CPLA seeks review of MOA with gov't

From the Philippine Star (Jul 23): CPLA seeks review of MOA with gov't

A more thorough review is being sought by the former rebel group Cordillera People's Liberation Army (CPLA) on the memorandum of agreement (MOA) it signed with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP).

The request came after 12 candidate soldiers of the Philippine Army who were sons of former CPLA members being trained for integration were rejected in the middle of the training.

The Philippine Army has reportedly denied reconsideration of its decision to drop the 12 trainees.

Arsenio Humiding, leader of the CPLA group which signed a closure agreement with OPAPP last year, is seeking a meeting with Secretary Teresita Quintos Deles to discuss the merit of the MOA.

"It seems that we are not headed to the direction which was intended,” Humiding said.

The closure agreement with the CPLA under Humiding ended the group's orientation as an armed movement.

Part of the MOA with government is the integration of 168 willing and next-of-kin CPLA members into the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The clamor for a review of the MOA is resonating within the ranks of the CPLA, Humiding said, adding, “lumalabas na may mga hinaing tayo, may mga frustrations and we are wondering if the government we are talking to is still listening to us.”

Humiding admitted there are lapses in the signed MOA but said the CPLA is not to be blamed for these, saying, “along the way may mag pagkakamali sa peace partners natin.”

Even the infrastructure components of the MOA, particularly the Pamana program needs a rethinking, Humiding said as “a policy direction is needed in the implementation of the MOA.”

The CPLA received P242 million to fund various projects all over the region as part of the Pamana program.

The CPLA broke ranks with the CPP-NPA in 1986 and has since joined government forces in fighting rebels in the Cordillera.

Through the years, the CPLA further splintered into several other factions, one of which was that of Humiding’s which inked an agreement with government while other factions wanted to remain as such.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/07/23/1003971/cpla-seeks-review-moa-govt

Defense chief says fighter jets needed to ensure detection of intruders

From the Philippine News Agency  (Jul 23): Defense chief says fighter jets needed to ensure detection of intruders

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Voltaire Gazmin on Tuesday said that fighter jets are needed by the military to ensure that that no hostile force will pop out of nowhere.

"Fighter jets are important because they can patrol long distances and detect and monitor incoming threats," he added.

Gazmin also said that the Philippines' plan to acquire 12 F/A-50 "Golden Eagle" from South Korea will push forward.

He added that the sale agreement for the Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) jet aircraft is now at the Office of the President.

Once signed, the Philippines and South Korea's KAI can start negotiations for the final price and delivery date of the plane which will be the country's interim fighter plane.

Gazmin issued this statement in wake of President Benigno S. Aquino III's claim that it is impossible for the country to invest every cent of its budget in acquiring fighter jets and modern weapons for the military.

He also pointed out this only means that the DND and the Armed Forces of the Philippines cannot just spend all the P75 billion allocated for military's modernization for fighter aircraft.

"We need to acquire a lot of equipment for this money and we cannot use it all just to buy fighter jets," Gazmin stressed.

With a limited budget, the DND chief said that they decided to acquire only 12 F/A-50s as the country still needs to acquire additional ships, tanks and other equipment so that the country's defense forces can have a minimum credible deterrent.

Gazmin also that fighter aircraft are needed to protect the country's airspace against intruders.

The DND earlier announced is expect to compete and release the contract for the South Korea jet aircraft by November of this year.

"Hopefully, the contract will come out this November and by 2014 or 2015 (at the latest), the aircraft will be delivered to us," it stated.

The Philippines is in the market for 12 supersonic trainer aircraft which can double as interim fighter and attack planes for the Philippine Air Force. It has allocated P18 billion for this program.

The Government Procurement Policy Board earlier gave the DND the "green-light" to start pre-negotiations with the South Korean government for 12 F/A 50 aircraft last January.

The F/A-50 is also known as the TA-50.

Its design is largely derived from the F-16 "Fighting Falcon", and they have many similarities: use of a single engine, speed, size, cost, and the range of weapons.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=547238

Two warring families in Lanao agree to a truce

From ABS-CBN (Jul 23): Two warring families in Lanao agree to a

Two warring families in Lanao del Sur involved in rido (clan war) have agreed to a truce after members of their families were killed last week.

Five members of the Capal family, which hails from Barangay Linao in Bayang town, died after clashing with members of Macugar-Dimakuta family last Friday.

On the other hand, the Macugar-Dimakuta family, which hails from Lumbaca-Unayan town, lost three members.

Three members of the Capal family were wounded, while the Macugar-Dimakutas had four of its members injured.

The two families agreed on a truce that will last until the end of Ramadan.

In the agreement, which was facilitated by government officials and religious leaders, the families promised not to step foot in the other side's turf while the ceasefire is ongoing.

The hostilities broke out last Friday after members of the warring clans had an encounter in a mosque in Barangay Linao. Violence continued the following day after some 14 houses belonging to the Macugar-Dimakuta family were burned down.

Colonel Glenn Macasero, commanding officer of the 103rd Army Brigade, said the long-standing feud between the two clans was rekindled in the last election when Hadji Pais Kebab, a member of the Capal family, lost in the vice-mayoralty race.

The police are urging the two warring clans to press charges against each other instead of taking the law into their hands. Iligan

Child dies as BIFF rebels attack Maguindanao Army base

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 23): Child dies as BIFF rebels attack Maguindanao Army base
 
A child was killed while a farmer was wounded when renegade Moro rebels attacked an Army base in Maguindanao while majority of Maguindanaons were glued on TV and radio for President Aquino's 4th State of the Nation Address, authorities here said Tuesday.

Colonel Dickson Hermoso, speaking for the Army's 6th Infantry "Kampilan" Division based here, said members of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) opened fire a roadside detachment of the Army’s 2nd Mechanized Battalion in Barangay Elian in Datu Saudi and hurriedly escaped.

The gun burst sent fresidents nearby who are observing fasting into panic at about 4:30 p.m.

The bandits fired several rounds of rifle grenades toward the Army base before fleeing.

A child and a farmer were seriously wounded in the incident. The child later expired at the Cotabato Regional and Medical Center while the farmer remained in critical condition.

But the BIFF spokesperson, Abu Misry Mama, denied any involvement of their forces in the Barangay Elian attack.

“We are not involved, if we did I will admit and make it public," Mama told a radio station here.

Following the incident, soldiers conducted foot patrols and urged civilians to help the Army contain lawless elements so they will not be disrupted in their religious activities.

Most of the Maguindanaons are observing the month-long Ramadhan where they sacrifice by not taking in food and water from dawn to dusk. Fasting ends on August 9.

Hermoso said the Army is saddened by the turn of events when Moro guerrillas harassed Army positions that also affect civilians in the community.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=547036

PNP: 12-year-old NPA rebel surrenders in Quezon

From GMA News (Jul 23): PNP: 12-year-old NPA rebel surrenders in Quezon

An alleged 12-year-old child warrior of the New People's Army surrendered to authorities in Quezon last week, the Philippine National Police said Monday.

In a post on its news site, the PNP said the boy, who surrendered July 17, was a native of Nabua in Camarines Sur in Bicol.

 

But he supposedly joined the NPA unit operating in the third district of Quezon province when he was only nine years old, the PNP said.

 

The PNP said the boy surrendered to the Lopez town police and is now under the custody of the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office of Lopez.

 

The PNP quoted the boy as saying he was recruited by the NPA when he was making charcoal in Lopez, Quezon after running away from home in 2010.

 

A United Nations report released in June 2013 said armed rebel groups including the NPA used child soldiers for their operations. 

 

The report entitled "Grave Violations Committed Against Children in 22 Situations of Concern" also said the Armed Forces of the Philippines used child soldiers too.

 

The Department of Social Welfare and Development said it is intensifying its monitoring system to make sure children are not exploited in armed conflict.

 

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/318702/news/regions/pnp-12-year-old-npa-rebel-surrenders-in-quezon

Sajahatra Bangsamoro JFCO undertakes site validations

From the MILF Website (Jul 24): Sajahatra Bangsamoro JFCO undertakes site validations



Members of the Joint Field Coordinating Office (JFCO) of Sajahatra Bangsamoro met last June 24, 2013 at Cotabato City and tackled site validation of pilot areas identified by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).  Dr. Taugan S. Kikay, head of Project Management Team (PMT) and members attended. Dante Elleuterio, Project Manager headed the OPPAP group.
   

Also present was Rahib Payapat, Technical Assistant Team Leader (TAT). Mr. Elleuterio presided the meeting and arrived at a consensus that site validations shall be undertaken. Two validation teams were constituted and composed of two groups with Team 1 assigned in the mainland  Mindanao which will cover the Ranao Region, South Cotabato,  North Cotabato, Maguindanao, General Santos and  Davao.

Team 1 is led by Doc Basary Latip, TF member, with him were Doc Ismael Abdullah TF member, Dr. Kikay,  Mr. Elleuterio, Rahib Payapat  Technical Assistant Team leader, Anthony Garcing, OPAPP Administrative Officer in the Sajahatra BM, 1 CCCH MILF, 1 CCCH GPH, Jalilah Solaiman, Education Focal Person-PMT-CMO . Also involved during the site validation were other members of the PMT-RMO, field facilitators and this writer being the Communication and Information Officer.  

Team 2 was assigned in Western Mindanao such as Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Zamboanga, Basilan and Zamboanga Peninsula. The team was headed by Ustadz Mahmod Ahmad, Co-Chairman MILF Task Force Sajahatra Bangsamoro and concurrently Executive Director of Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute (BLMI). In his group were Engr. Racma Nur, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer (PMT-CMO), Ustadz Habib Usman, Livelihood Focal Person-PMT-CMO, Amirudin Gayak,  Health Focal Person-PMT-CMO, Hadzer Birowa, OPPAP Livelihood Focal Person, Maria Abba, OPPAP Health Focal Person, 1CCCH MILF, 1CCCH GPH, PTM-RMO members; the Zamboanga-based OPPAP administrative Officer for Sajahatra BM; other focal persons and field facilitators.

The site validation started June 26 and concluded on June 30, 2013.
http://www.luwaran.com/

MILF: MILF appeals anew to MNLF for unity and solidarity

From the MILF Website (Jul 23): MILF appeals anew to MNLF for unity and solidarity

A senior member of the MILF Central Committee has appealed anew to the leaders of the various factions of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) for unity and solidarity in wake of progress of the GPH-MILF peace negotiation after the two parties signed the Annex on Wealth-sharing in Kuala Lumpur last July 13.
   

“These achievements in the peace talks are for everybody and not for the MILF alone. We are inclusive and we make sure that whatever we sign with the government does not shortchange our people.”

This was the statement of Muhammad Ameen, chair of the MILF Secretariat, in response to reports that some leaders of the MNLF particularly those in Sulu are trying to bring up the MNLF case to the United Nations.

However, no details of the effort to involve the UN are available as of press time.

He disclosed that at present the United Nations, in partnership with the World Bank, had entered into a technical assistance program with the MILF called the Facility for Advisory Support for Transition Capacities (FASTRAC). The exchanged of letters between the UN-WB and the MILF was held in Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao last April 29.

The deal will assist the MILF and the Government of the Philippines in building capacity to address key issues for the Bangsamoro such as governance, justice, combatant transition and security.

Priority areas of support will be determined by the Transition Commission, MILF, and the Philippine government. FASTRAC will provide on-demand access to a pool of experts, training, policy advice, research and international exchanges.

Speaking at the launch of the new program in Camp Darapanan, United Nations Resident Coordinator Luiza Carvalho said, “FASTRAC will provide the Transition Commission and related institutions access to the best possible national and international expertise in moving forward with the peace process, especially in the drafting of the Basic Law that will reflect the Bangsamoro people’s aspirations for genuine autonomy while establishing the basis for efficient and accountable government.”

In addition to technical advice, FASTRAC will support community outreach and consultations to ensure that the new Basic Law reflects the views of communities across the Bangsamoro.
Mr. Al Haj Murad, Chairman of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, welcomed the launch of FASTRAC saying that the MILF is committed to an inclusive peace process to bring security and prosperity to all in the Bangsamoro.

“Technical support of the UN and World Bank will give us access to ideas and practices that have been found successful in other parts of the world,” said Mr. Murad. “It will help us reach out to communities and facilitate local dialogue and consultation to secure broader ownership and help us draft the best possible Basic Law.” 

“Ensuring that the process of drafting the law is inclusive will be as important as the substance of the law itself,” Mr. Murad added.
http://www.luwaran.com/

AFP, police hunt down gunmen in soldier's ambush in North Cotabato

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 23): AFP, police hunt down gunmen in soldier's ambush in North Cotabato
 
Joint and military forces are now hunting down a group of armed men who ambushed and seriously wounded a soldier in Aleosan, North Cotabato Monday noon.

Colonel Dickson Hermoso, speaking for the 6th Infantry Division, said about four armed men waylaid Corporal Usop Pasandalan of the 40th Infantry Battalion in Sitio Tubac, Barangay Pagangan, Aleosan, North Cotabato.

Pasandalan of Pikit, North Cotabato was driving his motorcycle en route to his place of assignment in Aleosan when the ambush occurred.

Pasandalan, 37, was rushed by passersby to Amado Diaz Hospital in Midsayap, North Cotabato but due to his serious gunshot wounds in his stomach, he was later transferred to Camp Siongco Hospital inside the 6th Infantry Division in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao.

He was a member of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) integrated into the Philippine military following the signing of the MNLF-GHP peace accord in 1996.

The ambush on Pasandalan was followed by a shooting of a Muslim datu right inside his home in nearby Midsayap, also in North Cotabato.

Police identified the victim as Datu Geli Ottoh Minang, 53, of Barangay Poblacion 3, Midsayap who is now in critical condition at a hospital in Midsayap.

Unidentified armed men barged into the house of Minang and without provocation shot him point blank at 6:30 p.m.

Minang’s neighbor, Arnel Umalca, 36, was hit by stray bullets. The suspects fled after the shooting and police believed personal grudge motivated the suspects in shooting.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=547191

U.S. will not backtrack on rebalance toward Asia

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 23): U.S. will not backtrack on rebalance toward Asia

The Obama administration will not backtrack on its rebalance toward Asia and the Pacific, a region "immensely important" to the interests of the United States, a senior American envoy said on Monday.

Daniel Russel, who assumed the post of assistant secretary of state for East Asia and the Pacific affairs a week ago, told reporters that he has served under President Barack Obama since he took office in January 2009 and understood "firsthand" the president's "strategic commitment" to rebalance U.S. interests and investments in the Asia-Pacific region.

"And I can say with great confidence that there is no let up, no backtracking, no diminution of that commitment," he said at a press briefing. "First and foremost, the East Asia and Pacific region is immensely important to the interests of the United States."

A 28-year foreign service veteran, Russel had served as special assistant to the president and senior director for Asian affairs at the National Security Council since 2011.

He said Washington based its rebalance strategy on three "areas of focus" -- modernizing and upgrading America's alliances in the region, participating in and investing in regional institutions, and building better and stronger relations with the emerging powers in the region.

Washington's "enduring" treaty alliances with Australia, Thailand, the Philippines, Japan and the Republic of Korea "form the foundation of peace and stability," while China has dominated the administration's engagement with emerging powers in the region, Russel said.

He noted that the Obama administration will continue its close cooperation with ASEAN on "a whole range of" issues including education, economic development, energy, climate, maritime security and connectivity.

The veteran diplomat said he took office with "a clear-eyed view" of problems facing the region, including the nuclear program with the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, tensions over territorial disputes both in the South China Sea and the East China Sea, and broad transnational global challenges like climate change, energy security and cyberspace.

The Obama administration has been busy selling its new strategic shift toward Asia in the past two years as Washington finally winds down two costly wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

But the policy, which heavily features strengthening cold-war style security alliances and large-scale military redeployment, has also raised eyebrows in the region.

Some Chinese analysts are particularly wary of Washington using the strategic shift to contain China, citing U.S. tacit support for countries that have territorial disputes with China, including the Philippines and Japan.

Meanwhile, U.S. officials have repeatedly sought to ally Chinese fears, downplaying the military color of its new pivot to Asia policy and highlighting its willingness to cooperate with China.

China has said the Asia-Pacific is large enough to accommodate the interests of both countries and urged Washington to play a stabilizing and constructive role in the region.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=547010

Sokol helicopter deal signed before Gazmin’s term

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jul 23): Sokol helicopter deal signed before Gazmin’s term

The supposed combat utility helicopters that President Benigno Aquino III’s criticized during his fourth State of the Nation Address had been “misclassified” and were shifted to conduct search and rescue operations.

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, in an interview with reporters at Camp Aguinaldo, said that the eight Sokol helicopters, which Aquino was referring to in his speech, was “misclassified” but clarified that the money spent for the P2.8 billion deal was not a total waste.

“The President is saying that there is something wrong with the design because its classification is a combat utility helicopter yet it cannot be used for combat…so what are we going to do? We will make use of it as a search and rescue aircraft. Anyway it is a very powerful engine, and a dual engine at that. It has a longtime endurance and at the same time it has auto pilot. It was not a total waste but there was a misclassification of the aircraft,” he said.

The Sokol helicopters arrived in three batches since last year, but Gazmin said the deal was signed before he assumed as Defense Secretary.

“I am a combat officer. The first thing I noticed was why do you have to remove the machine gun in order to get through the door,” Gazmin said.

In his speech, Aquino lambasted the purchase of Sokols and questioned why the deals were signed.

“Here is another example of the kind of thinking we’ve had to eradicate from government. Eight combat utility helicopters were bought for what they claimed to be ‘the more efficient deployment of our soldiers.’ The problem: The guns the helicopters were equipped with were mounted at the door; requiring their removal in order to enable people to pass. If you are a soldier entering the fray at the height of battle, what use is a machine gun that is set aside and unable to fire? Did no one think about this before the contracts were signed? Why was this even approved in the first place?” Aquino said in his speech.

Gazmin said they are still proceeding with the acquisition of attack helicopters, but said they are looking at other brands aside from Sokol.

At the same time, he assured that future purchases of military equipment will make the President satisfied.

“Our process of defense system of management involves senior officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Department of National Defense. We look at what we need to acquire, our priorities. And in the process we make discussions, we invite all sectors in the military from junior to senior officers to enlisted personnel as observers to witness how the decisions we come up with is a collective decision among us and not just myself or the AFP Chief,” he said.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/451365/sokol-helicopter-deal-signed-before-gazmins-term

Defense chief says purchase of 8 Sokol choppers from Poland is last

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jul 24): Defense chief says purchase of 8 Sokol choppers from Poland is last



Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

”Of what use is a combat helicopter if you cannot use its machine gun?” President Aquino asked in his State of the Nation Address on Monday.

On Tuesday, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said the purchase of eight Sokol helicopters from Poland would be the last by the Department of National Defense (DND) since they could not be used in combat, after all.

“I understand helicopters because I’m a combat officer. The first thing I noticed was, why do you have to remove the machine gun before you can get inside it? The entrance is too narrow, it’s all wrong,” said Gazmin, a former Army Special Forces commander.

The P2.8-billion deal with Augusta PZL Swidnik of Italy and Poland for eight Sokol helicopters had been signed, sealed and delivered when he assumed office in July 2010, Gazmin said.

“We just had to make the payment,” he said.

The eight Sokol (Falcon in Polish) helicopters were delivered in two batches in 2012.

The contract was finalized during the last months of the Arroyo administration when Norberto Gonzales, the national security adviser, was also defense secretary.

When the first batch of four choppers arrived in March 2012, the PAF hailed the addition to their depleted air assets.

The Sokols were supposed to replace the Vietnam-vintage UH-1H Huey helicopters the PAF used in search and rescue, medical evacuation and combat utility missions.

But in his Sona on Monday, President Aquino said the helicopters could not be used to ferry soldiers to combat zones because the machine guns were mounted at the door, blocking entry and exit.

“If you are a soldier entering the fray at the height of battle, of what use is a machine gun that is set aside and unable to fire? Did no one think about this before the contracts were signed? Why was this even approved in the first place?” Aquino said.

Gazmin said he had not made up his mind whether or not to order an investigation and go after those responsible for the purchase of the Sokols even if these did not meet the PAF’s requirements.

“We’ll study that. I cannot answer that question yet,” he said.

He said the helicopters would be used in search and rescue missions and the DND would proceed with the acquisition of attack helicopters. “But no longer the Sokol. We are looking at other brands of aircraft and helicopters.”

Related stories:

Sokol helicopter deal signed before Gazmin’s term

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/451365/sokol-helicopter-deal-signed-before-gazmins-term

Second batch of Sokol choppers delivered to PAF

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/315841/second-batch-of-sokol-choppers-delivered-to-paf

AFP air upgrade hits snag: ‘Lo-bat’

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/438629/afp-air-upgrade-hits-snag-lo-bat

Aquino vows to beef up Philippines’ air power

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/436579/aquino-vows-to-beef-up-philippines-air-power

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/451593/defense-chief-says-purchase-of-8-sokol-choppers-from-poland-is-last

Gov’t to pursue purchase of 12 fighter jets from S. Korea

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jul 23): Gov’t to pursue purchase of 12 fighter jets from S. Korea
The Philippine government will continue to pursue its acquisition of 12 fighter jets from South Korea even as President Benigno Aquino III emphasized the need to “balance” the country’s needs in warfare.

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said Tuesday that the papers for the purchase of the jets have been submitted to the Office of the President.

“We are waiting for the sales agreement. Once that is approved, negotiations will begin,” Gazmin told reporters in an interview.

Although Gazmin said they were originally eyeing to buy a squadron or 24 jets, the Philippines cannot afford all the jets with the P75 billion modernization funds.

Although Gazmin has assured that these fighter jets will not be directed towards any country, he said this will beef up the country’s defense against external threats.

The imminent acquisition of fighter jets will be the first of the war planes by the Air Force since it last retired its US fighter jets in 2005. The new fighter jets will come from Korean Aerospace Industries in South Korea.

In his fourth SONA speech last Monday, Aquino emphasized the need to “balance” the country’s needs in building a minimum credible defense posture.

“There are those who insist on upgrading our Armed Forces. I agree with this, but some of them act as if they want us to invest every centavo of our country into fighter jets, tanks, and other equipment for warfare. They may not know that one fighter jet costs 1.58 billion pesos—equivalent to 6,580 houses for our soldiers and our police force, or nearly 2,000 classrooms for our children. And what can one jet do? To be truly effective, we would need a squadron—and one squadron is composed of twenty-four fighter jets,” the President said.

“At 1.58 billion pesos per jet, we would have to devote 37.92 billion pesos of the nation’s coffers just to assemble one squadron. And what about practice missiles? And it is not as if jet fuel, a radar system, ground bases, and ground intercept controls are free. Building a minimum credible defense posture is not something we can take lightly. Do we follow others who prioritize the possession of a nuclear option at the expense of everything else? I do not think anyone would agree. We will balance our needs. We are committed to meeting the needs of our society, while remaining a good and upstanding member of the community of nations,” he added.

http://globalnation.inquirer.net/81185/govt-to-pursue-purchase-of-12-fighter-jets-from-s-korea

In two-week span: fourth NPA member surrenders

From the Mindanao Times (Jul 22): In two-week span: fourth NPA member surrenders

Another member of the New People’s Army surrendered to the military on Sunday morning. He was the fourth communist rebel who went back to the fold in a span of four weeks.

Col. Librado Quilla, 10th Infantry Division spokesperson, said the most recent surrenderee was Franklin Maniquis, who surrendered to the 66th Infantry Battalion at around 9 a.m.

Maniquis was a member of the Front Committee 20 of the Southern Mindanao Regional Command. “He is still currently being debriefed in an on-going interview.

We will also know why did he surrender, maybe because he grew tired of the movement,” Quilla said.

The spokesperson revealed that Elizar Tabon and Mario Dala Peding, both residents of Sitio Banwang, Barangay Datal Bukay, Glan, Sarangani Province, also surrendered to military troops last Friday.

Quilla said Tabon surrendered his Caliber M1 Garrand rifle while Peding his Caliber .45 pistol. Both men were members of the NPA’s propaganda team operating in Glan.

Both said they joined the rebel movement in 1999 and both started to become inactive in 2002. Since then, they claimed to have been hunted by their comrades forcing them to transfer from one place to the other.

On a similar note, another NPA leader, identified as Gilbert Daging Meniano, also returned to the folds of the law last Wednesday morning.

Capt. Severino T. David, Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) spokesperson, said Meniano surrendered his M4A1 Carbine to Lt. Col. Joseph Norwin D Pasamonte, 36th Infantry Battalion commander, under the 4th Infantry Division based in Dayaoan, Tago, Surigao del Sur.

According to David, the surrender was made possible through the negotiation efforts of Meninano’s tribe under Hawudon Udjutan Daging and the Panguyo Tu Tribu Tu Panikian.

“We have many surrender feelers and we are optimistic that more of our brothers in the mountains will soon mainstream back in the communities. Let us hand-in-hand welcome them and help them experience abundant inner peace with their families,” Lt. Gen. Ricardo Rainier Cruz III, East Mindanao Commander, said in a statement.

Quilla said the rebels will be given appropriate livelihood programs aside from the immediate cash assistance through the guns-for-peace program.

http://www.mindanaotimes.net/in-two-week-span-fourth-npa-member-surrenders/

Child dies in Maguindanao rebel attack

From the Manila Times (Jul 23): Child dies in Maguindanao rebel attack

A CHILD was killed while a farmer was wounded when renegade Moro rebels attacked an Army base in Maguindanao province at about 4:30 p.m. on Monday, reports from Maguindanao police said on Tuesday.

Col. Dickson Hermoso, speaking for the Army’s Sixth Infantry “Kampilan” Division, said members of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters opened fire at a roadside detachment of Army’s Second Mechanized Battalion in Barangay Elian in Datu Saudi before fleeing.

A child and a farmer were seriously wounded in the incident. The child later expired at the Cotabato Regional and Medical Center while the farmer remained in critical condition.

http://www.manilatimes.net/child-dies-in-maguindanao-rebel-attack/22197/

Four Bukidnon rebels give up arms for peace

From the Manila Times (Jul 23): Four Bukidnon rebels give up arms for peace

FOUR members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Bukidnon voluntarily surrendered to the military.

Lt. Col. Leo Bongosia, spokeman, Fourth Infantry Division, on Tuesday said that the rebels also turned over their firearms to elements of the 403rd Infantry Brigade in Impalambong, Malaybalay City.

Surrendered were one M16 5.56 milimeter (mm) rifle; one 40mm grenade launcher; one M1 Carbine, five 40mm grenade launcher rounds, three magazine for M16 rifle, two magazines for M1 Carbine, and 100 assorted live ammunitions.

“Weary and tired in the mountains, lack of proper food for subsistence, loss of interest and conviction about the revolutionary cause prompted the four to come down,” Bongosia said.

Bongosia said the former NPAs were currently undergoing custodial debriefing while their papers and other documents for financial assistance are being processed.

Under the Armed Forces of the Philippines “Guns for Peace” program, an estimated P110,000 will be provided to the rebels as soon as their documents and requirements are completed.

Bongosia said the rebels’ names were withheld pending completion of their custodial debriefing.

http://www.manilatimes.net/four-bukidnon-rebels-give-up-arms-for-peace/22203/

PH still buying fighter jets

From the Manila Bulletin (Jul 23): PH still buying fighter jets



Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin on Tuesday said the plan to purchase 12 F/A 50 light fighter aircraft from South Korea will proceed.

Gazmin made the assurance one day after President Benigno S. Aquino III cited in his State of the Nation Address (SONA) the massive cost it would entail for the government to build minimum credible defense posture through acquisition of fighter jets and modern weapons for the military.

In an interview at Camp Gen. Emilio E. Aguinaldo, Gazmin told reporters the sales agreement for the Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) jet aircraft is now at the Office of the President.

"Tuloy-tuloy ang procurement, yung papeles nasa kanila na, nasa Office of the President. Hinahantay lang natin ang sales agreement, once that is approved tuloy-tuloy na yung negotiations," said the defense chief.

The government has allocated an P18 billion budget for the acquisition of the 12 F/A-50 multi-role fighter aircraft.

During the SONA, the president noted "there are those who insist on upgrading our Armed Forces."

"I agree with this, but some of them act as if they want us to invest every centavo of our country into fighter jets, tanks, and other equipment for warfare. They may not know that one fighter jet costs P1.58 billion pesos—equivalent to 6,580 houses for our soldiers and our police force, or nearly 2,000 classrooms for our children," he added.

"Building a minimum credible defense posture is not something we can take lightly... We will balance our needs. We are committed to meeting the needs of our society, while remaining a good and upstanding member of the community of nations," the president further stated.

"Right now, tinitingnan niya (President) yung lahat nung pangangailangan natin, marami lahat at kailangan natin all at the same time kaya kailangan balansehin niya kung ano ang bibilhin, kung ano ang uunahin," explained the defense chief.

Gazmin added that included in the list are the fighter jets but instead of 24 or one squadron, the government will only acquire 12 of such aircraft.

He explained this is because the Defense department can not afford to spend all the P75 billion AFP modernization budget to buy fighter aircraft.

Gazmin further said the jet fighters are needed to protect the country's airspace.
"It's important because we need to defend our country against any threats. It's not directed to any country for that matter," he stated.

The Government Procurement Policy Board earlier gave the Defense department the "green-light" to start pre-negotiations with the South Korean government for 12 F/A 50 aircraft last January.

http://mb.com.ph/News/National_News/23619/PH_still_buying_fighter_jets#.Ue82S47D9lY

US access to former bases will make PH a colony again, says American peace activist

From InterAksyon (Jul 23): US access to former bases will make PH a colony again, says American peace activist



Allowing the United States access to its former military bases in Clark and Subic will mean the Philippines reverting to being a colony again, an American peace activist who is against the weaponization of space said.

In an interview with InterAksyon.com, Bruce Gagnon, coordinator and co-founder of the Global Network Against Weapons & Nuclear Power in Space, said the plan would only further militarize the region and close other peaceful means of settling the country’s territorial dispute with China.

“It’s a mistake for the Philippines to embrace the world’s biggest military aggressor and, in the process, make an enemy of the next rising superpower and become its target in the process,” Gagnon said.

“The United States has big ambitions in the region. It wants to control China by controlling 60 percent of the naval routes in the region through more ports and more ships,” he said.

Gagnon, who organized in 1997 the Cancel Cassini Campaign against the launching of 72 pounds of plutonium into space, said the Philippines must remain independent and neutral in the impending fight between the US and China.

“Foster economic relations with China,” he suggested.

In its territorial dispute with China, he said the Philippines must try to work out its difference with China in a “positive” manner.

Gagnon said China started to become aggressive about its borders only after the United States’ announcement of its “pivot” back to Asia. He said China interprets this as a US attempt to control its traditional trade routes.

Early July, President Benigno Aquino III confirmed statements by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario of another form of joint military cooperation with the US and Japan.

Aquino said the two countries’ access to the former Clark Air Base and Subic Naval Base is part of the Philippines’ effort to establish “a credible alliance” with its only two “strategic partners.”

At the same time, he denied China’s allegation that this plan was meant to provoke Beijing even as he stressed access to the installations was “not permanent,” following concerns raised about the constitutionality of the planned arrangement.

On the other hand, the conservative Washington-based Heritage Foundation lauded Aquino’s plan and pushed for “greater US presence in the region.”

In contrast to Gagnon’s concerns, Olivia Enos, research assistant in the Asia Studies Center at The Heritage Foundation, said the plan to give the US access to its former bases “would help the Philippines counter an increasingly aggressive China.”

Enos said the new base-sharing agreement between the US and the Philippines must be completed earlier than 2016, when Aquino leaves office.

“History, however, is moving at a faster pace: Chinese ships at Scarborough and Second Thomas Shoal are testament to that. The allies ought to be more ambitious on time frames,” she said.

“Increased access to Filipino bases is a critical element in enhancing military ties in a way that can strengthen the position of both vis-à-vis China,” Enos said, citing a three-part blueprint produced by Heritage Foundation’s Walter Lohman.

Until 1991, before the Philippine Senate voted against renewing the Philippines-US Military Bases Agreement, the Philippines hosted the United States’ largest overseas military facilities.

In place of the abrogated agreement, the US and the Philippines signed the Visiting Forces Agreement providing for the annual joint military exercises between the two countries.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/67007/us-access-to-former-bases-will-make-ph-a-colony-again-says-american-peace-activist

China unveils new, unified coast guard to handle maritime disputes

From InterAksyon (Jul 23): China unveils new, unified coast guard to handle maritime disputes



China's new unified coast guard agency has gone into operation, state media reported Tuesday amid maritime disputes with neighbors, and experts said more ships will be armed as a result.

The China Coast Guard integrates the functions of marine surveillance, the existing coast guard which came under the police, fisheries law enforcement and Customs' anti-smuggling maritime police.

The divisions "that were not allowed to be equipped with weapons can be armed now," Yang Mian, professor of international relations at the Communication University of China, was quoted as saying by the Global Times newspaper.

"The new agency will also make our law enforcement more powerful."

The new agency will "have reasonable and legal law enforcement equipment" and "detect and rapidly handle in accordance with the law acts that harm China's maritime rights and interests," Zhang Junshe, a military researcher, wrote in a commentary in the PLA Daily.

Tensions have been growing over China's island disputes with Japan and other neighbors.

Chinese surveillance ships have frequently approached disputed islands in the East China Sea, which Japan controls and knows as the Senkakus but China claims as the Diaoyus, after Tokyo nationalized some of them last September.

The Philippines and Vietnam have accused Beijing of aggressively asserting its extensive claims in the South China Sea, although tensions have abated slightly with Hanoi in recent weeks.

With an eye on the rows, the United States has strengthened military cooperation with Japan and the Philippines -- which are both treaty-bound allies -- as well as with former war adversary Vietnam.

Zhang said the new agency will deal with conflicts in the disputed waters according to Chinese law.

That "will ... show the international community that China has undisputable jurisdiction over the waters," he said.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/67019/china-unveils-new-unified-coast-guard-to-handle-maritime-disputes