Palace defends PRRD delegation in Israel trip

FILE: Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque announces during a press briefing in Malacañang on July 19, 2018 that the Landbank of the Philippines, the Department of Agrarian Reform, and the Department of Agriculture have launched the Accessible and Sustainable Lending Program for Small Farmers. The program aims to increase the income of small farmers, especially the Agrarian Reform beneficiaries, by providing them with financial assistance for their agricultural needs at a low interest rate of 6% per annum. TOTO LOZANO/PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

MANILA — There was nothing wrong with retiring military and police executives joining the upcoming trip of President Rodrigo Duterte in Israel, Malacañang said Tuesday.

When asked for comment on Senator Panfilo Lacson’s remark questioning the inclusion of military and police officials on the President’s trip, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said the officials have been included “as a part of gesture for appreciation”.

“Well, including them, of course, as a part of gesture for appreciation is part of the reason why they will be joining the trip,” Roque said in a Palace press briefing.

“But obviously, for security personnel, a trip to Israel would entail collaborating and mingling with security forces of Israel in order for our men in uniform to benefit from the experience of Israel, particularly in their drive against extremism and terrorism,” he added.

He said strengthening security cooperation is one of the matters that will be discussed during Duterte’s visit to Israel on Sept.

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Roque, however, said the military and police officials are expected to have separate meetings with their Israel counterparts and these would have separate official agenda.

Roque said the government will pay for the travel expenses of the military and police officials since “they are still active members of the military”.

During National Heroes’ Day commemoration at the Libingan ng mga Bayani on Monday, Duterte said he would bring retiring military and police officers in his historic trip to Israel.

Duterte will become the first Philippine president to travel to Israel since the two countries established ties in 1957.

The Filipino leader is expected to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Rueven Rivlin and discuss cooperation on law enforcement and counterterrorism, as well as in labor, trade, agriculture, labor and tourism.

Duterte is also set to meet the Filipino community in Israel, home to at least 28,000 Filipinos, many of them working as caregivers.