TOKYO: Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert del Rosario yesterday warned that territorial rows in Asia are “causing considerable tension that could lead to conflict” as several countries face off with China over island claims. He told a business conference here that China’s “nine-dash line claim encompassing almost the entire South China Sea” is “excessive.” “In addition to the South China Sea, we have in Northeast Asia, home to Asia’s biggest economic powerhouses, several disputes that have adversely affected relations between Japan, China and the Republic of Korea.” China is believed to be boosting its naval capability in the Pacific and has been criticised by neighbours.
MNLF in guerrilla warfare in Sulu
MANILA: About 1,160 fighters of the Sultanate of Sulu and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) are engaged in guerrilla warfare against Malaysian security forces in Lahad Datu, Sabah. Abraham Idjirani, sultanate spokesman, said the royal security force under Agbimuddin Kiram were ordered to remain in a defensive posture until the unilateral ceasefire Sulu has declared is lifted. “They are are not on the run as the Malaysian forces are not pursuing them. There is a lull in the fighting.” He said Sulu is prepared for talks with Malaysians. “We assure the Filipino people that we are not initiating any moves against the Malaysian forces,” he said.
Standard time law approved
MANILA: President Benigno Aquino approved a law that sets the Philippine Standard Time (PST), a senior government official said yesterday. Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said that Aquino signed Republic Act No 10535 on May 15 which requires all government agencies to follow the PST of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration. She said the administration was directed to set the network time protocol for the country. “All government offices, agencies, instrumentalities, bureaus shall now coordinate with the administration once a month to synchronise official time pieces and devices.”
Disputed cyber law revised
MANILA: The Department of Justice (DOJ) junked cyber libel from its version of the controversial Cybercrime Prevention Act, Secretary Leila de Lima said yesterday. Libel, a much-disputed provision in the law, has been stricken off and DOJ’s anti-cybercrime arm will send it to the House of Representatives next month. Assistant Secretary Geronomo Sy, DOJ’s resident technology expert who heads the cybercrime office, called the new version “enhanced” as it attempts to clarify questionable clauses. The Supreme Court ordered a temporary restraining order against the cybercrime measure for an indefinite period in 2012.
Bomb explodes outside arcade
DAVAO: A homemade bomb exploded yesterday afternoon outside a shopping mall in Pagadian City. There were no reported casualties but the bomb damaged many vehicles, authorities said. It was planted inside a vehicle at a parking area of Gaisano Mall. Investigation continues.
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