PH to end peace force in Golan Hts

From the Manila Standard Today (Sep 10): PH to end peace force in Golan Hts

The Philippines’ peace keeping mission in the Golan Heights under the United Nations will end in October this year and “after that, we will no longer rotate,” Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario said on Tuesday.

“Our peace keepers will just finish their tour of duty,” Del Rosario said. “It will be our last contingent for Golan Heights.”

Del Rosario cited the escalating security threat in the war-torn area and said the Philippines will still ask for a review of the UN peacekeeping protocols as a result of the controversy over the escape of 40 Filipino troops, who refused to surrender to Syrian rebels and defied an order from a UN commander to lay down their arms. 

The Philippines questioned the stand down order of Indian Lt. Gen. Iqbal Singha, head of the UN Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF), at the height of the standoff. The Filipinos escaped from the rebels without surrendering their arms.

The Philippines has been sending troops for peacekeeping duties in the Golan Heights since 2009. Filipino troops will also be withdrawn from Liberia, where we have been sending contingents since 2003, because of threat of Ebola virus contamination.

Del Rosario, who will meet UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon in New York next week, said the decision of the Filipinos not to surrender was on instructions of the Philippine government.

He said under the rules of engagement, which was approved by the UN in 2011, UNDOF military personnel “may exercise their inherent right to defend themselves.”

“All peace keepers have had to contend with the threat of (Syrian rebels), not envisioned in the original mandate and parameters of the UNDOF, and quite frankly, we all have to struggle to meet the demands of this challenge,” Del Rosario said.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2014/09/10/ph-to-end-peace-force-in-golan-hts/

‘Pork’ inserted in AFP budget

From the Manila Standard Today (Sep 10): ‘Pork’ inserted in AFP budget

Defense chief: DBM put P26b in discretionary funds

TO maintain the loyalty of the military brass, the Palace has inserted a special provision that allows the Armed Forces chief to “realign and re-prioritize” some P26.25 billion of its budget without congressional approval, turning it into one huge discretionary fund, Bayan Muna Rep. Isagani Carlos Zarate said Tuesday.

During a budget hearing of the House committee on appropriations, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin admitted it was not the Defense Department’s idea, but the Budget Department’s initiative to make the insertion.

Gazmin

The special provision would disregard the appropriation made by the Defense Department as proposed for approval and scrutiny by Congress, Zarate said.

In effect, it would allow the Armed Forces chief to disregard projects already approved by Congress and realign the budget by second quarter of the year, with realignments needing only the approval of the President, as recommended by Budget Secretary Florencio Abad.

“The insertion by the Budget Department of a special provision allowing the AFP chief of staff to re-prioritize and realign any item in its proposed 2015 budget will give the chief of the Armed Forces his own share of the anomalous pork barrel system,” Zarate said.

This is the second time that the Makabayan bloc has demanded that special insertions in the budget be deleted.

In the previous panel hearing, the Palace was also discovered to have inserted similar special provision on the budget of the co-equal branches – Congress and the judiciary and other constitutional bodies – directing them to report to the President the disbursement for unfilled positions amounting to P7.2 billion.

The lawmakers said the President is violating the judiciary’s fiscal autonomy and Congress’ power of the purse.

“This is not only the balkanization of the graft-ridden pork barrel among the heads of the different departments, but, this porky share is apparently to also ensure the loyalty of the AFP chief to the present administration,” Zarate said. “In short, the AFP chief of staff is given his own pork barrel in the budget.”

Zarate said no previous budget bills carried such a special provision.
“If that provision is approved, a total allocation of P26.25 billion from the GHQ, AFP and AFP Wide Service Support Units appropriations can be transformed by the AFP chief of staff into his own pork barrel since he can realign the items covered in the second quarter of the year, without need for congressional approval,” Zarate said.

“The commander-in-chief, without regard for congressional scrutiny, legitimizes all the realignments in billions of [pesos in] public funds,” Zarate lamented.

Zarate also noted during the budget deliberation that the allocation for these appropriations increased by 131.6 percent compared to last year’s P11.316 billion.

Under the P26.25 billion allocation, the AFP general headquarters and the AFP wide service support units have a budget of P2.28 billion for personnel services or PS and P3.8 billion for maintenance operating and other expenses or MOOE for 2015.

The allocation for PS and MOOE of the Air Force is at P7.3 billion and P6.4 billion, respectively. The Army has P3.4 billion and P6.6 billion, and the Navy, P8.3 billion and P4.5 billion.

Budget Assistant Secretary Tina Canda said the similarly worded special provision was present in the budgets of all government agencies.

But Zarate insisted that the AFP’s new special provision insertion was not present in the budgets of previous years.

The Defense Department is asking Congress for a budget of P141.85 billion for 2015.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2014/09/10/-pork-inserted-in-afp-budget/

Armed men on violent viral video may not be soldiers –Army chief

From GMA News (Sep 9): Armed men on violent viral video may not be soldiers –Army chief

The armed men shown on a viral video repeatedly shooting a man may not be members of the military, contrary to the findings of the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), Army chief Lt. Gen. Hernando Iriberri said Tuesday.

At the budget briefing of the Department of National Defense at the House of Representatives, Iriberri appealed to lawmakers “not to immediately jump to the conclusion,” saying the military is conducting its own investigation on the matter.

Iriberri said that while the shooters in the video were seen wearing military uniforms, a closer inspection would reveal that they were wearing an outfit different from the ones worn by soldiers in the battlefield.

The patches on the armed men’s uniforms were also sewn on the wrong side, he said.

“If this happened recently, [consider that] our soldiers are now wearing armored vests and helmets, which you cannot see in the video. There are indications that would project that this could be done by another group but we still have to identify it,” he said.

The four minute-long video showed several uniformed personnel shooting two victims in cold blood. It was posted in Facebook last June.

CHR findings

According to the CHR, the shooters were from the 6th Infantry Division based in Maguindanao. CHR Commissioner Jose Manuel Mamauag said the two victims were supposedly members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

Iriberri, who assumed command of the Philippine Army last February, said he has yet to be notified by the CHR about the results of its investigation.

He, however, maintained that those responsible for the shooting will be punished if it is proven that they are members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

ACT-Teachers’ party-list Rep. Antonio Tinio questioned the Army chief’s statements about the military’s possible non-involvement in the shooting incident, saying, “no one was jumping to conclusions because it was based on CHR’s findings.”

The lawmaker’s claim was refuted by Iriberri, who said the AFP has created a Board of Inquiry to investigate the incident.

“Hindi kami naghuhugas-kamay. Nakikisa kami sa inyo sa paghahanap kung sino man ang salarin. Kung sila man ay mapatunayang miyembro ng kasundaluhan, makakaasa kayong hindi namin ito palalampasin,” he said.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/378372/news/nation/armed-men-on-violent-viral-video-may-not-be-soldiers-army-chief

PNoy’s meeting with MILF chief sealed deal for Bangsamoro bill – Palace

From GMA News (Sep 9): PNoy’s meeting with MILF chief sealed deal for Bangsamoro bill – Palace

It took a one-on-one meeting between President Aquino and MILF chair Murad Ebrahim last week to finalize the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law to be submitted to Congress on Wednesday.

 

At a press briefing on Tuesday, Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said Aquino and Murad deemed it necessary to discuss the Bangsamoro bill face-to-face last Thursday due to the "sense of urgency" in crafting the measure.

 

"The meeting between the President and Chairman Murad resulted in the clarification and resolution of issues pertaining to the details of the implementation of the peace agreement that are embodied in the draft law," Coloma told reporters.

 

Aquino and Murad evidently had a "meeting of the minds" when they faced each other to tackle issues in the Bangsamoro bill, he added.

 

"All of the concerns were sufficiently resolved to the satisfaction of both sides throughout that process culminating in the meeting between the President and Chairman (Al Haj) Murad last week," Coloma said.

 

But Coloma said he was not familiar with the issues discussed by Aquino and the MILF chief during their meeting.

 

In August 2011, Aquino and Murad's meeting in Tokyo boosted negotiations between the Philippine government and the MILF, which eventually led to the signing of a peace deal between the two parties.

This peace agreement, signed last March by the MILF and the government, will be embodied in the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law.

 

The proposed legislation seeks to create a new Bangsamoro political entity to replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). The measure is also expected to stipulate wealth- and power-sharing arrangements between the national government and the Bangsamoro political entity.

 

The President is expected to submit the Bangsamoro bill to Congress leaders on Wednesday, after months of wrangling reportedly caused by revisions made by Aquino's legal team to the draft submitted by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission. 

 

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/378400/news/nation/pnoy-s-meeting-with-milf-chief-sealed-deal-for-bangsamoro-bill-palace

Muslim scholar banned in US seen in Davao

From the Business World (Sep 9): Muslim scholar banned in US seen in Davao

A prominent Muslim scholar banned from entering at least six countries on suspicion of terrorist links managed to slip into this city on Sept. 4 but was taken into police custody late Monday and is currently awaiting deportation.

Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips, founder and head of the Islamic Online University, is banned from entering Australia, the United Kingdom, Germany, Kenya, the United States, and the Philippines.

“(Mr.) Philips is already on our blacklist after we [received] intelligence reports about his alleged terrorist ties but he slipped in the country even before the order of the Immigration Commissioner was released,” Bureau of Immigration Alien Control Officer Eddie Delima said in an interview.

Mr. Philips was entered into the list of people who should be denied entry into the Philippines only on Sept. 5, a day after his arrival.

Mr. Philips has reportedly already conducted a lecture among Muslims residing in the city at a local restaurant Sunday night before he was invited by the Police Regional Office.

He was also set to deliver a lecture to Muslims in Zamboanga del Sur had he not been detained at the police headquarters.

Mr. Delima said Mr. Philips has already been charged for violation of Sec. 37a2 of the Commonwealth Act No. 613, The Philippine Immigration Act of 1940, which states, “aliens who are not lawfully admissible at the time of entry” shall be arrested upon the warrant of the Commissioner of Immigration.

 

Mr. Philips will be deported to Canada as he holds a passport from that country.

“He was not detained. He was just invited and we have every reason to do that because he is an alien and he is reported to be banned in the UK and the US so the police are interested,” Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte said.

Mr. Philips, who was born Dennis Bradley Philips in Jamaica, was banned from Australia in 2007 on advice of national security agencies. He was also banned from the UK in 2010 for his extremist views, and Germany in 2011 as persona non grata. He was also banned from entering Kenya in 2012 because of possible terror links.

 

http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Nation&title=muslim-scholar-banned-in-us-seen-in-davao&id=94237

EDCA negotiations at a standstill amid SC case

From ABS-CBN (Sep 9): EDCA negotiations at a standstill amid SC case

The Philippines and the United States have yet to agree on the locations that will be used by American soldiers under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).

Defense Undersecretary Pio Lorenzo Batino said there are no negotiations now since the EDCA's constitutionality is still being reviewed by the Supreme Court.

Gabriela Women's Party-list Rep. Emmi De Jesus, for her part, expressed frustration with the Department of National Defense when it was asked to reveal the budget allocations for activities related to American military presence in the country.

"Nakakabahala ang pagtatakip ng DND, kung hindi man nakakapagtaka na hindi alam ni Sec. Gazmin kung ano ang budget at mga ginastos ng Pilipinas para masuportahan ang panghihimasok ng mga tropa ng Estados Unidos sa bansa. Ganito palagi ang nagiging anomalya sa defense budget at dapat lamang ay hindi na bigyan pa ng pananalapi ang mga programang hindi maipakita sa mga taxpayer at mambabatas," De Jesus said.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/09/09/14/edca-negotiations-standstill-amid-sc-case

US, PH to hold naval exercises near disputed seas

From ABS-CBN (Sep 9): US, PH to hold naval exercises near disputed seas

United States and Filipino soldiers will conduct later this month until early October naval exercises in Palawan and Zambales, both fronting the disputed West Philippine Sea.

Lt. Cmdr. Marineth Domingo, public affairs officer of the Philippine Navy, said the Philippine Bilateral Exercise (Phiblex) will commence on September 29 and end on October 10.

She said Phiblex is meant to improve the interoperability and combat readiness, enhance the security cooperation in the region, and improve the camaraderie between the two militaries.

She clarified this has nothing to do with China. "This is for training purposes only. This is meant to capacitate our (forces) based on the Defense Planning Guidance.”

At least 2,000 soldiers from the US and 700 from the Philippine Navy will be joining. A number from the Philippine Army and Air Forces will also take part.

Domingo said the exercises will be conducted in various areas in Luzon, including the area of operation of the Naval Forces West in Palawan and at the headquarters of the Naval Education and Training Command (NETC) in San Antonio, Zambales.

In Palawan, Domingo said the soldiers will be holding amphibious training operations, military exchanges on tactical warfare simulation, maritime security planning, and command post exercises.

At the NETC, they will be training on mechanized assault operation.

Training activities will also be held in Subic Bay in Zambales, Clark Air Base in Pampanga, Marine Base Ternate in Cavite, and Crow Valley - a bombing and gunnery range in Tarlac.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/09/09/14/us-ph-hold-naval-exercises-near-disputed-seas

Steps taken by AFP to prevent another siege

From the Daily Zamboanga Times (Sep 9): Steps taken by AFP to prevent another siege

With the nation commemorating the first year anniversary of the bloody Zamboanga City siege, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced that it has taken steps to prevent a repeat of the crisis.

 

“We are taking steps to prevent this crisis from happening again in the future,” AFP public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said Sunday.

 

He said the sacrifices made by the military in defending Zamboanga City will never be forgotten.

 

“The defense of Zamboanga City last year will always remind us of the heroism and sacrifices of our soldiers. They risked their lives to defend the city and save innocent civilians from lawless elements selfishly trying to grab power,” Zagala stressed.

 

Around 25 soldiers were killed while 184 others were wounded in the successful defense of Zamboanga City against rogue elements of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) loyal to Nur Misuari.

 

Killed in the three-week fighting were 183 MNLF fighters while 292 were captured.

 

The fighting also greatly debilitated Misuari’s faction.

 

“Right now he is in hiding and eventually the law will catch-up with him,” the AFP public affairs office chief stressed.

 

“We all witnessed the restraint and focus of our soldiers who successfully rescued the civilians being used as human shields. This manifests the maturity, professionalism, and respect for human rights and international humanitarian law of our soldiers,” Zagala added.

 

And due to this valiant efforts of the AFP, Zamboanga City is now peaceful with its government and citizens engaged in rebuilding efforts.

 

“Right now Zamboanga City is peaceful and the AFP is in close coordination with its civilian partners in order to ensure the total normalization of the situation in the city,” the AFP public affairs chief concluded.

 

http://zamboangatimes.ph/zamboangatimes/top-news/12231-steps-taken-by-afp-to-prevent-another-siege.html

MILF: BTC meets CSO’s in Metro Manila

Posted to the MILF Website (Sep 9): BTC meets CSO’s in Metro Manila



Officials of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) graced a dialogue organized by Metro Manila-based civil society organisations (CSOs) on September 5 at a restaurant in Mandaluyong City.
   

Inorder to apprise the concerned CSOs on the status of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), Chairman Mohagher Iqbal brought along with him BTC commissioners Raissa Jajurie, Ibrahim Ali and Melanio Ulama so that issues on women, Shariah and indigenous peoples, among others, can be satisfactorily addressed by commissioners who have expertise on these fields.

Commissioner Jajurie has extensive works in non-government organisations while Commissioner Ali is an expert in Shariah laws. Commissioner Ulama hails from the Indigenous Peoples and is a Timway (leader) of the Tedurays of Upi, Maguindanao.

The CSOs raised several issues and concerns such as probable constitutional challenge that the BBL might encounter, tight congressional schedules, and even the growing interest of other regions over the ministerial form of government that the Bangsamoro would take.

Sr. Arnold Maria Noel of Balay Rehabilitation said that advocates of federalism in the Bicol region are keenly observing the future formation of a ministerial government in the Bangsamoro.

The CSOs suggested a wide array of activities that need to be undertaken inorder to drumbeat popular support for the BBL which is expected to be submitted to Congress few days from now.

The organisers of the “Brunch with the BTC” were WE ACT 1325 (Women Engaged in Action on 1325), MPC (Mindanao People’s Caucus) and MCSOPP (Mindanao Civil Society Organizations Platform for Peace).

The participating CSOs included AKKAPKA (Aksyon para sa Kapayapaan at Katarungan), TUCP (Trade Union Congress of the Philippines), Balay Rehabilitation, GZOPI (Gaston Z. Ortigas Peace Institute), PCID (Philippine Council for Islam & Democracy), International Alert, WPT or Women’s Peace Tables, Saligan Mindanao, YMPN (Young Moro Professionals Network) and IPON (International Peace Observers Network).

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/1197-btc-meets-cso’s-in-metro-manila

MILF: President Aquino to personally endorse mutually acceptable draft BBL to Congress

Posted to the MILF Website (Sep 9): President Aquino to personally endorse mutually acceptable draft BBL to Congress



President Benigno Aquino III will endorse the final and mutually acceptable draft of Bangsamoro Basic Law to Philippine Congress for enactment into law. In a statement by Secretary Teresita Quitos Deles, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, she said that the endorsement by President Aquino of the BBL was confirmed in a meeting between the President and MILF Chair Murad Ebrahim held last Thursday, 4 September, in Malacanang.
  

In the said meeting, Chairman Murad was accompanied by MILF panel and Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) Chair Mohagher Iqbal while the President was joined by several cabinet members, led by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr., and GPH panel chair Miriam Coronel-Ferrer.

On September 6 to 7, the BTC held special sessions at Mt. Mayon Function Room, BSA Twin Towers Condotel, Mandaluyong City, to review the final version of the draft bill which is a result of several meetings between Secretary Ochoa and Chairman Iqbal. The BTC will submit a transmittal letter of the draft BBL to the Office of the President. The letter was signed by all BTC members at about 4:00PM on September 7.

Secretary Deles said that, “The President has decided to personally submit the completed draft to Congress to highlight the importance of the proposed legislative measure”. “The BBL tops the list of priority administration bills which was submitted by the Office of the President to Congress two days after the President's State of the Nation Address”, she further said.

A ceremonial turn-over of the draft BBL will be held on Wednesday, 10 September, at 10:00 AM in Malacañang. The President Aquino will personally hand over the draft BBL to Senate President Franklin M. Drilon and Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr., who will lead their respective delegations to receive the draft bill. The ceremony will be attended by Chair Mohagher Iqbal, BTC Commissioners and members of both negotiating panels.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/1196-president-aquino-to-personally-endorse-mutually-acceptable-draft-bbl-to-congress

CPP/Ang Bayan: Video -- Armed struggle in the Visayas and the entire archipelago

Ang Bayan Video posted to the CPP Website (Sep 9): Video: Armed struggle in the Visayas and the entire archipelago



Armed struggle in the Visayas and the entire archipelago

The revolutionary armed struggle is thoroughly advancing nationwide. In this issue, Ang Bayan features reports of victory by the New People's Army (NPA) in advancing armed revolution in the Visayan regions, particularly in Eastern Visayas, Panay and Negros islands.

These regions are among the priority targets of the massive counterrevolutionary campaign of suppression Oplan Bayanihan of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) under the US-Aquino regime. But after four years, military officers have nothing to show for their efforts except empty declarations that "the enemy has been defeated" and that "peace has been attained."

These regions are likewise among the most impoverished nationwide due to widespread land monopoly and the most brutal forms of feudal exploitation. They are ruled over by big landlords, including those who control vast ricefields in Samar, coconut lands in Leyte and thousands of hectares of sugar cane plantations in Panay and Negros.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4cU5XZwLmY&list=UUIdJcoTlC5Q5jrKCOh4dJeA

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/

CPP/Ang Bayan: Further stoke the fires of armed struggle in the Visayas and the entire archipelago

Ang Bayan propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Sep 9): Further stoke the fires of armed struggle in the Visayas and the entire archipelago

CPP Ang Bayan

The revolutionary armed struggle is thoroughly advancing nationwide. In this issue, Ang Bayan features reports of victory by the New People’s Army (NPA) in advancing armed revolution in the Visayan regions, particularly in Eastern Visayas, Panay and Negros islands.

These regions are among the priority targets of the massive counterrevolutionary campaign of suppression Oplan Bayanihan of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) under the US-Aquino regime. But after four years, military officers have nothing to show for their efforts except empty declarations that “the enemy has been defeated” and that “peace has been attained.”

These regions are likewise among the most impoverished nationwide due to widespread land monopoly and the most brutal forms of feudal exploitation. They are ruled over by big landlords, including those who control vast ricefields in Samar, coconut lands in Leyte and thousands of hectares of sugar cane plantations in Panay and Negros.

Impact projects like the Jalaur Dam in Iloilo and the highways in Samar, among others merely serve as milch cows for corrupt officials of the Aquino regime and their local cohorts.

Like the rest of the Filipino people, the people of the Visayas are just as intensely desirous of revolutionary change. Most of the Visayas are a rumbling volcano threatening to erupt in the face of intensifying class struggle.

In Negros, there is a widespread movement of farm workers to till idle lands for food production, in outright defiance of the laws of despotic big landlords. In Leyte, coconut farmers are rising up to assert their right to land. In Panay, the Tumanduk people are fighting for tens of thousands of hectares of ancestral land being seized by the AFP.

The revolutionary armed struggle in the Visayas is advancing alongside the continually spreading and intensifying antifeudal peasant movement. It is in areas where class struggle is most intense that the most number of people are eager to become Red fighters, the NPA enjoys the deepest support and the fires of armed struggle burn the brightest.

The regions in the Visayas were the most seriously devastated by typhoon Yolanda last year. Yolanda pushed the people deeper into the quagmire of poverty and oppression. The US-Aquino regime’s exceedingly slow, severely inadequate and anomaly-ridden response to the disaster caused further hardships to the people.

In contrast to Aquino’s extremely poor showing, the revolutionary forces immediately took action along with the people of the Visayas to organize a broad movement of peasants, fisherfolk and minority peoples to collectively address the devastation wrought by Yolanda. They immediately undertook cooperative efforts to repair damaged homes and production equipment, facilitate the flow of aid from other regions as well as national and international agencies and initiate collective farming and revitalize production.

But while the revolutionary forces focused on rehabilitation, AFP forces under the 8th and 3rd ID relentlessly conducted their counterrevolutionary war. Amid the widespread devastation and despite the ceasefire declared by the Communist Party of the Philippines in the typhoon-struck areas, fascist soldiers continued their onslaught and their campaign of suppression without letup. The enemy used fascist terrorism against a people who had taken the initiative to rise up from disaster and strongly protest the ruling regime’s grave neglect.

The unstoppable advance of armed revolution in the Visayas unmasks the deceptiveness of Oplan Bayanihan and resists its fascist brutality. The New People’s Army utilizes the tactics of guerrilla warfare to continually intensify people’s war.

With the goal of raising people’s war to a new and higher level, armed struggle must further be fired up in the Visayas and the rest of the country. NPA commands must be strengthened and battle plans forged at the regional and subregional levels. NPA commands must thoroughly hold the initiative in battle and seize all opportunities to mete blows on the enemy. More and bigger tactical offensives where victory is a certainty must be launched. The people’s militia must be further expanded and strengthened and their capability to launch independent and coordinated actions raised. Antifeudal mass struggles of hundreds of thousands to millions of peasants must further be expanded, strengthened and intensified.

[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/statements/20140909_further-stoke-the-fires-of-armed-struggle-in-the-visayas-and-the-entire-archipelago

CPP/NPA: NPA to release 2 Bukidnon POWs; SOMO-SOPO demanded

NPA propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Sep 8): NPA to release 2 Bukidnon POWs; SOMO-SOPO demanded

Alan Juanito
Spokesperson
NPA North Central Mindanao Regional Operations Command (Julito Tiro Command)

 

The New People’s Army in North Central Mindanao Region expresses its willingness to release the two prisoners of war (POWs) in Bukidnon as soon as possible, in accordance to a directive from the National Democratic Front of the Philippines. The two will no longer be subjected to the normal process of investigation and the revolutionary judicial process as a gesture of goodwill and sincerity from the revolutionary movement in its hope for the resumption of peace talks between NDFP and the government of the Philippines (GPH), and due to humanitarian considerations for the POWs and their families.

In order to facilitate the safe release of Pfc. Marnel Tagalugon Cinches and Pfc. Jerrel Hapay Yorong, and to ensure the security of all who will participate in and witness the release, we call upon the military and police to implement a 10-day Suspension of Offensive Military Operations (SOMO) and Suspension of Offensive Police Operations (SOPO) starting 12:00 MN of 10 September 2014 to 12:00 MN of 20 September 2014. The scope will include the following municipalities and cities: San Fernando, Cabanglasan, Malaybalay City, Impasug-ong, Manolo Fortich and Malitbog in Bukidnon; and Claveria, Balingasag and Gingoog City in Misamis Oriental. The NPA will immediately declare its own suspension of offensive operations with the same duration and scope as soon as the GPH declares its SOMO and SOPO.

The NPA custodial unit will turn the two POWs over to third party facilitators composed of concerned GPH officials, religious leaders in the region, media representatives, peace advocates and human rights groups. We thank you for your heartfelt assistance to the respective families of the POWs and for your earnest struggle for genuine peace. The date and venue of the release will be communicated to you after the declaration of SOMO and SOPO.

We hope the Aquino government will put the safety of its soldiers first, and more importantly, that it will show its sincerity to resume peace talks with the NDFP in order to discuss and address the root causes of the people’s armed resistance.

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20140908_npa-to-release-2-bukidnon-pows-somo-sopo-demanded

65 CAFGUs to be deployed in Sagay

From the Visayan Daily Star (Sep 9): 65 CAFGUs to be deployed
IN SAGAY
The Philippine Army is deploying 65 Special Cafgu Active Auxiliaries in the hinterlands of Sagay City, Negros Occidental, Lt. Col. Rommel Cordova, 62nd Infantry Battalion commander, said yesterday.

The 65 SCAA members, who graduated yesterday from a two-month basic military training at the 303rd Infantry Brigade headquarters in Murcia, will be placed under the supervision of the 12th Infantry “Cadre” Battalion, and operational control of the 62nd Infantry Battalion in northern Negros.

 

Cordova said the deployment of SCAA members, who will compose the personnel of detachments in the hinterlands of Sagay City, is a big help to their visibility operations.

 

Col. Jon Aying, 303rd IB commander, and Mayor Alfredo Marañon III attended the graduation rites at the Kauswagan Hall in Sagay City, with Cordova and other military officials.

 

Last month, the 303rd IB also deployed 270 Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit members in the insurgency-affected areas of central Negros.

 

More than 1,000 CAFGUs are now deployed in Negros Occidental, and are supervised by the 12th Infantry (Cadre) Battalion, military records show.

 

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2014/September/09/topstory10.htm

Leyte province extends around a million pesos to rebels in exchange for surrendered firearms

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 9): Leyte province extends around a million pesos to rebels in exchange for surrendered firearms

The provincial government here has already shelled out around a million pesos for high-powered firearms surrendered by rebels following their return to the fold of law, according to Governor Leopoldo Dominic Petilla.

The provincial government extends Php25,000 for every high-powered firearm surrendered. More than 50 firearms have been accounted for since 2011.

Further, it also provides P10,000 basic assistance to rebel returnees as counterpart to the support provided by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP).

OPAPP provides Php50,000 livelihood and Php15,000 immediate assistance to the returnees.

Just last week, three rebel returnees from towns of Kananga and Leyte each received Php75,000 from the provincial government and OPAPP.

The amount granted will be used by the former rebels as they try to mainstream into the society after giving up their armed struggle.

Petilla said that whatever assistance provided to the former rebels are being monitored by the provincial government down to the barangay level.

Col. Dinoh Dolina, commander of the Philippine Army’s 802nd Brigade, said that some 130 rebels operating in Leyte have decided to return to the fold of law.

He added that the government has been effective in its campaign to win back the rebels and join the mainstream society.

Dolina said that some have decided to lie-low due to hardships. Also their base areas were damaged and support system was affected due to typhoon Yolanda.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=681993

Exhaustive debates await proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law – Rep. Rodriguez

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 9): Exhaustive debates await proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law – Rep. Rodriguez

Rep. Rufus Rodriguez (Cagayan de Oro) expressed elation over the presidential submission of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law because it marks the start of exhaustive debates on the future of Mindanao.

The Mindanao lawmaker noted that various stakeholders of the peace process in and outside of Mindanao have been eagerly awaiting the formal submission of the draft Bangsamoro law since its passage will pave the way for the creation of a new Bangsamoro political entity.

“As a proud Mindanaonon, I am very happy and thankful that the review process by the Office of the President is finally over and we can now study the legislative proposals of the government and MILF peace panels as contained in the draft crafted by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission,” Rodriguez said.

The Mindanao legislator expects that the special committee that was created in the House of Representatives will focus on the proposed measure rather than spreading the work among different committees.

He urged lawmakers to keep an open mind about the provisions contained in the administration bill, which will still be subjected to public hearings and plenary debates.

“We need to approach this legislative proposal with the intent to end decades of fighting that have caused massive displacement of families in Mindanao. Let us provide democratic space so that all voices would be heard during the public hearings including those from the Moro National Liberation Front, the BIFF, indigenous tribes, Christians, and other sectors,” Rodriguez stressed.

He said that members of Congress have all agreed to give the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law utmost priority, considering that it will open the doors to the creation of a new regional government in lieu of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao.

“The timeline is tight but doable, precisely because the commitment is there to help our brothers and sisters in Bangsamoro areas obtain the peace that they clearly deserve,” Rodriguez said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=682000

Eastern Mindanao Command says: 'No SOMO in Bukidnon'

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 9): Eastern Mindanao Command says: 'No SOMO in Bukidnon'

The Eastern Mindanao Command rejected on Tuesday the New People's Army (NPA) demand that a "suspension of military operations" (SOMO) be implemented in Bukidnon in exchange for the freedom of two soldiers it abducted last Aug. 22.

Capt. Alberto Caber, unit spokesperson, said that the abducted soldiers are from the 8th Infantry Battalion and identified them as Pfcs. Marnel Cinches and Jerrel Yurong.

Both were unarmed and in civilian clothes when abducted by the rebels while on their way to Barangay Buntungon, Impasug-ong, Bukidnon for a livelihood mission.

The NPA, through spokesman Allan Juanito, demanded for a SOMO as a condition for the release of the two soldiers.

Lt. Col. Lennon G. Babilonia, 8th IB commander, said that the joint military and police operations will continue in the province.

“Basically, we do not negotiate with terrorists," he stressed.

From 2010 to date, there were 21 kidnappings/abductions committed by the NPAs in Eastern Mindanao area.

Meanwhile, Eastern Mindanao Command chief Maj. Gen. Aurelio B. Baladad directed the concerned military unit commander in the area to continue its joint pursuit operations against the NPA members who were involved in the abduction of the two soldiers.

“These operations contribute to the peace and security of the people and its communities in the region," he said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=682001

66 military projects set for delivery, completion by 2015 --DND

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 9): 66 military projects set for delivery, completion by 2015 --DND

Sixty-six capability upgrade projects for the military will be completed by 2015, a ranking official of the Department of National Defense said during the hearing on the DND's proposed budget for next year at the House of Representatives in Quezon City on Tuesday.

Defense Undersecretary for Modernization Fernando Manalo said that these include the attack helicopters, medium and light-lift aircraft, strategic-sealift vessels, and F/A-50 fighter aircraft.

This was in response to the question made by Bayan Muna Party-list Rep. Carlos Isagani T. Zarate on what equipment can the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) expect within the coming years.

Manalo said they are ready to submit to Congress a more detailed description of the 66 military upgrade projects slated for delivery and completion next year.

The DND is proposing a Php141.85-billion budget for 2015. These can be broken down into: 37.75 percent for personnel services of the Army, Air Force, Navy; 15.29 percent for capital outlay; 17.11 percent for MOOE (maintenance and other operating expenses); and 29.87 percent for pensions of retired military personnel.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=682024

Not a single cent of DND 2015 budget allotted for EDCA projects

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 9): Not a single cent of DND 2015 budget allotted for EDCA projects

Department of National Defense(DND) Secretary Voltaire Gazmin on Tuesday said not a single centavo of the Php141.85 billion budget of the DND for 2015, is allocated for any Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) projects.

"No part of the (proposed 2015) budget is allocated for any EDCA projects," Gazmin said in Filipino.

As this develops, DND Undersecretary Pio Lorenzo Batino said that the US and the Philippines are yet to start talks on where the proposed EDCA locations.

This is in response to questions raised by Gabriela Rep. Emmy De Jesus on whether the DND knows the exact locations where US troops will be allowed access under the EDCA.

The DND official also said that they are now focusing their resources and attention to the coming Supreme Court deliberations regarding the EDCA.

Batino earlier said that the EDCA, which was signed by the US and Philippines early this year, will boost the capability of the Filipino military in dealing with aggressive expansionist acts in the region.

He added that this new level of cooperation with the US will also enable the government to respond more rapidly in times of natural disasters, which in the past years have posed a serious threat to human safety and security.

The latter also served as chair of the Philippine panel that negotiated the EDCA with the US.

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

“In these very fluid times, we – together – are forced to take a long and hard look at what we can do as one government to respond to the challenges before us,” Batino pointed out.

He also pointed out that the agreement will contribute to the capability buildup of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in the areas of maritime security, maritime domain awareness, and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR), while the military and the DND are in the process of modernizing and beefing up the country’s defense capabilities and equipment.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=682065

Army investigating video clip allegedly showing soldiers shooting hogtied rebel

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 9): Army investigating video clip allegedly showing soldiers shooting hogtied rebel

In Tuesday's Department of National Defense (DND) budget hearing at the House of Representatives, Philippine Army (PA) chief Lt. Gen. Hernando DCA Iriberri said that an investigation is now underway to determine the identities of suspected soldiers who shot and killed a hogtied rebel.

The incident went viral after being posted in the Internet early this year.

The video shows men clad in fatigue uniforms beating a hogtied man, reportedly a rebel, before shooting the victim dead.

The clip is seven minutes long.

Iriberri bared this when questioned by ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio L. Tinio on what steps the military has undertaken to identify and punish the culprits.

He also urged the videographer of the video clip to surface and help the PA in identifying the perpetrators.

However, Iriberri observed that the suspects involved in the incident were wearing non-regulation Army uniforms, inappropriate shoulder patches and devices, and are not equipped with helmets and Kevlar bullet vests which are standard paraphernalia for Filipino troops.

Iriberri also said that they are still determining the location of the shooting and exact time of the incident.

But once identified, the PA chief said that the full strength of law will be meted on these individuals.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=682044

Ranking Japanese defense official visits PHL

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 9): Ranking Japanese defense official visits PHL

A ranking Japanese defense official made a two-day visit starting at the Philippine Army (PA) headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City and ended Tuesday in Quezon City.

Lt. Col. Noel Detoyato, PA spokesperson, said Japan Ground Self Defense Force (JGSDF) chief-of-staff Gen. Kiyofumi Iwata made his visit in Fort Bonifacio on Sept. 8 where he was welcomed by PA chief Lt. Gen. Hernando DCA Iriberri.

Iwata was accorded with military honors upon his arrival.

Discussed during the two-day visit were measures on how to further improve the existing relationship between the Japan Army and PA, with the end goal of strengthening the defense cooperation between Japan and Philippines, Detoyato said.

Iwata also visited the PA's Special Operations Command in Fort Magsaysay, in Nueva Ecija and witnessed the capability demonstration of one of the Army's elite forces, the Light Reaction Regiment.

The PA's elite forces also showcased their capabilities, particularly in terms of equipment and armaments.

The two-day official visit of Iwata and other members of the Japan Ground Self Defense Force concluded Tuesday with a visit at the 51st Engineer Brigade Headquarters in Camp General Atienza in Libis, Quezon City.

During the visit, members of the 51st Engineer Brigade conducted a humanitarian assistance and disaster response capability demonstration.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=682079

DND says F/A-50 underwent process before being selected as PHL's next jet fighter

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 9): DND says F/A-50 underwent process before being selected as PHL's next jet fighter

Department of National Defense (DND) Undersecretary Fernando Manalo on Tuesday said that the South Korean F/A-50 underwent the process before being selected as the country's premier jet fighter.

The defense official made this statement in response to queries made by Bayan Muna Rep. Carlos Isagani Zarate during the DND budget hearing at the House of Representatives.

Especially, Zarate asked the DND on whether the Italian Alenia Aermacchi M-346 was considered by the DND.

Manalo said all prospective jet aircraft in the market were researched and studied by their Defense System Management team.

After an exhaustive research, Manalo said that prospective jet aircraft were recommended to senior defense leaders.

Manalo said that the bid of Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI) was studied and evaluated extensively before being accepted.

The DND official also pointed out that the F/A-50 is a derivative of the Lockheed F-16 "Falcon" a very successful American jet fighter.

Aside from possessing supersonic speed, the F/A-50 is also capable of firing air-to-air missiles and other weapons.

Manalo also added that the F/A-50 will renew the Philippines' fast jet capability and prepare the pilots for handling of multi-role combat aircraft (MRCA) in the future.

The DND official also pointed out having the F/A-50 and MRCAs will allow the country to fully guard and defend its territory.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=682114

Reforms in AFP pension system underway

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 9): Reforms in AFP pension system underway

Efforts are now underway to reform the pension system of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Defense Undersecretary Ernesto Boac said Tuesday.

He made this statement at the House of Representatives during the budget hearing for the Department of National Defense.

Boac said that they are now coordinating with the proper agencies, most especially the Government Insurance Service System, to expedite the reforms and ensure that pensioners get their due without any delay.

He added that they are also seeking the help of Congress, in crafting a bill, which will allow them to do the reforms needed.

Boac made this statement when questioned by ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio on the update of the AFP pension system.

Tinio asked this question when he learned that the defense department is allocating Php42.38 billion out of the projected Php141.85 billion budget for 2015.

The former also claimed that the increase was being sought despite problems in the administration of its pension body, the Retirement and Separation Benefits System.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=682163

President Aquino, Murad met to iron out details of draft Bangsamoro Basic Law, says Palace

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 9): President Aquino, Murad met to iron out details of draft Bangsamoro Basic Law, says Palace

President Benigno S. Aquino III and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Chairman Al Haj Murad met last week to clarify and resolve issues in the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law, which will be submitted to Congress on Wednesday.

"The meeting between the President and Chairman Murad resulted in the clarification and resolution of issues pertaining to the details of the implementation of the peace agreement that are embodied in the draft law," said Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. during Tuesday’s press briefing.

Both leaders deemed it urgent and important that this draft Bangsamoro law be completed, he said.

“That is why they took the opportunity to meet face-to-face, together with the other significant participants in this process from the Philippine and the MILF panels,” he added, noting that the draft law faithfully represents the agreement between the Philippine government and the MILF.

The Palace is making the preparations for the transmittal of the document to the Senate President and to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Coloma said.

The draft was scheduled to be submitted to Congress last May, but it was delayed due to some differences from both sides.

Once it is passed by Congress, the President said he would aggressively push for the conduct of a fair and democratic poll in the region for the election of its leaders in 2016.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=682186

2,300 Filipino, American Marines to participate in 'PHIBLEX'

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 9): 2,300 Filipino, American Marines to participate in 'PHIBLEX'

Around 2,300 Filipino and American Marines will be participating in the "Amphibious Landing Exercises 2014" (PHIBLEX) this coming Sept. 29 to Oct. 10.

"PHIBLEX is combined exercise with the Philippine Marine Corps and US Marine Forces Pacific (MARFORPAC). The exercise aims to advance the Philippine and US militaries relationship; build combined capacity for command and control, combined arms amphibious operations, mechanized, special, and logistic support operations," said Navy public affairs office chief Lt. Cmdr. Marineth Domingo.

The activities also aims to improve interoperability and combat readiness of Philippine and US forces.

Domingo added that PHIBLEX also seeks to enhance security cooperation in the Asia-Pacific Region.

"(PHIBLEX aims) to improve interoperability and combat readiness of the participating forces, and of course enhance security cooperation in the region," she added.

PHIBLEX is the third war games the Philippines conducts with the US. The other two are "Balikatan" and CARAT (cooperation, afloat, readiness and training).

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=682258

Beyond Golan: Filipino global soldiers in the eyes of history

From Rappler (Sep 9): Beyond Golan: Filipino global soldiers in the eyes of history

The Philippine flag has been flying for a little over a century, not enough time to judge whether the Filipino, now the citizen of a sovereign state, has, on balance, fought abroad on the side of right rather than wrong



 Their uniforms are new but their story is old. The recent standoff and daring escape of Filipino peacekeepers from the Golan Heights is only the latest episode in a history of Filipino armed action abroad, both noble and otherwise.

In what is today eastern Indonesia, 344 Pampango and Tagalog troops defended an Iberian claim in the year 1606. They fought against the blades and bullets of hostile sultans and their Dutch allies. The descendants of local Christians they helped protect were later evacuated to the safety of Cavite. These refugees resettled there in a place that today still bears the name of their old homeland: Ternate.

 

In the Pacific islands around Guam, indio Filipino soldiers were part of a colonial "peacekeeping" or occupation force from the 17th century onward. This paramilitary escort was initially led by a panday, later captain, from Indang, Cavite. The early troops faced impossible odds. Captain Don Juan De Santa Cruz commanded all of 31 irregular militiamen against entire villages of Chamorro Polynesian warriors. In 1686 he was awarded a medal and tax exemptions for his leadership during the early years of colonial presence on those islands. The religious mission he protected is known today for the presence of lay assistant St. Pedro Calungsod in 1668-72.

 

Today's United Nations peacekeepers bear assault rifles and machine guns. During the early colonial period, the arms used by Filipino troops included the bolo, the spear, and the bow and arrow. Also in their hands was the harquebus, a precursor to the rifle.

 

As early as 1593, 400 indio Filipino harquebusiers could be assembled, and were assembled as part of a colonial expedition to the Moluccas. Most often praised among Filipinos soldiers were the Pampangos, who were well known to the Spanish for their loyalty, bravery, and skill in combat.

 

In the 1860s, over a hundred "Manilamen" based in Shanghai signed up as mercenaries to suppress the Taiping rebellion against China's Qing Dynasty. Among them was former consulate policeman Vicente Macanaya, who became his commander's trusted aide-de-camp. Further south in the Asian continent, in Vietnam, about 300 Filipino soldiers spent the same decade fighting alongside combined French and Spanish forces.

 

Doing their flag justice

 

This short list does not include the movements of men under the Sulu sultanate, whose swift proas raided the coast across archipelagic Southeast Asia. Nor does it include Jose Rizal's rejected offer to volunteer as a military doctor during the Cuban revolution, or the Filipino participants of the two World Wars.

 

The moral ground that Filipinos have stood and fought on has not always been high. Filipino troops have fought abroad under the flags of foreigners, often out of loyalty and religious devotion.

 

But just as often they have fought bravely under the standards of money and, arguably, conquest, occupation, and terrorism. Who can forget that the victims of the Jabidah massacre were themselves being trained to violently retake Sabah? In recent weeks reports have come in from Davao that Filipinos are joining the terrorist ISIS as volunteers.

 

The Philippine flag has been flying for a little over a century, not enough time to judge whether the Filipino, now the citizen of a sovereign state, has, on balance, fought abroad on the side of right rather than wrong.

 

It is good to see that, at least in last week's episode, our heroes from the UNDOF peacekeeping force did justice to the Philippine flag sewn on their uniforms.

 

For more information on these subjects, look up historical documents published by Rodrique Levesque. Also see the writings of our local historians on colonial-era church history, and on the 19th century Filipino Diaspora.

 

http://www.rappler.com/nation/68556-filipino-global-soldiers-history

Leftist lawmakers: Delete AFP chief ‘pork’ in 2015 budget

From Rappler (Sep 9): Leftist lawmakers: Delete AFP chief ‘pork’ in 2015 budget

The special provision provides that transfers may only be done upon the recommendation of the budget secretary and approval of the President

How much "leeway" should the chief of the Philippine military be allowed in adjusting its funding to the changing needs of operations?

Bayan Muna partylist Representative Carlos Zarate kicked off House deliberations on the Department of National Defense budget on Tuesday, September 9, by seeking the deletion of the provision that supposedly turns up to P26.253 billion ($599.5 million) in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) budget into the "pork barrel" of the AFP chief.

 

Zarate is referring to a "special provision" in the proposed 2015 National Expenditure Program (NEP) that authorizes the chief of staff to "reprioritize" the funds of general headquarters and major services – Army, Navy, and Air Force – for personnel services (PS), Miscellaneous and other operating expenses (MOOE), and Capital Outlay (CO). 

 

"It appears the insertion of this provision in the NEP is apparently creating a pork barrel intended for the AFP chief. For this year, the total is P26.253 billion," said Zarate.

 

Fellow Makabayan lawmaker ACT Teachers Representative Antonio Tinio likened it to the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) of Malacañang. The Supreme Court had ruled as unconstitutional certain executive actions under the special spending program.

 

Zarate lamented the powers given to the chief of staff "even without the approval of Congress." The special provision, however, provides that this may only be done upon the recommendation of the budget secretary and approval of the President.

 

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin deferred to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to respond to the question.

 

DBM Assistant Secretary Tina Canda, who was at the hearing, explained: "The AFP has specific collateral allowances only known during budget execution. The chief of staff is given leeway to realign within Personnel Services items of expenditures, especially identified for the armed forces."

 

Zarate noted it also applies to MOOE. The special provision also applies to the Capital Outlay but only after the second quarter

Canda explained the chief of staff may only move funding with the expense class, meaning he cannot move money out of Capital Outlay to fund MOOE or Personnel Services.

 

"We do not allow inter-changes from one expense class to another," said Canda.

 

Zarate said he will move for the special provision "in the proper time."

 

Manila Second District Representative Zenaida Angping, House committee on appropriations vice chairman, interjected saying the same is allowed in other agencies including State Universities and Colleges (SUCs).

 

http://www.rappler.com/nation/68571-afp-chief-pork-barrel

Leftist lawmakers grill DND, AFP officials in budget hearing

From Rappler (Sep 9): Leftist lawmakers grill DND, AFP officials in budget hearing

During the budget hearing, AFP chief General Gregorio Catapang Jr vows to end the communist insurgency during his term so the military can shift its focus to external defense


BUDGET HEARING: The House of Representatives committee on appropriations deliberates budget of the defense department on September 9, 2014. Rappler photo

It's always the case every year when the House deliberates on the budget of the defense department and Philippine military – leftist partylist lawmakers of the Makabayan bloc confront security officials about alleged human rights violations and US military "intervention,” among other issues.

This year is no different, as the leftist lawmakers on Tuesday, September 9, pressed defense and military officials on various issues.

Aside from questions on what the partylist lawmakers believed to be the “pork barrel” of the Armed Forces Chief in the proposed 2015 budget – which they want deleted – here are the other primary points raised during the House hearing on the Department of National Defense and AFP proposed budget for 2015:

PH-US EDCA

Gabriela Partylist Representative Emmi De Jesus and Anakpawis Partylist Representative Ka Pando Hicap took turns expressing concern about the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) entered into by the Philippines and the United States.

De Jesus expressed concerns that that EDCA – which seeks to allow US troops to use Philippine military bases as part of its strategy of containing China's aggressiveness – will "renew basing right in our sovereign country."

Defense Undersecretary Pio Lorenzo Batino told De Jesus that the defense department is now focusing on responding to the issues raised against EDCA before the Supreme Court.

No formal negotiations have been conducted to discuss Philippine bases that will be offered to US troops, Batino said.

"As of now, [there are] no formal negotiations on agreed locations. We are concentrating our meager time in preparing answers to the Supreme Court petition," hE said.

The Mutual Defense Board (MDB), co-chaired by the AFP chief and the chief of the US Pacific Command, will finalize the agreement on the agreed locations.

When De Jesus asked if the proposed 2015 budget allocates funding for the EDCA, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said there is none.

The Philippines is actually hoping that the US will develop the bases that they will be offered.

De Jesus went on to ask how many bilateral exercises have been conducted by the US and Philippine militaries.

Army chief vs Tinio

ACT Teachers partylist Representative Antonio Tinio presented to the members of the House committee on appropriations a video of armed men in military uniform, allegedly soldiers, kicking a man and stepping on his head before they fired their M16s at him.

Army chief Lieutenant General Hernando Iriberri told the congressmen that a Board of Inquiry has been formed to investigate the video. If the armed men are soldiers, Iriberri said they will be punished.

"Footage shows they are wearing different kind of uniforms, patches that are being worn that we are not wearing. They are placed on the wrong side of the shoulder," he added. But Iriberri said it's hard to identify those involved and where it happened because the video is pixelated.

Iriberri said the soldiers also wear armored vests and helmets. The armed in the video are not wearing vests and helmets.

"There are signs that would project that this could be done by another group. We are working on the identification," he said.

The Board of Inquiry was formed in early September, Iriberri told Rappler during a break in the budget hearing.

‘CAFGUs protecting mining companies’

Gabriela Representative Luz Ilagan protested why CAFGUs in Mindanao are protecting mining companies, particularly Sagittarius Mines, supposedly at the expense of indigenous people. Ilagan said human rights violations are also committed when the IP's rights to their land are violated.

Hicap said farmers are also victims.

Batino cited Republic Act 7077 as the legal basis in tapping CAFGUs in protecting "installations of national interest."

Iriberri said the military has a plan to demobilize the CAFGUs but there is no timeline. "The Philippine Army has a plan on how to demobilize the CAFGU depending on the strategic assessment in the evolving security assessment of the entire country....We are ready once situation calls for it," Iriberri said.

In the end, Ilagan asked for an accounting and list of the support that CAFGUs are receiving from different entities. There are over 60,000 CAFGUs who have a P2.4 billion budget for subsistence allowance.

AFP modernization

Zarate also questioned the purchase of FA50 fighter jets from South Korea, suggesting that there are better models. He is echoing concerns previously raised by some personalities including retired Air Force officers.

Defense Undersecretary for Finance Fernando Manalo argued that a Technical Working Group (TWG) made a study and chose the FA50. Manalo reiterated that FA50 is not just a lead in fighter trainer. It also has the capability to deliver a missile system, he said.

Soldiers-turned-congressmen went to the rescue of their military colleagues, while Manila Representative Maria Zenaida Angping, House committee on appropriations vice chairman, tried to act as referee.

Magdalo Representative Francisco Ashley Acedillo lamented the supposedly unsubstantiated allegations of human rights violations against the military. Former AFP chief now Muntinlupa Representative Rodolfo Biazon and Magdalo partylist Representative Gary Alejano expressed concerned over the shortfall in the AFP modernization fund.

The exchange is part of the ongoing clash between the security officials and the lawmakers, who have been accused to be sympathizers – others say fronts – of the Communist Party of the Philippines and its armed-wing, the New People's Army (NPA), currently locked in a 4-decade war with the government.

During the hearing, AFP chief General Gregorio Catapang Jr vowed to do his best to end the communist insurgency during his term so the military can shift its focus to external defense. Congress support to augment their budget is crucial, he said.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/68585-dnd-afp-clash-lawmakers-budget

Navy spots 'lighthouses' in West PH Sea

From Rappler (Sep 9): Navy spots 'lighthouses' in West PH Sea

The Philippine Navy chief says security forces are monitoring these areas

The Philippine Navy confirmed it has monitored structures resembling lighthouses in 2 reefs in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

"We have reported some facilities that were [encountered] by our security forces that had been developed in this part... We can cite 2 areas – Kennan (Hughes) and Mabini (Johnson) reefs," Navy chief Vice Admiral Jesus Millan told the House committee on appropriations on Tuesday, September 9.

 

"Our security forces were able to monitor facilities or structures with semblance to a lighthouse... similar to a lighthouse. These are being monitored together with the other islands that are being used by other claimant countries," Millan added.

 

The Philippines previously filed a separate protest against China's earlier reclamation activities in Mabini Reef in May 2014 and in Kennan in June 2014, the Department of Foreign Affairs announced.

The Philippine military also earlier expressed concerns that China is building a military base in Mabini reef.

 

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin told the committee that the biggest security concern for the Philippines is the external threat from China over the disputed West Philippine Sea.

 

Gazmin said they continue to conduct maritime patrols at the West Philippine Sea and report what they find out to the Department of Foreign Affairs.

 

"When we observe violations, we document these and send these to the proper agency which is the Department of Foreign Affairs," said Gazmin.

The security officials were asking for additional P20 billion (about $450 million) budget for its modernization.

 

http://www.rappler.com/nation/68605-lighthouses-mabini-kennan