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Wanted for high-profile crimes killed in Bangsamoro police operation
A suspect in a series of motorcycle theft, multiple murder, extortion and operation of a drug den, who has links with local terrorist groups, was killed while his companion was wounded in a shootout with policemen in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte on Thursday......»»
Analyst: Look out for BRICS
The government must not only monitor China’s actions in the West Philippine Sea but also the developing countries’ bloc of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, or BRICS. BRICS members are considered the emerging geopolitical rivals to the G7 group of advanced economies. UST Political Science professor Marlon Villarin said China wanted to resolve the conflict in the West Philippine Sea through economic, not legal, terms. “We should watch BRICS closely. This is an international alliance, particularly now that it has attracted new members which are backers of China,” Villarin said when he guested on the program “Hot Patatas” of DAILY TRIBUNE and Dyaryo Tirada Wednesday. Villarin said that despite China’s tactics in asserting its maritime claim, some nations maintain a soft approach to China, like the United Kingdom, because of its economic stakes in China, such as the minerals needed for solar power and electric batteries. “When it comes to technology, China has strong leverage. For example, minerals are used to produce solar power and electric batteries. So, we should ask about the reasons for not antagonizing China. Is the economic leverage successful in convincing some countries to keep their peace?” he said. Take down app The National Security Council, meanwhile, has called on the government to “seriously consider” banning the Chinese social media application TikTok among local security officials. Jonathan Malaya, assistant director general of the NSC, suggested in a news forum, noting that the council had yet to conduct a complete study on whether or not the TikTok app was being used by China in the Philippines to promote its propaganda. “We should seriously consider it for the security sector alone, not for the civilian agencies of government,” Malaya said. TikTok faces increasing limits and bans on a global scale. In the US, a looming ban is under review while a recent congressional hearing grilled TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew. Several countries across North America, Europe, and Asia have implemented some level of restriction on the app, mainly over privacy and cybersecurity concerns connected to its parent company, ByteDance, which has ties to the Chinese government. International government bodies, including the European Commission and NATO, have banned their staff from using TikTok on their corporate phones. “Maybe if there is a need to ban, it will not be for public school teachers, it will not be for civilians, but it will be for the armed personnel,” Malaya said. NSA to be consulted Malaya said there was a thorough discussion with National Security Adviser Eduardo Año on the matter. “We will need to study this very carefully, based on national security considerations. We will discuss this with the National Security Adviser if it will be proper for the Philippines to take this step,” he said. Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines assured that measures are in place to protect the national security from internal and external threats. The post Analyst: Look out for BRICS appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl must ‘seriously consider’ banning TikTok for gov’t security officials — NSC exec
The National Security Council warned that Philippines should “seriously consider” banning Chinese social media app TikTok for security sector officials, an executive from the National Security Council said on Saturday. Jonathan Malaya, assistant director general of the NSC, raised the suggestion in a news forum in Quezon City noting that the council is yet to conduct a full study on whether or not the TikTok application in the Philippines is being used for Chinese propaganda. “We should seriously consider for the security sector alone, not for the civilian agencies of government,” Malaya said. “Siguro (Maybe) if there is a need for banning, it will not be for public school teachers, it will not be for the civilians, but it will be for the armed personnel,” he added. Malaya noted there’s a thorough discussion with National Security Adviser Eduardo Año in regards to the matter. “We will need to study this very carefully, based on national security considerations. We will discuss this with the National Security Adviser if it will be proper for the Philippines to take this step,” he said. Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines assured that measures are in place in lieu of protecting the national security from internal and external threats. “The AFP initiated professional measures so that we can be insulated from the spyware in these kinds of applications,” AFP spokesperson Col. Medel Aguilar said in the same news forum. According to Aguilar, there are certain instances in military camps where officials and visitors are required to surrender their mobile devices. Also, video recording when inside the camps’ critical areas is prohibited. “There is a policy already on the use of social media platforms to make sure the security of the organization is not exposed or compromised and the credibility of the Armed Forces is not also compromised,” Aguilar said. Tiktok became the third most used social media platform in the Philippines in January 2023 as mentioned in a study by Meltwater. Countries, including the United States and New Zealand, earlier banned the TikTok app on government-issued devices due to concerns it could be circumvented for spying or propaganda by the Chinese Communist Party. The European Commission and Canada also banned the use of TikTok in its devices. The owner, Chinese tech giant ByteDance, repeatedly denied accusations that it shares data with the Chinese government. The post Phl must ‘seriously consider’ banning TikTok for gov’t security officials — NSC exec appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
NSC eyes recalibrating NTF-ELCAC’s efforts with CBCP
National Security Adviser Eduardo Año on Saturday said the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict is mulling to recalibrate its efforts as the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines’s Episcopal Commission on Public Affairs joined the task force. “We welcome the CBCP through its Episcopal Commission on Public Affairs to the NTF-ELCAC Executive Committee and we look forward to working with them in pursuing peace and development in all parts of the country, especially in conflict-affected areas,” he said. Año said the task force is open to suggestions from the Church in adopting “moral and ethical approaches in addressing communist insurgency” as mentioned by CBCP President and Kalookan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David in his recent statement. “We are opening the doors of NTF-ELCAC to the Church because it has an important role to play in ending violence and terrorism in the country,” Año said. “For more than 50 years, we have lived under the scourge of the communist armed conflict. With peace now in sight, the Church has an important role to play in ensuring peace and development in the long term,” he added. Having CBCP in the NTF-ELCAC, Año believes that concerns raised by the Church or by cause-oriented groups supported by them could be immediately addressed. "Because of this development, the Church will have more opportunity to relay its concerns, since its mandate is to act as a liaison of the CBCP to government,” he said, citing the attendance of Fr. Jerome Secillano during the NTF-ELCAC executive committee meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Malacañang on Friday. Año reiterated that the task force’s main mandate is to formulate “whole-of-nation” policies to end armed conflict in the country. “CBCP’s membership in the task force ensures a whole of nation's participation because the religious sector is an important component of the nation,” he added. Año sees that CBCP could make significant contributions to the development of areas previously under the influence of the New People’s Army as well as facilitating social inclusivity in pursuit of peace progress. The post NSC eyes recalibrating NTF-ELCAC’s efforts with CBCP appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
NTF-ELCAC gives Church a seat
The Catholic Church will play a more significant role in the anti-insurgency effort through a recalibrated National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict, or NTF-ELCAC, National Security Adviser Eduardo Año said yesterday. The task force will now have the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines’ Episcopal Commission on Public Affairs as a member. “We welcome the CBCP through its Episcopal Commission on Public Affairs to the NTF-ELCAC Executive Committee and we look forward to working with them in pursuing peace and development in all parts of the country, especially in conflict-affected areas,” Año said. The task force indicated an openness to suggestions from the Church in adopting “moral and ethical approaches in addressing the communist insurgency,” as cited by CBCP president and Kalookan Bishop Pablo Virgilio David in a recent statement. “We are opening the door of NTF-ELCAC to the Church because it has an important role to play in ending violence and terrorism in the country,” Año said. “For more than 50 years, we have lived with the scourge of the communist armed conflict. With peace now in sight, the Church has an important role to play in ensuring peace and development in the long term,” he added. With the CBCP in the NTF-ELCAC, Año believes that concerns raised by the Church or by cause-oriented groups supported by them could be immediately addressed. “Because of this development, the Church will have more opportunity to relay its concerns, since its mandate is to act as a liaison of the CBCP to the government,” he said, citing the attendance of Fr. Jerome Secillano at the NTF-ELCAC executive committee meeting with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in Malacañang on Friday. Año reiterated that the task force’s main mandate is to formulate “whole-of-nation” policies to end armed conflict in the country. “CBCP’s membership in the task force ensures a whole-of-nation’s participation because the religious sector is an important component of the nation,” he said. Intervention in influenced areas Año sees the CBCP making significant contributions to the development of areas previously under the influence of the New People’s Army, as well as facilitating social inclusivity in the pursuit of peace. “Given that we are now on the road to total victory, it’s necessary that we recalibrate the way we do things and the entry of the CBCP to the NTF-ELCAC is one of the changes we have implemented under the Marcos administration,” he said. More rebels rejoin society NTF-ELCAC also expressed optimism the government can sustain its peace-building effort to encourage more rebels to reintegrate into mainstream society. At a forum on Saturday, NTF-ELCAC director Alexander Umpar said that in 2023, a total of 959 villages cleared of the insurgency were included in the Barangay Development Program or BDP, an initiative that aims to bring sustainable development programs to conflict-prone and conflict-affected communities. Under the BDP, each village recipient receives a package of programs, activities, and projects worth a maximum of P20 million. BDP beneficiaries in 2021 and 2022 numbered 822 and 1,406, respectively, he said. Umpar said the NTF-ELCAC is confident that by 2028, it would have attained its goal of achieving lasting peace and development in areas that are vulnerable to armed conflict. “‘By 2028, it is about sustaining the momentum of NTF-ELCAC gains with regard to the dismantling of guerrilla fronts, the reintegration of former rebels, and most of all, building resiliency for our communities under the ambit of good governance toward unity, peace and development,” he said. The government, he said, has dismantled 69 of 89 guerrilla fronts since the creation of the task force in 2018. One of the 20 remaining guerrilla fronts, he said, is active while 19 others had weakened. “‘When we say strategic victory, this (because) of the 19 weakened guerrilla fronts and only one is left to be confronted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” he said. “There are still concerns about the armed groups but they are no longer able to initiate an armed struggle or to topple our government. So, that’s the strategic victory,” Umpar said. On the other hand, NTF-ELCAC director Jose Descallar urged rebels to give up and join the government in its goal of transforming the country into a “new Philippines.” He said the military could shift its focus to “external threats,” once the government is able to address the local insurgency. Meanwhile, Director Emmanuel Santos of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity said the conduct of localized peace engagements has been proven to be the “most effective” approach in addressing the communist insurgency. “We’re localizing the engagement so we will be closer to the people to make them feel that the government is really here,” Santos said. He added, however, that there should be “clear directions” to ensure the full reintegration of FRs into mainstream society. The post NTF-ELCAC gives Church a seat appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PBBM appoints INC exec Eduardo Manalo as envoy for OF concerns
Malacañang on Saturday announced that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has appointed Iglesia ni Cristo Executive Minister Eduardo Manalo as Special Envoy of the President for Overseas Filipino Concerns. According to Palace, the same position was given to the Manalo in 2018 under the administration of former president Rodrigo Duterte from 30 January 2018 to 29 January 2019. The INC is known for its bloc voting system. To recall, INC backed Marcos’ presidential bid in the 2022 national elections, as well as his candidacy for vice president in 2016. Manalo is the grandson of the late INC founder Felix Manalo. He is the eldest son of the late Eraño Manalo, who was INC's executive minister for 46 years from 1963. Aside from Manalo, Marcos named W Group President Norman Vincent Wee as Special Envoy of the President to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for Trade and Investments. The post PBBM appoints INC exec Eduardo Manalo as envoy for OF concerns appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
NTF-ELCAC to sustain peace-building efforts
The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict over the weekend expressed optimism that the government would be able to sustain its peace-building efforts to encourage more rebels to reintegrate into mainstream society. At the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City, NTF-ELCAC director Alexander Umpar said that in 2023, a total of 959 villages cleared of insurgency threats were included in the Barangay Development Program (BDP), an initiative that aims to bring sustainable development programs to conflict-prone and conflict-affected communities. Under the BDP, each village recipient will receive a package of programs, activities, and projects (PAPs) worth a maximum total of P20 million. BDP beneficiaries in 2021 and 2022 were pegged at 822 and 1,406, respectively, he said. Umpar said the NTF-ELCAC is bullish that by 2028, it would attain its goal of achieving lasting peace and development in areas that are vulnerable to armed conflicts. “By 2028, it is about sustaining the momentum of NTF-ELCAC gains with regards to the dismantling of these guerilla fronts, the reintegration of our FRs, and most of all, building resiliency for our communities under the ambit of good governance towards the unity, peace, and development,” he said. Umpar added that the government has dismantled 69 of 89 guerilla fronts since the creation of the task force in 2018. One of the 20 remaining guerilla fronts, he said, is active while 19 others are already weakened. “‘When we say strategic victory, this is the 19 weakened guerilla fronts and only one is left to be confronted by the Armed Forces of the Philippines),” he said. “There are still concerns about the armed groups but they are no longer able to initiate an armed struggle or topple down our government. So, ‘yun ‘yung (that’s the) strategic victory,” Umpar said. On the other hand, NTF-ELCAC director Jose Descallar urged rebels to give up and join the government in its goal of transforming the country into a “new Philippines.” He said the military could shift its focus on “external threats,” once the government is able to address local insurgency. Meanwhile, Director Emmanuel Santos Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity said the conduct of localized peace engagements has been proven to be the “most effective” approach in addressing communist insurgency. “We're localizing the engagement so we will be closer to the people to make them feel that the government is really here,” Santos said. However, he added that there should be “clear directions” to ensure the full reintegration of former rebels (FRs) into mainstream society. The post NTF-ELCAC to sustain peace-building efforts appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl does not recognize China’s 10-dash line, Arbitral Award ‘final and binding’
National Security Adviser Eduardo Año said that the Philippines does not recognize either the 10-dash line or the nine-dash line that China has used to claim nearly the entirety of the South China Sea. Año said this during the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict press briefing in the Presidential Guest House after China released a new map featuring 10 dashes forming a U shape to show that the entire South China Sea is supposedly part of its territory. "The Arbitral Award is final and binding," Año said, referring to the 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague that invalidated China's nine-dash line claim. "It gives us our maritime entitlement, our extended economic zone, our territorial waters and even our extended continental shelf," he added. Año said that the Philippines is not alone in its rejection of the 10-dash line. India and Malaysia have also expressed their opposition to the map. "There would be more countries, I think, to react adversely against this 10-dash line," Año said. The Philippines has vowed to protect its territorial integrity and national sovereignty. "Our Armed Forces, our uniformed services, our government will do everything in its capacity to ensure that we are protecting our national interest," Año said. The 10-dash line map is the latest in a series of actions by China that have raised concerns in the Philippines and other countries in the region. In recent years, China has been increasingly asserting its claims in the South China Sea, building artificial islands and deploying military forces in the disputed waters. The post Phl does not recognize China’s 10-dash line, Arbitral Award ‘final and binding’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bangladesh court sentences two journalists over plot to kill PM’s son
Two elderly Bangladeshi newspaper editors were sentenced in absentia Thursday over a plot to kill the prime minister's son, charges their supporters say were confected to punish them for supporting the country's opposition. Shafik Rehman, 88, and Mahmudur Rahman, 70, were convicted along with three others in what authorities said was a thwarted conspiracy to kidnap and murder Sheikh Hasina's eldest child while he was based in the United States a decade ago. All five were sentenced to seven years in jail, prosecutor Abdur Rahman Khan Kazal told AFP. Rehman edited two of the country's most popular Bengali weeklies and later became an adviser to the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party before his arrest in 2016. Rahman was known as a prominent critic of Hasina's ruling Awami League, which has targeted BNP members with periodic crackdowns and mass arrests over the past decade and was arrested in 2013. Both men were later granted bail to seek medical treatment abroad and have not returned. Friends and supporters of the pair maintain their innocence. The other three defendants have been fugitives since the conspiracy charges were filed and were also sentenced in absentia. Sajeeb Wazed, 52, the prime minister's son, now serves in a senior advisory position to his mother's government. Rights groups and foreign governments including the United States have long raised concerns over efforts by Hasina's government to silence criticism and stamp out political dissent. The 2022 World Press Freedom Index compiled by Reporters Without Borders ranked Bangladesh at 162, below Russia and Afghanistan. Bangladesh's draconian Digital Security Act, under which hundreds of people have been arrested since 2018, has caused particular alarm. Dainik Dinkal, the country's only remaining newspaper aligned with the BNP, was shut down in February. The post Bangladesh court sentences two journalists over plot to kill PM’s son appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DSWD chief leads distribution of aid to former MILF combatants
Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rex Gatchalian led the distribution of transitory cash assistance to the decommissioned combatants (DCs) of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). The handing out of aid was made during the resumption of the Phase 3 Decommissioning of MILF members in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte over the weekend. Gatchalian, together with DSWD Undersecretary for Inclusive-Sustainable Peace and Special Concerns Alan A. Tanjusay, personally handed over the P100,000.00 cash aid to each MILF combatant who underwent the decommissioning process by the Independent Decommissioning Body (IDB). After the payout, the DSWD chief engaged in an open dialogue with some of the decommissioned combatants of the MILF. “The presence of the ‘Angels in Red Vests’ here today is a demonstration to all of us that the DSWD will continue with our commitment to further improve the peace environment in this part of the region by providing social protection services to our brothers and sisters in the MILF towards nation-building. In return, we hope others will continue to invest and contribute to the peace that further strengthens our nation,” Gatchalian explained. He also called on the DSWD, other government agencies, the MILF leaders and members, local government units (LGUs), the military and police, and other partner peace builders to “continue to nurture and invest in the shared responsibility in cultivating the peace environment in the region”. The DSWD Secretary was welcomed by IDB Chief of Staff Tom Hjertholm and Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) Presidential Assistant David Diciano in the assembly processing area (APA) of the decommissioning. The Phase 3 Decommissioning, which resumed this August, targets to process some 1,301 MILF combatants within the month. The DSWD Field Office XII Normalization Team spearheads the payout and enrollment of the beneficiaries to the Biometrics Registration and Verification (BRaVe) System. They also conduct reengagement activities including aftercare visits, grant monitoring, and case management of each DC. Since 2015, the Department has disbursed a total of P2.48 billion in financial assistance to some 24,844 MILF DCs. Each beneficiary received a Bangsamoro Transitory Family Support Package (BTFSP) and livelihood grant amounting to P100,000.00. These initial aid packages are intended to help reintegrate DCs into mainstream society. In the following years, the DSWD, OPAPRU, and IDB, together with the different mechanisms in the MILF peace process, intend to cater to the remaining 14,000 MILF combatants. The provision of financial assistance is in line with the socio-economic development of DCs and their communities under the government’s commitment in the Annex on Normalization of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB). The post DSWD chief leads distribution of aid to former MILF combatants appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Hontiveros hits Cayetano’s move against Senate reso on China harassment
Senator Risa Hontiveros on Thursday said Senator Alan Peter Cayetano’s move to oppose the adoption of a resolution urging the Department of Foreign Affairs to elevate China’s harassment in the West Philippine Sea to the United Nations General Assembly was “not completely surprising.” In a television interview, Hontiveros, who authored the resolution, said Cayetano’s actions during Wednesday’s session were expected. “When I saw that Sen. Cayetano stood up, I wasn’t completely surprised because this is not the first time that he did not support pressing the case against China,” she said. “Our resolution is very simple. It is expressing the sense of the Senate to urge the Philippine government through the Department of Foreign Affairs to sponsor a resolution in the UNGA calling on China to respect and to comply with that Hague ruling, and to cease and desist from her harassment of Philippine vessels in the West Philippine Sea,” she added. During the period of interpellation on the resolution, Cayetano argued that urging the DFA to bring the WPS issue to the UNGA without consulting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on the matter may “not be the best strategy.” “We should strengthen the position of the country. I disagree with the President on some issues. I might disagree with him on the China issue -- how to deal with China,” Cayetano said. "But I do believe he was the one elected, and we should at least hear out his people—the national task force on the West Philippine Sea and the DFA—so that we know where we’re going,” he added. Citing overlapping claims with other Southeast Asian countries, he also questioned why the resolution is “limited only” to China. Hontiveros, however, lamented that the Senate resolution is just a “simple expression” of the Senate, as an independent institution, of “what we feel the Executive may further do.” She also clarified that the move was “not mutual” with any and all other political and diplomatic moves that the government should take. “Yes, it was a bit surprising, but then again, given his (Cayetano) history sort of easing the Philippine foot on the gas pedal vis-a-vis China, I have to confess I wasn't completely surprised,” she stressed. Cayetano took the helm at the DFA during the term of former President Rodrigo Duterte, who veered away from the United States, the country’s traditional ally, and developed warmer ties with China. ‘Huge humiliation’ For her part, Senator Imee Marcos, the eldest sister of the president, expressed concern about the move to bring the WPS issue to the UNGA. “We already have in hand the arbitral judgment, which is far more powerful and important,” Marcos said in an interview at the Kapihan sa Senado. The presidential sister also cautioned that the 2016 landmark victory of the Philippines against China at the Permanent Court of Arbitration may get weakened should the country lose in the voting at the UNGA. “Furthermore, I also worry that we may not generate the necessary votes. It’s a huge humiliation if we lose in the General Assembly,” she pointed out. ‘Confident’ Meanwhile, Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri, who co-sponsored the resolution on Wednesday, expressed his confidence that the upper chamber would still adopt it next week. “We are still confident that the Resolution will pass this week. As to whether we will retain the original wording, that remains to be seen,” Zubiri said in a separate statement. While senators differ on how to put forward the issue, Zubiri said the Senate is “united” in the desire to “condemn the harassment and bullying of our fisherfolk and Coast Guard in the West Philippine Sea and ultimately, to enforce the 2016 arbitral award.” “That said, the Senate is a deliberative body whose members are open to discussion and reasonable compromise,” he said. “We are confident that we can come up with a wording of the Resolution that will meet our common desire while addressing the concerns of all the members of the Senate,” he added. During Wednesday’s session, the Senate chief instructed Senate Secretary Renato Bantug to invite DFA Secretary Enrique Manalo, Presidential Adviser on the West Philippine Sea Andres Centino and the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency to an executive session next week. “We will meet with the DFA, the Task Force on the West Philippine Sea and the NICA to hear their concerns,” he said. The post Hontiveros hits Cayetano’s move against Senate reso on China harassment appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DoH’s thrust: Delivering quality healthcare for the very poor
Teodoro Javier Herbosa received a call from the Office of the President about a year after President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. assumed the Presidency. The caller from the Palace said the President would like to see him in Malacañang, but it was not made clear what the former would like to meet with him about. The night before his meeting with the President, Herbosa wrote an 8-point agenda about what he’d like to do in the department, just in case he’d be asked to be Health Secretary. [caption id="attachment_161645" align="aligncenter" width="1057"] DoH Secretary addresses officers and members of the Rotary Club of Manila during the Club’s Third Weekly Membership Meeting (Rotary Year 2022-2023) at the Manila Polo Club last Thursday, 20 July. At the presidential table are (from left) Dr. John Cenica, Dr. Brix Pujalte, RC Manila President Rafael Mm Alunan III, Past District Governor Obet Pagdaganan, Dr. Paul Kho and Carlos Buendia. Secretary Herbosa spoke about his priority agenda which includes the delivery of quality primary and universal health care services to the people, giving attention to health care worker issues, modernizing health care through telemedicine and new technologies, and taking care of Filipinos’ mental health, among various other urgent concerns[/caption] On the day of his meeting, he and Department of Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire, who was then DoH OIC, were asked to go inside one of the rooms in the Palace. The President entered, sat them down, thanked Vergerie and told her, “You can finally rest Undersecretary Vergeire, I’ve found my DoH Secretary.” “It was as simple as that. The President turned his attention to me and said these are what I’d like you to do in; he started giving me instructions, he didn’t even asked me if I wanted the job,” Herbosa, recalled before officers and members of the Rotary Club of Manila in its meeting at the Polo Club last Thursday. All it probably took for the President to decide Herbosa was his man for the DoH was to take one look at Herbosa’s impressive curriculum vitae. The pandemic national task force adviser in the previous administration, Herbosa brings to his job at the DoH vast experience and expertise in healthcare systems, public health, hospital administration, emergency and disaster medicine Recounting his first meeting with the President, Herbosa said his first instruction, among others, was to take care of the very poor and indigenous peoples in isolated and disadvantaged areas. “That’s something that you and other Rotary Clubs do around the country — providing primary care in your missions,” he said. Other immediate tasks he was given was to exit from Covid-19; cure tuberculosis, and address HIV which, Herbosa said there’s about 50 new cases daily, with some victims as young as 15-years-old. In terms of Covid, the President has just officially lifted the state of public health emergency in the country due to Covid-19. On the delivery of quality health services, Herbosa said his thoughts on the matter are aligned with the President’s vision which has just been made manifest in the multispecialty medical center project soon to rise within the Clark Freeport Zone. It will be built by Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, the Clark Development Corporation, the Department of Health, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority and Enrique Razon’s Bloomberry Cultural Foundation. The center, with pediatric, renal, cardiovascular and oncology units, will be the first of several similar facilities to be built on some 17 sites across the country. Expected to be completed before the President ends his term in 2028, the DoH will run the centers. Visiting the site at Clark last 17 July, the President said, “We will establish rural healthcare units, barangay centers, botika de barangay… We will go back to that idea. All of these things we are putting together so that when it comes to fundamental healthcare for our countrymen, we can say that such is readily available to them.” “That’s exactly what we will rebuild, that’s what we will be spending for,” Herbosa told Rotarians at the RC Manila Meeting at the Polo Club last week. “That’s the thrust of the current administration in terms of healthcare in this country - making quality health services accessible to as many Filipinos as possible.” Based on his track record, there is little — if any — doubt of Herbosa’s accomplishing what he’s been tasked to do by the President, and in an exemplary manner that would be of substantial benefit to country, and the people. The post DoH’s thrust: Delivering quality healthcare for the very poor appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘U.N.I.T.Y’, Brawner’s priorities as AFP chief
Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. on Friday officially took over the helm of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, focusing his leadership on five priorities aligned with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call for national unity. Brawner, speaking at the Change of Command and retirement ceremony in honor of outgoing AFP chief of staff, Gen. Andres Centino, at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, laid down the priorities of his leadership. “As I take the helm of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, allow me to articulate the five areas where I wish to focus our efforts — for these focus areas I would like to keep in line with the President’s call for national unity,” Brawner said. Using the acronym UNITY, Brawner said the AFP will focus on the areas of unification, normalization, internal security operations, territorial defense, and youth. Under unification, Brawner said the military will provide leverage to inter-agency coordination, links, and alliances to continue the whole-of-nation approach in addressing pressing security concerns. Under normalization, the AFP will give special attention to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, particularly in the disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration of former Moro Islamic Liberation Front fighters as stipulated in the Bangsamoro Organic Law. For internal security operations, Brawner said the military will focus on the total annihilation of the remaining local terrorist and communist terror groups in the country. “We have to sustain the dividends of peace by making sure there will be no resurgence of insurgency and terrorism in our country,” he added. On territorial defense, the AFP will heed the President’s pronouncement of “not giving an inch of Philippine territory,” Brawner said, adding that “the AFP will endeavor to modernize its personnel, equipment, facilities, processes, and systems so as to enable it to be a lethal and competent fighting force capable of defending our territory from external aggression.” Cyber warfare, he said, will be included on the military’s priority list in its modernization program, which is in its third phase or Horizon 3. For the youth, Brawner expressed his full support for the revival of the Reserve Officers Training Corps or ROTC, saying the military will push for the proper and relevant conduct of the program. “This will coincide with our efforts to develop our reserve force,” he added. “The AFP will do its share in developing our youth, the future leaders and citizens of our nation to be responsible and patriotic defenders of our national identity as a people and of our territorial integrity,” he said. BBM lauds new chief President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who graced the change of command rites, urged the AFP to continue working towards an agile and prepared force and to strengthen its external defense capabilities. In his speech, Marcos told the AFP to work with national government agencies and civilian stakeholders to form an archipelagic consciousness among Filipinos. “I have faith that under the supervision of General Brawner, the Armed Forces will continue to ensure the security of Filipinos and our country’s national sovereignty amidst the challenges ahead,” he said. “Together, let us protect the interests of our people and help them fulfill their goals for themselves, their families, their communities, and our nation,” he added. The President assured that his administration is “firm in reinforcing this noble pursuit of modernizing the AFP.” Centino awarded During the ceremony, the Department of National Defense presented Centino with the Legion of Honor Award with the rank of Chief Commander. Centino has been appointed by Marcos the Presidential Adviser on the West Philippine Sea. In his speech, Marcos lauded Centino for his “exemplary service and resolute commitment” to the nation’s peace, order, and security. “Under your supervision, the AFP has made significant strides in reducing the presence and capabilities of communists and local terrorist groups,” the President said. “You have also strengthened our external defense capabilities and helped to promote archipelagic consciousness among Filipinos.” The President then urged Brawner to recalibrate the AFP’s internal security operations so that public services could be delivered to geographically isolated and disadvantaged communities. “I know that under your supervision, we will have a safer and more secure nation where more rebels will return to the fold of the law and decide to be productive citizens,” Marcos said. The DND lauded the appointment of Brawner as it expressed confidence he is an “excellent choice” to lead the country’s crucial internal and external security operations. “We are confident that Lt. Gen Brawner will continue to exemplify excellence, innovation, and professionalism as he leads the AFP,” it said in a statement on Friday. Brawner still heads Army Meanwhile, Philippine Army spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said the Army is expecting a movement in the leadership of the organization after its commanding general, Brawner, was named AFP chief of staff. He said Brawner will remain as concurrent Army Commanding General while awaiting Marcos’ next appointee. “In the absence of any orders, he is still considered the commanding general of the Philippine Army. You can perform two functions, wear two hats at the same time,” Trinidad said. @tribunephl_Lade @tribunephl_tiz The post ‘U.N.I.T.Y’, Brawner’s priorities as AFP chief appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Brawner officially takes over AFP helm focusing on 5 key areas
Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. on Friday officially took over the helm of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, focusing his leadership on five priorities aligned with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s call for national unity. Brawner, speaking at the change of command and retirement ceremony in honor of outgoing AFP chief of staff, Gen. Andres Centino, at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, had laid down the priorities of his military leadership. “As I take the helm of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, allow me to articulate the five areas where I wish to focus our efforts—for these focus areas, I would to keep in line with the president's call for national unity,” Brawner said. Using the acronym of unity, Brawner said the AFP will focus on the areas of unification, normalization, internal security operations, territorial defense, and youth. Under unification efforts, Brawner said the military will provide leverage on inter-agency coordination, links, and alliance to continue the whole of nation approach in addressing the pressing security concerns. The AFP will also give special attention to the normalization process in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao particularly in the disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration of former fighters of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, as stipulated in the Bangsamoro Organic Law. In internal security operations, Brawner said the military will focus on the total annihilation of the remaining local terrorist groups and the communist terrorist group in the country. “We have to sustain the dividends of peace by making sure that there will be no resurgence of insurgency and terrorism in our country,” he added. The AFP will also heed Marcos’ earlier pronouncement of “not giving an inch of the Philippine territory,” he said, adding that “The AFP will endeavor to modernize its personnel, equipment, facilities, processes, and systems so that, so as to enable it to be a lethal and competent fighting force capable of defending our territory from external aggression.” Cyber warfare, he said, will also be included in the military’s priority lists of its modernization program—which is now on its third phase or Horizon 3. Expressing his full support for the revival of the mandatory Reserve Officers' Training Corps, Brawner said the military will push for proper and relevant conduct of the ROTC's program. “This will also coincide with our efforts to develop our reserve force,” he added. “The AFP will do its share in developing our youth, the future leaders and citizens of our nation to be responsible and patriotic defenders of our national identity as a people and of our territorial integrity,” he added. During the ceremony, the DND awarded the Centino Legion of Honor with the rank of chief commander. PA spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said the army is definitely expecting a movement of leadership in the organization but Brawner will remain as concurrent Army Commanding General while awaiting Marcos’ next appointee. “In the absence of any orders, he is still be considered the commanding general of the Philippine Army… You could perform two functions—wearing two hats at the same time,” Trinidad explained. Meanwhile, the Department of National Defense lauded the appointment of Brawner as the next AFP chief as it expressed confidence that the incoming AFP chief is an “excellent choice” to crucially lead the country’s continuing internal and external security operations. “We are confident that Lt. Gen Brawner will continue to exemplify excellence, innovation, and professionalism as he leads the AFP,” it said in a statement on Friday. The DND, likewise, wishes Centino in his new role as the presidential adviser on the West Philippine Sea. The post Brawner officially takes over AFP helm focusing on 5 key areas appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
WPS issues trigger AFP helm change
The increasing need to resolve the issues in the West Philippine Sea triggered the leadership moves in the Armed Forces of the Philippines, outgoing military chief General Andres Centino said on Thursday. “There is a need to bring focus to the matters in that (WPS) part of the country kaya (that’s why) we have mechanisms as to how these issues should be addressed, we have the National Task Force on WPS, but our leadership has deemed it important to provide focus and importance to the way we address the issues there — on a bigger scale. That’s why they thought of creating an Office of the Presidential Adviser for the WPS,” Centino said. Malacañang on Wednesday announced that Philippine Army chief, Lt. Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., will serve as the next AFP chief of staff, while Centino will be appointed as the first-ever Presidential Adviser on the West Philippine Sea. Centino cited the need to address the geopolitical issues more appropriately, by establishing an office of presidential adviser on the West Philippine Sea that will work closely with the National Task Force on the WPS. “Well, it can be gleaned from what’s happening, there are reports of incursions. There were incidents that happened in the past months and, perhaps, this can be addressed appropriately and we may prevent those (incidents) from happening,” he said, citing the recent dangerous maneuvers by Chinese vessels against Philippine Coast Guard ships. The authorities logged several reports of near-collisions between Chinese and Philippine ships as well as the swarming of Chinese fishing vessels within the WPS recently. According to Centino, focusing on external security operations will be “incidental” because there’s a need to complete the resolution of the country’s internal security concerns first. “And then once we are done with that we have to shift towards a more pressing or urgent concern which is the matter in the West Philippine Sea,” he said. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. said it was an “opportune time” for the movements in the AFP leadership given the importance of addressing several “dynamics” in the WPS. “It was the opportune time for a change and the change will be as seamless as possible with as much continuity of policies both in the transition to external defense and internal security,” Teodoro said. He added: “To underscore the importance of the West Philippine Sea and the dynamics of the events which occur there on a daily basis, the President decided to have a presidential adviser with Cabinet stature.” Centino added that addressing concerns in the WPS may entail either a “diplomatic or military” approach or a combination of both. “It will be a combination or mix of everything that we can do. It doesn’t have to be military alone, it has to be a combination of efforts, that’s why the task force would most likely be inter-agency,” he said. ‘Dedicated Armed Forces’ Meanwhile, Centino said he is proud that he will be leaving to his successor a “disciplined, determined and dedicated armed forces” capable of addressing all threats. He said he will be leaving the AFP fulfilled and content that he had done his part for the military organization. The post WPS issues trigger AFP helm change appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
US envoy Kerry heads to China to restart climate talks
US climate envoy John Kerry will head to China on Sunday to meet with his counterpart Xie Zhenhua and restart stalled talks between the world's two biggest emitters of planet-warming gases. Kerry's trip to China -- his third as President Joe Biden's climate emissary -- follows weeks of record-setting summer heat that scientists say is being exacerbated by climate change. Bilateral climate talks stalled last year after Nancy Pelosi, then speaker of the US House of Representatives visited self-ruled Taiwan and infuriated Beijing, which considers the island its territory. But Kerry, a former secretary of state, has enjoyed comparatively cordial and consistent relations with China despite Washington and Beijing locking horns over Taiwan and a number of other thorny issues, including advanced semiconductors. His trip to Beijing also comes after two other high-profile visits by US officials -- first Secretary of State Antony Blinken, then Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen -- aimed at stabilizing US-China ties. Kerry was scheduled to depart for China on Saturday, according to the US State Department. The Biden administration has identified climate as an area for potential cooperation with Beijing, despite the tensions elsewhere. The restart of US-China climate talks will come on the heels of the hottest week on record globally, according to the World Meteorological Organization. June was already the hottest ever logged, according to US and European agencies. Kerry will aim to use his time in Beijing to engage with Chinese officials "with respect to increasing implementation and ambition and promoting a successful COP28", the State Department said, referring to the UN climate talks in November. Nearly 200 nations will gather in the United Arab Emirates for COP28 to thrash out ways to mitigate global warming and its impacts. Energy constraints As the leading producer of greenhouse gases driving climate change, China has pledged to peak carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve complete carbon neutrality by 2060. President Xi Jinping has also said that the country will reduce its use of coal from 2026. But in April, China approved a major surge in coal power -- a move Greenpeace said prioritized energy supply over the emissions reduction pledge -- fuelling concerns that Beijing will struggle to meet its ambitious targets. "There are a number of factors that constrain the hands of energy planners in Beijing at the moment," Byford Tsang, a senior policy adviser at the climate-focused think tank E3G, told AFP. They include economic fallout from Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which has led to major disruptions in the global gas market, and reduced hydropower capacity in China due to severe droughts in recent years, Tsang said. Last summer, millions of people in southwest China faced rolling power cuts after crushing heatwaves led to an electricity supply crunch that forced factories to halt work, heightening domestic concerns over energy security. "I think it would be politically challenging for China to take a step forward on coal policy at this stage," added Tsang. During his visit, Kerry is also expected to bring up international climate finance efforts, following calls by Yellen during her Beijing trip for China to play a larger role. Kerry's trip will be closely watched in Washington after Republican lawmakers characterized it as him flying a carbon-spewing private jet halfway across the world to discuss climate with a political adversary. The post US envoy Kerry heads to China to restart climate talks appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Marcos defends anti-poverty adviser
President Marcos expressed confidence yesterday that his poverty alleviation adviser Larry Gadon knows the concerns of the poor as he faces a barrage of criticism for appointing the controversial former lawyer, who was disbarred recently for hurling profanities at a journalist......»»
Clarita out, Eduardo in : Marcos Jr. appoints Año as National Security Adviser
Former Interior Secretary Eduardo Año will now be President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s new National Security Adviser — a position held by Clarita Carlos who previously condemned the state's dangerous practice of "red-tagging.".....»»
The United States showed its support to the Philippines in the face of Chinese incursions into the South Sea
South China Sea National Security Adviser to the White House, Jake Sullivan and his Philippine counterpart Hermogenes Esperon have expressed their “concerns” about the recent.....»»
Duterte appoints Galvez as vaccine czar; ‘good choice’, say lawmakers
By Genalyn D. Kabiling and Charissa Luci-Atienza In a meeting with government officials on the disaster response Monday, President Duterte announced he wanted former AFP chief and now Presidential peace adviser Carlito Galvez Jr Galvez to lead the government’s vaccine acquisition and distribution effort. Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. (NTF AGAINST COVID-19 / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN) Duterte said Galvez would be the only authorized official to negotiate for the country’s’ vaccine supply. He expressed his dislike with the creation of committees since the process will take long. “As I have said earlier during the start of the COVID, I only want one line of authority coming from dito sa the Task Force sa pagbili ng bakuna, the negotiation, manufacture, negotiation, production or distribution is ibinigay ko ‘yan kay Secretary Galvez,” he said. “I have great faith in Charlie to really come up with the solutions for the problem,” he added. Presidential spokesman Harry Roque defended the additional assignment given to Galvez, saying the planned immunization drive would involve “more of a logistics challenge than a medical challenge.” Galvez, who joined the Duterte Cabinet in 2018, also currently serves as chief implementer of the government’s plan to fight the coronavirus outbreak. Meanwhile, members of the House of Representatives lauded Galvez’s designation as vaccine war, among them: Representatives Michael Defensor, Roger Mercado, Ronnie Ong, Alfred Vargas and Rosanna Vergara. “It’s more of a logistics challenge than a medical challenge,” Roque explained. He said the only medical issues involved in the vaccine purchase are related to safety and efficacy of the drugs. This matter, he said, will be handled by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). He said Galvez is expected to continue his close coordination with the Department of Health and other agencies that will be involved in the vaccination drive. “Gen. Galvez would have the hindsight of what happened and the understanding of the COVID baseline. What we need is the leadership and managerial skills in taking the lead of the COVID vaccine campaign,” Defensor, chairperson of the House Committee on Public Accounts, said in a text message when asked if the vaccine czar should have been a medical doctor. “I support the President’s appointment of Sec Galvez. Galvez is an innovative administrator. He can be trusted to implement the program well,” Mercado said in a separate text message. “We are happy that the president is preparing early and appointing someone to lead is good news,” Ong said. Vargas also rallied behind the the decision of President Duterte to appoint Galvez, saying that “we don’t need a doctor but a manager for this job.” Vergara also gave her vote of confidence to Galvez. “Being the COVID-19 policy chief implementer, he has a clear overview of the COVID-19 situation in the county and such knowledge is very crucial in the distribution of the vaccine. I am sure, there are medical experts who advise the good Secretary,” she said. “I am assuming the vaccine chosen has already passed all testing and FDA approvals , the challenge will be to properly allocate and distribute it fairly across the country to the most vulnerable and this is the challenge anyone who heads this Task Force will face– how do you properly allocate this should the vaccine supply be limited because of world wide demand? Thus, the need to plan for equally expedited distribution and delivery. Building a delivery system that is quick, fair and will not result to inequitable distribution,” Vergara added......»»