ARMM provides relief and medical

aid to displaced families in Sulu

About 4,000 families affected by intensified military operations against members of the Abu Sayyaf Group in the province of Sulu in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) received relief goods and medical assistance.

ARMM regional Vice-Governor Haroun Alrashid Lucman Jr. led the delivery of the humanitarian assistance with Sulu Governor Abdusakur Totoh Tan II and Director Ramil Masukat of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and ARMM – Humanitarian Emergency Action and Response Team (ARMM-HEART).

As of September 5, close to 4,000 families have been displaced by the military’s offensive against the Abu Sayyaf with most of the evacuees coming from five municipalities namely:
Patikul with 1,122 families;
Maimbung with 1,321 families;
Indanan with 400 families;
Parang with 1,113 families; and
Panamao with 29 families.

Myrna Jo Henry, ARMM-HEART information officer, said the agency’s convergence team validated the number of affected families that received the region’s relief and medical assistance.

“We closely coordinated with the provincial government of Sulu to ensure the safety of our constituents,” regional Vice Governor Lucman said.

ARMM-HEART is a convergence of agencies that oversees disaster preparedness and response in the region. The team includes the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, Office of Civil Defense, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Science and Technology, The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, Department of the Interior and Local Government, and the Regional Planning and Development Office, among others.

The government has intensified its operations against the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu following orders from President Rodrigo Duterte. The Philippine Navy has also deployed its largest vessel to lead the naval blockade against lawless elements who were reported as planning an escape via the Sulu Sea.

To ensure coordinated efforts between government troops fighting terrorism and illegal drugs, President Duterte placed the entire country on September 3 under a state of lawlessness. BPI Press Release

Duterte formally accepts Philippine
chairmanship of ASEAN in 2017

President Rodrigo Duterte has formally accepted the Philippine chairmanship of the Association of Southeast Nations (ASEAN) in 2017 from Vientiane, Laos.

In his prepared speech at the closing ceremony of the ASEAN Summit at the National Convention Center in Laos' capital Thursday afternoon, Duterte said during the Philippines chairmanship, he will highlight ASEAN as a model of regionalism and a global player with the interest of the people as its core.

"We will pursue initiative and enhance cooperation, a global partners to ensure that the ASEAN citizens live in peace, stability, security and ...we will maintain (solidarity and unity) at all times," the iron-fisted president vowed. .

Duterte assured the Philippines is ready and willing to steer and guide the association, but said crucial to the realization of the goals is a cooperation and support of all ASEAN member states and their dialogue partners.

Towards this end, Duterte invited his fellow ASEAN leaders "to be our dynamic and vibrant partners as we guide ASEAN in 2017. Our theme, 'Partnering for Change, Engaging the World' captures our resolve to consolidate our community for our people's with the sense of togetherness and common identity and able to take our rightful place in the global community of nations."

According to Duterte, the Philippines ASEAN chairmanship coincides with the historic milestone event as it will celebrate the 50th founding anniversary of the association.

"It will be an occasion for us to set the tone for the next 50 years. Join us in making the commemoration of ASEAN's 50 years a success. With great honor and humility, I accept a chairmanship of the ASEAN from our excellent host, the People's Democratic Republic of Laos. I look forward to seeing you all in the Philippines in 2017," Duterte concluded his speech.

Before Duterte’s speech, he congratulated Lao Prime Minister Thongloun Sisoulith for chairing ASEAN in 2016.

“I have benefited immensely from our discussions and exchanges, providing me with insights on how best to build upon Lao PDR’s efforts in community building,” Duterte said.

Sisoulith was quoted as responding to Duterte's statement: “I trust that under the Philippines’ ASEAN chairmanship in 2017, in addition to the meaningful celebration of the 50th anniversary of ASEAN, the ASEAN Community will continue to gain new achievements in order to turn the ASEAN Community Vision 2025 into reality with concrete outcomes.”

“The Lao PDR will continue to extend its full support to the Philippines,” Sisoulith added.

He said: “Your Excellency, President Rodrigo Duterte, on this auspicious occasion, I have the honor to hand over the ASEAN chairmanship to the Philippines starting from the 1st of January 2017.” MGPI News