HOSTAGES RELEASED BY THE ASG WAS A GREAT PROGRESS SAID THE DEFENSE SECRETARY

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana

Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana ordered the troops sent in Mindanao to strengthen the security avoid more or another kidnapping incidents in Southern Philippines specifically in the Western region of Mindanao. The Secretay also addressed the troops to save the other hostages left in the hands of the ASG. It was reported recently that the ASG released a few of their hostages. Secretary Lorenzana was happy with this news and defined it a good sign for the military pressure they put up to the ASG. He even added that the ASG can now feel the intense pressure and hopes for further success of this activity, save more lives, and release all hostages. He also wished to a peaceful Mindanao and no more kidnapping incidents.

“Magandang signal yan, good sign na under pressure na sila (ASG) and we are really happy na marami na narelease na mga hostages at sana wala nang hong kidnapping,” [It was a good sign that the ASG are now feeling the pressure and I hope there will be no kidnapping incidents] Def. Sec. Lorenzana said.

The military troops recently saved a businesswoman whom was kidnapped in Cagayan de Oro City. By the help of the local residents and vigilants, the troops are able to locate the suspects and save the hostage right away. 

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DUTERTE FEARS NO DRUG LORDS

President Duterte

On September 23 this year, President Rodrigo Duterte visited Camp Amado Dumlao

the Regional Office XII in Tambler General Santos City. Duterte said before that he is ready to be in jail but only after he is done with his campaign against drugs and crimes in the Philippines which he considers an epidemic crisis. 

"Go out and hunt down the criminals, arrest them and if they do any violent resistance and if you think you will be in trouble, kill them first," Duterte said.

On the other hand, the media now labels the Philippine President as a leader but not a statesman. On this issue, Duterte joked that he ran for the position of being president and he already won. He don't even know what a statesman does and what is that position. 

"Tapos na ang eleksyon, nanalo na tayo... 6 million nga ang lamang eh," 

[The already won the election and we got 6 million votes ahead] Duterte said.

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Davao Blast: Suspects Arrested

The perpetrators of the Davao city blast were arrested in Cotabato City and was now taken to Camp Crame for investigation.

Additional reports from the local news radio said that the mastermind of the Davao blast last September 2 and killed 14 and injured 67 people was the Vice Mayor Abdul Wahad Sabal of Talitay, Maguindanao and his brother Montasir Sabal.

The arrested bomb maker who is also in the custody of the police was the one who spilled the information to the authorities.

Police Informants also said that Abdul Wahad Sabal belongs to the list of the narco politicians that President Duterte released.

As of now the official statement of Davao city mayor and the PNP about the said arrest was not yet released.

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Davao Blast: List of Victims Released By the Local Government of Davao City

Grieving Families of the Bombing in Davao
Photo: ibtimes

The local government of Davao City has released names of the victims of the deadly blast.

Fatalities:

· Larida, Daniel
· Larida, Melanie Faith
· Adremesin, Jay
· Cagantas, Rogelio
· Basilisco, Mercy
· Mr. X (unidentified)
· Decolongon, Cristelle (ferried to Surallah, South Cotabato)
· Merisido, Ruth
· Salvador, Reynaldo
· Biscocho, Eufemia
· Reyes, Christian Denver
· Sobrecary, Evelyn
· Ms. Y (unidentified)
· Person Z (unidentified)

Injured:

· Cartagenas, Rosa
· Lopez, Sherry
· Palima, Haemaccel
· Palima, Daryl Ang, Mary Jane
· Sobrecarey, Reyna Joy
· Saiyon, Perliza
· Fuerte, Marivic
· Ms. A (unidentified)
· Usman, Junaeb
· Jeukarnin, On Palao
· Carayao, Jerome
· Magardino, Jay
· Bansil, Jeramil
· Bansil, Myrna
· Loreto, Joel
· Claro, Annie Lee
· Tagadaya, Princess
· Cayao, Samuel
· Cruz, Mary Grace
· Gallardo, Julino
· Masucat, Wilfredo
· Salusugan, Joan Marie
· Tayao, Samuel
· Cruz, Mary Grace
· Malang, Raihana
· Rosal, Jenalyn
· Magandig, Joy
· Merioles, Gleen
· Kimberly (from Tibungco)
· Puton, Mylene
· Cape, Jean
· Sarong, Trisha
· Cruz, April Ann
· Lamban, Losario
· Larida, Dennis
· Tagadaya, Steven
· Esterno, Joel
· Manalo, Fatima
· Mr. B (unidentified)
· Kara, Angeline
· Egbus, Michael
· Rodriguez, Reezabeela
· Rodriguez, Camille
· Grecia, Anji Laura
· Tumampos, Jay
· Balili, Marieta
· Reyes, Joanna
· Torres, Donny
· Goc-ong, Brando
· Nacario, Erickson
· Cabaral, Glenn
· Campos, Errol
· Uy, Flordeliza
· Caniba, Jamil
· Esportono, Lilibeth
· Samonh, Dionane
· Artigos, Melvin
· Ampaso, Eldy
· Manan, Farusi
· Nacario, Emelita
· Tandang, Karen
· Bernales, Liezel
· Padernal, Antonio
· Merioles, Jasmin

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Davao City Blast: The Official Statement of Davao city Mayor Sara Duterte

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Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte, expressed her sympathy to the bereaved family of the Davao Blast last Friday, September 2, 2016. She also promised to give financial assistance to the victim of the said incident.

“I would like to express my deepest condolences to the families of those who died last night.”

“I would also like to reassure all of them, as well as the families of those who are injured that the City Government of Davao will assist in all their needs for hospitalization, burial, funeral and day to day expenses.”

“I am sorry for what happened.”

“I would like to remind other officials to stay within the bounds of their official duties according to their position. Please leave me in peace to do my job and I'll leave you to focus on your own work.”

“We will not be terrorized by this heinous crime and I call on all Dabawenyos to unite and let us help each other rise from this senseless incident.”

“Let us remain vigilant, please report any and all suspicious activity, no matter how insignificant it may seem.”

“There will be a memorial at 4:00 this afternoon at the explosion site. Everybody is welcome to say their prayer, lay their flowers and light a candle for those who passed.”

“Thank you.”

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Breaking News! Davao Blast: 14 Confirmed Dead

September 2, 2016 Davao Bombing

  The peaceful night of Davao City were ruined after a bomb exploded in Roxas Street in front of Ateneo University around 9:30-10 PM. Many people thought it was just a gasoline tank explosion but it was confirmed that it was really a bomb explosion. Before this shocking incident happened, witnesses said that they saw two women walking around a spa near Ateneo University. It was so easy for these women to leave a certain “bag” or others say it “travel bag” they were carrying around the massage area. Everybody around and near the area didn’t had an idea because these two are woman. 

Pres. Duterte Visiting the Victims

After this tragic incident it was reported that Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte visited right away the place where the bombing happened and of course the victims. Reports already confirmed that 14 people died, 67 wounded including a pregnant woman whom was reported to be in a 50-50 condition inside the ICU of Southern Medical Center. Duterte visited all the victims wherever hospital they were admitted in leaving him no sleep until this time. The government will give P26,000 to the families of those who died in this bombing as a support. These innocent people were now at the Cosmopolitan Funeral Homes and their families are in great distress. This is a very tragic incident.  You will never know when these bombing are going to hit your place. Everybody is now praying for the families of the victims and the victims themselves who were just innocent people.

Reports said that this bombing might be a revenge of the ASG (Abu Sayyaf Group) against President Duterte’s movement and campaign for Peace in Mindanao. Many also are thinking that is a revenge also by the drug lords whom are Pres. Duterte’s great enemies.  Paolo Duterte, son of Pres. Rodrigo Duterte, was said to have been threatened by a certain text message that a bombing will happen in Davao City. This report was not confirmed yet by Paolo Duterte and people must keep up to date for more information because this incident is still in a great investigation. The area around Ateneo University has CCTV cameras and the Davao Police and investigators are looking forward to review it and have a copy of the CCTV footage. The Davao Police also asked the people and the media to not to report unconfirmed news yet and wait for the official details of the said bombing.

This article will be updated soon as the official and confirmed details are released.
If you happened to be a witness of this tragic event, where were you when the bombing happened?

What are your thoughts about this? Let’s talk in the comments section below.

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President Rodrigo Duterte Joked About the Possibility of Going to War with China

"I reiterate my commitment to the Moro people, to the Tausug, gusto ko po [matapos] ang giyera na ito para makauwi na rin ang mga sundalo. May mga pamilya rin sila at maghintay na lang tayo ng giyera sa China,"[“ I want this conflict to end so that the soldiers can finally return home. They do have families and well just wait for the war against China.”] he said as some of the audience laughed.

"Baka giyerahin tayo ng mga gago. Mahirap iyan. Medyo wala tayong missile. Pero hand-to-hand, kaya. Pero siyagit [shout] man lang,"[“Maybe they’ll commence war against us. That’s tough. Cause we may not have a missile. But on hand-to-hand, we can.”] he once again said in jest.

The Philippines is engaged in a territorial dispute with China over parts of the South China Sea.

Relations between the two countries hit a nadir last month after Beijing refused to recognize a UN-backed ruling invalidating its claims to much of the sea.

The Philippines, which says it owns areas claimed by China, took the case to a Hague-based tribunal for arbitration.

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