Duterte urged to junk ‘lopsided, imperialist’ Edca

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jul 27): Duterte urged to junk ‘lopsided, imperialist’ Edca

A militant group on Wednesday urged President Rodrigo Duterte to terminate the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (Edca), a day after the Supreme Court upheld its constitutionality as an executive agreement aimed at boosting military cooperation between the Philippines and the United States.

READ: PH military hails SC decision on Edca

Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan), one of the petitioners that questioned the high tribunal’s decision last January declaring Edca’s constitutionality, called the agreement as “lopsided” and “imperialist.”

“We condemn in the strongest terms the SC decision upholding the legality of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement.  The decision came on the day US Secretary of State John Kerry is scheduled to visit the Philippines. The timing of the SC decision is reminiscent of the moment EDCA was signed in 2014, in time for US President Barack Obama’s first visit to the Philippines,” Bayan secretary general Renato Reyes said in a statement.

READ: Edca to help AFP modernize, respond to 21st century threats—Kerry

“Edca allows the return of US bases and facilities, without rent, with tax exemptions and under exclusive US control. The new bases will mean permanent US military presence in the Philippines. It turns the country into a colonial military outpost for US imperialist intervention in the region,” he added.

Kerry paid a courtesy call on Duterte and faced Philippine media on Wednesday, saying that the Edca will help modernize the Armed Forces of the Philippines “in order to help them to be able to increase their effectiveness in responding to 21^st century threats. This is amid an international tribunal ruling affirming the country’s plea against China’s claims to almost all of the resource-rich South China Sea.

Reyes said Duterte does not need Edca to assert the country’s interest in the West Philippine Sea because “there is already a ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration.”

“We call on the Filipino people to actively resist the return of US bases and facilities which is an affront to our sovereignty. We call on President Duterte to assert national interest and terminate the Edca because it is a lopsided agreement… He need not seek the involvement of the US and further escalate tensions in the region,” he said.

“Duterte is correct when he seems to promote an independent foreign policy. Edca is an imperialist imposition that undermines this. As an executive agreement, according to the SC, it is now within the power of Duterte to terminate the Edca,” Reyes added.

On the same day Kerry arrived in the Philippines, the Supreme Court dismissed an appeal on its earlier decision upholding Edca’s legality, ruling that it was an executive agreement that seeks to expand the Visiting Forces Agreement, does not require Senate concurrence.

http://globalnation.inquirer.net/142069/duterte-urged-to-junk-lopsided-imperialist-edca

WATCH, EXCLUSIVE | China flattened Zambales mountain for Scarborough Shoal reclamation - governor

From InterAksyon (Jul 29): WATCH, EXCLUSIVE | China flattened Zambales mountain for Scarborough Shoal reclamation - governor


Chinese ships are seen off Masinloc, Zambales, in file photo. VERA FILES

If the allegations of the new governor of Zambales are correct, the Philippines was dealt a double whammy in China's reclamation spree in Scarborough Shoal.

As it happens, it appears the soil and rocks dumped by China on a wide area Bajo de Masinloc were gouged out from Zambales itself, in a mad, two-year operation that involved seven Chinese firms using nickel mining as cover.

The allegations were made by Gov. Amor Deloso, who said his predecessor, Hermogenes Ebdane, had allegedly allowed the massive excavations for over two years, practically "flattening a mountain" and damaging a wide area of Sta. Cruz's forested highlands. Worse, the soil and rocks taken from the mainland and dumped on the shoal did massive, unspeakable damage to the marine environment.

The carved-out sides of the mountains of Sta. Cruz are visible from afar - remnants of a mad endeavor to get earthern material for China to fill up parts of Scarborough Shoal (Bajo de Masinloc), which Beijing has de facto occupied since an April 2012 standoff when its ships drove away Filipino boats from traditional rich fishing grounds.

Governor Deloso gave details of the mad frenzy: "Because Scarborough is purely corals, because they need materials for reclamation, kailangan nila ang pinakamalapit na supply ng materials. For two years, walang ginawa dito sa Zambales kundi maghakot ng malalaking bato [they did nothing here but haul away huge rocks] ...

According to the Department of Foreign Affairs, nearly 3,000 hectares of Bajo de Masinloc have been dumped with earth and rocks by China's reclamation brigades.

No wonder, Deloso said, that the two mountains in the area are now nearly flat. "At that time, our impression was they were mining nickel. Because there were 450 trucks [traveling night and day from the site]. The roads were damaged eventually."

He conceded that taking on those behind the Chinese miners and excavators was no easy task: "Mahirap lumaban sa mga higante eh, pero wala akong choice. This involves the welfare of the people of my province. Tutal nasa Bayang Magiliw yan ... Ang mamatay ng dahil sa iyo. Hindi ba?"

Deloso said he got information that seven Chinese companies had gouged out the area, using nickel mining as pretext.

These people practically "bought the mountains" of Sta. Cruz, he added. Roads and farms were damaged. "They destroyed the total environment of Sta. Cruz....in the six years of your former friend the former governor..."


Residents admit they are affected adversely by the damage to their mountains and forests, but  said many of them have found jobs in the mines.

At press time, News5 was still trying to get Ebdane's side.

The new  chief of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Gina Lopez, was aghast at what happened.

She is forming a task force to investigate what happened.

'It's horrible. I'll find out whoever gave the permit why they are getting the soil. If there are DENR officials involved they'll be made accountable.."

The local government has stopped all mining activities in the province.

HERE'S ERWIN TULFO'S VIDEO REPORT THAT AIRED ON AKSYON THURSDAY, JULY 28:

[Video report]

http://interaksyon.com/article/130883/watch-exclusive--china-flattened-zambales-mountain-for-scarborough-shoal-reclamation---governor

Negros militants upbeat on peace talks after declaration of unilateral ceasefire

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 28): Negros militants upbeat on peace talks after declaration of unilateral ceasefire
 

President Rodrigo Duterte’s declaration of unilateral ceasefire with the communist rebels during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) Monday brought optimism among militant groups in Negros Occidental led by Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan)-Negros.

“This is what we were waiting from the President’s SONA,” Christian Tuayon, secretary general of Bayan-Negros, told the Philippines News Agency in an interview.

The President’s declaration of unilateral ceasefire with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) was welcomed by NDF chief political consultant Jose Maria Sison.

Tuayon said a unilateral ceasefire is part of the confident-building measures of the government to show sincerity in the resumption of peace negotiation.

He added that the peace talks will spark the end of armed conflict especially when it is covered by the substantive agenda of socio-economic reform.

It is just proper for the government to suspend military operations to prevent bloodshed while peace negotiation is ongoing, he further said.

Tuayon, who was among the militant leaders who met with Duterte in Malacañang after his inauguration last June 30, joined about 2,500 members of local progressive groups who held a nationally-coordinated “Rally for Peace” at the Bacolod plaza last Monday.

In declaring the ceasefire, President Duterte ordered the troops to immediately stop violence on the ground, restore peace in the communities, and provide enabling environment conducive to the resumption of the peace talks.

“To the CPP-NPA-NDF, let us end these decades of ambuscades and skirmishes. We are going nowhere. And it is getting bloodier by the day,” the President said.

Mr. Duterte said in his SONA that his administration will strive to have a permanent and lasting peace before his term ends.

“That is my goal, that is my dream,” the President added.

 http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=908422

2 soldiers hurt in BIFF-MILF encounter in Maguindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 28): 2 soldiers hurt in BIFF-MILF encounter in Maguindanao

Two soldiers were wounded in a clash with Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF),which was reinforced by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Maguindanao Thursday.

601st Infantry Brigade commander Col. Cirilito Sobejana said his troops were on security operations in the area when they encountered 30 BIFF men under Imam Minimbang, alias Commander Karialan, in Barangay Pamalian at around 6:10 a.m.

Karialan is the first cousin of Wahid Tundok, commander of the MILF’s 118th Base Command.

An hour later, an estimated 100 MILF troops reinforced the BIFF, allegedly due to blood ties.

Sobejana said the reinforcing MILF came from the latter's118th and 105th Base Commands.

With this development, they immediately contacted the GRPH and MILF Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities to intervene at around 10 a.m.

Members of the committee arrived at the site around 12 noon to the site.

“They met and both parties agreed to a ceasefire,” Sobejana stressed.

However, fighting continue until 4 p.m. as one of the MILF sub-commanders refused to heed the agreed ceasefire.

Sobejana said the fighting has left two soldiers wounded.

He said he could not determine the number of casualties on the MILF and BIFF.

Sobejana said there is no longer any fighting as of 5:30 p.m. but stressed the situation was tense due the refusal of one of the MILF sub-commanders to honor the ceasefire.

But he believed the incident was not sanctioned by the MILF leadership and that the latter was still committed in the peace negotiations.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=908400

Speech of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte during his visit to Camp Guillermo Nakar, Lucena City, Quezon province

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 28): Speech of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte during his visit to Camp Guillermo Nakar, Lucena City, Quezon province

Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Secretary Arthur Tabaquero, General Ricardo Visaya, Lt. Gen Eduardo Año, Major General Romeo Gan, Police Supt. Valfrie Tabian, officials men and women of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police, fellow workers in government, my beloved countrymen:

Commander, can you give the order of tikas pahinga?

I just came from a briefing from your officers and I am happy with the non-military and military efforts that you have given to the country, the Republic of the Philippines. I would like you to know that it is with gratitude that I thank you for the service that you have extended to the country.

Meron tayong development sa ating bayan. I know that it is a… Medyo resistant kayo to accept it because of the historical --- ‘yung sakit. Maraming namatay sa inyo, pero bagamat marami ring namatay sa mga komunista. But as President, I have to seek peace for our country. Not only with the communist insurgency but doon rin sa Muslim insurgency.

Mahirap tanggapin na mukhang ang labas niyan is patawaran nang lahat. Alam ko medyo hindi madali tanggapin ‘yan. But, as a President and Commander-in-Chief, I have to think of the Republic of the Philippines and the whole of the people in this country. Hindi pwede na estudyante pa ako pati hanggang ngayon nagpapatayan; and we continue to lose men, good men, mga sundalo pati pulis, until now.

Siguro, ewan ko kayong sa military, but kayong mga pulis, walang opisyal dito sa Republika who has defended you and took care of you noong mayor ako sa Davao.

From the time that you are being charged, up to the time --- performance of duty --- that’s what I’m telling you, hanggang ma-suspend kayo, hanggang mawalan kayo ng trabaho, hanggang ma-reinstate kayo.

I never allowed any police officer or the ordinary patrol man to go to prison for performing the duty. I would like to reiterate now that policy and to include the members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines na basta magtrabaho lang kayo, in accordance with your mandate wala kayong problema. Wala talaga ikaw problema because I will be there. Sinabi ko sa SONA — to be with you.

I will protect you and I will answer for the things that I ordered na gawin mo. Sinabi ko ito ‘yan, gawain mo ‘yan, at ika’y nagkakaroon ng kaso, masabit ka, wala ka talagang problem. Forget about the problem because I will answer for you personally and officially.

Huwag na tayo mag-usapan ng mga ordinary na, hindi karapat-dapat na gawin ng isang Army o isang pulis, because we are not here to oppress people, we are here to protect them at ‘yung mga sa labas na trabaho, talagang sorry, wala akong pakialam. But dito sa ating kapakanan ng ating bayan, maaasahan ninyo ‘yan.

At ako po’y nag-order ng increase of salaries beginning August, dahan-dahan na kayong makakuha ng incremental increases ninyo. Hindi ho po mabigyan niyan.... [applause] Hindi ho natin madali lahat ‘yan. Alam ninyo that I went in the presidency, into the presidency, midstream. Ibig sabihin nandiyan na ‘yung budget, which was prepared last year, and yet they’re not really much money to go around. So I have to worry about the entire machinery of the Republic. I was not the one who programmed ‘yung gastusin natin. And ‘yung promise ko na ako --- that was a campaign promise in my quest for the presidency but hindi kasali ‘yan sa budget. Iyong ngayon --- next year, then can I program the money properly but I have insisted sa budget na it must be implemented now.

So, magkakaroon kayo ng incremental increases by the months as they go by. Until such time that I’d be able to make my promise to really doblado na ‘yung sweldo niyo.

Kayo lang talaga ang nauna because I know your sacrifice. Kaya ko mahal ang pulis kasi alam ko namamatay ‘yan, pati sundalo, in the performance of duty. Kasi kung baga gulo, kayo naghahanap ng gulo eh, sa buhay niyo. So eventually you go out to patrol the mountains, you go after the communists… Ayan naghahanap ka talaga ng kamatayan diyan and I know that, because ako I rose from the rank. At hindi naman ako namumulitika. Anak rin ako ng mahirap and my father was also, in his time, a military man.

Kaya naiintindihan ko ‘yung lagay --- laro ng panahon. Basta, mag-trabaho lang kayo, wala kayong dapat… Do not worry. I will not abandon, maski to the last man. Ilan bang thousand? 120? Pulis? To the last man, protektado kayo. Hindi ko kayo pababayaan.

Ito naman ating... We have to seek peace, not only with the communist. We have to insist on peace even sa ating mga Moro na kapatid. So, ganon rin. As I talk to the communist, I will talk to the MI, MN, and all the armed groups there. Hindi kasali ang Abu Sayyaf. I will not talk with criminal. Hindi dapat pagusapan --- only those with an ideology… Tutal kasi ang hangarin nila, the reason why we treat them not really as a --- down to the ano na kalaban because --- kaya nga nag-rebelde nga sila because they think that they can have a better life. Filipinos can have a better life under them, which is crazy that’s why you are fighting them. Eh hindi naman ako papayag because the Constitutional mandate belongs to this government, not with them.

Kaya ‘yan ang hindi pwede talaga pag-usapan. Pero ‘yung mga criminal, wala na. You have to destroy them. There’s no other choice. There’s no ideology. There’s not a program of government for the people. There is not alternative na sige, kami ang ilagay kasi ito ‘yung aming magandang paraan sa gobyerno. Nothing of this sort.

So, itong mga… Those who would want to destroy the country, those who would want to destroy the next generation, nandyan lang sa boundary ‘yung mga anak natin, 'yang mga bata diyan. They are there...Kasi tayo halfway, kayo middle-aged na. Kaya some of you are in the 20s, but palabas na tayo. Kami palabas na talaga.

We cannot hand over to next generation ang problema ng droga kasi malawak. Before, I’ve said to the --- your officers: I was a whipping boy sa Davao City. I was bruited about, attacked, and criticized na nag-extra judicial killing, marami.

Ang ano ko kasi, sinabi ko na noong naupo ako ng mayor: Kayong mga hold-upper, kidnapper at lahat ng criminals, at ang mga durugista, umalis kayo ng Davao. Kasi 'pag hindi, papatayin ko kayo.

Ngayon --- was covered by TV and everything. Ngayon, anong order ko? Eh talagang papatayin ko kayo. Droga. Noong ako, ang sinasabi ninyo, naka-focus lang ang camera ng Pilipinas sa akin, ‘yung hardliner na extra judicial killer. I was criticized by the Human Rights until now, sa Senado. Eh hindi naman directly but ‘yung off tangent na salita.

Eh kung totoo? Eh 'di totoo ‘yan. ‘Wag mo nang dramahin diyan. Talagang papatayin kita, itong droga. Kasi wala ng ginawa... Noong naging Presidente ako, inipit ko na lahat. Hindi ko man alam ganito kalawak. Noong inipit ko na lahat ng mga --- lahat sa gobyerno, lumabas na. So how many? 130? No, we are counting 150 now surrenderees na users. But a user is a pusher. Pwera na lang kung anak ka ni Ayala o ni Consunji o ni Gokongwei, 'pag nalulong ka sa droga eh maghanap ka ng tao na isusuporta rin ang --- sa bisyo mo. Then the other idiot will also contaminate and this must not happen.

PDEA said that we have 3 million, two years ago, came out with the statement that are 3 million plus, plus addicts. Ponder on it. Tulugan ninyo. Sleep on it. Isipin ninyo kung anong epekto sa bayan.

I have to... I have… I am not just telling the police to take a punitive police action. We are... We have a crisis and we are facing a war. Pati si [Genelosa?] pinakialam. Papaano sabihin na “saan ang big fish?” Pati ang Mexico, si [Genelosa?] pumasok na dito, at talagang shipment tayo.

I can just, cannot… Ang problema is I cannot show the matrix to how, how… “Where’s the big fish? Bakit hanap ka mahirap?” Ang big fish dito sa ating ano ipapakita ko, blanko ‘yan, hindi natin kilala. But we know that they are --- these guys are controlling. Where? From the outside.

Tawagan lang sila. They have a digital camera. “I-zoom-in mo sa, diyan sa bandang Pandacan. O, may nakita ka diyan na ano, diyan mo ibagsak. Pumunta ka sa isang kanto, lumabas ka diyan, may kotse, kunin mo ’yung pera mo.”

But we have are the workers, ‘yung mga trabahante, mga basurero tawag natin, the lingo ng PDEA, at ang ‘yung tinyente lang nila? Wala tayo dito, “Where’s the big fish?” Gusto mo? Punta ka ng China. Doon hanapin ninyo.

Kaya I wanted to talk to the ambassador. Eh naunahan lang kasi ako ng media. Inilibas nila --- "to confront China". Sabi ko… Sabi nila lang huwag munang magsalita, unahin muna natin 'yung China Sea.

Ganong kalawak... I cannot. God. How do I fight this war? Hindi naman tayo pumunta doon makipag-away. We cannot go there to just declare war. Hindi nga tayo pwede diyan mag... Because it is not the... Hindi naman sinabi takot ha but it is not the correct move. We do not go into a violence fight as war now because simply it’s not correct. We have to maintain the integrity of this Republic. Aba kung magpasok sila ibang istorya ‘yan. Pero it's just a body of water. Tinanggap naman ni Ramos ‘yung commission to ano… Eh 'di hayaan na natin si Presidente kung ano...

Yesterday, Alunan, the former Secretary of Local Government, came to the office to report because he was recruited by the President. Alam mo Secretary Alunan, as I have said to everybody, the President Ramos is comfortable with Alunan.

So sabi ko: Sige, sir, salamat sa offer. And hayaan na muna natin sila. Let Ramos navigate the course then maybe when the final talks are there, tapos kaharap na kami, then that would be the time na magpaprangkahan na tayo. This is our position, this is what we have, we will not go out of it, so we talk. So what is your position? Ganun 'yan. Pero at this time, it is not yet right to just come out with the [inaudible] Magulo 'yan eh. So we take the advice of the elders. President Arroyo said, "caution". President Estrada said, "restraint." Si President Aquino, ganun na naman, but he won for us the case. So kaya ako nagsabi: "Maraming salamat po for giving us the ace card." It was he who filed...It was upon his instructions. So ako, ano lang rin, because during my watch...Medyo dahan-dahan lang ako dyan. I cannot be precipitate, ah sige daanin mo sa init ng ulo, patay na. Your life is not something that I can just throw away. Pero ang message ko: Just work.

And the United States gave us [32] million dollars. Iyong nag-usap kami ni Kerry I have 32...Nandiyan si Secretary...Sabi niya ano, in front of everybody, pati si Esperon, si Delfin Lorenzana, sabi niya: "You know I am here but I will give you 32 million dollars. Now it is available for your police." So gamitin ko 'yan exactly para sa iyo. Hindi doon na para inyo mawawala. Iyan 33 million for security, sa drugs and threats of terrorism. May ipinakita si Secretary of Defense noong nagpunta ako sa Laur --- the ideal equipment, you will have it, walang problema. You will have it, bibilhin ko para sa inyo. The best armaments to fight the enemy. [applause]

Ngayon, mag-issue ako ng warning sa komunista. I was informed before I came out na may inambush na tatlong --- apat na CAFGU, isang patay, tatlo 'yung sugatan. Kaya tinawagan ko 'yung congressman nila sa left, komunista rin iyon, pati si Bebot 'yung negotiator, sabi ko, kausap ko 'yung congressman sabi ko: "Ano ba ito? Are we in into this truce or are we not?" Sinabi ko sa kanila give me an answer by tonight because kapag tomorrow wala, tatanggalin ko 'yung...Eh balik tayo sa away. Kung iyan ang gusto ninyo e 'di. If you do not honor and you kill a single soldier or a CAFGU, who is also a soldier of the Republic, eh sabi ko: Kalimutan na natin ito. Fight na lang.

Sabi ko I am demanding an explanation from the Communist Party of the Philippines. And just like us kung nagkasala kami dito, we punish our men and women sa serbisyo. Expect the same and I demand an answer na kung sino ‘yung nagkasala they must be also put under disciplinary action. Otherwise, wala tayong pinag-usapan. That is my deal with them.

So, itong… Huwag kayong… Do not feel aggrieved na ano. I will not allow ganong actions. We... We demand an action. Kayo ang nagkasala, lalo na ano, imbestigasyon. So with the others.

I will be talking to the MI, MN, shortly. May ano na tayo. But in the meantime, you, ‘yung focus ninyo, wala pa naman tayong ano. I have yet to order anyhow. Huwag muna niyo i-focus ‘yung komunista. But you are not suppose to go to the barracks and just stay idly there. There are many tasks, mandates, criminality. Iyong itong mining. The rich people are abusing the generosity of the Filipino. Multinationals pati ‘yung mga oligarchs, they go there and destroy the land.

Kaya gagamitin ko kayo to just put a stop. Hindi naman giyera, wala naman itong… But who are just Filipinos na mataas who can get contracts, and ano, kung anong mga kontrata hingiin mo sa gobyerno ibibigay because of corruption or because of… 'Sige pare, tayo-tayo kasi ngayon.' That will not happen during my watch. It would be a clean government.

Kaya ako wala na akong drama. Kapag sinabi ni Defense Secretary: “Rod kailangan...” He’s my friend way, way back. He brought in the second ranger battalion to my city. We are friends for so long a time. Kaya naghanap ako ng Defense… Sabi ko si ano na lang. Siya lang rin ang kilala ko eh. Iyong magagandang lalaki dito raw sa ano eh… ‘Di ko naman kayo… Sorry na lang.

Pero kayo, kaibigan tayo. So sabi niya, sabi ko: 'Bilhin mo na. Wala nang arte-arte diyan. Maya-maya idaan mo pa ‘yan sa ibang opisina, nandiyan na naman ‘yung corruption.' Basta kung ano ‘yung magaganda para sa inyo makukuha niyo. But I will be there to support you. I’ll be your Commander-in-Chief.

Wala kayong problema sa akin. Wala tayong problema. Alam natin ang trabaho natin. Alam ninyo kung ano ‘yung trabaho ninyo at paano gawin. The right way is always the only way for us to do it, including me. So, hindi na ako magtagal. Maghabol ako ng sunset. Malungkot ako masyado dahil wala naman kwenta ‘yang... Trabaho ako hanggang gabi alas-tres. Sakay ako ng barge. Tapos magtrabaho, tulog, tapos gisingin ako kasi maglipad ako...Okay ako dito kung magpasyal-pasyal lang. Pero kung sa Malacañang lang ako, na maglibing kayo ng presidente sunod na taon. Mamatay ako diyan sa boredom.

What is the cause of the... Hindi rin ako makalabas. I do not want to create traffic. Long before that you pass the place naka-block na. So ‘yung buntot ng traffic, pag-alis mo agawan na, then another confusion. I do not want to impose that to our people. So I am not available for any.

Itong ganito kasi, helicopter man. Hindi man ako mag-traffic. So huwag kayong mag-practice-practice diyan sa ano, mga kahoy- kahoy. Baka pagdaan ko diyan, ako ang matamaan. Wala na kayong Commander-in-Chief, patay.

Hindi na ako magtagal. I said I’d like to catch the next flight available. I want to go home. There’s a pressing problem. But I’ll be back on Sunday. Then I’d be spending the rest of the 10 days in Davao. But you are all invited. Per chance you’ll be there, kasama mo pamilya mo. Tawagan mo lang si Bong. Ako na ang bahala. Wala kayong problema.

Basta military okay ‘yan. Walang problema. Wala man silang problema doon [applause]. So, I will not take a --- I will not tarry any longer. I hope that you’re all well.

At… May mga problema, ganito ha. ‘Yung... Ito atin, atin lang ito. [Media, huwag kayong makinig diyan.] Kung may problema kayo, gaano kabigat. Alam ko ganoon ‘yan eh. Minsan may mag-sakit, cancer. You just go to your CO. Sabihin mo paki-tawag kay Secretary Delfin, then tawagan ako. Mag-usap tayo. Iyong mga mabigat na problema, ‘yung mabigat lang. And it will come. Karamihan niyan, magkasakit sa cancer, asawa. Kailangan operasyon, heart. Do not... Huwag na kayong… Dito na lang, diretso sa Commanding Officer mo. Pati pataas kay… Madali lang 'yan. Three minutes dadating na sa akin 'yan, five minutes. And I will --- mga pulis --- take care of you. Just do your duty, protect the people make sure that entire country is intact and we will all be happy. Sabay-sabay tayo.

Maraming salamat po.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=908442

Pres. Duterte calls for peace anew with communists, Muslim rebels

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 28): Pres. Duterte calls for peace anew with communists, Muslim rebels

President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday called anew for peace, as he thanked soldiers and military for the service they have extended to the country.

“Maraming namatay sa inyo, pero bagamat marami ring namatay sa mga komunista. But as President, I have to seek peace for our country. Not only with the communist insurgency but doon rin sa Muslim insurgency,” the President said in a speech during his visit to Camp Guillermo Nakar in Lucena City.

Camp Nakar is the base of the Armed Forces’ Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM).

President Duterte said the country continued to lose good men, soldiers and police.

“As I talk to the communist, I will talk to the MI(LF), MN(LF) and all the armed groups there. Hindi kasali ang Abu Sayyaf. I will not talk with criminal,” he said, noting the need to build the country.

”Kaya nga nag-rebelde nga sila (Abu Sayyaf) because they think that they can have a better life under them, which is crazy. That's why you are fighting them. Eh hindi naman papaya because the constitutional mandate belongs to this government, not with them," the chief executive added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=908444

Police arrests NPA squad leader

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 28): Police arrests NPA squad leader

Police arrested on Wednesday morning a suspected New People’s Army squad leader after it was found out that the latter have pending warrants of arrest for grave charges against him at a coastal municipality of Surigao del Norte province.

Arrested was Josefino Galez Cabil, 31, resident of Sitio Baoy, Brgy. San Isidro, Gigaquit, Surigao del Norte, 7:30 a.m. Wednesday.

Cabil was arrested on the strength of two arrest warrants for murder and multiple attempted murder.

The suspect was allegedly a team leader of Squad Dos under the SPP 16A, Guerilla Front 16 Northeastern Mindanao Regional Committee of the CPP-NPA-NDF.

He is working as an Ore sampler of a mining company in a neighboring town.

The suspect is now under the custody of Surigao del Norte Police.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=908043

EDCA to beef up PHL coastal surveillance, military modernization efforts

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 28): EDCA to beef up PHL coastal surveillance, military modernization efforts

The US-Philippine Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) will help the country develop its coastal surveillance system and ongoing military modernization efforts.

These are some of the benefits the Armed Forces of the Philippines can get from the EDCA, declared constitutional with finality by the Supreme Court (SC) last Tuesday.

"EDCA can help us develop our coastal surveillance system (giving us the capability to detect and go after illegal fishers and poachers) and it could also help the AFP in its ongoing modernization efforts, further boosting our security," AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said.

This is aside from the humanitarian assistance and disaster relief assistance and training American forces will give to their Filipino counterparts, he added.

EDCA also puts the AFP in a better position to improve inter-operability with the US military.

The SC made the ruling after petitioners against the EDCA fail to produce new and valid agreements against the agreement.

In its Jan. 12, 2016 decision, the SC recognized the authority of the President to enter into an executive agreement involving foreign military bases pursuant to Article 18, Section 25 of the 1987 Constitution.

Under the 1987 Constitution, the President is allowed to enter into an executive agreement involving foreign military bases if the agreement is just the implementation of the existing law or treaty.

Finalized after eight rounds of talks that began in August 2013, EDCA, which was signed in April 2014, allows US troops access to designated Philippine military facilities, the right to construct facilities, and pre-position equipment, aircraft and vessels, but rules out permanent basing.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=908038

AFP remains committed to peace with Reds despite Davao Del Norte ambush

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 28): AFP remains committed to peace with Reds despite Davao Del Norte ambush

Despite the unprovoked attack in Kapalong town, Davao Del Norte which killed a militiaman and wounded four others Wednesday, the Armed Forces remains committed to upholding the peace proposal with the New People's Army being pushed by President Rodrigo Duterte.

"Your AFP will remain faithful to its commitment to support and uphold the call for peace of President Duterte," AFP public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo said.

The ambush took place 6:45 a.m. as a group of militiamen, under the supervision of the 60th Infantry Battalion, were passing Sitio Kamunoan on the way to their base in Sitio Pasil, Barangay Gupitan, Kapalong.

The attack was conducted by suspected NPA rebels belonging to Guerilla Front 34, Southern Mindanao Regional Comittee, Arevalo added.

"This is an unfortunate incident at the time that the Government has declared a unilateral ceasefire and the AFP has declared a suspension-of-military-offensive (SOMO) (against the rebels)," he said.

But he said the military would like to believe the Davao Del Norte ambush is an isolated incident.

"We reiterate the guidance of the AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Ricardo Visaya to our troops to remain vigilant and defensive against any atrocious acts of some misguided elements who has not yet embraced peace," he said.

"We hope that the death of our personnel be taken to be a manifestation of our sincerity to the quest for peace even as we are hopeful that the CPP-NPA-NDF will declare their own SOMO soon," Arevalo added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=908116

373 WMC personnel undergo mandatory drug test

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 28): 373 WMC personnel undergo mandatory drug test

Three hundred seventy three Western Mindanao Command (WMC) uniformed and civilian personnel undergone mandatory drug testing Thursday.

This took place 6:00 a.m. at WMC headquarters at Camp Basilio Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City.

It was carried out by the AFP Task Force "Moses," WMC spokesperson Major Filemon Tan said.

Of the 373 WMC personnel, two military and one civilian was found positive for use of illegal drugs.

Tan said the three will undergo a confirmatory test at a testing center duly accredited by the Department of Health.

The mandatory drug test is the WMC's show of support to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte's ongoing illegal drugs campaign.

"Those found guilty will be discharged from the service without ifs and buts. Our organization must be clean from drug abuse so that our soldiers can carry out their tasks effectively," WMC head Lt. Gen. Mayoralgo Dela Cruz said.

With drug abuse, soldiers will lose focus and in the end, will be tempted to do illegal activities that will compromise operations and the safety of his fellow soldiers, he added.

"Drug addicts have no place in the WMC," Dela Cruz stressed.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=908173

PAF C-130 propeller assembly up for repairs

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 28): PAF C-130 propeller assembly up for repairs

A total of PHP18,634,000 was allocated for the acquisition of spare parts needed for the repair and overhaul of the propeller assembly of one the Philippine Air Force (PAF)'s Lockheed C-130B/H cargo aircraft.

Submission and opening of bids is on Aug. 9, 9:00 a.m. at the PAF Procurement Center Conference Room, Villamor Air Base, Pasay City, PAF Bids and Awards chair Brig. Gen. Nicolas Parilla said in a bid bulletin posted at the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System.

The PAF has four C-130 transport aircraft in its inventory. Another one is scheduled to be delivered later this year.

It is the Air Force's lead aircraft in transport and disaster response missions.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=908224

Senate leaders laud successful, productive NSC meeting

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 28): Senate leaders laud successful, productive NSC meeting

Senate leaders have expressed contentment on what had transpired in the historic National Security Council (NSC) meeting convened by President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Wednesday at the Aguinaldo Hall in Malacanang.

Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III described the five-hour NSC meeting as very successful and productive, highlighted by the presence of four former Presidents -- Fidel V. Ramos, Joseph Ejercito Estrada, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Benigno S. Aquino III.

”The atmosphere was serious but the President (Rodrigo R. Duterte) has his way of lightening the atmosphere. It’s a consultative process, being a democracy,” Pimentel said.

Pimentel said that based on what they have tackled during the meeting, “we’ll have to discuss which of them need legislative interventions.”

For Senate Minority Leader Ralph Recto, the presence of the past presidents and members of the minority blocs both from the Senate and the House of Representatives proves that President Duterte is a practitioner of “inclusive politics.”

”I can sense that he likes to crowd sources ideas,” Recto said.

”Judging by how he appreciated the views shared by the attendees yesterday, we can expect more groups to be convened as his sounding boards,” he added.

With the successful NSC meeting, Recto is expecting the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC), which was mothballed in the past six years, can be revived as productive forum to discuss government policies.

”I have been asked to describe his style of running high-level meetings. He (President Duterte) can be focused one moment and funny the next. It is both educational and entertaining. This guy’s thought process is good. He knows when to summarize points and where to shepherd the discussion,” Recto said.

”To break the monotony of long meetings, yesterday was almost five hours long, he has this comedian’s gift of timing on when to crack jokes. He gave great inputs, and with his humor, in-house entertainment as well,” he added.

For his part, Senator Panfilo Lacson said the NSC meeting went very well that had direction, substance, consensus and unity of purpose.

Lacson attended the NSC meeting as vice chairman of the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security.

”As usual, as what is always expected of vintage Rody, we enjoyed the ad libs, not to mention the asides and not-so-subtle sniping at his favorite critic,” Lacson said, obviously referring to neophyte Senator Leila de Lima.

De Lima’s Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights is set to conduct a Senate inquiry on the alleged illegal drug-related killings amid the intensified campaign of the Duterte administration against drug syndicates.

De Lima, a former Justice secretary and Commission on Human Rights chairperson, had investigated the alleged extrajudicial killings in Davao City where President Duterte served as mayor for 23 years.

Lacson said the unprecedented presence of four former Philippine presidents in the NSC meeting “added to the luster of the occasion.”

”But not without their own valuable input on what the country needs to do to advance our national interest in regard to the arbitral tribunal ruling on the West Philippine Sea issue, the peace talks and the fight against illegal drugs,” he added.

In a press statement, Presidential Spokesman Ernesto Abella said the NSC meeting was intended to update and consult with the members of the NSC as the Duterte administration proceeds with its mandate to establish peace and order, create conditions conducive to a more inclusive and better life for all.

”The NSC meeting was historic in that for the first time, five presidents met in an extraordinary show of goodwill and unity to discuss defense and security issues facing the nation. The tone was respectful and consultative,” Abella said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=908246

Maguindanao provincial engineer, 2 others killed in gun attack

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 28): Maguindanao provincial engineer, 2 others killed in gun attack

A Maguindanao provincial engineer was killed along with his two other companions while his driver was seriously wounded after being shot by motorcycle-riding gunmen in Baragay Meta, Datu Unsay town on Thursday afternoon.

Capt. Jo-ann Petinglay, 6th Infantry Division public affairs office chief, said the shooting took place 12:30 p.m. at the highway in Barangay Meta.

Victim Engr. Landap Guinaid and three others were passing the area aboard a gray Hilux (LGK-539) when motorcycle-riding suspects, armed with M-16 automatic rifles, appeared out of nowhere and opened fire on the vehicle, killing Guinaid, his son and uncle, and wounding his driver.

"Unidentified perpetrators immediately escaped to undetermined direction. Motive is believed to be personal grudge," Petinglay said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=908382

5 Muslim students chosen as ‘Ambassadors of Goodwill’ call on Sulu governor

From the Mindanao Examiner (Jul 28): 5 Muslim students chosen as ‘Ambassadors of Goodwill’ call on Sulu governor 









Sulu Gov. Totoh Tan and former Vice Governor Salur Tan interact with students, who are chosen from among 800 applicants to represent the Philippines as ambassadors of goodwill by the U.S.-funded AFS Intercultural Programs of the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Program. (Photos by Ahl-franzie Salinas)

Five Muslim high school students who were chosen from among 800 applicants to represent the Philippines as ambassadors of goodwill by the U.S.-funded AFS Intercultural Programs of the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Program paid a courtesy call Thursday on Sulu Governor Totoh Tan in Patikul town.

The students – Fatima Yazreen Taji and Fairus Yaqueen Sampang, from the Notre Dame of Jolo for Girls; Insih Ruiana Ahmad and Al-Khamer Silungan, from the Sulu State College-Laboratory High School; and Mohammad Adzlan Usman from Mindanao State University High School – were accompanied by Professor Abraham Pelayo, of the Sulu State College.

Gov. Tan also had a talk with the students and encouraged and motivated them well to study hard and attain the goals in life and be a future and responsible leader. His father, former Sulu Vice Governor Sakur Tan, an influential and respected political leader in Mindanao, also met with the students and gave a similar talk and shared his words of wisdom.

The governor – whose education program for the poor has helped a lot of students and out-of-school youth – also provided the students with financial assistance to augment most of their needs. The five students thanked the governor for his generosity and kind heart and told him that “he shall be with us – in our heart and mind – in our journey to widen our knowledge and fulfil our dreams and be Sulu’s pride as well.”

AFS is an international, volunteer-based, non-profit, non-governmental, non-religious organization that provides intercultural learning opportunities to help people develop the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to create a more just and peaceful world.

It enables people to act as responsible global citizens working for peace and understanding in a diverse world. AFS seeks to affirm faith in the dignity and worth of every human being and of all nations and cultures. It encourages respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms without distinction as to race, sex, language, religion or social status.

AFS activities are based on our core values of dignity, respect for differences, harmony, sensitivity and tolerance. It is the implementing organization of the Kennedy-Lugar Youth Exchange and Study Program and sponsored by the Bureau of Education Affairs to provide scholarship to deserving high school students from countries with significant Muslim population for one academic school year in the United States.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/5-muslim-students-chosen-as-ambassadors-of-goodwill-call-on-sulu-governor/

5 people wounded in Davao City grenade attack

From the Mindanao Examiner (Jul 28): 5 people wounded in Davao City grenade attack

Five people were wounded when a grenade exploded on Thursday afternoon in Davao City, the President’s hometown in southern Philippines, officials said.

Officials said the blast occurred in the village of Lamanan in Calinan district and police said fragments of an MK2 grenade were recovered from the scene.

 

Two men riding tandem on a motorcycle lobbed the grenade on a passing government vehicle and fled before it exploded.

No individual claimed responsibility for the attack.

Mayor Sarah Carpio has ordered police authorities to investigate the motive of the blast and the perpetrators.

“I have already ordered Police Supt. Michael John Dubria, of the Davao City Police Office, to conduct a thorough probe into the grenade blast in Calinan that injured 5 civilians Thursday afternoon. Rest assured, the police are on top of this isolated incident.”

“And we reassure everybody that there is no reason to worry about the security in Davao City. This is purely isolated,” Carpio, the daughter of President Rodrigo Duterte, said.

Photos taken from the scene showed a woman lying on the road with blood oozing from her head. And four other men also lay wounded from shrapnel wounds near a tricycle just across the market while policemen help them.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/5-people-wounded-in-davao-city-grenade-attack/