Friday, May 29, 2015

China reclamation in West PH Sea creates 'new facts', says US defense chief

From ABS-CBN (May 29): China reclamation in West PH Sea creates 'new facts', says US defense chief

ABOARD A U.S. MILITARY AIRCRAFT - US Defense Secretary Ash Carter, in Washington's latest challenge of Chinese land reclamation in the South China Sea, said the scale of Beijing's activities, not the United States, was altering the status quo in the region.

Carter, speaking to reporters at the start of a 10-day trip to Asia, said the United States was trying to maintain a shared regional security structure that had advanced "prosperity for everyone" over the past 70 years.

"We've been flying over the South China Sea for years and years and years, and ... will continue to do that: fly, navigate, operate. So that's not a new fact," Carter said.

"The new facts are the reclamation and the scale on which it is being done, and that's not an American fact, that's a Chinese fact," Carter said.

The United States has publicly highlighted Chinese island-building in the disputed Spratly Islands several times in recent weeks. Carter called for an end to the land reclamation work by China and other countries on Wednesday and a halt to the militarization of the territorial dispute.

The U.S. Navy last week sent a reconnaissance plane carrying Navy and television camera crews to film the Chinese dredging work, which U.S. officials say has added some 2,000 acres to five outposts in the resource-rich Spratlys, including 1,500 this year.

The Spratlys are claimed by half a dozen countries, including the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam and China.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying deflected criticism, saying it was the Philippines that had conducted large-scale construction activities on what she said were China's islands and reefs since the 1970s, saying China would not "recognize the illegal occupation".

"We urge the Philippines to stop making erroneous remarks and we also urge the United States, which is not a party to the South China Sea dispute, to take a responsible attitude, be prudent in words and deeds, be reasonable and calm, and stop making provocative remarks," she told a news conference.

"These types of remarks are not conducive to solving the dispute peacefully, but will further damage the region's peace and stability."

Carter, asked whether the United States would send ships to within 12 miles of the Chinese-built islands to demonstrate Washington does not accept Beijing's territorial claims, said, "The United States will ... fly, sail, operate, wherever international law allows."

He also rejected the notion that the islands, which China built on previously submerged reefs, could claim 12 miles of territorial waters.

"The 12 nautical miles that I think you're referring to does not pertain to features that were submerged and now are no longer submerged," Carter said.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/05/29/15/china-reclamation-west-ph-sea-creates-new-facts-says-us-defense-chief

Barangay captain's son abducted in Zambo del Norte

From ABS-CBN (May 29): Barangay captain's son abducted in Zambo del Norte

ZAMBOANGA - A son of a barangay chairperson in Titay municipality, Zamboanga Sibugay province was abducted in Sitio Lupag, Barangay Malintubuan in Labason municipality, province of Zamboanga del Norte past 7 p.m. Thursday.

Sr. Insp. Mohammad Hashim Sahidaini, chief of Labason municipal police station, identified the victim as Dennis Cabadonga, 26.

Cabadonga's mother is the current chairperson of Barangay San Antonio. Their family is operating some businesses which include buy-and-sell of copra and a bakery.

Sahidaini said four to six armed men forcibly entered the compound where the storage room of the Cabadonga family is located. The suspects immediately left the area after they took hold of Cabadonga inside the compound.

They passed through the back of the compound and headed to the shoreline, which is just a few meters away, where two motorized pumpboats were waiting.

The armed men also took some of the personal belongings of some workers of Cabadonga.

Sahidaini said the suspects pretended and identified themselves as policemen conducting an anti-drug operation in the area.

Policemen of Labason municipal police station responded to a call of a resident, but failed to catch the abductors.

Based from intelligence information, the Cabadonga family has been receiving kidnapping threats from a certain group in Titay.

The family bought a property in Labason and started their businesses in the municipality. But they did not coordinate with the police nor requested security escorts amid the threats they have been receiving.

Police believe a certain Commander Maulana, an alleged leader of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) based in Sirawai municipality, Zamboanga del Norte, was behind the abduction.

Sahidaini said the group of Maulana is in cahoots with the Abu Sayyaf Group based in Sulu province.

The abductors used local residents in the area as their spotters or lookout to monitor the everyday routine of Cabadonga. They planned carefully their entry and exit in the area as well.

The crisis management committee of Labason will convene on Tuesday to further discuss the security loopholes that must be addressed following the abduction incident.

The commander of Joint Task Force Zambasulta, Rear Admiral Reynaldo Yoma, said most of the kidnap victims in the Zamboanga peninsula are being brought to Sulu.

These include the mayor of Naga, Zamboanga Sibugay, Gemma Adana, who was abducted last April 6.

The two Philippine Coast Guard personnel and a barangay chairman who were snatched in an island barangay in Dipolog, Zamboanga del Norte were also spotted in Sulu.

Yoma said at least 14 captives are still in the hands of the Abu Sayyaf Group in Sulu. The military has been conducting discreet operations in a bid to rescue some of the kidnap victims
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/05/29/15/pharmacist-abducted-zambo-del-norte

PAF rain maker aircraft deployed

From Ang Malaya (May 29): PAF rain maker aircraft deployed

The Philippine Air Force deployed to Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija on May 28 its LC-210 aircraft which is dedicated for rainmaking operations being operated and maintained by the 900th Air Force Weather Group led by the Group Commander Col. Lauro Tianchon. The said aircraft will carry out rainmaking missions over Angat Dam, Pantabangan Dam and other areas as requested by Bureau of Soils and Management.

The LC-210 aircraft is based at Fernando Air Base, Lipa City and can be sent in any part of the country for rain-making operations.

Air Force Weather Technicians MSgt. Moleta and TSgt. Fabro of the 900th Air Force Weather Group distributed 357 sacks of sodium chloride and assisted the successful conduct of rainmaking operations over the province of Negros Occidental using a chartered Piper Aztec aircraft last April 23 to May 12.

Weather Technicians dispense sodium chloride during cloud seeding operations. They also provide and specialized meteorological services, including meteorological observations, forecasts, in rainmaking and climatological studies to support the AFP and the other Government agencies.
900th Air Force Weather Group tracks and monitors all weather disturbances inside the Philippine Area of Responsibilities and performs meteorological watch in all PAF bases, sites and TOG’s including issuance of terminal and station forecast. They also repair and maintain all meteorological equipment.

http://www.angmalaya.net/nation/2015/05/29/11036-paf-rain-maker-aircraft-deployed

Military eyeing declaration of NegOr as ‘insurgent free'

From the Visayan Daily Star (May 29): Military eyeing declaration of NegOr as ‘insurgent free'

The Philippine Army is seriously looking at declaring the province of Negros Oriental insurgency free at the earliest possible time even with the presence of “remnants” of the rebel New People's Army in the northern part of the province.

Depending on how fast the Philippine Army in the province can finish the documentation, the insurgency free declaration could be any time this year at the earliest, military officials said.

Negros Oriental was declared about a year ago as conflict manageable and development ready after law enforcement agencies announced the insurgency problem was reduced to an insignificant level.

Maj. Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero, chief of the 3rd Infantry “Spearhead” Division based in Jamindan, Capiz, reported this recently and commended the joint efforts by law enforcement agencies, the provincial government and other stakeholders to set and implement the framework for lasting peace.

“We are very confident and positive about this (declaration of Negros Oriental as insurgency free) as can be seen in the efforts of law enforcement agencies and with support of local government agencies, slowly but surely we are able to make significant gains in the improvement of peace and order” in the province,” he added.

Guerrero also said he has discussed this with Col. Allan Martin, commander of the 302nd Infantry Brigade based in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental, and the province could be declared insurgency free any time soon or, “optimistically, in 2016”.

Guerrero, who was at Tuesday's turnover of financial assistance to former NPA rebels in Dumaguete City, said he was impressed with the number of beneficiaries.

There were 33 beneficiaries who received P65,000 each as Immediate Assistance and Livelihood Assistance under the CLIP at rites led by Governor Roel Degamo at the Negros Oriental Convention Center.

However, Guerrero said that the northern part of Negros Oriental, specifically Guihulngan City, is still problematic with “remnants” of the NPA's South East Front mostly operating there and continue to make their presence felt although “minimal”.

But, he said they continue to enjoy the support of barangay officials and residents, who are cooperating by reporting the presence of lawless elements in their areas.*

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2015/May/29/negor1.htm

Thursday, May 28, 2015

10th ID chief graces SCAA graduation

From the Philippine Information Agency (May 28): 10th ID chief graces SCAA graduation

Island Garden City of Samal, May 28, 2015 - No less then the Commander of Philippine Army 10th Infantry (AGILA) Division Major General Eduardo M. Año, AFP attended as the Guest of Honor and Speaker (GOHAS) during the Special CAFGU Active Auxiliary (SCAA) Closing Ceremony at Samal Multi-purpose Gym on May 26.

The 41 graduates  were part of the 3rd batch of SCAA who completed the  45 day Basic Military Training conducted by 72 IB (Infantry Batallion).Task Force Samal is under the 1003rd Brigade of the 10ID. Honing them to also be fish wardens,  the graduates were also given seminar on RA 8550 on Fishery laws, rules and regulations and fishery ordinances of the City conducted by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the local government.

Philippine Army 10ID Commander Major General Eduardo M. Año congratulated the graduates and welcomed them to the honourable profession of maintaining peace and order and public safety. He  commended  them in their vital role in the pursuit of peace and order to further developments in the city.

MGen Eduardo M. Año encouraged the SCAA graduates, “be persistent, maintain self-disciplined , hindi maging abusado kundi maging tagapagtanggol ng kapayapaan at manilbihan ng tapat, arugaan at protektahan  hindi lang ang ari-arian kundi ang buhay ng tao”.

On the same occasion, City Vice Mayor Uy, representing City Mayor Aniano P. Antalan who was on official business,  administered the SCAA Oath Taking as Deputized Fish Wardens and expressed his expectation in their support in the protection and conservation of the fishery and aquatic resources of the island.

City Vice Mayor Al David Uy lauded the SCAA for completing the training and urged them to be physically fit and always ready to provide public safety and security.   He also urged their families to be supportive and understanding to the works of the SCAA not just as protector of lives and property but as fish wardens in our municipal waters.

 

Part of the program was the Signing of Memorandum of Agreement between the local Government of  IGaCoS with 1003rd Infantry (Raptor) Brigade in the Declaration of IGaCoS as Peaceful and Ready for Further Development.

City Mayor Aniano P. Antalan puts prime concern on peace and order in Island Garden City of Samal. During the recent City Peace and Order Council Meeting, he bared to train more SCAA, with the 87 existing SCAA. He hoped to have a total of 150  so that there will be 50 SCAAs  that can be assigned in every district in the city.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1591432783751/10th-id-chief-graces-scaa-graduation

Vietnamese, PHL navies enjoyed Spratly games that irked China – AFP

From GMA News (May 28): Vietnamese, PHL navies enjoyed Spratly games that irked China – AFP



Members of the Philippine Navy recently played a game of volleyball against Vietnam People's Navy personnel during the 2nd Personnel Interactive invitation at Parola Island in the disputed Spratly Islands. PN/HO

Vietnamese Navy personnel enjoyed their engagement with Philippine counterparts during games in the disputed Spratlys on Wednesday, Armed Forces of the Philippines Navy Spokesman Col. Edgard Arevalo said.
 
According to Arevalo, the activity which, he described as a friendly engagement, focused on fostering goodwill among counterparts.
 
“They were very happy. They were happy about the turnout of the activity and they would like to have another similar event,” he said.
 
“We can say is was a successful engagement and they were encouraged by its outcome and they hoped there will be future activities like that,” he added. 
 
Arevalo said over 100 Filipino and Vietnamese troops played tug-of-war, volleyball and football. The Vietnamese contingent was declared overall winner.
 
Arevalo alo said the games with Vietnam provided a platform for sharing non-military skills.
 
“For example 'yung last year part ng naging engagement, nagusap sila, nagsharing ng mga best practices at saka 'yung mga lessons learned on humanitarian assistance and disaster response,” he said.
 
The troops conducted the activities on Parola Island in the West Philippine Sea. Arevalo said China should not see the games as a threat.
 
But China asked both navies to halt the games and cease intrusive action in the South China Sea, which it says it has a historical claim to.
 

Four soldiers wounded in Davao Oriental clash with NPAs

From GMA News (May 27): Four soldiers wounded in Davao Oriental clash with NPAs

The Armed Forces of the Philippines' Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) said Wednesday it is in pursuit of New People's Army (NPA) rebels in Cateel, Davao Oriental after four soldiers were wounded in a gunfight Tuesday morning.

In a statement, the Eastmincom said soldiers of the 67th Infantry Battalion (IB) responded to civilian reports of deception and extortion activities by at least 30 NPA bandits.

"Troops are still in pursuit of the NPA bandits in the hinterlands of Cateel and environs. We have ongoing operations in the area. None of those encountered had been caught yet," Lieutenant Colonel Eduardo Gubat, Eastmincom spokesman, said in a text message to GMA News Online.

The Eastmincom said the four soldiers are now in stable condition. It could not confirm whether there were wounded NPA members from the clash.

Troops also recovered two unexploded improvised explosive devices (IEDs), three high-powered firearms, and 13 backpacks from the bandits after they managed to escape from the 20-minute firefight 10 a.m. Tuesday.

Since January, the Eastmincom had recovered 69 high-powered firearms and 16 low-powered firearms as a result of encounters with NPA bandits in the Caraga and Davao regions, as well as parts of North Cotabato and Sarangani province.

“The timely response of our soldiers has protected the community from further abuse and harassment by the NPA bandits in the area”, Eastmincom Commander Lt. Gen. Aurelio Baladad said.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/494210/news/regions/four-soldiers-wounded-in-davao-oriental-clash-with-npas

Cops seize explosives in Zamboanga City

From GMA News (My 28): Cops seize explosives in Zamboanga City

Government forces on Wednesday night seized explosives and grenades during a search on a suspected Abu Sayyaf member's house in Zamboanga City.

Three people were also arrested in the search in Sitio Marangan in Barangay Muti, GMA News correspondent Peewee Bacuño reported.

Zamboanga City Police personnel, backed by military and Police Special Action Force troopers, searched at 11 p.m. the house of suspected Abu Sayyaf bomb maker Walid, reportedly a protégé of Kair Mundos and SPO2 Jun Malvan.

Malvan had been arrested in Malaysia in connection with the alleged kidnapping of an Australian national.

Found in the house were a bag of explosives, three unassembled improvised explosive devices, three grenades and two firearms.

Those arrested included one Basit, Jihadi Tibulung, and an old man.

Pursuit operations against Walid and Abu Sayyaf member Marzan Ajijul are ongoing.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/494362/news/regions/cops-seize-explosives-in-zamboanga-city

50 new military officers sworn into office

From Business World (May 27): 50 new military officers sworn into office

FIFTY new military officers composed of generals and flag officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) were sworn into office at the Malacanang Palace on Wednesday.

President Benigno S. C. Aquino III, together with AFP Chief of Staff Gregorio Pio P. Catapang Jr., Presidential Adviser on Military Affairs Secretary Danilo M. Cortez and Defense Undersecretary Honorio S. Escuet, inducted the officers during an oath-taking ceremony at the Rizal Hall.

Highest ranking officers in the ceremony include Vice Admiral Alexander S. Lopez, who is Commander of the Palawan-based Western Command (WESCOM); Lieutenant General Nicanor M. Vivar, Commander of the Cebu-based Central Command (CENTCOM); Lieutenant General Aurelio B. Baladad, Commander of the Davao-based Eastern Mindanao Command (EASTMINCOM).

Also inducted were Lt. Gen. Oscar Lopez, Maj. Gen. Edwin Manuel Remotigue, Maj. Gen. Ivan Samarita, Maj. Gen. Rafael Valencia, Rear Adm. Ronald Joseph Mercado, Maj. Gen. Raul del Rosario, Maj. Gen. Isagani Silva, Rear Adm. Primitivo Gopo, Maj. Gen. Demosthenes Santillan, Maj. Gen. Richard Lagrana, Maj. Gen. Romeo Gan, Maj. Gen. Ruben Carandang, Rear Adm. Allan Rosal, Brig. Gen. Leandro Loyao, Brig. Gen. Edgar de Vera, Brig. Gen. Godfrey Julio, Brig. Gen. Apolinario Alobba, Brig. Gen. Joselito Reyes, Brig. Gen. Buenaventura Pascual, Brig. Gen. Jose Mirandilla, Jr., Commodore Edwin Mackay, Brig. Gen. Rozzano Briguez, Brig. Gen. Paolo Leo Miciano, and Brig. Gen. Guillermo Molina, Jr.

Mr. Aquino, also swore in Brig. Gen. Ricardo Castilan, Commodore Narciso Vingson, Brig. Gen. Ernesto Milo, Brig. Gen. Jonathan Ponce, Commodore Vicente Cejoco, Brig. Gen. Ignacio Obligacion, Brig. Gen. Al Perreras, Brig. Gen. Glenn Macasero, Brig. Gen. Arturo Jose Orticio Jr., Brig. Gen. Michael Beverlyn Manquiquis, Brig. Gen. Gregory Cayetano, Commodore Ingemar Pernes, Brig. Gen. Herminigildo Aquino, Brig. Gen. Ferdinand Quidilla, Brig. Gen. Marcial Constante Jr., Brig. Gen. Paul Atal, Brig. Gen. Jon Aying, Brig. Gen. Aaron Fetalvero, Brig. Gen. Benjamin Madrigal, Brig. Gen Tirso Dolina, Brig. Gen. Noelito Albano, Brig. Gen Arnold Rafael Depakakibo, and Brig. Gen. Elvin Hermogino.

The military officers are the newest addition to the almost 125,000 strong military and are assigned to different military units including, but not limited to, the Philippine Military Academy, the Philippine Army’s Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC), the Philippine Navy’s Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), and the Philippine Air Force’s Air Logistics Command (ALC).

http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Nation&title=50-new-military-officers-sworn-into-office&id=108710

Grenade blast rocks Sultan Kudarat police station

From ABS-CBN (May 28): Grenade blast rocks Sultan Kudarat police station

A grenade blast rocked a police station at the town of Esperanza in Sultan Kudarat on Wednesday morning.

SPO1 Arlan Ramales sustained a knee injury after an unidentified suspect hurled a grenade at the Esperanza Police Station at around 2:45 a.m. Wednesday.

The suspect managed to escape after boarding a motorcycle driven by another person.

Two cars and a police patrol car parked inside the station's compound were damaged due to the explosion.

Police believe that the grenade lobbing was a case of harassment.

Security has been tightened around the police station and an operation hs been launched to capture the perpetrators.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/05/28/15/grenade-blast-rocks-sultan-kudarat-police-station

Former NPA members advised to use financial assistance wisely

From the Visayan Daily Star (May 28): Former NPA members advised to use financial assistance wisely

  Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo encouraged the 33 beneficiaries of the Comprehensive Local Integration Program to spend what the government had given them in a wise and productive manner.

The beneficiaries, who had separately returned to the folds of the law in recent years, were granted each P15,000 as immediate assistance, and P50,000 livelihood assistance, or a total of P65,000 each under the CLIP.

“I hope that you will put to good use the assistance that is given to you so you could start anew and successfully reintegrate your life back as well as become a productive member of the community”, Degamo told the former members of the rebel New People's Army.

Degamo also told them not hesitate to approach government officials any time if they need help and expressed joy over their return “to the folds of the law and will start to live a peaceful life”.

The turnover ceremony was attended by top ranking officials of the Philippine Army, headed by Maj. Gen Rey Leonardo Guerrero, commanding general of the 3 rd Infantry Division, 302 nd Brigade commander, Col. Alan Martin, Col. Harold Anthony Pascua, 79 th IB commanding officer, and Supt. Reynold Andot of the Negros Oriental PNP.

The CLIP seeks to contribute toward achieving the goal of permanent and peaceful closure of all armed conflicts with non-state armed groups.

Degamo reiterated his consistent stand of rural development over bearing arms as the best solution to the problems facing society today.

Three beneficiaries, who spoke for their group, expressed their gratitude to the governor, the Philippine Army, the police and other line government agencies for giving them the opportunity to start a new life.

Holding back tears, the two male and one female beneficiaries took turns in giving their responses and expressed hope for a better life under the CLIP.

The governor said his administration will continue to work to achieve lasting peace in the province and called on the other NPA members to leave the rebel movement and return to the folds of the law.

Guerrero said this is the biggest, in terms of the number of beneficiaries under the integration program, in the coverage area of the 3ID. He said he is pushing for the declaration of an insurgency-free Negros Oriental by 2016.

Martin said he hopes for a closure to the insurgency problem, as there is a bigger security concern, like the issue of the West Philippine Sea that is threatening the sovereignty of the country, and the passage of the Bangsa Moro Basic Law, that he hopes will be the solution to the Mindanao problem.

The checks were presented Degamo, provincial DILG director Dennis Quinones, and provincial social welfare officer Alice Lagarde.
 

Photo: MNLF, MILF in OIC meet

MindaNews (May 28): Photo: MNLF, MILF in OIC meet

mnlfmilf133

Leaders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) — MILF chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim (L), MNLF chair Muslimin Sema (center) and Randolph Parcasio ®, MNLF founding chair Nur Misuari’s representative, arrive at the Al Diwan-Almiri in Kuwait City on Wednesday, May 27, for the 42nd Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM).  At the sidelines of the Conference is the Bangsamoro Coordination Forum meeting convened by the office of the  OIC Secretary-General. Photo courtesy of Omar Sema

http://www.mindanews.com/photo-of-the-day/2015/05/28/mnlf-milf-in-oic-meet/

US affirms 'ironclad' vow to defend Philippines

From Rappler (May 28): US affirms 'ironclad' vow to defend Philippines

In talks in Hawaii with Philippine Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter 'reaffirm' the strong ties between the two countries and discuss territorial disputes in the contested waters of the South China Sea

US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter told his Philippine counterpart on Wednesday, May 27, that Washington's pledge to defend the Pacific nation remains "ironclad" and called for an end to land reclamation in the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea), officials said.

In talks in Hawaii with Philippine Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, the Pentagon chief "reaffirmed" the strong ties between the two countries and discussed territorial disputes in the contested waters of the South China Sea, where Beijing has been at loggerheads with the Philippines and other states in the region.

Citing Washington's mutual defense treaty with Manila, Carter "stressed that the US commitment to defend the Philippines is ironclad," the Pentagon said in a statement.

The meeting came as Carter embarks on a tour of Asia and amid rising tensions over Beijing's massive effort to build artificial islands in the South China Sea.

Carter and Gazmin "agreed that all parties involved in the South China Sea should seek a peaceful resolution of disputes, immediately halt land reclamation, and stop further militarization of disputed features," the statement said.

Manila has said it will keep flying over disputed areas in the South China Sea despite Beijing's warnings. And this month, the Philippines took part in a groundbreaking naval exercise with Japan, in a move aimed at countering a rising China. (READ: PH, Japan to discuss 'transfer of military assets')

Beijing has expanded its land reclamation work in the South China Sea at a dramatic pace in recent months, constructing man-made islands on top of reefs across a wide area to back up its territorial claims.

China insists it has a right to control nearly all of the South China Sea, including waters near the coasts of the Philippines, Vietnam and other Asian neighbors.

The Chinese military last week ordered a US Navy P-8 Poseidon surveillance plane to leave an area above the disputed Spratly islands in the South China Sea. But the American aircraft ignored the demand and said it was flying in what US officials consider international airspace. (READ: China challenges US plane during Balikatan war games and China continues to harass PH air patrols in West PH Sea)

After his stop in Hawaii, Carter is due to visit Singapore, Vietnam and India in his second tour of the region since taking over at the Pentagon in February.

"Over the next 10 days, Carter will reaffirm the US rebalance to the Asia-Pacific," Pentagon spokesman Colonel Steven Warren said.

Washington has deployed more ships and aircraft to the Asia-Pacific region in the past two years and tried to strengthen its ties to partners in the area as part of its "rebalance" to Asia, which comes as a response to China's growing military might.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/94539-us-affirms-ironclad-promise-to-defend-philippines

AFP to consolidate naval assets under West PH Sea command

From Rappler (May 28): AFP to consolidate naval assets under West PH Sea command

The movement follows the transfer of Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal located off Zambales province from the Northern Luzon Command to the Western Command

117th ANNIVERSARY: The Philippine Navy celebrates its anniversary in Cavite City

117th ANNIVERSARY: The Philippine Navy celebrates its anniversary in Cavite City

 
The Philippine Navy is combining the Palawan-based Naval Forces West (Navforwest) and La Union-based Naval Forces Northern Luzon (Navfornol) to strengthen the Western Command (Wescom), the unified military unit responsible for the country's external defense.

"Maraming rason (There are various reasons) – ease of supervision and commonality of equipment," Navy chief Vice Admiral Jesus Millan said this week at the anniversary celebration of the Philippine Navy, in explaining the consolidation effort.

This movement follows the transfer of Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal located off Zambales province from the responsibility of Tarlac-based Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom) to the operational area of Wescom. It was done to put all external defense efforts under one commander.

The shoal located within the country's 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone is now practically occupied by the Chinese following the tense standoff in 2012. This incident prompted the Philippines to file its case against China.

The Navfornol is the closest naval unit to Scarborough Shoal but remains under Nolcom. Its transfer to Wescom consolidates the navy's territorial defense assets under one single command, too.

"We will harmonize these efforts," Millan added.

The consolidation of the two naval commands will happen "in a year or two," said Millan.

The reorganization takes place as the Navy expects the delivery of more assets for territorial defense.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/94584-ph-consolidate-naval-assets-wescom

PH, US slam China: Stop reclamations, militarizing disputed sea

From InterAksyon (May 28): PH, US slam China: Stop reclamations, militarizing disputed sea

The Philippines and United States urged China to stop all its reclamation activities in the West Philippine Sea, especially at the reefs within the municipality of Kalayaan Island Group (KIG).

The Chinese actions include incursions into Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal.

The call to China was intended to avoid miscalculations that could lead to possible but unnecessary or avoidable armed confrontation.

In a statement released Thursday by the Department of National Defense (DND), Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, who is currently in the US, slammed China's unilateral activities in the disputed sea as "inconsistent with international law."

"Actions that could lead to accidents and untoward incidents due to miscalculations should be avoided. For the US, reclamation activities must stop and militarization of the area avoided," Gazmin said.

Gazmin met with his counterpart, Secretary Ashton Carter, where they discussed the magnitude of China’s reclamation activities, converting Philippine reefs into artificial islands believed to be used for military operations and projection of naval power in the region.

Estimate shows more than $100 million of annual economic losses due to the massacre of coral reefs by China’s reclamations that will deny millions of Filipino fishermen and the next generations to come of their live and worst, endangers the ecological balance of country’s marine resources. 

"Unilateral actions escalate tensions which may lead to actual conflict. The rule of law should prevail," Gazmin said.

In a separate development, Caloocan Representative Edgar Erice filed House Resolution No. 2136 aimed at countering China's aggressive expansion in the disputed regional waters.

With Resolution 2136, Erice said it was time for the Philippines to tap the support of its allies against China's "bullying" through its unbridled reclamation activities.

He said the Philippine government should talk with the United States, Japan and other countries for the establishment of a military and economic facility in the Kalayaan Island Group.

"It is high time for the Philippines to initiate the formation of an alliance with other interested countries that will function, not only as a deterrent to the expansionist designs of China, but also as a mechanism for the sustained development of the Kalayaan Island Group, which will also provide additional employment opportunities to Filipinos," Erice said in his resolution.

In pressing for his proposal, Erice said that "efforts at amicable settlement of the said territorial dispute among the claimant countries have consistently failed."

According to Defense Secretary Gazmin, the United States expressed alarm over the developments and, at the same time, supported the Philippines' resorting to international arbitration, which China continues to reject by unilaterally imposing its so-called "nine-dash-line" that practically covers 90 percent of the South China Sea and large portions of the West Philippine Sea.

Other claimant-countries of the disputed sea include Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Brunei.

Gazmin said Carter reiterated that the US remains committed to Philippines-US Mutual Defense Treaty.

He said both militaries will continue to deepen bilateral defense and military relations through combined activities and regular policy consultations to ensure that positions and actions are coordinated.

"Both militaries will explore opportunities for developing each other’s defense posture," Gazmin said.

The Kalayaan Island Group is within the 350 nautical miles from the baselines of the Philippine archipelago, which means that the country has the sovereign right to explore and exploit the natural resources in the area in accordance with Article 77 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Despite this, China has undertaken massive reclamation of the islands, which ,according to the Department of Foreign Affairs, has resulted in the destruction of some 121 hectares of coral reef systems equivalent to economic losses to coastal states estimated at $100 million.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/111321/ph-us-slam-china-stop-reclamations-militarizing-disputed-sea

VIDEO | Treason, sedition charges filed against gov't negotiating panel over BBL

From Inter Aksyon (May 28): VIDEO | Treason, sedition charges filed against gov't negotiating panel over BBL



The first page of the complaint affidavit filed against members of the government negotiating panel on the Bangsamoro Basic Law.

Even before it could became law, the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) on Thursday faced its first legal challenge before a local court, which accused its framers of treason and inciting to sedition.

In their complaint affidavit, Representatives Lito Atienza, Michael Velarde Jr. and Irwin Tieng, all from Buhay partylist, Jonathan de la Cruz of Abakada partylist, former Ambassador Jose Romero, Jr. and lawyer Jeremy Gatdula said that the members of the government negotiating panel led by Professor Miriam Coronel Ferrer should be held liable for treason and inciting to sedition for giving in to the demands of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which "put the entire nation in a dilemma."

"The acts of the respondents, in executing the Framework Agreement and in proposing the BBL, also effectively aided the MILF armed forces to successfully assert their existence as a separate and independent state. Therefore, the Respondents must be held liable for the crime of treason," the complainants said in their affidavit filed before deputy City Prosecutor Eufrosino Sulla at the Manila City Hall.

The respondents also included the members of the MILF negotiating panel led by Mohagher Iqbal.

The BBL, which is currently being deliberated in Congress, aims to establish a new Bangsamoro region that is fiscally and politically autonomous. 

It was a product of the Framework Agreement and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro signed between the government and the MILF last year.

"The BBL intends to establish the Bangsamoro government as a political entity equal to or greater than the government of the Republic of the Philippines. The respondents, therefore, incite people to diminish the supervisory powers of the President," the affidavit said.

It added that, "in proposing the asymmetric relationship, the respondents also incite people to strip away the superiority of the national government and to prevent the executive department to freely exercise its power as provided by the Constitution."

According to the lawmakers, the BBL promotes secessionist moves.

"Through the BBL provisions, which are clearly unconstitutional, the inhabitants of the still undefined Bangsamoro are being instigated to make continuing demands for independence and self-determination," they said.

"The acts of the respondents, in executing the Framework Agreement and in proposing the BBL, also effective aided the MILF armed forces to successfully assert their existence as a separate and independent state," they added. 

The House of Representatives is to begin plenary debates on the BBL on June 1.  At the Senate, the bill is being deliberated at the committee level.

HERE'S NEWS5'S VIDEO REPORT ON THE FILING OF THE CASE:

[Video report]

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/111333/video--treason-sedition-charges-filed-against-govt-negotiating-panel-over-bbl

US citizen accosted with hand grenade at NAIA T1

From InterAksyon (May 28): US citizen accosted with hand grenade at NAIA T1

A departing passenger bound for Taipei was intercepted at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 by the Philippine National Police-Aviation Security Group under Chief Supt. Pablo Francisco Balagtas after an MK2 serviceable fragmentation grenade and a kitchen knife were found in his backpack.

According to Balagtas, the interception at 7:20 a.m. last May 26 at X-Ray No. 3 of the initial screening checkpoint at T1's departure area was made in cooperation with the security screening officer of the Office of Transport Security and the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), particularly through the office of NAIA-Airport Police Division chief Supt. Joey Tecson and in line with the implementation of strict security procedures.

Supt. Ricardo Layug, head of the Aviation Security Unit-National Capital Region, said the passenger was identified as Cipriano De Guzman, a US citizen. He was about to board flight CI702 bound for Taipei when nabbed.

Layug said personnel from the PNP-AVSEGROUP's K9-explosives ordnance division conducted a 'render safe procedure' and confirmed that one of the items monitored in De Guzman's backpack was a fragmentation grenade.

The grenade and the knife, he said, were monitored by SSO Nolasco Abanco, duty X-Ray operator at X-Ray No. 3. Baggage inspector Enrique Cruz and SPO4 Ericson Engcoy and PO2 Wilfredo Ferrer of K9-EOD confirmed that the item was a hand grenade.  

Tecson said De Guzman was turned over to office of Layug for proper disposition while the items were placed in the custody of PO2 Ferrer.    

It was learned from Layug that the passenger was charged with violation of Sec 1 of R.A. 9516 (Modifying Unlawful Possession of Explosives) and Sec. 1 of Batas Pambansa 6 for illegal possession of bladed weapon, at the Pasay City Prosecutor's Office, while further investigation will be made on him.  

He said the intervention made was based on orders of Balagtas for the rigid implementation of Operations plan (OPLAN) Lambat Sibat, an intensified Pulis Anti Crime Campaign and P.A.T.R.O.L. PLAN 2030 (Peace and Order Agenda for Transformation and Upholding the Rule of Law).

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/111331/us-citizen-accosted-with-hand-grenade-at-naia-t1

Pentagon chief urges end to island-building in South China Sea

From InterAksyon (May 28): Pentagon chief urges end to island-building in South China Sea

US Defense Secretary Ash Carter called on Wednesday for an immediate end to island-building by China and other countries near the South China Sea, urging the participants to stop militarizing the dispute and find a peaceful solution.

Carter said China's island-building efforts were "out of step" with the regional consensus and that US military aircraft and warships would continue to operate in the area as permitted under international law.

"China's actions are bringing countries in the region together in new ways," he said in a military ceremony in Hawaii. "They're increasing demand for American engagement in the Asia-Pacific. We're going to meet it."

"We will remain the principal security power in the Asia-Pacific for decades to come," Carter said.

Carter's comments, at Pearl Harbor, came a week after the US Navy sent a P-8 reconnaissance plane carrying navy and television camera crews to film Chinese island-building activity in the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea.

In Beijing, the foreign ministry said the United States had "double standards."

"I want to empathize that the US has been selectively mute on individual countries that have selectively occupied China's islands and reefs, but have made irresponsible remarks on the construction activities that are lawful, fair and reasonable within China’s scope of sovereignty," ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said at a regular briefing on Thursday.

"The Chinese people can make their own judgment. No one has the right to tell China what to do," she added.

US officials say China has added some 2,000 acres (800 hectares) to five outposts in the Spratlys, including 1,500 acres since the start of this year.

"We want a peaceful resolution of all disputes, and an immediate and lasting halt to land reclamation by any claimant. We also oppose any further militarization of disputed features," Carter said in his remarks.

"With its actions in the South China Sea, China is out of step with both international norms that underscore the Asia-Pacific's security architecture," he added.

The US aircraft that flew near the Spratlys was repeatedly warned by a Chinese navy radio operator to leave the area.

The islands are claimed by several other countries in the region, including Vietnam, the Philippines and Malaysia.

Manila has been particularly vocal in the region in criticizing China's reclamation work, and Philippine Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin had talks with Carter while attending the ceremony in Hawaii.

"The US expressed alarm on unilateral activities that are inconsistent with international law," Gazmin said in a text message. "Unilateral actions escalate tensions which may lead to actual conflict. Actions that could lead to accidents and untoward incidents due to miscalculations should be avoided."

Carter is on the first leg of a trip that will take him to Singapore for the annual Shangri-La Dialogue security conference and then on to Vietnam and India, where he will discuss maritime security issues and boosting security ties.

His comments came at a change-of-command ceremony for the US military's Pacific Command, which is responsible for US forces in the Asia-Pacific region.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/111340/pentagon-chief-urges-end-to-island-building-in-south-china-sea

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

Soldiers seize 3 high-powered rebel weapons, 2 IEDs, assorted war materiel in Davao Oriental clash

From the Philippine News Agency (May 27): Soldiers seize 3 high-powered rebel weapons, 2 IEDs, assorted war materiel in Davao Oriental clash

Troopers from the Eastern Mindanao Command captured three high-powered rebel firearms, two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and 13 backpacks after a 20-minute firefight with New People's Army (NPA) bandits on Tuesday morning at Sitio Mahu, Barangay Aragon, Cateel, Davao Oriental.

In the same encounter, four soldiers from the 67th Infantry Battalion, a field unit of the Eastern Mindanao Command, were wounded along with an undetermined number of rebels.

The clash took place at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Eastern Mindanao Command spokesperson Lt. Col. Eduardo Gubat said.

Captured were an M-16 automatic rifle, an M-14 carbine and an M-653 rifle.

Gubat said the rebels retreated after the 20-minute firefight.

Pursuit operations are still ongoing as of this posting.

The encounter stemmed from extortion and harassment reports filed by barangay residents against a group of 30 NPA bandits.

As of May 27, there were 69 high-powered firearms and 16 low-powered firearms recovered by Eastern Mindanao Command units as a result of encounters with the NPA bandits in CARAGA and Davao regions, parts of North Cotabato and Sarangani province since Jan. 1, 2015.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=766048

President Aquino swears into office 50 new military officers

From the Philippine News Agency (May 27): President Aquino swears into office 50 new military officers

President Benigno S. Aquino III inducted into office 50 new generals and flag officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in Malacañang Palace’s Rizal Hall on Wednesday.

Also present during the oath-taking ceremony at 10 a.m. were AFP Chief General Gregorio Catapang, Presidential Adviser on Military Affairs Secretary Danilo Cortez, and Defense Undersecretary Honorio Azcueta.

The new officers were led by Western Luzon Command Commander Vice Admiral Alexander Lopez, who was designated Balikatan director this year; Central Luzon Command Commander Lt. General Nicanor Vivar; and Eastern Mindanao Commander Lt. Gen. Aurelio Baladad.

Also inducted were Lt. Gen. Oscar Lopez, Maj. Gen. Edwin Manuel Remotigue, Maj. Gen. Ivan Samarita, Maj. Gen. Rafael Valencia, Rear Adm. Ronald Joseph Mercado, Maj. Gen. Raul del Rosario, Maj. Gen. Isagani Silva, Rear Adm. Primitivo Gopo, Maj. Gen. Demosthenes Santillan, Maj. Gen. Richard Lagrana, Maj. Gen. Romeo Gan, Maj. Gen. Ruben Carandang, Rear Adm. Allan Rosal, Brig. Gen. Leandro Loyao, Brig. Gen. Edgar de Vera, Brig. Gen. Godfrey Julio, Brig. Gen. Apolinario Alobba, Brig. Gen. Joselito Reyes, Brig. Gen. Buenaventura Pascual, Brig. Gen. Jose Mirandilla, Jr., Commodore Edwin Mackay, Brig. Gen. Rozzano Briguez, Brig. Gen. Paolo Leo Miciano, and Brig. Gen. Guillermo Molina, Jr.

President Aquino, also the AFP commander-in-chief, likewise swore in Brig. Gen. Ricardo Castilan, Commodore Narciso Vingson, Brig. Gen. Ernesto Milo, Brig. Gen. Jonathan Ponce, Commodore Vicente Cejoco, Brig. Gen. Ignacio Obligacion, Brig. Gen. Al Perreras, Brig. Gen. Glenn Macasero, Brig. Gen. Arturo Jose Orticio Jr., Brig. Gen. Michael Beverlyn Manquiquis, Brig. Gen. Gregory Cayetano, Commodore Ingemar Pernes, Brig. Gen. Herminigildo Aquino, Brig. Gen. Ferdinand Quidilla, Brig. Gen. Marcial Constante Jr., Brig. Gen. Paul Atal, Brig. Gen. Jon Aying, Brig. Gen. Aaron Fetalvero, Brig. Gen. Benjamin Madrigal, Brig. Gen Tirso Dolina, Brig. Gen. Noelito Albano, Brig. Gen Arnold Rafael Depakakibo, and Brig. Gen. Elvin Hermogino.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=766081

Plans now afoot to develop submarine capability

From the Philippine News Agency (May 27): Plans now afoot to develop submarine capability

In line with its efforts to develop its external defense capabilities, Philippine Navy (PN) flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Jesus Millan said that plans are now afoot to develop a submarine arm.

However, he said that developing this capability will take time as a submarine capability requires a long gestation period in order to develop support facilities and the people and technology of operating such a force.

"(Development of a submarine capability) cannot happen overnight. It will take us some time," Millan stressed.

What is being done now is learning the concept and challenges of submarine operations.

"That’s why we in the Navy have taken the initial step to establish a unit which still start learning about this discipline and eventually prepare our personnel who will be involved in the creation of such capability," the PN chief said.

Submarine warfare consists primarily of diesel and nuclear submarines using torpedoes, missiles or nuclear weapons, as well as advanced sensing equipment, to attack other submarines, ships, or land targets.

Submarines may also be used for reconnaissance and landing of special forces as well as deterrence. In some navies they may be used for task force screening.

Military studies revealed that the Philippines need between three to six diesel electric submarines to fully secure its maritime domain.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=766145

Palace: 'We have always stood by our own on West Philippine Sea,' dispute

From the Philippine News Agency (May 27): Palace: 'We have always stood by our own on West Philippine Sea,' dispute
 
Malacanang on Wednesday said the Philippines always stands by its own with regard to the country’s position in the West Philippine Sea.

”We have always stood by our own,” deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a press briefing in Malacanang.

However, Valte clarified that the country would welcome support of other countries to the Philippines’ position in the disputed territories.

”It is, of course, welcome on our part that other responsible members of the international community have voiced their strong support for our position,” Valte said.

Valte reacted to the statement of Brad Glosserman, the executive director of the Pacific Forum for Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), who said the Philippines should not rely in the United States for help against China.

The official of the think-tank that released aerial photos of Mischief Reef in disputed Spratlys was quoted as saying: “If you’re relying on America for help, you have a problem.”

”Well, obviously, that is the person’s opinion. However, as you can see in crafting our position when it comes to the dispute in the West Philippine Sea, the country, the administration does take into consideration several factors before we had arrived at a decision to file the memorial before the Arbitral Tribunal,” Valte said.

”So it’s not really that we depend solely on one person or one country, but it’s a consideration of what we have, what is available to us, especially with regard to legal remedies,” she added.

Valte said the support of the US and other countries in the Philippines’ decision to elevate its position to the United Nations is vital.

”Not just the US in particular, but we’ve discussed this many times before that other responsible members of the international community have affirmed the Philippines’ position in terms of our approach to resolving the dispute and to us that’s very important—that you gain global support in terms of our initiatives and how we have chosen to resolve the disputes,” the Palace official said.

In March last year, the Philippines filed a memorial to defense its case against China’s sweeping territorial claims in West Philippine Sea at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS).

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has recently shown in a Senate hearing aerial photos showing massive and rapid reclamation by China in the disputed territory.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=766239

Patrol ranges of Jacinto, Gregorio Del Pilar ships boosted by AF-81

From the Philippine News Agency (May 28): Patrol ranges of Jacinto, Gregorio Del Pilar ships boosted by AF-81

With the commissioning of BRP Lake Caliraya (AF-81), the Navy's first oil tanker, patrol ranges of the three Jacinto class patrol vessels have been extended by another 2,500 nautical miles while the two Gregorio Del Pilar frigates have boosted theirs by another 14,000 nautical miles.

This was disclosed by Philippine Navy (PN) flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Jesus Millan in a message to the PNA.

The Jacinto class patrol vessels have a maximum unrefueled range of 2,500 nautical miles while the Gregorio Del Pilar frigates have a maximum unrefueled range of 14,000 nautical miles.

Millan added that having AF-81 in their inventory greatly boosted the patrol and endurance capabilities of their ships.

"As long as she (AF-81) has sufficient fuel stocks aboard, she can refuel any of our floating assets 24/7 to ensure their continuous patrol and maximize the presence of our floating assets," he added.

The BRP Lake Caliraya was commissioned at Naval Station Pascual Ledesma, Fort San Felipe, Cavite City last May 23.

She was the former M/T Lapu-Lapu of the PNOC Shipping and Transport Corporation that was donated to the PN last March 26, 2014.

The BRP Lake Caliraya is a single product replenishment platform that has a depot-to-ship, ship-to-depot, and a ship-to-ship refueling capabilities.

AF-81 was one of the three largest vessel of PNOC Fleet. She was built in Zhejiang Zhongxing Shipyard in Taizhou Peoples Republic of China in November 2007.

The sailing crew commissioned by the PNOC brought the ship from Taizhou, China to Manila, Philippines in January 2008.

The ship was used by the PNOC in transporting mainly bunker fuel to the different ports in the Philippines.

On May 11, 2014, the ship was brought from its anchorage area in Bataan to Keppel Shipyard, Bauan, Batangas to undergo dry docking and other related repairs.

She was then brought to Naval Shipyard, NSPL, Cavite City to undergo structural, habitability, machinery, and piping repairs.

AF-81 was named after Lake Caliraya, a beautiful lake located in the province of Laguna. As the lake provides a source of livelihood sustenance for the people of Caliraya, AF-81 on the other hand, will support the sustainment of naval operations.

With her modern replenishment and refueling gear, she will be central to facilitating and sustaining the operations of our Fleet in the operational areas.

AF-81 is commanded by Lt. Cmdr. Mamerto A Goleta PN and manned by selected officers and men of the Sealift Amphibious Force.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=766383

Knee and back pain

Persistent knee and back pain makes it difficult for me to concentrate. Coverage of Philippine events will remain limited for a while.

Saturday, May 23, 2015

MILF: Private sector vows to pour PHP16-B investments in Muslim Mindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (May 23): MILF: Private sector vows to pour PHP16-B investments in Muslim Mindanao

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Saturday announced that firms from the private sectors will invest in Muslim Mindanao badly affected by armed conflict.

Mohaqher Iqbal, Moro Islamic Liberation Front chief negotiator, said traders told him of their desire to help Muslim Mindanao recover and be at par with other regions in the country.

Iqbal said he received the information at the sidelines of Bangsamoro Business Forum in Makati City, organized by the Philippines Business for Social Progress and the World Bank.

He said the private sector is going to invest USD 6 million to develop areas in Mindanao badly affected by conflict.

The amount will be backed by the World Bank and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JIAS).

Iqbal was invited and spoke about the peace process and the Bangsamoro Basic Law. (BBL)

"The invitation is a proof that even business groups are supportive of the peace deal and the proposed Bangsamoro Law. Once realized, the amount will also bring fresh development to the area even if the BBL is not passed by Congress," Iqbal said.

The forum focused on investment opportunities, drew more than 80 participants from the government and the private sector, including Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. chair Manuel V. Pangilinan and Ayala Corp. chair and CEO Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala.

“What we have are hard commitments from a number of companies that will total up to about USD 6 million in investments. That will be in bananas, pineapples, coffee and cacao,” said John Perrine, chair of Unifrutti Group Philippines.

“There are some fears that no one will go, no one will invest. These are people who are ready to invest today, without waiting any longer as soon as the funds are available,” Perrine said.

Perrine noted that the investments, which he described as an initial figure, would create around 22,000 jobs across 18,000 hectares of land.

Filipino companies like San Miguel Corp. earlier expressed interest to invest in conflict areas in Mindanao.

“We have 12,000 combatants with the MILF and other armed groups. The biggest problem is lack of jobs and livelihood. This is something that will provide for them directly,” Perrine said.

Also being evaluated are infrastructure projects to facilitate the flow of investments to the Bangsamoro, Richard Bolt, Asian Development Bank country director, said.

He cited the Western Mindanao Road Project, which will cover about 500 kilometers of road rehabilitation and upgrades. Bolt said other projects were being evaluated, adding the need was “massive.”

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=764806

PN to celebrate 117th founding anniversary Monday

From the Philippine News Agency (May 22): PN to celebrate 117th founding anniversary Monday
 
The Philippine Navy (PN) will mark its 117th founding anniversary this coming Monday.

This will take place at Naval Station Pascual Ledesma, Fort San Felipe, Cavite City at 2: 30 p.m.

PN public affairs office chief Cmdr. Lued Lincuna said that this year's theme is “Protecting the Seas, Securing Our Future”.

Defense Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin will grace the occasion as the guest-of-honor and speaker.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=764559

3 more rebels surrender in Compostela Valley

From the Philippine News Agency (May 22): 3 more rebels surrender in Compostela Valley

Three more New People's Army (NPA) fighters, tired of the incessant fighting and separation from their loved ones, have voluntarily surrendered to troopers of the 25th Infantry Battalion in Poblacion Monkayo, Compostela Valley Thursday morning.

Eastern Mindanao Command spokesperson Lt. Col. Eduardo Gubat identified the surrenderers as Jessie Conseng, Jefferd Conseng and Jonathan Conseng.

Gubat said the three opted to give themselves up as they want to embrace peace, live normal lives with their loved ones and avail the programs of the government.

As of May 22, there are 62 NPA members who have surrendered to different military units of the AFP’s Eastern Mindanao Command while 30 NPA members with warrant of arrests from different concerned courts were arrested by the joint military and police elements at the Eastern Mindanao area since last Jan. 1.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=764566

DNA test results confirm remains belonged to terrorist Basit Usman

From the Philippine News Agency (May 22): DNA test results confirm remains belonged to terrorist Basit Usman

DNA tests on the remains of a man, who was killed in an encounter with Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) forces last May 3, 2015 in Maguindanao, belonged to wanted terrorist Abdul Basit Usman, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Friday.

The PNP Crime Laboratory confirmed the maternal relationship between the DNA profile of skin tissue specimen taken from the body of Usman with the DNA profile of his mother.

Another DNA match was also established between Usman and his nephew.

In addition to the DNA test results, police investigators also obtained the sworn statements of two barangay officials in Guindulungan, Maguindanao, who positively identified the cadaver of Ahmad Akmad Batabol Usman, a.k.a. Basit Usman. Both barangay officials were also able to take snapshot photos of Usman’s body using their own camera phones.

The PNP Crime Laboratory earlier collected saliva samples thru buccal swab from Singkorya Dagkog Usman, mother of Basit, and his nephew Hairudin Balt Usman for DNA profiling.

Citing DNA test results, Crime Laboratory Director , Chief Supt. Theresa Ann Cid said the “probability of Singkorya’s maternal relationship with Basit Usman is 99.9 percent.”

Comparatively, the DNA test result also revealed that “Basit is paternally related to Hairudin Balt Usman”, Cid said.

A report from CIDG Chief, Director Benjamin B. Magalong disclosed that a skin tissue specimen was submitted to CIDG by a member of the MILF 106th Brigade on May 8, 2015 in Camp Crame. The same MILF member also submitted a sheet of plain bond paper with alleged fingerprints and bloodstains of Basit Usman.

Magalong said the MILF member executed a sworn statement before CIDG officials attesting that he personally took the specimen from the body of Basit Usman after the wanted terrorist was killed in an encounter with his unit.

The witness averred that he personally knew Basit Usman because they formerly served together under the MILF 105th Base Command and later in the BIFF.

As a high-profile fugitive from justice, Usman became the subject of DND-DILG Joint Order on Reward No. 15-2012 issued on Nov. 8, 2012 that offered Php6,300,000 reward for information leading to his arrest.

The Rewards for Justice Program of the US Department of Justice also offered up to USD 5-million reward for information leading to the arrest of Basit Usman, who was described by the US-DOJ as a Filipino bomb-making expert with links to the Philippines-based Abu Sayyaf Group and Jemaah Islamiyah terrorist organizations operating in the southern Philippines.

PNP Officer-in-Charge, Police Deputy Director General Leonardo A Espina, said these conclusive test results as corroborated by statements of witnesses’ affirmed earlier pronouncements by the AFP that Usman and some of his followers were killed in an encounter with members of the MILF 106th Brigade on May 3, 2015 in Sitio Balas, Barangay Upper Muti, Guindulungan, Maguindanao.

Espina said fight against terrorism would continue even after the death of Malaysian bomb maker Basit Usman.

Usman were among the targets of the bungled operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao with Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli Bin Hir or “Marwan” who was killed in the January 25 mission.

The police operation, however, cost the lives of 44 Special Action Force troopers, 16 Moro Islamic Liberation Front fighters and three civilians.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=764581

Archipelagic Sea Lanes passed on 3rd reading

From the Philippine News Agency (May 23): Archipelagic Sea Lanes passed on 3rd reading
 
The House of Representatives has approved on final reading HB 5487 or the proposed law providing the parameters for the establishment of the archipelagic sea lanes in the country’s archipelagic waters.

HB 5487, which was passed on 3rd reading last Wednesday, is entitled “An Act providing for the establishment of the Archipelagic Sea Lanes in the Philippines Archipelagic waters, prescribing the rights and obligations of foreign ships and aircraft exercising the right of Archipelagic Sea Lanes passage.”

HB 5487, a substitute measure contained in Committee Report No. 574, was defended and sponsored during plenary debates by, among others, Committee on Foreign Affairs chairman Hon. Al Francis C. Bichara, himself one of the principal authors of the original measure, HB 4888.

Archipelagic sea lane refers to the designated sea lanes and air routes in the archipelagic waters through which foreign vessels or aircraft may exercise the right of archipelagic sea lanes passage, while archipelagic waters refers to the waters on the landward side of the archipelagic baselines except as defined as Internal Waters.

It is noted that one of the key provisions emphasizes that the exercise of the right of archipelagic sea lanes passage (ASLP) by all foreign ships shall be consistent with the constitutional mandate of freedom from nuclear weapons in Philippine territory.

While Archipelagic sea lane passage refers to the exercise in accordance with the UNCLOS of the rights of navigation and overflight in the normal mode solely for the purpose of continuous, expeditious and unobstructed transit between one part of the high sea or an exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and another part of the high sea or an EEZ. (UNCLOS – 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea)

Other principal authors of the measure are Reps. Francisco Ashley L. Acedillo (Magdalo Party-list), Rep. Rodolfo G. Biazon (Lone District, City of Muntinlupa), Rep. Jose F. Zubiri III (3rd District Bukidnon), and Rep. Rufus B. Rodriguez (2nd District, Cagayan de Oro City), among others.

The proposed statute provides that the “State in the exercise of its duty to protect its maritime domain shall implement and adhere to the provisions of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and relevant international conventions to which the Philippines is a party.”

It also provides for a comprehensive array of provisions stating the rights and obligations of foreign ships and aircraft when exercising the right of Archipelagic Sea Lane Passage.

The proposed Act mandates that the President shall promulgate through Executive Issuances the archipelagic sea lanes which may be used for the right of archipelagic sea lanes passage and the rules and regulations relating to Associated Protective Measures to be prescribed, within areas along the archipelagic sea lanes in accordance with the International Maritimes Organization (IMO) Conventions and Regulations and other relevant international agreements.

The National Coast Watch System (NCWS), created by virtue of Executive Order 57, series of 2011, under the control and supervision of the Office of the President, shall serve as the coordinating mechanism for the implementation of this Act and shall continue to operate in accordance with its present organizational structure, the bill states.

Section 4 of the Act states, among others that “Foreign ships and aircraft may exercise the right of an archipelagic sea lanes passage in accordance with the provisions of UNCLOS in order to navigate or fly from one part of the high seas or an EEZ to another part of the high seas or an EEZ through or over the Philippine archipelagic waters and its adjacent territorial sea. Such lanes shall be defined by a series of continuous axis lines from the entry points of passage routes to the exit points.”

Likewise, Sec. 5 provides, among other provisions, that “(a) Foreign ships and aircraft exercising the right of archipelagic sea lanes passage shall pass through or above the archipelagic sea lane as quickly as possible without delay and in the normal mode solely for the purpose of continuous, expeditious and unobstructed transit.”

Foreign ships and aircraft, including military aircraft and warships, while exercising the right of archipelagic sea lanes passage, shall refrain from any war game exercises or exercises using any type of weapons, especially involving the use of ordinance, the proposed Act provides.

Foreign ships or aircraft exercising archipelagic sea lanes passage shall refrain from making covert transmissions, interfering with telecommunications systems and communicating directly with an unauthorized person or group of persons in Philippines territory.

Sec. 6 also states that “All foreign ships exercising the right of archipelagic sea lanes passage shall refrain from stopping, dropping anchor or loitering, except when rendered necessary by force majeure or by distress in order to render assistance to a person or persons or a ship or ships experiencing distress.”

Sec. 7 provides, among others, (a) Foreign ships, including fishing vessels, while exercising the right of archipelagic sea lanes passage, shall not conduct any fishing operation or exploitation of marine resources of the Philippines.