Mati to hold Youth Leadership Summit

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 21): Mati to hold Youth Leadership Summit

The City Government of Mati and the 28th Infantry Battalion, 10th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army will hold the second Youth Leadership Summit (YLS) for the Out-of School-Youth (OSY) in the City on February 6-8, 2015.

This gathering intends to produce the common youth agenda leading to the creation of a youth movement that will shape the future of their society towards peace and sustainable development. YLS  also aims to create awareness on the role and responsibilities of the youth in nation building and promote a positive and healthy self-image, critical thinking, love of country, social responsibility and the spirit of volunteerism among the youth.

The Youth For Peace Movement (YFPM) of the 1st YLS was organized way back in 2012. This inspires to push for the second round with the theme “Panaghiusa sa Kabataan, Kaabag sa Kalinaw ug Kalamboan”, to refresh and continue what had been started since members of the first batch are now mostly married already while some have moved to other places for good.

The summit will draw its participants from the twenty six (26) barangays of the City.  Each barangay is required to send at least five (5) participants preferably aspiring youth leaders especially that special Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) election is set to roll on the 21st of the same month per COMELEC Resolution No. 9905.

In this four-day activity containing a series of lectures and interactive discussions focusing on leadership and the role of the youth in nation building, the youth will also be educated on how they can help address the problem of insurgency. On the other hand, issues concerning environmental protection, drug abuse, human rights and spiritual values will supplement their formative encounter.
          
This activity will inculcate positive values, attitudes and behavior that will ultimately develop a character based leadership among our youth. It will also foster unity of different communities and youth groups leading to synergy and commitment to community development. It will further enable the youth to discover, affirm and further use their inherent leadership attributes that will later create a positive impact to the society.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1591421800944/mati-to-hold-youth-leadership-summit

Gov’t troops, ASGs exchange fire in Sumisip, Basilan

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 22): Gov’t troops, ASGs exchange fire in Sumisip, Basilan

ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Jan 22 (PIA) – Government troops under the 104th Infantry (Sultan) Brigade clashed with the Abu Sayyaf Groups (ASGs) at different times on Tuesday (January 20) in Sumisip, Basilan Province.

Acting Civil Military Operations Officer ILt Sally Christine Ma Magno (AGS) Philippine Army (PA) reported that the military encountered some 25 ASGs under sub-leader Juhaibel Alamsirul alias Abu Kik at around 11 a.m. on Tuesday at the vicinity of sitio Penas, Barangay Pamantsaken in Sumisip.

The firefight lasted for about 15 minutes, after which the enemy withdrew towards the north direction near Barangay Baiwas of the same municipality.

Initial military report stated that one ASG Yusof Sandatan was seriously wounded, while there were no casualties on the government side.

Operating elements of 104th Brigade are currently clearing the area, known as an ASG stronghold in Sumisip.

At 12:55 p.m. of same day, while clearing the area of Pamantsaken-Baiwas, the troops were met by sniper fires from the ASG. They conducted counter-sniping operations and managed to inch their way, clearing the enemy area.          

As the troops continued clearing the area, another encounter with the ASGs took place at about 1:38 p.m. This time the combined group under ASG sub-leader Radzmil Janatul alias Khubayb and ASG sub-leader Juhaibel Alamsirul alias Abu Kik with more or less 50 members engaged the military in a two-hour firefight at the vicinity of Sitio Crossing at Barangay Baiwas.

The troops effectively conducted fire and maneuver and the employment of close air and indirect fire support, forcing the enemy to withdraw towards the west direction. One ASG fighter was killed and three others wounded in said encounter. The names of enemy casualties are still being verified. Government soldiers, on the other hand, did not suffer any casualties.

In addition, operating troops were able to recover and neutralize an IED left by the enemies at the old school building in Baiwas. Accordingly, spent shells from the enemy 40mm M203 Grenade Launchers and other assorted high-powered firearms were also recovered by the troops. 

Magno said these ASGs based in Sumisip were responsible for the death of 64IB troopers in November 2014 who were then securing the construction of the Basilan Circumferential Road (BCR).

Moreover, the Joint Task Force ZAMBASULTA of the Western Mindanao Command reported that military troops scoured two abandoned ASG encampments in said barangay.

RADM Reynaldo L Yoma (AFP) said per report from the Joint Task Group Basilan, the encampments can accommodate more or less 100 persons. An Improvised Explosive Device (IED) was also recovered in one of the encampments.

Yoma said the AFP together with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Local Government Units (LGUs) are continuously intensifying the conduct of law enforcement operations in order to defeat these lawless elements that continuously initiate atrocities in the province of Basilan and its neighboring areas.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1421421858540/gov-t-troops-asgs-exchange-fire-in-sumisip-basilan

Philippine Peacekeeping Contingent proud and happy to serve Pope Francis

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 22): Philippine Peacekeeping Contingent proud and happy to serve Pope Francis

The 7th Philippine Peacekeeping Contingent to Golan Heights (7th PCGH) tasked to help secure Pope Francis in his four-day visit to the Philippines was proud and happy to rendered service to the pontiff.

“We are very proud and happy that we have rendered service to the reigning Pope of the Catholic Church and the absolute sovereign of the Vatican City,” said Capt. Rogecel L. Labajo, action officer of 7th PCGH in a phone interview with Philippine Information Agency (PIA).

Early in September last year, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr. announced that the 7th PCGH would form part of the two battalions that would help secure the Pope during his visit to Manila on Jan. 15-19, 2015.

Catapang said that their exposure and experience in peacekeeping operations in Syria had prepared them for the papal visit in the country.

Meanwhile, Capt. Labajo, who is a native of Pagadian, said the 7th PCGH contingent, which is composed of 333 soldiers, was assigned in the different areas and his 33-man team was assigned at the Apostolic Nunciature along Taft Avenue, Manila - the place serves as residence of the Holy Father’s ambassador.

"Wala kami tulog sulod sa lima ka managsunod-sunod nga gabii tungod kay amo gibantayan pag-ayo ang Santo Papa (We had no sleep in five successive nights just to secure the pontiff),” Labajo said, referring to the five-day stay of the pope at the Apostolic Nunciature.

“Karon nga mipauli na si Pope Fancis makahigayon na gyud mi ug pahulay (Now that Pope Francis is home, we can take time to rest),” Labajo said.

Labajo said his team was assigned at the gate of the Apostolic Nunciature to augment the Presidential Security Group. “The successful state visit of Pope Francis is the ‘victory of all Filipinos’ saying that the pontiff was not harmed by anybody unlike the visit of Pope Paul VI in 1970 and Pope John Paul II in 1995 were there were attempts from terrorists to assassinate them.

When asked about his reaction on the commendation of the Senators on Tuesday to the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and other government agencies for “successfully securing” Pope Francis during his five-day visit to the country, Labajo said “we are happy that they were impressed on our performance.”

“As members of the Philippine Army, it is our duty and obligation not only to secure the community but the Pope as well because if something bad happens to him, it will destroy the good image of our country,” Labajo concluded.

Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. thanked and gave a salute to uniformed personnel for a job well done and for displaying dedication, hard work, patience and determination ensuring the safety of Pope Francis in the country.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1371421813291/philippine-peacekeeping-contingent-proud-and-happy-to-serve-pope-francis-

3 rebel weapons seized after rebel clash in Surigao Del Norte

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 23): 3 rebel weapons seized after rebel clash in Surigao Del Norte

Troopers from the 30th Infantry Battalion have recovered three high-powered firearms following an encounter with New People's Army (NPA) fighters in Sitio Brazil, Mat-i, Surigao City, Surigao Del Norte Thursday morning.

Major Ezra Balagtey, Eastern Mindanao Command spokesperson, said the firefight with the rebels took place at 10 a.m.

Troopers were responding to an information on the presence of armed group in the area when they were fired upon by about 15 NPAs that triggered a fifteen minute fire fight.

The NPAs scampered to different directions leaving one M-16 rifle, one M-653 baby Armalite rifle and an M-203 grenade launcher after the encounter.

In a separate incident, patrolling troops of the 1st Special Forces Company figured in a brief skirmish in Imbayao, Malaybalay, Bukidnon Thursday afternoon.

No casualty was reported in both encounters.

Lt. Gen. Aurelio Baladad, Eastern Mindanao Command head,reiterated his directive to subordinate units after the lifting of the suspension of military operations to step up security operations to protect the communities.

"Let us continue to protect the communities from NPAs aggression and ensure safety of the people and the delivery of basic services to the communities will not be hampered." Baladad said.

He further lauded the prompt action of troops and the community.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=728318

Zambo City mayor seeks transfer of ASG detainees

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 23): Zambo City mayor seeks transfer of ASG detainees

Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar has requested the national government to transfer the suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) from the local detention facility to Manila owing to security risks.

Salazar’s request, which came after the foiled escape plan of the ASG members on Monday, was coursed through Justice Secretary Leila de Lima and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas, II.

Chief Insp. Julius Arro, Zamboanga City Reformatory Center (ZCRC) warden, disclosed there are 56 suspected ASG members who are detained at the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP)-administered ZCRC.

Among the suspected ASG detainees are Benzar Indama and Musang Indama, both relatives of Basilan-based ASG leader Furuji Indama.

Musang is facing charges in court for the crimes of murder and multiple frustrated murders while Benzar is charged with murder and kidnapping.

Salazar said she believes the transfer of the high profile inmates to a more secure detention facility in Manila will reduce the security risks at the ZCRC.

Salazar said the transfer will also help minimize the trauma of the residents in the aftermath of the 21-day siege in September 2013.

The security forces in this city have been placed on heightened alert following the foiled escape plan of the ASG members.

The escape plan was uncovered when the BJMP personnel confiscated three caliber .45 pistols with 140 rounds of ammunition concealed at the bottom of two home-made concrete charcoal stoves that were delivered to a suspected ASG member detained at the ZCRC.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=728442

Army unearths remains of two NPA liquidation victims in Leyte

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 23): Army unearths remains of two NPA liquidation victims in Leyte

After 30 years of searching, 43-year-old Bartolome Custodio found the remains of his father Lolieto in a shallow grave discovered on the outskirts of this town today.

He can still recall how a group of armed rebels forcibly took his 38-year-old father away while farming in Mag-aso village in La Paz, Leyte.

“They forcibly asked my father to go with them because the rebels believed that he’s involved in military intelligence,” Bartolome recalled. He was 13 when the abduction happened.

In a shallow grave in the middle of coconut and abaca plantation, the Philippine Army and Philippine National Police formally exhumed the skeleton with feet still tied up and skull with blindfold cloth.

Few meters away, authorities also unearthed the remains of Necostrates Novio from San Antonio village of this town. Necostrates’ son Reynaldo, 59 broke out into tears when he saw the same shirt worn by his father in August 1984.

Reynaldo recalled that his father was abducted while hiking to a nearby village to join a fiesta celebration more than three decades ago.

“I know that remains belong to my father. It’s the same shirt and pants he wore when I last saw him. We have been searching for him for 30 years. We even joined CAFGU (Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit) so we could easily find him,” he told reporters.

Sr. Insp. John C. Ilao, Philippine National Police regional medico legal officer said they will conduct an autopsy to find out the real cause of deaths of Novio and Custodio.

“We will conduct a thorough investigation before turning over the skeleton to the family. We will see any signs of trauma by studying bones if it got hit by bullets or pointed objects,” the police official said.

San Vicente village believed as one of the armed rebels’ killing fields in 1980s is about 20 kilometers away from the town center, traversing a long stretch of bumpy and hilly road.

The army held the formal exhumation in the presence of local government officials, police scene of the crime operatives, Commission on Human Rights, and religious sector.

Col. Dinoh Dolina, commander of Philippine Army’s 802nd Brigade based in Ormoc City said they have been encouraging villagers to report possible burial place New People’s Army summary killing victims.

“We have been working with communities to help families find the bodies of their love ones. These people need closure while those executed should be given a decent burial,” Dolina said.

The military believed that the NPA liquidated 300 individuals in Leyte. In 2006, at least 67 remains of summary killing victims were dug up in Inopacan, Leyte.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=728529

UPDATE: Zambo City bomb explosion kills 1, injures 33

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 23): UPDATE: Zambo City bomb explosion kills 1, injures 33

Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar has advised the public to remain calm but vigilant as the authorities are on top of the situation.

Salazar’s advised came after a bomb exploded shortly after 3 p.m. Friday near the bus terminal in Barangay Guiwan, this city.

Latest police report showed that one person died while 33 others were wounded, including a policeman, who is detailed at the bus terminal.

The lone fatality expired at a private hospital while under medical treatment.

However, the local police said they have yet to ascertain the exact number of the victims.

At the same time, Salazar ordered the police and military to hasten the post-blast investigation to be able to re-open the highway.

The police and military forces closed the highway and diverted traffic route to pave way for the post-blast investigation.

“We have to go back to normalcy as soon as possible,” Salazar said citing the need to re-open the highway.

She directed City Health Officer Dr. Rodelin Agbulos and City Social Welfare and Development Officer Socorro Rojas to provide the needed assistance to the victims.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=728541

Bomb explosion injures 11 in Zamboanga City

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 23): Bomb explosion injures 11 in Zamboanga City

Eleven people were injured in a bomb explosion shortly after 3 p.m. Friday in front of a pub house near a bus terminal in Barangay Guiwan, this city.

Initial police report disclosed that one of the 11 victims is a policeman detailed at the bus terminal in Barangay Guiwan.

The other victims include passengers bound for Zamboanga Sibugay, a mechanic and residents of this city.

The victims were rushed to the hospitals for treatment.

Senior Police Officer 3 (SPO3) Brasim Abilani, who is also detailed at the bus terminal, said they saw a car burning and a “strong explosion” followed.

The car was parked in front of a pub house located across the terminal that caters to buses plying from this city to other parts of the region.

The explosion also destroyed a car and a tricycle as well as shattered window glasses of nearby establishments.

Security forces immediately cordoned the highway and post blast investigation is ongoing to determine the type of bomb that exploded.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=728502

SOCOM celebrates 24th anniversary, fetes outstanding troopers

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 23): SOCOM celebrates 24th anniversary, fetes outstanding troopers

The Special Operations Command (SOCOM), the Philippine Army's most elite formation, celebrated its 24th anniversary Thursday with Army commander Lt. Gen. Hernando DCA Iriberri as guest of honor and speaker.

Another notable guest was Department of National Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin.

True to its anniversary theme, "SOCOM: Handang Harapin Anumang Hamon para sa Kinabukasan ng Sambayanan," its component troops -- the Scout Rangers, Special Forces, and Light Reaction Regiment -- continue to provide sterling service to the country and the people.

In his speech, Iriberri congratulated the SOCOM troopers for their significant contribution in the success of the recent visit to the Philippines of Pope Francis.

"As the whole world saw and watched in awe, we did it, and the SOCOM must be congratulated for ensuring that the Holy Father and the Filipino people would have no worries during the five-day apostolic visit," he said.

The Army chief also commended the Light Reaction Regiment, the Army's premier frontliner in counter-terrorism operations, as it also marked its first year.

One of the highlights of the anniversary celebration was the recognition given to outstanding personnel who have performed and served with distinction.

Leading this year's awardees was Cpl. Pedro Peter B. Dacutanan, who was conferred with the Distinguished Conduct Star for his courage and gallantry in two separate life-threatening instances.

The Gold Cross Medal was also awarded to 1st Lt. Ray John G. Labiao and 1st Lt. Michael B. Asistores.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=728342

Southern Luzon Command neutralized 124 rebels in 2014

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 23): Southern Luzon Command neutralized 124 rebels in 2014

The Southern Luzon Command said on Friday that its units neutralized 124 New People's Army (NPA) rebels, including 18 ranking leaders, during the course of operations in 2014.

This is broken down into 12 killed, 33 captured and 79 who voluntarily surrendered, Major Angelo Guzman, Southern Luzon Command spokesperson, said.

Guzman said the capture of these individuals prevented the recruitment of new members for their armed component.

Civil-military operations efforts of "Bayanihan" teams led to the clearing of 40 barangays from enemy influence.

“Our focused military operations in 2014 gained headway in diminishing mass-based support on the Communist Party and the NPA,” Southern Luzon Command head Major Gen. Ricardo Visaya said.

He added that their community-based peace and development efforts in partnership with various stakeholders effectively complemented their focused military operations.

Most of the "Bayanihan" projects were integral part in the conduct of peace and development operations in the barangays.

A total of 9,443 various projects and activities with stakeholders were conducted, including community services, medical assistance, cleanliness and beautification, feeding programs, sports festivities, and visits to camp facilities.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=728419

AFP grateful for USD40-M US military aid

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 23): AFP grateful for USD40-M US military aid

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has expressed its appreciation to the United States, the country's principal ally, in the wake of reports that the American government is allocating USD40 million worth of aid to the Filipino military this 2015.

This was disclosed by AFP spokesperson Col. Restituto Padilla in a press briefing Friday.

Earlier, US Assistant Defense Secretary David Shear said that the US has provided USD300 million worth of military aid to the Philippines since 2001 and would allocate another USD40 million in 2015.

The money will help the AFP in its ongoing modernization efforts.

Padilla said the USD40 million will be used in various ongoing capability upgrades of the Philippine military.

However, he declined to comment on where the money will be spent as this will be discussed by the US and Philippine panels.

But Padilla said the AFP has a pressing need to acquire more modern communication equipment and those dealing with maritime domain awareness so that the country will be able to defend its littoral areas.

Maritime domain awareness refers to the capability to monitor, detect and deter poachers and other intruders encroaching in Philippine territorial waters.

Padilla said AFP was allocated USD50 million in 2014 and it was used to acquire two Lockheed C-130 "Hercules" cargo planes which are expected to be delivered by 2016.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=728444

US drone washes up on PH beach, 2nd in January

From Rappler (Jan 23): US drone washes up on PH beach, 2nd in January

The drone found by fishermen in Cagayan province is similar to the one found in Quezon province earlier and which the US embassy confirmed is owned by the US Navy


ANOTHER DRONE: A target drone washes up off Cagayan province. Photo from the local PNP Facebook page

A second United States drone washed up on a beach in northern Philippines this week, the second such incident in January .

The drone found in Cagayan province is similar to the one found in Quezon province on January 4, which the US embassy confirmed is owned by the US Navy.

The police in Sta Ana town, Cagayan, identified it as BQM-74F aerial target drone with serial number BQ56026.

Local fishermen of Sta Ana found the 3.5-meter orange drone floating at sea on Wednesday morning, January 21. They tied it with a rope and one of them, Jackson Orteza, brought it home.

There are star markings on both side of its wings. Duct tape was also found on the nose of the drone, according to the police.

The police received a phone call about the drone and immediately went to Orteza's residence to take custody of the equipment.

The drone earlier found in Quezon was supposedly used during a military exercise conducted in September 2014 in waters off Guam and within international airspace.

"The unarmed aerial target that was found off the coast of Patnanungan Islet on January 4, is an expended BQM-74E Aerial Target that was launched during naval exercise Valiant Shield 2014 which took place September 15-23 in the waters off Guam," the US embassy said in a statement released then.

It also said at the time that the "aerial target does not carry weapons and is not used for surveillance" but is "used by surface ships and aircraft during exercises to help train our sailors in a realistic environment that provides the best possible training."

The Exercise Valiant Shield 2014 is a US-only biennial field training exercise that involved 18,000 US troops and 200 aircraft and 20 ships. It was focused on integration of joint training among US forces in areas of maritime security operations, anti-submarine, air defense and space, and cyber warfighting proficiencies.

The discovery of the US drones recall a similar incident two years ago, when a US drone with a similar serial number – BQM-74E Chukar III – was found in adjacent Masbate island. (READ: US drone crashes off Masbate – police)

In a previous interview, military spokesperson Colonel Restituto Padilla explained that target drones are simulated aircraft that US fighter jet pilots, for example, use as targets to shoot down during exercises.

The US Air Force and the US Navy have been using them as targets. Aircraft and ships imagine them as enemy targets and try to shoot them down with missiles or guns.

Unlike surveillance drones, target drones are expendable "fire and forget items" intended to be destroyed in the air.

The drone found in Quezon and Cagayan were obviously not hit. It likely ran out of fuel, crashed into the sea, and was later washed up on Quezon Island.

Padilla said tides in the Pacific Ocean are capable of bringing items like drones from Guam to the Philippines.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/81741-us-target-drone-found-cagayan

12 wounded as car bomb explodes outside Zambo disco bar

From Rappler (Jan 23): 12 wounded as car bomb explodes outside Zambo disco bar

The victims have been brought to the Zamboanga Peninsula Medical Hospital


ANOTHER BLAST. File photo of the site of twin explosions that rocked Zamboanga City in November 2014. Photo by Richard Falcatan/Rappler

At least 12 are wounded after a car exploded at the parking lot of a disco bar in Zamboanga City Friday afternoon, January 23, the police and the military confirmed.

"An explosion occured at Fantasy Bar fronting the Guiwan Bus Terminal in Barangay Guiwan, Zamboanga City," according to a police situation report.

Details remain sketchy, but the bomb exploded in a red car, according to Captain Rowena Muyuela of the military's Zamboanga-based Western Mindanao Command.

The victims were brought to the Zamboanga Peninsula Medical Hospital, said Muyuela.

The military's Task Group Zamboanga is now in the area to investigate.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/81761-explosion-zamboanga-disco-bar

China: We are against bullying small countries

From Rappler (Jan 23): China: We are against bullying small countries

Accused of 'massive reclamation' in the South China Sea, China says it is countries like the Philippines that must follow international law

NOT BULLYING? A runway is believed to be among what China will build at the reclaimed Kagitingan (Fiery Cross) Reef off the coast of Palawan. Photo obtained by Rappler

 

China shot back at the United States and the Philippines, claiming that it does not bully small countries.

 

Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying responded to the statement of US President Barack Obama and US Assistant Secretary of State Daniel Russel that America is “upholding the principle that bigger nations can’t bully the small.”

Obama made the declaration in his State of the Union address on Tuesday, January 20, to refer to Russia. America’s top diplomat for East Asia, Russel reiterated it after meeting with Philippine officials in Manila on Wednesday, this time in reference to China.

In a press briefing on Thursday, January 22, Hua said China agreed with this principle.

“China always maintains that all countries, regardless of the size, are equal. We are against the bullying of small countries by big countries. At the same time, we also believe that small countries should not make unreasonable demands,” said Hua.

Hua’s comment was a swipe at Manila after Philippine Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Evan Garcia criticized China’s “massive reclamation” in the South China Sea, and called on Beijing to exercise restraint.

Rappler released on Thursday photos of the reclamation in Kagitingan (Fiery Cross) Reef in the Spratly Islands as of December 2014, showing dredgers, cargo vessels, and fishing boats. Philippine military officials earlier said China’s reclamation is already “50% complete,” and its supposed airstrip will likely be finished this year.

Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario on Thursday also condemned the reclamation as a “threat” to the entire region, saying he will raise the issue before the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Yet while the Philippines said China’s reclamation violated ASEAN’s 2002 agreement with Beijing, Hua said it is the other claimant countries that should abide by the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC).

“Relevant parties should take concrete actions to fully and effectively implement the DOC, and jointly maintain peace and stability of the South China Sea region,” Hua said.

For Del Rosario, China’s reclamation was a “blatant violation” not just of the DOC but also of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Yet Hua reiterated the Chinese line that other parties are the ones violating international law.

“When we talk about the equality of all countries, we are not only referring to being equal on rights and interests, but also on being applied to international rules,” the Chinese official added.

The Philippines and China’s heated dispute over the South China Sea again made news as it was a major topic in Manila and Washington’s recently concluded annual bilateral strategic dialogue.

Manila filed a historic arbitration case against Beijing to declare its infamous 9-dash line inconsistent with UNCLOS.

ASEAN’s Vietnam, Malaysia, and Brunei also have claims to the South China Sea, along with Taiwan. The sea’s rich supply of oil, gas, and marine life, and its shipping routes make it hotly contested.

China: US remarks ‘stir trouble’

A close treaty ally of the Philippines, the US is increasingly vocal on the maritime row as it aims to “rebalance” to Asia. Known as the Asia pivot, the policy is widely perceived as a means to contain China's rise.

Manila and Washington repeatedly use the “bully” tag to refer to China and its growing aggression in the region.

In an obvious reference to China’s reclamation activities, Russel said Wednesday that behavior that “raises tensions” is contrary to America’s goal of having a constructive with relationship with Beijing. Like Del Rosario, he said the issue was relevant to all ASEAN members.

China’s Hua took exception to Russel’s remarks, again warning the US not to interfere in the dispute.

“Countries that are not a party to the disputes shall uphold an objective and fair position, say more things that will help build mutual trust and cooperation, do more things that will truly safeguard peace and stability of the region, and make less inflammatory remarks that may stir up trouble,” she said.

The South China Sea is expected to be discussed in the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Retreat in Kota Kinabalu in Sabah from January 27 to 28. Malaysia is the ASEAN chair for 2015.

 

http://www.rappler.com/nation/81694-china-against-bullying-small-countries

 

Clock not ticking in Pemberton case while defense petition for review pends - DFA

From InterAksyon (Jan 22): Clock not ticking in Pemberton case while defense petition for review pends - DFA



The one-year deadline specified in the Visiting Forces Agreement for the conclusion of criminal proceedings involving charged American servicemen is currently on hold in the murder case against Joseph Pemberton, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Thursday.

"The clock is not running" while the petition for review of Pemberton's defense lawyers is pending and still to be decided by the Olongapo court, according to Assistant Secretary Eduardo de Vega of the DFA Office of Legal Affairs.

De Vega also clarified that Pemberton's "criminal liability is not extinguished" at the end of the one-year period. He has been charged in an Olongapo court for murder for the Oct. 11, 2014 killing of of Filipino transgender Jeffrey "Jennifer" Laude in a motel in Olongapo City.

"The question is how to make him [Pemberton] available during the trial period," de Vega said.

The VFA only specifies the United States' responsibility to produce Pemberton for the year-long legal proceedings.

De Vega said the prosecution has committed to finish the trial within the period.

Going past the deadline could complicate matters as Pemberton may then return to the United States.

De Vega said the Philippine government may have to resort to using its extradition treaty with the United States if the deadline is not met.

"Both the United States and the Philippines are resolved to ensuring that justice will be served," Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario said at a press briefing Thursday.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/103573/clock-not-ticking-in-pemberton-case-while-defense-petition-for-review-pends---dfa