Philippines Roundup: US-PH joint patrol, hostage, ICC, Maguindanao massacre, weather
US-PH joint patrols
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) deemed the joint maritime and air patrols with US troops in the West Philippine Sea a success, despite being shadowed by a Chinese warship. General Romeo Brawner Jr., AFP Chief of Staff, stated that the objectives were met, expressing confidence in enhanced operational capabilities with the US. In a report from ABS-CBN News, during the patrols, a Chinese People’s Liberation Army Navy vessel trailed two Philippine ships and a US vessel, maintaining a safe distance without engaging in dangerous maneuvers, as anticipated during the planning process. The military reported no untoward incidents during the three-day joint patrols.
Hostage Filipino seafarers
The 17 Filipino seafarers held captive by Iran-backed Houthi rebels on a hijacked ship in the Red Sea are reportedly safe, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Friday. Foreign Affairs Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega clarified at ABS-CBN News that the ship was the target, and the Filipino crew happened to be on board. De Vega assured that the Houthi rebels have consistently indicated they do not intend to harm the Filipino seafarers. Authorities have informed the hostages' families that the government is actively managing the situation. The incident involves a British-owned cargo ship operated by the Japanese company Nippon Yusen K.K. (NYK Line), with a crew from various countries.
Philippines to rejoin ICC
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. on Friday stated that the Philippines is considering the possibility of rejoining the International Criminal Court (ICC), which is currently examining the war on drugs conducted by the previous Duterte administration. Marcos mentioned that the decision to return to the ICC is under careful consideration, and the government is assessing its options. In a report from ABS-CBN News, the President's remarks were in response to House resolutions urging cooperation with the ICC's investigation into the anti-narcotics campaign initiated by former President Rodrigo Duterte in 2016 and continued under Marcos. Marcos noted that these resolutions were not unusual and represented the House's expression of the need to cooperate with ICC investigations.
Maguindanao massacre
On the 14th anniversary of the Maguindanao massacre, Datu Andal Ampatuan, Jr., a key perpetrator, was convicted of 21 counts of graft for the fraudulent supply of fuel to the Maguindanao provincial government from his petroleum station. The Sandiganbayan Sixth Division sentenced him to a total of 127 years and 9 months to 210 years in jail. Ampatuan was also ordered to pay up to P44.18 million for undelivered fuel, plus 6 percent annual interest. The massacre occurred on November 23, 2009, resulting in the deaths of 58 people, including the wife and sister of political candidate Ismael “Toto” Mangudadatu and 30 journalists, who were ambushed and ruthlessly executed in Maguindanao.
Low Pressure Area kills two
The Philippines’ disaster agency is verifying two reported deaths in Eastern Visayas, in the central Philippines, attributed to the shear line and low-pressure area, causing heavy rains and widespread floods. The floods have injured one person in the region, affecting around 879,000 individuals, with 41,595 seeking refuge in evacuation centers, as per the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). The report at 8 a.m. indicates 17 impassable roads and bridges, with about 250 houses damaged. Forty-seven cities and towns are in a state of calamity. The government has provided approximately P51.86 million in assistance thus far, according to the NDRRMC.
