Press Statement of Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. on the Arrival of BRP Gregorio Del Pilar
The acquisition of BRP Gregorio Del Pilar represents a significant step forward in our efforts to improve our Navy’s capacity to patrol and secure our waters. As the President said in his State of the Nation Address, the resources within our territory belong to Filipinos, and the modernization of our armed forces is part of measures to ensure that our people are protected, our security is augmented and our sovereignty is respected.
As shown by the young general after whom our new ship is named, the patriotism, selflessness and bravery of the Filipino soldier is second to none. However, due to our country's limited resources, our armed forces have had to fight for the security of our country with inadequate weapons and equipment.
The Cabinet Cluster on Security, which I chair, is currently spearheading reforms in our armed forces that seek to address this concern. Under the stewardship of Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, the Department of National Defense will ensure that the financial resources allotted for the military will be used wisely and judiciously and will go where they are intended to go: better weapons and modern equipment for our men and women in uniform.(PCOO)
The acquisition of BRP Gregorio Del Pilar represents a significant step forward in our efforts to improve our Navy’s capacity to patrol and secure our waters. As the President said in his State of the Nation Address, the resources within our territory belong to Filipinos, and the modernization of our armed forces is part of measures to ensure that our people are protected, our security is augmented and our sovereignty is respected.
As shown by the young general after whom our new ship is named, the patriotism, selflessness and bravery of the Filipino soldier is second to none. However, due to our country's limited resources, our armed forces have had to fight for the security of our country with inadequate weapons and equipment.
The Cabinet Cluster on Security, which I chair, is currently spearheading reforms in our armed forces that seek to address this concern. Under the stewardship of Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, the Department of National Defense will ensure that the financial resources allotted for the military will be used wisely and judiciously and will go where they are intended to go: better weapons and modern equipment for our men and women in uniform.(PCOO)
Aquino cites need for PTV-4 to give Filipinos a public service network
President Benigno S. Aquino III wants the new People’s Television Network 4 (PTV-4) to offer distinct and unique programs aimed at improving the lives of the Filipinos, a Palace official said on Monday.
In an ambush interview in Malacanang, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio B. Coloma Jr. said on Monday that President Aquino wants to give the people “a public service network.”
“He wants to know how we can offer distinct and unique programs that are different from what are being offered now. Because if we will just copy or we’ll just mimic what the commercial networks are offering, then that would not serve the objective of a government public service network,” Coloma said.
The President met with Coloma and other officials who presented “the reformatted PTV 4 news and non-news program flow” in Malacanang.
Coloma said the President made several suggestions for the revitalization of the PTV-4 during the said meeting. “He has very concrete suggestions on what we can present differently and better so that the network can have its own unique identity,” he said.
“For the reformatted PTV-4, we would like to make it a good public service network that will be a source for reliable, timely information that is useful to the people. In other words, the concept of communication being a channel for development and for improving the lives of our people,” he added.
“We have to be able to offer unique value. We have to be able to address certain niches that the private networks may not be addressing directly,” Coloma said.
“The channel could conduct teacher trading through educational programs and supplement the learning that children in school get by offering good educational programs. And, of course, we can also promote Filipino culture, like we can promote indie music and indie movies,” he said.
Coloma also said the President expressed his readiness to appear in the programs of the PTV- 4.
Coloma acknowledged that one of the biggest challenges is how to generate revenues. “Our biggest challenge is to be able to offer value-laden programs that people will be willing to invest in. So that is what we’re working on. Our concept is we would not want it to be dependent on government appropriation that’s why, the challenge is for the network to be able to generate revenues and we can only generate revenues if we have programs that have a credible value proposition.”
Coloma likewise underscored the need to improve the technical capability of the station adding that it’s also part of the entire revitalization concept.
According to Coloma, the President’s instructions to the group which included Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa and Presidential Communications and Operations Office officials led by Coloma, Undersecretary George Syliangco, and Assistant Secretary Lesley Cordero was to develop concrete proposals to ensure “that we deliver effective programming that centers on disseminating government information and services to the public.”
The President also instructed the group to prepare the proposed amendments to the PTV law for submission to the Legislative and Executive Development Council (LEDAC).
“The purpose of the bill is really to recapitalize because the original capital of one billion pesos was already depleted. And number two, to amend the provision that limited the ability of the network to generate commercial revenues which was only for the first 10 years of its existence. So only from 1992 to 2001 and because of that, and the fact that the network is not getting any official government appropriation—it’s not included in the General Appropriations Act—the network had great difficulty getting enough resources for programming,” Coloma concluded.(PCOO)
Aquino says acquisition of new patrol ship depicts the government’s concern for defense capability
President Benigno S. Aquino III underscored the conscientious efforts of the government to ensure the delivery of services to the Filipino people as he cited the newest addition to the Philippine Navy fleet as a symbol of hope, reform and complete change.
In his speech during the arrival ceremony of the BRP Gregorio del Pilar Pacific Fleet (PF) 15 at Pier 13, South Harbor in Manila on Tuesday, the President said the newest patrol ship depicts the Aquino administration’s sincere concern in defense capability and compensates the hard work and dedication of the Filipino men in uniform.
“Ang barkong ito ay bunga ng ating pagsusumikap na ibigay, hindi lamang sa Sandatahang Lakas, kundi sa mamamayang Pilipino ang uri ng serbisyo na inaasahan nila sa pamahalaan: tapat, may malasakit at nakatuon para sa kanilang kapakanan,” the President said.
“Sagisag ang modernong barkong ito ng kahandaan nating pangalagaan, bantayan, at kung kinakailangan, ipagtanggol ang interes at kapakanan ng ating bayan. Higit sa lahat, sumasalamin ang barkong ito sa mithiin nating magdulot ng tunay na reporma't pagbabago, at bigyang-halaga ang hirap at sakripisyo ng ating mga kawal sa pamamagitan ng modernisasyon ng kanilang mga sasakyan, armas at iba pa nilang pangangailangan,” the President said adding that the BRP Gregorio del Pilar increases the capabilities of the Navy in securing the coastal areas.
“Ngayong may BRP Gregorio del Pilar nang magagamit ang ating Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM), naitataas din natin ang antas ng kanilang kakayahang magpatrolya at magbantay sa ating kapuluan,” the President noted.
The Chief Executive also noted the important role of the citizenry in pursuing more developments that will eventually lead to progress and development.
“Simula pa lang po ito. Sa responsable nating pamamahala, at sa pakikiisa ng taumbayan sa tinatahak nating tuwid na daan, mas marami pa tayong magagawa; mas marami pang mabubuting balita ang darating sa atin,” the President stressed.
“Hindi tayo titigil sa mga barko; hindi tayo makukuntento sa mga helicopter. Mga modernong sandata, mas mabibilis na mga patrol craft, at mas epektibong mga kagamitan pa ang maihahandog natin sa ating mga kawal at pulis nang walang nasasayang na pera mula sa kaban ng bayan,” he added.
In the United States, the BRP Gregodrio del Pilar is classified as a Hamilton Class US Coast Guard Cutter specifically designated as a Weather High Endurance Cutter (WHEC-715).
In the Philippines, the newest ship is classified as a Surface Combatant Ship with a “Type Code” of “P” for Patrol and is further powered by combined diesel engines and gas turbines, equipped with a helicopter flight deck, a retractable hangar and facilities to support helicopter operations.
The 378-foot vessel with a crew capacity of 180 is also equipped with armament and weapons system, propulsion plant, electrical generation, among others.
It will be deployed to carry out the mission for drug prohibition, law enforcement, search and rescue operations, defense readiness and migrant interdiction. It will also perform tasks in protecting the country’s natural gas and oil exploration projects off Palawan amid reported incursions in the West Philippine Sea. (PCOO)
President Benigno S. Aquino III underscored the conscientious efforts of the government to ensure the delivery of services to the Filipino people as he cited the newest addition to the Philippine Navy fleet as a symbol of hope, reform and complete change.
In his speech during the arrival ceremony of the BRP Gregorio del Pilar Pacific Fleet (PF) 15 at Pier 13, South Harbor in Manila on Tuesday, the President said the newest patrol ship depicts the Aquino administration’s sincere concern in defense capability and compensates the hard work and dedication of the Filipino men in uniform.
“Ang barkong ito ay bunga ng ating pagsusumikap na ibigay, hindi lamang sa Sandatahang Lakas, kundi sa mamamayang Pilipino ang uri ng serbisyo na inaasahan nila sa pamahalaan: tapat, may malasakit at nakatuon para sa kanilang kapakanan,” the President said.
“Sagisag ang modernong barkong ito ng kahandaan nating pangalagaan, bantayan, at kung kinakailangan, ipagtanggol ang interes at kapakanan ng ating bayan. Higit sa lahat, sumasalamin ang barkong ito sa mithiin nating magdulot ng tunay na reporma't pagbabago, at bigyang-halaga ang hirap at sakripisyo ng ating mga kawal sa pamamagitan ng modernisasyon ng kanilang mga sasakyan, armas at iba pa nilang pangangailangan,” the President said adding that the BRP Gregorio del Pilar increases the capabilities of the Navy in securing the coastal areas.
“Ngayong may BRP Gregorio del Pilar nang magagamit ang ating Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM), naitataas din natin ang antas ng kanilang kakayahang magpatrolya at magbantay sa ating kapuluan,” the President noted.
The Chief Executive also noted the important role of the citizenry in pursuing more developments that will eventually lead to progress and development.
“Simula pa lang po ito. Sa responsable nating pamamahala, at sa pakikiisa ng taumbayan sa tinatahak nating tuwid na daan, mas marami pa tayong magagawa; mas marami pang mabubuting balita ang darating sa atin,” the President stressed.
“Hindi tayo titigil sa mga barko; hindi tayo makukuntento sa mga helicopter. Mga modernong sandata, mas mabibilis na mga patrol craft, at mas epektibong mga kagamitan pa ang maihahandog natin sa ating mga kawal at pulis nang walang nasasayang na pera mula sa kaban ng bayan,” he added.
In the United States, the BRP Gregodrio del Pilar is classified as a Hamilton Class US Coast Guard Cutter specifically designated as a Weather High Endurance Cutter (WHEC-715).
In the Philippines, the newest ship is classified as a Surface Combatant Ship with a “Type Code” of “P” for Patrol and is further powered by combined diesel engines and gas turbines, equipped with a helicopter flight deck, a retractable hangar and facilities to support helicopter operations.
The 378-foot vessel with a crew capacity of 180 is also equipped with armament and weapons system, propulsion plant, electrical generation, among others.
It will be deployed to carry out the mission for drug prohibition, law enforcement, search and rescue operations, defense readiness and migrant interdiction. It will also perform tasks in protecting the country’s natural gas and oil exploration projects off Palawan amid reported incursions in the West Philippine Sea. (PCOO)
Aquino says PHL should not be blamed for the misdeed of one man in last year’s hostage-tragedy in Manila
President Benigno Aquino III on Tuesday said that the entire country need not be blamed for the action of one man in last year’s Manila hostage tragedy that left eight Hong Kong tourists and their hostage-taker dead.
“This was the act of one man. In the same token that some of our citizens have been affected elsewhere in the world, we do not blame the entire population,” the President said during a chance interview at the arrival ceremony of BRP Gregorio Del Pilar at Pier 13, South Harbor in Manila.
“We know that there are criminal elements; there are mentally deranged individuals (who) pose a threat to anybody regardless of race or country of origin,” the he added.
President Aquino said that his administration deeply regrets what has transpired on August 23, 2010, as he emphasized that the country has been improving from then on to ensure the safety of its citizens and its visitors.
“We sympathized and we continue to sympathize with them. We really wish it did not happen. We hope we had performed better at that point in time. But in the same token that in Norway there was this tragedy could have been prevented because of a lone solitary deranged gunman,” he said.
“Again, we deeply regret what has transpired. Yung apology connotes that the State did them grievous harm. I don’t think that is correct,” the President stressed.
The country marked on Tuesday the first year of the hostage-taking incident that left eight Hong Kong tourists and their hostage-taker, former police officer Rolando Mendoza, dead on August 23, 2010 at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila.
The relatives of the victims and the survivors of the tragedy arrived in the country on Sunday, and they are demanding a formal apology from the Philippine government, reasonable compensation, and justice for the slain hostage victims.
“We understand they’re hurt but hopefully they understand also that we could have improved and we have been improving from then to now but, at the same time, even at our levels right now if you have a deranged individual who suddenly changes his disposition, practically in a whim, there are very serious limitations that one person or any country can do,” President Aquino said.
The President also said that his government has tried to assist the survivors and the families of the victims to overcome the August 23, 2010 tragedy.
“We have tried to assist them to overcome this tragedy. I think they are aware of the fact that both public and private concerns of this country have really tried to assist them in their moving on,” he said. (PCOO)
Aquino says gov’t will acquire more equipment to improve defense capability of military
The Philippine government will acquire more military equipment as part of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ (AFP‘s) modernization program, President Benigno S. Aquino III said.
President Aquino made this statement during an ambush interview after he led the arrival ceremony of BRP (Barko ng Republika ng Pilipinas) Gregorio Del Pilar at Pier 13, South Harbor in Manila City, on Tuesday.
The President said that his administration plans to acquire more equipment, such as lead-in jet trainers, surface attack crafts, air defense radars, among others, to further improve the capability of the military.
For the Air Force, the Aquino administration will acquire Surface Attack Aircrafts, Air Defense Radars, Long Range Patrol Aircrafts, and Close-Air Support Aircrafts, the President noted.
“For the Navy, Strategic Sealift Vessels with Amphibious Vessels, Offshore Patrol Vessels, Naval Helicopters—there is at least three of them—Coast Watch Stations, then ‘yung mga katulad nitong Weather Heavy Endurance Cutter,” he added.
For the Army, Aquino said, new assault rifles, armor assets, tanks, armored-personnel carriers, force protection--helmets, bullet-proof vests--and night fighting equipment.
The President also said that the Philippine Navy is studying whether there is a need to purchase a submarine. (PCOO)
Aquino announces proposal for creation of ‘super body’ to ensure delivery of safe and potable water
President Benigno S. Aquino III bared the proposed creation of a “super body” whose main task is to ensure the delivery of safe and potable water to every Filipino household and come up with a comprehensive plan for the country’s water resources.
In an ambush interview following his attendance at the arrival ceremony of BRP Gregorio del Pilar 15 at Pier 13, South Harbor in Manila on Tuesday, the President said the proposal came after his meetings with the economic managers pointing out the need of creating an agency that will focus on ensuring a sufficient and safe water supply for the Filipino people.
“We will be proposing a super body, it can be a committee, it can be just one agency, who will come up with a water plan -- how do we conserve water, how do we utilize water, and how do we treat water afterwards,” President Aquino said.
The Chief Executive noted the existence of several agencies of government that were tasked to work on various programs on water complicates and affects their efficiency.
“There are so many agencies involved with water, you have Nawasa or MWSS, you have the DA [Department of Agriculture] with their National Irrigation Administration, you have the DENR [Department of Environment and Natural Resources] managing iyong water shed... bottom line ay napakaraming departamento, ahensiya ng gobyerno in-charge sa tubig... sa dami nila, parang wala na talagang in-charge,” the President said as he stressed the importance of water and its supply sustainability and management for the consumption of the people.
“Water is a very important resource, if it is not managed properly, there can be shortages,” the President stressed.
He added that part of the responsibilities of the proposed “super body” is the formulation of a more comprehensive and coordinated plan on water supply and the management of its sources.(PCOO)
Umbra Kato no longer covered by government-MILF agreements, peace negotiator says
The Philippine government now considers Ameril Umbra Kato no longer part of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the country’s legal mechanism applies to him, government chief negotiator Marvic Leonen said.
“To this date therefore, government is considering Kato as not within the MILF and that, of course, because he is no longer covered by the ceasefire arrangements then, therefore, the usual legal mechanisms will apply in his steed. They are also informed that this is also the pulsation of some of the leaders of the MILF,” Leonen said in his opening statement during Tuesday’s teleconference with Malacanang reporters. Leonen is in Malaysia for a two-day peace discussions with the MILF.
The Philippine government demanded a confirmation on the status of Kato and his group with the MILF during the discussions in Malaysia, Leonen said.
Mohagher Iqbal, MILF peace panel chair, in his opening statement said that Kato remains to be a “challenge for the MILF.” In a resolution filed by the MILF Central Committee, Kato has been declared as a bougat or one who defies an order.
The government cannot accept that Kato is still part of the MILF noting the atrocities he committed as well as his recruitment of child soldiers, Leonen said. Kato organized the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).
The MILF formally asked the government to give them 10 days after Eid’l Fitr to resolve the Kato issue.
Another issue is rido or clan war in Mindanao that affects peace and security of communities. Leonen said he asked the MILF to address the rido among its base commands.
A total of 17 rido related incidents involving at least a commander of the MILF base command has been recorded, Leonen said.
Conflict between some members of the 105th base command against some members of the 104th base command displaced a total of 1,596 families or 7,980 persons from six barangays in Palembang, Sultan Kudarat, the government chief negotiator said.
Meanwhile, 695 families have also been displaced in Datu Piang, Maguindanao due to the fighting between the 106th base command and Kato’s group. Fourteen people from each side of the warring faction have already died.
The government and the MILF had a two-day peace talks in Malaysia following a meeting between President Benigno Aquino III and the MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim in Tokyo, Japan, early this month.(PCOO)
The Philippine government now considers Ameril Umbra Kato no longer part of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the country’s legal mechanism applies to him, government chief negotiator Marvic Leonen said.
“To this date therefore, government is considering Kato as not within the MILF and that, of course, because he is no longer covered by the ceasefire arrangements then, therefore, the usual legal mechanisms will apply in his steed. They are also informed that this is also the pulsation of some of the leaders of the MILF,” Leonen said in his opening statement during Tuesday’s teleconference with Malacanang reporters. Leonen is in Malaysia for a two-day peace discussions with the MILF.
The Philippine government demanded a confirmation on the status of Kato and his group with the MILF during the discussions in Malaysia, Leonen said.
Mohagher Iqbal, MILF peace panel chair, in his opening statement said that Kato remains to be a “challenge for the MILF.” In a resolution filed by the MILF Central Committee, Kato has been declared as a bougat or one who defies an order.
The government cannot accept that Kato is still part of the MILF noting the atrocities he committed as well as his recruitment of child soldiers, Leonen said. Kato organized the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).
The MILF formally asked the government to give them 10 days after Eid’l Fitr to resolve the Kato issue.
Another issue is rido or clan war in Mindanao that affects peace and security of communities. Leonen said he asked the MILF to address the rido among its base commands.
A total of 17 rido related incidents involving at least a commander of the MILF base command has been recorded, Leonen said.
Conflict between some members of the 105th base command against some members of the 104th base command displaced a total of 1,596 families or 7,980 persons from six barangays in Palembang, Sultan Kudarat, the government chief negotiator said.
Meanwhile, 695 families have also been displaced in Datu Piang, Maguindanao due to the fighting between the 106th base command and Kato’s group. Fourteen people from each side of the warring faction have already died.
The government and the MILF had a two-day peace talks in Malaysia following a meeting between President Benigno Aquino III and the MILF Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim in Tokyo, Japan, early this month.(PCOO)
