Comelec starts the printing of ballots for the Barangay, SK polls

MANILA, Aug. 21 (PNA) -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) started on Sunday the printing of 85 million ballots to be used in the Oct. 31, 2016 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) polls.

With this, Comelec Chairman Juan Andres Bautista said the printing has commenced at the National Printing Office (NPO) in Quezon City despite uncertainties on whether or not the scheduled polls will push through.

"The long and short of it is we must follow the law, whatever the law may be. Right now, the law says we must have an election on Oct. 31. As long as there is no law that postpones it, we don’t have a choice but to implement the law,” he said.

He added, "And because there is no law yet, and as it is, there are only 70 days before the elections, we are left with no choice but to start printing the ballots already."

The poll body chief explained that of the 85 million ballots, 57 million will be for voters in the Barangay and 28 million are for the SK. The ballots to be printed will have a size of 4½” by 8” each.

“We are allotting 60 days for the printing. Hopefully, we will finish by Oct. 21,” said Bautista.

On the other hand, Comelec–Printing Committee head Genevieve Guevarra said that the process will not be in full swing after being directed to slow down in terms of printing the official ballots, since there is a possibility of the polls being postponed by Congress.

“The instruction to us is not to go full speed with the printing because there are several bills for the postponement. What we want to avoid is we already have millions printed, then it will just be postponed,” she said.

Bautista said that they are hoping to know the fate of the October elections in the next 10 days.

“I would hope that by the end of August, they already have a decision on whether it will be postponed or not. Once we get a word that the law postponing it will be passed, we will stop with the preparations already,” he added.

Guevarra said it would be late if they will start on full speed with the ballot printing next month.

“We will run out of time even if we go 1.9 to 2 million ballots (per day) if we don’t start in September,” she said.

Last week, Senator Alan Peter Cayetano filed a bill seeking the postponement of the Barangay and SK polls and instead hold it to the last Monday of October 2018.

Likewise, the majority coalition in the House of Representatives has agreed to postpone the Oct. 31 elections. (PNA)

AFP chief willing to work with human rights groups in quest for lasting peace

MANILA, Aug. 13 (PNA) -- Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Ricardo Visaya has said he is willing to work with human rights groups in the quest for lasting peace in the country.

He made the statement during a joint flag-raising and oath-taking ceremonies held Friday as part of the starter for the celebration of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Month.

Visaya during the occasion reiterated the AFP’s commitment to Human Rights (HR) and International Humanitarian Law (IHL).

“We have made significant progress in our HR-based military operations and want the AFP to be fully compliant to the IHL operations and we believe that we can achieve this with stronger and more constructive ties with human rights groups,” he added.

He pointed out that for justice and peace to permeate the minds of all parties, HR groups should also look into and work on the human rights violations committed by the rebel groups.

“We are firm that the use of landmines by the communist armed group violates IHL and the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law. We also believe that their presence in Indigenous People’s communities violates their rights as a people,” Visaya said.

Meanwhile, the celebration of IHL Day here encouraged various government agencies, including the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), Department of National Defense (DND) and AFP, to join the celebration through activities that promote awareness of Basic Human Rights.

The highlight of the event was the IHL Human Formation headed by the Philippine Red Cross, Quezon City Chapter, at the General Headquarters Grandstand and parade grounds.

This was followed by the 5-km. run for humanity participated in by 1,475 uniformed and civilian personnel.

The event also featured a bloodletting for donors from the AFP, Philippine National Police and Philippine Coastguard.

Starting Aug. 16, workshops will be conducted at the AFP Commissioned Officers Club (AFPCOC) and a photo exhibit showcasing the different aspects of Human Rights will go on display.

“The Armed Forces of the Philippines stand solidly behind President Rodrigo Duterte in his pledge to adhere to due process and rule of law,” Visaya added.

“We will ensure that our renewed commitment today will be cascaded to our line units as we continue our rights and IHL-based military operations,” he stressed. (PNA)

ARMM governor reiterates support for GPH-MILF peace process

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Rody warns of ‘looming’ ISIS problem

Franklin P. Gumapon

LABANGAN, Zamboanga del Sur, Aug. 11 (PIA) – President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has warned the public of the presence of certain Arab nationals in some parts of Mindanao, passing off as religious missionaries but actually doing indoctrination among Muslim Filipinos in support of the ISIS movement.

Speaking before the soldiers of the 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division, Philippine Army and some officials and members of the Philippine National Police at the Tabak gym here yesterday, Aug. 10, President Duterte appealed to the members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and PNP to shield “our brother Muslims from getting contaminated by ISIS disease.”

Duterte considered the ISIS, which stands for Islamic State in Iraq and Sham, a looming problem in the island. This group has its roots in 2002 when Abu Musak al-Zarqawi, a Jordanian who was involved in the Iraqi insurgency in 2003-2006. He was linked to al-Qaeda, a terror group, while he was in Afghanistan in the late ‘90s.

“Wala dyud ta makatilaw ug kalinaw diri sa Mindanao. Naa tay giatubang nga mga NPA ug MILF,” the first President from Mindanao said.

(We have not experience peace in Mindanao. We are faced with NPA and MILF problems.)

“Ang akong pagka-presidente, mangita ko’g kapayapaan (As the President, I will pursue peace),” he added.

He also reiterated his relentless campaign against illegal drugs, urging the soldiers “to help our government and our people” fight the problem.

Lt. Col. Benedicto S. Manquiquis, battalion commander of the Tabak’s Civilian- Military Operations (CMO) said the President’s visit to the division has boosted the morale of the soldiers. “This encourages our soldiers to work hard for the country,” he said. (FPG/PIA-9)

CJ Sereno accepts President Duterte’s apology

By Perfecto T. Raymundo Jr.

MANILA, Aug. 12 (PNA) -- Chief Justice Maria Lourdes P. Aranal Sereno accepted on Friday the apology made by President Rodrigo R. Duterte during a press conference after meeting with first Filipina Olympic silver medalist Hidilyn Diaz in Panacan, Davao City Thursday night.

”The Chief Justice appreciates the President’s latest remarks. As previously announced, she will no longer say anything on this matter,” Sereno said in a statement on Friday read for her by SC Public Information Office (PIO) Chief and Spokesman Atty. Theodore O. Te.

This was the reaction of the SC on the apology of President Duterte saying that the harsh words he has uttered against the Chief Justice were only brought about by the big problems of the country that he is currently dealing with.

In his speech on Tuesday, President Duterte said that the Chief Justice should not create a constitutional crisis which may prompt the President to order everybody in the Executive Department not to honor the orders of the Chief Justice to the Executive Department.

President Duterte also warned the Chief Justice not to impede on the government’s all-out war against illegal drugs, otherwise, he would rather declare Martial Law.

Sereno on Monday advised the judges who were named by President Duterte as purportedly involved in illegal drugs not to surrender.

In her four-page letter to President Duterte sent through Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary Vitaliano N. Aguirre II, the Chief Magistrate advised the judges who were included in the list not to surrender to any police officer without a warrant of arrest.

Sereno said that this was to protect the judges as the protectors of the rights of the citizens under the Constitution.

Sereno also asked President Duterte to allow those judges who were named to continue to carry their licensed firearms for as long as charges are not yet filed against them.

This as Sereno expressed her apprehension that the said judges will also be the “target” of incidents of extra-judicial killings and that they may also become “collateral damage” in the war against illegal drugs.

The SC had previously asked the Philippine National Police (PNP) to allow the judges to carry firearm since the SC has no sufficient personnel to provide protection to the judges.

Sereno added that although the judiciary appreciates the intention of the President to help in the clean-up of the ranks of the judiciary, the informal report from the President or the members of his Cabinet would be sufficient enough for the SC to take action and conduct an investigation without the need of ordering the judges to report to any office and thereby not impede in their scheduled court activities. (PNA)

SCS/PTR/RSM

President Duterte to next release list of big tax evaders

By Sarwell Q. Meniano

CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Aug. 8 (PNA) –- President Rodrigo R. Duterte will soon release a list of wealthy tax evaders in the country, citing his administration's thrust to protect government’s interest.

The Chief Executive on Sunday released the list of government officials engaged in illegal drugs trade and the next, according to him, is the list of big tax evaders.

“To the rich, pay your taxes! I will be announcing formally (the list of tax evaders), but I would like to have the list completed,” the Chief Executive said during his 15-minute speech at the Philippine Army 8th Infantry Division headquarters, this city, on Monday.

Mr. Duterte said he will invite wealthy tax evaders to questioning. “If you will not come, I will send the police and ask why you’re not paying.”

“Follow the law, follow the rules and do not cause agony to your fellowmen. You’re killing government! You’re destroying the Filipino people!” he said.

The President said tax evasion is not allowed to happen under his administration in the next six years. "It must be the interest of the government first and nothing else,” he added.

During his speech, the Chief Executive reiterated his plan to continue with the peace talks with insurgents, but he repeatedly condemned the rebels' use of landmines. He also mentioned about the ongoing anti-drug campaign of the government.

President Duterte arrived 3:45 p.m. Monday at Camp Lukban here, attended a security briefing with top military officials, and delivered a speech to about 500 soldiers at the covered court. He left the military facility around 6 p.m. (PNA)

LAP/SARWELL Q. MENIANO

ATR Champions joins 1ID Media Fellowship

By PHILIP JAMES M TREMEDAL

   Misamis Occidental Bureau

Assistant Chief of Staff fro Civil Military Operation (G7) Col Ben Manquiquis
 and (DPAO) Major Richard Enciso.

Camp CL Sang-an, Pulacan, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur (August 6, 2016) – Army Transformation Roadmap (ATR) Champions, a group of media practitioners from Misamis Occidental, Zamboanga del Norte, Lanao del Norte and Zamboanga del Sur gathered recently as the 1st Infantry TABAK Division hosted it first Media Fellowship at the Officer’s Club of the Premier Army Division in this camp on Saturday (August 6) to strengthen it camaraderie together with the Tabak Defense Press Corps.

TDPC-ATR Champions President Crismon Llanos of Pagadian City who initiates said gathering of the ATR Champions passed Resolution 2016-01 to gratefully give thanks and appreciate the Army Division Commander, Major General Gerardo F. Barrientos, Jr. AFP and the General Staff particularly the Office of the Assistant Chief of Staff fro Civil Military Operations (G7) under Col Ben Manquiquis, the 1st Division Public Affairs (DPAO)now under Major Richard Enciso, and the 1st Division Training School who gave us a wonderful day watching its men shows their capabilities special on slide for Life, Australian Rappelling to name a few and other training design how to become a model soldier of the Army’ Premier Division.

On the said Media Fellowship, Col Bareng, Chief of Staff who represents the Commanding General answered few question during the press conference, on Illegal Drugs campaign against military involve in the said menace, the 1st Division intensified the 1ID Anti-Illegal Drug Task Unit “TABAK” which aims to strengthen and reinforce the anti-illegal drugs efforts of the Command.

Col Bareng farther told the ATR Champions that 1ID is also giving full support to the Philippine National Police counterpart and other law Enforcement Agencies in the conduct of LEO against any drug related operations thru the special operations unit.

“Yes, we initiated random drug testing to all of the division operating units and operational control units of the Armed Forces of the Philippines assigned in our army division particularly those who were suspected. 847 personnel undergo with the random testing, and 84 for were found out using the illegal drugs during the initial screening. But 68 of them were found positive during the confirmatory test at forensic laboratory, and 65 now are discharge from the military service while three (3) still under investigation.” said the Chief of Staff.

On secession and rebellion both the CNN and the MILF-MNLF, the command confirm that we are waiting for the official communication from higher headquarters regarding the Unilateral Ceasefire declared by the President, but because of the recent incident in Davao del Norte, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte revoke his command, the 1ID still at its position and ready to whatever command it will received. On the Southern Philippines ASG, the AFP is on the move to counter any terroristic acts committed by the Abu Sayaff.

Meantime, the ATR Champions who learned to handle the new AR-4 Rifle enjoy a few shots at the Division Firing Range and experience the best of it.

On his part, Col Manquiquis thank the ATR Champions to their invitation in coming and joining the said Media Fellowship to strengthen the command relations thru a responsible media reporting to every one of the invited media personalities from Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental, Iligan City, Lanao del Norte, Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur and the Dipolog City , Zamboanga del Norte Media practitioners.

For this writer and member of the Tabak Division Press Corps-Army Transformation Roadmap (ATR) Champions, thank for the time the 1st Infantry TABAK Division teach me how to handle and fire the newest Army Combat Rifle, the AR-4…

Maguindanao town mayor 'surrenders' to police, denies drug lord tag

PARANG, Maguindanao, Aug. 4 (PNA) -- A town mayor concerned of his safety and name voluntarily showed up to the police in Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) to deny reports he was a drug lord in Maguindanao province.

Accompanied by family, siblings and friends, Mayor Rasul Sangki of Ampatuan town presented himself to Chief Supt. Agripino Javier, police director for ARMM on Wednesday afternoon.

The two talked behind closed-doors for about an hour.

"I am not a drug lord," Rasul told reporters as he emerged from Javier's office.

"I strongly deny that I am a drug lord," Sangki said after his name has circulated in social media that he was into illegal drug trade.

"I believed it was politically motivated," Sangki said without revealing who circulated the information.

Sangki was one of the witnesses to the 2009 Maguindanao massacre.

Javier told reporters the town mayor has expressed willingness to personally appear anytime before Philippine National Police Dir. Gen. Ronald dela Rosa "to clear his name."

The police regional director also said Sangki was not in the PNP-ARMM drug watchlist but added he was not sure whether the mayor was in the list of Dela Rosa.

Meanwhile, Mayor Montasir Sabal of Talitay, Maguindanao, also denied he was a drug lord and maintains a shabu laboratory.

Police authorities in Sultan Kudarat earlier said Sabal was in his house in Barangay Kalawag, Isulan, Sultan Kudarat when the police conducted a raid last Saturday.

The raid led to the arrest of 16 persons and the recovery of PHP1.3 million worth of shabu, parahernalia and a blue book that contains the names and bank information of suspected shabu clients.

Sabal admitted though that most of the arrested suspects were relatives of his wife. "I am not in any way involved in illegal drugs since I became mayor," Sabal told reporters.

He admitted though that before he became mayor, he was into illegal drugs trade but decided to do away with it years ago.(PNA)

JMC/NYP/EOF