Wednesday, July 9, 2014

No Muslim Filipinos in ISIS, Defense exec assures

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jul 9): No Muslim Filipinos in ISIS, Defense exec assures

An official from the Department of National Defense assured that there are no Islamic Filipinos who joined Jihadist group Islamic State of Iraq and Al Sham.

Speaking on condition of anonymity as he is not authorized to speak to media, the official said there are no validated reports that 200 Muslim Filipinos went to Iraq to join ISIS.

He added that the figure of 200 Muslims are not Filipinos, but Australians.

“We don’t have reports pertaining to that, there are no validated reports,” he said.

“From what I heard there are 200 Australian Muslims fighting side-by-side with ISIS.”

“The Filipinos we have there (Iraq and Syria) are overseas Filipino workers,” he explained.

He added that Filipinos in Iraq are working in government facilities and are not fighting with the Jihadists.

ISIS has plagued Iraq that resulted in the intra-Islam fighting in the country.

Also, the Defense official said the 200 number is too far-fetched as he assured that the government is strictly monitoring Filipinos leaving for Iraq.

http://globalnation.inquirer.net/107738/no-muslim-filipinos-in-isis-defense-exec-assures

AFP lauds DA Region 11 for agri projects in conflict areas

From GMA News (Jul 9): AFP lauds DA Region 11 for agri projects in conflict areas

The Department of Agriculture (DA) Region 11 received an award from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) 10th Infantry “Agila” Division (ID) recently at the Camp Manuel Yan Sr. Brgy. Tuburan Mawab, Compostela Valley Province.

Being the only national agency in the region honored with the valuable acknowledgment, 10th ID Commander Major General Ariel Bernardo awards the plaque of appreciation and recognition to Assistant Regional Director Maria Febe Orbe.
 
The AFP lauded the agency’s implementation of various agricultural projects in the 10th Infantry Agila Division’s area of responsibility which include conduct of trainings and seminars, employing practical and efficient farming techniques and methods thereby increasing farm productions and enhancing the living condition of the beneficiaries particularly the rebel returnees and their families.
 
The agency was cited as an active ally in forging peace and development especially in providing trainings to the AFP personnel.
 
With that, members of the AFP who have undertaken the trainings can disseminate and readily applied it to the people in the barangays for consumption and livelihood.
 
DA 11 assistant regional director Orbe said that AFP was grateful of the unyielding support given by the agency as a valued partner to the Divisions campaign from the period of 2013-2014 which paved the way for socio-economic development of vulnerable communities within the area of responsibility of 10th ID.
 
She added that DA-11’s initiatives enhanced the “Bayanihan” efforts for Peace and Development and greatly contributed to the success of the commands campaign.
 
 “We will continue our assistance especially to conflicted areas and we will continue our genuine commitment in public service in order to help the government achieve lasting peace,” Orbe added.
 
Also present during the awarding ceremony is Davao Oriental Agricultural Provincial Coordinator Enya Seloso who also received an individual award from the 10th ID.
 

BLMI conducts series of information campaign on Bangsamoro HRM in Basilan

From the MILF Website (Jul 10): BLMI conducts series of information campaign on Bangsamoro HRM in Basilan



The Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute (BLMI), a capability building institute funded by various prominent international non-government organizations (INGO,s) conducted series of information campaign on Bangsamoro Human Resource Mapping in different Municipalities of Basilan such as Tipo-Tipo, Lamitan, Sumisip and at Barangay Sumagdang Isabela City.
   
For easy and smooth conduct of the information campaign, there were four clusters organized in Basilan.  On July 1, 2014, human resource mapping information drive was held at Tipo-Tipo Municipality where the municipalities are Albaraka, Ungkaya Pukan & Tipo-Tipo where merged into one cluster. Cluster two (2) includes Tuburan, Akbar, Muhammad Ajul Municipalities including Lamitan City where the activity was held on July 3, while cluster three (3) was held in Sumisip on July 4. It included Tabuan-Lasa Municipality.   Cluster four (4) was conducted on July 7 at Geras Village Barangay Sumagdang, Isabela City. It is composed of the municipalities Maluso, Lantawan and Muhtamad.

In the opening message Tony Sakkalahul, Regional Manager of BDA ZamBas said "The inventory of the Bangsamoro professionals is so crucial in preparation for the upcoming Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) in 2015".

In his message, Majid Nur, BLMI Steering Committee member reminded the participants that Bangsomoro professional human resource mapping is not an opportunity for jobs but rather a database so that in the event that the Bangsamoro needs a particular specialization it would be easy to locate and identify who that person is.

Registrants trooped to the venues where more than 100 individuals signed on the official form. Target participants were put at 80 but with information drive made live on the air through the BTC on-the-Air Program many got interested and showed up.
Enlightened by different groups and BTC-partner NGOs tasked to undertake information drive, more individuals are expected to register through the standard form or the wwwbangsamoroprofessional.org website. Bangsamoro professionals are hopeful that they can also avail of scholarships offered to Bangsamoros in prestigious universities in the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Japan, Malaysia, etc.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/1080-blmi-conducts-series-of-information-campaign-on-bangsamoro-hrm-in-basilan

Chairman Murad thanks Indonesia for sending new contingent with IMT

From the MILF Website (Jul 9): Chairman Murad thanks Indonesia for sending new contingent with IMT



Camp Darapanan: The highest leader of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, profoundly thanked the Government of Indonesia and its people for its continuing significant role with the International Monitoring Team (IMT).
   
Chairman Murad expressed this during the Courtesy Call of the new Indonesian contingent with IMT to the MILF Central Committee here at his Administrative Headquarters in Camp Darapanan, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao.

“In behalf of the MILF and your brothers and sisters Bangsamoro, we convey to the Government of Indonesia and our beloved Indonesian brothers and sisters our deepest gratitude for the unfaltering commitment and support for the aspirations of the Bangsamoro for lasting peace, justice and self-governance in the ongoing peace process with the Government of the Philippines,” Murad stressed.

For more than four decades of the Bangsamoro struggle, Indonesia has been a staunch supporter to achieve the aspiration of all the people for peace, equality, justice and freedom from oppression and tyranny.

The sending of the third batch of Indonesian IMT contingent, the MILF leadership cited as manifestation of the robust commitment to help in ensuring the success of the GPH – MILF Peace Process, which was capped by the signing of the historic and highly-celebrated GPH – MILF Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) last March 27, 2014 in Malacanang Palace.

This third batch, 9-man Indonesian contingent, is headed by His Excellency Colonel Pribadi Jatmiko of the Indonesian Army for a year-long tour of duty. Late last month, the second batch of IMT Indonesians headed by His Excellency Col Erwin made an Exit Call to the MILF leadership through the Office of the Chief of Staff, Sammy al Mansoor, of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF).

IMT is mandated to monitor on the ground the implementation of the ceasefire, socio-economic, rehabilitation, development, humanitarian and civilian protection agreements of the government and MILF.

The MILF leadership stressed the IMT as core pillar of the ceasefire accord of the GPH – MILF Peace Process, adding “the IMT must stay and its mandate strengthened in the progression of the peace process.”

The 36-man IMT Batch 9 is headed by His Excellency MGen Dato’ Abdul Samad bin Yaakub of Malaysia and is also composed of contingents from the Governments of Brunei, Japan and Norway. 

Indonesia chairs the Peace Committee established by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to find a solution to the problem in southern region between the government of the Philippines and the Bangsamoro.

In the recent meeting of the OIC in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the leadership of the MILF and the MNLF met, wherein the MNLF delegation acknowledged the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) as a solution to the aspirations of the Bangsamoro for peace, justice, and genuine self-governance.

The MILF leadership cited the CAB as the reaffirmation of all the gains of the Peace Processes and Agreements between the GPH and the MILF and MNLF, even as they assured the incorporation of the provisions of the 1976 Tripoli Agreement and the Jakarta Accord that resulted to the GPH – MNLF Final Peace Agreement of 1996 in the GPH – MILF CAB and in the Bangsamoro Transition Commission Proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) that was submitted to Malacanang Palace in April this year.

However, the MILF Central Committee expressed some concerns prompted by the changes and revisions on the BTC proposed BBL submitted by the government on the basis of the review of the government legal team.    

Both the government and MILF Peace Negotiating Panels are now in Kuala Lumpur for talks being facilitated by the Malaysian Third Party Facilitator to discuss the issues and concerns surrounding the BBL.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/1079-chairman-murad-thanks-indonesia-for-sending-new-contingent-with-imt

In Escalante: NPA claims bombing

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jul 10): In Escalante: NPA claims bombing

The Roselyn Pelle Command of the New People's Army Northern Negros Guerilla Front has claimed responsibility for the bombing of the Lopez Sugar Corp, transloading station in Brgy. Mabini, Escalante City, stressing that it failed to comply with its obligation to pay revolutionary taxes.
 
Cecil Estrella, spokesperson of the RPC, said in a statement it furnished the DAILY STAR, that the assault at the transloading station, turned out to be a success despite “massive military operations” of the Philippine Army in northern Negros, as the NPA controlled the whole area in just matter of minutes.
 
This was the second time that NPA rebels have destroyed the facilities of the sugar mill, where the suspects used Improvised Explosive Devices or homemade bombs, police investigations showed.
 
Estrella said it was not simple diversionary tactics of a weakened force of the RPC-NPA, contrary to the claims of Lt. Col. Cordova, 62 nd Infantry Battalion commander, but a stronger force capable of implementing its political authority anytime in northern Negros.
 
Gov. Alfredo MaraƱon had earlier called on the management of sugar mills and other firms in Negros Occidental not to the give in to rebels' extortion activities.
 
Estrella said the rebel unit tasked to stage the raid, ensured that not a single civilian was hurt, while using the “command-detonated explosives”, the use of which is justified under the Ottawa Treaty.
 
Damaged by the explosions were a crane and the core sampler laboratory, that is used to determine the quality of the sugarcane, a platform weighing scale, while a gas pump station was riddled with bullets by rebels, police investigations also showed.
 
On March 16, 2008, the NPA also burned and destroyed the transloading stations of Lopez Sugar Central and Victorias Milling Company in Brgy. San Jose, Toboso.
 

PHL ASW helicopters to be armed with torpedoes, air-to-surface missiles

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 10): PHL ASW helicopters to be armed with torpedoes, air-to-surface missiles

The Department of National Defense (DND), in its supplemental bid bulletin, announced that the anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopters it will be getting for the Philippine Navy (PN) will be armed with state-of-the-art torpedoes and air-to-surface missiles.

However, it declined to comment on the weapons' exact specifications for reasons of security.

But it added that interested bidders must ensure that these systems are compatible with the torpedo and air-to-surface missiles the PN is acquiring for its frigates.

The DND's ASW project is worth P5.4 billion.

Other specifications of the ASW project include:

-Endurance of at least two hours in ASW configuration;

-Range of 240 nautical miles in full ASW configuration;

-Must provide individual crew stations for pilots and operational crew to safely operate necessary sensor and equipment during ASW and ASUW (anti-surface warfare) operations. Nevertheless, suppliers may present other options which are responsive to the requirements based on modern technologies being applied in other foreign navies;

-Shall be fitted with an automatic/main rotor blade fold system (if four bladed) and/or tail pylon fold system if longer than the ship's helicopter hangar;

-Identification Friend or Foe (IFF)/Selective Identification Feature (SIF);

-Portable downlink receiver, at least one unit brand-new unit per helicopter, must be ready to be installed in any surface ship or ground station specified by Philippine Navy (PN), and must be interoperable with the installed data link system of the ASW helicopter.

Bid opening and submission for the ASW helicopter is at July 15.

Money for the two ASW helicopters will be sourced from Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Trust Fund.

Acquisition of the two ASW helicopters is under the Medium Term Development Capability Plan for 2013 to 2017.

The contract includes munition, mission essential equipment, and integrated logistic support.

Winning bidders must be able to deliver the aircraft within 730 calendar days.

The PN earlier announced that it is looking at the possibility of acquiring the AW-159 "Wildcat" as its ASW helicopters.

The Navy is in the market for two ASW helicopters.

This is part of the country's Medium Term Defense Acquisition List for the next four years.

The ASW choppers will be assigned to the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PF-15) and BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16).

The AW-159 (previously called the Future Lynx and Lynx Wildcat) is an improved version of the Westland Super Lynx military helicopter.

The AW-159 will serve in the battlefield utility, search and rescue and anti-surface warfare roles.

The helicopter has been ordered for the Royal Navy and British Army.

It is to enter service with the British Army in 2014 and with the Royal Navy in 2015.

It has a crew of two, has a maximum speed of 291 km/h (181 mph), range of 777 km (483 miles), ferry range of 963 km (598 miles) and an endurance of one and a-half hours (fours hours and 30 minutes if fitted with auxiliary fuel)

The AW-159 is fitted with forward firing CRV7 rockets and machine guns, pintle mounted machine gun, Sea Skua missiles and Sting-Ray torpedoes and depth charges.

The acquisition process for these ASW helicopters is expected to go on full gear once the PN completes its five AW-109 order deal from AgustaWestland by the third quarter of 2014.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=661220

Soldiers capture rebel weapons in Northern Samar operations

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 10): Soldiers capture rebel weapons in Northern Samar operations

Field units of the Catbalogan-based 8th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army recovered four rebel weapons and assorted ammunition during operations conducted in Barangay Acedillo, Victoria, Northern Samar at dawn of Tuesday.

Major Amado Gutierrez, the unit spokesperson, reported on Thursday that troopers from the 63rd Infantry Battalion were conducting patrol operations in the area when they were fired upon by a group of New People's Army (NPA) rebels.

The soldiers retaliated, causing the rebels to flee, leaving behind two .38 caliber hand guns, two homemade shotguns and assorted ammunition.

No casualties were sustained by the government troopers.

Meanwhile, a certain Ronald Francisco, alias “Gaga,” believed to be among the NPA rebels encountered by the government troops, was arrested and placed under the custody of the Victoria town police for further investigation.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=661277

NPA rebels kill Zambales town security aide

From the Manila Times (Jul 9): NPA rebels kill Zambales town security aide

CAMP OLIVAS, Pampanga: Three members of the New Peoiple’s Army shot to death a security aide at the Masinloc town hall in Zambales on Monday.

Central Luzon Police Regional Director Chief Supt. Raul Petrasanta identified the victim as Antonio Estella, 64, of Purok Yakal II, Barangay Baloganon.

Investigation showed Estella was eating lunch at an eatery along National Highway when the suspects arrived and shot him at the back.

Witnesses said the suspects walked casually after the shooting. Police recovered four spent shells of a cal .45 and two slugs.

http://www.manilatimes.net/npa-rebels-kill-zambales-town-security-aide/110248/

54 NPA rebels surrender in Bukidnon

From the Manila Times (Jul 10): 54 NPA rebels surrender in Bukidnon

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon: Another batch of 54 fully armed rebels of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) surrendered to the military here on Wednesday afternoon, the military said on Thursday.

Army Maj. Christian Uy, the spokesperson of the army’s Cagayan De Oro City based 4th Infantry Division, said that the rebels belonged to the NPA’s Guerilla Front 34 and Guerilla Front 4B.

He said that of the 54 who surrendered, 10 were regular NPA members while the 43 others, including 2 amazons, were members of the Barrio Revolutionary Committees and “Militia Ng Bayan” (Village militiamen), all members of the Indigenous People of the Umayamnon Tribe.

Uy said that the former NPA rebels received a total of P 315,000 from the governments “guns for peace program” as remuneration for the 54 assorted firearms they have surrendered to the military.

He said that Maj. Gen. Ricardo Visaya, commander of the army’s 4th Infantry Division, distributed the checks with the assistance of provincial administrator Nestor Cajes who represented Governor Jose Maria Zubiri of Bukidnon.

In his welcome message, Visaya urged the former rebels to “to work hand-in-hand together with all the people in Bukidnon in solving the insurgency situation through peaceful resolutions of conflicts.”

For his part, Cajes said that Gov. Zubiri has expressed his gratitude to the NPA rebels who decided to return to the mainstream society and promised that the provincial government would extend assistance in addition to the AFP remuneration.

“The government, especially the province of Bukidnon, will provide additional support on top of the guns for peace program of the AFP to you as a fresh start of your life back with your family in your communities,” Cajes said.

The surrender of the NPA rebels took place a week after the people in Bukidnon held condemnation rallies against the NPA rebels for killing town Mayor Mario T. Okinlay of Impasug-ong, Bukidnon.

The North Central Mindanao Region command of the communist NPA claimed responsibility in the killing of Okinlay whom they accused of working closely with the military in the anti-insurgency drive in Impasug-ong, Bukidnon.

http://www.manilatimes.net/54-npa-rebels-surrender-in-bukidnon/110423/

200 Muslim militants from Mindanao joining ISIS – reports

From the Manila Bulletin (Jul 9): 200 Muslim militants from Mindanao joining ISIS – reports

Authorities are looking into reports that 200 Muslim militants have slipped out of Mindanao to join the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) fighting in Syria and Iraq.

An expert on terrorism in Mindanao who spoke on condition of anonymity said he had learned of the “raw” reports which are still subject to validation by military and police intelligence units.

The reports said the militants left Mindanao for Somalia to join others at a staging point for groups seeking to join ISIS forces in the Middle East, the expert said.

ISIS, also known as the Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL), is headed by its self-proclaimed leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, who holds a PhD in Islamic studies.

The extremist group now controls a large area on the borders of Iraq and Syria which it declared a Muslim Caliphate.

Through a video, the ISIS leader called on all Muslims around the world to join his group and obey him as the leader.

According to reports, the 200 Muslim militants who allegedly slipped out from Mindanao may be members of the Khalifa Islamiyah Mindanao (KIM), a terrorist group that uses a black flag similar to the ISIS emblem.

KIM members are said to be idealistic young Moro fighters who were hosted by the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), the group that broke away from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

But a security official, also speaking on condition of anonymity, dismissed the reports of Muslims from Mindanao joining the ISIS.

“What I heard is that there are 200 Australian Muslims who are fighting side by side with ISIS, that’s Australian Muslims, no Flipinos,” he said.

He said there are many Filipinos in both Syria and Iraq but they are overseas Filipino workers employed in government facilities.

“They are not fighting with the rebels. Wala tayong Muslim galing dito na pumunta doon to fight alongside with the rebels,” he said.

The reports about the militants travelling to the Middle East came days after a Malaysian newspaper reported about the existence of four new terrorist organizations aiming to establish an Islamic Caliphate in Southeast Asia that would include Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, southern Thailand and southern Philippines.

Malaysia’s New Straits Times claimed the new groups, which mutated from terror cells such as the Jemaah Islamiyah and the Kumpulan Mujahidin Malaysia, have embarked on aggressive recruitment drive for members.

http://www.mb.com.ph/200-muslim-militants-from-mindanao-joining-isis-reports/

CPP/Ang Bayan: NPA-NEMR maintains initiative in battle

From the English language edition of the CPP propaganda publication Ang Bayan (Jul 7): NPA-NEMR maintains initiative in battle

The New People’s Army (NPA) in Northeastern Mindanao Region (NEMR) continues to maintain the initiative in battle in the face of intensified military operations by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in the region since January, with the AFP adding three battalions to the five battalions originally deployed to NEMR.

According to Ka Maria Malaya, spokesperson of the National Democratic Front-NEMR, 44 out of the 50 firefights that occurred in the region from January to June were initiated by the NPA and only six were initiated by the enemy.

The enemy suffered 77 casualties in these gunbattles (39 killed and 38 wounded). On the other hand, seven were martyred and seven wounded on the NPA side.

In the latest battlefield reports from NEMR, three elements of the 26th IB were wounded in separate harassment operations conducted by two NPA teams in the adjacent barangays of Ararat and San Juan in Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur on June 16 and 17.

[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/20140707/npa-nemr-maintains-initiative-in-battle

CPP/Ang Bayan: 4 soldiers killed in Albay

From the English language edition of the CPP propaganda publication Ang Bayan (Jul 7): 4 soldiers killed in Albay

Four elements of the Philippine Army 9th Infantry Division were killed by Red fighters of the New People’s Army (NPA) in separate ambuscades launched in Daraga town and Ligao City. The NPA seized two cal .45 pistols from these gunbattles.

Two soldiers from the 9th Recon Coy were killed after being waylaid by an NPA team in Barangay Busac, Ligao City as they were on the way to their camp in Barangay Oma-oma in the same city at 4 p.m. of June 28. The Red fighters seized a cal .45 pistol.

Earlier, another NPA team ambushed elements of the 9th ID Civil Military Operation (CMO) in Sitio Banasian, Barangay San Ramon, Daraga on June 16, killing a sergeant and a soldier and seizing another cal .45 pistol.

Meanwhile, in Sorsogon, the 31st IB suffered at least three casualties in a CDX operation by Red guerrillas under th Celso Minguez Command in Barangay Fabrica, Barcelone on June 21.

[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/20140707/4-soldiers-killed-in-albay

CPP/Ang Bayan: AFP suffers 29 casualties in Southern Mindanao

From the English language edition of the CPP propaganda publication Ang Bayan (Jul 7): AFP suffers 29 casualties in Southern Mindanao

Thirteen soldiers were killed and 16 wounded in successive military actions launched by the Comval-North Davao-South Agusan Subregional Command and the Comval-Davao East Coast Subregional Command of the New People’s Army (NPA) on June 20, 22 and 30 in Compostela Valley, Davao del Norte and Davao Oriental.

Davao del Norte. NPA Red fighters thwarted an attempt by 72nd IB troops to encircle them by deploying command-detonated explosives on attacking soldiers in Sitio Mabuhay, Barangay Dacudao, San Isidro at around 6 a.m. of June 22. A soldier was killed and three others wounded. An NPA member was martyred in this firefight.

Compostela Valley. Two elements of the 25th IB were killed and one other soldier wounded in a CDX operation by an NPA unit in Sitio Saog, Barangay San Isidro, Monkayo at around 5:30 a.m. of June 20. Four hours later, two other troops from the same battalion were wounded in a CDX operation by Red fighters in Sitio Anagase, Barangay Casoonof the same town.

At 3 p.m. of June 22, Red guerrillas launched another CDX operation, killing five elements of the 46th IB and wounding four others in Barangay Ampawid in Laak town.

These military actions were conducted in the face of an intensified counterrevolutionary campaign in the area by the AFP Eastern Mindanao Command in the second half of June. Nine AFP platoons launched military operations in Laak and six other platoons in Monkayo. Military forces were also dispatched to almost all barangays in Veruela and three platoons sent to Loreto in Agusan del Sur, while three other platoons were sent to Kapalong, Davao del Norte.

The heightened military operation comes on the heels of the killing by AFP elements of civilians Wilfredo Estrebillo and Flaviano Morales in Davao del Norte this June.
Davao Oriental. Five soldiers under the 67th IB were killed and six others wounded in a CDX operation by Red fighters of the Comval-Davao East Coast Subregional Command in Barangay Aliwagwag, Cateel at around 10 a.m. of June 30. The soldiers were then on patrol.

The abusive 67th IB troops are protectors of destructive large-scale loggers in the province. Despite the massive devastation of typhoon Pablo in Davao Oriental in 2012, large-scale logging goes on unabated in the remaining forests. Bureaucrat capitalists in the area like Gov. Corazon Malanyaon and Rep. Elmer Dayanghirang also support large-scale logging in the province. Cateel mayor Camilo NuƱez himself is a big logger.

[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/20140707/afp-suffers-29-casualties-in-southern-mindanao

CPP/Ang Bayan: “Davao terror plot” is a US concoction

From the English language edition of the CPP propaganda publication Ang Bayan (Jul 7): “Davao terror plot” is a US concoction

The US government engineered Benigno Aquino III’s July 1 announcement of an imminent terrorist attack on Davao City. Clearly, the objective of such an announcement is to justify growing US military presence and intervention in Davao City under the “war against terror.”

Aquino’s announcement that a certain Abdul Basit Usman would be bombing installations in Davao City was met with criticism, as this was followed by the massive deployment of police and military forces outside city limits and restrictions on the people’s movements. After a few days, MalacaƱang was forced to take back its “terror attack” claims, saying the information was raw.

In a statement, National Democratic Front-Southern Mindanao Region spokesperson Comrade Rubi del Mundo said that Aquino’s announcement served no other purpose than to justify the use of Davao City as a launching pad for the “war against terror” and the entry of American troops under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).

The EDCA is a new military agreement signed by the US and the Aquino regime allowing the US military to set up bases and facilities in the Philippines within AFP camps. It grants the US the right to build infrastructure, store weapons, receive an unlimited number of American soldiers and launch military operations, among others.

By concocting a scenario of “terrorist attacks” on Davao City, the US military and Aquino wanted to compel Mayor Rodrigo Duterte to allow the massive presence of US soldiers in the city. Mayor Duterte had several times expressed his opposition to the entry of American troops and the construction of military facilities and bases in his city under EDCA.

The US military had earlier announced the closure of the Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines (JSOTF-P) headquarters within Camp Navarro in Zamboanga City. From 700 forces, the US military estimates that only 30 personnel would remain by the end of the year.

In fact, under EDCA, a considerably bigger number of US soldiers will be able to stay in the Philippines in various AFP camps nationwide.

Meanwhile, progressive groups led by BAYAN rallied on July 4 in front of the US Embassy in Manila to protest the EDCA. The protest was timed to coincide with the anniversary of bogus Philippine independence and formed part of the growing opposition to the EDCA since its signing in April.

Three separate petitions against the agreement are currently pending at the Supreme Court. The petitioners are demanding that the agreement be declared unconstitutional and that its implementation be stopped immediately. They said that the EDCA is grossly lopsided in favor of US interests and violates Philippine sovereignty and the laws and processes of the Philippine government.

[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/20140707/davao-terror-plot-is-a-us-concoction

CPP/NPA: Six fascist troops killed, 2 HPRs seized in NPA ambush vs. 84th IB in Davao City

NPA propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Jul 9): Six fascist troops killed, 2 HPRs seized in NPA ambush vs. 84th IB in Davao City
Logo.bhb
Isabel Fermiza
Spokesperson
NPA Mt. Apo Sub-Region Sub-regional Command
 
New People’s Army members under the Mt. Apo Sub-regional Command lured company-sized soldiers of the 84th Infantry Battalion-10th Infantry Division to the guerrilla hideout in Purok 1, Baracatan, Toril district, Davao City. And when the fascist troops came on July 8 at 1:30 pm, Red fighters merely sidestepped and mounted an ambush position.

The NPA’s surprise attack killed six fascist troops and injured another six. After the one-hour firefight, the NPA also confiscated from the AFP unit one stag ARM bushmaster and one m203 grenade launcher, two military packs, two vests, two link ammunition of K3 machine gun, and one gps.

The NPA’s successful tactical offensive in Toril, Davao City disproved hallucinations of AFP’s 10th Infantry Division commanding-general Maj. Gen. Ariel Bernardo who boasted last week that the NPA forces are thinning out, losing ground, and limited to merely seven towns in Davao del Norte and Compostela Valley provinces. The successful ambush also refuted AFP claims late last year that their Peace and Development Outreach Program (PDOP) made headways in Toril and the contiguous Sta. Cruz town, enough to make these areas “NPA-free.”

Bernardo’s self-serving claims of accomplishment are merely to justify the huge and heavily purloined AFP budget and the funds funneled from mining and capitalists that finance the ongoing massive military operations in Southern Mindanao. Up to now, the AFP has failed to wipe out any single guerrilla front in the region and to prevent the NPA from forming more fighting and fully-armed platoons. The AFP has failed to stop Red fighters from persevering, prevailing, expanding and consolidating its mass base. The NPA vigorously implements social welfare services, the minimum program of revolutionary land reform, and revolutionary justice in its guerrilla bases and zones, thus enabling it to maintain and sustain its operations.

The AFP has miserably failed not only to debilitate the fighting capacity of the NPA but also failed to ease the discontent of the masses. The AFP’s dismal record contains increasing head count not of NPA members but of civilian victims of extra-judicial killings, torture and intimidation. On the other hand, the NPA’s successful tactical offensive in Toril, Davao City was not only due to its mastery in guerilla warfare, but also due to the wide and warm support of the masses who are not fooled by the AFP’s PDOP.

The undeniable reality is that the masses in the hinterland areas of Davao City and numerous parts in Southern Mindanao region and boundaries suffer from extreme poverty and have found no solace, relief or solution in the AFP’s PDOP. The masses barely survive from the exorbitant costs of rice and staple food, electricity and other basic services amid the continued onslaught of the economic crisis. They cherish the people’s army and are angered by the fascism of the 10th ID-AFP troops, its sham peace and development, and its loyalty towards the thieving and corrupt US-Aquino regime.

The AFP and the regime cannot stop the tactical offensives launched here and in other territories nationwide, nor can it impede the mounting pressure to oust Benigno Aquino, III from his throne. Its massive infusion of battle-weary troops and fascist soldiers in the region makes it even more isolated from the masses and can only lead to abject futility.

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20140709_six-fascist-troops-killed-2-hprs-seized-in-npa-ambush-vs-84th-ib-in-davao-city

200 fighters of BIFF join Iraqi rebels

From the Manila Standard Today (Jul 10): 200 fighters of BIFF join Iraqi rebels

The Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters has reportedly sent a company of warriors in war-torn Iraq to fight alongside Muslim militants against the Iraqi government.

BIFF leader Samer Samsudin said on Wednesday that around 200 Muslim militants from their ranks left the country last week in a “do or die” mission to fight alongside the rebels from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant known as ISIS which had been waging a major offensive against the Iraqi government.

“We have sent 200 of our warriors to Iraq to help our fellow Muslims,” Samsudin said.

He identified the leader of the BIFF delegation as Abu Muhsen Abubakar.

According to Samsudin, the BIFF members who went to Iraq were able to slip out of the country from their hideout in Maguindanao by using the country’s backdoor to Malaysia, where they boarded a plane bound to the Middle East.

“The BIFF warriors are now on their sixth day in Iraq. The group reports directly to rebel leader Mohamad Husin Aljabouree,” he added.

The fighting in Iraq has escalated in the past few days after militants from the Takfiri ISIL terrorist group took control of large swaths of the country.  The clashes between the rebels and the Iraqi government troops already killed 2,461 people since June.

The decision to send BIFF warriors to Iraq was reportedly approved by the group’s leaders, led by Umbra Kato during a consensus meeting, Samsudin said.

He added that the weapons being used by the BIFF in Iraq are being supplied by Iraqi rebels.

But military sources said they have not monitored information of the BIFF sending members to Iraq.

“That’s not accurate, we don’t have any information on that,” the source said.

A separate source, however, said that 200 Australian Muslims were currently fighting Iraqi government forces alongside the ISIS.

The source added that no Filipinos were involved in the fighting, but there are overseas Filipino workers working in Iraqi government facilities.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2014/07/10/200-fighters-of-biff-join-iraqi-rebels/

No terrorists in sight, but Davao military catches alleged pusher, snatcher

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 9): No terrorists in sight, but Davao military catches alleged pusher, snatcher

While the primary targets are suspected terrorists, military soldiers instead collared a suspected illegal drug pusher and a snatcher in separate operation at the checkpoint and during foot patrols, which were part of the city’s security measures against terrorism.

On July 8 at around 4:30am at the vicinity of Licanan, Barangay Lasang in Bunawan district, this city, Task Force Davao (TFD) personnel apprehended a certain Darwin Sato Tabuno, 25 years old, single, resident of Bunaply and laborer of Unifruti Company for possessing five (5) grams of a white powdered substance suspected to be shabu estimated to cost P40,000 and paraphernalia.

In a flash report from Capt. Mario Tena, spokesperson of TFD, said TFD personnel discovered the shabu and shabu paraphernalia while they were conducting the usual checks of all vehicles and persons on board the motorcycle. Tabuno was on board his motorcycle Honda red XRM bearing plate number LK2603 that was also flagged down for checking.

Likewise, the TFD collared a robbery/hold-up suspect while conducting foot patrol along the busy street of Anda.

According to TFD commander Col. Alberto Macairog, the patrolling soldiers were responding to a call for help from the victim, Erlinda Angot, 64 years old and vendor along Anda Street.

The soldiers chased and caught the suspect identified as Gregory Lozano Saraka, 33 years old and resident of Boulevard, this city.

Both Tabuno and Saraka were turned over to Bunawan Police Precinct and San Pedro Police Precinct, respectively for proper disposition.

It may be recalled that the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Task Force Davao and other military units have strictly enforced security measures in strategic areas, particularly entry and exit points after Mayor Rodrigo Duterte ordered a heightened alert upon receiving information on terror threat.

Although President Benigno Aquino III had clarified the information was raw, all security forces have continued to enforce security measures in the city.

Duterte had said it is better to be prepared against any terror threat real or not.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=660921

PMA entrance exam set

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 9): PMA entrance exam set
 
The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) will once again accept applications for cadetship in the country’s premier military school.

The PMA examination is set on August 3, 2014.

Applicants must be Filipino citizens, single, not pregnant and should have no legal obligation to support a child or children.

They should be born between April 1, 1993 and April 1 1998 and at least, a high school graduate.

High school applicants who are younger than 17 yrs old or those who will turn 16 on April 1, 2015 will also be allowed to take the examination but will be processed for admission as soon as he or she turns 17.

Applicants may send their letters to the Human Resource Management Office, Philippine Military Academy, Fort del Pilar, Baguio City through the Philippine Postal Services, courier services, or on-line.

Walk-in applicants will already be given an examination provided his application form is complete and if the examination paraphernalia is available.

Thirty seven testing areas will be established around the country which will include Manila, Quezon City, Baguio City, Laoag City, Dagupan City, Tuguegarao City, Cabanatuan City, Tarlac City, San Fernando City (Pampanga), Puerto Princessa, Legazpi, Naga City, Bacolod, Calapan, Lipa, Lucena, Iloilo, Cebu, Dumaguete, Catbalogan, Cagayan de Oro, Ozamis, Davao, General Santos, Tacurong, Iligan, Bontoc (Mt. Province), Bayombong (Nueva Vizcaya), Jolo (Sulu), Basco (Batanes) and Bongao (Tawi-tawi).

Deadline for application is on July 25, 2014.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=661040

6 troopers wounded in Davao City encounter with rebels

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 9): 6 troopers wounded in Davao City encounter with rebels

The Eastern Mindanao Command on Wednesday announced that five police officers and a soldier were wounded following an encounter with New People's Army (NPA) rebels in a mountainous area of Davao City Tuesday afternoon.

The incident took place around 1:40 p.m. at the vicinity of Talomo Mountain which is located at the upper portions of Barangays Baracatan and Catigan, Toril District, said Capt. Alberto Caber, Eastern Mindanao Command spokesperson.

He said that around 30 NPA fighters fired on Special Action Force (SAF) operatives and 84th Infantry Battalion troopers conducting combat operations in the area.

Five SAF men and a soldier were wounded in the 30-minute firefight.

Caber said the rebels immediately retreated after taking an undetermined number of casualties.

All wounded personnel were quickly taken to the nearest hospital for treatment.

Pursuit operations against the rebel group are still ongoing.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=660819

DND bares technical specifications of P5.4-B ASW helicopter project

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 9): DND bares technical specifications of P5.4-B ASW helicopter project

The Department of National Defense (DND), in a supplemental bid bulletin, has revealed the technical specifications of its P5.4-billion anti-submarine warfare (ASW) helicopter project.

These include:

* Endurance of at least two hours in ASW configuration.

* Range of 240 nautical miles in full ASW configuration.

* Must provide individual crew stations for pilots and operational crew to safely operate necessary sensor/equipment during ASW and ASUW (anti-surface warfare) operations. Nevertheless, suppliers may present other options which are responsive to the requirements based on modern technologies being applied in other foreign navies.

* Shall be fitted with an automatic/main rotor blade fold system (if four bladed) and/or tail pylon fold system if longer than the ship's helicopter hangar.

* Identification Friend or Foe (IFF)/Selective Identification Feature (SIF).

* Portable downlink receiver, at least one brand-new unit per helicopter, must be ready to be installed in any surface ship or ground station specified by the Philippine Navy (PN), and must be interoperable with the installed data link system of the ASW helicopter.

Bid opening and submission for the ASW helicopter is set on July 15.p>Money for the two ASW helicopters will be sourced from the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Trust Fund.

Acquisition of the two ASW helicopters is under the Medium Term Development Capability Plan for 2013 to 2017.

The contract includes munition, mission essential equipment, and integrated logistic support.

Winning bidders must be able to deliver the aircraft within 730 calendar days.

The PN earlier announced that it is looking at the possibility of acquiring the AW-159 "Wildcat" as its ASW helicopters.

The Navy is in the market for two ASW helicopters.

This is part of the country's Medium Term Defense Acquisition List for the next four years.

The ASW choppers will be assigned to the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PF-15) and BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16).

The AW-159 (previously called the Future Lynx and Lynx Wildcat) is an improved version of the Westland Super Lynx military helicopter.

The AW-159 will serve in the battlefield utility, search-and-rescue and anti-surface warfare roles.

The helicopter has been ordered for the Royal Navy and British Army.

It is to enter service with the British Army in 2014 and with the Royal Navy in 2015.

It has a crew of two, a maximum speed of 291 km/h (181 mph), range of 777 km (483 miles), ferry range of 963 km (598 miles) and an endurance of one-and-a-half hours (fours hours and 30 minutes if fitted with auxiliary fuel tank).

The AW-159 is fitted with forward firing CRV7 rockets and machine guns, pintle mounted machine gun, Sea Skua missiles and Sting-Ray torpedoes and depth charges.

The acquisition process for these ASW helicopters is expected to go on full gear once the PN completes its five AW-109 order deal from AgustaWestland by the third quarter of 2014.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=660834

Army units clears landslide in Lanao del Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 9): Army units clears landslide in Lanao del Sur

Troopers from the 51st Infantry Battalion have aided the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in clearing a landslide that struck Lanao del Sur Sunday night.

This took place at the vicinity of Barangay Bubongaranao, Calanugas town, reports forwarded Wednesday by Capt. Franco Suelto, 1st Infantry Division spokesperson, said.

The incident was caused by continuous rains in the area. It happened 9 p.m. of July 7.

Suelto added that their 51st Infantry Battalion, headed by Lt. Col. Cornelio T. Arboleda, immediately helped in the clearing operations.

He added that all their officers and men are always in the alert in order to readily assist the community in disaster response and rescue operations particularly during this rainy season.

“The 1st Infantry Division is continuously undertaking steps to improve our humanitarian assistance and disaster response capabilities. As a matter of fact, the disaster rescue and response operations is a mandated program of the Division as part of the 11 'Bayanihan' programs," Suelto concluded.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=661070

PH finalizing P2.68B air defense radar deal with Israel

From Rappler (Jul 9): PH finalizing P2.68B air defense radar deal with Israel

The project will fund the installation of radar systems in Palawan to cover the West Philippines Sea and old radar sites Lubang and Pasuquin

'BETTER TERMS': The Department of National Defense says Israel's Elta Systems offered the best terms for the country's air defense radar system. Rappler photo

'BETTER TERMS': The Department of National Defense says Israel's Elta Systems offered the best terms for the country's air defense radar system. Rappler photo

The Philippines is fast tracking the acquisition of air defense surveillance radars from Israel’s Elta Systems so it can monitor intrusions in its air space.

The project worth P2.68 billion ($62.85 million*) will fund the installation of radar systems in Palawan to cover the West Philippines Sea (South China Sea) and old radar sites Lubang Island in Occidental Mindoro and Pasuquin Air Station in Ilocos Norte. The radar systems cover a 350-nautical mile radius.

“Palawan is a new location but even the old ones have to be restored or we have to build new basing facilities. This is part of the overall capability upgrade. Even without the incidents that came in recent years, this was already programmed,” Defense Undersecretary Eduardo Batac told reporters on Wednesday, July 9, after a meeting of the Bids and Awards Committee to discuss the project.

Batac said they are now determining the the proposed values to specific deliverables in the government-to-government project. Aside from the radar systems, the project includes the construction of radar platforms, communication systems, tests, and provision of spare parts.

Technical specifications were discussed during the pre-negotiation stage although Batac said this has to be formalized. Limited details were divulged to the media. The committee held an executive session following a discussion of the proposed values.

Batac gave assurances that Israel offered “better terms” than other proponents of the project.

The project is part of the capability upgrade of the Philippine Air Force, which is also acquiring a squadron of fighter jets from South Korea, long range patrol aircrafts, and anti-submarine helicopters, among other brand new air assets.

The Philippines has one remaining radar system at the Wallace air station in San Fernando, La Union, leaving its Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) practically unprotected. The radar system there also has limited range and is no longer fully operational.

"Your radars are supposed to be 24/7 facilities for purposes of detection against intrusions into our air space," Batac said.

The Philippines had first rate air defense capabilities from the 1950s until the early 1990s when radar systems were in place as well as several squadrons of F-86F and fighters like F-5s.

The US, which used to maintain bases here, also complemented the country’s air defense capabilities.

“Over the years, we have lost almost all of our air defense equipment. Our fighters are old and there are no more spare parts to maintain them,” Batac said.

The first radar system is expected to be installed 22 months after the notice to proceed is issued and the letter of credit is signed.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/62841-philippines-air-defense-radar

DND returns P10-M unutilized DAP funds

From InterAksyon (Jul 9): DND returns P10-M unutilized DAP funds

A ranking source from the Department of National Defense (DND) on Wednesday revealed that the agency returned P10 million of the P665.6 million worth of "Disbursement Acceleration Program" (DAP) funds it received during fiscal year 2011-2012.

The total DAP fund the agency got was broken down as: P397.3 million for the Philippine Air Force which used the money for the upgrade of its flying facilities; P248.3 million for Presidential Security Group which utilized the fund for its communication enhancement project; and P10 million for the upgrade and rehabilitation of Army facilities in Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija.

The source said another P10 million was allocated for the housing project of the Navy, but this was not utilized as the program did not push through.

"It was returned to the National Treasury (in the last quarter of 2013) as it was not utilized," the high ranking official said.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/90832/dnd-returns-p10-m-unutilized-dap-funds

KEEP CHAIN OF COMMAND | AFP chief issues call amid corruption scandals

From InterAksyon (Jul 8): KEEP CHAIN OF COMMAND | AFP chief issues call amid corruption scandals



AFP chief of staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista during the recent 'Bayani Challenge'

As government continues to be rocked by corruption scandals, the chief of the Armed Forces called on all commanders to maintain the chain of command amid rumors of unrest in the ranks.

"All our efforts are due to our collective will as an Armed Forces. Let unity be our source of strength. Our unity of purpose and cohesiveness and strength of the chain of command is our only assurance that we will be able to face any challenge as an armed forces," General Emmanuel Bautista said after his last command conference Monday in Camp Aguinaldo.

Bautista, a member of Philippine Military Academy “Dimalupig” class of 1981, is retiring next week when he turns the mandatory age of 56.

Officially, the command conference assessed the military’s internal security operations, updates on humanitarian assistance and disaster response, the AFP Transformation Roadmap and Capability Upgrade Program, and a review of the AFP’s thrust and guidelines.

But military sources said Bautista’s “command guidance” appeared focused more on addressing possible fallout from the corruption scandals, with talk of some quarters "taking advantage of the situation to stir the organization (AFP)" into joining the public uproar.

A senior officer, who asked he noted be named since he is not authorized to speak on such matters, confirmed that the pork barrel scam as well as the Disbursement Acceleration Program, key provisions of which were declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court recently, were “hot issues” among “some quarters” of the military.

“Maybe the chief of staff has in mind to once again remind the chain of command to remain apolitical when he issued such statement," the officer said referring to Bautista’s command guidance.

Both the Department of National Defense and AFP have acknowledged that a number of projects received funding from the DAP.

In its assessment, the AFP boasted of gaining ground in waging the counterinsurgency program Oplan Bayanihan, a claim that has been disputed by communist rebels, who have become more active recently and, according to authorities, have boosted their arsenal with more than a thousand AK-47 rifles.

In the first semester of the year, the military claimed to have “neutralized” 431 communist rebels, “more than half of last year’s 701,” and most of whom surrendered.

It also said it had “cleared 101 NPA-influenced barangays which is significantly higher than last year’s 87; and recovered 310 firearms as compared to 334 last year."

"More provinces are also undergoing normalization process as 16 were set for normalization in 2013 and three more in the first quarter of 2014. Currently, 45 provinces are undergoing normalization process," it added.

On modernization efforts, "the AFP continues to gain significant developments in its capability upgrade program aimed at achieving minimum credible defense posture in the next few years in line with the AFP Modernization Program," the military said.

However, it gave no details.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/90741/keep-chain-of-command--afp-chief-issues-call-amid-corruption-scandals

PN shopping for 2 anti-submarine choppers

From InterAksyon (Jul 9): PN shopping for 2 anti-submarine choppers

The Philippines Navy is shopping around for two anti-submarine helicopters it intends to purchase before 2020.

The Department of National Defense released the detailed technical specifications for the P5.4-billion Anti-Submarine Helicopter Acquisition Project, part of the Medium Term Development Capability Plan 2013-2017 of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The acquisition of the missile and torpedo armed helicopters has become a priority after China recently deployed three Type 094 nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines to Hainan Island, its main military base in the South China Sea.

China is engaged in increasingly tense territorial disputes with Japan in the East China Sea and with the Philippines and Vietnam in the South China Sea.

Apart from the two sub-hunter choppers, the DND has also earmarked P18 billion for two new ships under the Frigate Acquisition Project, which the Philippine Navy will require to have complete weapons systems, including surface-to-surface and anti-submarine warfare capabilities.

Among the capabilities and specifications the Navy wants in its anti-submarine helicopter are:
  • Two-hour endurance time in fully armed configuration
  • 240-nautical mile range in fully armed configuration
  • Individual crew stations for the flight crew, the tactical officer and the sensor operations officer
  • Foldable main and tail rotors for storage in a shipboard hangar
  • Upgraded avionics and navigations
  • A “navalized” version capable of prolonged operation over the sea and “protected with anti-corrosion compounds that will ensure protection from salty/humid environment”
  • An airframe capable of withstanding and surviving crash impacts of at least 10g’s;
  • An IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) system
But the Navy also wants the helicopters to be capable for other missions.
Aside from these, the helicopters should be equipped with data downlink capability, enabling it to relay tactical information to ships in real-time, allowing both the aircraft and surface vessel to identify, track and “prosecute” targets.

The winning bidder must be able to deliver the helicopters within 730 calendar days and provide a separate training helicopter or “other options which are responsive to the training requirement for the operation of ASW helicopter.”

The DND has imposed strict rules for bidders, such as:
  • Bidders must show that the helicopters must be already in use by other militaries in the world
  • The supplier has a proven track record in the manufacturer of helicopters with Anti Submarine Warfare and Anti Surface Warfare
At present, the Philippine Navy has three Augusta Westland AW109E helicopters, two of which are assigned to the BRP Gregorio del Pilar and the BRP Ramon Alcaraz.

The AW109Es are used for maritime patrol and interdiction as well as for search and rescue. Two additional AW109Es are scheduled to be delivered later this year.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/90839/pn-shopping-for-2-anti-submarine-choppers

July 8, 2013 and 2014: A year later, same issues hound Bangsamoro peace process

From MindaNews (Jul 9): July 8, 2013 and 2014: A year later, same issues hound Bangsamoro peace process 

Between July 8, 2013 and July 8, 2014, the peace panels of the Philippine government (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) had accomplished so much — having signed three of the four Annexes to the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) itself – but they are back in Kuala Lumpur discussing the very same issues that hounded them last year and the rest of the 17-year old peace process.

The peace panels are in Kuala Lumpur on a three-day “special meeting” that started Tuesday, to resolve issues on the final text of the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law that President Aquino hopes “both sides will fully support and endorse” to Congress (see other story).

The MILF-led, 15-member Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) submitted to Malacanang on April 22 its draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL). Malacanang took two months to review it and handed it back to the MILF on June 21, with MILF chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim and MILF peace panel and BTC chair Mohager Iqbal raising their concerns over Malacanang’s proposed revisions during their meeting with President Aquino on June 24 in Hiroshima.

Apparently, the draft crafted by the joint GPH-MILF Commission appointed by the President, is, in its present form, not acceptable to the GPH while Malacanang’s proposed revisions to the BTC draft are not acceptable to the MILF, the other party in the negotiations.

The BTC in a resolution elevated the matter to the peace panels, hence this “special meeting” in Kuala Lumpur.

 
A year later

The “special meeting” started on July 8, exactly a year to the day the panels met in Kuala Lumpur after the May 2013 elections, to work on the Annex on Wealth-Sharing which it eventually signed after extending the July 8 to 11 talks by two more days. The Annex was signed in the early hours of July 13, coincidentally the 10th death anniversary of the MILF’s founding chair, Salamat Hashim.

The first half of 2013 was such a letdown after the euphoria over the signing of the FAB in October 2012. The FAB had both parties committing to finish the four annexes to the FAB – power-sharing, wealth-sharing, normalization, and transitional arrangements and modalities – and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro – by yearend 2012.

The panels failed to meet their own deadline.

Only one Annex was signed in February 2013– the annex on transitional arrangements. Negotiations were also affected by the crisis in Sabah between forces loyal to the Sultan of Sulu and the Malaysian security forces in February and March, and the elections in both the Philippines and Malaysia in May 2013.

The panels managed to meet in April 2013 but no annex was signed. It was only in June, after MILF chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim and President Aquino exchanged letters on the delayed talks, that a date was set for the resumption of the Malaysia-facilitated talks. The first date set was July 3 to 5 but was later moved to July 8 to 11.

In his opening statement on July 8 last year, Iqbal revealed that Murad “decided to write” President Aquino to reiterate the “unwavering commitment of the MILF to resolve the conflict peacefully” and “politely informed him (President) of the growing frustration of the people and some members of the MILF as a result of the delay of the talks.”

Iqbal said Murad explained to the President that the delay was perceived to be not coming from the side of the MILF but from the government and that the President “responded positively to the letter.”

“Major shake-up of status quo”
As chief negotiator since 2003, Iqbal then narrated that he had learned a lot of “hard lessons” and while the road ahead was still full of humps and bumps, “sincere and committed partners in peace process will always find creative formula to get through any differences.”

Iqbal also reminded everyone that “we are solving the Moro Problem or Question, not the Philippine Problem.”

“Remember that a historic injustice has been committed against the Bangsamoro, which must be corrected once and for all in order to put to rest all future legitimate struggles against the Manila government. Therefore, any solution requires a major shake-up of the status quo. A mere resort to legal remedies not founded on negotiated political settlement will not hold water,” he said.

Both parties had agreed in the April 2012 Decision Points and carried over into the FAB, that “the status quo is unacceptable” and that they would work on a new autonomous political entity in place of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), whose form of government would be ministerial.

“Above ARMM, below independence”


Iqbal also stressed that what is common in the country is a symmetrical relationship between the national government and local governments.

“It is what distinguishes the Bangsamoro from the rest of the inhabitants that we must address, and which distinctiveness we have already discovered the formula: ‘asymmetrical relationship.’ This means, the parties must find a political solution that is above the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) and below independence. If we faithfully subscribe to this formulation, the parties can move the process very fast. There would be no back-and-forth movements like what happened for the last more four months,” Iqbal said.

He explained that they rejected the ARMM because “it is not autonomous but an administrative region like the rest of the regions in the Philippines.”

“To fast-track the process, therefore, the government must not offer anything already granted to the ARMM especially by R.A. 9054 or by other legislations. For, these are givens that need no longer be negotiated on. On the other hand, the MILF must not demand anything reserved for an independent state. In order to aid them, they can learn from other models on state-substate asymmetrical relationship that are available around us,” said Iqbal.

Never again
Exactly a year later, the panels are back in Kuala Lumpur, discussing the same issues, this time on the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law, the MILF complaining that the proposed revisions of Malacanang would render the future Bangsamoro less autonomous than the present ARMM.

The “special meeting” is set to end on July 10, exactly 14 years to the day then President Joseph Estrada celebrated the government’s claimed victory over the MILF in the all-out war of 2000, a war that displaced nearly a million residents, a war that both panels have committed should not happen again.

Murad at the signing of the CAB on March 27 in Malacanang, said the CAB “finally brings with it the restoration of the identity, powers and resources of the Bangsamoro. These three things which have been ours since time immemorial, unjustly taken through colonization and occupation, are now returned to us.”

Inshaa Allah and Alhamdullillah, the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro is the ultimate solution to the undying aspiration of the Bangsamoro to have their rightful, decent and honorable standing as enjoyed by our forebears in bygone eras, and to live the present in an age of lasting peace, justice and prosperity,” he said.

In his speech at the signing of the CAB, President Aquino said: “Let us exchange our bullets for ripening fruit, our cynicism for hope, our histories of sorrow for a future of harmony, peace, and prosperity.”

“What is being presented before us now is a path that can lead to a permanent change in the status quo in Muslim Mindanao. But as with all change, its success depends on our continuous vigilance,” he said.

http://www.mindanews.com/peace-process/2014/07/09/july-8-2013-and-2014-a-year-later-same-issues-hound-bangsamoro-peace-process/

GPH, MILF in KL set up teams on power-sharing, wealth-sharing, territory

From MindaNews (Jul 9): GPH, MILF in KL set up teams on power-sharing, wealth-sharing, territory

The peace panels of the Philippine government (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) are back in Kuala Lumpur on a three-day “special meeting” that started Tuesday, breaking into teams in an attempt to settle issues related to the final text of the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law that, as President Aquino said on June 27, “both sides will fully support and endorse” to Congress.

The first day of the meeting, held at the Bellamy House, started at 9:35 a.m and ended at around 3 p.m. in deference to Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting.

Asked after the meeting if they had resolved some issues, MILF peace panel chair Mohagher Iqbal told MindaNews in a text message: “slow-paced movement.” GPH panel chair Miriam Coronel-Ferrer did not reply but Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos-Deles told MindaNews in a text message, “basta they’re talking.”

MindaNews sent another text message to Ferrer and Iqbal on Tuesday morning on how Day 1 went.

Ferrer said, “Ok naman, may naaayos” (It’s okay, some issues are being settled).

 
Iqbal replied there is a “meeting of the mind.”

“All settled and signed agreements will be upheld as well as language provided therein,” he said, but declined to elaborate.

Iqbal said the panels “created two teams on power-sharing and wealth-sharing.”

Ferrer said a third team has been created for Wednesday: the team on territory.

The teams are looking into Malacanang’s comments and proposed revisions on the BTC draft’s provisions on power-sharing, wealth-sharing and territory.

First time

It is the first time the panels are back in Kuala Lumpur after the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) on March 27, 2014.

Under the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) signed on October 12, 2012, the panels can be called upon beyond the signing of the CAB because both parties agreed that the negotiating panels “shall continue the negotiations until all issues are resolved and all agreements implemented” and that an exit agreement “officially terminating the peace negotiations may be crafted and signed by both parties if and only when all agreements have been fully implemented.”

Ferrer late Monday evening told MindaNews that the three-day “special meeting” is a “workshop” and that there would be “no speeches” when the meeting opens the next day because “di naman ito nego (this is not negotiation) but a workshop.”

In a press statement issued before she left Manila for Kuala Lumpur on Monday noon, Ferrer said the Bangsamoro Transition Commisison (BTC) in a resolution on July 3 elevated its concerns over the draft BBL to the panels “for clarification, discussion and resolution” of issues that may have been affected by the proposed revisions in the proposed BBL.

Ferrer said her panel “readily accepted the task” and together with the MILF Panel, the Malaysian Facilitator and the members of the International Contact Group, were going to meet in Kuala Lumpur “in a workshop that would thresh out the various substantive matters that have arisen from the BTC submission and the subsequent OP (Office of the President or Malacanang) review.”

She said members of the BTC will also be present “thereby ensuring close coordination and processing.”

Non-negotiables, negotiables

MILF chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim and Iqbal, MILF peace panel chair and concurrent chair of the BTC, had aired to President Aquino their concerns over the Malacanang-proposed revisions of the BTC draft during their meeting with him in Hiroshima on June 24.

The President, Ebrahim and Iqbal were speakers at The Consolidation for Peace for Mindanao (COP-6).

No details of the meeting were released except for the confirmation by Ebrahim that they raised their concerns over the proposed revisions to the BTC draft during their “15 to 20 minutes” meeting with the President just before he delivered his speech at the COP-6.

But on June 26, Iqbal broke his silence in a forum in Istanbul, Turkey where Ferrer was also a speaker. He said the Malacanang-proposed revisions “heavily diluted” the BTC’s draft, that if the proposed revisions were to be followed, the law that would come out would “worse than RA 9054,” the law governing the present Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), that in effect it would render the future Bangsamoro less autonomous than the ARMM that it seeks to replace.

Iqbal maintained that the MILF has a “very simple and straightforward” position on the BBL, that “all those explicitly expressed and provided for in the CAB will no longer be the subject of negotiations. They are finished and settled. It is therefore nonsensical to raise them anew.”

But Iqbal added that those provisions not expressly provided for in the CAB but were to be fleshed out by the BTC as part of its mandate, “could be the subjects of subsequent engagement between the Parties. If reasons and consistency prevail, there is no way this controversy cannot be settled.”


    
The BTC submitted its draft to Malacanang on April 22, hoping it would be transmitted to Congress with the Presidential certification of urgency when Congress resumed sessions after the Holy Week break on May 5. But Congress adjourned sine die on June 11 without receiving the draft.

Congress will reopen on July 28 with the President delivering his fifth – and second to the last — State of the Nation Address. The President’s six-year term ends on June 30, 2016, the same day that the “Bangsamoro” with its first set of elected officials, is supposed to be inaugurated.

BTC in KL

Iqbal as chair of BTC convened the body on July 3 with all 14 members present.

At the end of the session, the BTC passed a resolution expressing “serious concerns over some major revisions, modifications and alterations that deviated from the significant contents of the (CAB)” and elevated these to the panels for “clarification, discussion and resolution” of the issues affected by the proposed revisions “… in the higher interest of finding a lasting solution to the conflict in Mindanao.”

The BTC is a 15-member, MILF-led commission tasked to draft the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL). Eight of the members of the BTC were nominated by the MILF while seven were nominated by the GPH and appointed by the President in late February 2013.

The eight BTC members from the MILF are all members of its peace panel. Of the seven GPH members in the BTC, only Commissioner Johaira Wahab, former head of the GPH peace panel’s legal team, had served in the panel under then GPH panel chair Marvic Leonen.

The BTC has only 14 members now with the resignation of Wahab who reported to duty at the Department of Foreign Affairs where she is a Foreign Service Officer, after the BTC draft was submitted on April 22. Wahab was the lone commissioner who did not sign the draft law.

MindaNews sources said 11 members of the BTC are in Kuala Lumpur as observers – the remaining six from the GPH-nominated and five from the MILF.

MILF peace panel member and BTC member Robert Maulana Marohombsar Alonto, opted not to attend in protest of what he said is a “mongrelized” Basic Law.

Alonto in a post on his Facebook wall, wrote he “could no longer endure sitting opposite those people who want us to just ‘Imagine’ living out a fantasy that actually brings back and perpetuates the nightmare in our homeland.”

According to Alonto, the GPH panel during one of its last meetings, gave the MILF panel discs of John Lennon’s “Imagine” song.

http://www.mindanews.com/peace-process/2014/07/09/gph-milf-in-kl-set-up-teams-on-power-sharing-wealth-sharing-territory/

6 cops, soldier wounded in NPA clash in Davao City

From the Mindanao Examiner BlogSpot site (Jul 9): 6 cops, soldier wounded in NPA clash in Davao City

Six policemen and a soldier were wounded in a firefight with communist rebels in two villages in Davao City in southern Philippines, officials said Wednesday.

Capt. Alberto Caber, a spokesman for the Eastern Mindanao Command, said the fighting erupted in the villages of Baracatan and Catigan in Toril District on Tuesday afternoon.

Caber said soldiers from the 84th Infantry Battalion and members of the Special Action Force clashed with about 30 New People’s Army rebels. The fighting, he said, lasted around 30 minutes. He said the wounded policemen and soldier were evacuated to hospital. “The troops were on a security patrol in the area for the protection of the civilians and community,” he told the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.

He said regional military chief Lt. Gen. Ricardo Rainier Cruz III has ordered army commanders to stay vigilant and continue the operations against the NPA and any other threat groups.  “Joint pursuit operations are still ongoing,” he said.

The regional police command identified the wounded officers as Inspectors Ruel Manga, 35, Verindo Villamor, 24, PO3 Arthur Saavedra, 39, PO3 James Bnagayan, 29, PO1 Vincent Catalvas, 26 and PO1 John Ambog, 30.

Police spokesman Chief Inspector Jed Clamor said four of the policemen were undergoing treatment at Southern Philippines Medical Center while two others were observed in stable condition at Davao Adventist Hospital.

But Isabel Fermiza, a rebel spokesperson, said the NPA forces ambushed the government patrol and killing 6 troops and wounded six others in the area. Fermiza said rebel forces also seized an automatic rifle, one M203 grenade launcher, four military packs and vests, two ammunition links for K3 machine gun and a GPS.

“New People’s Army members under the Mt. Apo Sub-regional Command lured company-sized soldiers of the 84th Infantry Battalion of the 10th Infantry Division to the guerrilla hideout and Red fighters merely sidestepped and mounted an ambush position. The NPA’s successful tactical offensive in Toril, Davao City disproved hallucinations of AFP’s 10th Infantry Division Commanding-General Maj. Gen. Ariel Bernardo, who boasted last week that the NPA forces are thinning out, losing ground, and limited to merely seven towns in Davao del Norte and Compostela Valley provinces.”

“The successful ambush also refuted AFP claims late last year that their Peace and Development Outreach Program made headways in Toril and the contiguous Sta. Cruz town, enough to make these areas “NPA-free,” Fermiza said, adding, Bernardo’s claims of accomplishment were merely “to justify the huge and heavily purloined AFP budget and the funds funnelled from mining and capitalists that finance the ongoing massive military operations in Southern Mindanao.”

Fermiza also accused the military as behind extra-judicial killings of civilians, torture and intimidation.“The AFP has miserably failed not only to debilitate the fighting capacity of the NPA but also failed to ease the discontent of the masses. The AFP’s dismal record contains increasing head count not of NPA members but of civilian victims of extra-judicial killings, torture and intimidation.”

“On the other hand, the NPA’s successful tactical offensive in Toril, Davao City was not only due to its mastery in guerrilla warfare, but also due to the wide and warm support of the masses who are not fooled by the AFP’s Peace and Development Outreach Program,” Fermiza said.

Caber denied all Fermiza’s allegations and branded them as black propaganda. “These are all black propaganda and the rebels are the number one human rights violator. They attacked and killed innocent civilians in the pursuit of a senseless war,” he said.

The NPA is fighting for decades now for the establishment of a communist state in the country.

http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/2014/07/6-cops-soldier-wounded-in-npa-clash-in.html