From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 12): Grenade blast rocks Shell gas station in North Cotabato
A gas station worker was injured when unidentified men tossed a hand grenade at the Shell Gas Station along the national highway here at 11 a.m. Thursday.
Supt. Emmanuel Peralta, North Cotabato police provincial director, in his report to Chief Supt. Cedrick Train, Police Regional Office (PRO) 12 director, said the blast slightly injured Jay Salac, 34, a resident of Barangay Poblacion, Pikit.
Supt. Romeo Galgo Jr, speaking for PRO-12, said the victim who sustained injuries on his elbow was rushed to Cadulong emergency hospital.
Galgo said post blast investigation conducted by Pikit bomb experts showed the explosive used by still unidentified men was a fragmentation grenade based on pieces of evidence recovered at the site.
"A safety lever was found in the perimeter of the gas station," Galgo said, adding that investigation was still going on.
Police are reviewing the gas station's CCTV footage that captured the suspects.
No one has claimed responsibility for the attack.
Last week, the barangay hall of Barangay Poblacion was also subjected to grenade attack by still unidentified motorcycle-riding men. Fortunately, the explosive failed to go off.
Earlier, Mayor Sumulong Sultan has asked the Phillippine National Police for augmentation force as crimes are on the rise in the town due to intensified police operations against illegal drugs.
Police could not say if the grenade attack at the gas station was part of extortion activities of lawless elements.
"Investigation is still on going as to the motive," Galgo said.
The Shell gas station is only a stone's throw away from the Community Police Action Center (COMPACT) detachment.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=954611
Thursday, January 12, 2017
Repairs of Rancudo Airfield, construction of Pagasa port to take a backseat
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 12): Repairs of Rancudo Airfield, construction of Pagasa port to take a backseat
With the thawing of the ties between the Philippines and the People's Republic of China, repairs on Rancudo Airfield, Pagasa Island and construction of a new port might take a backseat.
This was disclosed by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo Año when asked whether the country has lifted its moratorium on improving Filipino-held positions in the West Philippine Sea.
"(The moratorium was lifted) but because of the warming relationship with China, we better not make any aggressive action in the West Philippine Sea," he added.
The Department of Public Works and Highways has earlier allocated the sum of PHP800 million for the repair of Rancudo Airfield those forward edge is slowly eroded by the sea, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said.
With this, the situation there is now on "status quo".
As this develops, he also said that he plans to visit Pagasa Island along with Año but no firm date of the visit is set yet.
Pagasa, with an area of 37.2 hectares, is the largest of the seven islands and three reefs being controlled by the Philippines in Spratly Island Group.
Other Philippine possessions in the Spratlys include Likas Island which measures 18.6 hectares, Parolo Island, 12.7 hectares, Lawak Island 7.93 hectares, Kota Island, 6. 45 hectares, Patag Island, 0.57, Panata Island, 0.44, Rizal, Balagtas and Ayungin Reefs.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=954692
With the thawing of the ties between the Philippines and the People's Republic of China, repairs on Rancudo Airfield, Pagasa Island and construction of a new port might take a backseat.
This was disclosed by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Eduardo Año when asked whether the country has lifted its moratorium on improving Filipino-held positions in the West Philippine Sea.
"(The moratorium was lifted) but because of the warming relationship with China, we better not make any aggressive action in the West Philippine Sea," he added.
The Department of Public Works and Highways has earlier allocated the sum of PHP800 million for the repair of Rancudo Airfield those forward edge is slowly eroded by the sea, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said.
With this, the situation there is now on "status quo".
As this develops, he also said that he plans to visit Pagasa Island along with Año but no firm date of the visit is set yet.
Pagasa, with an area of 37.2 hectares, is the largest of the seven islands and three reefs being controlled by the Philippines in Spratly Island Group.
Other Philippine possessions in the Spratlys include Likas Island which measures 18.6 hectares, Parolo Island, 12.7 hectares, Lawak Island 7.93 hectares, Kota Island, 6. 45 hectares, Patag Island, 0.57, Panata Island, 0.44, Rizal, Balagtas and Ayungin Reefs.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=954692
Duterte, Abe eye higher level of PHL-Japan relations
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 12): Duterte, Abe eye higher level of PHL-Japan relations
Philippines and Japan are eyeing to further elevate bilateral relationships as President Rodrigo Duterte welcomed Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Malacañang Thursday at the start of the latter’s two-day state visit to the country.
The state visit of the Japanese leader came just two months after President Duterte visited Tokyo in October last year.
In his welcome statement, Duterte said the nation is pleased to host his Japanese counterpart as this is the very first official visit of a head of state under his administration.
“This demonstrates the shared commitment to further strengthen our important and valued strategic partnership. Your Excellency, I look forward to a most productive meeting today,” the President said.
Duterte said that the two leaders now have the opportunity to identify ways of building on agreements that were made in October on a wide range of issues that will benefit the peoples of both nations.
This include among others intensifying trade and investments, bolstering defense, securing just and lasting peace and development in Mindanao, strengthening law enforcement against criminality and ensuring maritime safety and security.
“Let us continue to work together to achieve the goals of a more stable and secured region so that our nations and peoples can enjoy more peace, progress and prosperity,” Duterte said.
For his part, Abe said he was also honored to be invited as the very first foreign leader under the present administration to visit Manila.
The Japanese leader, who is on a six-day four-nation official travel, said he chose the Philippines as his first destination this year.
“This is a testament to my primary emphasis on our bilateral relationship with the Philippines,” Abe said.
The Prime Minister said that he is ready to fully support President Duterte’s ASEAN Chairmanship for a successful ASEAN-Related Summit Meetings and the East Asia Summit this year.
“Together with you, I am committed to elevating our bilateral relationship to a higher ground covering a wide-range of areas. Let us work hand in hand in addressing various challenges of the Asia Pacific region,” Prime Minister Abe said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=954736
Philippines and Japan are eyeing to further elevate bilateral relationships as President Rodrigo Duterte welcomed Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Malacañang Thursday at the start of the latter’s two-day state visit to the country.
The state visit of the Japanese leader came just two months after President Duterte visited Tokyo in October last year.
In his welcome statement, Duterte said the nation is pleased to host his Japanese counterpart as this is the very first official visit of a head of state under his administration.
“This demonstrates the shared commitment to further strengthen our important and valued strategic partnership. Your Excellency, I look forward to a most productive meeting today,” the President said.
Duterte said that the two leaders now have the opportunity to identify ways of building on agreements that were made in October on a wide range of issues that will benefit the peoples of both nations.
This include among others intensifying trade and investments, bolstering defense, securing just and lasting peace and development in Mindanao, strengthening law enforcement against criminality and ensuring maritime safety and security.
“Let us continue to work together to achieve the goals of a more stable and secured region so that our nations and peoples can enjoy more peace, progress and prosperity,” Duterte said.
For his part, Abe said he was also honored to be invited as the very first foreign leader under the present administration to visit Manila.
The Japanese leader, who is on a six-day four-nation official travel, said he chose the Philippines as his first destination this year.
“This is a testament to my primary emphasis on our bilateral relationship with the Philippines,” Abe said.
The Prime Minister said that he is ready to fully support President Duterte’s ASEAN Chairmanship for a successful ASEAN-Related Summit Meetings and the East Asia Summit this year.
“Together with you, I am committed to elevating our bilateral relationship to a higher ground covering a wide-range of areas. Let us work hand in hand in addressing various challenges of the Asia Pacific region,” Prime Minister Abe said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=954736
5 agreements signed during Japanese PM’s visit to PHL
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 12): 5 agreements signed during Japanese PM’s visit to PHL
A total of five agreements have been signed between the Philippines and Japan following a summit meeting attended by President Rodrigo Duterte and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzu Abe on Thursday at Malacanang Palace.
The agreements signed during the two-day state visit of Prime Minister Abe to the Philippines include:
-- Exchange of Notes (EN) on the economic and social development grant worth JPY 600 million (PHP258 million) for high speed boats and other counter-terrorism equipment for the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG);
-- Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) on the Low Carbon Growth Partnership/Joint Crediting Mechanism which will promote investments and the use of technologies, products, systems, services and infrastructure to achieve low carbon growth in Philippines;
-- MOC between the PCG and the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) which involves the maritime cooperation to promote maritime safety, security and marine environment protection through joint exercises, visits by patrol vessels and aircraft, and capacity enhancement;
-- MOC between the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) of the Philippines and Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) of Japan for proof of concept and testing of road traffic information system through data broadcasting; and,
-- Loan Agreement and Guarantee Letter for Harvesting Agribusiness Opportunities through Robust and Vibrant Entrepreneurship of Peaceful Transformation.
The HARVEST Project is a five-year project of the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP), which is a financial intermediary of HARVEST, that shall finance eligible investments of agribusiness enterprises, farmers’ organizations or cooperatives, and Micro Small and Medium Enterprise (MSMEs) in support of agriculture and fisheries production and related services in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao.
On the other hand, the MOC between PCOO and MIC will involve the signing of the ICT Pilot project to test the effectiveness of the cloud-based ISDB-T Digital Terrestrial Television Broadcasting for Road Traffic Information System to be broadcast by the People’s Television Network (PTV).
The MOC is part of the mother MOC signed during a three-day official visit of President in Japan in October last year.
Prime Minister Abe is in a two-day official visit to the Philippines upon the invitation of President Duterte.
Abe is the first head of state to visit the country under the Duterte presidency. The Philippines is also the first country visited by the Japanese leader this year.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=954749
A total of five agreements have been signed between the Philippines and Japan following a summit meeting attended by President Rodrigo Duterte and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzu Abe on Thursday at Malacanang Palace.
The agreements signed during the two-day state visit of Prime Minister Abe to the Philippines include:
-- Exchange of Notes (EN) on the economic and social development grant worth JPY 600 million (PHP258 million) for high speed boats and other counter-terrorism equipment for the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG);
-- Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) on the Low Carbon Growth Partnership/Joint Crediting Mechanism which will promote investments and the use of technologies, products, systems, services and infrastructure to achieve low carbon growth in Philippines;
-- MOC between the PCG and the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) which involves the maritime cooperation to promote maritime safety, security and marine environment protection through joint exercises, visits by patrol vessels and aircraft, and capacity enhancement;
-- MOC between the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) of the Philippines and Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC) of Japan for proof of concept and testing of road traffic information system through data broadcasting; and,
-- Loan Agreement and Guarantee Letter for Harvesting Agribusiness Opportunities through Robust and Vibrant Entrepreneurship of Peaceful Transformation.
The HARVEST Project is a five-year project of the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP), which is a financial intermediary of HARVEST, that shall finance eligible investments of agribusiness enterprises, farmers’ organizations or cooperatives, and Micro Small and Medium Enterprise (MSMEs) in support of agriculture and fisheries production and related services in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao.
On the other hand, the MOC between PCOO and MIC will involve the signing of the ICT Pilot project to test the effectiveness of the cloud-based ISDB-T Digital Terrestrial Television Broadcasting for Road Traffic Information System to be broadcast by the People’s Television Network (PTV).
The MOC is part of the mother MOC signed during a three-day official visit of President in Japan in October last year.
Prime Minister Abe is in a two-day official visit to the Philippines upon the invitation of President Duterte.
Abe is the first head of state to visit the country under the Duterte presidency. The Philippines is also the first country visited by the Japanese leader this year.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=954749
Officer killed, 4 troops hurt in latest clash with ASG bandits in Basilan
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 12): Officer killed, 4 troops hurt in latest clash with ASG bandits in Basilan
An officer from the 19th Special Forces Company was killed while four other troopers were wounded following an encounter with Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits under sub-commander Furuji Indama in Sumisip town, Basilan on Thursday morning.
The clash took place 7:10 a.m. at Barangay Cabcaban of the above-mentioned locality, Western Mindanao Command spokesperson Major Filemon Tan said.
The abovementioned troops were on combat operations when the encounter took place.
Tan said an officer was killed and another four wounded in the fighting.
The WMC spokesperson said the wounded troops were evacuated by UH-IH "Huey" helicopters while artillery units are now preparing for "indirect fire" missions against the bandits.
Aside from artillery fire, airstrikes are now being conducted on the encounter area with troops from the 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion, 64th and 68th Infantry Battalions now conducting blocking and pursuit operations against the bandits.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=954765
An officer from the 19th Special Forces Company was killed while four other troopers were wounded following an encounter with Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits under sub-commander Furuji Indama in Sumisip town, Basilan on Thursday morning.
The clash took place 7:10 a.m. at Barangay Cabcaban of the above-mentioned locality, Western Mindanao Command spokesperson Major Filemon Tan said.
The abovementioned troops were on combat operations when the encounter took place.
Tan said an officer was killed and another four wounded in the fighting.
The WMC spokesperson said the wounded troops were evacuated by UH-IH "Huey" helicopters while artillery units are now preparing for "indirect fire" missions against the bandits.
Aside from artillery fire, airstrikes are now being conducted on the encounter area with troops from the 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion, 64th and 68th Infantry Battalions now conducting blocking and pursuit operations against the bandits.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=954765
Duterte, Abe agree to enhance maritime, security cooperation
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 12): Duterte, Abe agree to enhance maritime, security cooperation
President Rodrigo Duterte and visiting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzu Abe agreed on Thursday to enhance maritime and security cooperation including counterterrorism between the Philippines and Japan.
"As proven defense and long time partners, the Philippines and Japan are committed to further expand and deepen our relations across a broad range of areas. We had an active discussion on enhancing of maritime and security cooperation," President Duterte said in a joint statement after a summit meeting at the Malacanang Palace.
"As maritime nations, the Philippines and Japan have a shared interest in keeping our waters safe and security from threats of any kind," he added.
Abe, along with his wife Madame Akie Abe, is in the country for a two-day official visit that also include a historic visit in Davao City, the hometown of President Duterte, on Friday.
As a result of Abe’s first visit in the Philippines under Duterte administration, the Philippines Coast Guard (PCG) and Japan Coast Guard (JCG) signed Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) which involves the maritime cooperation to promote maritime safety, security and marine environment protection.
The MOC will be done through joint exercises, visits by patrol vessels and aircraft, and capacity enhancement.
The Philippines and Japan also signed Exchange of Notes (EN) on the economic and social development grant worth JPY 600 million (PHP258 million) for the purchase of high-speed boats and other counter-terrorism equipment for PCG.
"Capacity-building and assets acquisition and upgrading will be a centerpiece of this collaboration. We hope to fast-track the delivery of the Philippines of key assets already in the pipeline and the acquisition of new ones," President Duterte said.
"As we seek these new innovations to the Philippines’ capabilities, we will continue to forge ahead with our efforts to advance the rule of law in order to secure the waters in our regions," he added.
For his part, Abe emphasized the importance of strengthening counter-terrorism mechanism to assure safe and peaceful society.
"We will strengthen cooperation in the area of counterterrorism in order to realize a society in which it is possible for youths to entertain hopes," Abe said through an interpreter.
President Duterte described his meeting with Abe as ‘productive’ where the two leaders discussed ways for further strengthening bilateral ties.
"By any measure, this visit is historic and sets the bar for constructive engagements. If my visit to Tokyo defined the solid and strategic partnerships of the Philippines and Japan then Prime Minister Abe’s visits to Manila and Davao renew the commitment to further strengthen the solid and strategic partnership toward greater peace, progress, and prosperity," Duterte said.
"I am humbled by this demonstration of friendship and look forward to working closely with Prime Minister Abe on all matters of mutual interest," he added.
Abe said he looks forward to also further enhance friendly ties between the Philippines and Japan and “to cooperate towards regional stability and prosperity.”
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=954783
President Rodrigo Duterte and visiting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzu Abe agreed on Thursday to enhance maritime and security cooperation including counterterrorism between the Philippines and Japan.
"As proven defense and long time partners, the Philippines and Japan are committed to further expand and deepen our relations across a broad range of areas. We had an active discussion on enhancing of maritime and security cooperation," President Duterte said in a joint statement after a summit meeting at the Malacanang Palace.
"As maritime nations, the Philippines and Japan have a shared interest in keeping our waters safe and security from threats of any kind," he added.
Abe, along with his wife Madame Akie Abe, is in the country for a two-day official visit that also include a historic visit in Davao City, the hometown of President Duterte, on Friday.
As a result of Abe’s first visit in the Philippines under Duterte administration, the Philippines Coast Guard (PCG) and Japan Coast Guard (JCG) signed Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) which involves the maritime cooperation to promote maritime safety, security and marine environment protection.
The MOC will be done through joint exercises, visits by patrol vessels and aircraft, and capacity enhancement.
The Philippines and Japan also signed Exchange of Notes (EN) on the economic and social development grant worth JPY 600 million (PHP258 million) for the purchase of high-speed boats and other counter-terrorism equipment for PCG.
"Capacity-building and assets acquisition and upgrading will be a centerpiece of this collaboration. We hope to fast-track the delivery of the Philippines of key assets already in the pipeline and the acquisition of new ones," President Duterte said.
"As we seek these new innovations to the Philippines’ capabilities, we will continue to forge ahead with our efforts to advance the rule of law in order to secure the waters in our regions," he added.
For his part, Abe emphasized the importance of strengthening counter-terrorism mechanism to assure safe and peaceful society.
"We will strengthen cooperation in the area of counterterrorism in order to realize a society in which it is possible for youths to entertain hopes," Abe said through an interpreter.
President Duterte described his meeting with Abe as ‘productive’ where the two leaders discussed ways for further strengthening bilateral ties.
"By any measure, this visit is historic and sets the bar for constructive engagements. If my visit to Tokyo defined the solid and strategic partnerships of the Philippines and Japan then Prime Minister Abe’s visits to Manila and Davao renew the commitment to further strengthen the solid and strategic partnership toward greater peace, progress, and prosperity," Duterte said.
"I am humbled by this demonstration of friendship and look forward to working closely with Prime Minister Abe on all matters of mutual interest," he added.
Abe said he looks forward to also further enhance friendly ties between the Philippines and Japan and “to cooperate towards regional stability and prosperity.”
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=954783
Abe welcomes closer PHL-China ties, affirms importance of peaceful resolution to South China Sea dispute
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 12): Abe welcomes closer PHL-China ties, affirms importance of peaceful resolution to South China Sea dispute
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Thursday welcomed President Rodrigo Duterte’s efforts to improve ties with China and affirmed the importance of the rule of law and the peaceful resolution of disputes in the West Philippine Sea.
“I welcome the fact that President Duterte is making efforts to improve China-Philippine relations in light of the arbitral award,” he said during a joint press briefing with Duterte in Malacañang.
“The significance of the rule of law, peaceful resolution of disputes and non-militarization has been confirmed at ASEAN-Related Meetings last year. Keeping in mind this year’s ASEAN-Related Meetings, we affirmed the importance of these,” Abe said.
In July 2016, the Hague-based United Nations (UN) Arbitral Tribunal invalidated China's so-called "nine-dash line" claim to the resource-rich West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).
But despite the ruling, President Duterte has made efforts to forge closer ties with China stressing that a peaceful resolution to the dispute is the more logical solution.
Abe acknowledged that “the issue of the South China Sea is linked directly to regional peace and stability and is a concern to the entire international community.”
An estimated USD5 trillion worth of goods are transported through South China Sea shipping lanes each year, including more than half the world’s annual merchant fleet tonnage and a third of all maritime traffic worldwide.
Japan, while not a claimant to West Philippine Sea, relies on the unimpeded passage through the disputed waters that China is entirely claiming as its own.
It also has a territorial dispute with China in the East China Sea.
However, the Japanese leader said that he agreed to support a rule of law-based peaceful resolution to regional disputes after a firm exchange of views with Duterte.
“We agreed to elevate cooperative relations to a higher level to address not only bilateral issues but also to work toward a resolution of regional challenges,” Abe said.
In the meantime, Duterte said the Philippines will continue with its efforts to advance the rule of law in order to secure the waters in the region even as it seeks to build its maritime capacity and assets through its collaboration with Japan.
“As maritime nations, the Philippines and Japan have a shared interest in keeping our waters safe and secure from threats of any kind. Capacity-building and assets acquisition and upgrading will be a centerpiece of this collaboration,” he said.
The President said that they will fast-track the delivery to the Philippine of key assets already in the pipeline and the acquisition of new ones.
“As we seek these new innovations to the Philippines’ capabilities, we will continue to forge ahead with our efforts to advance the rule of law in order to secure the waters in our regions,” he said.
“I am humbled by this demonstration of friendship and look forward to working closely with Prime Minister Abe on all matters of mutual interest,” Duterte said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=954812
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Thursday welcomed President Rodrigo Duterte’s efforts to improve ties with China and affirmed the importance of the rule of law and the peaceful resolution of disputes in the West Philippine Sea.
“I welcome the fact that President Duterte is making efforts to improve China-Philippine relations in light of the arbitral award,” he said during a joint press briefing with Duterte in Malacañang.
“The significance of the rule of law, peaceful resolution of disputes and non-militarization has been confirmed at ASEAN-Related Meetings last year. Keeping in mind this year’s ASEAN-Related Meetings, we affirmed the importance of these,” Abe said.
In July 2016, the Hague-based United Nations (UN) Arbitral Tribunal invalidated China's so-called "nine-dash line" claim to the resource-rich West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).
But despite the ruling, President Duterte has made efforts to forge closer ties with China stressing that a peaceful resolution to the dispute is the more logical solution.
Abe acknowledged that “the issue of the South China Sea is linked directly to regional peace and stability and is a concern to the entire international community.”
An estimated USD5 trillion worth of goods are transported through South China Sea shipping lanes each year, including more than half the world’s annual merchant fleet tonnage and a third of all maritime traffic worldwide.
Japan, while not a claimant to West Philippine Sea, relies on the unimpeded passage through the disputed waters that China is entirely claiming as its own.
It also has a territorial dispute with China in the East China Sea.
However, the Japanese leader said that he agreed to support a rule of law-based peaceful resolution to regional disputes after a firm exchange of views with Duterte.
“We agreed to elevate cooperative relations to a higher level to address not only bilateral issues but also to work toward a resolution of regional challenges,” Abe said.
In the meantime, Duterte said the Philippines will continue with its efforts to advance the rule of law in order to secure the waters in the region even as it seeks to build its maritime capacity and assets through its collaboration with Japan.
“As maritime nations, the Philippines and Japan have a shared interest in keeping our waters safe and secure from threats of any kind. Capacity-building and assets acquisition and upgrading will be a centerpiece of this collaboration,” he said.
The President said that they will fast-track the delivery to the Philippine of key assets already in the pipeline and the acquisition of new ones.
“As we seek these new innovations to the Philippines’ capabilities, we will continue to forge ahead with our efforts to advance the rule of law in order to secure the waters in our regions,” he said.
“I am humbled by this demonstration of friendship and look forward to working closely with Prime Minister Abe on all matters of mutual interest,” Duterte said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=954812
Wednesday, January 11, 2017
Grenade blast rocks gas station in North Cotabato
From Sun Star-Davao (Jan 12): Grenade blast rocks gas station in North Cotabato
PIKIT, North Cotabato -- A gas station worker was injured when unidentified men tossed a hand grenade at the Shell Gas Station along the national highway in this town at 11 a.m. Thursday, January 12.
North Cotabato Police Provincial Director Emmanuel Peralta said the blast injured Jay Salac, 34, a resident of Barangay Poblacion, Pikit. Superintendent Romeo Galgo Jr., speaking for Police Regional Office-Soccsksargen, said the victim who sustained injuries on his elbow was brought to Cadulong emergency hospital.
Galgo said police are reviewing the gas station's CCTV footage. “Investigation is still ongoing as to the motive,” Galgo added.
No one has claimed responsibility for the attack. Last week, the village hall of Barangay Poblacion was also subjected to grenade attack by motorcycle-riding men.
Fortunately, the grenade failed to explode. Pikit Mayor Sumulong Sultan has asked the Philippine National Police for augmentation force as crimes are on the rise in the town due to intensified police operations against illegal drugs.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2017/01/12/grenade-blast-rocks-gas-station-north-cotabato-519738
PIKIT, North Cotabato -- A gas station worker was injured when unidentified men tossed a hand grenade at the Shell Gas Station along the national highway in this town at 11 a.m. Thursday, January 12.
North Cotabato Police Provincial Director Emmanuel Peralta said the blast injured Jay Salac, 34, a resident of Barangay Poblacion, Pikit. Superintendent Romeo Galgo Jr., speaking for Police Regional Office-Soccsksargen, said the victim who sustained injuries on his elbow was brought to Cadulong emergency hospital.
Galgo said police are reviewing the gas station's CCTV footage. “Investigation is still ongoing as to the motive,” Galgo added.
No one has claimed responsibility for the attack. Last week, the village hall of Barangay Poblacion was also subjected to grenade attack by motorcycle-riding men.
Fortunately, the grenade failed to explode. Pikit Mayor Sumulong Sultan has asked the Philippine National Police for augmentation force as crimes are on the rise in the town due to intensified police operations against illegal drugs.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2017/01/12/grenade-blast-rocks-gas-station-north-cotabato-519738
Malaysian officials in Mindanao to help in peace efforts
From ABS-CBN (Jan 12): Malaysian officials in Mindanao to help in peace efforts
Malaysia’s deputy defense minister and 30 other officials of the Malaysian Armed Forces visited central Mindanao on Thursday to help improve security and strengthen peace efforts between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
Deputy Defense Minister Dato Sri Mohd Johari bin Baharum was given a military guard of honor by the 6th Infantry Division (ID) upon his arrival at the headquarters in Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat.
Johari met with 6th ID Commander Major General Carlito Galvez and the two discussed the present situation in central Mindanao and challenges it could face in the future.
After the visit, Johari went to the headquarters of the International Monitoring Team-11 in Cotabato City where he was briefed by head of mission Major General Datuk Wira Zamrose bin Mohd Zain on the current situation of the ongoing ceasefire between the Philippine government troops and the MILF, and the role of the monitoring team.
On Thursday afternoon, the Malaysian deputy defense minister stopped by the central committee of the MILF headed by first vice- chairman Ghazali Jaafar in Camp Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat in Maguindanao, where Malaysian officials will discuss with their MILF counterpart on how to improve security and development aspect in Mindanao.
After the camp visit, he will visit the grand mosque in Barangay Kalanganan, Cotabato City where he will give assistance to 30 orphans in the Shariff Kabunsuan Orphanage.
The International Monitoring Team was deployed in Mindanao in 2004. It consists of 37 members, 16 of which came from Malaysia and the other members are from Indonesia, Brunei, Japan and the European Union to monitor the ongoing ceasefire agreement between the Philippine government troops and the MILF.
http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/01/12/17/malaysian-officials-in-mindanao-to-help-in-peace-efforts
Malaysia’s deputy defense minister and 30 other officials of the Malaysian Armed Forces visited central Mindanao on Thursday to help improve security and strengthen peace efforts between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).
Deputy Defense Minister Dato Sri Mohd Johari bin Baharum was given a military guard of honor by the 6th Infantry Division (ID) upon his arrival at the headquarters in Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat.
Johari met with 6th ID Commander Major General Carlito Galvez and the two discussed the present situation in central Mindanao and challenges it could face in the future.
After the visit, Johari went to the headquarters of the International Monitoring Team-11 in Cotabato City where he was briefed by head of mission Major General Datuk Wira Zamrose bin Mohd Zain on the current situation of the ongoing ceasefire between the Philippine government troops and the MILF, and the role of the monitoring team.
On Thursday afternoon, the Malaysian deputy defense minister stopped by the central committee of the MILF headed by first vice- chairman Ghazali Jaafar in Camp Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat in Maguindanao, where Malaysian officials will discuss with their MILF counterpart on how to improve security and development aspect in Mindanao.
After the camp visit, he will visit the grand mosque in Barangay Kalanganan, Cotabato City where he will give assistance to 30 orphans in the Shariff Kabunsuan Orphanage.
The International Monitoring Team was deployed in Mindanao in 2004. It consists of 37 members, 16 of which came from Malaysia and the other members are from Indonesia, Brunei, Japan and the European Union to monitor the ongoing ceasefire agreement between the Philippine government troops and the MILF.
http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/01/12/17/malaysian-officials-in-mindanao-to-help-in-peace-efforts
2 suspects in deadly pirate attack nabbed: police
From ABS-CBN (Jan 12): 2 suspects in deadly pirate attack nabbed: police
Police operatives have arrested two of 11 suspects in the seajacking incident in waters off Siromon Island, Zamboanga City that left eight fishermen dead.
Seven men survived the seajacking incident on Monday as five men jumped overboard and swam to a nearby island, while two others who remained on the boat were unharmed, Philippine Coast Guard officials said.
Arsani Samlani, a local fisherman, was invited to the police station Wednesday after a survivor positively identified him as one of the culprits, officials said.
Another suspect identified as Mizfar Nuno alias Ravin Atain was nabbed earlier this week during a buy-bust operation in Seaside Sangali.
Multiple murder raps have been filed against Samlani while cases of multiple murder and illegal possession of explosives and illegal drugs were filed against Nuno.
http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/01/12/17/2-suspects-in-deadly-pirate-attack-nabbed-police
Police operatives have arrested two of 11 suspects in the seajacking incident in waters off Siromon Island, Zamboanga City that left eight fishermen dead.
Seven men survived the seajacking incident on Monday as five men jumped overboard and swam to a nearby island, while two others who remained on the boat were unharmed, Philippine Coast Guard officials said.
Arsani Samlani, a local fisherman, was invited to the police station Wednesday after a survivor positively identified him as one of the culprits, officials said.
Another suspect identified as Mizfar Nuno alias Ravin Atain was nabbed earlier this week during a buy-bust operation in Seaside Sangali.
Multiple murder raps have been filed against Samlani while cases of multiple murder and illegal possession of explosives and illegal drugs were filed against Nuno.
http://news.abs-cbn.com/news/01/12/17/2-suspects-in-deadly-pirate-attack-nabbed-police
Air Force getting 30 attack, combat helicopters this year – report
From Update.Ph (Jan 12): Air Force getting 30 attack, combat helicopters this year – report
During the 69th founding anniversary celebration of the Philippine Air Force last July 2016, President Rodrigo Duterte vowed to procure more helicopters with night vision capabilities. “We will acquire more helicopters and night vision capability. ‘Yan ang nagha-hamper e. If I have that then we can improve our performance,” President Duterte said during the celebration.
This vow from the President is now on progress, as per MaxDefense Philippines’ report. “Based on information gathered from MaxDefense sources, the Philippine Air Force is expected to proceed the process of procuring 30 helicopters this year,” MaxDefense said in a post today on its Facebook page.
MaxDefense sees that these helicopters will be proportioned into AgustaWestland AW-109 (Power) armed helicopters and Bell 412EP combat utility helicopters (CUH).
President Duterte previously said that AFP modernization will continue.
“There will even be no refocusing of modernization thrust, we will only adjust our priorities,” the President said during his first visit to 6th Infantry Division headquarters in Camp Siongco, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao. “For the time being, we will be attending to the more pressing needs of our soldiers now engaged in focused military operation in Basilan, Sulu, Central Mindanao, and other areas in southern Philippines.”
“The procurements will be more of force protection equipment (FPE) for our soldiers like helmets and vests, more night-fighting systems capability, additional fast crafts for our Navy, additional helicopters capable of night flight for the Navy and Air Force, and more communications equipment,” the President said.
http://www.update.ph/2017/01/air-force-getting-30-attack-combat-helicopters-this-year-report/13057
During the 69th founding anniversary celebration of the Philippine Air Force last July 2016, President Rodrigo Duterte vowed to procure more helicopters with night vision capabilities. “We will acquire more helicopters and night vision capability. ‘Yan ang nagha-hamper e. If I have that then we can improve our performance,” President Duterte said during the celebration.
This vow from the President is now on progress, as per MaxDefense Philippines’ report. “Based on information gathered from MaxDefense sources, the Philippine Air Force is expected to proceed the process of procuring 30 helicopters this year,” MaxDefense said in a post today on its Facebook page.
MaxDefense sees that these helicopters will be proportioned into AgustaWestland AW-109 (Power) armed helicopters and Bell 412EP combat utility helicopters (CUH).
President Duterte previously said that AFP modernization will continue.
“There will even be no refocusing of modernization thrust, we will only adjust our priorities,” the President said during his first visit to 6th Infantry Division headquarters in Camp Siongco, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao. “For the time being, we will be attending to the more pressing needs of our soldiers now engaged in focused military operation in Basilan, Sulu, Central Mindanao, and other areas in southern Philippines.”
“The procurements will be more of force protection equipment (FPE) for our soldiers like helmets and vests, more night-fighting systems capability, additional fast crafts for our Navy, additional helicopters capable of night flight for the Navy and Air Force, and more communications equipment,” the President said.
http://www.update.ph/2017/01/air-force-getting-30-attack-combat-helicopters-this-year-report/13057
Islamic State supporters post video of German hostage believed kidnapped
From Street Insider (Jan11): Islamic State supporters post video of German hostage believed kidnapped
Islamic State supporters posted a video on Wednesday showing an elderly German man believed to have been kidnapped by Filipino Islamist Abu Sayyaf rebels last November.
The video shows the German man in an orange jumpsuit standing in a freshly dug grave as black-clad. Masked militants behind him held assault rifles and, speaking Arabic, threatened the German government in English while the Islamic State black flag stood in the background.
"To the German government: it seems that you are not paying attention to our demands. Failure to pay the ransom will cause the beheading of this German citizen," one of the masked men can be heard saying.
The German foreign ministry declined to comment on the video, saying it was its policy not to discuss cases involving Germans kidnapped abroad.
Soldiers had found the body of a German woman on an abandoned yacht in the troubled waters of the southern Philippines on Nov. 7 and said they suspected her companion may have been taken captive by Abu Sayyaf rebels.
The body was found naked and with gunshot wounds on the yacht which bore a German flag and was docked on a remote island in the Sulu archipelago, a stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf.
Abu Sayyaf is an al-Qaeda linked group known for kidnapping and increasingly, piracy. Several of its factions have declared their allegiance to Islamic State since 2014.
The Filipino army at the time said the Abu Sayyaf leader, Muamar Askali, had made claims on radio that they were holding a 70-year-old German after intercepting the yacht in Sabah, eastern Malaysia, a week earlier.
Abu Sayyaf rebels have since March been intercepting slow-moving tug boats towing coal barges in waters near the borders of Malaysia and the Philippines, taking captive more than a dozen Indonesian and Malaysian sailors.
Several hostages have been freed, after paying ransom to the Abu Sayyaf, a group known for kidnappings and beheadings, including two Canadians this year.
It is holding 15 captives, including a Netherlands citizen, five Malaysians, two Indonesians and seven Filipinos.
http://www.streetinsider.com/
Islamic State supporters posted a video on Wednesday showing an elderly German man believed to have been kidnapped by Filipino Islamist Abu Sayyaf rebels last November.
The video shows the German man in an orange jumpsuit standing in a freshly dug grave as black-clad. Masked militants behind him held assault rifles and, speaking Arabic, threatened the German government in English while the Islamic State black flag stood in the background.
"To the German government: it seems that you are not paying attention to our demands. Failure to pay the ransom will cause the beheading of this German citizen," one of the masked men can be heard saying.
The German foreign ministry declined to comment on the video, saying it was its policy not to discuss cases involving Germans kidnapped abroad.
Soldiers had found the body of a German woman on an abandoned yacht in the troubled waters of the southern Philippines on Nov. 7 and said they suspected her companion may have been taken captive by Abu Sayyaf rebels.
The body was found naked and with gunshot wounds on the yacht which bore a German flag and was docked on a remote island in the Sulu archipelago, a stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf.
Abu Sayyaf is an al-Qaeda linked group known for kidnapping and increasingly, piracy. Several of its factions have declared their allegiance to Islamic State since 2014.
The Filipino army at the time said the Abu Sayyaf leader, Muamar Askali, had made claims on radio that they were holding a 70-year-old German after intercepting the yacht in Sabah, eastern Malaysia, a week earlier.
Abu Sayyaf rebels have since March been intercepting slow-moving tug boats towing coal barges in waters near the borders of Malaysia and the Philippines, taking captive more than a dozen Indonesian and Malaysian sailors.
Several hostages have been freed, after paying ransom to the Abu Sayyaf, a group known for kidnappings and beheadings, including two Canadians this year.
It is holding 15 captives, including a Netherlands citizen, five Malaysians, two Indonesians and seven Filipinos.
http://www.streetinsider.com/
Bayan to AFP: Disclose contents of new Oplan
From The Standard (Jan 10): Bayan to AFP: Disclose contents of new Oplan
THE Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Department of National Defense should disclose the actual contents of their new campaign plan, Development Support and Security Plan Kapayapaan, launched last week at a top level command conference, the militant Bagong Alyansang Makabayan said on Tuesday.
If it is a sequel to Oplan Bayanihan, claiming to put primacy on the peace negotiations and so-called non-combat “development” work, but continuing the militarization of communities, then it is not new nor will it succeed, Renato M. Reyes Jr., Bayan secretary-general said.
Reyes said: “Will DSSP Kapayapaan cause the pullout of troops from lumad and other occupied areas? Will this cause the suspension of military operations masquerading as non-combat, development operations in civilian communities?
“Will this end the “IP-centric” approach adopted by Oplan Bayanihan that has resulted in human rights violations in indigenous communities? Will this make the AFP stop targeting legal activists, whether through trumped-up charges or by extrajudicial killings?
“Will the AFP disband paramilitary groups especially those most notorious for rights abuses such as massacres?”
“If the answer to all these questions is No, then we are in for more of the same. Maybe even worse,” Reyes said.
Reyes said Oplan Bayanihan of Aquino also claimed to recognize the primacy of the peace process but instead unleashed war on the people.
“It was an utter failure as the peace talks were stalled while the AFP failed to stop the advance of the revolutionary forces.”
He added it was “this reality that served as the basis for the Duterte administration to enter into peace talks with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines,” Reyes said.
According to Reyes, the AFP should upload and make available the new DSSP Kapayapaan to allow its scrutiny by all stakeholders and interested parties, including human rights groups, peace advocates, and members of Congress.
Kapayapaan’s predecessor Oplan Bayanihan was made available to the public by the previous regime and can be found at the AFP’s website.
Reyes claimed people in the countryside continued to call for the pull-out of AFP troops operating in civilian communities.
http://www.thestandard.com.ph/news/-main-stories/top-stories/226417/bayan-to-afp-disclose-contents-of-new-oplan.html
THE Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Department of National Defense should disclose the actual contents of their new campaign plan, Development Support and Security Plan Kapayapaan, launched last week at a top level command conference, the militant Bagong Alyansang Makabayan said on Tuesday.
If it is a sequel to Oplan Bayanihan, claiming to put primacy on the peace negotiations and so-called non-combat “development” work, but continuing the militarization of communities, then it is not new nor will it succeed, Renato M. Reyes Jr., Bayan secretary-general said.
Reyes said: “Will DSSP Kapayapaan cause the pullout of troops from lumad and other occupied areas? Will this cause the suspension of military operations masquerading as non-combat, development operations in civilian communities?
“Will this end the “IP-centric” approach adopted by Oplan Bayanihan that has resulted in human rights violations in indigenous communities? Will this make the AFP stop targeting legal activists, whether through trumped-up charges or by extrajudicial killings?
“Will the AFP disband paramilitary groups especially those most notorious for rights abuses such as massacres?”
“If the answer to all these questions is No, then we are in for more of the same. Maybe even worse,” Reyes said.
Reyes said Oplan Bayanihan of Aquino also claimed to recognize the primacy of the peace process but instead unleashed war on the people.
“It was an utter failure as the peace talks were stalled while the AFP failed to stop the advance of the revolutionary forces.”
He added it was “this reality that served as the basis for the Duterte administration to enter into peace talks with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines,” Reyes said.
According to Reyes, the AFP should upload and make available the new DSSP Kapayapaan to allow its scrutiny by all stakeholders and interested parties, including human rights groups, peace advocates, and members of Congress.
Kapayapaan’s predecessor Oplan Bayanihan was made available to the public by the previous regime and can be found at the AFP’s website.
Reyes claimed people in the countryside continued to call for the pull-out of AFP troops operating in civilian communities.
http://www.thestandard.com.ph/news/-main-stories/top-stories/226417/bayan-to-afp-disclose-contents-of-new-oplan.html
Venue of peace talks with communist rebels shifts to Rome
From CNN Philippines (Jan 11): Venue of peace talks with communist rebels shifts to Rome
(File photo) The resumption of the GPH-NDF peace negotiations in Oslo has been described as historic as it also served as a venue for the reunion of Filipino Marxist leaders who assumed top positions in the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).
Peace talks between the government and the communist movement will resume this month in Rome.
It's far from the freezing temperatures of Norway, but both parties are in for fiery debates — tackling major issues including a proposed bilateral truce.
Discussions between government and National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) panels can get intense - some panel members even liken it to a boiler room.
But participants admit, the cold can get in the way of becoming more productive in the peace talks.
"It affects the mood, the tempo, lack of sleep," NDFP legal consultant Edre Olalia said.
For the first two rounds of talks, a number of panel members fell ill due to pnuemonia, colds and cough as temperatures in Norway can drop to 10 degrees Celsius.
"It was serious, you know why? One third of the room were wearing masks, and people were coughing and coughing all over again. And they couldn't sleep. People have lost their appetite," Olalia said.
Anti-Marcos advocate Boni Ilagan was hospitalized in Oslo after suffering from temporary amnesia in 2011.
He fell over hardened snow while filming a documentary about the peace talks.
"I did not quite realize, when I stood up, I could not remember anything. In fact, I panicked, because I could not explain to myself what I was doing in such a strange land," Ilagan said.
There was even a time when the talks were held inside Norway's airport.
"Because the elderly people from GRP requested that they don't want even to go out of the airport, sa sobrang lamig," Olalia said.
When the talks resume on January 18, it will now be in a warmer city — Rome.
This is upon the request of the two panels.
Other cities like Lisbon in Portugal and Athens in Greece were considered.
Rome, however, had stronger diplomatic ties with Norway, the talks' facilitator.
"Theres no other reason, except that it wants to make people more comfortable, more condusive to talks, and then para walang mga sickness basically [so there would be no sickness basically," Olalia said.
There were previous proposals to move the talks to Asia.
After all, the two peace agreements with Moro rebel groups were signed in Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur.
But NDFP chief political consultant Joma Sison can only do limited travel.
As an asylum seeker in the Netherlands, Sison could face sanctions or even arrest in non-European countries.
The third round of talks in Rome will tackle crucial issues such as the bilateral ceasefire agreement and socio-economic reforms.
http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2017/01/11/Venue-of-peace-talks-with-communist-rebels-shifts-to-Rome.html
(File photo) The resumption of the GPH-NDF peace negotiations in Oslo has been described as historic as it also served as a venue for the reunion of Filipino Marxist leaders who assumed top positions in the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).
Peace talks between the government and the communist movement will resume this month in Rome.
It's far from the freezing temperatures of Norway, but both parties are in for fiery debates — tackling major issues including a proposed bilateral truce.
Discussions between government and National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) panels can get intense - some panel members even liken it to a boiler room.
But participants admit, the cold can get in the way of becoming more productive in the peace talks.
"It affects the mood, the tempo, lack of sleep," NDFP legal consultant Edre Olalia said.
For the first two rounds of talks, a number of panel members fell ill due to pnuemonia, colds and cough as temperatures in Norway can drop to 10 degrees Celsius.
"It was serious, you know why? One third of the room were wearing masks, and people were coughing and coughing all over again. And they couldn't sleep. People have lost their appetite," Olalia said.
Anti-Marcos advocate Boni Ilagan was hospitalized in Oslo after suffering from temporary amnesia in 2011.
He fell over hardened snow while filming a documentary about the peace talks.
"I did not quite realize, when I stood up, I could not remember anything. In fact, I panicked, because I could not explain to myself what I was doing in such a strange land," Ilagan said.
There was even a time when the talks were held inside Norway's airport.
"Because the elderly people from GRP requested that they don't want even to go out of the airport, sa sobrang lamig," Olalia said.
When the talks resume on January 18, it will now be in a warmer city — Rome.
This is upon the request of the two panels.
Other cities like Lisbon in Portugal and Athens in Greece were considered.
Rome, however, had stronger diplomatic ties with Norway, the talks' facilitator.
"Theres no other reason, except that it wants to make people more comfortable, more condusive to talks, and then para walang mga sickness basically [so there would be no sickness basically," Olalia said.
There were previous proposals to move the talks to Asia.
After all, the two peace agreements with Moro rebel groups were signed in Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur.
But NDFP chief political consultant Joma Sison can only do limited travel.
As an asylum seeker in the Netherlands, Sison could face sanctions or even arrest in non-European countries.
The third round of talks in Rome will tackle crucial issues such as the bilateral ceasefire agreement and socio-economic reforms.
http://cnnphilippines.com/news/2017/01/11/Venue-of-peace-talks-with-communist-rebels-shifts-to-Rome.html
Rody invites pal Trump to Asean summit
From the Philippine Star (Jan 11): Rody invites pal Trump to Asean summit
Presidential Communications Office Secretary Martin Andanar said Trump has not committed yet to visit the country for the ASEAN summit. United States President Donald Trump will take oath on Jan. 20. AP /Evan Vucci
President Duterte sent an official invitation to incoming United States President Donald Trump to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit to be held in the country in November.
Presidential Communications Office Secretary Martin Andanar said Trump has not committed yet to visit the country for the ASEAN summit. Trump will take oath on Jan. 20.
Duterte telephoned Trump last year to congratulate him for winning the US presidential elections.
Meanwhile, the military and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) are preparing for the launching of the ASEAN summit in Davao City on Jan. 15.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is mobilizing an entire task force and all military components to secure the launching of the ASEAN summit at the Davao SMX Convention Center.
The government will officially launch the ASEAN 2017 to raise awareness regarding the country’s summit hosting and its benefits, Andanar said.
President Duterte will be the guest of honor during the launching ceremonies.
Col. Edgard Arevalo, chief of the AFP Public Affairs Office, said Joint Task Force (JTF) Haribon of the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) has geared up to support the Philippine National Police (PNP).
About 600 personnel from the Air Force, Navy and the Army will be committed to the 1,000 security personnel to be deployed to secure the activities related to the ASEAN summit.
“Our plan is in support of the PNP plan and we consider different possible scenarios and we are closely coordinating with different concerned agencies, particularly the PNP,” said Brig. Gen. Gilbert Gapay, JTF Haribon commander.
Gapay also said sea, air and land capabilities and assets of the military would be on standby alert for the summit.
As part of the security preparations, JTF Haribon has initiated tabletop exercises to ensure that security requirements in areas of engagements are all covered.
Early this month, a joint exercise was held along Davao Gulf to fine tune naval security measures and to enhance interoperability among the deployed and committed units.
Gapay said that security has been heightened around Samal Island as it is one of the potential areas to be visited by ASEAN delegates.
Interior Secretary Ismael Sueno said the DILG is also on its toes as chair of the Committee for Security, Peace and Order and Emergency Preparedness and Response for the country’s hosting of the summit.
The committee conducted orientation meetings and contingency planning and inspected proposed billeting areas, meeting sites and places of interest in Boracay, Iloilo, Bacolod, Pampanga and Metro Manila.
“The year brings much excitement and challenge to the Philippines as we are hosting the ASEAN 2017 on its 50th or golden anniversary, which is an opportune time to show to the ASEAN region as well as to the world our capability to host international and important events, including the upcoming Miss Universe pageant,” Sueno said.
The Philippines held the chairmanship of the ASEAN in 1987, 1999 and 2006.
A member-state that assumes the chairmanship leads the ASEAN summit and other related summits, the ASEAN Coordinating Council, the three ASEAN community councils, ASEAN sectoral ministerial bodies and the Committee of Permanent Representatives.
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2017/01/11/1661643/rody-invites-pal-trump-asean-summit
Presidential Communications Office Secretary Martin Andanar said Trump has not committed yet to visit the country for the ASEAN summit. United States President Donald Trump will take oath on Jan. 20. AP /Evan Vucci
President Duterte sent an official invitation to incoming United States President Donald Trump to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit to be held in the country in November.
Presidential Communications Office Secretary Martin Andanar said Trump has not committed yet to visit the country for the ASEAN summit. Trump will take oath on Jan. 20.
Duterte telephoned Trump last year to congratulate him for winning the US presidential elections.
Meanwhile, the military and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) are preparing for the launching of the ASEAN summit in Davao City on Jan. 15.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is mobilizing an entire task force and all military components to secure the launching of the ASEAN summit at the Davao SMX Convention Center.
The government will officially launch the ASEAN 2017 to raise awareness regarding the country’s summit hosting and its benefits, Andanar said.
President Duterte will be the guest of honor during the launching ceremonies.
Col. Edgard Arevalo, chief of the AFP Public Affairs Office, said Joint Task Force (JTF) Haribon of the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) has geared up to support the Philippine National Police (PNP).
About 600 personnel from the Air Force, Navy and the Army will be committed to the 1,000 security personnel to be deployed to secure the activities related to the ASEAN summit.
“Our plan is in support of the PNP plan and we consider different possible scenarios and we are closely coordinating with different concerned agencies, particularly the PNP,” said Brig. Gen. Gilbert Gapay, JTF Haribon commander.
Gapay also said sea, air and land capabilities and assets of the military would be on standby alert for the summit.
As part of the security preparations, JTF Haribon has initiated tabletop exercises to ensure that security requirements in areas of engagements are all covered.
Early this month, a joint exercise was held along Davao Gulf to fine tune naval security measures and to enhance interoperability among the deployed and committed units.
Gapay said that security has been heightened around Samal Island as it is one of the potential areas to be visited by ASEAN delegates.
Interior Secretary Ismael Sueno said the DILG is also on its toes as chair of the Committee for Security, Peace and Order and Emergency Preparedness and Response for the country’s hosting of the summit.
The committee conducted orientation meetings and contingency planning and inspected proposed billeting areas, meeting sites and places of interest in Boracay, Iloilo, Bacolod, Pampanga and Metro Manila.
“The year brings much excitement and challenge to the Philippines as we are hosting the ASEAN 2017 on its 50th or golden anniversary, which is an opportune time to show to the ASEAN region as well as to the world our capability to host international and important events, including the upcoming Miss Universe pageant,” Sueno said.
The Philippines held the chairmanship of the ASEAN in 1987, 1999 and 2006.
A member-state that assumes the chairmanship leads the ASEAN summit and other related summits, the ASEAN Coordinating Council, the three ASEAN community councils, ASEAN sectoral ministerial bodies and the Committee of Permanent Representatives.
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2017/01/11/1661643/rody-invites-pal-trump-asean-summit
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