From the South China Morning Post (Aug 29): Manila open to allowing PLA Navy to visit its bases, says defence chief
Manila would not rule out allowing Chinese naval ships to call on the country's bases, including a planned defence installation at the former US naval facility in Subic, the Philippines' military chief told the South China Morning Post yesterday.
Subic, once a prized military facility for the US, is earmarked for a major upgrade with new bases that would allow the Philippines to station warships and new fighter jets just 124 nautical miles from Scarborough Shoal, a contentious area now controlled by China after a tense stand-off last year.
"Many foreign ships visit our ports and we welcome them, that is part of military diplomacy," Armed Forces chief of staff General Emmanuel Bautista said during a foreign correspondents forum in Manila.
Bautista's openness to the idea could be interpreted in a number of ways, including as a conciliatory gesture to Beijing. The PLA Navy has made three official ports of call to the Philippines since 1998.
But the Philippines has made no secret that it also wants to allow US forces to visit for longer periods and be stationed on Philippine military bases temporarily. Beijing has bristled at the intention of the US to "pivot" to the region it considers its backyard.
That issue would have no doubt been a theme of discussion between China's defence minister General Chang Wanquan and US defence secretary Chuck Hagel, who were due to meet yesterday on the sidelines of a two-day gathering of defence ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Brunei.
The Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan also claim parts of the sea, and the area has for decades been regarded as a potential trigger for major military conflict.
Bautista said: "We are such a poor country compared to China, that is why we are trying to leverage our alliances with our friends, with our allies to collectively create a security environment to prevent any aggression."
He added that "while we do not have the wherewithal, the capability to defend our territory by ourselves, we partner with others to collectively assure the security of our region."
The Armed Forces of the Philippines is undertaking a five-year, 75 billion peso (HK$13 billion) programme that emphasises a build-up of naval and air forces. It recently acquired a second refurbished Hamilton-class cutter from the US coastguard to bolster its small navy.
Many believe the military build-up is a reaction to China's strident claims on - and in several instances, outright occupation of - contested islands and shoals in the South China Sea.
Bautista said "there is a lot of encroachment from different nationalities; Taiwanese, Vietnamese and Chinese fishermen are being caught in Philippine waters".
"We do not see any country as our enemy," he added.
"There is still a presence of Chinese maritime surveillance vessels and fisheries ships on Scarborough Shoal."
Bautista was referring to one strategic area China calls Huangyan Island. Manila has continued to object to a Chinese presence at Second Thomas shoal.
When asked what the military's response would be to the so-called "cabbage strategy" of China - blanketing contested territory with "layers" of fishermen, maritime vessels, and naval ships - Bautista replied: "Our policy is non-confrontation, and it will not change."
He said the Philippines aimed to shift the military away from a decades-long counter insurgency effort into developing a minimum credible defence.
http://www.scmp.com/news/article/1300257/manila-open-allowing-pla-navy-visit-its-bases-says-defence-chief
Wednesday, August 28, 2013
Army to intensify security operation
From the Visayan Daily Star (Aug 28): Army to intensify security operation
The Army's 3rd Infantry Division will continue to intensify its security operations against lawless groups in Negros and Panay, its commander, Brig. Gen. Aurelio Baladad, yesterday said.
Baladad said they continuously encourage and call upon those who have gone through the wrong path to lay down their armed and renounce the armed violence, apparently referring to the New People's Army.
Together with other stakeholders, he added, they will help them return to the folds of the law and live a peaceful life together with their families.
Military records show that 81 self-confessed rebels in Negros Occidental have surrendered to the 303rd Infantry Brigade since 2010.
Baladad said in a statement issued that he lauded the cooperation of the people in Negros and Panay in putting an end to NPA threats and violence.
The Army is extending its sincere gratitude to the civilians, who informed the soldiers about the presence of lawless armed group, citing the recovery of an M1 garand rifle with a clip of eight ammunition left behind by the NPA in Tapaz, Capiz on Monday, he also said.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/August/28/negor3.htm
The Army's 3rd Infantry Division will continue to intensify its security operations against lawless groups in Negros and Panay, its commander, Brig. Gen. Aurelio Baladad, yesterday said.
Baladad said they continuously encourage and call upon those who have gone through the wrong path to lay down their armed and renounce the armed violence, apparently referring to the New People's Army.
Together with other stakeholders, he added, they will help them return to the folds of the law and live a peaceful life together with their families.
Military records show that 81 self-confessed rebels in Negros Occidental have surrendered to the 303rd Infantry Brigade since 2010.
Baladad said in a statement issued that he lauded the cooperation of the people in Negros and Panay in putting an end to NPA threats and violence.
The Army is extending its sincere gratitude to the civilians, who informed the soldiers about the presence of lawless armed group, citing the recovery of an M1 garand rifle with a clip of eight ammunition left behind by the NPA in Tapaz, Capiz on Monday, he also said.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/August/28/negor3.htm
AFP: PH troops in Golan ready vs chemical warfare
From Rappler (Aug 28): AFP: PH troops in Golan ready vs chemical warfare
Filipino peacekeepers in Golan Heights are properly equipped for chemical warfare, Armed Forces chief Gen Emmanuel Bautista told reporters on Wednesday, August 28.
"Our Filipino troops in Golan Heights, the [United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF)], are properly equipped for chemical warfare," Bautista said.
Bautista said they were earlier issued masks and chemical suits, complying with earlier conditions reportedly set by Philippine President Benigno Aquino III in order to continue the country' engagement with the UNDOF.
PH sets conditions for Golan peacekeepers
Up to 1,300 people were killed in neighboring Syria on August 21 because of chemical weapons that US and Syria's main opposition group said were unleashed by the forces of Syria President Bashar al-Assad.
READ: Syria opposition says 1,300 dead in chemical attack
The US said there is "very little doubt" that chemical weapons were used on civilains. US forces were ready to strike Syria on Tuesday, August 27, to punish the Assad government for unleashing chemical warfare.
READ: US forces ready to strike Syria
Aquino earlier threatened to withdraw Filipinos troops in Golan Heights because of the continued violence spilling over from Syria.
In March 2013, 21 Filipino peacekeepers were kidnaped by Syrian rebels as "frontiers of their war against President Bashar al-Assad." On June 6, a Filipino peacekeeper was wounded, prompting the Philippine government to reconsider its troops' presence in Golan Heights.
Japan and Croatia had earlier withdrawn their troops.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario said Filipinos troops would remain in UNDOF until August 11 but Bautista said they are still there.
"We have not yet rotated them. We are waiting for approval of next rotaion. Anytime now, they can be rotated already. We are just waiting for approval," said Bautista
http://www.rappler.com/nation/37509-philippine-troops-golan-equipped-chemical-warfare
Filipino peacekeepers in Golan Heights are properly equipped for chemical warfare, Armed Forces chief Gen Emmanuel Bautista told reporters on Wednesday, August 28.
"Our Filipino troops in Golan Heights, the [United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF)], are properly equipped for chemical warfare," Bautista said.
Bautista said they were earlier issued masks and chemical suits, complying with earlier conditions reportedly set by Philippine President Benigno Aquino III in order to continue the country' engagement with the UNDOF.
PH sets conditions for Golan peacekeepers
Up to 1,300 people were killed in neighboring Syria on August 21 because of chemical weapons that US and Syria's main opposition group said were unleashed by the forces of Syria President Bashar al-Assad.
READ: Syria opposition says 1,300 dead in chemical attack
The US said there is "very little doubt" that chemical weapons were used on civilains. US forces were ready to strike Syria on Tuesday, August 27, to punish the Assad government for unleashing chemical warfare.
READ: US forces ready to strike Syria
Aquino earlier threatened to withdraw Filipinos troops in Golan Heights because of the continued violence spilling over from Syria.
In March 2013, 21 Filipino peacekeepers were kidnaped by Syrian rebels as "frontiers of their war against President Bashar al-Assad." On June 6, a Filipino peacekeeper was wounded, prompting the Philippine government to reconsider its troops' presence in Golan Heights.
Japan and Croatia had earlier withdrawn their troops.
Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario said Filipinos troops would remain in UNDOF until August 11 but Bautista said they are still there.
"We have not yet rotated them. We are waiting for approval of next rotaion. Anytime now, they can be rotated already. We are just waiting for approval," said Bautista
http://www.rappler.com/nation/37509-philippine-troops-golan-equipped-chemical-warfare
NPA ambush kills militia in Compostela Valley
From the Mindanao Examiner blog site (Aug 28): NPA ambush kills militia in Compostela Valley
Communist rebels killed a government militia and wounded a soldier in an ambush in the southern Philippine province of Compostela Valley province, officials told the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.
Officials said New People’s Army opened fire on the duo – Matrinillo Enot and Pfc. Calid Alo – who were travelling on a motorcycle in the village of Casoon in Monkayo town.
The rebels escaped after the ambush allowing villagers to help the victims who were rushed to hospital in Tagum City, according to army Capt. Albert Caber, a spokesman for the Eastern Mindanao Command.
Caber, quoting a Lt. Col. Elmer Aterado, commander of the 25th Infantry Battalion, said the victims were unarmed and in civilian clothes heading to their patrol base when the attack occurred.
“This is another deliberate violation against human rights committed by the NPA. Our troops are simply protecting the community from illegal activities of the NPA such as extortion, among others,” Aterado said.
Caber said the Lt. Gen. Ricardo Rainier Cruz III, chief of the Eastern Mindanao Command, condemned the attack on Alo and Enot and ordered troops to intensify their operations against the rebel group, which has been fighting for a separate state in the country.
“I directed all military units to remain vigilant in carrying out peace and development initiatives in the region,” Cruz said.
The NPA owned up the attack and said it was part of a harassment campaign to combat preparations for the bio-fuel, palm oil and mining projects in Agusan and Compostela Valley boundaries.
It accused the military, specially its so-called peace and development teams, of abusing villagers to pave the way for the large-scale bio-fuel, palm oil and mining projects.
“These active NPA tactical offensives are meant to protect the gains of the anti-feudal campaign in the countryside of Agusan and Compostela Valley boundaries,” Aris Francisco, a spokesman for the rebel forces operating in the area, said in a separate statement to the Mindanao Examiner.
“The masses and the revolutionary forces are persevering in advancing the agrarian revolution in these areas. In the last couple of years and more so in recent months, advances in the struggle for land reform are gaining momentum—successes which the enemy are seeking to reverse. Village-level anti-feudal struggles are gaining ground and reactivating thousands of mass activists and revolutionary mass organizations. The collective work and communal work in the farms have benefited thousands of peasant and Lumad families in Agusan,” he said.
http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/08/npa-ambush-kills-militia-in-compostela.html
Communist rebels killed a government militia and wounded a soldier in an ambush in the southern Philippine province of Compostela Valley province, officials told the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.
Officials said New People’s Army opened fire on the duo – Matrinillo Enot and Pfc. Calid Alo – who were travelling on a motorcycle in the village of Casoon in Monkayo town.
The rebels escaped after the ambush allowing villagers to help the victims who were rushed to hospital in Tagum City, according to army Capt. Albert Caber, a spokesman for the Eastern Mindanao Command.
Caber, quoting a Lt. Col. Elmer Aterado, commander of the 25th Infantry Battalion, said the victims were unarmed and in civilian clothes heading to their patrol base when the attack occurred.
“This is another deliberate violation against human rights committed by the NPA. Our troops are simply protecting the community from illegal activities of the NPA such as extortion, among others,” Aterado said.
Caber said the Lt. Gen. Ricardo Rainier Cruz III, chief of the Eastern Mindanao Command, condemned the attack on Alo and Enot and ordered troops to intensify their operations against the rebel group, which has been fighting for a separate state in the country.
“I directed all military units to remain vigilant in carrying out peace and development initiatives in the region,” Cruz said.
The NPA owned up the attack and said it was part of a harassment campaign to combat preparations for the bio-fuel, palm oil and mining projects in Agusan and Compostela Valley boundaries.
It accused the military, specially its so-called peace and development teams, of abusing villagers to pave the way for the large-scale bio-fuel, palm oil and mining projects.
“These active NPA tactical offensives are meant to protect the gains of the anti-feudal campaign in the countryside of Agusan and Compostela Valley boundaries,” Aris Francisco, a spokesman for the rebel forces operating in the area, said in a separate statement to the Mindanao Examiner.
“The masses and the revolutionary forces are persevering in advancing the agrarian revolution in these areas. In the last couple of years and more so in recent months, advances in the struggle for land reform are gaining momentum—successes which the enemy are seeking to reverse. Village-level anti-feudal struggles are gaining ground and reactivating thousands of mass activists and revolutionary mass organizations. The collective work and communal work in the farms have benefited thousands of peasant and Lumad families in Agusan,” he said.
http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/08/npa-ambush-kills-militia-in-compostela.html
AFP, MILF join forces to hunt down new terror group in Mindanao
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Aug 29): AFP, MILF join forces to hunt down new terror group in Mindanao
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has confirmed that “rogue elements” from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Abu Sayyaf bandits in Mindanao have formed a new group of terrorists in Mindanao.
Gen. Emmanuel Bautista, AFP chief, disclosed that members of the Khalifa Islamiyah Mindanao (KIM) were among the suspects in the bomb attack in a commercial district in Cagayan de Oro City last month, which left eight people dead and scores other wounded.
Bautista’s statement was the first time the military confirmed the presence of the group since the police tagged it in the Cagayan de Oro explosion.
“Its members came from different groups, including some from Abu Sayyaf… This is a very small group,” Bautista said in a forum of the Manila Overseas Press Club on Tuesday night.
“They are spoilers (of the peace process in Mindanao). Some of them were rogue elements of the MILF. They formerly belonged to the MILF,” he told reporters after the forum.
Since Monday, he said MILF members had been helping soldiers in a joint operation to hunt down the group in Central Mindanao where KIM members were reportedly seen.
“We are now pursuing them. They are mostly from Central Mindanao,” he said.
“We have operations on going jointly with the MILF to scour the areas in Mindanao, like in Mt. Kararao complex for instance, to search for possible areas of the terrorist group… They are moving around.”
Bautista stressed that as of Wednesday, there were no indications yet that KIM members had reached Metro Manila to sow terror.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/476661/afp-milf-join-forces-to-hunt-down-new-terror-group-in-mindanao
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has confirmed that “rogue elements” from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Abu Sayyaf bandits in Mindanao have formed a new group of terrorists in Mindanao.
Gen. Emmanuel Bautista, AFP chief, disclosed that members of the Khalifa Islamiyah Mindanao (KIM) were among the suspects in the bomb attack in a commercial district in Cagayan de Oro City last month, which left eight people dead and scores other wounded.
Bautista’s statement was the first time the military confirmed the presence of the group since the police tagged it in the Cagayan de Oro explosion.
“Its members came from different groups, including some from Abu Sayyaf… This is a very small group,” Bautista said in a forum of the Manila Overseas Press Club on Tuesday night.
“They are spoilers (of the peace process in Mindanao). Some of them were rogue elements of the MILF. They formerly belonged to the MILF,” he told reporters after the forum.
Since Monday, he said MILF members had been helping soldiers in a joint operation to hunt down the group in Central Mindanao where KIM members were reportedly seen.
“We are now pursuing them. They are mostly from Central Mindanao,” he said.
“We have operations on going jointly with the MILF to scour the areas in Mindanao, like in Mt. Kararao complex for instance, to search for possible areas of the terrorist group… They are moving around.”
Bautista stressed that as of Wednesday, there were no indications yet that KIM members had reached Metro Manila to sow terror.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/476661/afp-milf-join-forces-to-hunt-down-new-terror-group-in-mindanao
US defense chief tiptoes on sea row in Asia trip
From the Manila Standard Today (Aug 28): US defense chief tiptoes on sea row in Asia trip
Pentagon chief Chuck Hagel met with his Asian counterparts on Wednesday as the United States promoted its strategic tilt towards the region.
The Pentagon is offering ships, radar and other security assistance to countries in Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, partly as a counterbalance to China’s military build-up.
Hagel, however, has trodden carefully when discussing China during the trip, and officials said Washington wanted to avoid inflaming tensions.
In other developments:
• Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista confirmed on Wednesday that Chinese fishermen escorted by maritime ships continued their illegal activities in Ayungin Reef at the Kalayaan Island Group in Palawan.
• The Philippine government has until March 30, 2014 to submit documents on the case it filed against China’s nine-dash-line claim over the oil-resource-rich West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), the Arbitral Tribunal in The Hague said in an order it issued for the first time.
President Benigno Aquino III will fly to China next week to attend the 10th China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) in Nanning.
Hagel plans to call for restraint in the disputed South China Sea and to underscore America’s focus on Asia-Pacific at the gathering in Brunei of defense ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, China and elsewhere, officials said.
The two-day ASEAN meeting was the main event of Hagel’s week-long trip to Southeast Asia but a mounting crisis between Syria and the West has repeatedly competed for his attention.
Despite Pentagon budget cuts, US officials say Washington will stick by plans to deploy more ships, troops, training and hardware to countries anxious about China’s growing military reach.
Hagel met Wednesday with Japan’s defence minister, Itsuno Onodera, who thanked him for attending the gathering despite the Syria situation.
Onodera said this week that Japan could be a “main player” if conflict erupts in Asia and needed to be wary of China’s maritime ambitions.
Tokyo is feuding with Beijing over territorial claims in the East China Sea while some Southeast Asian countries have accused China of increasingly provocative acts in asserting its claims to nearly all of the South China Sea.
Such strains are expected to be a key focus of the talks and to feature in Hagel’s discussions with his counterparts from South Korea, Vietnam and Brunei.
Hagel is also due to meet China’s defence minister, General Chang Wanquan, and Myanmar’s defence chief on the sidelines of the ASEAN conference.
The United States has avoided taking a position on individual disputes but Hagel reiterated calls for the adoption of a South China Sea code of conduct to prevent potential clashes.
China has been accused of dragging its feet on the issue, but this year said it would enter into future talks with ASEAN on the issue.
“This is not about encircling China or anybody else,” the US Defense Secretary said in the BBC interview.
“This is about economic interests, it’s about the world, it’s about prosperity, stability and security.”
The ASEAN gathering brings together defence ministers from 10 Southeast Asia countries plus Japan, China, South Korea, the United States, Russia, India, Australia and New Zealand.
Meanwhile, Gen. Bautista said the Chinese continues to poach in Philippine waters, despite the presence of a Marine detachment in the area.
“We continue to maintain a detachment at the Ayungin [Reef] and we also observed continuous presence of the Chinese Maritime Surveillance (CMS) ships in the vicinity of the [reef] ranging from two to five miles away,” Bautista said during a forum hosted by the Manila Overseas Press Club (MPOC) at the Intercontinental Hotel in Makati City.
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2013/08/29/us-defense-chief-tiptoes-on-sea-row-in-asia-trip/
Pentagon chief Chuck Hagel met with his Asian counterparts on Wednesday as the United States promoted its strategic tilt towards the region.
The Pentagon is offering ships, radar and other security assistance to countries in Southeast Asia, including the Philippines, partly as a counterbalance to China’s military build-up.
Hagel, however, has trodden carefully when discussing China during the trip, and officials said Washington wanted to avoid inflaming tensions.
In other developments:
• Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista confirmed on Wednesday that Chinese fishermen escorted by maritime ships continued their illegal activities in Ayungin Reef at the Kalayaan Island Group in Palawan.
• The Philippine government has until March 30, 2014 to submit documents on the case it filed against China’s nine-dash-line claim over the oil-resource-rich West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), the Arbitral Tribunal in The Hague said in an order it issued for the first time.
President Benigno Aquino III will fly to China next week to attend the 10th China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) in Nanning.
Hagel plans to call for restraint in the disputed South China Sea and to underscore America’s focus on Asia-Pacific at the gathering in Brunei of defense ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, China and elsewhere, officials said.
The two-day ASEAN meeting was the main event of Hagel’s week-long trip to Southeast Asia but a mounting crisis between Syria and the West has repeatedly competed for his attention.
Despite Pentagon budget cuts, US officials say Washington will stick by plans to deploy more ships, troops, training and hardware to countries anxious about China’s growing military reach.
Hagel met Wednesday with Japan’s defence minister, Itsuno Onodera, who thanked him for attending the gathering despite the Syria situation.
Onodera said this week that Japan could be a “main player” if conflict erupts in Asia and needed to be wary of China’s maritime ambitions.
Tokyo is feuding with Beijing over territorial claims in the East China Sea while some Southeast Asian countries have accused China of increasingly provocative acts in asserting its claims to nearly all of the South China Sea.
Such strains are expected to be a key focus of the talks and to feature in Hagel’s discussions with his counterparts from South Korea, Vietnam and Brunei.
Hagel is also due to meet China’s defence minister, General Chang Wanquan, and Myanmar’s defence chief on the sidelines of the ASEAN conference.
The United States has avoided taking a position on individual disputes but Hagel reiterated calls for the adoption of a South China Sea code of conduct to prevent potential clashes.
China has been accused of dragging its feet on the issue, but this year said it would enter into future talks with ASEAN on the issue.
“This is not about encircling China or anybody else,” the US Defense Secretary said in the BBC interview.
“This is about economic interests, it’s about the world, it’s about prosperity, stability and security.”
The ASEAN gathering brings together defence ministers from 10 Southeast Asia countries plus Japan, China, South Korea, the United States, Russia, India, Australia and New Zealand.
Meanwhile, Gen. Bautista said the Chinese continues to poach in Philippine waters, despite the presence of a Marine detachment in the area.
“We continue to maintain a detachment at the Ayungin [Reef] and we also observed continuous presence of the Chinese Maritime Surveillance (CMS) ships in the vicinity of the [reef] ranging from two to five miles away,” Bautista said during a forum hosted by the Manila Overseas Press Club (MPOC) at the Intercontinental Hotel in Makati City.
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2013/08/29/us-defense-chief-tiptoes-on-sea-row-in-asia-trip/
New armed group posing threat to GPH-MILF talks — military
From GMA News (Aug 28): New armed group posing threat to GPH-MILF talks — military
A new armed group operating in Central Mindanao has been seen as a threat to the peace process between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), military officials said.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Emmanuel Bautista said this is the reason why the military is coordinating with the MILF in going after members of the Khilafa Islamiyah Mindanao, the group blamed for the deadly July 26 bombing in Cagayan de Oro city.
“We have operations ongoing jointly with the MILF to scour the areas in Mindanao,” Bautista told a forum organized by the Manila Overseas Press Club on Tuesday night.
AFP public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said the new group “poses as a threat to the peace process.”
Zagala said Khilafa has “possible plans that may impede the finality of the peace talks with the MILF so it’s a concern for the AFP and the MILF.”
Khilafa Islamiyah Mindanao is said to be composed of members of the Abu Sayyaf and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, a breakaway faction of the MILF.
Bautista said the membership of the group is “small” but could not give specific number. “Its membership is coming from different (organizations), including some from the Abu Sayyaf,” he said.
A member of the group, one Usman Hapdis alias Mam Man, has been identified as the prime suspect in the Cagayan de Oro blast, which killed nine people. Multiple murder and frustrated murder charges have already been filed against him.
AFP spokesman Brig. Gen. Domingo Tutaan said they “are one with the MILF” in going after groups perpetrating terroristic activities.
“There is a common goal or common cause between the MILF and the AFP in order to prevent any acts of (terror)... to get lawless elements, to bring them before the bar of justice,” Tutaan said without specifying the kind of assistance the MILF is providing.
The government and the MILF have established a body called Ad Hoc Joint Action Group as part of the ongoing peace process. Composed of miliary and MILF representatives, the body is tasked to interdict criminal elements in MILF areas.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/323982/news/regions/new-armed-group-posing-threat-to-gph-milf-talks-military
A new armed group operating in Central Mindanao has been seen as a threat to the peace process between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), military officials said.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief Gen. Emmanuel Bautista said this is the reason why the military is coordinating with the MILF in going after members of the Khilafa Islamiyah Mindanao, the group blamed for the deadly July 26 bombing in Cagayan de Oro city.
“We have operations ongoing jointly with the MILF to scour the areas in Mindanao,” Bautista told a forum organized by the Manila Overseas Press Club on Tuesday night.
AFP public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said the new group “poses as a threat to the peace process.”
Zagala said Khilafa has “possible plans that may impede the finality of the peace talks with the MILF so it’s a concern for the AFP and the MILF.”
Khilafa Islamiyah Mindanao is said to be composed of members of the Abu Sayyaf and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, a breakaway faction of the MILF.
Bautista said the membership of the group is “small” but could not give specific number. “Its membership is coming from different (organizations), including some from the Abu Sayyaf,” he said.
A member of the group, one Usman Hapdis alias Mam Man, has been identified as the prime suspect in the Cagayan de Oro blast, which killed nine people. Multiple murder and frustrated murder charges have already been filed against him.
AFP spokesman Brig. Gen. Domingo Tutaan said they “are one with the MILF” in going after groups perpetrating terroristic activities.
“There is a common goal or common cause between the MILF and the AFP in order to prevent any acts of (terror)... to get lawless elements, to bring them before the bar of justice,” Tutaan said without specifying the kind of assistance the MILF is providing.
The government and the MILF have established a body called Ad Hoc Joint Action Group as part of the ongoing peace process. Composed of miliary and MILF representatives, the body is tasked to interdict criminal elements in MILF areas.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/323982/news/regions/new-armed-group-posing-threat-to-gph-milf-talks-military
Cotabato to impose ‘no backpack’ policy
From the Business World (Aug 28): Cotabato to impose ‘no backpack’ policy
After the cities of Davao and General Santos, North Cotabato will also ban the use of backpacks during a provincial celebration on Sept. 1.
Governor Emmylou T. Mendoza said the provincial government, the military and the police have agreed to impose the “no backpack policy” as a precautionary measure.
The province and nearby Cotabato City have experienced bomb attacks in the past months. Following the rash of bombings in Mindanao, Davao City first implemented the no backpack policy during the culmination of the Kadayawan Festival early this month.
General Santos City has implemented the same policy last week as it prepares to celebrate the Tuna Festival on Sept. 5.
More than a dozen bombs were discovered, some detonated, in North Cotabato last month mostly in the towns of Midsayap and Kabacan as well as in Kidapawan City.
Sr. Supt. Danilo P. Peralta, provincial police chief, said the policy will be strictly implemented in public places and festival venues.
HEIGHTENED SECURITY
Ms. Mendoza, also the chairperson of provincial peace and order council, announced on Tuesday that the province will be placed under heightened security to ensure safety of residents in the celebration.
The provincial government has sought the help of the 602nd and 1002nd brigades to augment the local police force, she added.
Mr. Peralta said uniformed officers will be deployed to secure crowded places and the 30-hectare provincial capitol grounds where most events will take place.
The festival will highlight the Kulintang Extravaganza, a musical event; Sepa sa Manggis to highlight a traditional Moro sport event; and street dancing, among others.
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Nation&title=Cotabato-to-impose-‘no-backpack’-policy&id=75657
After the cities of Davao and General Santos, North Cotabato will also ban the use of backpacks during a provincial celebration on Sept. 1.
Governor Emmylou T. Mendoza said the provincial government, the military and the police have agreed to impose the “no backpack policy” as a precautionary measure.
The province and nearby Cotabato City have experienced bomb attacks in the past months. Following the rash of bombings in Mindanao, Davao City first implemented the no backpack policy during the culmination of the Kadayawan Festival early this month.
General Santos City has implemented the same policy last week as it prepares to celebrate the Tuna Festival on Sept. 5.
More than a dozen bombs were discovered, some detonated, in North Cotabato last month mostly in the towns of Midsayap and Kabacan as well as in Kidapawan City.
Sr. Supt. Danilo P. Peralta, provincial police chief, said the policy will be strictly implemented in public places and festival venues.
HEIGHTENED SECURITY
Ms. Mendoza, also the chairperson of provincial peace and order council, announced on Tuesday that the province will be placed under heightened security to ensure safety of residents in the celebration.
The provincial government has sought the help of the 602nd and 1002nd brigades to augment the local police force, she added.
Mr. Peralta said uniformed officers will be deployed to secure crowded places and the 30-hectare provincial capitol grounds where most events will take place.
The festival will highlight the Kulintang Extravaganza, a musical event; Sepa sa Manggis to highlight a traditional Moro sport event; and street dancing, among others.
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Nation&title=Cotabato-to-impose-‘no-backpack’-policy&id=75657
Air Force to rejoin ‘jet age’ by end of 2014
From the Business Mirror (Aug 28): Air Force to rejoin ‘jet age’ by end of 2014
THE military expects to receive the first two of the 12 F-50 lead-in trainer jets that it was acquiring from South Korea before the end of next year.
http://businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/en/news/nation/18617-air-force-to-rejoin-jet-age-by-end-of-2014
THE military expects to receive the first two of the 12 F-50 lead-in trainer jets that it was acquiring from South Korea before the end of next year.
“This [deal] is already approved in principle, and at this point, we’re now going into the detailed training of our team with the Korean team,” said Air Force commander Lt. Gen. Lauro Catalino dela Cruz.
“Our target date is…it should have at least two initially by the end of the fourth quarter of 2014, and then the rest would be the following six months thereafter,” he added.
The F-50s would serve as trainer and fighter aircraft for the Air Force, which is a major beneficiary under the P75-billion Armed Forces modernization program.
The Air Force does not have any jet-powered aircraft in its inventory. Its last jet fighters, F-5s, were mothballed in 2005.
Aside from the fighter jets, the Armed Forces is planning to acquire multi-purpose vessels, frigates, long- range aircraft, radars, anti-submarine helicopters and other modern military assets.
Dela Cruz said that after the first delivery from South Korea, the remaining jets should be delivered every two months.
“Hopefully, we have it all delivered before the middle of 2016, if everything goes right,” he said.
On the other hand, the Navy flag officer in command, Vice Adm. Jose Luis Alano, said that the service is expecting to have its two strategic sealift vessels (SSVs) within three years.
“They will be arriving in two to three years because the construction of vessels would be at least two years,” he said. An SSV is a multipurpose vessel, but it is primarily used in troop transport.
Alano said an SSV can accommodate at least a battalion of troops.
Meanwhile, Gen. Emmanuel Bautista, Armed Forces chief of staff, said the military will upgrade Subic in order to accommodate the rotating American troops and their equipment and the personnel of the country’s Navy and the Air Force.
The upgrading of the former US naval base includes the acquisition of nearby lands in order to hold the rotating troops and the Filipino soldiers.
“We’re going to acquire land in Subic to accommodate our Navy and Air Force [personnel] who are going to be displaced in Clark Field and in Cavite,” Bautista said.
DND to hold third bidding for used choppers
ALTHOUGH the law allows negotiated purchase after two failed bidding attempts, the government will call a third bid for the procurement of 21 refurbished units of its air workhorse, the UH-1H “Huey” helicopter, “to be transparent.”
“[That’s true] that per law, after two failed biddings we can go to negotiations. But as the development comes in, there were some proponents who signified their interest. So we bid in order for us to be transparent,” dela Cruz said.
The bidding for the P1.2 billion worth of choppers will be handled by the bids and awards committee (BAC) of the Department of National Defense (DND).
The preliminary bidding was conducted by the DND-BAC on August 16 and the opening of the bid documents is scheduled on September 3.
The pre-bidding was participated in by RADOM Aviation Systems Ltd., ST Aerospace-Singapore Technologies Aerotech, Vector Aerospace and Stone of David Tactical Equipment Co., with the company Hanwha sitting as observer.
Bautista said the budget for the 21 helicopters is separate from the funds earmarked by President Aquino to upgrade the capability of the military for territorial defense.
“That [project] is not part of the P75-billion [territorial defense] funding,” Bautista clarified, correcting earlier reports.
The acquisition of the choppers would boost the Air Force’s lift capability, especially during disasters.
The DND has refused to disclose the reasons for the two failed biddings.
If the third bidding were successful, dela Cruz said it would only take a few months for the helicopters to be delivered.
“If things will go well, then we will be able to have [the helicopters] by next year,” he said.
http://businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/en/news/nation/18617-air-force-to-rejoin-jet-age-by-end-of-2014
45 Police officials to end 'tactical commanders' course'
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 28): 45 Police officials to end 'tactical commanders' course'
Forty-five police officials, ranking from police inspectors (lieutenants) to police superintendents (Colonels) will end their "tactical commanders' course" on Friday.
+
This was learned from Police Superintendent Martin M. Gamba, Course Director of the Regional Special Training Unit (RSTU) of the Police Regional Office 13, based inSantiago
According to Gamba that the said training which went on for more than a month, equipped the officers coming from the regional headquarters, the provincial and city police offices in the region with special operational skills and tactics which will make them more effective and efficient in their respective assignments. The trained officials will become platoon, company, battalion and maneuver unit leaders or commanders when they return to their respective mother units, Gamba said.
"This is an initiative of our regional director to train and equip further our officers in the field not only in the fight against terrorism, counter insurgency operations, criminality and the illegal activities but also to respond during emergencies and disasters," Gamba said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=559450
Forty-five police officials, ranking from police inspectors (lieutenants) to police superintendents (Colonels) will end their "tactical commanders' course" on Friday.
+
This was learned from Police Superintendent Martin M. Gamba, Course Director of the Regional Special Training Unit (RSTU) of the Police Regional Office 13, based in
According to Gamba that the said training which went on for more than a month, equipped the officers coming from the regional headquarters, the provincial and city police offices in the region with special operational skills and tactics which will make them more effective and efficient in their respective assignments. The trained officials will become platoon, company, battalion and maneuver unit leaders or commanders when they return to their respective mother units, Gamba said.
"This is an initiative of our regional director to train and equip further our officers in the field not only in the fight against terrorism, counter insurgency operations, criminality and the illegal activities but also to respond during emergencies and disasters," Gamba said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=559450
Marine general who expressed sentiments misuse about pork barrel fund not relieved - AFP
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 28): Marine general who expressed sentiments misuse about pork barrel fund not relieved - AFP
The Armed Forces Wednesday dismissed reports 1st Marine Brigade head Brig. Gen. Alexander Balutan, the military officer who expressed sentiments about the misuse of pork barrel fund on his Facebook account, was relieved from his post.
"No, he is not relieved from his position," AFP public information office chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said.
He added what Balutan posted on his Facebook account is private and meant only for him and his friends.
"It is not meant for circulation or to be published, it is (his) personal sentiment and it was taken out without his permission," he added.
But Zagala clarified that military officials should be careful in making similar statements as they are in the uniformed service.
"And as members of the AFP (they) should maintain a certain degree of discipline and remain non-partisan no matter how the issue is justifiable to some. The AFP should remain neutral in (all) issues," Zagala stressed.
Balutan, in his Facebook post, earlier said that the misuse of the pork barrel fund is very disheartening considering that many soldiers are risking their lives in the battle field.
“That (money) should have been used to solve the lingering social issues leading to armed conflict. The deaths of these marine heroes are rendered useless. Nakapanlulumo (It’s disheartening),” he added.
The AFP public affairs office chief stressed that Balutan will not be punished for this.
"He will not (be punished) because it was never his intent to say those things in public, it was a sentiment and a lot of Filipinos have sentiments and this sentiment of his meant only for his friends and his family and never to be made public," Zagala stated.
Meanwhile, Navy spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic echoed Zagala's statements.
"As an individual, we are entitled to our own views. We even have the right to freely express our opinions given the fact that we are a democratic state. Yet, the Philippine Constitution provides that all members of the AFP shall take an oath or affirmation to uphold and defend the constitution and it shall be insulated from partisan politics. Thus, the command remains its apolitical stand to whatever issues attributed by political practice or exercise," he added.
The Philippine Navy directly supervises the day-to-day operations of the Marine Corps
Fabic also said that what Balutan posted on his Facebook account is more of an personal expression and not the stand of the PN and the Marine Corps.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=559509
The Armed Forces Wednesday dismissed reports 1st Marine Brigade head Brig. Gen. Alexander Balutan, the military officer who expressed sentiments about the misuse of pork barrel fund on his Facebook account, was relieved from his post.
"No, he is not relieved from his position," AFP public information office chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said.
He added what Balutan posted on his Facebook account is private and meant only for him and his friends.
"It is not meant for circulation or to be published, it is (his) personal sentiment and it was taken out without his permission," he added.
But Zagala clarified that military officials should be careful in making similar statements as they are in the uniformed service.
"And as members of the AFP (they) should maintain a certain degree of discipline and remain non-partisan no matter how the issue is justifiable to some. The AFP should remain neutral in (all) issues," Zagala stressed.
Balutan, in his Facebook post, earlier said that the misuse of the pork barrel fund is very disheartening considering that many soldiers are risking their lives in the battle field.
“That (money) should have been used to solve the lingering social issues leading to armed conflict. The deaths of these marine heroes are rendered useless. Nakapanlulumo (It’s disheartening),” he added.
The AFP public affairs office chief stressed that Balutan will not be punished for this.
"He will not (be punished) because it was never his intent to say those things in public, it was a sentiment and a lot of Filipinos have sentiments and this sentiment of his meant only for his friends and his family and never to be made public," Zagala stated.
Meanwhile, Navy spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic echoed Zagala's statements.
"As an individual, we are entitled to our own views. We even have the right to freely express our opinions given the fact that we are a democratic state. Yet, the Philippine Constitution provides that all members of the AFP shall take an oath or affirmation to uphold and defend the constitution and it shall be insulated from partisan politics. Thus, the command remains its apolitical stand to whatever issues attributed by political practice or exercise," he added.
The Philippine Navy directly supervises the day-to-day operations of the Marine Corps
Fabic also said that what Balutan posted on his Facebook account is more of an personal expression and not the stand of the PN and the Marine Corps.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=559509
Aquino reminds security forces to remain 'neutral'
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 28): Aquino reminds security forces to remain 'neutral'
President Benigno S. Aquino III called on the members of the Armed Forces and the National Police Wednesday not to take sides and remain neutral on issues affecting the country.
The President issued the call in an interview after keynoting the opening of the East Asia Conference on Competition Law and Policy at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel inPasay
City
He underscored the importance of remaining neutral as any position taken by security forces may be misconstrued differently by others.
The President was referring to the Facebook account of Brigadier General Alexander Balutan, chief of 1st Marine Brigade based in Sultan Kudarat who expressed disappointment over the controversy surrounding the priority development assistance fund.
The President said that although he shared the sentiment of the General, it was inappropriate for him to share his feelings over the social media.
"Wala naman akong nakikitangmali
"...hindi ka puwedeng nagsasalita ng ganoon dahil marami ng gagamit doon sa mga sinabi mo para mag-create ng negative consequences sa ating lipunan. Atsana
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=559536
President Benigno S. Aquino III called on the members of the Armed Forces and the National Police Wednesday not to take sides and remain neutral on issues affecting the country.
The President issued the call in an interview after keynoting the opening of the East Asia Conference on Competition Law and Policy at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel in
He underscored the importance of remaining neutral as any position taken by security forces may be misconstrued differently by others.
The President was referring to the Facebook account of Brigadier General Alexander Balutan, chief of 1st Marine Brigade based in Sultan Kudarat who expressed disappointment over the controversy surrounding the priority development assistance fund.
The President said that although he shared the sentiment of the General, it was inappropriate for him to share his feelings over the social media.
"Wala naman akong nakikitang
"...hindi ka puwedeng nagsasalita ng ganoon dahil marami ng gagamit doon sa mga sinabi mo para mag-create ng negative consequences sa ating lipunan. At
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=559536
2 F/A-50s to be in PAF service by end of 2014
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 28): 2 F/A-50s to be in PAF service by end of 2014
Two F/A-50 "Golden Eagle" jet aircraft are expected to be in Philippine Air Force service by the end of 2014.
This was disclosed by PAF chief Lt. Gen. Lauro Catalino Dela Cruz Wednesday.
"Our target date is (the PAF) should have at least two initially by the end of fourth quarter of 2014 and then the rest would be the following six months thereafter (sic)," he added.
ThePhilippines earlier
expressed its commitment to acquire 12 F/A-50 jet aircraft from South Korea
"We’ve programmed 12 and this is already approved in principle and we’re at this point in time we’re now going into the detailed training of our team with the Korean team," Dela Cruz said.
Once the initial two F/A-50 jet aircraft is delivered by the end of 2014, remaining 10 aircraft will be delivered in staggered basis.
This aircraft order is worth P18 billion.
Delivery is expected to be completed by the middle of 2016.
The F/A-50 is also known as the TA-50.
The F/A-50 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.
KAI's previous engineering experience in license-producing the KF-16 was a starting point for the development of the F/A-50.
The aircraft can carry two pilots in tandem seating.
The high-mounted canopy developed by Hankuk Fiber is applied with stretched acrylic, providing the pilots with good visibility, and has been tested to offer the canopy with ballistic protection against four-pound objects impacting at 400 knots.
The altitude limit is 14,600 meters, and airframe is designed to last 8,000 hours of service.
There are seven internal fuel tanks with capacity of 2,655 liters (701US
An additional 1,710 liters of fuel can be carried in the three external fuel tanks.
Trainer variants have a paint scheme of white and red, and aerobatic variants white, black, and yellow.
The F/A-50 "Golden Eagle" uses a single General Electric F404-102 turbofan engine license-produced by Samsung Techwin, upgraded with a full authority digital engine control system jointly developed by General Electric and KAI.
The engine consists of three-staged fans, seven axial stage arrangement, and an afterburner.
The aircraft has a maximum speed of Mach 1.4-1.5.
Its engine produces a maximum of 78.7 kN (17,700 lbf) of thrust with afterburner.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=559561
Two F/A-50 "Golden Eagle" jet aircraft are expected to be in Philippine Air Force service by the end of 2014.
This was disclosed by PAF chief Lt. Gen. Lauro Catalino Dela Cruz Wednesday.
"Our target date is (the PAF) should have at least two initially by the end of fourth quarter of 2014 and then the rest would be the following six months thereafter (sic)," he added.
The
"We’ve programmed 12 and this is already approved in principle and we’re at this point in time we’re now going into the detailed training of our team with the Korean team," Dela Cruz said.
Once the initial two F/A-50 jet aircraft is delivered by the end of 2014, remaining 10 aircraft will be delivered in staggered basis.
This aircraft order is worth P18 billion.
Delivery is expected to be completed by the middle of 2016.
The F/A-50 is also known as the TA-50.
The F/A-50 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.
KAI's previous engineering experience in license-producing the KF-16 was a starting point for the development of the F/A-50.
The aircraft can carry two pilots in tandem seating.
The high-mounted canopy developed by Hankuk Fiber is applied with stretched acrylic, providing the pilots with good visibility, and has been tested to offer the canopy with ballistic protection against four-pound objects impacting at 400 knots.
The altitude limit is 14,600 meters, and airframe is designed to last 8,000 hours of service.
There are seven internal fuel tanks with capacity of 2,655 liters (701
An additional 1,710 liters of fuel can be carried in the three external fuel tanks.
Trainer variants have a paint scheme of white and red, and aerobatic variants white, black, and yellow.
The F/A-50 "Golden Eagle" uses a single General Electric F404-102 turbofan engine license-produced by Samsung Techwin, upgraded with a full authority digital engine control system jointly developed by General Electric and KAI.
The engine consists of three-staged fans, seven axial stage arrangement, and an afterburner.
The aircraft has a maximum speed of Mach 1.4-1.5.
Its engine produces a maximum of 78.7 kN (17,700 lbf) of thrust with afterburner.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=559561
AFP, MILF helping each other to address Khilafa Islamiyah Mindanao
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 28): AFP, MILF helping each other to address Khilafa Islamiyah Mindanao
Armed Forces chief-of-staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista Wednesday said the military and Moro Islamic Liberation Front are working together to neutralize the threat brought about by Khilafa Islamiyah Mindanao.
This is a terror group believed to be responsible for the July 26 bombing in Cagayan De Oro which left nine people dead and scores wounded.
He added the group is concentrated inCentral Mindanao .
The area is known to be under the control of the MILF which is presently in the thick of peace negotiations with the government.
The AFP chief added that membership for the Khilafa Islamiyah Mindanao is still small.
“Its membership is coming from different (organizations), including some from the Abu Sayyaf,” Bautista stressed.
The latter, however, declined to give specifics.
Military sources earlier claimed that the group is composed of members of the Abu Sayyaf, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, and former members of the MILF’s Special Operations Group.
They said they learned of the group's existence last May.
Bautista assured the public that the AFP and the MILF are looking for the group to eliminate the threat it poses.
“(We’re having a) search in possible areas for the terrorist groups,” he stressed.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=0&sid=&nid=0&rid=559729
Armed Forces chief-of-staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista Wednesday said the military and Moro Islamic Liberation Front are working together to neutralize the threat brought about by Khilafa Islamiyah Mindanao.
This is a terror group believed to be responsible for the July 26 bombing in Cagayan De Oro which left nine people dead and scores wounded.
He added the group is concentrated in
The area is known to be under the control of the MILF which is presently in the thick of peace negotiations with the government.
The AFP chief added that membership for the Khilafa Islamiyah Mindanao is still small.
“Its membership is coming from different (organizations), including some from the Abu Sayyaf,” Bautista stressed.
The latter, however, declined to give specifics.
Military sources earlier claimed that the group is composed of members of the Abu Sayyaf, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, and former members of the MILF’s Special Operations Group.
They said they learned of the group's existence last May.
Bautista assured the public that the AFP and the MILF are looking for the group to eliminate the threat it poses.
“(We’re having a) search in possible areas for the terrorist groups,” he stressed.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=0&sid=&nid=0&rid=559729
Chinese ships still near Ayungin Shoal - AFP
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 28): Chinese ships still near Ayungin Shoal - AFP
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista on Wednesday said that Chinese ships are still being detected near Ayungin Shoal (Second Thomas Reef).
The latter is located 120 nautical miles from Rizal,Palawan .
“We continue to maintain a detachment at the Ayungin Shoal, and we also observed continuous presence of the Chinese Maritime Surveillance ships in the vicinity of the shoal, ranging from two to five miles away," the AFP chief said.
The Philippine presence there is maintained by a Marine force based at the grounded transport, the BRP Sierra Madre.
Aside from Chinese Maritime Surveillance ships, Bautista said People’s Liberation Army Navy vessels are also seen in the area, along with Chinese fishing boats that have been seen fishing near shoal.
“There was an instance when Chinese fishing boats were also seen there as you mentioned, harvesting clams, our giant clams, inside the shoal,” he stated.
“Filipino fishing vessels also once in a while, visit the shoal.”
The AFP admitted thatChina
has already occupied or has maintained its continuous presence in three islands
that the Philippines claimed
in the West Philippine Sea , and these are the
Mischief Reef, Scarborough Shoal and Ayungin.
In Mischief Reef,China
Bautista said that thePhilippines
has occupied at least nine islands in the West Philippine Sea, while the others
are occupied by other claimants that include China
and Vietnam
Aside from the three reefs,China
These are Kenon Reef, Quarteron Reef, Fairy Cross Reef, Gaven Reef, Johnson Reef and Subi or Zamora Reef.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=559733
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista on Wednesday said that Chinese ships are still being detected near Ayungin Shoal (Second Thomas Reef).
The latter is located 120 nautical miles from Rizal,
“We continue to maintain a detachment at the Ayungin Shoal, and we also observed continuous presence of the Chinese Maritime Surveillance ships in the vicinity of the shoal, ranging from two to five miles away," the AFP chief said.
The Philippine presence there is maintained by a Marine force based at the grounded transport, the BRP Sierra Madre.
Aside from Chinese Maritime Surveillance ships, Bautista said People’s Liberation Army Navy vessels are also seen in the area, along with Chinese fishing boats that have been seen fishing near shoal.
“There was an instance when Chinese fishing boats were also seen there as you mentioned, harvesting clams, our giant clams, inside the shoal,” he stated.
“Filipino fishing vessels also once in a while, visit the shoal.”
The AFP admitted that
In Mischief Reef,
Bautista said that the
Aside from the three reefs,
These are Kenon Reef, Quarteron Reef, Fairy Cross Reef, Gaven Reef, Johnson Reef and Subi or Zamora Reef.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=559733
DND to hold third bidding for used choppers
From InterAksyon (Aug 28): DND to hold third bidding for used choppers
Although the law allows a negotiated purchase after two failed bidding attempts, the government will call a third bid for the procurement of 21 refurbished units of its air workhorse, the UH-1H helicopter, “to be transparent.”
“[That’s true] that per law, after two failed biddings we can go to negotiations. But as the development comes in there were some proponents who signified their interest. So we bid in order for us to be transparent,” Philippine Air Force chief, General Lauro Catalino dela Cruz, said at a forum of the Manila Overseas Press Club.
The bidding for the P1.2 billion worth of choppers will be handled by the bids and awards committee of the Department of National Defense.
The preliminary bidding was conducted by the DND-BAC on August 16 and the opening of the bid documents is scheduled for September 3.
The pre-bidding was participated in by RADOM Aviation Systems Ltd., ST Aerospace/Singapore Technologies Aerotech, Vector Aerospace, and Stone of David Tactical Equipment Company, with the firm Hanwha sitting as observer.
At the same forum, Armed Forces chief General Emmanuel Bautista said the budget for the 21 helicopters is separate from the funds earmarked by President Benigno Aquino III to upgrade the capability of the military for territorial defense.
“That (project) is not part of the P75-billion (territorial defense) funding,” Bautista clarified, correcting earlier reports.
The acquisition of the choppers would boost the Air Force’s lift capability, especially during disasters.
The DND has refused to disclose the reasons for the two failed biddings.
If the third bidding is successful, Dela Cruz said it would only take a few months for the helicopters to be delivered.
“If things will go well then we will be able to have (the choopers) by next year,” he said.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/69555/dnd-to-hold-third-bidding-for-used-choppers
Although the law allows a negotiated purchase after two failed bidding attempts, the government will call a third bid for the procurement of 21 refurbished units of its air workhorse, the UH-1H helicopter, “to be transparent.”
“[That’s true] that per law, after two failed biddings we can go to negotiations. But as the development comes in there were some proponents who signified their interest. So we bid in order for us to be transparent,” Philippine Air Force chief, General Lauro Catalino dela Cruz, said at a forum of the Manila Overseas Press Club.
The bidding for the P1.2 billion worth of choppers will be handled by the bids and awards committee of the Department of National Defense.
The preliminary bidding was conducted by the DND-BAC on August 16 and the opening of the bid documents is scheduled for September 3.
The pre-bidding was participated in by RADOM Aviation Systems Ltd., ST Aerospace/Singapore Technologies Aerotech, Vector Aerospace, and Stone of David Tactical Equipment Company, with the firm Hanwha sitting as observer.
At the same forum, Armed Forces chief General Emmanuel Bautista said the budget for the 21 helicopters is separate from the funds earmarked by President Benigno Aquino III to upgrade the capability of the military for territorial defense.
“That (project) is not part of the P75-billion (territorial defense) funding,” Bautista clarified, correcting earlier reports.
The acquisition of the choppers would boost the Air Force’s lift capability, especially during disasters.
The DND has refused to disclose the reasons for the two failed biddings.
If the third bidding is successful, Dela Cruz said it would only take a few months for the helicopters to be delivered.
“If things will go well then we will be able to have (the choopers) by next year,” he said.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/69555/dnd-to-hold-third-bidding-for-used-choppers
AFP chief confirms illegal activities of Chinese fishers in Ayungin
From InterAksyon (Aug 28): AFP chief confirms illegal activities of Chinese fishers in Ayungin
A case of state-backed poaching? Chinese Navy and maritime surveillance ships have been seen escorting Chinese fishing boats carrying out illegal activities in the Ayungin Reef in Kalayaan Island Group, Palawan, Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista has confirmed.
The illegal activities have been going on despite the presence of a Philippine Marines detachment in the area, something Beijing has consistently protested, claiming Ayungin is part of its territory.
“We continue to maintain a detachment at the Ayungin [Reef] and we also observed the continuous presence of Chinese Maritime Surveillance (CMS) ships in the vicinity of the [reef] ranging from two to five miles away,” Bautista said at the Manila Overseas Press Club (MPOC) forum Tuesday night at the Intercontinental Hotel in Makati City.
In May, China sent a flotilla of naval, maritime and fishing vessels to Ayungin. The Chinese have since stayed in the area, as their fishermen come and go to exploit the marine resources. “Sometimes there will be a presence of PLA (People’s Liberation Army) Navy vessels there.
There was an instance when Chinese fishing boats were also seen there, as you mentioned harvesting clams, our giant clams, inside the [reef]. Filipino fishing vessels also once in a while visit the [reef],” Bautista said.
Meanwhile, the mayor of the KIG deplored the unabated destruction of coral reefs in Ayungin, and urged the national government to stop this right away.
Any environmentalist or people who care for the sea like the fishermen will condemn what the Chinese are doing, as it also destroys their livelihood, said Mayor Eugenio Bito-onon.
If, the mayor noted, "we condemn black fishermen (poachers) and those using noxious chemicals, what more those who dig up our corals, destroying them?”
“Look, the seat of my administration is in Pagasa Island, which is just 5 kilometers away from that reef (Ayungin). That reef is a natural shelter, it’s an anchorage area for sea-crafts and fishing vessels during bad weather be it southwest monsoon or northeast monsoon. Now that area is being destroyed, it’s really condemnable,” he added.
Bito-onon conceded they cannot do anything to stop and apprehend the Chinese.
“When I go there to take footage and pictures of them, they take footage and pictures of me as well. How can I apprehend them with hundreds of sampans (small boats) and big vessels there? There is a frigate, a warship guarding them,” he said.
He said the Philippine Navy and Air Force continue to monitor the illegal activities of the Chinese weekly.
“Our Air Force and Navy always conduct maritime patrols, or what they call 'marpat.' I don't get information from them, that's confidential to them. Last week, I just heard from the narration of one pilot that the boats docked on the other side are brimming with clams."
But, he added, he had gotten "used to hearing [such stories] and I know I don't have the power to drive them away."
The mayor said they are planning to put up a marine farm on Ayungin in the future. “We will put up a marine farm there, and [do] fish caging and seaweeds farming. The trouble is most of the foreign vessels and fishermen are anchored there, especially during bad weather [the monsoon season]. Now, the Chinese have a tight grip on the place."
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/69567/afp-chief-confirms-illegal-activities-of-chinese-fishers-in-ayungin
A case of state-backed poaching? Chinese Navy and maritime surveillance ships have been seen escorting Chinese fishing boats carrying out illegal activities in the Ayungin Reef in Kalayaan Island Group, Palawan, Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista has confirmed.
The illegal activities have been going on despite the presence of a Philippine Marines detachment in the area, something Beijing has consistently protested, claiming Ayungin is part of its territory.
“We continue to maintain a detachment at the Ayungin [Reef] and we also observed the continuous presence of Chinese Maritime Surveillance (CMS) ships in the vicinity of the [reef] ranging from two to five miles away,” Bautista said at the Manila Overseas Press Club (MPOC) forum Tuesday night at the Intercontinental Hotel in Makati City.
In May, China sent a flotilla of naval, maritime and fishing vessels to Ayungin. The Chinese have since stayed in the area, as their fishermen come and go to exploit the marine resources. “Sometimes there will be a presence of PLA (People’s Liberation Army) Navy vessels there.
There was an instance when Chinese fishing boats were also seen there, as you mentioned harvesting clams, our giant clams, inside the [reef]. Filipino fishing vessels also once in a while visit the [reef],” Bautista said.
Meanwhile, the mayor of the KIG deplored the unabated destruction of coral reefs in Ayungin, and urged the national government to stop this right away.
Any environmentalist or people who care for the sea like the fishermen will condemn what the Chinese are doing, as it also destroys their livelihood, said Mayor Eugenio Bito-onon.
If, the mayor noted, "we condemn black fishermen (poachers) and those using noxious chemicals, what more those who dig up our corals, destroying them?”
“Look, the seat of my administration is in Pagasa Island, which is just 5 kilometers away from that reef (Ayungin). That reef is a natural shelter, it’s an anchorage area for sea-crafts and fishing vessels during bad weather be it southwest monsoon or northeast monsoon. Now that area is being destroyed, it’s really condemnable,” he added.
Bito-onon conceded they cannot do anything to stop and apprehend the Chinese.
“When I go there to take footage and pictures of them, they take footage and pictures of me as well. How can I apprehend them with hundreds of sampans (small boats) and big vessels there? There is a frigate, a warship guarding them,” he said.
He said the Philippine Navy and Air Force continue to monitor the illegal activities of the Chinese weekly.
“Our Air Force and Navy always conduct maritime patrols, or what they call 'marpat.' I don't get information from them, that's confidential to them. Last week, I just heard from the narration of one pilot that the boats docked on the other side are brimming with clams."
But, he added, he had gotten "used to hearing [such stories] and I know I don't have the power to drive them away."
The mayor said they are planning to put up a marine farm on Ayungin in the future. “We will put up a marine farm there, and [do] fish caging and seaweeds farming. The trouble is most of the foreign vessels and fishermen are anchored there, especially during bad weather [the monsoon season]. Now, the Chinese have a tight grip on the place."
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/69567/afp-chief-confirms-illegal-activities-of-chinese-fishers-in-ayungin
Police seized cache of weapons in Dapitan beach, hunt down fugitive
From the Mindanao Examiner (Aug 28): Police seized cache of weapons in Dapitan beach, hunt down fugitive
Police launched a manhunt against a man accused of murder in the southern Philippine province of Zamboanga del Norte, officials said on Wednesday.
Officials said Alfonso Abne, alias Along, escaped a police operation in Dapitan City where authorities also arrested another man, Dindo Paglalunan, for carrying a gun.
Chief Inspector Ariel Huesca, a regional police spokesman, said Abne was inside the premises of private beach resort when police forces tried to serve a warrant for his arrest.
He said the fugitive managed to flee from the police and eluded arrest, but he also left inside a thatched hut a cache of assorted weapons, munitions and components for improvised explosives.
Huesca said police forces recovered an M16 automatic rifle, eight .45-caliber pistols, ten pistol magazines, five magazines for M16 and Ak-47 assault rifles, and a blasting cap, detonating cord, time fuses, black powder, including a motorcycle which Abne was using as his get-away vehicle.
Judge Victoriano Dl Lacaya, of the Regional Trial Court Branch-9 in Dipolog City, has ordered Abne’s arrest for murder, according to Huesca.
Huesca said authorities tracked down Abne’s hideout following a tip from an informant, who said the fugitive had been spotted in several occasions inside the beach premises. It was not immediately known how Abne managed to sneak his weapons inside the guarded beach resort.
“The police team confiscated the weapons, however, the fugitive managed to evade arrest,” Huesca said.
http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/08/police-seized-cache-of-weapons-in.html
Police launched a manhunt against a man accused of murder in the southern Philippine province of Zamboanga del Norte, officials said on Wednesday.
Officials said Alfonso Abne, alias Along, escaped a police operation in Dapitan City where authorities also arrested another man, Dindo Paglalunan, for carrying a gun.
Chief Inspector Ariel Huesca, a regional police spokesman, said Abne was inside the premises of private beach resort when police forces tried to serve a warrant for his arrest.
He said the fugitive managed to flee from the police and eluded arrest, but he also left inside a thatched hut a cache of assorted weapons, munitions and components for improvised explosives.
Huesca said police forces recovered an M16 automatic rifle, eight .45-caliber pistols, ten pistol magazines, five magazines for M16 and Ak-47 assault rifles, and a blasting cap, detonating cord, time fuses, black powder, including a motorcycle which Abne was using as his get-away vehicle.
Judge Victoriano Dl Lacaya, of the Regional Trial Court Branch-9 in Dipolog City, has ordered Abne’s arrest for murder, according to Huesca.
Huesca said authorities tracked down Abne’s hideout following a tip from an informant, who said the fugitive had been spotted in several occasions inside the beach premises. It was not immediately known how Abne managed to sneak his weapons inside the guarded beach resort.
“The police team confiscated the weapons, however, the fugitive managed to evade arrest,” Huesca said.
http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/08/police-seized-cache-of-weapons-in.html