From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 18): Rebels imposing permit-to-campaign on barangays in North Cotabato-Army
A top military commander confirmed that the communist rebels are imposing permit to-campaign (PTC) in some barangays in North Cotabato.
Speaking to reporters, Major General Ariel Bernardo, commander of the 10th Infantry Division said the rebels exact taxation on local candidates even for the forthcoming barangay elections through the so called PTC.
He lamented the reports that communist rebels impose PTC even on the electoral exercise involving the candidates of the basic unit structure of governance.
“It is sad that the rebels compel the compliance of PTC even on leaders whom everybody in the community knows,” Bernardo said.
The Army commander in Davao Region made a tour of his area of responsibility as far as some parts of South and North Cotabato.
He said that 100 barangays are placed under areas of concern in Davao Region while 40 barangays are placed under the same classification in South and North Cotabato.
Bernardo said the areas of concern include the whole province of Compostela Valley, portions of Davao del Norte all the way to Paquibato District, Davao City, Davao City-Arakan Valley, North Cotabato boundary, Malita, Davao del Sur-Alabel, Sarangani boundary, Kiblawan, Davao del Sur and Colombio, Sultan Kudarat boundary, and the Tulunan, North Cotabato-Davao del Sur boundary.
He said the barangay elections offer the opportunity for people to select pro-democracy leaders.
“Residents have to realize the importance of choosing leaders who not command respect but also listen to the will of the people. They must be guided in putting to office pro-democracy leaders,” Bernardo said.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=2381382079741
Friday, October 18, 2013
Scout rangers return to Visayas after clearing Zambo conflict zone
From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 18): Scout rangers return to Visayas after clearing Zambo conflict zone
One hundred ninety nine soldiers from the 1st Scout Ranger Battalion and their commanding officer Lt. Col. Oriel Pangcog were officially sent-off Wednesday morning from Zamboanga City back to their area of operation in the Visayas region in simple ceremonies held at the Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) in barangay Upper Calarian this city.
According to Maj. Franco Rafael H. Alano of the WesMinCom Information Office, about 220 rangers arrived from Negros Occidental last Sept. 10, a day after the conflict started. They were called to assist and augment the local troops in securing the conflict-affected areas in the city during the standoff with heavily-armed members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) Misuari faction that lasted three weeks. Some of the rangers returned to their station in Negros earlier.
The rangers were finally pulled out from the frontlines after the situation in barangays Sta. Barbara, Sta. Catalina, Rio Hondo, Kasanyangan, Talon-Talon and the neighboring conflict-affected had stabilized. These areas are now subjected to “mopping” operations, the second passing of the clearing operations, which was undertaken by the local police.
“Right now, the situation does not anymore warrant the need for the scout rangers,” said Maj. Alano, adding “we cannot use them just for checkpoints and cordons, and their expertise are very in demand in other areas.”
According to the WesMinCom information office, three scout rangers were wounded during the encounters. No one was reported killed in action.
The scout rangers are an elite group of soldiers specially trained in anti-guerilla warfare. They have the reputation of being one of the world’s best anti-guerilla fighters.
Meanwhile, in a press conference held Thursday at the city hall, Col. Randy Sino Cruz of the AFP reported that the conflict areas are approximately 98 percent cleared. He said that the clearing operations are expected to end next week when the authorities have the utmost confidence that the area is 100 percent safe.
Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar still urged the populace to remain vigilant of any possible disturbances to the peace and security in the city.
“Please remain alert at all times, and instead of spreading or forwarding threatening and unverified text messages and online scares, immediately report them to the local police hotline 117,” said Mayor Climaco-Salazar.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=2651382060781
One hundred ninety nine soldiers from the 1st Scout Ranger Battalion and their commanding officer Lt. Col. Oriel Pangcog were officially sent-off Wednesday morning from Zamboanga City back to their area of operation in the Visayas region in simple ceremonies held at the Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) in barangay Upper Calarian this city.
According to Maj. Franco Rafael H. Alano of the WesMinCom Information Office, about 220 rangers arrived from Negros Occidental last Sept. 10, a day after the conflict started. They were called to assist and augment the local troops in securing the conflict-affected areas in the city during the standoff with heavily-armed members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) Misuari faction that lasted three weeks. Some of the rangers returned to their station in Negros earlier.
The rangers were finally pulled out from the frontlines after the situation in barangays Sta. Barbara, Sta. Catalina, Rio Hondo, Kasanyangan, Talon-Talon and the neighboring conflict-affected had stabilized. These areas are now subjected to “mopping” operations, the second passing of the clearing operations, which was undertaken by the local police.
“Right now, the situation does not anymore warrant the need for the scout rangers,” said Maj. Alano, adding “we cannot use them just for checkpoints and cordons, and their expertise are very in demand in other areas.”
According to the WesMinCom information office, three scout rangers were wounded during the encounters. No one was reported killed in action.
The scout rangers are an elite group of soldiers specially trained in anti-guerilla warfare. They have the reputation of being one of the world’s best anti-guerilla fighters.
Meanwhile, in a press conference held Thursday at the city hall, Col. Randy Sino Cruz of the AFP reported that the conflict areas are approximately 98 percent cleared. He said that the clearing operations are expected to end next week when the authorities have the utmost confidence that the area is 100 percent safe.
Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar still urged the populace to remain vigilant of any possible disturbances to the peace and security in the city.
“Please remain alert at all times, and instead of spreading or forwarding threatening and unverified text messages and online scares, immediately report them to the local police hotline 117,” said Mayor Climaco-Salazar.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=2651382060781
AFP deploys water sanitation teams to quake-ravaged areas
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 18): AFP deploys water sanitation teams to quake-ravaged areas
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Friday announced that it has deployed water sanitation teams to quake-ravaged areas inCentral
Visayas .
Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, AFP public affairs office chief, said that these units will help in producing and supplying potable water to evacuation centers sheltering earthquake displaced residents from Cebu andBohol .
These teams equipped with water purifiers capable of converting unsanitized water into clean drinking water.
Each purifier is capable of producing 32,000 liters of water per hour.
Zagala added that the 2nd Special Forces Battalion and 53rd Engineering Brigade with a total of 48 officers and 511 enlisted personnel is conducting search and retrieval operations in the two provinces.
The AFP Central Command also deployed a total of 233 trucks to help in clearing, evacuation and other humanitarian assistance operations in gravely affected areas.
Two UH-1H, one Huey II, and two W-3A "Sokol" helicopters also conducted damage assessment and transport operations.
Other AFP units were also tapped to assist in the ongoing relief operations.
These units are the Naval Reserve Eastern Visayas, Bohol Ready Reserve Battalion, and the 505th "TAS" Group.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=577634
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Friday announced that it has deployed water sanitation teams to quake-ravaged areas in
Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, AFP public affairs office chief, said that these units will help in producing and supplying potable water to evacuation centers sheltering earthquake displaced residents from Cebu and
These teams equipped with water purifiers capable of converting unsanitized water into clean drinking water.
Each purifier is capable of producing 32,000 liters of water per hour.
Zagala added that the 2nd Special Forces Battalion and 53rd Engineering Brigade with a total of 48 officers and 511 enlisted personnel is conducting search and retrieval operations in the two provinces.
The AFP Central Command also deployed a total of 233 trucks to help in clearing, evacuation and other humanitarian assistance operations in gravely affected areas.
Two UH-1H, one Huey II, and two W-3A "Sokol" helicopters also conducted damage assessment and transport operations.
Other AFP units were also tapped to assist in the ongoing relief operations.
These units are the Naval Reserve Eastern Visayas, Bohol Ready Reserve Battalion, and the 505th "TAS" Group.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=577634
Transfer of custody of over 200 arrested MNLF rebels being processed
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 18): Transfer of custody of over 200 arrested MNLF rebels being processed
The transfer of custody of more than 200 rebels arrested during the clashes between government forces and the Moro National Liberation Front inZamboanga City
According to Justice Secretary Leila M. De Lima, she has talked to Prosecutor General Claro A. Arellano for a copy of the resolution from the Supreme Court directing the transfer from the Zamboanga City Regional Trial Court to the Taguig City RTC of the hearing on the case of rebellion and violation of the International Humanitarian Law filed against the group of Nurulaji "Nur" P. Misuari.
De Lima said there is a big possibility that the MNLF rebels will be detained in Camp Bagong Diwa, inTaguig
City
The SC granted Thursday the request of Prosecutor General A. Arellano for the transfer of venue of the hearing of the controversial case for the security of the witnesses and the others who will attend the hearing.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=577731
The transfer of custody of more than 200 rebels arrested during the clashes between government forces and the Moro National Liberation Front in
According to Justice Secretary Leila M. De Lima, she has talked to Prosecutor General Claro A. Arellano for a copy of the resolution from the Supreme Court directing the transfer from the Zamboanga City Regional Trial Court to the Taguig City RTC of the hearing on the case of rebellion and violation of the International Humanitarian Law filed against the group of Nurulaji "Nur" P. Misuari.
De Lima said there is a big possibility that the MNLF rebels will be detained in Camp Bagong Diwa, in
The SC granted Thursday the request of Prosecutor General A. Arellano for the transfer of venue of the hearing of the controversial case for the security of the witnesses and the others who will attend the hearing.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=577731
F/A-50s to boost country's capability to defend territory
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 18): F/A-50s to boost country's capability to defend territory
The F/A-50 "Golden Eagle" jet fighter, which the Philippines is acquiring from South Korea, will greatly boost the capability of the military to defend the country's aerial domains, Philippine Air Force (PAF) spokesman Col. Ernesto Miguel Okol said Friday.
"It will greatly increase our capability to defend the country," he added.
ThePhilippines and South Korea
The country has allotted P18-billion to acquire 12 units of these 1.5 Mach capable jet aircraft.
Department of National Defense (DND) spokesman Dr. Peter Paul Galvez earlier said that the acquisition of the F/A-50s will help Philippine Air Force (PAF) pilots develop their "air command maneuvering" (ACM) skills.
The latter refers to the capability to detect, track and maneuver into position necessary to destroy hostile aircraft intruding in the country's airspace.
"The F/A-50 (once officially in the PAF inventory) will help our pilots regain their ACM skills. The aircraft is very ideal for this training as it is modeled very closely in with (General Dynamics) F-16 'Fighting Falcon', one of the most successful jet fighter designs in the world," he said.
ACM skills of Filipino fighter pilots have been seriously eroded with the retirement of the PAF's Northrop F-5 "Tiger" fleet sometimes in 2005.
Galvez said the F/A-50 will also give Filipino pilots the necessary "fast mover" experience needed once the PAF acquires its real modern fighter aircraft.
"The F/A-50 will be the PAF's interim fighter jet aircraft for the moment and it will teach our pilots the skills needed in piloting high performance jet aircraft," he stressed.
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.
Korea Aerospace Industries (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 (48,000 feet), and airframe is designed to last 8,000 hours of service.
There are seven internal fuel tanks with capacity of 2,655 liters (701 gallons), five in the fuselage and two in the wings.
An additional 1,710 liters (452 gallons) 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=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=577700
The F/A-50 "Golden Eagle" jet fighter, which the Philippines is acquiring from South Korea, will greatly boost the capability of the military to defend the country's aerial domains, Philippine Air Force (PAF) spokesman Col. Ernesto Miguel Okol said Friday.
"It will greatly increase our capability to defend the country," he added.
The
The country has allotted P18-billion to acquire 12 units of these 1.5 Mach capable jet aircraft.
Department of National Defense (DND) spokesman Dr. Peter Paul Galvez earlier said that the acquisition of the F/A-50s will help Philippine Air Force (PAF) pilots develop their "air command maneuvering" (ACM) skills.
The latter refers to the capability to detect, track and maneuver into position necessary to destroy hostile aircraft intruding in the country's airspace.
"The F/A-50 (once officially in the PAF inventory) will help our pilots regain their ACM skills. The aircraft is very ideal for this training as it is modeled very closely in with (General Dynamics) F-16 'Fighting Falcon', one of the most successful jet fighter designs in the world," he said.
ACM skills of Filipino fighter pilots have been seriously eroded with the retirement of the PAF's Northrop F-5 "Tiger" fleet sometimes in 2005.
Galvez said the F/A-50 will also give Filipino pilots the necessary "fast mover" experience needed once the PAF acquires its real modern fighter aircraft.
"The F/A-50 will be the PAF's interim fighter jet aircraft for the moment and it will teach our pilots the skills needed in piloting high performance jet aircraft," he stressed.
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.
Korea Aerospace Industries (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 (48,000 feet), and airframe is designed to last 8,000 hours of service.
There are seven internal fuel tanks with capacity of 2,655 liters (701 gallons), five in the fuselage and two in the wings.
An additional 1,710 liters (452 gallons) 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=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=577700
Army’s 8ID goes full swing in its preparations for barangay elections
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 18): Army’s 8ID goes full swing in its preparations for barangay elections
All units of the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division (8ID) are now conducting massive pre-election activities, especially in scouring possible areas inEastern Visayas believed to be
influenced by insurgents.
These pre-emptive operations of the government troops already resulted to two encounters in Rizalvillage
of Matuguinao
Capt. Amado Gutierrez, chief of the Division Public Affairs Office (DPAO) said that the immediate action on their part was to deter NPA plans to influence polls’ results.
The military is anticipating that attempts to influence results will possibly happen in NPA-infiltrated areas on the day of the elections.
Based on records from the Philippine National Police (PNP), there are at least 292 villages in the region that have been included in the “election watch lists” Of the number 90 are considered as “immediate areas of concern” while 202 are within “areas of concern.”
Among the parameters used in declaring an area as either “areas of concern” or “immediate areas of concern” are history of violence in the past elections (2007 and 2010 elections) and existence of partisan armed groups.
Gutierrez reported that in the whole region their concentration is on the 67 barangays they consider as “NPA-influenced areas.” Of the number 57 are “influenced” while 10 are “less influenced.”
“Influenced areas” are those where NPA members have organic structure that has the capacity to influence election results through threatening barangay folks to vote for their supported candidates and even supersede village councils by force. These barangays, according to Gutierrez, are the subjects of their ongoing efforts before the elections in the 28th.
Delineation of coverage areas during the elections will be discussed thoroughly during their final command conference this Oct 21, he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=577624
All units of the Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Division (8ID) are now conducting massive pre-election activities, especially in scouring possible areas in
These pre-emptive operations of the government troops already resulted to two encounters in Rizal
Capt. Amado Gutierrez, chief of the Division Public Affairs Office (DPAO) said that the immediate action on their part was to deter NPA plans to influence polls’ results.
The military is anticipating that attempts to influence results will possibly happen in NPA-infiltrated areas on the day of the elections.
Based on records from the Philippine National Police (PNP), there are at least 292 villages in the region that have been included in the “election watch lists” Of the number 90 are considered as “immediate areas of concern” while 202 are within “areas of concern.”
Among the parameters used in declaring an area as either “areas of concern” or “immediate areas of concern” are history of violence in the past elections (2007 and 2010 elections) and existence of partisan armed groups.
Gutierrez reported that in the whole region their concentration is on the 67 barangays they consider as “NPA-influenced areas.” Of the number 57 are “influenced” while 10 are “less influenced.”
“Influenced areas” are those where NPA members have organic structure that has the capacity to influence election results through threatening barangay folks to vote for their supported candidates and even supersede village councils by force. These barangays, according to Gutierrez, are the subjects of their ongoing efforts before the elections in the 28th.
Delineation of coverage areas during the elections will be discussed thoroughly during their final command conference this Oct 21, he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=577624
MILF to lose identity in 2016 with new Bangsamoro govt comes in : Negotiator
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 18): MILF to lose identity in 2016 with new Bangsamoro govt comes in : Negotiator
By the year 2016, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will cease to exist, a ranking MILF official said Thursday.
Mohaqher Iqbal, MILF chief negotiator and currently chair of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC), showed to reporters how optimistic the MILF with the Bangsamoro government that will come out after a peace deal is signed withManila
"We are very confident with the current Philippine leadership that the Bangsamoro political government will be in place by 2016, so there's no reason for the MILF to continue existing," he added.
"We are very confident our dreams will be realized," he added.
Iqbal said the MILF is convinced on the sincerity of the Aquino administration thus its leaders remain very optimistic amid some obstacles along the way leading to the establishment of Bangsamoro government.
Without explicitly saying the MILF will disband, Iqbal hinted that the MILF will lost its identity when the Bangsamoro government it has been fighting for is already at hand.
His vision complemented the position of peace stakeholders inMindanao who remained positive and patient on the
progress of the GPH-MILF talks.
Iqbal said "all roads lead to that direction," referring to the establishment of a new political government in Muslim Mindanao.
“Even the panels have a positive attitude on the matter, as peace is the only way we should do it,” he said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=577647
By the year 2016, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will cease to exist, a ranking MILF official said Thursday.
Mohaqher Iqbal, MILF chief negotiator and currently chair of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC), showed to reporters how optimistic the MILF with the Bangsamoro government that will come out after a peace deal is signed with
"We are very confident with the current Philippine leadership that the Bangsamoro political government will be in place by 2016, so there's no reason for the MILF to continue existing," he added.
"We are very confident our dreams will be realized," he added.
Iqbal said the MILF is convinced on the sincerity of the Aquino administration thus its leaders remain very optimistic amid some obstacles along the way leading to the establishment of Bangsamoro government.
Without explicitly saying the MILF will disband, Iqbal hinted that the MILF will lost its identity when the Bangsamoro government it has been fighting for is already at hand.
His vision complemented the position of peace stakeholders in
Iqbal said "all roads lead to that direction," referring to the establishment of a new political government in Muslim Mindanao.
“Even the panels have a positive attitude on the matter, as peace is the only way we should do it,” he said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=577647
ARMY official says some 140 barangays under areas of concern in Davao, Cotabato provinces
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 18): ARMY official says some 140 barangays under areas of concern in Davao, Cotabato provinces
An official of the Philippine Army here said that 100 barangays are placed under areas of concern in Davao Region while 40 barangays are placed under the same classification in South andNorth Cotabato .
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Major General Ariel Bernardo, commander of the 10th Infantry Division said the rebels exact taxation on local candidates even for the forthcoming barangay elections through the so-called PTC or permit to campaign.
He lamented the reports that communist rebels imposed PTC even on the electoral exercise involving the candidates of the basic unit structure of governance.
“It is sad that the rebels compel the compliance of PTC even on leaders whom everybody in the community knows,” Bernardo said.
The Army commander in Davao Region made a tour of his area of responsibility as far as some parts of South andNorth Cotabato .
Bernardo said the areas of concern include the whole province of Compostela Valley, portions of Davao del Norte all the way to Paquibato District, Davao City, Davao City-Arakan Valley, North Cotabato boundary, Malita, Davao del Sur-Alabel, Sarangani boundary, Kiblawan, Davao del Sur and Colombio, Sultan Kudarat boundary, and the Tulunan, North Cotabato-Davao del Sur boundary.
He said the barangay elections offer the opportunity for people to select pro-democracy leaders.
“Residents have to realize the importance of choosing leaders who not command respect but also listen to the will of the people. They must be guided in putting to office pro-democracy leaders,” Bernardo said. A top military commander confirmed that the communist rebels are imposing permit to campaign in some barangays inNorth Cotabato .
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=577718
An official of the Philippine Army here said that 100 barangays are placed under areas of concern in Davao Region while 40 barangays are placed under the same classification in South and
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Major General Ariel Bernardo, commander of the 10th Infantry Division said the rebels exact taxation on local candidates even for the forthcoming barangay elections through the so-called PTC or permit to campaign.
He lamented the reports that communist rebels imposed PTC even on the electoral exercise involving the candidates of the basic unit structure of governance.
“It is sad that the rebels compel the compliance of PTC even on leaders whom everybody in the community knows,” Bernardo said.
The Army commander in Davao Region made a tour of his area of responsibility as far as some parts of South and
Bernardo said the areas of concern include the whole province of Compostela Valley, portions of Davao del Norte all the way to Paquibato District, Davao City, Davao City-Arakan Valley, North Cotabato boundary, Malita, Davao del Sur-Alabel, Sarangani boundary, Kiblawan, Davao del Sur and Colombio, Sultan Kudarat boundary, and the Tulunan, North Cotabato-Davao del Sur boundary.
He said the barangay elections offer the opportunity for people to select pro-democracy leaders.
“Residents have to realize the importance of choosing leaders who not command respect but also listen to the will of the people. They must be guided in putting to office pro-democracy leaders,” Bernardo said. A top military commander confirmed that the communist rebels are imposing permit to campaign in some barangays in
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=577718
2 insurgents killed in clash with Army troops in Samar town
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 18): 2 insurgents killed in clash with Army troops in Samar town
Two successive encounters between the 43rd Infantry Battalion (43IB) of the 8th Infantry Division (8ID) and members of the (New) People’s Army (NPA) in Samar town this week resulted in the death of the latter’s two members.
The separate encounters happened at barangay Rizal of Matuguinao town Tuesday morning.
The first clash happened at around 7:01 a.m. and after around 15 minutes, another fighting ensued just some 600 meters away from the first scene.
The incident occurred after Lt. Colonel Glen Jun C. Calambuhay, commanding officer of the 43IB, received information through text that armed NPAs have been staying in the said village.
According to the informant, the rebels were urging locales to vote for their endorsed candidate while at the same time extorting from them food and money.
Calambuhay immediately dispatched his troops to the area that later engaged some 10 to 15 rebels in separate fights.
The encounters also led to the recovery of one M16 Armalite rifle with one loaded magazine and one 12-gauge homemade shotgun.
Capt. Amado Guiterrez, chief of the 8ID public affairs division, said that the rebels who were killed in the encounter remain to be unidentified as of press time.
Meantime, 8ID commanding officer, Brigadier General Jet B. Velarmino said that it is “alarming” that NPAs are already campaigning for their candidates in Rizal village in line with the Oct 28 elections.
“Nonetheless, I commend the troops of 43rd Infantry Battalion under the leadership of Lt Col Calambuhay for their commitment to service and dedication to duty that sustain the peace and development in this part of Samar Island,” he added.
He also stated that “it is unfortunate and tragic” that the rebels continue with their armed struggle when the Filipino nation “believes that lasting peace, sustainable development and social justice can be attained through peaceful consultations.”
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=577829
Two successive encounters between the 43rd Infantry Battalion (43IB) of the 8th Infantry Division (8ID) and members of the (New) People’s Army (NPA) in Samar town this week resulted in the death of the latter’s two members.
The separate encounters happened at barangay Rizal of Matuguinao town Tuesday morning.
The first clash happened at around 7:01 a.m. and after around 15 minutes, another fighting ensued just some 600 meters away from the first scene.
The incident occurred after Lt. Colonel Glen Jun C. Calambuhay, commanding officer of the 43IB, received information through text that armed NPAs have been staying in the said village.
According to the informant, the rebels were urging locales to vote for their endorsed candidate while at the same time extorting from them food and money.
Calambuhay immediately dispatched his troops to the area that later engaged some 10 to 15 rebels in separate fights.
The encounters also led to the recovery of one M16 Armalite rifle with one loaded magazine and one 12-gauge homemade shotgun.
Capt. Amado Guiterrez, chief of the 8ID public affairs division, said that the rebels who were killed in the encounter remain to be unidentified as of press time.
Meantime, 8ID commanding officer, Brigadier General Jet B. Velarmino said that it is “alarming” that NPAs are already campaigning for their candidates in Rizal village in line with the Oct 28 elections.
“Nonetheless, I commend the troops of 43rd Infantry Battalion under the leadership of Lt Col Calambuhay for their commitment to service and dedication to duty that sustain the peace and development in this part of Samar Island,” he added.
He also stated that “it is unfortunate and tragic” that the rebels continue with their armed struggle when the Filipino nation “believes that lasting peace, sustainable development and social justice can be attained through peaceful consultations.”
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=577829
23 Bicol Navy applicants face board for final selection
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 18): 23 Bicol Navy applicants face board for final selection
Twenty-three of the 33 applicants to the Naval Officer Candidate Course held last July 22 faced the Philippine Navy Officer Procurement Board Friday via Video Teleconferencing System at the headquarters of the Naval Forces forSouthern Luzon .
Commodore Manuel Abinuman, Navforsol commander, said the activity primarily aims to scout for qualified and potential naval officers that will undergo military training and schooling for one year in Naval Education and Training Command inSan Antonio
Abinuman said applicants were asked to introduce themselves to the members of the procurement board headed by Capt. Jose Ma. Ambrosio Q. Ezpeleta, board chairman, who asked them questions on national issues and current events.
Likewise, they were asked why they chose the Philippine Navy and not the other AFP branches of service, Abinuman said.
Applicants defended themselves and gave their best reasons to convince the board why they chose the Navy and not the others, he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=577715
Twenty-three of the 33 applicants to the Naval Officer Candidate Course held last July 22 faced the Philippine Navy Officer Procurement Board Friday via Video Teleconferencing System at the headquarters of the Naval Forces for
Commodore Manuel Abinuman, Navforsol commander, said the activity primarily aims to scout for qualified and potential naval officers that will undergo military training and schooling for one year in Naval Education and Training Command in
Abinuman said applicants were asked to introduce themselves to the members of the procurement board headed by Capt. Jose Ma. Ambrosio Q. Ezpeleta, board chairman, who asked them questions on national issues and current events.
Likewise, they were asked why they chose the Philippine Navy and not the other AFP branches of service, Abinuman said.
Applicants defended themselves and gave their best reasons to convince the board why they chose the Navy and not the others, he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=577715
DND spokesperson hails pronouncement calling for fast-tracking of F/A-50 delivery
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 18): DND spokesperson hails pronouncement calling for fast-tracking of F/A-50 delivery
Defense Department spokesperson Dr. Peter Paul Galvez on Friday hailed announcements concerning pronouncements calling for the immediate delivery of the F/A-50 "Golden Eagle" jet aircraft.
ThePhilippines and South Korea
The country has allotted P18-billion to acquire 12 units of these 1.5 Mach capable jet aircraft.
"With our deepening and broadening cooperation withSouth Korea
The DND spokesperson earlier said that the acquisition of the F/A-50s will help Philippine Air Force (PAF) pilots develop their "air command maneuvering" (ACM) skills.
The latter refers to the capability to detect, track and maneuver into position necessary to destroy hostile aircraft intruding in the country's airspace.
"The F/A-50 (once officially in the PAF inventory) will help our pilots regain their ACM skills. The aircraft is very ideal for this training as it is modeled very closely in with (General Dynamics) F-16 'Fighting Falcon', one of the most successful jet fighter designs in the world," he added.
ACM skills of Filipino fighter pilots have been seriously eroded with the retirement of the PAF's Northrop F-5 "Tiger" fleet sometimes in 2005.
Galvez also said that the F/A-50 will also give Filipino pilots the necessary "fast mover" experience needed once the PAF acquires its real modern fighter aircraft.
"The F/A-50 will be the PAF's interim fighter jet aircraft for the moment and it will teach our pilots the skills needed in piloting high performance jet aircraft," he stressed.
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.
Korea Aerospace Industries (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 (48,000 feet), 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 (452US
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=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=577817
Defense Department spokesperson Dr. Peter Paul Galvez on Friday hailed announcements concerning pronouncements calling for the immediate delivery of the F/A-50 "Golden Eagle" jet aircraft.
The
The country has allotted P18-billion to acquire 12 units of these 1.5 Mach capable jet aircraft.
"With our deepening and broadening cooperation with
The DND spokesperson earlier said that the acquisition of the F/A-50s will help Philippine Air Force (PAF) pilots develop their "air command maneuvering" (ACM) skills.
The latter refers to the capability to detect, track and maneuver into position necessary to destroy hostile aircraft intruding in the country's airspace.
"The F/A-50 (once officially in the PAF inventory) will help our pilots regain their ACM skills. The aircraft is very ideal for this training as it is modeled very closely in with (General Dynamics) F-16 'Fighting Falcon', one of the most successful jet fighter designs in the world," he added.
ACM skills of Filipino fighter pilots have been seriously eroded with the retirement of the PAF's Northrop F-5 "Tiger" fleet sometimes in 2005.
Galvez also said that the F/A-50 will also give Filipino pilots the necessary "fast mover" experience needed once the PAF acquires its real modern fighter aircraft.
"The F/A-50 will be the PAF's interim fighter jet aircraft for the moment and it will teach our pilots the skills needed in piloting high performance jet aircraft," he stressed.
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.
Korea Aerospace Industries (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 (48,000 feet), 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 (452
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=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=577817
CHR to re-issue advisory on permit-to-campaign scheme by NPAs next week
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 18): CHR to re-issue advisory on permit-to-campaign scheme by NPAs next week
Following the upcoming Barangay Elections on October 28, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is set to re-issue next week its Human Rights Advisory on the 'Permit-to-Campaign' plot by the New People’s Army and other rebel groups.
This Advisory would reiterate CHR’s call for the public to continue raising its awareness and to “mobilize its opinion into taking specific actions on how to prevent such illegal conduct”.
In a seven-page advisory, the CHR underscores that the Permit to Campaign Scheme is a “form of extortion being perpetrated by the NPA and other non-state actors, is repugnant in all possible ways to valued human rights principles and standards, not only of candidates and political parties, but of the individual voters as well.”
There were media reports in the past concerning the NPA’s Permit to Campaign Scheme, a practice that prevents political parties and candidates from entering certain territories, which were, allegedly, under the control of these non-state groups.
To be able to have the right of entry, candidates would have to give a certain amount in exchange for a pass to campaign.
CHR, in the advisory, explains that, this practice “arrogates to the requiring group the powers rightfully belonging to the people and lawfully designated authorities and disregards the rule of law, and scoffs at the principles of free, fair and genuine elections”.
The basic principles on the human right to electoral participation are enshrined in the 1987 Constitution, in international law instruments such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, among others.
The fundamental rights spoken in these legal documents are: the right to take part in government; the right to vote and be elected; and the right to equal access to public service.
The CHR Advisory will be made available on Monday, October 21.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=577823
Following the upcoming Barangay Elections on October 28, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) is set to re-issue next week its Human Rights Advisory on the 'Permit-to-Campaign' plot by the New People’s Army and other rebel groups.
This Advisory would reiterate CHR’s call for the public to continue raising its awareness and to “mobilize its opinion into taking specific actions on how to prevent such illegal conduct”.
In a seven-page advisory, the CHR underscores that the Permit to Campaign Scheme is a “form of extortion being perpetrated by the NPA and other non-state actors, is repugnant in all possible ways to valued human rights principles and standards, not only of candidates and political parties, but of the individual voters as well.”
There were media reports in the past concerning the NPA’s Permit to Campaign Scheme, a practice that prevents political parties and candidates from entering certain territories, which were, allegedly, under the control of these non-state groups.
To be able to have the right of entry, candidates would have to give a certain amount in exchange for a pass to campaign.
CHR, in the advisory, explains that, this practice “arrogates to the requiring group the powers rightfully belonging to the people and lawfully designated authorities and disregards the rule of law, and scoffs at the principles of free, fair and genuine elections”.
The basic principles on the human right to electoral participation are enshrined in the 1987 Constitution, in international law instruments such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, among others.
The fundamental rights spoken in these legal documents are: the right to take part in government; the right to vote and be elected; and the right to equal access to public service.
The CHR Advisory will be made available on Monday, October 21.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=577823
BI on lookout for Misuari, Malik et al
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 18): BI on lookout for Misuari, Malik et al
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has barred Nurulaji P. Misuari, a.k.a. Nur Misuari and Nur Pining Misuari, Ustadz Habier Malik, Bas Arki and Assamin Hussin from leaving the country.
This after BI Officer-in-Charge Siegfred Mison issued an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO) against these individuals linked in theZamboanga City
The order directed all bureau personnel to prevent and detain aforesaid personalities, should any of them attempt to pass through the immigration counters in any of the international airport or seaport in the country.
Likewise, BI personnel in the airports and seaports were told to immediately coordinate with other law enforcement agencies, including the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), towards the end of duly executing their Warrants and delivering them to the nearest station or jail.
Mison said the ILBO was issued in connection with the pending criminal cases against them for rebellion and violation of Republic Act No. 9851 or the Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity.
The issuance of the ILBO is pursuant to the Memorandum of the Secretary of Justice on October 17, 2013.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=577821
The Bureau of Immigration (BI) has barred Nurulaji P. Misuari, a.k.a. Nur Misuari and Nur Pining Misuari, Ustadz Habier Malik, Bas Arki and Assamin Hussin from leaving the country.
This after BI Officer-in-Charge Siegfred Mison issued an Immigration Lookout Bulletin Order (ILBO) against these individuals linked in the
The order directed all bureau personnel to prevent and detain aforesaid personalities, should any of them attempt to pass through the immigration counters in any of the international airport or seaport in the country.
Likewise, BI personnel in the airports and seaports were told to immediately coordinate with other law enforcement agencies, including the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), towards the end of duly executing their Warrants and delivering them to the nearest station or jail.
Mison said the ILBO was issued in connection with the pending criminal cases against them for rebellion and violation of Republic Act No. 9851 or the Philippine Act on Crimes Against International Humanitarian Law, Genocide, and Other Crimes Against Humanity.
The issuance of the ILBO is pursuant to the Memorandum of the Secretary of Justice on October 17, 2013.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=577821
PAF delivers 115,000 pounds of relief goods to quake victims
From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 18): PAF delivers 115,000 pounds of relief goods to quake victims
As of Friday, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) announced that it has delivered 115,000 pounds of emergency goods and supplies to the quake-battered provinces of Bohol andCebu .
PAF spokesperson Miguel Ernesto Okol said that delivery of relief items started on Oct. 15.
He added that this was accomplished by three of the PAF's C-130 cargo aircraft.
"In response to help the victims especially those who called on the command for rescue in the worst-case disasters, all available PAF personnel, vehicles and aircraft were tapped to deliver assistance and to bring the victims to safer areas," Okol stressed.
With the support of Department of Social Welfare Development, Department of Health, Philippine National Red Cross, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and other local government units, the PAF shuttled necessities and equipment to all the distressed victims.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=577836
As of Friday, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) announced that it has delivered 115,000 pounds of emergency goods and supplies to the quake-battered provinces of Bohol and
PAF spokesperson Miguel Ernesto Okol said that delivery of relief items started on Oct. 15.
He added that this was accomplished by three of the PAF's C-130 cargo aircraft.
"In response to help the victims especially those who called on the command for rescue in the worst-case disasters, all available PAF personnel, vehicles and aircraft were tapped to deliver assistance and to bring the victims to safer areas," Okol stressed.
With the support of Department of Social Welfare Development, Department of Health, Philippine National Red Cross, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and other local government units, the PAF shuttled necessities and equipment to all the distressed victims.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=577836
No NPA bets in village polls, says rebel spokesman in Rizal
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Oct 18): No NPA bets in village polls, says rebel spokesman in
Rizal
The New People’s Army communist guerrillas did not field candidates in the coming barangay (village) elections on Oct. 28 contrary to the claim of the military, a rebel spokesman in Rizal province said.
“The NPA in Rizal, as member of revolutionary organization, does not believe in elections being undertaken by the reactionary government. It is definitely not participating in this exercise and will not field any candidate in any barangay in Rizal province,” Macario “Ka Karyo” Liwanag, spokesman of NPA Narciso Antazo Aramil Command operating in Rizal, said in a statement late Thursday afternoon.
The deadline for the filing of the certificate of candidacies for the barangay elections ended 5 p.m. Thursday.
However, Liwanag said the revolutionary movement will respect the right of the people to choose their barangay leaders. He emphasized that the NPA will not allow candidates to violate policies of the rebel movement in conducting campaign inside their so-called revolutionary territories.
Last month, Lt. General Caesar Ronnie Ordoyo, head of the military’s Southern Luzon Command, claimed that the NPA was setting the groundwork to control remote areas by fielding its own candidates for the barangay polls.
Ordoyo had asked the public to reject NPA candidates.
Liwanag said Ordoyo’s allegation was nothing but “red baiting” and false accusation against candidates who are government critics and are supportive of victims of military abuses and wrongdoings.
“The AFP-PNP forces in the province will surely use the election time to penetrate revolutionary territories, spread poisoned black propaganda against the revolutionary movement and attack the revolutionary forces,” Liwanag said.
Liwanag said the barangay election would be a “proxy war” between rival political dynasties to solidify their hold in the barangay in preparation for the 2016 election.
As in the past elections, the coming barangay election will still be by the “power of 3 G’s – goons, guns, and gold”.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/509561/no-npa-bets-in-village-polls-says-rebel-spokesman-in-rizal
The New People’s Army communist guerrillas did not field candidates in the coming barangay (village) elections on Oct. 28 contrary to the claim of the military, a rebel spokesman in Rizal province said.
“The NPA in Rizal, as member of revolutionary organization, does not believe in elections being undertaken by the reactionary government. It is definitely not participating in this exercise and will not field any candidate in any barangay in Rizal province,” Macario “Ka Karyo” Liwanag, spokesman of NPA Narciso Antazo Aramil Command operating in Rizal, said in a statement late Thursday afternoon.
The deadline for the filing of the certificate of candidacies for the barangay elections ended 5 p.m. Thursday.
However, Liwanag said the revolutionary movement will respect the right of the people to choose their barangay leaders. He emphasized that the NPA will not allow candidates to violate policies of the rebel movement in conducting campaign inside their so-called revolutionary territories.
Last month, Lt. General Caesar Ronnie Ordoyo, head of the military’s Southern Luzon Command, claimed that the NPA was setting the groundwork to control remote areas by fielding its own candidates for the barangay polls.
Ordoyo had asked the public to reject NPA candidates.
Liwanag said Ordoyo’s allegation was nothing but “red baiting” and false accusation against candidates who are government critics and are supportive of victims of military abuses and wrongdoings.
“The AFP-PNP forces in the province will surely use the election time to penetrate revolutionary territories, spread poisoned black propaganda against the revolutionary movement and attack the revolutionary forces,” Liwanag said.
Liwanag said the barangay election would be a “proxy war” between rival political dynasties to solidify their hold in the barangay in preparation for the 2016 election.
As in the past elections, the coming barangay election will still be by the “power of 3 G’s – goons, guns, and gold”.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/509561/no-npa-bets-in-village-polls-says-rebel-spokesman-in-rizal
Aquino: PH close to finalizing deal on purchase of Korean fighter jets
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Oct 18): Aquino: PH close to finalizing deal on purchase of Korean fighter jets
SEOUL– Move over. The big boys are coming.
President Aquino said the Philippines was close to finalizing a deal with a state-owned Korean aerospace firm for the purchase of a squadron of FA-50 fighter jets worth P18.9 billion, a move seen to bolster the country’s aerial power to defend its territory in the disputed West Philippine Sea region.
Mr. Aquino said he discussed the procurement of 12 brand new multirole combat aircrafts from the Korean Aerospace Industries Inc. (KAI) when he met with South Korean President Park Geun-hye at the Blue House, South Korea’s seat of power, shortly after he arrived on Thursday for a two-day state visit.
He said it was part of the commitment of both countries to improve their military cooperation as stated in the memorandum of understanding that the Philippines and South Korea entered into on Thursday.
“(These are) Korean lead-in fighters. The purpose of this (procurement)… is to maintain our ability to fly jets, at least for the Air Force to fly jets,” the President told a news briefing Thursday night with members of Philippine media covering his visit here.
“We’re handling this (as a) G-to-G (government to government) procurement. The Air Force looked at several models (of fighter jets) and after all of the negotiations, this is their preference,” he said.
The President noted that the last jet fighter the Air Force had, the US-made light fighter aircraft F-5, last flew in 2005.
“While we have (fixed-gear) aircrafts, those are just propeller-types. So you slowly lose your expertise to fly jets,” he said.
Included in the agreement that both countries signed were cooperation in the defense industry, exchanges in military technology, military technology cooperation, exchange of defense-related experience and information, and mutual exchange of visits by military personnel and experts.
They also agreed to share experiences in military education and training, research and development, logistics and maintenance, humanitarian assistance and international peacekeeping activities, military sports and cultural activities, and military medicine and health services.
Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, who accompanied the President and signed the agreement, said the Philippines and South Korea would sign the contract for the purchase of the lead-in fighter jets within the year.
He noted that the Korean-made military aircraft was more affordable than fighter jets made in other countries and that the maintenance of the military planes would be easier as the spare parts for them are readily available.
Asked how the FA-50 would fare with Chinese fighter jets which fly by the West Philippine Sea, Gazmin said: “Pwede na nating labanan siguro yun (We can probably engage them).”
Besides the military planes, the defense secretary said the hefty price tag will also include the training of Filipino pilots who would fly them.
He expressed confidence that the purchase of FA-50s would help the Air Force resuscitate its fighter jet program which took a nosedive when the military decided to focus on buying helicopters and smaller jets for its counter-insurgency campaign and domestic security program.
The President said there was no definite delivery date for the military aircrafts yet, but said both Korea and the Philippines pledged to expedite the process for the procurement.
“We’re just finishing some things both in their laws and our laws regarding the procurement. The details were really plenty. But the bottom line is that both sides agreed to try and expedite the arms purchase and the delivery of these planes,” he said.
Meanwhile, the President said he relayed to Park the concern of the Philippines regarding the security of some 50,000 Filipinos living and working in South Korea every time the military hostilities rise between the North and South Korea.
He said he also thanked his South Korean counterpart for her country’s support for a peaceful settlement of the conflicting claims over several oil-rich islands in the West Philippine Sea “consistent with international law.”
“They can choose to stay quiet, but expressed their interest being a very large trading country. I thanked them for the promotion of stability and the easing of tensions in this disputed waters,” Mr. Aquino said.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/88187/aquino-ph-close-to-finalizing-deal-on-purchase-of-korean-fighter-jets
SEOUL– Move over. The big boys are coming.
President Aquino said the Philippines was close to finalizing a deal with a state-owned Korean aerospace firm for the purchase of a squadron of FA-50 fighter jets worth P18.9 billion, a move seen to bolster the country’s aerial power to defend its territory in the disputed West Philippine Sea region.
Mr. Aquino said he discussed the procurement of 12 brand new multirole combat aircrafts from the Korean Aerospace Industries Inc. (KAI) when he met with South Korean President Park Geun-hye at the Blue House, South Korea’s seat of power, shortly after he arrived on Thursday for a two-day state visit.
He said it was part of the commitment of both countries to improve their military cooperation as stated in the memorandum of understanding that the Philippines and South Korea entered into on Thursday.
“(These are) Korean lead-in fighters. The purpose of this (procurement)… is to maintain our ability to fly jets, at least for the Air Force to fly jets,” the President told a news briefing Thursday night with members of Philippine media covering his visit here.
“We’re handling this (as a) G-to-G (government to government) procurement. The Air Force looked at several models (of fighter jets) and after all of the negotiations, this is their preference,” he said.
The President noted that the last jet fighter the Air Force had, the US-made light fighter aircraft F-5, last flew in 2005.
“While we have (fixed-gear) aircrafts, those are just propeller-types. So you slowly lose your expertise to fly jets,” he said.
Included in the agreement that both countries signed were cooperation in the defense industry, exchanges in military technology, military technology cooperation, exchange of defense-related experience and information, and mutual exchange of visits by military personnel and experts.
They also agreed to share experiences in military education and training, research and development, logistics and maintenance, humanitarian assistance and international peacekeeping activities, military sports and cultural activities, and military medicine and health services.
Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, who accompanied the President and signed the agreement, said the Philippines and South Korea would sign the contract for the purchase of the lead-in fighter jets within the year.
He noted that the Korean-made military aircraft was more affordable than fighter jets made in other countries and that the maintenance of the military planes would be easier as the spare parts for them are readily available.
Asked how the FA-50 would fare with Chinese fighter jets which fly by the West Philippine Sea, Gazmin said: “Pwede na nating labanan siguro yun (We can probably engage them).”
Besides the military planes, the defense secretary said the hefty price tag will also include the training of Filipino pilots who would fly them.
He expressed confidence that the purchase of FA-50s would help the Air Force resuscitate its fighter jet program which took a nosedive when the military decided to focus on buying helicopters and smaller jets for its counter-insurgency campaign and domestic security program.
The President said there was no definite delivery date for the military aircrafts yet, but said both Korea and the Philippines pledged to expedite the process for the procurement.
“We’re just finishing some things both in their laws and our laws regarding the procurement. The details were really plenty. But the bottom line is that both sides agreed to try and expedite the arms purchase and the delivery of these planes,” he said.
Meanwhile, the President said he relayed to Park the concern of the Philippines regarding the security of some 50,000 Filipinos living and working in South Korea every time the military hostilities rise between the North and South Korea.
He said he also thanked his South Korean counterpart for her country’s support for a peaceful settlement of the conflicting claims over several oil-rich islands in the West Philippine Sea “consistent with international law.”
“They can choose to stay quiet, but expressed their interest being a very large trading country. I thanked them for the promotion of stability and the easing of tensions in this disputed waters,” Mr. Aquino said.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/88187/aquino-ph-close-to-finalizing-deal-on-purchase-of-korean-fighter-jets
US Embassy donates $50,000 for relief operations for Bohol quake victims
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Oct 18): US Embassy donates $50,000 for relief operations for Bohol quake victims
The US Embassy has donated $50,000 for relief operations for the victims of the magnitude 7.2 earthquake that hit Bohol, Cebu and parts of Visayas and Mindanao last Tuesday.
“We are very concerned about the tragic loss of life and suffering caused by the Bohol earthquake,” Charge d’Affairs Brian Goldbeck was quoted as saying in a statement Friday by the US Embassy in the Philippines.
“The assistance the US Agency for International Development (USAID) can offer will be a good first step in mitigating that suffering,” he said.
At least 171 casualties were recorded in the provinces of Bohol, Cebu, and Siquijor with more than 300 injured from the quake that leveled several centuries-old churches and severely damaged roads and bridges.
Some 160,000 people have been displaced and nearly 98,000 are in 85 evacuation centers, according to the latest figures from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).
USAID’s VisayasHealth Project has allocated 6,000 units of hygiene kits for victims in Bohol while two “US military water purifications units” have been transported to Tagbilaran city, one of the hardest hit areas in Bohol.
USAID, with the help of the World Food Programme, has also been providing logistical assistance to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), which has P97 million worth of standby funds and stockpiled relief goods.
“The Embassy continues to work closely with its Philippine partners to determine the type of assistance most needed in the coming days,” it said.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/88211/us-embassy-donates-50000-for-relief-operations-for-bohol-quake-victims
The US Embassy has donated $50,000 for relief operations for the victims of the magnitude 7.2 earthquake that hit Bohol, Cebu and parts of Visayas and Mindanao last Tuesday.
“We are very concerned about the tragic loss of life and suffering caused by the Bohol earthquake,” Charge d’Affairs Brian Goldbeck was quoted as saying in a statement Friday by the US Embassy in the Philippines.
“The assistance the US Agency for International Development (USAID) can offer will be a good first step in mitigating that suffering,” he said.
At least 171 casualties were recorded in the provinces of Bohol, Cebu, and Siquijor with more than 300 injured from the quake that leveled several centuries-old churches and severely damaged roads and bridges.
Some 160,000 people have been displaced and nearly 98,000 are in 85 evacuation centers, according to the latest figures from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).
USAID’s VisayasHealth Project has allocated 6,000 units of hygiene kits for victims in Bohol while two “US military water purifications units” have been transported to Tagbilaran city, one of the hardest hit areas in Bohol.
USAID, with the help of the World Food Programme, has also been providing logistical assistance to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), which has P97 million worth of standby funds and stockpiled relief goods.
“The Embassy continues to work closely with its Philippine partners to determine the type of assistance most needed in the coming days,” it said.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/88211/us-embassy-donates-50000-for-relief-operations-for-bohol-quake-victims
Bets told to reject NPA extortion try
From the Philippine Star (Oct 18): Bets told to reject NPA extortion try
The military on Friday reminded candidates of the barangay polls to reject the demands of communist rebels and to work closely with security forces in their respective areas.
Armed Forces public affairs chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said giving in to the extortion demands of the New People’s Army (NPA) would enable the group to conduct more atrocities.
“It (giving in to NPA demands) runs counter to their (candidates) desire to serve the people. They should not support the people who seek to destroy our institutions,” Zagala said in an interview Friday.
“The money to be collected (by the rebels) will used to further their armed struggle,” he added.
Zagala called on candidates to coordinate with authorities to ensure a peaceful campaign period.
“We need everybody’s cooperation especially those who are running,” he said.
The Commission on Elections earlier reminded candidates to comply with all the rules governing the campaign period, which began Friday. The filing of the certificates of candidacy started last Oct. 11 and ended last Thursday.
More than 500,000 are seeking posts in the barangay polls to be held on Oct. 28.
Earlier, the military reported that the NPA collected about P26-million in extortion money during the 2012 midterm elections.
The amount is slightly higher than the P25 million reportedly collected by the rebels from politicians and businesses last year.
While security forces had failed to stop the alleged extortion drive of the NPA, officials claim that they have managed to limit the amount given to the insurgents.
The military previously said that the communists extorted more than P95 million in 2010 and P1.5 billion since 1998 from investors and politicians.
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/10/18/1246706/bets-told-reject-npa-extortion-try
The military on Friday reminded candidates of the barangay polls to reject the demands of communist rebels and to work closely with security forces in their respective areas.
Armed Forces public affairs chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said giving in to the extortion demands of the New People’s Army (NPA) would enable the group to conduct more atrocities.
“It (giving in to NPA demands) runs counter to their (candidates) desire to serve the people. They should not support the people who seek to destroy our institutions,” Zagala said in an interview Friday.
“The money to be collected (by the rebels) will used to further their armed struggle,” he added.
Zagala called on candidates to coordinate with authorities to ensure a peaceful campaign period.
“We need everybody’s cooperation especially those who are running,” he said.
The Commission on Elections earlier reminded candidates to comply with all the rules governing the campaign period, which began Friday. The filing of the certificates of candidacy started last Oct. 11 and ended last Thursday.
More than 500,000 are seeking posts in the barangay polls to be held on Oct. 28.
Earlier, the military reported that the NPA collected about P26-million in extortion money during the 2012 midterm elections.
The amount is slightly higher than the P25 million reportedly collected by the rebels from politicians and businesses last year.
While security forces had failed to stop the alleged extortion drive of the NPA, officials claim that they have managed to limit the amount given to the insurgents.
The military previously said that the communists extorted more than P95 million in 2010 and P1.5 billion since 1998 from investors and politicians.
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/10/18/1246706/bets-told-reject-npa-extortion-try