Marawi is country's 'bedrock of illegal drugs' — President Duterte

DAVAO CITY, May 31 – President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday described Marawi City, where firefight is ongoing between government forces and the

Maute terror group, as "the bedrock of shabu manufacturing" in the country.

Speaking during the 119th anniversary of the Philippine Navy at the Sasa Wharf here, the President lamented that terrorism activities in the Philippines are being funded and fueled by drug money. Duterte was the guest of honor during the 119th anniversary of the Philippine Navy and the commissioning of BRP Davao

del Sur.

He said Christians and Muslims who are into illegal drugs sought sanctuary among the terrorists for protection to ensure the success of their business.

He recalled warning people about the growing illegal drugs business in the country, and during the declaration of the state of lawlessness last year, the President said that "everything was being watched and raided in Central Mindanao."

”We lost at that time so many soldiers but apparently most of the Filipinos took it nonchalant,” he said.

He cited the arrested member of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Supt. Maria Cristina Nobleza, as "the one that helped illegal drugs trading in the country."

Nobleza was arrested in Bohol at the height of military operation against the Abu Sayyaf bandits last month there.

“She was not only in cahoots but she was an active player in the terrorism business,” the President said.

Now, the President said "the illegal drugs business has become a menace that even Manila was already flooded that the government has to put measures to stop it."

”Of course, it would cost lives. You cannot find a war, especially drugs, without losing your men and the enemy," he said.

He noted the government lost both soldiers and police officers in the fight against drugs.

In Marawi, he said the government suffered losses because “we are the invading force and they have been set up there for a long time waiting for the soldiers of the Republic to come.”

The President expressed hopes that in the fight against drugs and terrorism, the Philippine Navy will also live up to their duty of making the people feel more secure.

”Your efforts to fulfill your mandate to uphold peace and sovereignty in our territorial waters have been remarkable in the past years and today, you have once again reaffirmed your important role as you support the counter-terrorism efforts against the Maute group in Marawi City,” he said.

”I am confident that you will remain committed to your oath to safeguard our shores and shoals against all acts of terror and violence,” the President stressed.

(Lilian C. Mellejor/PNA)

Permits to carry firearms in Mindanao suspended

DAVAO CITY, May 28 – The permits to carry firearm outside the residence have been suspended owing to the implementation of martial law in Mindanao, a Philippine National Police (PNP) official here said Sunday.

Chief Inspector Andrea G. Dela Cerna 

Chief Inspector Andrea G. Dela Cerna, Police Regional Office (PRO-XI) spokesperson, said the suspension of permits to carry firearm is one of the “Do's and Don'ts" covering the declaration of military rule in the island.

Dela Cerna also reminded that the writ of habeas corpus is also suspended, especially on cases pertaining to rebellion or terrorism.

Dela Cerna also said the right to form public assembly, such as protest or rallies against the government, will be curtailed and the leaders or organizers of the groups will be arrested if caught making public nuisance.

"However, all police units are advised to strictly observe human rights in operations and should be in accordance with the standard police operational procedure," Dela Cerna said.

The official said the PRO-XI has been coordinating with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in all their operations.

Dela Cerna discouraged the public from traveling to avoid hassles brought by traffic due to the checkpoints conducted by the PNP and the AFP.

(Armando Fenequito Jr/PNA)

Iligan City conducts house-to-house census amid alleged terror threat

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, May 28 – State forces and government officials conducted a house-to-house inspection in Iligan City Sunday in response to alleged threat that the city would be razed to the ground by local terror groups.

City Mayor Celso Regencia ordered the local government unit, accompanied by the military and police, to conduct the census after the city received a report Saturday night that the Maute group would burn five villages in the city’s downtown district.

In a telephone interview Sunday morning, Iligan City spokesperson Joe Pantoja identified the objects of the alleged terror plot as the villages of Tubod, Hinaplanon, Luinab, Mahayahay and Del Carmen, all located in the city’s downtown area. Forty percent of the residents in these villages are Muslims.

He said that the census team was accompanied by village and city officials so that village residents could easily be identified.

“Those without proper identification would be held for questioning,” Pantoja said.

Actually, the house-to-house census would be conducted in all the 44 urban and rural villages in Iligan City, Pantoja said, adding that there was no cause for alarm because the census was done as a security measure.

“The city has adopted stricter measures by monitoring the movements of people from all walks of life to ensure the safety of the city residents,” Pantoja said.

He said that 50 vehicles had been released earlier after law enforcers found out that the passengers were heading to attend a convention on ”federalism” in Misamis Occidental.

Mayor Regencia appealed to Iligan City residents to cooperate with law enforcers on all security measures that the city might implement every now and then, Pantoja said.

He said that Iligan City was host to about 1,900 evacuees who fled from strife-torn Marawi, a predominantly Muslim city about 38 kilometers southwest of Iligan.

Clahes erupted Tuesday between government troops and the Maute Group and Abu Sayyaf in Marawi, prompting President Rodrigo Duterte to put Mindanao under martial law for 60 days.

(CD/PNA).

'Surgical' air strikes to eliminate Maute terrorists - AFP

 MANILA, May 27 — Victory through air power.

This is the ace the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is using in a bid to eliminate Maute terrorists from Marawi City, Lanao Del Sur at the fastest possible time and without causing collateral damage to civilians still in the area.

Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla, AFP spokesperson, said on Saturday that surgical air strikes was the best way to do this as the terrorists were hiding and holding out inside private homes, government buildings and other facilities.

"Their refusal to surrender is holding the city captive. Hence, it is now increasingly becoming necessary to use more surgical air strikes to clear the city and to bring this rebellion to a quicker end," he said in a text message to PNA.

And while not giving specific on what type of aircraft are being used for these operations, the AFP is known to operate MG-520 and AW-109 attack helicopters along with OV-10 and SF-260 light bombers in the region for counter-terror and anti-insurgency strikes.

"We desire to free Marawi City of these evil forces and make way for a peaceful Ramadhan for our citizens there who have supported our efforts. We appeal for everyones understanding as we take the necessary steps to accomplish our mission and prevent the lost of more innocent lives and damage to private and public property," Padilla said. (PRIAM F. NEPOMUCENO/PNA)

Urban warfare a challenge for soldiers in Marawi

ILIGAN CITY, May 27— As the fighting between members of a local terror group and the armed forces in Marawi City reaches its fifth day, a military official has admitted it might take some time before the area could be considered as fully neutralized.

Lieutenant General Eduardo Año, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, said government soldiers might have the upper hand but the area had proved to be difficult to penetrate.

“We are in total control of the whole area, but it has not been cleared of the terror group because of the urban terrain,” Año told reporters on the sidelines of the visit of President Rodrigo Duterte to the Philippine Army’s 2nd Mechanized Battalion headquarters in Barangay Maria Cristina late Friday afternoon.

Año has placed the number of the Maute Group occupying some structures and houses within Marawi’s downtown at less than a hundred, but the challenge is the insurgents’ position.

“We have to clear one step at a time, house to house, block by block,” he said, adding that the military operations will not be easy in an urban terrain as compared to the rural area.

He said the soldiers used simple tactic in operating in a rural setting which cannot be applied in a city battle. “Here (Marawi) all it takes is for an armed person to position himself inside a building… it would take time before it could be cleared.

To fast track the clearing operations of the military, Año said they had sent more soldiers to Marawi.

“We have enough troops, but we need additional reinforcement to speed up our clearing,” he said without divulging the actual number of soldiers deployed to Marawi.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said the situation in Marawi would be normalized before the expiration of the 60-day martial law declared by Duterte.

As of press time, civilians from Marawi continue to arrive at various evacuation sites in neighboring towns and in Iligan City.

In Saguiaran, Lanao del Sur, for instance, there are about 1,300 families staying in the town gymnasium, according to the information provided by the Provincial Crisis Management Committee.

The municipality of Ditsaan Ramain has some 2,737 households, and around 13,000 individuals seeking shelter in the public gymnasium.

In Iligan, there are about 2,000 evacuees at the temporary shelter in Barangay Buru-un, and more than a thousand in Barangay Maria Cristina. (Jigger J. Jerusalem/PNA)

Three NPA members surrender in Bukidnon

IMPASUGONG, Bukidnon, May 24 (PIA)— Another three members of the New People's Army (NPA) surrendered Monday to the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry “Dependable” Battalion (8thIB) at its headquarters here in Impasugong, Bukidnon.

Col. Antonio I. Bautista Jr, 8thIB Commander, said the NPA rebels—all operating in the province of Bukidnon—yielded in the morning of 22 May 2017 and laid down their assorted firearms including rounds of ammunitions.

“The Philippine Army’s peace-building works done on the ground through “Arm-to-Farm” program is a ‘plus’ measure in opening up space for the NPAs to surrender and appreciate the value of love for peace. Also, the NPAs are now growing tired of hanging on to the empty promises of their leaders,” he said.

Former rebels who surrendered few years ago also helped in facilitating the return of their comrades back to the folds of law by telling them the gains and benefits they are now enjoying after having availed of the government’s Comprehensive Local Integration Program.

Bautista emphasized that armed struggle will never be a solution to resolve issues nor will it be a way to achieve just and long lasting peace.

“By now, growing awareness spreads fast and NPA members now question the ideals of the organization. I urged the NPAs to surrender and lay down their arms because it is never too late to give peace a chance,” Bautista said. (Erwin P. Bugarin, CMO, 8IB, 4ID, PA /RLRB PIA10-Bukidnon)

President Duterte assures no abuses under martial law

MANILA, May 24 (PNA) — President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday assured the public that he will not allow abuses in the implementation of martial law in Mindanao amid concerns raised on the possibility of human rights abuses similar to those perpetrated during the Marcos era.

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte

The President made the assurance in a press briefing shortly upon arriving at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport from a shortened official visit to Russia.

“I will assure you I am not willing to allow abuses. Government is still running, the Congress is functioning, and the courts are open for citizens to seek grievance,” Duterte stressed.

He also assured the public that in all decisions and actions, the primordial concern is the safety and welfare of the people.

“It is our Constitutional mandate to enforce the law and provide security. It is our Constitutional duty to ensure that every family, every community, all Filipinos, are assured to live in peace and harmony. We will stay true to our mandate and duty, this I can assure everyone,” Duterte said.

The President cut short his visit to Moscow after declaring martial law in Mindanao following violent clashes between government troops and the Maute Group in Marawi City on Tuesday.

The clashes erupted after security forces troops raided the hideout of Isnilon Hapilon, an Abu Sayyaf leader who has been tagged as the head of the Islamic-inspired terror group in the Philippines.

Duterte said the series of terror acts committed by the Maute group, which included the taking over and burning of several government facilities, establishing checkpoints within the city and flying the ISIS flag, constituted the crime of rebellion.

The acts committed by the terrorist group also resulted in the loss of lives of government forces as well as the displacement of innocent civilians.

“These things government cannot allow. It is an open defiance and the violence, the atrocities continue. Government must put an end to this. I cannot gamble with ISIS because they are everywhere. And, you know what is happening or you must be very aware of what happened in the Middle East,” the President said.

With the declaration of martial law, the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus is likewise suspended in the entire Mindanao island, including the provinces of Basilan, Tawi-Tawi and Sulu.

“Checkpoints will be allowed; searches will be allowed; arrest without a warrant will be allowed in Mindanao. And I do not need to secure any search warrant or a warrant of arrest,” Duterte said.

However, the President said that law-abiding citizens have nothing to worry about the imposition of martial law.

“Remember that this is not intended for the law-abiding citizens. We are the least of your worry,” he said.

“But if you confront government, and my orders are one: to enforce the law. And anyone caught possessing a gun and confronting us with violence, my orders are shoot to kill,” he said.

“I said, I will not allow abuses. The courts are open. But anyone now holding a gun, confronting government with violence, my orders are spare no one. Let us solve the problem of Mindanao once and for all,” Duterte said.

The President likewise said that he may consider expanding the areas covered by martial law to include the Visayas.

“Government may consider the covered areas of Martial Law in the event that members of the Maute group and other ISIS affiliated terrorists seek sanctuary or expand their terroristic activities in the Visayas and Mindanao.” he said. (PNA)

President Duterte offers PHP14-M bounty for 7 cops linked to kidnapping, robbery, carnapping

MANILA, May 23 — President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has offered a PHP2-million reward for each of the seven policemen suspected involved in a kidnapping and robbery incident in Malabon City.

In a press conference in Camp Crame, Quezon City on Tuesday, Philippine National Police Counter-Intelligence Task Force (PNP-CITF) commander, Senior Supt. Jose "Chiquito" Malayo, announced that President Duterte, through PNP chief Director General Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa, has offered a PHP2-million reward for any information leading to the arrest "dead or alive" of the seven policemen suspected involved in the kidnapping and robbery extortion incident in Malabon City.

Dela Rosa is included in the official delegation of President Duterte's state visit in Russia from May 22-26, 2017.

The seven at-large suspects were identified as PO3 Luis Hizon, Jr.; PO2 Michael Huerto; PO2 Jovito Roque; PO2 Michael Angelo Solomon; and PO1 Ricky Lamsen, who are all members of the Malabon City police; SPO2 Jerry Dela Torre, of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG); and PO2 Bernardino Pacoma, of the Civil Security Group (CSG).

Their alleged co-horts, the four operatives of the Drug Enforcement Unit (DEU) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Malabon City were arrested on Monday for kidnapping and robbery.

The suspects were identified as SP02 Ricky Pelicano, P02 Wilson Sanchez, P01 Joselito Ereneo and P01 Frances Camua.

Malayo said the four arrested policemen were already charged before the Department of Justice (DOJ) with carnapping, robbery, kidnapping and planting of evidence.

The arrest of the four suspects arose from the complaint of the family of alias “Norma”, who was abducted by said police officers in Quezon City after she visited her boyfriend Raymond Bongabon at the Medium Security Compound of the New Bilibid Prisons (NBP) in Muntinlupa City.

Ten DEU operatives allegedly detained Norma and demanded PHP2 million which was later lowered to PHP1 million after negotiations in exchange for her liberty.

The group also allegedly instigated the complainant to transact with her Chinese contact for one kilo of shabu which was picked up in a hotel in Novaliches, Quezon City.

The DEU operatives then contacted Bongabon to produce the PHP1 million for the release of the victim.

However, the payoff did not push through and the suspects decided to file a case against the victim with the shabu presented as evidence. (PNA)#REALNUMBERS

13 Maute group members killed in ongoing clearing operations in Marawi City — AFP

MANILA, May 24 —- Ongoing clearing operations has so far resulted in the death of 13 Maute Group members, allied with Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon, who clashed with military units in Marawi City, Lanao Del Sur on Tuesday.

This was confirmed by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo in briefing Wednesday night.

Of the 13 Maute members killed by government troops, two bodies were recovered and being identified.

On the part of the military, Arevalo said five died in action and 31 were wounded as of this posting.

He said the AFP has already cleared the Amai Pakpak Hospital, Marawi City Hall and Mindanao State University compounds of Maute Group presence.

Arevalo said he has no specific information on the remaining areas still to be cleared.

He said that Western Mindanao Command chief, Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez, announced that it needs two to three days to completely clear Marawi City of snipers and improvised explosive devices placed by the lawless group.

"We need to be very cautious in dealing with such threats," he said.

Arevalo said the AFP has estimated the number of Maute Group members involved in the Marawi City incident between 50 to 80.

The clash between Maute Group members started around 2:00 p.m. Tuesday at Barangay Basak, Malutlut when government security forces learned of the presence of Hapilon and his cohorts.

Hapilon was reported severely wounded in the series of military operations in Lanao Del Sur in early January.

The former is reportedly the representative of the ISIS terror group in the Philippines. (PNA)

Martial law in Mindanao to be enforced in accordance with laws, human rights

.Exaggerated MANILA, May 24 —- The implementation of martial law in Mindanao will be done in accordance with existing laws and respect for human rights.

This was bared by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo during a briefing Wednesday when sought for a comment on President Rodrigo Duterte's declaration of martial law in wake of the ongoing fighting between government troops and Maute Group members.

"Declaration of martial law does not mean abuse of authority. We will do it in accordance with the existing law and respect for human rights," he said in Filipino.

Arevalo also clarified that Maute Group members, other terrorist elements, and their supporters and sympathizers are the target of the martial law and not law abiding citizens.

He added the declaration is part of government efforts to ensure that the terrorist groups will not succeed in their attempt to create havoc and terror.

However, Arevalo said that they are still waiting for specifics on what is allowed and not on the latest martial law announcement.

The clash between Maute Group members started 2 p.m. Tuesday at Barangay Basak, Malutlut when government security forces learned of the presence of Abu Sayyaf Isnilon Hapilon, who allied with the Maute Group, and his cohorts.

Hapilon was reported severely wounded in the series of military operations in Lanao Del Sur early this January.

The former is reportedly the representative of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria terror group in the Philippines.

This prompted military and police units to conduct a law enforcement operation but they were fired on first by the bandits,

"The security forces were fired upon constraining them to retaliate," Arevalo stressed.

Initial reports said that at least one soldier was killed and eight others wounded in this exchange.

"Follow up operations are still ongoing and we cannot reveal other details so as not to compromise operational security. Follow on forces are underway as we speak to further ensure that we will keep the grip of the situation," the AFP official added.

Arevalo also urged the public to refrain from posting in social media information that would tend exacerbate the situation especially photos and videos on the movements of our troops and on terrorist propaganda circulating through social media.

"We will continue to provide updates as often as possible with due regard to the security of our operating forces and the conduct of the operations itself," he added. (Priam F. Nepomuceno/PNA)

Martial law in Mindanao necessary to suppress lawless violence – Palace

MANILA, May 24 (PNA) — Malacañang on Wednesday said President Rodrigo Duterte placed the entire Mindanao island under martial law to suppress terrorist groups from wreaking further havoc in Southern Philippines.

“In order to suppress lawless violence and rebellion and for public safety, it is necessary to declare Martial Law in the entire island of Mindanao, including Sulu, Jolo and Tawi-Tawi for a period of 60 days,” Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said in a statement.

“The government is in full control of the situation and is fully aware that the Maute/ISIS and similar groups have the capability, though limited, to disturb the peace; these have shown no hesitation in causing havoc, taking innocent lives and destroying property,” Abella added.

Earlier, Malacañang said that foremost in President Duterte’s mind is the nation’s interest and asked for public calm and cooperation.

“Let us be clear that first and foremost, the President's priority is the nation's interest. He has full confidence in the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police’s management of the situation. We ask that the residents take all precaution, cooperate with authorities, and stay calm,” Abella said.

President Duterte declared the entire Mindanao island under martial law following clashes between government troops and members of the Maute group in Marawi City.

The development also prompted Duterte to cut short his official visit to Moscow and fly back home at the soonest.

The violence started Tuesday afternoon after the military conducted operations to flush out Isnilon Hapilon, a top terrorist suspect, from his hideout in Marawi City.

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said that two soldiers and one police officer were killed, while 12 others were wounded in the ongoing clashes.

Several facilities were also torched by the terror group including St. Mary’s Church, the city jail, the Ninoy Aquino School, and Dansalan College. (PNA)

Malacañang orders environment agency to review quarry permit of ZamSur province

ZAMBOANGA DEL SUR—In a consultative assembly, Salvador Hussey “Tisoy” Escarian II, Presidential Management Office Assistant Secretary for Lakambini MRRD Forward, requested the office of Environment Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Regional Office IX to stop the quarry operations of the provincial government since the operation is illegal.

In cooperation with the LAKAMBINI MRRD FORWARD and OFW on Muslim Concerns of the office of the President, Dumingag town organized the 1st Regional Multi Sectoral Grand Consultative Assembly last May 22, Monday, in this town.   

The occasion was attended by different sectors coming from municipalities of Zamboanga Del Sur and neighboring towns of Zamboanga Sibugay.

Asec, Salvador Hussey Escarian II give his speech

Edgardo Callanta of EMB-DENR admitted before the assembly that the quarry operation of the province is illegal and no approved papers from his office to operate quarrying in Labangan town or anywhere in the province of Zamboanga Del Sur.

Meanwhile mayor Eduardo Relacion of Labangan town (this province) suggested that the problem must be addressed as early as possible just to avoid the possibility of clashing with the provincial government.

“Hindi ko po  hayaan na umabot sa patayan ang problemang ito, kailangan ko ng early solution para walang dadanak na dugo,” said Relacion.

“Nais ko lang malaman sa opisina ng Environment Management Bureau o EMB  kung legal ba o illegal ang operation ng quarry ni Governor Cerilles,” he added.

 

Mayor Mark Pacalioga of Dumingag, Zambo Sur

Callanta said the municipal government has the right to arrests violators in their respective area.

Escarian said they are in the area as their mandate to bring Malacañan Palace at their doorstep.

“We are here to accept problems and project proposals from different sectors to have your voices,” Escarian added.

Meanwhile, Mayor Mark Pacalioga of Dumingag town (of the province of Zamboanga del Sur) said,  “Masaya kami dito  sa Dumingag na binigyan kami ng puwang ng ating Presidente at mapakinggan ang aming mga hinaing.”

It maybe recalled that municipal vice-mayor  Jun Pacalioga  received Jose Edgardo Campos Collaborative Award last March 6 – 7 from World Bank. The bank recognizes his outstanding contribution in the area of collaborative leadership and coalition building in developing the country.

 Pacalioga is a multi-awarded municipal mayor in his effort in promoting organic farming in his town.

Military ops in Marawi targeting ASG leader Hapilon

MANILA, May 23 — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) confirmed that the ongoing clash with military and Maute Group members in Marawi City, Lanao Del Sur is aimed at neutralizing Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon who was spotted along with an estimated 15 followers in the area Tuesday.

AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla made the statement when asked by the PNA for information on the fighting which reportedly started 2 p.m.

Around five government security troops were reported wounded in the fighting.

"Contrary to reports and rumors you are receiving, the AFP-PNP initiated this operation in Marawi. We received reliable info on Hapilon and a number of his cohorts. Updates to follow as the operation is still ongoing. Please do not believe propaganda from other groups, " he added.

Hapilon was reported severely wounded in the series of military operations in Lanao Del Sur early this January.

The former is reportedly the representative of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria terror group in the Philippines. (Priam F. Nepomuceno/PNA)

Pimentel assures 'uniquely Filipino' federalism model

MANILA, May 18 -- The proposed federalism model that may be adopted by the government will be customized to be “uniquely Filipino,” Senate Pres. Aquilino Pimentel III said Thursday.

Pimentel, president of the administration party Partido Demokratiko Pilipino Lakas ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) made this assurance anew noting that it draws lessons from other countries that are customized to the Philippines’ needs.

Senate Pres. Aquilino Pimentel III

He said that the PDP Laban studied 25 years of devolution under the Local Government Code, 20 years of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao and picked on the experiences of the United States, Germany, France, Russia, China, India, Indonesia, Brazil, Australia, Canada, Argentina, Malaysia, Japan, Africa, and many others.

Moreover, the foundational ideas of the model have been provided by by party founder, former Senate President Aquilino Pimentel Jr., and party chairman Pres. Rodrigo Duterte himself.

"What we propose is a model that draws lessons from these countries and customized to our needs and circumstances. A uniquely Filipino federalism model," Pimentel said in a statement.

He said that the model will have two constitutionally established orders of government -- federal government and the regional governments that would have some genuine autonomy from each other. However, each level of government is primarily accountable to its respective electorate.

"They have some genuine autonomy but not independence," the senate president said noting that there would still be one constitution, flag, national anthem, foreign policy, armed forces, national police force, public education system, central bank and monetary system.

He further explained that each level of government in the model would have a particular jurisdiction -- areas of public policy in which it alone has the final authority, unless it decides to share this jurisdiction with the other.

Economically, politically effective

Pimentel said that the model is also meant to create a more economically and politically effective administrative structure based on eleven regions, each with its own regional governments.

These are the regional governments of Northern Luzon (Regions 1, 2 and CAR), Metro Manila (National Capital Region), Southern Tagalog (Region 4-A), Bicol (Region 5), Mindoro-Romblon-Marinduque (Region 4-B), Western Visayas (Region 6), Central Eastern Visayas (Regions 7 and 8), Northern Mindanao (Regions 9, 10 and CARAGA), Southern Mindanao (Region 11 and 12) and the Bangsa Moro (ARMM).

The regional governments will be headed by a regional governor directly elected by the people in the region. He will have powers of supervision over provincial, city, and municipal executives.

In the division of powers, matters that concern the entire nation belong to the federal government while basic services to the people would be handled by the regional governments.

The senate president said that if the matter is a basic service then it should be a “shared power” between the federal and regional levels.

He further said that all residual or unclassified powers will be retained by the federal government but may also be delegated to the regional governments.

"We will pursue the principle that the budget will follow the division of powers," said Pimentel, pointing out that at present 83 percent of the total government expenditures are controlled by the national government and only 17 percent by the local governments.

He pointed out that this will change in favor of the regional governments since 60 percent would be controlled by the regional governments and only 40 percent by the federal government. (Azer N. Parrocha/PNA)

President Duterte: Don’t turn a blind eye on illegal drugs

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia, May 11 -- President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on Thursday, called on the leaders not to ignore the scourge of illegal drugs on the youth, noting that the younger generation should be empowered to be the best version of themselves.

During the Opening Plenary: ASEAN at 50 Years Young during the World Economic Forum (WEF) on ASEAN 2017, Duterte said the youth is certainly a key sector that we must invest in.

“The ASEAN Work Plan on Youth 2016-2020 encourages youth entrepreneurship, employment and employability, awareness, volunteerism, and resilience” he said in his remarks at The Ballroom of Sokha Hotel.

The Chief Executive, who is also the chairman of the ASEAN this year, said the plan deserves full support as ASEAN youth are “among the best and most creative, intelligent and innovative in the world.”

“We must empower them to be the best version of themselves,” the President said.

“But we cannot turn a blind eye on the scourge of illegal drugs that threatens our youth and the future of our societies,” he said.

According to Duterte, a committed stand should be taken to dismantle and destroy the illegal drugs trade apparatus.

He further noted that the commitment to realize a drug-free ASEAN community should be reaffirmed.

In the same speech, President Duterte said ASEAN is becoming a significant global player.

“It plays a key role in promoting peace and stability in the region. And it is an emerging economic powerhouse,” he said.

The President, however, noted that while the ASEAN’s achievement is celebrated, it should be recognized as well that more needs to be done for our people.

According to Duterte, among the challenges faced by the ten-member bloc are: integration and connectivity efforts have to be ramp up; technological changes impact on the work force as well as trade and investment, and capital flows; transnational crime threaten to undermine economic progress; and, development gaps threaten to hold us back from achieving the inclusive growth for our peoples.

He said the Philippines as this year's ASEAN Chair resolves to establish meaningful partnerships for positive change as we engage the larger world.

“The Philippines will do its part. ASEAN Member States will do their part as well. Join us and together let us be partners in an enduring engagement to bring positive change for our world and our region,” he said.

During the opening plenary, the Prime Minister of Cambodia Hun Sen, officially declared the opening of the regional forum.

Prime Minister of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith, and Prime Minister of Vietnam Nguyễn Xuân Phúc also delivered their remarks during the session.

The theme for this WEF, which is hosted by Cambodia for the first time, is: “Youth, Technology, and Growth: Securing ASEAN’s Digital and Demographic Dividends.”