Defense accord with US a ‘security cover’ for PH

 News
Apr 122014
 
Defense accord with US a ‘security cover’ for PH

US President Barack Obama (right) and President Aquino MALACAÑANG FILE PHOTO The new defense agreement the Philippines and the United States could sign on or before the visit of US President Barack Obama later this month is designed as a “security cover” for the Philippines amid the changing security landscape in the region. This is how a ranking government official privy to the talks described to the Inquirer the “Agreement on Enhanced Defense Cooperation” that gives, among other things, a boost to the minimum defense capability posture of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. “It’s more for deterrence, a security cover for the Philippines,” said the official, who requesting anonymity for lack of authority to speak to reporters. “We are taking our neighbors into account as well,” the official added, without referring to  China with which the Philippines is locked in a bitter territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea, the part of the South China within the Philippines’ 370-kilometer exclusive economic zone. The United States has openly challenged China’s claim to 90 percent of the 3.5-square-kilometer South China Sea and sided with the Philippines as well as Japan in the territorial disputes. Japan and China are both claiming ownership of the Senkaku Islands (called Diaoyu Islands by China) in the East China Sea. According to the official, the draft agreement does not yet spell out how exactly the US military could boost the AFP’s capability, but “we are headed toward that.” The official noted that the press statement released Read More …

Basilan boy is now US city mayor

 News
Apr 122014
 
Basilan boy is now US city mayor

ANTONIO Cartagena , Basilan born and an alumnus of the Ateneo de Zamboanga University, is now the mayor of Walnut, an affluent city in Los Angeles County, California. AJPRESS PHOTO LOS ANGELES—Filipinos are slowly making their mark in the political realm in the United States. In California alone, a number of Fil-Ams have secured positions in the corridors of power, where they can create positive change for the Filipino community in the Golden State. A few names come up: State Assemblyman Rob Bonta, Cerritos Mayor Pro-Tem Mark Pulido and Carson City Mayor Pro-Tem Elito Santarina. The list of current and former Fil-Am politicians would no doubt include many other illustrious names. However, only a few can compare to the tenure, experience and legacy of the City of Walnut Mayor Antonio “Tony” Cartagena. Walnut, an affluent city in Los Angeles County, spans 23.05 square kilometers and hosts around 30,000 residents. Born and raised in province of Basilan, Mayor Cartagena is a longtime Walnut City councilor. Today, he is serving his fourth term as Walnut City mayor (he was appointed in July 2013). He previously held the post in 2002, 2006 and 2010. Cartagena is passionate about promoting diversity in a previously Caucasian-dominated city council. A more diverse council can be more responsive to the needs of all its constituents, he said. His goal is to preserve Walnut’s rural atmosphere by preventing the proliferation of street gangs, conserving Walnut’s open spaces and continuing the tradition of excellence in the local school district. Read More …

PHL aims for US defense deal before Obama visit

 News
Apr 122014
 
PHL aims for US defense deal before Obama visit

The Philippines said Friday it hopes to complete a new defense accord with the United States ahead of a visit by President Barack Obama this month, as a territorial dispute with China simmers. The chief Philippine negotiator, defense undersecretary Pio Lorenzo Batino, said in a statement the latest round of discussions about an increased US military presence in the country was “very productive”. “This round brought us much closer to finding full consensus and the draft provisions on key points of an enhanced defense cooperation will be submitted to the president for his review,” Batino said. Philippine negotiators on Friday said the eighth round of talks on a proposed military agreement had seen both sides “finding consensus on key points of a draft”. The agreement proposes allowing more US troops, aircraft, and ships to pass through the Philippines, as well as storing equipment in this country that could help mobilize American forces faster – particularly in the case of natural disasters. The accord would provide “critical and timely support to the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (and the) achievement of the country’s minimum credible defense posture,” Batino’s statement said. The deal would not allow the US military to “establish a permanent military presence or base” or bring nuclear weapons into the country, in line with the Philippine Constitution. The proposed agreement could be signed before President Obama visits the Philippines this month, a foreign department spokesman said. “We aim to conclude the negotiations before the Obama visit,” Read More …

Palace dares solon: Prove reward for Tiamzon couple's arrest was skimmed

 News
Apr 112014
 
Palace dares solon: Prove reward for Tiamzon couple's arrest was skimmed

Malacañang on Saturday challenged a lawmaker to substantiate his claims that some government officials may have pocketed part of the reward money for the capture of top officials of the Communist Party of the Philippines. Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte questioned the basis of Bayan Muna Rep. Isagani Zarate in claiming secretaries Voltaire Gazmin (defense) and Manuel Roxas II (interior) may have kept part of the money. “We don’t know what the basis is for that and I have not seen the good congressman make any statement (kung) ano ang basehan at ano ba yan,” Valte said on government-run dzRB radio. “We’re certain that is not true,” she added. A report on Manila Standard Today had quoted Zarate as saying the two secretaries may have kept almost half of the reward money for the arrest of Wilma and Benito Tiamzon. Zarate claimed documents from the Defense and Interior Departments showed the bounty for the Tiamzon couple was pegged at P10 million each, or P20 million total. But he claimed the Armed Forces of the Philippines “understated” the amount and said the reward collected was P11.52 million, or P5.6 million per head. Zarate said Gazmin and Roxas have been quiet about the AFP’s understated funds for reward money. “This involves a total of P41.45 million, of which amount, the AFP claimed to have collected only some P22.4 million. So where is the rest of the reward money?” he said. — Joel Locsin /LBG, GMA News 

It’s a ‘test of sanity,’ says Ayungin soldier

 News
Apr 102014
 
It’s a ‘test of sanity,’ says Ayungin soldier

Members of the Ayungin Marines pay a courtesy call to Vice President Jejomar Binay at Coconut Palace. FRANCES MANGOSING/INQUIRER.net MANILA, Philippines – “Don’t lose hope,” a soldier previously assigned at BRP Sierra Madre tells future men who will be assigned there. Marine First Lieutenant Mike Pelotera led eight soldiers at the BRP Sierra Madre, a rusting ship that serves as the Philippine Navy detachment in Ayungin Shoal in the disputed West Philippine Sea, a resource-rich territory claimed by China but is within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone. Pelotera’s team was surrounded by water for five months and he said the assignment was “a test of sanity.” Soldiers stationed in Ayungin usually serve for only three months. The nine-man Marine team was recently replaced by fresh troops last March, a second attempt for a rotation that month. On March 9, the Philippine government tried to resupply and bring new soldiers, but Chinese vessels surrounding the area blocked them. The next attempt on March 29, a Philippine civilian ship finally got past Chinese blockade after a two-hour standoff. “If they didn’t make it, we would have been stuck again,” Pelotera told INQUIRER.net. The rotation had been stalled because Philippine ships could not get past Chinese blockade. The soldiers at BRP Sierra Madre had to be content with airdrops. For five months, the soldiers at BRP Sierra Madre were not able to communicate with their families. “They have to endure loneliness,” Pelotera advised future soldiers of Ayungin. “But as time passes by, you Read More …

Can’t force China to comply–Palace

 News
Apr 102014
 
Can’t force China to comply–Palace

Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr.: Can’t force China to comply. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO MANILA, Philippines—Even if a United Nations arbitration tribunal were to rule in its favor on the West Philippine Sea dispute, the Philippines cannot compel China to comply with the ruling, Malacañang said on Thursday. Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said the country’s main purpose in filing the case is to prove that its claim to certain territories in the South China Sea is sanctioned by the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos), and not to enforce compliance from China. “The primary objective is to prove that what we claim as part of the West Philippine Sea is based on a prevailing law, and that law is the Unclos,” Coloma said in the briefing. “The primary objective is not to make a country comply,” he said. “It’s not within our power to dictate what they (China) should do. What’s within our power is to protect our national interest,” Coloma told a Palace briefing. Solicitor General Francis Jardeleza earlier said that the Philippines has always believed that China, as a member of the international community of nations, was “legally bound” to accept and implement the ruling of the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea (Itlos). The Philippines’ filing of the case drew a sharp rebuke from Chinese officials, which accused the Philippines of seriously damaging the two countries’ relations and shutting the door to negotiations. Beijing, which claims virtually the entire West Philippine Sea, Read More …

FDA warns public vs. unregistered bottled water

 News
Apr 092014
 
FDA warns public vs. unregistered bottled water

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned the public against cheap and unregistered bottled water being sold mostly to commuters stuck in traffic. A report on “24 Oras” on Wednesday said some bottled water that didn’t pass the FDA are being sold on the streets and on sidewalks at relatively cheaper prices. “Dito natin malaman sa likod [ng plastic container] kung ang isang produkto ay rehistrado,” said FDA spokesperson Joyce Cirunay in the report. “Mayroon siyang registration number.” The report said a registration number means the product — both the water and plastic container — passed FDA standards. Cirunay asked the consumers to inspect the packaging of the product to determine if they are “fake.” “Sa isang mapanuring mamimili, tignan yung cover. Kung ni-refill lang, tignan nila kung talagang unbroken yung seal. Inspekin nila kung yung integridad ng packaging material ay nandoon pa. Tignan din kung merong mga lumulutang,” she said. The report said refilling stations, although regulated by local government units, are not allowed to sell bottled mineral water. “They are just there to refill,” Cirunay said. “May certain specifications na sinusunod sila according to the requirements of the refilling station.” — KBK, GMA News

Victim's brother also accuses arrested Italian diplomat of abuse

 News
Apr 092014
 
Victim's brother also accuses arrested Italian diplomat of abuse

The elder brother of one of the minors allegedly  molested by Italian Ambassador to Turkmenistan Daniele Bosio claimed he was also abused by the diplomat, a report on “24 Oras” said Wednesday. The 13-year-old boy said Bosio invited him and other children to the place where he was staying with the promise of giving them food, clothes and P1,000 cash. But upon arriving at the place, Bosio allegedly locked them in the shower and bathed them while taking pictures, the report said. The victim’s father said one of the friends of his children was acting as their pimp. “Mayroon pong isang taong bugaw. Bata rin na kalaro din nila. Galit na galit din ‘yung isang magulang bakit daw sila silang magkakabarkada nagkakabugawan pa,” he said. His younger son, who was reportedly victimized by Bosio in a resort in Biñan, Laguna, is currently under the care of the city welfare office, the report said. “Parang binaboy niya yung pagkatao ng anak ko. Dapat talaga sa kanya makulong,” he said. Bosio, who was in the Philippines for a vacation, was arrested last Saturday while in the resort together with three minors. Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs suspended him from his diplomat duties following his arrest. — Andrei Medina/KBK, GMA News

NBI doing own probe on US state senator’s alleged firearms smuggling

 News
Apr 092014
 
NBI doing own probe on US state senator’s alleged firearms smuggling

The National Bureau of Investigation has started working on its own investigation into the alleged involvement of a US state senator in the illegal trade of firearms with rebels in Mindanao. Justice Secretary Leila De Lima confirmed that the NBI has finished an “initial” probe on the matter. “But limited lang muna doon iyong pag-verify ng the presence nung US [state] senator na iyan na nabanggit sa [FBI] report,” said De Lima, adding that the lawmaker in question, California state senator Leland Yee, had visited the Philippines only once. According to a Federal Bureau of Investigation affidavit, Yee was part of a conspiracy to deal firearms without a license and to illegally import firearms from a Muslim separatist group in the Philippines. Yee was arrested in March on charges of corruption and alleged conspiracy to illegally trade in firearms. The FBI affidavit also claims that Yee has associates in the Philippines “trying to overthrow the current government.” “We felt that it is important to us also to try to verify lalo na iyong mga supposed travel of that US [state] senator here in the Philippines,” De Lima said. “We know exactly the month, year and the dates,” she added, but refused to elaborate. The Justice Secretary clarified that even though the NBI has not yet been “formally” tapped by US authorities to look into the matter, the bureau just the same has started “working on it” and “verifying” certain information on the supposed firearms smuggling. “I am not sure if Read More …

ISAFP chief denies military pocketed cash seized from Tiamzon couple

 News
Apr 092014
 
ISAFP chief denies military pocketed cash seized from Tiamzon couple

QC court enters not guilty plea for Tiamzons . Alleged ranking communist rebel leaders Benito Tiamzon (right) and his wife Wilma Austria attend their arraignment at the Quezon City RTC branch 81 on Tuesday, April 8. The couple refused to enter any plea on two counts of kidnapping and serious illegal detention charges filed against them before the court. Asti Flores The head of the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP) on Wednesday dismissed as “propaganda” a leftist group’s claim that the military pocketed the cash seized from arrested communist leaders Benito Tiamzon and Wilma Austria. “That’s propaganda. They are trying to divert the issue, from the crimes committed by the couple,” said Maj. Gen. Eduardo Año, referring to the group Bayan, which is asking the military and the police to return the money supposedly seized from the couple. “Kahit sinkong duling hindi kukuha yung PNP (Philippine National Police) at AFP dun,” Año said. “Hindi kukunin ng AFP saka PNP yung pera para masira yung pagkakuha ng mag-asawa na yan.” Police and ISAFP agents arrested the couple in Cebu last March 22 based on standing warrants of arrest for multiple murder and multiple frustrated murder. Bayan said the money was intended for the victims of Typhoon Yolanda in the Visayas. Año dared Bayan to file a case against the arresting team in court. “Kung meron silang complaint dun sa arresting officers, dapat sa korte nila idulog,” he said. An earlier military statement did not mention any Read More …

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