ASG drug dealer arrested in Zambo City

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 28): ASG drug dealer arrested in Zambo City

The police have arrested a drug dealer of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in an anti-drug operation in downtown Zamboanga City.

Senior Supt. Debold Sinas, deputy regional director for operations, identified the arrested suspect as Arnisar Ismaluddin alias Alih, 34, of Martirez Drive, San Raymundo, Jolo, Sulu.

Sinas was arrested in an anti-drug operation around 12 noon Tuesday in the vicinity of the historical Plaza Pershing along I. Magno Street, this city.

Sinas said the arresting team seized from the suspect’s possession one medium-size heat-sealed plastic sachet of methamphetamine hydrochloride locally known as shabu, one small-size heat-sealed plastic sachet of shabu and PHP300 marked money consisting of three PHP100 bills.

Sinas said Ismaluddin is involved in the illegal drugs transactions of the ASG and in the killings of soldiers, policemen, and civilians in Jolo, Sulu.

He said the suspect belongs to the group of the late ASG-Urban Terrorist Group (UTG) sub-leader Mohammad Said alias Ama Maas based in Patikul, Sulu.

He said Ismaluddin was detained while appropriate charges are set to be filed against him.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=926908

Government to build military camp in former Abu Sayyaf stronghold in Basilan

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 28): Government to build military camp in former Abu Sayyaf stronghold in Basilan

A military camp will be set-up in the former stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) which the government forces have recently overran and occupied in Tipo-Tipo, Basilan province.

The camp will be set-up in Barangay Baguindan, Tipo-Tipo, where the government troops have successfully driven out the Basilan-based ASG.

Gov. Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) told the Philippines News Agency that the aim of setting up the military camp in Barangay Baguindan is to prevent the return of the ASG in the area.

Hataman said the ASG brigands are interested in occupying Barangay Baguindan because it is strategically located.

He said Barangay Baguindan is accessible and the shortest route in going to the nearby towns of Sumisip and Al-Barka coming from Tipo-Tipo municipality.

“Very strategic talaga ito (Baguindan), kung galing Sumisip papuntang Al-Barka or vice-versa, dadaan tayo dito,” he added.

Basilan Governor Hadjiman Hataman-Salliman said the establishment of the military camp is purposely to bring the government closer to the people since Baguindan has been the symbol of lawlessness in the past years.

Salliman said it is also aimed at sustaining the gains of the government in the fight against the ASG brigands in the province.

Salliman the headquarters of the Army’s 74th Infantry Battalion, one of the two additional battalions sent to the province, will be placed in Barangay Baguindan, Tipo-Tipo.

President Rodrigo Duterte has deployed the Army’s 74th and 68th Infantry Battalions to Basilan upon the request of Salliman and Hataman.

Salliman said the headquarters of the 68th Infantry Battalion will be placed in Barangay Baiwas, Sumisip town.

Lt. Col. Ernest John Jadloc, 74th Infantry Battalion commander, said the capture of Baguindan is a big blow to the Basilan-based ASG brigands as they are now on the run.

“Wala na silang strategic position, malaking bagay yon (overran of Baguindan), on the run sila parati. Wala na silang ganitong (strategic) stronghold,” Jadloc added.

The 74th Infantry Battalion arrived in Basilan on August 16 coming from Quezon province.

Salliman said the latest information they gathered is that the ASG brigands are now hiding in the so-called Sampinit complex, which is located in the tri-boundary of Isabela City, Sumisip and Maluso towns.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=926991

Mindanao Army division commander offers hands of peace to MNLF in Sultan Kudarat

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 28): Mindanao Army division commander offers hands of peace to MNLF in Sultan Kudarat

A newly installed Army division commander in Maguindanao took another step to maintain and sustain peace in his area of jurisdiction by forging a gentleman's agreement with a leader of Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in the coastal towns of Sultan Kudarat, officials today said.

Colonel Markton Abo, civil relations chief of 6th Infantry "Kampilan" Division, said Major General Carlito Galvez Jr, 6th ID commander, flew to Lebak, a coastal town of Sultan Kudarat and stepped in an MNLF area and extended his hands of peace.

Galvez met with Randy Karon, former environment and natural resources secretary of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) when MNLF founding chair Nur Misuari was ARMM governor.

Before becoming 6th ID chief, Galvez served as chairman of the government’s ceasefire committee that deals with a counterpart panel in the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

During the meeting, both Galvez and Karon agreed to sustain, through domestic peace building programs, the gains of the 1996 peace agreement between the government and the MNLF.

Karon, 64, expressed his confidence in the leadership of a "peace advocate" military general whose vision is to help build peaceful communities and attain the long desired genuine peace in Mindanao.

Karon, who has 2,000 followers, vowed not to violate the 1996 peace accord and volunteered to partner with the Philippine Marines, a unit under the 6th ID, in all its peace building projects.

He also vowed to work with the Philippine military to prevent entry or deny access to extremists in the coastal villages of Kalamansig, Lebak and Palimbang.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=926975

Doubling salaries of soldiers, policemen not possible this year – budget chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 27): Doubling salaries of soldiers, policemen not possible this year – budget chief

Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno said Tuesday that doubling the salaries of soldiers and policemen as promised by President Rodrigo Duterte will not happen this year.

”I can almost say that that’s not possible by the end of the year, simply because there’s nothing there in the budget for that,” Diokno said in a press briefing in Malacañang.

The Duterte administration is operating under the 2016 national budget prepared by the administration of former president Benigno Aquino III.

”We cannot spend something which is not authorized by Congress,” he explained.

Diokno however said the military and police uniformed personnel, like other public servants, received a pay hike and other benefits under the Salary Standardization program implemented this year through Executive Order No. 201 signed by Aquino last February.

”The first tranche was given in 2016. There will be a second tranche in 2017, third in 2018, and the fourth. The other military and the uniformed personnel are included in those tranches,” he said.

The budget official clarified that doubled salaries promised by President Duterte to the soldiers and policemen cover basic pay and allowances, including combat pay.

”It’s a combination of allowance and increase in pay. They are also entitled to rice allowance at 20 kilos per month,” he said.

Diokno said he has already explained to President Duterte the peculiarity of granting special salary increase for members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

”In the AFP, the pension of the armed forces, meaning the army, the navy, naka-index sa (are indexed in the) current salary ng (of the) military. Once you increase the pay of the military, automatically the pension of the retirees will also increase,” he explained.

Diokno called it “the elephant in the room” that nobody wanted to touch, even during the past three administrations of former presidents Joseph Estrada, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Aquino.

”It is very sensitive. So, until we have addressed that problem, it is difficult to adjust the pay of the military,” he said.

In the last development budget coordinating committee meeting at the House of Representatives, Diokno said a PHP39.5 billion budget has been allotted for the salary increase of police, military and other uniformed personnel for 2017.

He said the amount included in the proposed PHP3.35 trillion national budget for next year was set aside to fulfill President Duterte’s promise to increase the budget of the soldiers, policemen and uniformed personnel.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=926600

Government Arsenal shopping for PHP47.4-M worth of finished 7.62mm components

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 28): Government Arsenal shopping for PHP47.4-M worth of finished 7.62mm components

The Government Arsenal is now looking for bidders or manufacturers capable of supplying the military with PHP47,417,000 worth 7.62mm finished components which will be used to arm sniper rifles and light machine guns.

Winning bidders are required to deliver the items within 180 calendar days.

Pre-bid conference is scheduled Oct. 5, 10 a.m. at the Government Arsenal Metro Manila Liaison Office, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=926727

2 more Abu Sayyaf bandits killed in Sulu

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 28): 2 more Abu Sayyaf bandits killed in Sulu

Focused military operations against the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) have resulted in the killing of two more terrorists at Barangay Pugad Manaul, Panamao town, Sulu on Wednesday morning.

Western Mindanao Command Spokesperson Major Filemon Tan said one trooper and one ASG bandit were wounded.

The encounter between troopers from the 35th Infantry Battalion and ASG bandits under Alhabsy Misaya are still ongoing.

One of the slain terrorists was identified as a certain "Dadis".

"Close air support is being provided by augmenting troops as of this moment," Tan said.

Since the offensive started in August, the total number of Abu Sayyaf bandits killed has been placed at 36.

The clash against the group of Misaya came a day after the Joint Task Force Sulu troops killed in a raid two Abu Sayyaf navigators in Barangay Daungdung, Pata, Sulu.

Killed on Tuesday were Nixon Muktadil and his brother, Brown. They are known as the Muktadil brothers.

Tan said the death of the Muktadil brothers is a big blow to the ASG "as they lost their main sea navigators during kidnapping activities."

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=926820

Francisco appointed as PAF spokesperson

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 28): Francisco appointed as PAF spokesperson

Col. Antonio Z. Francisco, formerly 520th Air Base Wing director for operations, was appointed as Philippine Air Force (PAF) spokesperson Wednesday.

He replaced Col. Araus Robert Musico who was appointed early this year as PAF spokesperson.

Franciso's appointment will allow Musico to serve full-time his other position which is Civil Military Operations A-7 (also known as Assistant Chief of Air Staff).

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=926834

Only 2 weapons traceable to AFP in seized arms cache in QC -- Visaya

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 28): Only 2 weapons traceable to AFP in seized arms cache in QC -- Visaya

Only two weapons from the firearms cache seized by the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Santolan, Quezon City over the weekend were found to have been issued to military personnel.

This was announced by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Ricardo Visaya Wednesday.

He added the AFP conducted an inventory of all the weapons at its arsenal after PNP Director General Ronald "Bato" Dela Cruz claimed that many of the weapons were sneaked out of military stores.

On Tuesday, Dela Rosa presented to the media suspected gunrunner Unding Kenneth Isa, who is allegedly one of the weapons suppliers of the Abu Sayyaf and warlords operating at the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao.

Seized from the suspect and his three companions were an arms cache consisting of M-4 carbines with M-203 grenade launchers, M-14 and M-16 automatic rifles, an AR-15 rifle and a .45 caliber pistol with two magazines and thousands of assorted ammunition rounds in boxes with Government Arsenal markings.

"Results of the accounting reveal that all the firearms recovered by the Police were not issued to the AFP, except two firearms to wit:

 

"a) M-16A1 SN 123760 issued to the defunct Philippine Constabulary Support Command on 08 July 1982; and

 

"b) M-203 Grenade Launcher issued to Service Support Command now Army Support Command on 22 May 1990," Visaya added.

The AFP chief said he has directed all intelligence units of the Army, Navy, and Air Force to continue their exhaustive investigations to help the PNP determine where the ammunition confiscated were issued.

As this develops, AFP public affairs office chief Marine Col. Edgard Arevalo declared:

"We will leave no stone unturned in this investigation and ensure that these unscrupulous acts will be stopped --as it must immediately stop-- and the perpetrators meted stiff punishments provided under the Articles of War particularly AW 85 as may be warranted by Court Martial."

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=926850

Ombudsman orders filing of graft raps vs Misuari, DepEd, COA execs over PHP137.5-M educational materials scam

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 28): Ombudsman orders filing of graft raps vs Misuari, DepEd, COA execs over PHP137.5-M educational materials scam

Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales has approved the filing of charges for graft and malversation against former Regional Gov. Nur Misuari of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) for the alleged anomalous procurement of educational materials totaling PHP137.5 million undertaken in 2000 to 2001.

Misuari is facing three counts of malversation of public funds through falsification and three counts of violation of Section 3(e) of Republic Act No. 3019, or the “Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act,” before the Sandiganbayan.

Based on the findings of the Commission on Audit (COA), it was found that the payment to five suppliers of textbooks and educational materials totaling PHP137,511,108.14 were irregular and made without public bidding.

Probe showed that Misuari approved the payment of the following educational materials:

-- Various educational materials worth PHP37,959,204 to White Orchids Printing and Publishing House;

-- 170 sets of multi-media information technology package worth PHP46,261,250 to CPR Publishing House of Caloocan City;

-- 6,000 copies of Demokrasyang Pambarangay; 22,000 copies of Malakas ang Batang Pilipino; 5,000 copies of Fight Drug Dependency; and 8,500 copies of multi-color coated map of the Philippines worth PHP12,030,000 to Esteem Enterprises of Quezon City;

-- 6,857 sets of Easy Learn Day Care Chart with Teacher’s Guide book and 25,238 copies of Easy Learn Day Care Workbook worth PHP21,999,848 to Dunong Publishing of Parañaque City; and

-- 124 sets of information technology package for elementary and high school students worth PHP19,260,806.14 to MBJ Learning Tools of Caloocan City.

Flagrant red flags were noted in the procurement such as lack of public bidding; undated and unnumbered procurement documents; absence of contracts; inventory and distribution lists; undue haste in the purchase of goods showing the rigged bidding; and non-compliance with eligibility requirements by the suppliers.

Ombudsman Morales said that “the Office finds probable cause that Misuari [and respondents] conspired with one another while discharging their official functions, [acting] with manifest partiality, evident bad faith or gross inexcusable negligence when they conspired to rig the procurement.”

Also included as co-accused are former DepEd ARMM executives Director Leovigilda Cinches, Supply Officer Sittie Aisa Usman, Accountant Alladin Usi, Chief Accountant Pangalian Maniri, Education Program Specialist Bai Sherilyn Mustapha, COA Auditor Nader Macagaan. The Ombudsman also ordered the filing of charges against suppliers Lolita Sambeli of White Orchids, Cristeta Ramirez of CPR Publishing, Mario Barria of Esteem Enterprises and Ma. Lourdes Mendoza of Dunong Publishing.

However, the charges against former Undersecretary Abdurajul Alpha and Regional Secretary Mahid Mutilan were dismissed in view of their death prior to the filing of the complaint.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=926874

(Update) Two ASG bandits killed, 3 others wounded in series of Sulu clashes

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 28): (Update) Two ASG bandits killed, 3 others wounded in series of Sulu clashes

Two more members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) were killed while three others were wounded following a series of encounters between Joint Task Force-Sulu troopers and the bandits in Panamao, Sulu Wednesday morning.

A soldier was also slightly wounded by shrapnel and is currently recuperating at the Camp Bautista Hospital in Jolo.

Joint Task Force-Sulu commander, Brig. Gen. Arnel dela Vega said the first encounter transpired at 7:20 a.m. between an estimated 30 ASG and the Bravo Company of the 35th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Pugad Manaul in Panamao.

In the clash, two ASG terrorists were killed but troopers recovered the body of only one of the slain bandits.

Dela Vega said civilians saw the other body being carried by the retreating terrorists.

The second encounter occurred at 9:05 a.m. between the same group of ASG and troops of the Bravo Company, 10th Infantry Battalion in an adjacent sitio in Barangay Pugad Manaul, also in Panamao, resulting in three ASG wounded.

Dela Vega said the engaged ASGs were reportedly holding some Malaysian and Indonesian hostages.

The wounded soldier was airlifted to Camp Bautista Station Hospital for treatment while the ASG member was brought to the Sulu Provincial Police Office for processing and proper disposition.

This is the second successive day that troops engaged the ASG in Sulu.

On Tuesday, the notorious Muktadil brothers of the ASG, Nixon and Brown, were killed in an operation by troops in Sulu.

Dela Vega attributed the successive engagements to the cooperation of local residents.

"Our troops will continue to pursue the terrorists until we deal a crippling blow to their ranks and leadership and rescue the remaining hostages," he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=926884

Duterte to Marines: Defend the Republic

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 28): Duterte to Marines: Defend the Republic

President Rodrigo Duterte has urged the Philippine Marines to stay loyal to the Republic and help to fight the country’s drug problem.



In his remarks before the elite troops on Tuesday (September 27), Duterte said: “I am now calling you... to also fight drugs.”



He stressed, however, that he is not encouraging them to take the law into their own hands.



Duterte promised to give the soldiers anything they want and need “to win a fight, to win a war, to win a battle, ibibigay ko sa inyo, walang problema.”

President Duterte also assured the troops that economic benefits “will come if there is a peaceful Philippines.”




Turning to the government's peace efforts, the President emphasized that he was “not a wartime President. I am a President seeking peace for my people.”

During his dialogue with the Marines, Duterte reiterated his plan to seek closer ties with China and Russia. He announced that he would be visiting these countries soon to discuss trade and commerce.




“This Republic will rise, this Republic of the Philippines will continue to be great… We will survive on our own. We will fight our wars on our own and we will win as a country,” Duterte told the soldiers.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=926947

ARMM defends budget in House committee hearing

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 28): ARMM defends budget in House committee hearing

Officials of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) defended their proposed regional budget for 2017 in the House of Representatives on Tuesday.

They presented the budget in a pre-plenary hearing led by Rep. Mohamad Khalid Dimaporo, vice chairperson for the committee on appropriations.

Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman wasted no time as he addressed the observations and recommendations of the national Commission on Audit (COA) regarding the ARMM budget pegged at Php 40.573 billion, the biggest budget proposal in the history of the region.

“We acknowledge the COA report and we have a response for every comment on our budget,” said Hataman, also noting that the regional government has already complied with the audit observation of the COA.

Coordination and accountability

Hataman noted the region’s policy recommendations regarding the disparity between the regional agencies and their national counterparts when it comes to keeping track of the realities on ground.

He cited the disparity between the national Department of Education (DepEd)’s Learner Information System (LIS) and the regional DepEd’s actual headcount (AHC) as an example.

This disparity, Hataman said, translates to a mismatch between the needs of the region national DepEd’s allocation for teachers and school buildings.

“If the budget allocation for teachers and buildings in the ARMM depends on the national LIS and the ARMM has no recommendatory power, this leads to a problem for which the ARMM is held liable and yet has no jurisdiction over,” Hataman noted.

“We need a policy to correct this disparity, and it is within the power of the policy makers here present,” he added.

Transparency through innovation

The existing road network and infrastructure system of the ARMM is a source of pride for the regional government.

“The DPWH we inherited from past administrations had no clear data on road networks,” Hataman said.

“This is why we decided to hire consultants and, with the help of the regional Department on Public Works and Highways (DPWH-ARMM), studied our existing road networks and made sure to update our database every time we begin and finish a new project,” he added.

The e-ARMM database of DPWH-ARMM consolidates all existing information and is updated regularly using geotags, drone technology, and real time updates from the ground.

“We use the technology available to us not only so we can keep track of our progress, but so that the public can access the information and work with the government in making sure that our infrastructure is sound. That’s how transparent the ARMM is now,” said Don Mustapha Loong, DPWH-ARMM secretary.

Poverty Alleviation

Akbayan representative Tomasito Villarin was first to interpellate the ARMM officials on the proposed budget and questioned the persistence of poverty in the region despite the annual increase in budget for the ARMM in recent years.

“The context is very different in the ARMM and the prevalence of conflict bears heavily on our development agenda,” said Hataman.

He then explained that the regional government has consistently allocated the recent increases in the regional budget to capital outlay, including programs such as the Apat na Dapat program which are designed specifically to uplift the poorest of the poor in the ARMM.

“We have three main strategies in addressing poverty in the ARMM which includes strengthening our rural economy, developing our infrastructure, and supporting the peace process while helping to address the roots of conflict in the region,” Hataman said.

The governor also emphasized the role of the local government units in addressing poverty.

Local governance

“The local government units are key actors because they are the ones at the frontlines,” he added.

Hataman pointed out that local government units under the ARMM have a combined internal revenue allocation of at least Php 15 billion annually.

“Some LGUs are not using their IRA to provide basic social services to their constituents which include repair and maintenance of school buildings such as the ones in Sulu,” Hataman said.

“This is stipulated in the Local Government Code, along with the provision that the 20% development fund of their IRA can be utilized specifically for anti-poverty measures,” he added.

Hataman made an appeal to the LGUs to take action. “We in the ARMM cannot do this alone; they cannot just rely on the regional government. The LGUs themselves need to utilize their IRA if we want to help the poorest of the poor among our constituents,” he said.

Hataman also reiterated the role of congress as policy makers in finding solutions for these issues.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=927028

DSWD provides over PHP3M worth of relief aid to families displaced by armed conflict in Basilan

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 28): DSWD provides over PHP3M worth of relief aid to families displaced by armed conflict in Basilan

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) said Wednesday it continues to augment the resources of the local government unit (LGU) of Basilan for the 1,729 families or 6,218 displaced persons from the municipalities of Sumisip, Tuburan, Hadji Mohammad Ajul, and Akbar.

The recipients were displaced by the military operations against the Abu Sayyaf Group.

These families continue are seeking temporary shelter in their friends’ and relatives’ houses pending declaration from authorities on the safety of their villages.

To date, DSWD-Field Office IX, the nearest regional office to the conflict area, has dispatched a total of 8,500 family food packs to Basilan.

In early August, some 6,000 food packs were provided while another 2,500 packs were extended on September 21.

The total amount of DSWD resource augmentation to Basilan is PHP3,060,000.

In a related development, the Basilan Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office reported that an unidentified number of displaced families from the towns of Albarka, Tipo-tipo and Ungkaya Pukan began returning to their homes as a result of the activity conducted by the Provincial Government and other agencies dubbed as “People’s Day” last September 18.

The PLGU encouraged the IDPs to return to their respective places of origin and also distributed food packs to some 1,400 families and conducted feeding program for children.
            
So far, the Social Welfare and Development (SWAD) Team Leader in Isabela City reported that there have been no military clash/incidents reported for the past weeks within the Tipo-tipo area.

Meanwhile, in Sulu, where another military operations was launched, some 4,661 families or 24,343 persons from 46 barangays in Patikul, Maimbung, Indanan, Parang and Panamao also continue to receive relief assistance.

DSWD-FO IX also initially provided 5,000 food packs worth PHP1.8 million as augmentation support to the province of Sulu.

"We at DSWD continue to coordinate with concerned LGUs so we can provide immediate help to our countrymen who have not returned to their places of origin,” DSWD Secretary Judy M. Taguiwalo stated.

“We still have a long way to go to attain peace since our real enemy is the poverty caused by landlessness of the farmers and the absence of national industrialization that will serve the needs of the workers and of the entire people,” Taguiwalo said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=926971

PHL-Vietnam ties seen to strengthen after Duterte visit

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 28): PHL-Vietnam ties seen to strengthen after Duterte visit

President Rodrigo Duterte has expressed confidence that the Philippines will build a stronger relationship with Vietnam as he pledged to work closely with his counterparts in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to find ways to collaborate in the campaign against the illegal drugs trade.

In his predeparture briefing at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal II in Pasay City, the President said he will work with Vietnam and the rest of the ASEAN in curtailing the proliferation of illegal drugs to secure a better future for the next generations.




“I am confident that, as we build on the outcomes of this visit, the relations between the Philippines and Vietnam will become even more stronger, pursued, as it has to be, with mutual respect, closer cooperation and deeper understanding,” the President said.




He said that upon his return, he would report on the accomplishments of his visit.




President Duterte stressed that the two-day official visit is important as the Philippines and Vietnam commemorate 40 years of diplomatic relations. Both countries also prepare to take leadership in the roles of the region in 2017 -- the Philippines as chair of the ASEAN and Vietnam, as chair of Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).




He said that for the past 40 years, the Philippines and Vietnam have fostered a strong relationship built on a common desire towards achieving greater peace and prosperity, anchored on the basic tenets of sovereign equality, non-interference and peaceful settlement of disputes.

The President said he will also seek to identify emerging areas of partnership with the Vietnam President, particularly in the fields of maritime security and law enforcement.

"As maritime nations with rapidly developing economies, we acknowledge the convergence of our strategic interest. Broadening cooperation and collaboration between the Philippines and Vietnam and solidifying our strategic partnership to further strengthen our countries in the regions which we belong to,” he explained.

“I look forward to exchange views and explore opportunities further significantly improving our economic bilateral cooperation, including stronger partnership in economic, agriculture, defense, and maritime cooperation,” he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=927040

PSG denies De Lima’s claim that Sanchez was forced to sign affidavit

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 28): PSG denies De Lima’s claim that Sanchez was forced to sign affidavit

The Presidential Security Group refuted on Wednesday Senator Leila de Lima’s claim that her former security aide Philippine Air Force (PAF) Sgt. Jonel Sanchez was forced to sign an affidavit against the lady senator.

”This is to refute her statement about Sgt. Jonel Sanchez PAF. To date, he has not signed any affidavit to that effect,” PSG spokesperson Lt. Col. Michael Aquino said in a press statement.

Aquino said Sanchez, who has been confined to barracks while he was being investigated for allegation that he was De Lima’s bagman, has signified to have a counsel “preferably of his own choice.”

”But up to now he has not presented one. Since we fully respect his right to counsel, we have given him enough leverage to produce one. Therefore, the text message sent to Sen. De Lima has no basis,” Aquino said.

In a press conference at the Senate on Wednesday, De Lima claimed that she received a text message from her asset that her former security aide was being forced to sign an affidavit.

Aquino assured that the PSG will abide by the rule of law in handling the case of Sanchez.

The PSG reportedly said it would allow Sanchez to appear in the House of Representatives inquiry into the alleged proliferation of illegal drugs at the New Bilibid Prison (NBP) under De Lima’s watch as former Justice secretary.

In previous House probe, several witnesses from the national penitentiary, have accused De Lima of receiving millions of funds from convicted drug lords to finance her senatorial election campaign.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=926997