Duterte won't apologize for calling Goldberg 'gay'

From the Sun Star-Manila (Aug 12): Duterte won't apologize for calling Goldberg 'gay'



MANILA. President Rodrigo Duterte, right, greets U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Philip S. Goldberg, left, as Secretary of State John Kerry looks on during his visit at the Malacanang palace in Manila, Wednesday, July 27, 2016. (AP Photo)

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte on Friday insisted that he would not apologize to United States (US) Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg for calling the latter "gay."

"He didn't apologize to me when we met in Malacañang, why would I apologized? He started it first," the President said in a chance interview at Camp Teodulfo Bautista in Jolo, Sulu.

Duterte was apparently referring to the courtesy call of Goldberg and members of US congressional delegation on Duterte in July.

The President admitted that he was hurt when Goldberg issued a statement on his remark about the rape of Australian missionary Jacqueline Hamil in 1989.

"I was really hurt because [that happened during] election time. Now, I'm somehow okay. Who would have not been angry that he issued such statement during election time?" he said.

During the presidential campaign, Duterte jokingly said, "This one's (Hamil) beautiful (and) like an actress. Son of a b****, they beat me to her."

Goldberg then hit Duterte and said that he condoned such statement that "either degrade women or trivialize issues so serious as rape or murder."

In a statement, US Department of State spokesperson Elizabeth Trudeau said the President's gay remark against Goldberg was "inappropriate and unacceptable."

"We have seen reports of inappropriate and unacceptable comments made about Ambassador Goldberg, a multi-time ambassador and one of the US Department of State's most senior diplomats," Trudeau said.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/manila/local-news/2016/08/13/duterte-wont-apologize-calling-goldberg-gay-491085

Arrest orders derail Rody-Nur dialogue

From The Standard (Aug 13): Arrest orders derail Rody-Nur dialogue 

PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte’s announced meeting with Moro National Liberation Front  founder Nur Misuari did not push through on Friday, but he stressed that he will definitely be speaking with the rebel leader about the envisioned Bangsamoro.

“I will meet Misuari for sure because after the peace panels talk [the agreement] goes up to us. We will be the ones to talk. Hopefully, next year,” Duterte said after speaking with troops at Camp Bautista in Jolo, Sulu.

Duterte admitted that the postponement of the meeting was mainly due to the warrants of arrest against Misuari who was charged with rebellion after the Zamboanga seige in 2014, but the President said Misuari is crucial to the peace process in Mindanao.

“When I shall have met Misuari, I think there’s a better chance [for peace],” Duterte said, admitting that he himself does not want to detain Misuari despite the arrest order against him.

“With his fragile age, I don’t want him detained. It’s better that he stays there,” Duterte said, adding that it would be a big problem if Misuari died while under government custody. “That is a big problem, you lose all chances to have peace talks with anybody there.”

“[But] we’re friends. If he wants to talk to me, I will talk to him,” Duterte said.
Meawhile, Peace Process Adviser Jesus Dureza said he will try to deal with the arrest warrants against Misuari while he engages with other stakeholders in the peace process.

“The warrant is out and he is considered a fugitive. Any effort to get him out have to go through the legal process, we cannot short cut. Whatever it will be, we will have to comply with the legal process,” Dureza said.

Dureza is set to meet with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front in Kuala Lumpur over the weekend to discuss the formal re-launch of the implementation of the two-year old Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).

Dureza said the government hopes to achieve a new milestone in creating a new version of a Bangsamoro implementing law that can be crafted “as quickly as possible while our national government is working toward federalism.”

“We will do our best to achieve certain milestones,” Dureza said. “We are appealing to the Bangsamoro to come together and work (out) their difference(s) and come up with their proposed enabling law.”

http://thestandard.com.ph/news/-main-stories/top-stories/213170/arrest-orders-derail-rody-nur-dialogue-.html

TNI forms special force to secure release of hostages

From Antara News (Aug 12): TNI forms special force to secure release of hostages

Indonesian Military Forces have formed a special squad comprising Army, Navy and Air force personnel, which is currently on a full alert.

The squad is standing by in case they are commanded to assist the Filipino government in the efforts to secure the release of Indonesian nationals being held captive by the Abu Sayyaf group.

"The Commander has prepared the personnel, and they will be ready to act whenever they are needed," said the Head of the Armys Public Relations, Tatang Sulaiman, in Jakarta on Friday.

The personnel will only be deployed once there is a mutual agreement and coordination between Indonesia and the Philippines.

In the meantime, Filipino military forces, assisted by Moro National Release Front, are carrying out efforts to free the hostages.

It was reported that the last battle between Abu Sayyaf and the National Front in Sulu, Philippines, left four members of Abu Sayyaf group dead, including a senior leader of the armed militant group.

"The Filipino military personnel are now carrying out a massive exercise at the scene and it is reported that they have immobilized a few Abu Sayyaf members. We are making sure to remain in constant contact with them," said Sulaiman.

When the Philippines require the Indonesian forces assistance, the special squad will immediately come to their aid, but up until now, there have not been any requests from the other side.

"We have not heard anything up until now, but our officers are ready in case they are needed," he continued.

The National Army has special squads designated to handle special cases, including those involving terrorism.

Both the Navy and the Air force also have special detachments formed to deal with extraordinary cases.

The Head of the Army, General Mulyono, said his personnel are ready to secure the freedom of kidnapped Indonesians.

"Whenever we receive a command, my personnel and I will be ready to depart and invade the captors," Mulyono said in Jakarta on Wednesday.

The General said the armys special force groups are ready at all times and were awaiting the directive from their superior.

"As far as the way to secure their release was concerned, it is not my place to give statements about it. My task is to prepare the personnel," he said.

He further explained that he has assembled two battalions in preparation for the release efforts, and each battalion comprises 700 to 1,000 soldiers.

"They are trained and ready to depart anytime they are needed," he concluded.

http://www.antaranews.com/en/news/106219/tni-forms-special-force-to-secure-release-of-hostages

Duterte tells Misuari: Let’s talk peace

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Aug 13): Duterte tells Misuari: Let’s talk peace

President  Rodrigo Duterte traveled to the southern island province of Sulu on Friday to personally convince  Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) leader Nur Misuari to come out of hiding, saying the 77-year-old Muslim leader was vital to the government’s plan of ending a rebellion that has left parts of the South in deep poverty.

“My job when I became President was really to seek peace, not war,” Mr. Duterte said, as he appealed to soldiers and Moro rebels in the South to silence their guns and give his young government a chance to end the bloodshed.

Misuari remains in hiding after a 2013 siege in nearby Zamboanga City that left 200 dead and thousands displaced. The attack was carried out by his MNLF supporters to derail the government’s peace deal with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which they feared would sideline their group.

The assault lasted for days and paralyzed the city where more than 10,000 homes were razed to the ground.

“I’ve been telling him if we can just talk about peace, let’s find ways,” the President said of Misuari, who in 1996 led the MNLF in signing a peace deal with the government.

Misuari later became governor of the Muslim autonomous region in Mindanao, which unfortunately remained mired in poverty despite millions of pesos poured into it. The previous government of President Benigno Aquino III had branded it as a failure, displeasing the Moro leader and his armed followers.

Government ready

Mr. Duterte on Friday, however, assured Misuari that the government was ready, noting that he asked Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza and other members of  the peace panel to “talk to Nur.”

He said he wanted unified talks with all Moro groups, as it would be expensive to hold separate negotiations with them individually.

“The other half with Nur and the other half with the MILF,” he said, even as he appealed to Misuari to keep the peace while talks were going on.

He said the government was prepared to thwart any attack, however, saying: “It’s better that you die than them.”

Speaking in Davao City on Thursday night, Mr. Duterte said he would not want to see Misuari pursued and detained, warning that should anything bad happen to the rebel leader “you can never have a talk again with the Tausugs.”

“Now, Misuari is getting old. I’m not saying, not saying, that he’s sick. But with the fragile condition of his age, he does not need to be pursued and I do not want him detained,” he said.

“If something happens to Misuari while we’re detaining him, that would be a big problem, as in big,” he stressed. “So you lose the chance, even if it’s a small one, to have peace talks with anybody there. That is dangerous.”

The President earlier said he was bent on talking peace with Moro rebels, represented by both the MNLF and the MILF.

He had said he wanted to give them the Bangsamoro Basic Law, which would carve out a new region for them in the South. But the law should be without the constitutionally infirm provisions.

Reiterating his call for peace, Mr. Duterte said “no other President” wanted to see peace as much as he did.

“I  hope this is now the time (for peace) so that our troops can also go home.  They will enjoy the peace of the land and go back to their families,”  he said.

“I am appealing to you to stop this war, I am pleading. I will talk to  you,” he added.
 
Soldiers under stress

Mr. Duterte said soldiers were under tremendous stress and wanted to see an end to the fighting that has stunted economic growth and ravaged many areas.

“I pose this question, how many have died because of the rebellion in  Mindanao?
Let’s talk peace now and we can have a demarcation line but we  cannot return everything to you. No migrant should leave, we are not taking  anything from you, we were born here. We have not committed any wrong to  you,” he said.

He offered to convert the presidential plane into a medical transport to ferry wounded troops, as well as reiterated a pledge to deliver state-of-the-art medical facilities.

Peace, he said, could lead to dividends, and in the case of Sulu, the opening of the airport runway 24 hours a day and the entry of foreign investors, including Arabs.
“Let’s stop shooting at each other, let’s talk peace,” Mr. Duterte said.

“I reiterate my commitment to the Moro people, the Tausugs, I want this war  to end,” he said.

Mr. Duterte made it clear that the brutal bandit group Abu Sayyaf was excluded from the talks. The gunmen are still holding a Norwegian hostage somewhere in Jolo, while two Canadian captives had been beheaded after their government refused to hand over ransom.

“The problem is the Abu Sayyaf. I really don’t know (who they are and what they stand for). I have been talking to Nur, who said that he also  can’t convince them,” he said.

“We  not only fight (them) we have to destroy (them),” Mr. Duterte said.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/805814/duterte-tells-misuari-lets-talk-peace

Gov't can't keep Duterte's promise of August pay hike for soldiers —DBM

From GMA News (Aug 11): Gov't can't keep Duterte's promise of August pay hike for soldiers —DBM

The government cannot fulfill President Rodrigo Duterte's promise to raise the salaries of members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines this month.

Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno said on Thursday that there's nothing in the 2016 national budget that can be realigned to increase the salaries.

In a Senate hearing on the Salary Standardization Law, Diokno said the Duterte administration is committed to double the take home pay of the country's uniformed personnel but wouldn't be able to do so within the year.

"We cannot promise (an increase) this August because, as you know, there is nothing in the budget for that," Diokno said on questioning by Senator Antonio Trillanes IV.

Duterte had earlier promised to increase soldiers' salaries this month.

Last week, the president added that the salaries would double by December.

“By December, you’d have doubled your salaries. This August, umpisa na, ngayong August. Tignan ninyo iyang pay checks ninyo. Nandiyan na iyan,” Duterte told soldiers in Cebu City.

Promise not feasible

During the committee hearing, Trillanes admitted being "surprised" by Duterte's pronouncement that servicemen can enjoy a pay hike by August, with their salaries being doubled further by December.

"As you know, the soldiers are holding on to the word of their Commander-in-Chief... Pipila yung mga sundalo sa ATM (this August), 'di ba?," said Trillanes, when asking Diokno if such promise from Duterte was ineeded feasible.

"You better advise your president because he’s been making commitments and promises left and right. Ayaw nating masira yung credibility niya, na he’s just a big talker," said the lawmaker.

"Noong sinabing 'August meron na kayo, incremental increase,' palakpakan yung mga sundalo eh. Then here is our DBM secretary saying it’s not gonna happen," added Trillanes.

Avoiding violation Diokno said he didn't want to commit a violation of the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) rule just to fulfill Duterte's promise.

"You cannot spend on something that is not authorized by Congress," he added.

The DAP rule Diokno was refering to was outlined in the Supreme Court ruling in July 2014 that bars the following acts: the withdrawal of unobligated allotments from the implementing agencies, and the declaration of the withdrawn unobligated allotments and unreleased appropriations as savings prior to the end of the fiscal year and without complying with the statutory definition of savings contained in the General Appropriations Act (GAA); the cross-border transfers of the savings of the executive to augment the appropriations of other offices outside the executive; and the portion of the DAP that allows the use of unprogrammed funds even without a certification from the National Treasurer saying that revenue collections exceeded the revenue targets due to non-compliance with the conditions provided in the relevant GAA.

Despite the current budget restriction on a pay hike, Diokno still assured the public that the government would put in place measures to "supplement" the current salaries of policemen and servicemen.

"We are doing everything we can at the moment. If fact, we’re trying to supplement their income, one way or the other," Diokno said.

"Maybe (in the) last quarter, we’ll give them rice allowance of 20 kilos per month for every month. Same thing with (conditional cash transfer) beneficiaries but we’re very careful not to spend for something Congress never authorized," he added.

Diokno said adjusting the salaries and improving the pension system of uniformed men would be "a huge cost that we probably have to think very carefully." 

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/577278/news/nation/gov-t-can-t-keep-duterte-s-promise-of-august-pay-hike-for-soldiers-dbm

What do 'hangars' on disputed islands in the South China Sea tell us?

From the BBC (Aug 10): What do 'hangars' on disputed islands in the South China Sea tell us? (By Alexander Neill)

Satellite images appear to show China has built aircraft hangars on disputed islands in the South China Sea.

 

The images, from late July, were released by the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative and appear to confirm that Chinese military fighter jets could, at some point, be based on Fiery Cross, Subi and Mischief Reefs.

 

The revelation is likely to stoke tension with neighbours and the US, all of whom have raised concerns over what they call "the militarisation of the South China Sea", says analyst Alexander Neill from the International Institute for Strategic Studies - Asia.

 

Read more:

• Philippines wins South China Sea case
• China's Island Factory
• Mysteries and maritime claims
• In pictures: How the ruling affects the livelihood of Filipino fishermen
• Flying close to China's new islands

What do the pictures show exactly?

These images show three new air bases built on artificial islands nearing completion in the Spratly islands at the heart of the South China Sea.





They demonstrate the remarkable pace and scale of China's island-building campaign in the South China Sea, where only two years ago coral reefs and atolls existed.

The pictures focus in particular on the construction of reinforced hangars designed to shelter an array of Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) aircraft.

What else is on the islands?

Apart from accommodation blocks and administrative buildings, the images also show a selection of unidentified hexagonal structures facing towards the sea on the three islands. Each island has four of these structures forming a trapezoid shape.





In addition, each island also hosts a mysterious group of three towers. There is speculation that such structures are in fact reinforced air defence facilities which could house surface-to-air missile batteries.

Beyond the hangars and air defence systems, we can also see three naval bases readying for operation, including large berthing facilities and harbours for the PLA Navy, the coast guard and other maritime law enforcement agencies.

What does this tell us?

China has embarked on a power projection drive in the region which will considerably extend the range of its naval and air capabilities.

This military construction on the islands indicates that within a few months China will be in a position to deploy fighter regiments on the islands totalling nearly 80 aircraft - a formidable addition to its existing capabilities in the South China Sea.

In addition, the bases will be able to host Chinese strategic bombers such as the H6-K, early warning and surveillance aircraft and long range transport and tanker jets.

Because such airbases are inherently vulnerable to attack, China appears to be deploying a sophisticated air defence network and the command and control infrastructure to protect its new island bases.

But didn't China promise it wouldn't militarise the South China Sea?

In his state visit to the US in September 2015, Xi Jinping stated that China did not intend to pursue militarisation of the Spratly islands.

However, from China's perspective, the islands it claims and the sea space within the nine-dash line are China's sovereign territory requiring necessary defence measures.




US officials quickly sought more specific reassurance from Mr Xi to include all of the South China Sea. Chinese senior figures later qualified Mr Xi's statement by suggesting that defence measures should be commensurate to perceived threat to China's territorial integrity.

Beijing has now blamed US Navy Freedom of navigation operations (FONOPS) for triggering military escalation in the South China Sea, allowing justification in Beijing's narrative for defensive measures on the new artificial islands.

What does this mean for China's neighbours?

In the wake of the Permanent Court of Arbitration's ruling overwhelmingly in favour of the Philippines, President Rodrigo Duterte has yet to react to the appearance of three advanced Chinese airbases within his nation's exclusive economic zone. Perhaps there may be little reaction at all.

The Philippines' navy is almost non-existent, so its only recourse may be to rely on its defence treaty with the US, but Mr Duterte seems to have been reticent towards too cosy a relationship with Washington.

Vietnam on the other hand - another claimant in the South China Sea - apparently has little tolerance for Beijing's activities. Recent news reports suggest that Vietnam has deployed advanced mobile rocket launchers to some of the islands it occupies in the region, putting China's new island garrisons within range of bombardment.

The timing of Beijing's deployment of fighter jets, bombers and air defence missiles on the islands is uncertain, but Vietnam's military deployments will also offer Beijing further justification for its future arms build-up in the South China Sea.

[Alexander Neill is a Shangri-La Dialogue Senior Fellow at IISS-Asia (International Institute for Strategic Studies - Asia)]

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-china-37031049

Alleged MILF rebel killed, 11 nabbed in Sultan Kudarat drug raid

From GMA News (Aug 12): Alleged MILF rebel killed, 11 nabbed in Sultan Kudarat drug raid

A top Moro Islamic Liberation Front commander was killed, a companion was hurt, and 10 Front members were arrested in a raid in a remote village in Sultan Kudarat province, a police official said Friday.

Senior Superintendent Raul Supiter identified the slain rebel commander as Ugalingan Manuel a.k.a "Commader Boyet."

Supiter said Kumander Boyet's men engaged a combined police and military forces who were supposed to serve two search warrants.

As authorities approaced Manuel's house in Sitio Ugis, Barangay Marquez in Esperanza town, his men opened fire at government forces, Supiter said.

Supiter did not diclose the name of the wounded MILF member, but said the police are now holding at least 10 of Manuel's supporters.

A cal.- 45 hand gun, an AK 47 rifle, 2 M14 rifles, an M203 greande launcher, 3 garrand rifles, an M79, a rocket-propelled grenade, and two 40mm projectiles and assorted ammunition were seized from the target house.

At least 10 big sachets of suspected shabu were also recovered by the raiding team, Supiter said.         

Those arrested will be detained at the Esperanza Police Station, pending filing of appropriate charges in court against them, he added.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/577350/news/regions/milf-commander-killed-10-men-arrested-in-sultan-kudarat-raid

Alleged MILF rebel killed, 11 nabbed in Sultan Kudarat drug raid

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Aug 12): Alleged MILF rebel killed, 11 nabbed in Sultan Kudarat drug raid

An alleged Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebel was killed while 11 of his men—including an injured gunman—were arrested in an anti-drug operation in a remote village of Esperanza, Sultan Kudarat early Friday.

 Senior Superintendent Raul Supiter, the Sultan Kudarat provincial director, identified the slain suspect as Ugalingan Manuel, alias Commander Boyet.

 Supiter said combined police units and agents of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency—backed by soldiers—stormed Ugalingan’s hideout in Sitio Ugis in Barangay (village) Marquez. He said the raiding team was backed by a search warrant.

 Supiter said Manuel and his men fired at the raiding team as it approached his residence in Sitio Ugis, prompting them to return fire.

He said Ugalingan was wounded, along with another gunman, but died while being transported to a hospital. Eleven of Ugalingan’s men were arrested after the shootout, he said.

Seized from the suspects were various assault rifles and handguns and grenade launchers, such as an RPG.

 Supiter said the raiding team also found 10 sachets of suspected shabu (methamphetamine) in Ugalingan’s house.

The arrested MILF suspects were now being held at the Esperanza Police Station pending the filing of appropriate charges against them in court, he said.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/805562/alleged-milf-rebel-killed-11-nabbed-in-sultan-kudarat-drug-raid

Unidentified armed men burns down heavy equipment in Bukidnon

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 12): Unidentified armed men burns down heavy equipment in Bukidnon

CAMP EVENGELISTA, CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY --- Another heavy equipment owned by the Del Monte Philippines Incorporated was burned down by an alleged three unidentified men armed with handguns at Field 87 Pineapple Plantation, Zone 3, Barangay Impalutao, Impasug-ong town, Bukidnon, August 11, at 6:30 p.m.

Initial investigation from the Philippine National Police (PNP) revealed that while a certain Arnel Ortiz (not his true name), driver of the boom sprayer truck was driving around the plantation, the said armed men stopped his vehicle and ordered him to disembark to avoid getting hurt while they pour gasoline around his truck.

Ortiz immediately escaped from the site and went to his co-workers to inform them about the incident.

Minutes later, the company workers saw the boom sprayer Canico was on the height of the fire. A total estimated cost of damage is P6 million.

Colonel Jesse A Alvarez, commander of 403rd Infantry “Peacemaker” Brigade, said "Together with the PNP, we are still identifying the identity of the said perpetrators and the motive of the crime.”

To the people in the area, Col Alvarez encourages them to provide timely and relevant information about the activities and location of the perpetrators.

We cannot let them roam around and continue sowing threats among the people in the area, Alvarez added.

He ordered the 1st Special Forces Battalion to send troops to support the PNP on their law enforcement operation to track down the perpetrators of the burning incident. (4ID, PA)

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1461471004367/unidentified-armed-men-burns-down-heavy-equipment-in-bukidnon

GPH, MILF to formally re-launch peace engagements in KL meeting

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 12): GPH, MILF to formally re-launch peace engagements in KL meeting

Members of the government’s newly-created implementing panel and representatives of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) are scheduled to meet in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on August 13-14 to formally re-launch the two parties’ engagements for the implementation of the two-year-old Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).

The formal meeting between the Philippine government and the MILF is the first under the Duterte administration. President Rodrigo Duterte, who won in a platform to correct the historical injustices committed against the Moros in Mindanao, vowed to implement all signed peace agreements in the country.

In a press briefing, presidential peace adviser Jesus G. Dureza said the scheduled meeting is crucial as the two sides are entering the implementation phase of the peace agreement.

“This [meeting] is actually to launch the implementation stage of what we envisioned to be a Bangsamoro enabling law. It is to implement the CAB that was signed between the government and the MILF in 2014,” he told journalists here.

“We have already gotten the consensus of all sectors in the Bangsamoro that the period of the negotiations is over. We are now in the process of implementing all these signed agreements,” he added.

The guidance of the government implementing panel is hinged on the Peace and Development Roadmap that was recently approved by President Duterte. Under the said roadmap, all Bangsamoro peace agreements—MILF’s CAB and the 1996 Final Peace Agreement with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), as well the key results of the 10-year-old GPH-Organization of Islamic Cooperation-MNLF Tripartite Review Process—will be integrated into the new enabling law that will create a new Bangsamoro government unit; thus, replacing the existing Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM).

The implementation of the peace agreement with the MILF largely depends on its political track since the Bangsamoro Basic Law—the supposed implementing mechanism of the CAB—failed to pass in the previous Congress.

Dureza said that the KL meeting would zero-in on the mechanism that will determine how the new enabling law will be crafted, as well as to discuss key provisions in the CAB that can already be implemented, including the delivery of socio-economic development programs in Mindanao.

Moro convergence

The presidential peace adviser also explained that the composition of the members of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC), a body tasked to draft the new enabling law, would be among the agenda of the upcoming meeting.

He said the possible idea is to expand the representations of the BTC to include leaders of the MNLF, officials of the ARMM, and other sectors in Mindanao for it to be inclusive.

“If everything goes well, and it is acceptable in their convergence, that can be very well be the mechanism to start of the groups to already come together and craft of the enabling law,” Dureza hoped.

The current setup of the BTC is composed of eight representatives from the MILF and seven appointees of the government.

“There must be a convergence of all sectors amongst the Bangsamoro and in the forthcoming crafting of the enabling law that will establish the Bangsamoro governance unit. We’d like to see inclusivity in this work, meaning all sectors in the Bangsamoro must be adequately represented,” Dureza pointed out.

Dureza, who have touched-based with Moro leaders earlier, including MILF Chairman Murad Ebrahim, said there is a collective understanding of the willingness of all Moro leaders to be part in crafting of the enabling law.

On Tuesday, August 9, Dureza met with MNLF’s Muslimin Sema, who expressed his commitment to join the BTC.

Dureza said they are also looking forward to have a meeting with MNLF Chairman Nur Misuari “but he is still under legal constraint because of the pending case against him.” However, there are “direct engagements with him through other channels.”

Misuari is facing charges following the so-called Zamboanga Siege, where more than 200 people were killed in a three-week battle.

“This is part of our continuing efforts to reach out to all the key players in the work for the sustainable peace with the Bangsamoro,” Dureza said.

Continuing engagement

Meanwhile, the KL meeting will also serve as a venue for the Duterte administration to brief the Malaysian facilitators on its peace agenda in Mindanao.

“We would like to brief the Malaysians on our peace and development roadmap under the Duterte administration. Remember, the Malaysians have contributed enormously in the negotiation stage. Therefore, we thought it’s fitting to give them that due recognition for their contributions to our peace efforts by launching the implementation stage in Kuala Lumpur,” he said.

The government delegation will be headed by Dureza, along with the chair of the implementing panel Irene Santiago, and its members, namely: Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Undersecretaries Diosita Andot and Nabil Tan, and Assistant Secretaries Dickson Hermoso and Rolando Asuncion. (OPAPP)

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1141470918822/gph-milf-to-formally-re-launch-peace-engagements-in-kl-meeting

U.S. Embassy Statement

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 13): U.S. Embassy Statement

"We have seen reports of inappropriate and unacceptable comments made about Ambassador Goldberg, a multi-time ambassador and one of the U.S. Department of State’s most senior diplomats. As stated by Elizabeth Trudeau, Director of the Office of Press Relations at U.S. Department of State, the Philippine C"hargé was asked to come to the State Department so we could directly convey our view that the comments were inappropriate and unacceptable. We do not go into details of those diplomatic discussions.

The U.S. funding of $32 million in question is not new funding, but rather cumulative funding previously appropriated that we are currently implementing. Assistance provided by these funds is subject to the same rigorous vetting as our other security assistance. All of our security assistance promotes human rights through training content and by promoting professionalism, due process, and the rule of law. Our partnership with the Philippines is based on a shared respect for rule of law, and we will continue to ‎emphasize the importance of this fundamental democratic principle.

The United States strongly believes in the rule of law, due process, and respect for universal human rights, and that these principles promote long-term security. We are concerned by reports regarding extrajudicial killings of individuals suspected to have been involved in drug activity in the Philippines. We strongly urge the Philippines to ensure its law enforcement efforts are consistent with its human rights obligations.

Our bilateral relationship with the Philippines is broad-ranging from law enforcement to trade and development cooperation, and counts on vibrant and undeniably strong people-to-people and societal ties. The U.S.-Philippine relationship, one of our most important in the Asia Pacific, has withstood the test of time." (US EMBASSY)

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1141471011279/u-s-embassy-statement

Pres. Duterte flies to Jolo to thank Tausugs; possibly meet MNLF chair Misuari

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 12): Pres. Duterte flies to Jolo to thank Tausugs; possibly meet MNLF chair Misuari

President Rodrigo Duterte is visiting Jolo, Sulu Friday (Aug 12) to meet with the Tausug Moro tribe and possibly meet with Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) chair Nur Misuari somewhere in the island.

While he purposely wanted to meet the people in Sulu and thank them for giving him a landslide win during the last elections, Pres. Duterte said he would be willing to hold talks with Misuari who remains a fugitive after charges were filed against him for the Zamboanga siege in 2013.

“I would not be able to visit every nook and corner of Jolo but just the same if I can just make a symbolic gesture of thanking them,” said Duterte, adding, “I do not want to elaborate why but I want to thank them.”

“This is what it means to Misuari – I am just reading his thoughts I think he loathes to go just because he is…there is a warrant for his arrest and he does not want to go just to be freed for so many hours and then not to walk again freely after I am gone. Parang it does not sit well with his thinking,” Duterte told reporters in a late night press conference on Thursday at the Presidential Guest House in Panacan here.

The president however said he was sure Misuari will be sending an emissary. “He is there in - anywhere in Sulu and if he would want to meet me I will go there. Walang problema magkaibigan kami There is no problem we are friends. If he wants to talk to me nandun ako (I will be there),” he said.

When asked about the prospect for Misuari to finally participate in an inclusive Bangsamoro peace process, Duterte said, “When I make a declaration Misuari can go out anywhere he wants to go. Fine with me,” he said.

Duterte had wanted Misuari to participate in the process. This week, Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza and other leaders of the MNLF faction (Muslimin Sema group) met as part of the continued effort to reach out to the MNLF with an objective to have inclusive peace with the Bangsamoro.

Dureza said it is the objective of the Duterte administration to implement all signed peace agreements and convergence of Bangsamoro enabling law. There is also need to review the tripartite 1996 agreement. Dureza said there are 42 consensus points that will be converged and implemented under an enabling law.

Dureza was also looking forward to meeting with Misuari although there remains a legal constraint to allow the MNLF leader to participate. However, Dureza said there is a direct engagement with Misuari through other channels.

The President also wished for Misuari's freedom given his fragile condition due to old age, as he said he does not see the need for Misuari to be pursued.

“I don’t want him to be detained. He just stay there (somewhere). I know he stays there. Huwag na lang kunin dito at ikulong natin (Maybe we do not need to get him and detain),” he said, emphasizing if something happens to him while under the government’s custody the country will face a big problem.

Duterte is concerned that if something happens, the government may not have the chance to talk with the Tausugs.

“Pag may nangyari dyan kay Misuari – malaking problema as in malaki (If something happens to Misuari – it will be a big problem as in big. So you lose the chance even if it’s a small one to have peace talks with anybody. Delikado yan (That’s dangerous),” he stressed.

He said the same may hold true for Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founding Chair Jose Maria Sison, emphasizing that both leaders may not muster a good number of Filipinos but they command respect because of what they believe in.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=913063

President Duterte boosts morale of troops pursuing Abu Sayyaf bandits in Sulu

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 12): President Duterte boosts morale of troops pursuing Abu Sayyaf bandits in Sulu

President Rodrigo Duterte visited Friday afternoon Camp Gen. Teodulfo Bautista to boost the morale of government soldiers pursuing the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) brigands in the hinterlands of this province.

Mr. Duterte landed at Jolo airport around 3 p.m. and was welcomed by top military officials headed by Armed Forces Chief-of-Staff Gen. Ricardo Visaya.

The group motored to Camp Bautista where the President held a command conference with the Joint Task Group Sulu to get first hand information on the ongoing focused military operations.

The focused military operations aim to rescue and pressure the ASG to release their hostages in the hinterlands.

The bandits are still holding captive around 18 people, including 14 foreigners who they seized in separate occasions.

President Duterte, after the conference, proceeded to the covered court for a talk with the soldiers, where he reiterated that all their needs will be provided by the government.

He announced that the presidential jet will be converted into an air ambulance to serve the soldiers in the battlefield.

"You can have it, ako magcocomercial (flight) na lang ako," he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=913246

Moro bandit leader killed, 11 followers arrested in Sultan Kudarat anti-drug raid

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 12): Moro bandit leader killed, 11 followers arrested in Sultan Kudarat anti-drug raid

Government forces killed Friday dawn a Moro lawless element leader allegedly involved in illegal drug activities following a police-led anti-drug operation in Barangay Marquez here, police said.

Senior Supt. Raul Supiter, Sultan Kudarat provincial police director, Ugalingan Manuel, Jr., also known as “Commander Boyet” was killed when his group resisted arrest during the 5:30 a.m. joint operation by police, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency agents and military personnel.

Supiter said the raiding team was to serve warrants of arrest for Manuel when his group started shooting at lawmen, triggering a brief fire fight.

Manuel’s men apparently were surprised of the raid and failed to pull their rifles. Some were awakened by the gunfire without their firearms beside them, Supiter said.

“They were armed with assault rifles and rifle grenades,” Supiter said. “Our forces have no other option but to return fire,” Supiter added.

Surrounded by government forces, 10 of his followers voluntarily yielded, one after another.

Police seized three World War II vintage .30 caliber Garand rifles, an AK-47 Kalashnikov, two 7.62 millimeter M-14 rifles, an M203 rifle, a Vietnam War era single-shot M-79 grenade launcher, and a live B-40 anti-tank rocket.

Supiter said he received reports that about five of Manuel’s followers managed to flee with bags containing prohibited substance.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=913242

Former President Ramos meets senior Chinese officials in HK

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 12): Former President Ramos meets senior Chinese officials in HK

Former President Fidel V. Ramos said on Friday he met and discussed with a Chinese Foreign Affairs official the importance of building trust and confidence to reduce tensions amid the territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea.

Ramos’ meeting "in a friendly atmosphere" with Madam Fu Ying, chairperson of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National People’s Congress and former ambassador to the Philippines, happened during his two-day trip to Hong Kong from Aug. 10 to 11.

Ramos, who is President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s special envoy to China, also met Prof. Wu Shicun, president of China’s National Institute for South China Sea Studies.

In a press statement released by Malacanang, Ramos and the Chinese officials discussed, in their private capacity, “the way forward in the spirit of universal brotherhood and sisterhood for peace and cooperation” between the Philippines and China.

”Their informal discussions focused on the need to engage in discussions to build trust and confidence to reduce tensions to pave the way for overall cooperation for the benefit of both their peoples and the region,” according to the statement.

During the meeting, the three officials also explored possible human and ecological security options and suggestions for the benefit of the people of the two countries.

These options and suggestions include: encouraging marine preservation; avoiding tension and promoting fishing cooperation; anti-drug and anti-smuggling cooperation; anti-crime and anti-corruption cooperation; improving tourism opportunities; encouraging trade and investment facilitation; and encouraging track II (think tank) exchanges on relevant issues of mutual concern and interest.

In the statement signed by Ramos, the three officials value the long history of friendship of the two neighboring countries and the prospect of further cooperation for the sake of future generations.

Ramos, as an ice breaker, expressed the Philippine government’s desire to hold formal discussions with the Chinese government on issues of mutual concern and interest at the appropriate time to explore pathways to peace and cooperation.

The officials reiterated that they were in the meeting in their personal capacity and “were pleased with the discussions and looked forward to the beginning of a process of formal discussions which will be continued in Beijing and Manila and other possible venues.”

The relationship of the Philippines and China has been affected by the United Nations-backed international arbitral tribunal that ruled in favor of the Philippines in its arbitration case filed against China’s massive reclamation in the WPS.

China has refused to honor the ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration.

Aside from the Philippines and China, other claimants in the WPS include Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=913322