Mindanao towns with no IRA helpless against BIFF

From the Manila Times (Feb 7): Mindanao towns with no IRA helpless against BIFF

Local officials of towns without internal revenue allotments (IRA) said they were unable to address the insurgency problem in two military-liberated villages in Maguindanao.

At a press conference organized by the Philippine Army’s Sixth Infantry Division on February 2, a representative of the mayor of Shariff Saidona Mustapha town caught the attention of journalists when she admitted their helplessness in the face of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) guerillas in their community.

She said they learned about the BIFF encampment and operations in Barangay Ganta but could not take action because “we do not have IRA.”

Shariff Saidona Mustapha is one of eight towns in Maguindanao created by the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) regional legislature in 2005 at the behest of the then ruling Ampatuan political clan. The seven others are the towns of Datu Salibo, Datu Hofer Ampatuan, Datu Anggal Midtimbang, Mangudadatu, Pan–dag, Datu Blah Sinsuat, and Northern Kabuntalan.

Because the eight towns lack the minimum population of 25,000 required under the Local Government Code of 2001, the national government refuses to provide them with IRA.

At the seventh founding anniversary of Mangudadatu town on January 28, Rep. Sajid Mangudadatu of second district announced he would push for the lowering of the population requisite to 15,000 for the eight towns to qualify for IRA subsidies.

The eight towns subsist on donations from higher government units, said the solon who was the mayor of Pandag before winning a seat in Congress in the 2013 elections.

Mangudadatu said he had asked the representatives of the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to the 15-member Transition Commission to include the provision in the draft of the Bangsamoro region’s basic law.

Soldiers backed by arrest warrants-serving cops captured the main camp of the BIFF at Barangay Ganta in Shariff Saidona Mustapha, Maguindanao, and occupied Reyna Regente of the same town after the January 27 to 31 “surgical” offensives.

The military said the offensives left 52 rebels, two civilians and a soldier slain, and 59 guerillas with some troops and civilians including two journalists wounded. Some 10,000 residents were displaced and are being served by relief teams from Maguindanao and the ARMM.

http://manilatimes.net/mindanao-towns-with-no-ira-helpless-against-biff/73907/

Sulu Sultanate calls on Europe, US to help end Sabah dispute

From the Manila Times (Feb 7): Sulu Sultanate calls on Europe, US to help end Sabah dispute

The Sultanate has renewed its call on foreign governments to help end its territorial dispute with the Malaysian government.

“The Sultanate leadership is calling the attention of Great Britain, Spain, Holland, Germany and the United States to facilitate for a peaceful talks between Malaysia and the Sultanate of Sulu,” Secretary General Abraham Idjirani said.

A year after its Royal Security Forces (RSF) occupied a portion of Lahad Datu that led to a bloody standoff in Sabah, the Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo on Friday declared that it is now willing to live in peaceful co-existence with the Malaysians.

Idjirani said that Sultan Esmail Kiram 2nd and Datu Raja Muda Agbimuddin Kiram are now seeking peace with Malaysia without prejudicing the interests of the 32 ethnic tribes in the disputed territory.

“The journey back home to Sabah last year to live in peace is now part of the Sultanate of Sulu’s aspiration,” he told The Manila Times.

In fact, Idjirani said, supporters of the Sultanate held a one day prayer on February 4 and that the aspiration of the Bangsa Suluk people to live in peaceful co-existence with the Malaysians was heard all over the world.

“The presence of the spirit of the Sultanate of Sulu is alive in Sabah, but should not be translated as a potential threat to peace and stability of the disputed territory,” he added.

Agbimuddin Kiram led the 235 members of RSF in February last year in occupying Lahad Datu in a move to repossess Sabah from the Malaysian government.

The RSF engaged Malaysian forces in a one-month standoff, which led to deadly clashes and arrests of some of its members.

Idjirani earlier said Agbimuddin, who is still in hiding, has no plans of leaving Sabah until they succeeded in repossessing the minerals-rich North Borneo territory.

At the same time, he said the two prominent Sultanate leaders are conveying their gratitude to the United Nation’s call for the Sultanate of Sulu and Malaysia to observe sobriety and conduct peaceful dialogue to achieve resolution of the conflict.

Sultan Kiram earlier expressed willingness to peacefully negotiate with the Malaysian government as he approved the recommendation of the Sultanate’s Advisory Council to push for a peaceful and civilized resolution of its Sabah claim.

He also offered a win-win solution to the conflict including the proprietary aspect wherein Malaysia should recognize the Sultanate’s ownership of Sabah and in turn, it will not withdraw territory from the Federation of Malaysia.

http://manilatimes.net/sulu-sultanate-calls-on-europe-us-to-help-end-sabah-dispute/73914/

Two suspects arrested for extorting D'Biel Transit

From the Zamboanga Today (Feb 7): Two suspects arrested for extorting D'Biel Transit
















Two out of town extortionist were arrested Wednesday during a join entrapment operation conducted by Police Stations 9 and 10 led by Sr. Inspectors Edilberto Alvarez and Chester Natividad, respectively.

Natividad told Zamboanga Today that the suspects were demanding huge amount from the D’ Biel Transit prompting the company to sought police intervention.

Natividad said that the operation resulted to the arrest of Jomar Pillay y Jakarain, 21, marrie,d of Barangay Lakiki and Gerwin Luania y Orrio, of Barangay Sto. Niño, both in Sibuco Municipality, Zamboanga del Norte Province (ZDNP).

In an interview with Natividad, he disclosed that the suspects were texting and calling the manager of bus transit and extorting money.

He added that the suspects threatened to conduct bombing activities on their bus if their demand will be for granted by the bus company.

Report received showed that the police operatives recovered from the suspects the cellular phone they used in communicating with the company’s manager.

The two extortionists are presently detained at Labuan Police Station pending the tactical interrogation and filing of appropriate charges in court. 

Natividad disclosed that they are still coordinating with Councilor Noning Biel for the possible filing of the case against the suspects. 

D’ Biel Transit is owned by the Biel family.

As this developed the Police Station 10 forwarded a case for extortion and grave threat against the two arrested suspects engaged in extortion activities in the western coast of the city.

Natividad said that his police investigators has prepared the two cases against Pillay and Luania.

The two were apprehended when they approached the vehicle of the operatives pretending to be employees of D’ Biel Transit during the entrapment operation.

Natividad added that the transaction ended at the vicinity of Ayala Elementary School however, the suspects managed to escape towards the coastal area of Ayala.

Probers pursued the fleeing suspects until they were cornered by the join police operatives together with Police Station 9 policemen.

During the tactical interrogation, Natividad averred, that the suspects claimed that they were under instruction of a certain Commander Wakas, allegedly a well-known urban terrorist group leader.

Natividad also disclosed that the suspects also threatened to conduct bombing activities on D’ Biel Transit buses if their demand will be for granted.

Police are also gathering evidence whether the group of Commander Wakas were also behind the bombing and burning of Atilano Pension House in Canelar sometimes in November 2011 killing two persons and wounding several occupants.

In similar incident, a suspected extortionist was also arrested in an entrapment operation by elements of Liloy Municipal Police Station on Monday in Liloy, Zamboanga del Norte.

Arrested was a certain Aiyub Acmad y Potal, 20 years old, single and a resident of Sitio Gingayan, Barangay Candelaria, Liloy Zamboanga Del Norte.

Police have acted on a report of the presence of the extortionist in front of Chip N Lechon Manok that resulted to the successful arrest of the suspect.

The arrested extortionist was brought to Liloy Municipal Police Station and detained thereat for proper disposition.

http://www.zamboangatoday.ph/index.php/top-stories/16646-two-suspects-arrested-for-extorting-dbiel-transit.html

Security, terrorism, bomb awareness tackled in seminar

From the Daily Zamboanga Times (Feb 7): Security, terrorism, bomb awareness tackled in seminar

The Task Force Zamboanga and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) conducted a seminar on vital concerns at the Barangay Hall of Talon-Talon Yesterday.

 

Headed by MSgt. Joseph L. Fernando, TSgt. Jumawan and SSgt. Mario Ebina, the seminar tackled subjects on security, terrorism and bomb awareness,

 

Participants were members of the Barangay Defense Team, barangay tanod, barangay officials led by Chairman Teodyver A. Arquiza, teachers, and purok leaders.

 

The objective of the activity is to provide knowledge and awareness on the aspect of Barangay Defense System to protect their community so that the crisis that had happened last year would not be repeated.

 

“The people of Zamboanga need to be vigilant,” said the seminar organizers.

 

http://zamboangatimes.ph/zamboangatimes/top-news/9729-security-terrorism-bomb-awareness-tackled-in-seminar.html

MILF: Editorial -- Call for Statesmanship

Editorial posted to the MILF Website (Feb 7): Call for Statesmanship

During the height of the deliberation of the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA), there were those who opposed it out of conviction that it did not redound to the best interests of this country.
  

Frankly, while we do not appreciate much the actuation of those who opposed it, for whatever reasons, because it paved the way for war to visit us once again, but that was more than five years ago already. To the MILF, the rejection of the MOA-AD by the Supreme Court as “unconstitutional” is just part of history that we have to draw lessons from time to time in our continuing search for peace and solution to the Bangsamoro Question in Mindanao.  Today and the future are more important.

It is on this frame that we appeal to leaders of government, academe, church, business, and civil society organizations to close together so that the MOA-AD debacle will not happen anymore. So much good will, time, and efforts have been invested by all of us that warranted the support of the United Nations, the United States, Switzerland, The United Kingdom, and Japan. (The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is yet to issue a statement of support for the signing of the last Annex of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB)). We make sure that this time we will not fail, God willing!

Out of respect, we will not mention the names, except one, of those who opposed the MOA-AD in 2008. The truth is that currently we have started to reach out to them and convey the message that it is good for all and this country that peace shall dwell amongst us. Most if not all of them whom we talked to are responding very well; in fact, they are offering the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) valuable advices on how the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) gets the support of the people.

Indeed, it is time leaders of men in this country show statesmanship in the resolution of the armed conflict in Mindanao. The issue of peace is not a partisan discourse. Everybody has to support it, because when there is real peace everybody benefits.

On its part, the MILF is already showing its ultimate sacrifice in order to achieve peace in our midst. It agrees to undertake graduated decommissioning of its firearms (and combatants). While there is no element of surrender in the act and there are no firearms turned over to the “enemy” but to a third party body composed of three foreign experts and four local experts, but once the MILF decommissions its firearms, they are gone forever.

It is on this premise that we also appeal to former mayor and now congressman Celso Lobregat of Zamboanga City to support the peace process between the GPH and the MILF. He has everything to gain in supporting it and everything to lose in opposing it. He is the only one virtually speaking of war when everybody speaks of peace.

Congressman Lobregat, please show that you are also for peace and leader of all men, irrespective of religion, tribes, and station in life. Zamboanga City is for all of us!

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/editorial/item/800-call-for-statesmanship

MILF: 114th Base Command of BIAF holds advocacy in Sumisip, Basilan

From the MILF Website (Feb 7): 114th Base Command of BIAF holds advocacy in Sumisip, Basilan

The Unit 5 of 114th Base Command of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) conducted advocacy program in Barangay Upper Cabengbeng, Sumisip on February 2, 2014 with more than one thousand people in attendance, mostly women including BIAF & BIWAF members.

The program was sponsored by the head of Unit 5 of 114th Base Command.The speakers were CCCH Chairman Abbas Salung, the 114th Base Commander and this writer who is the Information Director of Yakan City.

The latter presented and discussed the four annexes on Transitional Arrangements & Modalities, Wealth-Sharing, Power-Sharing and Normalization.

The one-day advocacy program was so cordial and interesting according to one with alias Boy, a member of the BIAF, because they were clarified especially on the salient features of Annex on Normalization. He said, a lot of people especially government employees are saying that BIAF will surrender to the government and their arms turned over to the government.

He further said that their doubts and confusions were addressed after the contents of the Normalization Annex were explained to them.  The participants were thankful for the conduct of the activity as this is the first one held in their area. Barangay Cabengbeng is a volatile area and prone to conflict between MILF and the AFP due to its location being near the highway. Residents are also happy because the AFP has already recognized it as an MILF area and not of lawless elements.

In 2012 & early 2013, military operations were frequently made in the area resulting to massive dislocation of residents. The Base Commander reminded members of BIAF to be disciplined and observe utmost sobriety so as not to violate the ceasefire accord between the GPH and the MILF.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/802-114th-base-command-of-biaf-holds-advocacy-in-sumisip-basilan

CPP/NDF: Gregorio “Ka Greg” Ratin: Martir ng uring magbubukid

Posted to the CPP Website (Feb 6): Gregorio “Ka Greg” Ratin: Martir ng uring magbubukid (Gregorio "Ka Greg" Ratin: Martyr of the peasant class)

Andres Agtalon
Spokesperson
Pambansang Katipunan ng mga Magbubukid

Pinakamataas na pagpupugay at pagsaludo ang ipinapaabot ng Pambansang Katipunan ng mga Magbubukid – National Democratic Front (PKM-NDF) kay Kasamang Gregorio “Ka Greg” Ratin, isang proletaryong rebolusyonaryong nagmula sa hanay ng maralitang magsasaka sa lalawigan ng Negros Occidental, na pumanaw habang sumasailalim sa operasyon ng kanyang puso.

[Highest tribute and salute to the National Confederation of Peasant - National Democratic Front (NDF-PKM) Comrade Gregorio "Ka Greg" Ratin, a proletarian revolutionary who originated from poor farmers in the province of Negros Occidental (and) who died while undergoing a heart operation.]

Pumanaw si Ka Greg sa harap ng mga maniobra, sa katunayan ay sa mismong araw ng unang pagdinig ng reaksyunaryong Kongreso sa panukalang muling palawigin ng limang taon ang huwad, kontra-magbubukid, at maka-panginoong maylupang Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program Extension with Reforms (CARPER). Ang CARPER ang isa sa mga programang nilabanan ni Ka Greg kahit sa gitna ng kanyang karamdaman.

Walang kapagurang pinaglingkuran ni Ka Greg ang masang magbubukid bilang isa sa mga pinakamahuhusay na kadre ng kilusang magsasaka. Pinamunuan at pinangunahan ni Ka Greg ang matatagumpay na kampanya at pakikibakang magsasaka sa Isla ng Negros. Tampok dito ang mga matatagumpay na organisadong paggigiit, bungkalan at okupasyon sa lupa ng mga magsasaka sa Bago City noong taong 2008. Parang apoy na lumaganap ang kampanyang bungkalan na sa kasalukuyan ay umabot na sa mahigit 86 na tipak ng mga lupain ang sama-samang binubungkal at nasa pangangasiwa ng organisasyon ng mga magsasaka at manggagawang bukid. Sumasaklaw ito sa mahigit 2,100 ektarya at tinatamna ng palay, mais at iba pang halamang pagkain para sa mahigit 2,500 pamilyang magbubukid sa Negros.

Bilang lider-masa at propagandista, isa si Ka Greg sa matiyagang nagmulat, nag-organisa, at nagpakilos sa libu-libong magsasaka at mamamayan sa isla ng Negros upang lumahok sa pakikibaka para sa tunay na reporma sa lupa. Buong katapangan nilang inilantad ang pagsasamantala, korapsyon, pandarahas, at pagkapapet ng rehimeng US-Aquino at ng mga kakutsaba nitong mga panginoong maylupa. Inilantad ni Ka Greg ang monopolyo sa lupa ng amain ni Aquino na si Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco Jr. at ang pangangamkam ng lupa at pagwasak sa kalikasan ng mga lokal at dayuhang kumpanya ng pagmimina sa isla ng Negros. Walang takot din na hinarap at nilabanan ni Ka Greg ang pasistang pandarahas ng estado at ng mga bayarang maton ng mga panginoong maylupa.

Kabilang na ngayon si Ka Greg sa mga martir at bayani ng uring magbubukid sa pakikibaka para sa tunay na reporma sa lupa. Kasama niya na sina Ka Eddie Gumanoy, ni Ka Nilo Arado na biktima ng sapilitang pagdukot ng pasistang militar, at ni Ka Roger Rosal. Ilan sa mga magigiting na bayani na nagmula sa uring magbubukid na nag-alay ng kanilang buhay para sa dakilang pakikibaka para sa tunay na reporma sa lupa at sa rebolusyong Pilipino.

Sa kanyang pagpanaw, iniwan ni Ka Greg ang libu-libong mga kasama at masang nakahandang magpatuloy sa kanyang rebolusyonaryong gawain. Ang mga binhing itinanim ni Ka Greg sa matabang lupa ng Negros ang nagtitiyak na magpapatuloy at higit pang susulong ang rebolusyong agraryo, armadong pakikibaka,at higit pang lalakas ang Pulang kapangyarihan hindi lamang sa isla ng Negros kundi sa buong bansa. Ang kamatayan ni Ka Greg ay kasimbigat ng Bundok Kanlaon.

Ibaling ang dalamhati sa rebolusyonaryong katapangan!

Mabuhay si Ka Greg Ratin! Mabuhay ang uring magsasaka!

Mabuhay ang Partido Komunista ng Pilipinas! Mabuhay ang Bagong Hukbong Bayan!

Isulong ang pambansa demokratikong rebolusyon!

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20140206_gregorio-ka-greg-ratin-martir-ng-uring-magbubukid

Ten 15th IB men positive for drugs

From the Visayan Daily Star (Feb 7): Ten 15th IB men positive for drugs

None of the 3rd Infantry Division soldiers assigned in Negros and Panay island tested positive for illegal drugs, but not 10 other Army troopers temporarily deployed in Mindanao.

While the 15IB is presently assigned in Mindanao and under the supervision of the 1st Infantry Division, it is still under the administrative control of the 3rd Infantry Division stationed at Camp Macario Peralta in Jamindan, Capiz, military records show.

Maj. Rey Tiongson, 3ID spokesman, yesterday confirmed that 10 soldiers of 15IB tested positive for use of prohibited drugs.

The 15IB is now undergoing retraining in Zamboanga del Sur.

The random drug testing conducted by the Task Force Moses, an anti-drug body of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, also covered 3ID soldiers assigned in Negros and Panay. However, their results were negative, military records show.

Of about 20,000 AFP personnel 70 are members of the Philippine Army subjected to random drug testing by the Task Force Moses in 2013, 113 were confirmed to have been using prohibited drugs.

It will be followed by a confirmatory test to be conducted by the Philippine Drug Enforcement. A confirmed drug user will undergo an investigation, the AFP said in a statement it issued.

The 10 soldiers of 15IB who tested positive for drug are all young enlisted personnel, military records show.

Despite this, Tiongson said the 10 will be accorded due process, while they are being investigated.

If found guilty, they could be discharged from the military service, he added.

The 15IB had a short stint of assignment in northern Negros, almost a decade ago.

Following its achievements in eliminating drug influence with the AFP, Task Force Moses is increasing its target recipients of random drug testing by 20 percent this year, the AFP statement added.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2014/February/07/topstory10.htm

Army needs 190 new soldiers

From the Visayan Daily Star (Feb 7): Army needs 190 new soldiers

The Army’s 3rd Infantry Division is now accepting qualified applicants to join the profession of arms.

Maj. Rey Tiongson, 3ID spokesman, yesterday said that they are now selecting the best and most qualified applicants who will compose the new batch of Candidate Soldiers who will undergo a military training for enlistment as regular members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Tiongson said 190 of the applicants will be selected by the Philippine Army Selection Board to compose the next batch of Candidate Soldiers to undergo a 6-month military training at 3ID Division Training School in Jamindan, Capiz.

A mobile Pre-Screening Team will conduct interviews for qualified applicants on Feb. 7 to 9 at Camp Kilat in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental, and Feb. 11 to 13 at Camp Gerona in Brgy. Minoyan, Murcia, Negros Occidental.

Applicants must bring the folder with tabbing of the following requirements upon reporting to the abovementioned units and venue a colored 3R whole body picture, resume with 2x2 ID picture, original NSO birth certificate and marriage contract of parents, certificate of legal beneficiaries, transcript of records, diploma, among others.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2014/February/07/topstory9.htm

Iriberri thanks Gazmin as he assumes Army command

From Rappler (Feb 7): Iriberri thanks Gazmin as he assumes Army command

CHANGE OF COMMAND: President Aquino hands over the Command Saber to the incoming 56th Commanding General, Philippine Army Maj. Gen. Hernando DCA Iriberri. President Aquino presided over the Philippine Army Change of Command Ceremony. Photo from the Philippine Army

The troops will be talking about Army chief Major General Hernando Delfin Carmelo Iriberri for a while. The young general beat more senior contenders to the post, including his previous commander at the Northern Luzon Command, Lieutenant General Gregorio Catapang.

When he assumed the post on Friday, February 7, Iriberri also made a comic error in his very first order as commanding general of the 85,000-strong Philippine Army. "Sergeant Major, lower my flag," he ordered. "Yes, sir!," roared the soldier. Realizing his mistake, Iriberri quipped: "Ay, raise the flag." The military heirarchy and the guests erupted in laughter. And then they clapped. Among them was his own backer Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin. (READ: Gazmin's former aide is new Army chief)

Raising one's flag in a military turnover ceremony indicates an officer's acceptance of a new command. Lowering the flag means the officer is leaving his post.

Gazmin's aide

Iriberri's swift rise has been attributed to his closeness to Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, who is very close to President Benigno Aquino III. (Voltaire Gazmin: The untouchable)

Iriberri served as spokesperson of Gazmin when he was Army chief in 2000. Before he became the commander of the Army's 503rd Brigade in Abra and later 7th Infantry Division chief, Iriberri also served as senior military assistant to the defense chief.

"I personally thank our Secretary of National Defense, the Honorable Voltaire Gazmin, for his vote of confidence and, long before that, for his invaluable mentorship on the ways of becoming a leader," Iriberri said in his speech.

Catapang, who served in the President's hometown Tarlac, had been rumored to be the strongest contender for the post. But in decision he made known only last Thursday, Aquino chose Iriberri.

It was already 10 pm on Thursday when Iriberri arrived in Fort Bonifacio to practice for Friday's change of command ceremony.

Sought for comment on Iriberri's promotion, Catapang said: "We should support the decision of the President. Let's rally behind the new commanding general of the Philippine Army."

Peaceful elections

Iriberri told Rappler in an earlier interview he is proud to have served Gazmin. But it is unfair to say his appointment depended on him. "In the end, it's the President's decision," he said.

In his speech, President Aquino talked about Iriberri's record in Abra. "His unit was instrumental in achieving the most peaceful elections in Abra.

 

Because they effectively responded to threats, the province recorded an 83% voters turn out. It's the highest in the record of the Cordillera Administrative Region in the past elections," Aquino said.

ARRIVAL HONORS: The Philippine Army troops render an Arrival Honors for incoming Army Chief Maj. Gen. Hernando DCA Iriberri. Photo from the Phiippine Army

The President added: "I heard he is called in the Armed Forces as Superman. He always tops physical exercises. As the new chief, I expect that he will show extraordinary strength, discipline, and dedication to continue the Army Transformation Roadmap."

Most of Iriberri's combat duties were in Mindanao. He is a recipient of 2 Gold Cross Medals, the 3rd highest combat honor. He received the first in 1996 when he commanded a Scout Ranger Regiment that overran an Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) camp in Maguindanao and later in 1999 when he was Army spokesperson and survived an ambush in Lanao.

He is also a recipient of 5 Distinguished Service Stars, and one Bronze Cross Medal.

Improve disaster response

Iriberri has a lot to prove. He knows it and he said he's ready.

He recognized that times are changing. While the military continues to fight insurgency there are other challenges like disaster response. (READ: PH military grappling with insurgency amid China tension)

"We are still engaged in battles for enduring peace in some areas and expanding development around the country.... In most instances, the batles are a contest of will and propaganda. In others, the clash of arms. In a new front, we also now have the battle against the onslaught of disasters," Iriberri said.

Iriberri spoke about "improving interoperability with other armed forces" and "developing new means and methods for effectively and efficiently collaborating with foreign forces and other agencies in dealing with major disasters and calamities."

While the government is set to finalize a peace deal with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Iriberri said the Army has to deal with "spoilers." He cited the clashes with the MILF breakaway unit Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and last year's attack of the Moro National Liberation Front in Zamboanga City.

He said he will continue to implement the government's counter-insurgency program, as well as the reform agenda of the military.

"I shall give nothing short of my own best performance," Iriberri vowed.

Iriberri will retire in April 2016, two months before President Aquino steps down from office. The current chief of staff, General Emmanuel Bautista, is retiring in July this year, and Iriberri – as Army chief – would automatically be a nominee for the post.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/49963-army-chief-hernando-iriberri

Beijing denounces 'groundless' US remarks on South China Sea

From InterAksyon (Feb 7): Beijing denounces 'groundless' US remarks on South China Sea

Beijing on Friday dismissed a US official's warning against possible Chinese expansion in the skies over the South China Sea, calling the remarks "irresponsible".

The United States had urged Beijing to clarify or adjust its claims in the South China Sea, calling for a peaceful solution to one of Asia's growing flashpoints.

"Some US officials make groundless accusations against China," Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Hong Lei told reporters at a regular briefing.

He added that "right-wing forces in Japan" were responsible for stirring up "rumors" on the issue.

Hong was responding to comments made on Wednesday by the top US diplomat for the region, Danny Russel, warning Beijing not to move to impose an air zone over the territory.

Beijing claims the South China Sea almost in its entirety, even areas a long way from its shoreline, but portions are also claimed by the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan.

Russel supported the Philippines' right to take its case to a United Nations tribunal -- a move last year that was denounced by China -- as part of efforts to find a "peaceful, non-coercive" solution.

"China's lack of clarity with regard to its South China Sea claims has created uncertainty in the region and limits the prospect for achieving mutually agreeable resolution or equitable joint development arrangements," Russel told a congressional committee.

Japan's Asahi Shimbun, citing Chinese government sources, recently reported that Beijing had drafted proposals for the new air zone, with tensions already high over its imposition of an air zone above islands administered by Japan in the East China Sea.

That Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), set up in November, immediately drew condemnation from Washington as well as Tokyo, with which China is embroiled in a separate territorial row.

"We neither recognize nor accept China's declared ADIZ," Russel, the US assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, told the committee.

He added that the US had "made clear to China that it shouldn't attempt to implement that ADIZ and should refrain from taking similar actions elsewhere in the region".

Hong on Friday reiterated Beijing's position that "as a sovereign state, China has the right to act" in order to defend its air security.

"No country has the right to make irresponsible remarks on that," he said of Russel's comments.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/80322/beijing-denounces-groundless-us-remarks-on-south-china-sea

Land mine, fire fight in Basilan kills one, 2 injured

From Rappler (Feb 7): Land mine, fire fight in Basilan kills one, 2 injured

Two members of the Philippine Army's civilian active auxiliary unit were injured Friday, February 7, after an encounter with an armed group in Basilan.

At around 6 am Friday, members of the Charlie Company of the 64th Infrantry Battalion were conducting a combat patrol when they encountered armed men in Sitio Lukketon, Barangay Sukaten in Sumisip, Basilan.

After 15 minutes of firefight, two members were left injured.

Also in Basilan, a man died after a land mine exploded at a rubber farm in Barangay Mebak, Sumisip town.

Mih Ustalin was checking rubber trees in the farm when the land mine exploded, killing him.

Authorities are still investigating who planted the bomb.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/49989-basilan-land-mine-fire-fight

China expert to US, PHL: check historical evidence instead of fanning tensions

From InterAksyon (Feb 7): China expert to US, PHL: check historical evidence instead of fanning tensions

Weighing in on the latest word war over Beijing’s continuing bid to assert its territorial claim, a Chinese expert has urged the international community to respect historical evidence instead of fanning regional tensions. But President Benigno Aquino III hailed remarks by a top US diplomat that sought to rein in China and push for international arbitration.

The statement by Southeast Asian Studies researcher Li Guoqiang was in apparent reaction to statements from the United States and the Philippines challenging Beijing's claimed territorial sovereignty in the South China Sea.

Philippine President Benigno Aquino III stirred a hornet’s nest in a recent interview with The New York Times, where he likened Beijing’s expansionist bent to the successful bid of Adolf Hitler to annex the Sudetenland as the West failed to come to Czekoslovakia’s defense in 1938.

In a statement posted in state-owned China Daily news website, Li Guoqiang maintained that China's claim over the disputed sea can be traced back to as far as 2,000 years.

Top US diplomat weighs in on issue

On Wednesday, Washington had urged Beijing to clarify or adjust its claim in the South China Sea, calling for a peaceful solution to what is widely seen as one of Asia's growing flashpoints.

Danny Russel, US assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs, challenged Beijing’s so-called “nine-dash line” that outlines its territorial claims over much of the South China Sea. The Philippines is protesting this nine-dash line as an “excessive” claim and such protest anchors the complaint Manila filed against Beijing in the United Nations arbitral tribunal last year.

Russel said that maritime claims under international law needed to be based on land features. “Any Chinese claim to maritime rights not based on claimed land features would be inconsistent with international law,” Russel told a congressional panel this week.

“China could highlight its respect for international law by clarifying or adjusting its claim to bring it into accordance with international law of the sea,” he said.

Aquino welcomes US statement

In Manila, President Benigno S. Aquino III on Friday welcomed the statement of  top US diplomat Russel calling on China to clarify or adjust its territorial claims in the South China Sea in accordance with international law.

“The statement of America, of Assistant Secretary of State (Daniel Russel, assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs) is welcome.

But at the end of the day, [all parties in this dispute, and all public for a that we are aware of, all speak of] adherence to international law," the Chief Executive said, speaking partly in Filipino to reporters after gracing the Philippine Army Change of Command Ceremony in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

The President also reiterated the Philippine's commitment for a peaceful solution to maritime dispute.

"That is all we aspire for…that all of us will follow international law, especially those that we all freely entered into like UNCLOS - the United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea," the President stressed.

"Nobody forced any of us to be a signatory there. China and the Philippines are signatories to the same. And we are hoping that we all live up to the commitments expressed in a treaty such as that," he said.

Support for UN filing

The US official likewise backed the Philippines’ right to take its case to a UN body in early 2013, over China’s continuing protest, adding that such filing by Manila was vital to efforts to find a “peaceful, non-coercive” solution.

The Department of Foreign Affairs is scheduled to submit its arguments on March 30, 2013 to the UN-backed International Tribunal of the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) regarding the disputes with China over the West Philippine Sea—or Manila’s tag for the South China Sea.

March 30 is the deadline for the Philippines to submit its so-called Memorial, a document containing the legal basis of its arbitration case against China, to the five-member arbitral tribunal in The Hague.

The Memorial is being prepared by the Philippines' legal panel led by Solicitor General Francis Jardeleza.

The DFA said it expects the tribunal to decide on the jurisdiction and merits of the case, especially on why Manila wants the nine-dash line claim by Beijing invalidated and declared illegal as far as international law, particularly the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (Unclos), is concerned.

The Philippines had invited China to join the arbitral proceedings on January 22 last year. The arbitration case was filed to clearly delineate the extent of China's and the Philippines' claims in the disputed region.

Manila wants the five-member tribunal to void Beijing's "encompassing" nine-dash line claim, a sweeping arc covering 90 percent of the entire region, and reaching into the coastal provinces of other claimants.

The resource-rich West Philippine Sea, believed to sit atop oil and natural reserves, is being claimed in whole by China, and in part by the Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/80311/china-expert-to-us-phl-check-historical-evidence-instead-of-fanning-tensions

Philippine police identify grenade thrower behind church attack

From the Mindanao Examiner blog site (Feb 6): Philippine police identify grenade thrower behind church attack





Police chief Angelito Casimiro shows a composite image of suspected grenade thrower behind a recent attack on a Catholic church in Zamboanga City in southern Philippines. (Mindanao Examiner Photo - E. Dumabo)

Police have released a composite picture of one of two motorcycle men who exploded a grenade at a Catholic church that wounded at least 5 people in Zamboanga city in southern Philippines.

Senior Superintendent Angelito Casimiro, the local police chief, said a team of policemen is searching for the assailants behind the attack at the San Isidro Labrador Church in the village of Talon-Talon.

No individual or group claimed responsibility for the attack and police have launched an investigation into the explosion. The victims, who are all residents of the area, were rushed to hospital.

Just recently, the house of a village chieftain Mohammad Nur Attang in Zamboanga City was also bombed by men riding tandem on a motorcycle in the neighboring village of Mampang, injuring three people.

Police said the Abu Sayyaf was believed behind the blast.

In November 2009, the church was also bombed, although there were no reports of casualties, but the blast damaged its concrete wall. A letter was also left by the assailant and warned that there will be more attacks in Zamboanga.

Also in 2008, the Immaculate Conception Metro Cathedral in downtown Zamboanga was also bombed, minutes after an explosion in the front of the Vienna Kaffe Haus along Veterans Avenue. A powerful bomb explosion also injured at least 20 people in Zamboanga City in August 2007. The bomb was planted at a public square in downtown Zamboanga.

http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2014/02/philippine-police-identify-grenade.html

Battle-tested general called ‘Superman’ is new Philippine Army chief

From the Mindanao Examiner blog site (Feb 7): Battle-tested general called ‘Superman’ is new Philippine Army chief



Philippine Army chief Major General Hernando Iriberri

President Benigno Aquino has named Major General Hernando Iriberri as the new Philippine Army chief, breaking a long military tradition to appoint the most senior officer to head a major branch of service in the armed forces.

Iriberri, who was a former commander of the 7th Infantry Division in Luzon Island, overstepped several generals who are most senior to head the Philippine Army.  Iriberri, a former aide of Defense chief Voltaire Gazmin, replaced Lieutenant General Noel Coballes, who retired on Friday.

But unknown to many Iriberri – as an intelligence officer - was a key figure and instrumental in hastening the healing process between the military and surrendered members of the Young Officers Union (YOU), the group of junior military officers who staged the bloodiest coup alongside with the Reformed The Armed Forces Movement and Soldiers of the Filipino People against Aquino’s mother, then President Corazon Aquino in 1989.

“He achieved this by circumspectly studying the psyche or frame of mind of the detained rebel officers by sleeping, eating and living with them at the 808th Detention Center in Fort Bonifacio. Such efforts gave him valuable insight on how to reach a win-win solution for both the rebel group and the AFP.”

“His hard work and sacrifice effectively created an open line of communication between the two and paved the way for the reconciliatory stance from the YOU members which culminated in the signing of the manifesto of support to the Government by its members which was handed to and accepted by the then DND Secretary Renato De Villa. The Government then agreed to release from detention the YOU members and reinstated them in the active military service,” according to Iriberri’s profile in the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Iriberri, who holds a Masters degree in Management and Defense Studies from the University of Canberra in Australia - also fought Moro and communist rebels, including the al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf group in southern and northern Philippines earlier in his career and later became chief of the Philippine Army’s Public Affairs Office and served with the United Nations Guards Contingent in Iraq.

He is also a recipient of various awards, including 5 Distinguished Service Stars Medals, an Outstanding Achievement Medal, two Gold Cross Medals and numerous Military Merit and Commendation Medals.

Aquino has all praises for Iriberri – of Philippine Military Academy Class 1983 - for his long accomplishments throughout his military career and also instrumental in peaceful elections in Central Luzon.

“Kaya naman marapat lamang na mahusay at maaasahang pinuno din ang humalili sa kanya (Coballes) - ito ay walang iba kundi si Major General Hernando Iriberri. Pinabatid po sa atin ang kahanga-hanga pong mga naabot niyang tagumpay noon, tulad ng nakaraang taon lamang bilang commander ng 503rd Infantry Brigade, ang kanyang unit ay naging instrumental sa pagkamit ng pinakamapayapang eleksyon sa probinsya ng Abra. Dahil epektibo niyang natugunan anumang banta doon, nakapagtala ang probinsya ng 83 percent voters turn-out—ang pinakamataas na tala sa Cordillera Administrative Region noong nakaraang eleksyon.”

“Balita ko rin, ang tawag sa kanya sa AFP ay code ‘Superman’ at lagi daw kasi siyang nangingibabaw sa mga pisikal na pagsasanay. Bilang bagong pinuno, umaasa akong pambihirang lakas, disiplina, at dedikasyon din ang ibubuhos mo upang ipagpatuloy ang transpormasyon ng Hukbong Katihan,” Aquino said during the formal handover of command in Manila.

Iriberri is the 56th Philippine Army chief.

http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2014/02/battle-tested-general-called-superman.html

Filipina boat owner abducted in Southern Philippines

From the Mindanao Examiner blog site (Feb 7): Filipina boat owner abducted in Southern Philippines



Google map of Mapun Island off Tawi-Tawi province in southern Philippines. (Mindanao Examiner)

A Filipina boat owner was seized by gunmen during a raid late Friday on a remote island off the southern Philippine province of Tawi-Tawi, authorities said.

Authorities identified the victim as Dianne Esperanza Buenviaje, whose family operates a ferry that plies the Sulu Archipelago, Zamboanga City and Palawan Island. The gunmen barged in the woman’s house on Mapun Island near Sabah, Malaysia and dragged her to a waiting speedboat.

Philippine police and military forces, including the Coast Guard has joined the search for the abducted woman who was taken from the village of Liyubud.

Lt. Junior Grade Jomark Angue, Zamboanga City Coast Guard Station chief, said the victim’s family operates ML Sugar Dianne. “The Philippine Coast Guard, the Philippine Marines and the Philippine National Police have launched a search and rescue operation in the vicinity of Mapun in Tawi-Tawi where the alleged abduction happened,” he said.

No other details were made available by authorities and no individual or group claimed responsibility for the abduction, although pirates and the rebel group Abu Sayyaf are actively operating in the Sulu Archipelago.

http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2014/02/filipina-boat-owner-abducted-in.html

2 killed, 5 wounded in clashes in Basilan province

From the Mindanao Examiner blog site (Feb 7): 2 killed, 5 wounded in clashes in Basilan province

Two government militias were killed and five others wounded in a clash late Friday with gunmen in the southern Philippine province of Basilan, officials said.

Officials said the fighting erupted in Sumisip town where gunmen earlier threatened workers of a government water project in the village of Sukatin.

Those killed in the fighting have been identified as Duminta Gulinda and Bejo Sampang, while the wounded were Almirin Pantao, Omar Jadjales and Oloy Malanji – all militias.

Two of the attackers – Samir Balaman and Apet Muril – were also injured in the clashes, but had been taken away by their group, according to Capt. Jefferson Mamauag, a spokesman for the 1st Infantry Division.

Mamauag said troops belonging to the 64th Infantry Battalion headed by Lt. Randolf Manding clashed with about 15 gunmen under Kotatong Balaman.

“There could be more casualties from the enemy side as bloodstains were spotted in their routes of withdrawal,” he told the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.

Lt. Col. Leandro Dacumos, the battalion commander, said villagers reported the presence of gunmen in the area and sought assistance from the authorities.

“The encounter was in response to a report by concerned citizens regarding the presence of armed lawless elements sighted at the water system project of the local government. The lawless elements occupied the area and threatened the workers of the project,” he said.

The military did not say if the gunmen were members of the Abu Sayyaf or Moro Islamic Liberation Front which are actively operating in Basilan, one of five provinces under the Muslim autonomous region.

http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2014/02/2-killed-5-wounded-in-clashes-in.html

President Aquino confers PHL Legion of Honor on outgoing Army chief Lt. Gen. Noel Coballes

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 7): President Aquino confers PHL Legion of Honor on outgoing Army chief Lt. Gen. Noel Coballes
 
President Benigno S. Aquino III conferred the Philippine Legion of Honor with the rank of commander on retiring Army Chief Lt. Gen. Noel Coballes on Friday.

The retirement ceremony was held at the Headquarters of the Philippine Army Grandstand at Fort Andres Bonifacio in Taguig City.

During the ceremony, Coballes, who served the country for 38 years, told the President that a simple rule he kept was to "listen to your troops and look out for their welfare."

Coballes also said that as the President's father, the late former Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr. once said that “The Filipino is worth dying for,” according to him, “The Filipino is also worth living for.”

“As an officer, I hope that I will be remembered not on how many stars I accumulated on my shoulders, but for what I have accomplished while wearing them,” Coballes said.

The now retired Army chief celebrated on Friday his 56th birthday, the mandatory retirement age in the military service.

He also presented gifts to the President, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista.

Meanwhile, Major Gen. Hernando Iriberri also formally assumed his post as the new Army chief succeeding Coballes.

Iriberri was the commander of the Army's 7th Infantry Division before his appointment as 56th Commanding General of the Philippine Army.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=613628

President Aquino names Iriberri as PA's 56th commanding general

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 7): President Aquino names Iriberri as PA's 56th commanding general

Major Gen. Hernando DCA Iriberri was formally installed as the new Philippine Army (PA) commander on Friday.

Iriberri is the 56th PA commanding general. He replaced Lt. Gen. Noel Coballes, who retired on the same day after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.

Iriberri, formerly of the 7th Infantry Division, was appointed to lead the 85,000-strong PA by President Benigno S. Aquino III.

The change-of-command ceremonies took place at the PA Grandstand in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City at around 10 a.m.Friday.

Capt. Anthony Bacus, PA spokesperson, said the entire Army supports and welcomes the appointment of Iriberri as the new PA chief.

According to him, this will ensure the transformation and sustain the momentum in the campaign for peace.

Iriberri, member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) "Matikas" Class of 1983, is known for his leadership, wealth of experience, and exemplary performance in all the high-level and sensitive positions he has handled, both in the PA and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

Prior to his designation as the 56th PA chief, he was the 22nd commander of the 7th Infantry Division.

He also commanded the 503rd Infantry Brigade in the Cordillera region, and served as Chief of United Command Staff, Southern Luzon Command.

He was also designated as Senior Military Assistant to the Secretary of National Defense.

As a young lieutenant, he served as platoon leader of Delta Company, Executive Officer of Alpha Company, and Company Commander of Bravo Company, all under the 23rd Infantry Battalion, 4th Infantry Division.

From 2002 to 2004, he commanded the 25th Infantry Battalion that was then deployed in Cotabato and Davao area. In 1995, he led the Task Group Panther of the elite First Scout Ranger Regiment.

Relatedly, Iriberri has been an excellent staff officer, having served in various capacities as Chief, Operations Division, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, OJ3, AFP; Chief of Staff, Philippine Military Academy; Executive Assistant to the Commanding General, Philippine Army; Head Executive Assistant to the Chief of Staff, AFP; and Chief of the Military Operations Department, Training and Doctrine Command.

In 2000, he also served as the Chief of the Office of the Army Chief Public Affairs and designated as the Army spokesperson.

Early on his career, he has also been exposed to intelligence work, having been assigned with the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, OJ2, GHQ, and detailed for a while with the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency.

In his continued pursuit for knowledge and desire to learn and improve his craft, he finished several courses, both local and foreign, most notable of which are the Strategic Human Resource Management Course at the Asian Institute of Management, International Visitor Leadership Program at the United States Department of State, United Nations Staff Officer Course in Sweden, Master of Management in Defense Studies at the University of Canberra in Australia, and the Australian Command and Staff Course also in Canberra.

Throughout his 34 years in active military service, he was conferred with numerous awards, medals, commendations and recognitions. He is a recipient of five Distinguished Service Stars, two Gold Cross Medals, one Bronze Cross Medal, several Military Merit Medals and Military Commendation Medals.

Iriberri was born in Cantilan, Surigao del Sur on April 22, 1960.

Iriberri is married to Agnes Carolina Samson-Iriberri, with whom he has two daughters and two sons.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=613654

President Aquino to PA: 'You'll not be neglected'

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 7): President Aquino to PA: 'You'll not be neglected'

President Benigno S. Aquino III on Friday lauded the Philippine Army soldiers for continuously being defenders of the nation and at the same time vowed to improve their benefits.

The President said that from the Zamboanga siege in September 2013 until typhoon “Yolanda” in November, the military was there to give protection to those who needed it.

He also noted that since 1986 until now, the country’s population has doubled, but the number of soldiers and police remained the same.

“It is not simple to add members because it requires a huge fund,” the President said in Filipino during the retirement ceremony for outgoing Army Chief Lt. Gen. Noel Coballes at the Philippine Army Headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

“(However) with the help of Congress, we are pushing for laws that will discover ways to make adding members possible,” he added.

The President said that since it was a big responsibility being part of the military, the government will continue to find ways to address the soldiers' needs.

“Being protectors of the nation, you will not be neglected by the government,” he said. “The state will be behind you, having debt of gratitude for your service...”

“I trust that in the coming years, our Armed Forces will further progress as a foundation that pushes for a country that is peaceful, righteous and abundant,” he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=613664

AFP welcomes appointment of Iriberri as new PA chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 7): AFP welcomes appointment of Iriberri as new PA chief

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said on Friday the entire military establishment is welcoming the appointment of Major Gen. Hernando DCA Iriberri as the 56th commander of the Philippine Army.

"His experience on both combat and administrative fronts will greatly contribute to the realization of the PA's vision of a world-class Army that is a source of national pride and the continued success of IPSP 'Bayanihan' in winning the peace," he added.

Iriberri, former commander of the Nueva Ecija-based 7th Infantry Division, succeeded Lt. Gen. Noel Coballes at the helm of the Army.

Coballes retired on Friday after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=613747

Aquino welcomes United States statement calling on China to clarify territorial claims in South China Sea

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 7): Aquino welcomes United States statement calling on China to clarify territorial claims in South China Sea
 
President Benigno S. Aquino III on Friday welcomed the statement of a top United States (US) diplomat calling on China to clarify or adjust its territorial claims in the South China Sea in accordance with international law.

“Iyong statement ng Amerika, iyong kanilang Assistant Secretary of State (Daniel Russel, assistant secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific affairs) is welcome. But at the end of the day, lahat ng bansa dito sa dispute na ito at sa lahat ng public fora na tayo ay aware, ay nagsasalita ng adherence to international law," the Chief Executive said in an interview with media following his attendance to the Philippine Army Change of Command Ceremony at the Philippine Army Grandstand, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

The President also reiterated the Philippine's commitment for a peaceful solution to maritime dispute.

" Iyon lang naman ang inaasam natin… lahat tayo sumunod doon sa international law, lalo na doon sa mga batas na malaya nating pinasukan, katulad nung UNCLOS - the United Nations Convention on Law of the Sea," the President stressed.

"Walang namilit na maging signatory tayo diyan. China and the Philippines are signatories to the same. And we are hoping that we all live up to the commitments expressed in a treaty such as that," he said.

According to reports, Russel challenged Beijing's so-called "nine-dash line" that outlines its territorial claims over much of the South China Sea.

Russel said that maritime claims under international law needed to be based on land features.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=613799

President Aquino cites Philippine Army for its reliable commitment to serve the people in times of crisis

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 7): President Aquino cites Philippine Army for its reliable commitment to serve the people in times of crisis

President Benigno S. Aquino III cited on Friday the Philippine Army (PA) for its ever-reliable and time tested commitment to serve the people in times of crisis and disasters.

In his speech during the Philippine Army Change of Command Ceremony and Testimonial Review in honor of Lieutenant General Noel A. Coballes at the Philippine Army Grandstand, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City on Friday, the Chief Executive noted the capabilities of the PA in protecting the Filipino people during critical times .

"Mulat po ang ating gobyerno sa bigat ng tungkuling nakaatang sa balikat ng kasundaluhan. Kasama ang kapulisan, kayo ang tagapagtanggol ng ating mamamayan sa oras ng kaguluhan at una nilang takbuhan sa panahon ng kalamidad," the Chief Executive said.

"Ni minsan, hindi kayo nagkulang. Sa Zamboanga, buong-giting ninyong nilabanan ang masasamang loob nang may ibayong pag-iingat na mailigtas ang lahat ng mga hostages," the President said.

President Aquino also cited the PA for its role in disaster relief operations.

"Sa Cebu at Bohol, hindi ninyo inalintana ang peligrong dulot ng malakas na lindol. Sa kasagsagan ng bagyong Yolanda, hanggang sa pagbabalik sa normalidad ng mga sinalantang probinsya, naroon din kayo, sumasaklolo sa nangangailangan," he said.

President Aquino urged the PA officers and men to continue working hard in order to help the Filipino nation create an environment conducive for sustainable development and just and lasting peace.

"Pinabigat pa nga lalo ang mga hamong ito ng minanang problema ng ating pambansang tanggulan. Mula po 1986 hanggang sa kasalukuyan, dumoble na ang populasyon ng bansa, pero hindi nagbago ang bilang ng ating mga sundalo’t pulis," the President said.

"Hindi naman ganun kasimple ang pagdagdag ng kawal dahil mangangailangan ito ng napakalaking pondo. Sa tulong ng Kongreso, isinusulong natin ang mga batas na i-aangkop sa panahon ang benepisyo ng unipormadong hanay, upang bigyang-daan ang pagdaragdag ng mga sundalo’t pulis," he said.

The President also lauded Lt. Gen. Noel Coballes who retired on Friday for his various accomplishments.

"Sa loob ng mahigit isang taon, pinangunahan ni Lieutenant General Coballes ang reporma sa Hukbong Katihan na siyang may pinakamaraming hanay sa ating Sandatahang Lakas. Masigasig niyang tinutukan ang implementasyon ng Army Transformation Roadmap at ng Internal Peace and Security Plan Bayanihan," he said.

"Madalas nga po siyang madestino noon sa Mindanao, kaya’t batid niyang hindi sapat na matalo lang ang mga kalaban sa bakbakan. Ang lalong mahalaga: maabot ang pangmatagalang kapayapaan kung saan panalo ang bawat Pilipino," the President said.

President Aquino also expressed trust and confidence in Major General Hernando DCA Iriberri as the 56th Commanding General of the PA.

"Kaya naman marapat lamang na mahusay at maaasahang pinuno din ang humalili sa kanya -- ito ay walang iba kundi si Major General Hernando Iriberri. Pinabatid po sa atin ang kahanga-hanga pong mga naabot niyang tagumpay noon, tulad ng nakaraang taon lamang bilang Commander ng 503rd Infantry Brigade, ang kanyang unit ay naging instrumental sa pagkamit ng pinakamapayapang eleksyon sa probinsya ng Abra," he said.

"Dahil epektibo niyang natugunan anumang banta doon, nakapagtala ang probinsya ng 83 percent voters turn-out—ang pinakamataas na tala sa Cordillera Administrative Region noong nakaraang eleksyon. Balita ko rin, ang tawag sa kanya sa AFP ay code “Superman,” the President said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=613794

MPACs to be transformed into 'harassment force'

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 7): MPACs to be transformed into 'harassment force'

The Philippine Navy (PN) is planning to transform its MPAC (multi-purpose attack craft) squadron into a force capable of harassing foreign ships that may intrude in the country's territorial waters.

The Navy presently operates six MPACs, three of which were obtained from Taiwan and the other three from Filipino shipbuilder Propmech Corporation which is based in Subic Bay, Zambales.

Navy officials said the MPACs are suited for these mission as they could go in, attack or harass the offending vessel and evade quickly.

To create this capability, more heavier weapons and longer range sensors and surveillance will be installed on these 45-knot small craft.

PN MPACs are 16.5 meters long, 4.76 meters wide and has a draft of one meter and a top speed of 45 knots.

Each one costs around P90 million. It has a range 300 nautical miles. The hull is made of high-quality aluminum and is crewed by one officer and four enlisted personnel.

It is capable of carrying 16 fully-equipped troopers or two tons of cargo.

The MPAC is also capable of operating in territorial waters up to "Sea State 3" (slight waves) without any system degradation and is armed with one .50 caliber and two 7.62mm machine guns.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=613885