US affirmed 'iron-clad' support for PH – DND chief

From InterAksyon (Jul 13): US affirmed 'iron-clad' support for PH – DND chief

The United States had affirmed its “iron clad” support for the Philippines even ahead of the favorable ruling by a UN tribunal rejecting China's claim of "historic rights" and its nine-dash-line delineation in the South China Sea, Defense Secretary Lorenzana said Wednesday.

He clarified, though, that after the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) at The Hague issued Tuesday its 11-page verdict on the case filed by Manila in 2013, the Philippine government did not solicit the US’ opinion or advice on what to do next.

“We will not consult them (US) on our actions. Our action will be guided by what is good for our country. [We have neighbors who] are claimants also, in the community of ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations). It’s them that we should be consulting [as to what we should say or do next, as we have some overlapping claims with them],” Lorenzana said, partly in Filipino.

China had imposed its “nine-dash line” on a vast expanse - nearly 90 percent of South China Sea - on areas that embraced the exclusive economic zones (EEZs) of Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei.

Lorenzana said his US counterpart, Secretary Ashton Carter, made a “short call” to him Sunday afternoon, three days before the verdict, to reassure Manila of Washignton’s solid support.

He said Carter was with President Barack Obama in London when they talked over the phone.

“He called me up Sunday, about four in the afternoon. He said, 'we want to assure you that our alliance, our defense pact, is iron clad',” Lorenzana said.

The DND chief said Carter also told him that “in light of the impending publication of the tribunal’s ruling…the Chinese assured us that they will exercise restraint and we assured them also that we will exercise restraint.”


According to Lorenzana, Carter said, "we expect the same [restraint] from the Philippines." Lorenzana said he replied, "of course we will exercise restraint."

The brief exchange ended with Carter saying, "rest assured that we support you here in this,” Lorenzana said.

Lorenzana also declined to comment on what Manila would do should China declare an Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ).

“The US already said they will not also honor China’s ADIZ…We consult with our ASEAN allies who are also claimants in the area,” he said.

 He noted that there is an Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) between the US and the Philippines.

 “We will decide what to do when that happens. ‘Let's not talk about it now, it’s a hypothetical question. So I will not answer that,” he said.

Cautious on artificial islands

Meanwhile, the Western Command (Westcom) commander, Rear Admiral Ronald Joseph Mercado, said that, without guidance of the national govenrment, they cannot just move into the artificial islands created by the Chinese inside the area covered by Palawan's municipality, the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG).

“There is no guidance to change whatever we have been doing. The bottom line right now is you know we are just waiting for policies to be laid down by the national government,” Mercado said.

For his part, Lorenzana said they have yet to get information on China’s action in the WPS after the verdict.

“We do not know about the other side: if they are beefing up their forces or adding some more assets there,” he said.

 Lorenzana said President Rodrigo Duterte gave his Cabinet instructions “not to rush” in deciding what to do next, but he stressed that China should respect the PCA’s verdict.

“I hope that China will abide by this because it will be good for the whole region if everybody will follow the rule of law. Nobody can just cherry pick the laws that we are going to abide by. We believe in a community of nations and exist side by side harmoniously,” he said.

Lorenzana said “the government is studying everything and wait for other developments." The President had indicated that "we will consult with our allies first.”

On Tuesday, just after the PCA verdict was announced, the Palace announced that Solicitor General Jose Calida was tasked to provide the President and Cabinet a report explaining the implications of the ruling. Duterte said a clear roadmap on the subject would be issued in five days.

Threat to sink BRP Sierra Madre

Lorenzana declined to comment on China’s threat to sink the rusty BRP Sierra Madre at the Ayungin Shoal, which the government turned into a detachment of the Philippine Marines.

 “We still have to study our course of action on the issue,” Lorenzana said.

He said there was a scheduled resupply mission last week to the Ayungin troops, but this was postponed in deference to the PCA verdict.

 The Philippine Navy suspended the resupply to avoid it being “misconstrued" by "the other side (China)" as an "act of provocation."

“So, I do not know when the next resupply will be, but definitely we are going there to resupply them by any means,” he said.

http://interaksyon.com/article/130301/us-affirmed-iron-clad-support-for-ph--dnd-chief

Angry China claims right to declare South China Sea air defense zone

From InterAksyon (Jul 13): Angry China claims right to declare South China Sea air defense zone

Beijing "has the right" to declare an air defense identification zone over the South China Sea, it said Wednesday as it stepped up denunciations of an international tribunal that ruled against its expansive claims in the strategic waters.

Whether Beijing set up such a zone -- which would require civilian aircraft to identify themselves to military controllers -- depended on "the level of threat we receive," said vice foreign minister Liu Zhenmin.

"Do not turn the South China Sea into a cradle of war," he told reporters, insisting: "China's aim is to turn the South China Sea into a sea of peace, friendship, and cooperation."

China reasserted its claims to the area, which extend almost to the coasts of neighboring states, after the Permanent Court of Arbitration tribunal in The Hague backed the Philippines' case that there was no legal basis for them.

Liu described the ruling as "a piece of waste paper" at a press conference, alleging the tribunal had been "manipulated."

The five judges who ruled in the case "made money from the Philippines," Liu said, adding "and maybe other people gave them money too."

He stressed that four of the judges were from EU countries, with the Ghanaian chairman a longtime resident of Europe.

"Are these kind of judges representative?" he asked rhetorically. "Do they understand Asian culture?"

A Japanese former president of the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea, Shunji Yanai, had "manipulated the entire proceedings" from behind the scenes, he alleged.

Yanai, a former Japanese ambassador to South Korea and the US, stepped down from his role in 2014.

Beijing boycotted the PCA proceedings, saying the court had no jurisdiction to rule on the issues, and has mounted a huge diplomatic and publicity drive to try to discredit the tribunal and its decision.

Liu was speaking at the launch of a government white paper on the issue.

China was "the first to have discovered, named, and explored and exploited" islands in the sea and their surrounding waters, the document said.

It was in direct contradiction to the ruling in The Hague on Tuesday, which said that "there was no evidence that China had historically exercised exclusive control over the waters or their resources."

The UN-backed tribunal also said that any "historic rights" to resources in the waters of the South China Sea were "extinguished" when China signed up to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.

As such, it said there was "no legal basis" for China to claim historic rights to resources within its so-called nine-dash line demarcating its territorial claims.

China had no possible entitlement to areas within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone, it added.

"I hope you put this decision in the wastepaper basket, or on the bookshelf, or filing cabinet and keep it there," Liu told reporters.

He also called for renewed dialogue with the Philippines -- on the basis of recognition of China's historical claims.

'All measures necessary'

Chinese state-run media on Wednesday denounced the ruling as biased and invalid and urged Beijing to "safeguard" China's territorial sovereignty.

The People's Daily, the ruling Communist Party's mouthpiece, branded the award and the request by the administration of former President Benigno Aquino III to set up the tribunal as being "manipulated and instigated by external forces."

It added Beijing will "take all measures necessary" to protect its sovereignty and rights.

The English-language China Daily blasted the tribunal's award as "outrageously one-sided" and "inherently biased, unjust, and thus not executable."

"Beijing certainly should, and has to, ready itself for worst-case scenarios, including potential military collisions," it said.

At the briefing, Liu said that "Chinese navy ships operating in the South China Sea is normal, because it is our sea."

http://interaksyon.com/article/130296/angry-china-claims-right-to-declare-south-china-sea-air-defense-zone

USAID awards grants to combat human trafficking, support biodiversity

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 13): USAID awards grants to combat human trafficking, support biodiversity

The U.S. Embassy Manila’s United States Agency for International Development (USAID) awarded seven new grants to support local organizations combating human trafficking and protecting the environment.

Through its Philippine-American Fund (Phil-Am Fund), USAID initiated partnerships with BALAOD Mindanaw, Inc. and the Fellowship for Organizing Endeavors, Inc. to extend assistance to victims of trafficking in Cagayan De Oro and Cebu City. The grants were signed days after the U.S. State Department announced the Philippines’ elevation to Tier 1 status in the annual Trafficking In Persons Report. For the first time, the country fully meets the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking, as defined by the U.S. Trafficking Victims Protection Act.

Five biodiversity conservation partnerships were also signed. The local grantees are Haribon Foundation, PATH Foundation Philippines, Soil and Water Conservation Foundation, South Pacific Integrated Area Development Foundation, and Tanggol Kalikasan. With USAID support, these organizations will work to improve management of biodiversity resources in close to 200,000 hectares of terrestrial and coastal areas in Oriental Mindoro, Quezon, Cebu and Southern Leyte.

Launched in September 2013, the Phil-Am Fund is a five-year, Php 984 million ($24 million) project that supports civil society organizations, cooperatives, social enterprises, and private companies in implementing innovative solutions that address the country’s development challenges. To date, USAID has awarded a total of 33 grants on biodiversity, economic growth, good governance, anti-trafficking in persons, and basic education.  The Phil-Am Fund administrator is the Gerry Roxas Foundation.

The grant signing ceremony on July 5 was witnessed by Dr. Steve Andoseh, the director of USAID’s Office of Economic Development and Governance and Ms. Judy Araneta-Roxas, President of the Gerry Roxas Foundation.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1141468380712/usaid-awards-grants-to-combat-human-trafficking-support-biodiversity

Army files charges vs left-leaning activists

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 13): Army files charges vs left-leaning activists

In a recent development of the legal action taken by Civil Military Operations (CMO) Battalion Commander and executive director of the 4th Infantry Division's Advance Command Post Lt. Col. Rey Pasco against the left-leaning activists who staged a picket in front of the Bancasi Camp in the city, the rallyists now confront a criminal case filed before the trial court.

It can be recalled that it was sometime in October 2015 when the militant group carrying placards aggressively assembled for protests regarding their allegations of involvement among the military forces in the unjust killings of the ‘lumads’ (natives) in Surigao del Sur.

According to Pasco, aside from the absence of permit for them to conduct a peaceful protest, they willfully and maliciously caused damages to the military’s property by deliberately vandalizing and marking out several loud and foul words at the concrete fence of the camp’s vicinity discrediting the uniformed men in the service.

“With the kind of intolerable actuations and nuisance demonstrated by these activists, we are compelled to treat their unjust behavior the proper way, and that is through the legal act of filing a case to address this concern,” said Pasco.

Pasco added that they are here to serve, to safeguard the people and nation, and to advance peace and order activities, and not to endanger their fellow Filipinos as alleged.

Hence, in supplement to the resolution made on November 2015 and upon careful perusal of the records of the case, a probable cause against the respondents was found for the crime of alarm and scandal and malicious mischief to the following individuals identified as Isaias Genorga, Proseso “Sesoy” Torralba, Elaiza Rose “Elay” Pangilinan, Rosalinda Cunsad, and Ateliana “Atel” Hijos, among others.

Also, Pasco is encouraging those who encountered the same situation of harassment to speak out and bring the case into the proper proceeding to keep the accused aware of their offense, and be given appropriate justice of their illegal and undesirable acts.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2761468397859/army-files-charges-vs-left-leaning-activists

Gov. Bichara thanks USNS Mercy for health and social services rendered to Albayanos

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 13): Gov. Bichara thanks USNS Mercy for health and social services rendered to Albayanos

LEGAZPI CITY-— Albay Governor Al Francis Bichara hailed and thanked the hospital United States Navy Ship (USNS) for the treatment of more than 3,000 local patients and the construction and repair of schoolbuildings and water facility in some villages in the province.

He expressed his gratitude at Monday’s closing ceremony of the Pacific Partnership 2016, a two-week humanitarian and disaster relief preparedness mission of the hospital ship United States Navy Ship (USNS) Mercy docked at waters off Albay Gulf, some five kilometers from this city’s port.

The vessel, which is equipped with an emergency room, X-ray room, CT Scan, Intensive Care Unit and blood bank, provided surgical services to the patients such as general surgery, hernia, bone realignment, cataract operations and cleft plate.

Its staff of 600 medical personnel, including nine doctors, nurses, technicians and support staff provided neurological examinations, pediatric, internal medicine, radiology, dental and eye health and dental services.

Bichara also acknowledged the mission’s joint team of engineers, who finished construction works of two-classroom school buildings with comfort rooms, including repair works of other classrooms in Barangay Cotmon, in Camalig town and in Barangay Kinawitan in Daraga town.

He also cited the completion of a water tank and lavatory at the elementary school in Barangay Mabini, also in Daraga.

During the same event, Bichara remembered the first visit of the mercy ship, which came right after typhoon Sisang slammed Albay in November 1987 and “crumpled the province like a piece of paper.”

Second visit

Bichara noted this is the second visit of USNS Mercy to Albay.

“The Mercy was first commissioned here in 1987 at a time when Albay crumpled like a piece of paper,” Bichara told officials of the United States Armed Forces. The governor was congressman of the province’s third district when Sisang hit Albay that time.

He said the governments of the Philippines and U.S. have a long-standing relationship marked by brotherhood and friendship.

Bichara said the USNS Mercy gave hope to the Filipino people, especially Albay, when it came to visit right after Sisang occurred.

After super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) struck Tacloban City in 2013, experts listing the 10 deadly typhoons on record to have hit the Philippines had included Sisang in the list.

“Mother nature blessed us with a beautiful nature but also blessed us with all types of natural disasters that we have become used to it,” the governor told the visitors.

Located in mainland Bicol peninsula, Albay is also home to the 2,460-meter Mt. Mayon, an active volcano with a nearly perfectly-shaped cone touted to rival the beauty of Japan’s Mt. Fiji but known also for its sometimes deadly episodes of explosions.

Reaffirming how Albay manages to return to normalcy after disasters, Bichara cited the revisiting USNS for rekindling hope in the population of the province, now recorded at 1.4 million.

“The visit of USNS Mercy gave us hope. Your tour here is not the end but a beginning. Make Albay as your home. I wish to see you again not for typhoon relief but to explore the beauty of our province as tourists,” he said.

USNS Mercy (T-AH 19), that departed from Legazpi City on July 11, is now headed to Da Nang, Vietnam for a similar humanitarian mission. Deemed as the world’s biggest hospital ship its home port is San Diego, California. Over 1,000 soldiers from the US Armed Forces with support from its allies from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, United Kingdom, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Japan, along with Filipino counterparts engaged in the mission in Albay.

Filipino-American

Since 2006, Pacific Partnership has been the largest annual humanitarian and civic assistance mission in the Indo-Pacific region, according to Rear Admiral Bette Bolivar, the first female Filipino-American commander of the US Naval Command Northwest Region.

Born in Hawaii, Bolivar is of Filipino descent as her father is from Nabua, Camarines Sur while her mother is from Pangasinan.

“I was thrilled to meet and speak to my fellow kababayan (townmates) in Legazpi City,” she said.

Bolivar spoke at a forum in the city that highlighted the issue of gender and development. It was part of the mission’s goal to foster exchanges with various sectors in the local communities they were serving.

The initiative was inspired by a United Nations resolution empowering women by including them in the planning and implementation of disaster preparedness and relief efforts of their countries.

She lauded Commodore Tom Williams, USNS Mercy head, for everything they have accomplished since arriving in Legazpi City.

For his part, Legazpi City Mayor Noel Rosal said the Pacific Partnership recognizes that countries are interdependent of each other, citing the war in Syria that caused an influx of migrants to host countries in Europe and elsewhere in the world.

“It is not so much a question of whether we have the means but a question of whether we have the will,” he said.

Major General Arthur J. Logan, adjutant general, Hawaii Army National Guard of the US Armed Forces, said Albay province is not done dealing with natural disasters but they are now better prepared for whatever comes next.

“Pacific Partnership allows us to prepare during the calm in order to respond in a crisis. We do what we do not for recognition but to enrich each other with our experiences and the Spirit of Aloha,” he said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=903676

PHL's newest, biggest naval vessel now on its maiden mission

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 13): PHL's newest, biggest naval vessel now on its maiden mission

The Philippine Navy (PN)'s largest and newest vessel, the 7,300 gross ton BRP Tarlac (LD-601), is now currently deployed on its maiden mission.

"She (BRP Tarlac) is now deployed to (her) operational area," PN spokesperson Capt. Lued Lincuna said to the PNA without giving specifics for security reasons.

He added that the BRP Tarlac is also currently being escorted while conducting this mission.

"She is mission capable (and) escorted by (other PN surface units) as per doctrine while on the said deployment. I can't divulged any other information (because) it has security implications," Lincuna said when pressed further.

Incidentally, the United Nations Permanent Court of Arbitration on Tuesday issued a ruling which favored the Philippines’ arbitration case against China over the West Philippine Sea territorial row.

The ruling also invalidated China's claim over its "historic rights" to the disputed waters, stressing that its 'Nine-Dash-Line' claim has no legal basis and that it violated the Philippines' sovereign rights in its exclusive economic zone through meddling with Philippine fishing and oil exploration in the region, allowing the illegal entry of Chinese fishermen into the disputed waters and causing harm to marine environment in the region through its massive reclamation activities.

BRP Tarlac was commissioned during short ceremonies at Pier 13, Manila South Harbor last June 1.

She arrived in the Philippines last May 14 after a five-day journey from PT PAL (Persero)'s shipyard in Surabaya which started on May 9.

The Philippines has a two SSV order with the Indonesian shipbuilder worth PHP3.8 billion.

She was formally presented to the public at Pier 13, Manila South Harbor last May 16.

BRP Tarlac was assigned to the Philippine Fleet's Sealift Amphibious Force.

The ship has an overall length of 120 meters,breadth of 21 meters, draft of five meters and carry a payload of 2,800 tons.

She has a cruising speed of 13 knots and maximum speed of 16 knots and a minimum operating range of 7,500 nautical miles.

Her sister-ship is expected to be delivered by May 2017. The ship has a complement of 121 officers and enlisted personnel.

She can carry 500 troops, two rigid-hull inflatable boats, two landing craft units and three helicopters.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=903446

AFP awards troops wounded in ongoing offensive vs ASG

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 13): AFP awards troops wounded in ongoing offensive vs ASG

Wounded Personnel Medals were pinned Wednesday to troopers wounded in action during the ongoing military offensive against the Basilan-based Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) terrorists.

Awarding of the medals was personally done by Western Mindanao Command (WESMINCOM) head Lt. Gen. Mayoralgao M. Dela Cruz, WESMINCOM spokesperson Major Filemon Tan said.

The wounded soldiers are all from Joint Task Group Basilan, he added.

They were wounded in the intensive operations aimed at neutralizing ASG sub-leader Isnilon Hapilon and his men Tuesday.

Awarded with the Wounded Personnel Medal were Technical Sgt. Rolito Quimson, Staff Sgt. Warren Ybañez, Sgt. Elizalde Togado, Cpl. Teofisto Rabena, Cpl. Ryan Jay Zerrudo, Cpl. Rizalito Sayson, Cpl. Archie Pacionela, Cpl. Noel Morales, Cpl. Marnie Carpentil, Pfc. Ronald Abayon, Pfc. Julius Avila, Pfc. Albert Villanueva, Pfc. Vincent Maghari, and Pfc. Jeffrey Habala.

"WESMINCOM continues to intensify the conduct of focused military operations in the province of Basilan in all efforts to neutralize the ASG," Tan said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=903559

GPH, MILF ink pact to combat illegal drugs in Mindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 13): GPH, MILF ink pact to combat illegal drugs in Mindanao

The Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have signed an agreement of cooperation and coordination to effectively combat illegal drugs in the MILF-controlled areas of Mindanao.

The agreement was signed by the officials of the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG) of the GPH and the MILF last Tuesday at the Hotel Elena, Davao City.

Among the signatories include: GPH AHJAG chairman B/Gen. Arnel B. Dela Vega; GPH joint Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) chairman B/Gen. Glenn G Macasero; MILF AHJAG chairman Abdul M. Dataya and MILF CCCH chairman Butch P. Malang.

Under the agreement, all the agencies of the government particularly the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have been given the primary responsibility to implement the anti-illegal drugs program in MILF-controlled areas.

The MILF has expressed alarm over the growing incidence of illegal drugs, prompting its central committee to pass a resolution to take immediate action against the drug problem.

The agreement provides certain mechanics and procedures that have to be observed by both the GPH and the MILF in the conduct of law enforcement operation against criminality in the MILF-controlled areas.

The anti-illegal drug campaign includes conduct of information drive on the ill-effects of illegal drugs in coordination with the barangay, municipal, city or provincial anti-drug abuse councils.

On information exchanges and sharing, the MILF has to submit the list of drug personalities identified in its areas “subject to validation of the law enforcement agencies.”

In the conduct of anti-illegal drug operations, all existing protocols under Republic Act No. 9165 and all relevant agreements signed between the GPH and the MILF shall apply.

Under the agreement, the PDEA and the anti-drug units of the AFP, PNP, National Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Customs and Bureau of Immigration and Deportation shall also coordinate with the AHJAG and CCCH.

The agreement was part of the strengthened anti-illegal drug campaign and fight against criminality of the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=903598

DND chief hopeful China will comply with UN ruling

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 13): DND chief hopeful China will comply with UN ruling

With the Philippines winning its arbitration case, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana hopes China will comply with the ruling for the good of the entire region.

"I hope China will abide (with the ruling) because it will be good for the whole region if everybody will follow the rule of law, nobody can just cherry pick the laws that we are going to abide by it. We believe in a community of nations (that) exist side-by-side harmoniously," he added.

However, Lorenzana declined to comment on the ruling's effect on security of the disputed areas and whether the Philippines will now lift its construction moratorium at Ayungin Shoal, now that the United Nations Permanent Court of Arbitration has ruled that the feature belongs to the country.

"I can't answer that now because the government is still processing the decision of the tribunal which is more than 500 pages, the Solicitor General just went through it," the DND chief stressed.

"Many things need to be studied first, the President said there is no rush in deciding what to do, study this and wait for other developments and consult with (our) allies first on what do," he further revealed.

At 5:00 p.m. Tuesday (Manila time), the United Nations Permanent Court of Arbitration handed down its decision on the case which invalidated China's claim over its "historic rights" to the disputed waters, stressing that its 'Nine-Dash-Line' claim has no legal basis.

The ruling also added that China violated the Philippines' sovereign rights in its exclusive economic zone through meddling with Philippine fishing and oil exploration in the region, allowing the illegal entry of Chinese fishermen into the disputed waters and causing harm to marine environment in the region through its massive reclamation activities.

Such actions, according to the tribunal, has also caused the escalation of tension between the two parties.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=903629

Palace treats Arbitral Tribunal ruling ‘with caution’

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 13): Palace treats Arbitral Tribunal ruling ‘with caution’

Malacanang echoed on Wednesday the call of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) for restraint and sobriety after the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague ruled in favor of the Philippines’ arbitration case against China in the territorial dispute over the West Philippine Sea.

”If I had any comments, this is basically, like I said, we are going by the official statement released by the DFA Secretary. And basically it is that we welcome the ruling. However, we proceed with caution, with restraint and sobriety,” Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella said in an ambush media interview in the Palace.

With the much-awaiting ruling of the international arbitral tribunal on Tuesday, Abella expressed confidence that “everything will be for the common good.”

”Especially for those who are directly involved, including the fishermen, but let us wait for the right response at the right time,” he said.

In an official statement, DFA Secretary Perfecto Yasay said the Philippine law experts “are studying the award with care and thoroughness that this significant outcome deserves.”

”In the meantime, we call on all those concerned to exercise restraint and sobriety,” Yasay said.

When asked for President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s reaction to the ruling, Abella just said: “It was a very responsible response.”

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=903649

2 ex-Solicitors General cite realities in International Arbitration Court ruling on WPS territorial row

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 13): 2 ex-Solicitors General cite realities in International Arbitration Court ruling on WPS territorial row

Two former Solicitors General who were behind the Philippine legal team in the "maritime dispute" before the International Arbitration Court cited on Wednesday the realities on the decision in the disputed territory in the West Philippine Sea (WPS).

In a press conference, former Solicitor General and now Supreme Court (SC) Associate Justice Francis H. Jardeleza and former Solicitor General Florin T. Hilbay said the realities of the International Arbitration Court ruling would be that the country will now resort to negotiation and diplomacy with China.

Nevertheless, the two former Solicitors General maintained that since China is part of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the decision of the International Arbitration Court is binding with China.

They also clarified that the victory of the Philippines in the "maritime dispute" does not necessarily mean the ownership of the disputed territory, but rather, the award of maritime entitlements.

Hilbay even compared the situation now with that of a basketball game wherein the game is already in the second quarter and that the Philippines has won in the "arbitration."

He added that the situation now can be considered as a "Game of Diplomats."

The two former Solicitors General explained that because there is no such thing as "International Police," in the proper time, there would be clarity on how the "enforcement" of the ruling of the arbitration court would be.

Although the ruling cannot be immediately enforced, they said that the country's arguments have already won in the "public opinion."

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=903627

DND chief vows PHL's full compliance with all EDCA obligations

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 13): DND chief vows PHL's full compliance with all EDCA obligations

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the Philippines is committed to fulfilling all its obligations under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) signed with the United States.

"Yes, all existing agreements that have been signed before will always, we will honor them. actually the EDCA was offshoot of some events here in the area, including terrorism because we need American support also to fight terrorism in the south that's why we have the EDCA, (it's not) only for the West Philippine Sea (issue), so we will honor that," he added.

But the DND chief said they will not consult the US government on possible actions in wake of the favorable United Nations Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling against China.

"No, we will not consult them with our actions but (our) actions will be guided by what is good for our country, we will (however) consult with our fellow claimants also, and the community of the ASEAN," he added.

Lorenzana said the situation on the ground is still the same before the issuance of the arbitration ruling.

"It's still the same, I think status quo has been maintained by everybody," he stressed.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=903639

Lorenzana says Carter assures US iron clad commitment to PHL defense pact

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 13): Lorenzana says Carter assures US iron clad commitment to PHL defense pact

American Defense Secretary Ashton Carter assured the Philippines of the United States' iron clad commitment to its defense pact with the Philippines.

This was the guise of the conversation of the US top defense official with Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Sunday.

"(What he told me is), we want to assure you that our alliance, (the US-Philippine defense pact) is iron clad, this is in light of the impending publication of the tribunal's ruling. He also told me that the Chinese assured them that they will exercise restraint, and they (US) assured them they will also exercise restraint," he added.

Carter said that they also expect the same from the Philippines, and Lorenzana gave the former a positive assurance.

"(The US Defense Secretary) also said we will support you on the South China Sea issue," Lorenzana recounted.

When asked on what role the US will take in wake of the United Nations Permanent Court of Arbitration July 12 which invalidated China's claim over its "historic rights" to the disputed waters, the Defense chief said he has no idea on what roles the Americans will take.

"I do not know the role of the US, (it is up to them on what they will do), their primarily interest is the freedom of navigation so that they can pass through the area unimpeded by anybody," he added.

"And I think the ruling has showed that we will have the freedom of navigation there in the area," Lorenzana stressed.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=903656

DSWD provides assistance to families displaced by military operations in Davao Oriental town

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 13): DSWD provides assistance to families displaced by military operations in Davao Oriental town

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said Wednesday that its Field Office XI in Davao City provided assistance to the families who were forced to evacuate because of military operations in a Davao Oriental town.

According to DSWD Secretary Judy M. Taguiwalo, a total of 399 families were forced to evacuate from their village in Caraga town, Davao Oriental last July 11 after the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) launched an attack against members of the New People’s Army (NPA) on July 8.

At present, the evacuees are taking refuge at the DSWD Office in Barangay Poblacion, Caraga.

The assistance provided includes 1,300 food packs comprising of five kilos of rice and canned goods.

The DSWD Field Office XI is also currently coordinating with Davao Oriental 1st District Rep. Corazon Malanyaon on whether there is a need to augment the supplies for the evacuees.

Based on the reports from the Army's 67th Infantry Battalion (IB), the affected families came from the different villages of Barangay Pichon in Caraga town.

The 67th IB also affirmed reports released by the media that it launched an airstrike against the NPA rebels and dropped at least six rockets.

Secretary Taguiwalo said that monitoring and protecting the welfare of citizens affected by armed conflict falls under the mandate of the DSWD, specifically the welfare of children.

She also said that the DSWD’s Protective Services Bureau follows protocol to aid children affected by armed conflict in line with Article X of Republic Act No. 7610.

R.A. 7610 provides for stronger deterrence and special protection against child abuse, exploitation and discrimination.

Its Article X states that “Children in situations of armed conflict should be given priority during evacuation and that existing community organizations should look after the safety and well-being of children during evacuation operations and its immediate aftermath when they are in the evacuation centers."

“We want to ensure the DSWD’s more active involvement in the plight of citizens affected by military operations. Military operations have resulted in many forced evacuations of farmers and Lumad communities, and the needs of the evacuees have to be addressed,” Taguiwalo said.

The DSWD Chief said she has already brought up with Malacanang the matter of assisting the Lumad citizens displaced by armed conflict and military operations until they return to their ancestral communities.

“President Duterte has been consistent in expressing his concern for the Lumads and other indigenous peoples who have been forced to flee their homes,” she said.

Meanwhile, she called for support for the peace talks between the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GRP), the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

“These peace negotiations should be supported because they will contribute to efforts to address the roots of armed conflict in the country,” she said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=903713

Fisherfolk group calls for peaceful but principled resolution on West Philippine Sea issue

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 13): Fisherfolk group calls for peaceful but principled resolution on West Philippine Sea issue

The militant fisherfolk group Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya-Pilipinas) on Wednesday urged President Rodrigo Duterte to tighten control and claim on the disputed West Philippine Sea (WPS) even as it insisted that asserting Philippine rightful claim in the disputed area should be in any peaceful way possible.

Salvador France, vice chairperson of Pamalakaya-Pilipinas, said that engaging in a violent war against China is the last thing the country wants.

“Our fishers have been devastated as it is, and our natural resources in distraught. Active diplomacy through bilateral and multilateral talks with China and other claimants of the disputed waters is the best chance we have, provided these are founded upon the framework of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the recent Hague decision, and advanced in mutual respect,” he said.

On Tuesday, the International Permanent Court of Arbitration favored Philippines against the claim and actions of the Peoples Republic of China with respect to the South China Sea or West Philippine Sea.

It ruled that China has no legal basis to claim historic rights to resources within the sea areas falling within its claimed nine-dash line.

Through its 9-dash line assumption, China is aggressively claiming 90 percent of the South China Sea, through which about USD 5 trillion worth of ship-borne trade passes every year and is a home to abundant marine products endowed with untapped oil and gas reserves

The international tribunal also found China in violation of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), specifically with respect to the Philippines’ sovereign rights in its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), by interfering with fishing and petroleum operation, constructing artificial islands, and failing to prevent Chinese fishermen from fishing in the zone.

“It is official, the West Philippine Sea is our and ours alone. This is a victory not only for us fisherfolk but also for us as a nation. We have stood up against the bullying and garnered support in the process,” France said.

“The international tribunal’s decision is an initial victory for the Filipino people who have tirelessly fought for the national sovereignty and territorial integrity. We call on the Filipino people to remain steadfast on patriotism and nationalism in the name of defending the country from any aspects of foreign domination,” he said.

However, the fisherfolk group said that the Philippines should also remain vigilant for possible aggressive responses from China as Beijing has repeatedly said that it won’t comply with the International Tribunal Court as it maintains its claim that South China Sea is an indisputable sovereignty.

“We are now on the next stage of this battle. Until our fishers and our flag dominate the West Philippine Sea, this is far from over,” France said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=903634