Ceasefire with Reds in danger

From Rappler (Jan 12): Ceasefire with Reds in danger

(UPDATED) The 3rd round of talks between the Philippine government and the National Democratic Front, to be held in Rome from January 18 to 25, will be critical



CHIEF NEGOTIATOR. Fidel Agcaoili is the newly appointed chief negotiator of the communist National Democratic Front of the Philippines. Rappler photo

The 5-month-old ceasefire between the Philippine military and the New People's Army (NPA) is in danger of collapse as communist rebels protest delays in the release of over 400 political prisoners and alleged military advances in areas they claim to occupy.

Fidel Agcaoili, chief negotiator of the communist National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDF), said the 3rd round of talks to be held in Rome from January 18 to 25 will be "critical."

The government has previously committed to address the two sore points affecting the talks.
 

"Malaki. Malaki ang danger na mabe-break 'yan kasi nga hindi mo mapipigilan (There is a big danger that will break [the ceasefire] because it can't be helped anymore)," Agcaoili said in a no-holds-barred interview on Rappler Talk. (WATCH: Rappler Talk: Fragile talks with the Philippine left)
 

If the issues are not addressed, Agcaoili is looking at a scenario where there still will be negotiations as fighting resumes on the ground. "Talk while fighting. That could really happen," Agcaoili said, citing similar arrangements during past administrations.

In a separate interview on Thursday, January 12, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the chance of the ceasefire holding is "50-50."

While the military supports the peace process and hopes to sign a joint ceasefire deal, Lorenzana said the military is ready to go back to war if the negotiation fails due to what he referred to as difficult demands coming from the communist rebels. He did not elaborate.

"It's 50-50. Kasi marami silang hinihingi na ayaw ibigay ni presidente (They have difficult demands that the president is not willing to give)," Lorenzana told Rappler.

'Talk while fighting'

A broken ceasefire should not stop the talks, he said.

"We can continue talking whether there is a ceasefire or there is no ceasefire. We challenge him. Kung walang (If there is no) ceasefire, hindi ba puwedeng mag-usap (can't we talk)? Kung talagang (If indeed) you are for reforms,welcome mo 'yan, di ba (it, right)? Reporma naman ang ating pinag-uusapan (We are talking about reforms here). At saka ikaw naman (Besides) you said, 'Change is coming',"Agcaoili said.

The NDF aims to complete talks on socio-economic – focusing on agrarian reform and national industrialization – and political and constitutional reforms.

The successful first round of talks in Norway in August 2016 resulted in the declaration of separate unilateral ceasefires by the military and the New People's Army. The government committed to recommend the amnesty of political prisoners while the NDF agreed to sign a bilateral ceasefire agreement that will guarantee a prolonged ceasefire.

The process of granting amnesty to political prisoners is taking time, however, because it requires Congress approval. No new timeline was set for the signing of a bilateral ceasefire deal – one that will put in place common rules for the military and the NPA to follow to avoid misencounters on the ground – that they originally wanted to be in place by October 2016.

In August, the government released 22 detained NDF consultants to join the talks, including tagged high-ranking leaders of the New People's Army. Among them was Benito Tiamzon, who was appointed as the newest member of the NDF negotiating panel. In December, 4 convicted NPA rebels were granted pardon.

The government is working out the release of over 100 more political prisoners, but President Rodrigo Duterte said he will only allow it if the NDF signs a bilateral ceasefire agreement that is meant to guarantee the continuation of the ceasefire. (READ: Duterte sets condition for freeing 130 political prisoners)

Ceasefire violations

The communist rebels are accusing the military of taking advantage of the ceasefire by conducting military operations in areas the rebels claim to occupy. The military denied this and some officers, who refused to be quoted because they are not authorized to speak on the matter, are accusing the NPA of the same violations.

Agcaoili said the NPA combatants are avoiding the military to protect the ceasefire but the situation is becoming "untenable" because troops, he said, are occupying schools, day care centers, public plazas, and even bus stops.

For 2017, the military announced a new campaign plan – Development Support and Security Plan (DSSP) Kapayapaan or DSSP Kapayapaan – that adjusts its military operations to support the peace initiatives under the Duterte administration. (READ: AFP chief: Reds should work with military in new campaign plan)

Agcaoili said they welcome commitments that the new campaign plan will uphold the peace talks, but they have yet to see the document. "Hindi pa namin nababasa (We haven't read it yet). We’ve heard about so-called enhanced Oplan Bayanihan but only from paper," he said.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/157926-ceasefire-reds-in-danger-agcaoili

China Flies Bomber Around Disputed Spratly Islands: US Official

From Epoch Times (Jan 11): China Flies Bomber Around Disputed Spratly Islands: US Official



A Chinese H-6K bomber patrols the islands and reefs in the South China Sea, in this file photo. (Liu Rui/Xinhua via AP)

A Chinese bomber was seen flying around the contested Spratly Islands in the South China Sea in an apparent show of force, according to a U.S. official.

The strategic Xian H-6 bomber was detected flying around the island chain and other features—disputed by Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam, and China—over the weekend. It was the second such flight around the South China Sea in 2017, with the first taking place on Jan. 1, the unnamed official told Reuters on Wednesday.

The official said the flight was likely a show of “strategic force” by the Chinese regime.

The Spratlys are important for strategic and economic reasons, as it holds unexplored reserves of natural gas and oil, has fishing grounds, and has busy commercial shipping routes.

Taiwan, China, and Vietnam have made claims on the islands based on historical sovereignty. The Philippines has claimed part of the area under an agreement.

Last month, satellite photos revealed Beijing fortified its Spratly Island reefs with gun towers and anti-aircraft installations. All seven of China’s artificial islands in the South China Sea are fortified with arms, News.com.au reported. The Chinese Defense Ministry wrote in a statement last month about the fortified islands, saying: “As for necessary military facilities, they are primarily for defense and self-protection, and this is proper and legitimate.”

Commander Gary Ross, a Pentagon spokesman, told Reuters that he had no comment on China’s recent warplane activities in the area. But he added, “We continue to observe a range of ongoing Chinese military activity in the region‎.”

http://www.theepochtimes.com/n3/2209187-china-flies-bomber-around-disputed-spratly-islands-us-official/

PEZA invites defense contractors to invest in PH

From the Manila Times (Jan 12): PEZA invites defense contractors to invest in PH

THE Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) is inviting defense contractors to locate in the economic zone called the Defense Industrial Complex.

“We’ll be inviting defense industries around the world like manufacturers of military aircraft, ships, arms and ammunitions, drones, combat clothing and other supplies of the military and the police to locate their companies in our Defense Industrial Complex,” Charito Plaza, PEZA director general said on January 9. 

The 300-hectare industrial complex in Bataan houses Camp Gen. Antonio Luna, the government arsenal established 50 years ago as a munitions plant for the Armed Forces of the Philippines. It has since expanded its activities to include manufacturing and repair of small firearms.

“So, the Department of National Defense is also inviting defense industries to locate in their property,” Plaza said.

PEZA is looking at expanding industrial complexes throughout the country. “We are eyeing many, depending on the potentials. I would suggest that we have two in Mindanao, one in Puerto Princesa, and two or three in Luzon—one in Zambales,” she said.

This is the first foray of PEZA into the defense ecozone. “We are inviting all types of industries, except the mass destruction. And it will be exported,” she added.

Hermosa, Bataan Mayor Antonio Joseph Rivera Inton is donating 3,000 hectares near the government arsenal, Puerto Princesa Mayor Lucilo Bayron is donating 1,500 hectares, according to the PEZA official.

“To minimize importation, we will invite more industries that will manufacture and process our raw materials, so there will be massive modernization and transfer of technology,” Plaza said.

Plaza noted the Japanese prime minister will be visiting the Philippines on January 12 and 13.

“We, will have a roundtable discussion in Malacañang. I will represent PEZA, as the PM will be accompanied by some investors,” she added. Almost 30 percent of PEZA locators are Japanese companies.

http://www.manilatimes.net/peza-invites-defense-contractors-invest-ph/306483/

1 Army officer killed, 4 soldiers wounded in clash with Abu Sayyaf

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jan 12): 1 Army officer killed, 4 soldiers wounded in clash with Abu Sayyaf

One military officer was killed and four soldiers were wounded on Thursday as Army troops pursued the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf in a gunbattle in Basilan.

The soldiers have been going after the rebels under Furuji Indama alias Abu Dujana in Cabcaban in Sumisip town, Western Mindanao Command spokesperson Major Filemon Tan said.

The firefight started at 7:10 a.m. as troops from the Army’s 19th Special Forces Company of the 4th Special Forces Battalion chased the terrorists.

Soldiers from the 64th Infantry Battalion and the 3rd Scout Ranger Battalion were sent for reinforcement and to block possible withdrawal routes, Tan said.
Identities of the casualties were withheld pending the notification of their families.

“As of now, airstrikes continue to be carried out,” Tan said.

Early this week, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Eduardo Año said they were looking at a six-month deadline to eliminate terrorists groups like the Abu Sayyaf as part of a new campaign strategy dubbed Development Support and Security Plan Kapayapaan.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/861802/1-army-officer-killed-4-soldiers-wounded-in-clash-with-abu-sayyaf

AFP urged to help clear Marcelino

From the Manila Bulletin (Jan 11): AFP urged to help clear Marcelino

Atty. Persida Acosta, legal counsel of Marine Lieutenant Coroner Ferdinand Marcelino, urged the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to help their comrade in proving to the court that Marcelino was doing covert drug operations in the past.

 

After the hearing of the drug case against Marcelino and his Chinese companion Yan Yi Shou on Tuesday before the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 49, Acosta expressed that they are open for help the AFP can give.

 

“If the AFP wants to help their comrade, they can do so because this case involves national security and national interest while the war on drugs of the government is at stake,” Acosta said.

 

Marcelino’s camp was asked to submit a certification that Marcelino was indeed helping in the anti-illegal drugs operations of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Intelligence Service of the AFP (ISAFP), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) prior to his arrest in a drug facility in Manila last year.

 

Acosta said evidences that will strengthen the case of Marcelino to defy the court’s decision against him will be revealed soon.

 

Acosta said they already have “evidences that will strengthen and solidify” the claims of Marcelino that he was involved in the legitimate anti-narcotics operations of the AFP.

 

“We already have several submitted documents but the judge wants some other documents, so we will try our best,” Acosta said.

 

Furthermore, the Public Attorney’s Office Chief said that this time, the certification on the role of Marcelino in the anti-drug operations “will be more specific”  saying that the “manner of how Marcelino conducted the covert operations” will be included on the said documents.

 

According to Acosta, Judge Daniel Villanueva wants that Marcelino’s role in the anti-drug campaign be documented even if Marcelino’s camp was able to show the same in a court in Quezon City which dismissed the case.

 

Meantime, the urgent motion for Commitment Order filed by the AFP on Jan. 3 seeking the custody of Marcelino has been submitted for resolution. Legality of the detention of Marcelino under AFP’s watch is still being studied, according to the court.

 

Marcelino and Yan, who face charges of possession of illegal drugs, were arrested by authorities in an alleged shabu laboratory in Manila in January last year. Marcelino has  claimed that he was doing surveillance operation that night following a tip from Yan, who served as an asset for 11 years.

 

Marcelino and Yan’s arrest warrant came out late December. They both surrendered on the same day. Marcelino turned himself over the AFP while Yan surrendered to the NBI.

 

http://news.mb.com.ph/2017/01/11/afp-urged-to-help-clear-marcelino/

Malaysia defense official meets with MILF leaders to talk peace

From the Philippine Star (Jan 12): Malaysia defense official meets with MILF leaders to talk peace



Malaysian Deputy Defense Minister Johari Baharom (2nd from right) was welcomed to Cotabato City by his compatriots and the Bruneian and Indonesian members of the International Monitoring Team, which is helping enforce the ceasefire agreement between the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the government. JOHN UNSON

The deputy defense minister of Malaysia on Thursday met with leaders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) for a dialogue on the gains of the MILF's peace overture with Malacañang the Malaysian government is helping push forward as third party facilitator.

 

Deputy Defense Minister Johari Baharom also visited the headquarters in Cotabato City of the Malaysian-led International Monitoring Team (IMT), which is helping oversee since late 2003 the enforcement of an interim ceasefire pact between the MILF and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

 

The IMT is comprised of military and police personnel from Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia and non-uniformed conflict resolution experts from Japan and Norway.

 

Baharom and his entourage arrived at the nearby Maguindanao Airport about 8:30 a.m. on Thursday via a C-130 plane from Sandakan, Malaysia.     

 

He was briefed by IMT officials led by Malaysian Army Gen. Wira Zamrose for two hours on the security situation in areas covered by the ceasefire accord between the MILF and Malacañang before proceeding to the rebel group's main bastion, Camp Darapanan, in Sultan Kudarat town in the first district of Maguindanao.

 

Baharom held a dialogue with senior members of the MILF's central committee and discussed with them prospects of the Mindanao peace process while in Camp Darapanan.

 

The Malaysian government has been helping facilitate the bilateral peace initiatives of the MILF and Malacañang since 2003.

 

While at the IMT headquarters in Rosary Heights District in Cotabato City, Baharom lauded the efforts of the multinational peacekeeping team in maintaining the fragile peace in conflict flashpoint areas in southern Mindanao where there are MILF bastions.

 

The peace talks between the government and the MILF started on January 7, 1997, but gained headway only in 2003 with the help of Malaysia, a member-state of the influential Organization of Islamic Cooperation, a bloc of more than 50 Muslim nations, among them petroleum-exporting countries in the Middle East and North Africa.

 

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2017/01/12/1662046/malaysia-defense-official-meets-milf-leaders-talk-peace

 

 

Still no plan to fix PH runway in West PH Sea

From Rappler (Jan 12): Still no plan to fix PH runway in West PH Sea

China has 3 runways in the South China Sea


Rappler photo

The Duterte administration continues to defer the repair of the Philippines' only runway in the disputed West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) even as China has reportedly built runways on at least 3 reefs it illegally reclaimed. (READ: PH runway in Spratlys erodes as China reclaims to build own)

"Because of warming relations with China, we are not going to make any aggressive actions in the West Philippine Sea," said Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief General Eduardo Año on Thursday, January 12.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said they will keep the "status quo" and will continue to set aside the money – up to P800 million ($16 million) – already allocated by the previous administration to repair the runway.

The Rancudo Airfield was built in the '70s on Pag-asa Island, one of the biggest in the disputed territory where a community of about a hundred Filipinos reside. The military continues to use the runway, particularly for small transport aircraft like the Fokker and the Nomad of the Philippine Air Force and Islander of the Philippine Navy.

But the short 1.3-kilometer airstrip could be dangerous for bigger aircraft such as the C130 cargo plane that the military traditionally uses to bring supplies around the country.

In comparison, China built military-grade runways on Mischief Reef, Subi Reef, and Fiery Cross Reef.

PAG-ASA ISLAND. The second biggest island in the disputed South China Sea is home to about a hundred Filipinos. File photo by SSg Amable Milay/Philippine Air Force

 

Lorenzana plans to visit the troops deployed in the West Philippine Sea. But it is not clear yet if he will fly going to the disputed area or he will take one of the navy ships. The last high-profile visit to Pag-asa Island was made by former AFP chief General Gregorio Catapang in 2015.

Duterte has sought warmer ties with China, a turnaround from the foreign policy of former president Benigno Aquino III who took China to court over its claims on maritime features located inside the country's 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone.

Aquino also sought the assistance of the Philippines' longtime defense treaty ally, the US, which calls for freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.

The Philippines won the case before the United Nations-backed Permanent Court of Arbitration. The ruling effectively dismissed China's 9-dash-line claim over the South China Sea and declared that Mischief Reef – where one of China's runways is located – belongs to the Philippines.

The previous administration had hoped to fix the runway on Pag-asa Island after the arbitration court's ruling.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/158131-pagasa-runway-philippines-repair

Trump choice to State: China should be denied access to South China Sea islands

From InterAksyon (Jan 12): Trump choice to State: China should be denied access to South China Sea islands



Images of China's airstrip on Fiery Cross (Reuters file)

The United States must send a clear signal to China that its island-building in the contested South China Sea must stop and that its access to those islands will not be allowed, US President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for secretary of state said on Wednesday.

In comments certain to enrage Beijing, Rex Tillerson told his confirmation hearing before the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee that China's building of islands and putting military assets on those islands was "akin to Russia’s taking Crimea.”

Asked whether he supported a more aggressive posture toward China, he said: “We’re going to have to send China a clear signal that, first, the island-building stops and, second, your access to those islands also is not going to be allowed.”

The former Exxon Mobil Corp. chairman and chief executive did not elaborate on what might be done to deny China access to the islands it has built up from South China Sea reefs and equipped with military-length airstrips and fortified with weapons.

Tillerson said the United States needed to reaffirm its commitment to Taiwan, a country which Beijing regards as a renegade province, but stopped short of Trump's questioning of Washington's long-standing policy on the issue.

"I don’t know of any plans to alter the 'one China' position," he said.

Tillerson said he considered China’s activity in the South China Sea "extremely worrisome" and that it would be a threat to the "entire global economy" if Beijing were able to dictate access to the waterway, which is of strategic military importance and a major trade route.

He blamed the current situation on what he termed an inadequate US response. "The failure of a response has allowed them just to keep pushing the envelope on this," Tillerson said.

"The way we’ve got to deal with this is we’ve got to show back up in the region with our traditional allies in Southeast Asia, and I think use the existing structure to begin the re-engagement," he said.

Tillerson characterized both China's island-building in the South China Sea and declaration of an air defense zone in waters of the East China Sea it contests with Japan as "illegal actions."

"They’re taking territory or control, or declaring control of territories that are not rightfully China’s," he said. "Building islands and putting military assets on those islands is akin to Russia’s taking Crimea (from Ukraine). It’s taking of territory that others lay claim to."

Tillerson also said the United States could not continue to accept "empty promises" China had made about putting pressure on North Korea over that country's nuclear and missile programs.

He also accused China of failing to live up to global agreements on trade and intellectual property, echoing past remarks by Trump, who has threatened to impose high, retaliatory tariffs on China.

"China has proven a willingness to act with abandon in the pursuit of its own goals, which at times has put it at conflict with American interests. We have to deal with what we see, not what we hope," he said.

At the same time. Tillerson said, it was important to see "the positive dimensions" of the US relationship with China, the world's second-largest economy after the United States.

"The economic wellbeing of our two nations is deeply intertwined," he said, adding that China had also been an important ally in curbing elements of radical Islam.

"We should not let disagreements over other issues exclude areas for productive partnership," he said.

http://interaksyon.com/article/136096/trump-choice-to-state-china-should-be-denied-access-to-south-china-sea-islands

Grenade blast rocks Shell gas station in North Cotabato

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

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

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

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

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

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

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