Video: A Philippine Air Force pilot flies an AH-1W SuperCobra in Pampanga

Posted to You Tube (May 15): Video: A Philippine Air Force pilot flies an AH-1W SuperCobra in Pampanga



Philippine Air Force Maj. Randy Bance, pilot, with 18th Attack Squadron, 15th Fighter Wing, stationed at Sangley Air Base, Sangley Point, Cavite City, and U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Vincent Dixon, detachment officer in charge, with Marine Light Attack Helicopter Squadron 469, Marine Aircraft Group 39, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, based at Camp Pendleton, Calif., conduct familiarization flights in an AH-1W SuperCobra, during Balikatan 2014 at Clark Air Field, Mabalacat, Republic of the Philippines, May 12, 2014.

This year marks the 30th iteration of Balikatan, which is an annual Republic of the Philippines-U.S. military bilateral training exercise (U.S. Marine Motion Imagery by Cpl. Kassie L. Haynes.)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yG9iGs_h90M

Video: WATCH: Philippine Special Forces paratroopers in wargames

From ABS-CBN (May 15): Video: WATCH: Philippine Special Forces paratroopers in wargames



[Video: Philippine Special Forces troops in HALO jumps
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rv80bojQ4cw]

Philippine Army Special Forces freefall jumpers with Special Operations Command, stationed at Fort Magsaysay jump from a KC-130J "Sumos", assigned to Marine Aerial Refueler Transport Squadron 152, Marine Aircraft Group 36, 1st Marine Aircraft Wing, based at Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, Okinawa, Japan, during High Altitude Low Opening military freefall jumps, beginning Combined Arms Live Fire Exercise, at Crow Valley, Republic of the Philippines, during Balikatan May 14, 2014.

 This year marks the 30th iteration of Balikatan, which is an annual Republic of the Philippines-U.S. military bilateral training exercise. (U.S. Marine Motion Imagery by Cpl. Kassie L. Haynes.)

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/05/15/14/watch-philippine-special-forces-paratroopers-wargames

Tibal community in Abra petitions Philippine Army to stay

From the Philippine Information Agency (May 15): Tibal community in Abra petitions  Philippine Army to stay

LICUAN-BAAY, Abra – More than a thousand members and leaders of the Binongan Tribe in this municipality have signed a petition requesting the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to maintain and retain the 41st Infantry (Partner for Peace) Battalion of the Philippine Army (PA) in Sitio Baquero, Brgy. Nalbuan, this municipality.

In an official communication received by the PIA from the office of Mayor Alejo S. Domingo dated April 25, 2014, he attested that the document titled PAKAAMMO was written in the Ilocano dialect to show that the signatories freely and knowingly was their voluntary decision and act on a collective manner.

The Pakaammo (announcement or declaration) is a petition requesting that the Philippine Army be retained and maintained in the municipality mainly for purposes of augmenting the peace and order and security of the place since it cannot be denied that there are impending threats from the remnants of the New People’s Army especially with the still-unresolved case of the brutal killing the Ligiw family (Ama Licuben and his two sons, Freddie, a former rebel who availed of the reintegration funds of both the national and provincial government; and Eddie, a former partner of the 41st IB in the implementation of their Bayanihan Projects in Malibcong), last  March.

 The petition likewise stated the people’s appreciation to the 41st IB for its  contributions to the communities not only in peace keeping but also in the repair and rehabilitation of school buildings and facilities; construction of various community project like foot bridges, barangay hall, basketball court, and day care centers; their readiness to help in times of disasters; conduct leadership trainings to their youth,  and many other needs and activities in the local communities.

The Pakaammo was initiated by the tribal people themselves during the meeting of the Council of Elders which aimed to resolve the  Ligiw case.

The militant groups  are blaming the Army for the killing of the Ligiws but the  military vehemently denied the accusation and instead point their fingers on the NPAs.

In a related development, the  four Army soldiers  being  blamed by militant groups  in the  Ligiw killing underwent lie detector test while accusers refuse to do the same.

The Abra Provincial Police Office (APPO) had resorted to the use of Polygraph Test (lie detector) to aid their investigation.

However, the Kakailian Salakniban Tay Amin Naggapuan (KASTAN) and the Cordillera Human Rights Advocates (CHRA) groups reportedly hesitate to cooperate in the investigation process being carried out by the Abra PNP.

 These militant organizations had also refused the “SAPATA” when the  residents and attendees offered them such during what they called “National Solidarity Mission” held in Brgy. Dominglay on March 26, 2014 which they themselves facilitated.

The “sapata” is a local and indigenous way of justice system in the Cordilleras  that when no one admits responsibility, tribal elders will initiate the rituals where both the suspects and the accusers  shall swear a self-imposed punishment.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=111398931107

69 CPLA integrees told: Be the conscience of a true soldier

From the Philippine Information Agency (May 15): 69 CPLA integrees told: Be the conscience of a true soldier

CAMP MELCHOR DELA CRUZ, Isabela - - Be the conscience of a true soldier  and embrace professionalism in the military.

 

This was the message of Ifugao Governor  Denis Habawel  to the 69 former members of the Cordillera Peoples Liberation Army (CPLA) who  are integrated to the Armed Forces of the Philippines(AFP) following their  completion of a 6-months rigid military  training here.

The group composing Class 347-13 is the last batch of former CPLA members who surrendered their arms and opted for integration into the AFP, an option provided in the closure agreement between the former rebels and the government.

The graduates are  composed of 57 males and 12 females. 58 of them  are  from Kalinga, 6 from Apayao,  3 from Mt. Province, and one each from Abra  and Ifugao.

“For choosing the path for peace, you are true and reasonable men and women in the sense that it answers the calling of our conscience to spare the Filipino race from fighting each other but instead should work together for peace and development, Habawel  told the new soldiers  as he  challenged them  to become assets in the campaign for peace not only in the Cordillera but the entire nation.

“And this is it,  that we are together working for a common cause to help uplift the life standard of our brethren in the Cordilleras and protect the environment from getting worst,” he added.

The integrees  will have a short break while waiting for their  assignment  the area of responsibility of the 5th Infantry Division.

Aside from integration  of qualified CPLA members into the AFP, the  closure agreement provides for community-identified projects, livelihood and employment support for CPLA members. Dozens of CPLA members were employed as “bantay gubat” under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Various infrastructure projects were also  released in the areas of the CPLA through the Pamana projects of the Aquino administration as peace dividends.

The CPLA  had carried the struggle against perceived development inequality that eventually led to the inclusion of a provision in the new Constitution for the creation of an autonomous region in the Cordilleras.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=171400141824

6th SF spearheads 1st Youth Leadership Summit in Tungawan

From the Philippine Information Agency (May 14): 6th SF spearheads 1st Youth Leadership Summit in Tungawan

TUNGAWAN, Zamboanga Sibugay -- Some 300 young people from the different barangays here attended the 1st Youth Leadership Summit (YLS) last May 6-9 spearheaded by the 6th Special Forces Battalion of the Philippine Army (PA).

The four-day YLS, which was attended by community youth leaders, students and out-of-school youths aged 13 to 21 years old, was anchored on the theme, “Ang Pag-amuma sa Kabatan-unan Maoy Kaugmaon sa Katilingban” (Caring for the youth is for the community’s future).

The preliminaries of the program, orientation and discussions were conducted at the Risen Christ Gymnasium at Barangay Poblacion while the coastal cleanup and static display activities were conducted at the coastal barangay of Looc Labuan.

A cultural show highlighting the said activity was also conducted at Tungawan National High School in Barangay Libertad.

In his welcome message, Lt.Col. Rosendo C. Abad Jr., battalion commander of the 6th SF, told the participants about the good character values they would learn from the training.

“With this activity, we will be able to teach the young people how to establish their goals and to keep them away from the wrong groups, thus, they will have a good future,” he said.

He pointed out that the activity also aimed to teach the youth about the importance of peace and the virtue of patriotism.

“The initiative is a step towards lasting peace that will result in a progressive economy which will start in the barangays and towns.”

Municipal Mayor Randy A. Climaco, on the other hand, said: “We must become advocates of peace. We need to help one another to make a change.”

He emphasized that the YLS would transform the youth into a better and capable individuals of the community.

“The youth are our future, therefore, we should invest in them for a better tomorrow,” he said.

The activity was conducted in collaboration with the Local Government of Tungawan, some national government agencies, the 102nd Infantry ‘Igsoon’ Brigade, non-government organizations, civic organizations, sectoral groups, religious groups, business groups, the media, and several volunteers.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=2831399944653

Tabak troopers are putting people’s welfare first, says AFP official

From the Philippine Information Agency (May 15): Tabak troopers are putting people’s welfare first, says AFP official

Lt.Gen. Alan R. Luga, vice chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said soldiers are duty-bound to protect our countrymen and keep them free  from fear and anxiety.

This, he said, during the 78th founding anniversary of the 1st Infantry “Tabak” Division (1ID), Philippine Army on May 7 at Camp Major Cesar Sang-an at Barangay Pulacan in this town.

“This is why our soldiers are continuously being molded so that our dependable military does not stop from just being an excellent defender of the nation, but also become an institution that people trust,” Luga stressed.

He lauded the Tabak troopers for upholding their mandate as  defenders of the country, for being professional and disciplined and for putting the welfare of people first before their own.

“The 1st Infantry “Tabak” Division is the fightingest division of the Philippine Army, standing strong amidst the challenges and adversities of 2013 such as the Zamboanga siege and promptly responding to ensure the swift delivery of relief goods to the victims of Typhoon Yolanda,” encouraged Luga.

Meanwhile, MGen Felicito Virgilio M. Trinidad, commander of the 1ID, PA said being the premier division in the Philippine Army, Tabak remains steadfast in the performance of its mandated mission, adhering to  democratic ideals and guided by the principle of good governance.

“The midterm and barangay elections were the most peaceful and orderly elections in recent history,” Trinidad said. He also cited that there was never a violation of the ceasefire agreement by his troops, gaining the trust and confidence of the people.

On the occasion of its 78th Founding Anniversary, the 11D also distributed   Tabak Ventures Educational Certificates to 15 dependents at P10,000 each for their tuition and other school fees.

Plaques of appreciation were also given to partner agencies which have made immense contribution and invaluable support to the humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations for the victims of Typhoon Yolanda, of which PIA was one of the awardees.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=1361400037573

Multilateral discussion needed to deal with Chinese construction in Mabini reef, Palace says

From the Philippine Information Agency (May 15): Multilateral discussion needed to deal with Chinese construction in Mabini reef, Palace says

A multilateral discussion is needed to deal with China’s reclamation project at the Mabini Reef in the West Philippine Sea, Malacanang said Wednesday.

The Department of National Defense has confirmed that China is carrying out “reclamation or earthmoving activities” at the Mabini Reef, also known as the Johnson Reef.

Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said during a press briefing that Vietnam also has a claim on the reef, hence the need for a multilateral discussion rather than a bilateral dialogue.

“The President has always said that we prefer a multilateral dialogue consistent with international law, and consistent with the Declaration on the Conduct (DOC) of Parties in the South China Sea, where there has been an emphasis on the provisions on not escalating any further tensions and not disrupting the status quo,” Lacierda said.

He emphasized that “we do not want to escalate any tension” between China and the Philippines.

Any activity in the disputed territory will be seen as a violation of the declaration, which was signed by China and member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Cambodia back in November 2002.

According to the DOC, “the Parties undertake to exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities that would complicate or escalate disputes and affect peace and stability including, among others, refraining from action of inhabiting on the presently uninhabited islands, reefs, shoals, cays, and other features and to handle their differences in a constructive manner.”

http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=2131400067986

DND says EDCA to boost AFP capability amid challenges

From the Philippine News Agency (May 14): DND says EDCA to boost AFP capability amid challenges

The Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) between the Philippines and the United States will help build up the capability of the military and support efforts in dealing with aggressive expansionist acts in the region, Defense Undersecretary Pio Lorenzo Batino said Wednesday.

During the briefing called by the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Batino added that this new level of cooperation with the US will also enable the government to respond more rapidly in times of natural disasters, which in the past years have posed a serious threat to human safety and security.

“The Philippines faces serious challenges: to our sovereignty and sovereign rights, developments in the region point to increasingly aggressive acts; to human safety and security, the frequency and severity of natural disasters point to the need to anticipate, address or mitigate their real impact on people and communities,” Batino told lawmakers at the House of Representatives.

“In these very fluid times, we are forced to take a long and hard look at what we can do as one government to respond to the challenges before us,” added Batino, who chaired the Philippine panel that negotiated the EDCA with the US.

He told lawmakers that EDCA will contribute to the capability buildup of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in the areas of maritime security, maritime domain awareness, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) while the military and the Department of National Defense are in the process of modernizing and beefing up the country’s defense capabilities and equipment.

“With prepositioned equipment and materiel, our soldiers will be able to train and develop their capabilities even before the Philippine government acquires such equipment, boosting the speed of our capacity-building efforts for men and women in uniform,” Batino said.

He said buildings and other permanent structures to be constructed for the use of US troops visiting on rotational basis will be automatically owned by the government, and as such, “will greatly hasten the development of Philippine military facilities.”

On prepositioned HADR equipment of the US, Batino pointed out that this will allow the government to respond more rapidly in times of natural disasters and other crises.

He, however, assured that prior consent of the Philippine government is necessary before any US activity can take place in agreed locations, which will be determined through the Mutual Defense Board-Security Engagement Board.

“The EDCA does not authorize the establishment of US bases. It allows the US military access to agreed locations,” he assured the committee.

“Given the rapidly evolving geopolitical and climatic realities in the Philippines and beyond, and the conduct of joint training exercises, EDCA is a natural progression of the alliance between the Philippines and the US,” Batino explained.

Lastly, Batino said that EDCA is an implementation of the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty, while the status of American forces is governed by the PH-US Visiting Forces Agreement, a treaty concurred in by the Senate and upheld by the Supreme Court.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=643617

69 new soldiers finish military training

From the Philippine News Agency (May 15): 69 new soldiers finish military training

CAMP MELCHOR DELA CRUZ, Gamu, Isabela -- At least 69 new soldiers who have undergone military rigid trainings will now be officially joining the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The new soldiers are sons and daughters of the Cordillera People’s Liberation Army (CPLA) members who are beneficiaries of the government integration program with the former rebels.

Twelve of the new soldiers are female, one of whom topped all the soldiers in her batch.

Private First Class Rochelle Tawagon topped her fellow soldiers in the six-month training that was conducted by the training staff of the 5th Infantry Division.

Tawagon said she is proud of now being part of the military organization and vowed to use the training she learned in the army camp.

Ifugao Governor Denis Habawel, guest speaker during the graduation exercises, expressed his elation for the effort of the government in pushing for lasting peace through the integration program.

Habawel also acknowledged the leaders of the Cordillera Forum for Peace and Development (CFPD) for its effort in maintaining peace in the Cordillera region and pursuing integration to the military of the sons and daughters of CPLAs.

He saluted the new soldiers and advised them to be good soldiers and adhere yo the discipline they have learned inside the camp.

The graduation ceremony was held Wednesday inside the Army camp and attended by the relatives and friends of the new soldiers and witnessed by military officials in the army division.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=643842

Army soldiers conduct civic work in rebel-infested village

From the Philippine News Agency (May 15): Army soldiers conduct civic work in rebel-infested village

Troops from the 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army on Wednesday trudged dirt roads and rough terrain leading to rebel-infested Barangay Maligbong in the town of Bingawan, Iloilo not to engage the enemy with blazing guns, but to hold civic services to the poor, rural villagers and help close the gap between the government and the marginalized.

Villagers came out to meet the soldiers numbering fewer than a hundred, but the crowd steadily increased as Army doctors began the circumcision of boys, while some of the male adults took advantage of the free massage offered by soldiers.

A group of soldiers helped locals put up a mini-gymnasium at the Don Salvador Hortillano Memorial School to the delight of school teachers who said the facility will be a big boost to students' morale who had to bear the oppressive heat and sometimes the downpour during special days like the observance of national celebrations.

Maj. Rey Tiongson, spokesman of the 3ID, was elated by the warm reception given by the villagers, and said that it is the fervent wish of the Philippine Army to see Barangay Maligbong insurgency-free at the close of 2014.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=643989

Balikatan Exercise 2014 turns over school building, classrooms and health center to 2 Albay villages

From the Philippine News Agency (May 15): Balikatan Exercise 2014 turns over school building, classrooms and health center to 2 Albay villages

Officials of the PHL-US Balikatan Exercise 2014 that held a humanitarian mission in two villages in Quinobatan, Albay, on Thursday turned over newly finished school building and health center and repaired classrooms to officials of two villages and schools in Guinobatan, Albay.

Recipients were the elementary schools in Barangay Doña Mercedes and Barangay Malobago in Guinobatan town.

Emotions filled the air as the turnover or dedication ceremony marked the end of the one-month cooperative work between Filipino and American soldiers as well as the villagers.

The turnover was first done in Barangay Doña Mercedez where top officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the US Armed Forces led by Maj. Gen. Emeraldo Magnaye, Balikatan Exercise 2014 director, and Maj. Gen. Richard Simcock II, deputy commander of the US Marine Corps Forces in the Pacific, gave their respective messages.

Guinobatan Mayor Anne Ongjoco thanked the Balikatan group for the new school building and renovated classrooms.

Doña Mercedes Barangay Captain Cenon Rivera and Marian Navera, school head, gladly accepted the keys to the classrooms which, they said, is very timely for the coming school opening.

The village school has 236 students from Grade 1 to Grade 6, who entertained the Filipino and American soldiers with their various talents.

In Barangay Malobago, new classrooms, new health center and newly renovated and painted classrooms were also turned over by Balikatan officials led by Maj. Jason Johnson of the US Air Force and Maj. Gen. Yerson Depayso, commander of the 9TH Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, to Barangay Captain Federico Miranda, Jr. and Marilyn Coquia, school head of the Malobago Elementary School.

Coquia was emotional in her message owing to the fact, she said, that both the Filipino and American soldiers became close to them, especially the students during the one-month mission of the Balikatan group.

The 280 students of the Malobago Elementary School and the villagers were profuse in their expression of thanks to the Balikatan members for the benefits they have just received.

Before the program ended, the soldiers of both nations and the residents hugged each other as, Coquia said, "we have worked together as one family for one month to accomplish these projects. Thanks to the Balikatan."

After the program, the Balikatan members and the entire village celebrated the village feast which coincided with the turnover.

The Balikatan Exercise is an annual joint undertaking of Philippine and US soldiers and is now on its 30th year.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=644134

18 NPA fighters surrender to 3rd Infantry Division

From the Philippine News Agency (May 15): 18 NPA fighters surrender to 3rd Infantry Division

Tired of their incessant hiding and running from the military, 18 members of the New People's Army (NPA) surrendered to the Capiz-based 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army for the first four- and-a-half months of 2014.

Major Ray Tiongson, 3rd Infantry Division spokesperson, said the surrender could be attributed to the Armed Forces of the Philippines' "Bayanihan" civil-military strategies which aim to develop the countryside in an effort to deny the NPAs an operating base.

Tiongson said of the 18 surrenderers, six came from the Panay area and 12 from Negros Islands.

“We in the Army here in Western Visayas, together with other government security forces, are all available in any time that NPA rebels would want to return to the government and live a peaceful life. Also, our communication lines with the families of the NPA members are open,” 3rd Infantry Division commander Major Gen. Aurelio Baladad said.

“We continue our call to our brothers and sisters who are still in the wrong path and continue with the armed struggle to abandon the armed violence and join the mainstream society. If you choose to live a life in peace, the AFP and the government will give you a chance to live with your families and will assist you to start a new life and give a better future for your children,” he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=643837

China reclaming Mabini Reef since 2012, says DFA

From the Philippine News Agency (May 15): China reclaming Mabini Reef since 2012, says DFA

China has been expanding and reclaiming the Philippine-claimed Mabini Reef in the South China Sea since 2012, photos released by the Department of Foreign Affairs showed on Thursday.

The DFA released a series of photographs gathered from Philippine intelligence sources showing in stages the extensive reclamation by China on the reef, also known by its international name Johnson South Reef.

Chinese reclamation activities have been monitored by the Philippines from March 13, 2012 to March 11, 2014. Manila filed a protest in April but it was rejected by China, which said the reef is part of Chinese territory.

The DFA said Chinese activities in the reef, also jointly claimed by Vietnam, is a violation of international law and a declaration on South China Sea that Beijing signed with the Association of South East Asian Nations in 2002.

“These actions are considered destabilizing and in violation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) and international law,” the DFA said in a statement.

Mabini Reef, the DFA added, “is part of the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG) which is part of Philippine territory.”

China claims almost 90 percent of the South China Sea – a major sea route where oil and gas deposits have been discovered in several areas. Manila adopted the name West Philippine Sea for areas in the South China Sea that fall within its exclusive economic zone that is mandated by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Analysts said the overlapping claims in the South China Sea by China, Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan, could spark major military confrontations.

China recently angered Vietnam for installing an oil rig in the Paracels, which is contested by both neighbors.

The DFA said it has included Mabini Reef in its written pleading or memorial that was submitted to The Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration to “clarify” the reef’s “physical character.”

The Philippines filed a case against China in January 2013 to denigrate its far-reaching claims.

A declaration on the South China Sea was signed by China and the Association of South East Asian Nations in 2002 to prevent escalation of hostilities among claimants that include four ASEAN members – Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei. Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, Laos, Cambodia and Myanmar are also part of the 10-member Asian bloc.

Although non-binding in nature, the document discourages claimants from occupying new territories and construction activities to avoid raising tensions.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=643873

PHL, Indonesia, Malaysian police to improve alliance vs terrorism

From the Philippine News Agency (May 15): PHL, Indonesia, Malaysian police to improve alliance vs terrorism

The Philippine National Police (PNP), Royal Malaysia Police (RMP), and Indonesian National Police (INP) planned to form a strong tripartite alliance to combat terrorism in the Southeast Asia.

The trilateral meeting among national police forces of Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines was held during the 34th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Association of Chiefs of Police (ASEANAPOL) ASEANAPOL Conference at Sofitel, Manila.

According to PNP Chief Director General Alan L. Purisima that there is a need for improved security and law-enforcement in the region to prevent, suppress and combat terrorism in the ASEAN and Asia-Pacific region.

The proposed accord also addresses cross-border crimes. The initiative for the anti-terrorism coalition between the two countries to deal their respective terrorism problems.

RMP Inspector General Tan Sri Dig Dato’ Sri Khalid Bin Abu Bakar proposed a police-to-police joint agreement with the PNP which will facilitate exchange of intelligence information and establish a system of communication that would help prevent transnational crimes and deliver quick response.

The agreement will also address the initiative for the anti-terrorism coalition between the two countries to deal their respective terrorism problems and cross-border crimes.

Meanwhile, INP Commissioner General Drs Suhardi Alius suggested a joint exercise program for the PNP and RMP similar to the existing Philippines-Indonesia (PHILINDO) Joint Police Maritime Law Enforcement Exercise (MARLEX).

MARLEX aims to address transnational threats in Sulu and Sulawesi Sea such as illicit drug trafficking, terrorism, arms smuggling, human trafficking, illegal fishing, maritime fraud and other crimes at high seas which requires enhanced security cooperation, coordination and coordinated maritime law enforcement response between the law enforcement agencies of the two countries.

Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines share a vast tri-border corridor in the Sulu-Sulawesi Sea, a vital sea lane for trade and commerce in the Asia-Pacific region.

The three countries signed a memorandum of agreement last May 13, 2002 to strengthen cooperation, recognizing the value of enhancing bilateral defense, and establishing a framework to facilitate cooperation and interoperability.

The agreement deals on information exchange procedures and establishment of communication procedures on terrorism, money laundering, smuggling, piracy and robbery at sea, hijacking, intrusion, illegal entry, drug trafficking, theft of marine resources, marine pollution, illicit trafficking in arms and other similar matters.

Under the agreement, the participating countries shall designate an organization to act as the communication cum liaison center within its respective territory, staffed by representatives from defense, security or police of the respective countries, for the implementation of the agreement.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=643902

US, Filipino troopers display rapid response capability during Balikatan

From the Philippine News Agency (May 15): US, Filipino troopers display rapid response capability during Balikatan

US and Filipino troopers, participating in this year's "Balikatan" exercises, demonstrated their rapid response force capabilities during the combined arms live-fire exercise (CALFEX) at the Crow Valley Gunnery Range in Sta. Juliana, Capas town, Tarlac Thursday.

Army commander Lt. Gen. Hernando DCA Iriberri witnessed the execution of the final scenario-based raids, which highlighted the skills of both the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the United States forces in combined and joint operations.

The field training exercise is based on simulated realistic scenarios, Philippine Army (PA) spokesperson Lt. Col. Noel Detoyato said.

Just like in the previous years, CALFEX included a helicopter raid, mechanized raid, motorized raid, and ground troop maneuvers.

The participating AFP troops in the exercise include the 20th Infantry Battalion and the 31st Mechanized Company; Marine Battalion Landing Team, composed of the 211th Marine Company and the 511th Marine Weapons Company; Combined Joint Special Operations Task Force; Artillery Company; and the Philippine Air Force Support Units.

The United States forces, on the other hand, is composed of the US Marine Corps Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company Detachment.

CALFEX is the culmination of staff planning between the General Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo and Western Command in Palawan, which focuses on enhancing the AFP's crisis action planning capability in maritime security and territorial defense operations.

Field training exercises are being conducted to improve the interoperability and rapid response for both the Philippines and the United States.

CALFEX also aims to expand the ground war fighting skills and capabilities of both forces.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=643940

Chinese base to arise from Johnson South Reef -- DND chief

From the Philippine News Agency (May 15): Chinese base to arise from Johnson South Reef -- DND chief

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Voltaire Gazmin on Thursday said that the ongoing Chinese construction activity in Johnson South Reef will definitely result in the completion of a base.

"(And) for whatever purpose we still do not know, but we are almost sure that there will be be a base (at Johnson South Reef)," he said.

Johnson South Reef lies about 263 nautical miles away from Puerto Princesa City, Palawan and 190 nautical miles from the tip of Balabac, also in Palawan.

Aerial photos obtained by Philippine air patrols revealed that the Chinese are conducting "earth moving" activities in the area.

Gazmin said construction works were spotted sometime in February.

The DND said the activity contravenes the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, which was signed by China and members of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) on November 4, 2002.

"This activity contravenes the spirit of the DOC and a security concern of all the region," DND spokesperson Dr. Peter Paul Galvez said of the ongoing construction works in Johnson South Reef.

The DOC which was signed by the Philippines, Myanmar, Vietnam, Indonesia, Singapore, Brunei, Thailand, Cambodia, and China, stipulates that all parties involved will exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities that would complicate or escalate disputes and affect peace and stability.

This includes refraining from action of inhabiting the presently uninhabited islands, reefs, shoals, cays, and other features and to handle their differences in a constructive manner.

"These provocative acts, which they should immediately stop, further disturbs the fabric of regional peace and stability," Galvez said.

Gazmin added that this incident furthers spells the need for the Philippine military to modernize its capabilities.

He added that the ongoing "Balikatan" exercises, which is schedule to end this May 16, is one way to address these deficiencies.

Sources said the Armed Forces of the Philippines currently lacks modern aircraft and ships to protect its vast territorial waters.

Aside from this, existing units have limited radar equipment, making it difficult to spot and detect intruders on a timely fashion.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=644003

AFP chief identifies 3 PHL bases American forces can use

From the Philippine News Agency (May 15): AFP chief identifies 3 PHL bases American forces can use
 
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista has identified three military bases which American forces can use based on the provisions set by the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).

EDCA was signed by ranking US and Filipino military leaders on April 28.

These are Fort Magsaysay in Palayan City, Nueva Ecija; Naval Station San Miguel in San Antonio town, Zambales and Oyster Bay in Bahile, Palawan.

"I like to say the possibilities where I like them to be, for instance in Fort Magsaysay (Palayan City, Magsaysay), (Naval Station) San Miguel in Zambales and Oyster Bay (Bahile) Palawan. These are the bases we can offer them (as) these are also the bases we need to develop," Bautista said in an interview.

He clarified though that these are the facilities he deemed best in his opinion.

Bautista added that Oyster Bay is very important for the Philippines as it provides direct access to the disputed areas in the West Philippine Sea.

"It is easier for us to support our patrols in the West Philippines Sea and it allows us to address the issues and threats in the West Philippines Sea.

Oyster Bay is now undergoing improvements which will allow it to accommodate large ships of the Philippine Navy like the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PF-15) and BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16).

Incidentally, Naval Forces West is based in Ulugan Bay which is around four kilometers away from Oyster Bay.

" We have a base there (Oyster Bay) but facilities are not that good yet. For example, we need to improve the pier, we need to improve living facilities and support facilities. Well, we have allocated funding for that maybe not enough if we want to develop it to be a real base for our Navy or bilateral exercises," the AFP chief stressed.

He added that giving Americans access to the said Filipino facilities will help in the development of the said areas.

"For example, in developing the airport or the pier, they can help do that. They have big aircraft, but for example, the air strip in Fort Magsaysay may not be able to accommodate this big aircraft for support facilities for this aircraft and so they may help us in that respect to develop that airport or air strip. It benefits the both of us; it allows us to have more activities, more training activities in those bases," Bautista concluded.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=643975

F/A-50s to be PHL's most heavily-armed aircraft

From the Philippine News Agency (May 15): F/A-50s to be PHL's most heavily-armed aircraft

The South Korean F/A-50 "Golden Eagle, those sale contract the Department of National Defense (DND) signed last March 28, will be the most heavily-armed jet aircraft of the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

This contract is worth Php 18.9 billion.

The F/A-50, as per technical specifications obtained from the DND, showed that the jet aircraft can carry a total of 10,500lbs of weapons including an internal 20mm internal automatic cannon, two short-ranged air-to-air AIM-9 "Sidewinder" missiles and air-to-surface AGM-65 missiles for close-air support.

A guidance kit called the JDAM (joint direct attack munition) is also installed into the F/A-50, allowing it to convert unguided or "dumb bombs" into all-weather smart munitions.

These bombs are outfitted with an inertial guidance system that is tied to a global positioning system receiver to guide the deployed munition intended to precisely hit a specific target, and to minimize collateral damage.

This is the first ever PAF aircraft to employ such weapons as the Northrop F-5 "Tiger" and Vought F-8 "Crusader" which are the country's first and last supersonic fighters do not have the above-mentioned capabilities.

Both planes are only armed with 20mm cannons, air-to-air missiles and unguided bombs and rockets.

The Philippines retired its F-8 fleet in 1990 due to maintenance costs with the F-5 squadron decommissioned in 2005 due to airframe attrition and difficulty in acquiring spare parts.

Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI)'s F/A-50 has a top speed of Mach 1.5 or one and half times the speed of sound.

The F/A-50 will act as the country's interim fighter until the Philippines get enough experience in operating fast jet assets and money to fund the acquisition of more capable fighter aircraft.

The F/A-50 design is largely derived from the F-16 "Fighting Falcon", and they have many similarities: use of a single engine, speed, size, cost, and the range of weapons.

KAI's previous engineering experience in license-producing the KF-16 was a starting point for the development of the F/A-50.

The aircraft can carry two pilots in tandem seating. The high-mounted canopy developed by Hankuk Fiber is applied with stretched acrylic, providing the pilots with good visibility, and has been tested to offer the canopy with ballistic protection against four-pound objects impacting at 400 knots.

The altitude limit is 14,600 meters (48,000 feet), and airframe is designed to last 8,000 hours of service.

There are seven internal fuel tanks with capacity of 2,655 liters (701 US gallons), five in the fuselage and two in the wings.

An additional 1,710 liters (452 US gallons) of fuel can be carried in the three external fuel tanks.

Trainer variants have a paint scheme of white and red, and aerobatic variants white, black, and yellow.

The F/A-50 "Fighting Eagle" uses a single General Electric F404-102 turbofan engine license-produced by Samsung Techwin, upgraded with a full authority digital engine control system jointly developed by General Electric and KAI.

The engine consists of three-staged fans, seven axial stage arrangement, and an afterburner.

Its engine produces a maximum of 78.7 kN (17,700 lbf) of thrust with afterburner.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=643936

Militant groups warned over safety of ‘ex-rebel’

From the Visayan Daily Star (May 15): Militant groups warned over safety of ‘ex-rebel’

The Commission on Human Rights in Negros Oriental yesterday warned militant groups that they will be held accountable if something happens to a rebel returnee who did a flip-flop recently.

CHR special investigator Jess Cañete was referring to the conflicting statements of Gennie Labrador, a former member of the New People’s Army, who had earlier received financial assistance from the provincial government under the Social Integration Program for former rebels.

Labrador was one of the 30 rebel returnees who received cash incentives from the province during the declaration of Negros Oriental as “conflict manageable and development ready province” last week.

But several days after the declaration, he announced at a press conference called by the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan and the Karapatan that he was not a former NPA member but was urged to admit it by government officials.

The militant groups criticized the declaration as misleading, and said the basic social problems, particularly poverty, have not been addressed by the government, so the insurgency problem will still persist.

Yesterday afternoon Labrador did a back-flip and confirmed that he was, indeed, a former NPA member, Cañete said.

In an interview in the presence of Cañete and provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Alice Legarde, Labrador claimed that he was under pressure, allegedly from the militant groups who pushed him to say otherwise.

Cañete said he believes Labrador was telling the truth that he was a rebel returnee.

His surrender and entitlement to the financial assistance were thoroughly and properly documented by the provincial SWD.

Cañete appealed to the militant groups to give peace a chance to prosper in Negros Oriental. “We should not be faultfinders and not derail government programs to improve the lives of the people,” he said.

Labrador had told the CHR about his activities in the NPA, but admitted that he was fearful of retaliation from his former comrades.

Cañete said that if Labrador’s claim of not being a rebel returnee is true, the CHR will subpoena those concerned to explain why he was made to pass himself off as a former NPA member.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2014/May/15/negor1.htm

Old letter of US envoy details US pledge to defend West PH Sea

From Rappler (May 15): Old letter of US envoy details US pledge to defend West PH Sea

It's the turn of the members of the House of Representatives to ask questions about the PH-US Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement

What good is the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) if there is no categorical statement from the US that once the disputed territories in the West Philippines Sea (South China Sea) come under attack, Washington will come to the defense of the Philippines?

The House of Representatives committee hearing on the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) on Wednesday, May 14, brought the discussion back to the one big question: Does the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) cover the disputed territories in the West Philippines Sea?

"I find it disturbing that we have an agreement that is very unclear about what we all know to be the principal purpose of this agreement as articulated by administration spokesmen, which is supposed to be the defense of Philippine territory," said Akbayan party-list Representative Walden Bello.

The Philippines sought US military assistance in the wake of escalating maritime disputes over the West Philippine Sea. The panel was also grilled by senators on Tuesday, May 13. (READ: 'EDCA allows US military to build anywhere in PH' and Senators pinpoint 7 flaws in EDCA)

Ambassador Hubbard's letter

Bello asked the panel for "specific comments during the negotiations... that say the US will consider an armed attack on the Kalayaan Island Groupo as an attack that the US must respond to because it is in the MDT."

Panel member Ambassador Eduardo Malaya pulled out a 1999 letter of former US Ambassador Thomas Hubbard to then Foreign Affairs Secretary Domingo Siazon.

Hubbard's letter to Siazon cited a statement issued by then US Defense Secretary William Cohen that addressed whatever vagueness the MDT has.

"Last August, in response to questions issued during his visit to the Philippines, US Defense Secretary William Cohen stated that US considers the South China Sea to be part of the Pacific Area," Hubbard's letter reads.

Hubbard's letter sought to correct a newspaper story quoting then US Pacific Command Dennis Blair that the West Philippines Sea is not covered under the MDT.

"I'm concerned that US policy has been seriously misconstrued... As you can see the body of the article does not support the headline US offers no security blanket," Hubbard wrote.

But Bello said even Hubbard's letter was not enough. It still fell short of categorically stating that US will defend territories in the West Philippine Sea.

"Ambassador Hubbard's statement simply says that the South China Sea is part of the Pacific Ocean. It is a specific statement that by nature is true. So I come back because this is a very important position with respect to this recent agreement," Bello said.

Bello cited a more recent statement by retired US Navy Rear Admiral Michael McDevitt.

McDevitt wrote in a 2013 paper that the MDT "does not obligate Washington to take sides over the sovereignty question of Scarborough Shoal."

Bukidnon Representative Jose Miguel Zubiri also questioned the weight of both statements.

US President Barack Obama could have eased doubts during his visit but he evaded the question coming from the media. He did give a strong statement recognizing US obligation under the MDT to defend the Philippines against external armed attacks, but he was not ready to give a statement about the West Philippine Sea the way he gave Japan a categorical statement on the Senkaku Island. (READ: How far will the US go to defend the Philippines? and Obama: US commitment to PH 'ironclad')

The question was not a matter for the EDCA to address. EDCA sets the rules to govern two new activities with US troops: construction of military facilities inside Philippine bases and the storage and preposition of defense assets.

Panel chairman Defense Undersecretary Pio Lorenzo Batino said it was not discussed when Bello asked him if the negotiating panel talked about it.

MDT language

Signed in 1951, the MDT obligates the US and the Phiippines to defend each other in cases of external armed attacks. The treaty itself is not categorical about the islands in the West Philippine Sea, however.

The treaty covers external armed attacks on "metropolitan territory of either of the Parties, or on the island territories under its jurisdiction in the Pacific Ocean, its armed forces, public vessels or aircraft in the Pacific."

Categorical statement from the US

The first categorical statement from an active military officer came in February 2014 – from US Navy chief Admiral Jonathan Greenert. This was not discussed during the hearing.

He was asked if the US would help the Philippines in the event that China decides to invade territories in the West Philippine Sea, say Pag-asa Island. Greenert replied: “Of course we would help you.”

But the more important part of Greenert’s statement was what followed, a security official interviewed by Rappler said.

Greenert continued: “I don’t know what that help would be specifically. We have an obligation because we have a treaty. But I don’t know in what capacity that help is….,” Greenert said.

The assistance of the US Navy in the tense mission to rotate troops trapped for 5 months in the disputed Ayungin Shoal helped eased doubts. Using a telephoto lens, a photographer who joined the mission to Ayungin Shoal spotted a plane marked "US Navy" directly above the civilian ship while they were on their way to the shoal. (READ: US helped PH Navy in Ayungin mission)

http://www.rappler.com/nation/58048-edca-hearing-congress

What is EDCA? Look at Zambo's PH-US joint operations

From Rappler (May 15): What is EDCA? Look at Zambo's PH-US joint operations

As the defense agreement is scrutinized on the national stage, the issues raised by local officials with 'semi-permanent US presence' are repeated



JSOTF-P COMMANDER: US Army Green Beret Colonel Robert McDowell

When the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) was signed, a politician in Zamboanga City asked on Twitter: "I wonder what consequences it will have on LGUs who host semi-permanent US facilities?"

While Manila debates the benefits and possible repercussions of the return of American troops, EDCA has been everyday life in Zamboanga City and other parts of Mindanao in the last 12 years through the US Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines (JSOTF-P). It is directly under the US Pacific Command.

The difference is EDCA, for Filipinos, is meant to counter a growingly aggressive China and to prepare for disaster resonse. JSOTF-P was formed to help the Philippine military respond to threats of violent extremist organizations.

US Army Green Beret Colonel Robert McDowell, the commander of the JSOTF-P, is proud of the results of the joint operations in Mindanao.

"We call it one of the most successful foreign internal defense counterterrorist operations that we’ve ever had the pleasure to be a part of," McDowell told repoters in a rare interview in Nueva Ecija, where he joined Balikatan 2014 activities.

Nothing new

Those who are familiar with US military activities in Mindanao find nothing new in the provisions in the new deal. As EDCA is scrutinized on the national stage, the issues raised by local officials with "semi-permanent US presence" are repeated.

For EDCA, the locations have yet to be determined. For JSOTF-P, US troops put up facilities in Camp Navarro in Zamboanga City, Camp Siongco in Maguindanao, and Camp Bautista in Sulu.

At its peak, up to 1,200 US troops have rotated in Mindanao 6 months at a time. The numbers have since declined. They are not supposed to participate in combat. They are there to train, assist, and advice Filipino troops.

"The mission that we were helping to do with the counterterrorism has greatly improved since the beginning. We still have many people in the southern Philippines who are lawless. They want to bring harm to the Philippines. That still creates a problem down there," said McDowell.

Even as maritime security takes center stage, McDowell said counterterrorism exercises will continue.

"Nothing will change that we are already doing right now. We are working very closely with the navy. We work with the Coast Guard. We work with the Armed Forces in general," he said.

"If anything, we will find ways to increase the cooperation that we do for the security of the Philippines," he added.

Smart bombs in Sulu

The training exercises in Mindanao are sophisticated. In February 2012, the Philippines launched the first smart bomb attack against the Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiyah terrorists, following 15 months of training and technology transfer from the US.



ATTACK. A smart bomb is used against the Abu Sayyaf. Rappler file photo

Philippine Air Force OV-10 Broncos dropped the smart bombs – PGMs or Precision-Guided Munitions kits – that targetted two senior Jemaah Islamiyah leaders Malaysian Zulkifli bin Hir and Singaporean Mohammed Abdullah Ali.

Zulkifli bin Hir carried a US$5-million reward on his head, while Mohammed Abdullah Ali carried a $500,000 reward. (Read the exclusive report of Rappler executive editor Maria Ressa here.)

A live feed from a Scan Eagle unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or drone showed what was happening inside an Abu Sayyaf camp in Sulu, allowing a joint team of Filipino and US troops to compare the thermal image with what a double agent was texting them.

A July 6, 2012 New York Times article by Mark Mazzetti, "The Drone Zone," also claimed that the US conducted lethal drone operations in the Philippines. This was denied by US and Philippines officials, however.

Drones are used only for surveillance, they said.

Access to bases

McDowell sought to assuage fears of EDCA. "We are not going to create new bases. We serve at the pleasure of the Philippine government and we work in numbers that are acceptable to the Filipino people as a whole and what the government allows," said McDowell.

But the issue repeatedly raised against JSOTF-P is how it refuses Filipino troops access to its facilities. The US troops have a small facility inside Camp Navarro in Zamboanga City, the headquarters of Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom).

EDCA is supposed to address this issue. It allows designated officials access to locations that will be offered for the use of the Americans. But there are doubts this will happen.

"You and I know that we are not going to be allowed to check those facilities," Senator Sergio Osmeña III said during a Senate hearing on EDCA on May 13. They were discussing the prohibition on the entry of nuclear weapons.

More congressional hearings are scheduled to look into the constitutionality of EDCA. While many lawmakers support defense cooperation with the US military, there are several concerns against the "one-sided" deal.

Time is not a luxury, however. The longer the debate on EDCA takes, the longer it will take the Philippines to identify the locations it will give the US troops, and the longer it will take the US to build the facilities they need to bring in their defense assets that the Philippines wants prepositioned in the country.

As the maritime disputes escalate to a fever pitch, security officials highlight the need to have those assets as soon as possible.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/57985-edca-zamboanga-jsotf-joint-operations

PH says China likely building a military base in Spratlys

From Rappler (May 15): PH says China likely building a military base in Spratlys

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin admits China's activities on Mabini Reef were not immediately monitored because of the country's limited assets



'30 HECTARES.' The Philippines slams China for its 'excessive reclamation' as shown in this photo dated March 11, 2014. Photo courtesy of DFA

Philippines Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin is quite certain China is reclaiming land on Mabini (Johnson) Reef not only to build an airstrip but to establish another military base in the West Philippines Sea (South China Sea).

"They have been conducting reclamation. For whatever purpose, we still do not know.... But we are almost sure that there'll be a base," Gazmin told reporters on Thursday, May 15, on the sidelines of joint military exercises between Filipino and American troops here.

The construction activities were first monitored by the Philippines in February 2014. On Thursday, May 15, the Department of Foreign Affairs released photos of China's "destabilizing" moves in the disputed seas. (See photos here)

The Philippines said China's “extensive reclamation” on Mabini Reef in the Spratly Islands violates the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) signed by China and ASEAN member-nations in Cambodia on November 4, 2002.

The DOC states: “The Parties undertake to exercise self-restraint in the conduct of activities that would complicate or escalate disputes and affect peace and stability including, among others, refraining from action of inhabiting on the presently uninhabited islands, reefs, shoals, cays, and other features and to handle their differences in a constructive manner.”

Gazmin admitted the reclamation on Mabini was not immediately monitored by the Philippines because of the country's limited assets.

He emphasized that this is where the PH-US Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) can come in, to address gaps in military equipment. The new deal allows the US military to store and preposition defense assets and to build facilities inside Philippine military bases. "Kulang tayo sa capability natin kaya nga kailangan natin ng mga makakatulong natin gaya nitong mga Amerikano para sa ganoon ay ma-address natin mga gaps na wala tayo," Gazmin said.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/58116-china-base-mabini

PH wants US to use bases facing West PH Sea

From Rappler (May 15): PH wants US to use bases facing West PH Sea

The Balikatan 2014 war games continue in Crow Valley in Tarlac. In a maritime security scenario, Philippines and US troops operate to take over a key enemy position.

A US aircraft dropped bombs and marines tore forward under artillery fire in war games in Crow Valley in Tarlac City on Thursday, May 15 – weeks after the allies signed a defense deal against a backdrop of flaring Chinese tensions with its neighbors.

"It's a maritime security scenario," Filipino Navy Captain Annaleah Cazcarro said. "We don't have a target country," she emphasized.

As F/A-18 and A-10 aircraft unloaded their payloads, US Marines spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Jay de la Rosa added, "We're training to take over a key enemy position."

The live rounds made a dull thud and kicked up dust as they rained down on a dry riverbed in the northern Philippines at the start of the hour-long maneuvers, involving about 100 American and 200 Filipino marines.

Artillery shells also poured down from nearby hilltops before V-22 Osprey aircraft and conventional military helicopters made paratroop drops of marines on the simulated battlefield, later joined by colleagues aboard armored vehicles.

PH offers US bases facing South China Sea

Bound by the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty, the Balikatan annual war games are yearly activities held by the two militaries to improve their interoperability.

The newly-signed Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement steps up their defense cooperation allowing two new activities: storage and prepositioning of defense assets and building or upgrading facilities inside select Philippine military bases.

Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff General Emmanuel Bautista had enumerated 3 military bases that will be offered for the use of US troops:

 

Naval detachment in Palawan's Oyster Bay. It faces the West Philippine Sea and it's near the disputed Kalayaan Group of Islands (Spratlys). The government has allocated P313.6 million to improve the pier, harbor, and to construct support facilities there. (READ: PH to upgrade naval detachment facing Spratlys)

 

Naval Education & Training Command (NETC) in San Antonio, Zambales. It also faces the West Philippine Sea and is near the disputed Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal.

 

Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija. It is one of the biggest military bases in Asia and where Balikatan war games are usually conducted.

All 3 provinces have been the site of Balikatan activities this year although activities in Palawan's Western Command were off limits to the media.

Escalating tension with Beijing

The war games in Crow Valley on Thursday came at the end of 10 days of annual war games between the US and the Philippines, involving 5,500 troops. They happen this year, addressing security issues in the flashpoint South China Sea.

China is engaged in increasingly tense rows with both the Philippines and Vietnam in the area, which is believed to harbor vast oil and gas resources and which China claims almost in its entirety.

Thursday's event was held at Crow Valley, a former gunnery range for American forces stationed at two nearby large military installations until 1992.

The allies signed a deal in April to give US forces greater access to Filipino bases in the former US colony.

The US has said it does not take a position on the territorial disputes, but has criticized what it said were "provocative" acts by China to assert its claims. (READ: How far will the US go to defend the Philippines?)

US President Barack Obama, in a state visit to Manila in late April, also made an "ironclad" pledge to defend the Philippines.

The Philippines released photographs on Thursday to back its claim that China is reclaiming land on a disputed reef in the South China Sea, in an apparent effort to build an airstrip.

In Vietnam, anti-China riots on Thursday triggered by the communist neighbors' own territorial dispute left a Chinese worker dead and 100 injured.

The Chinese claims to the South China Sea also overlap those of Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/58114-edca-bases-agreed-locations