Posted to the Mindanao Examiner (Jul 30, 2019): Soldier wounded in Maguindanao clash
A government soldier was wounded in a clash with pro-ISIS militants in the restive Muslim province of Maguindanao in southern Philippines, officials said Tuesday, adding, as many as 9 insurgents were believed killed in sporadic battle since last week.
Officials said the latest fighting erupted in Dasawa village in Shariff Saydona Mustapha town over the weekend after troops clashed with Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters for at least 10 minutes.
The 6th Infantry Division confirmed that a soldier was wounded in the clash, but it did not release the name of the infantry man. He was the second casualties in the weeklong battle. Militant also killed an army sniper, Sergeant Ahmad Mahmood, on July 25.
Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, chief of the Western Mindanao Command, said the armed campaign against the militants, whose leaders have pledged allegiance to ISIS, will not stop until the Islamic extremist group is neutralized.
“Deliberate offensives against terrorists continue, inflicting more casualties and impeding any hostile plans of terrorists as military troops attempt to penetrate enemy strongholds in Maguindanao. Troops from the Joint Task Force Central Mindanao have beefed up their campaign to pound terrorist groups and neutralize their leaders in Central Mindanao,” he said.
Maguindanao is one of 5 provinces under the Muslim autonomous region, but Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim did not release any statement or reports on the exodus of civilians in areas where fighting broke out.
It was unknown whether Ebrahim has ordered a humanitarian mission to aid those displaced by the war.
Tuesday, July 30, 2019
Cebuano News: Militia ng Bayan misurender, CPP-NPA gideklarang persona non grata
From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 30, 2019): Cebuano News: Militia ng Bayan misurender, CPP-NPA gideklarang persona non grata
KIBAWE, Bukidnon -- Bagang du-ot sa mga “Militia ng Bayan kon rebel supporters” ang misurender, nagkahiusa, ug nagtapok bag-ohay pa lang didto sa “covered court” sa Barangay Cagawasan, Kibawe, Bukidnon aron ipahibalo sa publiko nga undangon na niini ang suporta ngadto sa mga komunistang CPP-NPA ug ideklara kini nga Persona Non Grata.”
Atol sa deklarasyon ug “mass oath-taking,” gipirmahan sa mga misurender ang gitawag nga “Pledge of Commitment” kon “kaakuhan” isip bug-os nga suporta sa gobyerno.
Si Punong Barangay Marissa Bayer nga maoy nag-abi-abi sa mga misurender ug mi-giya aron mopirma sa “Commitment Wall, miingon “sukad karon, ila nang-giundang ang ilang suporta ngadto sa CPP-NPA samtang nanumpa sila ug mipirma niini nga panaad”
Miingon si kapitan Bayer, nga “ang kahigayonan natakdo gyod karon diin ang Barangay Cagawasan nagpagawas sa balaodnon pinaagi sa Barangay Resolution No. 14 ning milabay’ng bulan sa Hunyo nga nagdeklara sa CPP-NPA nga Persona non Grata.”
Si Kibawe mayor Minerva C. Casinabe nga nakigduyog pag-abi-abi sa mga misurender, miawhag sa katawhan nga tabangan ang 88th Infantry Battalion Philippine Army diha sa pagprotekta sa ilang barangay aron malikayan ang kagubot gikan sa mga teroristang CPP-NPA.
“Ngadto sa atong Philippine Army, salamat sa inyong walay hunong nga pagsilbi ug pagrotekta sa katawhan sa barangay Cagawasan. Wala kami’y laing gusto dinhi sa among dapit kon dili mao ang kalinaw. Kining ‘Cagawasan’, bu-ot pasabot niini “kalinaw.” Busa kinahanglan duna kitay “kagawasan” batok sa hulga, kahadlok, ug pag-pangdaug-daug sa mga terorista. Kagawasan diha sa pagpili sa lugar nga atong puy-an diin ang kahusay ug kalinaw maoy mopatigbabaw,” matud sa Mayor.
Usa ka “Hatid Serbisyo Caravan,” ang gipahigayon usab atol sa panagtigom, diin kapin 300 ka mga residente ang nakapahimulos sa libreng serbisyo hatud sa nagkalain-laing ahensya sa gobyerno sama sa ibot sa ngipon, urinalysis, prenatal check-up, immunization, pagpang-alot, pag-apod-apod sa tambal, family planning, ug uban pang mga serbisyo.
Sa iyang mensahe, si Lt. Col. Franklin F. Fabic, ang Commanding Officer sa 88th Infantry “Maringal” Battalion miingon “kini nga kahigayonan makatabang kaayo diha sa pagpauswag sa kahimtang sa mga residente labi na sa alang sa kahusay ug kalinaw nga hisgutanan.”
“Kami ang inyong tinuod nga sundalo; nia kami aron magprotekta ug magbantay kaninyo. Ang inyong suporta ug kooperasyon maoy maghiusa kanato alang sa kalinaw nga dugay na natong gipangandoy,” miingon siya.
Kini nga kalihukan subay sa Executive Order No. 70 tungod sa panawagan ni Presidente Rodrigo Duterte nga undangon na ang panagbangi ug away pinaagi sa armas kon ‘armed conflict’.
Tumong niining EO 70 nga mando mao ang paghatag kasulbaran kung unsa ang hinungdan kon “root cause” sa insurhensya.
Kinahanglan maghimog eksakto ug igo nga mga lakang ang hingtungdan nga ahensya ngadto sa layo ug hilit nga mga lugar aron makatagamtam kini sa kauswagan ug kalinaw. (Capt. Norven Jay Garcia, CMO, 88th Infantry Battalion, 4ID, PA/RLRB, PIA Bukidnon)
KIBAWE, Bukidnon -- Bagang du-ot sa mga “Militia ng Bayan kon rebel supporters” ang misurender, nagkahiusa, ug nagtapok bag-ohay pa lang didto sa “covered court” sa Barangay Cagawasan, Kibawe, Bukidnon aron ipahibalo sa publiko nga undangon na niini ang suporta ngadto sa mga komunistang CPP-NPA ug ideklara kini nga Persona Non Grata.”
Atol sa deklarasyon ug “mass oath-taking,” gipirmahan sa mga misurender ang gitawag nga “Pledge of Commitment” kon “kaakuhan” isip bug-os nga suporta sa gobyerno.
Si Punong Barangay Marissa Bayer nga maoy nag-abi-abi sa mga misurender ug mi-giya aron mopirma sa “Commitment Wall, miingon “sukad karon, ila nang-giundang ang ilang suporta ngadto sa CPP-NPA samtang nanumpa sila ug mipirma niini nga panaad”
Miingon si kapitan Bayer, nga “ang kahigayonan natakdo gyod karon diin ang Barangay Cagawasan nagpagawas sa balaodnon pinaagi sa Barangay Resolution No. 14 ning milabay’ng bulan sa Hunyo nga nagdeklara sa CPP-NPA nga Persona non Grata.”
Si Kibawe mayor Minerva C. Casinabe nga nakigduyog pag-abi-abi sa mga misurender, miawhag sa katawhan nga tabangan ang 88th Infantry Battalion Philippine Army diha sa pagprotekta sa ilang barangay aron malikayan ang kagubot gikan sa mga teroristang CPP-NPA.
“Ngadto sa atong Philippine Army, salamat sa inyong walay hunong nga pagsilbi ug pagrotekta sa katawhan sa barangay Cagawasan. Wala kami’y laing gusto dinhi sa among dapit kon dili mao ang kalinaw. Kining ‘Cagawasan’, bu-ot pasabot niini “kalinaw.” Busa kinahanglan duna kitay “kagawasan” batok sa hulga, kahadlok, ug pag-pangdaug-daug sa mga terorista. Kagawasan diha sa pagpili sa lugar nga atong puy-an diin ang kahusay ug kalinaw maoy mopatigbabaw,” matud sa Mayor.
Usa ka “Hatid Serbisyo Caravan,” ang gipahigayon usab atol sa panagtigom, diin kapin 300 ka mga residente ang nakapahimulos sa libreng serbisyo hatud sa nagkalain-laing ahensya sa gobyerno sama sa ibot sa ngipon, urinalysis, prenatal check-up, immunization, pagpang-alot, pag-apod-apod sa tambal, family planning, ug uban pang mga serbisyo.
Sa iyang mensahe, si Lt. Col. Franklin F. Fabic, ang Commanding Officer sa 88th Infantry “Maringal” Battalion miingon “kini nga kahigayonan makatabang kaayo diha sa pagpauswag sa kahimtang sa mga residente labi na sa alang sa kahusay ug kalinaw nga hisgutanan.”
“Kami ang inyong tinuod nga sundalo; nia kami aron magprotekta ug magbantay kaninyo. Ang inyong suporta ug kooperasyon maoy maghiusa kanato alang sa kalinaw nga dugay na natong gipangandoy,” miingon siya.
Kini nga kalihukan subay sa Executive Order No. 70 tungod sa panawagan ni Presidente Rodrigo Duterte nga undangon na ang panagbangi ug away pinaagi sa armas kon ‘armed conflict’.
Tumong niining EO 70 nga mando mao ang paghatag kasulbaran kung unsa ang hinungdan kon “root cause” sa insurhensya.
Kinahanglan maghimog eksakto ug igo nga mga lakang ang hingtungdan nga ahensya ngadto sa layo ug hilit nga mga lugar aron makatagamtam kini sa kauswagan ug kalinaw. (Capt. Norven Jay Garcia, CMO, 88th Infantry Battalion, 4ID, PA/RLRB, PIA Bukidnon)
3ID lauds Cuartero for declaring CPP-NPA-NDF persona non grata
From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 30, 2019): 3ID lauds Cuartero for declaring CPP-NPA-NDF persona non grata
By 3ID DPAO-Philippine Army
CAMP PERALTA, Jamindan, Capiz, July 29 – The Philippine Army here has commended the municipality of Cuartero, Capiz for declaring the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) persona non grata and for condemning the atrocities of said terrorist group.
Major General Dinoh Dolina, who heads the 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division, said “The municipality of Cuartero is the first town in the province of Capiz to declare the CPP-NPA-NDF persona non grata; hence.”
“We are urging other local government units in the province to do the same not only to prevent the terrorist group from entering their towns but also to put an end to the decade-long ruthlessness of the communist terrorists,” Dolina added.
“Huwag na natin silang bigyan ng pagkakataon na makapaghasik ng karahasan at sirain ang tinatamasa nating kapayapaan at kaunlaran. Tama lang ang ginawa ninyo na pagdeklara sa CPP-NPA-NDF bilang persona non grata, dahil ang mga kriminal at teroristang katulad nila ay walang puwang sa ating lipunan,” he said.
Resolution No. 1 series of 2019 passed by the Municipal Peace and Order Council on May 08, 2019 condemns the atrocities relentlessly committed by the CPP-NPA-NDF since it was established.
The resolution pointed out that the terrorist group has engaged in guerilla warfare against government forces, believing armed revolution to be the solution to replace what it considers the current oppressive system.
“The presence of the terror group threatens the security and development of the municipality and its people,” it added.
On the other hand, the Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion has deployed four Community Support Program (CSP) Teams in four CPP-NPA-influenced barangays namely in San Antonio, Carataya, Puti-an, and Mahunod-hunod, all of Cuartero town, to facilitate the convergence of all stakeholders in addressing the root causes of insurgency and to help ensure the immediate delivery of the government’s basic services.
61IB Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Joel Benedict Batara said that as a result of the deployment of CSP teams, 37 Militia ng Bayan (MB) members and 23 Mass Base supporters from Barangay Carataya, San Antonio and Mahunod-hunod withdrew their support from the CPP-NPA terrorist by taking their oath of allegiance to the government last February.
On March, at least 49 Mass Base supporters from Sitio Tigpaka Daku, San Antonio also took their oath of allegiance to the government.
The effective CSP effort with the overwhelming support of all stakeholders and the desire of the people of Cuartero for sustainable peace and development are all instrumental for the declaration of the CPP-NPA terrorist as persona non grata. (JBG/Cpt. Cenon Pancito III/3ID-DPAO)
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1025203
By 3ID DPAO-Philippine Army
CAMP PERALTA, Jamindan, Capiz, July 29 – The Philippine Army here has commended the municipality of Cuartero, Capiz for declaring the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) persona non grata and for condemning the atrocities of said terrorist group.
Major General Dinoh Dolina, who heads the 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division, said “The municipality of Cuartero is the first town in the province of Capiz to declare the CPP-NPA-NDF persona non grata; hence.”
“We are urging other local government units in the province to do the same not only to prevent the terrorist group from entering their towns but also to put an end to the decade-long ruthlessness of the communist terrorists,” Dolina added.
“Huwag na natin silang bigyan ng pagkakataon na makapaghasik ng karahasan at sirain ang tinatamasa nating kapayapaan at kaunlaran. Tama lang ang ginawa ninyo na pagdeklara sa CPP-NPA-NDF bilang persona non grata, dahil ang mga kriminal at teroristang katulad nila ay walang puwang sa ating lipunan,” he said.
Resolution No. 1 series of 2019 passed by the Municipal Peace and Order Council on May 08, 2019 condemns the atrocities relentlessly committed by the CPP-NPA-NDF since it was established.
The resolution pointed out that the terrorist group has engaged in guerilla warfare against government forces, believing armed revolution to be the solution to replace what it considers the current oppressive system.
“The presence of the terror group threatens the security and development of the municipality and its people,” it added.
On the other hand, the Army’s 61st Infantry Battalion has deployed four Community Support Program (CSP) Teams in four CPP-NPA-influenced barangays namely in San Antonio, Carataya, Puti-an, and Mahunod-hunod, all of Cuartero town, to facilitate the convergence of all stakeholders in addressing the root causes of insurgency and to help ensure the immediate delivery of the government’s basic services.
61IB Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Joel Benedict Batara said that as a result of the deployment of CSP teams, 37 Militia ng Bayan (MB) members and 23 Mass Base supporters from Barangay Carataya, San Antonio and Mahunod-hunod withdrew their support from the CPP-NPA terrorist by taking their oath of allegiance to the government last February.
On March, at least 49 Mass Base supporters from Sitio Tigpaka Daku, San Antonio also took their oath of allegiance to the government.
The effective CSP effort with the overwhelming support of all stakeholders and the desire of the people of Cuartero for sustainable peace and development are all instrumental for the declaration of the CPP-NPA terrorist as persona non grata. (JBG/Cpt. Cenon Pancito III/3ID-DPAO)
https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1025203
2 suspected NPA rebels nabbed after NegOr clash
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 30, 2019): 2 suspected NPA rebels nabbed after NegOr clash
SEIZED. Police arrested two suspected members of the New People's Army in Sitio Yamot, Barangay Mabato in Ayungon late Monday afternoon (July 29, 2019), following an encounter between government troops and alleged NPA members in the adjacent town of Bindoy. Recovered from the two suspects were two .38-caliber revolvers without serial numbers, a rifle grenade, two sets of bombs, a piece bandolier, an eco-bag, and a plastic bag. (Photo courtesy of Ayungon Police Station)
SEIZED. Police arrested two suspected members of the New People's Army in Sitio Yamot, Barangay Mabato in Ayungon late Monday afternoon (July 29, 2019), following an encounter between government troops and alleged NPA members in the adjacent town of Bindoy. Recovered from the two suspects were two .38-caliber revolvers without serial numbers, a rifle grenade, two sets of bombs, a piece bandolier, an eco-bag, and a plastic bag. (Photo courtesy of Ayungon Police Station)
Policemen arrested two alleged members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) late Monday afternoon hours following a clash with a group of suspected rebels in Barangay Mabato in Ayungon, Negros Oriental.
A report from the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office (NOPPO) identified the suspects as Rico Cadelina Oracoy, 39, and Lito Anadon Cadusale, 51, both farmers and residents of Sitio Yamot in Barangay Mabato, the same area where the four policemen were shot dead last July 18 by alleged NPA members.
The two were arrested around 5 p.m. by a joint team of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 7 (RFMB7), the 704th Maneuver Company and the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company of the Philippine National Police and the Bravo Company of the 94th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, acting as blocking force and conducted clearing operations following an encounter that took place in the morning.
The encounter was reported at around 9:20 a.m. at Sitio Talaplatapan in Barangay Nalundan, Bindoy, a town adjacent to Ayungon, where members of the RFMB7 Striking Force on a combat operation, engaged in a 20-minute firefight with an undetermined number of suspected NPA rebels.
Recovered from the two suspects were two .38-caliber revolvers without serial numbers, a rifle grenade, two sets of bombs, a piece bandolier, an eco-bag, and a plastic bag.
Maj. Romel Luga, the Ayungon police chief, said they were preparing charges for illegal possession of firearms and explosives to be filed against the suspects now under detention.
The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1076500
A report from the Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office (NOPPO) identified the suspects as Rico Cadelina Oracoy, 39, and Lito Anadon Cadusale, 51, both farmers and residents of Sitio Yamot in Barangay Mabato, the same area where the four policemen were shot dead last July 18 by alleged NPA members.
The two were arrested around 5 p.m. by a joint team of the Regional Mobile Force Battalion 7 (RFMB7), the 704th Maneuver Company and the 2nd Provincial Mobile Force Company of the Philippine National Police and the Bravo Company of the 94th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, acting as blocking force and conducted clearing operations following an encounter that took place in the morning.
The encounter was reported at around 9:20 a.m. at Sitio Talaplatapan in Barangay Nalundan, Bindoy, a town adjacent to Ayungon, where members of the RFMB7 Striking Force on a combat operation, engaged in a 20-minute firefight with an undetermined number of suspected NPA rebels.
Recovered from the two suspects were two .38-caliber revolvers without serial numbers, a rifle grenade, two sets of bombs, a piece bandolier, an eco-bag, and a plastic bag.
Maj. Romel Luga, the Ayungon police chief, said they were preparing charges for illegal possession of firearms and explosives to be filed against the suspects now under detention.
The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1076500
Over 800 families displaced by military, BIFF skirmishes
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 30, 2019): Over 800 families displaced by military, BIFF skirmishes
TIGHT SECURITY. Policemen from Pikit, North Cotabato, conduct a checkpoint along the national highway on Tuesday (July 30) as part of preemptive measures against the possible escalation of the ongoing skirmishes between Army forces and the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in the area. (Photo courtesy of Pikit MPS)
TIGHT SECURITY. Policemen from Pikit, North Cotabato, conduct a checkpoint along the national highway on Tuesday (July 30) as part of preemptive measures against the possible escalation of the ongoing skirmishes between Army forces and the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in the area. (Photo courtesy of Pikit MPS)
The town government of Pikit in North Cotabato is currently attending to the needs of some 829 families or about 4,145 individuals affected by ongoing military operations against Islamic State-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in the border of Maguindanao and North Cotabato provinces.
Tahera Kalantungan, Pikit municipal disaster risk reduction and management action officer, said in a radio interview Tuesday that the bulk of internally displaced persons (IDPs) are staying at an evacuation center in Sitio Tuka, Barangay Macasendeg, Pikit.
“Some of the IDPs also stay in public schools in Barangay Kabasalan, Macasendeg and Paidu Pulangi, all in Pikit,” Kalantungan said.
Amanah Baylon, one of the IDPs, said they are "afraid to go home as of now. We will stay here in the meantime until the conflict is over”.
Kalantungan said some of the displaced families they are assisting are from the other side of the Pagalungan River in Barangay Dasawao in Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Maguindanao, which has also been affected by the ongoing skirmishes.
“We attend to their (Maguindanao evacuees) needs because disaster response recognizes no boundary,” she said in the vernacular.
The vast Pagalungan River separates the towns of Pikit in North Cotabato and Shariff Saydona Mustapha in Maguindanao.
On July 25, the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID) has launched air and ground assaults against the BIFF in the boundary of North Cotabato and Maguindanao after confirming reports of rebels massing up in the area.
Major Gen. Diosdado Carreon, 6ID commander, said nine BIFF rebels and a soldier were so far killed in the skirmishes. Military clearing operations are still ongoing as of this posting.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1076426
Tahera Kalantungan, Pikit municipal disaster risk reduction and management action officer, said in a radio interview Tuesday that the bulk of internally displaced persons (IDPs) are staying at an evacuation center in Sitio Tuka, Barangay Macasendeg, Pikit.
“Some of the IDPs also stay in public schools in Barangay Kabasalan, Macasendeg and Paidu Pulangi, all in Pikit,” Kalantungan said.
Amanah Baylon, one of the IDPs, said they are "afraid to go home as of now. We will stay here in the meantime until the conflict is over”.
Kalantungan said some of the displaced families they are assisting are from the other side of the Pagalungan River in Barangay Dasawao in Shariff Saydona Mustapha, Maguindanao, which has also been affected by the ongoing skirmishes.
“We attend to their (Maguindanao evacuees) needs because disaster response recognizes no boundary,” she said in the vernacular.
The vast Pagalungan River separates the towns of Pikit in North Cotabato and Shariff Saydona Mustapha in Maguindanao.
On July 25, the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID) has launched air and ground assaults against the BIFF in the boundary of North Cotabato and Maguindanao after confirming reports of rebels massing up in the area.
Major Gen. Diosdado Carreon, 6ID commander, said nine BIFF rebels and a soldier were so far killed in the skirmishes. Military clearing operations are still ongoing as of this posting.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1076426
Red Cross resumes services in Sulu after 10 years
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 30, 2019): Red Cross resumes services in Sulu after 10 years
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said it has reestablished its presence and service in Sulu, 10 years after deciding to shutter its operations there because of violence.
Piotr Dregiel, a Polish and local ICRC office head, said Tuesday that an ICRC team has already visited a hospital in Sulu.
“The team has just returned (yesterday) from Sulu. The main purpose of the field trip was to assess the state of their hospital and to see what kind of support the ICRC could provide to the medical professionals working in that hospital,” Dregiel said.
“Now, as we just have returned from Sulu, it is yet a bit of too early to say anything concrete but depending on the needs, the ICRC will decide as to what kind of support to provide to that medical facility,” he added.
He said the ICRC has stopped providing medical supplies to the hospital in Sulu when the Abu Sayyaf bandits kidnapped three of its personnel 10 years ago.
Swiss national Andreas Notter, Italian Eugenio Vagni, and Filipina Jean Lacaba were returning from a relief and medical mission at the provincial jail in Patikul, Sulu on January 16, 2009 when Abu Sayyaf bandits kidnapped them.
Lacaba and Notter were released April 16 and 18, respectively, of the same year while Vagni was freed sometime in July, also of the same year.
Dregiel said the support, in terms of providing medical supplies, to Sulu hospital will continue since they have just returned to the province “in the same way we are doing for Basilan provincial hospital.”
“But given the situation in Sulu, we would like to do more for the medical facility in Jolo town,” Dregiel said.
“In Basilan for the time being, we will just continue providing medical supplies. Those supplies were meant for those victims in the armed conflict, all for those who are wounded,” he added.
Maj. Arvin John Encinas, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) spokesperson, said the Westmincom is ready to provide security to visiting aid workers whether local and foreign.
Dregiel said the mandate of the ICRC is to help the victims of the armed conflict.
“As long as there is a need to support those people in the Philippines, there ICRC will be present here,” he said.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1076485
Piotr Dregiel, a Polish and local ICRC office head, said Tuesday that an ICRC team has already visited a hospital in Sulu.
“The team has just returned (yesterday) from Sulu. The main purpose of the field trip was to assess the state of their hospital and to see what kind of support the ICRC could provide to the medical professionals working in that hospital,” Dregiel said.
“Now, as we just have returned from Sulu, it is yet a bit of too early to say anything concrete but depending on the needs, the ICRC will decide as to what kind of support to provide to that medical facility,” he added.
He said the ICRC has stopped providing medical supplies to the hospital in Sulu when the Abu Sayyaf bandits kidnapped three of its personnel 10 years ago.
Swiss national Andreas Notter, Italian Eugenio Vagni, and Filipina Jean Lacaba were returning from a relief and medical mission at the provincial jail in Patikul, Sulu on January 16, 2009 when Abu Sayyaf bandits kidnapped them.
Lacaba and Notter were released April 16 and 18, respectively, of the same year while Vagni was freed sometime in July, also of the same year.
Dregiel said the support, in terms of providing medical supplies, to Sulu hospital will continue since they have just returned to the province “in the same way we are doing for Basilan provincial hospital.”
“But given the situation in Sulu, we would like to do more for the medical facility in Jolo town,” Dregiel said.
“In Basilan for the time being, we will just continue providing medical supplies. Those supplies were meant for those victims in the armed conflict, all for those who are wounded,” he added.
Maj. Arvin John Encinas, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) spokesperson, said the Westmincom is ready to provide security to visiting aid workers whether local and foreign.
Dregiel said the mandate of the ICRC is to help the victims of the armed conflict.
“As long as there is a need to support those people in the Philippines, there ICRC will be present here,” he said.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1076485
Beijing wants COC done while PH sits as Asean-China coordinator
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 30, 2019): Beijing wants COC done while PH sits as Asean-China coordinator
Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua (Photo courtesy of Chinese Embassy in Manila)
Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua (Photo courtesy of Chinese Embassy in Manila)
The Chinese government wants to finish the Code of Conduct on the South China Sea (COC) as early as possible while the Philippines is sitting as the country coordinator to the China-Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) dialogue until 2021, China's top diplomat to Manila said Monday.
After more than a decade since the two parties agreed to establish the COC, it was only in 2017 that Asean and China adopted the COC framework.
Once the 10-member bloc and Beijing concluded the COC negotiations and arrive at a consensus on the edict's content, the document will serve as a binding guideline for parties in the contested waters.
READ: PRRD disappointed over delay in ASEAN Code of Conduct
At present, Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua said both parties are "working very hard together" to formulate the COC and maintained the deadline set for its conclusion remains within three years.
"We would like to finalize the COC while the Philippines is the country coordinator of China-Asean relations," Zhao said Monday during the reception for the 92nd Founding Anniversary of the People’s Liberation Army.
For the meantime, he noted that China remains "faithful" in implementing the non-binding 2002 Declaration of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea.
'Peaceful freedom of navigation'
Zhao also underscored that China is the last country to seek the disruption of the freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.
"People are concerned about the freedom of navigation and freedom of overflight. Among all the countries, China consented most because nearly 75 percent of food export and import from China or to China is going through the South China Sea. Nearly 80 percent of oil and gas were imported from other places in the world, is going through South China Sea," he said.
"It goes without saying if South China Sea’s freedom of navigation is disrupted or even blocked by someone, we don’t need too much imagination to conclude that China is going to be somewhat bad," he added, as he asked external parties in ensuring the peaceful conduct of the said activity in the strategic waters.
"So we would like to work not only with the Philippines, with other Asean countries, also with other powers outside this region, it is in our common interest to make sure that South China Sea continue to enjoy relative peace and stability and with freedom of navigation and overflight unchanged and uninterrupted. Particularly for the commercial vessels and for their oil tankers," he said.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1076416
After more than a decade since the two parties agreed to establish the COC, it was only in 2017 that Asean and China adopted the COC framework.
Once the 10-member bloc and Beijing concluded the COC negotiations and arrive at a consensus on the edict's content, the document will serve as a binding guideline for parties in the contested waters.
READ: PRRD disappointed over delay in ASEAN Code of Conduct
At present, Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua said both parties are "working very hard together" to formulate the COC and maintained the deadline set for its conclusion remains within three years.
"We would like to finalize the COC while the Philippines is the country coordinator of China-Asean relations," Zhao said Monday during the reception for the 92nd Founding Anniversary of the People’s Liberation Army.
For the meantime, he noted that China remains "faithful" in implementing the non-binding 2002 Declaration of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea.
'Peaceful freedom of navigation'
Zhao also underscored that China is the last country to seek the disruption of the freedom of navigation in the South China Sea.
"People are concerned about the freedom of navigation and freedom of overflight. Among all the countries, China consented most because nearly 75 percent of food export and import from China or to China is going through the South China Sea. Nearly 80 percent of oil and gas were imported from other places in the world, is going through South China Sea," he said.
"It goes without saying if South China Sea’s freedom of navigation is disrupted or even blocked by someone, we don’t need too much imagination to conclude that China is going to be somewhat bad," he added, as he asked external parties in ensuring the peaceful conduct of the said activity in the strategic waters.
"So we would like to work not only with the Philippines, with other Asean countries, also with other powers outside this region, it is in our common interest to make sure that South China Sea continue to enjoy relative peace and stability and with freedom of navigation and overflight unchanged and uninterrupted. Particularly for the commercial vessels and for their oil tankers," he said.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1076416
US Army 1st Corps commander visits PA chief
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 30, 2019): US Army 1st Corps commander visits PA chief
Photo courtesy: Office of the Army Chief Public Affairs
Photo courtesy: Office of the Army Chief Public Affairs
United States Army 1st Corps commander, Lt. Gen. Gary J. Volesky on Monday paid a courtesy call on Philippine Army (PA) chief, Lt. Gen. Macairog S. Alberto at the PA headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
The visit served as a venue to discuss future US-proposed exercises and trainings between the United States Army Pacific (USARPAC) and PA forces.
The visit served as a venue to discuss future US-proposed exercises and trainings between the United States Army Pacific (USARPAC) and PA forces.
“The open lines of communication that we continue to keep, understanding the limitations that we both have brings us together and will benefit us all,” Volesky said.
During the command briefing, the Army Transformation Roadmap was discussed so that both armies may align their endeavors in implementing further engagement plans.
“The Philippine Army sees every interaction with USARPAC as an opportunity to sustain and expand our combined actions to ensure that our enduring alliance is made even stronger and dynamic. It is clear that as we take up mutual matters of interest, we in fact further strengthen our institutional synergy and bolster goodwill among our forces,” Alberto said.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1076420
During the command briefing, the Army Transformation Roadmap was discussed so that both armies may align their endeavors in implementing further engagement plans.
“The Philippine Army sees every interaction with USARPAC as an opportunity to sustain and expand our combined actions to ensure that our enduring alliance is made even stronger and dynamic. It is clear that as we take up mutual matters of interest, we in fact further strengthen our institutional synergy and bolster goodwill among our forces,” Alberto said.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1076420
China PLA ready to 'deepen mutual trust' with PH counterpart
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 30, 2019): China PLA ready to 'deepen mutual trust' with PH counterpart
Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua (PNA file photo)
Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua (PNA file photo)
The Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is ready to strengthen its mutual trust and understanding with its Filipino counterpart, Ambassador Zhao Jianhua said on Monday.
Zhao in a speech during the 92nd PLA anniversary celebration in Makati City said such move aims to jointly promote "further cooperation and friendship" between Beijing and Manila, at the same time, ensure regional peace and stability.
Under the term of President Rodrigo R. Duterte, the Chinese PLA Navy has already conducted two goodwill visits to the Philippines.
Last January, a task force, consisting of two frigates and a replenishment ship docked in Manila for a four-day visit to the country.
Meanwhile, Zhao allayed fears that China seeks hegemony or spheres of influence in the region, emphasizing that the Asian power "remains committed to serving as a force for peace."
In the South China Sea, Zhao said China is committed to its "policy of peaceful settlement".
"Despite the differences we have, we are ready to discuss with claimants over the differences we have. We always believe by law is much better than confrontation," he said.
"And we all know these are very sensitive issues. For China, for the Philippines and for other claimant countries, it’s not easy to settle. It cannot be settled overnight. So we should be patient," he added.
Pending this "peaceful settlement," Zhao asked parties concerned to put differences in a proper context. "We cannot let the 1 percent differences, the whole 99 percent of friendship and cooperation as hostage," he said.
"This is what I call the realistic and pragmatic approach. So it is in certain efforts of China, the Philippines and other countries in the region, the situation in the SCS has been stabilized in general."
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1076418
Zhao in a speech during the 92nd PLA anniversary celebration in Makati City said such move aims to jointly promote "further cooperation and friendship" between Beijing and Manila, at the same time, ensure regional peace and stability.
Under the term of President Rodrigo R. Duterte, the Chinese PLA Navy has already conducted two goodwill visits to the Philippines.
Last January, a task force, consisting of two frigates and a replenishment ship docked in Manila for a four-day visit to the country.
Meanwhile, Zhao allayed fears that China seeks hegemony or spheres of influence in the region, emphasizing that the Asian power "remains committed to serving as a force for peace."
In the South China Sea, Zhao said China is committed to its "policy of peaceful settlement".
"Despite the differences we have, we are ready to discuss with claimants over the differences we have. We always believe by law is much better than confrontation," he said.
"And we all know these are very sensitive issues. For China, for the Philippines and for other claimant countries, it’s not easy to settle. It cannot be settled overnight. So we should be patient," he added.
Pending this "peaceful settlement," Zhao asked parties concerned to put differences in a proper context. "We cannot let the 1 percent differences, the whole 99 percent of friendship and cooperation as hostage," he said.
"This is what I call the realistic and pragmatic approach. So it is in certain efforts of China, the Philippines and other countries in the region, the situation in the SCS has been stabilized in general."
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1076418
PAF crew in Jordan for 'Cobra' helicopter training
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 30, 2019): PAF crew in Jordan for 'Cobra' helicopter training
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana. (File photo)
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana. (File photo)
Philippine Air Force (PAF) helicopter pilots and crews have been sent to Jordan to begin their familiarization training on the two AH-1 "Cobra" attack helicopters donated by the Jordanian government.
"On the Cobra attack helicopters from Jordan. While our pilots are already training there, it may take many more months before the helicopters are brought to the Philippines. But we hope it will be before the year ends," Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said in a message to the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Monday when asked for an update on the acquisition project.
The Bell AH-1 Cobra is a two-blade, single-engine attack helicopter manufactured by Bell Helicopter. It was developed using the engine, transmission and rotor system of the Bell UH-1 "Iroquois".
A member of the prolific Huey family, the AH-1 is also referred to as the "Huey Cobra" or "Snake".
In September last year, the Department of National Defense and the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on defense cooperation.
Lorenzana and Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman, Lt. Gen. Mahmoud Freihat, signed the MOU during the three-day official visit of President Rodrigo Duterte to Jordan.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1076442
"On the Cobra attack helicopters from Jordan. While our pilots are already training there, it may take many more months before the helicopters are brought to the Philippines. But we hope it will be before the year ends," Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said in a message to the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Monday when asked for an update on the acquisition project.
The Bell AH-1 Cobra is a two-blade, single-engine attack helicopter manufactured by Bell Helicopter. It was developed using the engine, transmission and rotor system of the Bell UH-1 "Iroquois".
A member of the prolific Huey family, the AH-1 is also referred to as the "Huey Cobra" or "Snake".
In September last year, the Department of National Defense and the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on defense cooperation.
Lorenzana and Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman, Lt. Gen. Mahmoud Freihat, signed the MOU during the three-day official visit of President Rodrigo Duterte to Jordan.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1076442
DND chief to look into Scout Rangers 'links' to illegal gambling
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 30, 2019): DND chief to look into Scout Rangers 'links' to illegal gambling
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana. (PNA photo by Priam F. Nepomuceno)
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana. (PNA photo by Priam F. Nepomuceno)
Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Tuesday said he will look into reports that members of the Army's Scout Ranger Regiment and other elite units are allegedly protecting individuals connected to illegal gambling.
"I will look into that," he said in a media briefing, adding that such allegations, if true, are improper and highly irregular.
Earlier reports claimed that these elite troops are being tapped to secure these persons involved in the illegal gambling syndicates.
Lorenzana, meanwhile, said he is not privy on reports claiming that some retired military generals were able to acquire small town lotto franchises and used this as fronts for "jueteng".
"I have no knowledge on that. I'm sorry I cannot answer that," the DND chief stressed.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1076431
"I will look into that," he said in a media briefing, adding that such allegations, if true, are improper and highly irregular.
Earlier reports claimed that these elite troops are being tapped to secure these persons involved in the illegal gambling syndicates.
Lorenzana, meanwhile, said he is not privy on reports claiming that some retired military generals were able to acquire small town lotto franchises and used this as fronts for "jueteng".
"I have no knowledge on that. I'm sorry I cannot answer that," the DND chief stressed.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1076431
Stronger Turkey-PH engagement eyed
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 30, 2019): Stronger Turkey-PH engagement eyed
The Philippines and Turkey are eyeing a stronger engagement on the field of defense, economics, and education, following the first bilateral meeting between Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. and his Turkish counterpart, Foreign Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu, in Bangkok on Tuesday (July 30).
The two met for the first time on the sidelines of the 52nd ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, Post Ministerial Conferences and Related Meetings in Bangkok, Thailand.
During their meeting, the top diplomats discussed ways to strengthen cooperation between the Philippines and Turkey in various fields such as defense, trade and investments, culture, and education, said the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
In 2018, the two states inked a memorandum of understanding on defense cooperation, with focus on government-to-government acquisition, as well as the development, production, co-production, and transfer of defense technology between the Department of National Defense and Turkey's Presidency of Defense Industries.
But aside from defense, Turkey's commitment to improving ties with Manila expands to the Mindanao Peace Process.
According to the DFA, Turkey serves as the Chair of the Independent Decommissioning Body under the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Peace Framework. The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency is also active in Mindanao with its various development projects and activities.
On multilateral cooperation, Locsin and Çavuşoğlu discussed Turkey’s engagement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as a sectoral dialogue partner. Turkey’s partnership with ASEAN was confirmed during the Philippines’ Chairmanship of ASEAN in 2017.
READ: Asean, Southeast Asian power engine
Anadolu, Turkey's state-run media, reported that Ankara's trade volume with ASEAN countries reached around USD1.3 billion in 2002, and increased to USD8.7 billion in 2018.
Meanwhile, direct foreign investment from Turkey to ASEAN rose 55 percent in 2018 compared to 2017.
Turkey, which has a free trade agreement with Malaysia and Singapore, is now holding talks with Thailand and Indonesia.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1076466
The two met for the first time on the sidelines of the 52nd ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, Post Ministerial Conferences and Related Meetings in Bangkok, Thailand.
During their meeting, the top diplomats discussed ways to strengthen cooperation between the Philippines and Turkey in various fields such as defense, trade and investments, culture, and education, said the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).
In 2018, the two states inked a memorandum of understanding on defense cooperation, with focus on government-to-government acquisition, as well as the development, production, co-production, and transfer of defense technology between the Department of National Defense and Turkey's Presidency of Defense Industries.
But aside from defense, Turkey's commitment to improving ties with Manila expands to the Mindanao Peace Process.
According to the DFA, Turkey serves as the Chair of the Independent Decommissioning Body under the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Peace Framework. The Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency is also active in Mindanao with its various development projects and activities.
On multilateral cooperation, Locsin and Çavuşoğlu discussed Turkey’s engagement with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as a sectoral dialogue partner. Turkey’s partnership with ASEAN was confirmed during the Philippines’ Chairmanship of ASEAN in 2017.
READ: Asean, Southeast Asian power engine
Anadolu, Turkey's state-run media, reported that Ankara's trade volume with ASEAN countries reached around USD1.3 billion in 2002, and increased to USD8.7 billion in 2018.
Meanwhile, direct foreign investment from Turkey to ASEAN rose 55 percent in 2018 compared to 2017.
Turkey, which has a free trade agreement with Malaysia and Singapore, is now holding talks with Thailand and Indonesia.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1076466
Bicol airport attack proves NPA just extortionist bandits: DILG
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 30, 2019): Bicol airport attack proves NPA just extortionist bandits: DILG
DILG Secretary Eduardo Año. (File photo)
DILG Secretary Eduardo Año. (File photo)
The attack at the Bicol International Airport in Daraga, Albay only shows that the New People's Army (NPA) is nothing but a bunch of extortionist bandits, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said Tuesday.
“Attacks like this only prove that they are ordinary bandits. Kung talagang pag-unlad ng bansa ang hangarin nila, hindi nila sisirain ang mga proyekto na makatutulong nang malaki sa ating mga kababayan (If they are really supporting the country's progress, they will not destroy projects that will greatly benefit our fellow Filipinos),” Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said in a statement.
The Bicol International Airport is one of the priority projects under the Build, Build, Build program of the Duterte administration and is expected to be completed in 2021.
Año said the attack was probably motivated by the NPA’s demands for revolutionary tax which they use to fund their terroristic activities.
“Wala ng idolohiyang ipinaglalaban ang mga kaliwa. Puro perwisyo na lang sila sa ating mga kababayan. Sa pamamagitan ng mga pag-atake na ito, patuloy silang nakakapangikil ng pera sa kanilang mga biktima. (The leftists do not have any ideology to fight for. They are a just a menace to our fellow Filipinos. Through this attack, they continue to extort money from their victims) We will put a stop to it,” he stressed.
The DILG Secretary said local government units (LGUs) must be vigilant in protecting infrastructure projects within their localities that may fall prey to NPA attacks.
“The NPA will continue with their shenanigans, hence, LGUs must always be on their toes to protect their jurisdictions from their attacks,” Año said.
He encouraged LGUs to coordinate with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to strengthen and tighten security around government projects as they are proven to be preferred targets of the NPA.
Reports from the Police Regional Office (PRO) 5 said an improvised explosive device (IED) was installed at the front portion of the dump truck owned by contractor E.M. Cuerpo Inc. causing it to explode at the airport's site at Sitio Palanog in Barangay Gapo around 9:35 a.m. last Friday.
A group of soldiers in a nearby detachment of the Philippine Army responded and exchanged fire with the rebels.
"We are currently conducting intelligence operations to identify the people involved. Security review is already being undertaken by 903 Brigade Commander and the PD (Provincial Director), Albay PPO (Police Provincial Office). We will get to the bottom of this," said Año.
This is not the first time the NPA attacked a priority government project.
Just two months ago, soldiers deployed in the Samar Pacific Road Project were attacked by the NPA resulting in three casualties, one from the 63rd Infantry Battalion and two from the rebel group.
In 2017, at least 10 pieces of heavy equipment of E.M. Cuerpo Inc. were also burned by communist rebels.
The NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, had been declared a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1076449
“Attacks like this only prove that they are ordinary bandits. Kung talagang pag-unlad ng bansa ang hangarin nila, hindi nila sisirain ang mga proyekto na makatutulong nang malaki sa ating mga kababayan (If they are really supporting the country's progress, they will not destroy projects that will greatly benefit our fellow Filipinos),” Interior Secretary Eduardo Año said in a statement.
The Bicol International Airport is one of the priority projects under the Build, Build, Build program of the Duterte administration and is expected to be completed in 2021.
Año said the attack was probably motivated by the NPA’s demands for revolutionary tax which they use to fund their terroristic activities.
“Wala ng idolohiyang ipinaglalaban ang mga kaliwa. Puro perwisyo na lang sila sa ating mga kababayan. Sa pamamagitan ng mga pag-atake na ito, patuloy silang nakakapangikil ng pera sa kanilang mga biktima. (The leftists do not have any ideology to fight for. They are a just a menace to our fellow Filipinos. Through this attack, they continue to extort money from their victims) We will put a stop to it,” he stressed.
The DILG Secretary said local government units (LGUs) must be vigilant in protecting infrastructure projects within their localities that may fall prey to NPA attacks.
“The NPA will continue with their shenanigans, hence, LGUs must always be on their toes to protect their jurisdictions from their attacks,” Año said.
He encouraged LGUs to coordinate with the Philippine National Police (PNP) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to strengthen and tighten security around government projects as they are proven to be preferred targets of the NPA.
Reports from the Police Regional Office (PRO) 5 said an improvised explosive device (IED) was installed at the front portion of the dump truck owned by contractor E.M. Cuerpo Inc. causing it to explode at the airport's site at Sitio Palanog in Barangay Gapo around 9:35 a.m. last Friday.
A group of soldiers in a nearby detachment of the Philippine Army responded and exchanged fire with the rebels.
"We are currently conducting intelligence operations to identify the people involved. Security review is already being undertaken by 903 Brigade Commander and the PD (Provincial Director), Albay PPO (Police Provincial Office). We will get to the bottom of this," said Año.
This is not the first time the NPA attacked a priority government project.
Just two months ago, soldiers deployed in the Samar Pacific Road Project were attacked by the NPA resulting in three casualties, one from the 63rd Infantry Battalion and two from the rebel group.
In 2017, at least 10 pieces of heavy equipment of E.M. Cuerpo Inc. were also burned by communist rebels.
The NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, had been declared a terrorist organization by the United States, European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1076449
US-PH pact to boost basic educ, socio-emotional learning
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 30, 2019): US-PH pact to boost basic educ, socio-emotional learning
QUALITY EDUCATION. Ms. Philippines Earth Janelle Tee reads a story to a group of learners from Obando Elementary School. The storytelling session is part of the Advancing Basic Education in the Philippines project launch on Tuesday, (July 30, 2019.) (Photo by Ma. Teresa Montemayor)
QUALITY EDUCATION. Ms. Philippines Earth Janelle Tee reads a story to a group of learners from Obando Elementary School. The storytelling session is part of the Advancing Basic Education in the Philippines project launch on Tuesday, (July 30, 2019.) (Photo by Ma. Teresa Montemayor)
The Department of Education (DepEd) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) on Tuesday launched a project in the Philippines seeking to enhance reading, mathematical, and socio-emotional skills of learners in Bicol and Western Visayas regions.
Targeting two million learners in the two regions, the project, dubbed "Advancing Basic Education (ABC+)", aims to improve the basic life skills of children in the early childhood education through Grade 3 and support DepEd's priorities to ensure access to quality education for children in the areas of greatest need.
It will be implemented for five years, from July 2019 to June 2024, in schools located in Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Masbate, Sorsogon, Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo and Negros Occidental.
In his speech, DepEd Undersecretary for Legislative Affairs, External Partnerships, and Project Management Tonisito Umali said the law mandates that the state should promote and protect the right of every Filipino citizen to quality education and to take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all.
"Provision of lifelong learning is a collective responsibility and the community and other stakeholders must make sure that our children will grow up responsible. As for DepEd, to achieve its goals, it maximizes public-private partnerships," Umali said.
"Despite the fact that the education sector receives the highest budget, DepEd still needs to address critical gaps and needs not funded by the budget, and this is where development partners like the USAID come in," he added.
Meanwhile, US chargé d'affaires John Law said the project signifies the continued commitment of the US government to quality basic education for the benefit of all Filipinos.
"Education is critical for democracy, for development of individuals and the country as a whole, and it is the foundation of a globally competitive economy, and with better access to education, citizens can make well-informed choices and have better options," Law said.
Stressing that quality education is something that has to be done and redone every day, Law said the Philippines and the US still have a lot of work to do.
"Students who go to school still need to learn life skills for their future and career's success. The many dialects in the Philippines make teaching, reading and basic literacy an extraordinary task, and we need to invest further in the youth so they will gain the skills they need," he added.
DepEd Undersecretary for Curriculum and Instruction, Diosdado San Antonio, lauded the project and thanked the US government's support to the country's education.
"This project, approximately PHP2 billion, is designed to boost DepEd's systems in teachers' professional development, materials development, and managing public funds for basic education. It will also capacitate teachers and administrators at the regional and local levels as the materials are provided in target regions to ensure target development," San Antonio said.
Alberto Fenix Jr, director of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Human Resources Development Foundation, said the national network of business associations, chambers, enterprises, and schools is "fully supportive of the project because it will prepare the Filipino children for the world of work".
"We express our solidarity and support to this project, and we respond positively to the call to the private sector to get involved and assist in its implementation," Fenix added.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1076512
Targeting two million learners in the two regions, the project, dubbed "Advancing Basic Education (ABC+)", aims to improve the basic life skills of children in the early childhood education through Grade 3 and support DepEd's priorities to ensure access to quality education for children in the areas of greatest need.
It will be implemented for five years, from July 2019 to June 2024, in schools located in Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Masbate, Sorsogon, Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo and Negros Occidental.
In his speech, DepEd Undersecretary for Legislative Affairs, External Partnerships, and Project Management Tonisito Umali said the law mandates that the state should promote and protect the right of every Filipino citizen to quality education and to take appropriate steps to make such education accessible to all.
"Provision of lifelong learning is a collective responsibility and the community and other stakeholders must make sure that our children will grow up responsible. As for DepEd, to achieve its goals, it maximizes public-private partnerships," Umali said.
"Despite the fact that the education sector receives the highest budget, DepEd still needs to address critical gaps and needs not funded by the budget, and this is where development partners like the USAID come in," he added.
Meanwhile, US chargé d'affaires John Law said the project signifies the continued commitment of the US government to quality basic education for the benefit of all Filipinos.
"Education is critical for democracy, for development of individuals and the country as a whole, and it is the foundation of a globally competitive economy, and with better access to education, citizens can make well-informed choices and have better options," Law said.
Stressing that quality education is something that has to be done and redone every day, Law said the Philippines and the US still have a lot of work to do.
"Students who go to school still need to learn life skills for their future and career's success. The many dialects in the Philippines make teaching, reading and basic literacy an extraordinary task, and we need to invest further in the youth so they will gain the skills they need," he added.
DepEd Undersecretary for Curriculum and Instruction, Diosdado San Antonio, lauded the project and thanked the US government's support to the country's education.
"This project, approximately PHP2 billion, is designed to boost DepEd's systems in teachers' professional development, materials development, and managing public funds for basic education. It will also capacitate teachers and administrators at the regional and local levels as the materials are provided in target regions to ensure target development," San Antonio said.
Alberto Fenix Jr, director of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry Human Resources Development Foundation, said the national network of business associations, chambers, enterprises, and schools is "fully supportive of the project because it will prepare the Filipino children for the world of work".
"We express our solidarity and support to this project, and we respond positively to the call to the private sector to get involved and assist in its implementation," Fenix added.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1076512
Palace won’t take China’s words on sea row at ‘face value’
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 30, 2019): Palace won’t take China’s words on sea row at ‘face value’
Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo
Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo
Malacañang on Thursday said it will not take statements made by Chinese officials at “face value” especially in relation to the country’s claims on the disputed South China Sea.
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo made this remark after Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua said that China will “not take the first shot” amid rising tension in the disputed waters.
“We do not take words of other countries on their face value. The President will always think beyond those words,” Panelo said in a Palace briefing.
“The President is mandated to protect the security of this country, as well as the Filipino people, hence he will anticipate what may come out of any aggressive action that this country may undertake vis-à-vis the conflict in that area,” he added.
Asked if the Palace also takes Chinese President Xi Jinping’s earlier warning to President Rodrigo Duterte that there would be “trouble” if the Philippines would undertake oil explorations in the West Philippine Sea at “face value”, Panelo replied: “We took it as an anticipation of what may happen.”
“Even without those saying that, we always think of the security of the Filipino people,” Panelo said.
Panelo, meanwhile, reiterated that the best way to resolve the sea row between the Philippines and China is through bilateral negotiations.
He earlier said bilateral negotiations are meant to ensure the safety of the Filipinos from possible armed conflict.
“We will repeat our position. We said that the conflict in that region will be the subject of continuous negotiation between the two countries. And by such mechanism, we hope to solve and/or resolve the conflict, whatever they are,” Panelo said.
During the 92nd founding anniversary celebration of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) in Makati on Monday, Zhao stressed China's principle of “defense, self-defense and post-strike response.”
“China adopts a military strategy of active defense which adheres to the principle of defense, self-defense and post-strike response. Meaning we will not take the first shot,” Zhao said.
Zhao said China develops its military to defend the country, provide the people with a peaceful environment, and ensure its citizens are free from the disasters and calamities of war.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1076513
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo made this remark after Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Zhao Jianhua said that China will “not take the first shot” amid rising tension in the disputed waters.
“We do not take words of other countries on their face value. The President will always think beyond those words,” Panelo said in a Palace briefing.
“The President is mandated to protect the security of this country, as well as the Filipino people, hence he will anticipate what may come out of any aggressive action that this country may undertake vis-à-vis the conflict in that area,” he added.
Asked if the Palace also takes Chinese President Xi Jinping’s earlier warning to President Rodrigo Duterte that there would be “trouble” if the Philippines would undertake oil explorations in the West Philippine Sea at “face value”, Panelo replied: “We took it as an anticipation of what may happen.”
“Even without those saying that, we always think of the security of the Filipino people,” Panelo said.
Panelo, meanwhile, reiterated that the best way to resolve the sea row between the Philippines and China is through bilateral negotiations.
He earlier said bilateral negotiations are meant to ensure the safety of the Filipinos from possible armed conflict.
“We will repeat our position. We said that the conflict in that region will be the subject of continuous negotiation between the two countries. And by such mechanism, we hope to solve and/or resolve the conflict, whatever they are,” Panelo said.
During the 92nd founding anniversary celebration of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) in Makati on Monday, Zhao stressed China's principle of “defense, self-defense and post-strike response.”
“China adopts a military strategy of active defense which adheres to the principle of defense, self-defense and post-strike response. Meaning we will not take the first shot,” Zhao said.
Zhao said China develops its military to defend the country, provide the people with a peaceful environment, and ensure its citizens are free from the disasters and calamities of war.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1076513
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