2 Military and 1 Civilian personnel in WesMinCom found positive in drug testing

By Jong Cadion

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (July 29) – Two military and one civilian personnel of the Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom)  were found positive for use of illegal drugs during the conduct of mandatory drug test on June 28to supports the anti-drug campaign of the Commander in Chief President Rodrigo Duterte, Military Officials said.

WesMinCom Information Officer Major Filemon Tan said the drug test initiated by the WesMinCom to the 373 military officers and enlisted men to include civilian personnel through the Task Force Moses from AFP GHQ, Camp Aguinaldo.

Major tan disclosed the testing was done in Camp Navarro gymnasium and those found positive will undergo a confirmatory test at a testing center duly accredited by the Department of Health.

Major Tan added that WesMinCom Commander Lt. Gen Mayoralgo M. Dela Cruz in his directives emphasized that soldiers who are drug addicts / users have no place in the AFP.

He added that those found guilty will be discharged from the service without ifs and buts. “Our organization must be clean from drug abuse so that our soldiers can carry out their tasks effectively. With drug abuse, soldiers will lose focus and in the end, will be tempted to do illegal activities that will compromise operations and the safety of his fellow soldiers. Drug addicts have no place in the Western Mindanao Command” the WesMinCom Chief said.(posted by Becky D. de Asis/the redline news)

Statement of the GPH Peace Panel Chair Secretary Silvestre Bello III on the recent NPA Ambush of Government troops in Davao del Norte

GPH Panel Chair Secretary Silvestre Bello III expressed sadness over the ambush yesterday of government troops by members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Sitio Patil, Barangay Gupitan, Davao del Norte.

“It is disheartening that the NPA failed to respect the unilateral ceasefire declared by President Duterte last Monday during the SONA. Barely two days after this ceasefire declaration, the NPA ambushed yesterday government forces killing one CAFGU member and wounding four others in Davao del Norte”.

Sec. Bello said that he confronted NDF Panel member Fidel Agcaoili on this tragic incident and he was informed that as far as he knows, the NPA is on active defense mode since July 26 as announced by Ka Oris.  He, however, promised Sec. Bello to look into the matter. The GPH Panel Chair said that government will await the results of NDF’s verification on the matter.  

Agcaoli further said that, just like PRRD, the NDFP is committed to resume the peace negotiations to address the roots of the armed conflict towards a just and lasting peace as reiterated in the 15 June 2016 Oslo Joint Statement that affirms all past agreements.

“I strongly reiterate the call of President Duterte to the CPP/NPA/NDF to reciprocate government’s ceasefire declaration in order to immediately stop violence on the ground, protect our communities from conflict, and provide an enabling environment for the resumption of formal peace negotiations”. 

Sec. Bello made this appeal and stressed that as both sides continue to undertake preparations for the re-starting of formal talks on August 20-27 in Oslo, it is best that the government’s ceasefire is reciprocated unconditionally by the NDF to build trust and confidence on the peace process and more importantly bring peace in our communities for the good of the people.(posted by becky deasis/the redline news/ oppap pr)

Drug queen nabbed in Lanao

Cagayan de Oro City —The Philippines Drug Enforcement Agency here arrested former mayor of Maguing, Lanao del Sur Johaira Mabuat Abinal known as " Marimar" and " Mayora" for illegal drug trading.

 President Duterte mentioned earlier  the major drug suppliers in Mindanao.

 PDEA Director General Isidro Lapena had mentioned  also  the former mayor of Maguing now on President’s list of high-valued target in Mindanao.

The Mindanao "drug queen" arrested last Saturday in her residence at Barangay Kauswagan along with other personalities such as Kate Abinal, Noraisa Sarip, Mark Gerald Sindac, Moamar Taher, Manot Dotoan, and Hashim Tambidan.

Operatives seized from the suspects at least 200 grams of suspected shabu with estimated market value of P400,000.00 and 2 caliber pistols and drug paraphernalia. Marimar denied the accusation that against her, saying, she is not on President's drugs lists. (by: Becky D. de Asis/the red line news)

Oplan Tokhang and Double barrel in ZamboPen actively implemented - Police Chief Superintendent Billy Beltran

Zamboanga City  - The PNP elements of Siay Municipal Police Station led by Police Inspector Allan  Arenal Alcantara ,DCOP, conducted buy-bust operation on Lambat-Sibat Campaign  and oplan tokhang Against Illegal Drugs at Purok 2, Along National Road Of Brgy. Poblacion, Siay,ZamboangaSibugay at about 12:20 o’clock in the afternoon of July 28, 2016,  that resulted to the arrest of one Jennifer Paalisbo Y Lesaran”, 40 years old, married, and a resident ofPurok 1, Brgy. Dacanay, Siay, Zamboanga Sibugay.

Recovered during the operation were the following; one (1) medium size heat sealed transparent plastic containing white crystalline granules believed to be “shabu”, one (1) small size heat sealed transparent plastic containing white crystalline granules believed to be “shabu”, and two one (1) hundred peso bills bearing serial numbers BM818358 and DC656145 marked money.

The said subject was properly apprised of her constitutional rights (miranda doctrine and anti-torture law) and now detained at Siay Municipal Police Station for appropriate charges while the recovered items were properly documented, photographed and brought to Siay MPS for proper disposition and exhibits

Meanwhile. The Barangay Tanod Bayani Husin called up Zamboanga City Police Station 10 (Labuan) seeking for police assistance for alleged trouble in progress at SitioBalicacas ,BrgyPatalon this city at about 9:40AM of July 28, 2016.

Upon receiving the call,  immediately elements of PS10 (Labuan) headed by Police Inspector Ferdinand Q. Eijan Santos proceeded to the place of incident which resulted to the apprehension of one Midzar Mohammad Laibul aka "metmet", 27,married of Purok 5, Labuan this city. 

There and then a body search was made to the subject person for possible concealed deadly weapon and was able to confiscate from his possession and control the following:  one bladed weapon more or less nine inches long, one small transparent plastic sachet containing white crystalline substance residue believed to be shabu and one piece of folded aluminum foil.

Thereafter, subject person was conducted to said station and currently detained  and awaiting  for filing of appropriate charges in court.

Another drug incidents occurred  in Zamboanga City Police Station 10 (Labuan)  led by Police Chief Inspector  Raymond Sanson , conducted buy-bust operation against illegal drugs at brgy Sinubong this city at about 3:30PM of July 28, 2016, which resulted  the arrest of one  Hamid Butlangan Uddoh 48 years old, Married

of Malandi Patalon this city.

Recovered from his possession and control were one piece of small size heat sealed transparent plastic sachet containing white crystalline substance believed to be shabu (Buy-bust item) , one (1) piece medium heat sealed transparent plastic sachet containing white crystalline substance believed to be shabu (possession), Three (3) pieces of 100 peso bill marked money with serial no. BY091521, WS477489 and N725641 respectively and  one (1) piece 50 peso bill with serial number WV4111410.

The subjects presently detained at Police Station10 (Labuan) awaiting for filing of an appropriate charges in court.

Police Chief Superintendent Billy Beltran said,  the  reported incident's with regards to arrests individuals involving drugs in the whole region 9, resulted the massive implementation of the police to response the mandate of Pres. Rodrigo Duterte to eliminate drugs as soon as possible. (Becky D. de Asis/the redline news with reports by RPIO-9)

1,074 PNP PRO 10 personnel promote – Police Chief Superintendent Noel Constantino

Cagayan de Oro City - Police Chief Superintendent Noel G Constantino, Acting Regional Director of Police Regional Office 10 (PRO10) administered the mass oath-taking and donning of ranks of the newly-promoted police personnel here.

The 1,074 promoted personnel, 88 were Police Commissioned Officers (PCOs) and 986 were Police Non-Commissioned Officers (PNCOs) assigned in different police units of Region 10.

In his message, Police Chief Superindented Constantino  congratulate the successful personnel  for job well done and  to emphasized that their promotion does not only implies more authority but be responsible  as people’s protector  and the for greater responsibility that needs more responsive career development to adequately to  meet the demands of the  higher positions appropriate of  their  ranks.

Among of them promoted are to wi:  Police Chief  Inspector Malvin Loquente, Inspector Roland Donor , Police Inspector Dennis Tano, Police Inspector Jonathan Fabre and more police perssonnel. (by: Becky D. De Asis With reports/Mike Navarro/the resline news)

Young Pinoys Aim to Champion Youth Participation by Registering or the SK Elections

With barely a couple of days left before the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) and Barangay Elections registration period end, the National Youth Commission (NYC) urges the Filipino youth to grab this opportunity to participate in local governance.

“As of July 23, approximately 600,000 Filipino youth have filed their application registration. This challenges us to intensify our efforts to push for greater turn-outs on the number of registrants for the Barangay and SK polls,” said NYC-OIC Chairperson Earl Saavedra.

In a post made by Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Chairperson Andres Bautista, it is reported that the commission received 1.18 million applicants for registration-inclusive of about 599,000 SK registration applicants as of July 23.

“Although we expect that majority of registrants will try to beat the deadline, we encourage everyone to take advantage of the relatively shorter lines by registering earlier. More than the convenience of not having to endure queues, we urge young people to take part in the voting process for the SK as it establishes the youth sector’s ownership of the platform, one which we intend to champion in response to youth participation,” added Saavedra.

Based on COMELEC Resolution No. 10148, the window for this year’s registration will last only for 15 days.

The Sk Reform Law institutionalized improvements long sought for from its previous set-up. One of the most significant changes is the inclusion of the Anti-Politicl Dynasty provision which will disallow SK candidates from running for office when they have relatives up to the 2^nd degree of consanguinity who are also incumbent elected officials both in the local and national levels.

“This SK Reform Law signals the re-birth of the new SK. We must not miss out on the chance to build and participate in something meaningful and vital. Let us march along those who wish to see genuine changes in our society by putting the youth in the forefront of nation-building. The time for the Sangguniang Kabataan is now,” stated Saavedra. (with report by Becky D. de Asis/the redline news)

2- shabu pusher's arrested during oplan tokhang and double barrel in Zambopen

Zamboanga City - at Barangay Mandi, Sindangan, Zamboanga Del Norte, MAIDSOTF of Sindangan MPS led by Police Inspector Antonio B. Tapales conducted buy bust operation against the noted drug pusher identified as Felebert Ponso Magsayo alias Langga, 36 years old, married and a resident of Barangay Disud, Sindangan, Zamboanga Del Norte.

However suspect noticed the presence of PO2 Jessy Ray Adipen, who acted as poseur buyer and fired upon the operating team that resulted to shootout. 

Suspect was immediately brought to Sindangan District Hospital by the operating team for medical treatment but pronounce dead on arrival by the attending physician.

 Recovered from the crime scene were the following: one (1) unit caliber 38 revolver with two (2) live ammunitions and three (3) fired cartridge case, three (3) pieces fired cartridge case of caliber 9mm, one (1) piece fragmented bullet jacket, one (1) piece fired bullet and one (1) unit red Honda XRM motorcycle bearing plate number JA 11926 while recovered from the suspect were one (1) piece green lighter, one (1) piece five hundred peso bill with signature (marked money) bearing serial number nr404 726 and one (1) marlboro cigarette pack containing five (5) heat sealed transparent plastic sachets of white crystalline substance believed to be shabu.

 Follow-up investigation is being conducted by Sindangan MPS and pclo9 while the cadaver of the suspect was turned-over to his brother named Bernabe Ponso Magsayo for proper disposition.

Meanwhile, the elements also of ZCPS5 (Divisoria) led by Police Inspector Daniel Taub while conducting checkpoint at Cadena De Amor, Guiwan, Zamboanga City intercepted one motorcycle color blue with plate number JA 43391 driven by a 17 years old, male, single and a resident of Gutierrez Drive, Tumaga Porcentro, Zamboanga City for violation of driving without helmet, excessive noise and no PDL and further recovered from the suspect possession two (2) plastic sachets of suspected shabu and  cash money amounting to sixteen thousand five thousand forty pesos. 

Arrested person was brought to zcps5 (Divisoria) for proper disposition while recovered suspected shabu were turned over to RCLO-9 for laboratory examination.

122 drug pusher's, user's in Maluso arrested - 25 grams of shabu recovered

Isabela, Basilan - Police Chief Inspector Achmad Alibonga of Maluso Police Station said  that  the operation of oplan tokhang and double barrel as mandated by the elected President Rodrigo R. Duterte is fully implemented by his municipality.

He reported that he conducted  several buy-bust operation which resulted the arrest of Raser Ismulani and Anding Said both legal age. Recovered from the suspects, 25 grams of shabu with street value of P120 Thousand Pesos and shabu paraphernalia.

Alibonga said that since oplan tokhang and double barrel started, the police arrested 25 pushers and 97 users. He added, that his men  conducted several house visiting  and buy-bust operation in-order to response the government's program to eliminate drugs in the country, said Alibonga.

Meanwhile, the 122 drug pusher's and usher's was turn-over by the police to Municipal Mayor Hanie Bud of Maluso last July 25.(with report by Becky D. de Asis)

Shooting Incidents increases in Zamboanga Peninsula

Zamboanga City - The Regional Police Office -9 reported that on July 26,2016 at Barangay
Malambuhangin, Siocon, Zamboanga Del Norte, one Ronald Remasoc Ortega, 25 years old, married, fisherman and a resident of zone 1, Barangay Victoria, Sangali, Zamboanga City was shot and wounded by unidentified persons with the use of undetermined type of firearms. 

The Victim sustained one gunshot wound on his right buttocks and was brought to nearest hospital for medical treatment.

Investiagtion conducted that victim and his other companion fishing at said place when suddenly suspects on board on a pump-boat appeared and shot them.Suspects immediately fled toward unknown direction after the incident.

Meanwhile, in  Purok Mauswagon, Barangay Blancia, Molave, Zamboanga Del Sur, one Cyril Tapinit Masayon, 24 years old, male, married, habal-habal driver and a resident of purok saging-saging, Barangay Culo, Molave, Zamboanga Del Sur was shot to death by two unidentified persons with the use of caliber .45 pistol based on recovered one live ammunition recovered at the crime scene.

Victim sustained one gunshot wound on his body that resulted to his instantaneous death. Investigation conducted disclosed that victim was having a fistfight against the suspect when one of the suspects shot the victim.

Suspect carted away one motorcycle XRM color black and wallet containing money and pertinent document owned by the victim then fled after the incident toward the direction of municipality of Tambulig, Zamboanga Del Sur.

Another shooting incidents  occured at Purok Gawasnon, Brgy. Begong, Tigbao, Zamboanga Del Sur, one Sonny Boy Morales Jumawid, 37 years old, married and a resident of Purok Enriquez, Barangay Begong, Tigbao, Zamboanga Del Sur was shot to death by two riding criminals with the use of caliber .45 pistol based on two (2) spent shells recovered at the crime scene. Victim sustained two gunshot wounds on his head that resulted to his instantaneous death. 

Investigation conducted  that victim was fetched two (2) student passengers when suspects appeared on board a motorcycle kymco “pony and shot the victim then fled toward unknown direction.

Follow-up investigation is now conducted by all  respective Municipal Police Stations  for possible identity and arrests of all  suspects  to determine the motive of the  incident. (with report by PRO-9) 

Duterte declares unilateral ceasefire with communist rebels

PASIG CITY—President Rodrigo R. Duterte announced on Monday, July 25, a unilateral ceasefire with the communist rebels to be effective immediately. 

“To immediately stop violence on the ground, restore peace in the communities, and provide enabling environment conducive to the resumption of the peace talks, I am now announcing a unilateral ceasefire with the CPP/NPA/NDF [Communist Party of the Philippines/New People’s Army/National Democratic Front] effective immediately,” said President Duterte during his first State of the Nation Address (SONA) held in Batasang Pambansa in Quezon City.

The President urged the communist rebels “to end these decades of ambuscades and skirmishes” describing them to be “getting bloodier by the day.”

“Let me make this appeal to you, if we cannot accept, love one another, then in God's name, let us not hate each other too much,” he added.

Still firm on his principle of inclusivity, President Duterte also appealed to our Moro brothers and sisters, alongside the communist rebels, to stop the fighting and help realize their shared desire for peace.

Ready to reciprocate

The President during his SONA also asked the “NDF and its forces [the NPAs] to respond accordingly” to his call.

In a letter addressed to Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III, chair of the government peace panel negotiating with the NDF, sent immediately after the President’s SONA, NDF peace panel chair Luis Jalandoni welcomed the President’s announcement of the unilateral ceasefire and declared the NDFP’s own readiness to reciprocate as soon as they receive the full text of the ceasefire declaration.

The communist group also gave the assurance that “NDFP shared with President Duterte the determination to work for a just and lasting peace” in the country.

Jalandoni also looked forward to the resumption of the formal talks in August where both panels are expected to “exchange ceasefire declarations in order to discuss and agree further on how to make them effective.”

Road to peace 

Earlier, President Duterte approved the peace roadmap for the country, which included the resumption of peace negotiations with the said communist group.

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus G. Dureza explained that the parties are looking at August 20 for the resumption of the formal round of negotiations in Oslo, Norway. The Royal Norwegian Government will continue serving as talks’ third party facilitator.

At the same time, the President directed the Secretary of Justice and the Secretary of Foreign Affairs “to do everything within its power and authority”  to effect the temporary release and travel of some CPP/NPA/NDF personalities who will participate in the Oslo talks pursuant to the previously signed Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees or JASIG.

Leading the government negotiating panel is Secretary Bello, with panel members former Agrarian Reform Secretary Hernani Braganza; former Commission on Elections Commissioner Rene Sarmiento; and lawyers Noel Felongco, and Angela Librado. 

Prior to his formal assumption in office, Duterte sent a team composed of Dureza, Bello, and Braganza to hold preliminary meetings with the NDF panel to discuss the reopening of the peace talks and its agenda. ###

PHOTO RELEASE

​​GPH PEACE PANEL. Government peace panel for the talks with the NDFP takes oath in front of President Rodrigo Duterte (center) on Monday, July 18, in Malacañan Palace. The members of the panel are (from right): Angela Librado, Noel Felongco, Rene Sarmiento, and Hernani Braganza. Witnessing the oath are (from left): Senate President Koko Pimintel; Speaker of the House of Representatives Pantaleon Alvarez; Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza; and Labor Secretary and GPH panel chair Silvestre Bello III.

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Laugh out loud for the new and progressive Tawi-Tawi soon.....

Governor Rashidin Matba of Tawi-tawi together with former congressman Nur Jaafar of the same province took about the possible development of the province that could help the people and make the Tawi-Tawi a progressive province of the Autonomous Region in Muslim MIndanao. (photo by: Becky D. de Asis)

1k drug users, pushers arrested in Tawi-Tawi

BY: Becky D. de Asis

TAWI-TAWI – Since the Oplan Tokhang and double barrel  started the provincial police office of this province has arrested at least 1,293 individuals using and trading drugs amidst the implementation of the program, police said.

Police Senior Superintendent Elizalde C. Quiboyen, PNP provincial director, told reporters that his office has started conducting massive operation in the different island municipalities by arresting drug users, pushers and even drug lords by hook or by crook.

They arrested 265  pushers and 1,028 drug users since July 1, said Quiboyen. “Our policemen are always ready to arrest reported drugs personalities to comply to the implement of the government’s (mandates on drug),” he added.

Meanwhile, in the recent reports that on July 23 in coordination with PDEA9, elements of  MAIDSOTG of Bongao, MPS, RPSB, PPSC and PAIDSOTG conducted a buy bust operation at barangay Simandagit of the said municipality resulted the death of two unidentified persons.

Recovered from the suspects were one 38 revolver with three spent shell, one live bullet and one 22 cal. revolver with one spent shell and 3 live bullets.

Also recovered were one heat sealed transparent plastic sachet with white crystalline substance suspected to be  shabu with an approximate weight of 4.049 grams and one unit Kawasaki motorcycle color white with side car.

Quiboyen said, the police is now working on the identification of the two suspects. (by: Becky D. de Asis/theredlinenews)

Gains of Cordillera peace process key to region’s bid for autonomy

BAGUIO CITY – During the event of the 29th founding anniversary of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus G. Dureza underscored the importance of the strides of the peace process in pursuing the region’s aspiration for self-determination and autonomy.

In his speech before the Cordillera stakeholders read by OPAPP Director Susan Marcaida on Friday, July 15, Dureza lauded the peace process with the Cordillera Bodong Administration–Cordillera People’s Liberation Army (CBA-CPLA) as a “partnership that put an honourable end to the army that has once defended and upheld the rights of the generation that started the struggle for self-determination and autonomy”.

To date, the CPLA already ceased to exist as an army and is now registered as Cordillera Forum for Peace and Development, a socioeconomic organization, in the Securities and Exchange Commission.

CBA-CPLA started the call for self-determination and preservation of traditional lifeways of Cordillera in 1986.

In September 1987, the Philippine Government and the CBA-CPLA forged the Mt. Data Peace Accord or sipat (cessation of hostilities). It culminated with the signing of Memorandum on Agreement “Towards the Final Disposition of Arms and Forces of the CBA-CPLA and its Transformation into a Potent Socio-economic Unarmed Force” in July 2011.

At the same time, the peace adviser acknowledged all those who have contributed to the region’s peace history.

“The Cordillerans can be proud that you are the ones who first proved that the pursuit of an ideal is possible under a democratic political climate–that a legitimate grievance can be addressed without the need for arms and violent conflict,” he added.

“Cordillera has indeed come a long way, from being a collection of provinces separated into two political regions, to fighting the abuses of the Martial Law, to struggling within the tribal and ethno-linguistic differences that continuously divide communities, to dealing with the decisions of politicians which did not always address the needs of the people, and to finding its own place as one region united in distinct culture and lifeways, charting its own journey and destiny.”

Cordillera autonomy

Executive Order No. 220, s. 1987 signed on 15 July 1987 established the CAR as a preparatory step for an autonomous region. 

“Autonomy remains a legitimate advocacy of the region and its peoples,” Dureza stressed.

The peace adviser reiterated that the centrepiece of President Rodrigo Duterte’s agenda which is the shift from a unitary to a federal form of government, is relevant to the Cordillera’s aspiration for autonomy.

“Federalism mirrors the purpose of autonomy, which is to have greater local power and access to resources for the region. If the President’s campaign succeeds and the Filipino nation wills it, this change in system can effectively address what the Cordillerans have been advocating all along.”

Dureza appealed to the Cordillerans to study President Duterte’s proposal and convince their legislators on how the region can benefit from federalism, and participate in the process. 

“We are in a new administration and hopes are high that the change we have been waiting for has finally arrived. I will, however, add that for change to be substantial and enduring it requires the collective effort of all,” Dureza emphasized. ###

Director Susan Marcaida of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) delivers the message of Secretary Jesus G. Dureza for the 29th founding anniversary of the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR). In his message, Secretary Dureza stressed on the importance of the accomplishments of Cordillera peace process in pursuing the region's bid for autonomy.

Director Susan Marcaida (center) of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process receives pasiking, which contains indigenous clothes from six Cordillera provinces, from Baguio City Mayor Mauricio Domogan (rightmost) and other Cordillera regional officers. Marcaida represented Secretary Jesus G. Dureza on the 29th Cordillera Day founding anniversary in Baguio City.

SK LOGO UNDERGOES FACELIFT

To completely advocate for the changes in the reformed Sangguniang Kabataan, the National Youth Commission approved Policy Resolution No. 4, adopting a new logo design for the SK that exudes freshness, rebirth and youthfulness.

The new SK logo was not just designed to be aesthetically appealing, but more so with a deeper sense. 

In the new SK logo, the positioning of the letters ‘S’ and ‘K’ is tilted exactly 10 degrees which denotes the ten (10) key positions in SK namely: one (1) elected Chairperson, seven (7) elected SK Kagawad, one (1) appointed Secretary, and appointed Treasurer per barangay respectively.

The letters rise to the right to signify a youth council which is more ready to step up and seize the opportunity to lead and be heard. The letters also goes beyond the circle, which denotes the call for Filipino leadership identity, which mandates the SK officials to be the persons in authority leading efforts on nation-building and empowerment.

The soft and shallow curved lines of ‘S’ and ‘K’ depict youthfulness, familiarity and sense of relaxation that summarizes the flexibility of the new generation of Filipino youth leaders.Also, the colors were patterned on the colors of the Philippine Flag by virtue RA 8491 or commonly known as “Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines”.

“This new SK logo signifies not just the rebranded SK but also the government’s commitment to revitalize the SK and to achieve the transformation for better governance and a new brand of leadership,” NYC OIC Chairperson Earl P. Saavedra said.

“The new SK logo is part of the Commission’s commitment to present the reformed SK as fresh, enhanced and well-established.

The overall make-over of the SK logo will also inhibit the negative impression of youth based on the previous SK. Now, it was not just the law that has been reformed but also its logo, signifying its changes and difference with the previous SK.” NYC Commissioner JP Peñol said.

The rebranding of SK’s “new face” was a collaborative effort by the National Youth Commission, Office of Senator Bam Aquino, and Youth Vote Philippines.

The said logo is set to be formally launched next month in line with the celebration of “Linggo ng Kabataan”.

GPH seeks re-sked of NDF peace talks to August

MANILA—Government peace negotiators will ask the National Democratic Front (NDF) to re-schedule the resumption of formal peace negotiation from last week of July to third week of August this year to ensure that all technical details related to the talks are addressed by both parties.

"The government peace panel has decided to re-schedule the resumption of formal peace negotiations with the NDF. We will request for a new date, possibly August 20 to 27 this year," said panel chairman and Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III.

"This is to ensure that all technical details related to the formal resumption in Oslo are attended to and addressed by both parties. We want to lay a more formidable and durable foundation for the peace talks, particularly with regard the mechanics that would govern a nationwide ceasefire and the release of political prisoners," Bello said.

Bello noted that members of the government peace panel were sworn into office only last Monday (July 18). The panel includes former Agrarian Secretary Hernani Braganza; former Elections Commissioner Atty. Rene Sarmiento; former Davao City Councilor Atty. Angela Librado-Trinidad; and Atty. Noel Felongco, former chair of the National Council on Indigenous People.

According to Braganza, their formal appointment will allow panel members to conduct official consultation meetings with other government offices tasked to lend "legal and expert" assistance to peace negotiations with communist guerrillas.

"We had been working in the background, even before our appointment, to fast-track the process of consultation for the resumption of the peace talks. Now, we can meet formally with other government officials to ensure that the talks will proceed smoothly," Braganza explained.

Both the GPH (Government of the Philippines) and the NDF panels were expected to resume formal peace negotiations in Oslo on July 27, two days after the President's State-of-the-Nation Address (SONA).

The peace negotiations will be hosted by the Royal Norwegian Government, which acts as third party facilitator for the talks.

Even before President Duterte formally assumed office, he already sent Dureza, Bello and Braganza to Oslo last June 13 for an informal meet and preliminary talks with the NDF peace panel.

The talks yielded a discussion framework for the formal resumption of peace negotiations, the agenda of which will include five major points:

* Affirmation of previously-signed agreements

* Accelerated process for negotiations, including the timeline for the completion of the remaining substantive agenda for the talks: socio-economic reforms; political and economic reforms; and end of hostilities and disposition of forces

* Reconstitution of the Joint Agreement on Security and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG) list

* Amnesty Proclamation for the release of all detained political prisoners, subject to concurrence by Congress

* Mode of interim ceasefire

"Secretary (Jesus) Dureza, (the Presidential Adviser to the Peace Process), had instructed us to hammer out all the details so that the formal resumption will yield the best results, with the end in view of fast-tracking the negotiations," Braganza said.

"We do not expect stumbling blocks for the resumption as it is very clear that there will be no pre-conditions from both parties," he added.

He stressed that the re-scheduling of the resumption will not dampen the unprecedented enthusiasm shown by both sides to finally forge an agreement that would end nearly five decades of armed conflict. 

"Both parties are upbeat and optimistic because this will be the first time that the talks have been front loaded by an incoming administration in its agenda, as well as the pronounced sincerity of President Rodrigo Duterte to address the concerns of our brothers in the CPP, NDF and NPA," Braganza said.

"The government likens this stage to a house that President Duterte wants to be built. Let the foundations be sturdy enough that it could withstand any disaster or threat to their stability. So that when we go to Oslo, both parties will just need to add the windows and doors to lasting peace and genuine progress," he added. ###

1k drug users, pushers arrested in Tawi-Tawi

by: Becky D. de Asis

TAWI-TAWI – Since the Oplan Tokhang and double barrel  started the provincial police office of this province has arrested at least 1,293 individuals using and trading drugs amidst the implementation of the program, police said.

Police Senior Superintendent Elizalde C. Quiboyen, PNP provincial director, told reporters that his office has started conducting massive operation in the different island municipalities by arresting drug users, pushers and even drug lords by hook or by crook.

They arrested 265  pushers and 1,028 drug users since July 1, said Quiboyen. “Our policemen are always ready to arrest reported drugs personalities to comply to the implement of the government’s (mandates on drug),” he added.

Meanwhile, in the recent reports that on July 23 in coordination with PDEA9, elements of  MAIDSOTG of Bongao, MPS, RPSB, PPSC and PAIDSOTG conducted a buy bust operation at barangay Simandagit of the said municipality resulted the death of two unidentified persons.

Recovered from the suspects were one 38 revolver with three spent shell, one live bullet and one 22 cal. revolver with one spent shell and 3 live bullets.

Also recovered were one heat sealed transparent plastic sachet with white crystalline substance suspected to be  shabu with an approximate weight of 4.049 grams and one unit Kawasaki motorcycle color white with side car.

Quiboyen said, the police is now working on the identification of the two suspects.(by: Becky D. de Asis)

Duterte cites potentials of Moro areas for peace, progress

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