Communist rebel group to issue unilateral truce on Aug. 20

After President Rodrigo Duterte called off the government's unilateral ceasefire, the leadership of communist rebel group said on Sunday that it is willing to issue a unilateral ceasefire declaration.

"To further support peace negotiations, the CPP is willing to issue a unilateral ceasefire declaration separately but simultaneously with the Duterte government on August 20," the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) said in a statement.

The CPP statement posted on the National Democratic of the Philippines (NDFP) official website on Sunday, July 31, added the time-frame can be determined through negotiations.

Reacting to the communist group's statement, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza said: "Indeed, this is a welcome development. It affirms the value of the President's firm actions for peace. This is what we have been waiting for."

Dureza announced last month (July 19) that the peace negotiations between the Philippine government and the communist rebel group leadership will formally begin on August 20 to 27, 2016 in Oslo, Norway.

"The first round of formal peace talks between government and the NDF will proceed as scheduled on August 20 to 27 even as President Rodrigo Duterte on Saturday lifted his five-day unilateral ceasefire," MindaNews quoted Dureza as saying.

The communist group's central committee expressed dismay over the lifting of unilateral declaration of ceasefire by President Duterte last July 25, saying "It is too bad that he has withdrawn such an order."

The CPP, however, said that this (revoked unilateral ceasefire) will not affect preparations for formal resumption of peace negotiations scheduled for August 20-27 in Oslo, Norway, nor will it preclude the President from reissuing such a declaration simultaneously with a similar unilateral declaration by the CPP and NPA on August 20.

The CPP said they continue to look forward to work with the President in peace negotiations, adding that with his declared intent of resolving the issues at the root of the armed conflict, President Duterte will not want the fascist zealots of the US counter-insurgency doctrine to succeed in derailing peace negotiations and seeing him fail to forge a lasting peace agreement with the NDFP.

"It was quite capricious for the President to have imposed such ultimatums of a few hours or several days for the CPP to act in accordance with his whims. It was quite disconcerting that the GRP President would impose such an inflexible ultimatum on the CPP. Despite his anti-crime bravado, it would seem he has shown the drug lords and protectors of criminal syndicates more flexibility and accommodation."

The CPP said it is advisable for the President to exercise a little more prudence and display more measured temperament as a way of appreciating the situation from a broader historical perspective in order to avoid such impulsive acts as imposing ultimatums by the hour on a conflict that has spanned nearly fifty years.

In a statement emailed to Anadolu Agency (AA) Sunday evening, Dureza said "it is very clear that the President walked the extra mile for peace. And no doubt, he will still continue to do so at any given opportunity."

The peace adviser said he will make his corresponding recommendations to the President and the whole Cabinet tomorrow Monday, August 1, during the scheduled Cabinet meeting in the afternoon.

During the State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 25, the President declared a unilateral ceasefire with the CPP/NPA/NDF “in order to stop violence on the ground, safeguard the citizenry, and provide an enabling environment for the resumption of peace negotiation."

Dureza said consistent with previous unilateral ceasefires, like during Christmas holidays, there was high expectation that the NDF would forthwith and immediately announce also its own as positive response to the President's declaration.

"This was precisely the reason for the President's statement in the SONA that he was calling on and expecting the NDF to respond accordingly," he said.

According to him, the following day, July 26, the NDF, instead of issuing its expected declaration said they could not do so as yet as they were waiting for the precise written orders on the ceasefire.

In immediate response, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and subsequently the Philippine National Police issued their respective policy guidance in writing on how they would carry on with a ceasefire in place, said Dureza.

"Copies thereof were sent immediately to the NDF in Utrecht, the Netherlands. Yet, in spite of this, there was still no declaration from them," he added.

The following day, July 27, Dureza said a fire fight happened between the NPAs and elements of the AFP civilian auxiliary in Davao del Norte resulting to the death of a civilian auxiliary force member and the wounding of 3 others.

The President then called on the CPP/NPA/NDF again to explain why this happened in the midst of his ceasefire declaration.

Duterte gave the NDF the end of the following day, July 28, to do so. Still the expected declaration was not issued.

"The following day, July 29, during the President's visit in a military camp in Asuncion, Davao del Norte, he lamented the unnecessary loss of lives and publicly asked again the NDF to issue its own declaration of unilateral ceasefire to avoid similar incidents to happen," Dureza said in a statement.

"Although already obviously disappointed and exasperated, he announced 5 o'clock the following day, July 30, as a final deadline otherwise he would lift the government's ceasefire in order to further secure the civilians and secure the peace."

"By 5 o'clock in the afternoon of July 30, the final deadline the President announced lapsed and
still there was no declaration from the NDF. But the President still patiently waited," Dureza continued.

In the meantime, Dureza said disturbing messages from the ranks of the NPA were monitored. Its Southern Mindanao Regional Command claimed the government's unilateral ceasefire was “non-existent” as it also blamed the AFP as “sabotaging” the ceasefire.

"Its leadership also belittled the efforts of the President, saying that he could not dictate on the revolutionaries. By 7pm, knowing that an unanswered ceasefire declaration was not for the best interest of the nation, the President then authorized the release of a statement declaring the lifting of the ceasefire."

However, Dureza said after an hour thereafter, past the deadline and evidently informed of the President's announced position, the NDF publicly stated in the media that it was already ready to issue its own corresponding ceasefire declaration.

Meanwhile, some Senators expressed support to the lifting of ceasefire with communist group.

Sen. Joseph Victor Ejercito agreed with the president’s decision, saying “he has every reason to call off the truce.”

”It was President Duterte who offered a handshake for peace and reconciliation. It was the Reds who rejected and in the process violated the truce offered by the government,” he added.

Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III said President Duterte made the right decision when the popular leader did not extend the ultimatum.

”It would show that the president and this administration mean business. We are extending our hand of peace and friendship, yet we get nothing in return. I support the president’s decision,” Sotto said.

Senate minority member Antonio Trillanes IV also supported the president’s decision.

”I support President Duterte’s lifting of the ceasefire with the communists,” Trillanes, a former Navy officer, said.

Senator Panfilo Lacson said the President made the right decision since the ultimatum was made six days after he declared the ceasefire and the NPA rebels even ambushed the government militiamen.

”The president already gave his word to set an ultimatum at 5 p.m. Because of the ambush, he said that if they (rebels) will not reciprocate, he will revoke the ceasefire. Siguro taliwas sa kanyang character na pag nagbitaw ng salita na pag sinabi niya, talagang alam nating gagawin niya,” Lacson said.

Lacson criticized the CPP-NPA-NDF for announcing in the media that they were about to declare a ceasefire three hours after the 5 p.m. ultimatum expired.

”The president declared the ceasefire 25 (of July) but they did not reciprocate. Now that it was lifted after the ultimatum lapsed, they said they would call a ceasefire at 8 p.m. Stupid is just a common phrase. It’s not literal (that they would declare ceasefire),” Lacson said.

Lacson said the CPP-NPA-NDF should declare its own ceasefire as a show of their goodwill and good faith.

Neophyte Senator Sherwin Gatchalian expressed optimism that the peace agreement between the government and the CPP-NPA-NDF will be achieved expeditiously “with President Digong’s showing of goodwill.”

”The NDF should also move expeditiously to achieve peace. President Digong is their only chance to achieve peace. He is the only president that sympathizes with their cause and movement,” Gatchalian said.

Senator Juan Edgardo Angara said President Duterte had little choice when he set the ultimatum after the attack of the government militiamen, “especially as the president has been making a tour of military camps.”

”Hopefully both sides can engage in confidence building measures in the run up to the peace talks,” Angara said. MGP News

Govt forces resume operations vs NPA rebels  as calls mount for resumption of peace talks

Government forces have resumed all operations against communists rebels, as calls mount for President Rodrigo Duterte and the leftist group to continue with the peace process.

This, after the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed wing, the New People's Army, failed to declare their truce following Saturday deadline President Rodrigo Duterte had imposed the communist group.

Earlier, Duterte ordered all security forces to be on high alert and continue to discharge their normal functions and mandate to neutralize all threats to national security, protect the citizenry, enforce the laws and maintain peace and order.

Quoting Major Ezra Balagtey, spokesperson of the Eastern Mindanao Command, as saying, the MindaNews reported that EastMinCom has issued a directive for all units to be on high alert and to resume operations against the NPAs.

"...consistent with the directive coming from the military chain-of-command,” Balagtey said adding the directive was issued after President Rodrigo Duterte lifted the unilateral ceasefire with the NPA on Saturday night."

The Armed Forces of the Philippines on Saturday said that the lifting of the ceasefire declaration was a "missed opportunity." It said that it will abide by Duterte's new instructions.

The military's Western Mindanao Command also confirmed army units have resumed offensive action against the communist rebels.

Also the Philippine National Police chief Director, General Ronald dela Rosa, said that the police will also abide by the instructions.

"The PNP will follow the instructions of the commander-in-chief," Dela Rosa said in a statement issued to reporters in Manila.

However, Senate Minority Leader Ralph Recto on Sunday called on the government and the National Democratic Front to continue with the peace process despite a complication in the resumption of formal peace talks with communist rebels.

"I urge the NDF and the government not to pull the trigger but to push the reboot button. In the search for peace, deadlines should be extended, or it results in more dead bodies," Philstar quoted Recto as saying in a media statement.

Recto called on the NDF to "take the high ground" with an NPA ceasefire.

"I believe government will have no choice but to respond positively. Peace has always been an irresistible proposition," he added.

Recto also called for a "typhoon truce" so the government and local communities can prepare for the typhoon season.

He said that the peace talks under the Duterte administration are off to an "auspicious start" and said parties should not waste the good will already generated between the government and the rebels.

The ceasefire that Duterte announced last Monday and binding only on government forces, was meant to pave the way for progress in the peace process with the CPP-NPA-NDF, including the resumption of formal peace talks in Norway.

Dureza has said talks will push through despite the incident.

Meanwhile, Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate said the lifting of the government’s unilateral ceasefire is “unfortunate” and he hopes the talks will push through on August 20.

He called on both government (GPH) and the NDF “to thresh things out on the Davao del Norte incident and the ceasefire issues in the scheduled talks. More than ever, let us pursue earnestly the road to a just and lasting peace that our country and people have long waited for.”

For Pastor Dann Pantoja of the Peacebuilders’ Community, looks at the lifting of the ceasefire as “a missed opportunity” for both parties “to start anew in their peace talks based on good faith and mutual trust.’

He said it can also be a setback to the peace process.

Pantoja noted that the ceasefire was “an expression of an ‘all-out-good-faith’ and could have been reciprocated with an equal expression of good faith by the NDFP. But the NDFP seemed to have chosen the technical preconditions.”

Jeremy Simons, a peace and reconciliation advocate, said there is a limit to Duterte’s political capital with both the left and the military “to move the peace process forward on the ground where long time insurgency and counter insurgency dynamics prevail, especially lacking independent monitoring like a Bantay Ceasefire mechanism.”

“Also, there is a general misunderstanding of how fractured the leadership of ground level NPA commanders is, especially in Lumad communities where local tribal dynamics prevail,” Simons added.

“This is a challenge that all peace processes have to face. This is not insurmountable,” Kaloy Manlupig of Balay Mindanaw said, adding “successful peace processes have shown us that the search for common ground is not that easy, but not impossible to achieve.”

“There is hope,” he said, adding that, "In peace processes, it is not about brinkmanship. The one who blinks is considered a dove."

On Saturday evening, the largest ecumenical alliance of church federation leaders in the country has urged the communist rebel
group to declare a unilateral ceasefire as Philippine President Duterte had done on the part of the government.

The Philippine Ecumenical Peace Platform (PEPP) on Saturday evening, the group said: "It strongly encourages the NDF to reciprocate the gesture toward peace by also declaring a unilateral ceasefire to show a common commitment to establish the conditions for the resumption of the formal peace talks."

This comes as Duterte 5 pm deadline lapsed on Saturday for the CPP to reciprocate the government’s unilateral ceasefire.

The PEPP also urged both the government and the NDFP to continue the pursuit of peace. "They should not allow mistrust to deter or defeat this new beginning that is providing so much hope to our nation and people," it said.

PEPP said both parties to uphold their determination to continue the pursuit of peace, trusting that lasting peace is possible. They should not allow mistrust to deter or defeat this new beginning that is providing so much hope to our nation and people.

"Let our hearts be open to the understanding that we need each other in the pursuit of peace that is the fruit of trust and justice. Let us remain focused and steadfast in our endeavor. We urge all sides to dialogue on contentious issues that may come along the way."

Meanwhile, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza said the first round of formal peace talks between government and the NDF will proceed as scheduled on August 20 to 27 even as President Duterte on Saturday lifted his six-day unilateral ceasefire.

“Let’s wait and see. But so far, as of the moment, there is no supervening factor that will affect the upcoming talks in Oslo on August 20,” Dureza told MindaNews an hour after Duterte lifted the ceasefire on Saturday.

Duterte spoke with Dureza after the presentation of the Peace Roadmap at the State Dining Room of the Malacañan Palace on July 18, 2016.

On Sunday, Dureza told ABS-CBN that the ceasefire with communist rebels will be discussed on Monday in a Cabinet meeting in Malacañan following a pronouncement by the CPP that it is ready to declare its own truce.

“Indeed, this is a welcome development. It affirms the value of the president's firm actions for peace. This is what we have been waiting for,” he said.

Dureza said there was “high expectation” that the NDF would immediately announce its own ceasefire after Duterte’s declaration.

“This was precisely the reason for the President's statement in the SONA that he was calling on and expecting the NDF to respond accordingly,” the presidential peace adviser said.

The NPA Southern Mindanao Regional Command had claimed that the government's unilateral ceasefire was "non-existent" and that the military was “sabotaging” the truce.

Officials previously said that the issues surrounding the ceasefire would not affect the resumption of the peace negotiations on Aug. 20 to 27 in Oslo, Norway.

The NPA has been waging an armed struggle against the government since the late 1960s. The rebellion, the only remaining communist insurgency in the region, has left more than 40,000 people dead. MGP News

President Duterte warns communist group

to lift unilateral truce after NPA ambush

President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday threatened to withdraw the unilateral ceasefire with the communist rebel group he declared during his first State of the Nation Address (SONA).

The warning came a day after the ambush of the Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) staged by the New People's Army (NPA) on Wednesday in Barangay (village) Gupitan in Kapalong, Davao del Norte. The attack killed a government militiaman and injured four others.

In a televised speech before hundreds of​ troops of the Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) in Lucena City, Quezon on Thursday afternoon​, Duterte said he called a leftist congressman and Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III, chairman of the negotiating panel of the government, to demand an explanation from the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) on the incident in Davao del Norte.

The president said in tagalog: “Sabi ko, ‘Ano ba ito, are we in into these truce or are we not?’ Sabi ko sa kanila, Give me an answer by tonight because kapag tomorrow, wala, tatanggalin ko, balik tayo sa away."

(Translation: "I said, what's this, are we in into this truce or are we not? I said to them, give me an answer by tonight because when tomorrow, nothing would be done, I will cancel, we return to the fray or fight)".

"If you do not honor or you kill a single soldier or a CAFGU, which is also a soldier of the Republic, eh sabi ko kalimutan na natin ito (eh I said let's forget this). Fight na lang (just fight). I am demanding an explanation from the Communist Party of the Philippines,” he said.

According to Duterte, disciplinary action will also be taken against those responsible on the government side.

“Kung nagkasala kami rito (If we have wronged), we punish our men and women sa serbisyo (in the service). Expect the same and I demand an answer na kung sino ang nagkasala (that who are guilty), they must also put under disciplinary action. Otherwise, wala tayong pinag-usapan (we have not discussed). That is my deal,” he said.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines had earlier suspended its military operations against the CPP-NPA-National Democratic Front (NDF) effective Tuesday following Duterte's declaration of a unilateral ceasefire during his first State of the Nation Address on Monday.

In the SONA, Duterte also said he aims for a "permanent and lasting peace" before his term ends in 2022.

On the other hand, the CPP welcomed the ceasefire declaration, describing it as a positive boost to the peace talks scheduled on August 20 to 27 in Norway, but adding that the release of political prisoners should follow immediately. But has yet to declare its own ceasefire.

On Thursday, Peace Process Jesus Dureza announced that negotiators between the government and communist rebels will resume in Oslo, Norway on August 20, after a decade-long lull.

Dureza told reporters in Manila that there was no immediate commitment from the government to release communist party members who are facing criminal charges.

"The resumption was postponed to next month from late July to make sure that all negotiators are available," Dureza said. MGP News

Pres. Duterte and four ex-Philippine presidents meet for the first time

For the first time, President Rodrigo Duterte and former presidents Benigno Aquino III, Fidel Ramos, and Gloria Arroyo and Joseph Estrada have met for the National Security Council meeting.

The meeting came in the wake of arbitral tribunal's ruling invalidating China's massive South China Sea claim. It also came after US Secretary of State John Kerry and US congressional delegation paid a courtesy call on Duterte before noon Wednesday at Malacanang palace, Manila.

Malacanang said Duterte and Kerry had a working lunch where they affirmed the "long-standing" relationship between the two countries and discussed a wide range of "common concerns" such as terrorism, crime, drugs, religious fanaticism and maritime security.

According to ABS CBN report, Duterte and the four ex-presidents convened in one room to discuss policy and chart a course for the future of the country.

Malacañang palace spokesperson Ernesto Abella was quoted as saying that an overview of the road map for peace and development was presented in the first council meeting under the Duterte administration.

The council was also given an update on the government's campaign against illegal drugs.

Charter change and a shift to federalism was also discussed in the meeting.

Ramos, a member of the council, earlier agreed to become Manila's special envoy to Beijing.

Malacañang earlier said Duterte would convene the NSC ''in order to agree on vital policies and strategies on important matters, including the recent ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration on the West Philippine Sea."

The council is composed of 35 leader-members from the executive and legislative branches of government, such as Vice President Leni Robredo, Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III, House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, the majority and minority leaders of both Houses of Congress, chairs of Senate and House committees involved in national security concerns, and various members of the Cabinet. MGP News

ARMM celebrates "2016 National

Science Technology Week" 

Basilan Governor Jim Salliman Hataman, DOST-ARMM Sec. Myra Mangkabung and Lamitan City Vice Mayor Oric Furigay hold a press conference during the kickoff activity Monday in connection with the "National Science and Technology Week" from July 25-27, 2016.at Datu Dizal Cultural Center in Lamitan City, Basilan.

Thousands of students, youth, leaders and representatives from other sectors in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) joined hands with science technology experts and top local government officials to observe the "National Science and Technology Week (NSTW)" taking place from July 25-27 at Datu Dizal Cultural Center in Lamitan City, Basilan Province.

Hosted by the city government of Lamitan City under the administration of ​Mayor Rose Furigay and Vice Mayor Oric Furigay, the various events with the theme " Juan Science One Nation," highlight the capability of local S&T inventors, experts and inspires the youth and other sectors in believing that Filipinos can do it and that local technology works.


It was graced by Basilan Governor Jim Salliman-Hataman as keynote speaker​ and some ARMM regional cabinet secretaries.

"The NSTW is the premier event annual calendar of the science community. It is celebrated since the 1950s...the various events, fora and exhibits are the perfect venues for technology developers and invetors, as well as S&T service providers and clients, to interact and pursue potential opportunities," DOST-ARMM Sec. Myra Mangkabung said in a speech at the Lamitan's cultural center.

Mangkabung added every NSTW celebration is designed to optimize every opportunity to make S&T a way of life for all Filipinos.

According to her, the theme for this year's NSTW celebration is a forceful phrase depictive of the vision and dream of every Filipinos to be productive and competitive to make both ends meet and keep abreast with global economic integration.

She said the gains and strides of science and technology in the fields of science, engineering mathematics and other technical disciplines bring science and technology closer to the people experience the vital role of science, technology, and innovation in improving the people's quality of life, protecting the environment, and contributing to national development particularly in poverty alleviation.

"For more than three years from Fiscal Year's 2013, 2014, 2015 and the first quarter of 2016, DOST-ARMM made significant achievements in the programs, activities and projects...it is implementing concomitant with its major final outputs," Mangkabung declared.

"DOST-ARMM made significant efforts in providing technology innovation support to micro, small and medium enterprises that enabled us to improve our productivity level.Technical assistance and consultancy service were provided to afford SMEs the opportunity to enhance our production capacity and competitiveness," she added.

In the field of technology transfer, Mangkabung said that for more than three years were enhanced through various strategies that would empower micro, small and medium enterprises as well as community-based entrepreneurs.

Technology transfer activities were implemented through the transition support program-small enterprise technology upgrading (SET-UP) for established firms, "the Teknolohiyang Pangkabuhayan" program for community-based featuring the DOST-ITDI developed "Water Filter System" utlizing nano technology-based training and capacity-building and the "One-Stop-Shop" product development, the DOST-ARMM secretary said.

For the province of Basilan, Mangkabung said twenty-four projects were implemented out of the eleven targeted for implementation generating an accomplishment rating of 218%.

"We have also put in place technical interventions through innovation to improve the productivity and competitiveness of the micro, small and medium enterprises as well as community-based projects," she said.

During Monday's event, Mangkabung and Chancellor Atty. Lorenzo Reyes signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the establishment of food innovation center at MSU Tawi-Tawi, College of Technology and Oceanography.

The innovation center is a facility that aims to produce value added agricultural and fishery food products by becoming the hub for innovation and technical support services for the food processing industry in the ARMM region.

Mangkabung also said for the province (Basilan) they have implemented four livelihood-generating and poverty-alleviating programs under ARMM HELP's to address poverty issues.

The four are bakery projects are located in Switch Yakal, Lantawan, Badja, tipo-Tipo, Pintasan, Mohammand Ajul and Batto-Bato, Akbar town. The MOA for the fifth bakery project in Bato Bato, Lamitan City was also signed Monday morning.

The projects were in response to the call of ARMM Regional Governor Mujiv Hataman. In the same manner, the PAMANA-MNLF capacity development project was implemented benefiting 291 MNLF communities and cooperatives, according to Mangkabung.

To address internet connectivity in the region, the government through the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process allocated P50 million for the inter-connectivity with the 5 major sites in ARMM - Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, Jolo in Sulu, Datu Odin Sinsuat in Maguindanao, Marawi in Lanao del Sur, and Lamitan, Basilan.

"This is also coupled with the DOST-ICT project of OneConnect in which 98% of the total municipalities and cities in ARMM are recipient of the connectivity, both project primarily intends to bridge the digital gap in the region," said Mangkabung.

As they celebrate the 2016 NSTW, Mangkabung enjoined all and sundry to utilize to the fullest extent technology and innovation for productivity and competitiveness.

"Scientific concept and ideas, invention, photo-​typing and pantenting must be supported to encourage generation of new knowledge and discoveries. Reaserch, development and extension program must be enhanced and afforded all our researchers and end-users," she concluded. MGP News

President Duterte to soldiers, policemen

in Zamboanga, Basilan: "Just do your job"

Amid government fight vs terrorism and illegal drugs

President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday told soldiers and policmen to do their job amid the government’s fight against terrorism and illegal drugs.

Duterte, who visited military bases in Zamboanga city and its neighboring province of Basilan on Thursday, also vowed to provide financial assistance to them.

He asked the troops to do their sacrifice and promised that if they'll fall into trouble, or face cases to such lawful performance of their duties, he will take the cudgels for them.

“Maybe I take pride in winning the presidency but I’m fighting a war here. Drugs in Manila and other places, here in Mindanao, its terrorism. It will need your sacrifice and mine too,” the President
told military and police personnel in a speech at the headquarters of Western Mindanao Command in Zamboanga City.

He said he will provide financial assistance to soldiers so that they would not engage in illegal activities.

"I’ll look for money. If you encounter problem, you know those imponderables of life... you don't need to go far, just go to your commanding officer, he will call me and I look for ways for it."

The President apparently made the remarks to discourage soldiers from engaging in corruption especially after the military had also been ordered to participate in anti-drug operations.

He also promised to upgrade the Armed Forces of the Philippines Medical Center in Quezon City to provide the “best medical treatment” to state forces.

He said he was willing to spend money to improve the hospital, also known as the V. Luna Hospital.

“I will rebuild the V. Luna. I will complete it. I will add another building maybe, a new one, and you’ll have the best medical treatment,” he said. “I’ll spend money and we will improve the hospital for immediate and urgent need to be done there.”

The Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines also said he would convert the presidential yacht "BRP Ang Pangulo" into a floating hospital.

“I will either convert it into a hospital. I will see first if how much I would spend. I will make it (BRP Ang Pangulo yacht) hospital, I will put that wherever the fighting is,” he said.

During his visit in Basilan, Duterte received a situation briefing from military commanders at 104th Brigade in Tabiawan, Isabela City.

He was told that a firefight between government troops and the Abu Sayyaf Group was reportedly ongoing when he arrived in the area.

Recent clashes between government troops and the Abu Sayyaf Group have caused more than 3,000 families from three municipalities to flee their homes.

In his visit in Basilan, Duterte has pleaded for peace and an end to hatred among all rebel groups during Thursday's visit to the troubled southern Philippines.

In his first trip as commander-in-chief of the armed forces of the Philippines, the newly inaugurated president pitched federalism as one way to address the "historical wrongs" done to Muslims in Mindanao, which he claims fuels rebellion and terrorist acts.

Duterte has proposed to amend the country's constitution to grant regions more federal autonomy.

Accompanied by defense and security officials, he arrived in Basilan on Thursday to be met by military commanders who have been engaged in an offensive against the Daesh-linked Abu Sayyaf for weeks.

After disappearing into a conference room for a closed-door briefing on the ongoing military operation, he met with local officials led by Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Regional (ARMM) Governor Mujiv Hataman.

Both men took time out to talk to troops engaged in the battle with group renowned for kidnapping and beheading its victims, but reporters were restricted from taking video and conducting interviews.

Hataman said Duterte's visit boosted the morale of local government leaders and security forces working to address the Abu Sayyaf problem, while complementing ARMM development programs.

As the two leaders spoke, operations to flush out more than 200 Abu Sayyaf from the mountains of Magcawa in Basilan continued.

Hataman told reporters he had welcomed the news that a comprehensive peace roadmap had received Duterte's blessing -- a roadmap based on a formula presented by Duterte's newly appointed presidential adviser to the peace process, Jesus Dureza.

The fact that the roadmap was approved within a month of the president's appointment shows the administration's commitment to peace and recognizes the urgency of the issue, added the governor.

"The ARMM knows firsthand the effects of a peace process between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front that is inclusive and accounts for the realities on ground," he added.

"With the support of the national government, the ARMM has made strides in matters of economic development and has brought basic social services closer to the people."

Hataman praised Duterte's decision to build on the gains of past negotiations and ensure the implementation of long-signed agreements between the government and the MILF.

In 2014, the two signed a peace deal that would have been sealed by a proposed law to replace the current ARMM with a more inclusive Bangsamoro autonomous region.

However, the Bangsamoro Basic Law stalled as Congress adjourned for campaigning for the May 9 polls.

"That his administration has made it a priority to act upon previously mutual agreements, trusting the wisdom of those who have always been at the forefront of the peace negotiations, sets a proactive tone with regard to the peace process, especially when it comes to addressing the Bangsamoro struggle," Hataman said.

"The ARMM regional government has always taken an active role in the struggle for peace and justice and we look forward to working with the Duterte administration in hopes of finally realizing the dreams and aspirations of the Bangsamoro people."

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

Earlier this year, the group beheaded two Canadian hostages after ransoms failed to be paid. It has threatened to decapitate a Norwegian captured with them in September if a P300-million ($6 million) ransom demand is not met.

Two militant groups in the Philippines' troubled south -- the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and the Abu Sayyaf -- have pledged allegiance to Daesh, prompting fears during the stalling of the peace process between the government and the MILF that Daesh could make inroads in a region torn by decades of armed conflict. MGP News

ARMM receives P4-million worth of medical equipment from aid agency and EU

The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) received P4-million worth of medical equipment from the international aid agency Oxfam and the European Union (EU).

Justin Morgan, Oxfam country director, formally turned-over to ARMM Executive Secretary Atty. Laisa Alamia and Dayang Sangkula Jumaide of the region’s Department of Health the medical assistance on Thursday, July 14.

Morgan said the medical equipment will help improve the delivery of Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) services to 14 cities and municipalities in the region. Among the items turned over are fetal dopplers, oxygen tanks, wheelchairs, examination tables, delivery tables, and pediatric stethoscopes.

A program funded by EU dubbed Improving Availability of Reproductive Health Services in the ARMM, or ARCHES, it seeks to contribute to poverty reduction and improved well-being of the population in the region through better and more equitable access to health services.

The assistance will also help build the capacity of local governments to deliver SRH services. ARCHES is a joint undertaking between Oxfam and four women’s rights organizations working with local communities in the region namely Al Mujadilah Development Foundation, Inc. in the province of Lanao del Sur; Pinay Kilos in Sulu and Basilan; Tarbilang Foundation Inc., in Tawi-Tawi and United Youth of the Philippines-Women in Maguindanao.

“We believe in the importance of protecting the rights and welfare not only of women but also the families they raise and support, and we recognize that there is a need to ensure that reproductive health services are made available for all, especially for the disadvantaged,” ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman said.

In October 2012, a landmark legislation known as the Reproductive Health Care Act of 2012 for the ARMM was signed. It created and established a reproductive healthcare program for families in the region that promotes natural family planning method and focuses on strengthening child healthcare facilities.

“It is in the spirit of upholding the Bangsamoro's right to health that we welcome and accept with gratitude the medical equipment that Oxfam and their partner organizations are donating to the ARMM in order to ensure that local governments can provide better reproductive health services,” Gov. Hataman added.

He also said the regional government is looking forward to continuously working with them towards a healthy Bangsamoro for all the women, children, and their families. PR

Pinoys rejoice over Philippines' win in territorial case vs China

                                          Photo courtesy of ABS-CBN
The Filipinos including government officials and politicians have rejoiced Philippines win in territorial case it filed against China before the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, Netherlands.

Displaying a big Philippines flag and rattling the drums, hundreds of people mostly members of US Pinoys for Good Governance gathered at Aristocrat Baywalk, Roxas Boulevard, Manila, at around 3p.m. on Tuesday to release several balloons to celebrate the landmark tribunal's ruling.

The celebrants called on China to abide by the UN Convention on the law of the Sea, and to respect Philippine Sovereignty over its Exclusive Economic Zone, which includes the Scarborough Shoal, Kalayaan Islands, Mischief Reef, and Ayungin Shoal.

Meanwhile, Filipino officials and politicians posted their respective statements on their Facebook pages after the UN Arbitral Tribunal handed down its decision on Philippines protest against China’s illegal occupation of Philippine territories in the West Philippine Sea, ruling out that China's nine-dash line claim over the disputed waters is invalid.

Ambassador Lauro Baja, a permanent representative to the UN for the Republic of the Philippines, said that the challenge now for the Filipinos is how to parlay this (ruling on the case) into big winnings to protect and promote the country's concern in the West Philippines Sea.

"What the immediate move I see right now is to engage China on talks about the award," Baja said. "Of course, the China does not recognize the decision but sometimes directs bare fruits.

Our option would be mainly diplomatic. Now is the time to study on how we can leverage our success in the panel vis-a-vis the China, vis-a-vis the other stakeholders or the allies like the US, Japan, Korea, Australia and the ASEAN. We must now take some affirmative actions in this regard so that our victory could be taken up for implementation," Baja said.

For Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate, he said the favorable ruling of The Hague Arbitral Tribunal "strengthens and solidifies the Philippine position in future bilateral talks with China, especially now that her expansionist 9-dash line theory is declared without legal, historical and moral basis."

"Despite the ruling in favor of the Philippines, we call on the international community to step in and pressure China to de-escalate the situation in the West Philippine Sea and should stop militarizing the area," he said.

“China has already reclaimed at least 7 of our reefs such as the Panganiban (Mischief), Mabini (Johnson South), Gavin (Gaven), Calderon (Cuarteron), Hughes (Kennan), Malvar (Eldad) and Kagitingan (Fiery Cross) Reefs, that are clearly within Philippine territory and exclusive economic zone but hardly anything has been done by the previous Aquino administration to effectively address it," said the progressive solon.

Zarate also said that in addition to the international support against China’s provocative acts,"we also urged the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte to initiate further diplomatic moves to strengthen our own claims and fortify our positions, even as we engaged China in mutually beneficial bilateral or multilateral talks."

“Every Filipino here or abroad should defend our territory, our exclusive economic zones, our national sovereignty," Zarate said.

Meanwhile, former Akbayan Representative Walden Bello, wrote that "hopefully, the Duterte administration will stand firm on this ruling.

Senator Loren Legarda said in her Facebook page the International Tribunal of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea has spoken and that as state parties to the UNCLOS and responsible members of the international community, we are duty-bound to respect its decision.

"I welcome the impartial, authoritative decisions rendered by the Tribunal and can only hope that these will serve as guideposts for the parties in this dispute. It serves no valid purpose to further exacerbate the dispute by refusing to heed the decision handed down by the Tribunal, for in the end, such refusal to honor its decision will only undermine the primary objective of the UNCLOS – and that is to establish a legal order for the seas to promote its peaceful use," Legarda said.

Senator Grace Poe, political rival of Duterte in the May 9 presidential race, ​ said: "I join the nation in welcoming the landmark decision of the Arbitral Tribunal affirming the rights of our country over its 200-mile exclusive economic zone in the West Philippine Sea."

She said the resolution rendered "in this historic case confirms our stand that we fully adhere to the rules of international law in the peaceful settlement of disputes."

The Senator said the West Philippine Sea is theirs and this legal and moral victory is significant as it will provide the government a binding ruling under the UNCLOS and international law in dealing with China as well as the allies, in whatever mode of negotiation that may be taken by the current administration to ensure compliance of parties involved.

"The Tribunal’s ruling is no paper judgment. Our government should exhaust all avenues and encourage full compliance of the decision through peaceful and diplomatic means. The landmark decision of the Arbitral Tribunal is a historic victory for our Country."

"Equally important is that, based on early reports, it is definitive, categorical and expectedly upheld the provisions of UNCLOS which could help the Duterte Administration in pursuing the next course of action. Lastly, the favorable decision is a vindication of the foreign policy direction of the Aquino Administration,

"The Tribunal concluded that there was no legal basis for China to claim historic rights to resources within the sea areas falling within the ‘nine-dash line," Poe said.

Senator Risa Hontiveros also said: I join the Filipino people in celebrating the United Nations' Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling in favor of the Philippines' rightful claim over the West Philippine Sea.

"The historic decision is a triumph of Philippine sovereignty and international law; it is a "slingshot" that struck "Goliath China's" bullying in the region," she said.

She commended the previous government for filing the arbitration case in the face of continuing Chinese continuing threats and incursions in the Philipppine territory.

"I commend the Filipino people, particularly our fisherfolk, for their strong, peaceful and united resolve to defend the country's sovereignty in the West Philippine Sea. This is our victory. I trust that the Duterte administration will build on this victory to further safeguard the country's sovereignty and marine jurisdiction in the West Philippine Sea and in advancing genuine peace and regional stability."

"This historic win must be strengthened by the new government. To deviate from the spirit of this ruling would render the victory hollow and our sovereignty compromised," the senator further said.

According to her, the Duterte administration must capitalize on the decision to strengthen international public opinion to our favor and mobilize allies to rally behind our sovereignty. This should be a signal to China to end its bullying and militarist expansion in the region. The US government must also be reminded that the West Philippine Sea should not be a staging ground for their superpower games.

She also encouraged the government to craft an interdependent and progressive foreign policy guided by the Hague ruling.

"It should serve as the administration's reference to upholding national sovereignty and territorial integrity in the region. President Duterte must use all democratic multilateral platforms to protect our national interest and foster stronger ties with our regional neighbors.

The Senator called on the Chinese government to respect the ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration. "As a regional leader and emergent global power, China must prove to the international community that it abides by the international law and is committed to regional peace."

Also Senator JV Ejercito, the son of former President now Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada, said they welcome the Permanent Court of Arbitration's favorable decision for the Philippines which declares that China has no historic title over West Philippine Sea or South China Sea.

"It is only proper that the unanimous decision of the international tribunal's members must be respected in our collective pursuit for peaceful resolution of the dispute," Ejercito said.

President Rodrigo Duterte's foreign affairs officials have called for sobriety after the Philippines won the maritime case it filed against China before the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague in the Netherlands.

In a press conference after the ruling was released on Tueday, Foreign Affairs Secretary Pefecto Yasay said: "Our experts are studying the Award with the care and thoroughness that this significant arbitral outcome deserve. In the meantime, we call all concern to exercise restraint and sobriety."

In Malacañang, President Rodrigo Duterte was scheduled to hold a Cabinet meeting with the landmark ruling on the agenda, according to GMA News report.

Communications Secretary Martin Andanar was quoted as saying that President Duterte will reserve comment on the issue until he receives a complete and thorough interpretation” of the decision.

“We shall wait for SolGen’s interpretation of the ruling. The SolGen shall provide the President a synopsis of the ruling tomorrow morning and a complete and thorough interpretation in 5 days,” Andanar said.

President Duterte earlier cautioned against using the favorable decision to “taunt or flaunt.”

China, meanwhile, has boycotted the hearings of the UN arbitration tribunal and has earlier said it will ignore any ruling on the case saying the tribunal does not have jurisdiction over the dispute.

China's state-run Xinhua news agency earlier described the UN arbitration tribunal as a "law-abusing tribunal."

The Philippine Embassy in China warned its citizens to be aware of "threats to their welfare and the safety of their belongings because of the current situation or political issue." MGP News

Duterte's hometown faces ISIS terror threat

                                          Davao City Vice Mayor Paolo Duterte.

Davao City, the hometown of newly-installed President Rodrigo Duterte, is facing threats from the the international terrorist organization ISIS or Daesh responsible for various deadly attacks in different countries.

ABS CBN which quoted Davao City vice mayor Paolo Duterte, the son of President Duterte, as saying reported on Thursday that the City is under ISIS threat and that they are now intensifying intelligence monitoring to further verify information.

The young Duterte said he has already communicated with the police and military to look into the veracity of the information and ordered Task Force Davao and Davao City Police Office to beef up security.

The vice mayor also advised the public to remain calm and vigilant.

The intelligence and monitoring operations of the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) and the Armed Forces’ Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) are also on alert amid the reported threat.

EastMinCom spokesperson Major Ezra Balagtey said that the threat allegedly issued by ISIS against Davao City has yet to be verified, but admitted that threats against Davao City are always present as the area is adjacent to known trouble spots in Western Mindanao, such as Maguindanao and Sulu.

Balagtey added that the “Panacañang” or the DPWH depot in Panacan that serves as President Duterte’s office in Davao have also been placed under Armed Forces of the Philippines' watch.

“EastMinCom have directed subordinates to intensify intelligence and monitoring in Davao considering that this is his (Duterte’s) showcase,” Balagtey said.

Philippine Coast Guard – Davao’s Lt. Commander Restituto Concio Jr. said BRP Ilocos Norte, a 35-meter coast guard vessel, is docked in Sta. Ana Wharf “to serve as a deterrent and to provide added security whenever the president comes home to Davao.”

“It (BRP Ilocos Norte) came from Zamboanga. It is capable of search and rescue and maritime patrol,” Concio said.

Balagtey said military personnel based in Davao “have been on their toes since President Duterte emerged as the leading candidate in pre-election surveys.”

“With or without the threat, we have intensified our anti-terrorism efforts in Davao City because the Kadayawan (festival) draws near, and because of the frequent stay of President Duterte here,” Balagtey said.

But DCPO public information office head, Police Inspector Catherine Dela Rey assured the public that there is no cause for alarm.

“As of today (Thursday), we still enjoy the peace and order in Davao City. Intelligence units have always been in place. The order was for us to intensify police visibility, and monitoring of insurgent groups,” Dela Rey said.

The DCPO also asked for the public’s support by “reporting suspicious persons who have recently moved into communities.”

Last month, the Davao City Police released a terrorist watchlist ahead of the thanksgiving party of then President-elect Duterte on June 4, after they received reports that members of the ISIS-linked Islamiyah Movement are currently in Mindanao.

Davao City Police spokesperson Chief Inspector Milgrace Driz said Islamiyah Movement had been involved in bombings in Cotabato and Cagayan de Oro City and kidnappings in the Island Garden City of Samal.

The thanksgiving party, which was attended by at least half a million people, went smoothly.

Mea​n​while, the Philippine government expressed solidarity with the people of Bangladesh after a bloody hostage-taking incident that left 20 people dead.

“The Philippines condemns in the strongest terms the 01 July 2016 hostage-taking incident in Bangladesh,” the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a statement issued to reporters in Manila.

“The siege in Dhaka is a serious atrocity committed against peace-loving nations and peoples,” it said. “The Philippines expresses its solidarity with the Government and people of Bangladesh and extends sincere condolences to the victims’ families.”

Twenty hostages were killed when heavily armed men stormed a restaurant in Dhaka, popular among foreigners, and held people captive during a 10-hour standoff. Also killed were six attackers and two police officers.

According to the SITE Intelligence Group, the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) has already claimed the attack.

DFA said there were no Filipinos hurt or affected by the incident. Nevertheless, the embassy in the area has issued an advisory to Filipino nationals to “exercise caution.”

It added that Alert Level 1, which advises Filipinos to take precaution, remains in effect in Bangladesh since it was issued in October 2015. Alert Level 1 is issued by the DFA “when there are valid signs of internal disturbance, instability, and external threat to the host country.” MGP News

9 Abu Sayyafs, 1 soldier dead in Sulu clash

Maj. Filemon Tan Jr., spokesman of the military's Western Mindanao Command.
At least nine Daesh-affiliated militants and an Army trooper have been killed and thirteen others, including six soldiers, injured in an ongoing military operations in the jungles of southern Sulu.

"Sulu encounters, Abu Sayyaf Group enemy side as per intelligence report, 9 killed, 13 wounded," Maj. Filemon Tan Jr., spokesman of the Western Mindanao Command, told reporters in a statement Thursday night.

The encounter took place in Barangay Kabuntakas, Patikul, Sulu.

Tan said operating elements of 45th Infantry Battalion (45IB) from the Philippine Army 501st Brigade while conducting FMO (Focused Military Operation) encountered more or less 130 Abu Sayyaf armed men believed to be led by ASG senior leader Radulan Sahiron.

Sahiron is a one-armed leader of the Abu Sayyaf militant group who has been on a U.S. State Department wanted list with a $1 million reward for his capture since his involvement in the kidnapping of U.S. tourists in 2001.

As of this posting, sporadic firefight is still ongoing and the 8th Field Artillery Battalion provides indirect fire support to the engaging troops, according to Tan.

"Our troops from the 32nd Infantry Battalion was directed to close in with the enemy and provide reinforcement but was engaged by the Abu Sayyaf group. Initial result: 1 killed in action and 7 wounded in action on the government side," Tan added.

In Basilan, meantime, a series of encounter between elements of Joint Task Force Basilan and more or less 200 Abu Sayyaf militants brokeout on Thursday.

Tan said the clashes began after the Abu Sayyaf bandits led by ASG senior leader Isnilun Hapilun and his commander Furuji Indaman attacked the Army’s 18th Infantry Battalion headquarters in Ungkaya Pukan town on Wednesday night.

Superintendent Oscar Nantes, police chief for Basilan, told DXNO Radyo Komunidad station that he he has dispatched more police forces to Tipo-Tipo and Ungkaya Pukan to help the military.

According to Nantes, at least 2,000 families from Ungkaya Pukan, Tipo-Tipo and Al Barka towns have been displaced so far.

Earlier military reports said government troops continue to fight Daesh-affiliated militants in Basilan, which they assaulted over the weekend.

“The firefight is sporadic. It can be intense for how many minutes and it will stop and it will go on again after a few minutes,” Tan said in a text message.

He added focused military operations are currently being intensified in all efforts of the military to neutralize the Abu Sayyaf group based in the province of Basilan.

Tan said a series of airstrikes and artillery fires were delivered by military troops, targeting more or less 150 Abu Sayyaf members under Isnilun Hapilun and Furuji Indama last Sunday, July 3.

Late last year, Hapilon, the Basilan-based Abu Sayyaf group leader, and Indama pledged allegiance to the Islamic State or Daesh.

In April 9 of this year, Hapilon and Indama led an attack against soldiers also in Tipo-Tipo, killing 18 soldiers and injuring several others.

Tan said troops are currently blocking an undetermined number of militants, whose positions also were pounded by airstrikes earlier.

No casualty was reported on the government side as of this posting, while the number of casualties inflicted on the Abu Sayyaf Group is yet to be determined by troops.

But DXNO-Radyo Komunidad reported that a resident of Barangay Matata in Tipo-Tipo town was injured after a splinter of mortar fire hit him while he was walking along the road shortly before 12 noon Thursday.

Citing a statement of barangay chairman of Baguindan, the local radio station also confirmed the presence of Hapilun and Indama in the area and that the military offensive has so far caused the destruction of rubber trees plantation, government projects, and the temporary suspension of classes in four villages in Tipo-Tipo.

The continued fighting has also forced undetermined civilians to flee homes, according to the radio report.

In Sulu, the military said troops continue to operate in an area where kidnap victim Kjartan Sekkingstand is known to be located.

"As to the report that the kidnap victim will be beheaded anytime, we cannot confirm or deny that," Tan said.

He said the troops of the Joint Task Force Sulu continue to conduct focused military operations where intelligence reports point operations should be conducted." MGP News

ARMM Gov. Hataman urges to stand together vs terrorism

                                         ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman.

As the month of Ramadan ended Wednesday, the regional governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) urged to stand together against all terror actions, not only against Muslims but against humanity.

In a statement issued on the eve of Eid al-Fitr, ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman said that "In this time of renewal, may our courage be renewed as we face a world that constantly challenges our faith."

Condemning the terror attacks that hit in Muslim countries and other parts of the world, Hataman added: "May we stand together with the rest of humanity, united in action against terror and fear."

The ARMM governor said these are not the first attacks committed by extremists and terrorists who claim to do acts of terror in the name of Islam, nor these will be the last.

"We face this reality with a grave self-awareness, knowing that the ummah will have to face the recurring question of Islam's relevance in a world that longs for peace and justice."

On June 28, thirty-eight soldiers who were about to break their fast were killed in a wave of suicide bombings in Mukalla, Yemen.

The attackers were believed to be posing as iftar distributors for the breaking of the fast. On the same day, news of yet another attack spread online, this time an attack on Istanbul's Akaturk Airport. The attack left 45 people dead and more than 200 injured.

On July 1, seven men opened fire on a bakery in Bangladesh. They took several dozen people hostages and killed 28 people.

On July 3, Muslims breaking the fast were specifically targeted by a suicide bombing that killed at least 215 people in Baghdad, Iraq.

On July 4, a suicide bomber detonated his vest outside the Prophet's Mosque in Medina, Saudi Arabia, one of Islam's holiest sites, as thousands of Muslim worshippers prepared for the sunset prayers.

"As Muslims, a heavy burden rests on our shoulders as we grieve and seek justice for the deaths of our brethren," Hataman said.

"The weight we carry is made heavier by the need to amplify Islam's message of compassion and mercy over those whose message contain nothing but violence and pain."

Hataman said all true Muslims should not be silenced by these barbaric acts.

"We will not be silenced. We condemn these crimes to the highest degree and with utmost conviction, as we continue to struggle and strive to live up to the ideals of Islam," he said.

Hataman admitted the Abu Sayyaf that operates in ARMM provinces of Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, remain a threat to the country's security.

The Daesh-linked militant group is still holding a Norwegian, a Dutchman, seven Indonesian kidnap victims, some Filipinos and they threatened to behead Kjartan Sekkingstad if the P300 million ransom demand is not met. MGP News

WesMinCom Joint Task Forces launch airstrikes against Abu Sayyaf in Basilan

Major Filemon Tan Jr., spokesman of the Western Mindanao Command.

Troops have launched airstrikes backed by artillery fires on a suspected haven of Daesh-affiliated militant group in a predominantly Muslim Basilan island province in the southern Philippines.

Maj. Filemon Tan Jr, spokesman of the Western Mindanao Command, said troops from the Joint Task Force Basilan continue to pound on the Abu Sayyaf Group position at Punoh Amirul in Barangay Baguindan, Tipo-Tipo town.

"This intensified offensive of the Armed Forces of the Philippines comes after a series of focused military operations launched against the Abu Sayyaf since Sunday, July 3," Tan said.

He said a series of airstrikes and artillery fires were delivered by military troops, targeting more or less 150 Abu Sayyaf members under Furuji Indama and Isnilon Hapilon.

No casualty was reported on the government side as of this posting, while the number of casualties inflicted on the Abu Sayyaf Group is yet to be determined by troops.

Since Sunday, troops of the 18th Infantry Battalion situated in Barangay Magcawa, Albarka have been engaging in a series of armed confrontation with the group of Indama, while being backed by 3rd Air Division forces.

"Focused military operations are currently being intensified in all efforts of the military to neutralize the ASG based in the province of Basilan," Tan added.

In Sulu, Tan said troops continue to operate in an area where kidnap victim Kjartan Sekkingstand is known to be located.

"As to the report that the kidnap victim will be beheaded anytime, we cannot confirm or deny that," he said. "The troops of the Joint Task Force Sulu continue to conduct focused military operations where intelligence reports point operations should be conducted." MGP News

President Duterte names 5 police

generals linked to illegal drug trade

President Rodrigo Duterte giving speech at the 69th Anniversary of Philippine Airf Force in Clark Air Base on Tuesday, july 5, 2016.

Five police generals allegedly involved in illegal drug trade have been identified and relieved from their positions by President Rodrigo Duterte, who intensifies his campaign against drugs, criminality and corruption across the country.

Duterte named the five police officials linked to drugs as Deputy Director-General Marcelo Garbo Jr. (retired), Chief Supt. Vicente Loot (retired), Chief Supt Bernardo Diaz Director Joel Pagdilao and Chief Supt. Edgardo Tinio.

The President made public the names of the five police generals during a speech at the Philippine Air Force's (PAF) celebration of its 69th anniversary at Clark Air Base on Tuesday.

ABS CBN reported Garbo and Diaz, who belonged to Philippine Military Academy Class 1981 and 1984, respectively, were in the news during the elections for supposedly meeting with the camp of presidential candidate Mar Roxas.

It said that Loot was director of the PNP Training Service and director of Police Regional Office 8 before retiring who is now the mayor of Daanbatayan, Cebu.

Pagdilao, a member of PMA “Maharlika” class of 1984, served as National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief.

He was replaced by Chief Superintendent Oscar D. Albayalde, as ordered by Director General Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa in his first day in office.

On the other hand, Tinio, a member of PMA “Sandiwa” class of 1985, was the director of Quezon City Police District.

Duterte was quoted as saying that many have long suspected that there are police officials involved in illegal drugs.

"The truth of the moment is, these people, after so many validations, even when I was still mayor of Davao City, these names were appearing, it really came out," he said.

He added that as President, he is compelled by a sense of duty to name the police officials "who have contributed to the deterioration of law and order in the country."

Duterte ordered the police generals to report to Philippine National Police chief Director General Ronald Dela Rosa. He also ordered the National Police Commission to investigate the officials.

The President asked the Armed Forces of the Philippines to help his administration's "bloody fight" against those who protect drug lords and syndicates.

"It's going to be a dirty fight. It's going to be a bloody fight. I am not apologizing for it," he said.

"Anumang kaso (Whatever the case), under the Revised Penal Code, in the fulfillment of your duties as public authority, akin 'yan (that's mine), mine and mine alone. I assume full legal responsibility. Huwag kayong matakot, basta nasa tama tayo (Don't be afraid, we are in the right track)," he said.

During his presidential bid, Duterte had promised voters to put an end to criminality and drug menace within six months after he takes office.

Since Duterte took oath on June 30, at least 25 suspected drug lords have reportedly been killed in gun battles with policemen, according to new Malacanang palace presidential spokesperson Ernesto Abella in the Philippine Daily Inquirer report.

Aside from this, thousands of drug pushers and users also surrendered themselves to police across Philippines over the past four days to sign a pledge to stop trading and using illegal drugs.

More and more drug users and pushers are submitting themselves to police to sign a document that they intend to reform themselves following Duterte government’s ultimatum.

In 2009, the Dangerous Drugs Board estimated 6.9 million drug users which is close to 7% of the country’s population.

The Philippine Star reported that the Philippines has become an illegal drugs exporting country.

An illegal drug called methamphetamine is being exported to Australia, Canada, China, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea and also in relatively small quantities to Guam and Saipan.

Before his presidency, Duterte has been reiterating that the Philippines is becoming a narco-politics country destroying the future of its children.

The mass surrender of drug users and pushers seem to confirm his earlier statements of possible nexus between public authorities and drug lords.

According to the Philippine National Police, dozens of drug suspects were killed in police operations across the country from June 16 to 20 alone.

This means five drug suspects were killed in police operations every day even before Mr. Duterte assumed office.

On Sunday, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) agents seized up to 300 kilos of methamphetamine during a raid on a farm in Claveria, Cagayan, Northern Mindanao.

The Philippine National Police reported that the haul was 180 kg, worth P900 million. MGP News

President Duterte declares July 6 a holiday

for Hariraya Puasa celebrations

Masjid (Mosque) Dimaukom in Maguindanao, Central Mindanao

In observance of the end of the month Ramadan or Eid'l Fitr, newly-installed President Rodrigo Duterte declared Wednesday, July 6, a special non-working holiday for government employees.

"The entire Filipino nation should have the full opportunity to join their Muslim brothers and sisters in peace and harmony in the observance and celebration of Eid’l Fitr,” read Proclamation No. 6 issued on Monday by President Duterte.

Based on Duterte's proclamation, Eid al-Fitr is celebrated by the Muslim world for three days after the end of the month of fasting. It is the first day marking the end of the 30-day fasting period of Ramadhan.

“In order to bring the religious and cultural significance of the Eid’l Fitr to the fore of national consciousness, it is necessary to declare Wednesday, 6 July 2016, as a regular holiday throughout the country,” it states.

In accordance to Republic Act 9177, only the Office of the President can announce the final date for this religious holiday, upon the recommendation of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos.

Meanwhile, the Muslim communities in the majority Christian city of Zamboanga City and its environs are now preparing for the end of the fasting season of the Holy Month of Ramadan 2016/1437 A.H.

In a statement, Professor Ali Yacub, president of the Golden Crescent Consortium of Peace Builders and Affiliates, said that a committee of the Ulama in the city had gone Moon-Sighting on Monday afternoon.

"This is to scan the Western horizon for the appearance of the tip of the crescent moon, in compliance with the command of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW) to sight the moon when to begin fasting for the Holy Month of Ramadan, and sight again, when to conclude the fasting season," he said.

Yacub said if the crescent can be seen on the evening of Tuesday (Monday evening for western counting), the celebration of the Eidil-Fitr (Hariraya Puasa) will be on Tuesday, July 5, however, due to cloudy skies, rain or other natural phenomena the moon will be covered, the Muslims will continue fasting for one day (July 5) and the celebration of Eid (Fitr) will be on July 6, 2016.

"As to the government advanced declaration of Eidil Fitr by the President of the Philippines upon the recommendation of the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos, it will not affect the religious celebration, neither the religious celebration will affect the advanced declaration of a nationwide holiday of the Eidil-Fitr on July 6, 2016," Yacub explained.

Muslims in the barangays of Taluksangay, Rio Hondo, Campo Islam, Recodo, Sta. Barbara, Kasanyangan, Vitali, Manicahan and the island barangays will be trooping to their community Mosques for the Eidil Fitr prayers followed by the Khutbah (sermon) of the Imams or other learned Muslims who will emphasize in the sermons the significance of the holiday, particularly, on the value of charity, forgiveness and communal brotherhood of Muslims in the community.

Yacub emphasized that the Eid celebration binds their brother and sister Muslims in the other parts of the globe with the Muslims of the Philippines.

He said Eid Day is a Day of Victory, of Remembrance and of peace and brotherhood. The Muslims who have more in life are commanded by Islam to reach out to their less fortunate brothers and sisters in Islam even just for a day-the Day of Eid.

"The greeting of Eid Mubarak (Blessed Eid) must reverberate in the air, so that heaven’s blessings will continue to shower upon the people of this “City of varied culture,” Yacub concluded. MGP News

Zamboanga City Mayor "strongly" supports President Duterte's order to cut red tape

Mayor Beng Climaco-Salazar holding her Monday's regular news conference at City hall along with OIC Administrator/City Legal Officer Jesus Carbon and City Health Officer Dr. Rodely Agbulos.

Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar on Monday said she strongly supports the order of President Rodrigo Duterte to improve government services and cutting bureaucratic red tape.

"We strongly support that," Climaco told reporters at a new​s​ conference at City hall.

She said about two weeks ago the league of Cities of the Philippines already came up with the directive from the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

The mayor said she already instructed City Investment and Promotions Officer Apple Go Mrs. Apple Go with regards to cutting the documentation requirements for the business permits approval to 5.

"We have a program here by the USAID, they are also reviewing the business one stop, our facilities to also cut the documentation," Climaco added, referring to a program streamlining business processes and cutting down transaction costs.

The chief executive also said she does not want the people to suffer queuing in the long lines for payment of applications so they plan to transfer the applicants from the treasure's office to the Sunken Garden to be accommodated immediately and for the smooth flow of the transactions.

"Our priority is really service," she emphasized. "We, in the local government unit, we are expediting the release of documents to the immediate possible time."

Meanwhile, Officer-in-Charge (OIC) Administrator and City Legal Officer Jesus C. Carbon Jr. vowed to try as much as possible to cut the red tape.

But Carbon said the newly-seated administration's main thrust really is the enforcement of the city ordinances, particularly against illegal vending in the streets/sidewalks, jaywalking, and the anti-littering law.

When asked on the standards of releasing business permits, Carbon said: "Of course you go to Mr. Barredo then you submit all the requirements."

The OIC administrator added that "Mr. Barredo is very efficient he does it as quickly as possible but if there is a problem he brings it to us. We do not want them (business firms) to wait for a long time permits to be released."

Last June 30, at his inaugural speech, Duterte committed to reduce bureaucratic red tape directing all department secretaries and the heads of agencies to reduce requirements and the processing time of all applications, from the submission to the release.

The newly-installed President also ordered all department secretaries and heads of agencies to remove redundant requirements and compliance with one department or agency, shall be accepted as sufficient for all. MGP News