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Peso hits two-month low

THE PESO declined against the dollar on Thursday to a fresh two-month low as market players awaited the policy decision of the local central bank.
The local currency ended Thursday’s session at P52.84 versus the greenback, down three centavos from its P52.81-per-dollar finish on Wednesday.
This was the peso’s fresh new low in nearly two months or since it closed at P52.86 per dollar on Jan. 24.
The peso traded within a wide range yesterday, opening the session stronger at P52.77 per greenback. It slipped to as low as P52.89 intraday, while its best showing of the day stood at P52.725 against the dollar.
Trading volume surged to $1.009 billion from the $870.8 million that switched hands the previous day.
“The peso closed weaker as market players positioned ahead of bets of dovish statements from today’s Monetary Board (MB) meeting,” a trader said in an e-mail on Thursday.
After the market’s close, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) announced that kept its policy rates steady at a 4.75-5.25% range as prevailing rates remain “appropriate” amid declining inflation.
The decision was in line with market expectations, as 10 out of 13 economists in a BusinessWorld poll last week said the central bank still has room to keep its borrowing costs steady.
Meanwhile, the BSP did not announce any cut in its reserve requirement ratio (RRR), with BSP Deputy Governor Diwa C. Guinigundo saying it is “important that we get the timing right.”
This was the first MB policy meeting presided by newly appointed BSP Governor Benjamin E. Diokno, who previously said in a television interview that there “could be one percentage point every quarter for the next four quarters.”
Even as the peso declined in the afternoon session, another trader said the peso strengthened in the morning session following the “dovish” remarks from the US Federal Reserve.
The US central bank said there will be no interest rate hikes this year amid an economic slowdown, a departure from its previous pronouncements as recent as September 2018 that it will raise benchmark rates thrice this year.
“The peso started stronger due to weaker dollar overnight over Fed’s decision. It quickly bounced back as it traded mostly between P52.82 and P52.87, still on speculation of a dovish BSP,” another trader said.
The second trader expects peso to strengthen to P52.55-P52.80 versus the dollar today as there might be a reversal in market speculation.
“The BSP was not that dovish since there was no mention of the RRR cut. The market was really expecting something today,” the second trader said.
Meanwhile, the first trader expects the peso to move between P52.70 and P52.90. — Karl Angelo N. Vidal

PHL stocks jump as Federal Reserve turns dovish

By Arra B. Francia, Reporter
LOCAL SHARES jumped on Thursday along with most of regional markets as investors cheered the US Federal Reserve’s decision to keep interest rates steady.
The benchmark Philippine Stock Exchange index (PSEi) edged higher by 1.22% or 96.52 points to close at 7,954.72 yesterday. The broader all-shares index likewise climbed 0.85% or 41.30 points to 4,888.79.
“Mainly, it’s the dovish move by the US Federal Reserve wherein they abandoned their increase in interest rate policy due to no movements in inflation rate,” Diversified Securities, Inc. Equities trader Aniceto K. Pangan said in a text message.
The US Federal Reserve decided to keep interest rates within the 2.25% to 2.5% range during its two-day policy meeting. It also changed its 2019 outlook to no policy movement after two increases projected back in December, pointing to the slower economic growth in the fourth quarter of 2018.
“This will favor the Philippine market as this will provide liquidity on low rates for its expansionary program such as infrastructure, government, as well as private sector spending, etc.,” Mr. Pangan said.
Asian indices also welcomed the Fed’s decision. Japan’s Nikkei 225 added 0.2% or 42.07 points to 21,608.92. The Shanghai Composite gained 0.35%, while South Korea’s Kospi index also went up 0.36%.
In contrast, Wall Street was mixed on Wednesday. The Dow Jones Industrial Average slumped 0.55% or 141.71 points to 25,745.67 while the S&P 500 index went down 0.29% or 8.34 points to 2,824.23. The Nasdaq Composite index was higher by 0.07% or 5.02 points to 7,728.97.
Regina Capital Development Corp. Managing Director Luis A. Limlingan also attributed the market’s performance to the Fed.
“With the FOMC (Federal Open Market Committee) indicating no further rate hikes in 2019, investors bought into local shares ahead of the BSP (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas) meeting,” Mr. Limlingan said in a mobile phone message.
The BSP decided to keep interest rates steady during its Monetary Board meeting on Thursday, although this was announced after the market’s 3:30 p.m. close.
All sectoral indices ended in positive territory, led by holding firms which soared 2.21% or 171.14 points to 7,894.76. Property followed with a 1.26% gain or 50.89 points to 4,087.91.
Services rose 0.63% or 9.97 points to 1,591.61; mining and oil gained 0.48% or 40.34 points to 8,364.20; financials firmed up 0.39% or 6.99 points to 1,782.29, while industrials added 0.08% or 9.73 points to 11,655.01.
Turnover slightly went up to P5.66 billion after some 1.42 billion issues switched hands, from Wednesday’s P5.46 billion.
Foreign investors turned buyers, posting net purchases of P147.01 million versus the previous session’s P370.72-million net sales.
Advancers swamped decliners, 124 to 76, while 43 names were unchanged.

PHL former top diplomat, ombudsman take China’s Xi to international court

By Vann Marlo M. Villegas, Reporter
FORMER FOREIGN Affairs secretary Albert F. Del Rosario and retired Ombudsman Conchita Carpio-Morales have asked the International Criminal Court (ICC) to conduct a preliminary examination against Chinese President Xi Jinping and other officials in connection with the harassment of Filipino fishermen in the contested South China Sea.
In the communication sent on March 13, days before the Philippines effectively withdrew from the ICC, Mr. Del Rosario and Ms. Morales said they are writing on behalf of the “hundreds of thousands of Filipino fishermen persecuted and injured by officials of the People’s Republic of China.”
They said Chinese officials have “committed crimes within the jurisdiction” of the ICC in the implementation of a “systematic plan to control South China Sea.”
“The situation presented is both unique and relevant in that it presents one of the most massive, near permanent and devastating deconstruction of the environment in human’s history, which has not only adversely affected and injured myriad groups of vulnerable fishermen, but present and future generations of people across nations,” they said.
“This has seriously undermined the food and energy security of the coastal States in the South China Sea, including the Philippines,” they added.
They also emphasized that despite the Philippine’s withdrawal from the ICC, the ICC retains jurisdiction over crimes committed when the country was a member of the Rome Statute from November 2011 to March 17, 2019.
“We urge you to initiate a preliminary examination on this matter, if only so the Court can apprise itself of Chinese crimes committed not only against Filipino people, but also against people of other nations, which crimes are already known to the international community,” the former government officials said.
“The court can exercise its jurisdiction over these crimes, even after the effectivity of the Philippines’ withdrawal, and we respectfully reserve our right to supplement this Communication with additional evidence that may come to light or arise in the future,” they said.
Under Mr. Del Rosario’s term as the top diplomat in 2011-2016, the Philippines filed a case against China before the Permanent Court of Arbitration, asserting its rights over the West Philippine Sea.
The international court ruled in favor of the Philippines in a July 2016 decision.
Among the evidence presented in the case against Mr. Xi and other officials were used in the case against China.
“Given that your office undertakes a rigorous process in deciding whether to launch a preliminary examination, we trust that your functions will be facilitated by the fact that much of the evidence presented by this Communication are widespread, highly publicised and have already been judicially vetted by the Tribunal in The South China Sea Arbitration,” the March 13 letter reads.
PHL-CHINA RELATIONS
Dennis C. Coronacion, chairperson of the University of Santo Tomas Department of Political Science, said this development is unlikely to strain relations between the Philippines and China, which the leaders of both countries have been fostering.
Mr. Coronacion said the ICC filing will “definitely catch the attention of the Chinese leader” but it would not have a negative impact on the relationship between China and the Philippines.
“We can take as a good example China’s response to the arbitral tribunal’s ruling on the West Philippine sea dispute. China has become known as a state that does not submit itself to the authority of international courts. It will surely ignore any unfavorable ruling issued by the ICC against Xi Jin Ping,” Mr. Coronacion told the BusinessWorld in an online message.
“China would definitely continue its military activities in the disputed territory,” he added.
To address this, including the harassment of Filipino fishermen, Mr. Coronacion said the Philippines has other options.
“One, we can use diplomacy. We can seek other countries’ support in pressuring Beijing to stop its military activities in the disputed sea. Two, we can always change our soft stance on the incursions made by the Chinese navy. We can emulate the South China Sea policies of Vietnam and Indonesia. Their experiences refute our government’s assumption that a hard stance (seeking the execution of the arbitral tribunal’s ruling) can lead to war.”

New panel to lead localized peace negotiations

Silvestre H. Bello III
The government panel that was holding negotiations with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines-Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (NDFP-CPP-NPA), led by Labor Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III, was dissolved effective March 18. — PHILSTAR

A NEW PANEL will be created to pursue localized peace talks with members of the communist movement, particularly those fighting on the ground, in line with the government’s new whole-of-nation approach to end the 50-year armed struggle, Malacañang announced on Thursday.
The government panel that was holding negotiations with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines-Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (NDFP-CPP-NPA), led by Labor Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III, was dissolved effective March 18.
“The discontinuance of the services of the members of the GRP (Government of the Republic of the Philippines) panel is in line with the termination of peace talks with the NDFP. But we will reconstitute the panel at a national scope in accordance with the whole-of-nation approach we are advocating to achieve inclusive and sustainable peace,” Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito G. Galvez, Jr. said in a statement released late Wednesday.
The former members of the negotiating panel were also directed to “turn over all official documents, papers and properties” in their possession to the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity, according to Presidential Spokesperson Salvador S. Panelo.
Mr. Panelo, at a Palace press briefing, said the new panel will be composed of “sectoral representatives, local government units and military.”
Mr. Galvez said the shift in the peace strategy will pave the way for the creation of a more inclusive group that will supervise localized engagements.
“For 32 years, we didn’t gain anything from the talks, and it is being used by the CPP-NPA as a leverage for them to strengthen their forces and take advantage of the sincerity of the government,” Mr. Galvez said.
Exiled CPP founder Jose Maria C. Sison, on the other hand, said he already expected the cancellation of the appointment of the government peace negotiators after Mr. Duterte cancelled peace talks in late 2017.
Mr. Sison said the President “has completely ignored the consistent NDFP policy of openness to peace negotiations.”
ARRESTS
Meanwhile, joint forces of the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines arrested Renante Gamara, an NDFP consultant and former secretary of the Metro Manila Regional Party Committee of the CPP-NPA, for possession of firearms, explosive and subversive documents.
Also nabbed during the operation in Imus, Cavite was Arturo Jose Balagat, a retired priest and currently the provincial chairperson of the Cooperative Development Council of Cavite and vice chairperson of the Regional Cooperative Development Council of Region 4-A.
Mr. Gamara was first arrested in 2012 in Las Piñas City for charges on kidnapping and the murder of soldier Eriberto Eclavea in Quezon Province.
Police said Mr. Gamara will now face charges on illegal possession of firearms and explosives while Mr. Balagat will remain under the custody of the National Capital Region Police Office for further investigation. — Arjay L. Balinbin and Vince Angelo C. Ferreras

Palace, Senate offer Misuari new peace talks

CONGRESS would not be pressured to push for the passage of federalism despite a threat of war by Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founding chairman Nur Misuari, said Senate President Vicente C. Sotto III on Thursday.
“No. Definitely not,” he told reporters during the Kapihan sa Senado media forum.
“Once you change the Constitution, it’s difficult to repeal that. A law is easy to repeal, but the Constitution, you will transfer to (federalism) suddenly? Just because one man says so? I don’t think we should put a lot weight to it,” he added.
Mr. Sotto suggested that Mr. Misuari should instead reach out to the Executive department and Congress for possible discussions.
“Maybe it’s better that he discuss it first instead of scaring us off. He can go to the President or Congress or whoever. We can send a representative, I will let him talk to Senator (Gregorio B.) Honasan (II), chairman of the Senate committee on peace, (unification and reconciliation),” he said.
In a speech on Wednesday, President Rodrigo R. Duterte said Mr. Misuari, with whom he met earlier this week, has threatened that he “will go to war” if the government fails to shift to federalism.
“Misuari said last night, ‘If you do not give it to me, let me be very honest, I will go to war.’ I said, ‘I understand, so let us just do this, let’s form a panel, because we have to inform the people, we do not negotiate secretly here,’” Mr. Duterte narrated.
Asked for more details regarding the meeting, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador S. Panelo said at a Palace briefing on Thursday that Mr. Duterte also reminded Mr. Misuari that the proposed shift to a federal government is up to Congress.
“He said that he understood where the Chairman was coming from, and he reminded him that the federalism issue would be up to Congress,” Mr. Panelo said.
The spokesman added, “And he suggested that his (Mr. Misuari’s) group create a panel of five members, and [for] the government’s side, the same number, and they will meet and discuss. Whatever the product of that discussion, they will have a one-on-one meeting. And then he said, ‘After which, we will celebrate for its success; and if it fails, we will die together.’”
Mr. Misuari and some of his MNLF followers have a pending case for rebellion and crimes against humanity for the bloody siege of Zamboanga City in 2013.
The House of Representatives has formulated its own version of a draft federal charter through a resolution calling for Charter change, which got third reading approval last December. The Duterte-appointed Consultative Committee has drafted its own version of a Federal Constitution.
Senate leaders have already said they could no longer tackle the measure in the 17th Congress due to lack of time. — Camille A. Aguinaldo and Arjay L. Balinbin

CA upholds decision clearing Binay in parking building case

THE COURT of Appeals (CA) affirmed its decision reversing the dismissal of former Makati City mayor Jejomar Erwin “Junjun” S. Binay, Jr. over his administrative charges in connection with the alleged anomaly in the construction of the P2.28 Makati City Hall Parking Building II.
In 39-page ruling dated March 18, the CA 10th division denied the motion for reconsideration of the Ombudsman that said the “condonation doctrine” does not apply to Mr. Binay.
The CA ruled that while the doctrine was already abandoned by the Supreme Court, “it should not be given any retroactive effect as to prejudice Binay, Jr. for the acts he allegedly committed when said doctrine was still in effect.”
“Condonation doctrine,” which was abandoned in 2015 for being devoid of legal basis in the Constitution, extinguishes the administrative liabilities of an officer done during his prior term. — Vann Marlo M. Villegas

US still at the top of Filipinos’ trust list, China the least

FILIPINOS STILL trust the United States (US) the most and China the least among four countries in a poll by Social Weather Stations (SWS) in December.
SWS, in its survey results released Wednesday evening, noted however that net trust rating towards China jumped one grade from “poor” to “neutral.”
In the survey conducted from Dec. 16 to 18, 2018, US reached a +60 or “very good” net trust rating among Filipinos, slightly higher than +59 recorded in the September 2018 survey.
Net trust in the US stayed very good throughout the term of President Rodrigo R. Duterte since 2016.
For the two other countries, net trust rating for Japan rose by one grade to +34 or “good” in December from the +28 or “moderate” in September, while Australia received a net trust rating of +31 or “good,” down by five points from the +36 or “good” rating recorded in June.
SWS pointed out that Japan’s trust rating has been at the moderate to good levels during Mr. Duterte’s term, but reached as high as +54 or “very good” in December 2017.
The latest result for Australia was the lowest in over nine years since the moderate +19 rating in September 2009.
“Compared to when they were last surveyed, the December 2018 net trust ratings were one grade higher for Japan and China, while they stayed within the same grade for the United States and Australia,” the SWS said.
Net trust rating in China increased by 23 points to -7 or “neutral” in December from the -16 or “poor” in September.
SWS noted that China received positive trust rating only nine out of the 48 surveys of the polling firm since it first surveyed in August 1994. It reached its highest +17 or “moderate” grade in June 2010 and its lowest of -46 or “bad” in September 2015.
The SWS terminology for net trust ratings is as follows: +70 and above, “excellent”; +50 to +69, “very good”; +30 to +49, “good”; +10 to +29, “moderate”; +9 to -9, “neutral”; -10 to -29, “poor”; -30 to -49, “bad”; -50 to -69, “very bad”; -70 and below, “execrable.”
The survey was conducted from December 16 to 19, 2018, using face-to-face interviews of 1,440 adults (18 years old and above) nationwide, with 360 each in Metro Manila, Balance Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao,.
Sampling error margins are at ±2.6% for national percentages and ±5% each for the four areas.
Respondents were asked, “Let’s now talk about some countries. For the following, please indicate if your trust/faith in (country) is Very much, Somewhat much, Undecided if much or little, Somewhat little, Very little, or You have not heard or read anything about the (country) ever?” — Camille A. Aguinaldo

Nationwide round-up (03/22/19)

2,603 firearms confiscated under gun ban period

PHILSTAR

THE PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) reported on Thursday that 2,603 firearms were confiscated from Jan. 13 to March 21 with the implementation of the gun ban in relation to the May elections. Of the total, 1,995 were small arms, 58 light arms, and 550 other types. These were either confiscated or surrendered. Another 22,930 “deadly weapons” were seized, which includes 94 firearm replicas, 1,038 blade or pointed weapons, 168 grenades, 455 explosives, and 21,175 ammunition. PNP also said 3,105 persons were arrested during focused police operations in preparation for the midterm elections. Those arrested were 2,924 civilians, 32 police personnel, 5 military personnel, 44 elected officials, seven personnel from other law enforcement agencies, two Bureau of Jail Management and Penology personnel, 57 security guards, two civilian active auxiliary, three foreign nationals, 23 members of threat groups, and six members of private armed groups. — Vince Angelo C. Ferreras

PHL, Russia to sign deal on enhanced naval cooperation

PHILIPPINE NAVY chief Vice Admiral Robert A. Empredad announced on Thursday that he and his Russian counterpart will sign an agreement in July that would strengthen naval cooperation between the two countries. “Yung document na ‘yun (That document) will strengthen the cooperation or enhance the cooperation between the Philippine Navy and the Russian Navy. In fact, sa (in) June, (there will be a) joint working or what we call staff-to-staff talk between the Philippine Navy and the Russian Navy, so this will start more engagements between to countries,” said Mr. Empredad said in a phone-patch interview with reporters. Mr. Empredad said that he and Russian Navy chief Admiral Vladimir I. Korolyov discussed during the latter’s recent visit that the agreement will include more port visits and training exchanges. The Philippine Navy chief said that he was also invited for a fleet review in Russia. — Vince Angelo C. Ferreras

PADC now under Defense department

PRESIDENT RODRIGO R. Duterte has issued Executive Order No. 78 for the transfer of the Philippine Aerospace Development Corporation (PADC) from the Department of Transportation (DoTr) to the Department of National Defense (DND). The order was signed on March 15 and takes effect immediately. Citing the need to “maximize the national utility of the aviation and aerospace industry,” Mr. Duterte’s EO states that “the policies, programs and activities of the PADC shall be coordinated with the DND.” The PADC is a government-owned and -controlled corporation. — Arjay L. Balinbin

45 mayors slapped with complaint for failure to set up anti-drug council

THE DEPARTMENT of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has filed complaints against 45 mayors before the Office of the Ombudsman for their alleged failure to organize Anti-Drugs Abuse Council in their respective local governments. “For their refusal or neglect to organize their local ADAC, the 45 mayors have committed grave misconduct in office and gross dereliction of duty,” said DILG Secretary Eduardo M. Ano in a statement on Wednesday evening. Of the 45 mayors, 15 are from the Bicol Region, seven from Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, five from the Cordillera Administrative Region, three in Calabarzon, and two from Cagayan Valley. There are also five from Palawan province, four in Cebu, three in Agusan del Norte, and one in Eastern Samar. — Vince Angelo C. Ferreras

PAO appeals to DoJ to indict Duque over Dengvaxia

THE PUBLIC Attorney’s Office (PAO) appealed to the Department of Justice (DoJ) to indict Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III over the deaths of children allegedly linked to the Dengvaxia vaccination. PAO said Mr. Duque is liable for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide as he was fully aware of the Dengvaxia program. They also claimed that Mr. Duque “has knowingly or wilfully suppressed or concealed the Dengvaxia records, in deliberate violation of the law.” PAO also appealed the dismissal of charges against two respondents from Dengvaxia producer Sanofi Pasteur, Inc., all the respondents from distributor Zuellig Pharma Corp., and Department of Health Officer-in-Charge Herminigildo Valle. They also appealed the dismissal of the complaint over the death of Rei Jazztine D. Alimagno and the dropping of the violation of Anti-Torture Act charges. The DoJ in February indicted former Health Secretary Janette P. Loreto-Garin and 19 others for reckless imprudence resulting in homicide over eight complaints in relation to deaths allegedly linked to Dengvaxia vaccination. — Vann Marlo M. Villegas

Cebu business chamber pursues angel investor pool

THE CEBU Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) is pursuing previous plans to set up a group of angel investors to help local start-up ventures. “We have to help the Cebuano start-ups to monetize their creations. The chamber will develop a platform that will link the innovators and the capitalists,” CCCI President Virgilio G. Espeleta said. A meeting for the potential venture capitalists is now being planned, he said. Mr. Espeleta noted that the last time the chamber attempted to create a pool of angel investors, it encountered a snag with the organizational structure. “We just need to formalize the mechanics on this,” he said. Earlier, the Department of Trade and Industry-Central Visayas (DTI-7) announced it will introduce programs that will help prepare start-up communities embrace the venture capitalism concept. DTI-7 Regional Director Asteria C. Caberte said majority of innovators who have brilliant concepts are usually not knowledgeable in business operations, and they need some mentoring before entering partnerships with investors. — The Freeman

PAO to continue own probe on teen slay

THE PUBLIC Attorney’s Office (PAO) will continue to investigate the brutal killing of 16-year-old Christine Silawan after noting a “conflict” between the findings in the separate probes of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Philippine National Police (PNP). PAO Forensic Team chief Erwin P. Erfe said the NBI presented “circumstantial” evidence while the police provided two eye witnesses. The NBI, which already filed a case, relied mainly on the digital footprint of the suspects, Mr. Erfe told reporters. “Gusto natin palakasin ang kaso (We just want to strengthen the case),” he added. He also noted that contrary to the statement of the eye witness that Ms. Silawan was raped, the autopsy report of the medico legal did not support this. “So we are trying to piece (together) every evidence that we could get into,” he said. Ms. Silawan was found dead in a vacant lot in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu last March 11 with the skin on a part of her face peeled-off. PAO Chief Persida V. Rueda-Acosta said the family of the victim asked her office for assistance last March 14. — Vann Marlo M. Villegas

Bahay Katutubo in ComVal highlights IP diversity.


Bahay Katutubo, a museum showcasing the diverse ethnography of the different indigenous groups (IP) in Compostela Valley (ComVal), is now open at the capitol compound in Nabunturan. The museum was inaugurated earlier this month during the celebration of the province’s 21st founding anniversary and 12th Bulawan Festival. Among Compostela Valley’s indigenous people are the Mansaka, Mandaya, Manobo, Mangguangan, Dibabawon, Aeta, Kamayo, Davaweño, and Kalagan.

Learning from the Marawi siege: Lanao del Sur disaster response expanded to cover, prevent violent conflict

AN EARLY Response Network (ERN) in Lanao del Sur was launched Thursday, building on the existing disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) system to cover violent conflict situations and displacement. The ERN involves the local DRRM officers of the province’s 39 municipalities and the capital Marawi City, together with local rescue group SARACAN and with support from non-government peace-building organization International Alert (IA) Philippines. In a statement, IA Philippines said the network is intended to “secure real-time information that is needed to prevent, counter, and adapt to emergencies and coordinate with relevant political authorities at the local, provincial, and national level, civil society organizations, traditional leaders, and other stakeholders.” Saripada Pacasum Jr. of the provincial DRRMO said during the ERN launch in Iligan City, “The Marawi siege has taught as that we should strengthen ourselves and evolve into more responsive disaster and conflict risk reduction management officers. We also need to create the rules and protocols for human-induced disasters, not just natural calamities.” The system monitors tensions and critical events “to prevent these from erupting into violent flashpoints.” Mr. Pacasum led some of his staff and SARACAN volunteers in helping the military during the rescue and recovery operations for civilians in Marawi. “Looking back, I know that we could have helped avert the war, saved more, and prevented the suffering of our people if we already had a system to pool and piece together relevant information on the ground,” he said. The ERN will use IA’s Critical Events Monitoring System, an SMS-based reporting system that captures violent conflict incidents and tensions in communities, and coordinates prompt multi-stakeholder response.

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