From the Philippine Information Agency (Jan 13): 150 army soldiers undergo capability enhancement training
One hundred fifty soldiers belonging to the Philippine Army’s (PA) 1st Civil –Military Operations Battalion of the 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division have attended a capability enhancement training held Friday at the Tabak’s Club House, Camp Sang-an, Barangay Pulacan this municipality.
Invited as resource speakers were Regional Director Noemi B. Edaga of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA)-9 and her assistant, Franklin P. Gumapon, who talked on development communication and basic newswriting, respectively.
Director Edaga underscored the importance of development communication in carrying out the tasks and programs of civil-military operations (CMO).
Edaga said that any soldier could be a development communicator, as “development communication involves communication practitioner who helps disadvantaged people.”
Gumapon, on the other hand, discussed the basics of newswriting before the participants. He presented a sample news story and pointed out the important elements that make for clear, interesting, complete news article.
Some tips on preparing broadcast releases were also given to the participants.
The 1st Infantry (Tabak) Division covers the entire Western Mindanao including the provinces of Misamis Occidental and Lanao del Norte of Region 10 and Lanao del Sur of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). It is confronted with all types of terrorist threats, according to its commanding officer, MGen. Virigilio Trininidad, citing the presence of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA), Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), and Moro rebels in the area.
Trinidad finds it expedient to strengthen civil-military operations in every nook and cranny to protect the people against terror groups and to fulfil the army’s core purpose: “Serving the people, securing the land.”
http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=1431389563384
Sunday, January 12, 2014
PNoy set to choose new Army chief
From ABS-CBN (Jan 12): PNoy set to choose new Army chief
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has already come up with a list of candidates to succeed Philippine Army chief Lt. Gen. Noel Coballes who is set to retire on February 7.
While the recommendation was already submitted to President Benigno Aquino III, through Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, AFP spokesman Maj. Gen. Domingo Tutaan said they are not setting any time frame for the President.
"A shortlist has already been submitted...The choice is now at the higher level, the President himself," said Tutaan. "It's on the office of the President when it will be released but definitely, it's going to be before the retirement (of Coballes)."
Without naming the officers who were recommended by the Board of Generals, Tutaan said the candidates are "capable with experience, they have professionalism as far as the military organization is concerned."
"They are well-versed of the current programs and of course the other traits (of those recommended) are leadership, accountability and responsibility to actions," he added.
Meanwhile, a source from Camp Aguinaldo said Aquino has already interviewed some of the contenders.
"What I know is that the candidates have been interviewed by the President. Some of them have been mentioned in the papers," said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Talks are rife that Northern Luzon Command chief Lt. Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang and 7th Infantry Division chief Maj. Gen. Hernando Iriberri are the top contenders for the Army post.
Catapang is a graduate of PMA Class '81, while Iriberri is a member of PMA Class '83.
Apart from Catapang and Iriberri, the other officers allegedly qualified to succeed Coballes are Eastern Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Ricardo Rainier Cruz, 4th Infantry Division chief Maj. Gen. Ricardo Visaya and Central Command chief Maj. Gen. John Bonafos.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/01/12/14/pnoy-set-choose-new-army-chief
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has already come up with a list of candidates to succeed Philippine Army chief Lt. Gen. Noel Coballes who is set to retire on February 7.
While the recommendation was already submitted to President Benigno Aquino III, through Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, AFP spokesman Maj. Gen. Domingo Tutaan said they are not setting any time frame for the President.
"A shortlist has already been submitted...The choice is now at the higher level, the President himself," said Tutaan. "It's on the office of the President when it will be released but definitely, it's going to be before the retirement (of Coballes)."
Without naming the officers who were recommended by the Board of Generals, Tutaan said the candidates are "capable with experience, they have professionalism as far as the military organization is concerned."
"They are well-versed of the current programs and of course the other traits (of those recommended) are leadership, accountability and responsibility to actions," he added.
Meanwhile, a source from Camp Aguinaldo said Aquino has already interviewed some of the contenders.
"What I know is that the candidates have been interviewed by the President. Some of them have been mentioned in the papers," said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Talks are rife that Northern Luzon Command chief Lt. Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang and 7th Infantry Division chief Maj. Gen. Hernando Iriberri are the top contenders for the Army post.
Catapang is a graduate of PMA Class '81, while Iriberri is a member of PMA Class '83.
Apart from Catapang and Iriberri, the other officers allegedly qualified to succeed Coballes are Eastern Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Ricardo Rainier Cruz, 4th Infantry Division chief Maj. Gen. Ricardo Visaya and Central Command chief Maj. Gen. John Bonafos.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/01/12/14/pnoy-set-choose-new-army-chief
8 persons hurt in North Cotabato blast
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jan 12): 8 persons hurt in North Cotabato blast
Eight persons were wounded when an improvised explosive device (IED) went off inside a state college in Arakan, North Cotabato, shortly before 8 p.m. Sunday.
Inspector Rolly Oranza, the town police chief, said the wounded included a disaster officer and a policeman. Oranza, however, did not give the identities of the wounded.
The explosion took place beside the Presidential Cottage of the Cotabato State College of Science and Technology.
Oranza said police earlier received information regarding the discovery of an IED. As police were cordoning the area, the explosive went off, wounding the victims.
The victims were rushed to the nearby Arakan Valley Hospital.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/562729/8-persons-hurt-in-north-cotabato-blast
Eight persons were wounded when an improvised explosive device (IED) went off inside a state college in Arakan, North Cotabato, shortly before 8 p.m. Sunday.
Inspector Rolly Oranza, the town police chief, said the wounded included a disaster officer and a policeman. Oranza, however, did not give the identities of the wounded.
The explosion took place beside the Presidential Cottage of the Cotabato State College of Science and Technology.
Oranza said police earlier received information regarding the discovery of an IED. As police were cordoning the area, the explosive went off, wounding the victims.
The victims were rushed to the nearby Arakan Valley Hospital.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/562729/8-persons-hurt-in-north-cotabato-blast
Japan vows defense as China ships near disputed isles
From the Manila Times (Jan 12): Japan vows defense as China ships near disputed isles
Japan’s defence minister vowed Sunday to defend the country’s territory as three Chinese government ships entered disputed waters off Tokyo-controlled islands in the East China Sea, the first such incident this year.
The Chinese coastguard vessels sailed into the 12-nautical-mile territorial waters at about 8:30 am (2330 GMT Saturday) off one of the Senkaku islands, which China also claims and calls the Diaoyus, Japan’s coastguard said. They left less than two hours later.
“We can never overlook repeated incursions into territorial waters,” Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera told reporters.
“We need to make diplomatic efforts on one hand. We also want to firmly defend our country’s territorial sea and land with the Self-Defence Forces cooperating with the Coast Guard,” he added.
Chinese state-owned ships and aircraft have approached the Senkakus on and off to demonstrate Beijing’s territorial claims, especially after Japan nationalised some of the islands in September 2012.
It was the first time Chinese ships had been spotted since December 29 when three coastguard ships entered the zone and stayed for around three hours, the Japan Coast Guard said.
Japanese coastguard patrol boats have tried to chase Chinese vessels away, fuelling tensions which some fear could spiral out of control into an armed clash.
Japan’s conservative Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has vowed no compromise on the sovereignty of the islands and recently announced a boost in military spending to beef-up the nation’s defense.
http://manilatimes.net/japan-vows-defense-as-china-ships-near-disputed-isles/67152/
Japan’s defence minister vowed Sunday to defend the country’s territory as three Chinese government ships entered disputed waters off Tokyo-controlled islands in the East China Sea, the first such incident this year.
The Chinese coastguard vessels sailed into the 12-nautical-mile territorial waters at about 8:30 am (2330 GMT Saturday) off one of the Senkaku islands, which China also claims and calls the Diaoyus, Japan’s coastguard said. They left less than two hours later.
“We can never overlook repeated incursions into territorial waters,” Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera told reporters.
“We need to make diplomatic efforts on one hand. We also want to firmly defend our country’s territorial sea and land with the Self-Defence Forces cooperating with the Coast Guard,” he added.
Chinese state-owned ships and aircraft have approached the Senkakus on and off to demonstrate Beijing’s territorial claims, especially after Japan nationalised some of the islands in September 2012.
It was the first time Chinese ships had been spotted since December 29 when three coastguard ships entered the zone and stayed for around three hours, the Japan Coast Guard said.
Japanese coastguard patrol boats have tried to chase Chinese vessels away, fuelling tensions which some fear could spiral out of control into an armed clash.
Japan’s conservative Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has vowed no compromise on the sovereignty of the islands and recently announced a boost in military spending to beef-up the nation’s defense.
http://manilatimes.net/japan-vows-defense-as-china-ships-near-disputed-isles/67152/
US out to boost AsPac military ties
From the Manila Standard Today (Jan 13): US out to boost AsPac military ties
The United States wants to strengthen military cooperation among its allies in the Asia-Pacific Region in order to protect the smaller nations from being bullied by bigger countries instead of putting up military bases in the Philippines.
US Ambassador Philip Goldberg on Saturday echoed his government’s position. “We are currently discussing with the Philippine government on how to strengthen our military training and cooperation as well as our positioning in order to protect the country from abuses of other bigger countries.”
Goldberg told reporters during a press briefing after his visit to the Philippine Military Academy that the Philippines will get the needed support of the US.
The US envoy’s pronouncements came in the light of the latest provocative action of China demanding that fishing activities within the South China Sea must be approved by the said country.
However, Goldberg said the US will make sure that the principle on the freedom of navigation will be recognized by all nations in order to ensure peace in the global community.
He lauded the Philippine government for following the lawful process in bringing to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea China’s bullying activities in the West Philippine Sea.
Such activities put a threat on the country’s sovereignty, according to Goldberg who stressed that peace-loving nations must learn to recognize the sanctions of international bodies over their actions that tend to affect other nations.
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2014/01/13/us-out-to-boost-aspac-military-ties/
The United States wants to strengthen military cooperation among its allies in the Asia-Pacific Region in order to protect the smaller nations from being bullied by bigger countries instead of putting up military bases in the Philippines.
US Ambassador Philip Goldberg on Saturday echoed his government’s position. “We are currently discussing with the Philippine government on how to strengthen our military training and cooperation as well as our positioning in order to protect the country from abuses of other bigger countries.”
Goldberg told reporters during a press briefing after his visit to the Philippine Military Academy that the Philippines will get the needed support of the US.
The US envoy’s pronouncements came in the light of the latest provocative action of China demanding that fishing activities within the South China Sea must be approved by the said country.
However, Goldberg said the US will make sure that the principle on the freedom of navigation will be recognized by all nations in order to ensure peace in the global community.
He lauded the Philippine government for following the lawful process in bringing to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea China’s bullying activities in the West Philippine Sea.
Such activities put a threat on the country’s sovereignty, according to Goldberg who stressed that peace-loving nations must learn to recognize the sanctions of international bodies over their actions that tend to affect other nations.
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2014/01/13/us-out-to-boost-aspac-military-ties/
DND: ISAFP won’t be deactivated
From the Manila Bulletin (Jan 11): DND: ISAFP won’t be deactivated
The Department of National Defense (DND) is planning to ramp up intelligence operations by carving out a new spy organization that is expected to replace the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP), a military official said.
Brigadier General Eduardo Año, ISAFP chief, said the plan is still on the drawing board. He also denied the report that ISAFP will be deactivated in the first quarter of this year.
“Hindi naman ide-deactivate yung ISAFP, hindi totoo ‘yan,” said Año, adding that the defense planning guidance issued by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin is “to create one big intelligence organization in the future.”
The official further explained that ISAFP will even become a bigger organization but will be given a different name.
“Ang mangyayari dun, mas palalakihin pa and ISAFP, in a different name of course… Instead of downsize, actually, it will be upsized,” Año said.
He added that “the intelligence unit of the AFP will become part of the whole defense department” and that the new spy agency will be likened to that of the United States (US) Defense Intelligence Agency.
“Parang ito yung defense intelligence agency ng ibang country,” the ISAFP chief said.
The new intelligence service will also remain as a military organization, but under the new set up, it will directly report to the Department of National Defense (DND).
Año emphasized that at present, nothing is final as the plan is still a work in progress.
“Pero in the future pa yan, (it’s) still a work in progress. . . everything is still in the drawing board.”
The official said they have been tasked to conduct a study to be submitted to the secretary for his approval. If approved, the plan can only be implemented in 2015.
http://www.mb.com.ph/dnd-isafp-wont-be-deactivated/
The Department of National Defense (DND) is planning to ramp up intelligence operations by carving out a new spy organization that is expected to replace the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP), a military official said.
Brigadier General Eduardo Año, ISAFP chief, said the plan is still on the drawing board. He also denied the report that ISAFP will be deactivated in the first quarter of this year.
“Hindi naman ide-deactivate yung ISAFP, hindi totoo ‘yan,” said Año, adding that the defense planning guidance issued by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin is “to create one big intelligence organization in the future.”
The official further explained that ISAFP will even become a bigger organization but will be given a different name.
“Ang mangyayari dun, mas palalakihin pa and ISAFP, in a different name of course… Instead of downsize, actually, it will be upsized,” Año said.
He added that “the intelligence unit of the AFP will become part of the whole defense department” and that the new spy agency will be likened to that of the United States (US) Defense Intelligence Agency.
“Parang ito yung defense intelligence agency ng ibang country,” the ISAFP chief said.
The new intelligence service will also remain as a military organization, but under the new set up, it will directly report to the Department of National Defense (DND).
Año emphasized that at present, nothing is final as the plan is still a work in progress.
“Pero in the future pa yan, (it’s) still a work in progress. . . everything is still in the drawing board.”
The official said they have been tasked to conduct a study to be submitted to the secretary for his approval. If approved, the plan can only be implemented in 2015.
http://www.mb.com.ph/dnd-isafp-wont-be-deactivated/
6 NPA insurgents surrender in South Cotabato
From the Daily Tribune (Jan 13): 6 NPA insurgents surrender in South Cotabato
Nine New People’s Army (NPA) rebels surrendered to the military’s Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) on Friday, belated reports reaching Camp Aguinaldo said yesterday.
Lt. Gen. Ricardo Rainier Cruz III, Eastmincom chief, said that six NPA rebels yielded to the military in South Cotabato while three others surrendered in Davao del Sur.
Those who surrendered in South Cotabato were identified as Rudy Sawang, team leader of the NPA’s farmer sector in the province; his members, John Tomo and Lemuel Nalon; Anita Dalugan, vice team leader of the women sector, her members Luna Kaong and Dina Daludo.
“The said NPA underground mass organizations are responsible in organizing farmers, women and youth sectors in carrying out their recruitment and expansion in the barangay,” Cruz said.
The six NPA rebels gave themselves up to the Army’s 27th Infantry battalion (IB) in Barangay Tasiman, Lake Sebu last Friday afternoon.
Earlier, three NPA rebels also voluntarily surrendered to the Army’s 39th UB in Sitio Balagonon, Barangay Managa in Bansalan, Davao del Sur.
The surrenderees were Charlie Pasco, Jeffrey Pasco and Guiller Ombaoy, all active members of the NPA’s Front 51 of the Souhtern Mindanao Regional Committee. They also yielded two M16 and an M14 rifles.
“They admitted hardships and false promises of their leaders as well as frustrations in the actual practices inside the NPA brought them to return to the folds of the law,” Cruz said.
Cruz said the peaceful surrender of the NPA rebels was the result of the military’s internal peace and security plan “Bayanihan.”
At the same time, Cruz commended the military’s peace and development teams for successfully winning the confidence of the people in the rural areas.
https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4004111469161356591#editor/target=post;postID=4529847291863999050
Nine New People’s Army (NPA) rebels surrendered to the military’s Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) on Friday, belated reports reaching Camp Aguinaldo said yesterday.
Lt. Gen. Ricardo Rainier Cruz III, Eastmincom chief, said that six NPA rebels yielded to the military in South Cotabato while three others surrendered in Davao del Sur.
Those who surrendered in South Cotabato were identified as Rudy Sawang, team leader of the NPA’s farmer sector in the province; his members, John Tomo and Lemuel Nalon; Anita Dalugan, vice team leader of the women sector, her members Luna Kaong and Dina Daludo.
“The said NPA underground mass organizations are responsible in organizing farmers, women and youth sectors in carrying out their recruitment and expansion in the barangay,” Cruz said.
The six NPA rebels gave themselves up to the Army’s 27th Infantry battalion (IB) in Barangay Tasiman, Lake Sebu last Friday afternoon.
Earlier, three NPA rebels also voluntarily surrendered to the Army’s 39th UB in Sitio Balagonon, Barangay Managa in Bansalan, Davao del Sur.
The surrenderees were Charlie Pasco, Jeffrey Pasco and Guiller Ombaoy, all active members of the NPA’s Front 51 of the Souhtern Mindanao Regional Committee. They also yielded two M16 and an M14 rifles.
“They admitted hardships and false promises of their leaders as well as frustrations in the actual practices inside the NPA brought them to return to the folds of the law,” Cruz said.
Cruz said the peaceful surrender of the NPA rebels was the result of the military’s internal peace and security plan “Bayanihan.”
At the same time, Cruz commended the military’s peace and development teams for successfully winning the confidence of the people in the rural areas.
https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4004111469161356591#editor/target=post;postID=4529847291863999050
30 heavily armed men attack security outpost, abduct one in Pampanga
From the Business Mirror (Jan 12): 30 heavily armed men attack security outpost, abduct one in Pampanga
SOME 30 heavily armed men attacked during dawn on Sunday the
security outpost of a joint venture of a private land developer, wounding two
security guards and abducting one person in Sitio Upper Balukbok, Barangay
Hacienda Dolores, Pampanga.
An initial police report said the attackers were members of the Aniban ng mga Magsasaka ng Hacienda Dolores, a group allied with left-leaning group Alyansa ng mga Magsasaka sa Gitnang Luzon (AMGL), a regional chapter of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas.
Aniban is a group of about 100 informal settler-families the private developer had been trying to relocate.
Contacted through his mobile phone, Pampanga Police Director Senior Supt. Oscar Albayalde could not immediately give the names of the victims, but said members of the Special Weapons and Tactics were already in the area to go after the abductors.
An initial report from the security office of the LLL Holdings Inc. said the attackers were allegedly led by Ener Tolentino, son of Barangay Captain Antonio Tolentino and president of Aniban.
Witnesses placed the young Tolentino as being armed with an M-14 assault rifle, with the majority of his men also armed with long and short firearms, while the rest were armed with bolos.
“The armed men overwhelmed our team of security guards at the outpost and one of the suspects shot and wounded one of the guards. Tolentino’s group mauled another guard and forcibly dragged him as they left the place,” said Felizardo Clark Jr., the company’s security officer.
“I was there and one of them also fired his gun at me. Buti na lamang at daplis lang sa mukha ang tinamo ko. We have no recourse but to withdraw dahil marami sila at may dalang mahahabang armas at pinutukan na kami,”Clark said.
Before the attack, AMGL leader Joseph Canlas had met with the president and members of Aniban, led by Antonio Tolentino in the said barangay, where they allegedly hatched the plan to attack the outpost.
Clark said Canlas might
have agitated the Aniban to resort to violence against the developer.
He said on January 9, the armed group of Antonio Tolentino also tried but failed to forcibly enter the property in Sitio Gubat and was repulsed by the blue guards.
Clark said prior to the
incident, blue guards had arrested on January 7 Ener Tolentino for trespassing
and caught in the act of charcoal-making inside the prohibited fenced property.
Tolentino’s case of qualified trespassing and other related violations were reportedly under preliminary investigation before the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office.
http://businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/en/news/regions/25822-30-heavily-armed-men-attack-security-outpost-abduct-one-in-pampanga
An initial police report said the attackers were members of the Aniban ng mga Magsasaka ng Hacienda Dolores, a group allied with left-leaning group Alyansa ng mga Magsasaka sa Gitnang Luzon (AMGL), a regional chapter of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas.
Aniban is a group of about 100 informal settler-families the private developer had been trying to relocate.
Contacted through his mobile phone, Pampanga Police Director Senior Supt. Oscar Albayalde could not immediately give the names of the victims, but said members of the Special Weapons and Tactics were already in the area to go after the abductors.
An initial report from the security office of the LLL Holdings Inc. said the attackers were allegedly led by Ener Tolentino, son of Barangay Captain Antonio Tolentino and president of Aniban.
Witnesses placed the young Tolentino as being armed with an M-14 assault rifle, with the majority of his men also armed with long and short firearms, while the rest were armed with bolos.
“The armed men overwhelmed our team of security guards at the outpost and one of the suspects shot and wounded one of the guards. Tolentino’s group mauled another guard and forcibly dragged him as they left the place,” said Felizardo Clark Jr., the company’s security officer.
“I was there and one of them also fired his gun at me. Buti na lamang at daplis lang sa mukha ang tinamo ko. We have no recourse but to withdraw dahil marami sila at may dalang mahahabang armas at pinutukan na kami,”
Before the attack, AMGL leader Joseph Canlas had met with the president and members of Aniban, led by Antonio Tolentino in the said barangay, where they allegedly hatched the plan to attack the outpost.
He said on January 9, the armed group of Antonio Tolentino also tried but failed to forcibly enter the property in Sitio Gubat and was repulsed by the blue guards.
Tolentino’s case of qualified trespassing and other related violations were reportedly under preliminary investigation before the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office.
http://businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/en/news/regions/25822-30-heavily-armed-men-attack-security-outpost-abduct-one-in-pampanga
Fisher's 'humble' appeal to China: Recall new fishing rule, and unite vs US intervention
From InterAksyon (Jan 12): Fisher's 'humble' appeal to China: Recall new fishing rule, and unite vs US intervention
A leftist national fishermen’s group has asked China to recall its new fishing rule on the disputed waters of South China Sea, including those claimed by the Philippines as the West Philippine Sea.
In a letter addressed to Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Ma Keqing, a copy of which was sent to news outfits, the Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) also said China, the Philippines, and the other claimants “must unite to frustrate the intervention of the United States --- the biggest threat to world peace.”
Aside from China and the Philippines, the other claimants to the fish- and minerals-rich waters of South China Sea are Taiwan, Malaysia, Brunei, and Vietnam.
In its “humble appeal,” Pamalakaya said: “Honorable Ambassador, we ask the Beijing government to consider this appeal from the Filipino fisherfolk and to allow diplomatic and peaceful resolutions to the conflict.”
Pamalakaya urged a peaceful resolution to the overlapping claims over the 2-million square kilometer of waters.
“All claimants to South China Sea must come together and resolve this conflict collectively and in accordance with national sovereign rights of their respective people,” the letter said.
The Pamalakaya letter, signed by Pamalakaya vice chairman Salvador France, sought prudence in the resolution of the conflict that started in April 2012 after Chinese fishing vessels were caught poaching on Panatag shoals. A standoff followed after non-military Chinese ships successfully stopped a Philippine military ship and another non-military ship from arresting the Chinese fishermen.
Fishing dialogue
Pamalakaya called for bilateral engagement, an approach favored by Beijing. The Philippines favors a multilateral approach.
“It would be better if Beijing seeks bilateral and inter-nation dialogues with other claimants rather than engage in hardcore assertion of something that needs to be carefully studied,” the fishermen’s group said.
Pamalakaya proposed a fishing dialogue among claimant-countries, including not only government, but also fishermen’s groups and other non-government organizations.
“The principles of equality, mutual respect, mutual benefit, non-aggression, peaceful co-existence and foreign relations based on people-to-people relations and international solidarity shall serve as framework for the proposed dialogue,” it said.
“It would be appropriate if the Chinese government seeks peaceful and diplomatic resolutions to the conflict rather than engage in another tension-ridden tit-for-tat with other claimants,” the letter added.
‘Unite vs US’
In its opposition against alleged US intervention, Pamalakaya said resolving the territorial dispute is “a tough task to do since the Manila government is a satellite office of Washington DC and other claimant governments misrepresent their people and perform their duties as lower junior partners of the US government [that] is obsessed in controlling West Philippine Sea for oil resources, navigation, and military control over the East Asia and Pacific region.”
“Her excellency, we hope this letter of concern merits the attention and favorable action of the Beijing government in the name of world peace, peaceful co-existence and cooperation, and fraternal relations based on mutual respect and benefits among claimants in South China Sea and thwart any effort of Washington DC to exploit the situation for US own agenda for global hegemony,” Pamalakaya said.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/78509/fishers-humble-appeal-to-china-recall-new-fishing-rule-and-unite-vs-us-intervention
A leftist national fishermen’s group has asked China to recall its new fishing rule on the disputed waters of South China Sea, including those claimed by the Philippines as the West Philippine Sea.
In a letter addressed to Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Ma Keqing, a copy of which was sent to news outfits, the Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya) also said China, the Philippines, and the other claimants “must unite to frustrate the intervention of the United States --- the biggest threat to world peace.”
Aside from China and the Philippines, the other claimants to the fish- and minerals-rich waters of South China Sea are Taiwan, Malaysia, Brunei, and Vietnam.
In its “humble appeal,” Pamalakaya said: “Honorable Ambassador, we ask the Beijing government to consider this appeal from the Filipino fisherfolk and to allow diplomatic and peaceful resolutions to the conflict.”
Pamalakaya urged a peaceful resolution to the overlapping claims over the 2-million square kilometer of waters.
“All claimants to South China Sea must come together and resolve this conflict collectively and in accordance with national sovereign rights of their respective people,” the letter said.
The Pamalakaya letter, signed by Pamalakaya vice chairman Salvador France, sought prudence in the resolution of the conflict that started in April 2012 after Chinese fishing vessels were caught poaching on Panatag shoals. A standoff followed after non-military Chinese ships successfully stopped a Philippine military ship and another non-military ship from arresting the Chinese fishermen.
Fishing dialogue
Pamalakaya called for bilateral engagement, an approach favored by Beijing. The Philippines favors a multilateral approach.
“It would be better if Beijing seeks bilateral and inter-nation dialogues with other claimants rather than engage in hardcore assertion of something that needs to be carefully studied,” the fishermen’s group said.
Pamalakaya proposed a fishing dialogue among claimant-countries, including not only government, but also fishermen’s groups and other non-government organizations.
“The principles of equality, mutual respect, mutual benefit, non-aggression, peaceful co-existence and foreign relations based on people-to-people relations and international solidarity shall serve as framework for the proposed dialogue,” it said.
“It would be appropriate if the Chinese government seeks peaceful and diplomatic resolutions to the conflict rather than engage in another tension-ridden tit-for-tat with other claimants,” the letter added.
‘Unite vs US’
In its opposition against alleged US intervention, Pamalakaya said resolving the territorial dispute is “a tough task to do since the Manila government is a satellite office of Washington DC and other claimant governments misrepresent their people and perform their duties as lower junior partners of the US government [that] is obsessed in controlling West Philippine Sea for oil resources, navigation, and military control over the East Asia and Pacific region.”
“Her excellency, we hope this letter of concern merits the attention and favorable action of the Beijing government in the name of world peace, peaceful co-existence and cooperation, and fraternal relations based on mutual respect and benefits among claimants in South China Sea and thwart any effort of Washington DC to exploit the situation for US own agenda for global hegemony,” Pamalakaya said.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/78509/fishers-humble-appeal-to-china-recall-new-fishing-rule-and-unite-vs-us-intervention
9 NPA sumuko sa Mindanao
From the Mindanao Examiner blog site (Jan 12): 9 NPA sumuko sa Mindanao
Inanunsyo kahapon ng militar na 9 rebeldeng New People’s
Army ang umano’y sumuko sa Mindanao kasabay ng panawagan ng pamahalaan sa mga
ito na bumalik sa batas at mamuhay ng mapayapa kasama ang kanilang pamilya.
Sinabi ni Capt. Alberto Caber, ang spokesman ng Eastern Mindanao Command, na 3
rebelde ang sumuko sa 39th Infantry Battalion sa Sitio Balagonon sa Barangay
Managa sa bayan ng Bansalan sa Davao del Sur.
Maging ang mga automatic rifles na ibinigay sa kanila ng NPA ay isinuko rin ng mga rebelde sa militar. Kinilala naman ni Caber ang mga sumuko na sina Charlie Pasco, Jeffrey Pasco at Guiller Ombaoy.
Inamin umano ng tatlo na ang matinding kahirapan ng buhay sa bundok ang siyang dahilan kung bakit silang napilitang sumuko sa pamahalaan. Nahimok umano sila ng NPA na sumanib sa kilusan kapalit ng kung anu-anong pangako, ngunit lahat umano ito ay pawang mga pang-akit lamang upang makakuha ng recruit.
Sinabi ni Caber na sa Lake Sebu sa South Cotabato province ay 6 pang mga rebelde ang sumuko rin sa mga tropa ng 27th Infantry Battalion sa Barangay Tasiman.
Kabilang sa mga ito ay ang tea leader ng NPA na nakilalang si Rudy Sawang at ang vice tam leader na si Anita Dalugan at kanilang mga tauhan na sina John Tomo, Lemuel Nalon, Luna Kaong, at Dina Daludo. Sila umano ang nasa likod ng maraming pagtatag ng mga kilusan sa South Cotabato at kabilang sa mga nagre-recruit sa mga magsasaka at sibilyan, gayun rin sa mga kabataan na sumanib sa NPA.
Kasalukuyang iniimbestigahan ng militar ang mga sumuko at pinuri naman ni Eastern Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Ricardo Rainier Cruz III ang mga sumuko dahil sa ipinamalas nilang katapangan upang makapagbagong buhay.
Maging ang mga tropa ay pinuri rin ni Cruz dahil sa pagpupursige nitong mahimok ang mga rebelde na sumuko at mamuhay ng mapayapa.
“The dedication and discipline shown by the (army’s) peace and development teams responsible in the surrender of the rebels is a big accomplishment itself because this clearly shows the trust and confidence of the community to our Bayanihan efforts and to the sincerity of the Aquino government in bringing peace and development in Mindanao,” ani Cruz.
Matagal ng nakikibaka ang NPA upang maitatag nito ang sariling estado sa bansa.
http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2014/01/9-npa-sumuko-sa-mindanao.html
Maging ang mga automatic rifles na ibinigay sa kanila ng NPA ay isinuko rin ng mga rebelde sa militar. Kinilala naman ni Caber ang mga sumuko na sina Charlie Pasco, Jeffrey Pasco at Guiller Ombaoy.
Inamin umano ng tatlo na ang matinding kahirapan ng buhay sa bundok ang siyang dahilan kung bakit silang napilitang sumuko sa pamahalaan. Nahimok umano sila ng NPA na sumanib sa kilusan kapalit ng kung anu-anong pangako, ngunit lahat umano ito ay pawang mga pang-akit lamang upang makakuha ng recruit.
Sinabi ni Caber na sa Lake Sebu sa South Cotabato province ay 6 pang mga rebelde ang sumuko rin sa mga tropa ng 27th Infantry Battalion sa Barangay Tasiman.
Kabilang sa mga ito ay ang tea leader ng NPA na nakilalang si Rudy Sawang at ang vice tam leader na si Anita Dalugan at kanilang mga tauhan na sina John Tomo, Lemuel Nalon, Luna Kaong, at Dina Daludo. Sila umano ang nasa likod ng maraming pagtatag ng mga kilusan sa South Cotabato at kabilang sa mga nagre-recruit sa mga magsasaka at sibilyan, gayun rin sa mga kabataan na sumanib sa NPA.
Kasalukuyang iniimbestigahan ng militar ang mga sumuko at pinuri naman ni Eastern Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Ricardo Rainier Cruz III ang mga sumuko dahil sa ipinamalas nilang katapangan upang makapagbagong buhay.
Maging ang mga tropa ay pinuri rin ni Cruz dahil sa pagpupursige nitong mahimok ang mga rebelde na sumuko at mamuhay ng mapayapa.
“The dedication and discipline shown by the (army’s) peace and development teams responsible in the surrender of the rebels is a big accomplishment itself because this clearly shows the trust and confidence of the community to our Bayanihan efforts and to the sincerity of the Aquino government in bringing peace and development in Mindanao,” ani Cruz.
Matagal ng nakikibaka ang NPA upang maitatag nito ang sariling estado sa bansa.
http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2014/01/9-npa-sumuko-sa-mindanao.html
NPA rebels yield in Southern Philippines
From the Mindanao Examiner blog site (Jan 12): NPA rebels yield in Southern Philippines
Filipino security officials on Sunday announced the surrender of 9 communist rebels, including a leader and his deputy in the southernPhilippines
Officials said the rebels also yielded automatic weapons when they surrendered to the army in the provinces ofDavao del Sur and South Cotabato .
Capt. Alberto Caber, a spokesman for the Eastern Mindanao Command, said three rebels - Charlie Pasco, Jeffrey Pasco and Guiller Ombaoy – surrendered to the 39th Infantry Battalion at Sitio Balagonon in the village Managa inDavao
“Maging ang mga automatic rifles na ibinigay sa kanila ng NPA ay isinuko rin ng mga rebelde sa militar. Inamin ng tatlo na ang matinding kahirapan ng buhay sa bundok ang siyang dahilan kung bakit silang napilitang sumuko sa pamahalaan. Nahimok sila ng NPA na sumanib sa kilusan kapalit ng kung anu-anong pangako, ngunit lahat umano ito ay pawang mga pang-akit lamang upang makakuha ng recruit,” (They even surrendered their automatic rifles provided them by the NPA. They admitted that extreme hardship in the mountain forced them to eventually yield.) Caber told the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.
Caber said 6 more rebels also surrendered to the 27th Infantry Battalion in the village of Tasiman in South Cotabato’s Lake Sebu. Among those who yielded were a rebel leader Rudy Sawang and his deputy Anita Dalugan. The four others have been identified as John Tomo, Lemuel Nalon, Luna Kaong and Dina Daludo.
“Sila ang nasa likod ng maraming pagtatag ng mga kilusan sa South Cotabato at kabilang sa mga nagre-recruit sa mga magsasaka at sibilyan, gayun rin sa mga kabataan na sumanib sa NPA,” (They were involved in propaganda movement and recruitmen of farmers and civilians, and even the youth.) he said.
Those who surrendered are being interrogated by the army, according to Caber.
Lt. Gen. Ricardo Rainier Cruz III, chief of the Eastern Mindanao Command, praised the surrender of the rebels. He also praised the army units which played a key role in the surrender of the rebels.
“The dedication and discipline shown by the (army’s) peace and development teams responsible in the surrender of the rebels is a big accomplishment itself because this clearly shows the trust and confidence of the community to our Bayanihan efforts and to the sincerity of the Aquino government in bringing peace and development in Mindanao,” Cruz said.
The NPA has been fighting for many decades now for the establishment of a Maoist state in the country. Government peace talks with the rebel group had failed many times following demands by the communist group to free all jailed rebel leaders and political prisoners.
http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2014/01/npa-rebels-yield-in-southern-philippines.html
Filipino security officials on Sunday announced the surrender of 9 communist rebels, including a leader and his deputy in the southern
Officials said the rebels also yielded automatic weapons when they surrendered to the army in the provinces of
Capt. Alberto Caber, a spokesman for the Eastern Mindanao Command, said three rebels - Charlie Pasco, Jeffrey Pasco and Guiller Ombaoy – surrendered to the 39th Infantry Battalion at Sitio Balagonon in the village Managa in
“Maging ang mga automatic rifles na ibinigay sa kanila ng NPA ay isinuko rin ng mga rebelde sa militar. Inamin ng tatlo na ang matinding kahirapan ng buhay sa bundok ang siyang dahilan kung bakit silang napilitang sumuko sa pamahalaan. Nahimok sila ng NPA na sumanib sa kilusan kapalit ng kung anu-anong pangako, ngunit lahat umano ito ay pawang mga pang-akit lamang upang makakuha ng recruit,” (They even surrendered their automatic rifles provided them by the NPA. They admitted that extreme hardship in the mountain forced them to eventually yield.) Caber told the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.
Caber said 6 more rebels also surrendered to the 27th Infantry Battalion in the village of Tasiman in South Cotabato’s Lake Sebu. Among those who yielded were a rebel leader Rudy Sawang and his deputy Anita Dalugan. The four others have been identified as John Tomo, Lemuel Nalon, Luna Kaong and Dina Daludo.
“Sila ang nasa likod ng maraming pagtatag ng mga kilusan sa South Cotabato at kabilang sa mga nagre-recruit sa mga magsasaka at sibilyan, gayun rin sa mga kabataan na sumanib sa NPA,” (They were involved in propaganda movement and recruitmen of farmers and civilians, and even the youth.) he said.
Those who surrendered are being interrogated by the army, according to Caber.
Lt. Gen. Ricardo Rainier Cruz III, chief of the Eastern Mindanao Command, praised the surrender of the rebels. He also praised the army units which played a key role in the surrender of the rebels.
“The dedication and discipline shown by the (army’s) peace and development teams responsible in the surrender of the rebels is a big accomplishment itself because this clearly shows the trust and confidence of the community to our Bayanihan efforts and to the sincerity of the Aquino government in bringing peace and development in Mindanao,” Cruz said.
The NPA has been fighting for many decades now for the establishment of a Maoist state in the country. Government peace talks with the rebel group had failed many times following demands by the communist group to free all jailed rebel leaders and political prisoners.
http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2014/01/npa-rebels-yield-in-southern-philippines.html
PA anti-armor capability to get upgrade
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 12): PA anti-armor capability to get upgrade
With the modernization of the country's military forces now underway, the Philippine Army has announced that its anti-armor capability will be getting a much needed boost with the delivery of 400 units of LRRs (light rocket launcher anti-tank weapons) before the end of 2014.
Anti-armor capability refers to the ability of a military force to destroy or incapacitate enemy armor formations in the battlefield.
Capt. Anthony Bacus, Army spokesperson, said that the LRRs are meant to replace the 186 units of 90mm and 26 pieces of 57mm recoilless rifles currently in service.
He added the decision to acquire the 400 units of LRRs was done as the former weapons were too heavy to be carried by a single soldier alone.
LRRs are shoulder-fired weapons capable of firing anti-tank rounds or rockets which can penetrate a tank armor.
"One of the downside aspect for these old weapons is that they are too heavy to be carried by an individual soldier, that most instances, it impedes the movement of maneuvering troops," Bacus stressed.
Aside from these LRRs, the PA also has 12 units of 76mm guns and 300 25mm cannons for its anti-armor role.
PA anti-armor weapons are issued to elite and special operations units and the newly-created mechanized infantry companies which consist of 14 armored vehicles each.
Bacus also said that the PA has around 343 AFVs (armored fighting vehicles) in its inventory.
These AFVs are attached to the 10 infantry divisions currently fielded by the Philippine Army.
"Around 85 percent of these AFVs are on green status (fully mission capable) while another 10 percent are on yellow status (undergoing repair) and five percent on red (beyond repair)," Bacus added.
A total of 150 of these are the United Kingdom-built GKN "Simba," with the remaining AFVs consisting of United States-designed V-150 and V-200 APCs, M-113 "Bradley," Turkish-made ACV-300s and British Scorpion CVRT (Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance Tracked).
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=604242
With the modernization of the country's military forces now underway, the Philippine Army has announced that its anti-armor capability will be getting a much needed boost with the delivery of 400 units of LRRs (light rocket launcher anti-tank weapons) before the end of 2014.
Anti-armor capability refers to the ability of a military force to destroy or incapacitate enemy armor formations in the battlefield.
Capt. Anthony Bacus, Army spokesperson, said that the LRRs are meant to replace the 186 units of 90mm and 26 pieces of 57mm recoilless rifles currently in service.
He added the decision to acquire the 400 units of LRRs was done as the former weapons were too heavy to be carried by a single soldier alone.
LRRs are shoulder-fired weapons capable of firing anti-tank rounds or rockets which can penetrate a tank armor.
"One of the downside aspect for these old weapons is that they are too heavy to be carried by an individual soldier, that most instances, it impedes the movement of maneuvering troops," Bacus stressed.
Aside from these LRRs, the PA also has 12 units of 76mm guns and 300 25mm cannons for its anti-armor role.
PA anti-armor weapons are issued to elite and special operations units and the newly-created mechanized infantry companies which consist of 14 armored vehicles each.
Bacus also said that the PA has around 343 AFVs (armored fighting vehicles) in its inventory.
These AFVs are attached to the 10 infantry divisions currently fielded by the Philippine Army.
"Around 85 percent of these AFVs are on green status (fully mission capable) while another 10 percent are on yellow status (undergoing repair) and five percent on red (beyond repair)," Bacus added.
A total of 150 of these are the United Kingdom-built GKN "Simba," with the remaining AFVs consisting of United States-designed V-150 and V-200 APCs, M-113 "Bradley," Turkish-made ACV-300s and British Scorpion CVRT (Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance Tracked).
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=604242
6 rebels surrender to military authorities in South Cotabato
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 12): 6 rebels surrender to military authorities in South Cotabato
The Eastern Mindanao Command said on Sunday that six New People's Army (NPA) members voluntarily surrendered to peace and development teams of the 27th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Tasiman,Lake
Sebu , South
Cotabato Friday afternoon.
Capt. Alberto Caber, the command's spokesperson, identified the surrenderees as Rudy Sawang, team leader of the NPA's farmer sector; Anita Dalugan, vice team leader of the rebel's women sector; and members John Tomo, Lemuel Nalon, Luna Kaong and Dina Daludo.
Caber said they are all residents of Barangay Tasiman.
He added that the surrenderees are responsible in organizing farmers, women and youth sectors in carrying out their recruitment and expansion activities in the barangay.
The rebels were all brought to the 27th Infantry Battalion headquarters for questioning.
Eastern Mindanao Command head Lt. Gen. Ricardo Rainier G Cruz III said the snowball of NPA surrenderees in the area is the result of strong "Bayanihan" operations there.
He also lauded the people in the community for strongly supporting the military and police in the ongoing peace and development operations in the area.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=604259
The Eastern Mindanao Command said on Sunday that six New People's Army (NPA) members voluntarily surrendered to peace and development teams of the 27th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Tasiman,
Capt. Alberto Caber, the command's spokesperson, identified the surrenderees as Rudy Sawang, team leader of the NPA's farmer sector; Anita Dalugan, vice team leader of the rebel's women sector; and members John Tomo, Lemuel Nalon, Luna Kaong and Dina Daludo.
Caber said they are all residents of Barangay Tasiman.
He added that the surrenderees are responsible in organizing farmers, women and youth sectors in carrying out their recruitment and expansion activities in the barangay.
The rebels were all brought to the 27th Infantry Battalion headquarters for questioning.
Eastern Mindanao Command head Lt. Gen. Ricardo Rainier G Cruz III said the snowball of NPA surrenderees in the area is the result of strong "Bayanihan" operations there.
He also lauded the people in the community for strongly supporting the military and police in the ongoing peace and development operations in the area.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=604259