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

President Duterte vows to honor int'l treaties, existing peace agreements with rebel groups

President Rodrigo Duterte delivering his inaugural speech

President Rodrigo Duterte vowed to stand-by its obligations in international front and the existing peace agreements with the rebel groups in the country.

This was promised by the new President during his inaugural speech as the 16th President of the Republic of the Philippines at the Malacanan Palace Rizal Hall on Thursday noon.

“On the international front and community of nations, let me reiterate that the Republic of the Philippines will honor treaties and international obligations,” he said.

On the domestic front, Duterte added his administration is committed to implement all signed peace agreements in step with constitutional and legal reforms.

He also expressed elation over the expression of unity among the Moro brothers and leaders, and the response of everyone else to his call for peace.

“I look forward to the participation of all other stakeholders, particularly our indigenous peoples, to ensure inclusivity in the peace process,” the new president said.

Early in his speech, Duterte reiterated his call for change, the running theme of his campaign. "Change must start with us and in us... We have become our own worst enemies, and we must have the courage and the will to change ourselves."

Apparently addressing public concerns about a resort to extrajudicial killings, Duterte said, "I know that there are those who do not approve of my methods of fighting criminality... In response, let me say this: I have seen how corruption bled government of funds. I have seen how illegal drugs destroy individuals and ruin families' relationships...Look at these from that perspective and tell me that I am wrong."

He further said, "I know the limits of the power and authority of the president. I know what is legal and what is not. My adherence to due process and the rule of law is uncompromising."

Calling on people to read between the lines, the new president also said, "We have to listen to the murmurings of the people... No leader, however strong, can succeed at anything... unless he has the support and cooperation of the people."

Duterte's anti-crime program includes plans to reintroduce the death penalty, issuing shoot-to-kill orders to the security services and offering them bounties for the bodies of drug dealers. He has also told ordinary Filipinos to kill suspected criminals.

Duterte, the first President from Mindanao, has vowed to bring real peace in the South amid the proliferation of armed groups, some linked to international terrorists.

He also has close ties with the Communist Party of the Philippines, which is waging the longest-running communist insurgency in Asia.

Before he was sworn into office, his representatives already met with leaders of the National Democratic Front, CPP’s political arm, to discuss the prospects of peace.

“Let me remind in the end of this talk that I was elected to the presidency to serve the entire country. I was not elected to serve the interest of any person or any group or any one class,” Duterte told more than 600 guests at the President’s Hall in Malacañang.

“I serve everyone and not only one,” he said.

Before Duterte ended his speech, he extended his condolences to the Republic of Turkey.

"Let me express the nations, on behalf of the people, our condolences to the Republic of Turkey of what has happened in the place. We offer our deepest condolences," he said.

Duterte took his oath at exactly 12 noon on Thursday, June 30. His youngest child, Kitty, held the old Bible of Duterte’s mother, Soledad or “Nanay Soleng," during the oath taking administered by fraternity brod, Supreme Court Associate Justice Bienvenido Reyes.

With Duterte as he took his oath at the Palace Rizal Hall were his 4 children – Sara Duterte-Carpio, Paolo, Sebastian, and Kitty.

He signed his oath of office afterwards, surrounded by his children and Reyes.

Duterte, who won by a landslide in the May elections with 16.6 million votes, is the country’s first president from Mindanao.

Before the May 9 election, Duterte said he can end decades-old Muslim and communist rebellions, which have claimed tens of thousands of lives.


Peace talks with the communists are set to start this month. He expects federalism will appease Muslim rebels, who want autonomy. MGP News

Note: The full text of President Rodrigo Duterte Inaugural speech below.

"President Fidel Ramos, sir, salamat po sa tulong mo making me President; President Joseph Ejercito Estrada; Senate President Franklin Drilon and the members of the Senate; Speaker Feliciano Belmonte and the members of the House of Representatives; Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno and Associate Justices of the Supreme Court; His Excellency Guiseppe Pinto and the members of the Diplomatic Corps; incoming members of the Cabinet; fellow workers in government; my fellow countrymen.

No leader, however strong, can succeed at anything of national importance or significance unless he has the support and cooperation of the people he is tasked to lead and sworn to serve.

It is the people from whom democratic governments draw strength and this administration is no exception. That is why we have to listen to the murmurings of the people, feel their pulse, supply their needs and fortify their faith and trust in us whom they elected to public office.

There are many amongst us who advance the assessment that the problems that bedevil our country today which need to be addressed with urgency, are corruption, both in the high and low echelons of government, criminality in the streets, and the rampant sale of illegal drugs in all strata of Philippine society and the breakdown of law and order. True, but not absolutely so. For I see these ills as mere symptoms of a virulent social disease that creeps and cuts into the moral fiber of Philippine society. I sense a problem deeper and more serious than any of those mentioned or all of them put together. But of course, it is not to say that we will ignore them because they have to be stopped by all means that the law allows.

Erosion of faith and trust in government – that is the real problem that confronts us. Resulting therefrom, I see the erosion of the people’s trust in our country’s leaders; the erosion of faith in our judicial system; the erosion of confidence in the capacity of our public servants to make the people’s lives better, safer and healthier.

Indeed ours is a problem that dampens the human spirit. But all is not lost.

I know that there are those who do not approve of my methods of fighting criminality, the sale and use of illegal drugs and corruption. They say that my methods are unorthodox and verge on the illegal. In response let me say this:

I have seen how corruption bled the government of funds, which were allocated for the use in uplifting the poor from the mire that they are in.

I have seen how illegal drugs destroyed individuals and ruined family relationships.

I have seen how criminality, by means all foul, snatched from the innocent and the unsuspecting, the years and years of accumulated savings. Years of toil and then, suddenly, they are back to where they started.

Look at this from that perspective and tell me that I am wrong.

In this fight, I ask Congress and the Commission on Human Rights and all others who are similarly situated to allow us a level of governance that is consistent to our mandate. The fight will be relentless and it will be sustained. [applause]

As a lawyer and a former prosecutor, I know the limits of the power and authority of the president. I know what is legal and what is not.

My adherence to due process and the rule of law is uncompromising.

You mind your work and I will mind mine.

“Malasakit;” “Tunay na Pagbabago; Tinud-anay (real) nga Kausaban(change)” [applause] – these are words which catapulted me to the presidency. These slogans were conceptualized not for the sole purpose of securing the votes of the electorate. “Tinud-anay nga kabag-uhan (real change). Mao kana ang tumong sa atong pang-gobyerno (this is the direction of our government).”

Far from that. These were battle cries articulated by me in behalf of the people hungry for genuine and meaningful change. But the change, if it is to be permanent and significant, must start with us and in us.

To borrow the language of F. Sionil Jose, we have become our own worst enemies. And we must have the courage and the will to change ourselves.

Love of country, subordination of personal interests to the common good, concern and care for the helpless and the impoverished – these are among the lost and faded values that we seek to recover and revitalize as we commence our journey towards a better Philippines. The ride will be rough. But come and join me just the same. Together, shoulder to shoulder, let us take the first wobbly steps in this quest.

There are two quotations from revered figures that shall serve as the foundation upon which this administration shall be built.

“The test of government is not whether we add more to the abundance of those who have much; it is whether we provide for those who have little.”

- Franklin Delano Roosevelt

And from (Abraham) Lincoln I draw this expression:

“You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong; You cannot help the poor by discouraging the rich; You cannot help the wage earner by pulling down the wage payer; You cannot further the brotherhood by inciting class hatred among men.”

My economic and financial, political policies are contained in those quotations, though couched in general terms. Read between the lines. I need not go into specifics now. They shall be supplied to you in due time.

However, there are certain policies and specifics of which cannot wait for tomorrow to be announced.

Therefore, I direct all department secretaries and the heads of agencies to reduce requirements and the processing time of all applications, [applause] from the submission to the release. I order 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.

I order all department secretaries and heads of agencies to refrain from changing and bending the rules government contracts, transactions and projects already approved and awaiting implementation. Changing the rules when the game is on-going is wrong.

I abhor secrecy and instead advocate transparency in all government contracts, projects and business transactions from submission of proposals to negotiation to perfection and finally, to consummation.

Do them and we will work together. Do not do them, we will part sooner than later.

On the international front and community of nations, let me reiterate that the Republic of the Philippines will honor treaties and international obligations.

On the domestic front, my administration is committed to implement all signed peace agreements in step with constitutional and legal reforms.

I am elated by the expression of unity among our Moro brothers and leaders, and the response of everyone else to my call for peace.

I look forward to the participation of all other stakeholders, particularly our indigenous peoples, to ensure inclusivity in the peace process.

Let me remind in the end of this talk, that I was elected to the presidency to serve the entire country. I was not elected to serve the interests of any one person or any group or any one class. I serve every one and not only one.

That is why I have adapted as an article of faith, the following lines written by someone whose name I could no longer recall. He said:

“I have no friends to serve, I have no enemies to harm.”

Prescinding therefrom, I now ask everyone, and I mean everyone, to join me as we embark on this crusade for a better and brighter tomorrow.

But before I end, let me express the nations, on behalf of the people, our condolences to the Republic of Turkey of what has happened in the place. We offer our deepest condolences.

Why am I here? Hindi kasali ito diyan. [laughs] The past tense was, I am here because I love my country and I love the people of the Philippines. I am here, why? Because I am ready to start my work for the nation.

Thank you and good afternoon."

Rodrigo Duterte takes oath as Philippines 16th President

                                         Photo courtesy of PTV

Rodrigo Duterte took the Oath of Office as the 16th President of the Republic of the Philippines as he is sworn in by Supreme Court Associate Justice Bienvenido Reyes during the inauguration ceremony at the Rizal Ceremonial Hall of the Malacañang Palace in Manila on Thursday afternoon, June 30, 2016.

In a televised ceremony, the 71-year old Duterte, the seven-term mayor of the southern city of Davao, became the first ever president from Mindanao in Philippine history since the first Republic was inaugurated in Malolos, Bulacan, Luzon, in January 1899.

Duterte, who wore a barong Tagalog, took his oath before Justice Reyes, a fraternity brod, at exactly 12 noon following the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines.

His common-law wife Cielito “Honeylet” Avanceña was present during the inauguration. His ex-wife Elizabeth Zimmerman and children Paolo, Sara and Sebastian were also present.

The inauguration was witnessed by former presidents Fidel Ramos, Joseph Estrada (reelected mayor of Manila), members of the diplomatic corps, incoming Cabinet members and the country's lawmakers.

After his oathtaking, Duterte signed his oath of office and delivered his inaugural address and administered the mass oathtaking of his Cabinet members.

Full military honors were given to the new Chief Executive at around 1 p.m. before holding his first official Cabinet meeting at around 2 p.m.

It was the fourth Philippine presidential inauguration that was held in Malacañang, the second scheduled since the fourth inauguration of Ferdinand Marcos, held in the midst of 1986 People Power Revolution.

Early Thursday, Duterte arrived at the Palace around 10:30 a.m. and was welcomed by outgoing President Benigno Aquino III. He signed the guest book as Aquino’s last guest.

Afterwards, Duterte and Aquino stepped out of the Palace for the departure honors for the outgoing president, after which the latter departed to his residence in Times Street, Quezon City while Duterte ascended the grand staircase as his predecessors did.

Inside the Rizal Ceremonial Hall of the Malacañang Palace, the program began with the Philippine National Anthem, followed by an ecumenical prayer, musical number by Duterte supporter, Filipino folk singer Freddie Aguilar, and reading of the Resolution of Both Houses No.1 by Senate President Franklin M. Drilon, reiterating the May 30 proclamation of Duterte as winner in the May 9 elections.

During the campaign period, Duterte repeatedly vowed to curb corruption and criminality within three to six months of his term.

Duterte vowed to deliver his promise despite opposition. Among the immediate policies he wants implemented are a nationwide curfew for children, a stringent anti-illegal drugs campaign and a crackdown on crime.

In his inaugural speech before 627 guests as the 16th Philippine President, Duterte vowed to fortify Filipinos’ faith in government.

"I was elected to serve. I serve everyone and not only one,” he underlined, citing the need to fortify the faith of Filipinos in government to win back their trust.

“We have to listen to the people and fortify their faith. Erosion of trust and faith in government—that is the real problem that confronts us. Erosion of faith in our judicial leaders and erosion of capacity in our public servants to make people safer and healthier,” the president said.

Duterte reiterated his promise to end criminality and corruption in government.

“Crimes have to be stopped by all means that the law allows,” he said.

While many disagree on his methods of fighting criminality, he said the government needs to do everything to win back the trust of the people.

“The urgent problems of the country are corruption, criminality, and the rampant sale of illegal [drugs],” he said.

Duterte further said that he will give the specifics of his economic and political policies in “due time” but there are some that require immediate action that cannot wait until tomorrow.

The first among these actions is his plan to streamline processes in all government agencies.

“I direct all dept secretaries to reduce requirements and the processing time of all applications from the submission to release,” he said during his first speech as President of the Republic of the Philippines.

He ordered his Cabinet members to remove “redundant requirements.”

Duterte also warned them against “changing and bending the rules of government contracts, transactions and projects already approved and awaiting implementation.”

He said that he “abhors” secrecy and “advocates” transparency in all government contracts.

Duterte will be the fourth President — after 55 years — from outside Luzon, the country’s vote-richest island and home to 12 Presidents.

Three other Presidents hailed from the Visayas, as can be gleaned from the Presidential Museum and Library website: Sergio Osmena of Cebu City who served from August 1, 1944 to May 28, 1946,; Manuel Acuña
Roxas of Capiz (renamed Roxas City) from May 28, 1946 to April 15, 1948; and Carlos Polistico Garcia of Talibon, Bohol, from March 18, 1957 to December 30, 1961.

Duterte is the second city mayor to rise to the Presidency after Joseph Estrada (1998-2001) and the 9th lawyer after 30 years. The last lawyer-President was Ferdinand Edralin Marcos who was elected in 1965, reelected in 1969, declared martial law in 1972 and was ousted by People Power in 1986.

Two Mindanawons were a heartbeat away from the Presidency: Emmanuel Neri Pelaez who was elected Vice President (1961 to 1965) to President Diosdado Macapagal and Teofisto Tayko Guingona who was appointed (2001 to 2004) by then newly-assumed President, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

Duterte traces his roots to the Visayas but makes it a point in every campaign sortie to say his grandmother was a Maranao and he has grandchildren who are Tausug.

He was born on March 28, 1945 in Maasin, Southern Leyte to Vicente Duterte, a government worker, and Soledad Roa, a public school teacher.

Duterte spent his early years in Danao, Cebu. But the promise of a better life lured the young Duterte couple to move to Mindanao, then touted to be the “Land of Promise.”

No other Duterte held an elective post until 1988 when Rodrigo, OIC Vice Mayor of Davao City from 1986 to 1988, ran for mayor.

When People Power ousted the Marcoses in 1986 and the Cory Aquino administration appointed OICs for local government posts, Zafiro Respicio was appointed OIC mayor while Duterte’s mother, Soledad, was named OIC Vice Mayor.

But Soledad, who was active in the Yellow Friday Movement following the August 1983 assassination of former Senator Benigno Aquino, declined the offer, suggesting his son, Rodrigo, instead.

Rodrigo was then a prosecutor at the City Fiscal’s Office.

After serving as OIC Vice Mayor from 1986 to 1988, Duterte ran and won against Respicio for mayor in the first post-Marcos election in 1988. He was reelected in 1992 and 1995.

Since the law allows only three consecutive terms, Duterte ran for Congress in the first district, serving there from 1998 to 2001, a three-year term he described as “boring.”

He made a comeback for mayor in the 2001 elections, was reelected in 2004 and 2007. From 2010 to 2013, he was vice mayor to his daughter-mayor Sara, and in 2013, ran again for mayor, his seventh term, with son Paolo as vice mayor.

He has not lost an election since he joined politics.

As requested by Duterte due to some reasons, Leni Robredo, was inaugurated as the 14th Vice President of the Philippines, in a separate location at the Quezon City Reception House, (formerly known as Boracay Mansion).

Ronaldo Coner, the chief of Barangay Punta Tarawal, Calabanga -- the poorest barangay in Robredo's hometown Camarines Sur -- administered Robrido's oath. Only 300 guests were invited to Robredo's inauguration. Her inauguration pushed through despite the election protest filed by her closest rival, Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong"
Marcos Jr.

Marcos, who lost to Robredo by only around 200,000 votes, accused the former congresswoman's camp of committing "traditional election abuses" that supposedly paved the way for her victory.

Ms. Robredo, who had lived a relatively private life as a lawyer, was thrust into the limelight and her husband late interior and local government secretary Jesse Robredo's political shoes following his death in a plane crash in August 2012.

In 2013, she ran, although reluctantly, and won as congresswoman of the first district of Camarines Sur, toppling the nearly 40-year reign of the influential Villafuerte clan.

After just one term in Congress, Robredo's Liberal Party (LP) allies led by erstwhile President Benigno S. Aquino III convinced her to try a higher position.

In her inaugural speech, Robredo said the doors of the Office of the Vice Presidency are always open.

"Ours will be a listening office. We seek to unite the government and the private sector in a partnership for change, for those at the fringes of society that we have vowed to serve. Our plan is to create partnerships between the government and the private sector towards real change," she said.

Robredo identified hunger and food security, universal health care, rural development, education and people empowerment as her main priorities.

"In these areas, there is no time to lose because every day, there is real suffering on the ground. Our dream is to make a head way on easing that suffering as soon as we can. Join me," she said.

In our first 100 days, the vice president plans to once again go to the farthest and the smallest barangays to pray with you, to laugh and cry with you, and most of all to listen to the things that you want changed.

"This is what we did in Naga City and in our district—the place where I was born, where I built a family with the love of my life, the place that formed my awareness of society’s problems, and calcified in my mind the solutions that work best. The place that gave birth to myself as a public servant."

As requested by Duterte due to some reasons, Leni Robredo, was inaugurated as the 14th Vice President of the Philippines, in a separate location at the Quezon City Reception House, (formerly known as Boracay Mansion).

She recalled her late husband's saying when the latter was alive: “What brings us together as a nation is far more powerful than what pulls us apart.”

She concluded her speech by saying that "during these times of conflict, unity is most important for our nation. We may come from different walks of life or different advocacies, but our dreams are the same: that each Filipino will live a dignified, prosperous life. This moment, today, is the start of the fulfillment of these dreams." MGP News

Philippine communist rebel leaders announce formal peace talks with govt to resume in July

Prof. Jose Maria Sison, Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) founder and chairman.

The country's communist rebel leaders have announced the resumption of formal peace talks with the incoming government peace negotiators on the third or the​ fourth week of July in Oslo, Norway.

According to MindaNews report, Communist Party of the Philippines founding chair Jose Maria Sison announced the formal resumption of peace negotiation in his video message on a peace forum Tuesday at Almendras gym in Davao City.

This developed two weeks after President-elect Rodrigo Duterte sent a team of negotiators led by incoming Presidential Adviser on Peace Process Jesus Dureza to Norway to discuss the possible resumption of talks with Sison, who has been in self-exile in the Netherlands since 1987.

Sison was quoted as saying in the report that both parties are expected to take up the affirmation of previously signed agreements, the plan to accelerate the peace negotiations on the three remaining items of the substantive agenda, release of all political prisoners by general amnesty, and the truce.

He said he was happy with the results of the preliminary talks last June 14 and 15 in Oslo.

However, the National Democratic Front (NDF) spokesperson, Fidel Agcaoili, said the resumption of peace talks might be moved to the fourth week as they need more time with regard to the release of the consultants.

Agcaoili was referring to NDF officials who are being detained and whose release the revolutionary alliance has been demanding as precondition [for the resumption of talks].

Sison said: “Let us look forward to the success of the first formal talks in the time of the Duterte government. The success of these will lead to further hard work by the principals, negotiators, consultants, ceasefire monitors and other focused personnel of the negotiating parties and to further inputs and support from all the peace-loving forces and people."

Sison expressed optimism over the prospects of the peace negotiation under the Duterte administration, and that they wanted to seize the opportunity.

“Let us take advantage of a new situation in which the worsening crisis of the ruling system, the growing strength of the people’s revolutionary movement and the failures of previous administrations have brought about a president who is courageous and proud to say that he (Duterte) is the first Left president of the Philippines and is willing to adopt and implement the necessary reforms for a just and lasting peace,” he said.

He noted that peace negotiations did not succeed under former presidents Joseph Ejercito Estrada and Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, as well as under outgoing President Benigno S. Aquino III who he said lacked the political will to overcome their “reactionary interests and use their power and resources toa dvance the peace process.”

The CPP and ​its armed wing ,​ the New People's Army (NPA),​ had been designated by the United States government as foreign terrorist organizations.

The US ​state department's counter-terrorism bureau stated that the CPP/NPA, a Maoist group, was first put on the list as a terrorist organization in August 9, 2002. It was formed in March 1969 with the aim of overthrowing the government through protracted guerrilla warfare.

The Philippine government estimates there are 4,000 CPP/NPA members operating in Rural Luzon, Visayas, and parts of northern and eastern Mindanao. There are also cells in Manila and other metropolitan centers, according to the report.

The report also stated that CPP/NPA primarily targets Philippine security forces, government officials, local infrastructure, and businesses that refuse to pay extortion, or “revolutionary taxes.”

In May 2013, the Armed Forces of the Philippines reported that from 2011 through the first quarter of 2013, 383 people, including 158 civilians, were killed in encounters between CPP/NPA and government forces

The Armed Forces of the Philippines also attributes to the communist guerillas the deaths of 383 people, including 158 civilians, in encounters with government forces, the report noted.

The US State department said the CPP-NPA has had a "long history of attacking US interests in the Philippines," citing four separate operations in Angeles City that killed three American soldiers.

On Monday, Agcaoili told a press conference in Davao City that the Philippine government should ask the US government to remove the CPP from its list of terrorist organizations to allay fears that Sison might be interdicted in a foreign airport on his way home.

“The US has reiterated its declaration against the CPP-NPA – and Joma – as a terrorist organization. There are spoilers and security risks. If the government is interested to have Joma come home to be able to talk to the president, they should raise it formally,” MindaNews quotes Agcoili as saying.

He said he inclusion of the rebel group in the US terrorist watchlist has made Sison’s return “a ticklish issue” and difficult to do, adding that they wanted an assurance the US will not intervene in such a way that will derail the peace negotiations.

“There should be a guarantee from the Dutch government, Norwegian government, and the US government to respect the sovereignty of the Filipino people in their desire to pursue a just and lasting peace by allowing SIson to come home without interference,” he said. MGP News

Authorities confirm kidnapping

of 7 Indonesians off Tawi-Tawi

Security officials have confirmed that seven Indonesian sailors were kidnapped from a tugboat by suspected Daesh-linked Abu Sayyaf gunmen off Tawi-Tawi province in the latest hijacking in the southern Philippines sea.

Based on the reports of the international media outfits, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi told a press conference, "on the afternoon of June 23, we received confirmation that our citizens were taken hostage."

Kompas.com also reported Marsudi as saying that six of the tugboat's 13 crew members had been released after the hijackings off the southern Philippine island province of Sulu, and were headed back to Indonesia.

Sulu is a stronghold of the Daesh-affiliated Abu Sayyaf militant group that had a role in recent kidnappings of Indonesian and Malaysian sailors.

Marsudi said one group of assailants abducted three crew members from the tugboat Monday afternoon, before a second group snatched another four.

"Indonesia's government strongly condemns the recurrence of its citizens being taken hostage by armed groups in the southern Philippines. The incident is the third time. This can not be tolerated," another media outfit quoted Marsudi as saying.

Meanwhile, the military's Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) also confirmed Friday the latest abduction of Indonesian nationals off Tawi-Tawi.

"With regards to the alleged kidnapping of 7 Indonesian sailors, this morning (Friday) Indonesian authorities confirmed that there were 7 of their nationals who were kidnapped by armed men," Tan said in a text message.

"Though this report reached the Western Mindanao Command, we are currently validating the veracity of the report on the ground and will give details as soon as we have information with regards to this issue."

On Thursday, Abu Sayyaf militants were reported to have struck anew, taking 13 Indononesia sailors off Tawi-Tawi island province.

The Philippines military and police officials​, however, were not immediately available to confirm the reports. MGP News

Abu Sayyaf frees Maritess Flor in Sulu

A Filipino woman seized by Daesh-linked Abu Sayyaf militant group along with two Canadians and a Norwegian in September last year in a resort on Samal Island in Davao del Norte has been released, the military said.

Maritess Flor, who is said to be a girlfriend of Robert Hall, the second Canadian to be beheaded by Abu Sayyaf militants over a week ago in the jungles of Sulu, was freed on Thursday, June 23, said Maj. Filemon Tan Jr., spokesman of the Western Mindanao Command.

"Kidnap victim Maritess Flor was already released . As of 241200H June 2016, she is ​in ​the JTF (Joint Task Force) Sulu custody for medical check up," Tan confirmed in a text message.

A reporter of Net 25, a Philippine television network owned and operated by Eagle Broadcasting Corporation who quoted an intelligence source, said that "per source, the ASG received the amount of P20 million as ransom for the captive's release."

But Tan neither confirmed nor denied whether a ransom was paid for the freedom of Flor.

The first Canadian captive John Ridsdel was beheaded on April 25 after their government refused to pay a P300 million ransom for his release.

Last June 13, the Abu Sayyaf beheaded Hall after a deadline set by the group for the delivery of a P600 million peso ($13 million) ransom was missed.

Flor's captive Norwegian companion, Kjartan Sekkingstad, is still being held by suspected Abu Sayyaf militants, according to Tan.

Apart from the Norwegian national, the Abu Sayyaf is still holding captive Dutchman Elwod Horn, one of the one of the two foreign wildlife photographers seized by the Abu Sayyaf in Tawi-tawi last 2012. Horn’s companion – Swiss Lorenzo Vinciguerra, escaped two years ago. Five Filipinos are also being held.

Kidnap-for-ransom groups are prevelant in the southern Philippines' Zamboanga Peninsula and the island provinces of Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, and Basilan.

The Abu Sayyaf tagged by US State Department and Philippine authorities as a terrorist group, is particularly well-known for using kidnapping as a way to raise funds.

It has carried out bombings, kidnappings, assassinations and extortions in a self-determined fight for an independent province in the Philippines. MGP News

3 Abu Sayyaf militants, 16 Army troops injured in Sulu Clash

At least three members of a Daesh-linked Abu Sayyaf terrorist group were killed and 16 government troops injured in a clash in Patikul, Sulu on Tuesday afternoon.

In a statement, Maj. Filemon Tan Jr., Western Mindanao Command spokesman, said that soldiers of the 32nd Infantry Battalion encountered more or less 200 Abu Sayyaf members in Sitio Bud Duwa Bayho, Barangay Pansul, Patikul town at around 2:20 p.m., triggering an hour-and-a-half-long battle.

"The said encounter resulted in the deaths of three ASG members and the wounding of 10 others, while 16 soldiers were wounded," Tan confirmed.

Tan said the soldiers who were wounded in the encounter were immediately brought to Trauma Hosp KHTB, Busbus, Jolo, the capital town of Sulu, for prompt medical treatment as pursuit operations are on going.

The military had earlier revealed that troops captured two camps used by the Abu Sayyaf in Talipao town Monday.

Tan said the camps can accommodate approximately 150 persons and have running trenches with potable water within the perimeter.

He added that hammocks, water containers and other personal belongings of Abu Sayyaf members were recovered, but there were no signs of the group's captives.

Last week, the Abu Sayyaf executed Canadian hostage Robert Hall after a deadline set by the group for the delivery of a 600 million peso ($13 million) ransom was missed. While his head was discovered June 13, his body has not been found.

His beheading followed that of another Canadian captive April 25 after a 300 million peso ransom also failed to be paid.

The two Canadians were seized by armed men from a high-end resort on Samal Island in September 2015, along with Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad and Filipina Marites Flor. They were later brought to Sulu.

Sekkingstad and Flor are still being held captive by the Abu Sayyaf group, which is also holding Dutch birdwatcher Ewold Horn, who was kidnapped three years ago in Tawi-Tawi, and some Filipinos. MGP News

President-elect Duterte asks for more
time to end Abu Sayyaf terrorism

Addressing hundreds of businessmen at the conclusion of a two-day summit on Tuesday in southern Davao City, President-elect Rodrigo Duterte asked for more time to end terrorism of Abu Sayyaf group, which beheaded two Canadians and a Malaysian caotives.

"Just give me the luxury of time. I cannot do it immediately … There are things which I need which we don't have now," Duterte said in a televised impromptu speech at the consultative meeting by the incoming president's economic managers with the business leaders.

"There will be a reckoning and when it comes I will just say 'surrender unconditionally, release all hostages or we fight'," he said.

Duterte said he needs the peace talks with Moro rebels to run so he could get the assurance that they are not helping the terrorist group.

"I have to have a firm commitment from our [Moro brothers] about the continuity of the talks," said Duterte, the first Philippine president to be from Mindanao.

"As soon as I get that guarantee na talagang (that's really) peaceful... that you are not protecting terrorists, when I have it in my hands, I will be ready to confront [the Abu Sayyaf]," he added.

The President-elect then reiterated his hopes to unify the country under his administration.

"My dream really is one day all Filipinos would just say Filipinos and we do not at all mention [if] he’s left or right, he’s a Moro rebel or a Moro terrorist, and he can live in peace," Duterte said.

"I have six years to do it. I do not know how many concessions God can—but ginawa naman niya akong Presidente, sana tulungan niya ako (But He has made me President, I hope He will help me," he added.

Commenting on the South China Sea dispute, Duterte reiterated he will await the UN tribunal's ruling on the country's complain against Beijing before acting on it.

Duterte also pledged a decisive leadership before hundreds of businessmen, who sought his action against roadblocks to economic growth.

Business leaders submitted 10 recommendations to Duterte, whichinclude revamping the tax system, cutting red tape, speeding up infrastructure projects and implementing a national ID system.

Duterte said he would study the recommendations, adding: "It's a matter of doing."

This southern metropolis, where he was mayor for two decades, was a showcase of how a tough anti-crime platform could spur growth, he said.

"Having experienced in Davao that there can be no progress or development of the community unless there is law and order," he said.

"I saw Davao grow. During peaceful times, ang Davao maganda (the Davao if beautiful)," he added.

He also reiterated his warning against corrupt government officials.

"Let me be very brutal and frank to you all corruption must stop," he said. "Ayaw ko talaga ng (I don't really like) corruption. It makes me sick," he said.

Duterte's speech concludes the two-day summit, which sought to scrutinize his 10-point agenda--including tax reform, cutting red tape, increasing infrastructure spending, and promoting tourism and agriculture.

The Davao summit, the first hosted by a president-elect, saw business bigwigs gathering outside Metro Manila. MGP News

Mindanao business firms need more security
to safeguard assets: PLDT chair Pangilinan

More security measures need to be taken by the government to safeguard the business assets, as firms continue to face the volatile peace and order situation of Mindanao, Philippine Long Distance Telephone (PLDT) chair Manuel Pangilinan said.

"As a whole in many business, peace and order is one of the concerns in our operations in the provinces especially in the remote areas," Pangilinan told journalists whom PLDT invited to Makati City for its annual stockholders meeting last week.

"We really need the help of government to safe guard our assets," the business tycoon said. "The good news is that incoming President Rodrigo Duterte, his major platform focuses on criminality, law and order as well as economy.

Pangilinan suggested that "the best solution to ensuring security of business firms in Mindanao is that we are identified with the community that we are there not only to do business but also to help out the needs of the community."

Underlining the importance of community service as an integral part of any business operation, the PLDT chairman said it's imperative too that industry players provide livelihood to the people and service to particular areas.

"I think that's the best weapon against the lawless elements is the involvement of community with the business because it's affecting everyone if there's no production and the firm shuts down its operation, all of us suffers," he said.

Months before the May 9 elections this year, several transmission towers were damaged in a spate of bombings by lawless elements who extort 'protection money' from power firms that only aggravated the tenuous power situation in Mindanao.

The National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) is seeking help of all stakeholders especially the national government regarding bombing by the lawless groups issues that has hindered the transmission company to give optimum service in Mindanao.

As of December 28, a total of 16 towers were already bombed, nine of which were totally toppled and now restored by Emergency Restoration Structure (ERS).

Adding more weight to the problem for NGCP is the uncooperative landowners hindering them in restoring the bombed Tower No. 25.

Meanwhile, Pangilinan said that to improve their telcom services, PLDT is pouring billions of pesos for the shift to digital, but no government funds were involved in the company’s investment.

“Whose money is being spent? It’s the private sector’s. There is no guarantee from the government, no government fund is involved, so get out of the way, period,” Pangilinan said.

“If ever the huge undertaking comes out lousy, it’s the company that will suffer the impact, to the delight of its competitors, and not the government,” he said.

If private projects fail, he added, “the government will not rescue us.”

Given the stiff competition in the digital industry, Pangilinan said, “we are mindful of other guys watching us. We have to be on our toes. Somebody is watching us, like a wife, to police [our] ethical standards,” he said.

Improving the digital industry’s services will take time and lots of money, he said. “The journey to the digital future will be long and the climb is steep."

“There will be false starts, there will be speed bumps, and there will be mistakes,” he said. MGP News

ARMM, MTRCB to hold a forum on media’s role in the Mindanao peace process

The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) will hold a forum on the role of media in the Mindanao peace process.

The event, dubbed ‘Forum on Movies and Television: Can it Bridge Peace, Mindanao and the Bangsamoro?’ will be held on Monday, June 20, in Quezon City and will bring together 30 MTRCB officials, talents, production staff, as well as movie and TV writers.

The forum will discuss topics on the role of media and MTRCB in sustaining the gains of the peace process in Mindanao and the non-stereotyping of Muslim-Filipinos towards national understanding through history, arts and culture.

Forum speakers include Sittie Jehanne Mutin, chairperson of the ARMM’s Regional Commission on Bangsamoro Women; Atty. Jose Lorena, undersecretary of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process-Malacanang; and actor and peace advocate Robin ‘AbdulAzis’ Padilla.

“The ultimate goal of the forum is to strengthen Filipino nationalism and understanding,” Mutin said. “The activity will be a venue for dialogue and exchange of ideas on sustainable peace among ARMM, MTRCB and other stakeholders,” she added.

ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman and MTRCB chairperson Eugenio Villareal will also sign on Monday a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that would help bridge the gap between public perception on Muslim culture and way of life by correcting media’s common misconceptions.

MTRCB board members Maria Lourdes Lilia Supnet and Jay Revestir, chairperson Mutin and ARMM-Manila laiason officer Jolly Lais will witness the signing ceremony.

The MoU will commit the two parties to conduct collaborative media literacy symposia involving MTRCB, the ARMM, and media practitioners including film directors, producers and writers.

The ARMM and the MTRCB will also launch education campaigns that would increase public awareness on the role of women in nation-building and the Magna Carta of Women on film and to uphold, preserve and advance the cultural beliefs, practices and values of the Muslim community.

The MTRCB will also hold ‘Matalinong Panonood’ – a series of seminars on public information and education initiatives to correct the depiction of the Muslim community in movies and television. BPI

PLDT Chairman Pangilinan brushes off study ranking Philippines Internet 'slowest' in Asia

PLDT and Smart Chairman and CEO Manny V. Pangilinan.

Business tycoon Manny V. Pangilinan, the PLDT and Smart Chairman and CEO, has brushed off a study on Internet speeds showing that the Philippines has the second slowest average download speed among other Asian countries.

"Hindi naman totoo iyan (That is not true). We're not slow... we're not the lowest... I don't believe so," Pangilinan said during a roundtable interview with newsmen after the 2016 Annual Stockholders' Meeting of PLDT in Makati City on Tuesday.

Pangilinan, however, made clear that this doesn't mean Philippines internet speed is far better than the other Asian countries like Korea, Singapore, and Hong Kong. "I am not saying that but we don't believe that we're that slowest (in Internet speed)."

A study of the Internet metric provider Ookla (in its household download index) last year showed that Philippines has the average speed of just 3.64 megabits per second (Mbps), which is the second lowest among Asian countries.

Ookla stated results were obtained by analyzing test data between April 18, 2015 and May 17, 2015. It also stated the only Asian country that had a slower download speed than the Philippines was Afghanistan which had a download speed of 2.52 Mbps.

The Philippines' broadband speed was also way below the global average of 23.3 Mbps.

Singapore ranked 1st on the index with a blistering broadband speed of 122.43 Mbps, followed by Hong Kong with 102.96 Mbps and Saint Pierre and Miquelon with 97.11 Mbps.

Japan ranked 4th with 82.12 Mbps, followed by Romania with 73.75 Mbps, South Korea with 59.77 Mbps, Sweden with 58.48 Mbps and Lithuania with 58.43 Mbps. Macau and Netherlands rounded out the top 10 with speeds of 50.85 and 50.66 Mbps, respectively.

Out of the 202 countries, the country with the slowest download speed is Equatorial Guinea with 0.93 Mbps. Niger, Cuba, Gambia, Guinea, Congo and Syrian Arab Republic are also on the bottom of the list, with speeds of less than 2 Mbps.

In terms of upload speed, the Philippines ranked even lower on the index - 178 out of 202 countries with an average upload speed of 1.53 Mbps. This was significantly lower than the global average of 10.59 Mbps, according to the Ookla study

Ookla study further stated that the cost per Mbps in the Philippines was also one of the most expensive with an average value of $18.18. To compare, the global average is $5.21. The value is the median monthly cost in US dollars per Mbps.

When asked to comment about incoming President Rodrigo Duterte's warning to telcos (telecommunications companies) — provide faster Internet service or foreign investors will be allowed to do the job, Pangilinan said: "It's up to the president, he wants that."

Pangilinan further said that, "look why spend more billion dollars a year if we don't see any improvement in service or improvement in our revenues? You are spending the money because you want to make sure the service has improved and your products and services were able to deliver it better in everywhere (coverage), right?"

"That's why the P700 million is very important," he added referring to the PLDT Home offers several web-connected devices such as the tablet Telpad, home monitoring security camera FamCam, and the TVolution Stick, which turns a TV into a personal computer.

PLDT had earlier announced that in the first quarter of 2016 alone, revenues derived from the sale of these devices have reached over P700 million and are likely to exceed P2 billion for 2016.

But at the same time, Panglinan said "apart from the improvement and customer services, you want the services to flow-in as well, yes we are not in disagreements with the government, we want this next government improves the services -- yes totally. No argument we are totally, violently in agreement, no disagreements there."

The PLDT and its wireless subsidiary on Monday unveiled new logos.

The new logo also comes with the recent change in name of the company from “Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company” into “PLDT Inc.” to better represent the company's current thrust to decisively shift its business to data-driven services.

Pangilinan said PLDT’s previous logo has become anachronistic in the digital age.

Since its founding 88 years ago, Pangilinan said PLDT has served the people longer, and better than any other telco.

“We are committed to transforming our business. We’re committed to providing great customer experiences. We’re committed to our vision of leading and inspiring Filipinos to create a better tomorrow,” he said.

With the change, he said PLDT aims to become the digital services company of the future.

“Today, PLDT means Internet for All and Internet Everywhere,” he said.

PLDT-Smart has embarked on a three-year digital pivot that aims to transform its networks into the country's most data capable infrastructure delivering a growing array of compelling digital services.

This year alone, the Group has allocated P43 billion for capital expenditures. Around $100 million more in capex will likely be earmarked, following the acquisition of the telecoms business of San
Miguel Corp. which included the utilization of the so-called digital dividend, the 700 MHz frequency band.

PLDT and its various subsidiaries such as Voyager Innovation and Talas Data Intelligence are also developing and offering digital and financial technology services that offer the Group’s customers higher levels of efficiencies and convenience.

“Rather than allow ourselves to be disrupted by new technologies, we are disrupting ourselves. We have embarked on a digital pivot to enable us to serve the increasing needs of our people's digital
lifestyle and the country's growing digital economy," said Pangilinan.

“We shall lead the digital revolution by embracing the smart life within the organization, pursuing digital innovations and enabling our customers to go digital in their own ways. The biggest winners will be our customers who will have a growing range of choices at their fingertips,” he stressed.

The new logo symbolizes the powerful convergence of PLDT and Smart, combining fixed and wireless technologies to serve individual and enterprise customers.

The new PLDT and Smart logo is shaped like a triangle with the three sides representing the Company's business pillars - exceptional people, meaningful innovations, and our valuable customers.

The triangle is also the symbol for Delta, the fourth letter in the Greek alphabet, which stands for “Change”.

"Taken together, these three pillars create tremendous energy that will enable our customers to achieve their limitless potential. The triangle’s three sides support each other. Thus, an inherent strength flows harmoniously among the sides to sustain the structure," Pangilinan said.

The new logo replaces the iconic 33-year old PLDT logo which was formed through a repetition of the abstract figure of the telephone receiver to complete four sides. Smart has also changed its logo. MGP News