearm, P50,000 for rifle, and as much as P150,000 for sub-machine guns.
In general, Aying said the Gun for Peace Program will recover loose firearms in the hands of lawless elements.
“We aim to recall all these guns responsible for the lawlessness, misery and sufferings of those many people affected by the violent behaviors of the bearers of these loose guns. Thus, the AFP promotes the recovery of these instruments of violence through the ‘Guns for Peace’ program,” he said.
To truly win the peace in the province, Aying said they will secure communities from lawlessness and disasters, and mainstream affected communities towards nation-building.”
The brigade’s lawyer, Leon Moya, disclosed they are eyeing to forge an alliance with the Philippine National Bank (PNB) to come up with livelihood programs and disperse land for rebel returnees.
For his part, Romeo Baldevarona of Commission on Human Rights (CHR) inBacolod City
“We always want peace for we already experienced the worst form of violence in the province in the past (sic),” Baldevarona said referring to numerous cases of suspected extra-judicial killings in northernNegros .
Acting Police Provincial Director, Senior Supt. Ricardo de la Paz, also assured of their full support in achieving the goals of its “Gun for Peace Program”.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=528238
The Philippine Army on Monday appealed anew to members of New People’s Army (NPA) in Negros Occidental to end its four decades of continuing armed struggle.
303rd Infantry Brigade Commander, Col. Jon Aying, said they will be very happy to welcome and help the rebels live a decent life through the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) “Gun for Peace Program.”
The program provides avenues for the peaceful return of armed rebels to the mainstream society.
It also provides firearms remuneration to rebel returnees. The general valuation cost of turned-in firearms are about P2,000 for "paltik" (home-made) revolver, P10,000 for vintage firearm, P50,000 for rifle, and as much as P150,000 for sub-machine guns.
In general, Aying said the Gun for Peace Program will recover loose firearms in the hands of lawless elements.
“We aim to recall all these guns responsible for the lawlessness, misery and sufferings of those many people affected by the violent behaviors of the bearers of these loose guns. Thus, the AFP promotes the recovery of these instruments of violence through the ‘Guns for Peace’ program,” he said.
To truly win the peace in the province, Aying said they will secure communities from lawlessness and disasters, and mainstream affected communities towards nation-building.”
The brigade’s lawyer, Leon Moya, disclosed they are eyeing to forge an alliance with the Philippine National Bank (PNB) to come up with livelihood programs and disperse land for rebel returnees.
For his part, Romeo Baldevarona of Commission on Human Rights (CHR) in
“We always want peace for we already experienced the worst form of violence in the province in the past (sic),” Baldevarona said referring to numerous cases of suspected extra-judicial killings in northern
Acting Police Provincial Director, Senior Supt. Ricardo de la Paz, also assured of their full support in achieving the goals of its “Gun for Peace Program”.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=528238
Army, NCIP link up to prevent recruitment of IPs by NPA
From the Philippine News Agency (May 27): Army, NCIP link up to prevent recruitment of IPs by NPA
The Philippine Army (PA) is now linking up with the National Commission for Indigenous People (NCIP) to prevent the New People’s Army (NPA) from exploiting the Indigenous Peoples (IP) situated in the hinterlands of centralLeyte .
Col. Rafael C. Valencia, commander of the 802nd Brigade of the 8th Infantry Division (8ID) of the Philippine Army (PA) said that around three-fourths of the strength of NPA inLeyte , mostly in
far-flung areas of Albuera and Burauen, are IPs.
Valencia said that their
linking up with the NCIP is still part of their "bayanihan", although
it needs more efforts because the agency has no regional office in Eastern Visayas .
Last January, the NCIP had facilitated the surrender of an IP tribe member-turned-rebel with the help of the Provincial Social Welfare Office (PSWDO).
Today, Monday, another IP received the final tranche of the P50,000 payment relative to the firearms remuneration of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) under its Guns for Peace program.
Meanwhile,Valencia
disclosed that the strength of the NPA has already dwindled since the
declaration of Leyte as a conflict-manageable
area and the local integration program of the province has been implemented.
He added that with their efforts now, they look forward to “bringing down the level of threat” inLeyte before the end
of the year.
He said that they also continue to work together with other national government agencies (NGAs) to refute the claim of the rebel organizers that they are being deprived of government services.
“As we all know, the government has plenty of programs and projects for our less fortunate brothers,”Valencia
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=528269
The Philippine Army (PA) is now linking up with the National Commission for Indigenous People (NCIP) to prevent the New People’s Army (NPA) from exploiting the Indigenous Peoples (IP) situated in the hinterlands of central
Col. Rafael C. Valencia, commander of the 802nd Brigade of the 8th Infantry Division (8ID) of the Philippine Army (PA) said that around three-fourths of the strength of NPA in
Last January, the NCIP had facilitated the surrender of an IP tribe member-turned-rebel with the help of the Provincial Social Welfare Office (PSWDO).
Today, Monday, another IP received the final tranche of the P50,000 payment relative to the firearms remuneration of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) under its Guns for Peace program.
Meanwhile,
He added that with their efforts now, they look forward to “bringing down the level of threat” in
He said that they also continue to work together with other national government agencies (NGAs) to refute the claim of the rebel organizers that they are being deprived of government services.
“As we all know, the government has plenty of programs and projects for our less fortunate brothers,”
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=528269
AFP releases last tranche of firearms remuneration to 2 rebel returnees in Leyte
From the Philippine News Agency (May 27): AFP releases last tranche of firearms remuneration to 2 rebel returnees in Leyte
BURAUEN, Leyte - Two rebel returnees fromLeyte Monday
received their last tranche of the P50,000 firearms remuneration under the Guns
for Peace program of the Armed Forces.
The two, whose names were withheld for security reasons, surrendered one M16 rifle each.
Each received P30,000 and family gift packs in Monday's ceremony at the headquarters of the 78th Infantry Battalion in Brgy. Abuyogan this town.
Col. Rafael C. Valencia, commander of the 802nd Brigade of the 8th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army said that an initial P20, 000 was already released to each of the two ex-rebels upon their surrender.
They are also entitled to a P35, 000 assistance each from the provincial government ofLeyte .
The province allots P10,000 for basic immediate assistance and P25,000 for firearms surrendered that returnees could use to start a livelihood project.
Valencia
Valencia
He added that they could still talk peacefully in order to respond to any concerns that they would like to be addressed.
On the other hand, Gwendolyn Malate of theLeyte
provincial social welfare and development office expressed hope that the
intention of returnees for returning into the fold of law is not just to avail
of the assistance.
She stressed that the government “is sincere in helping former rebels.”
Malate explained that aside from the assistance provided to them by the AFP, OPAPP and the provincial government, they could still avail of other poverty alleviation programs of the government depending on their needed.
Among others she mentioned of counseling and even scholarship program from the national government for those who would like to continue with their studies.
She likewise lauded the provincial government for being supportive of the PSWDO, especially when it comes to provision of assistance to former rebels.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=528320
BURAUEN, Leyte - Two rebel returnees from
The two, whose names were withheld for security reasons, surrendered one M16 rifle each.
Each received P30,000 and family gift packs in Monday's ceremony at the headquarters of the 78th Infantry Battalion in Brgy. Abuyogan this town.
Col. Rafael C. Valencia, commander of the 802nd Brigade of the 8th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army said that an initial P20, 000 was already released to each of the two ex-rebels upon their surrender.
They are also entitled to a P35, 000 assistance each from the provincial government of
The province allots P10,000 for basic immediate assistance and P25,000 for firearms surrendered that returnees could use to start a livelihood project.
He added that they could still talk peacefully in order to respond to any concerns that they would like to be addressed.
On the other hand, Gwendolyn Malate of the
She stressed that the government “is sincere in helping former rebels.”
Malate explained that aside from the assistance provided to them by the AFP, OPAPP and the provincial government, they could still avail of other poverty alleviation programs of the government depending on their needed.
Among others she mentioned of counseling and even scholarship program from the national government for those who would like to continue with their studies.
She likewise lauded the provincial government for being supportive of the PSWDO, especially when it comes to provision of assistance to former rebels.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=528320
US gov't to launch projects in support of Mindanao’s peace and stability
From the Philippine News Agency (May 27): US gov't to launch projects in support of Mindanao’s peace and stability
US Ambassador Harry Thomas and United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission Director Gloria Steele are launching three new USAID projects here inMindanao .
In a statement Monday, the USAID-funded Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) said the projects are designed to strengthen local government units, improve youth access to education, and enhance the delivery of vital health services across conflict-affected areas ofMindanao .
The three new projects are scheduled to be launched by the two officials on Wednesday.
The projects to be launched as the following: Enhancing Governance, Accountability and Engagement (ENGAGE); Mindanao Youth for Development (MYDev); and, Integrated Maternal, Neonatal, Child Health and Nutrition/Family Planning Regional Project inMindanao (MindanaoHealth).
ENGAGE is a five-year project that seeks to address governance challenges that lead to continued social and economic instabilities and marginalization, and to promote community empowerment as a foundation for inclusive local governance.
MYDev is a five-year project that seeks to strengthen the capacity of local government units, communities, and stakeholders to deliver education and training services to out-of-school youth.
The MYDev project hopes to increase youth access to education through the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Alternative Learning System (ALS), and enhance out-of-school youth (OSY) employability by providing equitable access to relevant education and skills training.
MindanaoHealth is also five-year project that aims to strengthen the delivery of health services in conflict-affected areas ofMindanao .
It will support the Department of Health-led scale up of high-impact services and patient-centered information to improve maternal, neonatal, child health and nutrition outcomes, and to reduce the unmet need for family planning methods, especially among the lowest wealth quintiles.
Mindanao Health will work in 19 provinces, two cities, and 366 municipalities to accelerate progress toward the Millennium Development Goals (MDG).
High-ranking Philippine government officials, international development institutions, non-government organizations, the academe and the private sector are expected to participate in the launching of the three projects.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=528329
US Ambassador Harry Thomas and United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission Director Gloria Steele are launching three new USAID projects here in
In a statement Monday, the USAID-funded Growth with Equity in Mindanao (GEM) said the projects are designed to strengthen local government units, improve youth access to education, and enhance the delivery of vital health services across conflict-affected areas of
The three new projects are scheduled to be launched by the two officials on Wednesday.
The projects to be launched as the following: Enhancing Governance, Accountability and Engagement (ENGAGE); Mindanao Youth for Development (MYDev); and, Integrated Maternal, Neonatal, Child Health and Nutrition/Family Planning Regional Project in
ENGAGE is a five-year project that seeks to address governance challenges that lead to continued social and economic instabilities and marginalization, and to promote community empowerment as a foundation for inclusive local governance.
MYDev is a five-year project that seeks to strengthen the capacity of local government units, communities, and stakeholders to deliver education and training services to out-of-school youth.
The MYDev project hopes to increase youth access to education through the Department of Education’s (DepEd) Alternative Learning System (ALS), and enhance out-of-school youth (OSY) employability by providing equitable access to relevant education and skills training.
MindanaoHealth is also five-year project that aims to strengthen the delivery of health services in conflict-affected areas of
It will support the Department of Health-led scale up of high-impact services and patient-centered information to improve maternal, neonatal, child health and nutrition outcomes, and to reduce the unmet need for family planning methods, especially among the lowest wealth quintiles.
Mindanao Health will work in 19 provinces, two cities, and 366 municipalities to accelerate progress toward the Millennium Development Goals (MDG).
High-ranking Philippine government officials, international development institutions, non-government organizations, the academe and the private sector are expected to participate in the launching of the three projects.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=528329
Military probes deadly Sulu clash for 'operational miscalculation'
From GMA News (May 27): Military probes deadly Sulu clash for 'operational miscalculation'
The deaths of seven Marines including an officer in an encounter with the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu over the weekend may have been a result of “operational miscalculation,” prompting the military to conduct an internal investigation.
"We are trying to find out what went wrong," Armed Forces public affairs office chief Maj. Ramon Zagala told GMA News Online by phone Monday. "There may have been operational miscalculation."
He said "a marine operation officer has been sent to investigate the incident."
Last Saturday's clash in Patikul town dealt a severe blow to the government campaign against the Abu Sayyaf, a loosely organized group of Islamic fundamentalists that the military said has significantly weakened following the deaths and arrests of some of its top leaders.
Zagala said the recent clash was a "chance meeting encounter" and not an ambush. Reports said seven bandits were also killed, although only two bodies were recovered.
The fatalities were part of a Marine Force Reconnaissance unit that was on a test mission as part of a “specialized combat course,” Zagala said.
Without elaborating, he said the troops were on a “security and stability operation” against the recent kidnapping incidents — the victims of which included a soldier's wife — in the province when the clash occurred.
"Our goal is to curb the ability of the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu," Zabala said. "We are trying to make Sulu peaceful."
The Abu Sayyaf, notorious for a number of high-profile kidnappings in the past including of foreign nationals, has been known to operate in the hinterlands of Sulu and Basilan provinces where they blend in with the largely Muslim population.
The group is also blamed for the country's worst bombing attacks, including in Metro Manila.
The military claimed to have reduced the number of active Abu Sayyaf members from over 1,000 in 2000 to more or less 300.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/310262/news/regions/military-probes-deadly-sulu-clash-for-operational-miscalculation
The deaths of seven Marines including an officer in an encounter with the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu over the weekend may have been a result of “operational miscalculation,” prompting the military to conduct an internal investigation.
"We are trying to find out what went wrong," Armed Forces public affairs office chief Maj. Ramon Zagala told GMA News Online by phone Monday. "There may have been operational miscalculation."
He said "a marine operation officer has been sent to investigate the incident."
Last Saturday's clash in Patikul town dealt a severe blow to the government campaign against the Abu Sayyaf, a loosely organized group of Islamic fundamentalists that the military said has significantly weakened following the deaths and arrests of some of its top leaders.
Zagala said the recent clash was a "chance meeting encounter" and not an ambush. Reports said seven bandits were also killed, although only two bodies were recovered.
The fatalities were part of a Marine Force Reconnaissance unit that was on a test mission as part of a “specialized combat course,” Zagala said.
Without elaborating, he said the troops were on a “security and stability operation” against the recent kidnapping incidents — the victims of which included a soldier's wife — in the province when the clash occurred.
"Our goal is to curb the ability of the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu," Zabala said. "We are trying to make Sulu peaceful."
The Abu Sayyaf, notorious for a number of high-profile kidnappings in the past including of foreign nationals, has been known to operate in the hinterlands of Sulu and Basilan provinces where they blend in with the largely Muslim population.
The group is also blamed for the country's worst bombing attacks, including in Metro Manila.
The military claimed to have reduced the number of active Abu Sayyaf members from over 1,000 in 2000 to more or less 300.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/310262/news/regions/military-probes-deadly-sulu-clash-for-operational-miscalculation
MILF joins hunt for Abu Sayyaf in Sulu
From Rappler (May 27): MILF joins hunt for Abu Sayyaf in Sulu
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has mobilized its forces in Sulu to help soldiers run after the Abu Sayyaf Group and hold them accountable for the death of 7 Marines over the weekend.
Manila Bay
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has mobilized its forces in Sulu to help soldiers run after the Abu Sayyaf Group and hold them accountable for the death of 7 Marines over the weekend.
“We have undertaking on
the ground right now. Our men are gathering vital information as to the exact
location of the Abu Sayyaf,” MILF chief negotiator Mohaqher Iqbal said in a
phone interview.
Iqbal said this move is
a normal task under the adhoc joint action group, a team created by the
government and MILF to go after criminals and terrorist groups.
Von Al Haq, spokesman of
the MILF, said they will reposition their men in some areas of Sulu to prevent
a misencounter with government troops.
Early morning on
Saturday, May 25, members of the 2nd Marine Brigade encountered
members of Abu Sayyaf in the
village of Tugay, Patikul town. The hour-long firefight that started at
6:30 am left 7 Marines, including a lieutenant, and 4 Abu Sayyaf members dead.
Nine Marines and 10 Abu Sayyaf members were wounded.
Iqbal said the Marines
encountered a group led by Jul-Aswan Sawadjaan, which is a faction within the
Abu Sayyaf that he said has gone out of control. “This group is also big and
they are capable. They are not getting orders anymore from their leader Radulan
Sahiron,” Iqbal said.
Students?
There are varying
accounts of why the government troops were in the area. According to the MILF,
the government troops were deployed to rescue the wife of a colleague seized by
the Abu Sayyaf. A Philippine Daily Inquirer
report, however, quoted former Marine Col Ariel Querubin as saying that the
Marines were there on a test mission and that most of them are students.
Initial reports said the
Marines conducted a rescue mission on May 18 to recover Casilda Viollarasa, 41,
a medical technologist by profession, who was abducted by the Abu Sayyaf.
Villarasa was with her
daughter on the way to the Integrated Provincial Health Office in the village of Asturias
The MILF said the
Marines were lured into a trap, which explains the heavy toll on them.
The Abu Sayyaf is blamed for the
country's worst terror attacks, including the firebombing of a ferry in
Latest military estimate
placed the strength of the Abu Sayyaf at about 300, mostly based in the
southern Mindanao provinces of Sulu and
Basilan.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/30011-milf-joins-hunt-abu-sayyaf
Marines asked to secure village in Maguindanao
From the Philippine Star (May 27): Marines asked to secure village in Maguindanao
Hundreds of villagers displaced by the attack on Saturday by armed supporters of defeated candidates of a barangay in Datu Blah Sinsuat, Maguindanao have asked the Philippine Marine Corps to put up a detachment in the area to prevent a repeat of the incident.
The gunmen fired at houses and beat an 18-year-old son of a village leader, Norodin Solaiman, who campaigned for re-elected Datu Blah Sinsuat Mayor Marcial Sinsuat.
Sinsuat won a second term during the May 13 polls, defeating a cousin, Datu Manawut, who hails from Barangay Resa in the same coastal municipality.
The displaced villagers are considering to draft a manifesto urging the Marines to immediately install a security detachment in the area to deter more attacks by the same group.
The evacuees are now staying at a school building and houses of relatives in Lower Tambak, which are accessible to the police and combatants of the 1st Marine Battalion Landing Team.
Police investigators are also looking into reports by evacuees that three sons of their former barangay chairwoman, whose family supported opposition candidates during the May 13 local polls, provided “guides” that led the gunmen to the houses they sprayed with bullets.
The suspects also arbitrarily held a villager they used as guide in their escape towards a nearby hinterland after the shooting frenzy.
Sinsuat said villagers have urged him to convince the First Marine Brigade, based in Kalamansig town in Sultan Kudarat, and its component battalion, the Marine Battalion Landing Team 1, to immediately put up a detachment in Barangay Tambak.
Sinsuat said he will convene this week the inter-agency, multi-sectoral municipal peace and order council to discuss solutions to the security problems in Barangay Tambak.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/05/27/946914/marines-asked-secure-village-maguindanao
Hundreds of villagers displaced by the attack on Saturday by armed supporters of defeated candidates of a barangay in Datu Blah Sinsuat, Maguindanao have asked the Philippine Marine Corps to put up a detachment in the area to prevent a repeat of the incident.
The gunmen fired at houses and beat an 18-year-old son of a village leader, Norodin Solaiman, who campaigned for re-elected Datu Blah Sinsuat Mayor Marcial Sinsuat.
Sinsuat won a second term during the May 13 polls, defeating a cousin, Datu Manawut, who hails from Barangay Resa in the same coastal municipality.
The displaced villagers are considering to draft a manifesto urging the Marines to immediately install a security detachment in the area to deter more attacks by the same group.
The evacuees are now staying at a school building and houses of relatives in Lower Tambak, which are accessible to the police and combatants of the 1st Marine Battalion Landing Team.
Police investigators are also looking into reports by evacuees that three sons of their former barangay chairwoman, whose family supported opposition candidates during the May 13 local polls, provided “guides” that led the gunmen to the houses they sprayed with bullets.
The suspects also arbitrarily held a villager they used as guide in their escape towards a nearby hinterland after the shooting frenzy.
Sinsuat said villagers have urged him to convince the First Marine Brigade, based in Kalamansig town in Sultan Kudarat, and its component battalion, the Marine Battalion Landing Team 1, to immediately put up a detachment in Barangay Tambak.
Sinsuat said he will convene this week the inter-agency, multi-sectoral municipal peace and order council to discuss solutions to the security problems in Barangay Tambak.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/05/27/946914/marines-asked-secure-village-maguindanao
Troops kills Abu Sayyaf bandit in Jolo
From the Philippine Star (May 27): Troops kills Abu Sayyaf bandit in Jolo
Government security forces killed a suspected member of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and captured another during an operation Saturday in downtown Jolo, Sulu province, a security official said Monday.
Col. Jose Joriel Cenabre, commander of the Joint Task Force Sulu, said security forces from the Jolo Internal Defense Force (JIDF) caught the two suspects in the act of extorting money from a restaurant at around 2:15 p.m.
Cenabre said that the bandits fired at the approaching security forces which resulted in a firefight.
Authorities have yet to identify the slain and captured bandits.
Cenabre said that the captured suspect, wounded in the firefight, was given medical treatment before being turned over to the Jolo Municipal Police Station for detention.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/05/27/946930/troops-kills-abu-sayyaf-bandit-jolo
Government security forces killed a suspected member of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and captured another during an operation Saturday in downtown Jolo, Sulu province, a security official said Monday.
Col. Jose Joriel Cenabre, commander of the Joint Task Force Sulu, said security forces from the Jolo Internal Defense Force (JIDF) caught the two suspects in the act of extorting money from a restaurant at around 2:15 p.m.
Cenabre said that the bandits fired at the approaching security forces which resulted in a firefight.
Authorities have yet to identify the slain and captured bandits.
Cenabre said that the captured suspect, wounded in the firefight, was given medical treatment before being turned over to the Jolo Municipal Police Station for detention.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/05/27/946930/troops-kills-abu-sayyaf-bandit-jolo
Negotiations ongoing to free 6 NPA captives in ComVal
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (May 27): Negotiations ongoing to free 6 NPA captives in ComVal
Two of the alleged victims have already been freed hours after Friday’s abduction in Naboc village, but four others are still in the hands of the abductors, believed to be members of the New People’s Army, according to Superintendent Cydric Earl Tamayo, Monkayo town police chief.
At least 10 armed men blocked the Delica van carrying Lino Armada, 62; his wife Frescielita, and their companions Joel Lingaya, 30; Raymund Gumpan, 21; a certain Beninido, 43, and one Jason Arata, all of Poblacion, Monkayo, at the vicinity of Purok 8, Naboc past 1 p.m., Tamayo said.
“The couple is into falcata lumber buying and they were there to scout and canvas for available lumber,” Tamayo told the Philippine Daily Inquirer by mobile phone.
The gunmen ordered them out of the vehicle and brought them to the mountainous portion of the village for supposed negotiations, he said.
Armada’s wife Frescielita, who was released at 3 p.m. on Friday told police the armed men “demanded that the couple pay up the so-called revolutionary tax considering they are involved in logging business,” said Tamayo.
The police official said the suspects had ordered the trader’s wife not to give interviews and negotiation between the suspects and her family was in progress.
“No amount was mentioned [as to the alleged revolutionary tax],”Tamayo said, adding police are now conducting an investigation into the incident.
“We are on standby, waiting for further developments. We cannot move against the suspects yet as it might endanger the lives of the remaining four hostages.”
Tamayo, however, did not identify the other freed victim but police sources said Lino was among the four victims still being held by the kidnappers.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/415957/negotiations-ongoing-to-free-6-npa-captives-in-comval
Police on Monday said alleged communist rebels have
kidnapped six civilians in Monkayo, Compostela Valley and that negotiations were
ongoing to secure their release.
Two of the alleged victims have already been freed hours after Friday’s abduction in Naboc village, but four others are still in the hands of the abductors, believed to be members of the New People’s Army, according to Superintendent Cydric Earl Tamayo, Monkayo town police chief.
At least 10 armed men blocked the Delica van carrying Lino Armada, 62; his wife Frescielita, and their companions Joel Lingaya, 30; Raymund Gumpan, 21; a certain Beninido, 43, and one Jason Arata, all of Poblacion, Monkayo, at the vicinity of Purok 8, Naboc past 1 p.m., Tamayo said.
“The couple is into falcata lumber buying and they were there to scout and canvas for available lumber,” Tamayo told the Philippine Daily Inquirer by mobile phone.
The gunmen ordered them out of the vehicle and brought them to the mountainous portion of the village for supposed negotiations, he said.
Armada’s wife Frescielita, who was released at 3 p.m. on Friday told police the armed men “demanded that the couple pay up the so-called revolutionary tax considering they are involved in logging business,” said Tamayo.
The police official said the suspects had ordered the trader’s wife not to give interviews and negotiation between the suspects and her family was in progress.
“No amount was mentioned [as to the alleged revolutionary tax],”Tamayo said, adding police are now conducting an investigation into the incident.
“We are on standby, waiting for further developments. We cannot move against the suspects yet as it might endanger the lives of the remaining four hostages.”
Tamayo, however, did not identify the other freed victim but police sources said Lino was among the four victims still being held by the kidnappers.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/415957/negotiations-ongoing-to-free-6-npa-captives-in-comval
Taiwan has new terms
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (May 26): Taiwan has new terms
The government of Taiwan on Saturday imposed new conditions that would further delay the Philippines’ investigation of the fatal shooting of a Taiwanese fisherman by Filipino coast guards three weeks ago.
Amadeo R. Perez, chair of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (Meco), the Philippines’ de facto embassy in Taiwan, said previous problems had been solved and eight agents of the National Bureau of Investigation had been issued visas by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (Teco) in Manila.
“But this morning, we received new conditions, which we forwarded to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for decision,” Perez told the Inquirer by phone.
He declined to disclose the new conditions.
“We referred them to the DOJ. They alone have the authority to reveal the new conditions,” he said.
According to Perez, the justice department had approved Taiwan’s request for access to a video of an encounter between a Philippine coastal patrol vessel and a Taiwanese fishing boat off Balintang Island in northern Philippines on May 9.
Taiwanese fisherman Hung Shih-chen was shot dead by Filipino coast guards in that incident, sparking public anger in Taiwan and new tensions between the two countries.
Taiwan rejected an apology from President Benigno Aquino III and took retaliatory measures against the Philippines, including freezing new jobs in Taiwan for Filipino migrant workers.
Taipei demanded, among other things, a sincere apology from the Philippine government, compensation for Hung’s family, the arrest and punishment of the coast guards involved, and a joint investigation of the incident.
Cooperation
But as the Philippines’ one-China policy does not allow a joint investigation, the two countries agreed to give each other’s investigators access to evidence and witnesses in separate probes aimed at determining the circumstances surrounding the shooting death of Hung.
The NBI wants to examine Hung’s boat, the Guang Ta Hsin 28, which Taiwanese investigators said had taken 45 hits, 24 of them on the cabin.
The NBI also wants to interview the fishing boat’s crew and do a new autopsy to determine how Hung died.
Video access OKd
Taiwan requested round-the-clock protection for its investigators during their stay in Manila, which the Philippine government immediately approved.
But the DOJ initially rejected Taiwan’s request for access to the Philippine Coast Guard video of the incident that Justice Secretary Leila de Lima had described as “very revealing.”
Its request for a copy of the video denied, Taiwan on Wednesday “declined for the time being” the Philippine request for legal assistance.
The DOJ relented on Friday and approved the sharing of the video with the Taiwanese investigators, which was all that Teco was waiting for to release the visas for the members of the NBI’s investigative team.
But the new conditions came down on Saturday, delaying the NBI team’s departure for Taiwan.
“Unless the new terms are immediately acted upon, the departure of the NBI will again be delayed,” Perez said.
Calming down
Perez reported an improvement in the security situation of Filipino workers in Taiwan.
“The situation has improved and new new attacks on Filipinos have been reported,” he said.
“But for their security, we advise Filipino workers here not to go out unless necessary,” he added.
Borcia Talal, a Filipino woman married to a Taiwanese who lives in Taichung City, which has a large concentration of Filipino migrant workers, said the Taiwanese there had “calmed down.”
“Their anger has eased, but we are still a bit afraid. We hope this will be resolved soon,” Talal said.
The Filipino community here is planning a “vigil” at St. Christopher Church on Chungshan North Road for a speedy resolution of the crisis.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/75667/taiwan-has-new-terms
The government of Taiwan on Saturday imposed new conditions that would further delay the Philippines’ investigation of the fatal shooting of a Taiwanese fisherman by Filipino coast guards three weeks ago.
Amadeo R. Perez, chair of the Manila Economic and Cultural Office (Meco), the Philippines’ de facto embassy in Taiwan, said previous problems had been solved and eight agents of the National Bureau of Investigation had been issued visas by the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (Teco) in Manila.
“But this morning, we received new conditions, which we forwarded to the Department of Justice (DOJ) for decision,” Perez told the Inquirer by phone.
He declined to disclose the new conditions.
“We referred them to the DOJ. They alone have the authority to reveal the new conditions,” he said.
According to Perez, the justice department had approved Taiwan’s request for access to a video of an encounter between a Philippine coastal patrol vessel and a Taiwanese fishing boat off Balintang Island in northern Philippines on May 9.
Taiwanese fisherman Hung Shih-chen was shot dead by Filipino coast guards in that incident, sparking public anger in Taiwan and new tensions between the two countries.
Taiwan rejected an apology from President Benigno Aquino III and took retaliatory measures against the Philippines, including freezing new jobs in Taiwan for Filipino migrant workers.
Taipei demanded, among other things, a sincere apology from the Philippine government, compensation for Hung’s family, the arrest and punishment of the coast guards involved, and a joint investigation of the incident.
Cooperation
But as the Philippines’ one-China policy does not allow a joint investigation, the two countries agreed to give each other’s investigators access to evidence and witnesses in separate probes aimed at determining the circumstances surrounding the shooting death of Hung.
The NBI wants to examine Hung’s boat, the Guang Ta Hsin 28, which Taiwanese investigators said had taken 45 hits, 24 of them on the cabin.
The NBI also wants to interview the fishing boat’s crew and do a new autopsy to determine how Hung died.
Video access OKd
Taiwan requested round-the-clock protection for its investigators during their stay in Manila, which the Philippine government immediately approved.
But the DOJ initially rejected Taiwan’s request for access to the Philippine Coast Guard video of the incident that Justice Secretary Leila de Lima had described as “very revealing.”
Its request for a copy of the video denied, Taiwan on Wednesday “declined for the time being” the Philippine request for legal assistance.
The DOJ relented on Friday and approved the sharing of the video with the Taiwanese investigators, which was all that Teco was waiting for to release the visas for the members of the NBI’s investigative team.
But the new conditions came down on Saturday, delaying the NBI team’s departure for Taiwan.
“Unless the new terms are immediately acted upon, the departure of the NBI will again be delayed,” Perez said.
Calming down
Perez reported an improvement in the security situation of Filipino workers in Taiwan.
“The situation has improved and new new attacks on Filipinos have been reported,” he said.
“But for their security, we advise Filipino workers here not to go out unless necessary,” he added.
Borcia Talal, a Filipino woman married to a Taiwanese who lives in Taichung City, which has a large concentration of Filipino migrant workers, said the Taiwanese there had “calmed down.”
“Their anger has eased, but we are still a bit afraid. We hope this will be resolved soon,” Talal said.
The Filipino community here is planning a “vigil” at St. Christopher Church on Chungshan North Road for a speedy resolution of the crisis.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/75667/taiwan-has-new-terms
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