Soldier hurt as roadside bomb explodes in Maguindanao

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Sep 6): Soldier hurt as roadside bomb explodes in Maguindanao



Members of the breakaway Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF). INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

COTABATO CITY – A soldier was wounded when a roadside bomb exploded in Saudi Ampatuan town in Maguindanao on Tuesday morning.

A team of soldiers from the 1st Mechanized Infantry Brigade was conducting road security along the Datu Saudi Ampatuan to Datu Piang highway when the explosive, believed to be fashioned from a 60 mm mortar with mobile phone as triggering device, went off at 9:30 a.m. in Barangay Lower Salbu.

Colonel Felicisimo Budiongan, commander of the 1st Mechanized brigade, blamed the extremist Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) for the attack.

He said the attack had the “signature” of BIFF.

Initial investigation showed that the IED was similar to explosives used by the BIFF in skirmishes involving them and the government forces.

Budiongan told reporters that soldiers were manning checkpoints along the highway following the declaration of state of lawlessness by President Duterte after the Davao City bombing.

But Abu Misri Mama, speaking for the BIFF, denied any hand in the blast, saying “that is not our style.”

He said the BIFF has been silent the past month because it has been consolidating its forces and focusing on educating its members.

Earlier, Mama condemned the Davao City bombing and blamed the extremist Abu Sayyaf Group for the attack to divert attention of government offensives against them in Sulu. http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/813335/soldier-hurt-as-roadside-bomb-explodes-in-maguindanao

Philippines says killed more Abu Sayyaf in new fighting

From Anadolu Agency (Sep 6): Philippines says killed more Abu Sayyaf in new fighting

Sporadic battles reported to be ongoing in south of country with an undetermined number of Abu Sayyaf killed

The Philippines military has claimed it has inflicted an undetermined number of casualties on a Daesh-linked group as clashes erupted again in a majority Muslim island province in the country's troubled south.

 

The clashes are the first confrontation between the military and the Abu Sayyaf in its southern Sulu fortress since battles left 15 soldiers and over 30 Abu Sayyaf dead and dozens injured Aug. 29.

 

As of last week, around 7,000 troops have been deployed to Sulu to fight the group.

 

In a statement Tuesday, Major Filemon Tan Jr., Western Mindanao Command spokesman, said the troops of the 45th Infantry Battalion engaged in a firefight with members of the group in Barangay Danag, Patikul town at around 8.20 a.m. (0020GMT).

 

"While intensifying military offensives in Sulu, troops engaged in an armed confrontation with the group of sub-leader Jamiri Jaong Jawhari," Tan said.

 

He said the operating troops established attack positions, while artillery fire and naval blockades were conducted by augmenting troops.

 

The spokesman said that sporadic fighting is ongoing in Sulu with no government casualties reported, while an undetermined number of Abu Sayyaf have been killed.

 

On Monday, the military said a group led by Radullan Sahiron, a one-armed senior leader of the Abu Sayyaf, had been confined to an area of Sulu in an intensified offensive.

 

The United States has placed a bounty of $1 million on Sahiron's head for his involvement in the murder of foreign nationals.

 

Tan said that specific battalions involved in the offensive are tasked to go after each subgroups, including that of Sahiron's and another leader, Alhabsi Misaya.

 

President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the military to destroy the group and has declared a state of lawlessness following a bombing in Davao City on Sep. 1 that left 14 people dead and more than 70 others wounded.

 

Authorities believe that the blast was carried out to divert the military's attention from its fight in Sulu.

 

On Tuesday, during a trip to Laos to attend the 28th and 29th summits of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Duterte is reported to have told members of Vientiane's Filipino community that he needed just a little more time to make the Abu Sayyaf pay for their crimes.

 

“If I have to face them, you know I can eat humans. I will really open up your body. Just give me vinegar and salt, and I will eat you,” the ABS-CBN News broadcaster quoted him as saying.

 

“Go ahead. Set off bombs... How many did they kill, 15? Well, give me time. When the time comes, I will pulverize you. You watch me. You’ve seen how I operate… Just give me a little time."

 

Since 1991, the Abu Sayyaf -- armed with mostly improvised explosive devices, mortars and automatic rifles -- has carried out bombings, kidnappings, assassinations and extortion in a self-determined fight for an independent province in the Philippines.

 

It is one of two militant groups in the south who have pledged allegiance to Daesh, prompting fears during the stalling of a peace process between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front that it could make inroads in a region torn by decades of armed conflict.

 

http://aa.com.tr/en/asia-pacific/philippines-says-killed-more-abu-sayyaf-in-new-fighting/641983

Japan providing PH with 2 large patrol ships, 5 surveillance aircraft

From Update.Ph (Sep 6): Japan providing PH with 2 large patrol ships, 5 surveillance aircraft

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, during his meeting with President Rodrigo Duterte, agreed to supply the Philippines with two large-sized patrol ships and lend up to five used surveillance aircraft to the Philippines, according to Reuters’ report quoting a Japanese government spokesman. The two leaders met before the official start of ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings in Vientiane, Laos.

They agreed on the necessity of continuing law enforcement cooperation and projects which will strengthen maritime capabilities of the Philippines.

Japan, through Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has granted the Philippine government Official Development Assistance (ODA) Loan for the first phase of Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project for the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in 2013.

The said project is providing the PCG with 10 44-meter Multi-Role Response Vessels (MRRVs). The first MRRV was already delivered, succeeding deliveries are expected every quarter until completion of 10 units in 2018.

The phase 2 of Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project for PCG will cover the 2 Japan-made 92-meter heavy-weather, high endurance MRRVs.

http://www.update.ph/2016/09/japan-providing-ph-with-2-large-patrol-ships-5-surveillance-aircraft/9153

Eid'l Adha: September 12 declared regular holiday

From Rappler (Sep 6): Eid'l Adha: September 12 declared regular holiday

Under Republic Act No. 9849, Eid'l Adha, one of Islam's two major feasts along with Eid'l Fitr, shall be declared a regular holiday



Filipino Muslims pray at the Luneta in observance of Eid'l Adha in 2015. Rappler file photo

Monday, September 12, has been declared a regular holiday by Malacañang in observance of the Islamic holiday Eid'l Adha.

President Rodrigo Duterte signed Proclamation 56 on Monday, September 5, which set the holiday, Malacañang said.

Under Republic Act No. 9849, Eid'l Adha, one of Islam's two major feasts along with Eid'l Fitr, shall be declared a regular holiday.

The declaration of the said holiday is based on the Islamic Calendar. This year, the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos determined that Eid'l Adha be observed on September 12.

This holiday declaration creates another long weekend in the calendar this year (Saturday, September 10-Monday, September 12).

http://www.rappler.com/nation/145347-eidl-adha-regular-holiday-september-12-2016

Palace releases proclamation on state of nat'l emergency

From Rappler (Sep 6): Palace releases proclamation on state of nat'l emergency

(2ND UPDATE) In issuing Proclamation 55, Malacañang cites 'credible threats of further terror attacks and other similar acts of violence by lawless elements in other parts of the country, including the metropolitan areas'



SECURITY FORCES. Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) personnel patrol the streets of Manila on September 3, 2016 as Davao city and central Manila is placed on high alert following the Davao City blast. AFP PHOTO / NOEL CELIS

(2nd UPDATE) – Malacañang on Tuesday, September 6, released the proclamation on a state of national emergency on account of lawless violence.

Proclamation No. 55 – which President Rodrigo Duterte signed on September 4 – is entitled, "Declaring a state of national emergency on account of lawless violence in Mindanao."

Under Proclamation 55, Duterte commands "the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police to undertake such measures as may be permitted by the Constitution and existing laws to suppress any and all forms of lawless violence in Mindanao and to prevent such lawless violence from spreading and escalating elsewhere in the Philippines with due regard to the fundamental civil and political rights of our citizens."

Proclamation 55 states that Duterte's power to declare a state of national emergency stems from Section 18, Article VII of the 1987 Constitution.

"The President, as the Commander-in-Chief of all armed forces of the Philippines, may call out such armed forces whenever it becomes necessary to prevent or suppress lawless violence," the constitutional provision reads.

Proclamation 55 describes recent terrorist acts like the Maute prison escape of terrorists, beheadings by the Abu Sayyaf of its hostages, the deaths of 15 soldiers in an Abu Sayyaf encounter as basis for the declaration, aside from the Davao City blast on September 2 that killed 14 people and injured over 60 others.

It also cites the following criminals acts:

• Murder of innocent civilians
• Highway robberies and extortions
• Assassinations of media people

These acts "exhibit the audacity and the propensity of these armed lawless groups to defy the rule of law, sow anarchy and sabotage the government's economic development and peace efforts," Proclamation 55 said.

It also said that "based on government intelligence reports, there exist credible threats of further terror attacks and other similar acts of violence by lawless elements in other parts of the country, including the metropolitan areas."

Proclamation 55 will remain in force and effect "until lifted or withdrawn by the President."

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was the last Chief Executive to declare a state of emergency, following a foiled coup attempt in 2006. It lasted for about a week.

'Civilized response'

 

In an interview with dzMM early Tuesday, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea said the President issued Proclamation 55 “to see to it na ma-address na itong mga problemang ito (that these problems are addressed) in a very civilized manner.”

 

“Alam mo, itong recent bombing sa Davao, ang intelligence report po namin [ay] hindi lang dito, puwedeng mangyari sa iba-ibang parte ng Pilipinas. Kaya ayaw naman nating madagdagan pa iyong mga l6 na nangamatay at 67 nasugatan noong isang araw po,” Medialdea added.

 

(You know, this recent bombing in Davao, our intelligence report is that…this may happen in other parts of the Philippines. So we don’t want to have added numbers to the 16 deaths and 67 wounded the other day.)

 

He assured that the proclamation would have no impact in civil rights.

 

The only difference, the Palace official said, is the “visibility” of soldiers in more areas, who would “just give assistance” to the police.

 

“And we will issue guidelines within the day with the implementation of this Proclamation,” he said.

 

Proclamation period

 

In a statement, Vice President Leni Robredo said: "We respect the decision of the President to exercise his constitutional power to call out the Armed Forces of the Philippines to assist in suppressing lawless violence. And we appreciate that the Proclamation makes clear that this does not suspend any part of the Constitution or impair any of our fundamental rights."

 

"We reiterate our call that we bring to justice those responsible for the violence in Davao and at the same time, our bill of rights is followed and treated with utmost respect," Robredo added.

 

Senate Minority Leader Ralph Recto said while he supports the President’s declaration of a state of lawlessness, he has “reservations on one that is indefinite.”

 

“By stating when the emergency will end, pressure is exerted on the government to restore normalcy as soon as possible. In case, however, the objectives are not met, Malacañang can just extend the period of emergency. A renewable declaration is better than one that is open-ended,” Recto said.

 

Below is Proclamation No. 55:





http://www.rappler.com/nation/145346-proclamation-state-national-emergency-lawless-violence-released

Two mortar rounds used in Davao blast – police

From Rappler (Sep 6): Two mortar rounds used in Davao blast – police

The IED used in the blast was made out of 2 mortar rounds, says the Davao region police chief

BODY BAGS. Davao's 911 volunteers carry a body bag of one of the 14 people who died in the explosion.

 

Police on Tuesday, September 6, confirmed that two mortar rounds were used to create an improvised explosive device (IED) that was detonated at the Roxas night market in this city late Friday, September 2.

 

In a chance interview with reporters on Tuesday, Davao Region police director Chief Superintendent Manuel Gaerlan said the IED “was made out of two mortar rounds.”

 

The IED, he said, was made by “putting together” a 60 mm and 81 mm mortar round. “That’s why the explosion was that strong,” said Gaerlan of the blast that claimed 14 lives and injured at least 70 people.

 

Police are still investigating the deadly blast, which happened the same night President Rodrigo Duterte was in the city. Duterte was mayor of Davao for over 20 years before he ran for a national post.

 

“With the magnitude of the explosion and the preparation, I would say the intent of the IED-maker really was to harm and inflict maximum casualty. This is already… I would say a very barbaric act and an act of terrorism,” added Gaerlan.

 

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte earlier announced a P2 million reward for information that could lead to the arrest of the Davao blast suspects.

 

Police have yet to identify the person or group behind the blast. But the primary suspect has always been the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), subject of a series of military operations in Sulu province. About 8,000 government troops are now based there.

 

But national police chief Director General Ronald dela Rosa has also floated the possibility that the terror group could have been contracted by drug lords. A “war on drugs” nationwide is among Duterte’s key campaigns in his first months in office.

 

City police chief Michael John Dubria, in an earlier interview with media, said the type of IED – made using a mortal round – is consistent with those made by groups based in Central Mindanao.

 

According to Rappler Executive Editor Maria Ressa, a mortar round IED is closer to the signature bombs of Abu Sayyaf allies who have since pledged allegiance to ISIS: Ansar al-Khalifa, also known as AKP or Ansar Khalifa Philippines, based in southern Mindanao; and the Maute group in central Mindanao, also known as Daulah Islamiyah. (READ: Who's behind the Davao bombing?)

 

AKP has links to known bomb maker Malaysian Zulkifli bin Hir (or Marwan), who was killed during a controversial police operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last year.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/145397-mortar-rounds-ied-davao-bombing

WATCH | PNP had known of Abu Sayyaf plot before Davao bombing: Dela Rosa

From InterAksyon (Sep 6): WATCH | PNP had known of Abu Sayyaf plot before Davao bombing: Dela Rosa

Philippine National Police Chief Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa admits that bombers were able to slip past the PNP's defense even though, as early as the last week of August, it had received an intelligence report of a plan by the Abu Sayyaf to attack Davao City and Metro Manila.

“To be honest about it medyo nag-relax tayo ngayon dahil matagal-tagal na tayong ‘di nakatikim ng bomba (we relaxed a bit since we had not experienced bombings for some time),” Dela Rosa admitted after the Roxas Night Market explosion in Davao City on Friday last week that left 14 people dead and more than 60 wounded.

He said they received the intelligence information on August 25, 2016 wherein four Muslim women were sent by Abu Sayyaf Group leader Isilon Hapilon to Metro Manila and Davao.

The four women and other ASG members were allegedly staying in Barangay Tatalon, Quezon City with a mission to carry out suicide attacks on soft targets such as malls and come near the PNP chief and President Rodrigo Duterte to kill them.

In order to elude suspicion, the women were told to wear the traditional Muslim attire.

Despite the bombing, Dela Rosa said he is not blaming the Davao police.

“Even the President himself did not malign the performance of the DCPO [Davao City Police Office] and Task Force Davao. They are working very hard. Sinasabi ko naman palagi na kahit na yung pinakamalakas na intelligence agency sa mundo yung Central Intelligence Agency ng US nalusutan pa rin sila. (I had said before that even with the most powerful intelligence agency in the world, which is the CIA in US, terrorists still prevailed.) Everybody is doing their part on this endeavor na di tayo maisahan but still nalusutan tayo (so that we won’t be outsmarted but they still slipped past us),” Dela Rosa said.

The Abu Sayyaf initially claimed responsibility for the attack but later denied it.
Dela Rosa thinks that either the Abu Sayyaf was trying to make the government to deviate from its goal of destroying them in Sulu or the terrorist group was trying to connive with drug lords.

He said the Abu Sayyaf was only after the money such as asking ransom after kidnapping hostages, and that drug lords paid them to do the bombings instead.
He appealed to the public to refrain from passing on text messages they receive about threats of bombings.

“Wag tayong matakot. Pag natakot tayo, talo na tayo; sila ang panalo (Don’t be afraid. Once we show fear, we lose and they win). So let us live our normal lives; just relax and be alert,” Dela Rosa advised the public.

Watch this News5 video report by France Noguera:

[Video report]

http://interaksyon.com/article/132151/watch--pnp-had-known-of-abu-sayyaf-plot-before-davao-bombing-dela-rosa

Duterte vows to 'eat' Abu Sayyaf bandits

From InterAksyon (Sep 6): Duterte vows to 'eat' Abu Sayyaf bandits

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has vowed to personally tear apart and eat Abu Sayyaf Islamic militants, in a bloodthirsty vow of revenge for deadly attacks.

"They will pay. When the time comes, I will eat you in front of people," Duterte told an audience of Filipinos late on Monday night while in Laos for a regional summit.

"If you make me mad, in all honesty, I will eat you alive, raw."

Duterte often hurls abusive insults at critics and is waging a brutal war on crime in which nearly 3,000 people have been killed since he took office on June 30.

His aides often urge reporters against taking Duterte's comments literally, cautioning that the 71-year-old former lawyer speaks in a crude language of the people.

During the election campaign earlier this year Duterte attracted widespread criticism for saying he had wanted to rape a "beautiful" Australian missionary who had been sexually assaulted and murdered in a Philippine prison riot.

Duterte, 71, also claimed to keep two mistresses in cheap boarding houses who he took to short-stay hotels for sexual encounters.

Duterte on Monday offered a particularly vivid description of how he would like to eat Abu Sayyaf militants, who killed 15 soldiers last month and are accused of a bombing in his home city last week that claimed 14 lives.

"I will really carve your torso open. Give me vinegar and salt and I will eat you. I'm not kidding," Duterte said, according to an official video of his speech posted on Tuesday.

"These guys are beyond redemption."

The Abu Sayyaf are a small band of Islamic militants based on remote southern islands of the mainly Catholic Philippines and are listed by the United States as a terrorist organization.

They are notorious for kidnapping foreigners to extract ransoms, and this year beheaded two Canadian hostages.

Duterte also on Monday caused a major diplomatic rift with the United States after branding President Barack Obama a "son of a whore" who would wallow like a pig.

Duterte made the remarks in response to comments by Obama's aides that the US president would raise concerns about the Philippine war on crime when the pair met in Laos.

Obama abruptly cancelled the meeting, which was scheduled for Tuesday, because of the tirade.
http://interaksyon.com/article/132179/duterte-vows-to-eat-abu-sayyaf-bandits

Department of Defense eyes 14 percent budget rise to secure seas, fight rebels

From InterAksyon (Sep 6): Department of Defense eyes 14 percent budget rise to secure seas, fight rebels

The Department of National Defense is proposing a 14 percent increase in defense spending next year to buy new ships and aircraft to boost its fight against Islamist militants and enhance maritime security in the disputed South China Sea.

According to internal documents seen by Reuters on Monday, about P130 billion ($2.8 billion) or 96 percent of the proposed defense budget, would go to the armed forces.

The push to beef up military spending reflects regional concern about China's maritime assertiveness and the new government's determination to crush the entrenched and lucrative network of the Islamic State-linked Abu Sayyaf rebels behind a spree of kidnappings.

Some P25 billion would go to a modernization program, the DND said in the documents, including the acquisition of two surveillance planes and six close-air support planes to fight Abu Sayyaf.

The rebels, who have their stronghold in two southern islands in the Muslim-majority south, are holding more than 20 hostages of five nationalities.

Abu Sayyaf has this year beheaded two Canadian hostages and President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the military to "destroy" the group. The government believes it was behind Friday's bombing in Davao city that killed 14 people.

The government has proposed a P3.35-trillion national budget for next year, which the bicameral legislature is expected to approve before the end of the year.

A senior defense official told Reuters 2017 would be the second year in a row that the government is spending P25 billion for the modernization plan, which is slated to cost P82 billion over a five-year period.

The country is set to award contracts for two frigates for navy and three radar systems for the air force, which are designed to improve monitoring in the South China Sea.

Part of the funds will go to installments to pay for 12 Korean-made FA-50 jets, two of which arrived last year.

http://interaksyon.com/article/132182/department-of-defense-eyes-14-percent-budget-rise-to-secure-seas-fight-rebels

WATCH | Govt forces pile withering pressure on Abu Sayyaf in Sulu

From InterAksyon (Sep 6): WATCH | Govt forces pile withering pressure on Abu Sayyaf in Sulu

JOLO - Furious exchanges of spirited firepower continued to pepper the jungles in Sulu Tuesday as government forces pressed the pursuit against the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in the wake of the Davao City night market bombing late last week.

The vicinity of Patikul remained part of the frontline as the military executed flanking maneuvers across rugged terrain backed by firepower and artillery barrages.

Even local residents have decided to wade into the fray, as Simba armored vehicles also muscled their way into the firefights at Danag Village.

In the course of the sporadic encounters, the Abu Sayyaf fighters returned fire in equally menacing torrents against pelting M60 machine gun rapid fire.

In the sky the MG520 helicopters flew angry sorties to batter the ASG positions.

"Our withering strategy is gradually wearing them down. It won't be long before they [the ASG] eventually run out of legroom," said Brig. Gen. Arnel de la Vega of Task Force Sulu. "It's only a matter of time before we close in on them."

Meanwhile, other government forces have intensified operations around Basilan and Tawi-Tawi, which are the ASG's go-to sanctuaries whenever the heat gets too much for them to bear in Sulu.

Click and watch the video report below:

[Video report]

http://interaksyon.com/article/132186/watch--govt-forces-pile-withering-pressure-on-abu-sayyaf-in-sulu

Obama cancels meeting with Duterte

From InterAksyon (Sep 6): Obama cancels meeting with Duterte

(UPDATE 5 - 12:24 P.M.) United States President Barack Obama has cancelled his meeting with President Rodrigo Duterte, the White House announced hours after the latter issued a bristling statement that he would not stand for being lectured on human rights issues.

"President Obama will not be holding a bilateral meeting with President Duterte of the Philippines this afternoon," National Security Council spokesman Ned Price said. 


"Instead, he will meet with President Park (Geun-hye) of the Republic of Korea this afternoon."

The acid-tongued Duterte bristled at warnings he would face questioning by the US president over a war against drugs in the Philippines that has claimed more than 2,400 lives in just over two months.

"You must be respectful. Do not just throw away questions and statements. Son of a whore, I will curse you in that forum," Duterte told a news conference shortly before flying to Laos to attend a summit.

"We will be wallowing in the mud like pigs if you do that to me."

The pair had been due to hold a bilateral meeting late Tuesday on the sidelines of a gathering of global leaders hosted by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Vientiane, the Laotian capital.

The focus was meant to be on the surprising spat between the two longtime allies that have seen relations plunge under a barrage of foul-mouthed insults from Duterte since he came to office on June 30.

Duterte has previously also branded the US ambassador to Manila a "son of a whore" -- a term the acid-tongued former prosecutor commonly uses -- and criticised the US over its own track record of police killings.

Before flying to Laos Monday, Duterte said in part, The Philippines is not a vassal state. We have long ceased to be a colony of the United States." He made it clear,  "I do not want to pick a quarrel with Obama, but certainly I would not want to be beholden to anybody...I am only accountable to the Filipino people who elected me."

CLICK HERE FOR NEWS5 VIDEO REPORT ON DUTERTE'S DEPARTURE SPEECH.

'Not a big loss'

The Bagong Alyansang Makabayan said the cancellation was "not a big loss" and lauded Duterte's broadside at Obama as "the first time in forever" a Philippine president "has the backbone to reject US intervention."

Bayan said the cancelled meeting would have been used by the US to "to feign concern for human rights and then arm-twist the Philippines regarding the US imperialist agenda in the country and the West PH Sea. The meeting was more for US neo-colonial interests than anything else."

At the same time, the leftist group said Duterte should press his assertion of sovereignty and scrap "unequal agreements" such as the Visiting Forces Agreement and Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement" and an end to "master-puppet relations" with the US.

"We stand with Duterte is asserting PH sovereignty against any form of neo-colonial imposition and intervention," the group said. "Duterte can promote our interests in the West PH Sea vs China without having to rely on the US, who is only after its own agenda. The Philippines can deal with the Davao terrorist bombers without having to rely on more US intervention in Mindanao."

Kabayan party-list Representative Harry Roque, for his part, supported what he called "Duterte’s espousal (of) an independent foreign policy" but worried that his "undiplomatic language may unnecessarily cause diplomatic wrinkles, much like the cancellation of his bilateral talks with President Obama."

"An independent foreign policy need not result in the disturbance of friendly relations with our traditional allies," Roque pointed out. "To achieve this, tact, not firebrand rhetoric, is key."

Roque also urged Duterte not to be too averse to questions about human rights, saying these "must be welcomed if we are to take the path of stopping the environment of impunity now prevailing."

Kabataan party-list Representative Sarah Elago hailed Duterte’s “strong statements against US meddling in Philippine affairs, particularly his assertion that his administration will not be beholden to the world superpower, an astonishing breakaway from past Philippine presidents who all kowtowed unabashedly to whoever’s sitting in the Oval Office.”

But, at the same time, she said: “Words are just words, Mr. President.”

“The real litmus test for this administration to prove its nationalist and independent stance is to implement an independent foreign policy that will truly break the Philippines’ decades-long subservience to the US.”

She proposed that Duterte move for a review of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement and the Visiting Forces Agreement.

“This is the moment for the president to finally act with a firm sense of nationalism, to rise to the moment and concretely break the shackles of US subservience,” Elago said.

Crucial time

The setback in relations between the United States and the Philippines comes at a crucial time in the region, with China seeking to cement control over the contested South China Sea.

The Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan also have competing claims to the strategically vital waters, but have watched China expand its presence by building artificial islands in key locations.

An international tribunal ruled in July that Beijing's claims to the waters -- through which $5 trillion in global shipping trade passes -- had no legal basis.

The ruling was widely seen as a sweeping victory for the Philippines, which filed the suit under the previous administration of Benigno Aquino III.

But China has vowed to ignore the tribunal's decision.

Obama's aides had previously said he wanted to discuss the South China Sea issue with Duterte.

Under Aquino, the Philippines had forged closer military ties with the United States to deal with the China threat. But Duterte has cast doubt on that strategy.

He has also sought to heal relations with China rather than inflame them by pressing the tribunal's ruling.

Nevertheless, the South China Sea issue is expected to once again be discussed at the three days of meetings hosted by ASEAN.

The gathering will see the 10 members of ASEAN meet among themselves, then with leaders from China, Japan, South Korea and the US.

Other leaders to come for an East Asia summit on Thursday include from Australia, India and New Zealand.

Obama's time in Laos will be the final trip to Asia of his eight-year presidency, during which he has sought to refocus American military, political and economic resources on the region.

In one of the last acts of his so-called "pivot" to Asia, Obama is expected to announce greater help in clearing bombs dropped by US forces on Laos during the Vietnam War.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/132152/obama-cancels-meeting-with-duterte

PH-born Indonesian hunted over Davao blast - source

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 6): PH-born Indonesian hunted over Davao blast - source

One of the suspects being hunted by military and police intelligence operatives for last Friday’s terror attack in Davao City is the Philippine-born Indonesian son of a member of the Jemaah Islamiyah terror network, a police intelligence officer disclosed on Tuesday.

“The subject of our operation was an Indonesian who was born in our country and per our information said that he is the one who left the bomb in Davao City last Friday night,” said the Camp Crame-based source, who spoke on condition of anonymity for lack of authority to discuss the matter.

The explosion in Davao killed 14 persons and left dozens more wounded.

However, the source declined to name the suspect because of the ongoing manhunt.

Pressed for more details, the intelligence officer said the suspect was born and raised in Mindanao, which “makes him very familiar of every nook and cranny of Mindanao” and “could complicate our search operation for him.”

He said the subject of the manhunt was trained by JI operatives who sought refuge in Mindanao. The JI is among the terrorist groups once affiliated with Al Qaeda who have recently switched allegiance to the Islamic State.

“He is trained in bomb-making and in fact you can say that he is in the level of Zulkipli Bin Hir alias ‘Marwan’ when it comes to making bombs,” the source said, referring to the Malaysian engineer and JI operative linked to the October 2002 Bali bombing who was killed in controversial “Oplan Exodus” in Mamasapano, Maguindanao on January 25, 2015.

The covert operation turned awry, leading to the deaths of 44 police Special Action Force commandos, 17 fighters of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and at least three civilians in fighting that broke out after Marwan had been killed.

The Davao bombing prompted President Rodrigo Duterte to place the country under a “state of national emergency on account of lawless violence.”

His daughter Sara, the mayor of Davao, has offered a P2-million bounty for the arrest of the suspects in the bombing.

On Monday, Philippine National Police Director General Ronald Dela Rosa said there had been positive developments in their investigation but refused to divulge details except to say they have secured the “physical profile” of the suspects.

Government and security officials said the Abu Sayyaf, the target of an ongoing military offensive in Sulu, was likely responsible for the Davao attack.

http://interaksyon.com/article/132170/ph-born-indonesian-hunted-over-davao-blast---source

NCRPO asks public to remain calm over successive bomb threats

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 6): NCRPO asks public to remain calm over successive bomb threats

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) is appealing to the public to remain calm in the face of successive bomb threats being received in Metro Manila.

NCRPO Acting Director Chief Supt. Oscar Albayalde on Tuesday said that all the bomb threats should immediately be reported to authorities and should not be ignored.

Albayalde added that when one found a suspicious matter, do not touch it, move away from the area and immediately report it to the Philippine National Police-Explosives and Ordnance Division (PNP-EOD) for examination.

Likewise, Albayalde warned the pranksters or those who are disseminating the bomb threat that it is not a joke because those who are doing it may be imprisoned up to six years.

Four bomb threats were recorded in Manila on Monday while one bomb threat was recorded in Makati City Hall, all of which, turned out negative or “hoax”.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=920619

DoJ chief named three-man task force to probe in Davao blast

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 6): DoJ chief named three-man task force to probe in Davao blast
 

Department of Justice (DoJ) Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II on Tuesday named the three members of the task force that will investigate the explosion in Davao City where 14 people were killed and dozens others wounded last September 2.

Aguirre has issued DoJ Order 585 dated September 3, composing the task force -- Region 11 Regional Prosecutor Janet Grace Fabrero, Davao City Prosecutor Nestor Ledesma, and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) Southern Mindanao Regional Office chief Arnold Rosales.

"In the interest of public service and pursuant to the provisions of existing laws, the said personnel and or their duly authorized deputies and or assistants are hereby directed to coordinate with each other and with personnel from other law enforcement agencies with regard to the investigation on the Sept. 2, 2016 explosion in Davao City," Aguirre said in his order.

He said a task force composed of operatives from the NBI and prosecutors from the DoJ will be formed to investigate the terror attack and file criminal charges against perpetrators.

Aguirre earlier assured that justice will be served to the families of the victims of the blast.

The perpetrators will be brought to justice. We are one with the President (Rodrigo Roa Duterte) in this fight against terrorism and lawlessness. We cannot let this pass. The perpetrators should be meted the corresponding punishment under our penal laws,” he stressed.

The DoJ Secretary also announced that he has put in his personal funds to jumpstart a fund drive for the victims and their families of the Davao Blast, to be followed by the employees of the DOJ and its attached agencies.

“Davaoeños have always been there for the rest of the Philippines in times of calamities and in times of need. We have to be there for them now. I hope my humble contribution will set the wheels of charity into motion. I request all our employees at the DOJ and all our attached agencies to share what they can for the victims of the blast. They need it. This is the time for us to do more, to give more, and to be more”, Aguirre noted.

Aside from the 14 fatalities, 70 others were also injured in the explosion that prompted President Rodrigo Duterte to declare a State of National Emergency on Account of Lawless Violence in Mindanao.

Meanwhile, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio also announced a Php2 million reward for any information that could lead to the apprehension of those responsible behind the blast.

The Davao City Council also approved the release of Php4.5-million cash assistance for the victims of Roxas night market explosion that left 14 dead and 70 others injured.

The cash assistance, which was approved based on an urgent motion during the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) regular session, will be sourced from the City Government’s Crisis Intervention funds and incident expenses.

Lawyer Raul Nadela Jr., chief of staff of Mayor Inday Sara Duterte, said the distribution of cash assistance will immediately start Tuesday night.

Each family of 14 fatalities will receive Php40,000 while the 70 injured will be given Php30,000 each from the Crisis Intervention Fund.

The city will also shoulder the food expenses during the wake of the 14 victims for a maximum of 10 days, and the meals of watchers of injured victims for 20 days.

The burial lot at the Davao Memorial Park including the excavation fee will be sourced from the city’s incident expenses.

Nadela added that the Mayor initially gave out cash assistance to all the blast victims from her own money.

Meanwhile, additional support for grieving families of the night market explosion victims were given by Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) Secretary Silvestre Bello III with Php10,000 cash assistance to each family of the 14 dead victims and Php5,000 to each injured victim.

Bello personally visited the wake of fatalities and injured victims in various hospitals on Monday afternoon.

He said the assistance was pooled from the Employment Compensation Commission (ECC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Council (OSHC) under DOLE.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=920612

Solon decries car bomb attempt inside House of Representatives complex

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 6): Solon decries car bomb attempt inside House of Representatives complex

Kusug Tausug Partylist Rep. Shernee Tan on Tuesday decried the alleged attempt to plant explosives in her car inside the House of Representatives complex.

In her privilege speech on Tuesday’s plenary session, Tan revealed that there was an attempt to forcibly open her car Monday evening, as she noticed that the rubber gasket at the right side car door was destroyed.

Tan noted that the culprit has familiarity with all the areas within the premise, even the locations of CCTVs, since the perpetrator was not seen in any CCTV footages.

The Philippine National Police has already ruled out carnapping or theft as probable motives.

“The culprit may have intended to embed or plant an improvised explosive under the front seat of my car, where I usually sit,” she said.

“This unfortunate incident once more dramatizes the state of security in our workplace as I call attention to the overriding need for the strict implementation of security measures here in the House of the people,” she added.

Tan recalled the Batasan blast on Nov. 13, 2007, which killed at least five people including Rep. Wahab Akbar and injured a dozen others.

She said that while the alleged perpetrators were killed in a raid near the Batasan area, the masterminds remained “scot-free”.

The Department of Justice junked the multiple murder and multiple frustrated murder charges against the suspected masterminds in 2008 and the other suspect was cleared by the Supreme Court in 2013.

“Our country has been in jittery since the recent bloody bombing in Davao City and also with the on-going intense military operations against the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu,” Tan said.

“We cannot therefore discount the possibility that the mastermind or masterminds in last night’s incident intended to ride on the Abu Sayyaf fever,” she added.

The solon sought for a thorough investigation of the incident.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=920634