GLOBAL NEWS
Saturday-Friday | December 26, 2020 - January 1, 2021 Saturday-Friday Visit www.Balita.com| December 26 - January 1, 2020
GLOBAL NEWS
Happy New Year 2021!
IT IS TIME TO FORGET THE PAST AND START A NEW BEGINNING.
Weekend Weekend Visit www.Balita.com LOS ANGELES EDITION BALITA BALITA 11
Outgoing SoKor envoy cites deepening ties with PH Reds’ activities this holiday season monitored — AFP chief
OUTGOING SOUTH KOREAN AMBASSADOR TO THE PHILIPPINES HAN DONG-MAN MANILA (Mabuhay) — Outgoing South Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Han Dong-man on Monday cited the deepening and expanding ties between South Korea and the Philippines in all aspects, including economics and mutual security the past three years. “I am going back to Seoul with a heavy heart but with very pleasant memories not only of this country and its people but also of the relationships that were forged here,” Han said in his farewell letter. Han is scheduled to return to South Korea on Wednesday after serving almost three years as Seoul's envoy to Manila. Han said he will treasure the "friendship that has enriched cooperation and exchanges between our two nations”. “I have seen Philippine-Korea relations deepening and expanding in various ways ranging from the economic, and political spheres, to mutual security and cultural exchange, among other things. I am optimistic that as our countries further elevate bilateral relations to a new
level, together we will emerge stronger when this pandemic is finally over. I cannot believe how quickly time has passed. Words are not enough to express my deepest gratitude for the warm Filipino hospitality, friendship, and support that you have given to me in the period of almost three years that I have been in this wonderful country,” Han said. The strong ties between Seoul and Manila date back to 1950 when the Philippines became the first Asian country to send 7,420-strong combat troops during the Korean War which ended in 1953. At that time, the Philippines was still struggling from the ruins of World War II and was also fighting an insurgency, but the Philippines did not hesitate to send combat forces to Korea which was in dire need of help when it was invaded by communist Chinese and North Korean forces. Two members of the Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea (PEFTOK), who are still alive today are former President Fidel V. Ramos, 92, and retired Maj. Max Young, 98. (MNS)
Maligayang Pasko! Pasko is the most festive time of the year. And this year, whether we celebrate together or apart, let our traditions brighten the season and lend strength to families and friends near and far. With our spirits together, we can welcome the new year with joy and love. A safe and Maligayang Pasko to you and your family from AARP! Celebrate with us at aarp.org/aapi
MANILA (Mabuhay) — The activities of the Communist Party of the Philippines - New People's Army (CPP-NPA) this holiday season is monitored by military intelligence units, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff, Gen. Gilbert Gapay, said Tuesday. "Our intelligence community is closely monitoring their actions. They have planned really to conduct atrocities in different parts of the country, particularly (against our) vulnerable, remote communities," Gapay said in an online briefing Tuesday. They plan to conduct extortion and recruitment, he said, noting the threat to security forces, especially those deployed to remote detachments. “Talagang pinagpaplanuhan nila 'yan (They are really making plans.) They are just waiting (for an) opportune time to (launch their attack),” Gapay added. He said due to the dwindling ranks of the NPA, it is unlikely that the communist-terrorists would be able to hold a "plenum" or large meeting during the CPP’s founding anniversary on December 26. In previous years, the CPP-NPA has always been vocal on its websites about holding a plenum and its agenda, Gapay said. He, however, assured that troops would be guarding communities to ensure Filipinos have a meaningful and peaceful Christmas celebration. Earlier, the CPP urged all NPA units to conduct secret meetings to mark its 52nd founding on December 26. The communist-terrorists also said they would continue with their harassments during the holiday season since the AFP did not declare a ceasefire this year. The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines. (MNS)
