Palace: Burial ground not an issue for fallen SAF 44

 News
Jan 302015
 
Palace: Burial ground not an issue for fallen SAF 44

Whether the 44 Special Action Force personnel killed in a clash in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last Jan. 25 will be buried at the Libingan ng Mga Bayani does not seem to be a concern for their kin, Malacañang said Saturday. Presidential Communications Operations Office head Herminio Coloma Jr. said the kin of the 44 did not bring this up with President Benigno Aquino III when he met with them. “Ang masasabi ko, dahil nasaksihan ko pakikipagpulong ng Pangulo ang heart-to-heart talk sa bawa’t isang pamilya, tila hindi yan issue o usapin sa kanilang hanay,” he said on government-run dzRB Radyo ng Bayan. Besides, he said the families already have plans on where to bury their fallen loved ones. Coloma also said many of the families live outside Metro Manila and could be inconvenienced if they have to visit their fallen loved ones at the Libingan ng Mga Bayani. He urged lawmakers planning to file a resolution to have the 44 buried at the Libingan ng Mga Bayani to respect the families’ wishes. “Respetuhin natin bago maisulong ang suhestyon na ito. May kanya-kanyang plano ang pamilya kung saan iuuwi ang mahal sa buhay,” he said. “Hindi inaalis ang konsepto na sila ay mga bayani dahil tunay silang bayani. Unawain natin ang diwa ng resolusyon… Saan man sila mahimlay sila ay tunay na bayani ng lahing Pilipino,” he added. — Joel Locsin/VC, GMA News

Palace: Peace must go on even after Mamasapano incident

 News
Jan 302015
 
Palace: Peace must go on even after Mamasapano incident

Efforts for peace must go on even after the clash that killed 44 Special Action Force policemen in Mamasapano in Maguindanao last Jan. 25, Malacañang stressed Saturday. Presidential Communications Operations Office head Herminio Coloma Jr. said this amid reports that 43 Palace allies in Congress may withdraw support for the Bangsamoro Basic Law. “Kaya nga nang nagtalumpati ang Pangulo… ipinaalala ng Pangulo ang kahalagahan na matanto natin ang kung bakit kailangan natin patuloy na magtrabaho tungo sa pagkamit ng pangmatagalang kapayapaan,” Coloma said on government-run dzRB Radyo ng Bayan. Newspaper reports indicated 43 Palace allies threatened to withdraw support for the BBL, the framework for a new Bangsamoro political entity. The Bangsamoro entity is being eyed to replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. But Coloma said many leaders have agreed that the road to peace must still be followed. “Marami sa ating leader nagpahayag ng paniwala kailangan pa rin tahakin ang landas sa pangmatagalang kapayapaan,” he said. When asked if President Benigno Aquino III will meet on the BBL with his allies in Congress, Coloma said there is no announcement at this time. But he said the government is prepared to listen to suggestions from all sectors. “(H)anda ang ating pamahalaan makipagugnayan sa lahat ng sector dinggin ang suhestyon at makipagtalakayan… para magkroon ng mas malawak at malalim na unawaan,” he said. Meanwhile, government peace panel chairperson Miriam Ferrer said the peace process is ongoing and senators still want to pursue the BBL, the Office of the Presidential Adviser Read More …

San Francisco cops pay tribute to Fallen 44 with black tape

 News
Jan 302015
 
San Francisco cops pay tribute to Fallen 44 with black tape

Police in California over the weekend placed black tape over their badges in tribute to the 44 Special Action Force police personnel who perished in a clash in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last Jan. 25. This was their way of showing sympathy with the families of the deceased, radio dzBB’s Manny Vargas reported. A photo posted on Twitter by dzBB’s Vargas showed the police personnel were from the San Francisco Police Department.   For its part, the Philippine Embassy in Washington D.C. paid tribute to the fallen 44 as well by lowering the Philippine flag to half-mast.   On Friday, police personnel and firefighters in Indiana held a sympathy walk to honor the 44, dzBB’s Rodil Vega tweeted.   Also on Friday, the US Embassy in Manila offered its condolences to the loved ones of the 44. In a statement, the embassy expressed its “heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues” of the slain SAF policemen. “The SAF units fought with bravery and demonstrated their commitment to ensuring peace and order in their country,” it said. Also, the embassy said the US reiterates its support for the Philippine government’s efforts to fight international terrorism while promoting a “just and lasting peaceful resolution” to the Mindanao conflict. “The United States reiterates its support for the Philippine government’s efforts to combat international terrorism while promoting a just and lasting peaceful resolution to the conflict in Mindanao,” it said. — Joel Locsin/VC, GMA News

Aquino no-show at arrival honors for 42 slain SAF men at Villamor Air Base

 Entertainment
Jan 302015
 
Aquino no-show at arrival honors for 42 slain SAF men at Villamor Air Base

Members of the Philippine National Police carry the body of one of the members of the Special Action Force slain in fighting Mamasapano town, Maguindanao on Monday. More than 30 have been reported killed from the government side following a clash with Muslim rebels. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) –The remains of the 42 elite policemen who were killed in what authorities called a “misencounter” in Mamasapano town, Maguindanao, last Sunday arrived at the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City Thursday morning. Present to honor the slain policemen were former President Fidel V. Ramos, Vice President Jejomar Binay, and top officials of the military and the police. However, there was one man who was conspicuously absent in the event: President Benigno Aquino III. Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte clarified that Aquino did not “skip” the arrival honors. “The President did not skip the arrival honors today, it presupposes he was originally scheduled to attend it, which was not the case,” she said. Valte added that Aquino will lead the necrological services on Friday morning at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig City. Aquino, whose official schedule for Thursday states that he was in Laguna for the inauguration of a Mitsubishi Motors Corporation Plant, addressed the nation Wednesday evening regarding the clash. He is due to visit the wake of the slain policemen – all members of the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) – on Friday. Two other slain SAF members had already been laid to rest in Mindanao in accordance with Read More …

Mayor Jun-Jun Binay dragged into Senate session hall then set free

 Entertainment
Jan 302015
 
Mayor Jun-Jun Binay dragged into Senate session hall then set free

PIMENTEL TALKS WITH MAYOR BINAY: Senate Blue Ribbon Subcommittee chair Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III talks to Makati City Mayor Junjun Binay, who is currently being detained in the Office of the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms (OSAA) at the Senate building, Pasay City on Thursday, January 29, 2015. Binay has been cited in contempt along with five other local officials after failing to heed a Senate subpoena requiring them to attend the subcommittee’s investigation on the allegedly overpriced Makati City Hall 2 parking building. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – Mayor Jejomar Erwin “Jun-Jun” Binay was bodily dragged into the Senate session hall Thursday afternoon to attend the hearing on alleged anomalies in Makati City. However, Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III later set Binay free after the mayor insisted on not responding to allegations against him and his family. “Since the order of arrest has been satisfied, your manifestation (not to answer questions) is noted. You lose your chance to give your side, you are free to go,” said Pimentel during the hearing. Pimentel said Binay’s belief that the subcommittee didn’t have jurisdiction to compel him to answer questions related to the inquiry was contrary to the panel’s position, and indicated that it was time to elevate the issue “to a referee” that would decide which position was according to law Earlier, the son of Vice President Jejomar “Jojo” Binay was arrested and brought to the chamber by the Senate sergeant-at-arms for contempt after he repeatedly refused to attend the hearings. At the Senate, Read More …

GPH, MILF, Malaysia: Mamasapano clash catalyst for continuing peace process

 General
Jan 302015
 
GPH, MILF, Malaysia: Mamasapano clash catalyst for continuing peace process

Representatives from the GPH, Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), and Malaysia recognized the “unwanted, unexpected” Mamasapano incident, citing it as a catalyst to continue on the peace process between all parties. During the press conference detailing the decommissioning protocol of MILF firearms on Saturday, MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal expressed the organization’s sincerest condolences towards the victims of the Mamasapano incident and their commitment in “pursuing the path of peace”. He then appealed to the media to report truthfully on the Mamasapano “misencounter”, saying the incident was “not intended by either side” and that the MILF itself lost 18 fighters and have 14 wounded. “We appeal to everybody, especially members of the media… to treat Mamasapano (with) utmost consideration (and report) what actually happened,” Iqbal said. He maintained they did not know Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli Bin Hir (Marwan) and bomb maker Basit Usman were in the area. “Had we known, we would’ve told the government,” he said.   GPH peace panel chair Miriam Ferrer then said that the panel did not “wish to preempt” the current senate investigations on the incident and asked for clarity and accountability into the process. “We have to regain the people’s trust. Let our actions speak,” said Ferrer. She then asked the public not to “lose sight of the bigger picture” and remember the necessary reforms to create an autonomous government that will ensure peace and development in the country. No message of surrender received  When asked about the role of the MILF in Mamasapano, Read More …

Erap, FVR at odds over Bangsamoro peace process

 Entertainment
Jan 302015
 
Erap, FVR at odds over Bangsamoro peace process

Former President Fidel V. Ramos delivers his message before foreign dignitaries who attended the wreath laying ceremony on Monday (February 24, 2014) at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on the commemoration of the 28th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – Two former presidents have varying opinions on how the Aquino administration should proceed with the peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) following Sunday’s encounter in Maguindanao that resulted in the deaths of 44 elite policemen. While former president and now Manila Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada is in favor of an all-out war, former President Fidel V. Ramos is appealing for sobriety and cooperation following what authorities described as a “misencounter” between MILF members and operatives from the police’s Special Action Force. “Wala nang dahilan para ipagpatuloy pa ang peace talks diyan. Ilan pang buhay any ibubuwis natin diyan? Ano pang gagawin natin? Pababayaan na lang ba natin? Ano ‘yun, maghihintay tayo ng 40 taon ulit? Wala nang ibang magagawa kung hindi giyerahin na para magkaroon ng tunay na kapayapaan,” Estrada, who was president from 1998 to 2001, said. During Estrada’s all-out war campaign against the MILF in 2000, most of the rebel group’s camps, including the sprawling Camp Abubakar, fell into government’s hands. Hundreds of soldiers and rebels, however, were killed while thousands of civilians were displaced. For his part, Ramos, a former Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff, said that while the peace Read More …

AFP not informed of raid: Gazmin

 Entertainment
Jan 302015
 
AFP not informed of raid: Gazmin

President Benigno S. Aquino III inspects the three newly acquired AgustaWestland helicopters during the 78th Founding Anniversary of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) at the AFP General Headquarters Grandstand in Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Friday (December 20). This year’s theme is: “Tagumpay Noon, Bayanihan Ngayon, Karangalan Nating Lahat Bukas”. Also in photo are Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and AFP Chief of Staff General Emmanuel Bautista. (MNS photo) MANILA (Mabuhay) – Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Voltaire Gazmin on Thursday dismissed claims that there was no forthcoming help from military units in Maguindanao during the bloody encounter with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters which claimed the lives of 44 Special Action Force (SAF) members Sunday. He also said that the request for assistance come around 5 a.m. or 30 minutes after the SAF’s first encounter with Marwan (Malaysian terror bomber Zulkifli bin Hir) and his escorts at 4:30 a.m. However, since 6th Infantry Division units were deployed securing various MSRs (main supply routes) or road nets in military parlance, it took time for the reinforcements to be deployed, as a minimum force is still needed to protect these MSRs from attacks of lawless elements. Gazmin said that reinforcing units from the 6th Infantry Division, which consists of light armor units and its recon company, managed to make their way near Mamasapano town at 8: 20 a.m. He attributes this difficulty to the scanty coordination provided by SAF forces regarding the Read More …

PHL economy bounces to 6.9% in Q4, second fastest growing economy in 2014

 General
Jan 302015
 
PHL economy bounces to 6.9% in Q4, second fastest growing economy in 2014

An employee counts Philippine pesos inside a money changer in Manila September 19, 2013. A Philippine official said a weaker peso will benefit Philippine exporters by making their products less expensive and thus more competitive in the global market. MANILA (Mabuhay) – The Philippine output rebounded sharply in the fourth quarter last year, growing as the second fastest economy in Asia – next to China – for the whole of 2014. This is on the back of the robust growth of the three productive sectors and the fulfillment of government’s promise to ramp up public spending, the country’s chief economist said. The gross domestic product (GDP) in the fourth quarter expanded by 6.9 percent, bouncing from the disappointing 5.3 percent in the third quarter but slower than the 6.3 percent growth in the fourth quarter of 2013, National Statistician Lisa Grace S. Bersales announced in a briefing in Makati City Thursday. The Philippines was the third fastest growing economy for the period, next to China’s 7.3 percent and Vietnam’s 7 percent. Annual GDP rose 6.1 percent, slower than the 7.2 percent growth posted in 2013. As expected, the full-year output is below the 6.5 to 7.5 percent government target for the year. However, the Philippines posted the second fastest growth in Asia last year, next to China’s 7.4 percent, said Balisacan, who is also the director-general of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). “Growth in the fourth quarter appears to be broad-based as all three major productive sectors – Read More …

Apec meet starts next week in Clark

 News
Jan 302015
 
Apec meet starts next week in Clark

MANILA, Philippines—Senior officials of member-countries of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) will kick-start its first meeting at the Clark Freeport Zone next week to tackle developments, challenges and opportunities in the service industries. In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said on Friday that the Apec Senior Officials, in partnership with the Apec Business Advisory Council of the Philippines and the Pacific Economic Cooperation Council, will have a public-private dialogue on services on Feb. 3 at the Clark Freeport Zone as one of the related meetings of the ongoing First Senior Officials’ Meeting (SOM1). “The event is the first in a series of dialogues on services in 2015 envisioned to guide Apec’s public and private stakeholders in examining developments, challenges, and opportunities for the services sectors,” the DFA said. The officials also seek to identify new strategies for building the full potential of the services sectors in the region. It intends to generate policy options towards removing barriers to services trade and develop an innovative approach in pursuing the services agenda of Apec, while fostering collaboration among economies. At least 22 speakers, including representatives from the academe and private sector from across the Asia-Pacific region as well as from international organizations such as the International Trade Centre and the Asian Development Bank, have been invited to share their expertise on information technology and business process management, creative industries, and research and development services. “Government representatives from the Apec member economies, together with their private sector counterparts will Read More …

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