Baghdadi’s death ‘severe blow’
The Department of National Defense and Armed Forces of the Philippines yesterday renewed their commitment to defeat Daesh-inspired terrorist groups in the country following the death of Islamic State leader Abu Bakr Al-Baghdadi. Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana said that Baghdadi’s death was just a “momentary setback” for the militant group. “I think this is a blow to the organization considering Al Baghdadi’s stature as a leader. But this is just a momentary setback considering the depth and reach of the organisation worldwide,” Lorenzana stressed. “Somebody will take his place to lead the ISIS. Maybe not as famous and well know,” he added. Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo, AFP spokesperson, said the death of Baghdadi “undoubtedly dealt a severe blow to terrorist organizations around the globe.” “We expect that his death will impact negatively on the leadership of terrorists in various parts of the world,” Arevalo said. The AFP praised the United States government and all those who had a hand in the collective success while it also remembered all those who made the ultimate sacrifice in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism not only in the Philippines but also across the globe. “The AFP will continue with our vigorous efforts to prevent or counter terrorist extremists who continue to threaten our country,” Arevalo said. (Martin Sadongdong)
Angat water level dips slightly
The water elevation at Angat Dam in Bulacan slightly dropped yesterday but remains around 10 meters below its normal level this time of the year. Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration monitoring as of yesterday showed the water level in Angat Dam dropped slightly to 185.28 meters from 185.39 meters the previous day. PAGASA hydrologist Edgar dela Cruz said the prevailing low-pressure area inside the country’s area of responsibility has not significantly contributed additional water to the Angat Dam. So far, Angat Dam’s water level is still above the reservoir’s 180-meter low water level but it is below the 196-meter normal level during this period, he added. He pointed out that Angat Dam still needs about 955 millimeters of accumulated rainfall to reach its 210 to 212-meter normal high water level before the end of the year. This is to ensure that the year-end elevation is sufficient to supply multi-requirements on domestic supply, irrigation, and energy in its services areas at least until the first half of 2020. (Ellalyn Ruiz)
Duterte feels lesser back pain
From the unbearable pain that forced him to cut short his Japan trip last week, President Duterte is feeling lesser pain from his lower back after taking some rest and medication. The President has managed to run on a treadmill as his pain has considerably eased to just “1/4” now, according to presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo yesterday. “The President mentioned something about his health because I asked him directly, ‘How’s your pain, Mr. President?’ If I’m not mistaken his response was the pain is only 1/4 now, with 3/4 gone,” Panelo said. “And also coming from the First Lady, she said that the President had treadmill, Nag-treadmill daw siya kahapon (Sunday),” he added. The President carried out his work schedule in Malacanang yesterday, including the oath-taking of new presidential appointees. Duterte is also expected to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit and related meetings in Thailand this week. Before his Bangkok visit, he will visit the tomb of his parents at a cemetery in Davao in observance of the All Saints’ Day. (Genalyn Kabiling)
