News Roundup 02 December 2023
Dec 02, 2023 • 4 min Read
PH, France begin talks on visiting forces deal— Teodoro | INQUIRER.NET – MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines and France have begun talks to establish a visiting forces agreement between both countries, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. announced on Saturday.
Teodoro led the talks alongside his counterpart, French Minister of Armed Forces Sebastien Lecornu.
“We intend to take concrete steps in leveling up and making more comprehensive our defense cooperation, by working to get authorization of our respective heads of state to begin the negotiation for the status of visiting forces agreement,” Teodoro stated during a joint conference with Lecornu in Taguig City.
The Philippines currently has visiting forces agreements with the United States and Australia. Teodoro also mentioned that negotiations for a similar agreement with Japan have formally commenced.
Story at: PH, France now in talks for visiting forces deal — Teodoro (inquirer.net)
11 terrorist killed in Army offensives in Maguindanao del Sur | INQUIRER.NET – CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao del Norte – Military officials have confirmed the death of 11 local terrorists during an operation in Datu Hofer town, Maguindanao del Sur, on Friday.
Major Saber Balogan, civil-military operations chief of the Army’s 601st Infantry Brigade, reported that soldiers from the 40th Infantry Battalion encountered Dawlah Islamiyah gunmen in Barangay Tuwayan Mother around 1 p.m. on Friday.
The gunmen are believed to be members of the Salauhiddin Hassan faction.
“The firefight lasted for more than three hours,” Balogan said during a radio interview.
Artillery support was provided to the ground troops, according to Balogan.
He said ground troops, during clearing operations, recovered five M16 rifles, two M-14 assault rifles, rocket-propelled grenades and five improvised explosive devices.
Balogan confirmed the death of 11 terrorists, noting that their remains were handed over to the local government of Datu Hofer for family claims.
“There was no casualty on the government side,” Balogan said, adding that no civilians were affected, as the clash occurred away from residential areas.
Full Story at: 11 terrorist killed in Army offensives in Maguindanao del Sur | Inquirer News
Marcos urged to release peasant advocate after 3 years in jail | PHILSTAR.COM – MANILA, Philippines — On the third anniversary of Amanda Echanis’ arrest, supporters and human rights advocates urged President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to grant freedom to the political prisoner.
Echanis, daughter of murdered Anakpawis chairperson Randall Echanis, was arrested on Dec. 2, 2020 following a search warrant for alleged illegal possession of explosives and firearms — with supporters saying that the charges were made up.
“The courts are intentionally delaying Amanda’s case, trying to keep her in jail when they can’t even present a single credible witness or piece of evidence. We went the whole 2023 without any progress!” said Tao Aves, spokesperson of Free Amanda Echanis Movement.
“What state forces have done to Amanda is not an isolated case. Planting firearms and explosives and fabricating criminal cases against activists are part of a large scheme to vilify their organizations and advocacies. This is a clear violation of their Human Rights and Constitutional Rights,” he added.
According to FAEM, only three hearings proceeded due to “suspicious and arbitrary postponements of the Cagayan Regional Trial Court Branch 10.”
The 77th Infantry Batallion is being accused of the group of planting evidence in a search and seizure at the house where Amanda and her almost 2-week-old infant stayed in Baggao, Cagayan.
Full Story at: Marcos urged to release peasant advocate after 3 years in jail | Philstar.com
2 Filipinos executed in China for drug trafficking — DFA | PHILSTAR.COM – MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) confirmed on Saturday the execution of two Filipinos in China for their involvement in drug-related activities.
DFA spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza, citing information from the Philippine Consulate General in Guangzhou, disclosed that the execution took place on November 24.
The DFA delayed the announcement pending formal notification from the Chinese side regarding the execution.
Even with the Philippine government’s extensive efforts, including high-level appeals, China upheld the death penalties, citing its internal laws.
“Our repeated appeals were consistent with the laws and values of our nation, which put the highest premium on human life,” Daza said.
“In the end, the Chinese government, citing their internal laws, upheld the conviction, and the Philippines must respect China’s criminal laws and legal processes,” she added.
Full Story at: 2 Filipinos executed in China for drug trafficking — DFA | Philstar.com
