News Roundup 14 August 2024
Aug 14, 2024 • 4 min Read
Philippines still committed to Interpol — DOJ | PHILSTAR.COM – MANILA, Philippines (Updated 9:31 p.m.)— Despite not being a member of the International Criminal Court (ICC), the Philippines still has commitments to Interpol, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla said on Wednesday.
Remulla made the statement in response to Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa’s recent comments questioning whether he and Solicitor General Menardo Guevarra were “challenging the policy set by the president” regarding the international tribunal.
“We no longer have a commitment to the ICC. But with Interpol, we do. Interpol is far-reaching, and we should be prepared. They are more significant, especially for Filipinos traveling around the world who may need Interpol’s assistance,” Remulla said during the Kapihan Forum at the Department of Justice.
On Monday, Dela Rosa expressed concern over Remulla’s statements. Remulla, who is the Philippines’ Justice Secretary, had mentioned that the government would not obstruct Interpol’s efforts, including serving arrest warrants.
Remulla explained that the government would only abide by Interpol’s request if “certain conditions are met.”
Full Story at: Philippines still committed to Interpol — DOJ | Philstar.com
UP faculty dread increased military presence after AFP agreement | PHILSTAR.COM – MANILA, Philippines — Some faculty members of the University of the Philippines have continued to condemn the university’s new agreement with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, citing concerns over its impact on academic freedom and its potential to normalize military presence on campus.
During a press conference on Wednesday, faculty members from the Defend UP Network, a coalition of UP students and staff for the defense of academic freedom, criticized the university administration for collaborating with an entity that has openly red-tagged and intimidated UP students and staff.
The “Declaration of Cooperation,” signed on August 8 and published on the university’s website on Monday, establishes a “framework for cooperation” between the military’s strategic studies office and the state university’s think tank, the UP Center for Integrative and Development Studies.
The non-binding agreement states that UP and the AFP have jointly “expressed their desire” to engage in research and publications, as well as personnel visits and research fellowships, among other areas of cooperation.
Collusion
The agreement goes against UP’s “long history and tradition as an academic institution that advocates for human rights and academic freedom,” said Rommel Rodriguez, member of the All U.P. Academic Employees Union and faculty member of the UP Diliman College of Arts and Letters.
“Is this truly cooperation or collusion? Is this a matter of scholarship or intelligence work? Is this in the interest of the UP community or the AFP?” Rodriguez said in Filipino during the press conference.
Full Story at: UP faculty dread increased military presence after AFP agreement | Philstar.com
Marbil orders review of PNP’s anti-drug ops that involve human rights | INQUIRER.NET – MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Rommel Marbil on Wednesday ordered a comprehensive review of the agency’s previous and current drug policies, especially pertaining to human rights.
Marbil made the directive in line with the PNP’s “recalibrated” approach in its fight against illegal drugs.
“We need to take a hard look at our past and present strategies in the fight against illegal drugs. By understanding what worked and what didn’t, we can refine our approach and ensure a more effective and humane campaign moving forward,” Marbil said in a statement.
He announced the formation of a review panel to conduct this assessment, led by the Office of the Deputy Chief and the PNP for Operations.
The group will also include representatives from the PNP Quad Staffs, as well as the Internal Affairs Service and the PNP Human Rights Office.
Full Story at: Marbil orders review of PNP’s anti-drug ops involving human rights (inquirer.net)
DND chief hopes for regular drills between PH soldiers, allies | INQUIRER.NET – MANILA, Philippines — Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. has expressed hope for the conduct of regular exercises between Filipino soldiers and the country’s allies.
Teodoro made the remark as he welcomed the Philippine Air Force’s (PAF) contingent to the just concluded Exercise Pitch Black in simple rites in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Tuesday, the DND said in a news release Wednesday.
“And now, the challenge for you is we need to sustain these kinds of operations. We have to make this the new normal,” he said.
The DND chief also touted the PAF’s successful pilot participation in the biennial drills as proof of the strong strategic partnership between the Philippines and Australia.
“This is game-changing, once again, and it is a success of the whole of government, literally, from the diplomatic side, (including) the SOVFA (Status of Visiting Forces Agreement) and the strategic partnership between Australia and us (the Philippines), to the defense side between the Defense Ministry of Australia and us, to the GHQ (General Headquarters), to the Major Service, and the Fighter wings,” Teodoro added.
Full Story at: DND chief hopes for regular drills between PH soldiers, allies (inquirer.net)
