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EAM Jaishankar, Singapore PM exchange views on deepening engagement in fintech, digitalization, green economy
New Delhi [India], March 26 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong exchanged views on deepening engagement in fintech, digitalization, the green economy, skills development and food security. EAM Jaishankar concluded his visit to Singapore on March 25. He was on an official visit to Singapore from March 23-25, the first leg of his visit to Singapore, Philippines and Mala.....»»
EAM Jaishankar discusses security, maritime cooperation with his Philippine counterpart in Manila
Manila [Philippines], March 26 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who is on an official visit to Manila, held a 'warm and productive' meeting with Philippines Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Enrique Manalo on Tuesday and discussed wide-ranging issues of security and maritime cooperation. During the meeting, both leaders exchanged views on global, regional, and multilateral issues, including Indo-Pacific, ASEAN,.....»»
EAM Jaishankar, Singapore PM exchange views on deepening engagement in fintech, digitalization, green economy
New Delhi [India], March 26 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong exchanged views on deepening engagement in fintech, digitalization, the green economy, skills development and food security. EAM Jaishankar concluded his visit to Singapore on March 25. He was on an official visit to Singapore from March 23-25, the first leg of his visit to Singapore, Philippines and Mala.....»»
Jaishankar begins Singapore visit with homage to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, brave INA soldiers
Singapore, March 23 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar kicked off his Singapore visit on Saturday by paying homage to Subhash Chandra Bose and the brave Indian National Army soldiers. The INA Marker in Singapore, which Jaishankar visited recognizes the deep patriotism of the Indian National Army soldiers. In a post on X, Jaishankar wrote, "Began my Singapore visit by paying homage to Netaji and the brave Indian.....»»
Jaishankar begins Singapore visit with homage to Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, brave INA soldiers
Singapore, March 23 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar kicked off his Singapore visit on Saturday by paying homage to Subhash Chandra Bose and the brave Indian National Army soldiers. The INA Marker in Singapore, which Jaishankar visited recognizes the deep patriotism of the Indian National Army soldiers. In a post on X, Jaishankar wrote, "Began my Singapore visit by paying homage to Netaji and the brave Indian.....»»
3 Army battalions to secure BARMM plebiscite
Three Army battalions will be deployed during a plebiscite to ratify the creation of eight towns in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao......»»
FACT CHECK | FB posts on presence of China’s People’s Liberation Army in BARMM unproven
Two Facebook posts claiming that members of China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) manned the Chinese vessel that conducted dredging activities in the Bangsamoro region are unfounded. They altered the content of the source news items apparently to mislead readers. Facebook pages Pilipinas Today and Pilipinas, which claim to be digital news media platforms, reported that […].....»»
Workforce supports new BARMM local government minister
Employees of the Bangsamoro local government ministry have assured to support the peace and development efforts of their newly-appointed minister, just the way they did for her predecessor......»»
Phl Army deploys troops in BARMM ahead of Barangay, SK elections
The Philippine Army said it has deployed almost a thousand personnel to augment the security operations in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao during the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections on 30 October. These soldiers will be stationed and are expected to render security duties during BSKE in the BARMM’s six provinces, including Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi. Philippine Army spokesperson Col. Xerxes Trinidad said the Philippine Air Force fetched the soldiers from various units located in Luzon and Mindanao and transported them to their respective deployment areas. Trinidad said government security forces are mandated to provide security to the Commission on Elections personnel, poll deputies, and other government staff performing election-related duties. They are likewise tasked to ensure the availability of transportation assets, communications systems, and other equipment that could be used by the commission in conducting the elections, he added. “Army Commanding General Lt. Gen. Roy M. Galido in his earlier guidance, underscored the significant responsibilities of the Army troops in the coming polls: To practice the right of suffrage as well as to ensure the safe, orderly, and peaceful conduct of elections,” Trinidad underscored. Galido’s guidance also includes intensified security efforts, in collaboration with the Philippine National Police and other government security forces in the BARMM. The PNP-BARMM has listed 249 villages across the region that have been classified by the police as “areas of grave concern,” or under “code red” for the approaching BSKE. The post Phl Army deploys troops in BARMM ahead of Barangay, SK elections appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
BSKE 2023 still a go, says PNP
The Philippine National Police on Monday stressed that it is not seeing any postponement of the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections scheduled on 30 October amid the reported 2,594 areas of concern. PNP chief Police General Benjamin Acorda Jr. said that the PNP has recorded 246 “areas of grave concern” or under the red category while 1,248 villages are under the orange category and 1,100 are under the yellow category. “So far, we are not seeing any areas that may postpone the polls. All areas will be simultaneously doing or conducting the BSKE as scheduled. There are some areas that we think that needs additional troops like the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao,” Acorda said. “We have to send additional forces there and our deputy chief for operations are also preparing in coordination with the other agencies. If some areas will be challenging, we will render the appropriate measures,” he added. Areas listed under the red category would be under the Commission on Elections’ control and the poll body has the authority to augment security forces in the said areas. “With regards to the preparations for the barangay elections to our assessment and after the presentation of all the regional directors and after their meeting with the different Regional Joint Security Control Center, provincial JSCCs and of course on the national level, it’s a go for all of us,” said Acorda. The PNP chief revealed that the 246 “areas of grave concern” for the BSKE are mostly from Bicol, Eastern visayas and BARMM. “In BARMM alone we have 151, in Region 8 we have 60 and in Region 5 we have 21 this list is fluid, it may change anytime depending on the political climate in the area and these are being constantly monitored through our coordination with the Comelec, Philippine Coast Guard and the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” said Acorda. He also said that the PNP keeping a close watch on 38 potential PAGs and four active PAGs ahead of the BSKE this year. The election period for the BSKE started on 28 August and will end on 29 November 2023. During this period, the Comelec mandates the suspension of activities involving the carrying of firearms or other deadly weapons and the employment of security personnel or bodyguards by incumbent public officials, whether elected or appointed, as well as private individuals. The post BSKE 2023 still a go, says PNP appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PNP resumes recruitment of MILF, MNLF applicants
Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos on Wednesday visited the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to personally witness the recruitment process for the second batch of police applicants who were former members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). Abalos said this is aligned with President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr.’s peace and security agenda. A ceremony was held at Police Regional Office - Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PROBAR) at Camp Pendatun in Maguindanao del Norte, as Abalos urged the MILF/MNLF applicants to become "beacons" of lasting peace and security in their region. “We all share the dream of lasting peace and sustainable progress in Mindanao. Once na pumasa kayo, kayo na ang simbolo ng peace talks. Kayo na ang simbolo ng Bangsamoro at ng Republika ng Pilipinas at PNP. At kayo ang tatayo sa inyong mga lugar to ensure that there is indeed peace, kapayapaan at katahimikan,” the DILG chief said. The recruitment was based on National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) Resolution No. 2023-0380, which approved the recommendation of the PNP to allocate 400 slots in its recruitment to former members of the MILF and MNLF. The entry of MILF and MNLF former members in the PNP is covered by Republic Act No. 11054 or the Organic Law for BARMM, which was enacted after the signing of a peace agreement between the government and the MILF. During his visit, Abalos saw 44 MNLF/MILF applicants undergo a 3-kilometer run as part of the Physical Agility Test, while 649 others are now taking their Psychological and Psychiatric Exam (PPE). At the same time, he encouraged the 102 newly appointed PNP patrolmen from the first batch of MILF/MNLF applicants to persevere in the 24-week rigorous Police Safety Basic Recruitment Course on police science administration, combat operations, and tactics. The post PNP resumes recruitment of MILF, MNLF applicants appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Army, police, PDEA-BARMM intensify narcotics crackdown
The police and military together intensified cooperation against trafficking of illegal drugs in this city and in nearby provinces following the seizure of P18.6 million worth of shabu in three separate anti-narcotics operations in just six days......»»
Duterte: PBBM’s intervention needed to resolve Maguindanao Norte issue
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos should intervene in the conflict involving leadership in the defunct Maguindanao province, his predecessor, former President Rodrigo Duterte, said. “It's just one call only. Bahala na si Presidente Marcos kung sino ang gusto niya (It’s up to President Marcos who he wants to sit there). We will leave it to his discretion—president's desire to but he has to act to avert this thing,” he said. The financial crisis blew Maguindanao del Norte due to the concerns about the legitimacy of leadership that resulted in hampering the delivery of basic services to the people as well as causing the delay of salaries of the province’s workforce. “There’s a crisis there and it's because of politics. There are two governors claiming to the rightful (leadership),” Duterte said. The former president said Marcos could always make one call to make an order and resolve the issue in Maguindanao del Norte "once and for all." “He can call the person that he favored and tell him to go away. If not, he can call the army to remove that person, that is the end of it. If there’s a complaint, then go to the Supreme Court,” Duterte said. It’s at Marcos’ discretion, he added. In June this year, Malacañang announced that Marcos had appointed Abdulraof Macacua and Fatima Ainee Sinsuat as governor and vice governor of Maguindanao del Norte, respectively. This came after Maguindanao residents ratified in a plebiscite in September last year, mandating the division of the province into Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur—provided under Republic Act 11550, which was signed by former President Rodrigo Duterte in May 2021. Despite the Palace’s announcement of Macacua’s appointment, Fatima Ainee Sinsuat assumed the governorship in Maguindanao del Norte. Duterte insists that Marcos should step in and resolve the conflict in leadership. “A crisis like that; it needs presidential intervention at once. Just call the other one and weigh in on who is better or right. It’s a matter of law. It does not need a brilliant or ordinary man to really understand the conflicting laws involved. All you have to do is to ask your law office to give you (advice)—what you should do or whatever is the correct law or interpretation of the law to resolve this issue,” he said. Duterte said Marcos should not prolong the “uncertainties and divisions” to prevent the emergence of more problems. “It would create more problems for the people, including the salaries. Many people will get hungry if you do not act promptly on it. All you have to do as the President is to tell them who should lead and the other go,” he stressed. Duterte said Marcos should give an ultimatum to the leadership in the province. “I was like that when I was President. Do not complicate matters. Whether you are right or you are wrong, the legal office of Malacañang can help you decide,” he added. “In any government office, there’s always a legal law office to advise. I am a lawyer, but when I was a President I listened to the opinion of the legal office. It's the legal office that has the final say so far as the President is concerned. Do not prolong the agony because you can do something about it if you really want to,” Duterte said. He added that the President always has the power to resolve conflicting issues in the government. Earlier in August, the conflict in leadership in the defunct province worsened after the Supreme Court ruled that Sinsuat is the “rightful holder” of the gubernatorial seat of Maguindanao del Norte. In a decision promulgated on 26 June 2023 but released only on 8 August the Court stated that “Sinsuat, as duly elected Vice-Governor of the Province of Maguindanao, and Mastura, as next ranking member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of the Province of Maguindanao, validly assumed office as governor and vice-governor, respectively, of the Province of Maguindanao del Norte, but only in acting capacities until elections for the permanent officials to the said positions shall have been held.” The post Duterte: PBBM’s intervention needed to resolve Maguindanao Norte issue appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Political parties define Parliamentary BARMM
I bumped into prominent Maranaw politicians at a vigil for a mutual relative — former Regional Assemblyman Alex Menor. (When Muslims speak of a wake it is a gathering of relatives of a deceased minus the mortal remains. Islam mandates the immediate burial of a dead Muslim). Governor Mamintal Bombit Adiong and Marawi City Mayor Sultan Majul Gandamra and others were there to console the bereaved family. Our exchanges pivoted into politics with the start of the filing of certificates of candidacy for the barangay and youth elections last Monday. I asked them about the formation of an aggrupation called SIAP, which stands for Samahang Inklusivo, Alyansang Progresibo, which roughly translates as “inclusive group, alliance for progress.” The meeting of the group went viral on social media where it was widely talked about. It had a political ring to it and people were curious about its nature, purpose, and vision. The roster of members includes a who’s who of the political ecology of the province. A supermajority of the municipal mayors attended the meeting led by the president of the Mayors League, lawyer Dimnatang Jimmy Pansar, who has notched a distinguished mark in politics with his indomitable staying power. This column learned that a parallel organization of local parties is being conceptualized in other provinces of the BARMM which could conglomerate into the SIAP. Governor Adiong explained that the SIAP is not new. It is not a product of present-day BARMM political dynamics. It is a regional political party that was founded by his father, the late Congressman/Governor Mamintal Adiong Sr. It had been made moribund by the passage of time, pushed to the margins by the new waves of national political parties. The organization of a strong locally-based party is a strategic move meant to attract national parties for possible alliances. We suppose this is being rebooted by the son, Governor Bombit, in preparation for the coming elections, especially the parliamentary elections in BARMM where political parties are a necessity. If the SIAP is adopted by the other members of the so-called BARMM Governor Caucus it will be the regional party that will face the United Bangsamoro Justice Party of the BARMM-MILF. This is not farfetched considering the zeitgeist in BARMM where there is no love lost between the governors (except of Maguindanao del Norte) and the BARMM leadership. The BARMM setup is not the usual system of government that Filipinos are familiar with. It has a parliamentary genre, British in origin, where political parties play a major role in governance. The party that garners the majority of elected deputies or members of parliament forms the so-called “government of the day.” In case no party is able to command a majority, they amalgamate to form a coalition government. The minority or coalition of minority parties forms the opposition. For as long as the majority coalition is intact, the head of government (as differentiated from the head of state) stays in power. In case of a loss of confidence over the way the Prime Minister is governing, a confidence vote in the parliament is called to decide whether or not to unseat him. The “government of the day” refers to the cadre of officials currently performing executive functions. In the case of the BARMM, it refers to the Cabinet members appointed by Interim Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim Murad, who is also chairman of the MILF, the majority of whom must be members of the Regional Parliament. A battle royal among political parties looms in the 2025 BARMM parliamentary election unless the incumbents will agitate again for a postponement to prolong their stay in power. They could offer a flimsy reason like the noncompletion of their transition works and the normalization process. This column looks with favor on the formation of local political parties, like the SIAP, as a force to enhance democracy. In fact, if the parliamentary experiment of the BARMM is successful, it will be a strong argument for the shift of our government system to a parliamentary one in case the Constitution is amended. *** amb_mac_lanto@yahoo.com The post Political parties define Parliamentary BARMM appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Fiscal standoff
The P213 billion allocated for fiscal year 2023 is indisputable proof that the burden of the military and uniformed personnel pension has become beyond difficult to sustain to the point of forcing the government to resort to borrowing. To forestall this fiscal stand-off, the next best thing to do is to allow the finance secretary all the latitude to navigate — free of obstructionist opposition — so that the ship of state can sail on an even keel on turbulent financial waters. Every proposed action plan of Secretary Benjamin Diokno to address the specter of fiscal collapse has the imprimatur of the President and the acquiescence of the so-called “economic team” — except that there is a newly appointed Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas governor who replaced Dr. Felipe Medalla, which change of leadership has had very limited dissemination. Apparently, crucial matters of public information have become less and less sensitive to open and vibrant democratic discourse. In all that has already been expounded on the subject, it’s safe to say that Mr. Diokno has done his homework, this despite some “trial-and-error” attempts by the House of Representatives to “approximate” what could be the “best of all possible worlds” by congressional fiat. However, it was clear that the vocal committee chairman in Congress sort of “miscalculated” the acceptable threshold desired by the “military and uniformed sector,” thereby leaving it to the President — as Commander in Chief — to be the one to eventually “tame the beast.” Incidentally, FM Jr.’s newly appointed defense chief, albeit a returning one, is singing a different tune and is clearly in cross-purposes with what the finance chief has rolled out to be the “silver bullet” that would solve the pension problem. The policy domain benefits from evidence-based data and doing the science or the math is not alien to an economist like Diokno. On the other hand, political views hardly benefit from evidence, science, or math, and in this realm, it seems understandable why the defense chief’s normative proposal is rather parochial or scoped on maximizing what is good for the defense and military that he heads. After all, if he can play his cards well, a la President Fidel Ramos, his position could catapult him to higher office. When FVR signed Republic Act 7898 on 23 February 1995, its aim was a 15-year modernization program for the Philippine Air Force, Philippine Navy, Philippine Army consequent to the withdrawal of the US military bases and illegal occupation by China of Mischief Reef. The commitment to spend P50 billion within the first five years and presumably thereafter, however, never gained headway reportedly because the programs were “influenced” by lawmakers. Neither did the Philippine Navy get the lion’s share of the modernization fund to upgrade its patrol capabilities, surface warfare, and its maritime detection and surveillance capacities even while the authors of said law knew that the imminent enemy was China and the theater of engagement would be the West Philippine Sea. This explains why the country was a sitting duck when China occupied Scarborough Shoal in 2012. Then, this prompted the administration of President Noynoy Aquino to enact Republic Act 10349 as an expanded version of the AFP modernization program. While the needs of the Philippine Navy were given priority, the allocation of financial resources was subjected to a tedious, legalistic, and complex process with Congress having the last say. Reportedly, even the spending plan was incongruent with the capabilities that needed to be reinforced. Furthermore, the AFP Retirement and Separation Benefits System which was supposedly created to take care of the military pension system was mired in mismanagement that led to its deactivation or abolition. Substantial government seed capital went down the drain, achieving nothing because of the military’s own making. A case of “carpe diem, quam minimum credula postero?” What about that recent audit report of the Commission on Audit on pension overpayments and underpayments made by the AFP Pension Management System that has gone loco? The post Fiscal standoff appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Young DI member waves white flag
ZAMBOANGA CITY — The Philippine Army on Tuesday revealed that a 15-year-old individual believed to be a member of the Daulah Islamiyah group voluntarily surrendered and turned over his assault rifle and ammunition to soldiers in Madalum, Lanao del Sur. Joint Task Force ZamPeLan commander Maj. Gen. Antonio Nafarrete said that the minor DI-Maute Group member laid down his firearm and returned to the folds of the law Wednesday last week. He added that the young combatant also surrendered his 7.62mm M14 Armalite rifle to Lt. Col. Angestal Angeles II, Commanding Officer of the 51st Infantry Battalion in Barangay Dilausan, Madalum, Lanao del Sur. Nafarrete said that the surrender of the former insurgent was a result of the collaborative efforts of the intelligence units in the area. Soldiers of the 51st IB, the 103rd Infantry Brigade under Brig. Gen. Yegor Rey Barroquillo Jr., and the local government units also contributed to the surrender of the young DI-Maute Group member. During the debriefing, the young combatant admitted that he was recruited to join the terror group in 2019 and participated in the series of encounters in Barangay Bawang, Madamba, and Barangay Kalangnan, Piagapo, both of Lanao del Sur and Barangay Lindungan, Munai, Lanao del Norte in 2021. Newly-appointed Philippine Army chief Lt. Gen. Roy Galido expressed his condemnation of the exploitation of minors and have them serve as combatants fighting against government forces for their false ideologies. “Rest assured that we will continue to intensify our efforts to protect the youth and the communities from being lured to bear arms and risk their limbs for the vested interest of the terror group,” Galido said. The post Young DI member waves white flag appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Galido is new Army chief
The Department of National Defense on Monday announced that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has appointed LtGen. Roy Galido as the new Commanding General of the Philippine Army. Galido will replace Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. after the latter assumed his new position as the 60th Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines on 21 July. Galido will serve as the 66th Army Chief. He was a member of the Philippine Military Academy’s “Bigkis Lahi” Class of 1990. Galido has had a sterling military career, which includes his tour as Commander of the 6th Infantry “Kampilan” Division and the AFP’s Western Mindanao Command. DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said Galido’s extensive experience and well-honed skills “resulted in the significant victories of his Command against lawless elements, especially in Mindanao.” “With LtGen Galido at the helm, the Philippine Army will undoubtedly and excellently pursue the strategic path set by the Commander-in-Chief in pursuit of the country’s stability amid the changing security landscape,” he added. The post Galido is new Army chief appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
OPAPRU welcomes PBBM’s support to Bangsamoro, amnesty program
The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity welcomed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s unwavering support to the Bangsamoro region and his commitment to helping former rebels in their transformation process. OPAPRU Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. on Tuesday thanked Marcos for mentioning the gains and progress of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao during his second State of the Nation Address on 24 July. "What we have witnessed… is President Marcos' genuine sincerity in implementing all the signed peace agreements, and his commitment to bring sustainable peace throughout the country. This is true to his mantra of unity towards national healing and reconciliation," Galvez said after Marcos cited BARMM’s progress and effective self-governing. Galvez recalled that just less than two months into his administration, Marcos administered the oath of office to 80 newly reappointed members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority on 12 August 2022. This is the first time that the composition of the BTA includes members of the Moro National Democratic Front, particularly from the group of its founding chairman Nur Misuari. In his speech, Marcos emphasized the great potential of the region and stressed that "through the BARMM, we have strengthened the nation’s prospects for finally achieving sustainable progress anchored on a true and lasting peace in Southern Philippines. We will continue to support the progress of the BARMM, apace with our singular vision for all Filipinos." He said the national government is expanding its energy resources to include the BARMM. On 6 July, Marcos previously witnessed the signing of the Intergovernmental Energy Board Circular (EIB) on the Joint Award of Petroleum Service Contracts and Coal Operating Contracts in the BARMM, which marks another major milestone in the Bangsamoro peace process. The IEB Circular operationalizes the provision in Section 10, Article XIII of Republic Act No. 11054 or the Organic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, to jointly grant rights, privileges, and concessions for the exploration, development, and utilization of uranium and fossil fuels such as petroleum, natural gas, and coal within the territorial jurisdiction of the Bangsamoro. The Circular aims to boost economic development and draw foreign capital into the region. Amnesty program Meanwhile, Marcos vowed his administration would push for the completion of the reintegration process of the former combatants into “productive members of society” by fully implementing the amnesty program for them. Galvez also welcomed Marcos' promise to issue a proclamation that will grant amnesty to those former rebels in the country that have returned to the folds of the law. In his speech, the President asked Congress to support his endeavor on pushing the amnesty program in the country. The amnesty program is being facilitated by the National Amnesty Commission—a government agency that was created on 25 March 1994 by then-President Fidel V. Ramos, through Proclamation 347. The NAC is primarily tasked to receive and process applications for amnesty that were filed through the Local Amnesty Board. In 2021, Marcos’s predecessor, former President Rodrigo Duterte, likewise, issued Proclamation 1090, 1091, and 1092—were concurred with by Congress and the Senate—to grant amnesty to the members of revolutionary groups who committed crimes in furtherance of their political beliefs which include Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), and Rebolusyunaryong Partido ng Manggagawa ng Pilipinas / Revolutionary Proletarian Army / Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPMP-RPA-ABB). However, the Senate did not concur with Proclamation 1093, series of 2021, granting amnesty to former members of the Communist Terrorist Group that have committed crimes punishable under the revised penal code and special penal laws in the furtherance of their political beliefs. Further, Galvez said OPAPRU will be “carrying out the Marcos administration's five-point peace, reconciliation, and unity agenda throughout his term. Among the agenda includes the completion of peace agreements with the MILF and MNLF towards healing and reconciliation in the Bangsamoro; the Ending of local communist armed conflict by expanding the transformation programs for the local conflict peace process; Completion and sustainment of the gains of the signed peace agreements with the RPM-P/RPA/ABB-TPG, and Cordillera Bodong CBA-CPLA; Enhancement of the resilience for peace of communities and vulnerable groups through social healing and peacebuilding approaches in support of the peace processes; and Enhancement of the delivery of Conflict-Sensitive and Peace Promoting-compliant socio-economic interventions in addressing the key drivers of conflict through convergence and complementation in support of the peace processes. The post OPAPRU welcomes PBBM’s support to Bangsamoro, amnesty program appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Marcos: Phl to uphold sovereign rights, territorial integrity
The Philippines will continue upholding its sovereign rights and preserving its territorial integrity, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. stressed during his second State of the Nation Address on Monday afternoon. Marcos said the government will continue pushing constant dialogue and diplomatic approach to resolute any eventualities that would compromise national security. “We will protect our sovereign rights and preserve our territorial integrity, in defense of rules-based international order,” Marcos said, referring to an international ruling in favor of the country's sovereign rights over the West Philippine Sea. The President also emphasized the importance of unity and social cohesion among the Filipino people, assuring that the Philippines “will not lose any of its territory.” “Our journey to progress requires not only unity and social cohesion amongst our people. It is also imperative that our nation remains intact and inviolable, our sovereignty preserved,” he said. Following his earlier pronouncement that the country “will not give an inch of its territory,” Marcos made a sudden change in the leadership of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Marcos appointed former military chief Gen. Andres Centino as the first-ever Presidential Adviser on the West Philippine Sea. Centino was replaced by Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr., the former Commanding General of the Philippine Army. Prior to this, the AFP made a commitment to strengthening its military presence in the WPS. “The interest of the Philippines and the Filipino people will be given priority in the government’s foreign policy,” Marcos emphasized during his SONA. The post Marcos: Phl to uphold sovereign rights, territorial integrity 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......»»