January 04, 2017 – News Releases

 
04 January 2017
From the Office of the Communications Secretary Martin Andanar on Cotabato jail attack
Per initial report, around 100 inmates escaped and one jail officer, Jail Officer 1 Excell Ray Vicedo, died after more than a hundred armed men attacked the North Cotabato District Jail in Barangay Amas, Kidapawan City, around 1:15amtoday.

A firefight lasted for two hours.

The North Cotabato District Jail has a population of 1,511. The inmates took the opportunity to escape through the back portion of the facility while the rest of the personnel were retaliating to hold their ground and to protect other inmates.

Ongoing clearing operations by the Special Action Force (SAF) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) together with the BJMP Special Tactics and Response (STAR) Team within the jail vicinity and the surrounding area are currently underway.

Manhunt operations on the escapees are ongoing. Fourteen were recaptured. Of the 14, two (2) surrendered and six (6) died during the operations, as of 1:55PM.

All BJMP units in Region 12 and nearby provinces remain on heightened alert.
From the Office of the Presidential Spokesperson on Philippines risks FATF blacklist over AMLC changes
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) potential blacklist over changes in the chairmanship of AMLC has no basis.

The President has not given his imprimatur on the Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) changes. He simply complained of some AMLC members of serving other masters.

The bill proposed by Representative Gloria Arroyo has to undergo deliberation in Congress. We therefore expect that the FATF blacklist risk mentioned would be considered during the discussion.
From the Office of the Presidential Spokesperson on VP Robredo’s statement that relief operations in Typhoon Nina-hit areas ‘slow’
The remark Ms. Robredo made saying that the relief operations were “slow” suggests a cynical political mindset willing to capitalize on disaster. One wished she displayed more appreciation of the work of our disaster officials, our social workers, and other volunteers who were on Ground Zero even before Nina made a landfall.

As of January 4, a total of P182,473,574 worth of relief assistance has been provided to affected families in Regions CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, V & VIII, including those who were stranded in various ports in Regions V and VIII. The DSWD provided assistance worth P166,976,473 while LGUs and non-government organizations (NGOs) provided a total of P4,225,832 and P11,271,270, respectively.

The Department of Energy (DOE) with support from local government units and private institutions, on one hand, has brought back electricity to priority areas in Bicol and Southern Tagalog regions before New Year. For transmission facilities in the on-grid area, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), after deploying 500 technical personnel, reported that as of December 31, the Naga-Daraga 230 kV line and the Naga-Pili-Iriga line have been restored servicing the provinces of Albay, Sorsogon and Camarines Sur. Full restoration of NGCP transmission services in typhoon Nina-affected areas is expected today.
From the Office of the Presidential Spokesperson on North Cotabato jail attack
No specific information as to the identity of the armed group has been revealed, though speculation is rife. Some sources claim the group was headed by a certain Commander Derbi; however, General Alamanzor, chief of staff of the BangsaMoro Islamic Armed Forces of the MILF, denied that they have any member bearing that name.

Meanwhile the PNP and the AFP are working closely to capture the escapees.

Hence, we appeal for calm and sobriety.

We assure our people that manhunt operations on the escapees are now underway as BJMP units in Region 12 and nearby provinces are on heightened alert.
From the Office of the Presidential Spokesperson on DPWH P9-B hike and slashing of the Calamity Fund
We understand the concern of Senator Panfilo Lacson, a former Presidential Assistant for Rehabilitation and Recovery, on the slashing of the Calamity Fund.

However, the 2017 budget is compliant with the Supreme Court decisions on PDAF and DAP. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is solely responsible for identified projects – from repair and reconstruction of permanent structures to communities or areas affected by man-made and natural calamities.

The President is particularly abhorrent to giving favors to particular individuals, not even its allies, in line with his inaugural vow to serve every one and not only one.