From ABS-CBN (Apr 29): Second warship from US to arrive in July
The arrival of the second warship acquired by the Philippines from the United States has been moved to July as the Filipino sailors who will operate the vessel continue to undergo training.
Navy spokesman Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic said the BRP Ramon Alcaraz has complex equipment that requires comprehensive crew training on ship equipment use, maintenance and other subjects.
“Tentatively, the arrival in Manila has been slated for July,” Fabic told The STAR in Filipino over the weekend.
“Our personnel are undergoing rigorous training since the ship’s equipment is complicated,” he added.
Fabic also said that Navy chief Vice Adm. Jose Luis Alano is in the US to inspect the vessel, which is docked in Charleston, South Carolina. Alano is expected to return to Manila next week.
The arrival of the BRP Alcaraz, he said, will boost the capabilities of the Philippine Navy as the vessel will augment water assets being used for patrolling and disaster response.
BRP Alcaraz was acquired from the US Coast Guard, which largely used it for law enforcement, drug and migrant interdiction, and search and rescue. The ship was turned over to Philippine officials in the US last May.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/04/28/13/second-warship-us-arrive-july
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Military readies quick reaction forces
From the Manila Bulletin (Apr 29): Military readies quick reaction forces
The area command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) are readying their unified and well-coordinated quick reaction forces (QRF) in an effort to secure the mid-term May 13 national and local elections.
The area commanders and their respective field unit commanders of the AFP’s Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMincom) and PNP Directorate for Integrated Police Operations (DIPO) for Eastern Mindanao are continuously conducting tactical command meetings aiming to secure volunteers from lawless elements during Election Day.
The QRF and police’s rapid deployment forces (RDP’s) are part of the over-all security measures being instituted by the PNP and the Army divisions of the AFP – the Northeastern and Northern Mindanao 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division (4th ID), the Southern Mindanao 10th Infantry (Agila) Division (10th ID), and the Central Mindanao 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division (6th ID) and the PNP-DIPO Eastern Mindanao.
Also under the operational control (Opcon) of EastMincom are the Philippine Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao, the 3rd Tactical Operations Wing of the Philippine Air Force, and the AFP’s 5th Civil Relations Group.
Maj. Gen. Ariel Bernardo, 10th ID commander and newly installed 4th ID commander Brig. Gen. Ricardo R. Visaya said these units are highly mobile units which can respond to any untoward situations in the field.
http://www.mb.com.ph/article.php?aid=9713&sid=1&subid=5
The area command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) are readying their unified and well-coordinated quick reaction forces (QRF) in an effort to secure the mid-term May 13 national and local elections.
The area commanders and their respective field unit commanders of the AFP’s Eastern Mindanao Command (EastMincom) and PNP Directorate for Integrated Police Operations (DIPO) for Eastern Mindanao are continuously conducting tactical command meetings aiming to secure volunteers from lawless elements during Election Day.
The QRF and police’s rapid deployment forces (RDP’s) are part of the over-all security measures being instituted by the PNP and the Army divisions of the AFP – the Northeastern and Northern Mindanao 4th Infantry (Diamond) Division (4th ID), the Southern Mindanao 10th Infantry (Agila) Division (10th ID), and the Central Mindanao 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division (6th ID) and the PNP-DIPO Eastern Mindanao.
Also under the operational control (Opcon) of EastMincom are the Philippine Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao, the 3rd Tactical Operations Wing of the Philippine Air Force, and the AFP’s 5th Civil Relations Group.
Maj. Gen. Ariel Bernardo, 10th ID commander and newly installed 4th ID commander Brig. Gen. Ricardo R. Visaya said these units are highly mobile units which can respond to any untoward situations in the field.
http://www.mb.com.ph/article.php?aid=9713&sid=1&subid=5
New military command chief to review anti-NPA strategies
From Malaya (Apr 29): New military command chief to review anti-NPA strategies
THE new military commander in Northern Mindanao yesterday said a re-assessment of New People’s Army strength and presence in the area will be conducted to determine the “right approach” to the insurgency problem.
“It’s more of identification of their centers of gravity,” said Brig. Gen. Ricardo Visaya who assumed as officer in charge of the 4th Infantry Division last Friday vice Maj. Gen. Nestor Añonuevo.
The 4th ID covers the provinces of Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon, Camiguin, Agusan del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte.
Camiguin and Misamis Oriental were declared insurgency-free by the military in December 2011, along with at least 20 other areas. “Insurgency-free” means NPA presence in the area is negligible.
Añonuevo was relieved from his post after a series of NPA offensives, capped by the April 20 ambush of the convoy of Gingoog City Mayor Ruth Guingona, mother of Sen. Teofisto Guingona III who belongs to the Liberal Party of President Aquino. Two bodyguards died while Guingona and another escort were injured in the ambush.
About a week before the ambush, NPA rebels conducted a series of atrocities in Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur, kidnapping eight militiamen, two policemen and a civilian. All the hostages have been released except the policemen who escaped.
Military sources said Añonuevo, who assumed the top 4th ID post last October, was ordered sacked by the AFP leadership due to the recent events in his area of responsibility.
“The ambush was the tipping point. Such incident is a loss on the part of the security forces. That’s a failure on the part of the security forces to protect its citizens,” said an official who asked not to be named.
“Worse, it occurred in a supposed insurgency-free area,” the source also said.
Visaya said once the centers of gravity are identified, “the right operations should be applied…It’s of course the triad operations (combat, intelligence and civil military),” he said.
AFP spokesman Col. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos said Visaya, a Scout Ranger and civil military operations officer (CMO), always finds the “proper mix of CMO and combat operations” in areas where he was assigned.
Visaya, previously the deputy commander of the Army’s 6th ID in Maguindanao, also commanded Army brigades in Bicol and Basilan.
Another ranking military official, Maj. Gen. Jose Mabanta, commander of the Army’s 3rd ID, said about a half of the candidates in his area of responsibility have given in to the NPA demand for “permit to campaign” and “permit to win” fees.
The 3rd ID’s jurisdiction includes Panay Island, Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental, Siquijor and Guimaras.
Mabanta said the military and the police are planning to pursue charges against the candidates but could not immediately say the specific case they will file.
“We have data to support that a handful of political contenders are extending financial assistance and giving in to the demands of the CPP-NPA extortionists. We will not allow this and we will ensure that their decision to give in will have legal repercussions,” said Mabanta.
He stressed he has “complete data” on the candidates who gave extortion money to the NPA but said he could not divulge their names because this is a “very touchy” issue.
“My estimate is that half of the political contenders in all positions are paying. That is in my area and that is also true in other areas,” said Mabanta.
Mabanta said local candidates are being asked by the NPA to pay P50,000 up to P5 million. He said he is not aware if candidates for senator have also paid such fees to the insurgents.
He said the communist movement is aiming to raise P150 million in permit to campaign (PTC) and permit to win (PTW) fees.
“We have been telling them (candidates) not to give in because we don’t really know what will happen…They will be buying arms and ammunitions and these may be fired and used against them some other time, not necessarily now,” he said.
Mabanta said there is no guarantee that a politician, upon payment of the PTC and PTW fees, will not be harassed by the insurgents, noting communist movement’s “factious leadership.”
http://www.malaya.com.ph/index.php/news/nation/29746-new-military-command-chief-to-review-anti-npa-strategies
THE new military commander in Northern Mindanao yesterday said a re-assessment of New People’s Army strength and presence in the area will be conducted to determine the “right approach” to the insurgency problem.
“It’s more of identification of their centers of gravity,” said Brig. Gen. Ricardo Visaya who assumed as officer in charge of the 4th Infantry Division last Friday vice Maj. Gen. Nestor Añonuevo.
The 4th ID covers the provinces of Misamis Oriental, Bukidnon, Camiguin, Agusan del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte.
Camiguin and Misamis Oriental were declared insurgency-free by the military in December 2011, along with at least 20 other areas. “Insurgency-free” means NPA presence in the area is negligible.
Añonuevo was relieved from his post after a series of NPA offensives, capped by the April 20 ambush of the convoy of Gingoog City Mayor Ruth Guingona, mother of Sen. Teofisto Guingona III who belongs to the Liberal Party of President Aquino. Two bodyguards died while Guingona and another escort were injured in the ambush.
About a week before the ambush, NPA rebels conducted a series of atrocities in Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur, kidnapping eight militiamen, two policemen and a civilian. All the hostages have been released except the policemen who escaped.
Military sources said Añonuevo, who assumed the top 4th ID post last October, was ordered sacked by the AFP leadership due to the recent events in his area of responsibility.
“The ambush was the tipping point. Such incident is a loss on the part of the security forces. That’s a failure on the part of the security forces to protect its citizens,” said an official who asked not to be named.
“Worse, it occurred in a supposed insurgency-free area,” the source also said.
Visaya said once the centers of gravity are identified, “the right operations should be applied…It’s of course the triad operations (combat, intelligence and civil military),” he said.
AFP spokesman Col. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos said Visaya, a Scout Ranger and civil military operations officer (CMO), always finds the “proper mix of CMO and combat operations” in areas where he was assigned.
Visaya, previously the deputy commander of the Army’s 6th ID in Maguindanao, also commanded Army brigades in Bicol and Basilan.
Another ranking military official, Maj. Gen. Jose Mabanta, commander of the Army’s 3rd ID, said about a half of the candidates in his area of responsibility have given in to the NPA demand for “permit to campaign” and “permit to win” fees.
The 3rd ID’s jurisdiction includes Panay Island, Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental, Siquijor and Guimaras.
Mabanta said the military and the police are planning to pursue charges against the candidates but could not immediately say the specific case they will file.
“We have data to support that a handful of political contenders are extending financial assistance and giving in to the demands of the CPP-NPA extortionists. We will not allow this and we will ensure that their decision to give in will have legal repercussions,” said Mabanta.
He stressed he has “complete data” on the candidates who gave extortion money to the NPA but said he could not divulge their names because this is a “very touchy” issue.
“My estimate is that half of the political contenders in all positions are paying. That is in my area and that is also true in other areas,” said Mabanta.
Mabanta said local candidates are being asked by the NPA to pay P50,000 up to P5 million. He said he is not aware if candidates for senator have also paid such fees to the insurgents.
He said the communist movement is aiming to raise P150 million in permit to campaign (PTC) and permit to win (PTW) fees.
“We have been telling them (candidates) not to give in because we don’t really know what will happen…They will be buying arms and ammunitions and these may be fired and used against them some other time, not necessarily now,” he said.
Mabanta said there is no guarantee that a politician, upon payment of the PTC and PTW fees, will not be harassed by the insurgents, noting communist movement’s “factious leadership.”
http://www.malaya.com.ph/index.php/news/nation/29746-new-military-command-chief-to-review-anti-npa-strategies
CARAGA Army commander, with orders to step up fight vs NPA, vows no repeat of Guingona ambush
From InterAksyon (Apr 28): CARAGA Army commander, with orders to step up fight vs NPA, vows no repeat of Guingona ambush
There will be no repeat of the weekend ambush that wounded Gingoog City Mayor Ruthie de Lara Guingona and killed two others, the newly installed local Army chief, armed with a mandate to step up military operations against communist rebels, vowed Sunday.
Brig. Gen. Ricardo Visaya, commander of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division, said his task is to identify the New People’s Army’s main areas and act accordingly to neutralize them. His tough counterinsurganecy stance is expected to trigger more apprehension from human-rights groups that earlier cited his checkered career as part of the controversial stint of former Army general Jovito Palparan, now a fugitive from the law for cases of murder, kidnapping and torture arising from his operations in Luzon.
Visaya explained, however, that his stepped-up campaign “is not all combat operations.” What is important, he added, is that “what happened to Mayor Guingona does not happen again.”
Mayor Guingona-- mother of Senator Teofisto “TG” Guingona III and wife of former Vice President Teofisto Guingona Jr.--was critically wounded, her two bodyguards killed, and a policeman escort wounded in the ambush by an undetermined number of NPA rebels.
Visayas said his last assignment in the area was decades ago, and he has to go back to basics. “We really have to conduct workshops. We’ve parameters how to identify the center of gravities and we really have to evaluate if Misamis Oriental qualifies as the center of gravities,” Visaya said.
The Army division covers Northern Mindanao and parts of Region 10.
Earlier, the AFP leadership sacked the division commander, Maj. Gen. Nestor Anonuevo, after the Guingona ambush, and replaced him with Visaya.
More clashes between soldiers and rebels have been reported in recent years in the Caraga region owing to the presence of big business such as mining manned by foreign companies, logging, export-oriented fruit and palm plantations, among others.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/60481/caraga-army-commander-with-orders-to-step-up-fight-vs-npa-vows-no-repeat-of-guingona-ambush
There will be no repeat of the weekend ambush that wounded Gingoog City Mayor Ruthie de Lara Guingona and killed two others, the newly installed local Army chief, armed with a mandate to step up military operations against communist rebels, vowed Sunday.
Brig. Gen. Ricardo Visaya, commander of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division, said his task is to identify the New People’s Army’s main areas and act accordingly to neutralize them. His tough counterinsurganecy stance is expected to trigger more apprehension from human-rights groups that earlier cited his checkered career as part of the controversial stint of former Army general Jovito Palparan, now a fugitive from the law for cases of murder, kidnapping and torture arising from his operations in Luzon.
Visaya explained, however, that his stepped-up campaign “is not all combat operations.” What is important, he added, is that “what happened to Mayor Guingona does not happen again.”
Mayor Guingona-- mother of Senator Teofisto “TG” Guingona III and wife of former Vice President Teofisto Guingona Jr.--was critically wounded, her two bodyguards killed, and a policeman escort wounded in the ambush by an undetermined number of NPA rebels.
Visayas said his last assignment in the area was decades ago, and he has to go back to basics. “We really have to conduct workshops. We’ve parameters how to identify the center of gravities and we really have to evaluate if Misamis Oriental qualifies as the center of gravities,” Visaya said.
The Army division covers Northern Mindanao and parts of Region 10.
Earlier, the AFP leadership sacked the division commander, Maj. Gen. Nestor Anonuevo, after the Guingona ambush, and replaced him with Visaya.
More clashes between soldiers and rebels have been reported in recent years in the Caraga region owing to the presence of big business such as mining manned by foreign companies, logging, export-oriented fruit and palm plantations, among others.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/60481/caraga-army-commander-with-orders-to-step-up-fight-vs-npa-vows-no-repeat-of-guingona-ambush
Aquino sends top DND exec for hushed up China meet
From the Daily Tribune (Apr 29): Aquino sends top DND exec for hushed up China meet
The Aquino administration appears to be saying one thing but doing another in the Palace insisting that the Philippines and China to wait for the International Tribunal of the Law of the Sea (Itlos) to settle a dispute on territorial claims over the South China Sea while Defense Undersecretary Honorio Azcueta was sent by President Aquino apparently to seek concessions with China.
The visit of Azcueta was unannounced but Chinese media said the Department of National Defense (DND) official has been meeting since Friday with top defense and military officials of China.
Chinese State Councilor and Defense Minister Chang Wanquan had a meeting yesterday with Azcueta.
The Chinese media was also sparse in describing the meeting between Azcueta and Chang.
“As neighbors across the sea, it is in the interest of both sides to maintain good neighborliness and boost pragmatic cooperation,” Chang said in an official statement.
“The two armies have an important responsibility in promoting bilateral friendliness and safeguarding regional stability,” the statement added.
The statement quoted Azcueta as saying the Philippine side is “committed to enhancing coope-ration in defense and security with China, for the smooth development of bilateral relations.”
On Saturday, Azcueta was supposedly with top Chinese military officials for the “4th national defense consultation on defense and security” between both countries in Beijing. Azcueta met Lt. Gen. Qi Jianguo, deputy chief of general staff of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) during what the Chinese media described as “consultation.”
“The two sides widely exchanged views on regional security situation, maritime security, relations between the two countries and the two militaries as well as issues of common concern,” it was reported.
Qi Jianguo expressed that the international and regional situations have changed greatly and the China-Philippines relations are in a special period, China’s local media said.
Under such background, the consultation on defense and security between the two countries has extraordinary significance, it added.
“Qi Jianguo told the Filipino guests that China consistently adheres to the neighboring diplomatic policy of ‘being a good neighbor and partner’ and hopes the Filipino side to join China’s efforts to push forward the improvement and development of the relations between the two countries and jointly safeguard the regional peace and stability,” it said.
“Azcueta said that Philippines attaches great importance to the relations with China and is willing to make joint efforts with the Chinese side to enhance the communication and dialogue as well as to promote the cooperation and exchanges between the defense departments of the two countries,” the Chinese media reported.
The meeting was held as the first Chinese tour ship to visit disputed South China Sea islands set sail, state media reported.
Plans to allow tourists to visit the Paracel Islands is the latest stage in China’s development of the territory, which has previously angered Vietnam and caused concern in Washington.
Vietnam and China have a longstanding territorial row over the Paracel Islands. Hanoi last month accused a Chinese vessel of firing on one of its fishing boats which had sailed in disputed waters in the area.
Up to 100 passengers paid a ticket price between 7,000 yuan ($1,135) and 9,000 yuan for the four-day voyage, which is set to become a monthly or twice monthly trip if the maiden trip proves successful, the Global Times said.
Only passengers in “good health, which includes having a normal weight” are permitted on the trip, the newspaper added, in a report which cites the Shanghai Morning Post.
The plan to allow cruise tours follows rapid development of infrastructure in a new city — Sansha — along with the establishment of an army garrison in the Paracels last year.
A named commentary in the Global Times defended the decision to allow tourists to visit the islands, which are known as Xisha in China.
“China’s Xisha tourism has nothing to do with its neighboring countries,” said Ju Hailong, a research fellow at the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies at Jinan University, in the southern city of Guangzhou.
“Those who want to manipulate China’s moves to make trouble are not admirers of international law and regional security.”
Officials earlier this month confirmed they would open up the Islands to tourism.
China has occupied the Paracels since a brief war with South Vietnam in 1974. It is a cluster of about 40 islets, sandbanks and reefs.
Taiwan, the Philippines, Brunei and Malaysia all have rival claims to parts of the South China Sea, while the United States is also watching Beijing’s increased assertiveness.
In his address opening China’s parliament last month, former Premier Wen Jiabao said Beijing should “develop the marine economy... and safeguard China’s maritime rights and interests”.
China also demanded last Friday that the Philippine government withdraw its citizens who have been occupying some islands and reefs in the disputed South China Sea.
Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte, however, said the government will not heed the call made by China that the Philippines “withdraw all its nationals and facilities from China’s islands and reefs.”
“We will continue to exercise sovereignty over our territory,” she said.
Citing the Bajo de Masinloc off Zambales province, Valte said, “That’s ours.”
But three Chinese vessels have been “de facto” occupying the Bajo de Masinloc, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario earlier said.
Valte said that the Philippines as well as China would just have to wait for the development on the case filed before the Itlos.
In a statement posted on its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, China accused the Philippines of trying to “cover in a cloak of legality its illegal occupation of China’s islands and reefs.”
China does not want to negotiate multilaterally with the claimant countries, preferring instead to talk with on a bilateral basis.
In the statement, China said it will never give up its claims on the islands, islets, reefs, buoys and rock formations in the region.
It also asked the Philippines to vacate a list of islands in the South China Sea.
China cited records showed that the Philippines is currently occupying eight Chinese islands and reefs: Loaita Island, Nanshan Island, Feixin Dao Island, Northeast Cay Island, Thitu Island, West York Island, Loaita Nan, and Commodore reef.
http://tribune.net.ph/index.php/headlines/item/13492-aquino-sends-top-dnd-exec-for-hushed-up-china-meet
The Aquino administration appears to be saying one thing but doing another in the Palace insisting that the Philippines and China to wait for the International Tribunal of the Law of the Sea (Itlos) to settle a dispute on territorial claims over the South China Sea while Defense Undersecretary Honorio Azcueta was sent by President Aquino apparently to seek concessions with China.
The visit of Azcueta was unannounced but Chinese media said the Department of National Defense (DND) official has been meeting since Friday with top defense and military officials of China.
Chinese State Councilor and Defense Minister Chang Wanquan had a meeting yesterday with Azcueta.
The Chinese media was also sparse in describing the meeting between Azcueta and Chang.
“As neighbors across the sea, it is in the interest of both sides to maintain good neighborliness and boost pragmatic cooperation,” Chang said in an official statement.
“The two armies have an important responsibility in promoting bilateral friendliness and safeguarding regional stability,” the statement added.
The statement quoted Azcueta as saying the Philippine side is “committed to enhancing coope-ration in defense and security with China, for the smooth development of bilateral relations.”
On Saturday, Azcueta was supposedly with top Chinese military officials for the “4th national defense consultation on defense and security” between both countries in Beijing. Azcueta met Lt. Gen. Qi Jianguo, deputy chief of general staff of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) during what the Chinese media described as “consultation.”
“The two sides widely exchanged views on regional security situation, maritime security, relations between the two countries and the two militaries as well as issues of common concern,” it was reported.
Qi Jianguo expressed that the international and regional situations have changed greatly and the China-Philippines relations are in a special period, China’s local media said.
Under such background, the consultation on defense and security between the two countries has extraordinary significance, it added.
“Qi Jianguo told the Filipino guests that China consistently adheres to the neighboring diplomatic policy of ‘being a good neighbor and partner’ and hopes the Filipino side to join China’s efforts to push forward the improvement and development of the relations between the two countries and jointly safeguard the regional peace and stability,” it said.
“Azcueta said that Philippines attaches great importance to the relations with China and is willing to make joint efforts with the Chinese side to enhance the communication and dialogue as well as to promote the cooperation and exchanges between the defense departments of the two countries,” the Chinese media reported.
The meeting was held as the first Chinese tour ship to visit disputed South China Sea islands set sail, state media reported.
Plans to allow tourists to visit the Paracel Islands is the latest stage in China’s development of the territory, which has previously angered Vietnam and caused concern in Washington.
Vietnam and China have a longstanding territorial row over the Paracel Islands. Hanoi last month accused a Chinese vessel of firing on one of its fishing boats which had sailed in disputed waters in the area.
Up to 100 passengers paid a ticket price between 7,000 yuan ($1,135) and 9,000 yuan for the four-day voyage, which is set to become a monthly or twice monthly trip if the maiden trip proves successful, the Global Times said.
Only passengers in “good health, which includes having a normal weight” are permitted on the trip, the newspaper added, in a report which cites the Shanghai Morning Post.
The plan to allow cruise tours follows rapid development of infrastructure in a new city — Sansha — along with the establishment of an army garrison in the Paracels last year.
A named commentary in the Global Times defended the decision to allow tourists to visit the islands, which are known as Xisha in China.
“China’s Xisha tourism has nothing to do with its neighboring countries,” said Ju Hailong, a research fellow at the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies at Jinan University, in the southern city of Guangzhou.
“Those who want to manipulate China’s moves to make trouble are not admirers of international law and regional security.”
Officials earlier this month confirmed they would open up the Islands to tourism.
China has occupied the Paracels since a brief war with South Vietnam in 1974. It is a cluster of about 40 islets, sandbanks and reefs.
Taiwan, the Philippines, Brunei and Malaysia all have rival claims to parts of the South China Sea, while the United States is also watching Beijing’s increased assertiveness.
In his address opening China’s parliament last month, former Premier Wen Jiabao said Beijing should “develop the marine economy... and safeguard China’s maritime rights and interests”.
China also demanded last Friday that the Philippine government withdraw its citizens who have been occupying some islands and reefs in the disputed South China Sea.
Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte, however, said the government will not heed the call made by China that the Philippines “withdraw all its nationals and facilities from China’s islands and reefs.”
“We will continue to exercise sovereignty over our territory,” she said.
Citing the Bajo de Masinloc off Zambales province, Valte said, “That’s ours.”
But three Chinese vessels have been “de facto” occupying the Bajo de Masinloc, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario earlier said.
Valte said that the Philippines as well as China would just have to wait for the development on the case filed before the Itlos.
In a statement posted on its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, China accused the Philippines of trying to “cover in a cloak of legality its illegal occupation of China’s islands and reefs.”
China does not want to negotiate multilaterally with the claimant countries, preferring instead to talk with on a bilateral basis.
In the statement, China said it will never give up its claims on the islands, islets, reefs, buoys and rock formations in the region.
It also asked the Philippines to vacate a list of islands in the South China Sea.
China cited records showed that the Philippines is currently occupying eight Chinese islands and reefs: Loaita Island, Nanshan Island, Feixin Dao Island, Northeast Cay Island, Thitu Island, West York Island, Loaita Nan, and Commodore reef.
http://tribune.net.ph/index.php/headlines/item/13492-aquino-sends-top-dnd-exec-for-hushed-up-china-meet
Army admits poll bets submit to NPA racket
From the Daily Tribune (Apr 29): Army admits poll bets submit to NPA racket
HALF OF CANDIDATES IN PANAY, NEGROS SEEK REBEL PERMITS
The government had practically admitted being helpless in stopping political extortion operations in areas where the communist New People’s Army (NPA) operates as a ranking military official said half of local candidates seeking elective posts in Panay and Negros islands are giving in to the permit to campaign (PTC) and permit to win (PTW) schemes of the NPA.
Maj. Gen. Jose Mabanta Jr., commander of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (ID), said that the NPA rebels in the area are targeting the collection of P150 million during the upcoming May 13 elections.
According to Mabanta, the NPA rebels collect PTC and PTW fees ranging from P5,000 to P5 million, depending on the elective position of a candidate.
Last April 20, a band of NPAs who set up a roadblock waylaid a convoy of Gingoog City Mayor Ruthie Guingona, wife of former Vice President Teofisto Guingona, killing two of her aides.
Last Saturday, the government peace negotiating panel announced it is cutting off formal negotiations for peace with communist rebel groups.
Mabanta, however, said he is not aware of national candidates, or those seeking senatorial seats, giving in to the NPA demand within his area, composed of all the provinces in the Panay and Negros islands, Guimaras and Siquijor. “My estimate is that half of all political contenders are paying, from all positions. That is my belief,” said Mabanta. He, however, said he has not come up with the exact number of politicians paying PTC and PTW fees to the NPA within his jurisdiction.
“Among other periods, this (election) is when the NPAs make a killing out of their extortion. This is when they get most amount…this is more than extortion against businesses, against mining, logging. This is the biggest (source of extortion),” added Mabanta.
As of now, Mabanta could not say how much the NPA has collected in Eastern Visayas Region. He said that latest estimate placed the NPA strength in the region at 400 fighters.
The Army general lamented that political candidates continue to give in to the extortion activities of the NPA despite the government’s consistent warning against doing so. Mabanta warned that those who pay are not even sure if they will not be harassed by the NPAs.
“There is really no chain of command, they (NPAs) have no clear cut leadership. They are fighting. So they (politicians) may give in to one group then the next group, if they (politicians) go into their area, maybe they will not be spared,” said Mabanta.
“…they (NPAs) will be buying arms and ammunition and these may be fired and used against them (politicians) some other time not necessarily now,” added Mabanta.
Mabanta said that while government authorities, to include the military and the Philippine National Police (PNP), are bent on filing charges against those who give in to the NPA extortion, he admitted the difficulty in building up such cases.
“It’s really very hard to build legal charges or build cases against those who give in to PTC…you need a lot of evidence affidavits, sworn statements…we need people to go out in the open which is really very hard,” said Mabanta.
Some 18,000 posts are up for grabs in the May 13 elections, from the current crop of town and city mayors, provincial governors and members of parliament.
“With the amounts involved, they (NPA) will be buying arms and ammunition and these may be fired and used against them (politicians),” Mabanta said, warning that giving money to the rebels is illegal.
The money raised dwarfs the amounts regularly extorted from mining, logging and other businesses based in the rural areas where the 4,000-member guerrilla force operates, he added.
“This is when really the NPAs make a killing out of their extortion,” he added.
Violence linked to the polls has claimed at least 46 lives in more than 40 incidents since campaigning began in February, according to a police tally.
The NPA has been waging a 44-year-old Maoist armed campaign that has claimed at least 30,000 lives, according to a government estimate.
Several rounds of peace talks held since the late 1980s have gone nowhere.
The military added it is now identifying the “center of gravities” of the NPAs in Northern Mindanao and Caraga regions in the aftermath of the Guingona ambush.
Brig. Gen. Ricardo Visaya, officer-in-charge of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division (ID), said that once the NPAs bailiwicks are identified, the military will come out with the proper operation plan to address the communist menace.
“It’s more of identification of their (NPAs) center of gravities,” said Visaya when asked of any security adjustments following the ambush against the group of Guingona, wife of former Vice President Teofisto Guingona, in a remote area in Gingoog City.
Once the NPA’s “center of gravities” are identified, Visaya said that “the right operations should be applied.”
Visaya said that the military has certain parameters on how to identify the center of gravities.
“We will see what is really the situation in Misamis Oriental,” said Visaya.
Visaya said that part of the move is to establish the real strength of the NPA in the province.
Last Friday, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista relieved erstwhile 4th ID commander Maj. Gen. Nestor Anonuevo, who has jurisdiction over Misamis Oriental where the ambush happened.
Bautista, however, maintained the relief of Anonuevo was not solely because of the ambush. He said that it was part of the shuffling of officers for the 120,000-organoization to come out with proper approach in addressing the communist menace.
The NPA immdeaitely admitted responsibility over the ambush, accusing the group of Mrs Guingona of ignoring a roadblock and firing first at the rebels.
Mrs Guingona, however, belied such claim. The ambush killed two of her civilian aides while she sustained minor wounds, along with a policeman-escort. President Aquino immediately ordered the military and the police to dismantle NPA roadblocks in various parts of the country.
Early this year, reports from the Army field units that some candidates received PTC letters from the NPA.
Also, some PTC letters were recovered during the apprehension of top rebel leaders in the area recently.
“Giving in to the demands is not a guarantee that the NPA will not harass the candidates anymore and be given access. There is evidence of politicians who give in to extortion demands of the CPP-NPA and continuously being harassed. This is because of factious leadership on their organization. They now lack leaders and have inconsistent chain of command,” Mabanta stressed.
Series of armed violence and atrocities that indiscriminately violate human rights and the international humanitarian law shows that the NPA leadership is not in control and has no grasp of their forces anymore.
“At this point, there is infighting among their top leadership and this will ripple down to their lower levels,” he added.
http://tribune.net.ph/index.php/headlines/item/13495-army-admits-poll-bets-submit-to-npa-racket
HALF OF CANDIDATES IN PANAY, NEGROS SEEK REBEL PERMITS
The government had practically admitted being helpless in stopping political extortion operations in areas where the communist New People’s Army (NPA) operates as a ranking military official said half of local candidates seeking elective posts in Panay and Negros islands are giving in to the permit to campaign (PTC) and permit to win (PTW) schemes of the NPA.
Maj. Gen. Jose Mabanta Jr., commander of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (ID), said that the NPA rebels in the area are targeting the collection of P150 million during the upcoming May 13 elections.
According to Mabanta, the NPA rebels collect PTC and PTW fees ranging from P5,000 to P5 million, depending on the elective position of a candidate.
Last April 20, a band of NPAs who set up a roadblock waylaid a convoy of Gingoog City Mayor Ruthie Guingona, wife of former Vice President Teofisto Guingona, killing two of her aides.
Last Saturday, the government peace negotiating panel announced it is cutting off formal negotiations for peace with communist rebel groups.
Mabanta, however, said he is not aware of national candidates, or those seeking senatorial seats, giving in to the NPA demand within his area, composed of all the provinces in the Panay and Negros islands, Guimaras and Siquijor. “My estimate is that half of all political contenders are paying, from all positions. That is my belief,” said Mabanta. He, however, said he has not come up with the exact number of politicians paying PTC and PTW fees to the NPA within his jurisdiction.
“Among other periods, this (election) is when the NPAs make a killing out of their extortion. This is when they get most amount…this is more than extortion against businesses, against mining, logging. This is the biggest (source of extortion),” added Mabanta.
As of now, Mabanta could not say how much the NPA has collected in Eastern Visayas Region. He said that latest estimate placed the NPA strength in the region at 400 fighters.
The Army general lamented that political candidates continue to give in to the extortion activities of the NPA despite the government’s consistent warning against doing so. Mabanta warned that those who pay are not even sure if they will not be harassed by the NPAs.
“There is really no chain of command, they (NPAs) have no clear cut leadership. They are fighting. So they (politicians) may give in to one group then the next group, if they (politicians) go into their area, maybe they will not be spared,” said Mabanta.
“…they (NPAs) will be buying arms and ammunition and these may be fired and used against them (politicians) some other time not necessarily now,” added Mabanta.
Mabanta said that while government authorities, to include the military and the Philippine National Police (PNP), are bent on filing charges against those who give in to the NPA extortion, he admitted the difficulty in building up such cases.
“It’s really very hard to build legal charges or build cases against those who give in to PTC…you need a lot of evidence affidavits, sworn statements…we need people to go out in the open which is really very hard,” said Mabanta.
Some 18,000 posts are up for grabs in the May 13 elections, from the current crop of town and city mayors, provincial governors and members of parliament.
“With the amounts involved, they (NPA) will be buying arms and ammunition and these may be fired and used against them (politicians),” Mabanta said, warning that giving money to the rebels is illegal.
The money raised dwarfs the amounts regularly extorted from mining, logging and other businesses based in the rural areas where the 4,000-member guerrilla force operates, he added.
“This is when really the NPAs make a killing out of their extortion,” he added.
Violence linked to the polls has claimed at least 46 lives in more than 40 incidents since campaigning began in February, according to a police tally.
The NPA has been waging a 44-year-old Maoist armed campaign that has claimed at least 30,000 lives, according to a government estimate.
Several rounds of peace talks held since the late 1980s have gone nowhere.
The military added it is now identifying the “center of gravities” of the NPAs in Northern Mindanao and Caraga regions in the aftermath of the Guingona ambush.
Brig. Gen. Ricardo Visaya, officer-in-charge of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division (ID), said that once the NPAs bailiwicks are identified, the military will come out with the proper operation plan to address the communist menace.
“It’s more of identification of their (NPAs) center of gravities,” said Visaya when asked of any security adjustments following the ambush against the group of Guingona, wife of former Vice President Teofisto Guingona, in a remote area in Gingoog City.
Once the NPA’s “center of gravities” are identified, Visaya said that “the right operations should be applied.”
Visaya said that the military has certain parameters on how to identify the center of gravities.
“We will see what is really the situation in Misamis Oriental,” said Visaya.
Visaya said that part of the move is to establish the real strength of the NPA in the province.
Last Friday, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista relieved erstwhile 4th ID commander Maj. Gen. Nestor Anonuevo, who has jurisdiction over Misamis Oriental where the ambush happened.
Bautista, however, maintained the relief of Anonuevo was not solely because of the ambush. He said that it was part of the shuffling of officers for the 120,000-organoization to come out with proper approach in addressing the communist menace.
The NPA immdeaitely admitted responsibility over the ambush, accusing the group of Mrs Guingona of ignoring a roadblock and firing first at the rebels.
Mrs Guingona, however, belied such claim. The ambush killed two of her civilian aides while she sustained minor wounds, along with a policeman-escort. President Aquino immediately ordered the military and the police to dismantle NPA roadblocks in various parts of the country.
Early this year, reports from the Army field units that some candidates received PTC letters from the NPA.
Also, some PTC letters were recovered during the apprehension of top rebel leaders in the area recently.
“Giving in to the demands is not a guarantee that the NPA will not harass the candidates anymore and be given access. There is evidence of politicians who give in to extortion demands of the CPP-NPA and continuously being harassed. This is because of factious leadership on their organization. They now lack leaders and have inconsistent chain of command,” Mabanta stressed.
Series of armed violence and atrocities that indiscriminately violate human rights and the international humanitarian law shows that the NPA leadership is not in control and has no grasp of their forces anymore.
“At this point, there is infighting among their top leadership and this will ripple down to their lower levels,” he added.
http://tribune.net.ph/index.php/headlines/item/13495-army-admits-poll-bets-submit-to-npa-racket
NPA launches attacks to avenge death of child in Compostela
From the Business Mirror (Apr 28): NPA launches attacks to avenge death of child in Compostela
THE New People’s Army (NPA) has launched a series of attacks against the military and the police in Compostela Valley (ComVal)to avenge the death of Roque Antivo, an eight-year-old child.
Speaking over the weekend, Daniel Ibarra of the ComVal-Davao Gulf Sub-Regional Command of the NPA said the series of punitive actions were launched against the 71st Infantry Battalion of the 10th Infantry “Agila” Division of the Army and the Mabini Police Station.
“As the soldiers denied culpability in its appalling attack against Antivo and two other children, the police planted false evidence at the crime scene to cover up the military’s atrocious act,” Ibarra claimed.
The communist guerrillas kidnapped a 71IB member, Pfc. Jesus Tomas Jr., 23, at 6 a.m. on April 24 in Barangay Elizalde, Maco, Compostela Valley.
He was part of a three-man supply team that was intercepted by the NPA.
Tomas is being investigated for his alleged involvement in “counterrevolutionary and anti-people activities,” Ibarra said.
“At around the same time, the NPA’s Sub-Regional Command Guerrilla Unit also ambushed the 71st IB’s ‘Charlie’ Company with command-detonated explosive, causing a number of casualties,” he added.
Earlier, on April 23, at 7 a.m., a team from the NPA Guerrilla Front 2 hit the Mabini Police Station with a rifle grenade. On duty policemen took cover against the NPA fighters who sped away aboard a motorcycle.
“The 10ID-Eastern Mindanao Command and the National Police are bent on obliterating proof of the 71IB’s atrocities. The police declared that other shells were found at the scene where the boys were hit in sitio Kidaraan, Mabini, to push the lie that the Army was in an encounter with the NPA,” Ibarra claimed.
“Together with the ComVal police, it coerced the victim’s family to agree to an autopsy—a move to bolster the scripted alibi of the 71IB. The local government of ComVal has become an accomplice, if not guilty of omission, for not lifting a finger on the atrocities of the 71st IB against the civilian communities. While moves were pushed to investigate the families of the military’s victims, there was no
concrete move to ultimately hold the soldiers accountable,” he added.
concrete move to ultimately hold the soldiers accountable,” he added.
Op/Ed: Rebels without a cause
Op/Ed piece in the Business Mirror (Apr 28): Rebels without a cause
THE New People’s Army (NPA) has taken great pains to explain or even justify its ambush on Gingoog City Mayor Ruth Guingona that seriously wounded her and a police escort and killed her two bodyguards.
THE New People’s Army (NPA) has taken great pains to explain or even justify its ambush on Gingoog City Mayor Ruth Guingona that seriously wounded her and a police escort and killed her two bodyguards.
But the truth really doesn’t need an elaborate explanation, only lies do. Let’s face it, as much as the communist NPA wanted to divert it to other issues, the ambush had everything to do with money.
For the longest time, the NPA has been asking politicians during elections for money in order to be allowed to campaign in areas supposedly controlled by the communist rebels.
The NPA doesn’t believe in the electoral process because it doesn’t believe in the democratic government or the Republic of the Philippines, and so this so-called permit to campaign fee is really just all about the money. It’s plain extortion, which the NPA has gotten very good at over the years.
In a previous editorial (Note to NPA, February 25, 2013), we wondered what kind of cause the New People’s Army is really fighting for now that it has become more known for burning Victory Liner buses, attacking cellular-phone sites of telecommunications companies and hitting construction firms and other business establishments both big and small in various parts of the country, all apparently over their refusal to yield to the rebel group’s demand for so-called revolutionary taxes.
Such extortionist activities certainly put the name of their revolutionary movement in a bad light. After all, a true revolution is not about destruction, nor about killing, maiming and violence. If these are all what it’s about, then the NPA rebels are no different from thugs, gangsters, terrorists and anarchists. They would be rebels without a cause.
By the way, where do their so-called revolutionary taxes go anyway? Does even a portion of the money they get from politicians and businessmen go to, say, financing livelihood projects or the construction of water wells, schools, hospitals or any kind of project to help the poor masses they are supposed to be fighting for? Because if it just lines the pockets of their cadres then, again, it is plain and simple extortion, a protection racket if you will. Pay us and you won’t have any unfortunate accidents.
The ambush on the 79-year-old Guingona’s convoy is quite despicable but it is just the latest in a long list of atrocious acts that surely hasn’t won the NPA any kind of sympathy from the people or solidarity to their cause.
The elderly woman mayor isn’t even running for re-election and her husband, Teofisto Guingona Jr., a longtime senator and former vice president of the Philippines, practically fought for the same nationalist causes that the NPA, the Communist Party of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front used to espouse against the Marcos dictatorship.
If the NPA is really so tough and pro-people, why does it not go after those corrupt politicians who treat their local jurisdictions as their own personal fiefdoms? Indeed, in our previous editorial, we asked why the NPA didn’t even get back at an alleged big-time perpetrator of extrajudicial killings and human- rights abuser like former Army Major General Jovito Palparan, who even bragged once that those killed under his command were either members of the NPA or their supporters.
You couldn’t touch the likes of Palparan and local political warlords, but you could attack an elderly mayor, ordinary policemen, security guards and other civilians, buses, cell sites, construction firms and other business establishments. Really, that’s the best you can do?
The NPA keeps blaming the government for stalled peace talks but, like the late rap artist Francis Magalona said in one of his songs, you can’t talk peace and have a gun.
Its extortion activities have hurt the economy and have made investors and businessmen wary of operating outside the country’s urban centers where there is hardly any military presence because of the risk of insurgent attacks. Ironically, these are the poorest areas that need the most investment and development.
Could it be that the NPA wants to keep these areas poor so they could keep blaming—and fighting—the government and also justify their continued relevance and existence.
Again, please don’t burn our building down. We’re just asking.
Gunmen shoot army intell agents in Southern Philippines
From the Mindanao Examiner (Apr 28): Gunmen
shoot army intell agents in Southern Philippines
Unidentified gunmen killed an army intelligence specialist and wounded his companion in an attack Sunday in the restive province of Basilan in southern Philippines, officials said.
Officials said the two soldiers – who belong to the 32nd Infantry Battalion - were shot in the village called Ubit in Lamitan City. The wounded soldier remains in critical condition.
“The attack killed one of our soldiers,” said Brig. Gen. Daniel Lucero, commander of the 1st Infantry Division.
The military did not release the names of the victims, saying their families have not been informed about the attack.
No individual or group claimed responsibility for the attack, but the Abu Sayyaf is actively operating in Basilan, one of five provinces under the Muslim autonomous region in Mindanao.
http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/04/gunmen-shoot-army-intell-agents-in.html
Unidentified gunmen killed an army intelligence specialist and wounded his companion in an attack Sunday in the restive province of Basilan in southern Philippines, officials said.
Officials said the two soldiers – who belong to the 32nd Infantry Battalion - were shot in the village called Ubit in Lamitan City. The wounded soldier remains in critical condition.
“The attack killed one of our soldiers,” said Brig. Gen. Daniel Lucero, commander of the 1st Infantry Division.
The military did not release the names of the victims, saying their families have not been informed about the attack.
No individual or group claimed responsibility for the attack, but the Abu Sayyaf is actively operating in Basilan, one of five provinces under the Muslim autonomous region in Mindanao.
http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/04/gunmen-shoot-army-intell-agents-in.html
Army official: No need for more troops
From the Sun Star-Davao (Apr 27): Army official: No need for more troops
THE Army's 10th Infantry Division (10th ID) will not be needing additional forces to address insurgency in their areas of responsibility, said 10th ID chief Major General Ariel Bernardo on Friday.
"We are not in need of additional troops from Luzon. We just need to strategize to eliminate the rebel insurgency. That's the job of a military commander. We just need to utilize the available forces on the ground. We also have the assistance of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and we also have troop multipliers like the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (Cafgu)," Bernardo said during the Kapihan sa PIA at Abreeza on Friday.
"If we go by numbers, 10th ID is composed of around 5,000 to 6,000 troops. The strength of Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC) of the New People's Army (NPA) is around 763 with 15 Front Committees and seven Pulang Bagani Commands (PBCs) with 232 affected barangays," Bernardo said.
He added the NPA strength in the far southern region of Mindanao have three front committees with 184 personnel each.
The military commander also said they will maximize their deployment and visibility to crush all the bogus checkpoints being conducted by the NPA to abduct military and police personnel.
"At least 80 percent of our troops will be out to disrupt or deter the plans of the NPA. We already know how the rebels conduct their checkpoints unlike the military where you can spot a military vehicle," Bernardo said.
He added the forces of 10th ID remain mobile to cover larger areas and penetrate NPA-affected barangays.
"It is obvious that our troops are mobile judging by the many encounters that we had with the NPA. We won't be having any encounters if our men are just on standby. At times, we lose some men but most of the time we have many accomplishments in the ground," Bernardo added.
Bernardo said their focus as of now is maintaining the peace and order for the proper conduct of the midterm automated elections in May 13.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2013/04/27/army-official-no-need-more-troops-279735
THE Army's 10th Infantry Division (10th ID) will not be needing additional forces to address insurgency in their areas of responsibility, said 10th ID chief Major General Ariel Bernardo on Friday.
"We are not in need of additional troops from Luzon. We just need to strategize to eliminate the rebel insurgency. That's the job of a military commander. We just need to utilize the available forces on the ground. We also have the assistance of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and we also have troop multipliers like the Citizen Armed Force Geographical Unit (Cafgu)," Bernardo said during the Kapihan sa PIA at Abreeza on Friday.
"If we go by numbers, 10th ID is composed of around 5,000 to 6,000 troops. The strength of Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC) of the New People's Army (NPA) is around 763 with 15 Front Committees and seven Pulang Bagani Commands (PBCs) with 232 affected barangays," Bernardo said.
He added the NPA strength in the far southern region of Mindanao have three front committees with 184 personnel each.
The military commander also said they will maximize their deployment and visibility to crush all the bogus checkpoints being conducted by the NPA to abduct military and police personnel.
"At least 80 percent of our troops will be out to disrupt or deter the plans of the NPA. We already know how the rebels conduct their checkpoints unlike the military where you can spot a military vehicle," Bernardo said.
He added the forces of 10th ID remain mobile to cover larger areas and penetrate NPA-affected barangays.
"It is obvious that our troops are mobile judging by the many encounters that we had with the NPA. We won't be having any encounters if our men are just on standby. At times, we lose some men but most of the time we have many accomplishments in the ground," Bernardo added.
Bernardo said their focus as of now is maintaining the peace and order for the proper conduct of the midterm automated elections in May 13.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2013/04/27/army-official-no-need-more-troops-279735
Suspected al-Qaida-linked gunman kill 2 Filipino army intelligence men in southern Philippines
From the Vancouver Sun (Apr 28): Suspected al-Qaida-linked gunman kill 2 Filipino army intelligence men in southern Philippines
A Philippine military official says two army intelligence men have been killed by suspected al-Qaida-linked militants while on a surveillance mission in a volatile province.
Army brigade commander Col. Carlito Galvez says two suspected Abu Sayyaf militants on a motorcycle opened fire and killed the two soldiers Sunday in a village in Lamitan city on Basilan Island. The gunmen are believed to be members of an urban-based hit squad of the Abu Sayyaf.
The Philippine military has recently stepped up offensives against the Abu Sayyaf, which has threatened a major road project, attacked a power barge and tried to extort money from a construction company.
Galvez says the Abu Sayyaf has also given sanctuary in Basilan to a few foreign militants linked to the Southeast Asian militant network Jemaah Islamiyah.
http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Suspected+alQaidalinked+gunmen+kill+Filipino+army+intelligence/8306532/story.html
A Philippine military official says two army intelligence men have been killed by suspected al-Qaida-linked militants while on a surveillance mission in a volatile province.
Army brigade commander Col. Carlito Galvez says two suspected Abu Sayyaf militants on a motorcycle opened fire and killed the two soldiers Sunday in a village in Lamitan city on Basilan Island. The gunmen are believed to be members of an urban-based hit squad of the Abu Sayyaf.
The Philippine military has recently stepped up offensives against the Abu Sayyaf, which has threatened a major road project, attacked a power barge and tried to extort money from a construction company.
Galvez says the Abu Sayyaf has also given sanctuary in Basilan to a few foreign militants linked to the Southeast Asian militant network Jemaah Islamiyah.
http://www.vancouversun.com/news/Suspected+alQaidalinked+gunmen+kill+Filipino+army+intelligence/8306532/story.html
Group hits appointment of Palparan pal as Army division commander
From the Business Mirror (Apr 28): Group hits appointment of Palparan pal as Army division commander
THE human-rights watchdog Karapatan has deplored the recent assignment of Brig. Gen. Ricardo Visaya as acting commander of the Army’s 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division based in Cagayan de Oro City.
Cristina Palabay, Karapatan secretary-general, said “the installation of Visaya reveals the intent of the Armed Forces to heighten attacks against people’s rights, especially in Mindanao. General Visaya was among retired Maj. Gen. Jovito Palparan’s subordinates when the military’s terror reigned in Central Luzon through [President] Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s Oplan Bantay Laya. He [Visaya] was former commander of the 69th Infantry Battalion that was responsible for the Hacienda Luisita massacre in November 2004.”
Karapatan claimed that Visaya left a trail of human-rights violations wherever he was assigned.
Karapatan noted that among the many cases that Visaya is responsible for are:
The alleged abduction and torture of farmers Raymond and Reynaldo Manalo in February 2006, in which elements of the 69th IB headed by Visaya, are directly involved. The Manalo brothers escaped after more than two years in captivity and are principal witnesses to the alleged abduction, torture and rape of UP students Sherlyn Cadapan and Karen Empeño. The 69th IB-PA is among other military units under Palparan’s 7th Infantry “Kaugnay” Division;
The massacre and frustrated killing of Hacienda Luisita farmers and workers in November 2004, when elements of the National Police, Armed Forces Northern Luzon Command, 33rd Light Armor Company and the 69th IB allegedly fired at striking farmers and workers. The workers protested against the alleged unjust labor practices of the Cojuangcos and called for land distribution. President Aquino’s family owns the vast tract of lands and, despite the Supreme Court (SC), the land distribution has yet to materialize;
The massive deployment of soldiers under Visaya’s Civil Military Operation Battalion in Metro Manila communities from February to September 2007 that allegedly resulted in numerous cases of threats, harassment and intimidation especially among members and leaders of progressive organizations, as well as partisan campaigning against progressive party-list organizations and recruitment of intelligence agents among the people;
Alleged threats, harassment and intimidation of Dole Philippines’s farm workers during their union election in February 2011. Visaya headed the 27th IB assigned in Polomolok, South Cotabato. Visaya’s troops reportedly targeted leaders and members of the incumbent union affiliated with the Kilusang Mayo Uno;
Encampment and use of barangay halls, day care centers, chapels and other civilian facility by troops under 901st Infantry Brigade in villages in Albay. Also, Visaya tried to justify the alleged killing and beheading of Albay village councilor Ely Oguis in November 2012 by accusing Oguis of being a tax collector of the New People’s Army (NPA).
Visaya replaced Maj. Gen. Nestor Añonuevo, who was reportedly recalled to the Armed Forces General Headquarters in Camp Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City, following the wounding of Gingoog Mayor Ruth Guingona in an ambush by NPA guerrillas.
“We lament the wounding of Mayor Guingona and the death of her two bodyguards. But the government should not use this as a convenient excuse for the massive deployment of troops that will be led by Visaya. This is not the road to peace. The government and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines [NDF] need to advance the peace talks to genuinely address the root causes of people’s rights violations,” Palabay said.
Karapatan said the statements from President Aquino, Gen. Emmanuel Bautista, Armed Forces chief of staff, and Malacañang Spokesman Edwin Lacierda ordering the military to step up offensives against the NPA and the Communist Party of the Philippines are indications of the heightened implementation of Internal Peace and Security Plan Bayanihan, which had already left 137 victims of extrajudicial killings, 72 victims of torture, 498 cases of illegal arrests, and 30,260 victims of forced evacuation (Karapatan statistics as of December 2012).
Chinese tourists sail to disputed islands – report
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Apr 28): Chinese tourists sail to disputed islands – report
The first Chinese tour ship to visit disputed South China Sea islands set sail on Sunday, state media reported, a move likely to stoke a long-running territorial row between Beijing and its neighbors.
Plans to allow tourists to visit the Paracel Islands are the latest stage in China’s development of the territory, which has previously angered Vietnam and caused concern in Washington.
Vietnam and China have a longstanding territorial row over the Paracel Islands. Hanoi last month accused a Chinese vessel of firing on one of its fishing boats which had sailed in disputed waters in the area.
Up to 100 passengers paid a ticket price between 7,000 yuan ($1,135) and 9,000 yuan for the four-day voyage, which is set to become a monthly or twice monthly trip if the maiden trip proves successful, the Global Times said.
Only passengers in “good health, which includes having a normal weight” are permitted on the trip, the newspaper added, in a report which cites the Shanghai Morning Post.
The plan to allow cruise tours follows rapid development of infrastructure in a new city — Sansha — along with the establishment of an army garrison in the Paracels last year.
A named commentary in the Global Times defended the decision to allow tourists to visit the islands, which are known as Xisha in China.
“China’s Xisha tourism has nothing to do with its neighboring countries,” said Ju Hailong, a research fellow at the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies at Jinan University, in the southern city of Guangzhou.
“Those who want to manipulate China’s moves to make trouble are not admirers of international law and regional security.”
Officials earlier this month confirmed they would open up the Islands to tourism.
China has occupied the Paracels since a brief war with South Vietnam in 1974. It is a cluster of about 40 islets, sandbanks and reefs.
Taiwan, the Philippines, Brunei and Malaysia all have rival claims to parts of the South China Sea, while the United States is also watching Beijing’s increased assertiveness.
In his address opening China’s parliament last month, former Premier Wen Jiabao said Beijing should “develop the marine economy… and safeguard China’s maritime rights and interests”.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/73299/chinese-tourists-sail-to-disputed-islands-report
The first Chinese tour ship to visit disputed South China Sea islands set sail on Sunday, state media reported, a move likely to stoke a long-running territorial row between Beijing and its neighbors.
Plans to allow tourists to visit the Paracel Islands are the latest stage in China’s development of the territory, which has previously angered Vietnam and caused concern in Washington.
Vietnam and China have a longstanding territorial row over the Paracel Islands. Hanoi last month accused a Chinese vessel of firing on one of its fishing boats which had sailed in disputed waters in the area.
Up to 100 passengers paid a ticket price between 7,000 yuan ($1,135) and 9,000 yuan for the four-day voyage, which is set to become a monthly or twice monthly trip if the maiden trip proves successful, the Global Times said.
Only passengers in “good health, which includes having a normal weight” are permitted on the trip, the newspaper added, in a report which cites the Shanghai Morning Post.
The plan to allow cruise tours follows rapid development of infrastructure in a new city — Sansha — along with the establishment of an army garrison in the Paracels last year.
A named commentary in the Global Times defended the decision to allow tourists to visit the islands, which are known as Xisha in China.
“China’s Xisha tourism has nothing to do with its neighboring countries,” said Ju Hailong, a research fellow at the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies at Jinan University, in the southern city of Guangzhou.
“Those who want to manipulate China’s moves to make trouble are not admirers of international law and regional security.”
Officials earlier this month confirmed they would open up the Islands to tourism.
China has occupied the Paracels since a brief war with South Vietnam in 1974. It is a cluster of about 40 islets, sandbanks and reefs.
Taiwan, the Philippines, Brunei and Malaysia all have rival claims to parts of the South China Sea, while the United States is also watching Beijing’s increased assertiveness.
In his address opening China’s parliament last month, former Premier Wen Jiabao said Beijing should “develop the marine economy… and safeguard China’s maritime rights and interests”.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/73299/chinese-tourists-sail-to-disputed-islands-report
MILF urges public to support pro-peace candidates
From the Philippine Star (Apr 28): MILF urges public to support pro-peace candidates
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) yesterday urged the public to support “pro-peace” candidates and to reject those who are “anti-Moro” in the coming elections.
The MILF said the drafting of the Bangsamoro law and the holding of the referendum for its approval would be held within the terms of those who would win in the May polls.
The MILF, along with the candidates in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), is appealing to the people to vote intelligently and choose the candidates who are pro-peace and reject those who are anti-Moro.
The group said all candidates except Zamboanga City Mayor Celso Lobregat and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founder Nur Misuari are “generally supportive” of the Bangsamoro framework agreement and the peace process.
“This makes the choice very tough for voters,” the MILF said in a statement.
Lobregat was among those who opposed the botched memorandum of agreement on Ancestral Domain in 2008. He is seeking a congressional seat in one of the districts of Zamboanga City.
Misuari, meanwhile, opposes the Bangsamoro framework agreement, saying it violates various agreements like the 1996 final peace agreement with the MNLF. He is running for governor in the ARMM.
The government and the MILF signed the Bangsamoro framework agreement last Oct. 15 to pave way for the creation of a new entity that would replace the ARMM.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/04/28/935704/milf-urges-public-support-pro-peace-candidates
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) yesterday urged the public to support “pro-peace” candidates and to reject those who are “anti-Moro” in the coming elections.
The MILF said the drafting of the Bangsamoro law and the holding of the referendum for its approval would be held within the terms of those who would win in the May polls.
The MILF, along with the candidates in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), is appealing to the people to vote intelligently and choose the candidates who are pro-peace and reject those who are anti-Moro.
The group said all candidates except Zamboanga City Mayor Celso Lobregat and Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founder Nur Misuari are “generally supportive” of the Bangsamoro framework agreement and the peace process.
“This makes the choice very tough for voters,” the MILF said in a statement.
Lobregat was among those who opposed the botched memorandum of agreement on Ancestral Domain in 2008. He is seeking a congressional seat in one of the districts of Zamboanga City.
Misuari, meanwhile, opposes the Bangsamoro framework agreement, saying it violates various agreements like the 1996 final peace agreement with the MNLF. He is running for governor in the ARMM.
The government and the MILF signed the Bangsamoro framework agreement last Oct. 15 to pave way for the creation of a new entity that would replace the ARMM.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/04/28/935704/milf-urges-public-support-pro-peace-candidates
'NPA extorts up to P5M from each candidate'
From Rappler (Apr 28): 'NPA extorts up to P5M from each candidate'
The New People's Army (NPA) is extorting millions of pesos from candidates in the May elections and will likely use the money to buy guns, a senior military official said on Sunday, April 28.
Major General Jose Mabanta, commander of the Philippine Army's 3rd Infantry Division, said each candidate, who wants to gain access to rebel-controlled areas, pays between P50,000 and P5 million.
"My estimate is that half of all political contenders are paying, half in my area. That is also true in other areas," he told reporters.
Some 18,000 posts are up for grabs in the May 13 elections, from the current crop of town and city mayors, provincial governors, and members of Congress.
"With the amounts involved, they (NPA) will be buying arms and ammunition and these may be fired and used against them (politicians)," Mabanta said.
The money raised dwarfs the amounts regularly extorted from mining, logging and other businesses based in the rural areas, where the 4,000-member guerrilla force operates, he added.
"This is when really the NPAs make a killing out of their extortion," he added.
Last week, the NPA ambushed Gingoog City Mayor Ruth Guingona, mother of Senator Teofisto Guingona III, killing two of her aides and leaving her and two policemen wounded.
Violence linked to the polls has claimed at least 46 lives in more than 40 incidents since campaigning began in February, according to a police tally.
'Don't give in to extortion'
Mabanta urged candidates to reject the NPA's demands and its permit-to-campaign scheme.
“Giving in to the demands is not a guarantee that the CPP-NPA will not harass the candidates anymore and candidates will be given access,” he said.
Military records show that 7 ranking NPA leaders have been apprehended since January in Negros Occidental and Panay. Copies of permit to campaign were recovered from some of the arrested rebel leaders.
Mabanta also warned candidates against paying the rebels, saying this is only "helping [them] regroup."
"Candidates who are giving in to the demands are helping the rebels further conduct terroristic activities that victimize innocent people."
Criminal charges will be filed against candidates, who will be caught paying the NPA, he added.
The NPA has been waging a 44-year-old Maoist armed campaign that has claimed at least 30,000 lives, according to government estimates.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/27736-npa-rebels-extortion-candidates-elections
The New People's Army (NPA) is extorting millions of pesos from candidates in the May elections and will likely use the money to buy guns, a senior military official said on Sunday, April 28.
Major General Jose Mabanta, commander of the Philippine Army's 3rd Infantry Division, said each candidate, who wants to gain access to rebel-controlled areas, pays between P50,000 and P5 million.
"My estimate is that half of all political contenders are paying, half in my area. That is also true in other areas," he told reporters.
Some 18,000 posts are up for grabs in the May 13 elections, from the current crop of town and city mayors, provincial governors, and members of Congress.
"With the amounts involved, they (NPA) will be buying arms and ammunition and these may be fired and used against them (politicians)," Mabanta said.
The money raised dwarfs the amounts regularly extorted from mining, logging and other businesses based in the rural areas, where the 4,000-member guerrilla force operates, he added.
"This is when really the NPAs make a killing out of their extortion," he added.
Last week, the NPA ambushed Gingoog City Mayor Ruth Guingona, mother of Senator Teofisto Guingona III, killing two of her aides and leaving her and two policemen wounded.
Violence linked to the polls has claimed at least 46 lives in more than 40 incidents since campaigning began in February, according to a police tally.
'Don't give in to extortion'
Mabanta urged candidates to reject the NPA's demands and its permit-to-campaign scheme.
“Giving in to the demands is not a guarantee that the CPP-NPA will not harass the candidates anymore and candidates will be given access,” he said.
Military records show that 7 ranking NPA leaders have been apprehended since January in Negros Occidental and Panay. Copies of permit to campaign were recovered from some of the arrested rebel leaders.
Mabanta also warned candidates against paying the rebels, saying this is only "helping [them] regroup."
"Candidates who are giving in to the demands are helping the rebels further conduct terroristic activities that victimize innocent people."
Criminal charges will be filed against candidates, who will be caught paying the NPA, he added.
The NPA has been waging a 44-year-old Maoist armed campaign that has claimed at least 30,000 lives, according to government estimates.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/27736-npa-rebels-extortion-candidates-elections
Prosecution to present CCTV footage vs JI man's wife
From the Sun Star-Davao (Apr 28): Prosecution to present CCTV footage vs JI man's wife
THE prosecution handling the illegal possession of explosives case against the wife of a Malaysian believed to be a member of Jamaal Islamiyah is set to present the closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage of Sampaguita Inn.
The CCTV footage will be presented before the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 14, where the violation of the Republic Act 9516, or The Illegal Possession of Firearms, Ammunition or Explosives, was raffled off on May 23 and 24.
The accused, Annabelle Nieva Lee, a native of Sorsogon, was arrested last December 14, 2012 for allegedly conspiring with her husband Mohd Noor Fikrie Bin Abd Kahar, who was shot dead by authorities along Camus Street in Davao City.
Prosecutor Faizal Padate, during the hearing, said the CCTV footage of Sampaguita Inn, where the accused and the alleged terrorist was confronted by the authorities, will be one of the vital evidences against Lee.
"We are gathering evidences to prove that she has knowledge that the bag she (Lee) was carrying has an explosive device inside," the fiscal said, adding the CCTV footage is with the custodial branch of the Davao City Police Office.
The CCTV footage will show that the accused, together with her husband, checked in at the Sampaguita Inn before the alleged explosion plan, Padate said.
Meanwhile, lawyer Behn Joseph Tesiorna, counsel for the accused, said in a text message that it is going to be the prosecution's "last chance" to present the CCTV footage before the court.
"If wala pa gihapon, they would be required to rest their case and make formal offer of exhibits," Tesiorna said, adding the CCTV footage would not, in any way, support the case.
RTC Branch 14 Judge George Omelio said during the hearing that the prosecution cannot fully establish that the accused and the alleged bomber are couple.
Omelio said the prosecution has not yet presented any marriage certificate to prove its claim and that it is appropriate to call them as "man and woman" and not "husband and wife."
He said the suspected terrorist even used the “first person” when he declared he had a bomb.
Lee, through her legal counsel, earlier said she "has no knowledge as to the contents of the bag she carried" when she and her husband Kahar were cornered by authorities.
Lee is detained at the Naval Intelligence and Security Group in Camp Felix Apolinario.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2013/04/28/prosecution-present-cctv-footage-vs-ji-mans-wife-279866
THE prosecution handling the illegal possession of explosives case against the wife of a Malaysian believed to be a member of Jamaal Islamiyah is set to present the closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage of Sampaguita Inn.
The CCTV footage will be presented before the Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 14, where the violation of the Republic Act 9516, or The Illegal Possession of Firearms, Ammunition or Explosives, was raffled off on May 23 and 24.
The accused, Annabelle Nieva Lee, a native of Sorsogon, was arrested last December 14, 2012 for allegedly conspiring with her husband Mohd Noor Fikrie Bin Abd Kahar, who was shot dead by authorities along Camus Street in Davao City.
Prosecutor Faizal Padate, during the hearing, said the CCTV footage of Sampaguita Inn, where the accused and the alleged terrorist was confronted by the authorities, will be one of the vital evidences against Lee.
"We are gathering evidences to prove that she has knowledge that the bag she (Lee) was carrying has an explosive device inside," the fiscal said, adding the CCTV footage is with the custodial branch of the Davao City Police Office.
The CCTV footage will show that the accused, together with her husband, checked in at the Sampaguita Inn before the alleged explosion plan, Padate said.
Meanwhile, lawyer Behn Joseph Tesiorna, counsel for the accused, said in a text message that it is going to be the prosecution's "last chance" to present the CCTV footage before the court.
"If wala pa gihapon, they would be required to rest their case and make formal offer of exhibits," Tesiorna said, adding the CCTV footage would not, in any way, support the case.
RTC Branch 14 Judge George Omelio said during the hearing that the prosecution cannot fully establish that the accused and the alleged bomber are couple.
Omelio said the prosecution has not yet presented any marriage certificate to prove its claim and that it is appropriate to call them as "man and woman" and not "husband and wife."
He said the suspected terrorist even used the “first person” when he declared he had a bomb.
Lee, through her legal counsel, earlier said she "has no knowledge as to the contents of the bag she carried" when she and her husband Kahar were cornered by authorities.
Lee is detained at the Naval Intelligence and Security Group in Camp Felix Apolinario.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2013/04/28/prosecution-present-cctv-footage-vs-ji-mans-wife-279866
AFP committed to peaceful conclusion of insurgency conflict
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 28): AFP committed to peaceful conclusion of
insurgency conflict
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Sunday expressed its commitment to aid the government in all its efforts to end the insurgency conflict in peace and honor.
"The AFP has been very supportive of all the peace initiatives and undertakings of the government. The AFP will likewise continue to exhaust all measures and avenues to contribute to the overall effort of the government for the peaceful closures of conflict," military spokesperson Col. Arnulfo M. Burgos, Jr., said.
He also stressed that talking peace is two way and both sides must show sincerity.
This is after the rebel group conducted a series of atrocities in the CARAGA area, culminating in the ambush of Gingoog Mayor Ruthie Guingona which wounded three and killed two persons last April 20.
"And the sincerity of intentions must not only be articulated at the top but must be translated down to the ground. While we support the peace building activities of the government, our focused combat operations directed against the armed group in the countryside will continue in order to protect our people in the communities,"Burgos
He added that despite this "Bayanihan" teams of the AFP will continue to conduct peace and development activities particularly in far flung villages to contribute to nation building and for the attainment of a just and lasting peace for the country.
"We call on our misguided brothers in the NPAs to abandon the armed violence that is destroying public infrastructures and vital economic facilities and even causing loss of innocent lives. That is why the NPAs if they are pro-people, they must abandon the armed violence that has been the primary cause of our people's sufferings,"Burgos
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=520727
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Sunday expressed its commitment to aid the government in all its efforts to end the insurgency conflict in peace and honor.
"The AFP has been very supportive of all the peace initiatives and undertakings of the government. The AFP will likewise continue to exhaust all measures and avenues to contribute to the overall effort of the government for the peaceful closures of conflict," military spokesperson Col. Arnulfo M. Burgos, Jr., said.
He also stressed that talking peace is two way and both sides must show sincerity.
This is after the rebel group conducted a series of atrocities in the CARAGA area, culminating in the ambush of Gingoog Mayor Ruthie Guingona which wounded three and killed two persons last April 20.
"And the sincerity of intentions must not only be articulated at the top but must be translated down to the ground. While we support the peace building activities of the government, our focused combat operations directed against the armed group in the countryside will continue in order to protect our people in the communities,"
He added that despite this "Bayanihan" teams of the AFP will continue to conduct peace and development activities particularly in far flung villages to contribute to nation building and for the attainment of a just and lasting peace for the country.
"We call on our misguided brothers in the NPAs to abandon the armed violence that is destroying public infrastructures and vital economic facilities and even causing loss of innocent lives. That is why the NPAs if they are pro-people, they must abandon the armed violence that has been the primary cause of our people's sufferings,"
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=520727