Sunday, June 23, 2019

‘MMK’ episode trends, as netizens salute Filipino soldiers, their sacrifice

From ABS-CBN (Jun 23, 2019): ‘MMK’ episode trends, as netizens salute Filipino soldiers, their sacrifice


#MMKMedalOfValor claimed top spots in Twitter trends. screengrab from Twitter
"Maalaala Mo Kaya’s" episode on Saturday claimed the No. 1 spot on Twitter's top trends in the Philippines, with commenters waxing patriotic over the heroism of Filipino soldier Ian Paquit.

Using the #MMKMedalOfValor, netizens who watched the episode "Medalya" found themselves lauding the fallen soldiers who put their lives on the line for the country.
Netizens praised the cast for their acting, specifically Joshua Garcia, who played Paquit, and Janice De Belen, who played as Paquit’s mother. Many lauded them for “giving justice” to their roles.


Paquit was killed in 2013 while fighting Moro rebels in Zamboanga City.

Sacrificing his life, Paquit saved the lives of his fellow soldiers and resulted in the deaths of 15 MNLF fighters and the capture of 41 others.

In the same year, he was given the Medal of Valor.

“Medalya,” the Ian Paquit MMK episode is the third offering of the anthology TV series in celebration of its 28th anniversary.

https://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/06/23/19/mmk-episode-trends-as-netizens-salute-filipino-soldiers-their-sacrifice
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Duterte is a realist on China, says Nica chie

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jun 23, 2019): Duterte is a realist on China, says Nica chief




Alex Paul Monteagudo -EDWIN BACASMAS

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte’s stance on the West Philippine Sea is more realist than defeatist when it comes to China’s claims over the disputed waters, according to the country’s top intelligence official.

“What the President is doing is he’s using diplomacy,” said National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (Nica) director general Alex Paul Monteagudo.

“These are part of our territory. These are our waters. We don’t have to fight because we will not win,” he said in a meeting with editors and reporters of the Inquirer on Tuesday.

Monteagudo cited Vietnam and its history of conflict with China over parts of the South China Sea as an example of what could happen to the Philippines. He said that in the end, Vietnam not only “lost all their claims” but also some of its troops.

Skirmish

“Whatever claim they had, China got … After the naval conflict, China occupied their holdings on the South China Sea,” the Nica chief pointed out, referring to the Johnson South Reef in the Union Banks region of the Spratlys.

Monteagudo also referred to a skirmish that broke out in the disputed reef between Chinese and Vietnamese forces on March 14, 1988, where dozens of Vietnamese soldiers were killed by China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy.

“For us, what we have we just maintain it. We don’t engage them (Chinese forces) because if we engage them, we will lose and they will occupy it (our holdings at the West Philippine Sea),” Monteagudo pointed out.

He said that the President was a realist in the sense that he recognized that China was the second biggest economy in the world and that it could provide investments needed to alleviate the plight of Filipinos.

Defense neglected

Brig. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr., deputy chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines for civil-military operations, agreed with Monteagudo.

“He’s the only President who I think is a true realist. He’s very patriotic,” Parlade said of the President. “He has been telling us that we cannot go to war with China. We need to boost our strength because our defense was neglected by the past administrations.”

It was under then President Benigno Aquino III that China started reclamation work in the disputed Spratlys, Parlade added, referring to Beijing’s island-building on seven reefs also claimed by the Philippines.

“We [AFP] reported that to Malacaรฑang at the time and they ignored it and we were told not to [rock] the boat, and then China’s reclamation continued. We updated the DFA [Department of Foreign Affairs] and Malacaรฑang would not act,” Parlade said.

He noted that it was in 2014 that China began expanding their holdings by building structures on the disputed territory.

He lamented that it was only when the public began to question China’s reclamation that the previous government started to act but it was already too late.

Not to be combative

Monteagudo noted that the only thing missing from China’s installations in the Spratlys is the declaration of an air defense identification zone, or Adiz, which indicates a country’s claim to airspace over an area.

“Foreign policy is the President’s call,” Monteagudo said. “He has been very clear. He doesn’t want to be just combative in his statement.”

“He has actually drawn the line as far as the South China Sea is concerned. Panatag [Scarborough] Shoal, that’s the line [that cannot be crossed],” the Nica chief said. He did not elaborate.

A 2012 dispute over access to Panatag by Filipino fishermen led to the arbitration case filed by the Philippines challenging China’s claims over nearly the entire South China Sea.

The international arbitral tribunal ruled in July 2016 that there was no legal basis for China’s claim of historic rights over the waters. It also said China violated Philippine sovereign rights by interfering in its fishing and petroleum exploration in its exclusive economic zone.
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NPA leader, companion killed in shootout with cops

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 23, 2019): NPA leader, companion killed in shootout with cops



A ranking New People's Army (NPA) leader wanted for numerous heinous crimes and his companion were killed in a shootout with police operatives on Sunday in a safe house in Barangay Bagong Silang, Laak, Compostela Valley.

Capt. Jerry Lamosao, spokesperson of the Army’s 10th Infantry Division, said NPA leader Jay Mendoza alias "Pogs" and his companion Bryan Ondoy were killed after exchanging fire with police authorities who were serving arrest warrants to the NPA leader.

Mendoza was the Deputy Secretary of the NPA's Guerrilla Front 2, Sub-regional Committee 2, Southern Mindanao Command; member of the Executive Committee, Sub Regional committee 2 (SRC 2), Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC); and head, Regional Special Operations Group (RSOG), SRC 2, SMRC.

 Ondoy on the other hand was in the drug watch list of the police.

Lamosao said Sunday's operation was led by Laak police with the 60th Infantry Battalion providing augmentation.

Mendoza has pending four warrants of arrest for murder, double murder with double frustrated murder, robbery, and serious illegal detention.

Lamosao said Mendoza and Ondoy started firing at the arresting officers before they could even reach the entrance of the safe house.

This prompted the authorities to return fire which eventually led to the killing of Mendoza and Ondoy.

Authorities also recovered from Mendoza and Ondoy's bodies two .45-caliber pistols, one Uzi sub-machine gun with magazine and live ammunition, one fragmentation grenade, one blasting cap, one-meter detonating cord, and one mobile phone.

 Lamosao said Mendoza is responsible for killing at least two Army officers and 16 soldiers, several police personnel, CAFGU active auxiliaries, and former rebels from 2006 to 2018.

Mendoza was also reportedly involved in the burning of mining equipment, vehicles, and office of APEX mining in Maco town in 2012; attack of Dasia Security Agency in Tagum in May 2014; attack on Gov. Generoso Municipal Police Station and abduction of its chief of police in 2016; the burning of mining equipment in Banay-banay, Davao Oriental in January 2018; and numerous extortion activities in the region.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1073112
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‘Last Mile’ brings quality education closer to indigenous youths

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 23, 2019): ‘Last Mile’ brings quality education closer to indigenous youths

True to its promise to provide accessible and quality education to the indigenous youth, the Department of Education (DepEd) has started the establishment of learning facilities, also known as "Last Mile Schools", in remote places across the country. 

 In an interview with the Philippine News Agency, DepEd Undersecretary Nepomuceno Malaluan said the department is aware that left-leaning schools are using the indigenous peoples' need for basic education as a means to recruit and instill in them communist ideology.

"Kaya kami ang nagtatayo ng mga (That's why, we established) DepEd schools close to them, not vice versa. For example, near their learning center in Napnapan in Batukan in Compostela Valley, there is a nearby DepEd school that is 2.5 kilometers in distance and some of our schools are in just one-kilometer range. There are five kilometers away which are not your usual place because there are no roads," Malaluan said.

He stressed they are serious in improving the education services in these far-flung areas and so they are looking into different ways to provide basic, quality and liberating education.

Increased enrolment
According to the DepEd Schools Division of Davao Oriental, there has been "a stark difference in the number of enrollees between the government schools and these private learning institutions".

"Around 526 indigenous youths are now attending government-run schools while only 216 enrollees remain in these private institutions located mostly on areas where construction of government schools have yet to be completed," Josephine Lastrado, DepEd Schools Division of Davao Oriental representative, said at the Provincial Peace and Order Council meeting on June 17.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Army reported "zero enrolment in Mindanao Interfaith Services Foundation, Inc. schools in Sitio Limot and Sitio Casunogan in the municipality of Baganga".

"The significant decrease in the number of enrollees in these Communist NPA Terrorists (CNT)-affiliated schools has been attributed to the concerted efforts by all key stakeholders, the deployment of Community Support Program, and the local government and the DepEd’s effort in addressing the issue on the lack of educational system in these marginalized communities," 701st Brigade commander, Brig. Gen. Manuel Sequitin said.

Sequitin added that five out of the nine sitios with CNT-affiliated schools in the province already have DepEd schools. 

 These include Sitio Limot and Sitio Caatihan in Barangay Binondo; Sitio Casunugan in Barangay Mahanub in the municipality of Baganga; Sitio Paglusngan in Barangay Taytayan; and Sitio Patong in Barangay Malibago in Cateel.

"Salugpungan schools in Sitio Km 35 in Barangay Taytayan and Sitio Patong in Barangay Malibago in Cateel are now non-operational since more parents are opting to transfer their children to schools run by the DepEd," he said.

Peace and order, quality basic education: A communal responsibility

Aware of their power to destroy national peace and order, Davao Oriental Governor Nelson Dayanghirang stressed schools which indoctrinate students with communist ideologies and anti-government ideas must be eradicated. 

"This is a silent plague encroaching in the government’s educational system, we, and they key agencies, must step up with our efforts to address this," Dayanghirang said.


Paglusngan Integrated School in Barangay Taytayan, Cateel. (Photo courtesy of the Department of Education)

He allocated PHP1.7 million funding for the construction of temporary learning spaces in the municipalities of Baganga and Cateel where left-leaning schools were located.

He also provided counterpart funds for the salaries of para-teachers who supervise students outside of their classrooms, or provide administrative support for teaching.

Davao Oriental DepEd Schools Division Superintendent Lorenzo Mendoza said the department "is implementing the construction of eight schools in the area and fast tracks the conversion of two elementary schools into integrated schools".

"The main purpose of this is to provide education for all and closing the gaps in education in communities through establishing new schools. In terms of regulating these private learning institutions, the DepEd has enforced strict regulations in granting them Permit to Operate and Certificate of Recognition," Mendoza said.

Mobile alternative learning system

Recognizing the difficulty to establish schools in some geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas, the DepEd has also started with technology-aided alternative learning system (ALS).

"Imagine a mobile teacher of ALS going to a far-flung community. He carries a bag, a laptop and distributes five to 10 tablets to students and they talk to one another while using the laptop and the router. All the contents and lessons in the laptop are reflected in the tablets and this is being done by DepEd now," DepEd Undersecretary for Administrative Service Alain del Pascua at the first cyber expo on education and technology in March.

Pascua added that DepEd has delivered laptops and tablets to Kalayaan Island to aid the ALS teachers.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1073107
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Peace, security, trade top PRRD meeting with Joko

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 23, 2019): Peace, security, trade top PRRD meeting with Joko



PRRD and JOKO. The two leaders talked about common issues such as terrorism and trade. (contributed photo)

President Rodrigo Duterte and Indonesian President Joko Widodo discussed continuous cooperation in securing peace and order, and to jointly fight terrorism, illegal drugs and corruption, Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said.

Duterte and Widodo held a bilateral meeting here on Saturday evening but it was off-limits to the media.

Lopez did not provide much detail on security issues but added that on the economic side, Duterte and the Indonesian President have asked their Trade officials to address the imposition of the Philippines of a safeguard measure against coffee imports from Indonesia.

The safeguard measure, Lopez said, was “due to the lower import price, which is below the set trigger price of PHP203.74 per kilo set by the Philippines.”

“The lower import price has led to higher imports affecting local manufacturers in the Philippines,” he said.

The issue on the Philippines' policy on Indonesian coffee also prompted a review of the current restrictive market access of Philippine products to Indonesia, Lopez said.

“The current trade imbalance (is) in favor of Indonesia, prompting trade officials from both countries to find ways to narrow the trade gap while growing two-way trade. It was agreed that greater efforts must be done to allow more Philippine products to access the Indonesian market,” he added.

Lopez said even before the bilateral meeting between Duterte and Widodo, Philippine and Indonesian officials already had meetings on Friday to address such issues.

“(We) agreed to have more Indonesian market access for Agri-based products such as bananas, shallots, coconut products, food and beverages and industrial products such as auto parts, among others to grow more the Philippine exports. There is also the commitment to put up a Kopiko coffee processing plant in the Philippines,” he said.

Lopez said Widodo was also told during the bilateral meeting that “Indonesian products such as instant coffee, automotive and construction materials continue to penetrate the Philippine market.”

“Indonesia’s openness to narrow down the trade gap and have a more balanced and mutually beneficial trade relationship are seen to grow the total trade between the two countries,” he added, without citing any figure.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1073096
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Army honors veteran actor Eddie Garcia

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 23, 2019): Army honors veteran actor Eddie Garcia



FELLOW COMRADE. Philippine Army troops stand vigil during the memorial service of the late Eddie Garcia at the Heritage Park in Taguig City on Saturday (June 22, 2019). Garcia was only 19 when he volunteered to be part of the Philippine Scouts which was deployed to Okinawa, Japan during the World War II. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Army)

Philippine Army (PA) troopers stood vigil during the memorial service of the late Eddie Garcia, veteran and multi-awarded actor and former Philippine Scouts member, which was held at the Heritage Park, Taguig on Saturday.

"The PA condoles with the family of the late Eddie Garcia. We admire him not only as an actor but as a fellow comrade in arms,” Army spokesperson, Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said in a statement.

“His desire for his ashes to be scattered on the Manila Bay speaks of his love of the noble profession of arms, despite his short-lived military career. He is an inspiration and an example that one does not have to be a soldier in order to serve the country," he added.

Aside from troops standing at vigil, the PA also laid the national flag next to Garcia's remains in recognition of his roots in the Armed Forces.

Garcia was only 19 when he volunteered to be part of the Philippine Scouts which was deployed to Okinawa, Japan during the World War II.

"His deployment ceremony was held in Luneta, that was why he wished his ashes to be scattered in Manila Bay," shared Erwin S. Garcia, the last living son of the actor.

The actor was open about his past aspiration to be a soldier and actively supported various initiatives of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

He was an avid shooter, participating in annual shooting competitions hosted by the AFP.

Garcia passed away on Thursday (June 20) after being in a coma for 12 days. He was 90.

Garcia suffered a neck cervical fracture while shooting a TV series for GMA Network on June 8 and had been in critical condition since then.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1073092
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DND chief lauds PRRD for MUP pension increase

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 23, 2019): DND chief lauds PRRD for MUP pension increase

Department of National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana expressed his appreciation to President Rodrigo R. Duterte for approving and giving priority to the DND request to implement the provisions of Congress Joint Resolution (JR) No. 1 or Joint Resolution Authorizing the Increase in Base Pay of Military and Uniformed Personnel (MUP) in the Government, and for Other Purposes, s. 2018 which the Chief Executive signed on January 1 of this year.

“Truly, your unparalleled support for our uniformed personnel serves as our guiding light as the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) continues to pursue its duty to the Filipino nation,” Lorenzana said on Saturday.

Through the MUP pension increase, Lorenzana said the sacrifice and dedicated service of all Filipino soldiers have been truly and duly recognized.

It will be recalled that the Department, by virtue of an official letter to Malacaรฑang written on May 17, 2019, recommended that the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) be directed to implement the pension indexation under JR No. 1, s. 2018 and release additional funds for that purpose.

The letter was signed by Defense Undersecretary Cardozo M. Luna, who was then officer-in-charge of the DND.

On June 11 this year, the DBM announced that it has released the pension requirements amounting to PHP54.231 billion of retired MUP under the AFP-General Headquarters (AFP-GHQ), Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP).

The amount was broken down into PHP29.9 billion to the AFP-GHQ, PHP21.7 billion to the PNP, PHP1.9 billion to the BFP, and around PHP731 million to the BJMP.

"The momentous grant of the Department’s request will help in its pursuit of its mandate to protect the State and the Constitution, and will boost the morale of our past, present and future defenders, who have risked their lives in service to the Philippines and its people," Lorenzana said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1073093
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Karapatan too selective in HR defense, Parlade says

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 23, 2019): Karapatan too selective in HR defense, Parlade says



Major General Antonio Parlade, Jr., AFP Deputy Chief of Staff for Civil-MIlitary Operations

 A ranking official of the National Task Force to End Communist Local Armed Conflict (NTF ELCAC) on Sunday said left-leaning human rights group Karapatan and its allies are too selective and biased in extending help to people needing their assistance.

Major General Antonio Parlade, Jr., who is also Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Deputy Chief-of-Staff for Civil-Military Operations, said Karapatan is trying very hard to recover the cadaver of alleged leader of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA) and two other communist fighters who died in a recent encounter with government forces in Oriental Mindoro.

"Another proof that Karapatan is very selective in their advocacy as human rights defenders. They have been trying to recover the cadaver of the NPA leader of Sub-Regional Military Area 4 based in Palawan and two other Red fighters, who perished in an encounter with 203rd (Infantry) Brigade troops in Mansalay, Mindoro last June 13," he added.

These communist cadres were reportedly killed while conducting training and recruitment activities in Sitio Mawan, Panaytayan, Mansalay.

Parlade also slammed Karapatan and its allies for having the temerity to deny that they are front organizations of the CPP-NPA but have the gall to file writs of amparo and habeas data against ranking government officials and security officials, including President Rodrigo R. Duterte, for allegedly spearheading the red-tagging and harassment operations against them.

"They claim to be human rights defenders but they are silent of the dastardly beheading of former NPA turned CAFGU (Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit) member Ryard Badiang, whom they kidnapped, together with six civilian Manobos, in Lanuza town on May 30. He was beheaded later and his decapitated body was recovered in Maitum, Tandag City, Surigao Del Sur on June 14. What kind of group continue to support these NPA savages?," Parlade added.

Despite not carrying firearms, he said Karapatan has been clearly committing crimes including misrepresentation, if only to circumvent policies, procedures, and the law to achieve their objective of assisting the CPP-NPA, which is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

"For so long they have been deceiving us with their duplicitous but criminal acts. It’s about time we file criminal charges against this group for obstructing justice. In the past, these paralegal group of the CPP has managed to (spirit) away minor NPAs captured in encounters, recover pieces of evidence like phones and laptops that would incriminate the CPP, after successful raids, arrests, and encounters. This has to stop. We cannot allow them to continue with this travesty of our laws," he added.

No harassment

Army’s 203 Infantry Brigade commander, Brig. Gen. Marceliano Teofilo, earlier denied allegations made by Karapatan Southern Tagalog that the police and military units harassed their paralegal team deployed in Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro.

The Karapatan team, Teofilo said, was monitoring alleged military harassments against Mangyan tribes and recover the remains of the three fallen rebels in the June 13 encounter.

He aid there is no harassment committed against Karapatan ST's paralegal team.

“All we ask is that legal procedures will be observed such as making sure that the remains will be claimed by their relatives. The statement of Karapatan puts malice on the efforts of the PNP (Philippine National Police) and the Army who has been the partners of the LGU in protecting our fellow Mindoreรฑos from CPP-NPA atrocities. Surprisingly, they are so quick to cry out harassment from the government forces yet no condemnation of any of the terroristic actions of the CPP-NPA in Mindoro,” he added.

Karapatan members went to Mansalay days after the June 13 operations that also led to the recovery of five high-powered firearms, two improvised explosive device, live ammunition, and other subversive materials.

Instead of accusing government forces of harassment, Teofilo urged Karapatan and the National Union of People's Lawyers to instead condemn the NPA and its allies for killing Jose Barrera, of San Jose town, Occidental Mindoro; Kennedy Dam-in Aquino, of Rizal, Occidental Mindoro; and Jun-Jun Ysog Panaytayan, of Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro.

 "Help their families to achieve justice and show to the people of Mindoro that Karapatan and their allies are for peace and protection of the real victims of CPP-NPA atrocities," military official added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1073104
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OPAPP, 7ID unite efforts to address insurgency in Region 3

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 23, 2019): OPAPP, 7ID unite efforts to address insurgency in Region 3



WORK FOR PEACE. Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. (right) and 7th Infantry Division commander, Maj. Gen. Lenard Agustin share a light moment during a meeting in Santa Rosa, Nueva Ecija on June 21, 2019 where they identified areas for collaboration to fast-track the implementation of Whole-of-Nation Approach under Executive Order 70 in Region III (Central Luzon). Galvez assured full support to the Armed Forces of the Philippines to achieve enduring peace and security in the country. (photo courtesy of OPAPP)

SANTA ROSA, NUEVA ECIJA -- The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) 7th Infantry Division (7ID) have begun identifying areas for collaboration to fast-track the implementation of the Whole-of-Nation Approach under Executive Order 70 in Region III (Central Luzon).

Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. said their organizations' efforts should focus on identifying the main drivers of the communist ideology while looking at ways to strengthen social cohesion in conflict-affected communities.

“Dalawa ‘yong major factors na dapat mong ma-solve: (You have two major factors to solve:) the one that drives the ideology of the leaders, and at the same time the prevailing social condition,” Galvez said during Friday's (June 21) meeting here.

Galvez is the Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security (CORDS) designated to oversee peace and development efforts in Region 3 or Central Luzon. Created last May 6, the CORDS is also tasked to assist the President in the speedy, efficient and orderly resolution of issues that adversely affect government operations.

Among the activities that will be conducted by the 7ID are community peace assemblies, peace-building and livelihood seminars, peace rallies, youth leadership summits, and half-way orientations on the deradicalization process.

Galvez committed to fully support these peace initiatives.

“I would like to thank you and to assure you that OPAPP will be 100 percent supportive in the Armed Forces of the Philippines peace and development programs. We will work hand-in-hand with you to attain enduring peace and security in the country,” Galvez said.


In his remarks, 7th Infantry division commander Maj. Gen. Lenard Agustin affirmed his men's dedication to accomplish the tasks at hand.

“We, the soldiers are so passionate in our work. Kami po at ating mga (We and our) dedicated government agencies are really committed to go to the critical, conflict areas,” Agustin added.

He also expressed his gratitude to the peace adviser for the opportunity to discuss key peace and security concerns and work in partnership with the peace agency.

“We thank you sir for giving us this opportunity for us to raise our concerns that need to be addressed in order for us to effectively carry on our mission,” Agustin said.

The 7th Infantry Division, also known as “Kaugnay Division” is a primary infantry unit of the Philippine Army that specializes in the rapid deployment of troops to conflict-affected and disaster-prone areas across the country. (PR)

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PH gov’t values Japanese envoy’s help to Bangsamoro peace process

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 23, 2019): PH gov’t values Japanese envoy’s help to Bangsamoro peace process



PEACE PROCESS PARTNER. Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. recognizes the outstanding contributions of Takehiro Kano (left), the outgoing deputy chief of mission of the Japanese Embassy in the Philippines, to the Bangsamoro peace process in Mindanao during a recent farewell dinner. Kano is set to leave the country for another foreign assignment. (Photo courtesy of OPAPP)

Diplomats play a key role in promoting their respective government’s foreign policy agenda across the globe. More importantly, they serve as bridges of peace, understanding, and cooperation between their country and other nations.

One such diplomat is Takehiro Kano, the outgoing deputy chief of mission of the Japanese Embassy in the Philippines. Kano has been instrumental in deepening diplomatic, socio-cultural, and economic ties between Japan and the Philippines.

In his solidarity message during the commemorative ceremony for the 74th anniversary of the Leyte Gulf Landings last year at the MacArthur Landing Memorial Park in Palo City, Leyte, he declared: “We shall not forget that the peace and prosperity we enjoy today was built upon the precious sacrifices of those who gave their last full measure of devotion.”

“All countries which are represented here today share and cherish fundamental values such as freedom, democracy and the rule of law and are fully committed to supporting and strengthening a rules-based international order,” Kano added.

The envoy has travelled to various parts of the Philippines to oversee the various development programs being carried out by the Japanese government here.

More importantly, he has helped oversee Japan’s initiatives to help strengthen the Bangsamoro peace process in Mindanao.

Kano’s outstanding contributions were formally recognized by Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. during a recent farewell dinner with the Japanese diplomat who is set to leave the country for another foreign assignment.

“For years, we saw the strong commitment of the Japanese government to help advance further the peace process in Mindanao. In particular, Japan is actively involved in terms of providing the needed resources as well as giving crucial advice to help bring progress to the communities affected by conflict,” Galvez said.


He noted the programs and projects being implemented by the Japanese government in the Bangsamoro region and other areas in Mindanao support the common goal of the two nations, which is to bring sustainable and enduring peace in Mindanao and to the whole country.

Kano, who paid an exit call to Galvez last June 14, reaffirmed Japan’s continuing support to the Philippine government in finding a genuine and long-lasting solution to the armed conflict in Mindanao.

Japan is among the Asian countries which over the years have been supporting the peace process between the Philippine government and the Moro fronts through its active involvement in peace-building efforts in the south.

The Japanese government has deployed an economic expert to the International Monitoring Team, the body tasked to oversee the implementation of the ceasefire agreement between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Since 2006, the Japanese government through its Japan-Bangsamoro Initiatives for Reconstruction and Development or most commonly known as J-BIRD, has provided a total of PHP13-billion worth of projects to the Bangsamoro area.

This year alone, the Japanese government is supporting a USD1.7-million project for the Agricultural Training for the establishment of Peace in Mindanao. The initiative will be implemented in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organization.

Japan is also building at least USD2.6 million-worth of clean water facilities for communities within the newly-established Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, the government entity which replaced the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

The Japanese government is also providing assistance in the implementation of the Normalization Track of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, the peace agreement signed between the Philippine government and MILF.

Speaking on behalf of the Japanese Embassy, Kano said Japan is eyeing to provide resources for the establishment of the Joint Peace and Security Teams (JPST), which shall serve as the operating units of the transitional components of the Normalization Phase.

The JPSTs will be composed of representatives from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police and the MILF’s Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces. Their main task is to secure areas where MILF combatants will undergo the decommissioning process.

JPST falls under the security component of the Normalization Track. Its other components include socio-economic development, confidence-building measures, and transitional justice and reconciliation.

For this year, the Normalization track targets to decommission at least 12,000 combatants and weapons of the MILF. At least six camps of the MILF will also be transformed into peaceful and resilient communities.

Galvez, who was with President Rodrigo Duterte during his state visit in Japan late May, said the bilateral meeting between the two countries largely focused on the peace process in Mindanao.

Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo had earlier vowed to support Duterte’s “peace process in Mindanao and infrastructure development.”

“Mindanao peace process entered into a new stage with the establishment of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority last February. In the initial stage, I believe the priority lies in the strengthening of the administrative capacity of the Transition Authority and the facilitation of disarmament of soldiers of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front,” Abe said after the meeting with Duterte.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1073108
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PRRD disappointed over delay in ASEAN Code of Conduct

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 23, 2019): PRRD disappointed over delay in ASEAN Code of Conduct

President Rodrigo Duterte was dismayed over the delay in the passage of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said Sunday.

“The Palace confirms that President Rodrigo Roa Duterte attended the 34th ASEAN Summit Retreat today, June 23, where he expressed concern and disappointment over the delay in the negotiations for a Code of Conduct (COC) in the South China Sea,” Panelo said in a statement.

He said Duterte had explained that there would be a higher probability of maritime incidents and a greater chance for miscalculations that could go out of control if it will take longer for ASEAN members to conclude the COC.

Panelo said Duterte “will continue to push for the full and effective implementation of the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea”, the Philippines being the country coordinator for ASEAN-China Dialogue Relations.

He said Duterte also urged fellow ASEAN leaders to “remain united and steadfast in protecting time-honored principles of international law.”

“He expressed his support for the Philippines to adopt the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific to reaffirm ASEAN’s strategic role and the vision of a closely integrated Asia-Pacific and Indian Ocean regions,” Panelo said.

During the Summit, which ended here Sunday, Panelo said Duterte also expressed his gratitude to Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Puc for the act of Vietnamese fishermen during the Recto Bank incident that involved Filipino and Chinese vessels.

He said Duterte told Nguyen that “this act of kindness and compassion will always be remembered by the Philippines and its people.”

“The President’s remarks during the 34th ASEAN Summit Retreat underscored the fact that the President Duterte is not beholden to or afraid of any foreign country. He said that he is confident in articulating in clear and unequivocal terms the position of the Philippines as regards its interests before the global stage,” Panelo said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1073114
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