News Update
As of September 18, 2017 (Monday)
1. Manila Bulletin
PH, US set ‘Tempest Wind’ joint counter-terrorism drills
The Philippine and the United States (US) forces will hold a bilateral, counter-terrorism drills dubbed “Tempest Wind,” next week here and in Hawaii. Director Arsenio Andolong, chief of the Department of National Defense (DND) Public Affairs Service, said various government agencies involved in crisis management, counter- terrorism, and security operations in both countries will participate in Tempest Wind.
A press statement from the US embassy said the whole-of-government drill will be augmented by additional military assessments, national level engagement, and subject matter expert exchanges. These are designed to create a realistic environment to exercise counterterrorism strategy, including senior decision-making and tactical responses while deepening the bilateral partnership.
http://news.mb.com.ph/2017/09/17/ph-us-set-tempest-wind-joint-counter-terrorism-drills/
2. Philippine Star
War on drugs to march on — Rody
The bloody war on illegal drugs would continue despite the mounting criticism against it, President Duterte said, even as he clarified that the crackdown does not target innocent teenagers. Duterte apologized anew for the deaths of innocent civilians and expressed support for the relief of the 1,200 members of the Caloocan City police, which have been under fire because of the killing of Delos Santos and Arnaiz.
The tough-talking President said he would not back down on his campaign against illegal drugs, a problem that he said would jeopardize the future of the country.
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2017/09/18/1740263/war-drugs-march-rody 3. Daily Inquirer
Maute terror base overrun; priest rescued
The vicar general of Marawi City, Fr. Teresito “Chito” Soganub, and another hostage were rescued from Islamic State-inspired terrorists during a battle with government forces on Saturday night
Bato Ali mosque is the command center of the Islamic State (IS)-inspired Maute and Abu Sayyaf terrorists who have been battling government forces for control of Marawi since late May. The military said it captured the terrorists’ command center in a deadly operation that began on Saturday.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/931376/maute-terror-base-overrun-priest-rescued 4. Manila Times
Moon, Trump vow stronger pressure against NKorea
US President Donald Trump and his South Korean counterpart have pledged “stronger pressure” on Pyongyang, Seoul said Sunday, after North Korea defied tough new sanctions with a missile test and said it wanted to match American nuclear strength.
“The two leaders agreed on more practical and stronger pressure… to make the North Korean regime realize that further provocation will only bring stronger diplomatic isolation and economic pressure leading to a path of collapse,” the South’s presidential office said in a statement.
http://www.manilatimes.net/moon-trump-vow-stronger-pressure-nkorea/351223/
