More NegOr villages eyed for ELCAC coverage

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 24, 2020): More NegOr villages eyed for ELCAC coverage (By Mary Judaline Partlow)



Col. Noel T. Baluyan, commander of the 302nd Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army, based in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental. (Photo by Judy Flores Partlow)

The commander of the Philippine Army's 302nd Infantry Brigade based in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental on Friday said they are recommending the inclusion of additional barangays under the government’s program to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (ELCAC).

Col. Noel Baluyan, however, said that the final decision will be made after a seminar to be conducted by the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) tentatively scheduled here next week.

Initially, 16 barangays in six towns and cities in the province were identified as priority areas following the creation of the Negros Oriental Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NOTF-ELCAC).

These are Barangays Bayog and Lumapao in Canlaon City; Trinidad, Binobohan, Sandayao, Tacpao, Imelda, Hinakpan, Humay-humay, and Planas in Guihulngan City; Dobdob in Valencia; San Pedro and Talalak in Sta. Catalina; Tayak in Siaton; and Calango and Mayabon in Zamboanguita.

The Task Force, chaired by Governor Roel Degamo, in coordination with the Department of the Interior and Local Government in Region 7 and the Office of the Presidential Adviser for the Visayas, held a series of "Dagyawan: Talakayan sa Mamamayan" dialogues and government services caravans last year in the six local government units (LGUs) where these barangays are located to identify priority projects and various issues and concerns in these areas.

Baluyan said they are now waiting for the implementation of the consolidated list of programs and projects for these areas that were already forwarded to the national agencies.

In the meantime, he said the Army would be recommending additional barangays, such as Talalak in Sta. Catalina, for inclusion in the next round of NOTF-ELCAC activities.

Baluyan said he could not give an exact number as this would be decided on later, with inputs coming from the different Army commanders in the province, the Philippine National Police as well as the LGUs concerned.

He believes there are still many barangays that need to be covered by the ELCAC program because of the presence of the New People’s Army (NPA) and/or their supporters.

Some villages where encounters have taken place between government troops and suspected NPA members, such as those in Ayungon and Manjuyod, were also not included in the first batch, he said.

The creation of the Task Force (TF) ELCAC is in line with President Rodrigo Duterte’s Executive Order No. 70 promoting a Whole of Nation Approach to attain inclusive and sustainable peace in ending the communist armed conflict.

Negros Oriental is the only province in Central Visayas that is still facing the insurgency problem and was the first to create its TF ELCAC patterned after its national counterpart.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1091876

MinDA to assist 3 IP villages in Zambo Sibugay

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 24, 2020): MinDA to assist 3 IP villages in Zambo Sibugay (By Digna Banzon)

LIVELIHOOD PROJECTS. Mindanao Development Authority Secretary Emmanuel Piñol discusses the agency's livelihood programs for tribal communities during the Serbisyo Caravan held in Titay town, Zamboanga Sibugay on Friday (Jan. 24, 2020). The caravan was organized by Zamboanga Sibugay's Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict. (Photo courtesy of MinDA)

The Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) said it has expanded assistance to three more Indigenous People (IP) barangays in Zamboanga Sibugay.

In a statement on Friday, MinDA said the barangays of Pulidan, Kipit, and Tugop Muslim in the town of Titay will be the next recipients of the agency’s agricultural livelihood projects.

MinDA Secretary Emmanuel Piñol said the decision came following the "Serbisyo Caravan" organized by Zamboanga Sibugay's Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) on Friday, during which the three barangays were identified as among the province's conflict-affected areas.

“Genuine development can only happen in Mindanao if peace and security become our priority, allowing people to work at their farms and go home peacefully,” Piñol said.

The caravan is an initiative of various local government units, national government agencies, and government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs) to provide a one-stop shop for various social services needed by constituents of these barangays.

"Our government service providers are here because we want to prove that the Duterte administration is sincere. That you have a government that listens and cares for you," Piñol added.

He said the residents of the identified barangays would be trained for egg production, vegetable farming, and goat multiplier farming.

MinDA's Western Mindanao team will also work together with the Provincial Agriculture Office for vegetable farming, and other agricultural-based economic activities that would uplift the quality of lives of the area's Subanen communities, he added.

"We will develop these barangays into agricultural learning center communities with the assistance of TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) for technical trainings and skills programs," Piñol said.

MinDA will also engage the barangays for its water supply program through its solar-powered irrigation initiative.

Meanwhile, Zamboanga Sibugay Governor Wilter Yap Palma called on the province's communities to be a partner of the government in attaining collective peace and development.

"Those who are still on the hills, let the government help you. Let us help one another. We brought to you this caravan because we want to show you that you have the government that you can trust and rely on. If there is no peace, there is no development," Palma said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1091860

Davao Norte guv declares NPA persona non grata

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 24, 2020): Davao Norte guv declares NPA persona non grata (By Che Palicte)



Davao del Norte Gov. Edwin Jubahib. (PNA file photo)

Davao del Norte Gov. Edwin Jubahibhas has declared the Communist Party of the Philippines, its armed wing the New People’s Army, and political arm National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) as persona non grata.

Jubahib signed Executive Order No. 14 Thursday declaring the CPP-NPA-NDF persona non grata for "sowing terror in the communities."

In a statement on Friday, Jubahib said the declaration constitutes a total ban on the communist rebel group and its allied organizations from holding "various activities" in the province.

"They are no longer welcome in Davao del Norte and the Dabaonon people will support them no more and will no longer tolerate the presence of armed rebels in the province,” he said.

During the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC-11) meeting last week, Jubahib moved for the reclassification of the communist rebel movement as an organized crime group.

He also called on the members of the NPA and their mass supporters to return to the fold of the law and "join the movement for peace and progress."

He said there is no reason for anyone to support the rebel cause, as "the government is now extensively addressing the issues being used by the NPA, such as poverty, inequality, and discrimination."

In a previous interview, Jubahib noted that the government has been delivering services even in far-flung areas, "and there is no way the NPA can stop government programs."

He said President Rodrigo Duterte’s Executive Order 70, which institutionalizes a 'whole-of-nation approach in fighting insurgency, is fully supported by the provincial government.

Last year, Jubahib established the Davao del Norte Local Peace Engagement Framework to strengthen efforts in ending local communist armed conflict (ELCAC) in the province.

The province also hosted the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC), which now coordinates all activities of the region's local government units for the full implementation of EO-70.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1091868

New Eastmincom commander named

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 24, 2020): New Eastmincom commander named (By Che Palicte)



CHANGE OF COMMAND. Maj. Gen. Jose Faustino Jr., the current commander of the Army's 10th Infantry Division, is expected to assume the reigns of the Eastern Mindanao Command on Saturday (January 25). He will replace Brig. Gen. Alfredo Rosario who was designated as acting commander when Gen. Felimon Santos Jr. was appointed as Chief of Staff of the Armed Force of the Philippines earlier this year. (Photo courtesy of Eastmincom)

The current commander of the Army's 10th Infantry Division (ID) will assume as the 12th commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) during a change of command ceremony on Saturday (January 25) at the Eastmincom headquarters here.

Maj. Gen. Jose Faustino, Jr. will replace Brig. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, who was designated acting commander when Gen. Felimon Santos Jr. was appointed as chief of staff of the Armed Force of the Philippines (AFP) earlier this year.

Lt. Col Ezra Balagtey, Eastmincom spokesperson, said the ceremony will be presided by Santos.

Balagtey said Faustino is a member of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Maringal” Class of 1988.

"A well-known leader of character, he was designated to command the following units of the Philippine Army: the 7th Scout Ranger Company, First Scout Ranger Regiment; Training Group, Scout Ranger Training School, FSRR; 11th Intelligence and Security Unit, Intelligence and Security Group, Philippine Army wherein he greatly contributed to the tracking and neutralizing of enemy personalities of the Mindanao Regional Committee in Davao Region," Balagtey said.

Balagtey said Faustino made strides in military operations which resulted in the dismantling of various Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (NPA)-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) units and their shadow governments in the different communities in Regions 11 and 12.

The new Eastmincom commander, he added, also led the dismantling of three NPA guerilla fronts and four Pulang Bagani units of the NPA, including local revolutionary committees composed of 1,060 NPA members.

"He also led the declaration of CPP-NPA-NDF persona non grata in some local government units and the neutralization of high valued targets like Rachel Daguma alias Jasmine, the head of the Communist-Terrorist Group’s Regional Peasant Bureau, Southern Mindanao Region Command," Balagtey said.

Faustino is also credited with pushing the "whole-of-nation approach" to end local communist armed conflict in both regions and supported the localized engagement framework initiated by the different local government units (LGUs) in his area of responsibility.

"Faustino is adept in a wide range of peace and security programs not only in Mindanao but in the whole country, having been assigned in the different units of AFP in various capacities," Balagtey said.

Faustino once headed the Army's 11th Intelligence Service Unit and fought terrorists in Western Mindanao when he led the 35th Infantry Battalion, and subsequently the 501st Infantry Brigade as brigade commander, Balagtey said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1091883

P180-M road seen to spur dev't in Agusan Norte's remote areas

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 24, 2020): P180-M road seen to spur dev't in Agusan Norte's remote areas (By Alexander Lopez)



ROAD FOR DEV’T. Agusan del Norte Governor Dale Corvera leads the groundbreaking ceremony of the PHP180-million road project in Carmen town on Friday (Jan. 24, 2020). The road project is seen to spur development in the conflict-affected barangay of Manoligao and nearby villages. (PNA photo by Alexander Lopez)
CARMEN, Agusan del Norte -- The rehabilitation of a road network that would traverse far-flung communities in the hinterlands of the Agusan del Norte town of Carmen is seen to boost the agriculture sector and help weaken the communist movement in the area.
Agusan del Norte Governor Dale Corvera and Agusan del Norte 2nd District Rep. Ma. Angelica Amante-Matba led the groundbreaking ceremony of the road project in Barangay Rojales, Carmen on Friday.

The project will involve the upgrading and improvement of the Manoligao Provincial Road with a cost of PHP180 million.

Expected to be completed in 241 calendar days, the project will be implemented by the provincial government of Agusan del Norte and will begin in the first quarter of the year, Corvera said.

Upon completion, the road network would provide the people of Barangay Manoligao access to Carmen, he said. The project is funded under the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF).

“Manoligao is considered a secluded village. This road is the only access of the people to Carmen,” Corvera said, adding that Manoligao and its nearby villages are among the sources of mango products in Agusan del Norte.

“We are providing more support to mango production in the province. This road network will help our farmers improve their mango production,” he said.

An increase in mango production would also attract investors to establish processing facilities in Carmen, he said.

He noted that the absence of processing facilities in the area force mango farmers to ship their produce to other provinces, such as Cebu.

“Manoligao is also affected by insurgency problem,” Corvera added. “This road network will help the government achieve its goals and objectives, especially in ending insurgency and local communist conflicts.”

The groundbreaking ceremony was also witnessed by the top officials of Carmen town led by Mayor Jovitte C. Calo and Vice Mayor Ramon M. Calo

The ceremony was part of the one-day immersion program and service caravan activity that was also held in Barangay Rojales on Friday. It was organized by the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) of Agusan del Norte to bring the government and its services to remote communities.

More than 1,200 residents of Rojales, Manoligao, and other villages joined the one-day activity, which involved various government agencies, providing medical and dental services, free haircuts, distribution of seedlings and seeds, and free legal consultations.

In her message during the activity, Amante-Matba called on residents to help government address the communist insurgency problem in the province.

“Our problems cannot be solved by the government alone. The insurgency problem we are facing in Agusan del Norte has grown with the support of some people, especially those who live in far-flung barangays,” she said.

Amante-Matba told the residents that the presence of communist rebels has driven away potential investors wary of peace and order concerns.

“We need big investors in Agusan del Norte to provide more job opportunities to the people. But if the problem of insurgency will continue to persist, big investors will not pour in their capital in our province,” she said.

“We have seen the effects of insurgency in our communities. The communist movement has brought nothing but destruction into the lives of our people. Those who benefit from the movement are the few, particularly those in the higher organs of their organization. But the great number of NPA rebels continue to suffer in the mountains, killed during clashes, and their families continue to remain poor,” she added.

The lawmaker also asked the officials of barangays Rojales and Manoligao to help convince NPA rebels to return to the fold of the law.

“Let us support each other and help save lives of those who are still in the communist movement that has no clear direction,” Amante-Matba said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1091899

Gov’t services caravan benefits Aurora town

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 24, 2020): Gov’t services caravan benefits Aurora town (By Jason De Asis)



GOV'T SERVICES CARAVAN. Residents in Dianawan village, Maria Aurora town in Aurora province avail of free haircut as part of the "Pulong-Pulong and Serbisyo" caravan on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2020. The activity is part of the implementation of the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC) that aims to bring basic government services close to the people. (Photo courtesy of the Philippine Army's 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion)

BALER, Aurora -- Hundreds of residents in Barangay Dianawan, Maria Aurora town in the province benefitted from the grand “Pulong-Pulong and Serbisyo” caravan of government services on Thursday.

The activity was facilitated by the 91st Infantry “Sinagtala” Battalion (91IB) of the Philippine Army through its Community Support Program.

The giving of services that included free haircut, medical, and dental services as well as tree planting and “pulong-pulong” (meeting) is part of the implementation of the Provincial Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (PTF-ELCAC).

The PTF-ELCAC aims to bring the basic services offered by different government agencies including the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), and local government unit (LGU) of the municipality of Maria Aurora closer to the people.

“It was also part of the 'whole of nation approach' of President Rodrigo Duterte’s initiative in bringing various services to the grassroots, especially in the far-flung areas,” said Lt. Col. Reandrew Rubio, 91IB acting commanding officer.

The caravan started with a tree-planting activity in Barangay Dianawan at around 6 a.m. This was followed by the grand pulong-pulong and rendering of various services of the different government agencies to address the identified issues and concerns in the community.

Afterward, a flag of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF) was burned as the residents' way of showing their support and commitment to the PTF ELCAC, denouncing the atrocities of the communist rebels.

Rubio thanked those that contributed to the success of the caravan.

“I thank the stakeholders and soldiers in their efforts in serving the far-flung barangays,” he said, pointing out the importance of unity in ending local communist armed conflict.

Rubio assured that the 91IB, in partnership with LGUs and other stakeholders, will continue to implement the Serbisyo Caravan to effectively address the issues exploited by the rebel groups.

Maria Aurora Mayor Amado Geneta, meanwhile, thanked the Army unit and the participating agencies for the delivery of basic services to his constituents.

He also assured his commitment to help in the implementation of ELCAC programs and services.

DILG local government operations officer Ariel Espinosa said the village of Dianawan is a pilot test barangay for Executive Order No. 70 Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP).

The RCSP targets 30 barangays in the province this year.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1091844

New reservist bats for financial literacy among soldiers

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 24, 2020): New reservist bats for financial literacy among soldiers (By Christine Cudis)



SERVE THE SERVANTS. Army chief, Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay leads the donning of ranks ceremony for Lt. Col, Leilanie Casa at the headquarters of the Philippine Army in Taguig City on Thursday (Jan. 23, 2020). Casa, senior vice president of the Air Materiel Wing Savings and Loan Association Incorporated (AMWSLAI), advocates for financial literacy among troops. (Photo courtesy of Officer Marco Baliña)

As one who has been working in the financial planning industry for more than two decades, a new reservist envisions that soldiers should be financially literate to help ease their burden in the field.

Lt. Col. Leilanie Casa said being a wife of an Air Force soldier herself, balancing a soldier’s work and making sure to provide for the family is a real struggle.

“It is enough stressor to be in a war, it is another to be there having to defend your country and yet the thought of providing financially for your family troubles you. There was a time that some of the soldiers even go AWOL (absent without leave) because they ran out of cash,” she said in an interview Thursday.

On Thursday, Casa was donned with her rank by Philippine Army chief, Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay, after completing her Masters in National Security Administration (MNSA) at the National Defense College of the Philippines at the Headquarters of the Philippine Army in Taguig City.

Along with her were Lt. Col. Dennis Domingo Villaseñor, director III at the Department of the Interior and Local Government, and Lt. Col. Ramp Nielson Uy, former vice governor of Northern Samar.

The official rank to be conferred an applicant under this program of vital government and private utilities which have been affiliated in the Reserve Force of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Although she may have just finished the MNSA course, Casa has spent her professional years introducing the men in uniform to various investment programs where they can put their hard-earned money into and helping them to keep it growing.

“I have been inclined to serving the people who serve us. We teach them frugality and savings so they do not just splurge on buying something with value that will only depreciate over time. We teach them to purchase appropriately,” she said, adding that some would apply for several loans to get a car that has no return on investment (ROI).

Casa is the senior vice president of Air Materiel Wing Savings and Loan Association Incorporated (AMWSLAI), a non-stock savings and loan association authorized by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas.

She oversees the strategic, operational, and corporation management of the company that serves men in uniform-- the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, and Bureau of Fire Protection.

She climbed her way up the ladder starting as an accounts assistant in AMWSLAI in 1997.

In AMWSLAI, there are products and services that are specially designed for the military, police, and their families for future needs, be it an emergency or not, Casa added.

Members of the association bind themselves by contributing capital funds and by lending such funds among themselves (Sec 2, RA 8367, Revised NSSLA, 1997). Hence, to be a member one has to invest a capital amount required by the association.

The investment earns dividends semi-annually. Once a member, the savings, loan, and welfare products; including special services may be availed of provided each entry requirement is satisfied.

“The goal is to make the soldiers financially literate. It’s the most we can do in return for their heroic efforts in nation-building,” she added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1091842

PRRD just keeping word to back cops in anti-drug drive: Lorenzana

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 24, 2020): PRRD just keeping word to back cops in anti-drug drive: Lorenzana (By Priam Nepomuceno)



Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana. (File photo)

President Rodrigo R. Duterte is just keeping his promise to back police officials at the forefront of his administration's anti-drug campaign, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said Friday.

Lorenzana made the remark following the President's warning to the United States that he would scrap the Visiting Forces Agreement if Washington DC does not rectify the cancellation of retired Philippine National Police (PNP) chief and Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa's US visa within a month.

"He ordered Bato, then the newly installed Chief PNP, to launch the drug war and enjoined the entire PNP to do their duties and pledged to back them up. That he would take responsibility for their official actions. That he would go to prison for them. He is just being true to his promise," Lorenzana said in a message to reporters.

Earlier, dela Rosa confirmed that the US Embassy canceled his visa but did not disclose the reason for the cancellation.

Dela Rosa, who served as PNP chief from 2016 to 2018, said it could be because of his role in the Duterte administration's anti-drug campaign.

"I can understand why PRRD is peeved by the cancellation of Senator Bato’s visa because of alleged extrajudicial killings in connection with the drug war. Most especially, that Bato was specifically targeted. It is a direct affront to PRRD being the architect of the drug war that he started upon his assumption of office," Lorenzana said.

He also said the issue is in the hands of the US government.

"Let’s see how they (US government) react to PRRD’s statement," Lorenzana said.

Meanwhile, PNP Chief, Gen. Archie Gamboa, declined to comment on the issue.

"I cannot give any comment because I really don't know the reason for cancellation and I think the good senator will also clarify kung ano yung dahilan (the reason) for (the) revocation. That's why I cannot comment," he added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1091808

Duterte rejects Trump’s invite; wants VFA scrapped

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 24, 2020): Duterte rejects Trump’s invite; wants VFA scrapped (By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)



President Rodrigo Duterte (Presidential Photo)

President Rodrigo Duterte has rejected United States (US) President Donald Trump’s invitation to attend the Southeast Asian leaders’ summit in Las Vegas, Nevada on March 4, Malacañang announced on Friday.

The cancellation of Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa’s US visa prompted the President to refuse to fly to Washington this coming March, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo told Palace reporters.

“What he said is he’s not going,” he said in a chance interview.

“(The President rejected the invitation due to) many reasons which I’ve already stated earlier and the other reason was the cancellation of Senator Bato’s visa. That added to the other factors,” he added.

This developed a day after Panelo said Duterte was “pondering over” Trump’s invitation to attend a summit between the US and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) in Las Vegas.

Panelo on Thursday said the President was likely possible to visit the US since the invitation was meant to bolster ties between the Asean and the US.

But in his latest interview, Panelo said Duterte changed his mind, as he was piqued by the “demand” of the US Senate to release Senator Leila de Lima.

He said the Chief Executive would not allow American lawmakers to “bully” the Philippine government.

“Syempre ayaw niya (Of course, he doesn’t want it). For one, as we said earlier, the demand of the US senators to release Ms. de Lima is an intrusion into our sovereign rights as a state because they cannot dictate on us or bully us into releasing a citizen of this country who is lawfully detained,” he said.

Panelo was referring to the move of US Senators Richard Durbin and Patrick Leahy to introduce an amendment to the State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Section of the US budget program.

A provision of the US 2020 budget earlier signed by Trump, titled “Prohibition of Entry,” gives US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo the authority to prevent Philippine officials involved in de Lima’s detention from entering the United States.

De Lima has been detained at the Philippine National Police (PNP) Custodial Center at Camp Crame in Quezon City since February 2017 following her alleged role in the rampant narcotics trade inside the national penitentiary during his stint as Justice secretary.

VFA termination being processed

Panelo, meanwhile, said the President has ordered the “Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) committee” to “start the process of terminating” the pact between US and Philippine troops.

“Tinanong ko siya kagabi (I asked the President last night), ‘When will the process start?’ (He said), ‘Tonight,’” he said.

“I will leave it to Secretary Locsin. The process of starting (revocation of VFA) it has commenced,” the Palace official added.

The VFA committee is chaired by Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. and vice-chaired by Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr.

Following the rift between the Duterte government and American senators, the President on Thursday warned that he would terminate the VFA with the US, unless Washington “corrects” the cancellation of dela Rosa’s visa in one month.

The President made the threat in a speech delivered in San Isidro, Leyte, a day after dela Rosa announced that the US canceled his visa.

“Unya karon si Bato di nila paadtuon sa America. (Now they won’t let Bato go to America) That’s… I’m warning you. This is the first time. ‘Pag hindi ninyo ginawa ang correction diyan (If you do not make any correction), one, I will terminate the Bases Visiting Forces Agreement,” he said.

“I’m giving notice and they begin to count. I’m giving government and the American government one month from now, mag-istorya mi, pahawaon nako sila sa ilang Visiting Forces Agreement (for us to talk. I will terminate the Visiting Forces Agreement),” Duterte added.

Manila and Washington signed in 1998 the VFA, which gives clear instructions on how visiting American troops should be treated in the Philippines.

Under the agreement, US forces are not subject to passport and visa regulations when entering and leaving the Philippines. Their permits and licenses are also deemed valid in the Philippines.

The US also has jurisdiction over its military personnel when they commit crimes in the Philippines, unless these are punishable in Manila.

The VFA can be terminated by writing to the other party about their desire to scrap the deal.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1091834

‘Very dangerous’ for PH to wage war vs. China over WPS: PRRD

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 24, 2020): ‘Very dangerous’ for PH to wage war vs. China over WPS: PRRD (By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos)



West Philippine Sea. (File photo)

President Rodrigo Duterte has deemed it unwise for the Philippines to pick a fight with China over the control of disputed islands in the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea).

In an exclusive interview aired by Russia Today on Friday, Duterte maintained that it would be “very dangerous” to take a hostile approach to the Philippines’ long-standing dispute with China in the resource-rich waters.

“I cannot afford a stand where I would be drumming my war drums because we cannot afford it. It would annihilate the Philippines and so it’s a very dangerous (move),” Duterte said.

“And I said, the war with China at this time is of no use for us,” he added.
Manila on July 12, 2016 won the arbitration case it lodged against Beijing after the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, Netherlands invalidates Beijing's nine-dash line claim over the contested waters.

China, refusing to acknowledge the arbitral ruling, has continued to claim ownership over nearly 90 percent of the South China Sea.

Apart from the Philippines, China also has competing claims with Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Vietnam.

The President said he could not be as aggressive as Vietnam, because the Philippines and China might only end up being engaged in a “bloody” battle.

“Because you know the other side (Vietnam) really wants to do a more aggressive stance and I cannot afford to do it,” he said.

“Spratly Island is near our islands, our provincial islands. Local government of the Philippines is near them and so it would be a reckless move if I send out, just like Vietnam, small vessels only to get a bloody nose at the end of the day,” Duterte added.

Vietnam and China got into a heated dispute when a Chinese energy survey ship began patrolling near Vanguard Bank, a seabed tract around 352 kilometers off the coast of southern Vietnam, in July last year.

Despite China’s sweeping maritime claims, Duterte maintained that he prefers to keep friendly negotiations with Beijing with regard to the ongoing sea disputes.
“We want as well just be friendly, improve our trade and commerce, and let time heal (everything),” he said.

“Tomorrow will take care of itself, one thing we are sure of. And like any other historical claim, the world is always changing. And we did not really do it at the expense of the lives of the Filipinos,” the President added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1091858

DOJ reviewing procedure on VFA termination

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 24, 2020): DOJ reviewing procedure on VFA termination (By Benjamin Pulta)



Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra. (File photo)

Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra on Friday confirmed that his office has started to study how best to implement President Rodrigo Duterte's order to scrap the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between the United States and the Philippines.

"The DOJ has been tasked to study the proper procedure to terminate the VFA. We are doing it now," Guevarra told reporters without giving any further details.

This came after the cancellation of the US visa of former PNP chief and now Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa, who used to be one of those who implemented the government's anti-drug campaign.

On Thursday, Duterte warned the US government that he will scrap the agreement if the cancellation of dela Rosa's visa is not rectified within a month.

Signed by the Philippines and the US in 1998, the VFA is an executive agreement that stipulates how visiting American troops should be treated in the Philippines.

Aside from exempting US forces from passport and visa regulations, the agreement also states that their permits and licenses are also deemed valid in the Philippines.

The same policy also applies to Filipino troops in US military installations.

It also allows Washington to retain jurisdiction over US personnel accused of crimes committed in the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1091863

Soldier dead, 2 cops hurt in Marikina shootout

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 24, 2020): Soldier dead, 2 cops hurt in Marikina shootout (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)



MARIKINA SHOOTOUT. The body of Army Staff Sgt. Marvin Balucas at the scene of the shootout in Marikina City on Friday (Jan. 24, 2020). Two policemen were wounded in the shootout. (Photo courtesy of Eastern Police District)

MANILA -- A soldier was killed on Friday while two cops were wounded in a shootout in Marikina City.

In a report, National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief, Maj. Gen. Debold Sinas identified the fatality as Army Staff Sgt. Marvin Balucas.

The two wounded policemen were Executive Master Sgt. Demetrio Sarita Magpali Jr. and Master Sgt. Edward Yap, both from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), the report said.

Initial reports showed Balucas blocked the way and fired at the two policemen who were onboard a motorcycle on A. Bonifacio Avenue in Barangay Barangka at around 11:30 a.m.

Magpali was hit on the head and body while Yap sustained a gunshot on the left leg.

The two police officers, however, were able to fire back at Balucas.

The three were brought to Amang Rodriguez Hospital in Marikina City but Balucas died on the spot.

The two police officers were later transferred to the Chinese General Hospital and Medical Center in Manila.

An investigation on the motive of the incident is ongoing.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1091867

PRRD can terminate VFA sans Senate consent: solon

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 24, 2020): PRRD can terminate VFA sans Senate consent: solon (By Jose Cielito Reganit)



President Rodrigo Duterte

Senator Panfilo Lacson said on Friday President Rodrigo Duterte can unilaterally terminate a treaty or a bilateral agreement without the consent of the Senate, unless the Supreme Court rules otherwise.

“In the absence of a Philippine Supreme Court ruling on the President’s power to unilaterally break a treaty or bilateral agreement like the VFA (Visiting Forces Agreement) without the consent of a 2/3 super-majority vote of the members of the Senate, the President can do that without the Senate’s approval or consent,” Lacson said in a statement.

Lacson said this is possible because the High Court has yet to act on an earlier petition filed by several senators during the 17th Congress regarding the withdrawal of the Philippines from the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC).

In the May 2018 petition, opposition senators argued that the concurrence of the Senate is needed before the country could withdraw from the treaty.

Lacson said there is a need for the SC to speedily act on the petition, to clarify once and for all, the limitations of the President’s powers on international accords and agreements.

“Having said that, the Supreme Court should act soonest on whether the Senate’s consent is needed before the executive department can terminate a treaty or bilateral agreement,” Lacson said.

Lacson made the statements following President Duterte’s threat to scrap the VFA after the US revoked the visa of Senator Ronald dela Rosa.

According to Malacañang, the Philippine government has already started Friday the process of terminating the military deal that came into force in 1999.

Under the VFA, the accord will only be deemed terminated 180 days from the date on which either party gives the other party written notice of its desire to terminate the agreement.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1091894

PH starts process of terminating VFA: Locsin

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 24, 2020): PH starts process of terminating VFA: Locsin (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)

Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin, Jr. on Friday has asked Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana to start the termination process of the country's Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States following the order of President Rodrigo Duterte.

"Leaving for Washington DC on unrelated matters. But called Defense Secretary Lorenzana as Vice Chair -- I am Chair of VFA -- to start (the) process of terminating US VFA. Step 1 calling the Senate Foreign Relations Committee because on our side it is a treaty; on US side Executive Agreement," he said on his official Twitter account.

The VFA committee is chaired by Locsin and vice-chaired by Lorenzana and National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr.

"I as Chair of the Visiting Forces will merely send a note signed by me because the authority was transferred to the Secretary of Foreign Affairs. Simple. I am leaving tonight for Washington and New York on another matter," he noted.

On Thursday, the Chief Executive threatened to terminate the accord with Washington after it revoked the US visa of Senator Ronald dela Rosa, the former Philippine National Police chief who implemented the administration's crackdown against illegal drugs.

The government's campaign against illegal narcotics had been criticized by the US, with some American lawmakers introducing a Senate resolution castigating the Duterte administration for the deaths related to the program.

In his succeeding tweets, Locsin said: "Duterte happens to be the President with the power to cancel Senate-ratified treaties unilaterally. So it is the President of the Republic that is taking responsibility for the drug war".

Manila and Washington signed in 1998 the VFA, which gives clear instructions on how visiting American troops should be treated in the Philippines.

Under the agreement, US forces are not subject to passport and visa regulations when entering and leaving the Philippines. Their permits and licenses are also deemed valid in the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1091900

NDF/Sison: On Senator Go’s statement that Duterte is open to peace negotiations with the NDFP

Jose Maria Sison propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Philippines (NDFP or NDF) Website (Jan 24, 2020): On Senator Go’s statement that Duterte is open to peace negotiations with the NDFP



By Jose Maria Sison, NDFP Chief Political Consultant

I welcome the desire for resuming peace negotiations, as expressed by Senator Go on behalf of President Duterte, But it is best for the GRP and NDFP negotiating panels to prepare for my one-on-one meeting with Duterte by formally resuming the peace negotiations and accomplishing the Interim Peace Agreement in a neutral venue abroad.

They need only a few weeks to work and realize these objectives. Subsequently, the NDFP will have high confidence to agree to my one-on-one meeting with Duterte. It would be premature for me to meet Duterte while the peace negotiations are terminated and the militarist peace spoilers around him are still hell-bent on sabotaging the prospect of peace negotiations.

The main purpose of this meeting is for Duterte and me to agree on the ways and means to accelerate the completion of the comprehensive agreements on social, economic, political and constitutional reforms and ensure the implementation of these reforms against foreign powers and local reactionary forces that are adverse to them.

https://ndfp.org/on-senator-gos-statement-that-duterte-is-open-to-peace-negotiations-with-the-ndfp/