DOJ: Effects of VFA termination on EDCA, Mutual Defense Treaty have to be studied

From Rappler (Jan 25, 2020): DOJ: Effects of VFA termination on EDCA, Mutual Defense Treaty have to be studied (By Lian Buan)

The justice department is ready with its memorandum on the legal procedures to terminate the 20-year-old VFA



BALIKATAN. Philippine and American soldiera conduct amphibious exercises during the 2019 Balikatan exercise held at Naval Education Training Command (NETC) in Zambales on 11 April 2019. Photo by Lito Boras/Rappler

Although quick to the draw to terminate the 20-year-old Visiting Forces Agremeent (VFA), the Department of Justice (DOJ) said a separate study is needed for its effects on other agreements with the US, including the overarching Mutual Defense Treaty.

"Possible effects on the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) and EDCA (Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement) may have to be studied separately by the Departnment of National Defense and Department of Foreign Affairs, but the DOJ will be ready to assist," Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra told reporters in a message on Saturday, January 25.

Guevarra will submit on Monday, January 27, to President Rodrigo Duterte the DOJ's legal memorandum on the proper procedures to terminate the VFA.

From his end, Foreign Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr said he would "start the process" of terminating the VFA.

That is only 4 days after Duterte announced to terminate the VFA as an outburst against the US' cancelation of visa of former police chief and now Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa. The visa cancelation is widely seen as an effect of the Global Magnitsky Act that imposes sanctions on human rights violators.

The VFA

The VFA was ratified by the Senate in 1999 as a reaffirmation of the obligations of the Philippines and US under the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT).

The MDT is a commitment of the Philippines and the US "to respond to any external armed attack on their territory, armed forces, public vessels, and aircraft," according to the Supreme Court decision Bayan vs Zamora.

As an offshoot of the MDT, the VFA provided that "from time to time elements of the United States armed forces may visit the Republic of the Philippines" for capacity building among others.

Under former president Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III, the Philippine government passed the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) which provided for increased US military presence in the Philippines. EDCA was an "adjustment in detail" in the implementation of both the MDT and the VFA, quoting from the government's previous court pleadings.

EDCA was passed without the concurrence of the Senate, prompting groups to file a petition before the Supreme Court to challenge its constitutionality.

In 2016, the Supreme Court voted 10-4-1 to declare EDCA constitutional as it held that it was an executive agreement that does not need the Senate's concurrence.

Guevarra's memo will venture into these legalities.

"We shall answer such questions as: is the VFA a treaty or an executive agreement? if it’s a treaty, is senate concurrence required for termination?" Guevarra said.

"Who will give the notice of termination? Is it necessary to state any ground for termination?" Guevarra added.

Guevarra said the memorandum will "deal with the procedure for termination only, not the wisdom of the executive action."

"Wisdom refers to the pros and cons of the termination. That's political, not legal. The DOJ will deal only on the legal way to terminate the VFA," said Guevarra.

Past SC decisions

Progressive groups have filed petitions to junk the VFA before on grounds that it violates Philippine sovereignty. But the Supreme Court in 2000, through Bayan vs Zamora, upheld the VFA saying that there was no grave abuse of discretion on the part of the president and the Senate.

"In fine, absent any clear showing of grave abuse of discretion on the part of respondents, this Court- as the final arbiter of legal controversies and staunch sentinel of the rights of the people - is then without power to conduct an incursion and meddle with such affairs purely executive and legislative in character and nature," said the Supreme Court in that case.

In upholding the constitutionality of EDCA, the Supreme Court recognized the "fears" of the return of US bases out of "desire for self-determination, nationalism, and above all a commitment to ensure the independence of the Philippine Republic from any foreign domination."

"Mere fears, however, cannot curtail the exercise by the President of the Philippines of his Constitutional prerogatives in respect of foreign affairs. They cannot cripple him when he deems that additional security measures are made necessary by the times," said the SC in the January 2016 decision in Saguisag vs Executive Secretary.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/250172-visiting-forces-agreement-termination-effects-edca-mutual-defense-treaty-separate-study

Malaysian terror group in cahoots with Abus?

From the Philippine Star (Jan 25, 2020): Malaysian terror group in cahoots with Abus? (By Roel Pareño)

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and its counterparts in Indonesia and Malaysia will look into the participation of a Malaysian terror group in kidnappings off the coast of Sabah.
Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Western Mindanao Command chief, bared this yesterday, citing the ease of movement of the kidnappers in the waters off Sabah.
“We are investigating with our Malaysian and Indonesian counterparts, as signatories of a trilateral security agreement,” Sobejana said.

He said a local Malaysian terror group could be in cahoots with Abu Sayyaf bandits.

“You cannot go to an area if you do not have local contacts. We presume there are locals on Tambisan Island and parts of Sabah who are with the group behind the kidnappings,” Sobejana said.

“What we see here is the gap on the other side because they can get victims freely,” he added.

Sobejana stressed the need to develop a tactical level of coordination between the AFP as well as the Malaysian and Indonesian military at the common border of the three countries.

He said Malaysia should deploy more security forces in the areas being used as staging points by the kidnappers.

Sobejana cited the waters off Tambisan Island in Lahad Datu, Sabah, where five Indonesian fishermen were kidnapped last week.

The AFP confirmed that Abu Sayyaf bandits were behind the latest kidnapping.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2020/01/25/1987568/malaysian-terror-group-cahoots-abus

Philippines has ordered 12 helicopters from Russia

From CNN Philippines(Jan 25, 2020): Philippines has ordered 12 helicopters from Russia (By CNN Philippines Staff)



President Rodrigo Duterte and Russian President Vladimir Putin (FILE PHOTO)

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, January 24) — President Rodrigo Duterte said 12 helicopters from Russia will soon be added to the Philippines' military arsenal.

In an interview with a Russian television network that aired Friday, Duterte explained that the plan to purchase military equipment from Russia has been delayed due to budget constraints.

"There's always not enough to go around with... Just because Russia is a friend, it doesn’t follow that we abscond or do not pay our debts," Duterte said.

"But we have placed the orders now — 12 military helicopters, cargo choppers," he said.

Last year, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said it was considering buying 16 chopper units as well as arms from Russia as part of its modernization program, which Duterte wants completed before his term ends in 2023.

Duterte's foreign policy has been described as a pivot towards Russia and China and away from the US, a longstanding ally whose government officials have criticized some of his policies.

In several speeches, Duterte has credited Russia for giving the Philippines arms, while chiding the US for holding off an arms deal amid human rights concerns surrounding his drug war.

READ: PH-Russia work towards stronger defense ties

The United States had been the Philippines' biggest supplier of weapons until it stopped the planned sale of 20,000 assault rifles to the Philippine National Police in 2016 – after an American senator raised concerns over alleged extrajudicial killings in Duterte's drug war.

Duterte has since criticized weapons from the US, saying some of them were of bad quality. In June last year, he said he would reconsider buying from the US again because he was fond of its President, Donald Trump.

Russia, the world’s second largest arms exporter, has donated defense gear to the Philippines in a bid to expand its arms market in Southeast Asia.

https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2020/1/24/Duterte-12-helicopters-Russia.html

Mahaplag MTF-ELCAC continues to bring gov’t services to hinterland barangays

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 25, 2020): Mahaplag MTF-ELCAC continues to bring gov’t services to hinterland barangays (By PIA 8 and 78th IB)

TACLOBAN CITY, Jan 25 (PIA) -- The Mahaplag Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-ELCAC) in the province of Leyte, has adopted "Barangayan: Bisita sa Barangay" as its umbrella program in the implementation of EO 70 in the municipality.

Spearheaded by the MTF chair, Mayor Daisy A. Lleve, “Barangayan: Bisita sa Barangay” are conducted in far-flung barangays of the municipality.

One such Barangayan was conducted in Brgy. Tagaytay, on Jan 14, to provide social and agricultural services to the indigent residents.

The MTF- ELCAC also gave Christmas and New Year’s gifts to some 210 barangay residents.

Mayor Lleve told the locals that the MTF-ELCAC Mahaplag will continue its mandate to bring government services to the hinterland barangays of Mahaplag.

As a new year starts, the Task Force renews its commitment to work harder to sustain peace and attain greater development in the municipality of Leyte.

The Task Force Chair urged the locals to embrace peaceful society, be productive citizens and never affiliate themselves from Communist New People’s Army Terrorists (CNTs). (PIA 8/78th IB)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1033410

President Duterte offers olive branch to Leyte communist rebels

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 25, 2020): President Duterte offers olive branch to Leyte communist rebels (By PND)

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte delivers a speech after leading the distribution of benefits to former rebels at the San Isidro Central School in Leyte on January 23, 2020. VALERIE ESCALERA/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO
SAN ISIDRO, Leyte, Jan. 25 -- President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Thursday, January 23, made an offer to communist insurgents in Leyte saying he is ready to give them land and livelihood if they return to the fold of the law.

In a speech during the distribution of benefits to former rebels, the President said the revolution being waged by the members of the New People’s Army (NPA) can’t solve the country’s problems and the solution is to break the feudal system that exists in the countryside.

President Duterte said that so far, he has distributed 140,000 hectares of land since he became President in 2016 and will be distributing more to the landless.

According to Leyte local officials, there are 2,000 hectares that could be distributed to farmer beneficiaries.

“The 2,200 hectares — tell your crazy comrades to get down here because they won’t be a part of the distribution if they aren’t here,” the President told the former rebels who were given support by the government.

“I will give all the lands to the Filipino,” he added, stressing he wants those parcels of land be released to beneficiaries in three months.

Once the lands are distributed, the Department of Agriculture will assist farmers in analyzing the soil to determine the suitable crop that could be grown in those locations.

The President also underscored the importance of education to help people get out of poverty, advising his audience to send their children to school to break the cycle of poverty in their area.

“Your children will not be able to escape poverty, never get to be educated. In the Philippines, what’s important is for your children to have education. That is the only way for you to get out of poverty,” the President said.

Also on Thursday, the commander-in-chief expressed his gratitude to the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Leyte provincial government, the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, the Task Force Balik-Loob, and other agencies for their initiatives on the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-Clip).

“Your contribution is vital to the progress of our goal here. I hope that our progress will continue through our government programs to someday put an end to the communist insurgency as well as bring peace and prosperity to our communities,” said the President.

During the event, eight representatives of 262 former rebels received the multi-million financial aid from the President. The former rebels were also given remuneration for their firearms.

A P5-million check intended for the construction of a half-way house for the former rebels was also turned over by President Duterte to a Leyte provincial task force.

LGUs affected by Typhoon Ursula last December also got financial assistance from the President. The provincial government of Leyte received P10 million while Tacloban City was handed P5 million. Several other Leyte municipalities were given P3 million each. (PND)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1033417

Former rebel, army officer, call on NPAs to lay down their arms, surrender, be with their families

From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 25, 2020): Former rebel, army officer, call on NPAs to lay down their arms, surrender, be with their families (By PIA-8)

SAN ISIDRO, Leyte, Jan. 25 (PIA) - Ka Genia, 62, a former NPA member, called on other NPA members and supporters to lay down their arms, return to the folds of the law and reunite with their families.

“Sana makapag-isip-isip sila na bumaba na rin sila, para maranasan din nila ang katahimikan at kapanatagan na nararanasan na namin ngayon,” Ka Genia said when interviewed by the Philippine Information Agency.

Ka Genia who is from Taglawigan, San Isidro, Leyte, was among the 262 former NPA members and Militia ng Bayan who were enrolled in the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program for former rebels.

On January 22, a day before President Duterte’s visit, Ka Genia and the other FRs, accompanied by the members of the 93rd Infantry “Bantay Kapayapaan” Battalion met with the DSWD from Regional Office and Provincial Government of Leyte together with the DILG Leyte who facilitated the validation and signing of voucher of cash assistance to two hundred sixty two (262) rebel returnees who availed of the Enhance Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) of the government.

E- CLIP is a national government program intended for the rebel returnees who desires to return to the folds of the law.

Cash assistance, housing program, livelihood assistance and livelihood training are only some of the benefits that FRs will be receiving from the government under the E-CLIP once they surrender and choose the peaceful way of life.

LTC Roberto Beatisula, Jr., the Commanding officer of 93IB, reiterated the call on the remaining CTGs to lay down their arms and return to the folds of the law, to avail of the E-CLIP and come back to their families to live a free and peaceful life away from violence.

The military continues its support for the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) to ensure that surrendering communist rebels have a holistic package of benefits that they can avail of, such as livelihood assistance, medical assistance, education, housing, and legal assistance. (PIA8)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1033422

'Tired' BIFF member surrenders in Maguindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 25, 2020): 'Tired' BIFF member surrenders in Maguindanao (By Edwin Fernandez)



REBEL NO MORE. A former member of the Islamic State-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (right) hands over his rifle to Lt. Col. Rogelio Gabi, commander of the Army’s 40th Infantry Battalion, during a surrender ceremony on Friday (Jan. 24, 2020). The surrenderer, identified only as a certain Malik for security reasons, pledged never to return to the extremist group. (Photo courtesy of 40IB)

Saying he was tired of fighting for a lost cause, an armed member of the Islamic State-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) surrendered to the Army’s 40th Infantry Battalion (40IB) in President Quirino, Sultan Kudarat on Friday.

Lt. Col. Rogelio Gabi, 40IB commander, identified the surrenderer only as Malik, who yielded with his M16 rifle and magazine of ammunition. The surrender was witnessed by Gen. SK Pendatun municipal administrator Saira Mae S. Makakena, as well as police and military officials.

“We are glad you made the right decision. Enjoy your life with your family now,” Gabi told the former BIFF member, whose identitywas withheld for security reasons.

Malik’s group operates in the marshland of Gen. SK Pendatun, Maguindanao, he said.

Gabi said the former extremist expressed his sincerity by reciting and signing the pledge of commitment not to return to the terrorist group.

“Malik vowed to be a good citizen of the country and a good father to his family,” he said, adding the 40IB will continue its focused military operations against the BIFF.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1091917

Newest Bangsamoro parliament member assumes office

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 25, 2020): Newest Bangsamoro parliament member assumes office (By Edwin Fernandez)



NEWEST PARLIAMENT MEMBER. Parliament Speaker Pangalian M. Balindong (2nd from right) welcomes Ali B. Sangki (2nd from left) as a new member of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority Parliament. Sangki is the father of Maguindanao Governor Bai Mariam Sangki-Mangudadatu. (Photo by Gilmhar Lao - Office of the BTA Parliament Speaker)
COTABATO CITY -- The Bangsamoro Transition Authority of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BTA-BARMM) welcomed another Moro leader as a member of the parliament on Friday.

BTA Speaker Pangalian M. Balindong officially welcomed Ali B. Sangki as the newest addition to the BTA parliament.

Sangki paid a courtesy call on Balindong’s office before he formally starts his work as a regional legislator.

On January 8, Sangki, a former undersecretary and executive director of the Office on Muslim Affairs (OMA) took his oath before President Rodrigo Duterte as the 79th member of the 80 required positions at the parliament as required by the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).

“This is another good opportunity to serve our fellow Bangsamoro people,” he said of his appointment.

Aside from the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF), Sangki has served the government in various capacities that included Al-Amanah Investment Islamic Bank of the Philippines chief executive officer from 2005 to 2007, and as a provincial board member of Maguindanao from 1992 to 2002.

Sangki also served as project manager of the Southern Philippines Development Authority (SPDA).

“We speak the same language because new Member of Parliament Sangki has a good track record and he is also a seasoned public servant. We warmly welcome him to the parliament,” Balindong said.

Sangki is the father of Maguindanao Governor Mariam Sangki-Mangudadatu.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1091921

Dawlah Islamiya 'member' killed in Lanao Sur clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 25, 2020): Dawlah Islamiya 'member' killed in Lanao Sur clash (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)

RECOVERED. Government troops recover a firearm, improvised explosive devices, bomb-making components, and personal belongings following a 15-minute clash with Dawlah Islamiya members in the hinterlands of Lanao del Sur on Friday (Jan. 24, 2020). One extremist was killed during the firefight. (Photo courtesy of the Army's 1st Infantry Division Public Affairs Office)

An alleged member of the Dawlah Islamiya was killed in a clash with government troops in the hinterlands of Lanao del Sur, military officials said Saturday.

Lt. Col. Rafman Altre, the Army’s 82nd Infantry Battalion commander, identified the slain Dawlah Islamiya member as Jarir Usman, 28, a resident of Barangay Raya Saduc, Marawi City, Lanao del Sur.

Altre said the clash that lasted for about 15 minutes broke out at about 4:30 p.m. Friday when the troops spotted a group of Dawlah Islamiya members while patrolling along the borders of Balindong and Piagapo towns.
He said the remains of Usman were immediately turned over by the troops to the officials of Barangay Gacap, Piagapo for proper disposition.

Altre said recovered from the clash site were the identification card of Usman, one M-16 Armalite rifle, four improvised explosive devices (IEDs), 2 kg. of explosive components, a magazine of M-16 ammunition, a cellphone, a container of rice, personal belongings, and subversive documents with high intelligence value.

He said no one among the troops was either killed or injured and that some of the Dawlah Islamiya members, who fled, were wounded as traces of bloodstains were found in their withdrawal route.

Meanwhile, Col. Jose Maria Cuerpo II, the Army’s 103rd Infantry Brigade commander, has called on the locals to report to proper authorities any presence of armed groups in their communities.

“We remain relentless in our military operations and we won’t allow another siege that displaced thousands of constituents in our area of operations, to happen,” Cuerpo said.

Brig. Gen. Generoso Ponio, the Army’s 1st Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Zampelan (the Zamboanga Peninsula and Lanao provinces) commander, lauded the troops for the neutralization of the terrorist and recovery of war materiel.

“Let us conquer the challenges ahead of us and step up the momentum in sustaining our gains for our common aspiration,” Ponio said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1091924

AFP, PNP issue NPA 'extortion guide' for Bukidnon bizmen

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 25, 2020): AFP, PNP issue NPA 'extortion guide' for Bukidnon bizmen



An infographic provided by the Army's 8th Infantry Battalion and the Philippine National Police on what to do if the communist rebels attempt to extort local businesses in Bukinon province.

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- Police and military authorities have issued a guide for local businesses in Bukidnon province in dealing with the extortion activities of the communist New People's Army (NPA).

In a statement on Saturday, the Army' Infantry Battalion (8IB) said it jointly released the guide along with the Philippine National Police (PNP) during the January 22 meeting of business owners under the Bukidnon Lateral Organized for Development (Buklod).

The guide, 8IB said, is contained in a simple infographic detailing the process that each business operator must do if they received a demand for "revolutionary tax" from the NPA, the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

According to the infographic, business owners should preserve the letters, text messages, or phone calls of actual extortion demands, immediately report these to authorities, who will then verify, investigate, and provide relevant feedback.

The 8IB said the NPA's extortion schemes involve sending out demand letters to local businesses to pay revolutionary taxes. Those who fail to pay up usually get their facilities or equipment burned down.

Authorities added that the scheme is more common among contractors of government infrastructure projects, who often face delays due to the constant harassment from the NPA.

“We are urging everybody to help us stop the finance of the NPA by reporting and preserving all calls, text messages and CCTV’s images because we need them to identify the suspects, report it to nearest Army and PNP offices," said Lt. Col. Ronald Illana said, commanding officer of the 8IB.

Buklod president Doy Lopez has called on his 21-member businesses to post the "extortion guide" on their establishments, including the police and military hotlines to generate awareness and among their employees.

“Being the president of this organization, I am encouraging everybody to help our Army and PNP, and do not be afraid to report and cooperate with them. It’s not only the NPAs who are doing extortion but there are other criminal groups and individuals also," Lopez said.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1091930

Army disarms homemade bomb in S. Kudarat town

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 25, 2020): Army disarms homemade bomb in S. Kudarat town (By Noel Punzalan)



DIFFUSED. A military bomb disposal expert holds the disarmed improvised explosive device found by the roadside in Barangay Bagumbayan, President Quirino on Friday (January 24). Military intelligence sources say the IED was the same as those left behind in the past by the Islamic State-linked Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters against state forces pursuing them in Central Mindanao. (Photo courtesy of 6ID)

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao – Military bomb disposal experts diffused an improvised explosive device (IED) found by the Army’s 40th Infantry Battalion (IB) in President Quirino, Sultan Kudarat, on Saturday.

“Acting on a report, the Army troopers cordoned the part of the road leading to Barangay Bagumbayan in President Quirino town where the IED was found,”, Maj. Gen. Diosdado Carreon, Army’s 6th Infantry Division commander,” said in a statement.

Carreon said a villager reported the matter to the 40IB following his discovery of the IED on Friday morning.

The military troopers, together with the 3rd Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, found the bomb wrapped in packaging tape.

The IED was made of flash powder placed inside a one-liter plastic container. After it was safely disarmed, the bomb was brought at 3rd EOD headquarters in Tacurong City for proper disposition and further investigation.

Military intelligence sources said the bomb bore the signature style of the Islamic State-inspired Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

Carreon has commended 40IB troopers for continuously securing the community against the threat of terrorism and prevented another bombing attempt in Central Mindanao.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1091944

PH can unilaterally cancel VFA: Lorenzana

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 25, 2020): PH can unilaterally cancel VFA: Lorenzana (By Priam Nepomuceno)



Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana. (File photo)

The Philippines, on its own, can initiate the proceedings on the termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said.

"The termination of the VFA may be unilaterally initiated by the Philippines, and it is well within the right of the Philippine government to do so if it determines that the agreement no longer redounds to our national interest," Lorenzana said in a message to reporters late Friday.

He said the termination also does not need the approval of the Philippine Congress.

"All that is required is that a notice of termination be served to the US government. The termination shall take effect 180 days after the date of the notice," Lorenzana added.

Earlier, Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin asked Lorenzana to start the termination process of the country's VFA with Washington DC upon the order of President Rodrigo Duterte.

"While maintaining constant consultations with Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin, I will discuss with the President the various scenarios concerning the possible termination of the VFA and what future actions may be undertaken by the DND and AFP(Armed Forces of the Philippines) regarding this matter," Lorenzana said.

Duterte threatened to terminate the accord with the US after the latter canceled the visa of Senator Ronald dela Rosa, the former Philippine National Police chief who implemented the administration's crackdown on illegal drugs.

The government's campaign against 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 and calling for the release of Senator Leila de Lima who is currently detained on drug charges.

Manila and Washington DC signed the VFA in 1998, 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/1091915

Army, 'Unang Hirit' join forces to feed Taal Volcano evacuees

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 25, 2020): Army, 'Unang Hirit' join forces to feed Taal Volcano evacuees (By Priam Nepomuceno)



MOBILE KITCHEN. Army troops distribute food to evacuees taking shelter at the Pedro Palacio Sr. Memorial Elementary School in Barangay Sta. Ana, Calatagan, Batangas on Friday (Jan. 24, 2020). The beneficiaries of the feeding program are evacuees from the towns of Lemery and Agoncillo. (Photo courtesy of Army Chief Public Affairs Office)

As part of its efforts to alleviate the plight of families severely affected by the eruption of Taal Volcano, the Philippine Army (PA) on Friday deployed the AFP Mobile Field Kitchen Trailer in partnership with the morning show "Unang Hirit" at the Pedro Palacio Sr. Memorial Elementary School in Barangay Sta. Ana, Calatagan, Batangas Friday.

Army spokesperson, Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, said "Unang Hirit" sought the assistance of the PA to provide meals to 214 evacuees who have been in the evacuation center for almost two weeks now following the unrest of Taal Volcano.

The AFP Mobile Field Kitchen Trailer can be assembled in less than 30 minutes and can be used to prepare complete meals for 300 people, Zagala said.

"With its modular design, it can be easily transported even in difficult terrains. Aside from its large food preparation surface, the materials of the trailer are also designed to ensure the hygiene in the kitchen," he said in a statement.

Beneficiaries of this feeding program were Lemery and Agoncillo towns, which are among the areas severely affected by Taal Volcano's eruption last January 12.

Aside from meals, "Unang Hirit" also provided free medical check-ups and medicines. The show also distributed vegetables donated by the municipality of Gabaldon in Nueva Ecija province.

“The PA is always willing to assist our stakeholders in (its) effort to help those in need. We continuously work to improve our humanitarian assistance and disaster response capabilities in order to better serve the people, in partnership with other concerned agencies,” Zagala added.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1091916

DOJ to submit study on VFA termination to PRRD Jan. 27

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 25, 2020): DOJ to submit study on VFA termination to PRRD Jan. 27 (By Benjamin Pulta)



The Department of Justice (DOJ) on Saturday said it has completed the study on the procedure for the termination of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) between the United States and the Philippines and will formally present it to President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday (January 27).

"I'm done with the study on the procedure for terminating the VFA but I have to submit first my (memorandum) to PRRD on Monday," Justice Secretary Menardo Guevarra said in a message to reporters.

He added that the scope of the study is only limited to the VFA.

"We shall deal with the procedure for termination only, not the wisdom of the executive action. We shall answer such questions as: 'Is the VFA a treaty or an executive agreement?'; 'If it is a treaty, is Senate concurrence required for termination?'; 'Who will give the notice of termination?' (and), 'Is it necessary to state any ground for termination?'," Guevarra said.

Guevarra made the clarification when asked whether the termination would extend to the 61-year-old Mutual Defense Treaty between Manila and Washington DC, which is the legal backbone for the presence of American troops in the country.

On Friday, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said President Rodrigo Duterte ordered to start the process of termination of the VFA following the cancellation of the US visa of retired top cop and now Senator Ronald "Bato" dela Rosa, who used to be one of those who implemented the government's anti-drug campaign.

Duterte earlier warned the US government that he will scrap the agreement if the cancelation 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 DC to retain jurisdiction over US personnel accused of crimes committed in the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1091925

PAF turns over sanitation facilities for Taal evacuees

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 25, 2020): PAF turns over sanitation facilities for Taal evacuees (By Lade Jean Kabagani)



NEW LATRINES. Evacuees make use of the newly-built temporary latrines installed at the Sto. Tomas evacuation center. The temporary latrines would be replicated in other evacuation centers in Batangas. (PNA photo by Lade Kabagani)

Responding to the call to provide the hygienic and sanitation needs of the Taal Volcano eruption-affected residents staying at the Sto. Tomas evacuation center, the 355th Aviation Engineer Wing of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) turned over on Saturday 20 temporary latrines.

AEW Deputy Commander, Col. Gerardo Zamudio, said the construction of 3-in-1 prototype sanitation facilities for evacuation centers was completed in five days.

"These are simple, low-cost and easy to construct. The latrine's toilets, bathrooms, and lavatories are designed to be environmentally friendly," he said.

He added recyclables drums were used to create septic tanks for the 20 cubicles to potentially avoid groundwater contamination.

The temporary latrines are completely installed with electricity, built-in faucet with flowing water and provisional drums for water storage. It includes pathways and canal to provide proper drainage in the area and avoid slippery muds.

"Actually this is our first time to conceptualize sanitation facilities out of recyclable materials and we are glad that the evacuees have appreciated our efforts," he said, noting that the 355th AEW designed the latrines.

More than 300 families at the Sto. Tomas evacuation center will benefit from the 20 latrines — 10 latrines are for males and the other 10 are for females.

Gender-responsive project

Virginia Pornea, an evacuee, said the newly-installed latrines would address the health issues of every displaced individual while they are staying at the evacuation center.

"Kitang-kita namin ang malasakit ng gobyerno para sa aming mga nasa evacuation center. Nasaksihan namin na wala pong inindang init ng araw at kahit po gabi na ay nagtatrabaho po ang mga kasundaluhan para matapos agad ang latrines," she said.

(We saw the government's concern for us who are staying here in the evacuation center. W saw the troops working hard under the heat of the sun, and even at night just to finish building the latrines.)

She urged her fellow evacuees to maintain cleanliness when using the comfort rooms to sustain proper hygiene and sanitation while staying at the evacuation site.

Meanwhile, Welnie Bondalo, another evacuee, said it is a great relief for the evacuees, noting that with the 20 comfort rooms, there would be less time waiting in line.

Before the new latrines were installed, evacuees had to share only six toilets.

Meanwhile, PAF Airman Mark Anthony Ansino, one of the AEW workers who constructed the latrines, felt satisfied upon seeing the evacuees were provided a little comfort.

"It is fulfilling to see the evacuees are very excited for the construction and that during our working days, watching us with a smile made me feel proud that I was able to help my fellowmen," he said.

Aside from ensuring proper sanitation in the evacuation area, Analyn Rosarito, another AEW member, said the evacuees needed a gender-responsive project.

"The completion of this project inspired me to be a more active servant for the people," she said.

She expressed her happiness being part of this gender-equitable latrine construction.

Zamudio said the construction of temporary latrines would be replicated in other evacuation centers to better provide sanitary convenience for the evacuees.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1091927