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| Identifier | Subject | Date | Office | Classification | Tags |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 07MANILA359 |
NEW SECDEF EBDANE TO CONTINUE DEFENSE REFORM [...] (U) President Arroyo's spokesman announced the appointment of Hermogenes Ebdane as the new Secretary of National Defense on January 31. The spokesman stated that "an important criteria in choosing the Department of National Defense Chief is the ability to implement or to continue what (Presi [...] |
2007-01-31 09:42:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | MARR PREL PGOV RP |
| 07MANILA3595 |
PHILIPPINES 2007-2008 INTERNATIONAL NARCOTICS [...] The following text is keyed to questions posed in the 2007-2008 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report, Part I, Drugs and Chemical Control (ref). I. SUMMARY 2. The Government of the Philippines (GRP) attributes a reported decline in the number of users of illicit drugs to co [...] |
2007-11-05 09:23:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED | SNAR PGOV RP |
| 07MANILA3605 |
DCM visit to Davao spotlights youth, business and [...] (U) Summary: During an October 24-25 visit to Mindanao's largest city, the Deputy Chief of Mission joined local government leaders and U.S. businesses to inaugurate the ninth annual Davao Trade Expo, featuring the largest number of U.S. companies ever to participate. The DCM also spoke to a [...] |
2007-11-07 05:46:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ETRD PREL APEC CASC BTIO BEXP EAIR ECON RP |
| 07MANILA3608 |
PHILIPPINES CIVAIR: FAA REQUESTING IMMEDIATE FINAL [...] On October 29, 2007 EconCouns separately met with Edward Pagunsan, Undersecretary of Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC), Daniel Dimagiba, Executive Director of Air Transportation Office (ATO) and Ray Carandang, Assistant Secretary for American Affairs, Department of Foreign A [...] |
2007-11-07 06:26:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAIR ECON RP |
| 07MANILA3615 |
PHILIPPINE VIEWS ON M/V GOLDEN NORI PIRACY [...] (S) As relayed to Department via ref B telcon, poloff on November 2 delivered to the Department of Foreign Affairs reftel C points regarding the actions of U.S. naval vessels that responded to the Panamanian tanker M/V Golden Nori's call for assistance off the coast of Somalia. The DFA was u [...] |
2007-11-07 08:38:00 | Embassy Manila | SECRET | EWWT IMO KCRM PBTS PGOV PHSA PM PREL RP SO |
| 07MANILA3619 |
MEGAPORTS DETECTS RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL IN MANILA [...] No summary [...] |
2007-11-08 05:50:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | KNNP ASEC ENGR RP |
| 07MANILA3620 |
PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT PLEASED TO ATTEND COMMUNITY [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: In a November 6 meeting, Department of Foreign Affairs Director for United Nations and International Organizations Leah Ruiz told poloff that the Philippine government would participate in the 4th Community of Democracies ministerial meeting November 14-17, and in the Asia Paci [...] |
2007-11-08 06:01:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PHUM KDEM PREL UNGA MG RP |
| 07MANILA3637 |
PHILIPPINES -- GREAT WHITE FLEET COMMEMORATION [...] (C) After lengthy discussion of the strategic and political impact that the Great White Fleet commemoration initiative could have on bilateral relations, Post declines participation in the commemoration and recommends against a visit to the Philippines. The United States and the Philippines [...] |
2007-11-13 08:11:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | MARR PREL RP KPAO MASS MPOS |
| 07MANILA3640 |
Scenesetter for Philippine Agriculture Secretary Yap's [...] (SBU) Summary. Philippine Agriculture Secretary Arthur Cua Yap has an impressive range of agricultural, environmental, trade and political goals for his brief November 15-16 visit to Washington. With nearly two-thirds of Filipinos engaged in agriculture - and farm families suffering the highe [...] |
2007-11-13 09:43:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EAGR PGOV OVIP RP |
| 07MANILA3643 |
MANILA PATHOGEN SECURITY LEGAL WORKSHOP 9/27-28 [...] The State Department Office of Chemical and Biological Weapons Threat Reduction (CB), Bureau of International Security and Non-proliferation (ISN), led a two-day workshop on legal issues associated with the implementation of the Biological Weapons Convention (BWC) and pathogen security practice [...] |
2007-11-14 05:15:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED | PARM PREL TBIO RP |
| 07MANILA3645 |
Ambassador Applauds Staff Retention Efforts at Dell Call [...] SUMMARY: On November 8, the Ambassador visited the Dell Philippines Call Center in Pasay City, Metro Manila to assess developments in the booming contact center business. The visit was followed by a tour of the country's largest retail establishment, the SM Mall of Asia, including the newly l [...] |
2007-11-14 06:32:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON FCS ECPS ETRD EINV RP |
| 07MANILA3646 |
PHILIPPINES CIVAIR: LETTER FROM PHILIPPINE AIRLINES [...] On November 6, 2007 we met with the Philippine public-private task force which was formed in response to the FAA summary report regarding aviation safety oversight. 2. We subsequently received a letter dated November 8 from task force member and Philippine Airline President Jaime Bautista [...] |
2007-11-14 07:33:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAIR ECON RP |
| 07MANILA3647 |
AMBASSADOR ENGAGES FOREIGN SECRETARY ON BURMA AND [...] (C) SUMMARY: In a frank and open discussion November 11 with the Ambassador, Philippine Foreign Secretary Alberto Romulo stressed his government's continued strong commitment to press for democratic change in Burma, but said it is difficult to assess whether recent actions on the part of the [...] |
2007-11-14 08:03:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PHUM PREL RP |
| 07MANILA3649 |
DEATH OF A CONGRESSMAN: BASILAN'S COMPLEX CURRENTS [...] (C) Summary: The death of controversial Basilan Congressman Wahab Akbar in an explosion outside the Congressional building November 13 was perhaps least a surprise to him. While a powerful politician with strong public support on his island province, he also acknowledged that he had many en [...] |
2007-11-14 08:15:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PTER MOPS PINS RP |
| 07MANILA3662 |
FIRST VETERANS DAY CEREMONY AT BAGUIO RESIDENCE SMASH [...] SUMMARY. Ambassador visited Baguio City November 5-7 to host the first Veterans Day Ceremony at the U.S. Embassy Residence in Baguio, the place where Japanese forces surrendered the Philippines at the end of World War II. In addition to honoring American and Filipino vets in the region, Ambass [...] |
2007-11-15 06:02:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PREL VA RP FCS |
| 07MANILA3667 |
PHILIPPINES: DEMARCHE ON U.N. RESOLUTION ON RAPE [...] Poloff met with Attorney Ana Hernandez of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), representing the Office of United Nations and International Organizations, and pressed for Philippine support for the anti-rape resolution without amendments, as cited in reftel A. Ms. Hernandez said that the [...] |
2007-11-15 08:52:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED | AORC KWMN PHUM SOCI UNGA RP |
| 07MANILA3669 |
CORRUPTION IN THE PHILIPPINES: CHALLENGES AND PROGRESS [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Corruption, both real and perceived, remains an ongoing challenge in the Philippines. The recent conviction for plunder of former president Joseph Estrada has highlighted the corruption issue, as have continuing corruption allegations involving a range of government officials [...] |
2007-11-15 09:14:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV KCOR PINR RP |
| 07MANILA3675 |
PHILIPPINES CIVAIR: VERSION 9 OF THE PHILIPPINE CIVIL [...] (SBU) We received a copy of Version 9 of the CAAP Bill dated November 13, 2007. It includes language from ICAO's Model Civil Aviation Law and addresses the missing features pointed out by the Federal Aviation Administration during their latest assessment of the Philippines. The bill will be [...] |
2007-11-15 09:25:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAIR PREL ECON RP |
| 07MANILA3676 |
MUSLIM INSURGENT CHAIRMAN, MALAYSIAN FACILITATOR [...] (C) Summary: In the first ever official USG meeting with the leader of the Muslim insurgent organization engaged in peace talks with the government, Chairman Murad asked DCM if the U.S. would consider a more formal role in supporting the implementation of an eventual peace agreement with the [...] |
2007-11-15 09:54:00 | Embassy Manila | SECRET | PREL PGOV PINS RP |
| 07MANILA3693 |
SECURITY FORCES TAKE OUT TERRORISTS SUSPECTED IN [...] (S) Summary: Acting swiftly on information from internal and external sources, Philippine security forces raided an Abu Sayyaf terrorist safe house in Metro Manila November 15 and killed or captured six individuals suspected in the bomb assassination of Congressman and local warlord of the s [...] |
2007-11-16 08:31:00 | Embassy Manila | SECRET | PTER MOPS PINS RP |
| 07MANILA3694 |
Philippine Delegation List to Washington International [...] Per ref A request for invitees from the Philippine government to WIREC 2008, the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Philippines has suggested that invitations be sent to the following individuals: - Department of Foreign Affairs, 2330 Roxas Blvd., Pasay City, Philippines Secretary A [...] |
2007-11-16 09:10:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED | EAID ENRG EPET SENV SOCI TRGY KPAO KGHG KSCA RP |
| 07MANILA3707 |
PHILIPPINE RSM 1267 NOMINATION [...] (S) Summary: Philippine National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) Director General Cesar Garcia told emboffs at a November 16 meeting that the Philippines had submitted three months ago its nomination package to the United Nations 1267 Committee to designate the Rajah Solaiman Movemen [...] |
2007-11-19 08:29:00 | Embassy Manila | SECRET | EFIN ETTC PTER UNSC RP |
| 07MANILA3709 |
PHILIPPINE FOREIGN SECRETARY HONORS U.S. VETERANS [...] Summary: The November 11 Veterans Day ceremony at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial vividly demonstrated the strength of the partnership and ties between the Philippines and the United States. The Manila offices of the American Battle Monuments Commission and the Department of Vetera [...] |
2007-11-19 10:04:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL RP |
| 07MANILA3710 |
UNGA HUMAN RIGHTS RESOLUTIONS: PHILIPPINES WILL [...] (SBU) As requested reftel, Pol/C urged Evan Garcia, A/Sec for the Office of United Nations and Other International Organizations of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), to support votes in favor of four UN Third Committee resolutions (reftel). Pol/C underscored the high priority that the [...] |
2007-11-19 22:42:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | UNGA PHUM UN PREL |
| 07MANILA3728 |
MINDANAO PEACE PROCESS MOVES FORWARD [...] (C) Summary. The Philippine government has made important progress on each side of its dual-track peace discussions with Muslim groups in Mindanao, increasing the likelihood that both sets of talks will return to formal negotiations early in the new year. During preparatory talks in Kuala L [...] |
2007-11-20 09:09:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PINS KISL RP |
| 07MANILA3758 |
EMBASSY MANILA PREPARED FOR TYPHOON MITAG [...] Embassy Manila remains well-prepared and coordinated with local authorities to respond to Typhoon Mitag. Typhoon MITAG pronounced as: "me-tok" has dramatically slowed down while heading on a temporary WSW drift but still endangers the Bicol Region. Communities along the Eastern Provinces of C [...] |
2007-11-23 09:04:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED | ABLD AMGT ASEC KSAF MMED RP |
| 07MANILA3770 |
PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT FINDS IRAN NOT COMPLYING [...] (C) As requested (ref A), Post met on November 26 with Leah Ruiz, Director of the DFA's Office of United Nations and International Organizations, as part of an ongoing effort (ref B) to encourage the Philippine government, as a member of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of [...] |
2007-11-27 04:10:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PHUM PREL UNGA PARM KNNP IR RP MNUC IAEA AORC |
| 07MANILA3771 |
PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT TO SUPPORT U.S. CANDIDATE [...] (SBU) Leah Ruiz, Executive Director for the Department of Foreign Affairs' Office of United Nations and International Organizations, told poloff that the Philippine Mission to the United Nations intends to support the candidacy of Mr. Pierre-Richard Prosper for the UN Committee on the Elimina [...] |
2007-11-27 04:12:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL PHUM UNGA UN RP |
| 07MANILA3775 |
UNANIMOUS PRAISE FOR PRESIDENT'S OUTSPOKEN BURMA [...] (C) SUMMARY: President Arroyo took a bold stance on Burma at the ASEAN Summit in Singapore, plainly warning that the Philippine Congress would likely not ratify the ASEAN Charter if Burma did not release Aung San Suu Kyi and other political prisoners, and pursue rapid democratic reform. Arroy [...] |
2007-11-27 08:06:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PHUM PREL RP BM |
| 07MANILA3777 |
PHILIPPINE EARTHQUAKE - 6.O RICHTER SCALE [...] Manila experienced a 6.0 magnitude earthquake at 12:27 PM (04:27 UCT) today, November 27, 2007. Post immediately communicated with offices and conducted building assessments, per established action plans. There were no reported injuries or structural damages to USG staff or facilities, nor w [...] |
2007-11-27 08:43:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED | ABLD AMGT ASEC CASC KSAF RP |
| 07MANILA379 |
GENERAL SANTOS CITY WILL WELCOME USS BLUE RIDGE [...] (U) South Cotabato provincial governor Daisy Avance-Fuentes and General Santos City Mayor Pedro Acharon, Jr., in separate meetings on January 31 with an Embassy delegation composed of Pol/C, JUSMAG chief, and DATT, voiced enthusiastic support for the February 17-18 visit of the USS Blue Ridge [...] |
2007-02-01 09:12:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL MARR RP |
| 07MANILA3795 |
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FY 2007 EAP/RSP WOMEN'S ISSUES FUND [...] In response to the FY 2007 EAP/RSP Women's Issues Fund proposal solicitation, Embassy Manila received ten grant proposals from Philippine non-governmental organizations (NGOs), aimed at promoting women's political participation and economic independence, and contributing to women's freedom from [...] |
2007-11-29 04:50:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED | PHUM EAID KWMN KPAO SOCI RP |
| 07MANILA3797 |
SENATOR AND FORMER COUP PLOTTER WALKS OUT OF COURT [...] (C) SUMMARY: Senator Antonio Trillanes, a former military officer on trial for his role in leading the failed July 2003 Oakwood Mutiny against the Philippine government, and Brigadier General Danilo Lim, organizer of the February 2006 failed coup attempt, walked out of court proceedings in t [...] |
2007-11-29 08:08:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | CASC MARR MCAP PREL RP MASS |
| 07MANILA38 |
MARINE CASE UPDATE 01/05/07 [...] (U) Lance Corporal Daniel J. Smith, back in U.S. custody on Chancery grounds since December 29 (reftel), is in good health and spirits and settling into a daily routine, including exercise. He is detained in the same quarters where he spent the last year. As before his conviction, represent [...] |
2007-01-05 10:18:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL MARR CASC KCRM RP |
| 07MANILA3800 |
STANDOFF WITH FORMER COUP PLOTTERS ENDS PEACEFULLY [...] (C) SUMMARY: Approximately three hours after a Philippine government deadline to surrender, Senator Antonio Trillanes, a former military officer, along with coup plotter Brigadier General Danilo Lim and other supporters, turned themselves over to Philippine authorities at the Manila Peninsul [...] |
2007-11-29 10:37:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | CASC MARR MCAP PREL RP MASS |
| 07MANILA3804 |
PHILIPPINES-CUBA ECONOMIC TIES ARE MINIMAL [...] (C) Below are Post's responses to Department's questions about Philippine economic policies and actions with respect to Cuba. The following paragraph numbers are keyed to the points in paragraph 5 of reftel: A. (C) Post is not aware of any investments in Cuba by Philippine businesses. [...] |
2007-12-03 02:57:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | ETRD ETTC PREL RP CU |
| 07MANILA3816 |
GOVERNMENT UNRATTLED AFTER FAILED PLOT TO [...] (C) SUMMARY: In the aftermath of Senator Antonio Trillanes's failed attempt to destabilize the Arroyo government on November 29, Philippine President Gloria Arroyo expressed confidence in the security forces' handling of the situation, a gesture which was reinforced tangibly when she resumed [...] |
2007-12-03 09:20:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | MARR MCAP PREL RP MASS |
| 07MANILA3819 |
Progress Against Smuggling in Subic Freeport [...] (SBU) A visit by about 40 representatives of business chambers, associations, companies, and foreign embassies spurred Subic Freeport authorities to announce aggressive action on the problem of vehicle and fuel smuggling (reftel) during meetings on November 8. The anti-smuggling measures incl [...] |
2007-12-04 02:17:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EFIN ETRD EINV PGOV RP |
| 07MANILA3847 |
Engaging The Philippines On Climate Change In The Run-Up To [...] Summary: Ambassador and country team have conveyed, publicly and privately, U.S. positions on climate change and the importance of the Bali meetings with senior officials and key audiences. Longstanding USG environmental programs and public diplomacy in support of the environment provide a re [...] |
2007-12-05 08:27:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON SENV ENRG KGHG RP |
| 07MANILA3852 |
METHODICAL PROGRESS IN MINDANAO PEACE TALKS [...] (C) Summary: The government continues to ake important progress in peace talks with Muslis on Mindanao, according to government officialsclose to the twin negotiation tracks. In recentdiscussions with the DCM, chief government negotiator Rodolfo Garcia expressed strong optimism that he gover [...] |
2007-12-06 07:52:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PINS KISL RP |
| 07MANILA3857 |
PHILIPPINES: CHILD LABOR UPDATE 2007 [...] Summary: This cable provides input requested for the Secretary of Labor's annual report to Congress on the implementation of commitments to eliminate the Worst Forms of Child Labor (reftel a). It updates information provided by Post in 2006 (reftel c) regarding child labor laws and regulations [...] |
2007-12-06 09:49:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED | ELAB EIND ETRD PHUM SOCI RP |
| 07MANILA3875 |
DEMARCHE: PHILIPPINES TO CONSIDER A STRONGER STAND [...] (SBU) As requested in reftels A and B, polcouns met on December 5 with Department of Foreign Affairs Acting A/S Grace Princesa to urge the Philippines to support four UN resolutions condemning human rights situations in Burma, Iran, Belarus, and the DPRK. Polcouns noted that the UNGA Plenary [...] |
2007-12-07 09:23:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | UNGA PHUM UN RP PREL PGOV UG |
| 07MANILA388 |
Manila Airport Showcases Security Improvements to [...] Ambassador toured the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on February 1. The Manila Airport Authority described and pointed out its recent security enhancements to ensure secure, efficient, and comfortable passenger travel. The Authority started charging an additional four dollar (200 peso) s [...] |
2007-02-02 00:39:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED | EAIR ECON EINV ETRD RP |
| 07MANILA3881 |
EXTRAJUDICIAL KILLINGS DECLINE IN 2007 [...] (C) Summary: Intensified domestic and international attention to the problem of extrajudicial killings and disappearances in the Philippines appears to be having a measurable impact, with government agencies and human rights NGOs reporting a significant decline in the number of extrajudicial k [...] |
2007-12-10 04:35:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PHUM PREL RP |
| 07MANILA3891 |
UPDATING INFORMATION FOR TERRORISM FINANCE [...] No summary [...] |
2007-12-11 01:06:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED | KTFN EFIN ETTC PTER |
| 07MANILA3909 |
DCM VISIT HIGHLIGHTS U.S. COMMITMENT TO PEACE IN MINDANAO [...] (SBU) Summary. Visiting Muslim Mindanao's cultural and religious hub in Marawi City, DCM spoke at Peace Week opening ceremonies, highlighting the American people's commitment to the ongoing peace process and U.S. interest in helping Mindanao achieve a peaceful and prosperous future. He reiterat [...] |
2007-12-13 02:01:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PHUM MASS EAID KISL RP |
| 07MANILA3918 |
PHILIPPINES CIVAIR SAFETY: ON THE FAST TRACK [...] Summary: The newly appointed Executive Director of the Air Transportation Office told us that the government will attempt to resolve all FAA safety concerns within three months, in order to bring the Philippines back to Category 1 as soon as possible. On November 28, the Philippine House of R [...] |
2007-12-14 00:20:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAIR ECON RP |
| 07MANILA393 |
MARINE CASE UPDATE 02/02/2007 [...] (U) Lance Corporal Daniel J. Smith remains in U.S. custody on Chancery grounds and continues to be in good health and spirits. He receives regular visits from his Philippine pastors and his lawyers, and is able to exercise on the Embassy grounds. Four members of his family hope to visit in [...] |
2007-02-02 09:10:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL MARR KCRM CASC RP |
| 07MANILA3932 |
RESCHEDULED VILLAGE ELECTIONS SET FOR DECEMBER 15 [...] (SBU) Summary: Special elections will be held on December 15 in 360 villages that were unable to carry out regular voting during the nationwide elections on October 29 in 42,000 villages. The Commission on Elections declared "failures of election" in these areas for various reasons, including [...] |
2007-12-14 06:21:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PHUM PREL RP |
| 07MANILA3947 |
ABU SAYYAF CONVICTIONS UNDERSCORE DETERMINATION TO [...] (C) SUMMARY: A Philippine judge handed out multiple life sentences this month to 14 Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) members convicted of kidnapping 20 persons, including U.S. citizens Gracia and Martin Burnham and Guillermo Sobero, from a resort in May 2001. The decision underscored the government's [...] |
2007-12-17 09:10:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | KJUS MOPS PINS PTER RP |
| 07MANILA3948 |
AMBASSADOR EMPHASIZES ENVIRONMENTAL AND CULTURAL [...] Summary: The Ambassador visited three provinces in Northern Luzon December 5 to 7 and spoke to enthusiastic crowds principally on the theme of preservation. She presented the Embassy's International Woman of Courage award to Isabela Provincial Governor Grace Padaca, delivered an address to 6 [...] |
2007-12-17 09:39:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED | EAID EAGR ECON EIND PGOV PHUM OEXC SENV RP AGR |
| 07MANILA3963 |
PHILIPPINES WELCOMES INFORMATION ON IRAN'S NUCLEAR [...] (C) Per reftel B, Post shared key assessments from the U.S. National Intelligence Estimate (NIE) on Iran's nuclear program December 5 with Acting A/S Grace Princesa and Director Leah Ruiz, both of the Department of Foreign Affairs' (DFA) Office of United Nations and Other International Organ [...] |
2007-12-18 08:24:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL UNGA PARM KNNP IR RP MNUC IAEA AORC |
| 07MANILA3964 |
AMBASSADOR ENGAGES PHILIPPINE FOREIGN SECRETARY ON [...] (C) SUMMARY: In a December 17 private breakfast, the Ambassador and Philippine Foreign Secretary Alberto Romulo discussed Burma, assessed the peace process in Mindanao, and explored opportunities to strengthen U.S.-Philippine ties. Romulo, who was frank and relaxed, inquired about the prospec [...] |
2007-12-18 09:02:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PHUM PREL RP BM |
| 07MANILA3966 |
Philippines Finally Sells TransCo for $3.95 Billion [...] (SBU) Summary: With a bid of $3.95 billion a Philippine/Chinese consortium won the fifth (and hopefully final) round of bidding for the 25 year concession to operate the Philippine National Transmission Company, TransCo, which operates the electric grid of the Philippines. The consortium must [...] |
2007-12-19 01:33:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON ENRG EINV RP |
| 07MANILA3994 |
PHILIPPINES: 2007 COUNTRY REPORT ON TERRORISM [...] (U) Summary: The Philippines, one of the earliest supporters in the global coalition against terrorism, continues to cooperate with the United States on bilateral and multilateral counterterrorism efforts. In 2007, eight of 140 bombings that occurred in the Philippines were ascribed to terr [...] |
2007-12-20 08:52:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED | PTER ASEC RP |
| 07MANILA4 |
THE PHILIPPINES: YEAR IN REVIEW 2006 [...] (C) SUMMARY. President Arroyo has emerged in a stronger position at the end of 2006, but faces challenges ahead in preserving control of the House in the May 2007 bi-elections. Arroyo has been helped by a buoyant economy in 2006, but the country will have to deal with power privatization and [...] |
2007-01-03 01:21:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PTER ECON EAID MOPS PHUM RP |
| 07MANILA4015 |
MARINE CASE UPDATE: APPEALS COURT DECISION NO [...] (U) Lance Corporal Daniel J. Smith remains in U.S. custody on the Chancery grounds and continues to receive regular visits from his Philippine pastors and lawyers. He is in good physical condition and follows a daily exercise routine. 2. (SBU) Commander Gary Hoyt, a psychiatrist, and Ch [...] |
2007-12-21 09:41:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL MARR KCRM CASC RP |
| 07MANILA4016 |
SNAG IN MILF PEACE TALKS [...] (C) Summary: In the aftermath of postponed peace negotiations between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Kuala Lumpur last weekend, the Ambassador spoke with key Cabinet officials December 20-21 to underscore USG support for the Mindanao peace process an [...] |
2007-12-21 10:03:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PINS KISL RP |
| 07MANILA4022 |
PHILIPPINES CIVAIR SAFETY: PUBLIC NOTIFICATION OF THE [...] No summary [...] |
2007-12-26 07:31:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAIR ECON RP |
| 07MANILA407 |
MNLF FREES "GUESTS" IN EXCHANGE FOR TRIPARTITE [...] (SBU) Elements of the Moro National Liberation Front under Commander Habier Malik on February 4 released Brigadier General Benjamin Dolorfino (commander of the Armed Forces' National Capital Region command and the highest ranking Muslim army officer), Undersecretary for the Peace Process Gen [...] |
2007-02-05 08:22:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PTER MARR RP |
| 07MANILA408 |
POSSIBLE OPPORTUNITY FOR INCREASED U.S. ENGAGEMENT [...] (C) Our experience with the Philippines' hosting of the ASEAN and East Asia summits last month indicates that USG attendance at the Assistant Secretary-level in future summits is worth consideration. We cannot tell how other hosts might act, but the Philippine President and Foreign Secretary [...] |
2007-02-05 08:54:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL ECIN XE RP |
| 07MANILA411 |
U/S HUGHES VISIT ENERGIZES US-RP TIES [...] SUMMARY: Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs Karen Hughes visited the Philippines January 24-27 to survey Mission's multi-agency, multi-disciplinary public diplomacy programs and projects. She met with a wide range of Filipinos, including President Arroyo, adult and [...] |
2007-02-05 09:23:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO PREL SCUL RP |
| 07MANILA458 |
PROGRESS AGAINST POLITICAL KILLINGS [...] (SBU) Summary. Philippine police have succeeded in filing additional cases in politically-related killings, leading to at least four convictions and dismissals of two police officials. They continue to investigate a large number of other deaths of leftists and journalists claimed by various [...] |
2007-02-09 02:13:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PHUM PREL KCRM RP |
| 07MANILA465 |
NEAR PASSAGE OF MAJOR COUNTER-TERRORISM LEGISLATION [...] (U) Summary. Passage of long-awaited counterterrorism legislation moved closer to adoption with the approval on February 8 by a bicameral committee of an agreed-upon version. The lower House will have to vote on it when Congress resumes in June, and the President, who expressed delight at t [...] |
2007-02-09 08:30:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED | PTER PREL KCRM RP |
| 07MANILA467 |
MARINE CASE UPDATE 02/09/2007 [...] (U) Lance Corporal Daniel J. Smith remains in U.S. custody on Chancery grounds and continues to be in good health and spirits. He receives regular visits from his Philippine pastors and his lawyers, and is able to exercise on the Embassy grounds. 2. (SBU) Department of Interior and Local [...] |
2007-02-09 09:11:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL MARR KCRM CASC RP |
| 07MANILA468 |
MELO COMMISSION CALLS FOR COMMAND RESPONSIBILITY [...] (C) Summary. The Melo Commission's report to President Arroyo emphasized the need to ensure command responsibility over errant military elements, and suggested some practical ways to do this. The Commissioners see their role as essentially over, with no additional budget or offices, apart [...] |
2007-02-09 09:25:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PHUM PREL KCRM MOPS RP |
| 07MANILA473 |
Congressman Salceda on Politics and Economic Policy [...] (U) Summary: Over dinner on February 5, Representative Joey Salceda, a close advisor to President Arroyo, predicted the passage of the Roxas bill on pharmaceuticals and the eventual presidency of its sponsor, Senator Manuel Roxas. Salceda argued that the GRP has done what was necessary to sta [...] |
2007-02-12 00:19:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON ETRD KIPR RP |
| 07MANILA518 |
AMBASSADOR APPLAUDS US COMPANY INVESTMENTS IN RENEWABLE [...] Ambassador highlighted USG promotion and American firm investment in alternative fuels during her February 7 visit to solar cell manufacturer SunPower and to a Ford plant, the sole manufacturer of biofuels capable vehicles in the Philippines. These two U.S. companies are at the forefront of p [...] |
2007-02-14 09:41:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON ENRG EAID EINV RP |
| 07MANILA519 |
PHILIPPINES LAUDS SIX PARTY TALKS OUTCOME [...] (U) After Pol/C conveyed reftel points to Assistant Secretary of Foreign Affairs for Asia and the Pacific Romeo SIPDIS Manalo on February 14, Foreign Secretary Alberto G. Romulo issued the following statement; quote We join the international community in welcoming the Six-Party agree [...] |
2007-02-14 09:53:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL PARM KNNP KN RP |
| 07MANILA520 |
PHILIPPINE REQUEST FOR SUPPORT FOR UNESCO [...] (U) The Philippine government has formally requested that the U.S. support its candidacy for the UNESCO Executive Board. (Full text in para 2.) Please advise of any response. 2. (U) Text No. 07-474 The Department of Foreign Affairs presents its compliments to the Embassy of the Uni [...] |
2007-02-14 10:07:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL SCUL RP |
| 07MANILA531 |
Promoting Biofuels to Reduce Imports, Boost Local [...] The newly-signed Biofuels Act of 2006 mandates oil companies in the Philippines to blend minimum levels of biofuels into gasoline and diesel and offers financial incentives for investment in and production of biofuels. The bill aims to reduce the Philippines' dependence on imported fuel, gene [...] |
2007-02-15 08:20:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED | ENRG SENV EINV RP |
| 07MANILA533 |
SCENESETTER FOR THE VISIT OF CONGRESSMAN CHABOT [...] (U) Congressman Chabot, a warm welcome to the Philippines! The relationship and spirit of partnership between the United States and the Philippines remain strong. The unique bond shared between U.S. and Philippine veterans further strengthens our ties, as the memory of our partnership in Wor [...] |
2007-02-15 10:25:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | OREP PREL EAID PTER MARR MASS MOPS MCAP RP |
| 07MANILA552 |
Philippines: 2007 Special 301 Report [...] (SBU) Summary. Embassy recommends retaining the Philippines on the Special 301 Watch List. The GRP continued to devote attention to intellectual property protection during 2006, increasing its enforcement actions, especially against optical disk piracy. While the total number of seizures was [...] |
2007-02-20 07:50:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | KIPR ETRD ECON RP |
| 07MANILA553 |
CO-CHAIRS' SUMMARY REPORT OF THE SECOND MEETING OF THE [...] The Department of Foreign Affairs has requested that Embassy forward to relevant U.S. authorities the summary report from the ARF EEP meeting in Manila. Full text in para 3. 2. Cover letter: quote Department of Foreign Affairs Republic of the Philippines 12 February 2007 Dear C [...] |
2007-02-20 08:03:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL RP |
| 07MANILA560 |
CONGRESS PASSES MAJOR COUNTER-TERRORISM LEGISLATION [...] (U) In a special session called by President Arroyo, the House of Representatives on February 19 approved the bicameral conference version of the Human Security Act of 2007, major counter-terrorism legislation that gives the Philippine government greater ability to investigate and prosecute t [...] |
2007-02-20 09:23:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED | PTER PREL KCRM RP |
| 07MANILA561 |
USS BLUE RIDGE VISIT CATALYST FOR EMBASSY OUTREACH TO THE [...] SUMMARY: The February 11th-14th visit of the USS Blue Ridge to Cebu provided an opportunity for a coordinated, Mission-wide outreach to the Philippine's second largest metro area. Cebu's importance extends beyond its "second city" status, as its central location in the Philippine archipelago ma [...] |
2007-02-20 09:25:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PREL ECON EAID RP |
| 07MANILA573 |
UN SPECIAL RAPPORTEUR EXAMINES EXTRAJUDICIAL [...] (C) Summary. The UN Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial killings views the Philippine government in a "state of denial" about who is responsible for these killings here, while crediting its leadership with its willingness to arrange meetings for him as well as its creation of Task Force Usi [...] |
2007-02-21 08:34:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PHUM PREL RP |
| 07MANILA59 |
MARINE CASEUPDATE 03/23/2007 [...] (U) Lance Corporal Daniel J. Smith remains inU.S. custody on Chancery grounds and continues t be in good health and spirits. He continues toreceive regular visits from his Philippine pastos and lawyers, and is able to exercise on the Embssy grounds. 2. (SBU) Smith's parents arrived n Man [...] |
2007-03-23 09:21:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL MARR KCRM CASC RP |
| 07MANILA593 |
PHILIPPINES CONTEMPLATING NEXT STEPS ON BURMA [...] (C) In a meeting with Ambassador on February 22, Foreign Secretary Romulo welcomed the latest U.S. thinking on Burma SIPDIS (ref a) and pledged to continue to use Philippine chairmanship of ASEAN through August to encourage the Burmese regime to take meaningful steps on its roadmap, as Pre [...] |
2007-02-22 06:47:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PHUM UNSC BM RP |
| 07MANILA594 |
MILF WELCOMES US ASSISTANCE BUT WANTS HELP ON [...] (C) Summary. In a meeting in Sultan Kudarat with Embassy delegation led by DCM on February 15, MILF Central Committee members expressed appreciation for U.S. assistance programs in Mindanao, including our military's civil-humanitarian and medical programs and ship visits. However, they unde [...] |
2007-02-22 07:00:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL EAID MOPS MA RP |
| 07MANILA596 |
COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR EAP/MST OFFICE DIRECTOR SCOT MARCIEL [...] Post warmly welcomes the February 27 to March 4, 2007, visit of Scot Marciel traveling to the Philippines for consultations with Embassy staff. Point of contact for this visit will be ConOff Ben Reames. He can be reached at (63)-(2)-528-6300, ext. 2171 and at ReamesBN@state.gov 2. Post [...] |
2007-02-22 08:05:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED | OTRA JA RP |
| 07MANILA599 |
NEW COUNTERTERRORISM LEGISLATION NOT PERFECT, BUT [...] (C) The "Human Security Act of 2007," which President Arroyo will soon sign into law following its recent passage by the Philippine Congress (ref a), reflects the Philippine government's determination to improve its arsenal of tools in going after terrorists who continue to inhabit or transit [...] |
2007-02-22 09:03:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PTER PREL PHUM RP |
| 07MANILA608 |
CONGRESSMAN CHABOT HELPS KICK OFF BALIKATAN 07 [...] (U) Summary. During his February 18-20 visit to the Philippines, U.S. Congressman Steve Chabot (R-OH) joined Ambassador, Philippine Secretary of National Defense Ebdane, and high ranking U.S. and Philippine military officials at the Opening Ceremony of Balikatan 2007, the annual U.S.-Philip [...] |
2007-02-23 06:34:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | OREP EINV BEXP PREL MCAP RP |
| 07MANILA609 |
MELO COMMISSION REPORT SPARKS NEW EFFORTS AGAINST [...] (U) Summary: Lost in much of the media hype about the initial reluctance of Malacanang publicly to release the Melo Commission's report, the strong denials of culpability by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the public criticism by the UN Special Rapporteur on Extrajudicial Kill [...] |
2007-02-23 06:44:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED | PHUM PREL RP |
| 07MANILA625 |
STRATEGIC SPEAKER INITIATIVE - EMBASSY MANILA [...] In the framework of the Strategic Speaker Initiative, Embassy Manila requests a speaker who will be able to argue effectively that law enforcement agencies and civil society activists have a common interest in modifying laws and administrative procedures that block access to information and som [...] |
2007-02-26 08:50:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED | KPAO SCUL OIIP RP |
| 07MANILA630 |
USS BLUE RIDGE VISIT HIGHLIGHTS U.S.-PHILIPPINE PARTNERSHIP [...] SUMMARY: The USS Blue Ridge port call to General Santos City in Mindanao on February 17 and 18 highlighted the active partnership and long-standing USG investment in the Mindanao region and the General Santos City area, specifically. In addition to participating in community relations events w [...] |
2007-02-26 09:39:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL MOPS EAID RP EAGR |
| 07MANILA64 |
MARINE CASE: NEW MOTION TO SUPREME COURT AND [...] (U) The private prosecutor in the case of Lance Corporal Daniel J. Smith (refs) on January 8 filed a petition with the Philippine Supreme Court requesting that it "nullify" the Philippine government's December 29 transfer of Smith to U.S. custody and declare Article V paragraph 6 of the Visiti [...] |
2007-01-09 09:00:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL MARR CASC KCRM RP |
| 07MANILA645 |
PHILIPPINES ASKS FOR HELP ON EXTRAJUDICIAL KILLINGS [...] (SBU) The Department of Foreign Affairs has shared with Embassy copies of letters dated January 31 to the resident Ambassadors of Finland, Germany, Great Britain, Italy, Spain, Sweden, and the Netherlands, requesting technical assistance as the Philippine government investigates and tries to [...] |
2007-02-27 08:41:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL PHUM EAID RP GM FI UK SP IT NO SW NL |
| 07MANILA646 |
INFORMAL U.S./AUSTRALIA/PHILIPPINE DEFENSE DIALOGUE [...] (SBU) SUMMARY. The Philippine Department of National Defense invited U.S. Embassy representatives to participate in a February 22 "informal discussion" with Australian officials on defense issues. Australia expects to sign a status of forces agreement with the Philippines in 2007 and hopes t [...] |
2007-02-27 09:31:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | MARR MASS MOPS MCAP PREL PHUM AU RP |
| 07MANILA649 |
AMBASSADOR REES ADVOCATES U.S. HUMAN DIGNITY AGENDA [...] (SBU) Summary. During his February 14-15 visit to the Philippines, Ambassador Grover Joseph Rees, Special Representative for Social Issues, advocated the U.S. Government human dignity agenda in meetings with the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs, members of the Philippine House of Re [...] |
2007-02-27 09:38:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PHUM PREL BM RP |
| 07MANILA682 |
Telecom Policy Workshop Inspires Participants [...] Summary: At a telecommunication workshop for Malaysian and Filipino participants, U.S. experts discussed the regulatory and financial innovations used to deliver broadband to remote parts of the United States. The benefits of universal broadband motivated policy-makers to approach legislators a [...] |
2007-03-01 06:48:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON ECPS ETRD EINV RP |
| 07MANILA683 |
HELPING THE PHILIPPINES COMBAT UNLAWFUL KILLINGS [...] (U) In a letter to Ambassador dated February 28, Foreign Secretary Alberto G. Romulo expressed "sincerest appreciation SIPDIS of the Philippine Government and people for your words of support and encouragement for our efforts to address the issue of unexplained killings," and welcomed an o [...] |
2007-03-01 08:34:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PHUM PREL EAID RP |
| 07MANILA688 |
PHILIPPINES -- SEVENTH ANNUAL TRAFFICKING IN [...] (U) Mission's seventh annual Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report follows below. The report covers the period from April 2006 to March 2007. Point of contact (POC) is Political Officer Barry Fullerton, FullertonTB@State.Gov, (632) 528-6300 x2350, fax (632) 523-1195. Rank of TIP action offic [...] |
2007-03-01 11:20:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PHUM KCRM KWMN SMIG KFRD PREF ELAB RP |
| 07MANILA699 |
PHILIPPINES LIKELY TO JOIN GLOBAL INITIATIVE TO [...] (SBU) The Philippines will likely become a partner nation in the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism (reftel), according to Alan Deniega, Department of Foreign Affairs' (DFA) Director for International Political, Legal, and Security Affairs in the Office of United Nations and Intern [...] |
2007-03-02 08:44:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | KNNP MCAP PARM PINR PINS PREL PTER RP |
| 07MANILA708 |
PHILIPPINES BACKS USG ON ITA DUTY-FREE COVERAGE [...] No summary [...] |
2007-03-05 08:05:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON ETRD WTO RP |
| 07MANILA717 |
PHILIPPINE VIEWS ON HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL ISSUES [...] (C) The Philippines is "very concerned" that the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) may table a potentially stronger resolution on defamation of religion at the fourth regular session of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC), according to Noel Servigon, Department of Foreign Affairs' (DFA) [...] |
2007-03-06 08:58:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PHUM UNHRC RP |
| 07MANILA72 |
ARROYO SHOWCASES US-PHILIPPINE PARTNERSHIP ON JOLO [...] (SBU) President Arroyo invited Charge Jones to accompany her on a January 8 trip to the southern island of Jolo, where the Philippine military, with the help of U.S. Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines (JSOTF-P) and USAID, continues to battle terrorists of the Abu Sayyaf Group and [...] |
2007-01-09 09:33:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PTER PREL EAID MOPS MARR RP |
| 07MANILA748 |
ENGAGING ASEAN: RECONSIDERING THE TREATY OF AMITY [...] (C) President Arroyo and Foreign Secretary Romulo, as Chair of ASEAN, have requested that the U.S. accede to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia (TAC). They note that most of ASEAN's other partners have signed the treaty, that the treaty is largely a generic expression of p [...] |
2007-03-08 05:01:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL ECIN RP |
| 07MANILA752 |
PRESIDENT ARROYO SIGNS LANDMARK COUNTERTERRORISM [...] (U) At a highly publicized ceremony featuring half the Cabinet, Congressional leaders, senior military and police officials, and the diplomatic corps at Malacanang Palace on March 6, President Arroyo signed the final version of the "Human Security Act of 2007," long-awaited counterterrorism [...] |
2007-03-08 08:11:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED | PTER PREL PHUM KCRM RP |
| 07MANILA753 |
REACTIONS TO THE HUMAN RIGHTS REPORT ON THE [...] (U) Presidential press spokesman Ignacio R. Bunye on March 8 welcomed the State Department's Country Report on the Philippines in the annual human rights report to Congress as a "constructive criticism from a time-honored ally," admitting that "the Philippines has had a history of violence o [...] |
2007-03-08 08:44:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED | PHUM PREL RP |
| 07MANILA764 |
IPR Enforcement Targeting Mall Managers [...] (U) The Philippine National Police raided a major shopping center in downtown Manila, arresting over a dozen stall owners and seizing 13,000 counterfeit items. The police will press charges against both the managers of the mall and stall owners as part of a new IPR enforcement strategy announc [...] |
2007-03-09 00:43:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | KIPR ETRD ECON RP |
| 07MANILA777 |
COMBATING UNLAWFUL KILLINGS [...] (C) Summary. Embassy continues actively to engage the Philippine government to encourage more effective action to bring to justice those involved in unlawful killings, and to seek additional ways in which the USG can be helpful. End Summary. 2. (C) In a March 5 meeting with the membe [...] |
2007-03-09 07:48:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PHUM PREL RP |
| 07MANILA779 |
MARINE CASE UPDATE 03/09/2007 [...] (U) Lance Corporal Daniel J. Smith remains in U.S. custody on Chancery grounds and continues to be in good health and spirits. He continues to receive regular visits from his Philippine pastors and his lawyers, and is able to exercise on the Embassy grounds. 2. (SBU) Philippine governmen [...] |
2007-03-09 07:55:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL MARR KCRM CASC RP |
| 07MANILA781 |
TERRORISM FINANCE: PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT READY TO [...] (U) This is an action message -- see para 8. 2. (S) SUMMARY. The Philippine government is ready to move soon on listing the Rajah Solaiman Movement and a selected number of its members with the UN 1267 Sanctions Committee. The National Intelligence Coordinating Agency has prepared a sepa [...] |
2007-03-09 08:25:00 | Embassy Manila | SECRET | PTER EFIN ETTC PREL KTFN RP |
| 07MANILA782 |
LAND DISPUTE TRIGGERS MILF-GRP ARMED CLASHES [...] (C) Summary: The International Monitoring Team, GRP-MILF Coordinating Committee for the Cessation of Hostilities, and the NGO Bantay Ceasefire played key roles in restoring order following March 5-6 armed skirmishes in North Cotabato between elements of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and th [...] |
2007-03-09 08:27:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PINS KISL RP |
| 07MANILA783 |
AMBASSADOR SIGNS MOU ON EARTH SCIENCE COOPERATION [...] The Ambassador and Department of Energy Secretary Rafael Lotilla signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on March 7, 2007 at the Philippine Department of Energy. The U.S. Geological Survey negotiated this MOU which provides the legal framework for scientific and technical cooperation in ea [...] |
2007-03-09 08:35:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON TPHY KSCA SENV RP |
| 07MANILA785 |
TENTATIVE PHILIPPINE SUPPORT FOR ARF DISASTER [...] (SBU) Deputy POL/C shared reftel points on March 7 with Department of Foreign Affairs Special Assistant to the Undersecretary for Policy Maria Austria and North American Affairs Director Ed De Vega, as well as with Department of National Defense (DND) Assistant Secretary for International Def [...] |
2007-03-09 08:37:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL ARF EAID MARR MOPS RP |
| 07MANILA787 |
GOVERNMENT NEGOTIATOR: PEACE TALKS ON TRACK, [...] (C) Summary: Government peace negotiator Secretary Afable told DCM and visiting EAP/MTS Director Marciel March 1 that territorial differences between the government and MILF had narrowed considerably, thanks to the visit and intervention of Malaysian negotiator Othman. Afable sought quiet [...] |
2007-03-09 10:05:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | EAID MY PINS PREL RP |
| 07MANILA809 |
DEFENSE SECRETARY EBDANE -- AN ARROYO LOYALIST IN [...] (C) SUMMARY. New National Defense Secretary Hermogenes "Jun" Ebdane lacks the sophistication and polish of his predecessor, Avelino Cruz. Nonetheless, he is a committed Arroyo loyalist whom many believe President Arroyo hand-picked to "manage" the 2007 Congressional elections before returni [...] |
2007-03-13 00:10:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | PINR MARR PREL RP |
| 07MANILA828 |
ARROYO DIRECTS MILITARY TO ADVANCE MILF PEACE [...] (C) Summary. President Arroyo on March 12 directed closer cooperation between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and established peace process mechanisms with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). This new directive, which followed months of sporadic skirmishing between AFP and M [...] |
2007-03-14 00:46:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PINS KISL RP |
| 07MANILA850 |
AMBASSADOR VISITS NORTHERN LUZON TO DEEPEN US PHILIPPINE [...] SUMMARY. Ambassador Kristie Kenney visited Cabanatuan, Tarlac, and Baguio in the northern Luzon provinces of Nueva Ecija, Tarlac and Benguet March 8-9. Ambassador Kenney focused on deepening relations with northern Luzon interlocutors and highlighting historical and cultural ties between the [...] |
2007-03-15 08:41:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PREL EAGR OEXC SCUL KPAO RP |
| 07MANILA854 |
PHILIPPINES' CHINESE SCHOOLS: A BATTLEGROUND FOR [...] (C) Summary: The People's Republic of China is playing an increasingly prominent role in promoting Chinese language/cultural education in the Philippines, primarily by engaging with Filipino-Chinese schools - historically pro-Taiwan institutions. Since 2003, the PRC has sent over 100 stude [...] |
2007-03-15 09:41:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL SCUL SOCI XE CH TW RP |
| 07MANILA855 |
PUSHING THE PHILIPPINES TO DO MORE ON KILLINGS [...] (SBU) Summary. Philippine media covered extensively the U.S. Senate hearings on unlawful killings in the Philippines. Ambassador and senior Embassy officials continue active outreach to underscore U.S. concern and to plan additional initiatives to support Philippine efforts to bring culprit [...] |
2007-03-15 09:57:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PHUM PINS PREL RP |
| 07MANILA856 |
USG AND PHILIPPINE MILITARY STAND [...] (U) The top brass of the Philippine military joined U.S. Ambassador on the southern Philippine island of Jolo for ceremonies marking the end of "Balikatan" (shoulder-to-shoulder), the annual set of joint military exercises between the U.S. and the Philippines that has occurred since 1981. Alt [...] |
2007-03-15 10:13:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PTER MARR MASS MOPS MCAP PREL EAID RP |
| 07MANILA863 |
VISITING EAP/MTS OFFICE DIRECTOR URGES PHILIPPINES TO MAKE [...] (SBU) Summary. EAP/MTS Office Director Marciel highlighted need for progress on solving and stopping unlawful killings in a series of meetings with Philippine officials during the week of February 26. He also expressed the USG's appreciation for success in counterterrorism efforts and on d [...] |
2007-03-16 01:43:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PHUM PREL RP |
| 07MANILA864 |
PHILIPPINES LOOKING FOR WAYS TO NUDGE BURMA TOWARD [...] (SBU) Summary: In a meeting at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on March 2, EAP/MTS Director Marciel underscored the USG's concern with the Burmese government's record on democracy and rights and urged the Philippines, while chairing ASEAN, to press for a unified, regional voice to seek [...] |
2007-03-16 01:43:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PHUM PREL RP BM |
| 07MANILA876 |
PHILIPPINES TO CONSIDER U.S. POINTS ON [...] (C) The Philippines has no position at this time on proposed reforms to the internal system of Administration of Justice, according to Gunther Sales, Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Assistant Director for the Political, Security, and International Law Division in the Office of the United [...] |
2007-03-16 07:46:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL AORC UNGA RP |
| 07MANILA879 |
PHILIPPINES TO RELAY U.S. CONCERNS ON SUDAN, [...] (C) Poloff on March 16 communicated in strong terms U.S. points (ref b) regarding the no-action motion on the Sudan Assessment Team report in the UN Human Rights Council (HRC) to Charmaine Serna, Department of Foreign Affairs' Assistant Director for Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs in the [...] |
2007-03-16 09:08:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | UNHCR PHUM PREL ZI SU RP |
| 07MANILA881 |
SCENESETTER FOR GENERAL WILLIAM WALLACE [...] (SBU) SUMMARY. General Wallace, welcome to the Philippines! I know your visit is short, but I am sure you will find it productive. You are coming to the Philippines at an important time. The Armed Forces of the Philippines is demonstrating impressive combat prowess in ongoing operations a [...] |
2007-03-16 09:30:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | MARR MASS MOPS MCAP PREL RP |
| 07MANILA882 |
AMBASSADOR'S DEPARTURE FROM POST [...] No summary [...] |
2007-03-19 00:47:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED | APER RP |
| 07MANILA909 |
PHILIPPINES NOTES U.S. CONCERNS ON ZIMBABWE [...] (C) Charmaine Serna, Department of Foreign Affairs' Assistant Director for Human Rights and Humanitarian Affairs in the Office of United Nations and International Organizations (UNIO), noted U.S. concerns regarding Zimbabwe. She stated she would communicate our points to the Philippine Missi [...] |
2007-03-20 07:02:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PHUM PREL ZI RP |
| 07MANILA923 |
MISUARI REGISTERS CANDIDACY FOR SULU GOVERNOR [...] (C) Summary: Jailed Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) Chairman Nur Misuari personally registered his candidacy in Jolo on March 20 for the Sulu Gubernatorial election. Misuari, who has become increasingly desperate to gain his freedom, entered the race against well financed traditional [...] |
2007-03-21 07:22:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PINS KISL RP |
| 07MANILA931 |
PHILIPPINES SUPPORTS IN PRINCIPLE U.S. ARF [...] (C) According to Hans Siriban, Department of Foreign Affairs' Special Assistant to the Undersecretary for Policy, the Philippines supports in principle the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Statement Supporting National Implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1540 and the e [...] |
2007-03-22 03:00:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | ARF PREL MARR XB EAID PARM RP |
| 07MANILA952 |
PRESIDENTIAL ADVISOR ON PEACE IN MINDANAO [...] (S) Summary: Presidential Peace Process Advisor Dureza told Charge that he welcomed increased Embassy engagement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), local and national leaders in support of the peace process. Separately, chief government negotiator Afable said the Cabinet would co [...] |
2007-03-23 06:49:00 | Embassy Manila | SECRET | PREL PINS KISL RP |
| 07MANILA962 |
PRESIDENTIAL ADVISOR COMMENTS ON UNLAWFUL KILLINGS [...] (C) Presidential Peace Process Advisor and cabinet member "Jess" Dureza raised the issue of unlawful killings with Charge and poloff March 20 after discussing the peace process (septel). The recent telephone call from D/NSA Crouch to Philippine NSA Gonzales, together with U.S. Congressional h [...] |
2007-03-23 09:35:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PHUM PINS RP |
| 07MANILA965 |
EXTENSION OF THE OCCUPIED TERRITORIES MANDATE AT [...] (SBU) In a meeting on March 23 with Julius Torres, the Executive Director of the Department of Foreign Affairs' Office of United Nations and International Organizations, Acting Pol/C conveyed reftel points regarding the review of the mandate of the Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Territori [...] |
2007-03-26 02:44:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | UNHRC PREL PHUM RP |
| 07MANILA967 |
AMBASSADOR'S RETURN TO POST [...] No summary [...] |
2007-03-26 03:02:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED | APER RP |
| 07MANILA969 |
Structural Problems Delay Manila Airport Opening [...] (SBU) Summary: The Manila international airport terminal (NAIA-3), expropriated in 2002 but never opened, will remain closed indefinitely due to safety concerns from structural defects. The Government still faces legal and financial squabbles over its expropriation. Lucio Tan's Asian Emergi [...] |
2007-03-26 06:07:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAIR ECON EINV ETRD RP |
| 07MANILA977 |
SCENESETTER FOR GENERAL BRYAN BROWN [...] (SBU) General Brown, welcome back to the Philippines! A lot has changed since you visited in 2005. The Armed Forces of the Philippines is demonstrating impressive combat prowess in ongoing operations against Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiyah terrorists on the island of Jolo. You will have a ch [...] |
2007-03-26 08:39:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | MARR MASS MOPS MCAP PREL RP |
| 07MANILA99 |
PUBLIC-PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS ENHANCE DEVELOPMENT EFFORTS IN [...] Summary: USG agencies have been establishing partnerships between public and private organizations to maximize the reach of development programs in Mindanao. Such collaborations have proven very successful and serve as a means to enhance capital, creativity, and technical expertise. Public-p [...] |
2007-01-10 08:35:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED | EFIN ELAB EINV EAID PGOV RP |
| 08MANILA10 |
2007 a Good Year for Philippine Economy, and for USG [...] (SBU) Embassy Manila's long-term efforts to promote economic reforms and improved governance are one factor behind the increased performance and resilience of the Philippine economy. Although statistics for the entire year are not yet available the economy is on track to grow at around seven [...] |
2008-01-02 09:20:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EFIN ETRD EINV PGOV ENRG SENV TPHY RP |
| 08MANILA1030 |
PHILIPPINE MILITARY CONDUCTS STRIKE AGAINST [...] (C) SUMMARY: In the early morning hours of April 30, the Armed Forces of the Philippines launched an artillery strike against a terrorist redoubt on the island of Jolo and followed up with a ground assault. Information on the success of the operation against the terrorist groups Abu Sayyaf [...] |
2008-04-30 11:01:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | MARR MCAP PREL PTER RP MASS |
| 08MANILA1031 |
IMPACT OF RISING PHILIPPINE FOOD PRICES [...] Summary: Rising international food prices will hurt the Philippine economy and most Filipinos because of widespread poverty and dependence on grain imports. The Philippine government's intervention to make rice available for low-income families at subsidized prices has prevented major public [...] |
2008-04-30 11:03:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAGR ECON RP |
| 08MANILA104 |
PRESIDENT ARROYO MEETS REP. ADAM SMITH [...] (SBU) Summary: In a meeting January 10, President Arroyo and Rep. Adam Smith praised Philippine-U.S. counterterrorism cooperation and agreed on the need to combine military action with development assistance. President Arroyo has ordered her forces to focus on senior terrorist figures and beli [...] |
2008-01-14 09:49:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL//NOFORN | PREL PTER MOPS ECON EFIN RP |
| 08MANILA1050 |
Hunger and Poverty Worsen in the Philippines [...] (U) Summary: Recently-released Philippine government statistics indicate poverty increased in 2006 to engulf a third of the population. There has been little progress in reducing poverty or addressing the uneven distribution of incomes. The recent surge in the price of rice will push even m [...] |
2008-05-02 04:47:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EFIN PGOV RP |
| 08MANILA1083 |
PHILIPPINES RECOGNIZES FLAWS WITH BURMESE [...] (SBU) The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) is acutely aware of the planned May 10 constitutional referendum in Burma and agrees with our assessment of its flaws. President Arroyo publicly chastised the Burmese junta March 9 for not allowing international observers at the planned referendum [...] |
2008-05-06 08:32:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PHUM PREL RP BM |
| 08MANILA1091 |
CONSTITUTIONAL PROCESS REMAINS KEY ISSUE FOR MILF [...] (C) During an April 30 visit to Cagayan de Oro, the Ambassador and President Gloria Arroyo discussed the impasse in peace negotiations, and the impending withdrawal of the Malaysia-led International Monitoring Team (IMT) from Mindanao. The Ambassador again emphasized U.S. support for a negot [...] |
2008-05-07 09:37:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PINS KISL RP |
| 08MANILA1105 |
PHILIPPINES RESPONDS TO TRAGEDY IN BURMA [...] SUMMARY: In the wake of the devastating destruction wrought May 2-3 by Cyclone Nargis in Burma, the Philippine government and the country's Red Cross affiliate are moving to offer assistance, while national media have called on the ruling Burmese military junta to cease its resistance to int [...] |
2008-05-08 07:55:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PHUM PREL RP BM |
| 08MANILA1108 |
PREPARING FOR MERCY DEPLOYMENT IN LANAO DEL NORTE [...] (U) Summary: During an April 28 visit to Iligan City and Lanao del Norte province in the southern Philippines, Embassy officers and a U.S. Navy planner consulted with senior Philippine civil and military officials regarding the upcoming visit of USNS MERCY. Polcouns highlighted the importance [...] |
2008-05-08 08:57:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL PTER RP |
| 08MANILA1123 |
PHILIPPINES ENCOURAGED TO SUBMIT 60-DAY REPORT [...] Per reftel request, poloff on May 9 met with the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to stress the importance of timely submission of a 60-day report on steps the Philippines has taken to implement UNSCR 1803. Poloff informed Director for Security and Legal Matters Leah Ruiz of th [...] |
2008-05-09 09:06:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED | KNNP PREL IR MNUC RP UNSC |
| 08MANILA1125 |
FOREIGN SECRETARY CRITICIZES BURMA'S INACTION ON [...] (C) SUMMARY: In a conversation with the Ambassador May 9, Foreign Secretary Alberto Romulo lamented the Burmese regime's truculent stance against international involvement in relief efforts, and outlined how the junta's resistance to cooperation is affecting Philippine efforts to assist victi [...] |
2008-05-09 09:41:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PHUM PREL RP BM |
| 08MANILA1144 |
PRESIDENT PARDONS MUTINEERS, NEW ARMED FORCES [...] (C) SUMMARY: During a change of command ceremony for the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces on May 12, President Arroyo announced she would pardon nine military officers for their involvement in the July 2003 Oakwood mutiny, a recommendation made by outgoing Armed Forces Chief General Hermo [...] |
2008-05-13 09:01:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | MARR MASS MCAP PREL RP |
| 08MANILA115 |
TERRORIST FINANCE: DOMESTIC DESIGNATION OF FOUR [...] We delivered reftel demarche to Anti-Money Laundering Council Executive Director Vicente Aquino on January 15. Aquino said that per standard its practice in such cases, his office would notify us if any financial transactions involving the designated entities were found. KENNEY [...] |
2008-01-15 09:03:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED | KTFN EFIN PTER ETTC PREL |
| 08MANILA1164 |
The Philippines' Humanitarian Response to Cyclone Nargis [...] Per reftel request, Mission contacted the Philippine National Disaster Coordinating Council, which stated that the Philippine Department of Health formed a 15-person medical staff, to immediately go to Burma once Burmese government officials allow the team to enter. Further, the Philippine go [...] |
2008-05-14 09:03:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED | EAID SOCI PREL RP |
| 08MANILA1177 |
PACOM COMMANDER AND AMBASSADOR CALL ON NEW ARMED [...] (C) SUMMARY: Meeting with new Chief of the Philippine Armed Forces Alexander Yano on May 14, the Ambassador emphasized that Philippine counterterrorism successes had won attention from senior U.S. policymakers, and that the USG stood ready to continue with assistance. Commander of the U.S. [...] |
2008-05-15 09:29:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | MARR MASS MCAP PREL RP |
| 08MANILA1178 |
AMBASSADOR ENGAGES FOREIGN SECRETARY ON BURMA; [...] (C) SUMMARY: Post is continuing its close engagement with the Philippine government regarding the worsening humanitarian crisis in Burma, U.S. efforts in disaster relief, and coordination of international assistance. The Ambassador outlined for Foreign Secretary Alberto Romulo U.S. relief e [...] |
2008-05-15 09:31:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PHUM PREL RP BM |
| 08MANILA1188 |
SCENESETTER FOR ADMIRAL CROWDER'S VISIT TO THE [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Admiral, welcome back to the Philippines! President Arroyo maintains her strong political position, in part due to robust economic growth. The Philippine armed forces continue to score successes against terrorists in the southern Philippines, while supporting the Philippine go [...] |
2008-05-19 03:57:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | MARR MOPS PINS PREL PTER RP |
| 08MANILA1192 |
FORMER MILITARY CHIEF TO HEAD PEACE PROCESS [...] (C) SUMMARY: Following weeks of widespread speculation about a cabinet reshuffle, President Gloria Arroyo named former Armed Forces chief General Hermogenes Esperon as her new presidential advisor on the peace process, replacing Jesus Dureza, who was named press secretary. Esperon, who reti [...] |
2008-05-19 10:15:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | MARR MASS MCAP PREL PINS KISL RP |
| 08MANILA1201 |
PHILIPPINES: CAUTIOUS REACTION TO BURMESE OPENING [...] (C) SUMMARY: News that the Burmese junta may offer limited concessions to the entry of international assistance are being received with caution by the Philippine government, media, and civil society. Department of Foreign Affairs officials held out hopes that the junta's May 19 agreement to [...] |
2008-05-20 10:27:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PHUM PREL RP BM |
| 08MANILA1212 |
MILF VICE CHAIR FOR MILITARY AFFAIRS SUPPORTS [...] (C) SUMMARY: Meeting in a remote base camp in the southern Philippines May 9, DCM urged the Vice Chairman for Military Affairs of the Muslim insurgency to persevere with the peace process and remove remaining terrorists from its territories. The Vice Chair stressed the Muslim insurgency's o [...] |
2008-05-21 09:33:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PINS KISL RP |
| 08MANILA123 |
SCENESETTER FOR CODEL INOUYE [...] (SBU) Summary: Embassy warmly welcomes Senator Inouye and Senator Stevens back to the Philippines! The relationship and spirit of partnership between the United States and the Philippines are strong. U.S. interests in this major non-NATO ally center on strengthening democracy, fostering eco [...] |
2008-01-16 05:34:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | OREP AMGT ASEC AFIN RP KS |
| 08MANILA1255 |
SCENESETTER FOR ADMIRAL MULLEN'S VISIT TO THE [...] (C) SUMMARY: Admiral, we appreciate your engagement with Philippine officials at Shangri-La and your subsequent visit to the Philippines. The Philippines has undergone many positive changes since the last visit of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs to the Philippines in 2002, many as a result o [...] |
2008-05-23 07:57:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | MARR MOPS PINS PREL PTER RP |
| 08MANILA1260 |
BURMA RELIEF: PHILIPPINES FOCUSED ON A SUCCESSFUL [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Per reftels, Ambassador, polcouns, and poloffs have underscored demarche points with Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) officials, from Foreign Secretary Alberto Romulo to working-level contacts. DFA is busy preparing for the May 25 UN-ASEAN co-sponsored conferenc [...] |
2008-05-23 08:13:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PHUM PREL RP BM |
| 08MANILA1281 |
AMBASSADOR HIGHLIGHTS U.S. INVOLVEMENT IN MINDANAO [...] (U) SUMMARY: On May 19 and 20, the Ambassador traveled to the economically-booming Davao with the Agricultural Counselor, USAID Mission Director, Joint U.S. Military Assistance Officer, and econoff to spotlight our multifaceted engagement in Mindanao. Visits to educational, environmental, and c [...] |
2008-05-28 23:42:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL ECON EAID EAGR SENV MARR RP |
| 08MANILA1287 |
SHAPING PRESIDENT ARROYO'S WHITE HOUSE VISIT [...] (C) Summary: President Gloria Arroyo is keenly anticipating her planned June 24 meeting in Washington with President Bush, and her top advisors are focusing intensively on preparations for those talks and other expected events during her visit. In recent discussions with the Ambassador, top C [...] |
2008-05-29 08:34:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL RP |
| 08MANILA1288 |
PHILIPPINES: UPDATES TO NAMES, TITLES AND CONTACT NUMBERS [...] Country: Republic of the Philippines Date: May 30, 2008 Head of Government: Last/Family Name: MACAPAGAL-ARROYO First/Middle Names: GLORIA Conventional Usage: PRESIDENT ARROYO Formal Title: President of the Republic of the Philippines Office Telephone Numbers: (632) 736-8622; (632) 7 [...] |
2008-05-29 08:34:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PINR PREL |
| 08MANILA1343 |
IAEA/IRAN: PHILIPPINES WILL VOICE CONCERNS ABOUT [...] (SBU) The Philippine government has committed to make a clear statement regarding the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report on Iran at the IAEA Board of Governors Meeting June 2-6. Per reftel request, we met June 2 with Department of Foreign Affairs Director for Political, Legal, a [...] |
2008-06-03 09:31:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | KNNP MNUC PARM PREL IR RP IAEA |
| 08MANILA1352 |
BASILAN UNREST MIRRORS UNSETTLED PEACE PROCESS [...] (C) SUMMARY: While the Philippine government continues to reiterate its commitment to the Mindanao peace process, and a ceasefire is largely holding in conflict-affected areas of Mindanao, Malaysian-facilitated peace talks between government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have b [...] |
2008-06-04 09:54:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PTER MOPS PINS RP |
| 08MANILA1353 |
Ambassador Kicks Off Pacific Partnership Philippines 2008 [...] SUMMARY: On May 30, 2008, Ambassador Kenney kicked off the two-week visit of the USNS MERCY to the Philippines, a Pacific Partnership 2008 initiative which brings together personnel from the U.S. military, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine government, partner militaries from other a [...] |
2008-06-05 00:36:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL PTER RP |
| 08MANILA1354 |
DCM Emphasizes Close Ties, Partnerships in Northern [...] (U) SUMMARY: The DCM reached out to officials, key civic leaders and consular wardens in the two most Northern provinces of the Philippines to highlight U.S. commitment to the region through donation of law enforcement equipment and engagement with local leaders. On the two-day trip to citie [...] |
2008-06-05 01:33:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL CASC ASEC BTIO BEXP EAIR PGOV ECON EAID RP |
| 08MANILA1383 |
PHILIPPINES: FORCED LABOR AND EXPLOITATIVE CHILD LABOR IN [...] SUMMARY: This cable provides input for the Department of Labor's request for information on forced labor and exploitative child labor in the production of goods as mandated by the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2005 (ref A). Post's point of contact for child labor and fo [...] |
2008-06-10 10:39:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED | ELAB EIND ETRD PHUM SOCI RP |
| 08MANILA1384 |
JCS CHAIRMAN VIEWS COUNTERTERROR EFFORTS, MEETS [...] (C) SUMMARY: During his visit to the Philippines June 1-2, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen greeted U.S. Special Forces troops in the Southern Philippines, met with his Philippine counterpart, laid a wreath at the Manila American Cemetery and Memorial, spoke to Emba [...] |
2008-06-10 23:53:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | MARR MASS MCAP PREL RP |
| 08MANILA1399 |
TOP BROADCAST JOURNALIST ABDUCTED IN MINDANAO [...] (C) SUMMARY: A popular Philippine television journalist was reportedly kidnapped by the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) on June 8, in an isolated area of Jolo Island, southern Philippines, while en route to a putative interview with ASG leader Radulan Sahiron. President Arroyo immediately or [...] |
2008-06-11 08:57:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PTER MOPS PINS RP |
| 08MANILA141 |
RECORD YEAR FOR U.S. NAVY SHIP VISITS UNDERSCORES [...] (C) SUMMARY: The year 2007 brought a dramatic rise in U.S. Navy ship visits to the Philippines, as 81 U.S. Navy vessels visited 9 ports throughout the Philippines -- the most since the closure of U.S. military bases in 1992 -- and underscored our strong bilateral relationship, making the Philip [...] |
2008-01-17 22:17:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | MARR MAS MCAP PREL RP |
| 08MANILA1417 |
Senators Tell Foreign Investors to "Get Out" [...] (U) Summary: A Philippine Senate committee grilled representatives of foreign chambers of commerce, including the AmCham on June 6 regarding a letter the chambers had sent to Philippine President Arroyo opposing a legislative initiative. Though the business leaders were poorly treated by the S [...] |
2008-06-13 00:29:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EINV ENRG PREL PGOV RP |
| 08MANILA1429 |
NOMINATION FOR CORPORATE EXCELLENCE AWARD: DOLE [...] Embassy Manila is pleased to nominate Dole Philippines, a subsidiary of Dole Food Company, the world's largest producer and marketer of fresh fruit, vegetables, and flowers. Dole's plantations in North and South Cotabato, Davao City, and the provinces of Bukidnon, Compostela Valley, Davao del N [...] |
2008-06-13 08:30:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED | BEXP EINV ELAB ETRD KSEP SENV RP |
| 08MANILA1432 |
MILITARY CHIEF YANO DISCUSSES KEY CHALLENGES WITH [...] (C) SUMMARY: During a June 11 private breakfast with the Ambassador, Philippine Armed Forces Chief of Staff General Alexander Yano cited as major challenges over the next three months the stalled peace process with Muslim insurgents, a recent increase in violence and bombings, upcoming election [...] |
2008-06-13 09:15:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | MARR MAS MCAP PREL RP |
| 08MANILA1443 |
SCENESETTER FOR ADMIRAL WILLARD'S VISIT TO THE [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Admiral Willard, welcome back to the Philippines! President Arroyo maintains her strong political position, in part due to positive economic growth. The Philippine Armed Forces continue to score successes against terrorists in the southern Philippines, while supporting the Ph [...] |
2008-06-16 09:18:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | MARR MOPS PINS PREL PTER RP |
| 08MANILA1460 |
BROADCAST JOURNALIST FREED BY KIDNAPPERS [...] (C) SUMMARY: Kidnappers have released well-known broadcast journalist Ces Drilon and three members of her crew, after 10 days of captivity on Jolo Island. Drilon and her colleagues were abducted on June 8 on Jolo Island in southern Mindanao. While most media sources and government officials ha [...] |
2008-06-18 08:47:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PTER MOPS PINS PHUM RP |
| 08MANILA1461 |
KEY GOALS FOR PRESIDENT ARROYO'S VISIT [...] (C) SUMMARY: President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo remains one of our staunchest allies in southeast Asia. Despite difficulties in creating effective governance and fighting endemic corruption, President Arroyo has been a reliable pro-democracy advocate, particularly in pressing for change in Bu [...] |
2008-06-18 09:24:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL RP |
| 08MANILA1463 |
NEW PRESIDENTIAL ADVISOR SEEKS RESUMPTION OF MILF [...] (C) Summary: In a one-on-one breakfast with Ambassador on June 18, President Arroyo's new top advisor on the peace process -- retired Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Hermogenes Esperon -- said he is working to end a six-month impasse in negotiations with the Moro Islamic Liber [...] |
2008-06-18 10:54:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PINS KISL RP |
| 08MANILA1464 |
DNA RESULTS NEGATIVE FOR SUPPOSED DULMATIN REMAINS [...] (C) Summary: DNA testing by FBI laboratories confirmed on June 18 that a corpse unearthed on Tawi-Tawi Island in the course of an operation by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is not the remains of Dulmatin, a prominent Jemaah Islamiyah terrorist who masterminded the Bali bombings in [...] |
2008-06-18 10:58:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | CASC KJUS MCAP MOPS PINS PTER RP |
| 08MANILA1491 |
PHILIPPINE RESPONSE TO ARF DISASTER RELIEF [...] (U) The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on June 17 welcomed the U.S. non-paper (reftel) that encourages an ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Statement on Regional Disaster Preparedness. DFA Undersecretary for Policy Principal Assistant Leah Carada Rodriguez said that interest in her [...] |
2008-06-20 05:42:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL ARF EAID ASEAN RP |
| 08MANILA1492 |
PHILIPPINES REVIEWS THE P5+1 PACKAGE FOR IRAN [...] (SBU) Officials at the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) were pleased to receive reftel non-paper on June 17. Legal, Political, and Security Affairs Director Leah Ruiz of the DFA's Office of United Nations and International Organizations (UNIO) said that the Philippine Mission in [...] |
2008-06-20 06:41:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PARM IR KNNP MNUC PREL RP IAEA |
| 08MANILA1496 |
Civair Safety in the Philippines: Discussion with ICAO [...] (U) Please see paragraph 8 for an action request. 2. (SBU) Summary: Our meetings with Philippine government officials, airline owners and managers, and other involved persons suggest that little progress has been made on the return to Category  [...] |
2008-06-20 08:45:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAIR ECON RP |
| 08MANILA1504 |
RAPID RESPONSE TO TYPHOON FRANK [...] Summary: Typhoon Fengshen (called Frank under Philippine naming conventions) hit the Philippines on June 21, with a current death toll of at least 229 dead, 800 missing, and damage of property in 20 Philippine provinces. The death toll is expected to rise significantly due to the sinking of t [...] |
2008-06-23 10:44:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED | EAID SOCI EAGR SENV RP |
| 08MANILA1519 |
PHILIPPINES POSITION ON MERCURY ISSUES FOR OCTOBER 2008 [...] Philippines Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) officials told Econ staff that the Philippine government has two United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP)-sponsored projects to address mercury issues: a study for small-scale gold mines and the Mercury Inventory Toolkit, des [...] |
2008-06-25 09:09:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED | AORC EAGR ECON ETRD SENV RP |
| 08MANILA1521 |
NEXT STEPS IN ASSISTING TYPHOON FRANK VICTIMS [...] No summary [...] |
2008-06-25 09:54:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | CASC EAGR EAID RP SOCI |
| 08MANILA154 |
CATHOLIC PRIEST SLAIN IN APPARENT KIDNAPPING ON [...] (C) Summary: The murder of a Catholic priest and abduction of a school principal and fisherman in Tawi-Tawi, a remote island along a terrorist transit line in the southern Philippines, has sent shock waves through this usually peaceful island. Security officials believe a group of 10 armed [...] |
2008-01-18 08:40:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PTER PREL KISL RP |
| 08MANILA1543 |
U.S. AGENCIES DELIVER CRITICAL HELP [...] Summary: U.S. recovery and relief efforts have had a huge impact in the aftermath of Typhoon Frank, which ravaged the Philippines June 21-22. The rising death toll from the typhoon itself is at least 629 and more than 287 missing. Only 57 people have survived from the capsized ferry Princess [...] |
2008-06-27 09:22:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED | EAID SOCI EAGR SENV RP |
| 08MANILA1560 |
AMBASSADOR INSPECTS TYPHOON RELIEF EFFORTS [...] Summary: Joined by key Philippine officials, including the heads of the Philippine armed forces and Red Cross, Ambassador Kenney viewed typhoon relief operations carried out by the USS REAGAN carrier group on Sunday, June 29, in Iloilo, the epicenter of devastation caused by Typhoon Frank, wh [...] |
2008-06-30 09:34:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED | EAID SOCI EAGR SENV RP |
| 08MANILA1563 |
FIRST TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS CONVICTION IN 2008 [...] SUMMARY: On June 30, a regional trial court in Batangas City convicted and sentenced a human trafficker to life imprisonment. The trial judge also fined the defendant 20 million pesos (USD 446,000) in criminal penalties and ordered her to pay 100,000 pesos (USD 2,230) in civil damages to the [...] |
2008-07-01 08:56:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED | PHUM KCRM KWMN EAID RP |
| 08MANILA1565 |
COURT CONVICTS MURDERER OF PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEER [...] (U) SUMMARY: On June 30, a Banaue regional trial court convicted Juan Donald Duntugan for the April 2007 murder of Peace Corps volunteer Julia Campbell and sentenced Duntugan to "reclusion perpetua," or up to 40 years in prison -- essentially a life sentence. The judge also ordered the defend [...] |
2008-07-01 09:28:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL CASC ASEC RP |
| 08MANILA1582 |
RELIEF PHASE OF TYPHOON FRANK EFFORTS COMPLETED [...] Summary. The phase of intense and immediate support for the victims of Typhoon Frank is complete, and the Philippines will now concentrate on the long-term rebuilding of its devastated provinces. President Arroyo has personally thanked the Mission and USS REAGAN commander for the United State [...] |
2008-07-02 10:05:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED | EAID SOCI EAGR SENV RP |
| 08MANILA1610 |
Mindanao: An Economic Overview [...] (SBU) Introduction and Summary: Misconceptions abound, both inside and outside the Philippines, about the large southern Philippine island of Mindanao, where the USG focuses its development and counterterrorism activities in the Philippines. In particular, it is easy to over-generalize about [...] |
2008-07-08 09:11:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EFIN ETRD EINV PGOV RP |
| 08MANILA1618 |
Philippines Weighs Open Skies Options [...] (SBU) Summary: Philippine Transportation and Communication Secretary Leandro Mendoza has announced that the ASEAN Open Skies agreement that ASEAN transportation ministers will sign in Manila in December will obviate the need for the proposed executive order to provide a "pocket open-skies" reg [...] |
2008-07-09 09:04:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED | EAIR ETRD BEXP RP |
| 08MANILA1619 |
PHILIPPINE CIVIL AVIATION UPDATE [...] (SBU) Summary: Immediately upon the return to the Philippines from the U.S. of President Arroyo, the Government of the Philippines established a new Civil Aviation Administration of the Philippines in order to fast track its effort to remedy civil aviation safety concerns identified by the USG [...] |
2008-07-09 09:04:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAIR ETRD BEXP RP |
| 08MANILA1624 |
USG ASSISTANCE SAVES LIVES AFTER TYPHOON FRANK [...] Summary: Coordinated U.S./Philippine efforts during a critical two-week period following the landfall of Typhoon Frank saved many people from thirst and hunger in the ten areas of greatest devastation. Our assistance also generated tremendous good will and emphasized for Filipinos once again [...] |
2008-07-10 02:36:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED | EAID SOCI EAGR SENV RP |
| 08MANILA1656 |
AES' PHILIPPINE INVESTMENT: BUYER'S REMORSE? [...] (SBU) Summary: Officials of U.S. energy giant AES alleged in a meeting with Embassy officers on July 1 that the Philippine state-owned National Power Corporation was abusing its market power, and the Energy Regulatory Commission was violating its own guidelines in order to lower the wholesale [...] |
2008-07-14 03:26:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ENRG EFIN EXIM RP |
| 08MANILA167 |
AMBASSADOR MEETS WITH DEFENSE SECRETARY TEODORO [...] (C) Summary: In a January 14 private breakfast with the Ambassador, Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro voiced his confidence in the Philippine government's efforts against Muslim terrorist groups and communist insurgents, the military's reform program, and the peace p [...] |
2008-01-22 09:59:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | MARR MASS MCAP PREL RP |
| 08MANILA1674 |
AES' Philippine Investment: Buyer's Remorse? (CORRECTED [...] (U) This is the corrected copy with the addition of paragraph 7. 2. (SBU) Summary: Officials of U.S. energy giant AES alleged in a meeting with Embassy officers on July 1 that the Philippine state-owned National Power Corporation was abusing its market power, and the Energy Regulatory Co [...] |
2008-07-14 09:30:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ENRG EFIN EXIM RP |
| 08MANILA1675 |
TROUBLED MANILA AIRPORT TERMINAL MAY OPEN SOON [...] Summary: In June, Philippine President Arroyo ordered that the long-delayed Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 (NAIA-3) open for domestic commercial flights before the end of July and created a task force to ensure the opening. Two Philippine airlines are already committed to start [...] |
2008-07-14 09:32:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED | EAIR ETRD BEXP RP |
| 08MANILA1696 |
LOCAL ELECTIONS IN MUSLIM MINDANAO IMPACT PEACE [...] (SBU) SUMMARY. Provincial and local elections in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) elections are scheduled for August 11, even as an array of key Muslim groups urges that they be postponed until after the Philippine government signs a final peace agreement with Muslim insurgents [...] |
2008-07-17 08:41:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PTER MOPS PINS PGOV PHUM RP |
| 08MANILA1701 |
STRONG PAST, PRESENT TIES IN THE "CITY OF GENTLE PEOPLE" [...] SUMMARY. The Ambassador underscored the positive effect of dedicated U.S. Government assistance to the province of Negros Oriental in the Philippine's central Visayas region, during a trip to Dumaguete City, the "City of Gentle People." Beginning the visit with a speech to Silliman University [...] |
2008-07-18 07:50:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL PGOV KISL KPAO RP EAID |
| 08MANILA1706 |
RAMPING UP INVESTIGATION AND PROSECUTION OF LABOR [...] (C) SUMMARY: The Philippine Government is ramping up the investigation and prosecution of labor killings following intense discussion between various Mission officials and key Philippine government leaders, even as the country witnesses a downward trend in extrajudicial killings (EJKs) for the [...] |
2008-07-18 08:24:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PHUM PREL RP |
| 08MANILA1709 |
AMBASSADOR ENGAGES FOREIGN SECRETARY ON PEACE [...] (C) SUMMARY: In a wide-ranging conversation over lunch with Foreign Secretary Alberto Romulo, Ambassador discussed a broad array of key bilateral subjects, including ASEAN, North Korea, the Philippine peace process, and labor issues. Romulo welcomed the planned ASEAN Regional Forum disaster [...] |
2008-07-18 09:13:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL RP |
| 08MANILA1720 |
PHILIPPINES CONSIDERS THE INDIA-IAEA SAFEGUARDS [...] (SBU) Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Office of United Nations and International Organizations (UNIO) Director for Political, Legal, and Security Matters Leah Ruiz on July 14 welcomed our thoughts (per reftel) on the India-IAEA Safeguards Agreement. We explained why we conside [...] |
2008-07-21 09:07:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PARM PREL ETTC RP IN |
| 08MANILA1721 |
PHILIPPINES CAUTIOUS ON NAM MEETING AND IRAN/IAEA [...] (SBU) Post on July 14 conveyed to the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs' Legal, Political and Security Affairs Director for United Nations and Other International Organizations (UNIO) Leah Ruiz our concerns with Iran's anticipated maneuvering at the upcoming Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) [...] |
2008-07-21 09:10:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | KNNP PARM RP TRGY MNUC PREL IR UR |
| 08MANILA1722 |
PHILIPPINE RESPONSE TO WOMEN LEADERS WORKING GROUP [...] (SBU) Though there is no final confirmation yet, President Arroyo will most likely attend the 2008 UN General Assembly (UNGA), and therefore Malacanang Palace will give full consideration to her participation in the Women Leaders Working Group, according to Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) [...] |
2008-07-21 09:15:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | KWMN UNGA PHUM KPAO RP |
| 08MANILA1747 |
PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT WORKING OUT DETAILS OF ARF [...] No summary [...] |
2008-07-23 06:06:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL RP |
| 08MANILA1748 |
PHILIPPINES RECEIVES DESIGNATION OF ADDITIONAL [...] (SBU) The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on July 17 received reftel A non-paper that describes the designation of an additional 11 Iranian entities and individuals under E.O. 13382 ("Blocking the Property of Weapons of Mass Destruction Proliferators and their Supporters"). DF [...] |
2008-07-23 06:35:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EFIN PARM PREL MNUC KNNP IR RP |
| 08MANILA175 |
GOVERNOR OF JOLO SEEKS POLICE ASSISTANCE; GRATEFUL [...] (C) Summary: The Governor of the southern island of Jolo - where Philippine Armed Forces track high-value terrorists with direct assistance from U.S. Special Forces - expressed deep appreciation for USG development and military assistance, which he said is helping rejuvenate the remote isla [...] |
2008-01-23 10:09:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PTER MOPS PINS RP |
| 08MANILA1758 |
SCENESETTER FOR ADMIRAL BIRD'S VISIT TO THE [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Admiral Bird, welcome back to the Philippines! The U.S. 7th Fleet is an important player in our interagency engagement to promote U.S. interests in the Philippines. The Philippine Armed Forces continue to score successes against terrorists in the southern Philippines, even a [...] |
2008-07-23 08:18:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | MARR MOPS PINS PREL RP |
| 08MANILA1759 |
COURT CONVICTS SOLDIER FOR DISAPPEARANCES [...] (U) SUMMARY: A regional trial court July 18 convicted an Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) corporal for abduction and illegal detention of six civilians who disappeared in October 2000, sentencing the defendant to a minimum of 54 years in prison. In the absence of physical evidence, inclu [...] |
2008-07-23 08:56:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PHUM PREL ELAB RP |
| 08MANILA1763 |
PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT WORKING OUT DETAILS OF ARF [...] (C) SUMMARY: In a meeting with U.S. officials in Manila July 17, Philippine officials confirmed their commitment to co-host with the United States an ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) Disaster Relief Exercise in Manila during 2009, but said they have many hurdles to overcome internally before a dat [...] |
2008-07-24 06:41:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL RP |
| 08MANILA1764 |
BUILDING CONFIDENCE FOR PEACE IN THE SOUTHERN PHILIPPINES [...] SUMMARY. The Ambassador continued to focus attention on U.S. assistance in conflict-affected areas in the Southern Philippines during a visit to Zamboanga City and Basilan Province to observe U.S.-funded development projects and meet with local Basilan business leaders. Recently-appointed Pr [...] |
2008-07-24 07:55:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL PGOV KISL KPAO RP EAID |
| 08MANILA1775 |
GRP RESPONSE TO RISING FOOD AND FUEL PRICES [...] (SBU) Summary: Rising food and fuel prices in the Philippines have pushed up consumer price inflation to a fourteen-year high. The Philippine government continues to provide cheap rice for the poor and has scrapped duties on fuel, granted tax relief to personal income taxpayers, and postponed [...] |
2008-07-25 04:54:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EFIN EAGR EPET ENRG RP |
| 08MANILA1779 |
PHILIPPINE NATIONALS DEPORTED FROM MALAYSIA [...] (C) SUMMARY: The southern Philippines is bracing for a massive influx of deported Filipinos following the Malaysian government's June 25 announcement of an immigration crackdown against undocumented foreign workers in Sabah, East Malaysia. Hundreds of thousands of Filipinos, many of whom hai [...] |
2008-07-25 08:31:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PINS KISL MY RP |
| 08MANILA1780 |
BUILDING CONFIDENCE FOR PEACE IN THE SOUTHERN PHILIPPINES [...] (U) SUMMARY. The Ambassador continued to focus attention on U.S. assistance in conflict-affected areas in the Southern Philippines during a visit to Zamboanga City and Basilan Province to observe U.S.-funded development projects and meet with local Basilan business leaders. Recently-appointed [...] |
2008-07-25 08:45:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL PGOV KISL KPAO EAID RP |
| 08MANILA1784 |
AMBASSADOR ENGAGES PHILIPPINE SENATE PRESIDENT ON [...] (C) SUMMARY: The Ambassador on July 24 engaged Philippine Senate President Manuel "Manny" Villar in a broad-ranging discussion over a private breakfast of issues likely to come up soon after the Senate reconvenes July 28. Villar described how, for very different reasons, the road ahead looke [...] |
2008-07-28 06:26:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL RP |
| 08MANILA1788 |
PRESIDENT FOCUSES ON ECONOMY IN STATE OF THE [...] (U) In her penultimate State of the Nation Address (SONA), Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo highlighted her administration's efforts to improve the country's economy and help the poor cope with rising food and fuel costs. The President called for legislation to implement a peace a [...] |
2008-07-28 11:46:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL PINS PINR SOCI PTER ECON KPAO ASEC |
| 08MANILA1790 |
Davao: A Mindanao Success Story [...] (SBU) Summary: Davao, located in the southeastern section of Mindanao, is now one of the Philippines' major economic hubs, with rich natural resources, good infrastructure, an educated labor pool, strong local government support for business, and a pro-active business sector. The city has ga [...] |
2008-07-29 02:40:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EFIN ETRD EINV PGOV RP |
| 08MANILA1793 |
USAID-Funded Project Helps Bring the Philippine Judiciary [...] (U) SUMMARY: On July 23, 2008, the Philippine Supreme Court launched the USAID-funded Automated Case Management-Information System (CMIS) to address the backlog that has been plaguing the court system. The CMIS aims to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the four appellate courts wit [...] |
2008-07-29 06:50:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL PGOV CASC BTIO BEXP EAIR ECON RP |
| 08MANILA1795 |
THE NEW PEOPLE'S ARMY: DOWN BUT NOT OUT [...] (U) SUMMARY: Thirty-nine years after its founding as the armed wing of the Philippine Communist Party, the New People's Army (NPA) has lost much of its ability to conduct sustained military operations but remains capable of sporadically disrupting public security and business operations in cer [...] |
2008-07-29 07:51:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | ASEC PTER RP |
| 08MANILA1800 |
SCENESETTER FOR STAFFDEL WEIL [...] (SBU) Summary: Embassy Manila warmly welcomes Staffdel Weil to the Philippines! The relationship and spirit of partnership between the United States and the Philippines are strong. U.S. interests in this major non-NATO ally center on strengthening democracy, fostering economic growth, fightin [...] |
2008-07-29 23:06:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | OREP PREL KPAO RP |
| 08MANILA1801 |
SCENESETTER FOR STAFFDEL WEIL [...] (SBU) Summary: Embassy Manila warmly welcomes Staffdel Weil to the Philippines! The relationship and spirit of partnership between the United States and the Philippines are strong. U.S. interests in this major non-NATO ally center on strengthening democracy, fostering economic growth, fightin [...] |
2008-07-29 23:06:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | OREP PREL KPAO RP |
| 08MANILA1802 |
RO-RO: AN ECONOMIC SUCCESS STORY [...] (SBU) Summary: USG policy advocacy and foreign assistance has been instrumental in bringing down the cost of inter-island transportation in the Philippines, a key constraint to competitiveness in this archipelagic country. As a result of the liberalization of port policies and promotion of "ro [...] |
2008-07-30 01:54:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON RP |
| 08MANILA1818 |
HEALTH AND POPULATION IN THE PHILIPPINES [...] (SBU) Summary: In the aftermath of the July 11 World Population Day ceremonies in Manila, many civil society and legislators have expressed their opinions on the country's need and ability to extend family planning services more widely. There has been a vigorous public debate, extensively [...] |
2008-07-31 07:19:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | RP |
| 08MANILA1819 |
PHILIPPINE APPRECIATION FOR U.S. HUMANITARIAN [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: In response to USG humanitarian assistance provided in the wake of the June 21-22 Typhoon Frank, Philippine Foreign Secretary Alberto G. Romulo sent a warm, expansive letter of thanks to the Ambassador. The Foreign Secretary underscored the Philippines' heartfelt gratitude fo [...] |
2008-07-31 08:03:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PHUM PREL PTER RP |
| 08MANILA1825 |
PRESIDENT ARROYO NAMES NEW NAVAL CHIEF [...] (U) Philippine President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo approved the designation of Rear Admiral Ferdinand Golez as the new Flag Officer-in-Command for the Philippine Navy, effective August 2. The appointment was announced by Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro July 29. Golez will repla [...] |
2008-08-01 01:16:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | MARR MASS MCAP PREL RP |
| 08MANILA1833 |
PHILIPPINE PARTICIPATION AT 63RD UN GENERAL [...] (SBU) The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) conveyed to Post on July 31 that its New York Mission reported that President Arroyo is slated to be the fourth speaker on September 23, the opening day of the General Debate, as had been expected (ref B). Office of United Nations and [...] |
2008-08-01 06:35:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL UNGA RP |
| 08MANILA1837 |
AMBASSADOR, NATIONAL POLICE CHIEF DISCUSS HUMAN [...] (C) SUMMARY: Over a July 31 working breakfast with Philippine National Police (PNP) Director, Gen. Avelino "Sonny" Razon, Ambassador discussed extrajudicial killings (EJKs), the peace process in the southern Philippines, and the challenges that lie ahead for the Philippines' police force. R [...] |
2008-08-01 08:08:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | MARR PGOV PHUM PINR PINS PREL PTER RP SNAR |
| 08MANILA1838 |
CONTROVERSY OVER SPRATLY ISLANDS TERRITORIAL [...] (C) SUMMARY: Recent steep increases in the cost of petroleum and pending deadlines associated with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) have kept the six-nation territorial dispute over the Spratly Islands in the eye of public debate in the Philippines. The underlying controvers [...] |
2008-08-01 08:26:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PBTS PGOV PREL RP TW VM CH PG |
| 08MANILA1844 |
MILF CONTINUES TO SUPPORT PEACE PROCESS, [...] (C) Summary: In a July 30 meeting with the Deputy Chief of Mission at the Moro Islamic Liberation Front's (MILF) Camp Simuay, Vice Chairman Ghazali Jafaar discussed the MILF's outlook on the upcoming elections in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), the peace process, and the post-p [...] |
2008-08-04 06:21:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV EAID PINR PREL PHUM KISL RP |
| 08MANILA1848 |
Floundering Philippine Shipping [...] (SBU) Summary: Despite its 7,000 islands, the Philippines has a small and uncompetitive domestic shipping industry. Restrictive maritime policies and inflexible financial regulations suit special interests, but block opportunities for growth and modernization of the sector. Initiatives to im [...] |
2008-08-04 07:25:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EWWT EINV RP |
| 08MANILA1855 |
ELECTRIC POWER STRUGGLE OR FAMILY FUED? [...] (SBU) Summary: Philippine analysts predict a protracted struggle between the Lopez family and the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS, the government employees' pension fund) for control of the Manila Electric Company (MERALCO). This conflict, which some analysts see as a feud between t [...] |
2008-08-05 07:11:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ENRG EFIN EXIM RP |
| 08MANILA1860 |
ALL DETERMINED TO MOVE PEACE PROCESS FORWARD AFTER [...] (C) Summary: The Ambassador encouraged Philippine, Malaysian, and NGO leaders, gathered in Kuala Lumpur for the signing of a key agreement with Philippine Muslim insurgents, to keep the peace process moving forward after the Philippine Supreme Court temporarily halted the formal signing. Overc [...] |
2008-08-05 12:35:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL PINS KISL RP |
| 08MANILA1875 |
PHILIPPINE MILITARY PREPARED BUT RESTRAINED IN [...] (C) SUMMARY: Responding to increased attacks on civilians by radical hardliners allegedly linked to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in the North Cotabato province of Mindanao, the Armed Forces of the Philippines have placed their forces on heightened alert and prepared a contingenc [...] |
2008-08-06 08:49:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | MARR MCAP PREL PTER RP MASS |
| 08MANILA1885 |
THE PHILIPPINE MILITARY FIVE YEARS AFTER OAKWOOD: [...] (C) SUMMARY: Five years after a small group of Philippine military personnel seized an apartment complex in Manila, demanding an end to the corruption and neglect they believed was crippling the armed forces, the Philippine military has made significant progress in its efforts to retrain, reequ [...] |
2008-08-08 06:08:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | ASEC PTER RP |
| 08MANILA1886 |
Mining in Mindanao: Not Meeting Its Potential [...] (SBU) Summary: The mining sector holds great promise for the economic development of Mindanao. However, reputable mining companies currently operating in this region face many challenges, including lawlessness, insurgent violence, encroachments by small-scale miners, populist resistance, corr [...] |
2008-08-08 06:23:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED | EMIN SENV ECON EINV PGOV RP CM |
| 08MANILA1887 |
MANILA RESPONSE TO APEC FOOD DEFENSE PILOT PROJECTS [...] (SBU) Summary: Post offers pros and cons for including the Philippines as pilot area for the APEC Food Defense Projects. The Philippines is a willing partner with a great deal of bilateral trade in food and food products, but at times has issues with program follow-through. 2. (U) The Ph [...] |
2008-08-08 06:23:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PTER TBIO APECO EAGR RP |
| 08MANILA1890 |
Once a Leader, Philippine Education Falls Behind [...] (SBU) Summary: The quality of education has deteriorated across the Philippines. Inadequate budgets, supply shortages, meagerly paid and poorly educated teachers, and lagging enrollments are producing results that may jeopardize Philippine economic competitiveness and lock Filipinos into pover [...] |
2008-08-08 06:30:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON ETRD SOCI RP |
| 08MANILA1929 |
PHILIPPINE MILITARY IN CONTROL IN CENTRAL [...] (C) SUMMARY: As fighting between the Philippine military and elements of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) forces entered its third day on August 12, government forces appeared to be re-gaining control over seized villages in central Mindanao, with two key Muslim insurgent units retreati [...] |
2008-08-12 08:31:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | MARR MCAP PREL PTER RP MASS |
| 08MANILA1930 |
FIRST EVER AUTOMATED ARMM ELECTIONS PEACEFUL, [...] (C) SUMMARY. Thanks to new automated voting procedures, the regional elections in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) August 11 turned out more peaceful, clean, and efficient than previous polls and an estimated 60 percent of the 1.5 million registered voters turned out to cast thei [...] |
2008-08-12 09:13:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PTER MOPS PINS PGOV PHUM RP |
| 08MANILA1940 |
ARMED FORCES CHIEF DISCUSSES MINDANAO CLASHES, [...] (C) SUMMARY: Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Alexander Yano told the Ambassador August 13 that Philippine military forces had largely expelled rogue Muslim insurgent units from villages they had occupied in central Mindanao, and forecast that thousands of displaced villagers would soon be re [...] |
2008-08-13 08:53:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | MARR MAS MCAP PGOV PREL PTER RP |
| 08MANILA1949 |
Ninoy Aquino International Airport - Terminal 3 [...] (SBU) Summary: Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 (NAIA T3) began handling flights on July 22, 2008, six years of legal battles after its construction was completed. Some aspects of the new terminal are still not functioning properly, causing problems that have delayed and [...] |
2008-08-14 09:00:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAIR ECON EINV ETRD RP |
| 08MANILA1953 |
POTENTIAL TRADE PROSPECTS IN MINDANAO: THE BIMP-EAGA [...] (U) Summary: This cable describes an international policy initiative designed to promote links between the southern Philippines and peripheral regions of neighboring countries known as the Brunei Darussalam-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA). Supporters believe [...] |
2008-08-15 07:45:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON EAID ETRD ECIN EINV PGOV RP |
| 08MANILA1956 |
GOVERNOR AMPATUAN REELECTED IN AUTOMATED ARMM [...] (C) Summary: Incumbent Governor Zaldy Ampatuan won his reelection bid in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) with 93 percent of total votes, a huge margin over the second place finisher, who garnered only 1.7 percent, according to the official results from the Commission on Electio [...] |
2008-08-15 08:39:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL PHUM RP |
| 08MANILA1958 |
SCENESETTER FOR LTG MAPLES VISIT TO THE [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Welcome to the Philippines! You are coming to the Philippines at an important time. With U.S. support, the Armed Forces of the Philippines continues to score successes against terrorists in the southern Philippines, even as it reforms itself and controls extrajudicial killings. [...] |
2008-08-15 10:23:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | MARR MOPS PINS PREL PTER RP |
| 08MANILA1959 |
SCENESETTER FOR STAFFDEL HIGGINS [...] (SBU) Summary: Embassy Manila warmly welcomes to the Philippines professional staff members Craig Higgins and Steven Marchese of the House Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs. The relationship and spirit of partnership between the United [...] |
2008-08-15 10:47:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | OREP PREL RP |
| 08MANILA1960 |
SCENESETTER FOR LTG MAPLES VISIT TO THE [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Welcome to the Philippines! You are coming to the Philippines at an important time. With U.S. support, the Armed Forces of the Philippines continues to score successes against terrorists in the southern Philippines, even as it reforms itself and controls extrajudicial killings. [...] |
2008-08-15 10:56:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | MARR MOPS PINS PREL PTER RP |
| 08MANILA1962 |
NEW CLASHES IN MINDANAO, ARMY REACTS QUICKLY BUT [...] (C) Summary: Just days after the Philippine armed forces drove insurgent Muslim fighters out of villages they had occupied in central Mindanao, fighting flared anew August 17-18 farther north on the troubled island as Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) forces attacked an Army convoy and seve [...] |
2008-08-18 10:16:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL ASEC MARR MCAP PTER RP |
| 08MANILA1964 |
DUE DILIGENCE FOR DOLE NOMINATION FOR CORPORATE EXCELLENCE [...] Post is pleased to learn that Dole Philippines, Inc. is on the short list for the Secretary's 2008 Award for Corporate Excellence and submits the following: There is no pending litigation against Dole and Mission members involved in Dole's nomination do not have financial interest in the compa [...] |
2008-08-19 06:38:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED | BEXP EINV ELAB ETRD KSEP SENV RP |
| 08MANILA197 |
MANILA HAS NO FUNDS TO SUPPORT DELEGATES TO ATTEND WIREC [...] No summary [...] |
2008-01-24 08:25:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED | ECON ENRG SENV TRGY EPET EAID SOCI KSCA KGHG KPAO |
| 08MANILA1975 |
PHILIPPINES IPR TO ADDRESS FLICKER PIRACY [...] (U) Summary: Illegal recording of movies in cinemas, known as "flicker piracy," is becoming an intellectual property rights concern for both local and foreign film industry players in the Philippines. Specific legislation to address the problem is in the Lower House of the Philippine legislat [...] |
2008-08-20 02:16:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | KIPR ETRD ECON RP |
| 08MANILA1980 |
PHILIPPINES: COUNTERING TERRORIST USE OF THE [...] (SBU) Following consultation with post's Law Enforcement Working Group (LEWG), post has no objection to S/CT's proposed "countering terrorist use of the internet" training program, to be implemented by DS/ATA with FY 2008 regional NADR funds. 2. (SBU) We suggest that the order of the prog [...] |
2008-08-20 07:03:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ASEC CT PGOV PREL PTER RP |
| 08MANILA1981 |
PHILIPPINES CONCURS WITH U.S. VIEWS REGARDING UN [...] (SBU) Officials at the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Office of United Nations and Other International Organizations (UNIO) welcomed our thoughts on the Pacific Small Island Developing States (PSIDS) proposed resolution on Climate Change that would call for a UN Security Counc [...] |
2008-08-20 07:41:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PREL UNGA SENV AORC KGHG RP EUN |
| 08MANILA1997 |
GOVERNMENT PURSUES NEW PEACE PROCESS STRATEGY [...] (C) SUMMARY. Faced in the last few weeks with serious legal and political challenges to its arduously negotiated Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on territory with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the Arroyo government is moving rapidly -- albeit with some confusion -- to cobble together a mor [...] |
2008-08-22 09:28:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV EAID PINR PREL PHUM KISL RP |
| 08MANILA1998 |
SCENESETTER FOR PEACE CORPS DIRECTOR TSCHETTER'S VISIT TO [...] (SBU) Welcome to the Philippines! You are coming at an interesting and challenging time. Increasing food and energy prices have put the economy and the social situation under strain, increasing the incidence of poverty. Legal challenges before the Philippine Supreme Court aborted the long-a [...] |
2008-08-22 09:28:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ECON PREL RP |
| 08MANILA1999 |
VIOLENCE IN MINDANAO CONTINUES BUT NOT "ALL OUT [...] (C) SUMMARY: As fighting between Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) forces and the Philippine military enters its second week, the Philippine Armed Forces continue to score successes against the MILF, and the MILF insurgents appear to have miscalculated their own military capabilities and [...] |
2008-08-22 09:42:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | MARR MCAP PREL PTER RP MASS |
| 08MANILA202 |
PHILIPPINES CIVAIR: FAA MEETING WITH DEPARTMENT OF [...] (SBU) Summary: Regional U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) representatives met with Philippine Department of Transportation Secretary Leandro Mendoza on January 23-24 to discuss how to improve air safety in the Philippines and regain a Category 1 safety rating for Philippine civil avia [...] |
2008-01-25 05:02:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAIR ECON RP |
| 08MANILA2022 |
PRESIDENT DETERMINED TO STOP ATTACKS, BUT [...] (C) SUMMARY. At a meeting at Malacanang Palace August 27, President Gloria Arroyo underscored to Ambassador the Philippine government's commitment to the peace process, but made it clear that a stable security situation was a prerequisite to returning to peace talks with Muslim insurgents. C [...] |
2008-08-28 10:37:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV EAID PINR PREL PHUM KISL RP |
| 08MANILA2035 |
PHILIPPINE STAKEHOLDERS UNITE AGAINST HUMAN [...] SUMMARY: On August 20, Ambassador joined civil society groups, as well as Philippine government and private sector partners, to inaugurate an aggressive campaign against human trafficking. The event, held at Manila's North Harbor, attracted a diverse crowd to mark a renewed and expanded init [...] |
2008-08-29 09:35:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED | PHUM KCRM KWMN ELAB RP |
| 08MANILA2049 |
RAJAH SOLAIMAN MOVEMENT TERRORIST DEPORTED TO [...] (C) SUMMARY: Ruben Omar Pestano Lavilla, Jr., a key leader of the Philippine terrorist group Rajah Solaiman Movement, was deported to Manila on August 30, after he was arrested on July 24 in Bahrain. The deportation was an important success for Philippine officials, who worked through the U [...] |
2008-09-03 08:43:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | ASEC CT PGOV PREL PTER RP |
| 08MANILA2051 |
PEACE PROCESS AT A CROSSROADS [...] (C) SUMMARY: The events of the last few weeks -- the Supreme Court's cancellation of the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on territory, the fighting in various parts of central Mindanao, the government's declaration that it would no longer sign the MOA irrespective of the Supreme [...] |
2008-09-03 10:47:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV EAID PINR PREL PHUM KISL RP |
| 08MANILA207 |
TERRORISM FINANCE MANILA UPDATE JANUARY 2008 [...] (S) Legatt and Econ officers met with Philippine Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) Executive Director Vicente Aquino on January 25 to discuss terror finance issues raised in ref A related to Rajah Solaiman Movement listing by the UN 1267 Committee, and to deliver the talking points and bac [...] |
2008-01-25 08:49:00 | Embassy Manila | SECRET | RP KTFN EFIN PTER PREL ETTC |
| 08MANILA2072 |
PRESIDENTIAL ADVISOR DISCUSSES PEACE PROCESS WITH [...] (C) SUMMARY: In a wide-ranging discussion with the Ambassador September 3,Presidential Peace Advisor Hermogenes Esperon made it clear that the Philippine government is still searching for an appropriate way forward in peace process negotiations with Muslim insurgents in Mindanao. A key miles [...] |
2008-09-05 08:51:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV EAID PINR PREL PHUM KISL RP |
| 08MANILA2074 |
"Mindanao still open for business" [...] (U) SUMMARY. Signifying the USG's continuing commitment to economic prosperity and stability for Mindanao, the Acting Deputy Chief of Mission (A/DCM) visited the Mindanao province of Zamboanga del Norte where he: delivered the keynote address at the annual Mindanao Business Conference; formal [...] |
2008-09-05 09:53:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED | PREL PGOV KISL KPAO RP EAID |
| 08MANILA208 |
PHILIPPINE RESPONSE ON KOSOVO STATUS [...] No summary [...] |
2008-01-25 09:27:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL EU PGOV UN UNMIK YI |
| 08MANILA2103 |
DEMONSTRATING COMMITMENT TO STOP EXTRAJUDICIAL [...] (C) Summary: The Philippine government continues to take steps against extrajudicial killings (EJKs) through continued engagement with civil society actors and increased vigilance at the highest levels of the police and military. The Philippine Department of Justice (DOJ) is closely monitoring [...] |
2008-09-10 09:41:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PHUM PREL RP |
| 08MANILA2115 |
Philippine Civil Aviation Safety Developments [...] Summary: Newly appointed Director General (DG) of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) Ruben Ciron led a delegation of Philippine civil aviation officials in mid-August to Washington D.C. to finalize an agreement with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on a plan to re [...] |
2008-09-11 05:25:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAIR ECON EINV ETRD RP |
| 08MANILA2130 |
PHILIPPINES: LOOKING AHEAD TO THE TRILATERAL [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Embassy Manila provides the following for use with the upcoming Trilateral Strategic Dialogue (TSD) to be held in Washington. The Philippine government has been an active partner in trilateral and bilateral counterterrorism cooperation, and continues to achieve significant pro [...] |
2008-09-12 09:14:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PREL PTER RP JA AS |
| 08MANILA2133 |
SENATE RATIFICATION OF PHILIPPINES-JAPAN FREE TRADE [...] Summary. (SBU) The Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA), signed in September 2006, remains under review in the Philippine Senate. Philippine and Japanese government officials have varying estimates on the timeframe for its ratification. Some Senators still have constitution [...] |
2008-09-15 01:32:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | ETRD EINV ECON PGOV PREL RP |
| 08MANILA2135 |
PHILIPPINE STATE-OWNED FINANCIAL INSTITUTION IN [...] (SBU) Summary: EconCouns met with Secretaries of Finance, Trade and Agriculture to express concern about the failure of a Philippine state owned enterprise to make required principal payments on its bonds, $20 million of which are held by GE Moneybank. GE is requesting that the government e [...] |
2008-09-15 01:47:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | ECON EFIN PGOV PREL RP |
| 08MANILA2163 |
MARINE CASE UPDATE: SUPREME COURT TO HEAR CUSTODY [...] (C) SUMMARY. The case of U.S. Marine LCpl Daniel Smith, whom a trial court found guilty of rape, remains under appeal. Separate from the substance of the case, the Supreme Court is set to hear oral arguments September 19 regarding whether the Philippine government erred in transferring custo [...] |
2008-09-16 10:12:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL MARR KCRM CASC RP |
| 08MANILA2171 |
SECRETARY OF NATIONAL DEFENSE DISCUSSES MINDANAO [...] (C) SUMMARY: In a September 17 private breakfast with the Ambassador, Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro said that the Philippine military was still pressing the fight against rogue Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) leaders in Mindanao, whose attacks against civilians and gove [...] |
2008-09-18 08:54:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV EAID PINR PREL PHUM KISL RP |
| 08MANILA2174 |
U.S. Woes Unsettle Philippine Markets [...] (SBU) Summary: Uncertainties in the U.S. financial system drove down the Philippine stock market by more than 11% on September 15-18 and the peso down to a sixteen-month low. The Philippine Central Bank remains confident that local commercial banks' exposure to Lehman Brothers will not pose [...] |
2008-09-18 09:27:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EFIN ECON RP |
| 08MANILA2178 |
MINDANAO PEACE PROCESS: SEEKING A WAY FORWARD [...] (C) SUMMARY: The Philippine government continues to grapple for an appropriate way to address the ailing peace process, even as it awaits the Supreme Court decision on the constitutionality of the stalled Memorandum of Agreement on territory with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). While [...] |
2008-09-19 08:23:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV EAID PINR PREL PHUM KISL RP |
| 08MANILA2199 |
PEACE CORPS DIRECTOR VISITS PHILIPPINES, MEETS WITH PRESIDENT ARROYO [...] No summary [...] |
2008-09-23 07:24:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED | PGOV PREL RP |
| 08MANILA2202 |
SCENESETTER FOR ADMIRAL KEATING'S VISIT TO THE [...] (C) Admiral Keating, welcome back to the Philippines! You are returning at a challenging time. The situation in central Mindanao remains tense but controlled. The Philippine armed forces (AFP) continue a targeted search for Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) commanders who carried out sava [...] |
2008-09-23 09:36:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | MARR MOPS PINS PREL PTER RP |
| 08MANILA2230 |
PHILIPPINE VIEWS ON UN THIRD COMMITTEE HUMAN [...] (SBU) Poloffs on September 26 delivered reftel points regarding U.S. priorities for the 2008 UN Third Committee to Director Josephine Reynante of the Office of UN and International Organizations (UNIO) at the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). Director Reynante thanked us for pr [...] |
2008-09-26 09:05:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PGOV PHUM PREL RP UN |
| 08MANILA2238 |
PHILIPPINE GAS RESOURCES [...] (SBU) Summary: The Philippine Department of Energy has set ambitious goals for increasing energy self-sufficiency to 60%, but the country is unlikely to meet these goals. Potential significant hydrocarbon reserves in the South China Sea could make an important contribution to the Philippine [...] |
2008-09-29 05:48:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED | EMIN SENV ECON EINV PBTS PG RP |
| 08MANILA2262 |
LOOKING AHEAD TO GLOBAL FORUM ON MIGRATION AND [...] (C) SUMMARY: DFA has provided a dipnote inviting high-level Embassy participation at the upcoming Global Forum on Migration and Development, to be hosted October 27-30 in Manila by the Philippine government. Per reftel guidance, Embassy representation at the Forum will be limited to an obse [...] |
2008-10-02 09:21:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREF PREL RP SMIG |
| 08MANILA2266 |
UPDATE ON THE PHILIPPINE RICE SITUATION [...] (SBU) Summary: Increasing fertilizer costs, lack of farm credit, and typhoons will result in a decline in Philippine rice production in market year July 2008 through June 2009 (MY08/09). Although we expect rice imports to soar and reach a new record-level, ending stocks are likely to fall from [...] |
2008-10-03 08:37:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EAGR EAID ETRD ECON PGOV PREL RP |
| 08MANILA2305 |
NEW LEADERSHIP FOR PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE [...] (C) SUMMARY: In a congratulatory visit October 3 with newly appointed Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Jesus "Jess" Verzosa and his leadership team, the Ambassador, accompanied by U.S. law enforcement agency heads, reaffirmed close U.S.-Philippine law enforcement relationsh [...] |
2008-10-08 03:33:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL RP |
| 08MANILA2311 |
AMBASSADOR CONTINUES DIALOGUE WITH PRESIDENTIAL [...] (C) SUMMARY: In an October 3 private breakfast, Senator Manuel "Mar" Roxas and the Ambassador discussed Roxas's presidential aspirations and the current state of play among candidates in the run up to the 2010 elections. Roxas was candid in the assessment of his rivals and of President Arro [...] |
2008-10-08 09:00:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV EAID PINR PREL PHUM KISL RP |
| 08MANILA2323 |
MARINE JUDICIAL CASE: CONTINUED CLOSE COORDINATION [...] (C) SUMMARY. Renewed high-level judicial and political focus on the rape case of Marine Lance Corporal Daniel J. Smith has underscored the profound importance of this issue both for LCpl Smith's future and for U.S.-Philippine military and diplomatic ties. Strenuous U.S. government efforts over [...] |
2008-10-09 08:51:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PREL MARR KCRM CASC RP |
| 08MANILA2324 |
MANILA AIRPORT OPENS NEW SHELTER FOR TRAFFICKING [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: Anti-trafficking efforts at the country's foremost international airport took a step forward with the October 7 inauguration of the Manila International Airport Authority's first halfway house for victims of human trafficking. The Ambassador, in her keynote address at the event [...] |
2008-10-09 09:23:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PHUM KCRM KWMN EAID RP |
| 08MANILA2338 |
HIGH COURT RULES AGAINST MILF PEACE DEAL [...] (C) SUMMARY: In a significant setback for the Arroyo administration, the Supreme Court on October 14 ruled by an 8-7 majority that the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on ancestral domain between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) was unconstitutional. The issu [...] |
2008-10-14 10:26:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PINR PREL PHUM KISL RP |
| 08MANILA2340 |
UPDATE: PHILIPPINES AND GLOBAL FINANCIAL CRISIS [...] (SBU) Summary: During October 6-10, the Philippine stock market index dropped by more than 18% to its weakest level in more than 27 months and the peso hit seventeen-month lows, yet banks maintained adequate foreign exchange and peso liquidity. The stock index then rose by 8.4% on October 13 [...] |
2008-10-14 23:49:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EFIN ECON RP |
| 08MANILA2355 |
SCENESETTER FOR BG CROWE'S VISIT TO THE [...] (C) SUMMARY: Welcome to the Philippines! You are coming to the Philippines at an important time. Our bilateral engagement remains strong with the Talon Vision/PHIBLEX exercise ongoing during your visit. With U.S. support, the Armed Forces of the Philippines continues to score successes again [...] |
2008-10-17 09:59:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | MARR MOPS PINS PREL PTER RP |
| 08MANILA2364 |
AMBASSADOR ENGAGES FOREIGN SECRETARY ON BILATERAL [...] (C) SUMMARY: Foreign Secretary Romulo invited Ambassador for a private breakfast October 10. In the course of the meal, they discussed a broad range of topics, including ASEAN, the Millennium Challenge Corporation Account, U.S. military in the Philippines, and the Philippine peace process w [...] |
2008-10-20 05:08:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV PREL RP |
| 08MANILA2365 |
PEACE PROCESS BATTERED BUT NOT BURIED [...] (C) SUMMARY: Despite a Supreme Court decision October 14 striking down a centerpiece territorial deal between the Philippine government and Muslim insurgents, leaders of both sides continue to insist that they remain committed to finding a negotiated settlement to the Muslim insurgency. Beyond [...] |
2008-10-20 08:44:00 | Embassy Manila | CONFIDENTIAL | PGOV EAID PINR PREL PHUM KISL RP |
| 08MANILA2366 |
ZAMBOANGA COURT CONVICTS HUMAN TRAFFICKER [...] (SBU) SUMMARY: A Zamboanga City municipal trial court on October 14 sentenced a human trafficker to 30 years in prison for the 2004 trafficking and illegal recruitment of two women, adding a fine of $41,300 (1.9 million pesos). This decision represents the tenth conviction under the 2003 Anti [...] |
2008-10-20 09:37:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | PHUM KCRM KWMN EAID RP |
| 08MANILA2370 |
Philippines Calls for ASEAN+3 Response to Financial Crisis [...] (SBU) Summary: In a press conference on October 12, Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo called for an ASEAN+3 meeting on the sidelines of the upcoming October 24-25 Asia-Europe summit in Beijing to coordinate regional responses to the global financial crisis (ref A). Philippine offi [...] |
2008-10-21 08:39:00 | Embassy Manila | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | EFIN ECON RP |
| 08MANILA238 |
PRESIDENT ARROYO REVISES MILF PEACE PROPOSAL AS [...] (C) Summary: In hopes of resuming peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the Philippine government has prepared a revised draft territorial agreement that omits references to the issue of governance -- references to which the MILF had strenuously objected. The proposal will be [...] |
2008-01-29 09:01:00 | Embassy Manila | ||