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

Abu Sayyaf Group’s 'spotter' ​arrested in Zamboanga

 

A 'spotter' of the Daesh-linked Abu Sayyaf militant group involved in several kidnapping cases, including the abduction of a former Italian priest in Zamboanga del Norte, was arrested by security forces in a predominantly Christian province in Mindanao early Sunday morning.

Major Filemon Tan Jr, spokesman of the Philippine Army Western Mindanao Command, said Sehar Muloc also known as Abner Muloc and Kumander Red Eye was arrested in a predawn operation by joint military and police operatives in Barangay Kaliantana, Naga, Zamboanga Sibugay.

"The 'eye' of the Abu Sayyaf group kidnap for ransom fell into the hands of the joint elements of the military under the Joint Task Force ZAMPELAN and the police in a law enforcement operation," Tan said in a press statement.

Tan said Muloc has a direct link to ASG sub-leader Idang Susukan and is allegedly being utilized by the Sulu-based Abu Sayyaf in many kidnapping operations in Zamboanga Peninsula.

Susukan is a brother of Sulu ­based Abu Sayyaf leader Mujiv Susukan, and has been linked by the military to the beheading of Malaysian hostage Bernard Then after his family failed to pay a ransom in November 2015.

According to Tan, the suspect was arrested by virtue of a warrant of arrest for the kidnapping of Italian former priest, Rolando del Torchio.

Del Torchio, 57 years old, was abducted by the group of Red Eye inside his Pizza Resto Bar last October 7, 2015 in Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte province and turned over by Kumander Red Eye to Sulu-based ASG. He was released April 8, 2016 in Jolo, Sulu and was found aboard a vessel M/V Beatrice.

"The AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) continues to support the PNP (Philippine National Police) in the intensified conduct of law enforcement operations to expedite the arrest of lawless elements in the province," said Tan.

The Abu Sayyaf group still holds eight people captive -- 3 foreigners including a Canadian, a Norwegian, a Dutchman, ​and 5 Filipinos -- in the troubled island Sulu province.

Tan said that the Wesmincom is not letting up on its efforts to rescue the remaining victims, including two foreigners shown in a latest video released by the terrorist group.

The video showed Abu Sayyaf's Canadian and Norwegian captives, and the group set June 13 as deadline for ransom payment before they ​execute the two.​

The kidnappers had demanded P300 million each for Canadian Robert Hall and Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad and Filipina Marites Flor.​

It was gathered from military sources that more troops have been deployed to Sulu as the deadline set by the Abu Sayyaf for the families of the foreigners they seized on Samal Island to pay ransom lapses tomorrow, Monday.

It said the Philippine Army's 45th Infantry Battalion based in Central Mindanao had been sent to Sulu to help in the operations to rescue the hostages,.

Eight Army battalions as well as Scout Rangers, Special Forces and the United States-trained Light Reaction Co. are presently operating against the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu and Basilan. MGP News

2 more soldiers killed in another NPA

rebels attack in Bicol region

Military forces have suffered another attack as suspected communist insurgents shot to death two soldiers at a remote village in the southernmost province in Luzon.

It was gathered from the Philippine Daily Inquirer, which quoted a police report, that the incident happened on Saturday at about 2 p.m. in Barangay (Village) Cabiguan, Pilar in Sorsogon province, Bicol region.

Based on an initial report reaching the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Bicol said the slain victims were Staff Sergeants, both members of the Philippine Army operating in Sorsogon.

Police Senior Insp. Maria Luisa Calubaquib said it could not be ascertained if the incident was an ambush or an encounter carried out by the New People's Army (NPA) rebels.

Saturday's attack occurred a day after a soldier was killed while another was wounded when suspected communist rebels harassed an Army headquarters in Buenavista, Agusan del Norte Friday.

Philstar reported the rebels belonging to the Guerrilla Front Committee 4A, swooped down on the headquarters of the 23rd Infantry Battalion in Purok 9, Barangay Rizal at around 6 a.m.

Also Friday, the NPA rebels killed two soldiers in an ambush in Barangay Calapagan in Lupon town, Davao Oriental at around 6:45 in the morning.

The two soldiers were onboard a motorcycle heading toward the said village when they were shot by communist rebels, according to military report.

The communist rebels' series of attacks on government forces happened despite peace overtures made by incoming President Rodrigo Duterte.

Duterte made overtures toward the Communist Party of the Philippines -- of which the NPA is the armed wing -- and its political front, the National Democratic Front, following his victory in May 9 election.

Preliminary talks between the NDF and the incoming Philippines administration have been scheduled in Oslo, Norway for next week, and incoming peace process advisers Jesus Dureza left the archipelago for Europe on Friday.

Since March 1969, the NPA has been waging one of Asia's longest running insurgencies in the country, which -- according to the military -- has claimed more than 3,000 lives over the past eight years.

The military estimates that the number of NPA members has dropped from a peak of 26,000 in the 1980s to less than 4,000. MGP News

Communist rebels kill 2 soldiers in ambush in Mindanao

Maost communist rebels have killed two soldiers in an ambush in a predominantly Christian province in southern Philippines despite peace overtures from president-in-waiting Rodrigo Duterte.

The military said the soldiers of the Philippine Army's 28th Infantry Battalion were ambushed by suspected members of the New People’s Army in Barangay Calapagan in Lupon town, Davao Oriental at around 6:45 a.m. on Friday.

According to said Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, commanding officer of the 28th Infantry Battalion, the two soldiers were onboard a motorcycle heading toward the said village when they were shot by communist rebels.

“They were not there for combat mission. What we see here is an act of treachery of attacking unarmed and in civilian clothes personnel. These are members of peace and development outreach program teams who are just there trying to build a community,” Philippine Daily Inquirer quoted Zagala as saying.

The identities of the slain soldiers, with a rank of corporal and private first class, were withheld pending notification of their families, said Zagala.

Zagala said they would file murder charges against the perpetrators. “We won’t let this pass. We will continue our operations against them.

On Thursday, four suspected high-ranking members of the communist insurgent group were arrested in Butuan, Agusan del Norte, also in southern Philippines.

GMA's Unang Balita television reported that the four rebels were trapped during a joint police and military operation on a targeted NPA safe-house in Butuan.

Government forces said they recovered from the scene of the operation assorted firearms, ammunition, explosives, and subversive documents.

The four suspects are facing multiple charges, including frustrated murder, robbery, attempted murder, frustrated homicide, homicide, and violation of the Comelec gun ban for the May polls.

Last week Duterte met a communist negotiator about reopening the talks three years after outgoing President Benigno Aquino ended them.

The insurgency has claimed 30,000 lives over almost half a century, according to military estimates.

Aquino revived talks soon after taking office in 2010 but shelved them in 2013, accusing the rebels of insincerity.

Earlier this month, communist revolutionary leaders said that stalled peace talks could resume in July, while warning that their demand for the expulsion of US troops was “non-negotiable.”

Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) negotiator Fidel Agcaoili told a Manila press conference that the rebels would meet representatives of newly elected President Rodrigo Duterte’s government in Europe this month to discuss the resumption of talks after years of hiatus.

He said the CPP would also negotiate an end to the 1999 Visiting Forces Agreement allowing the US to hold large-scale military exercises.

President-elect Duterte, who takes office on June 30, has offered two cabinet posts to allies of the CPP.

Meanwhile, incoming presidential peace adviser Jesus Dureza left the country for Oslo, Norway, on Friday night to discuss with self-exiled communist leader Jose Maria Sison the possibility of an "early resumption" of the peace negotiations.

In a statement on Facebook, Dureza said he is flying tonight (Friday) to Paris enroute to Oslo, Norway for an informal meeting with the CPP headed by Mr. Jose Ma. Sison upon instructions from Mr. Duterte to work for the early resumption of the stalled peace negotiations.

Dureza was accompanied by incoming Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III and former Pangasinan Rep. Hernani Braganza, who also served as a government emissary to the CPP under the Aquino administration.

"We look forward to a fruitful meeting under the auspices of the Norwegian government in the sidelines of the 'Oslo Forum'," Dureza said.

The Oslo Forum is where senior conflict mediators, high level decision makers, and key peace process actors convene in a series of informal and discreet retreats to share experiences, identify challenges, and reflect on mediation practice.

In an interview with reporters on Thursday night, Dureza said the next administration is committed to end the decades-old insurgency as soon as possible.

Sison has earlier expressed confidence that peace negotiations between the CPP's political wing, the National Democratic Front of the Philippines, and the Duterte administration will be successful. MGP News

Peace advocates urge US gov't to remove terrorist tag on Maoist communist rebels

A group of peace advocates with ties to Protestant churches urged the United States to remove the local communist rebel group from the US list of terrorist organizations.

“If the United States cares, even an iota, for the peace of our nation and people, they will remove their ‘terrorist’ tagging,” the group of Pilgrims for Peace said in a statement.

The group said such can impede travel and make it dangerous for professor Jose Maria Sison, founding chair of the Communist Party of the Philippines to attend any activity related to the talks in the Philippines.

In the Country Reports on Terrorism 2015 released by the US State Department on June 2, the CPP and its armed wing, the New People’s Army, were listed anew as “US-designated Foreign Terrorist Organizations” along with the Abu Sayyaf Group and its regional affiliate Jemaah Islamiyah.

The US State Department report said the only reason that these groups “were unable to conduct major attacks on civilian targets in metropolitan areas” is “sustained pressure” from Philippine law enforcers.

But Sison accused the US government of sabotaging talks between the incoming President Rodrigo Duterte administration and communist rebels by reiterating the terror tag on CPP and other leftist organizations.

He said the timing of the release of the US State Department report is suspicious because it came just as they are prepared to resume formal negotiations for a peace pact.

The National Democratic Front, which serves as an umbrella organization for the CPP-NPA, said the issue on the US’ terror tag against them can adversely affect the return of Sison, who is supposed to meet with Duterte.

NDF spokesman Fidel Agcaoili told reporters in press briefing in Davao City Wednesday night that to travel from Holland to Manila, Sison must pass by Taipei.

“If the US will be a spoiler, Sison might be presented a warrant in Taipei by the Interpol, which the US has control. Then the peace talks will be in kaput,” said Agcaoili.

He said the issue should be discussed seriously and that guarantees from states should be given to ensure that the peace talks will not be affected.

According to him, there has to be some guarantees from the Dutch government, the Norwegian government , the US government to respect the sovereignty of the Filipino people in their desire to pursue a just and lasting peace without interference.

"But I am not sure whether the US will agree with providing a guarantee saying the world’s superpower “has always been a bully," he further said.

The preliminary talks between the NDF and the incoming administration will be held in Oslo, Norway next week to be led by Duterte's incoming peace process adviser Jesus Dureza, Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello and Hernani Braganza.

Agcaoili said the NDF team will be composed of NDF Chairperson of the Negotiating Panel Luis Jalandoni, Connie Ledesma, Sison, two lawyers and himself.

It was learned that the agenda will include the resumption of the peace negotiations in accordance with the previously signed agreements; granting general amnesty to political prisoners; having an interim mutual ceasefire; and the possibility of accelerating the peace negotiations.

The NDF negotiator has met with Duterte for the third time in the early morning of Wednesday, June 8 to discuss about the nominations for the incoming members of the Cabinet.

Duterte offered four Cabinet posts to the CPP, which includes the Department of Labor and Employment, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Department of Agrarian Reform.

But Duterte decided that he would be heading the DENR because of the security issues surrounding the agency.

Agcaoili said the draft for the acceleration of the peace process is almost similar to the draft they submitted to the Aquino government in December 2014.

He said the time frame is six to nine months.

The six months, he said, will cover the discussion of the second substantive agenda which is the agreement on social and economic reforms.

He said while the second agreement is being negotiated, the other working groups for the political and constitutional reforms can start simultaneously.

Agcaoili said, although the time frame does not yet include the agreement on the end of hostilities and the disposition of forces, an agreement that can be reached on how to go about the last substantive agenda of the peace process can be achieved.

The four substantive agenda of the formal peace negotiations between the government and the NDF include human rights and international humanitarian law, socio-economic reforms, political and constitutional reforms, and the end of hostilities and disposition of forces. MGP news

4 Malaysian kidnap victims freed by Abu Sayyaf group in Sulu

The four Malaysian sailors held for more than two months by ISIS-linked Abu Sayyaf militant group in a predominantly Tausug province in Sulu have been released and returned to Sandakan, Sabah with an emissary early Wednesday.

Sr. Supt. Wilfredo Cayat, Sulu provincial police director, confirmed the release of the two brothers -- Wong Teck Kang, 31, and Wong Teck Chii, 29; their cousin Johnny Lau Jung Hien, 21; and Wong Hung Sing, 34 -- who had already returned to Sandakan, Sabah with an emissary.

But he did not give further details.

In a press statement, Maj. Filemon Tan Jr., spokesperson of the Armed Forces' Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), said that the victims were reportedly released by the Abu Sayyaf group early Wednesday morning in Sulu.

"The victims were brought to the shoreline of Barangay Lagasan Higat in Parang, Sulu and immediately boarded a speedboat en route to Sandakan, Sabah," Tan told local defense reporters.

Tan said the information received from the ground units disclosed that the freed victims arrived in Sandakan at about 6am Wednesday.

"We have yet to confirm whether ransom money was paid in exchange for the safe release of the victims," he added.

The four Malaysians had been held since April 1 in the jungles of Sulu after being kidnapped by Abu Sayyaf group off the east coast of Sempornah, Sabah, Malaysia.

According to Tan, the victims who were aboard Tugboat Massive 6 were abducted by the group of sub-leader Madjan Sahidjuan, alias Apuh Mike.

About eight armed men in a motorized vessel intercepted their tugboat in the evening of that day and took them away to Sulu province, one of the strongholds of Abu Sayyaf militants.

It was learned from The Star Online report that Malaysian and Filipino negotiators managed to secure the four’s release from the militant group after several rounds of negotiation.

It said the kidnappers reportedly demanded an RM18 million Malayasian Ringgit or $4 million US Dollars ransom for their release.

The Abu Sayyaf is still holding one Canadian, a Filipina, a Norwegian taken from a resort on Samal Island, Davao del Norte in September 2015, a Dutch birdwatcher kidnapped in 2012 in Tawi-Tawi, and some Filipinos.

Last month, a video circulated by the SITE Intelligence Group, which monitors jihadi websites, the captives from Canada, Norway and the Philippines pleaded for the Canadian and Philippine governments to heed the Abu Sayyaf terror group's ransom demand.

The terrorist group, which beheaded a Canadian hostage last month, set a deadline until June 13 to exccute the three remaining Samal Island hostages in their jungle base in Sulu if a P600 million ransom is not paid by June 13. MGP News

On Misuari rebellion case: Unless court order,
charges can’t be dropped, says Zambo lawyer

Photos show MNLF founding chairman Nur Misuari speaks to a foreign journalist at his undisclosed camp in Sulu while Mayor Beng Climaco of Zamboanga City along with the city legal officer Atty. Jesus Carbon (extreme right), and other officials hold a press conference at city hall.

Unless the dismissal of the case is made in court, the rebellion cases against fugitive Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) chair Nur Misuari and his suspected followers can't be dropped.

This was underlined by the city government legal officer in connection with the 23-day Zamboanga crisis in September 2013 that left more than 200 people dead and displaced over 120,000 residents.

Lawyer Jesus Carbon underlined that while they give President-elect Rodrigo Duterte due respect but no case can't be dismissed even by the president unless the dismissal is made with the court.

"I hope he (Duterte) sees Misuari before he takes his oath as president because it would be different if he is already a president," Carbon said.

He added that Misuari is a fugitive from justice and that Duterte, being the president and the chief law enforcer of the country, it would be his duty to arrest the MNLF leader who is charged of rebellion and crimes against humanity.

"But that is really up to the president, but we will continue our (legal) fight." the lawyer further said.

When asked whether the president could be impeached for Misuari's rebellion case reason, Carbon replied: "I should not have said that we will be in trouble."

Saying that it's not really a culpable violation of the Constitution, Carbon said "just like what they did to Corona (Chief Justice Renato Corona) he was, or what Senators Bongbong Marcos and Miriam Defensor Santiago had said, not an impeachable offense."

Both Marcos and Santiago, who voted to acquit Corona of the charges lodged against him by the House of Representatives on Dec. 12, 2011, shared the same view that Corona's failure to declare his dollar accounts in his statement of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALN) was not an impeachable offense.

The late Chief Justice was the first Philippine magistrate to be impeached and convicted, and his trial is the first of its kind to be concluded in Philippine history. He was the third official, after former President Joseph Estrada in 2000 and Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez in March 2011,
impeached by the Congress.

Pressed further on reports that the arrest warrant against Misuari already lifted, Carbon said, "It's only the court who can recall the warrant of arrest. If there is a warrant of arrest that should be served by the chief law officer of the country.

Carbon added that if there is an order (lifting the arrest warrant) coming from the highest office of the land that could be an obstruction of justice.

"The incoming president can't order. He is a good lawyer coming from San Beda. Well, if it is good for the country then maybe we should give a chance, but legally you can't prevent anyone from talking to somebody, he knows maybe what he is doing....we are seeing change now."

Late last month, Duterte was reportedly planning to fly to Sulu to talk with Misuari after one of the MNLF faction senior officials complained of being snubbed when they tried to meet with the mayor after the May 9 elections.

Duterte denied allegations that he snubbed the MNLF commanders when they were in his city. On that day, Duterte spent more than 20 hours receiving well-wishers.

The incoming president has been vocal about his desire to restart the peace process in Mindanao, saying he is willing to pursue talks with the MNLF.

There were unconfirmed reports which circulated in the city that Duterte is willing to grant Misuari an amnesty which could be used by the fugitive MNLF chairman to already move around freely.

Carbon said the reported granting of amnesty on Misuari is a presidential prerogative, not pardon.
"Amnesty is a political action in order maybe you want to have peace you have to grant amnesty to these people," he said.

Meanwhile, Mayor Ma. Isabelle "Beng" Climaco-Salazar pointed out that when the prosecutor's office from Manila came over to the city of Zamboanga, they were told that the documents to convict Misuari were already set.

"But somebody called at that time so there was an intervention,'" Climaco said, citing that due to the poor relationships between the government and Misuari, particularly the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, we are the victims."

"Now the question under the change, the people expecting, and under a hopeful leader that tries to bridge the unity in Mindanao, how can we also prevent local government unit like us from being victims?" she asked.

Climaco has been blaming the OPAPP for neglecting a request of the city government and the Regional Development Council for guidance on how to deal with the MNLF. MGP News

Duterte says no more media

interviews until his term ends

Please watch the video on Youtube just copy paste or click the URL below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XnOGwrondTA

President-elect Rodrigo Duterte would no longer grant interviews until the end of his term to avoid criticisms and wrong statements.

A video posted by TV5 correspondent France Noguera on Facebook Monday showed Duterte, being interviewed, said in tagalog dialect: “Di na ako talaga… sorry ha, talagang ano ako…boycott talaga...(I won’t grant interviews. Sorry. It’s really a boycott)."

When asked why he is adopting such a stance, Duterte replied: “Ah basta wala. ayoko na (I don’t want to be interviewed anymore). If there are interviews, there will be many mistakes, there will be many criticisms. So no interview, no criticism, no wrong statements, no nothing I’ll shut up. Ayoko na talaga (I really don’t want it anymore).”

Last week, the incoming president drew flak for his statement on media killings and that some of the slain media workers had received payoffs or were involved in shady deals.

Duterte, who is apparently adopting such instance of boycott to show firmness on his decision to distance himself from journalists, stated the boycott would be until the end of his term.

Last week, the incoming president's executive assistant Bong Go said the mayor would temporarily stop holding press conferences in order to avoid mistakes.

Instead, all statements of Duterte will be coursed through the government television network PTV-4, the flagship government television network owned by the Philippine Government based in Quezon City, Metro Manila.

Also last week, the Paris-based Reporters Without Borders issued a statement to boycott the tough-talking mayor after he said that many journalists in the country had been killed because they were corrupt.

Duterte, in return, refused to apologize and also dared the media to stop covering him.

He also drew criticisms after catcalling GMA-7 reporter Mariz Umali in one of his press conferences last week.

At his victory party last Saturday, Duterte in his speech also criticized a journalist for asking about his medical condition in a previous interview.

He said the media were always asking “impertinent questions.”

Philstar reported that after saying he won’t apologize for his statements, Duterte slammed members of the media for supposedly thinking too highly of themselves.

It quoted Duterte as saying: “Go ahead, boycott me. As a matter of fact I’m urging you make this your last trip in Davao City. I hate giving interviews. I would be content with a camera and a cellphone taking pictures of me. Do not come here anymore. Make it the first time in the history of the republic. Do not cover me."

Duterte has not conducted press conferences since Thursday even if the call to boycott his events did not come from the Philippine media.