Joining the Ambassador was Veterans Affairs Representative Brigadier General (Ret.) Victor Corpus, former head of military intelligence for the Philippines and former Central Committee Member in the communist insurgency.
Ambassadors Roundtable
October 6, 2009
"Storm Surge"
Foreign Policy
October 5, 2009
HSPI Director Frank Cilluffo and Associate Director Sharon Cardash write in their op-ed: "As the Philippines struggles to address the damage wreaked by Tropical Storm Ketsana, a political storm is also brewing. Filipino senators are currently calling on the government to renegotiate the country's Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) with the United States." More
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The Philippines is currently experiencing heavy flooding, with new storms approaching. There are a great many people who could use our help in their time of need. Please consider a donation.
The following links are to reputable organizations that are providing assistance:
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HSPI recommends the following sources to read in advance of the roundtable:
Background
Philippines Backgrounder. Center for Defense Information
(2009) The Republic of the Philippines: Background and U.S. Relations. Congressional Research Service
Bhattacharji, Preeti. (2009) “Terrorism Havens: Philippines." Council on Foreign Relations.
BBC. (2007) “Guide to the Philippines Conflict."
Abu Sayyaf Group
(2009) "Hunt on for JI, Abu Sayyaf in Mindanao." The Manila Times
(2004) "Multiple Insurgent Groups Complicate Philippine Security." Special Warfare: The Professional Bulletin of the U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center
(2002) Abu Sayyaf: Target of Philippine-U.S. Anti-Terrorism Cooperation. Congressional Research Service
Jemaah Islamiyah
(2006) From Counter-Society to Counter-State: Jemaah Islamiyah According to PUPJI. Institute for Defense and Strategic Studies.
(2003) Funding Terrorism in Southeast Asia: The Financial Network of Al Qaeda and Jemaah Islamiyah. The National Bureau of Asian Research.
(2005) The changing nature of Jemaah Islamiyah. Australian Journal of International Affairs.
Coping with the Threat of Jemaah Islamiyah – The Signapore Experience. International Centre for Political Violence and Terrorism Research.
Current Events and U.S. Assistance
(2005) U.S. Military Operations in the Global War on Terrorism: Afghanistan, Africa, the Philippines, and Colombia. Congressional Research Service.
(2005) “Philippines Terrorism: The Role of Militant Islamic Converts." International Crisis Group.
Shanker, Thom. (2009) “U.S. Military to Stay in Philippines." New York Times.
Conde, Carlos H. (2009) “Philippines: Rebel Camp Overrun." New York Times.
(2009) “Abu Sayyaf Still Philippines Most Brutal Terrorist Group." International News Safety Institute.
BBC. (2009) “Philippines "captures top rebel"."
Adams, Jonathan. (2008) “In Basilan, Philippines, a U.S. counterterrorism model frays." Christian Science Monitor.
(2009) “Philippine island braces for extremist revenge." Asia One News.
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The Ambassadors Roundtable Series is designed to provide Ambassadors to the United States and their key diplomatic staff with a forum to discuss current and future counterterrorism and counterinsurgency efforts on a regional or country-specific basis. In an effort to draw upon various insights and experiences, the Ambassadors Roundtable Series builds upon and institutionalizes efforts over the past two years to engage in a dialogue with members of the international community, policy makers, and practitioners.
His Excellency Ambassador Willy C. Gaa
Embassy of the Philippines
Current Philippine Ambassador to the U.S.A. H.E. Willy C. Gaa was initially assigned to the Philippine Embassy in Washington, D.C. as Charge d’Affaires effective July 25, 2006. After his appointment by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and confirmation by the Commission on Appointment as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the U.S.A., he presented his credentials to President George Bush on December 8, 2006.
Prior to his current position, he was Consul General of the Philippine Consulate in Los Angeles. He served as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary (AEP) of the Republic of the Philippines to the People's Republic of China (2003-January 2006). He also served as Ambassador to Australia and non-resident Ambassador to Nauru, Tuvalu and Vanuatu (2002-2003).
He was formerly Philippine Ambassador to Tripoli, Libya and non-resident Ambassador to Tunisia, Malta and Niger (1992-1997). He was Consul General in New York (1997-1999); Deputy Consul General in Los Angeles (1987-1990); Consul in New York (1981-1985) and Vice Consul, subsequently Consul, in San Francisco (1975-1970).
His career as a diplomat began when he was appointed as Foreign Service Officer in December 1974 after passing the FSO examination and taking the oath of office in 1975.
