Christians in Bangsamoro 'core areas' push for 17-point peace agenda

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 28): Christians in Bangsamoro 'core areas' push for 17-point peace agenda



Archbishop of Cotabato Cardinal Oscar Quevedo address the Moro leaders and Christian leaders during the two-day peace dialogue held at the Waterfront Insular Hotel on September 27 and 28. Photo by Lilian C Mellejor/PNA
DAVAO CITY -- Christian leaders from the core territory of the soon-to-be-created Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) have presented to Moro leaders a 17-point Christian Settlers Peace Agenda for the Bangsamoro Peace Process aimed at addressing concerns affecting Christian communities.

The Christians for Peace in Maguindanao initiated a series of dialogues that produced the 17-point agenda. Organizers said these dialogues were conducted in North Cotabato, Cotabato City, Lanao del Sur, Marawi City, Basilan, and Sulu.

Rev. Father Clifford Baira, executive director of the Social Action Center of the Archdiocese of Cotabato, said the dialogue was aimed at engaging peace stakeholders, especially the minority Christians, and to help lay the foundation of an inclusive peace process.

Baira presented the group's 17-point agenda during the two-day Moro-Christian Leaders Peace Dialogue held at the Waterfront Insular Hotel on September 27- 28.

According to Baira, the Christians for Peace is composed of the Archdiocese of Cotabato, Evangelical Churches in the Philippines, Episcopal Church in the Philippines, Prelature of Marawi, Prelature of Isabela, local government of Upi, Radio Mindanao Network Cotabato, the Office of the Deputy Governor for Christian Affairs, and the United Nations Development Fund.

He said the agenda included peace and security, electoral governance, socioeconomic, and socio-cultural issues.

Basic rights

The two-day dialogue was attended by Moro leaders Al Hajj Murad Ibrahim, chair of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF); Mohagher Iqbal, chair of the MILF Implementing Peace Panel; Yusoph Jikiri of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF); and Christian leaders led by Archbishop of Cotabato Bishop Orlando Quevedo and Bishop Noel Pantoja of the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches.

Among the issues tackled during the peace dialogue was the security and protection of persons and communities against harassment from lawless elements and abusive persons in authority.

Iqbal said issues on national defense and security, public order and safety, and basic rights are provided in the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).

Iqbal, however, noted that policing still remains in the hands of the national government, although the MILF official assured that the Bangsamoro government will ensure that the rights of all residents will be protected.

Equality

On equitable and proportional representation in the Bangsamoro government for the Christian minority, Iqbal said the first priority that will be considered is competence. Geographical representation, he added, will only be secondary.

He said Christian leaders have also requested the Bangsamoro government to issue an anti-discriminatory policy regarding hiring and appointment of Christian professionals in the Bangsamoro ministries and offices; strict implementation of election laws; and the institutionalization of the massive electoral education.

Iqbal assured the BOL has enough guarantees against discrimination.

Under the socioeconomic agenda, the Christians for Peace also asked for the protection of legally-acquired lands and properties of Christian settlers; the creation of a mechanism for the protection of Christian-owned lands that are subject to land conversion; and the adoption of more aggressive measures for the settlement of land conflicts.

The group also asked for an enabling law that would guarantee the protection and respect of human person and communities; the issuance of a policy directive on freedom of religion and religious discrimination to correct misinformation and misconception on the Christian settlers; and a comprehensive program and financial support for Christian education.

Continuing dialogue

Iqbal acknowledged that dialogue with Christian groups remains "important and crucial."

Interfaith dialogue, he said, also ensures that residents in the future Bangsamoro entity are rid of biases and misinformation.

He added that the people would be the final arbiter of the BOL, which will be submitted for ratification of the people on Jan. 2, 2019.

“If it is not ratified, then there is no law and we are back to status quo and uncertainty,” Iqbal said.

Murad also welcomed the holding of the Moro-Christian Leaders Peace Dialogue, saying it will help "clear misunderstanding on the establishment of the Bangsamoro Government and address apprehensions by some quarters, especially among Christians."

"It is the only way. The solution is to talk, conduct a series of dialogues among Muslims, Christians, IPs (Indigenous Peoples) and other people in the area," Murad said in an interview on the sidelines of the activity.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1049390

Maguindanao eyes more projects in conflict-affected areas

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 28): Maguindanao eyes more projects in conflict-affected areas



The provincial government of Maguindanao will invest in infrastructure development in four adjoining municipalities being used as a breeding ground for violent extremism.

Speaking to reporters on Thursday, Maguindanao Governor Esmael Mangudadatu said he was referring to the neighboring towns of Shariff Aguak, Pagatin (Datu Saudi), Mamasapano, and Salibo where the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) mainly operate.

Referred by the military as the “SPMS” box, the adjoining towns’ 220,000-hectare Liguasan marshland has become the rendezvous point of the Islamic State-inspired BIFF in launching planned attacks against military and police installations in the province.

“However, with communities slowly realizing government services in the Liguasan area nowadays, the BIFF would have no place to operate soon,” Mangudadatu said.

Aside from infrastructure, the provincial government is pouring in funds for livelihood, education, and health assistance in an effort to win the support of the local populace.

“It is also important to have these projects implemented in the province’s conflict-affected communities to let the constituents feel that the government is working for them,” he said.

Mangudadatu said he hopes that through these projects, the local populace will support the municipal and provincial governments to make their communities more peaceful and developed.

Major Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, proposed during Thursday’s peace and order council meeting in Buluan town that every “purok” (district) in the SPMS box should have “tipsters.”

Sobejana said these "tipsters" would alert police and military authorities on the presence of lawless elements in their villages.

Mangudadatu agreed to Sobejana’s proposal and promised to distribute mobile phones to “tipsters”, as well as implement a compensation scheme to encourage locals to help the government in its anti-terror and anti-drugs campaigns.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1049407

More PH-US military cooperation in 2019

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 28): More PH-US military cooperation in 2019



Expect more cooperation between the Philippine and US militaries following the completion of this year's Mutual Defense Board - Security Engagement Board (MDB-SEB) meeting on Thursday.

Representing the Philippine military in the meeting in Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City was Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief-of-Staff, Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., while the US was represented by Indo-Pacific Command (USINDOPACOM) head, Admiral Philip Davidson.

"We have been doing this, year after year, and yet there is still so much left to learn. We hope that this year would be another fruitful interaction that will lead to favorable outcome. May our discussions lead to actions, and may these actions thereby lead us to success," Galvez said.

USINDOPACOM is America’s oldest and largest military combatant command.

Based in Hawaii, it consists of 380,000 soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen, and coast guardsmen and is responsible for all US military activities in the Indo-Pacific, covering 36 nations.

Galvez and Davidson ensured continued and robust relations between the respective militaries of the Philippines and the US.

The meeting also resulted in the approval of 281 security cooperation activities between the two countries for 2019, higher than the 261 activities slated for this year.

Both the Philippines and the US look forward to the ongoing, close cooperation in areas that are vital to national and security interests, including counterterrorism, maritime security, cyber security, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, Galvez said.

The MDB was established in 1958 and the SEB in 2006. The two boards form the annual MDB-SEB meeting that coordinates a framework for defense and security cooperation between the Philippine and US militaries.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1049399

US gov't offers anew F-16 to PH

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 28): US gov't offers anew F-16 to PH

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Thursday night the United States government has again offered its F-16 fighter jets to the Philippines.

Lorenzana visited the Pentagon last week.

"They offered us some equipment that we might want to buy like the F-16s and the attack helicopters," Lorenzana told reporters on the sidelines of China's 69th founding anniversary reception in Makati.

He noted that the government has plans to acquire a multirole fighter plane but is still considering Washington's offer, given the equipment it is offering is expensive and costly to maintain.

"Not immediately but in the future we need that because all others here have these fighter planes. It's a multirole fighter but we need more the helicopters than the fighter planes," the defense chief said.

"They offered it to us and we’re thinking about it. We told them we will consider, we will think more because this is very expensive. Expensive to buy, expensive to maintain," he added.

Lorenzana revealed that Washington also raised its concerns over Manila's plan to acquire military equipment from Moscow.

"They said that it might not be good for the interoperability of our equipment when we go on exercise. So they raised the problem there, plus there is a sanction," he said, admitting the sanction may have a general effect to some extent.

"If you buy from them, it is the company of Russia that is sanctioned, not us. So the bank will not pay them," the official pointed out, saying the government "will look into" the matter carefully.

"We will decide according to our interest," he said when asked what was his reply when the subject of acquiring from Russia came up.

Lorenzana was in the US on Sept. 19 to meet with his counterpart, Secretary James Mattis. During a bilateral meeting, he reaffirmed that the Philippines-US alliance remains robust.

The Filipino official also met with State Department Secretary Mike Pompeo, whom he asked for "help" to push for some of the country's procurement in the US.

"Practically, I mentioned the same thing to Secretary Mattis and to other people I talked to," he said.

Lorenzana said Manila is procuring 74,000 Glock pistols from Washington, which is now being certified by the US Congress.
"Every defense article that they sell outside must be certified by the US Congress. Those are what we've talked about, plus we also talked about exercises here that are going (on) every year, plus the EDCA (Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement)," he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1049410

Support for NPA declines due to mass surrenders

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 28): Support for NPA declines due to mass surrenders

Support for the New People's Army (NPA) is now on the decline as evidenced by the ongoing mass surrenders of its fighters and supporters, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Carlito Galvez, Jr. said Friday.He made this statement while noting that as of September 25, a total of 9,606 NPAs and their supporters, including 900 regular and 921 underground mass organization members, have voluntarily surrendered to the government.

"The recent surrenders show the continued collapse in the NPA's main sources of support, their mass organizations, and indicates the effectiveness of our campaign to end the communist insurgency nationwide," Galvez added.

He added that the AFP will continue to bank on the application of the whole of nation – whole of government approach, which involves the use of sustainable and peaceful engagements with vulnerable communities to protect them from further NPA exploitation.

This includes the Community Support Plan, which is the grassroots of the AFP's Development Support and Security Plan Kapayapaan launched in 2017 and for implementation until 2022, and connects local government units to the conflict-affected communities for the speedy delivery of basic services.

“We have seen many of these guerilla fronts have been either dismantled or degraded hard core followers surrendering in groups to our government forces. This is indicative that the people are more rallying against the CPP (Communist Party of the Philippines)-NPA that has been plaguing the people for five decades now,” Galvez said.

With overwhelming support of the public and the government, Galvez expressed confidence that the NPAs will be defeated by 2019.

“I would like to call on everyone to join this fight against the menace of terrorism and insurgency. Let us do this together and vanquish our enemies,” he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1049401

Rizal resort raid, not diversionary tactic: Palace

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 28): Rizal resort raid, not diversionary tactic: Palace

A raid by government law enforcers in an alleged safe house of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Rizal province was not a diversionary tactic to shift the public’s attention from high inflation, Malacañang said on Friday.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the raid which is being linked to "Red October" ouster plot against President Rodrigo Duterte cannot be considered diversionary tactic since the government is already addressing inflation.

"Hindi ho namin kailangan pagtakpan ang problema na hinaharap. So lahat po tayo apektado ng inflation. Kaya nga po gumawa na ng hakbang para mapababa ang mga presyo, at mangyayari na po iyan (We do not need to cover up the problems we are facing. We are all affected by the inflation. That's why we are taking measures to bring down prices and it will happen),” Roque said in a radio interview.

Last Tuesday, members of the Philippine Army and operatives from the National Bureau of Investigation reportedly raided a farm in Sitio Dalig, Antipolo City, Rizal calling it a successful operation to prevent possible "Red October" action to oust Duterte.

The opposition claimed the alleged ouster move next month was part of the government’s efforts to divert the public attention from inflation.

"So sa amin po, kung walang ginagawa, pwedeng sabihing diversion. Pero ito po, ito naman po ay intelligence galing mismo sa military. Iyan po talaga ang trabaho ng military. At uulitin ko lang: kahit anong banta nila, hindi po sila magtatagumpay. Suportado ng taumbayan ang Pangulo (So for us, if are not doing anything, you can claim it's a diversion of issue. But this one, it was an intelligence [report that] came from the military. That's the job of the military. And I repeat: they will not succeed despite their threats. The President has the public's support),” Roque said.

He said the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA exists to oust government and there is no doubt the communist are behind to destabilize the government.

Roque said some opposition members who cannot wait for the 2022 elections may have conspired with the communists.

To address inflation, Roque said several measures have been implemented including directive to the National Food Authority (NFA) as well as the Department of Trade and Industry to import more rice to boost the buffer stock and eventually bring down the prices.

He said Duterte also signed an administrative order removing non-tariff barriers on agricultural products to "tame price spikes of basic agricultural commodities".

Under the Administrative Order No. 13, Duterte has allowed the importation of adequate volumes of fish to augment the 17,000 metric tons of fish imports available in the market.

Roque said "food passes" have also been set up to guarantee the fast delivery of food and agricultural products particularly going to Metro Manila.

“At bukod pa po diyan ay iyon nga iyong desisyon na mag-angkat na, hindi lang po ng bigas, kung hindi pati po ng manok, ng baboy at ng isda (Aside from that was a decision to import not only rice but chicken, pork and fish),” he said.

He said even the Philippine Air Force planes are now being used to transport vegetables from Mindanao to Metro Manila to prevent shortage after super typhoon Ompong hit northern Luzon last Sept. 9.

Roque, on the other hand, said the devaluation of the peso was triggered by the trade war between the United States and China, the world’s top two economies.

“Oo, nakakabahala talaga iyan. Talagang parang ang timing eh Murphy’s Law, kapag ka 'something will go wrong, things will go wrong‘ no at tumaas din ang interest rate sa America (Yes, that’s very alarming. It’s really timing, Murphy’s Law, if something will go wrong, things will go wrong and also US interest rate has gone up),” Roque said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1049482

Army to help educate servicemen, Moros on BOL

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 27): Army to help educate servicemen, Moros on BOL

The Army’s 6th Infantry Division (ID) will help educate the public, including its men and women in the military service, about the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).

Maj. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, 6th ID commander, however, made it clear that the information and education drive does not aim to campaign for or against the BOL, which is scheduled for a plebiscite on Jan. 21, 2019.

Sobejana issued the statement during Wednesday's Maguindanao Provincial Peace and Order Council meeting, presided by Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu in Buluan town of the province.

“We will never interfere but we will help educate the voters in our simple way that will start within the organization,” Sobejana said.
During the meeting, Mangudadatu reiterated his “yes” stance on the BOL.

“I have been campaigning for its approval because I am convinced it will help improve the lives of our people,” Mangudadatu said, adding that majority of the incumbent political leaders in the province also support the BOL.

The BOL plebiscite will take place in the five provinces of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), as well as the six towns of Lanao del Norte and 39 villages in North Cotabato. Residents in these areas will be asked during the plebiscite to vote in favor or against the BOL, an enabling law that will determine the composition of new Bangsamoro political entity.

The law is the final step of the government peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). It will replace the current ARMM setup.

Sobejana added that the officers and enlisted personnel of the 6th ID, composed of three Army brigades, a Marine brigade, and other Army units, are all supportive of the Mindanao peace process and educating its personnel is one of its contributions to the government's desire to establish peace in the island.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1049295

16 Reds surrender in Zamboanga del Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 27): 16 Reds surrender in Zamboanga del Sur



Five New People's Army rebel, including a female combatant who surrendered last month received PHP65,000 each as cash assistance from the government. The cash aid was turned over to the former rebels on Wednesday at the headquarters of the Army's 53rd Infantry Battalion in Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur. (Photo byHirohito D. Cadion)
PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur – A total of 16 New People’s Army (NPA) members, including four women combatants and two child warriors, surrendered to government authorities in the municipality of Guipos, a military official said Thursday.

Lt. Col. Marlowe Patria, Army’s 53rd Infantry Battalion commander, said the 16 NPA members surrendered on Wednesday afternoon in their headquarters in Camp Major David Sabido in Guipos town.

Patria said the rebels revealed that hardships in life in the mountains and the loss of confidence in their cause prompted them to surrender.

Patria added that the surrenderers also wished to live normal and peaceful lives together with their respective families.

One of the female combatants, identified only as Ka Cel, said she stopped studying when she was recruited while in her first year in college.

“I regretted much that I became a member of the NPA. To be honest, I found no sense staying with the group in the jungle. I saw no meaning, no direction, and no hope. I should have pursued my studies in college,” she said.

Patria said the 16 NPA surrenderers will be enrolled in the government's livelihood program for rebel returnees.

He said they will also be included in the livelihood and skills training being managed by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) and other government agencies.

Meanwhile, five other rebels, including a female combatant who surrendered last month, received on Wednesday PHP65,000 cash assistance each from the government, Patria said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1049341

2 ASG members surrender in Sulu

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 27): 2 ASG members surrender in Sulu



Col. Armel Tolato, Philippine Marine Ready Force-Sulu commander (right) and a marine officer (left), pose for posterity photo with the two Abu Sayyaf members, who surrendered on Wednesday in Talipao, Sulu. (Photo courtesy: Naval Forces Western Mindanao Public Information Office)
Two members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits  surrendered to the troops of the Philippine Marines as government offensives against the kidnap-for-ransom group continue in Sulu, a top military official said Thursday.

Rear Adm. Rene Medina, Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) commander, identified the ASG surrenderees as Julkaidar Iddon and Alanu Iddon, both former followers of ASG sub-leader Abraham Hamid.

Medina said the Iddons surrendered on Wednesday in Barangay Mahala, Talipao and have turned over two caliber .30 M1 Garand rifles.

Juljaidar served as a courier while Alanu is a boat skipper of the ASG that operated in the island town of Sitangkai, Tawi-Tawi, the military official said. The two were brought to Camp Bautista Station Hospital in Barangay Bus Bus, Jolo, for medical check-up.

Medina attributed the successful mission of the Fleet-Marine through the "continuous, relentless and combined efforts" of the Philippine Marine Ready Force-Sulu under the command of Col. Armel Tolato.

The military official also called on the remaining ASG members to surrender to the government where they will be given a chance to have a new life.

The surrender of the Iddons have brought to 183 the total members of the ASG who surrendered to the government since January, this year. Of the number, 75 surrendered in Basilan, 99 in Sulu, six in Tawi-Tawi, and three in Zamboanga City.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1049307

Japanese ship arrives in Manila for 3-day goodwill visit

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 27): Japanese ship arrives in Manila for 3-day goodwill visit



JS Akebono (DD-108), a Murasame-class destroyer of the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF), arrived at Pier 15 of Manila South Harbor Thursday for a three-day port visit.

Around 200 officers and enlisted personnel are aboard JS Akebono which also carries two SH-60K patrol helicopters.

PN spokesperson, Commander Jonathan Zata, said the Japanese contingent led by JMSDF Escort Division 5 head Capt. Josuke Nakamura was welcomed by Offshore Combat Force deputy commander Capt. Francisco Laput.

Nakamura is also set to pay a courtesy call on PN flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad.

Also, confidence building engagements between PN and JMSDF personnel such as shipboard tour and goodwill games of basketball, volleyball and soccer are scheduled.

Prior to its arrival, JS Akebono had just completed its five-month tour as part of the Combined Maritime Task Force 151's anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden.

The task force is mandated to deter and disrupt piracy and armed robbery in the maritime environment, particularly in the Somali Basin and Southern Red Sea.

Zata noted that JS Akebono is the same ship that responded to a distress call from a Singaporean-flagged tanker where one Filipino crewman fell and injured his head while transiting the Gulf of Aden.

The destroyer's medical team provided first-aid and airlifted the injured Filipino seafarer to Djibouti for further medical treatment. JS Akebono's arrival marks the sixth visit of the JMSDF to the Philippines.

The most recent was the arrival of the three-ship Escort Flotilla Four early this September at Alava Wharf, SBMA, Olongapo City, Zambales.

"This visit translates to another gesture of fostering goodwill that contributes to the furtherance of friendship between the PN and the JSMDF established through the years. It further promotes and sustains peace and stability in the region," he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1049279

Military won't participate in any political action: spox

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 27): Military won't participate in any political action: spox

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will never participate in political actions aimed against duly-constituted authorities, its spokesman said Thursday.

"We will never allow ourselves in the ranks of the active service to take direct or indirect participation in any political actions against the present duly-constituted authorities," Col. Edgard Arevalo said in a statement.

Arevalo assured the public that the AFP is a professional organization that subscribes to the Constitution that it has sworn to uphold and defend.

"We respect the rule of law and court decisions and processes. This includes the case of Senator Antonio Trillanes IV. The matter is already in the purview of the courts. And to the civil courts we defer. We will not issue further statements related to the case," he said.

The AFP, he said, respects the courts and observes due process.

"Every soldier, airman, sailor, and marine in the active service is loyal to the Constitution, adherent to the rule of law, and solidly behind of the Chain of Command," he added.

Arevalo reminded troops of AFP Chief-of-Staff Gen. Carlito Galvez’s order that military personnel found guilty of such acts will be immediately relieved of their posts, investigated, and meted stiff penalties.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1049282

Chinese woman, 5 others face raps over seized arms in Rizal

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 27): Chinese woman, 5 others face raps over seized arms in Rizal



A Chinese woman, who has been in the Philippines since 1985, and five others face criminal charges of illegal possession of high-powered firearms and explosives.

National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Director Dante Gierran presented the suspect Ke Be I, alias Lily Ong, to reporters on Thursday.

Answering media questions in broken Filipino, Ong said she was the general manager of a poultry farm where the undocumented guns were recovered by agents of the NBI Special Action Unit (SAU).

Gierran said the unit was served a search warrant issued by Manila Executive Judge Thelma Bunye Medina.

NBI spokesman, lawyer Ferdinand Lavin, said forensic investigation will be undertaken on the six VHF-UHF two-way radio transmitters, one M203 grenade launcher, four M653 baby armalite rifles, two grenades, five 12-gauge shotguns, three pistols (one caliber .45, one caliber .38, and one 9-mm.), and eight cellular phones.

Lavin added that they will investigate other possible cases involving the suspects.

Aside from Ong, also arrested were Brandy Solinap, Victor dela Cruz, Bi-Lian Ke, Diosdado Bohol, and Ke Quiao alias Sam Jany.

They were arrested on a sprawling farm in Bo. Road, Pantay Buhangin, Barangay Dalig, Teresa, Rizal for violation of Republic Act No. 10591, or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunitions Act.

Bohol, a Samar native, was in possession of another shotgun and was found in a small hut on top of a hill behind the main house.

Ke Quiao Li, alias Sam Jany, and Ong were found inside the main house.

Links to “Red October”

Meanwhile, Philippine National Police Chief, Director General Oscar Albayalde, said they have yet to determine whether the incident is connected to the “Red October” plot against President Rodrigo Duterte.

“As of this time, wala po tayong nakukuhang information na ganyan na merong involved kahit na isang [police officer] (We have not received any information on whether a police officer is involved)," Albayalde said in a radio interview.

He has also ordered a probe into allegations that some police officers have received protection money from Ong.

Ong reportedly said she gives PHP8,000 to each police officer every month for protection from kidnappers.

“Kausap ko yung RD (Regional Director of PNP Calabarzon, Chief Supt. Edward Carranza) pinapaimbestigahan ko na po yan na yung nga yung sinasabing protection money, kung talagang meron man at yung mga involved na pulis dahil meron po yatang listahan na binigay yung Lily Ong (I spoke with the RD and I already ordered an investigation on the matter about protection money, if it really exists and if there are policemen involved because Lily Ong reportedly gave a list of those policemen),” Albayalde said in radio interview.

He said some policemen may have agreed to protect Ong as a "sideline" to augment their income, which is illegal.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1049297

No monitored recruitment activities on ouster plot: AFP

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 27): No monitored recruitment activities on ouster plot: AFP

The three major services of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have said they have not monitored any recruitment activity within their ranks by groups aiming to overthrow the government, the spokesperson of the Philippine Army (PA) said Thursday.

"As far as the ranks of the PA is concerned, wala kaming namo-monitor na mga ganyang (we have not monitored such) issue, no recruitment, no intel reports that some or few of our army soldiers are planning to oust the President," Lt. Col. Louie Villanueva told reporters.

Villanueva added that as far as loyalty is concerned, the 96,000-strong Army solidly supports the Duterte administration.

"We work for the Constitution, we work for the sovereignty of the State. Nandun lagi tayo, nandun yung ating mandato (We are always there. That is our mandate.)," he added.

Villanueva noted that the Army’s morale is very high and it is focused on its primary mission, which is to protect the people and the state.

Meanwhile, Philippine Air Force (PAF) spokesperson, Major Aristides Galang, echoed Villanueva’s sentiments.

"Wala naman kami sa (We do not have such in the) Air Force. So far sa Air Force, as of now, wala kaming nare-receive na ganun na may mga recruitment. At saka yung morale ng tao kasi ng Air Force very much na napakataas talaga because of the support na nakukuha natin sa government, with the taong bayan (We have not received any information about such recruitments and also, the morale of the Air Force personnel is very high because of the support we are getting from the government and the people)," he added.

Philippine Navy (PN) spokesperson, Commander Jonathan Zata, likewise said that they have yet to detect any recruitment activity for any ouster plot.

"As far as the Navy is concerned, personally, I haven't met or heard or read any recruitment of that sort. Ang nababasa kong reports kasi yung mga ongoing activities, kagaya ng pagpapadala natin sa Vladivostok (Russia) kasi sabay-sabay yung exercises natin ngayon (What I have read is about the ongoing activities of the Navy, like the port call in Vladivostok, Russia. The exercises of the Navy personnel are being done simultaneously)," Zata said.

The Navy, he said, is busy with preparations for activities, such as the joint maritime training with the Brunei Navy and Australian Navy in Cebu and Zamboanga, respectively, and the ongoing relief operations in areas hit by Typhoon Ompong.

He added that the PN is also holding a maritime training activity with Royal Malaysian Navy forces in Fort San Felipe in Cavite.

On Thursday, Navy personnel also welcomed the JS Akebono (DD-108), a Murasame-class destroyer of the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force, at the Manila South Harbor.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1049325

Palace confident of military's 'overwhelming' support for PRRD

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 27): Palace confident of military's 'overwhelming' support for PRRD

Malacañang remains confident that President Rodrigo Duterte still enjoys overwhelming support from the military despite the latter’s claim that some soldiers are conniving with the opposition to oust him.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque made this reaction when asked during Thursday’s Palace briefing if loyalty check is needed to verify the President’s claim.

“Sa akin po, lahat dapat tingnan. Pero sa tingin ko overwhelming po pa rin ang suporta ng Presidente galing po sa hukbong sandatahan (For me, everything should be checked, but I think the President still has overwhelming support from the armed forces),” Roque said.

He said Duterte is the only President who has been making the rounds of almost every military and police camp across the country to personally know their needs and situation.

Roque said the President is confident that the military and police will continue to do their duties as protector of the Filipino people.

Recently, Duterte expressed his “ill feeling” towards some people in the military who are communicating with the opposition Liberal Party to remove him from Malacañang.

“So dapat siguro i-verify itong mga impormasyon na ito. Pero kampante naman po ang Presidente na tumutupad sa kanilang tungkulin ang ating kasundaluhan at kapulisan (Perhaps this information should be verified but the President is confident that the military and police are doing their duties),” Roque said.

Duterte earlier said the opposition is conspiring with the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People's Army (CPP-NPA) to dethrone him.
Roque welcomed the investigation conducted by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on the so-called “Red October” plotters.

“Katungkulan naman po talaga ng NBI iyan at ng mga law enforcement agents na kapag may posibleng krimen na nangyayari ay dapat imbestigahan (It is really the duty of the NBI and the law enforcement agents to investigate possible crimes),” he said.

He urged the military to share to the NBI any intelligence information about the “Red October” plot.

“As I have said time and again ‘no, ang trabaho po ng Presidente (the work of the President) as Chief Executive is to implement the laws. So kung mayroon talagang lumalabag sa mga batas natin (if someone violates our laws) on rebellion, coup d'état and sedition, (let) the process begin against them,” Roque added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1049334

Malacañang unfazed by Abu Sayyaf’s 'regrouping’ reports

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 27): Malacañang unfazed by Abu Sayyaf’s 'regrouping’ reports

The government will not be threatened by the kidnap-for-ransom Abu Sayyaf terrorists who are reportedly regrouping and planning to conduct cross-border kidnappings in Mindanao, Malacañang said Thursday.

“Well, ang masasabi ko lang po diyan, handa po tayong harapin ang banta galing sa Abu Sayyaf (What I can say is that we are ready to face any threat coming from Abu Sayyaf),” Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said during a Palace press briefing.

According to an exclusive report of a Malaysian news outfit, the Abu Sayyaf sub-commanders are regrouping after nearly two years on the run due to the all-out war launched by President Rodrigo Duterte’s government against the bandits in 2016.

The report identified the “resurrected” sub-commander as Indang Susukan, who was widely reported to have died when his wife and children were killed at the height of the military’s attack in Jolo, Sulu in 2016.

“Kinakailangan po silang mag-regroup dahil napulbos na natin sila. At asahan ninyo po na kahit ano pang gawin niyang recruitment, ang Abu Sayyaf po kayang-kayang pulbusin ng ating gobyerno (They need to regroup because we have already destroyed them. You can expect that no matter what kind of recruitment they will do, the government will crush the Abu Sayyaf),” Roque said.

Meanwhile, Roque welcomed a “favorable review” of the US State Department on the Philippines’ ongoing campaign against terrorism and violent extremism.

He said the State Department’s 2017 report on terrorism has mentioned the concrete steps the country has undertaken to combat terrorism and prevent violent extremism, such as continued interagency information sharing between Philippine law enforcement agencies, increased aviation security capacity, and active participation in training courses on crisis response, border security and investigations, including cybercrimes.

“The report also noted that the Philippine government has consistently acknowledged the dangers from ISIS-affiliated terrorist groups, and welcomed the assistance on counter-terrorism and reconstruction from Australia, Japan and the United States,” Roque said.

In 2017, Philippine military troops killed members of the ISIS-inspired Maute Group and Abu Sayyaf, including leaders Omar Maute and Isnilon Hapilon, during the five-month Marawi siege.

The war, however, left 168 government troops dead and reduced Marawi City into ruins.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1049344