From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 10): More soldiers, elite forces, quality FAs as country prepares for terrorism
The Philippine government is bent on adding elite forces and soldiers and to purchase quality combat tools to strengthen the country’s defense against terrorism.
In his first visit as head of the country in the Province of Cebu, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte said terrorism will be the leading problem of the country in the coming years.
“But I am warning you that five to 10 years from now the biggest problem will be terrorism, “ Duterte said.
He said he will have to prepare the Philippines for that scenario saying he is not getting there without setting up the defenses.
Duterte said Department of National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana for 20,000 for next year but it may not be possible yet.
“I’d be happy if we have about five battalions of SAF (Special Action Forces) and produce another 10,000 more soldiers next year, okay na tayo, okay na ang Pilipinas ,” Duterte said.
He is also bent on purchasing the best quality firearms for the country saying is not agreeable with lowest bids.
“That is also a source of corruption. Yung lowest bid, you come up with the lowest quality,” he said.
Duterte said the country may buy from Israel and through negotiated purchase.
“If there’s a question of quality then that is an issue for me. Para sa akin issue ang quality lalo na sa (hand gesture of a firearm) buhay kasi ang pinag-uusapan dito eh,(for me, quality is an issue specially when it comes to firearms, we are talking about lives here),” Duterte said.
The President assured the country will purchase intelligence apparatus like drones at the right time.
In the early part of his speech, he made mention of improvements of health services for the military.
These include purchase of new life saving and other medical equipment, rehabilitation of the old building and construction of an additional building.
Duterte said there will also be concrete alternative employment plans for those who were injured in the line of work.
The President was talking with the confined soldiers at V. Luna Hospital in Quezon City recently.
He cited one who lost his eyesight in battle saying he will be enrolled to learn the brail system
“Do not worry I will take care of you, bilhan ng natural eye, you will learn brail and then land a call center job,” he said.
Those who were crippled he said they will be given computers and undergo training on voice, diction and grammar. These he said will enable them to land a job again in the call center industry.
“I will reinvent you as a human being,”
As promised in his earliest days as President, the increase of their salaries will already take effect this year.
“By December you will have doubled your salaries. This August tingnan nyo ang payslip, andyan nay an, wala kayong problema, lahat ibigay ko,” Duterte said.
Duterte said he is going around the country visiting camps just to assure the personnel he feel strongly for them
“Wla naman akong kailangan sa inyo, I don’t need your personal loyalty, just love your country, obey the constitution. Period” Duterte said.
Duterte first visited Camp Macario Peralta headquarters of the 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division in Jamindan, Capiz before proceeding to Centcom.
He had a close door meeting with military and police officials which lasted for three hours.
The President garnered six million votes in Cebu in this year's election.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2441470428674/more-soldiers-elite-forces-quality-fas-as-country-prepares-for-terrorism-
Wednesday, August 10, 2016
President Duterte to visit 1st Infantry troops in Zamboanga del Sur
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 10): President Duterte to visit 1st Infantry troops in Zamboanga del Sur
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=912228
President Rodrigo Duterte will visit Wednesday afternoon
(Aug. 10) the troops of the First Infantry “Tabak” Division, the premier
command of the Philippine Army, in Camp Major Cesar Sang-an in the nearby
Labangan town.
Col. Benedicto Manquiquis, First Infantry Division public
affairs officer, told the Philippines News Agency that the President is
scheduled to arrive at 1 p.m.
Duterte will plane in through this city from Manila
Maj. Gen. Gerardo Barrientos, First Infantry Division
commander, will lead the group of officials who will welcome the President and
his party upon arrival at the local airport.
The members of the media are only allowed to cover the
President during his “talk-to-men” and visit to the hospital inside Camp Cesar
Sang-an.
Manquiquis said President Duterte will hold a command
conference to get first hand information of the ongoing programs and operations
of the “Tabak” Division.
Expected to arrive with the President are Defense Secretary
Delfin Lorenzana, Armed Forces Chief-of-Staff Gen. Ricardo Visaya and other top
government officials.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=912228
7ID chief commends troops on fight vs insurgency; echoes President Duterte's peace offer for rebels
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 10): 7ID chief commends troops on fight vs insurgency; echoes President Duterte's peace offer for rebels
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=912355
FORT RAMON MAGSAYSAY, Palayan City, Nueva Ecija -- Major Gen. Angelito de Leon, commander of the Philippine Army's 7th
Infantry Division (7ID) which holds the jurisdiction over the 56th Infantry
Battalion, on Wednesday commended the soldiers “for their unwavering commitment
and dedication to run after the New People's Army (NPA) remnants and protect
the civilian populace in the area.”
This came after government soldiers recovered two high
powered firearms from alleged NPA remnants in a 15-minute encounter in Barangay
Dimanayat, San Luis, Aurora over the weekend.
Capt. Rozell Ticar, chief of the 7ID public information
office, said elements of the Army’s 56th Infantry Battalion led by 1Lt.
Joel Romano recovered one M16 Armalite rifle and one AK47 supposedly left by
rebels that scampered during the firefight at about 8:20 a.m. Sunday.
Ltc. Louie Villanueva, commander of 56IB, said that the
rebels could be remnants of the sub-regional guerilla unit (SRGU) under an
unknown leader.
"There were no reported casualties on the government
side while the enemy is believed to have suffered an undetermined number of
casualties,” Ticar said.
The encounter occurred nearly a week after President Rodrigo
Roa Duterte lifted the ceasefire he unilaterally declared owing to the National
Democratic Front’s (NDF’s) failure to reciprocate his move.
But De Leon
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=912355
Military, cops uproot PHP202,500 worth of marijuana plants in S. Cotabato
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 10): Military, cops uproot PHP202,500 worth of marijuana plants in S. Cotabato
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=912409
Acting on a tip from concerned citizens, joint operatives of
the Army's 27th Infantry Battalion and police raided a marijuana plantation
late Tuesday and uprooted more than 450 marijuana plants in the upland town
T'boli, South Cotabato .
Chief Inspector Jose Marie Simangan, T'boli town police
chief, said there was no prior information about the marijuana plantation but
government troops were checking on armed men roaming around the village.
Simangan said the police and military personnel were
surprised they were met by huge marijuana plant area in Barangay Poblacion
which at first look can be considered grasslands.
Simangan said the police and elements of the Alpha company
of 27th IB arrested Subang Tanam, a 74-year-old man who admitted ownership of
the plantation which he said was the sources of his income.
Four home-made firearms and ammunition were also recovered
from Taman 's home near the plantation.
"The marijuana products are distributed in the towns of
Surallah, Lake Sebu
and Banga, all in South Cotabato ,"
Simangan told DXOM-AM Radyo Bida.
Simangan said the the campaign against marijuana and illegal
drugs will continue in T'boli. To date, the PNP Oplan "Tokhang"
(Toktok Hangyo) has netted 551 individuals who voluntarily showed up at police
office and took oath of undertaking.
Simangan said the local PNP has 39 persons in its list who
were known as drug pushers and drug peddlers. Of the 39, only two persons were
arrested so far.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=912409
PAF to acquire tow tractor for FA-50PHs
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 10): PAF to acquire tow tractor for FA-50PHs
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=912234
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has allocated the sum of
PHP8,145,000 for the acquisition of a tow tractor its South Korean-made FA-50PH
"Fighting Eagle" light-interim fighter aircraft.
Submission and opening of bids is scheduled for Aug. 17,
9:00 a.m. at the PAF Procurement Center Conference Room, Villamor Air Base, Pasay City
Tug tractors are used to push an aircraft backward or
forward after landing.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=912234
Former Army spokesman is new OCS head
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 10): Former Army spokesman is new OCS head
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=912329
Former Philippine Army (PA) spokesperson Col. Noel Detoyato
formally assumed command of the the Officer Candidate School (OCS) at Camp O'Donnel
Detoyato assumed as the Commandant of OCS of the Training
Command (TRADOC) replacing Col. William Gonzales who is projected to be
assigned in Mindanao .
The former served as Army spokesperson from 2014-2015. After
this, he was tapped to head the AFP public affairs office which he commanded
until 2016.
"We will produce principled officers guided by the
principles of war," Detoyato said.
Brig. Gen. Herminigildo Aquino, TRADOC commander, presided
over the ceremony.
OCS is producing 75 percent of the officer requirements of
the PA while the rest is from Philippine Military Academy.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=912329
Conversion of Fokker F-28 jet into air ambulance doable - PHL Air Force
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 10): Conversion of Fokker F-28 jet into air ambulance doable - PHL Air Force
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=912475
Reconfiguring the "Kalayaan" or the Fokker F-28
"Fellowship" jet liner assigned to the 250th Presidential Airlift
Wing is doable but would take time.
"Yes, it is feasible. (But it would take some time) as
the aircraft will be converted to perform a different mission. There will be
definitely some reconfigurations to be made," Philippine Air Force (PAF)
spokesperson Col. Araus Robert Musico told PNA Tuesday.
Musico said the PAF will create a technical working group
that would study the matter and determine the reconfiguration requirements.
President Rodrigo R. Duterte, during his visit to the 8th
Infantry Division headquarters in Catbalogan, Samar
Monday, said he wants the F-28 converted into an air ambulance to transport
sick and wounded troopers to hospitals.
The F-28 is used for domestic flights of the incumbent
president and is named "Kalayaan".
It is a short-range jet airliner designed and built by the
defunct Dutch aircraft manufacturer Fokker.
The 250th Presidential Air Wing is in charge of flying the
President and his family, aside from providing transportation to visiting heads
of state and other government officials.
It is also equipped with a Fokker F-27
"Friendship" transport, four Bell
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=912475
PAF aircraft gets busted tires; disables in NAIA
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 10): PAF aircraft gets busted tires; disables in NAIA
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=912548
A Philippine Air Force (PAF) Fokker F27 aircraft with
registry number RPC10620 got disabled at runway 06/24 of the Ninoy Aquino
International Airport (NAIA) on Wednesday, 8:40 pm.
MIAA said that the aircraft suffered two busted tires.
The runway was cleared of obstruction at 09:37 p.m. and
immediately resumed normal operations.(
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=912548
Tuesday, August 9, 2016
US summons Philippine envoy over Duterte’s remarks
From the Philippine Star (Aug 9): US summons Philippine envoy over Duterte’s remarks
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, right, greets U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Philip S. Goldberg, left, as Secretary of State John Kerry looks on during his visit at the Malacanang presidential palace in Manila, Philippines on Wednesday, July 27, 2016. AP Photo/Aaron Favila, Pool
The US State Department summoned Philippine embassy Charge d’Affaires Patrick Chuasoto on Monday to seek clarification of what it said were “inappropriate remarks” made by President Duterte against US Ambassador Philip Goldberg.
Elizabeth Trudeau, director of the State Department press office, said Chuasoto was called in for an explanation of Duterte’s remarks but declined to give further details. Duterte has openly called Goldberg “gay” and “a son of a bitch.”
Duterte’s dislike for Goldberg dates back to the campaign period when the diplomat called him out for making a joke about the rape and murder of an Australian missionary during a 1989 Davao City prison riot.
At a news conference, Trudeau said the State Department was concerned about the extrajudicial killings of suspected drug dealers urged the Duterte administration to ensure law enforcement efforts do not violate human rights.
She said US officials were in discussions with Filipino authorities to emphasize the importance of the rule of law, a fundamental democratic principle.
“We strongly urge the Philippines to ensure its law enforcement efforts comply with its human rights obligations,” she said.
In reply to a query, she said a $32-million assistance package announced by Secretary of State John Kerry during a recent visit to Manila to support the Duterte administration’s intensified law enforcement efforts was meant to promote human rights through training as well as promote professionalism, due process and rule of law. The money should not be used in activities involving extrajudicial killings, she said.
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/08/10/1611969/us-summons-philippine-envoy-over-dutertes-remarks
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, right, greets U.S. Ambassador to the Philippines Philip S. Goldberg, left, as Secretary of State John Kerry looks on during his visit at the Malacanang presidential palace in Manila, Philippines on Wednesday, July 27, 2016. AP Photo/Aaron Favila, Pool
The US State Department summoned Philippine embassy Charge d’Affaires Patrick Chuasoto on Monday to seek clarification of what it said were “inappropriate remarks” made by President Duterte against US Ambassador Philip Goldberg.
Elizabeth Trudeau, director of the State Department press office, said Chuasoto was called in for an explanation of Duterte’s remarks but declined to give further details. Duterte has openly called Goldberg “gay” and “a son of a bitch.”
Duterte’s dislike for Goldberg dates back to the campaign period when the diplomat called him out for making a joke about the rape and murder of an Australian missionary during a 1989 Davao City prison riot.
At a news conference, Trudeau said the State Department was concerned about the extrajudicial killings of suspected drug dealers urged the Duterte administration to ensure law enforcement efforts do not violate human rights.
She said US officials were in discussions with Filipino authorities to emphasize the importance of the rule of law, a fundamental democratic principle.
In reply to a query, she said a $32-million assistance package announced by Secretary of State John Kerry during a recent visit to Manila to support the Duterte administration’s intensified law enforcement efforts was meant to promote human rights through training as well as promote professionalism, due process and rule of law. The money should not be used in activities involving extrajudicial killings, she said.
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/08/10/1611969/us-summons-philippine-envoy-over-dutertes-remarks
NDF: Better to Resume Formal Peace Talks Than Not To Do So
Propaganda statement posted to the National Democratic Front Website (Aug 7): Better to Resume Formal Peace Talks Than Not To Do So
When the JASIG-protected NDFP consultants are released and get travel documents before August 20, it would be better than not to resume formal peace talks on August 20-27, 2016 because it is during the formal talks that the GPH and NDFP negotiating panels can discuss the mode of ceasefire and how best to arrange this.
Concerning President Duterte’s statement in Davao last night, we address him in his official capacity and not at a personal level. We understand that as commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines he has the duty to show official and personal concern for his troops and mourn their death as casualties of war.
However, we wish to point out that the use of command-detonated land mines is not violative of the Geneva Convention and the Ottawa Treaty.
The New People’s Army can use these weapons in its military operations inasmuch as there is yet no ceasefire of any kind which is valid and effective between the NPA and the AFP.
Thus the resumption of formal talks is necessary to allow both negotiating panels to take up the mode of ceasefire, as stated in the Joint Statement signed in Oslo on June 15, 2016.
Luis G. Jalandoni
Chairperson, NDFP Negotiating Panel
http://www.ndfp.org/better-resume-formal-peace-talks-not/
When the JASIG-protected NDFP consultants are released and get travel documents before August 20, it would be better than not to resume formal peace talks on August 20-27, 2016 because it is during the formal talks that the GPH and NDFP negotiating panels can discuss the mode of ceasefire and how best to arrange this.
Concerning President Duterte’s statement in Davao last night, we address him in his official capacity and not at a personal level. We understand that as commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines he has the duty to show official and personal concern for his troops and mourn their death as casualties of war.
However, we wish to point out that the use of command-detonated land mines is not violative of the Geneva Convention and the Ottawa Treaty.
The New People’s Army can use these weapons in its military operations inasmuch as there is yet no ceasefire of any kind which is valid and effective between the NPA and the AFP.
Thus the resumption of formal talks is necessary to allow both negotiating panels to take up the mode of ceasefire, as stated in the Joint Statement signed in Oslo on June 15, 2016.
Luis G. Jalandoni
Chairperson, NDFP Negotiating Panel
http://www.ndfp.org/better-resume-formal-peace-talks-not/
US destroyer in Subic to complete voyage repair mid-deployment
From Update.Ph (Aug 9): US destroyer in Subic to complete voyage repair mid-deployment
United States Navy Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Momsen (DDG 92) is currently in Subic for her midway point as part of US 3rd Fleet Pacific Surface Action Group (PAC SAG).
The PAC SAG – comprised of the embarked staff of Destroyer Squadron 31, guided-missile destroyers USS Spruance (DDG 111), USS Decatur (DDG 73) and USS Momsen (DDG 92) and embarked “Devil Fish” and “Warbirds” detachments of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 49 – was deployed to conduct routine patrols, maritime security operations and theater security cooperation activities to enhance Western Pacific regional security and stability.
“Momsen’s presence here sends a powerful message to the world about our commitment to the stability of the region,” said Cmdr. Elaine Brunelle, Momsen’s executive officer. “We are skilled professionals committed to enhancing maritime security through bilateral cooperation with our partners throughout the Indo-Asia-Pacific.”
The US Navy said while in Subic, Momsen will complete a voyage repair period while her crew participate in community outreach events and take advantage of various Morale, Welfare and Recreation tours.
The crew aboard Momsen will also focus on mission essential maintenance during the voyage repair.
“Sometimes there is special equipment required that the ship does not have on board to calibrate gauges, valves, tools and so on,” said Chief Interior Communications Electrician Justin Hohlbein, Momsen’s maintenance manager. “Pulling into a port like Subic Bay offers us the chance to have these types of jobs completed and the accomplishment of corrective maintenance of mission essential items is necessary for a ship to deploy or to continue on its deployment.”
http://www.update.ph/2016/08/us-destroyer-in-subic-to-complete-voyage-repair-mid-deployment/8386
United States Navy Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Momsen (DDG 92) is currently in Subic for her midway point as part of US 3rd Fleet Pacific Surface Action Group (PAC SAG).
The PAC SAG – comprised of the embarked staff of Destroyer Squadron 31, guided-missile destroyers USS Spruance (DDG 111), USS Decatur (DDG 73) and USS Momsen (DDG 92) and embarked “Devil Fish” and “Warbirds” detachments of Helicopter Maritime Strike Squadron (HSM) 49 – was deployed to conduct routine patrols, maritime security operations and theater security cooperation activities to enhance Western Pacific regional security and stability.
“Momsen’s presence here sends a powerful message to the world about our commitment to the stability of the region,” said Cmdr. Elaine Brunelle, Momsen’s executive officer. “We are skilled professionals committed to enhancing maritime security through bilateral cooperation with our partners throughout the Indo-Asia-Pacific.”
The US Navy said while in Subic, Momsen will complete a voyage repair period while her crew participate in community outreach events and take advantage of various Morale, Welfare and Recreation tours.
The crew aboard Momsen will also focus on mission essential maintenance during the voyage repair.
“Sometimes there is special equipment required that the ship does not have on board to calibrate gauges, valves, tools and so on,” said Chief Interior Communications Electrician Justin Hohlbein, Momsen’s maintenance manager. “Pulling into a port like Subic Bay offers us the chance to have these types of jobs completed and the accomplishment of corrective maintenance of mission essential items is necessary for a ship to deploy or to continue on its deployment.”
http://www.update.ph/2016/08/us-destroyer-in-subic-to-complete-voyage-repair-mid-deployment/8386
China building hangars capable to accommodate jet fighters, bombers in West Philippine Sea
From Update.Ph (Aug 9): China building hangars capable to accommodate jet fighters, bombers in West Philippine Sea
Recent satellite photos reveal that China is building up its military presence at the disputed Spratly islands in the South China Sea, according to media reports.
The photos, collected and studied by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, showed that China constructed reinforced aircraft hangars at Fiery Cross, Subi and Mischief Reefs, which are part of the disputed islands, The New York Times daily newspaper reported.
“They [hangars] are far thicker than you would build for any civilian purpose. They’re reinforced to take a strike,” Gregory Poling, director of the center’s Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative, told The New York Times.
Such hangars can reportedly accommodate any Chinese fighter jet and even some types of bombers.
Beijing’s territorial claims to the Spratly Islands, which are believed to be rich in oil and gas reserves, run counter to those of the Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia, Brunei and Vietnam.
Last July 12, a UN-appointed arbitration court in the Hague ruled that there was no basis to Beijing’s claim to extensive territories in the South China Sea, after the Philippines filed a case in January 2013, accusing Beijing of violating the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea by its actions in the South China Sea.
http://www.update.ph/2016/08/china-building-hangars-capable-to-accommodate-jet-fighters-bombers-in-west-philippine-sea/8392
Recent satellite photos reveal that China is building up its military presence at the disputed Spratly islands in the South China Sea, according to media reports.
The photos, collected and studied by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, showed that China constructed reinforced aircraft hangars at Fiery Cross, Subi and Mischief Reefs, which are part of the disputed islands, The New York Times daily newspaper reported.
“They [hangars] are far thicker than you would build for any civilian purpose. They’re reinforced to take a strike,” Gregory Poling, director of the center’s Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative, told The New York Times.
Such hangars can reportedly accommodate any Chinese fighter jet and even some types of bombers.
Beijing’s territorial claims to the Spratly Islands, which are believed to be rich in oil and gas reserves, run counter to those of the Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia, Brunei and Vietnam.
Last July 12, a UN-appointed arbitration court in the Hague ruled that there was no basis to Beijing’s claim to extensive territories in the South China Sea, after the Philippines filed a case in January 2013, accusing Beijing of violating the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea by its actions in the South China Sea.
http://www.update.ph/2016/08/china-building-hangars-capable-to-accommodate-jet-fighters-bombers-in-west-philippine-sea/8392
US summons PH diplomat after Duterte called Goldberg ‘bakla’
From Update.Ph (Aug 9): US summons PH diplomat after Duterte called Goldberg ‘bakla’ (gay)
United States State Department Press Office Director Elizabeth Trudeau said in a press briefing dated August 8 that the State Department has summoned Philippines’ Chargé d’Affairés in Washington to clarify President Rodrigo Duterte’s ‘inappropriate comments’ about US Ambassador to Philippines Philip Goldberg.
“I would say two things on that. The first, specifically on the remarks, we’ve seen those inappropriate comments made about Ambassador Goldberg,” Trudeau said when asked regarding the issue.
She added that Goldberg is the most senior American diplomat and was assigned to different posts. “He’s a multi-time ambassador, one of our most senior U.S. diplomats.”
“We have asked the Philippines charge to come into the State Department to clarify those remarks (which happened today),” Trudeau said without giving further details.
President Duterte, last week before the soldiers at Camp Lapu-Lapu in Cebu City, called the American envoy ‘bakla’. “Buwisit ako diyan. Nakikisali doon sa eleksyon, giving statement here and there. He was not supposed to do that.”
http://www.update.ph/2016/08/us-summons-ph-diplomat-after-duterte-called-goldberg-bakla/8403
United States State Department Press Office Director Elizabeth Trudeau said in a press briefing dated August 8 that the State Department has summoned Philippines’ Chargé d’Affairés in Washington to clarify President Rodrigo Duterte’s ‘inappropriate comments’ about US Ambassador to Philippines Philip Goldberg.
“I would say two things on that. The first, specifically on the remarks, we’ve seen those inappropriate comments made about Ambassador Goldberg,” Trudeau said when asked regarding the issue.
She added that Goldberg is the most senior American diplomat and was assigned to different posts. “He’s a multi-time ambassador, one of our most senior U.S. diplomats.”
“We have asked the Philippines charge to come into the State Department to clarify those remarks (which happened today),” Trudeau said without giving further details.
President Duterte, last week before the soldiers at Camp Lapu-Lapu in Cebu City, called the American envoy ‘bakla’. “Buwisit ako diyan. Nakikisali doon sa eleksyon, giving statement here and there. He was not supposed to do that.”
http://www.update.ph/2016/08/us-summons-ph-diplomat-after-duterte-called-goldberg-bakla/8403
Gov’t to subsidize expenses of Reds set to fly to Norway
From the Sun Star-Manila (Aug 9): Gov’t to subsidize expenses of Reds set to fly to Norway
THE government will shoulder portion of the expenses of communist leaders who will participate in the peace talks in Oslo Norway on August 20, a Palace official said on Tuesday.
“I think it’s a shared expense [between the government and] their counterparts [once the peace dialogue resumes,” Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella told reporters.
“I don’t have exact number [about how much will be spent] but it’s sizeable,” he added.
Presidential Adviser on Peace Process Jesus Dureza had said President Rodrigo Duterte already ordered the temporary release of some leaders of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), New People’s Army, and National Democratic front (NDF) who will take part in the talks.
CPP founder Jose Maria Sison, CPP chairman Benito Tiamzon, CPP finance chief Wilma Tiamzon, and NDF peace negotiating panel chair Luis Jalandoni are the key personalities expected to take part in the peace talks.
The Duterte administration and the militant groups are expected to tackle the affirmation of both parties on the signed agreements, the interim ceasefire, and the activation of the joint agreement on safety and immunity guarantees that has been stalled.
Abella said the government is now doubling its effort to make sure that individuals needed for the resumption of peace deal will be able to join.
“I know there have been efforts to make sure that those who need to be in Norway have been allowed or being allowed to have travel passes – as far as I know,” he said.
“The President seems to be confident that the peace talks can proceed.”
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/manila/local-news/2016/08/09/govt-subsidize-expenses-reds-set-fly-norway-490321
THE government will shoulder portion of the expenses of communist leaders who will participate in the peace talks in Oslo Norway on August 20, a Palace official said on Tuesday.
“I think it’s a shared expense [between the government and] their counterparts [once the peace dialogue resumes,” Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella told reporters.
“I don’t have exact number [about how much will be spent] but it’s sizeable,” he added.
Presidential Adviser on Peace Process Jesus Dureza had said President Rodrigo Duterte already ordered the temporary release of some leaders of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), New People’s Army, and National Democratic front (NDF) who will take part in the talks.
CPP founder Jose Maria Sison, CPP chairman Benito Tiamzon, CPP finance chief Wilma Tiamzon, and NDF peace negotiating panel chair Luis Jalandoni are the key personalities expected to take part in the peace talks.
The Duterte administration and the militant groups are expected to tackle the affirmation of both parties on the signed agreements, the interim ceasefire, and the activation of the joint agreement on safety and immunity guarantees that has been stalled.
Abella said the government is now doubling its effort to make sure that individuals needed for the resumption of peace deal will be able to join.
“I know there have been efforts to make sure that those who need to be in Norway have been allowed or being allowed to have travel passes – as far as I know,” he said.
“The President seems to be confident that the peace talks can proceed.”
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/manila/local-news/2016/08/09/govt-subsidize-expenses-reds-set-fly-norway-490321
LUMADS' WOES | In Talacogon, soldiers occupy village, displacing residents
From InterAksyon (Aug 9): LUMADS' WOES | In Talacogon, soldiers occupy village, displacing residents
Richard Coguit (2nd left) watches as a fellow displaced lumad shows his mobile message to Kasalo Caraga Julito Otacan (2nd right) for an update on the situation of the displaced Indigenous People in Talacogon. Photographed by Erwin Mascariñas, InterAksyon
Butuan City - Residents in an indigenous people (IP) community are asking for support after they were displaced in early July from their hinterland village in the town of Talacogon in Agusan del Sur by the arrival of troops from the Philippine Army's 26th Infantry Battalion.
On August 4, 2016 196 IPs comprising some 48 Manobo families trekked 14 kilometers from their settlement toward the barangay center of Zillovia, Talacogon, Agusan del Sur, recounting the request of the soldiers that they be allowed to stay for several days.
"Soldiers started coming to our village on July 11, they explained that they were here to help facilitate projects on water supply, road-building and even the construction of toilets. We requested that they stay about 500 meters away from where the main population is living. But, they decided to live in the village and stayed in two of the houses," said Richard Coguit, village head of Purok 8, Barangay Zillovia.
Coguit a father of six, pointed out that the village started to be alarmed when the soldiers stayed longer than what was agreed upon.
"The people in the village started to feel that their daily activities are being hampered by presence of the soldiers, who had proceeded to get census data and taking pictures, asking question like whether there are family members who are associated with the New People's Army (NPA).
Our community members couldn't anymore freely go out at night or stay overnight out in their farm for fear that the soldiers would start questioning and interrogating them a day after," said Coguit.
Coguit said the people in the village became more alarmed when the number of soldiers increased.
"By July 30, the number of soldiers in the village had increased without consultation with us. People started to worry that we might be caught in the crossfire there will be an exchange of gunfire between the NPA and the soldiers right in the village. What spooked the villagers even more was that fear and uncertainty started to grow in our once peaceful community. And then, we found out that several families had decided to leave," he said.
Coguit elaborated that they are asking for help and intervention from the local government to make arrangements for the soldiers to leave their community.
"We are farmers and our lives have been affected much. Our wish for peace and progress should not be in exchange for fear for our lives. We want to go back home. Our livelihood, livestock and farm animals are left behind with no one to take care of them," concluded Coguit.
The 25 year old farmer Mariel Lintao, recalled: "We were living in fear, you have fully armed men living among you and we cannot even gather together without alarming the soldiers.
"We are used to gathering at the end of the day and talk. Now would question us as though we are a threat for them. If we go out and come back a day after, they would interrogate us. Of course, there have been instances when we are too tired to hike several kilometers, so we had to resort to sleeping in our small huts in the mountains. We are a peaceful community and we are not used to having our movements scrutinized."
Ferdausi Cerna, Municipal Administrator of Talacogon, said the local government unit is extending every means to help.
"The evacuees generally are in good physical condition except that there are at least six of them suffering from diarrhea, and the Municipal Health Officer is treating them now. They have requested to elevate the issue to the Municipal Peace and Order Council, and we will find ways to help resolve the issue," said Cerna.
Cerna said he is hoping the matter gets threshed out soon, and that an agreement will be arrived at between the soldiers and the displaced community.
Captain Jeffrey L Batistiana, Civil-Military Officer of 26th IB, explained that the presence of soldiers in the village is part of the government program.
"We have a program, which the Armed Forces of the Philippines has coined Bayanihan Team Activity, in which we have soldiers conducting needs assessment survey and to see identify what are the issues in the barangays and then help them address these issues, which, based on experience, are mostly basic services," said Batistiana.
Batistiana added that before the soldiers take steps to get into the village, "they forge a memorandum of agreement with the LGU and the barangay for the conduct of Bayanihan. The conversations and interview by our troops are basically part of them trying to get to know the people in the community, we can't be too complacent in working in the hinterlands, and that's the very same reason why we have our firearms with us when we talk to them, besides we are first and foremost soldiers and our weapons are part of us," he said.
http://interaksyon.com/article/131282/lumads-woes--in-talacogon-soldiers-occupy-village-displacing-residents
Richard Coguit (2nd left) watches as a fellow displaced lumad shows his mobile message to Kasalo Caraga Julito Otacan (2nd right) for an update on the situation of the displaced Indigenous People in Talacogon. Photographed by Erwin Mascariñas, InterAksyon
Butuan City - Residents in an indigenous people (IP) community are asking for support after they were displaced in early July from their hinterland village in the town of Talacogon in Agusan del Sur by the arrival of troops from the Philippine Army's 26th Infantry Battalion.
On August 4, 2016 196 IPs comprising some 48 Manobo families trekked 14 kilometers from their settlement toward the barangay center of Zillovia, Talacogon, Agusan del Sur, recounting the request of the soldiers that they be allowed to stay for several days.
"Soldiers started coming to our village on July 11, they explained that they were here to help facilitate projects on water supply, road-building and even the construction of toilets. We requested that they stay about 500 meters away from where the main population is living. But, they decided to live in the village and stayed in two of the houses," said Richard Coguit, village head of Purok 8, Barangay Zillovia.
Coguit a father of six, pointed out that the village started to be alarmed when the soldiers stayed longer than what was agreed upon.
"The people in the village started to feel that their daily activities are being hampered by presence of the soldiers, who had proceeded to get census data and taking pictures, asking question like whether there are family members who are associated with the New People's Army (NPA).
Our community members couldn't anymore freely go out at night or stay overnight out in their farm for fear that the soldiers would start questioning and interrogating them a day after," said Coguit.
Coguit said the people in the village became more alarmed when the number of soldiers increased.
"By July 30, the number of soldiers in the village had increased without consultation with us. People started to worry that we might be caught in the crossfire there will be an exchange of gunfire between the NPA and the soldiers right in the village. What spooked the villagers even more was that fear and uncertainty started to grow in our once peaceful community. And then, we found out that several families had decided to leave," he said.
Coguit elaborated that they are asking for help and intervention from the local government to make arrangements for the soldiers to leave their community.
"We are farmers and our lives have been affected much. Our wish for peace and progress should not be in exchange for fear for our lives. We want to go back home. Our livelihood, livestock and farm animals are left behind with no one to take care of them," concluded Coguit.
The 25 year old farmer Mariel Lintao, recalled: "We were living in fear, you have fully armed men living among you and we cannot even gather together without alarming the soldiers.
"We are used to gathering at the end of the day and talk. Now would question us as though we are a threat for them. If we go out and come back a day after, they would interrogate us. Of course, there have been instances when we are too tired to hike several kilometers, so we had to resort to sleeping in our small huts in the mountains. We are a peaceful community and we are not used to having our movements scrutinized."
Ferdausi Cerna, Municipal Administrator of Talacogon, said the local government unit is extending every means to help.
"The evacuees generally are in good physical condition except that there are at least six of them suffering from diarrhea, and the Municipal Health Officer is treating them now. They have requested to elevate the issue to the Municipal Peace and Order Council, and we will find ways to help resolve the issue," said Cerna.
Cerna said he is hoping the matter gets threshed out soon, and that an agreement will be arrived at between the soldiers and the displaced community.
Captain Jeffrey L Batistiana, Civil-Military Officer of 26th IB, explained that the presence of soldiers in the village is part of the government program.
"We have a program, which the Armed Forces of the Philippines has coined Bayanihan Team Activity, in which we have soldiers conducting needs assessment survey and to see identify what are the issues in the barangays and then help them address these issues, which, based on experience, are mostly basic services," said Batistiana.
Batistiana added that before the soldiers take steps to get into the village, "they forge a memorandum of agreement with the LGU and the barangay for the conduct of Bayanihan. The conversations and interview by our troops are basically part of them trying to get to know the people in the community, we can't be too complacent in working in the hinterlands, and that's the very same reason why we have our firearms with us when we talk to them, besides we are first and foremost soldiers and our weapons are part of us," he said.
http://interaksyon.com/article/131282/lumads-woes--in-talacogon-soldiers-occupy-village-displacing-residents
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