Ochoa commends police, government agencies for safe celebration of Feast of the Black Nazarene
Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. commended the police and military for ensuring the safety of the public during the celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene on Monday.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Ochoa assured that the government will continue to work to ensure that the public is safe against any threats pose by the enemies of the state.
Ochoa’s statement follows in full:
“I commend the Philippine National Police and the other government agencies involved in the preparations undertaken to ensure the peaceful conduct of the celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene.
“From the onset, the President has directed our security forces to be vigilant in the face of terror threats. The PNP, in particular, should be lauded for taking all the precautions necessary to secure the safety of the three million devotees who joined the procession that took the Black Nazarene through the streets of Manila to Quiapo Church.
“Let the peaceful Black Nazarene procession yesterday reassure our people that its government will continue to take all threats to their security seriously and will take the steps necessary to address such threats to keep our citizens out of harm’s way and ensure that Filipinos everywhere can continue to practice their faith as well as perform their everyday activities.” (PCOO)
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Safety of foreign tourists assured – Malacañang
Malacañang on Tuesday sought to downplay the Australian government’s recent travel advisory to its citizens against traveling to the Philippines due to possible threats to their safety, saying the police and military were on top of the situation of upholding peace and order in the country.
In a press briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda assured the safety of Filipinos as well as those of foreign tourists.
“We respect their travel advisory but again we assure the public, we assure the Australian tourists here as well as any tourist of their safety,” Lacierda said.
“We are on top of the situation that is why we did what we did yesterday, and days before the Black Nazarene Fiesta,” he added.
Last Sunday, President Benigno S. Aquino III bared the possibility that the Feast of the Black Nazarene on Monday (January 9) would be disrupted by unknown lawless elements.
The President urged those planning to attend this year's procession to exercise maximum vigilance as he ordered security forces in Manila to be put on high alert. (PCOO)
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Aquino assures Filipino soldiers of government’s continued support
President Benigno S. Aquino III assured every Filipino soldier of the government’s continued support to uplift their lives and its efforts to modernize their resources that will ensure better service to the Filipino people.
In his speech during the Philippine Air Force (PAF) Change of Command and Retirement Ceremony of Lt. Gen. Oscar Rabena at the Grandstand of the Jesus Villamor Airbase in Pasay City on Tuesday, the President cited the hard work and dedication of every soldier, particularly from the PAF as he vowed to continue providing beneficial projects for a more effective service to the people.
“Makaaasa kayo na katuwang ninyo ang gobyerno upang makalipad pa sa mas mataas na papawirin at mas epektibong makapaglingkod ang hukbong himpapawid sa atin pong mga boss (Filipino people),” the President said.
“Mulat po tayong kailangan pang palakasin ang inyong hanay, kaya naman makaaasa kayo sa tuloy-tuloy na modernisasyon ng inyong hanay upang mas mapabuti pa ang inyong serbisyo publiko… manalig kayo na hindi babalewalain ng ating administrasyon ang inyong pagmamalasakit sa bayan… susuklian natin ito ng karampatang kalinga at serbisyo para sa inyong kapakanan at ng inyong pamilya,” he added.
The President acknowledged the remarkable works of outgoing Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Oscar Rabena in maintaining peace and order and defending the country’s sovereignty.
“Buong bansa tayong nagpupugay sa sipag at husay na ipinamalas ni Heneral Rabena sa halos tatlumpu’t walong taon ng paglilingkod sa ilalim ng ating bandila… sa kanyang pamumuno higit na umigting ang ating krusada laban sa masasamang elemento at tumibay ang kalasag ng bansa laban sa mga banta sa seguridad ng ating soberenya,” the President noted.
Rabena’s stint as PAF commanding general has been very helpful in the Aquino administration’s initiatives to uplift the lives of the PAF personnel as well as in upgrading their equipment. These developmental programs include housing and facilities of the military bases in the country.
President Aquino likewise expressed full trust and confidence to the new PAF chief, Maj. Gen. Lauro Catalino dela Cruz saying that under his stewardship, the “Airmen” will surely continue to be dedicated to service for their fellowmen and will focus on doing their duties based on righteousness.
“Mahalaga po ang magkaroon ng isang mahusay at maaasahang pinuno, kaya naman tinitiyak natin sa pagtahak sa tuwid na daan, kasangga natin ang mga mapagkakatiwalaan at karapat-dapat na lider… lalo na sa atin Hukbong Himpapawid,” the President said.
“Tiwala akong sa bagong pinuno ng Philippine Airforce na si Heneral Lauro Catalino dela Cruz lalo pang titibay ang dedikasyon ng inyong hanay sa pagsisilbi ng tapat sa sambayanan at patuloy na isasapuso ng mga sundalong Pilipino ang makatwirang paninindigan,” he added.
Also present during the event were other government officials led by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr., Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Jessie Dellosa and Philippine National Police Chief General Nicanor Bartolome, among others.
The seasoned fighter pilot Dela Cruz assumed the position as the 32ndCommanding General of the PAF after Rabena’s availment of early retirement from military service after almost four decades.
Dela Cruz said that under his leadership the people could expect a better Air Force as “Wings for Peace and Defenders of Freedom” responding to territorial defense works as well as disaster response.
The newly-installed PAF chief held key positions in the military force among which are -- Chief of Air Staff, Wing Commander of the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing, Deputy Wing Commander of the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing, and Deputy Wing Commander of the 710th Special Operations Wing.
He also served as flight instructor, training officer, management and operations officer and pilot instructor at the Philippine Air Force Flying School. (PCOO)
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Malacanang says President Aquino’s warning deterred terrorist attack on Feast of Black Nazarene
Malacanang said that President Benigno S. Aquino III’s warning of a possible terrorist attack has deterred attempts to disrupt the celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene on Monday.
Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in Malacanang during a press conference on Tuesday that the President’s declaration wasn’t an overreaction to the threat uncovered by the intelligence community.
“This is a situation where we believe that the government acted prudently, acted promptly on credible threats. And we believe that we have successfully deterred any attempt to disrupt the January 9 Black Nazarene fiesta,” Lacierda said noting that what is important is that the government aborted a possible attack.
Asked by reporters if the public expects the President to issue similar warnings in the future, Lacierda said it depends on the advice of the intelligence community.
“If and when the President and the intelligence community advises the President to do so, the President will act prudently again taking into consideration the safety of the people concerned especially in situations where there are mass gatherings,” he said.
Lacierda also said there are tracker teams that are monitoring the terrorist groups that were reportedly sent to Metro Manila to attack mass gatherings of people such as the Feast of the Black Nazarene.
The President’s Spokesman said the government’s paramount concern is ensuring public safety and the people to heed the warnings of the government to thwart terrorist attacks.
“We need to be mindful of our surroundings lalo na kung may mga naiiwang gamit. Ito po ay isang common na babala na ginagawa sa mga airports at seaports. It’s also something that we might want the public also to be more aware of, to be mindful of your surroundings,” he said.
On Sunday, President Benigno S. Aquino III ordered law enforcement agencies, including the military, to step up its efforts to maintain peace and order as millions of devotees converge in Quiapo, Manila for Monday‘s (January 9) celebration.
The President said intelligence reports over the past few months have apprised them of the intentions of lawless elements to create disruptions in Metro Manila particularly during the Feast of the Black Nazarene. (PCOO)
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Palace condemns failed assassination of Cotabato City Vice Mayor
Malacanang condemned the attack on Cotabato City Vice Mayor Muslimin Sema Tuesday morning and ordered the police to pursue the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
“We condemn the ambush on Vice Mayor Sema and the PNP [Philippine National Police] has been instructed to look into the motives and the perpetrators of the heinous act,” Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in the press conference in Malacanang on Tuesday.
Asked by reporters if the dynamite explosion in Mindanao, the ambush of Sema, as well as the terror threat in Manila correlated, Lacierda said they didn’t see connections between those incidents.
Sema was rushed to Notre Dame Hospital after he was injured during Tuesday’s ambush at around 11:20 a.m. at the Rosary Heights VI in Cotabato City. Sema was on his way home from a city council meeting when he was attacked.
Although the assassin was also injured during the ambush, the police could not yet determine the motive and number of suspects who staged the attack on Sema.
The police is also determining the firearm used during the assault. (PCOO)
Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr. commended the police and military for ensuring the safety of the public during the celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene on Monday.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Ochoa assured that the government will continue to work to ensure that the public is safe against any threats pose by the enemies of the state.
Ochoa’s statement follows in full:
“I commend the Philippine National Police and the other government agencies involved in the preparations undertaken to ensure the peaceful conduct of the celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene.
“From the onset, the President has directed our security forces to be vigilant in the face of terror threats. The PNP, in particular, should be lauded for taking all the precautions necessary to secure the safety of the three million devotees who joined the procession that took the Black Nazarene through the streets of Manila to Quiapo Church.
“Let the peaceful Black Nazarene procession yesterday reassure our people that its government will continue to take all threats to their security seriously and will take the steps necessary to address such threats to keep our citizens out of harm’s way and ensure that Filipinos everywhere can continue to practice their faith as well as perform their everyday activities.” (PCOO)
.
Safety of foreign tourists assured – Malacañang
Malacañang on Tuesday sought to downplay the Australian government’s recent travel advisory to its citizens against traveling to the Philippines due to possible threats to their safety, saying the police and military were on top of the situation of upholding peace and order in the country.
In a press briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda assured the safety of Filipinos as well as those of foreign tourists.
“We respect their travel advisory but again we assure the public, we assure the Australian tourists here as well as any tourist of their safety,” Lacierda said.
“We are on top of the situation that is why we did what we did yesterday, and days before the Black Nazarene Fiesta,” he added.
Last Sunday, President Benigno S. Aquino III bared the possibility that the Feast of the Black Nazarene on Monday (January 9) would be disrupted by unknown lawless elements.
The President urged those planning to attend this year's procession to exercise maximum vigilance as he ordered security forces in Manila to be put on high alert. (PCOO)
.
Aquino assures Filipino soldiers of government’s continued support
President Benigno S. Aquino III assured every Filipino soldier of the government’s continued support to uplift their lives and its efforts to modernize their resources that will ensure better service to the Filipino people.
In his speech during the Philippine Air Force (PAF) Change of Command and Retirement Ceremony of Lt. Gen. Oscar Rabena at the Grandstand of the Jesus Villamor Airbase in Pasay City on Tuesday, the President cited the hard work and dedication of every soldier, particularly from the PAF as he vowed to continue providing beneficial projects for a more effective service to the people.
“Makaaasa kayo na katuwang ninyo ang gobyerno upang makalipad pa sa mas mataas na papawirin at mas epektibong makapaglingkod ang hukbong himpapawid sa atin pong mga boss (Filipino people),” the President said.
“Mulat po tayong kailangan pang palakasin ang inyong hanay, kaya naman makaaasa kayo sa tuloy-tuloy na modernisasyon ng inyong hanay upang mas mapabuti pa ang inyong serbisyo publiko… manalig kayo na hindi babalewalain ng ating administrasyon ang inyong pagmamalasakit sa bayan… susuklian natin ito ng karampatang kalinga at serbisyo para sa inyong kapakanan at ng inyong pamilya,” he added.
The President acknowledged the remarkable works of outgoing Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Oscar Rabena in maintaining peace and order and defending the country’s sovereignty.
“Buong bansa tayong nagpupugay sa sipag at husay na ipinamalas ni Heneral Rabena sa halos tatlumpu’t walong taon ng paglilingkod sa ilalim ng ating bandila… sa kanyang pamumuno higit na umigting ang ating krusada laban sa masasamang elemento at tumibay ang kalasag ng bansa laban sa mga banta sa seguridad ng ating soberenya,” the President noted.
Rabena’s stint as PAF commanding general has been very helpful in the Aquino administration’s initiatives to uplift the lives of the PAF personnel as well as in upgrading their equipment. These developmental programs include housing and facilities of the military bases in the country.
President Aquino likewise expressed full trust and confidence to the new PAF chief, Maj. Gen. Lauro Catalino dela Cruz saying that under his stewardship, the “Airmen” will surely continue to be dedicated to service for their fellowmen and will focus on doing their duties based on righteousness.
“Mahalaga po ang magkaroon ng isang mahusay at maaasahang pinuno, kaya naman tinitiyak natin sa pagtahak sa tuwid na daan, kasangga natin ang mga mapagkakatiwalaan at karapat-dapat na lider… lalo na sa atin Hukbong Himpapawid,” the President said.
“Tiwala akong sa bagong pinuno ng Philippine Airforce na si Heneral Lauro Catalino dela Cruz lalo pang titibay ang dedikasyon ng inyong hanay sa pagsisilbi ng tapat sa sambayanan at patuloy na isasapuso ng mga sundalong Pilipino ang makatwirang paninindigan,” he added.
Also present during the event were other government officials led by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr., Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Jessie Dellosa and Philippine National Police Chief General Nicanor Bartolome, among others.
The seasoned fighter pilot Dela Cruz assumed the position as the 32ndCommanding General of the PAF after Rabena’s availment of early retirement from military service after almost four decades.
Dela Cruz said that under his leadership the people could expect a better Air Force as “Wings for Peace and Defenders of Freedom” responding to territorial defense works as well as disaster response.
The newly-installed PAF chief held key positions in the military force among which are -- Chief of Air Staff, Wing Commander of the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing, Deputy Wing Commander of the 205th Tactical Helicopter Wing, and Deputy Wing Commander of the 710th Special Operations Wing.
He also served as flight instructor, training officer, management and operations officer and pilot instructor at the Philippine Air Force Flying School. (PCOO)
.
Malacanang says President Aquino’s warning deterred terrorist attack on Feast of Black Nazarene
Malacanang said that President Benigno S. Aquino III’s warning of a possible terrorist attack has deterred attempts to disrupt the celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene on Monday.
Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in Malacanang during a press conference on Tuesday that the President’s declaration wasn’t an overreaction to the threat uncovered by the intelligence community.
“This is a situation where we believe that the government acted prudently, acted promptly on credible threats. And we believe that we have successfully deterred any attempt to disrupt the January 9 Black Nazarene fiesta,” Lacierda said noting that what is important is that the government aborted a possible attack.
Asked by reporters if the public expects the President to issue similar warnings in the future, Lacierda said it depends on the advice of the intelligence community.
“If and when the President and the intelligence community advises the President to do so, the President will act prudently again taking into consideration the safety of the people concerned especially in situations where there are mass gatherings,” he said.
Lacierda also said there are tracker teams that are monitoring the terrorist groups that were reportedly sent to Metro Manila to attack mass gatherings of people such as the Feast of the Black Nazarene.
The President’s Spokesman said the government’s paramount concern is ensuring public safety and the people to heed the warnings of the government to thwart terrorist attacks.
“We need to be mindful of our surroundings lalo na kung may mga naiiwang gamit. Ito po ay isang common na babala na ginagawa sa mga airports at seaports. It’s also something that we might want the public also to be more aware of, to be mindful of your surroundings,” he said.
On Sunday, President Benigno S. Aquino III ordered law enforcement agencies, including the military, to step up its efforts to maintain peace and order as millions of devotees converge in Quiapo, Manila for Monday‘s (January 9) celebration.
The President said intelligence reports over the past few months have apprised them of the intentions of lawless elements to create disruptions in Metro Manila particularly during the Feast of the Black Nazarene. (PCOO)
.
Palace condemns failed assassination of Cotabato City Vice Mayor
Malacanang condemned the attack on Cotabato City Vice Mayor Muslimin Sema Tuesday morning and ordered the police to pursue the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
“We condemn the ambush on Vice Mayor Sema and the PNP [Philippine National Police] has been instructed to look into the motives and the perpetrators of the heinous act,” Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said in the press conference in Malacanang on Tuesday.
Asked by reporters if the dynamite explosion in Mindanao, the ambush of Sema, as well as the terror threat in Manila correlated, Lacierda said they didn’t see connections between those incidents.
Sema was rushed to Notre Dame Hospital after he was injured during Tuesday’s ambush at around 11:20 a.m. at the Rosary Heights VI in Cotabato City. Sema was on his way home from a city council meeting when he was attacked.
Although the assassin was also injured during the ambush, the police could not yet determine the motive and number of suspects who staged the attack on Sema.
The police is also determining the firearm used during the assault. (PCOO)
