Dec 062013
 

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Vice President Jejomar Binay. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Vice President Jejomar Binay condemned as a “senseless act” the suicide bomb attack in Yemen capital of Sana’a that left 52 people killed, including seven Filipinos.

“I condemn the bombing in the Yemeni capital of Sanaa. It was a senseless act that has no place in the modern world,” Binay said in a statement Friday.

“I hope the Yemeni government will make sure that the families of the bombing casualties are extended all possible assistance they will be needing, particularly in the recovery and repatriation of the victims,” he said.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said that one Filipino doctor and six medical workers were among the casualties, while 11 other Filipinos were injured.

Binay, who is the presidential adviser on overseas Filipino workers concerns, said that the families of the victims will be given help from the Philippine government.

DFA spokesman Raul Hernandez likewise condemned the attack calling it a “barbaric act.”

“We condemn this senseless and barbaric act and we call on the Yemeni government to bring the masterminds to justice and to take appropriate measures to ensure the safety of Filipinos and other foreigners in Yemen,” he said.

There are some 1,000 Filipino workers in Yemen. Manila has raised crisis alert level 1 in the Arab state, advising Filipinos there to take all necessary precautions to ensure their personal safety, Hernandez said.

“We are still doing a thorough assessment of the overall security situation in the country. The public will be informed of further developments in due course,” he said.

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Tags: Jejomar Binay , OFW , Suicide Attack , Yemen

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Apr 102013
 
Malaysian authorities detain 9 more with suspected Kiram links

At least nine more people with suspected links to Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III—two of them local residents—were arrested in Sabah Tuesday and Wednesday, Malaysian police said. Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Hamza Taib said the nine were picked up in Beluran, according to a report by Malaysia’s state-run Bernama news agency. Confiscated from them were weapons, documents and about RM1,000 (P13,511.60), he added. “There was, however, no exchange of gunfire when they were arrested,” Hamza said. Hamza said the nine, whose ages ranged between 20 and 50, were arrested 8 p.m. Tuesday and 10 a.m. Wednesday, and are detained under the Security Offenses (Special Measures) Act of 2012 (Sosma). Malaysian forces have been flushing out Kiram’s followers since March 5. Kiram’s followers had engaged Malaysian forces in a nearly-three-week standoff that culminated in deadly clashes on March 1 and 2. 32 ‘politicians’ still probed Hamza also said they are still quizzing 32 Filipinos intercepted off Sabah waters from Mindanao on Monday. However, the Department of Foreign Affairs (which places the group’s number of members at 33), said that the Filipinos are set for release. “Last night the order for the release was given at the behest of the Foreign Minister of Malaysia and the Defense Minister of Malaysia. Administrative procedure and the papers are now being handled for their actual release,” said DFA spokesperson Raul Hernandez in a press briefing Wednesday. Also still being investigated are “Datuk Seri” Clarence Luing Karl a.k.a. Muhammad Khalil John Karl, who was caught on Read More …

Feb 262013
 
PH senior diplomat off to KL to iron out Sabah problem

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Feb 182013
 
DFA asks Kiram group anew to leave Sabah

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Feb 062013
 
Filipino killed in hijacking of tanker off Nigeria—DFA

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