News Roundup 03 May 2023
May 03, 2023 • 4 min Read
US: No new mechanisms with treaty allies, such as Quads, in Indo-Pacific | PHILSTAR.COM – MANILA, Philippines — While the Philippines and United States are seeking to work with other countries, Washington clarified that setting up a new “Quad” or security mechanism in the Indo Pacific is not in their plans.
“I think what we are trying to do is, again, in every way possible demonstrate the strength and credibility of America’s commitment to the Indo Pacific region and to our allies, partners, and friends—including, of course, our treaty ally, the Philippines,” Kritenbrink said in a virtual press briefing on Wednesday.
Washington has several treaty allies in the region aside from the Philippines and these include Japan and South Korea.
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is currently in Washington DC for an official working visit, capping off his meeting with US President Joe Biden, US Vice President Kamala Harris, and several members of the cabinet. As it has been years since a Philippine president visited the US, Kritenbrink said Marcos Jr.’s trip amid renewed security and defense commitments was “truly historic and represents a milestone for the bilateral alliance.”
Full Story at: US: No new mechanisms with treaty allies, such as Quads, in Indo-Pacific | Philstar.com
2 police generals, 2 colonels recommended for drug raps | PHILSTAR.COM – MANILA, Philippines — Four ranking police officials have been recommended to be removed from the Philippine National Police (PNP) due to alleged involvement in illegal drug activities.
A five-member advisory panel headed by former PNP chief Rodolfo Azurin Jr. recommended the acceptance of the courtesy resignations of the third-level officials, including two one-star generals and two colonels.
The four were among the 953 third-level officers evaluated by the panel after they submitted their courtesy resignations.
The panel cleared 917 of them, while it endorsed the suspension of President Marcos’ disposition on the 32 officers.
The STAR opted not to reveal the names of the officials as the National Police Commission (Napolcom) has yet to resolve the administrative cases filed against them.
Marcos, being the country’s Chief Executive, will have the final say on the matter.
The four had one thing in common: they were once assigned at the PNP Drug Enforcement Group (PDEG).
The panel endorsed the filing of administrative charges against the officials before the Napolcom for violation of the PNP’s rules and regulations against illegal drugs.
Full Story at: 2 police generals, 2 colonels recommended for drug raps | Philstar.com
Groups hit local execs for using gov’t resources to stage rally supporting private firm | INQUIRER.NET –TAGUM CITY — Two big consumer groups with branches nationwide slammed the top officials of Davao del Norte province for using government vehicles and facilities to rally against the Northern Davao Electric Cooperative (Nordeco) and benefit the Aboitiz-owned Davao Light and Power Company (DLPC).
The groups Coalition Against Privatization of Electric Cooperatives (Capecs) and the National Center of Electric Cooperative Consumers (NCECCO) said in a Labor Day rally on May 1 that Davao del Norte Gov. Edwin Jubahib used government-issued vehicles in a rally on April 4, supporting House Bills 5077, 6740, and 7047 that would allow DLPC to expand in areas covered by the Nordeco franchise.
Capecs also claimed that a memo issued by Jubahib’s office on April 3, the eve of the April 4 rally, required provincial department, division and program heads to join the rally along with their employees.
Jubahib has yet to reply to the Inquirer’s request for comment but in a statement issued to reporters, he slammed Nordeco for using Labor Day to stage a rally for Nordeco’s interests instead of championing the rights and welfare of workers.
Full Story at: Groups hit local execs for using gov’t resources to stage rally supporting private firm | Inquirer News
War in Asia would be far more damaging than Ukraine war, says Singapore defense chief | INQUIRER.NET – SINGAPORE – A war in Asia would be far more devastating than the Ukraine war, and preventing such a physical conflict must be the top priority for all countries in the next decade, said Singapore Minister for Defense Ng Eng Hen on Wednesday.
Such a conflict could have an effect akin to the aftermath of World War I, where four existing empires were decimated and the world map altered for nations and states, he added.
That parties are even contemplating the possibility of such a scenario, parsing war game outcomes and adjusting strategies, shows that there is a need to redouble efforts in diplomacy and conflict prevention and mitigation, he said. The minister also emphasized the need for confidence-building measures and cooperation.
Dr Ng was giving the opening address at the 13th International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference Asia, or Imdex Asia, held at Changi Exhibition Centre. The three-day event, usually held annually, returned after a hiatus of four years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Full Story at: War in Asia would be far more damaging than Ukraine war, says Singapore defense chief | Inquirer News
