Philippines : News and Discussion

[abhi_the _gr8_maratha]

The
Department of National Defense
(DND) has formally signed the
contract for the delivery of 28
"armored infantry fighting vehicles"
which will boost the inventory of the
Army's light armored units.
Assistant Secretary Patrick Velez said
that this project is worth P882 million.
He said the contract was already
signed weeks before the ceremony.
DND has hired an Israeli firm (Elbit) to
refurbish 24 of their M113 armored
vehicles for $19.7 million. In addition to
rebuilding the structural, mechanical
and electrical elements of the M113s,
Elbit will install new fire control
systems as well as night vision sensors
along with GPS, intercom and radios.
Philippine Army (PA) will supply the
turrets from 14 of its decommissioned
Scorpion reconnaissance vehicles.
These two man turrets are equipped
with a 76mm gun that can provide
excellent infantry support. Four of the
M113s will be equipped to tow
damaged vehicles or carry casualties.
Velez declined to give specifics of the
vehicles' armament, speed and armor
but stressed that these armored
infantry fighting vehicles "are very
capable."
These upgraded armored vehicles is
expected within a year or around
January 2015. The PA, which has
around 10 infantry divisions, is
equipped with 343 AFVs (armored
fighting vehicles).
Capt. Anthony Bacus, Army
spokesperson, said earlier that these
AFVs are distributed to the various
infantry units to provide them with
mobility and additional firepower.
"Around 85 percent of these AFVs are
on green status (fully mission capable)
while another 10 percent are on
yellow status (undergoing repair) and
five percent are on red (beyond repair)
," he added.

 

[abhi_the _gr8_maratha]

Elbit
Systems Land and G4I was said to have
won DND's bid for the supply of 12
155mm howitzers and ammunition for
P438,620,000 for the Philippine Army.
Pre-Bidding conference started last
November 22,2013 and the bidding
proper started last December 05, 2013.
DND's invitation letter for the
procurement of (12) 155mm Howitzers
for Philippine Army
DND's Bids and Award Commitee (BAC)
, led by Assistant Secretary Efren
Fernandez, initially considered Elbit
Systems Land and C4I as the winning
bidder.
In an interview with Manila Standard
Today to some Defense insiders who
spoke on condition of anonymity said
they noted possible irregularities in
the bidding process
"Just to beat the deadline." "The
bidding process was very fast," one
insider said.
"Elbit's documents were problematic.
The Technical Working Group's
supplemental documents were
chaotic." another added
However, in a phone interview with
Asec Fernando Manalo, Defense
undersecretary for Finance, Munitions,
Installations and Material, could not
immediately give a comment on the
matter.
"I'm sorry I have no information yet
about the progress of the bidding. I
have to consult first the chairman of
the BAC," Manalo said.

 

[abhi_the _gr8_maratha]

Australia and the
Philippines are scrambling to boost
their air forces in a bid to counter
China's increasingly aggressive
maritime advances into the South
China Sea and Indian Ocean.
Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott
announced on Wednesday that his
country will purchase a total of 72
F-35 fighter jets, 58 more than initially
planned. The F-35 is a state-of-the-art
fighter jet made in the U.S.
The Philippines will procure 12 South
Korean-made FA-50 fighter jets. The
Southeast Asian country is also set to
conclude a new military pact with the
U.S. during U.S. President Barack
Obama's visit there later this month.

 

[Oblaks]

Tensions surge in disputed waters as PHL seizes Chinese boat | News | GMA News Online

...........Chief Superintendent Niel Vargas of the Philippine National Police Maritime Group said a maritime police patrol apprehended a Chinese fishing boat around 7 a.m. on Tuesday off Half Moon Shoal.

The boat has 11 crew and police found about 500 turtles in the vessel, some of which were already dead, he said, adding that a Philippine boat with crew was also seized, and found to have 40 turtles on board. Several species of sea turtles are protected under Philippine law......
The shoal is some 100 km (60 miles) from Palawan

 

[CCP]

13 Chinese haven kidnapped by PHL in 1 month.
-11 fishers and 2 tourists(they was travailing in Malaysia)

4 Chines tourist haven been shoot in Manila
-2 from mainland and 2 from Taiwan

don't forget , they killed a Taiwanese fisher a few months ago.

 

[abhi_the _gr8_maratha]

Balikatan, which translates to
"shoulder-to-shoulder," is an annual
bilateral exercise that focuses on the
Philippine-U.S. partnership,
cooperation and commitment to their
Mutual Defense Treaty, officials said.
"The skills that we'll learn, practice
and hone shoulder-to-shoulder in
Balikatan in the next two weeks will
not only make our two nations more
capable, but also allow us to assist
each other, as well as other nations,
should the need arise," said Marine
Corps Col. John A. Rutherford, officer in
charge of the exercise support group.
"I encourage everyone to take
advantage of this time here in
Balikatan. Work hard, but most
importantly, learn from your brothers
and forge stronger and closer bonds.
The interoperability and friendships
you build here will serve us well the
next time we respond to the call."
About 2,500 U.S. and 3,000 Philippine
service members will take part in the
exercise, which consists of a series of
humanitarian civic assistance projects,
a scenario-based staff planning
exercise focusing on maritime security,
and interoperability field training
exercises throughout the island of
Luzon.
This year, the Australian Defense
Force also will play a supporting role,
participating in humanitarian civic
assistance activities and field training
exercises and providing maritime
security mentorship and aviation
surveillance capabilities.
As with past Balikatan exercises, the
Philippine and U.S. militaries will
conduct medical, dental, veterinary
and engineering civic action projects to
improve their interoperability in such
missions. A team of about 15 U.S.
medical professionals will travel to
Tacloban, the city hit by Super
Typhoon Yolanda last year.
"More than just a joint military
program that aims to enhance our
combat readiness, this Balikatan
exercise has continued to evolve into
an activity that surpasses its original
intent," said Maj. Gen. Emeraldo
Magnaye of the Philippine air force,
the exercise director. "To this date,
Balikatan reflects the enduring
commitment of both countries armed
forces to promote regional peace and
security by ensuring interoperability
and readiness of both forces."
With the signing of the Enhanced
Defense Cooperation Agreement on
April 28, the Philippines and U.S.
pledged to continue strengthening an
already robust military alliance and
further build up capabilities.
"Exercise Balikatan is a prime example
of the benefits that mutual security
cooperation can bring to both our
countries, by strengthening our armed
forces, improving communities and
developing relationships," said U.S.
Ambassador to the Philippines Philip
Goldberg. "The successful response to
typhoon Yolanda began with exercises
like this one. Regular bilateral training
and operations develop strong bonds
and effective teamwork, which enable
rapid and effective action in times of
crisis."

 

[abhi_the _gr8_maratha]

13 Chinese haven kidnapped by PHL in 1 month.
-11 fishers and 2 tourists(they was travailing in Malaysia)

4 Chines tourist haven been shoot in Manila
-2 from mainland and 2 from Taiwan

don't forget , they killed a Taiwanese fisher a few months ago.

its china that should be blamed cause its china which claim all south china sea as their
.
india ,japan,vietnam all were friends with china but later turned as their enemy and war was started by china
.
today pakistan is a chinese friend cause it doesn't share border with china

 

[abhi_the _gr8_maratha]

Officials from
the Philippines and Myanmar are set to
discuss air agreements in Yangon on
May 19 as part of the efforts to boost
tourism, the Department of
Transportation and Communications
(DOTC) said.
Philippine Airlines Inc. (PAL) and Cebu
Pacific have both expressed interest in
mounting direct flights to Myanmar.
Transportation Undersecretary Jose
Perpetuo Lotilla stressed the
importance of an air pact with
Myanmar with next year's Association
of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
integration.
Philippines, Myanmar and eight other
countries make up the ASEAN.
The Philippine Air Services Negotiating
Panel, composed of officials from the
DOTC, Civil Aeronautics Board,
Department of Tourism, Department
of Foreign Affairs, Clark International
Airport Corp. and representatives of
Philippine carriers, will also hold air
talks with Canada, Taiwan, Russia and
South Korea this year.
Air talks with Malaysia scheduled in
April were cancelled to give way to
search operations of the missing
Malaysia Airline flight MH370.
In the first three months of this year,
the Philippines successfully concluded
air talks with France, Singapore and
New Zealand.
In 2013, the Philippines signed new air
agreements with Japan, Macau, Brazil,
Australia, Israel, and Italy.
The Aquino administration is pursuing
discussions on air agreements with
other countries as part of its open
skies policy.

 

[CCP]

its china that should be blamed cause its china which claim all south china sea as their
.
india ,japan,vietnam all were friends with china but later turned as their enemy and war was started by china
.
today pakistan is a chinese friend cause it doesn't share border with china

All of those countries are jokes in front of China.

 

[abhi_the _gr8_maratha]

- Car
sales rose by 19.9 percent year-on-
year to 18,094 units in April, the
Chamber of Automotive
Manufacturers of the Philippines
(CAMPI) said today.
On a monthly basis, however, CAMPI
President Rommel Gutierrez said
sales in April were lower by 5.6
percent, compared to the 19, 173
units sold in March.
"The overall outlook for April was
lower because historically, the Holy
Week month registers lower sales
due to few selling days, " said
Gutierrez in a statement.
Despite this, CAMPI said the volume
of vehicles sold in April was still
"notable" and beyond what the
industry has anticipated.
Last month, sales of passenger cars
jumped by 41 percent year- on-year
to 6,732 units. Commercial vehicle
sales, meanwhile, went up by 10.1
percent year on year to 11,362 units.
The total number of vehicles sold in
January to April reached 69,737
units, 22.1 percent higher than the
level posted in the same period last
year.
Last month, Japanese car maker
Toyota Motors Philippines Corp. led
the industry with a market share of
44.78 percent, followed by Mitsubishi
Motors Philippines Corp. with 23.47
percent, and Ford Motor Co. Phils.,
Inc. with a 9.75-percent share

 

[abhi_the _gr8_maratha]

All of those countries are jokes in front of China.

and chinese are biggest joke because of these sort of comment
.
you can't even do anything to japan not even to philippines now cause of defence pact
.
your most of weapons are cheap copies of weaponry like t55,mig21 you have nothing act quantity .
even vietnam led you to embarrassment

 

[abhi_the _gr8_maratha]

adequate and quality
employment continues to be a
challenge for Philippines, making it
one of the worst-performing countries
in the region in terms of labor
productivity and inclusiveness despite
the economy's rapid expansion,
according to the World Bank.
In "East Asia Pacific at Work:
Employment, Enterprise and Well-
Being," a report released yesterday,
the multilateral lender noted that
while labor has helped the region
develop, over the years, conditions in
the labor market have stagnated due
to the lack of appropriate policies,
resulting in worsening inequality.
"As the region's economic growth is
moderating and labor costs are rising,
constraints of the region's current
labor market and social protection
policies are becoming a more pressing
issue," the bank said.
"Though relatively strong on paper,
those policies are often poorly
enforced, driving more people --
especially women, young people and
those with fewer skills, such as
janitors and caterers -- into
unprotected, unregulated and untaxed
jobs, or even unemployment," the
report noted.
The World Bank said that specific
problems it found common among
countries in the region are widespread
economic informality, high youth
inactivity and unemployment, rising
inequality, and skills shortage.
"For example, in the past decade, the
Philippines experienced much slower
poverty reduction than its neighbors,
despite respectable economic growth,"
it said.
"This stagnation in living standards is
linked to the low productivity of most
forms of employment created by the
economy," it added.
According to the report, labor
productivity in the Philippines has
been "stagnant," increasing the least
among East Asian economies over the
past 20 years.
"In terms of youth inactivity, measured
by the number of people aged 15-24
years old not in employment,
education or formal training, the
Philippines has the highest rate in the
region in that statistic," Axel van
Trotsenburg, World Bank East Asia and
Pacific regional vice-president, also
pointed out in a briefing yesterday.
"This shows that the country has
difficulty absorbing young people,
young graduates into the labor
market... Even as the Philippines has a
young population, there's that
difficulty," Mr. van Trotsenburg said.
Karl Kendrick T. Chua, World Bank
senior country economist for the
Philippines, said that the country's
labor market woes stem from "a long
history of underinvestment".
"When Filipinos are given the
opportunity, as evidenced by the
millions of overseas Filipino workers,
they can unleash productivity and
income-earning activities that can
benefit their lives," Mr. Chua said.
"Majority of Filipinos are not given that
opportunity because of
underinvestment in human capital and
also infrastructure, which hinders
businesses from coming in and
creating employment here," he noted.
Mr. Chua said that while skills
mismatches are also a problem, the
bigger issue is really the lack of jobs
and the opportunity for people to
create their own jobs.
"We estimate that there are almost 1.2
million entrants to the work force
every year... but only 250,000 will find
jobs in formal sector, while maybe
200,000 will find jobs abroad, and the
rest will be either unemployed or
underemployed. " he said.
Productivity is also hindered by the
widely informal labor market, with
75% of employment in the country
created in the informal sector, said
Rogier van den Brink, World Bank lead
economist for the Philippines.
"Nothing is inherently wrong with
Filipino labor. They have proven that
they are a competitive labor force,"
said Mr. van den Brink.
"Creating opportunities for the
workforce to prosper is really the
challenge... How do you get more
capital to go into the Philippine labor
force? There is a whole range of issues
that need to be addressed... and while
it is very challenging, at the moment,
things look good," he noted.
Mr. Chua said that to create more and
better jobs to support the
government's "inclusive growth
agenda," among the things that
should be ensured are sustained
investments in infrastructure, health,
and education, the creation of a better
business environment, and also
complementary reforms in property
rights.
For the region as a whole, the report
also noted, policies should encourage
mobility of labor and human capital
and not favor some forms of
employment over others.
"Countries should look beyond the
labor market and focus on
fundamentals, such as policies that
ensure price stability, encourage
investment and innovation, and
support a regulatory framework that
enables small- and medium-size
enterprises, which employ most people
in the region," it said.
"Top-down industrial policies are less
viable in today's increasingly
integrated and rules-based global
economy," said Truman Packard, World
Bank lead economist.
"The region's diverse economies, of
course, call for different policy
priorities. For the many countries that
are still mainly agrarian, the report
recommends that policy makers focus
on boosting agricultural productivity
and encouraging non-farm
enterprises. For urbanizing economies,
such as China, Indonesia, the
Philippines and Vietnam, the report
suggests that governments focus on
making cities work better by boosting
infrastructure and improving services,"
Mr. Packard said.

 

[Zero_Wing]

All of those countries are jokes in front of China.

Wow arroangance your joke to the whole plante with your illogical claims

 

[abhi_the _gr8_maratha]

Philippine Vice President
Jejomar Binay, considered a
frontrunner for the presidency in 2016,
said on Thursday he favored relaxing
constitutional restrictions on foreign
investment to create jobs.
Binay, who has been preparing a run
for the past two years and has a strong
following among poor Filipinos, was
asked after a speech at a Washington
think tank if he would support
consitutional changes to promote
foreign investment.
Binay
"Personally I am in favor of revisiting
the constitution of the Philippines,
particularly that portion of the 60-40
requirement of investors in the
Philippines," he said, adding that the
aim was to overcome unemployment
and poverty.
"More investment, more employment,"
he said.
The so-called 60-40 rule in the 1987
constitution limits foreign ownership
of local firms to 40 percent and is
blamed for the low level of foreign
direct investment in the Philippines.
President Benigno Aquino has not
addressed the issue and Philippines
Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima
indicated this month that the
president did not intend to do so in the
remainder of his term.
Among other things, the restriction
has prevented the Philippines from
joining 12 other nations involved in
negotiations on a Trans-Pacific
Partnership (TPP) aimed at region-
wide market opening.
Binay, who has spent the week in
Washington, said the Philippines
wanted more job-generating US
investment, of which it was receiving
less than any of its partners in the 10-
nation Association of Southeast Asian
Nations.
In a speech that would suit the
campaign trail, he sketched out an
liberal economic agenda he said was
aimed at alleviating poverty and
maintaining and spreading the
benefits of the country's current
economic boom.
The first priority should be to
strengthen economic fundamentals by
expanding tax revenues – not by
raising taxes, but by improving
collection and compliance.
He also spoke of the need to increase
infrastructure spending from a current
2 percent to 5 percent of GDP and to
enhance education, health and
environmental and social welfare
conditions.
Binay said the "Philippine economic
miracle" was too narrowly based on a
booming outsourcing industry and
record-high remittances from Filipinos
working abroad.
"To provide sustainability, as well as
greater employment opportunities, the
Philippine economic portfolio must
diversify equally into the
manufacturing, agricultural, tourism
and other sectors of the economy," he
said.
"We must further liberalize the
economy to improve competitiveness
and attract investments both local and
foreign. We must harmonize local and
national laws to ensure investors of
orderly business operations."
Boosting tourism, he said, required "a
true open skies policy with an
aggressive airport development
program," while reform of the electric
power industry was needed to address
high costs to consumers and energy
shortages in the south.
The agricultural sector needed
modernization to raise some of the
lowest productivity levels in the region
and to weed out middlemen depriving
farmers of the full value of their
produce.
Binay also pledged to keep up efforts
to combat corruption.
"We must keep our promise to keep a
clean and transparent government
with a stable policy regime into 2016
and beyond," he said.

 

[abhi_the _gr8_maratha]

The Office of the United States Trade
Representative (USTR) has recognized
the Philippines' considerable progress
on worker rights issues allowing the
country to continue enjoying
preferential trade benefits from the US
Generalized System of Preferences
(GSP).
In a statement, Trade and Industry
Secretary Gregory L. Domingo
announced that the US government
has decide to close a GSP review
without any changes to the PH GSP
trade benefits.
"The closure of the country review
removes a threat to the country's
continued eligibility in the GSP
Program," Domingo said.
The Philippines has been under the
GSP-related country review for labor
practices since 2007 for its alleged
failure to uphold internationally-
recognized workers' rights. The
Philippine government has since
focused efforts on addressing the
areas considered by the US as crucial
for the review termination.
The Philippines has consistently
ranked among the top 10 country-
beneficiaries with utilization rates of
up to 70%, and together with some
120 developing countries, is allowed to
export certain goods to the US duty-
free. The US Congress is set to pass a
trade package bill for the renewal of
the GSP program which expired on July
31, 2013.
"We expect heightened investor
interest, particularly in industries
fuelled by innovation, technology,
creativity, and design with the recent
removal of the Philippines from the
USTR Watchlist as well as the United
States' recognition that our labor
practices are at par with international
standards," said DTI Undersecretary
for Industry Development and Trade
Policy Adrian S. Cristobal Jr. credits the
recent gains to a serious and reformist
government working to strengthen
the country's foothold as a robust
economy in the global community.
"The Philippines maintains a favorable
investment climate where labor
remains productive and motivated,
Intellectual Property Rights are
protected and laws are enforced.
These are some of the desired
characteristics that attract investors
when exploring potential investment
destinations," Cristobal said.
Meanwhile, the Philippines' removal
from the USTR's Special 301 Watch List
lends credence to the country's
reforms particularly in the areas of
Intellectual Property Rights (IPR)
protection and enforcement.
The USTR has acknowledged the
impressive work and significant
transformation of the Philippines' IPR
regime – graduating in 2005 from the
Priority Watch List (PWL) to the
ordinary Watch List (WL); the
sustained initiatives on legislative and
regulatory reforms; enforcement; the
vigorous advocacy to change public
perception on IP – and the
government's active partnership and
open cooperation in seriously
addressing issues during the entire
review process.

 

[abhi_the _gr8_maratha]

Philippines
and Vietnam are expected to be more
vocal in raising concerns over the
South China Sea row in the Association
of Southeast Asian Nations summit
this weekend in Myanmar.
President Aquino and other Southeast
Asian leaders are heading to Nay Pyi
Taw for the summit on Saturday and
Sunday amid fresh tensions in the
resource-rich international waterway.
Mr. Aquino is departing for Myanmar
Saturday afternoon in time for the
dinner to be hosted by Myanmar
President U Thein Sein for Asean
leaders on that day.
Up for discussion during the summit
plenary meeting are the following:
progress in the implementation of the
so-called Roadmap for an Asean
Community, the initiative for Asean
Integration Work Plan II, and the
Master Plan on Asean Connectivity.
The agenda for the session called the
"retreat" includes current regional and
international issues.
Since the schedule is tight, Mr. Aquino
has no bilateral meetings with other
leaders, but the government is open to
such meetings, Department of Foreign
Affairs spokesman Charles Jose said.
Mr. Aquino and the other leaders
would also meet with leaders of the
Asean Inter-Parliamentary Assembly
or AIPA; the representatives of the
Civil Society Organizations, and
representatives of the Asean Youth.
"We can expect that,'' Jose said in a
text message from Manila when asked
if Hanoi and Manila would be more
vocal on the conflicting claims to parts
of the South China Sea in the face of
new brushes with China.
Jose said Vietnam would "definitely"
add its voice of concern over the
dispute the two countries separately
have with China.
He added that the 10-nation bloc was
expected to issue at least a statement
of concern.
"It will be strange if that [statement]
will not come out. We can even move
forward,'' Jose told reporters on
Wednesday, adding that a stronger
statement could be worked out if
possible.
Vietnam on Wednesday accused China
of using water cannon and ramming
eight of its ships in a standoff triggered
by China's parking of a giant oil rig in
contested waters.
On the same day, Philippine police
rounded up 11 Chinese fishermen
caught poaching in waters around Half
Moan Shoal in the West Philippine Sea,
a part of the South China Sea that the
Philippines maintains is part of its
exclusive economic zone under the
United Nations Convention on the Law
of the Sea.
The planting of the oil rig off the
disputed Paracel Islands is seen by
observers as China's way of testing the
resolve of the United States in aiding
its regional partners.
In a recent four-nation swing through
Asia, US President Barack Obama
vowed to protect Japan from attack,
and reiterated his country's "ironclad''
commitment to defend the Philippines,
citing US defense treaties with both
countries.
With the fresh tensions, the territorial
disputes become a more urgent issue
for discussion at the leaders' summit
retreat on Sunday afternoon.

 

[abhi_the _gr8_maratha]

The
Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA)
on Thursday said it would let justice
take its course in the arrest of 11
Chinese fishermen for poaching in
Philippine waters on Tuesday, ignoring
China's demand that they be released
immediately.
The Philippine National Police also
brushed aside China's demand, saying
maritime police were enforcing
Philippine laws when they arrested
the 11 Chinese fishermen at Hasa-
Hasa Shoal (Half Moon Shoal) in the
West Philippine Sea.
.**********************
.
why should PH release chinese fisherman if they are in economical zone of PH , it is illegal to take natural resource like tortoise, fish, oil from other's territory and china should learn to respect sovereignty of other nation
.
link:- PH ignores China bid to free poachers | Inquirer Global Nation

 

[abhi_the _gr8_maratha]

of the soldiers wounded in the
explosion triggered by a fire at the
Philippine Army Explosive and
Ordnance Disposal (EOD) in Fort
Bonifacio, Taguig died Friday morning,
the military said.
Army spokesman Lt. Col. Noel J.
Detoyato said Cpl. Bernabe Mota, 30,
died around 10:01 a.m. at the Armed
Forces of the Philippines Medical
Center (AFPMC) in V. Luna Quezon
City.
Mota reportedly sustained burns to 65
percent of his body.
Detoyato said Mota, who left behind a
young daughter, was supposed to be
transferred to the East Avenue
Medical Center (EAMC) Burn Unit
Friday.
Five more soldiers, including 1Lt. Dinar
Alosada and MSgt. Ferdinand Rafal
who sustained 80 percent burns,
remain confined at the AFPMC. But
Detoyato said the Army is now
arranging the transfer of some of the
injured troops the EAMC.
The Army spokesman earlier said a
total of 32 people were injured after a
fire that struck the Army EOD building
triggered a series of small explosions
and one huge blast Wednesday
morning.
Of the 32 victims, four are Army
officers, nine enlisted personnel, six
are members of the Bureau of Fire
Protection (BFP), and 13 fire
volunteers.
Four of the victims are still undergoing
treatment at the Philippine Army
General Hospital (PAGH), while two
others were taken to the Taguig-
Pateros Hospital and Ospital ng Makati.
On Thursday, Army chief Lt. Gen.
Hernando Iriberri visited the victims
and assured their families of continued
assistance until they recover from the
injuries incurred during the explosion.
Iriberri had also ordered a separate
investigation that will look closely into
the incident and determine the root
cause of the fire and explosion.
Detoyato said if it is found out and
proven that there has been negligence
on the part of the Army personnel,
"punishment commensurate to the
offense they committed shall be
applied."
Meanwhile, Detoyato said the Army is
taking the necessary measures and
precautions to ensure that similar
incidents will not happen.

 

[abhi_the _gr8_maratha]

Philippine National Police (PNP)
will mobilize at least 2,000 policemen
to ensure security of delegates who
are attending the 34th ASEAN
Association of Chiefs of Police
(ASEANAPOL) Conference which will
open in Pasay City next week.
On Friday, PNP chief P/Director
General Alan Purisima said security
plans and other preparations aimed at
addressing other concerns for the
more than 250 delegates who would
be in the country from May 12 up to 15
have been finalized.
The 34th ASEANAPOL Conference,
hosted by the PNP, opens on Tuesday
(May 13) at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza
with President Benigno S. Aquino III as
guest of honor and keynote speaker.
Expected to attend the event are 250
police delegates, 10 national police
chiefs from the ASEAN, five dialogue
partners, the executive directors of
ASEAN and Interpol and an observer.
Purisima said they are proud to host
this year's regional police conference,
which signals the further
strengthening of ties among ASEAN
police agencies for the enhancement
of mutual cooperation and
collaboration.
During the conference, the delegates
will discuss pressing issues and
concerns in the areas of transnational
crime and other international crimes
affecting Southeast Asian countries.
"The conference comes as a most
wonderful opportunity for the ASEAN
law enforcement community to
highlight the need for stronger
international cooperation against
highly technical criminal activity,
particularly cybercrime where the PNP
gained headway recently as a result of
Case Operation Plan "Strikeback",
initiated by the PNP Anti-Cybercrime
Group in cooperation with
international law enforcement
agencies," said Purisima.
The Strikeback netted more than a
week ago 58 "sextortion" suspects in
operations that were carried out Bicol,
Laguna, Bulacan and Taguig.

 

[abhi_the _gr8_maratha]

The Philippines
has jailed 11 Chinese fishermen
caught with endangered sea turtles
off a disputed shoal in the South
China Sea, officials said on Saturday,
rejecting demands from China to free
the men.
China has claims on the South China
Sea, an area rich in energy deposits
and an important passageway
traversed each year by $5 trillion
worth of ship-borne goods. Brunei,
Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and
Vietnam also have claims on the area.
The Philippine National Police on
Tuesday intercepted a Chinese fishing
boat carrying about 350 marine
turtles off Half Moon Shoal in the
Spratlys, arrested its crew and took
them to the southwestern province of
Palawan to face charges of violating
wildlife protection laws.
If found guilty, the fishermen, who
were transferred to a provincial jail
late on Friday, face prison terms
ranging from 12 to 20 years. But each
can post bail of 150,000 pesos ($3,400)
to secure temporary liberty while
facing trial.
"They will remain in detention until
the office of the provincial prosecutor
has determined whether there is
probable cause for the filing of formal
charges," said Allen Ross Rodriguez, a
government lawyer.
China's embassy in Manila on
Thursday sent a diplomat to Palawan
to interview the fishermen and work
for their early release. But authorities
said they must go through the judicial
process.