China warns US against military alliances in Asia

Posted to the Manila Standard Today (May 22): China warns US against military alliances in Asia

Chinese President Xi Jinping issued a veiled warning to the United States on Wednesday, saying countries should not build up military alliances in Asia, even as Beijing feuds with neighbors in territorial disputes.

Speaking at a little-known Asian regional forum on security, Xi said a rising China would seek “peaceful” means to resolve territorial disputes.

Beijing has sought to counter Washington’s foreign policy “pivot” to Asia, but it has also irritated Vietnam, Japan and the Philippines -- the latter two allies of the US -- with what those countries say are aggressive moves in separate territorial disputes.

“To beef up an entrenched or military alliance targeted at a third party is not conducive to maintaining common security,” Xi said, without naming names.

Washington’s traditional allies in the Asia-Pacific region include Japan, where it has military bases and whose security it guarantees by treaty, and Australia.

China’s official Xinhua news agency on Tuesday urged countries from outside Asia not to foment tensions.

“Players from other parts of the world need to play a constructive role. They should refrain from starting fires and stoking flames,” it said in an editorial.

Relations between China and Vietnam have worsened after Beijing sent a deep-water oil drilling rig into contested waters in the South China Sea earlier this month, sparking violent Vietnamese protests in which at least two Chinese were killed.

China and Japan have a long-running feud over disputed islands in the East China Sea, while the Philippines accuses China of reclaiming land on a disputed reef within its exclusive economic zone under a United Nations convention.

But Xi said: “China stays committed to seeking peaceful settlement of disputes with other countries over territorial sovereignty, and maritime rights and interests.”

He was speaking at the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA), a relatively obscure forum which exists alongside other more prominent regional groupings.

Vietnam belongs to the forum, but Japan is only an observer while the Philippines is not a member. The United States has observer status, preferring to work through the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum.
Xi, who became president last year, has overseen a foreign policy which has sought to assert China’s interests in both continental Asia and the Pacific Ocean.

He told the forum that China was interested in a regional security code, but gave no details.

Earlier this month, Southeast Asian leaders expressed “serious concern” over worsening territorial disputes in the South China Sea, calling for a peaceful resolution and presenting a rare united front against Beijing.

Several countries have overlapping claims in the South China Sea, which is home to key shipping lanes and thought to contain vast energy reserves.

Before the start of the forum, Xi shook hands with other state leaders attending, including Russia’s Vladimir Putin, Hassan Rouhani of Iran and Afghanistan’s Hamid Karzai.

But the live television broadcast appeared to cut away when Vietnamese Vice President Nguyen Thi Doan shook hands with Xi.

The move by China’s heavily-censored state television drew some laughter from Chinese journalists in the media centre, with one saying: “You can’t see that.”

On Tuesday, Xi and Putin launched naval exercises off Shanghai and held talks but failed to seal a long-awaited deal for Russia to export natural gas to an energy-hungry China.

Analysts said China is trying to raise the importance of the conference, which in some respects competes with APEC and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

“Everyone is a bit surprised it’s being made such a big deal,” said Raffaello Pantucci, research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies.

“It’s more about China trying to build their regional relationships... in a part of the world where they’ve made a very active push,” he said.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2014/05/22/china-warns-us-against-military-alliances-in-asia/

PH, Vietnam set defense roadmap

From the Manila Standard Today (May 22): PH, Vietnam set defense roadmap

United front aimed at facing Chinese sea incursions

 

The Philippines and Vietnam on Wednesday agreed to forge a roadmap toward a strategic defense partnership as both countries vowed to continue opposing China’s aggression in the region.

Once the roadmap is approved, Vietnam will become the country’s third strategic partner, next to the United States and Japan.

Common stand. President Aquino greets
Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan
Dung, who is here on an official visit and
to attend the World Economic Forum.
Malacañang Photo Bureau

The policy announcement signals a more united front between the two countries in facing Chinese incursions in the Paracel Island in Vietnam and Ayungin Shoal and Mabini Reef in the Philippines, which are within their respective 200 nautical mile exclusive economic zone as provided by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas.

“It is not an overstatement when I say that I look forward to increased collaboration between our respective defense agencies. Might I also add that both our nations are looking forward to jointly determining the prerequisites in forging a roadmap towards a strategic partnership,” President Benigno Aquino III said after his bilateral meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung.

“We face common challenges as maritime nations and as brothers in ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations). I believe continued cooperation between the Philippines and Vietnam will enable us to better protect our maritime resources,” he added.

Aquino also highlighted the need to enhance defense inter-operability in addressing security challenges.

The President said close cooperation between the Manila and Hanoi’s respective Coast Guards have allowed them to “protect our marine resources and suppress illegal activities in the adjacent sea area between our two countries.”

Also with the Philippine panel who attended the expanded bilateral meeting between Aquino and Nguyen was Foreign Affairs Assistant Secretary Henry Bensurto Jr., who heads the DFA-West Philippine Sea Center.

Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung said China’s actions “seriously threatened peace, stability, maritime security and safety, and freedom of navigation.”

“With regard to the situation in the East Sea, the President (Aquino)  and I shared the deep concerns over the current extremely dangerous situation cause by China’s many actions that violate the international law, the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and seriously infringe on the waters across our countries.”

“The two sides are determined to oppose China’s violations and called on countries and the international community to continue strongly condemning China and demanding China to immediately end its violations,” Nguyen added.

Vietnam had insisted on withdrawal of China oil rig and vessels in its territory, with Vietnamese Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh saying that Vietnam had held 20 direct meetings with China over the issue.

Minh said China had shown aggression by not withdrawing the oil rig despite protests. He added Vietnam had used all necessary measures to protect the country’s sovereignty and regional stability—and the traditional friendship built between peoples of both countries.

During their bilateral talks, Nguyen and Aquino also underscored the importance of hastening the discussions on the Code of Conduct, a binding agreement to government overlapping maritime claims among ASEAN member-states.

China is a signatory to the ASEAN Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, but the 12-year old document is not binding nor enforceable.

Despite agreeing on a roadmap for Strategic defense partnership, a Palace spokesman said that Vietnam and Philippines had no intention of ‘ganging up’ on China, according to  Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda.

Lacierda urged China sit down and discuss with Asean members the Declaration of the Code of Conduct.

“We hope that China would sit down with ASEAN and discuss the Declaration of the Code of Conduct. We are hoping that China would… China has already stated its position that it is willing to work on the declaration but we have… We don’t have the latest updates on that. But again, ASEAN is prepared to speak to China, and we hope that China will sit down with ASEAN nations and move the discussion on the declaration further up,” he said.

He added that Nguyen’s visit should not be viewed as the Philippines and Vietnam joining forces against China.

“No, that’s not the proper context to it. The Prime Minister 0is also here for the World Economic Forum. We certainly have a commonality with respect to our dispute with China. But again, this is an issue that has been tackled with the ASEAN as a whole, where certain statements have been made before the ASEAN Leaders’ Meeting.

Tensions between China, Vietnam and the Philippines had continued as all three countries assert their claims on the South China Sea.

Aside from Prime Minister Dung, Aquino is also receiving this week, outgoing Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono who is also attending the WEF.

Yudhoyono had warned against China’s gunboat diplomacy in the last ASEAN summit.

Lacierda said Aquino and Yudhoyono will also discuss defense issues.
Yudhoyono will be conferred with the Order of Sikatuna with rank of Raja during the State Dinner hosted in his honor.

On Wednesday, during the World Economic Forum on East Asia (WEF-EA) on May 22, Yudhoyono was also conferred with the Global Statesmanship Award, and will witness the official turnover to Indonesia of the hosting of the 24th WEF-EA in 2015.

This is Yudhoyono’s first bilateral visit to the Philippines since he became Indonesia’s President for two consecutive terms in 2004 and 2009.

Meanwhile, top business leaders said that that despite the ongoing dispute in the South China Sea, China remained as the largest trading partner of the 10-member Asean.

Asean had imported more from China that it exported to its member-states.     “The economic relationship has continued to prosper despite potential hiccups in the political relationship, and one would expect it to remain the case simply because of the proximity of China and the vitality of the Chinese economy,” said Frederic Neumann, the co-head of Asian research at HSBC, speaking of ties between China and Southeast Asia.

“Policymakers in Asia take a very pragmatic approach when it comes to economics and don’t always let politics interfere with economic decision-making.”

But while Asean is dependent on China’s 1.4 billion population for consumers of its exports, China also relies on Southeast Asia for investment. Foreign direct investment from China to Asean was $5.74 billion in 2013, compared with the $8.35 billion Asean economies invested in China.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2014/05/22/ph-vietnam-set-defense-roadmap/

IED explodes in Vigan, causes damage to properties

From GMA News (May 21): IED explodes in Vigan, causes damage to properties

An improvised explosive device (IED) exploded in Vigan City in Ilocos Sur province before dawn Tuesday, causing damage to some establishments in the area.

The explosion damaged a hardware store, GMA Ilocos' Manny Morales Jr. reported on GMA News TV's "Balita Pilipinas Ngayon."

While no one was initially reported injured, the explosion also damaged two nearby establishments and a vehicle.

Local authorities suspect the IED could have been planted by a bomb expert. They are still determining the motive for the incident.

A separate report on Bombo Radyo said the explosion occurred along General Luna Street.

Police cordoned off the area where debris from the explosion littered the street.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/361924/news/regions/ied-explodes-in-vigan-causes-damage-to-properties

Soldiers defuse explosive devices found in North Cotabato

From GMA News (May 22): Soldiers defuse explosive devices found in North Cotabato

PRESIDENT ROXAS, North Cotabato -- Military bomb experts on Wednesday afternoon defused two improvised explosive devices that could have caused powerful explosions near a detachment of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit in Barangay Greenhills, a military official said Thursday.

A member of the CAFGU found the IEDs a day after New Pepople's Army insurgents attacked the town's police station, where five rebels were reported killed in the 15-minute firefight.

Capt. Manuel Gatus, 57th Infantry Battalion spokesperson, said the IEDs were believed left by the retreating insurgents.

“These [IEDs] could be intended for military reinforcements... but because the rebels failed in their attack, they just left the [explosives] in the area,” Gatus said.

Commenting on the attack on Wednesday, 57th IB's Lt. Colonel Nilo Vinluan said the rebels immediately withdrew after seeing their commander was fatally hit by a bullet during the firefight, and that personnel manning the police station in President Roxas town surprised the attackers.

“I should say that they failed in their intelligence gathering. They did not expect the police forces were prepared," Vinluan told reporters at press conference at the Cotabato Police Provincial Office on Wednesday afternoon.

Police offices in North Cotabato have been placed under red alert status for possible retaliatory attacks by the rebels to avenge the death of their commander and four comrades, Vinluan said.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/362104/news/regions/soldiers-defuse-explosive-devices-found-in-north-cotabato

2 soldiers wounded while en route to Brigada Eskwela mission in Compostela Valley

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (May 20): 2 soldiers wounded while en route to Brigada Eskwela mission in Compostela Valley
While on their way to a school mission, two soldiers were wounded when eight members of the New People’s Army staged an ambush Monday on Barangay (village) Napnapan, Pantukan, Compostela Valley, the military said Tuesday.

According to Captain Alberto Caber, Armed Forces of the Philippines Eastern Mindanao Command, the wounded soldiers were Sergeant Freddie Magdagay and Private First Class Ellsworth Banaga from the Philippine Army’s 71st Infantry Battalion.

Banaga and Magdagay were on their way for a Brigada Eskwela mission when the rebels fired upon them at around 7:30 a.m.

The AFP is taking part in the Brigada Eskwela program of the Department of Education to prepare school facilities for the opening classes next month.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/603807/2-soldiers-wounded-while-en-route-to-brigada-eskwela-mission-in-compostela-valley

2 helicopters to aid in ‘national integrity’

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (May 21): 2 helicopters to aid in ‘national integrity’



AFP chief General Emmanuel Bautista inspects one of the three brand new naval choppers on Thursday at the blessing and commissioning rites. FILE PHOTO/AFP Public Affairs Office
In an attempt to beef up its presence near the disputed waters the Philippine Fleet deployed two Agusta helicopters Wednesday.

In a statement, the two newly-acquired helicopters were deployed to support the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ operations in the disputed territories near Palawan.

Rear Admiral Jaime Bernardino, Philippine Fleet Commander, said the two Agustas would “help protect the nation’s territorial integrity and sovereignty by complementing” the naval operations of the AFP.

With tail numbers PNH431 and PNH432, the two helicopters were launched from Sangley Point in Cavite.

Bernardino added the deployment was the first time that helicopters would be integrated afloat the Philippine Navy’s capital ships, BRP Gregorio Del Pilar and BRP Ramon Alcaraz.

Navy Lieutenant Commander Herbert June Dang-Awan and Navy Lieutenant Commande Leo Penacerada were aboard the PNH431 while Navy Lieutenant Commander Rowene Colita and Navy Lieutenant Commander Ariel Joseph Coloma were aboard the PNH432.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/604186/2-helicopters-to-aid-in-national-integrity

DVIDS: Arrowhead Soldiers return to JBLM following successful completion of multi-national mission in Philippines

From DVIDS (May 20): Arrowhead Soldiers return to JBLM following successful completion of multi-national mission in Philippines


U.S. Army Maj. John Hawbaker, middle, from 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment, 3-2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 7th Infantry Division, waits to advance along with Filipino soldiers from the 20th Infantry Battalion, 8th Infantry Division, during a multinational, joint force live-fire exercise, May 15, as part of Balikatan 2014. Balikatan is an annual bilateral training exercise between the Philippines and U.S. designed to foster cooperation and interoperability between the two nations' armed forces through training as well as humanitarian aid and disaster relief projects. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Chris McCullough)

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. – Soldiers from 3-2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 7th Infantry Division returned to Joint Base Lewis-McChord from the Philippines Sunday after the successful completion of a three-week multinational, joint forces exercise with Soldiers from the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

While in the Philippines, leaders from the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry Regiment partnered with the AFP to provide subject matter expertise that enabled Filipino Soldiers from the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region headquarters to execute a joint, combined arms, live-fire training event, said Lt. Col. Jarett Broemmel, the commander for 2-3 Infantry "Patriots" and Officer-in-Charge of the "Arrowhead" Brigade's Task Force Balikatan.

"The Arrowhead Brigade team partnered with the JTF-NCR team again this year and built upon the planning processes refined last year by including training on preparation for and execution of a Joint Combined Arms Live fire exercise," Broemmel, an Illinois native, said.

Exercise Balikatan 2014 took place May 5- 16 on the island of Luzon, Republic of the Philippines. This is the second consecutive year the annual bilateral exercise has teamed up members from 3-2 SBCT with Filipino service members from the JTF-NCR.

During the exercise, AFP and U.S. personnel from the Arrowhead Brigade conducted a bilateral, scenario-based staff planning exercise at Camp Aguinaldo in Luzon that included two days of academics and two days of crisis-action planning. The tabletop exercise schedule led into simulation-supported, scenario-based training.

The STAFFEX at Camp Aguinaldo, in Manila, was in advance of a combined live-fire exercise at Crow Valley Gunnery Range, near Clark Air Base, that showcased Philippine, American and Australian armed forces operating together in concert to achieve a common objective.

In the live-fire scenario, service members from throughout the AFP simultaneously stormed their objectives by air and land, utilizing multinational rotary wing support, indirect fire, close air support and ground forces.

"As a member of the Arrowhead brigade, the Patriot Battalion team … partnered with the AFP [to] provide subject matter expertise to the JTF headquarters executing the … joint, combined arms, live-fire training event," Broemmel said.

Though the spirit of the exercise is on the Philippine-U.S. partnership and commitment to the mutual defense treaty, it is also in keeping with the regionally aligned mission of the Arrowhead Brigade, partnering with nations within the Pacific region.

"By participating in the Balikatan Exercise these last two years, the Arrowhead Brigade has developed greater insight into the regional security challenges in the eastern Pacific and has also reinforced the partnership between the US Army and a longtime regional ally," Broemmel said.

Partnering can be military-to-military training, providing disaster relief and humanitarian assistance, and sharing intelligence and interoperability.

It may also include "engagements and interactions between us, our allies and partners - and even potentially our adversaries," said Gen. Daniel B. Allyn, commander, U.S. Army Forces Command, during a forum on regionally aligned forces last year.

Soldiers from 3-2 Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 7th Infantry Division, have been aligned with Pacific Command since last year, conducting training exercises with allies from Australia, Japan and the Philippines over the last several months. These exercises help the Arrowhead Brigade maintain relationships with their RAF allies, such as the Philippines.

"It's all about relationships," said Capt. Cory Kastl, the assistant operations officer for 2-3 Infantry, and a resident of Midland, Mich. "Balikatan is really about a joint partnership between two allied nations. Whether you're doing a live-fire or STAFFEX, if you're partnering with a foreign army, you're building relationships you're always going to have."

Exercise Balikatan 2014 was the 30th iteration of the exercise and intended to promote regional peace and security by ensuring the interoperability and readiness of Philippine and U.S. forces.

“Balikatan” is a Filipino term that means “shoulder-to-shoulder” and characterizes the spirit of the exercise, focusing on Philippine-U.S. partnership and commitment to the mutual defense treaty.

This year's exercise comes in the wake of President Obama's visit to the Philippines earlier this week where he affirmed that "at the invitation of the Philippines, American service members will rotate through Filipino facilities."

Though Exercise Balikatan has ended, Soldiers from the Arrowhead Brigade hope this will not be the last time they train alongside the AFP, as Soldiers from both countries have expressed a desire to foster their partnership based on sustained U.S.-Philippine military cooperation and friendship.

“The Balikatan 2014 once again proved that the enduring alliance between the Philippines and the United States is a pillar for peace in Southeast Asia and the greater Asia Pacific,” said AFP chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Bautista, at the closing ceremony of the Balikatan 2014 in Camp Aguinaldo last Friday.

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/130584/arrowhead-soldiers-return-jblm-following-successful-completion-multi-national-mission-philippines#.U3y6YMZOWAI

Freed soldier admits possessing shabu

From the Sun Star-Davao (May 20): Freed soldier admits possessing shabu

THE Army personnel abducted by rebels for 17 days admitted to have possessed shabu as earlier accused by the New People's Army (NPA) when accosted in Kapalong, Davao del Norte last May 3.

Corporal Rogelio Rosales of the Army's 60th Infantry Battalion was accosted by the NPA in Barangay Florida, Kapalong. One sachet of suspected shabu was found in his possession.

The rebel group said Rosales was in the process of arranging for the transit of logs when apprehended by the NPA.

The NPA earlier accused Rosales, who was considered a prisoner of war (POW), of coddling and protecting massive logging in Agusan del Sur, Compostela Valley and Davao del Norte provinces.

In an interview after his release Monday, Corporal Rosales denied that he was coddling illegal loggers but admitted that the shabu was his.

Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte said the NPA rebels presented to him the shabu sachet they recovered from Rosales's possession. Duterte in turn relayed the information to the military officials.

Rosales was released in Talaingod, Davao del Norte Monday noontime.
Major General Ariel Bernardo of the 10th Infantry Division, meanwhile, said that he already ordered for Rosales to undergo drug test and should he be found positive, the released POW will be outrightly discharged from service.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2014/05/20/freed-soldier-admits-possessing-shabu-343940

MILF: Mindanao Humanitarian Development Initiatives holds Peace advocacy in Bagumbayan

From the MILF Website (May 19): Mindanao Humanitarian Development Initiatives holds Peace advocacy in Bagumbayan



A week after it was postponed due to the simultaneous rallies by several stakeholders that urged the Philippine Congress to deliberate and enact the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) without delay, the Mindanao Humanitarian Development Initiative, Inc. (MinHudi),Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA), the Social Welfare Committee (SWC) of Bagumbayan, the MILF Political Committee of Bagumbayan and other agencies finally conducted a peace advocacy on Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) and the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB)  in Sitio Nakan, Kapaya, Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat on May 11,2014 attended by 230 participants.

In the opening program, National Qur’anic Reading contestant Abdulkahir Sandalan recited some verses of the Holy Qur’an followed by words of wisdom by Ustadz Zainudin Mamasalagat. He explained 3 important matters mentioned in Hadith or Practices of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as praying on proper time, respect to parents, and jihad. He also mentioned eight types of Jihad or Holy War.

Police Inspector Ruel Zafra, Deputy Chief of Police of Bagumbayan town inspired the participants with his message. “Let us support the FAB. It is for all of us Muslims, Christians, Lumads. For as long as you reside here, you are a Bangsamoro”, Zapra said.


Kalilintad Development Foundation Inc. (KDFI) Executive Director Moidjoddin Talusob lectured on Islamic Leadership and MILF policies. While, Professor Esmael Abdula, Campaign and Mass Mobilization Chairman, comprehensively presented and discussed the features of FAB, CAB and the four annexes. On his part, Arman Armada, Committee on Information Secretary also tackled briefly of the essential features of the FAB.

IP representative Jessie Tiwan, Ivenosohod Abutasil, Datu Ido Camsa, Sultan Norhamin Bansil, Ustadz  Daud Madaliday, Sultan Datukaka Camsa, and Ustadz Isqaq Kamidon imparted inspiring messages to the participants. All of them have words in common; “Support BBL, Support FAB, and support the peace process”.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/984-mindanao-humanitarian-development-initiatives-holds-peace-advocacy-in-bagumbayan

MILF: Mindanao Civil Society Organization Platform for Peace conducts consultation on BBL

From the MILF Website (May 20): Mindanao Civil Society Organization Platform for Peace conducts consultation on BBL



The Mindanao Civil Society Organization Platform for Peace (MCSOPP) and the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society (CBCS) –Sulu conducted consultation on the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) on May 17, 2014 at the Sulu Area Coordinating Center, Sumadja Hall, Capitol Site, Jolo, Sulu where approximately 100 people from government line agencies, local government officials and employees, members of the academe and religious groups, youth and MILF representatives attended.
  

The program started with an invocation or “du’a” by Tuan Frazier J. Kalayakan and the overview by Prof. Sahie S. Udjah, CBCS Sulu Coordinator.  An inspirational message was delivered by Hon. Abdusakur M. Tan, Vice Governor of Sulu.

Commissioners Asani S. Tammang and Hon. Hussien Munoz of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) were the invited resource persons who discussed about the draft basic law and its importance to the Bangsamoro. The BBL, once passed and enacted into law by Philippine Congress becomes the enabling act for the creation of the Bangsamoro Region.

The draft BBL was already submitted by the BTC to the Office of the President in Manila for review and certification as urgent measure. It will then be submitted to congress for deliberation and passage.

Before the end of the program, a resolution was passed and signed by the participants urging the Office of the President and the Philippine Congress for the speedy enactment and passage of the proposed measure.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/986-mindanao-civil-society-organization-platform-for-peace-conducts-consultation-on-bbl

MILF: Notable Cotabato IP Leader passes away

Posted to the MILF Website (May 21): Notable Cotabato IP Leader passes away

Timuay Tinunda Ambangan, a notable and respectable Lumad leader of Cotabato Province who belongs to the Aromanen Menuvu tribe passed away due to heart enlargement and kidney disorder on May 15, 2014 at 9:00 o’clock in the evening in a Davao Hospital. 
  

Timuay Ambangan hails from Carmen, Cotabato and one of the well-known and responsible leaders of the indigenous people in Cotabato. For many years he struggled and fought for Lumads rights. Throughout his life he was also very active in participating in peace fora, symposia and other related activities conducted by the Mindanao Peoples’ Peace Movement (MPPM) and other NGOs and GOs in Mindanao.

Timuay Ambangan was recognized by the Southern Christian College (SCC) as a partner leader in all peace and development programs in Aroman, Carmen, Cotabato. His leadership inspired and encouraged Lumad youth to advance their struggle for respect and recognition of their ancestral domain. Aromanen Menuvu is of the Indigenous peoples tribes in Southern Philippines who co-existed and live peacefully with their Moro brothers.

They were the descendants of Datu Mamalu, the brother of Rajah Tabunaway, the forefather of the fierce and brave Moros.

During Spanish time, a certain Menuvu leader fought against the white colonizers, while their brethren Moros fought for more than three centuries until the Americans arrived that led to another struggle against foreign aggression.

(With the demised of Timuay Tinunda Ambangan, we wish to extend to the bereaved families and Menuvu People our heartfelt condolence. We are with you in this sadden and painful moment)

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/988-notable-cotabato-ip-leader-passes-away

CPP/Ang Bayan: Balikatan Exercises at EDCA

Propaganda article from the Tagalog edition of Ang Bayan (May 21): Balikatan Exercises at EDCA

Umabot sa 3,000 sundalong Amerikano ang dumaong sa Pilipinas upang lumahok sa Balikatan Exercise 2014 noong Mayo 6-16. Ito na ang ika-30 sa taunang Balikatan, at pinakamalaki at kauna-unahang inilunsad matapos pirmahan ng rehimeng Aquino at gubyerno ng US ang Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) noong Abril 28.

Mahigit 4,500 tropang AFP ang lumahok sa Balikatan. Dumalo rin ang 60 tropa ng Australia at 25 myembro ng Hawaii National Guard (HNG). Nagsilbing sentro ng kumand ng Balikatan ang Camp Aguinaldo sa Quezon City at Western Command sa Puerto Princesa.

Ang mga live fire exercises, maniobrang kombat at iba pang pagsasanay ay isinagawa sa Naval Education & Training Center sa San Antonio, Zambales; sa Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija; sa Clark Air Base sa Angeles City; sa Crow Valley, Tarlac; at sa Marine Base sa Ternate, Cavite.

Naglunsad din ng pinagsanib na atake ng pwersang katihan at panghimpapawid ang 700 tropang US at AFP sa Palanan, Isabela.

Muling ginamit ng US ang pagkakataon para magpakitang-gilas sa lakas-pandigma nito. Dumaong ang USS Tortuga sa Subic para maghatid ng pwersa at mga kagamitang militar. Ginamit sa mga maniobra ang mga modernong armas tulad ng Osprey; F/A Jet Fighter, CH-53 transport helicopter; Sikorsky at Cobra attack helicopter; Hercules cargo aircraft; at iba pa.

Sa komoplahe ng “operasyong humanitarian,” nagpakat ang militar ng US ng 200 tropang Amerikano sa Guinobatan, Albay at Legazpi City noong Abril 21 hanggang Mayo 17, pati na sa Tacloban City, Cebu City at Bohol. Ipinagmalaki sa masmidya ang ginawang pagkukumpuni ng isang silid-aralan at pagbibigay ng serbisyong medikal at beterinaryo na nagtagal lamang nang ilang araw. Ang hindi na inianunsyo ay ang iba pang aktibidad ng mga tropang Amerikano, kabilang ang pagtuwang sa kontra-gerilyang digma at pagsasaayos ng mga imprastrukturang pangkomunikasyon at paniktik.

Upang palabasin na makakatuwang ng Pilipinas ang US sa paggigiit ng teritoryong pandagat kontra sa paggigiit ng China, naglunsad ng mga maniobrang militar ang mga tropang Amerikano sa mga baybayin ng South China Sea. Ang totoo, walang anumang komitment ang US na pumanig sa Pilipinas sakaling magkaroon ng armadong kumprontasyon sa tunggalian sa South China Sea.

Samantala, inendorso ni AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista noong Mayo 15 ang tatlong base militar ng AFP na maaaring gamitin ng US na base militar para sa pag-iistasyon ng mga tropa at kagamitan nito. Tinukoy ni Bautista ang naval detachment sa Oyster Bay sa Palawan; naval station sa San Antonio, Zambales; at ang Philippine Army base sa Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija.

Sa ilalim ng bagong pirmang EDCA, ang US ay bibigyan ng gubyerno ng Pilipinas ng mga “Agreed Location” o mga lugar sa loob ng ilang kampo militar ng AFP upang magamit para sa pag-iimbak ng mga sandata, pagmamantine ng mga sasakyang pandigma, lapagan at lunsaran ng mga eroplano at drone, pagkakarga ng suplay at pahingahan ng mga sundalong Amerikano.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/publications/ang_bayan/20140521/balikatan-exercises-at-edca

CPP/Ang Bayan: 67th IB, pinarusahan ng BHB sa Davao Oriental

Propaganda article from the Tagalog edition of Ang Bayan (May 21): 67th IB, pinarusahan ng BHB sa Davao Oriental

Naglunsad ng serye ng aksyong militar ang mga Pulang mandirigma ng Comval-Davao East Coast Subregional Command ng Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB) laban sa 67th IB ng Philippine Army.

Dalawang sundalo ang nasugatan sa operasyong isnayp na inilunsad ng mga myembro ng Larangang Gerilya 15 Operations Command ng BHB sa Barangay Binondo, Baganga noong alas-11 ng umaga ng Abril 23.

Pagkalipas ng dalawang oras, apat na tropa ng militar ang napatay nang pasabugan ng command-detonated explosives ng isang yunit ng BHB ang mga ito sa Purok 7 Tanggaan, Barangay Manurigao, New Bataan, Compostela Valley. Noong Mayo 5, isang sundalo ang napatay sa operasyong isnayp na inilunsad ng isang tim ng BHB laban sa isang Peace and Development Team (PDT) sa Barangay Pagsabangan, New Bataan.

Samantala, noong Mayo 11, sinunog ng mga Pulang mandirigma ng Larangang Gerilya 20 Operations Command ng BHB ang isang buldoser ng magtrotrosong meyor ng Cateel na si Camilo Nuñez sa Sityo Yapsay, Taytayan, Cateel, Davao Oriental. Hindi lamang ito bahagi ng kampanyang total log ban na kasalukuyang ipinatutupad sa buong rehiyon ng rebolusyonaryong kilusan kundi pagparusa kay Nuñez sa kanyang kriminal na kapabayaan sa pangmatagalang rehabilitasyon ng mga biktima ng Bagyong Pablo na humagupit noong 2012.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/publications/ang_bayan/20140521/67th-ib-pinarusahan-ng-bhb-sa-davao-oriental

CPP/Ang Bayan: Hostage drama sa ComVal, imbento ng 1001st Brigade

Propaganda article from the Tagalog edition of Ang Bayan (May 21): Hostage drama sa ComVal, imbento ng 1001st Brigade

Ilang araw na pinagpistahan ng mga reaksyunaryong upisyal ng gubyernong Aquino ang gawa-gawang kwento ng 1001st Brigade ng Philippine Army na nang-hostage daw ng mga minero at kanilang mga pamilya ang Bagong Hukbong Bayan (BHB) sa Compostela Valley nitong Mayo 3-5.

Nakikoro naman sina Teresita Deles (pinuno ng Office of the Presidential Assistant on the Peace Process) at Corazon “Dinky” Soliman (kalihim ng Department of Social Welfare and Development) at nagpalipad ng mga pagkundena at apela sa BHB laban sa paggamit nito diumano sa mga sibilyan bilang pananggalang sa gera.

Sa aktwal, walang anumang pangho-hostage na nangyari. Naglubid lamang ng kasinungalingan ang 1001st Bde para pagtakpan ang sunud-sunod nitong mga kaswalti sa labanan, ang sarili nitong mga paglabag sa karapatang-tao at ang pagiging protektor nito ng dayuhang mapangwasak na pagmimina.

Ayon kay Ka Daniel Ibarra, tagapagsalita ng Comval-Davao Gulf Subregional Command, pwersahang pinalayas ng militar ang maliliit na minero, mga Lumad at magsasaka sa mga sapa at iba pang bahagi ng konsesyon ng Apex Mining Company sa Maco at binalaang bobombahin ang mga komunidad nila. Dahil sa takot, walang nagawa ang mga minero kundi lisanin ang kanilang mga tirahan at kabuhayan.

Pinalayas ng 1001st Bde ang maliliit na minero para walang sagabal na maipatupad ng Apex Mining ang pagmimina ng ginto gamit ang sistemang open-pit mining na siyang dahilan ng dalawang matitinding landslide na pumatay ng marami sa lugar at bumura sa Barangay Mainit sa mapa ng Maco noong 2012.

Sa kabilang banda, tatlong beses na inambus ng mga Pulang mandirigma ang mga sundalong protektor ng higanteng minahan mula Abril 12 hanggang Mayo 5. Bunga nito, 23 sundalo ng 71st IB, 9th IB at Division Reconnaissance Company (DRC) ang napatay at limang iba pa ang nasugatan.

Labing-isa ang napatay sa nagpapatrulyang sundalo ng 71st IB sa ambus na inilunsad ng mga Pulang mandirigma noong Mayo 5 sa Sityo Panganasun, Barangay Napnapan, Pantukan. Noong Abril 13, tinambangan ng mga Pulang gerilya ang isang yunit ng DRC sa hangganan ng mga bayan ng Maco at Maragusan kung saan walo ang napatay at dalawa ang nasugatan sa panig ng mga pasista. Isang araw bago ito, apat na tropa ng 9th IB ang napatay at tatlong iba pa ang nasugatan nang ambusin ang mga ito ng mga Pulang mandirigma sa Apex Tenement Complex sa Masara, Maco.

Bago ang mga opensibang ito, pinarusahan ng BHB ang Apex Mining noong Abril 10 dahil sa paglabag nito sa mga batas at patakaran ng Demokratikong Gubyernong Bayan laban sa pangwawasak sa kapaligiran, pang-aapi sa masang magsasaka at sa mga manggagawa mismo nito sa Barangay Masara, Maco. Labing-walong sasakyan at makinarya ang winasak ng BHB sa limang tunnel nito sa naturang lugar. (Tingnan ang kaugnay na artikulo sa isyung Abril 21, 2014 ng Ang Bayan)

Bilang ganti, nagbuhos ng mahigit 800 tropa o dalawang batalyon ang 1001st Bde upang maghasik ng lagim at higit pang protektahan ang Apex Mining at ang mga may-ari nito, kabilang si Enrique Razon (ika-apat na pinakamayamang tao sa Pilipinas at malaking kontribyutor sa kampanya sa eleksyon ni Aquino) sa kapinsalaan ng mga Lumad na magsasaka, maliliit na minero at manggagawa ng kumpanya. Gumamit din ng mga bayarang goons ang Apex sa ilalim ng Mongoose Security Agency upang harasin ang mga manggagawa na tumatanggap ng mababang sahod at nanganganib pang patatalsikin sa trabaho sa ilalim ng programang retrenchment ng kumpanya ngayong Hunyo. Nagpakalat din ang militar ng listahan ng umanoy mga aktibong lider na target ng aresto at pagbilanggo.

Samantala, sa Paquibato District, tatlong sundalo ng 69th IB ang napatay at anim ang nasugatan nang pasabugan sila ng command-detonated explosive habang nagpapatrulya noong Mayo 17. Ika-apat na atritibong aksyon na ito ng BHB laban sa 69th IB mula Enero.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/publications/ang_bayan/20140521/hostage-drama-sa-comval-imbento-ng-1001st-brigade

CPP/Ang Bayan: Pinaigting na militarisasyon at terorismo sa Mindanao

Propaganda article from the Tagalog edition of Ang Bayan (May 21): Pinaigting na militarisasyon at terorismo sa Mindanao

Nakapakat ngayon sa Mindanao ang limang dibisyon na bumubuo ng 60% ng Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). Ang mga pwersang ito ay nasa ilalim ng Southern Command ng AFP.

Ang Southern Command na sumasaklaw sa buong Mindanao ay nahahati sa dalawa: ang Eastmincom at Westmincom. Binubuo ang Eastmincom ng 4th ID at 10th ID. Pangunahing nakatuon ang 4th ID sa mga rehiyon ng Northeast Mindanao (NEMR) at Northcentral Mindanao (NCMR). Saklaw naman ng 10th ID ang Southern Mindanao Region (SMR) at may isang brigada ito sa Far South (FSMR). Saklaw naman ng Westmincom ang 1st ID at 6th ID. Nahahati sa mga erya ng Moro at West Mindanao (WMR) ang 1st ID, habang ang 6th ID ay nakatutok sa mga lugar ng Moro at sa FSMR.

Umaabot sa 30 batalyon ang nasa ilalim ng Eastmincom. Sa ngayon, may 15 batalyon sa ilalim ng 10th ID; at 13 batalyon sa ilalim ng 4th ID. Dagdag pa rito ang 76th IB na ginawang strike force ng Eastmincom. Naidagdag din sa pwersa ng Eastmincom ang 5th Special Force Battalion.

Dagdag pa rito ang pwersang pandagat at panghimpapawid, kabilang ang 3rd Tactical Operations Wing, ang 5th Civil Relations Group, ang 5th at 7th Air Reserve Center, ang 52nd Engineering Brigade, ang 10th at 11th Tactical Operations Group, ang 10th, 11th, 12th at 15th Regional Community Defense Group at Naval Reserve Center sa Eastern Mindanao. Labas pa rito ang dalawang batalyon sa ilalim ng dalawang dibisyon na nakatutok sa gawaing paniktik.

Bukod sa mga regular na pwersa ng AFP, may iba’t iba pang mga grupong paramilitar na inoorganisa at sinasanay ng 72nd IBPA-Cadre Battalion, kabilang ang CAFGU, SCAA, CAA, Investment Defense Force (IDF), Bagani Force sa bahaging Bukidnon at Agusan del Sur, at grupong ALAMARA sa Paquibato-Talaingod. Nagsimula rin noong 2009-2010 ang pagdaragdag ng isang brigada (701st) mula sa Central Luzon. Noong 2013, ipinakat ang 76th IB mula sa Bondoc Peninsula. Noong Marso, inilipat din sa Compostela Valley ang 9th IB mula sa Bicol at ang 68th IB. Ngayong Mayo lamang, isang batalyon sa ilalim ng 6th ID sa Maguindanao ang inilipat sa 10th ID at ipinakat sa Compostela Valley.

Nakakonsentra ang bagong dagdag na pitong batalyon sa limang prubinsya: Agusan del Sur, North Cotabato, Compostela Valley, Davao del Norte at Bukidnon. Nakapusisyon sila sa hangganan ng SMR, NEMR at NCMR.
Sa lahat ng rehiyon ay pinakamilitarisado ang SMR. Dito nakapakat ang 14 na buong batalyon, habang may anim na batalyon na nasa mga hangganan nito sa NEMR, NCMR at FSMR.

Pokus ng pinatinding mga operasyong panunupil ng AFP ang mga lugar na may operasyon o target na pasukin ng pagmimina, pagtotroso at mga plantasyon ng oil palm, saging, pinya at iba pa. Layunin ng pinatinding militarisasyon ang pagsupil sa pagtutol ng mamamayan sa operasyon ng mga kumpanyang ito na mapanira sa kapaligiran at kumakamkam sa lupang ninuno ng mga Lumad.

Laganap ang mga kaso ng pang-aabusong militar, kabilang ang militarisasyon ng buu-buong mga komunidad at paggamit sa mga eskwelahan, barangay hall at iba pang istrukturang sibilyan bilang mga baraks ng militar. Laganap din ang mga kaso ng walang kapararakang pagpasok ng mga sundalo sa mga bahay ng mga residente at pagnanakaw ng mga kagamitan, alagang hayop at pagkain.

Dumarami ang mga kaso ng pambobomba at panganganyon sa mga bukid at paligid nito na nagdudulot ng matinding trauma sa mga residente, laluna sa mga bata. Inaakusahang tagasuporta ng BHB ang mga tinatarget na residente at ilan sa kanila ang pwersahang pinaggigiya sa mga operasyon ng AFP.

Tampok na kaso ang militarisasyon ng Talaingod, Davao del Norte. Sa loob ng isang buwan, mahigit 1,300 residente ng Barangay Palma Gil ang nagbakwit sa Davao City upang iprotesta ang panunupil, pananakot at pandarahas ng mga pwersa ng AFP sa kanila. Tulad nila, terorismong militar ng 8th IB ang nagbunsod sa pagbakwit ng tribong Manobo-Matigsalog mula sa Dao, San Fernando, Bukidnon tungong Cagayan de Oro noong Setyembre 2013. Noong Agosto 2013, umabot sa 325 residente ng Loreto, Agusan del Sur ang nagbakwit upang iprotesta ang mga pang-aabuso ng 26th IB.

Dumarami rin ang mga kaso ng ekstrahudisyal na pamamaslang. Pinakahuli rito ang pagpatay ng 29th IB kay Ricardo “Polon” Tuazon sa mabundok na bahagi ng Butuan City noong Abril 28 at ang pagdukot, pagtortyur at pagpatay ng mga tauhan ng 9th IB noong Marso 24 kay Wilmar Bargas, isang maliit na minero sa Maco, Compostela Valley.

Laganap din ang mga kaso ng paglabag sa karapatan ng mga bata, tulad ng okupasyon ng mga paaralan. Naging tampok ang kaso ng panghaharas ng mga sundalo sa mga paaralang pangkomunidad tulad ng sa Side 4, Mangayon, Compostela, Compostela Valley mula noong nagdaang taon. Nito namang Marso, dinakip ng mga tauhan ng 57th IB si “Balong,” isang 14-taong gulang na bata mula sa Magpet, North Cotabato at inakusahang kasapi ng BHB.

[Ang Bayan is the official news organ of the Communist Party of the Philippines and is issued by the CPP Central Committee. It provides news about the work of the Party as well as its analysis of and views on current issues. Ang Bayan comes out fortnightly and is published in Pilipino, Bisaya, Ilokano, Waray, Hiligaynon and English.]

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/publications/ang_bayan/20140521/pinaigting-na-militarisasyon-at-terorismo-sa-mindanao

CPP: Hold Aquino responsible for death of Andrea’s baby—CPP

Anti-government propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (May 20): Hold Aquino responsible for death of Andrea’s baby—CPP

Communist Party of the Philippines

 

The CPP today issued the following statement:

The leadership and entire membership of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) condole with political prisoner Andrea Rosal and her entire family for the untimely death of her 2-day old daughter, Diona, after suffering from hypoxemia, or lack of oxygen in the blood.

The death of Baby Diona cannot but be related to the inhuman conditions suffered by Andrea in her detention cell and the denial of prenatal medical care.

 

For nearly two months before her delivery, Andrea Rosal was kept in a detention cell which she shared with 30 other detainees. Since being detained at Camp Bagong Diwa, she has not received the necessary medical care for pregnant women. She was denied access to an electric fan amid record high temperatures. She was made to lie on the concrete floor.

 

Despite the court order, Andrea was only brought to the hospital two days after she began having uterine contractions. The day after she delivered her baby, police, military and jail officials ordered Andrea to be immediately brought back to detention, in outright disregard of the fact that she had yet to fully recover from childbirth and from the trauma resulting from the death of her infant daughter.

 

The CPP joins Andrea, her family, friends and supporters, her lawyers, doctors and human rights advocates, in denouncing the Aquino regime for the inhumane conditions of Andrea’s detention and denial of medical care. The Filipino people are one in holding the Aquino regime, especially its police and military officials, responsible for the death of Baby Diona.

 

The CPP joins the growing clamor for the immediate release from detention of Andrea Rosal. It condemns the trumped-up charges of kidnapping filed against her in a vain effort to justify her arrest and continued detention. As Andrea has pointed out, she is being falsely charged of being a top official of the New People’s Army (NPA) by military officials to overblow their “achievement” in having arrested her.

 

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20140520_hold-aquino-responsible-for-death-of-andrea-s-baby-cpp

CPP/NPA-FSMROC: NPA incinerates Glencore-Xtrata SMI’s 48 container vans, seizes 13 rifles in tactical offensive....

NPA propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (May 20): NPA incinerates Glencore-Xtrata SMI’s 48 container vans, seizes 13 rifles in tactical offensive to protect national patrimony, fight vs. Eastern Mindanao Command’s sustained military operations

Dencio Madrigal
Commander
NPA Far South Mindanao Regional Operations Command (Valentin Palamine Command)

 

Company-sized guerrillas belonging to the Mt. Alip Command under the Valentin Palamine Command-Far Southern Mindanao Regional Operations Command of the New People’s Army launched simultaneous tactical offensives against Glencore-Xtrata SMI mining company and the South Davao Development Company Inc. (SDDCI), a mining firm owned by the Consunji’s.

The NPAs burned 48 container vans which were used as offices at the SMI pioneering camp in Sitio Gumatikura, Brgy. Kimlawis, Kiblawan at 5:30 am last May 19. An hour later, another group of NPA fighters garbed in enemy uniforms took control without firing a single shot of the SDDCI mining camp in Sitio Salnaong, Brgy. Datal Blau, Columbio. Confiscated from the security guards belonging to the Cavalier security agency were 13 shotgun rifles, four VHF radios, 1 GPS radio and 1 laptop.

The latest NPA tactical offensive is part of the intensification of revolutionary armed struggle and counter-offensives to defeat the 10th Infantry Division-Eastern Mindanao Command’s sustained military operations in Davao Del Sur, North Cotabato, South Cotabato and other areas in Socksargen.

The punitive action is also a continuing enforcement of the policy of the People’s Democratic Government to defend national patrimony by opposing operations of foreign large-scale mining companies like Glencore Xtrata-SMI (Sagittarius Mines, Inc.), considered to be one of the world’s biggest mining firms. SMI is the local operator of the Tampakan Mines in South Cotabato, the country’s largest mining investment.

NPA’s tactical offensives will continue to attack large-scale mining firms that are responsible for open pit mining and other environmentally destructive operations. Failure by the US-Aquino regime to guarantee the safety of the masses against floods, landslides and other disasters as a result of big mining operations has made the NPA’s punitive actions more effective in truly protecting the environment. The regime’s sweet policy towards environmental plunderers like Glencore and SDDCI and the acceleration of mining extraction in the country’s remaining natural resources invigorate the NPA and the revolutionary movement to further intensify the people’s war.

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20140520_npa-incinerates-glencore-xtrata-smi-s-48-container-vans-seizes-13-rifles-in-tactical-offensive-to-protect-national-patrimony-fight-vs-eastern-mindanao-command-s-sustained-military-operations

Soldiers build homes for relocated families in Negros town

From the Philippine News Agency (May 21): Soldiers build homes for relocated families in Negros town

Soldiers of the 303rd Infantry Battalion are assisting the construction of houses for 11 families relocated to the site of the Negros First Ranch in Barangay Santa Rosa, Murcia, Negros Occidental.

Col. Jon Aying, commander of the 303rd IB also based in Murcia, said the building of houses is a joint effort of the provincial government of Negros Occidental, Philippine Army and Kasanag Inc., a non-government organization.

The affected families, who came from Hacienda Arloc, will also be given livelihood assistance by the provincial government through the Negros First-Army Wellness Extension Farm, in the peripheral area of the ranch covering four to six hectares.

Aying said the expansion of the Negros First-Army Wellness Farm at the 303rd IB headquarters in Barangay Minoyan, has become a necessity, because of the increasing demand of the local market for organic vegetable and poultry products.

The provincial government, through its Technological Livelihood Development Center, will also assist the 11 families in the marketing their products.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=645733

ASEAN defense chiefs skirt S. China Sea statement at annual meeting

From the Philippine News Agency (May 21): ASEAN defense chiefs skirt S. China Sea statement at annual meeting

Defense ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations held an informal meeting with their Chinese counterpart following their annual ministerial meeting Tuesday in Myanmar's administrative capital Naypyitaw, but issued no clear statement on recent disputes in the South China Sea.

Still, the meeting came amid rising tensions between ASEAN member Vietnam and China following anti-China riots in Vietnam sparked by repeated clashes between Chinese and Vietnamese vessels earlier this month near an oil rig China is setting up in an area of the South China Sea claimed by both countries.

The contents of the 90-minute meeting were not immediately disclosed, but the ASEAN ministers admitted much of the discussion was on the South China Sea.

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Myanmar Defense minister Lt. Gen. Wai Lwin said talks were "very constructive" as all participants "frankly and actively" discuss the matters in a "positive way."

"The discussions are on the one you can expect -- the South China Sea issue," Wai Lwin said.

China, during the meeting, invited ASEAN to have the defense ministers' meeting in Beijing next year, and ASEAN is considering the offer, according to Philippine Defense Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin.

"There is an invitation...so we are getting a consensus," he said.

The meeting was attended by delegations from all ASEAN countries except Laos. Lao Defense Minister Douangchay Phichit was killed in a plane crash Saturday.

The ASEAN ministers also signed a joint declaration reaffirming ASEAN's commitment to consolidate defense cooperation that "contributes towards the realization" of the ASEAN Community 2015, a press statement issued at the end of the meeting said.

The statement did not mention the South China Sea or recent anti-Chinese incidents in Vietnam and instead just said "the ministers had a frank and candid exchange of views on regional and international security and defense issues and discussed ways and means to advance defense cooperation in ASEAN."

Vietnamese Defense Minister Sr. Gen. Phung Quang Thanh said Vietnam raised the South China Sea issue, referred to by the country as the East Sea issue.

Wai Lwin also confirmed the issue was discussed. He said it is an ongoing issue of territorial dispute with very complex political aspects involving a lot of countries.

"We have clearly declared and identified our stand and position on this issue in our Naypyitaw Declaration on the ASEAN community made May 11, 2014," Wai Lwin added.

The Naypyitaw Declaration, which was issued after the ASEAN Summit earlier this month, calls for the "full and effective implementation" of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea in accordance with recognized principles of international law, including the 1982 U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=645574

Philippines, Vietnam agree on enhanced defense, security cooperation

From the Philippine News Agency (May 21): Philippines, Vietnam agree on enhanced defense, security cooperation

President Benigno S. Aquino III said he and Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung discussed defense and security cooperation during their meeting in Malacanang on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung arrived in the Philippines for a working visit as well as to attend the World Economic Forum on East Asia.

In his message during the joint press conference at the Palace, President Aquino said they discussed how the Philippines and Vietnam can enhance confidence building, defense capabilities, and interoperability in addressing security challenges.

Cooperation between the two countries' navies has been robust, he said noting the recent staff-to-staff talks conducted in Manila in March 2014. Matters pertaining to exchanges in intelligence and naval technology, and others, were tackled, he said.

"I believe that continued cooperation with Vietnam, as well as with other members of ASEAN, in defense and security will only contribute to promoting regional stability," he said.

"It is not an overstatement when I say that I look forward to increased collaboration between our respective defense agencies."

The President said he looks forward for the two nations jointly determining the prerequisites in forging a roadmap towards a strategic partnership.

Aside from discussing defense and security, the two leaders also exchanged views on maritime cooperation.

Collaborative activities between the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Vietnam Coast Guard (VCG) have increased over the years, and these include oil spill preparedness and response, mechanisms for search and rescue cooperation, as well as information exchange.

This information exchange includes the Hotline Communication Mechanisms between the PCG and the VCG, aimed at protecting the two countries' marine resources and suppressing illegal activities in the adjacent sea area.

President Aquino said he believes continued cooperation between the Philippines and Vietnam will enable them to better protect their maritime resources, as they pursue strategies for regional growth and progress.

The President also said he hopes the Philippines and Vietnam remain steadfast in their shared aspiration—that by working together they can build a more stable Southeast Asia.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=645841

PH, Vietnam condemn China's illegal actions

From InterAksyon (May 21): PH, Vietnam condemn China's illegal actions

The two countries also agree to strengthen defense and maritime cooperation to protect their maritime resource and suppress illegal activities

The Philippines and Vietnam took a united stand against China's aggression in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), condemning recent actions as a "violation of international law."

On Wednesday, May 21, Philippine President Benigno Aquino III and Vietnam Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung issued a joint statement expressing "deep concern" over China's moves, saying they pose a challenge to the region's peace and security.

"With regard to the situation in the East Sea, the President and I shared the deep concerns over the current extremely dangerous situation caused by China’s many actions that violate the international law, the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and seriously infringe on the waters across our countries," said Dung.

He particularly slammed China's move to deploy an oil rig and vessels near the disputed Paracel Islands, and said "the two sides are determined to oppose China’s violations."

Dung also called for other countries and the international community "to continue strongly condemning China…to strictly observe the international law."

Both the Philippines and Vietnam are in the middle of territorial disputes against China.

The two leaders also said they have agreed to increase the two countries' maritime and defense cooperation, with Aquino pointing out both the Philippines and Vietnam "face common challenges as maritime nations and as brothers in ASEAN."

"In defense and security, we discussed how we can enhance confidence-building, our defense capabilities, and interoperability in addressing security challenges," he said.

"I believe that continued cooperation with Vietnam, as well as with other members of ASEAN, in defense and security will only contribute to promoting regional stability. It is not an overstatement when I say that I look forward to increased collaboration between our respective defense agencies."

Aquino said increased collaboration between the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Vietnam Coast Guard (VCG) will be "aimed at protecting our marine resources and suppressing illegal activities in the adjacent sea area between our two countries."

In an attempt to settle its dispute with China, specifically over the Spratly Islands, Manila has since filed a pleading before an arbitral tribunal.

Vietnam's own tensions with China have also heightened, following China's provocative move to deploy an oil rig near the Paracel Islands. Chinese and Vietnamese ships have gone past water cannon attacks to ramming each other, supposedly injuring Vietnamese crew.

On land, Vietnamese have launched deadly anti-China riots prompting China to evacuate more than 3,000 of its citizens out of Vietnam.

In the recent ASEAN summit, regional leaders also issued a joint statement expressing concern over China's recent actions and calling for a peaceful resolution of maritime disputes. There has also been an increased push to finalize the Declaration of Conduct in the South China Sea.

Strengthening ASEAN

Aside from defense, the two countries also agreed on increased cooperation regarding tourism, trade and investment.

On tourism cooperation, Aquino said the two countries will focus on cruise tourism development. Aquino said he looks forward to other innovative collaborations for tourism "since both our nations view this sector as an important driver for growth not only for our economies, but for ASEAN as a whole."

Both leaders also discussed increasing trade and investments between their respective nations, with a goal to attain two-way trade worth US$3 billion by 2016. In 2013, bilateral trade amounted to $1.33 billion.

Additionally, the two countries agreed to establish a working commission headed by each country's foreign ministries to establish a roadmap towards strategic partnership with regards to people-to-people relations, peace, stability, cooperation, and development of the region.

Aquino and Dung emphasized working together toward the strengthening of ASEAN.

Aquino expressed hope that the region's countries "will remain steadfast to this shared aspiration – that by working together and even harder, by empowering our people to be partners in this endeavor, and by advancing the rule of law, we can truly build a Southeast Asia that is a wellspring of opportunity and a foundation of peace and stability."

Dung is in Manila primarily for the World Economic Forum on East Asia (WEF-EA), hosted for the first time by the Philippines.

Earlier today, he laid a wreath at the Monument of Vietnamese President Ho Chi Minh at the ASEAN Gardens in Intramuros.

He arrived in Malacañang at 4 pm for foyer honors, and signed the Palace guestbook.

He then had a one-on-one meeting with Aquino before both leaders joined their respective officials for an expanded bilateral meeting.

Aquino hosted dinner in honor of his guest at the President’s Hall immediately after issuing their joint statement.

http://www.rappler.com/world/specials/southeast-asia/58580-ph-vietnam-condemn-china-s-illegal-actions

PH to spend P16B for new air assets

From Rappler (May 21): PH to spend P16B for new air assets

The military has always wanted long range aircrafts and anti-submarine choppers to be able to patrol the country's exclusive economic zones, says air force spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Enrico Canaya



NEW CHIEF. Philippine Air Force Commanding General Jeffrey Delgado. Malacañang photo

The Philippine military is allocating a total of P16.3 billion for brand new air assets, including long range patrol aircrafts and anti-submaritine helicopters, to boost the country's maritime security capabilities.

The Department of National Defense (DND) invited bidders for the following projects:

P5.976 billion for two brand new long range patrol aircrafts, including its sensors, sensors integration, mission support facilities and integrated logistics support (ILS) package for the Philippine Air Force (PAF)

P5.405 billion for two anti-submarine helicopters with munitions, mission, essential equipment and ILS for the Philippine Navy

P4.968 billion for 6 close air support aircraft with corresponding ILS for the Philippine Air Force

Public bidding will be conducted, using the pass-fail test.

The Philippine Air Force has always wanted these capabilities, especially the long range aircrafts, to be able to patrol the country's exclusive economic zones, said air force spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Enrico Canaya.

"Right now we have limited assets in conducting maritime patrol. These types of aircrafts have long endurance and they are more capable. We've always wanted these capability. It will be a welcome development. We are happy," he said.

The close air support aircrafts, on the other hand, will be an upgrade of the OV10 Bronco in the miltary's current inventory.

Bidding for the two anti-submarine helicopters for the Philippine Navy was announced earlier. These will be ship-based with mission essential equipment.

The funding for these projects will be drawn from the AFP Modernization Act Trust Fund and the Revised Modernization Program of 2012.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/58563-philippine-military-air-assets

Aquino govt must protest United States' NSA spying on Filipinos - Bayan

From InterAksyon (May 21): Aquino govt must protest United States' NSA spying on Filipinos - Bayan



Bayan's Renato Reyes

The Aquino government must protest the collection of cellphone metadata and text messages by the United States National Security Agency, the leftist organization Bayan said Wednesday.

In a statement, Bayan’s Renato Reyes was reacting to news reports that the US spy agency through the computer program Mystic embedded in Philippine telecommunications networks is able to collect metadata (information that reveals the time, source, and destination of calls) and text (SMS, or short messaging services) messages.

The Philippine government must protest “that is, if (it) is not yet in cahoots with the US spy agency. This program of the NSA is totally unacceptable and must be stopped. The US has committed a grave violation of Philippine laws. This is another affront to our sovereignty,” he said.

Reyes also said the National Telecommunications Commission, along with the different telecoms companies, should explain how their networks have been used.

“The leaks by whistleblower Edward Snowden on the activities of the NSA point to a very disturbing pattern of impunity, of the total disregard by the US government of the domestic laws and sovereignty of countries like the Philippines,” he said.

According to the Philippine Star story, Bahamas and another unnamed country are where the US is able to collect and store all phone calls. The Philippines, Mexico, and Kenya are the three countries where Mystic is able to collect metadata.

‘Senate must investigate ‘

The spy system is apparently hiding in plain sight, as it is a program whose overt objective is “legitimate commercial services for telcos” while its covert objective is signal intelligence, according to the leaked documents.

According to the website The Intercept which ran the story on the NSA spying, “Mystic was established in 2009 by the NSA’s Special Source Operations division, which works with corporate partners to conduct surveillance.”

Documents in the Snowden archive describe it as a “program for embedded collection systems overtly installed on target networks, predominantly for the collection and processing of wireless/mobile communications networks.”

Bayan called on the Philippine Senate to investigate the widespread NSA spying operations in the Philippines.

 “We would like to know how such an arrangement was made possible, if the Philippine government knew of this program, if the NTC allowed it, and if the telcos allowed it,” Reyes said.

“This spying is taking place even before the implementation of the cybercrime law and even without the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement. Just imagine what kind of spying can happen once the US sets up its own military communications facilities all over the country under the EDCA,” he added.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/87312/aquino-govt-must-protest-united-states-nsa-spying-on-filipinos---bayan

Philippine Army pays weapons money to aid NPA surrenderors

From the Mindanao Examiner BlogSpot site (May 21): Philippine Army pays weapons money to aid NPA surrenderors



The Philippine Army has released Wednesday close to P900, 000 as payments for weapons surrendered by at least 8 dozen communist rebels in Mindanao, officials said.

The funding came from the military’s Guns for Peace Program which aims to lure members of the New People’s Army to surrender peacefully and rejoin society on top of various government livelihood assistance.

At least 97 rebels who surrendered in separate groups and individually last month were gathered and presented to Philippine military chief Gen. Emmanuel Bautista in Prosperidad town in Agusan del Sur province. Bautista was in the province to accept the rebels.

Bautista was accompanied by Lt. Gen. Ricardo Rainier Cruz III, commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command; and Maj. Gen. Ricardo Visaya, commander of the 4th Infantry Division.

Army spokesman Capt. Alberto Caber said among those who surrendered were two women. He said majority of the rebels were local tribesmen recruited by the NPA to fight the government and that about a dozen of them had been joined the rebel group in their teens.

He said some P4.2 million in aid had been released the past 9 months by the Eastern Mindanao Command to 204 NPA rebels who surrendered under the so-called Pagbabalik Loob Program.

Cruz has urged rebels to surrender peacefully and avail of the government amnesty program so they can rejoin their family and live a peaceful life.

He also praised those who surrendered. “You can now start a new life with your loved ones and be a productive citizen in your respective communities.
Your Armed Forces is sincere in its mandate in protecting the people. The rebels are now into extortion activities, arson, and attacking innocent civilians and properties. In other words, they are now bandits, terrorists, and we expect more rebels to surrender,” he said.

There was no immediate statement from the NPA on the surrender of its members. The rebel group has been waging a secessionist war for decades now in an effort to overthrow the democratic government and install a communist state in the country. Peace talks between Manila and the NPA collapsed in 2004.







Photos released by the Eastern Mindanao Command to the Mindanao Examiner regional newspaper show NPA surrenderors presented to Philippine military chief Gen. Emmanuel Bautista who was accompanied by Lt. Gen. Ricardo Rainier Cruz III, commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command; and Maj. Gen. Ricardo Visaya, commander of the 4th Infantry Division.
http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/2014/05/philippine-army-pays-weapons-money-to.html