Tag: Mindanao

Statements

On the Recommendation for Martial Law following the Sulu Twin Bombings

We have passed a strong Anti-Terrorism Law for our security forces to better address terrorism in Mindanao and the rest of the country. Unfortunately, amidst the numerous petitions against the measure, the agencies tasked to craft the implementing rules and regulations of the law have not yet issued the same which could have given our law enforcement agencies and the AFP the impetus to fully implement the law with efficacy and confidence, even proactively as we have included even “inchoate offenses” punishable for even at the stage of planning and preparation.

With all that said, another declaration of martial law in Mindanao or Sulu may not be necessary.

*****

Statements

On the Fatal Police Shooting of Army Officers in Sulu: Speedy but Thorough Probe is Critical
Image: CTTO

A speedy but thorough determination of the facts that led to the tragic shooting of four Army officers by police in Sulu is critical and cannot be emphasized enough.

It is wise and proper that both Philippine National Police Chief P/Gen. Archie Gamboa and Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Felimon Santos Jr. have agreed that the National Bureau of Investigation take full control of the criminal investigation, and allow the evidence to dictate the findings.

But the NBI’s investigation results notwithstanding, and more than making fully accountable all those responsible for the incident, the ground commanders of both sides must be in full control of the situation to avoid an escalation of the situation.

Our security forces already have their hands full in their fight against their common adversaries such as terrorism and insurgency in Mindanao. Allowing disunity in any form would give the enemy an unwanted advantage that could prove fatal for our nation.

*****

In the News, Radio, Statements, TV

Interview on DZBB/GNTV: Walang ‘Pork’ sa 2020 Budget sa Unang Tingin? | Nov. 3, 2019

In an interview on DZBB/GNTV, Sen. Lacson answered questions on:
– thwarting possible attempts to insert pork in the P4.1-trillion proposed 2020 budget via bicam
– ‘most behaved’ House with P9.5B institutional amendments in the budget bill
– release of funds to address recent calamities

QUOTES and NOTES:
 Continue reading “Interview on DZBB/GNTV: Walang ‘Pork’ sa 2020 Budget sa Unang Tingin? | Nov. 3, 2019” →

Hearings/Investigations, Photos, Videos

AFP Modernization, West Philippine Sea Updates, and National Security: Sen. Lacson Chairs the 2020 Budget Hearing for the DND

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[Video Courtesy: Senate PRIB]

At the hearing on the 2020 budget of the Department of National Defense (DND), Sen. Lacson cited the need to revisit the AFP Modernization Program for the country to achieve its goal of a minimum credible defense posture, and asked if the DND should get compensation from telcos that set up facilities inside military camps.

Lacson also pushed for a sustainable long-term program that would provide for the pension requirements of uniformed personnel. He inquired about the status of a new infantry battalion that would fight terrorism and similar threats in the Mindanao area.

The DND is seeking a budget of P258.35 billion for 2020, including P119.118B for personnel services; P69.704B for pension; P40.701B for MOOE; and P28.831B for capital outlay.

QUOTES and NOTES:
Continue reading “AFP Modernization, West Philippine Sea Updates, and National Security: Sen. Lacson Chairs the 2020 Budget Hearing for the DND” →

In the News, Radio, Statements

Interview on DWIZ | Jan. 19, 2019

In an interview on DWIZ, Sen. Lacson answered questions on:
– need for transparency in the bicameral conference committee on the 2019 budget
– DBM Sec. Diokno’s claim that deleting P75B from DPWH budget may harm economy
– US NGO’s claim that PH is a ‘war zone in disguise’
– Sri Lankan president’s reported intent to ‘copy” PH war vs drugs
– ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law and efforts to reach out to Nur Misuari
– Sen. Pacquiao’s bout vs Adrien Broner

Quotes from the interview… Continue reading “Interview on DWIZ | Jan. 19, 2019” →

In the News, Radio, Statements

Interview on DZBB | Dec. 9, 2018

In an interview on DZBB, Sen. Lacson answered questions on:
– ‘pork’ in the 2019 budget
– acquittal of former Sen. Ramon ‘Bong’ Revilla Jr.
– possible extension of martial law in Mindanao

Quotes from the interview… Continue reading “Interview on DZBB | Dec. 9, 2018” →

In the News, Photos, Statements, Videos

Kapihan sa Senado forum | Nov. 15, 2018

At the Kapihan sa Senado forum, Sen. Lacson answered questions on:
– return of the Balangiga Bells from the US to PH
– portrayal of PNP leadership in ‘FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano’
– suspension of excise tax on fuel products in 2019
– President Duterte’s supposed ‘power nap’ at the ASEAN Summit
– possible arrest of former First Lady Imelda Marcos
– bringing down VAT and cutting the number of exemptions
– possible Senate inquiry into recent killing of local executives
– rogue cops abusing their authority amid a pay raise starting January 2019
– prospective third telco
– DICT leadership change
– legislation transferring training of police recruits from PPSC to PNP
– ‘rampant corruption’ at Customs
– possible extension of martial law in Mindanao

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Quotes from the interview… Continue reading “Kapihan sa Senado forum | Nov. 15, 2018” →

In the News, Statements

#PingTweets: On recent bombings in Mindanao

tweet0917-mindanao

In the News, Statements, Videos

#PingSays: Tens of billions in taxpayers’ money lost to right-of-way mess, ‘food crisis’, bombings | Sept. 3, 2018

In an interview, Sen. Lacson answered questions on:
– mulitbillion-peso wastage of taxpayers’ money due to RROW issues
– need for government to shift focus to the economy
– possible food crisis
– on Pagcor action on PH offshore gambling operations
– recent bombings

Quotes from the interview…  Continue reading “#PingSays: Tens of billions in taxpayers’ money lost to right-of-way mess, ‘food crisis’, bombings | Sept. 3, 2018” →

In the News, PingBills, Statements

BOL at martial law, ‘di garantiya vs karahasan sa Mindanao

Hindi uubra para masawata ang karahasan sa Mindanao ang napapabalitang pagpapalawig pa sa implementasyon ng martial law at maging ang kakasabatas pa lamang na Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).

Ito ang naging tugon ni Senador at dating Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Panfilo Lacson na kasalukuyan din na Chairman ng Senate Committee on Public Order and Illegal Drugs nang tanungin siya ng mga mamamahayag sa Senado tungkol sa naturang usapin.

“The recent bombing incident in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat suggests that neither martial law nor the Bangsamoro Organic Law could guarantee peace in Mindanao,” banggit ni Lacson.

Related:
On the bombing incident in Sultan Kudarat
Lacson Bill Gives Government Stronger Teeth vs Terrorism
Continue reading “BOL at martial law, ‘di garantiya vs karahasan sa Mindanao” →

PingBills, Statements

Lacson Bill Gives Government Stronger Teeth vs Terrorism

The government may soon gain a much-needed boost in its fight against terrorism, with a bill filed by Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson.

Senate Bill 1956, the proposed “Anti-Terrorism Act of 2018,” enhances the Human Security Act of 2007 with provisions on foreign terrorists and additional predicate crimes.

“While an anti-terror law in itself cannot solve the problem of terrorism, an intensified one can however give the government and the law enforcement agencies the much-needed tool in dealing with the emerging threats of terrorism,” said Lacson, who headed the Philippine National Police from 1999 to 2001 and who played a key role in crafting the Human Security Act of 2007 (Republic Act 9372).

Related:
On the bombing incident in Sultan Kudarat
BOL at martial law, ‘di garantiya vs karahasan sa Mindanao
Continue reading “Lacson Bill Gives Government Stronger Teeth vs Terrorism” →

In the News, PingBills, Statements

On the Bombing Incident in Sultan Kudarat

It only suggests that neither martial law nor the Bangsamoro Organic Law could guarantee peace in Mindanao. Instead, it is my view that the National Security Council and our ground security forces should take a hard look at their security plans and strategy, especially in the South, and try to avert the vicious cycle of talking peace with one tribal group while alienating the others.

Thus, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front came into being and developed themselves into the dominant armed force in Mindanao after we dealt peace with the Moro National Liberation Front.  As it may be shaping now, as we make peace with the MILF, a breakaway group is sowing terror.

Having said that, I filed a Senate bill to enhance the Human Security Act of 2007, which has not been proving itself effective in addressing terrorism in our country.

*****

Statements

On the Newly-Signed Bangsamoro Organic Law

The Bangsamoro Organic Law is not perfect, but is a big leap towards peace in Mindanao. Or so we hope. Much credit goes to President Duterte and his strong political will in this regard.

I would have wanted the creation of two sub-regions under one Bangsamoro Autonomous Region. I have in fact suggested that to the President in one of our small group meetings in Malacanang. It is my view that we could do away with the possible breakaway factions from the Tausog and other ethnic groups from the Basilan, Tawi-Tawi and Palawan group of islands.

We should learn from history when the Maguindanaoans and Maranaws and others from Central Mindanao broke away and formed the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) when the central government talked peace with Misuari’s Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

*****

In the News, Statements, Videos

#PingSays: On Charter change moves in the Senate and House | Jan. 16, 2018

In an interview, Sen. Lacson answers questions on:
– changing the Constitution’s provisions on term limits
– support for Senate Resolution 580

Related:
Read: Senate Resolution 580, constituting the Senate into a constituent assembly
Senate Resolution 580 gains support

Quotes from the interview…  Continue reading “#PingSays: On Charter change moves in the Senate and House | Jan. 16, 2018” →

In the News, Statements, Videos

#PingSays: On the 1-year extension of martial law in Mindanao | Dec. 13, 2017

Sen. Lacson says that with the one-year extension of martial law in Mindanao, security forces there will be more wary of committing possible abuses.

Quotes from the interview… Continue reading “#PingSays: On the 1-year extension of martial law in Mindanao | Dec. 13, 2017” →

Photos

At the Joint Session of Congress to Take Up the Extension of Martial Law in Mindanao

Sen. Lacson attended the special joint session of Congress on Dec. 13, 2017, where senators voted 14-4 in favor of extending martial law over Mindanao until Dec. 31, 2018.

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More photos… Continue reading “At the Joint Session of Congress to Take Up the Extension of Martial Law in Mindanao” →

In the News, Statements, Videos

#PingSays: On the 2018 budget and possible martial law extension in Mindanao | Dec. 12, 2017

In media interviews, Sen. Lacson answers questions on:
– security briefing at the Senate
– possible martial law extension in Mindanao
– proposed 2018 budget

Quotes from the interviews… Continue reading “#PingSays: On the 2018 budget and possible martial law extension in Mindanao | Dec. 12, 2017” →

In the News, Statements, Videos

#PingSays: Possible martial law extension in Mindanao, Joint Session, Syndicate in the DPWH | Dec. 11, 2017

In an interview, Sen. Lacson answers questions on:
– the hearing on ROW issues in General Santos City
– possible extension of martial law in Mindanao

Quotes from the interview…  Continue reading “#PingSays: Possible martial law extension in Mindanao, Joint Session, Syndicate in the DPWH | Dec. 11, 2017” →

Statements, Videos

#PingSays: On the Senate Resolution Supporting the Declaration of Martial Law over Mindanao

Statements

Vicious Cycle Calls for All-Out War vs MILF

Citing the vicious cycle of “rogues” committing abuses and hiding in Moro Islamic Liberation Front “territories,” Sen. Panfilo M. Lacson on Sunday maintained his stance of scrapping a deceit-laced peace process with the secessionist group.  Continue reading “Vicious Cycle Calls for All-Out War vs MILF” →

Statements

Set Aside Investigation, Help Families of Slain Soldiers in Mindanao Conflict Instead

Saying now is not the right time to act as `armchair generals,’ Senator Panfilo M. Lacson today rebuffed calls for a legislative inquiry anew into the heightened armed conflict in Mindanao.  Continue reading “Set Aside Investigation, Help Families of Slain Soldiers in Mindanao Conflict Instead” →