SAN FERNANDO, La Union

This morning, there was an encounter between a unit of the Special Warfare Group (SWAG) of the Philippine Navy and the main Abu Sayyaf group led by Abu Sabaya aboard a boat, one kilometer off the coast of Sibuco in Zamboanga del Norte, at 4:30 this morning.

Three Abu Sayyaf members were wounded and jumped off their boat, while 4 others were captured. The captured Abu Sayyaf members confirmed that one of those who jumped into the sea was Abu Sabaya, who was wearing a black sweatshirt. The SWAG team also confirmed shooting the man in the black sweatshirt. Government forces are now scouring the coast for Sabaya, or his body.

I congratulate the Armed Forces for their continuing determination and tenacity to finish off the Abu Sayyaf. Even since Operation Daybreak began, we have seen the best fighting skills and courage among our soldiers. They deserve the accolade of our people.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has declared Monday, June 24, 2002, as a special non-working day in the City of Manila.

In Proclamation No. 206 which she signed last June 10, 2002, the President said that every year, the City of Manila celebrates June 24 as "Araw ng Maynila" in commemoration of the founding of the city as the premier Christian City of Asia.

"Monday, June 24, 2002 marks the 431^st Foundation Day Anniversary of the City of Manila," the President said.

SAN FERNANDO, La Union -- United States President George W. Bush has expressed gladness over reports that notorious Abu Sayyaf leader and spokesman Aldam Tilao a.k.a. Abu Sabaya and his band of kidnapper-terrorists have been neutralized.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today said she had a phone conversation with President Bush, following reports that the military had tracked and fought it out with Abu Sabaya’s group a kilometer off the coast of Sibuco, Zamboanga del Norte at about 4:30 this morning.

The President interrupted the meeting of the Ilocos Regional Development Council (RDC) here to announce that she "just talked with President Bush."

"He’s happy that the Abu Sayyaf (problem) has been solved," she said.

"The Balikatan exercises will be finished on July 31 as scheduled," she added, referring to the joint RP-US military exercises being undertaken in Basilan province, lair of the terrorist Abu Sayyaf.

"But they are ready to schedule the next Balikatan exercises," she said.

Local officials and residents in Basilan and other parts of Mindanao have lately asked the government to extend the stay of, if not permanently allow, American troops participating in the Balikatan in the area.

The President also took time to monitor and report to the RDC meeting the latest developments in the military-Abu Sayyaf encounter.

Interrupting the meeting at times, the President said the military has recovered a satellite phone, dark glasses and bonnet believed to belong to Abu Sabaya, who along with two others, jumped into the sea during the firefight.

One of the soldiers was very sure he shot Abu Sabaya who was wearing a black sweat shirt, and fell down from the boat together with two others, she told the meeting. But Sabaya, dead or alive, has yet to be recovered.

Four others left in the Abu Sayyaf speedboat were captured, she added. Interrogation with the captured Abu Sayyaf members showed their three companions who jumped off the boat had gunshot wounds.

The President congratulated the military for aggressively monitoring the movement of Abu Sabaya’s group who tried to get out of the Siocon, Siraway, Sibuco, Baliguian complex in Zamboanga del Norte.

SAN FERNANDO, La Union – Region I, composed of the four provinces of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union and Pangasinan, and the eight cities of Laoag, Vigan, Candon, San Fernando, Urdaneta, Dagupan, San Carlos and Alaminos, is experiencing a big improvement in alleviating poverty.

During a presentation of the Ilocos Region socio-economic situationer to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo at the Joint Regional Development Council-Regional Peace and Order Council (RDC-RPOC) meeting at the Provincial Capitol here, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Dante Canlas said the number of poor families dropped from 47.9 percent in 1994 to 3.7 percent in 2000.

Canlas, however, said that the employment rate remained almost the same in 2000 and 2001 at 89.6 and 89.3 percent, respectively. These were a little bit higher compared to the country’s 88.9 percent.

However, Canlas pointed out that the unemployment rate improved significantly, dropping from 20.1 to 12.7 percent in the two years, following the trend at the national level.

The region was also reported to have the highest percentage of households with sanitary toilets, at 90.6 percent. About 79.5 percent of its household have access to potable water, higher than the national average of 76.3 percent.

The President congratulated RDC Chairman and Pangasinan Gov. Victor Agbayani who reported to the Chief Executive that as of 2001, 99 percent of the barangays in the region have been energized.

Region I is located in the northwestern part of the country, whose coastline runs along the international sea lanes of the South China Sea.

It is the gateway to East and Southeast Asian countries. Travel from the Laoag International Airport to Hong Kong and Taiwan is less than one hour. It takes less than three hours to reach Singapore and about three and a half hours to Japan and Korea.

BANAYOYO, Ilocos Sur – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today distributed more than 70 hectares of land to beneficiaries of the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) here, making at least 85 tenant-farmers into new landowners.

The President, assisted by Agrarian Reform Secretary Hernani Bragaza, Cabinet Officer for Regional Development (CORD) for Region 1 (Ilocos), personally handed over the Certificates of Land Ownership Awards (CLOAs) to the farmer beneficiaries in a ceremony held here.

The farmers who received their CLOAs came all the way from the municipalities of San Juan, Sta. Maria and Santiago in Ilocos Sur; Malasiqui, Mangatarem, Rosales, Villasis and Tayug in Pangasinan; and Caba in La Union.

The 85 farmer beneficiaries are part of the 533 beneficiaries from the Ilocos region who were given lands under the CARP since the start of 2002.

According to Braganza, for the fist half of the year alone, the DAR personnel in Region I have distributed a total of 726 hectares of land representing 88 percent of the target for 2002.

He pointed out that the latest accomplishment brought to 116,585 hectares the total area distributed under CARP in the Ilocos region, leaving a balance of only 2,211 hectares.

BANAYOYO, Ilocos Sur – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today reiterated the need to privatize the transmission and generation assets of the National Power Corporation (Napocor) to further reduce the cost of electricity for consumers.

In a speech here at the town plaza, the President also expressed the need for competition in the generation sector of the power industry as well as to come up with an imaginative and refinancing solutions for the Napocor.

The President took the opportunity to express her sadness over the recent drop of her net satisfaction rating which is perceived to be caused by the public perception of the controversial power purchased cost adjustment (PPCA) issue.

As a consumer herself, the President said she fully understands and feels the burden brought by the high monthly electricity rates to the consumers.

The President said consumers will eventually have the opportunity to choose where to buy their supply of electricity, adding that the power of choice will lead to the lowering of prices like in the telecommunications industry.

She explained that when the government deregulated the telecommunications sector, it took several years before the reduced cost of telephone bills was felt by the public.

With regards to the present problem on the PPCA, the Chief Executive asked for patience and understanding from the consumers but assured them that the reduction on the charges will be reflected in the electric billings starting this July.

President Macapagal-Arroyo recalled that last May 8, she directed the Napocor to lower its PPCA rates by as much as 40 centavos per kilowatt-hour on top of the 30-centavo reduction that she ordered in July last year.

She said the result of the review on contracts of independent power producers (IPP) will be made public by the end of this month, adding that those who will be found illegally exacting charges will not be spared from the law.

With the ongoing reforms being instituted in the power sector and the anticipated reduction of electricity bills in July, the President is optimistic that the Philippines will be downgraded to the sixth spot in the list of most expensive electric providers in the whole Asia. The Philippines is currently second to Japan.

SAN FERNANDO, La Union – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today wished that the Laoag International Airport would attract more tourists from Hong Kong, Taiwan and Mainland China, especially this coming year, 2003, which is "Visit Philippines" year.

This should be like Thailand where tourism became popular because of its "Visit Thailand Year" promotion, the President said.

She added that she wanted the domestic tourism industry developed after the "Visit Philippines" in 2003, adding that Laoag is a most vital gateway for tourists coming from Taiwan, China and Hong Kong.

In a press briefing, Cabinet Secretary Ricardo Saludo said that to achieve this goal, the President instructed the installation of needed facilities, like upgraded navigational aids, within 2002.

To address the needs of farmers and mitigate the effects of the El Nino phenomenom this year, the President directed the immediate release of P17 million, out of the P23 million allocated for agricultural and fisheries modernization, to fund projects like irrigation for Region 1.

The President also instructed Chief Presidential Legal Counsel, Avelino Cruz, Jr. to prepare the necessary document that would separate Poro Point in San Fernando, La Union, and Camp John Hay in Baguio.

The President said Camp John Hay would be under the Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA), while Poro Point would be under the regulatory function of the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA).

The ownership of both facility, however, would be retained by the BCDA, the President said. The separation of Poro Point from Camp John Hay would facilitate its development, the President said.

The San Fernando Airport would also be developed with Fedex committing to provide runway lighting facilities within three to six months. "This will allow night time landing at San Fernando Airport," Saludo said.

Another development is the petition from the local government executives of Region I to develop the Currimao Port in Ilocos Norte.

The PPA, according to Saludo, is undertaking two things: updating the feasibility study which was done in 1993 and undertaking a program to upgrade the Currimao port at a cost of P110 million. This would involve the expansion of the reclamation work, dredging and the construction of public utilities.

SAN FERNANDO, La Union – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today exhorted the members of the Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) here to ensure that next month’s barangay elections are not used as tools of insurgency.

During the joint meeting of the RPOC-Regional Development Council (RDC) at the Provincial Capitol here, the President expressed concern that rebel groups and other elements might to influence the elections and prevent the expression of the true will of the people.

The President said the barangay elections are non-partisan, therefore there should be no interference by partisan groups.

The President enjoined all government and other groups in society, including political blocs, to join hands in ensuring that there is democracy and free expression of the people’s will in these elections.

"You should not be intimidated by groups who may use violence and other terror tactics in trying to influence your votes," Cabinet Secretary Ricardo Saludo quoted the President as saying.

BANAYOYO, Ilocos Sur – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today announced the arrest the leader of the Ativan Gang who was responsible for the series of robbery-holdup incidents, particularly the recent killing of a Korean diplomat.

In her speech here, the President identified the arrested suspect as Rodrigo Fabricante.

According to the President, the suspect was positively identified by the companion of the Korean diplomat who was killed by the said gang.

The President added that the suspect admitted that when they dumped the body of the Korean, the victim was still alive.

As for the Pentagon Gang escape, the President said she has instructed incoming Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Deputy Director General Hermogenes Ebdane, Jr. to immediately dismiss the guards who were directly involved in the escape of Pentagon leader Marohombsar Faisal

BANAYOYO, Ilocos Sur—President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today expressed elation over a series of positive developments in the government’s drive against terrorism and criminality, topped by a successful military campaign against an Abu Sayyaf band headed by spokesman Abu Sabaya early this morning off the coast of Sibuco in Zamboanga del Norte.

In her brief remarks during the awarding of certificates of land ownership awards (CLOAs) to farmer-beneficiaries here, the President said the other piece of "good news" was the arrest, also today, of Rodrigo Fabricante, the alleged leader of the so-called Ativan gang, which was pinpointed as responsible for the kidnap slaying of Chong Young Ho, third secretary of the Korean embassy in Manila.

The President said that she was informed by police authorities that Fabricante was positively identified by the Korean companion of the victim.

According to the President, Fabricante admitted that when they dumped Chong’s body, he was still alive.

The President also said that former Mayor Ruben Ecleo, the leader of a religious cult, the Philippine Benevolent Missionaries Association (PBMA), has already been brought to Cebu City where he will be incarcerated and where he will face criminal charges, including parricide and complexity in the massacre of his wife’s family.

She also said that she has ordered incoming Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, Director General Hermogenes Ebdane, to summarily dismiss from the service and to file criminal charges against all the guards responsible for the escape from Camp Crame of Marohombsar Faisal and two of his men.

BANAYOYO, Ilocos Sur—President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today turned over some P7 million worth of checks as well as farm and fisheries equipment to qualified beneficiaries in the Ilocos Region.

The ceremony held here coincided with the birthday celebration of former Ilocos Sur Governor Luis "Chavit" Singson, which was held at a tobacco flue-curing barn here.

Among the items distributed by the President were 100 boxes of zinc mettalate, which is used to increase rice yield, one unit of four-wheel drive tractor, five units of multi-crop combined husker and thresher, and hybrid F1 seeds.

Instead of releasing funds from R. A. 7171 or the tobacco excise tax, the President said she was distributing the "goodies" as her gift for the birthday celebrator.

During the ceremony, the President also awarded 300 Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC) health cards to poor beneficiaries in San Fernando City, in La Union.

The checks handed over by the President will be used for the purchase of "lambaklad" or fishnets, rice and corn shellers, tractors, rice threshers, post-harvest facilities, motorized bancas and other farm equipment.

Part of the amount will also be used for the construction of potable water system, septic tanks, sanitation facilities and a hanging bridge.

One of the activities during the President’s visit here was a jobs fair organized by the Office of Presidential Adviser for Jobs Creation Luis Lorenzo, the Department of Labor and Employment, and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

Kanina pong umaga tinawagan ako ng mga heneral para ibalitang nagsalpukan kaninang madaling araw ang puwersa ng ating Armed Forces at ang pangkat ng Abu Sayyaf terrorist commander na si Abu Sabaya sa dagat malapit sa Zamboanga City.

Tiniyak sa akin ni General Ernesto Carolina, ang ating hinirang na South Commander, na tinamaan si Abu Sabaya at patay na. Hinahanap ngayon ang kanyang bangkay na nakitang nalaglag sa tubig at nalunod.

Marami na sa mga Abu Sayyaf ang nalagas. Kung hindi napatay, o nahuli ang iba sa kanila ay sumuko dahil sa takot sa ating mga sundalo. Malaki na ang hinina ng kanilang puwersa. Mula sa libu-libo ay malaki na ang nabawas sa kanilang lakas simula nang inilunsad natin ang ating kampanya laban sa terorismo, kasama na rin ang Balikatan exercises.

Mula sa dating kilos-hari sa Basilan at Sulu, ang Abu Sayyaf ngayon ay parang mga daga na nagtatago sa kanilang lungga. Mula sa pananambang, sila ngayon ang ating tinatambangan.

Mula sa panlulusob sila na ngayon ang sinasalakay. Baligtad na. Patuloy ang pagtugis natin sa mga natitirang Abu Sayyaf.

Ito’y pagpapatunay sa husay at tagumpay ng ating kampanya laban sa terorismo at pananakot ng mga bandido. Sa dahilang ito’y nagpapasalamat ako ng malaki sa kawal Pilipino na nagbubuwis ng buhay para sa ating kaligtasan.

Tinatanaw ko ang aking utang na loob at utang na loob ng buong bayan sa mga pangkaraniwang mamamayan sa Basilan, Zamboanga, Sulu at iba pang lugar sa Mindanao dahil sa kanilang suporta sa aking kampanya.

At nagpapasalamat ako sa nakararaming taong-bayan dahil sa kanilang pag-unawa, pasensiya, at panalangin para sa tagumpay ng ating pakay.

Hindi pa lubos ang ating kampanya laban sa terorismo. Marami pa tayong dapat gawin para sa katahimikan ng Mindanao at ibang bahagi ng ating bayan. Kaya naman may pakiusap ako sa ating sambayanan – habaan pa po ninyo ang inyong pang-unawa.

Kailangan po ng ating mga sundalo ang inyong panalangin at pang-unawa.

Inaasahan ko na bago bukas ng umaga ay may dagdag na impormasyon si General Carolina.

Kasabay nito’y patuloy ang ating pagtugis sa mga terorista. Sa tulong ninyo, walang imposible. Tatapusin natin ito. Magtulungan po tayo sa hamong ito.