Unqualified success
The Asia- Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting in Manila is an unqualified success. No untoward incident happened. The 11,000 delegates and media representatives were all safe and comfortable.
Traffic was orderly and disturbance to ordinary commuters was kept to a minimum.
President Barack Obama as expected was the star of the conference as he reaffirmed the United States’ unwavering commitment to the security and defense of the Philippines. He also announced the US will increase their maritime security assistance to the Philippines to record levels, including two new vessels.
Presidents Obama and Aquino discussed a number of avenues of cooperation such as the Philippine Strategic Trade Management (PSTM) that will enforce measures to prevent proliferation of weapons of mass destruction; cybersecurity threats and challenges; maritime security; and the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP), a pillar of America’s rebalance in the region that offers access to a far larger market. Moreover, as the first Millennium Challenge Cooperation (MCC) compact is nearing completion, our country is said to be eligible for a second MCC compact. The Philippines and the US are working closely in the development of projects to be implemented under this second compact.
Japan also struck another agreement with the Philippines to boost military ties and cooperation amid tensions with China. Japan and Philippines share concerns on unilateral action of large scale reclamation in the West Philippine Sea. Japan is set to donate military equipment to the Philippines.
Taiwan and the Philippines signed an agreement on law enforcement in contested areas of the South China Sea. The agreement was signed two weeks prior to APEC summit but both sides agreed to make the official announcement at an appropriate time.
President Aquino had 11 successful bilateral meetings with other heads of state on several subjects which will redound to the improvement of the Philippine economy and climate change efforts.
Obama surprisingly moderated a panel discussion of the CEO Summit where he gave special praise to Filipina scientist Aisa Mijeno, who invented lamps powered by salt water. Mijeno had to be escorted by the US Secret Service to be able to enter the venue of the forum, having no APEC ID.
President Obama even visited the Philippine Navy headquarters.
The Welcome Dinner, hosted by President Aquino and presidential sister Ballsy Aquino-Cruz, was also a big success highlighted by a 45-minute musical program. Ballsy Aquino-Cruz played the role of First Lady.
The Mall of Asia Arena was excellently dressed up by Kenneth Cobonpue.
Glenda Barreto and Gaita Forés prepared the food for 750 guests at the Welcome Dinner.
The economic leaders were also welcomed by our country’s top performers Gary Valenciano, Martin Nievera, Jessica Sanchez, Charice, Apl de Ap, Arnel Pineda, Jed Madela, pianist Cecile Licad and El Gamma Penumbra, among others.
The Luncheon Gathering, prepared by four presidential sisters, on Thursday, for the nine economic leaders’ spouses (Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, China, Taipei, Thailand, Vietnam), was hosted by Kris Aquino, together with actor Derek Ramsey and sisters Ballsy, Pinky and Viel. They prepared entertainment and cultural presentations for this special program. Celebrities who performed during this event were Ogie Diaz, Erik Santos, Matteo Guidicelli and Angeline Quinto. There was also a showcase of world-class Filipino products, aside from the program prepared.
World leaders praised the Philippines on how our people welcomed them.
Crime surge
Businessman Adolfo Fernandez Jr., 60, was shot dead in the parking area of a cockpit in Calasiao, Pangasinan. Fernandez, son of former Provincial Board Member Adolfo Fernandez Sr., owned several business establishments, including a school and a hotel in Dagupan City.
A Malaysian hostage, Bernard Then, was beheaded by the Abu Sayyaf Group rebels in Sulu. Then was abducted in Sandakan, North Borneo and brought to Sulu as a hostage of the communist rebels, who demanded a P40-million ransom. Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak condemned the beheading.
A homemade bomb exploded inside a van near SM City Davao, wounding the driver and conductor.
A grenade was thrown on a quarry site on Matalam town in North Cotabato, wounding a worker.
The day before, five people were hurt when a grenade blew up on busy Rizal and Malver streets in Cotabato City.
Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) project engineer Damian Canao Jr. was shot dead in Lubuagan, Kalinga.
Seven heavy equipment, worth around P25 million, of Revere Construction were burned by suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Sto. Tomas, Batangas. The construction company had received an extortion letter from the NPA four months ago but the owner, Renato Maligalig, refused to pay.
The NPA rebels ambushed a Philippine National Police (PNP) patrol car in Daraga, Albay, wounding two policemen.
Tidbits
Megawide terminated the P7-billion Build Operate and Transfer agreement for the renovation of the Philippine Orthopedic Center (POC).
Among 162 countries, the Philippines ranked as the 11th worst country in the world in the 2015 Global Terrorism Index (GTI), a clear indication the country was not able to curb the escalating trend of terrorismrelated violence.
Kalayaan Municipality expressed alarm over a Chinese coast guard ship that stayed near their vicinity for several days.
Paul Cabral’s Barong Tagalog creations, for the 21 world leaders, was a smash hit.
PNP chief Ricardo Marquez deserves the highest commendation. Ambassador Marciano Paynor Jr. did an excellent job. Mr. President, you did a superb job. Congratulations.