Monday, April 6, 2015

Though Greatly Weakened, Philippine Communist Insurgency Holds Steady

From World Politics Review (Apr 6): Though Greatly Weakened, Philippine Communist Insurgency Holds Steady



Communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels hold weapons in formation in the hinterlands of Davao, Philippines, Dec. 26, 2013 (AP photo).

In late February, communist rebels killed five Philippine soldiers in an ambush in the northern Ilocos Sur province. In an email interview, Patricio Abinales, a professor of Asian studies at the School of Pacific and Asian Studies at the University of Hawaii-Manoa, discussed the Philippine communist insurgency.

WPR: What are the objectives of the New People’s Army, and how has their insurgency evolved over the past decade?

Patricio Abinales: The New People’s Army (NPA) is the armed group of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), established in 1968 to wage a Maoist-style “protracted people’s war” aimed at “surrounding the cities from the countryside,” and gradually weakening the government to the point of collapse. In its place, the CPP-NPA aims to establish a “People’s Democratic Republic of the Philippines,” again modeled after communist China under Mao Zedong.

After surviving the first years of the dictatorship of President Ferdinand Marcos, the NPA expanded at a remarkable speed in the 1980s. Its fastest growth was in areas where the human rights violations of the Marcos regime were most intense. This rapid expansion came to a halt in 1987 when local NPA commanders panicked over reports of widespread military infiltration. As paranoia spread, the internal investigations degenerated into brutal interrogations and executions of suspected spies. The NPA’s 14,000-man armed force disintegrated almost overnight, and by the time it was able to recover in 1992, it had dwindled to about 2,000 guerrillas.

Since then, the NPA has been unable to reclaim its former glory. It has been able to maintain its current force of roughly 4,000 guerrillas by imposing revolutionary taxes on businesses operating on or near its bases and campaign taxes on candidates during election periods, and by acquiring shares in profitable illegal mineral and logging operations.

WPR: How has the Philippine government responded to the communist insurgency, and how does their approach differ from the campaign against the Islamic insurgency in the south?

Abinales: Under Marcos, counterinsurgency operations were brutal: The military burned villages and displaced communities, all to deprive the NPA of support and recruits. In the cities, rebels who were arrested were then tortured and some were summarily executed—the local word for this was “salvaged.” Presidents after Marcos, however, explored options apart from warfare. They opened preliminary peace talks with the CPP, did not oppose the party’s decision to participate in electoral politics and engaged in civic action projects aimed at winning the hearts and minds of communities in guerrilla zones.

A similar approach was applied to deal with the Islamic insurgency in the south, although the government had to agree to negotiations as early as 1976 because the two insurgent groups, the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and its successor, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), had international support, particularly from Arab states. The MNLF signed a peace agreement in 1996, and the MILF signed one in 2014.

WPR: What are the prospects for a cease-fire or final settlement of the conflict?

Abinales: The CPP leadership has increasingly been divided over this issue. The older generation of rebels, led by the founding chairman, Jose Maria Sison, is more willing to talk about a peaceful settlement with the government. Other rebels, however, especially those in the NPA, disagree and have enough support from a militant younger generation to keep the peace talks at bay. No one foresees a cease-fire or a final settlement in the near future.

 http://www.worldpoliticsreview.com/trend-lines/15431/though-greatly-weakened-philippine-communist-insurgency-holds-steady

MILF: “Stay the course of peace by passing the BBL”, CSOs tell Congress

Posted to the MILF Website (Apr 6): “Stay the course of peace by passing the BBL”, CSOs tell Congress

“Stay the course of peace by passing the BBL”, CSOs tell Congress


A coalition of development Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) called the Philippine Congress to stay the course of peace, continue the deliberations on the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) and faithfully fulfill its duty of ensuring that an effective and inclusive BBL is passed.

The Caucus of Development NGO Networks (CODE-NGO) said in a statement, “It has been a year after the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) was signed. The BBL should remain true to the provisions of the CAB and the aspirations of the people and communities who have steadfastly participated and invested in the peace process and the different existing agreements between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).”

The group also calls on those both in the Bangsamoro and non-Bangsamoro areas, “to constructively participate in this process, and to keep ourselves properly informed in this discourse, so we can all contribute to addressing the mutual distrust and biases against the Moros; distrust and biases which are linked to the still very limited knowledge and appreciation of the history of Mindanao and the Bangsamoro.”

“We condemn in the strongest possible way the efforts of some sectors to derail and stop the passage of the BBL, by spreading confusion and misinformation, stoking biases and prejudices, and harmful politicking, particularly after the ill-fated police operations in Mamasapano, Maguindanao last January 25, 2015,” it said.

The group pointed out, “While we believe that it is important to have a complete and balanced investigation of the Mamasapano incident that would lead to accountability and justice, the process for exacting truth and accountability related to that incident is independent of the process and the gains which have been so far achieved in the Bangsamoro talks.” 

The BBL, the fruit of 17 years of peace negotiation between the government and the MILF, is now in the hands of lawmakers for review and deliberation.

Peace advocate groups drumbeat their call for the passage of the measure which they believe could bring justice, peace and development of the Bangsamoro people. 

President Aquino who wants the Bangsamoro autonomous government be established in his term had already called on the lawmakers for BBL passage.

The MILF which is entrusted by the Bangsamoro people to negotiate with the government hopes the BBL will not be watered down.

 “While we believe that it is important to have a complete and balanced investigation of the Mamasapano incident that would lead to accountability and justice, the process for exacting truth and accountability related to that incident is independent of the process and the gains which have been so far achieved in the Bangsamoro talks,” CODE-NGO said.

The coalition calls for an all-out-peace and denounces the prejudices against Filipino Muslim sisters and brothers.

“We stand on the silent work being done by many CSOs in communities throughout Mindanao, for sustainable development that can only be achieved if rooted in peace and justice.” 

“We stand on the long history of learning with and from these communities, on the complexity of the roots of conflict in Bangsamoro. We will continue to stand with them, as we continue to work towards a peaceful, just and prosperous Philippines,” the group stressed.

CODE-NGO envisages to be the largest coalition of competent, credible and committed development CSOs in the Philippines that influences public policies, shapes development and creates tangible impact in its partner communities.

Its mission is to be a trusted national voice of civil society and to advance the capacities of CSOs to exercise transformative leadership.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/835-stay-the-course-of-peace-by-passing-the-bbl-csos-tell-congress

MILF: P-Noy’s Easter Message: Don’t let anger, fear prevail

Posted to the MILF Website (Apr 6): P-Noy’s Easter Message: Don’t let anger, fear prevail

P-Noy’s Easter Message: Don’t let anger, fear prevail

The peace process is at crossroads: Do we let our anger and fear carry us away or do choose to end the cycle of poverty and violence in Mindanao?” President Aquino asked in his Easter Message on April 4, 2015.

Aquino said despite his administration’s achievements and many challenges which were already surmounted, “there are still lot of works to be done.”

“The fight against corruption and poverty is still on,” he said, “and more should be done to ensure that the next president would not inherit problems in his stint.

The President is bent to have the Bangsamoro, an autonomous political entity that will replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, be established in his term.

The Philippine government has signed with the MILF last March 27, 2014 the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, a working document that provides the mechanisms for the establishment of the Bangsamoro.

As stipulated in the CAB, the President appointed members of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission, a body which drafted the Bangsamoro Basic Law (LAW) which is now in Congress for review and deliberation.

The BBL is hoped to be passed into law by June this year and will be subjected to a plebiscite for ratification by the Bangsamoro people in the Bangsamoro territory.

Peace advocates and the Bangsamoro people have been urging the lawmakers to pass the BBL. 

After the bloody Mamasapano incident last January 25, there is fear that the lawmakers shall dilute the BBL which the MILF believes will make the measure ineffective in addressing the problems in the Bangsamoro.

Amidst call for all-out-war against the MILF and junking of the draft charter, President Aquino asked the lawmakers for the passage of the BBL. 

Some senators question certain provisions of the BBL which they view “unconstitutional.”

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/834-p-noy-s-easter-message-don-t-let-anger-fear-prevail

MILF: GPH peace panel to reach out to BBL critics

Posted to the MILF Website (Apr 6): GPH peace panel to reach out to BBL critics

 GPH peace panel to reach out to BBL critics

In a statement yesterday (April 5), Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, Chairperson of the Government of the Philippines (GPH) Peace panel said that, “The government peace panel will continue to reach out to critics of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

“The good Lord said, what good would it do if you love only brothers? To have peace, we need to reach out to those who are not like us. May Easter bring back love,” Ferrer said.

The deliberations on the draft BBL by both Houses of Congress were suspended following the death of 44 Philippine  National Police- Special action Force (PNP-SAF) Commandos in a clash with rebels belonging to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)  last January 25 in Tukanalipao,Mamasapano. Maguindanao. The same encounter, 17 MILF combatants and 3 civilians were also killed.

In an earlier statement, Ferrer said that the government is not “over-financing” the proposed Bangsamoro regional government or even the ARMM, and the latter is even “underfunded”.

Comparing the projected Bangsamoro budget with the funds received by other regions like the National Capital Region from the national government, Ferrer said that the P35 billion the government proposes to give the Bangsamoro in its first year is only half of what is being spent by the government in NCR.

“Today, the ARMM gets about P15,000 per capita subsidy from the national government. Compare that to the P34,000 per capita that Metro Manilans get from the national budget,” Ferrer said.

Ferrer said that the per capita subsidy is the average amount that goes to each resident in the region.

Even with the P8 billion to P11 billion new money that will go to the Bangsamoro if it is established in 2016, Ferrer said the per capita in the Bangsamoro would increase to only about P18,000.  

She also clarified that the power and authority of constitutional bodies like the Commission on Audit (COA), Commission on Elections (COMELEC), Commission on Human Rights (CHR), and Civil Service Commission (CSC) will not be diminished. 

Ferrer said that these agencies would operate like regional offices or as supplementary offices in the Bangsamoro that would help strengthen the system of checks and balances in the region.

She also reiterated that the proposed BBL does not provide for automatic integration of armed fighters of the MILF to the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police, but they could apply and need to go through the rigorous standard hiring processes applied by the AFP and the PNP.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/832-gph-peace-panel-to-reach-out-to-bbl-critics

MILF: Cardinal Quevedo ask Catholic faithful to pray for the success of Citizen’s Peace Summit

Posted to the MILF Website (Apr 6): Cardinal Quevedo ask Catholic faithful to pray for the success of Citizen’s Peace Summit

Cardinal Quevedo ask Catholic faithful to pray for the success of Citizen’s Peace Summit


On Sunday, April 5, Cotabato Cardinal Orlando Quevedo asked the Catholic faithful to pray for the success of the Citizens’ Peace Summit that President Benigno S. Aquino III is going to convene to conduct public discussion on the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) and submit findings to Congress to assist in its consideration of the proposed law.

He lauded the president’s move as a response to the waning public support for the BBL.

He said the group of five prominent personalities invited by the Chief Executive to convene the Peace Summit need public support in carrying out their mission to make Filipinos understand the Mindanao peace process better and assist Congress in deciding on the BBL.

“The work of the Peace Council initiated by the President is most laudable. Such effort needs our prayers and support and may the Lord bless their work for peace,” Quevedo said in a message sent to Sec. Teresita Qunitos-Deles of the Office of the Presidential Adviser to the Peace Process (OPAPP).

Those that President Aquino asked to convene the Peace Summit are Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, former Chief Justice Hilario Davide, former Ambassador Howard Dee, businessman Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala, and Muslim youth leader Bai Rohaniza Sumndad Usman. These prominent personalities comprise the peace council that Aquino created recently.

Cardinal Quevedo, who is the first Roman Catholic cardinal in Mindanao, said the five personalities “are people of integrity and credibility.”

Their mission, he said, is “to conduct a sober and objective analysis of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law, identify provisions that may be contrary the Constitution, propose a refinement of them, ensuring that the self-determination long aspired for by Moros does not become an empty word.”

The five convenors recently issued a statement accepting the challenge to look into the provisions of the BBL. They said in their statement, that “We would like to emphasize that we are not a pressure group or a political movement; but rather, we are a group that would like to provide an avenue for dialogue between independent-minded citizens who believe in the importance of understanding the BBL and to discuss its implications for peace and development in our country at a fair and reasonable manner.”

The statement added that they have no intentions “to go beyond our self-imposed task of helping ourselves and our fellow citizens understand the importance of the peace issues at hand.”

“In line with this, we have also agreed to expand our current composition to include other co-convenors who, like us, are pro-peace and pro-dialogue; the names of which will be announced after the Holy Week. Moreover, we have also agreed to invite experts and resource persons, as deemed necessary,” the group said.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/833-cardinal-quevedo-ask-catholic-faithful-to-pray-for-the-success-of-citizen-s-peace-summit

No Sabah on peace negotiating table

From the Manila Times (Apr 6): No Sabah on peace negotiating table

Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal on Monday denied allegations that the Sabah issue was included in peace negotiations they held with the Philippine government.

“The Sabah claim was not part of the talking points of the two panels,” he told a forum organized by evangelical Christians.

Iqbal was commenting on reports that the MILF pushed Malaysia’s agenda to press the Philippine government to abandon its claim to Sabah state.

Dropping of the Sabah claim came to fore after the media group VERA Files reported that Manila through a note verbale had allegedly offered the possibility in exchange for Kuala Lumpur’s support in Manila’s territorial dispute with China.

Charles Jose, spokesman for the Department of Foreign Affairs, branded the VERA Files story as mere “speculation.”

He, however, said the DFA is conducting an internal investigation to trace who leaked the note verbale’ which was handed over to the Malaysian Embassy during a recent visit of Malaysian Defense Minister Dato Seri Hishammuddin Tun Hussein.

The department already denied that the Sabah issue was included in the note verbale, allegedly part of the process to resolve competing maritime claims of Malaysia and the Philippines.

Jose rejected the idea of the Philippines retreating from its claim to Sabah, which was challenged in 2013 when supporters of the Sultanate of Sulu and Malaysian forces figured in a bloody standoff.

A source told The Manila Times that there is a “twisted logic” for the Philippines to offer such agreement to Malaysia.

What Manila wants is for Kuala Lumpur to agree to the definition of maritime entitlements in the region, and that the extended continental shelf must not go beyond 12 nautical miles, the source said.

Such is a win-win situation for Malaysia while the Philippines stand to gain support for its arbitration case against China.

The Philippines filed the arbitration case in January 2013 to invalidate China’s encompassing nine-dash line claim in the resource-rich region that stretches to territories of neighboring countries the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam and Brunei Darussalam.

Manila has received wide support from the international community regarding its arbitration case, a decision on which is expected to be handed down early next year by a five-member tribunal in The Hague.

http://www.manilatimes.net/no-sabah-on-peace-negotiating-table/173914/

DND helicopter deal -- DND’s silence on own probe ‘fishy’

From the Manila Times (Apr 6): DND helicopter deal -- DND’s silence on own probe ‘fishy’

Sen. Joseph Victor Ejercito on Monday expressed suspicion of possible whitewash of an internal investigation being conducted by the Department of National Defense (DND) of a P1.2-billion helicopter acquisition project, saying the agency’s silence only raises more questions about the allegedly anomalous deal.

Ejecito, who proposed a resolution calling on the Senate blue ribbon committee to probe the helicopter deal, noted that it has been two weeks since the Defense department ordered the partial termination of the chopper contract but until now it has not released any update particularly on a written explanation submitted by the American venture that supplied the helicopters.

Ejercito was referring to the written explanation submitted by joint venture Rice Aircraft Services Inc. and Eagle Copters Ltd. regarding their failure to deliver all 21 UH-1 helicopters on time.

“My office, which is closely monitoring this issue, also has not received word from DND on the status of its internal investigation, given the deal’s partial termination,” Ejercito told The Manila Times.

According to the senator, his office has been asking the Defense department for updates on the questionable chopper procurement contract but has only received a one-page letter merely informing him that the inquiry is still ongoing.

In the one-page letter of DND Undersecretary Pio Lorenzo Batino, which was received by Ejercito on Monday, the Defense official informed the senator that the DND has started studying documents submitted to the department, including written explanations of Undersecretary Fernando Manalo, Assistant Secretary Patrick Velez and Col. Dino Dino of the Philippine Air Force (PAF); and the statement of Robert Rice of RASI.

Manalo was tagged by “Joey,” The Manila Times source, as the brains behind the controversial deal who even attempted to rush the delivery of the refurbished UH-1 helicopters from RASI.

Ejercito said the DND did not provide copies of the documents enumerated by Batino in his letter that could provide him additional information on the issue.

“This lack of information makes me skeptical of DND’s abrupt move to partially terminate the chopper deal while overseeing their own probe. Are they trying to cover up something?” the senator asked.

Ejercito said his office is preparing for the Senate committee investigation of the questionable procurement deal scheduled this month.

Aside from him, other lawmakers also filed their respective resolutions calling for investigation of procurements made by the DND under the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) modernization program.

Sen. Francis Escudero, in a resolution filed last March, also asked the Senate blue ribbon committee and the committees on finance and on national defense and security to look into possible violation by the DND in implementing the revised AFP modernization act.

Escudero said the revised modernization act calls for acquisition of “new” equipment and weapon systems.

But contrary to the provision, he noted, the AFP acquired obsolete, used and decommissioned military equipment and weapon systems.

The senator said the Armed Forces supposedly procured the equipment and weapon systems in violation of the procurement law or Republic Act 9184 by not subjecting the same to public bidding.

http://www.manilatimes.net/dnds-silence-on-own-probe-fishy/173916/

PNP remains clueless on abduction of contractors

From the Manila Bulletin (Apr 6): PNP remains clueless on abduction of contractors

The Philippine National Police-Anti Kidnapping Group (PNP-AKG) remains clueless on the reported abduction of four local residents here, including an engineer and an architect.

An official of the PNP-AKG said the relatives of the victims were not cooperating with the authorities to provide accurate information on the reported abduction of Engineer Jayson Cababayao, architect Raulito Suyom, Francis Wong and Rho Steven Bochurmo who were reportedly abducted while on their way to Cotabato City last March 29.

“The victims’ relatives are shying away from police authorities which made us more difficult to trace the whereabouts of the victims,” said the official who asked not to be identified.

He said police investigators are still trying to establish contact with the families amid reports that the suspected kidnappers had sent word to the Cababayao family asking for a P10 million ransom.

The victims left General Santos City on March 29 aboard a Mitsubishi Estrada pick up for Cotabato City supposedly to meet up with a contact in a construction project.

Cababayao and Suyom are business partners engaged in construction projects.

The victims were reportedly abducted by armed men somewhere in Maguindanao before they could reach Cotabato City.

The Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters was earlier blamed for the kidnapping but the group had denied any involvement in the incident.

BIFF spokesperson Abu Misry Mama said they had already conducted an investigation on the reported abduction and determine the group responsible for the kidnapping.
http://www.mb.com.ph/pnp-remains-clueless-on-abduction-of-contractors/

PNoy to lead 73rd Araw ng Kagitingan rites

From the Manila Bulletin (Apr 6): PNoy to lead 73rd Araw ng Kagitingan rites

Pilar, Bataan – President Aquino, together with delegates from United States and Japan, will lead Thursday’s 73rd Araw ng Kagitingan rites at the Dambana ng Kagitingan, Pilar, Bataan even as local and tourism officials here have lined up various programs in memory of the heroism of the Filipino and Americans during World War II.
 
Governor Abet S. Garcia and Mayor Alice Pizarro of Pilar town will lead Bataenos in welcoming the President and the foreign delegates, composed mostly of Japanese and Americans, World War II veterans and their relatives and other guests.
 
Organizers said that the Chief Executive will be accorded with full military honors upon arrival by officials from the Armed Forces of the Philippines led by General Gregorio Pio Catapang and shall then offer a wreath at the the shrine.
 
This will be followed by messages from Japanese Ambassador Kazuhide Ishikawa and United States Ambassador Philip Goldberg and the President’s keynote address.
 
Vicky Sandejas-Garcia, mother of the governor and wife of Rep. Enrique “Tet” Garcia, chairperson of the Bataan Tourism Foundation, Inc., said that among the programs that will highlight the Araw ng Kagitingan will be the Battle of Pockets on April 8, where the province will reenact the breath-taking and actual daring battle in this city between the Japanese and Filipino-American forces.

Defense Chief honors veterans

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 5): Defense Chief honors veterans

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin led in honoring war veterans during a Wreath-laying Ceremony, one of the three kick-off activities of the 2015 Observance of the Philippine Veterans Week.

Gazmin paid tribute to the country’s defenders by offering a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier (TUKS), Sunday, 5 April 2015 at the Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City.

The Wreath-Laying Ceremony is an institutional way of venerating the memory of Filipino patriots and martyrs who laid down their lives for the motherland by offering the most supreme sacrifice of all.

During the ceremony, war veteran leaders, veteran support institutions, veterans servicing institutions, and men and women in World War II resistance movements offer memorial wreaths, followed by youth leaders who represent the hope and the future of the nation.

Gazmin is a son of veteran- the late BGen. Segundo L.  Gazmin, AFP (Ret.), who served as an artillery officer in the United States Army Forces in the Far East (USAFFE) under the 2nd Battalion, 91st Division during World War II.

Earlier, a Sunrise Ceremony was also held at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Libingan ng mga Bayani. The tradition provides an opportunity for Filipino veterans to honor their fallen comrades and for the families of these veterans to do the same.

During the ceremony, soldiers and civilians, veterans and the youth, gather in the symbolic event to offer flowers to those who have offered their lives in the altar of freedom amid the majestic rising of the sun in the horizon that symbolizes the dawning of a new era of freedom, peace and democracy.

36IB seeks public support in condemning NPA on habitual use of landmine in SurSur

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 6): 36IB seeks public support in condemning NPA on habitual use of landmine in SurSur
 
The 36th Infantry Battalion headed by Lt. Col. Anastacio Suaybaguio, Jr. under the 401st Infantry Brigade of the Philippine Army (PA) has urged the people of Surigao del Sur to join them in condemning the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in what it called a habitual use of landmine in furthering their cause.
 
Capt. Al Anthony Pueblas, battalion civil military operations (CMO) officer, aired anew their grievances last week while mourning for the death of their two fellow soldiers, a civilian, and the wounding of six others, one of whom, another plain citizen.
 
The ambush took place at around 9:00 p.m. on April 1, Holy Wednesday, somewhere in the vicinity of Sitio Ban-as, Barangay Mahayag, San Miguel town, 31 kilometers south, this city, he said.
 
Pueblas did not give much detail but said elements of the 41st Division Reconnaissance Company and the 4th Field Artillery Battalion were waylaid by NPA rebels while passing along the road in the place mentioned on board four army trucks.
 
The CMO officer stressed that NPA rebels indeed do not mind whether it is Holy Week as long as they get an opportunity.
 
Pueblas claimed what happened was another violation of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL).Meanwhile, he said that the entire battalion has expressed sympathy especially for the bereaved family of all the victims, most particularly the civilian.
 

FEATURE: Women’s role in military organization recognized

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 7): FEATURE: Women’s role in military organization recognized
 
PAGADIAN CITY – Since the time the Armed of the Philippines (AFP) opened its doors to the women, the military organization is no longer an exclusive domain of the men, recognizing the women’s right to serve the organization.

This has encouraged Private Raniene Jane Hamillian, 21, an enlisted lady soldier to continue working for the AFP.

Hamillian, who has been in the military service for more than a year now, told the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in an interview that women are “treated as equals inside the camp.” She is one of three lady soldiers – an officer and two enlisted personnel - working in the 1st Cavalry (Tagapanguna) Squadron, First Mechanized Infantry Division in Camp Col Jacobe Zobel, Upper Pulacan, Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur.

At first, Hamillian said, it was not her dream become a soldier because she found it very difficult to compete with men. But an uncle pushed her to enter the military service, as he noticed that she had potentials to become a good soldier.

“Nadasig ako sa awhag sa akong Tito nga mosulod pagka-sundalo tungod kay iyang nakita nga taas akong height ug nagtuo siya nga  mahimo nako ang mga gimbuhaton sa mga lalaking sundalo. Ako usab nakita nga adunay babaye nga sundalo nga ang ilang height average lang,” Himilian explained.

(I was inspired by my uncle to enter the military service because I have my height and he believes that I can do what the men can and I have also noticed that the height of other female soldiers is only average.)

“Usa usab ka butang nga dili nako malimtan ni Tito nga dihang giingnan ko niya, ‘You will be somebody someday’,” Hamillian quoted her uncle as saying.

(I cannot also forget what my uncle told me “You will be somebody someday.”)

After she graduated from her two-year course of Information Technology in Iligan City, she decided to join military service.  

A dancing soldier

With her dancing prowess, Hamillian leads the officers and men of the 1st Cavalry Squadron in their Zumba session every Tuesday and Thursday at 6 a.m.

Hamillian said she feels proud that she was given the opportunity to lead the officers and men in their weekly Zumba session.

“Wala gyud ko magdahum nga mangulo sa among Zumba session tungod kay kaniadto dinha ra ko sa atbang duol sa entablado ug inanay gihimo ko nga usa sa mangulo sa maong session sa among battalion”, Hamillian proudly said.

(I did not really expect that I would lead the Zumba dance session because I only used to stay in front near the stage. But, eventually they ordered me to lead the session in our battalion.)

Hamillian said aside from her office work, she is also actively assisting her male counterparts during medical and dental civic action programs (MEDCAPs) in the different barangays within the area of responsibility of the unit.  

Meanwhile, Lt. Col. Charlemagne Batayola said the unit is recognizing the vital role of women in our society adding that that “they (women) can lead the organization well.”

Batayola congratulated the enlisted women for they are faring well in their tasks and duties.

In the 1st Cavalry Squadron, Batayola said, female officers and enlisted women became Gold crosser and combat awardees, a solid proof that they can be deployed in the combat areas.

“With the government’s implementation on Republic Act 9710 otherwise known as The Magna Carta of Women, they (women) can now fully assert their rights as persons in our society,” he added.

“Unlike before, Filipino women lacked access to decent work and faced occupational segregation and wage gaps; they were only allowed to perform household chores. But with the law, they are now empowered. Civil and political rights enjoyed by men are also enjoyed by our women,” he added.

“Inside the camp the tasks given to men are capably handled by the women,” stressed Batayola adding, “We treat women with respect.

He also emphasized, “our government has acknowledged that development is not going to happen without the full involvement and active participation of women.”

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1371428308349/feature-women-s-role-in-military-organization-recognized

Photo: AFP Medical chief named....

From the Manila Standard Today (Apr 6): Photo: AFP Medical chief named....



New chief. Colonel Joseph Acosta (left), awardee of the Ten
Outstanding Philippine Soldiers in 2004, receives the symbol of
authority from Lt. General Virgilio Domingo, Deputy Chief of Staff
of the  Armed Forces of the Philippines, in a turnover ceremony on
April 6, 2015. Acosta  replaces    Brig.  Gen. Normando Sta. Ana Jr.
who reached  the mandatory retirement age of 56.


http://manilastandardtoday.com/2015/04/07/afp-medical-chief-named-18-more-get-new-posts/

No evidence MILF coddled Marwan—truce monitors

From the Manila Standard Today (Apr 6): No evidence MILF coddled Marwan—truce monitors

THE International Monitoring Team (IMT) acknowledged that some members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front may have coddled Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir, but there is no proof to show that the group as a whole backed terrorists, said government peace negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer.

Ferrer said the Malaysia-led and dominated IMT made the acknowledgment in its “Mamasapano Verification Report” that was presented in a press briefing in Pasig City on Monday.

Marwan
“Maybe some [MILF] members may have known the whereabouts of Marwan and Usman but not the MILF as an organization,” Ferrer said, quoting from the report which she received on Sunday.

“The encounter site is accepted to be an MILF controlled area particularly in Tukanalipao which under the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces,” Ferrer said, quoting from the report which she received on Sunday.

According to the report, the IMT saw five possible violations committed by both forces: the MILF providing sanctuary to criminals; the PNP-SAF failed to coordinate its law enforcement operation that led to the firefight; the aggressive actions of both sides for committing actions such as ambush, terrorist acts like summary executions and other possible ceasefire violations, and unjustified massing of troops or massive deployment.

The IMT also complained that its probers were not granted access to the site where the firefight occurred due to security issues, particularly in Barangay Tukanalipao.”

The IMT also was also not able interview any of the SAF men involved in “Oplan Exodus” that was planned and implemented by the sacked SAF director, Getulio Napenas, and then suspended and now resigned Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Alan Purisima and duly approved by Aquino.

“They relied mostly on the proceedings and documents from the eharng made by Congress, the PNP’s Board of Inquiry and the MILF report,” Ferrer said.

At the same time, Ferrer dismissed speculations that the briefing was called to set the tone for the investigative hearing that the House of Representatives will resume today [Tuesday].
Pushing hard. Chief government peace negotiators Miriam
Coronel-Ferrer answers questions from journalists regarding the
report released by the International Monitoring Team on the
Mamasapano incident. Ferrer was accompanied by (from left)
ceasefire panel members Carlos Sol and Senen Bacani and
Brig. Gen.Manolito Orense during press briefing in Pasig City.
MANNY  PALMERO
The Independent Bloc in the House of Representatives, led by Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, said it has several questions to ask of President Benigno Aquino III through his representatives when the joint congressional panel resumes.

Palace officials, heads of the peace panel and top National police officials will be the resource persons in the House committees on public order and peace, reconciliation and unity hearing on the Mamasapano massacre which involved the killing of 44 police commandos.

At least 30 lawmakers are lined-up to ask questions to resource persons. Each of them will be given five minutes to convey their thoughts on the debacle and seek response from the government official being asked to shed light on the issue.

Among those invited for the hearings were Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, government peace negotiating panel chairperson Miriam Coronel Ferrer, peace process adviser Secretary Teresita Deles, and Moro Islamic Liberation Front peace panel chairperson Mohagher Igbal.

The joint panel resumed its probe on the Mamasapano incident after more than 100 lawmakers signed a resolution asking the House leadership to proceed with the congressional investigation.

The joint panel conducted its initial hearing on the matter last February 11. It suspended its hearings after the House leadership said it will wait for the results of the Philippine National Police-Board of Inquiry (PNP-BOI) probe.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2015/04/07/no-evidence-milf-coddled-marwan-truce-monitors/

Photo: Boodle Fight

From the Manila Standard Today (Apr 6): Photo: Boodle Fight



Brig. Gen. Andre Magallanes Costales of the PMA, left, an unidentified PMA cadet, and PNP Officer in Charge Leonardo Espina are shown in a boodle fight in Camp Crame where other members of the PMA Class of 2018 attended. Manny Palmero

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2015/04/07/boodle-fight-2/

PCG ‘demoralized’ over Noy appointment of Rear Admiral

From the opposition newspaper the Daily Tribune (Apr 7): PCG ‘demoralized’ over Noy appointment of Rear Admiral

The appointment and allegedly irregular process for Cmdr. William Melad’s designation as Rear Admiral is causing demoralization in the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), prompting calls for action to be taken on the divisive issue.

President Aquino approved the promotion of Melad, commander of the PCG Central Visayas District, to Rear Admiral, a two-star rank in the country’s uniformed services, despite the fact that he should have been retired in 2012.

No fewer than 169 officers of the PCG are demanding the immediate recall of the promotion of Melad as PCG insiders noted that it was a clear violation of the PCG Law of 2009.

In fact, according to documents provided The Tribune, no less than the director of the administrative service of the Department of Transportation and Communications, Rowena Quiogue, in her letter to Undersecretaries Eduardo Oban, Juanito Bocayan and Dante Lantin dated Feb. 13, 2014, strongly recommended against the promotion of Melad, as he should have been long considered to have retired.

According to the PCG Law, the maximum tenure for a Coast Guard Admiral, Vice Admiral and Rear Admiral is three years each; for a commodore is five years and captain is seven years.

Based on Coast Guard records, Melad was promoted to the rank of commodore on Dec. 18, 2007, and should have served in the position not later than Dec. 18, 2012.

Under the law he can only hold the rank for five years or until 2012 and should have been compulsorily retired since he was not promoted or occupying a position which called for the next higher rank which was rear admiral.

If the one-year grace period provided under Republic Act 9993 was applied to Melad, that would have been good only until 2013.

As such, according to lawyer Gerard Chan of the Legal Department of the DoTC, Melad should have been attrited in 2012.

Attrition, according to Section 2 of Republic Act 7430, Chan said, is defined as the reduction of personnel through res
ignation, retirement, or dismissal in accordance with existing laws.

But despite being long overdue for retirement, Melad was endorsed by PCG Vice Admiral Rodolfo Isorena for promotion to rear admiral, which Aquino granted in August 12, 2014.

With Melad’s promotion, the promotion in turn of 169 PCG officers were reportedly bypassed, causing demoralization among their ranks.

“Some people in the department are saying the President was not aware Melad should have long been retired when he promoted him. But he has his own men to check on that. Unfortunately, that’s how incompetent the President is,” said the Tribune source.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/pcg-demoralized-over-noy-appointment-of-rear-admiral

52 from CAR among new PMA cadets

From ABS-CBN/ANC (Apr 6): 52 from CAR among new PMA cadets

[Video report]

Three hundred and forty-four cadets have been formally accepted into the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) class of 2019.

Many of them are from the Cordillera region.

Over 18,000 applicants wanted to be part of PMA Class of 2019. But only 350 were able to pass a series of tests.

Of the 350, six didn’t attend the welcome ceremony at the PMA last April 1 and were dropped from the list.

A total of 52 cadets are from the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) – 12 female and 40 male.

Among the cadets hailing from CAR is Jovin Dicang from La Trinidad, Benguet.

Dicang revealed that he had wanted to become a Philippine Air Force (PAF) pilot since he was in grade school.

Dicang’s mother, Josephine, though, has some apprehensions about the path that her son has chosen. "Nagdarasal ako na naiyak kasi nag-wo-worry ako sa kanya," she said.

Dicang’s father Marvin simply said, “Pangarap n’ya talagang maging piloto at makapaglingkod na rin sa bayan.”

Another cadet hailing from CAR is Towner Caltino. He is a cousin of 2nd Lt. Arwi Martinez, the valedictorian of the PMA’s Sinaglahi Class of 2015.

Caltino’s mother, Miriam, said, “Na-inspire s’ya sa pinsan n’ya. Gusto n’ya rin talagang pumasok sa PMA.”

It will not be long before Dicang, Caltino, and the rest of the new cadets will be undergoing some very tough training.

PMA information officer Maj. Farakrisna Candelaria explained, “Ito ang unang milestone nila. They will then be taking a cadet course which will last for two months.”

The cadets will undergo basic military and physical training, which will serve as the foundations of their life in the PMA.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/04/06/15/52-car-among-new-pma-cadets

Army intensifies Bayanihan in Maddela remote village

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 6): Army intensifies Bayanihan in Maddela remote village

The Army’s 7th Infantry “Kaugnay” Division of the 5th Infantry Battalion has intensified 'Bayanihan' operations to help the local government units in delivering the basic services of the government towards the populace.

 In his report during the first quarter meeting of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) meeting here recently, Lt. Col. Joey A. Escanillas, commanding officer, said Bayanihan teams were deployed in places with sightings of armed groups to thwart any plans to sow terrorism in their areas of responsibility particularly in remote villages of Maddela town.

The Bayanihan teams shall implement projects such as installation of pipeline for water system and construction of stage at Brgy Cabua-an, provision of technical and manpower support in the installation of electricity at Puroks 3 and  4 of Brgy Villa Gracia, youth empowerment activities, among others.

Escanillas further said that armed groups are sighted in Maddela, Quirino; Casiguran, Aurora; Alfonso Castaneda – Maria Aurora area; Baler – San Luis area and Bongabon.

Prior to the deployment of Bayanihan teams, a signing of memorandum of understanding was held among the different stakeholders led by Mayor Renato G Ylanan, Vice Mayor Florante T. Ruiz, chiefs of offices of the local government, national government agencies and barangay chairmen.

In their messages, both Ylanan and Ruiz had signified strong support to the said undertaking saying that it will redound to community development and peace in the municipality.

LTC Escanillas said the remnants of the New People's Army  are expected to exert efforts to stop the deployment of Bayanihan Teams because it will hamper their Ideological Political Organizing  works, extortion activities and recovery efforts but they will continue to conduct Bayanihan activities in Quirino to help the LGUs/LGAs in delivering the basic services of the government towards the populace.

He further said the armed groups will continue to look for exploitable issues to agitate the constituents of the remote barangays in order to gain sympathy and to recruit members.

LTC Escanillas has stressed  the importance of increased involvement of stakeholders, the national and local government agencies, non-government entities and the entire citizenry in addressing peace and security concerns.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/451428278488/army-intensifies-bayanihan-in-maddela-remote-village

Government peace panel to continue reaching out to critics

From the Philippine Star (Apr 6): Government peace panel to continue reaching out to critics



Government peace panel chairman Miriam Coronel-Ferrer File photo

The government peace panel will continue to reach out to opponents of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), panel chairman Miriam Coronel-Ferrer said yesterday.

“The good Lord said, what good would it do if you love only brothers? To have peace, we need to reach out to those who are not like us. May Easter bring back love,” Ferrer said.

The Senate and the House of Representatives decided to suspend deliberations on the draft BBL following the killing of 44 police Special action Force (SAF) commandos after an encounter with Muslim rebels last Jan. 25 in Mamasapano. Maguindanao.

The BBL is the enabling law that would replace the existing Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) with a new Bangsamoro region.
Different views have been expressed by leading personalities in the country including former President and Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada.

Estrada, who launched an all-out war against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) during his presidency in 2000, maintained that only an all-out offensive against the rebels could solve the Mindanao conflict.

He said that, like the previous administrations, his administration also conducted peace talks with the Muslim armed groups.

However, Estrada said he was forced to stop the peace process and launch an all-out war against the MILF after realizing the lack of sincerity and honesty of the insurgents in the peace process.

Estrada said his all-out war resulted in the government’s takeover of 46 camps of the MILF.

Defending the BBL, Ferrer earlier said that the government is not “over-financing” the proposed Bangsamoro regional government or even the ARMM.

Comparing the projected Bangsamoro budget with the funds received by other regions like the National Capital Region from the national government, Ferrer said that the P35 billion the government proposes to give the Bangsamoro in its first year is only half of what is being spent by the government in NCR.

“Today, the ARMM gets about P15,000 per capita subsidy from the national government. Compare that to the P34,000 per capita that Metro Manilans get from the national budget,” Ferrer said.

Ferrer said that the per capita subsidy is the average amount that goes to each resident in the region.

Even with the P8 billion to P11 billion new money that will go to the Bangsamoro if it is established in 2016, Ferrer said the per capita in the Bangsamoro would increase to only about P18,000.

She also clarified that the power and authority of constitutional bodies like the Commission on Audit (COA), Commission on Elections (Comelec), Commission on Human Rights (CHR), and Civil Service Commission (CSC) will not be diminished.

Ferrer said that these agencies would operate like regional offices or as supplementary offices in the Bangsamoro that would help strengthen the system of checks and balances in the region.

She also reiterated that the proposed BBL does not provide for automatic integration of armed fighters of the MILF to the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police, but they could apply and need to go through the rigorous standard hiring processes applied by the AFP and the PNP.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2015/04/06/1440766/government-peace-panel-continue-reaching-out-critics

10 living war vets honored by AFP

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Apr 6): 10 living war vets honored by AFP

A SELFIE FOR POSTERITY WorldWar II veterans parade around the Hunters-ROTC Guerilla Field of the Philippine Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig, during the “Review in Honor of the Veterans” on Sunday. Stealing the scene is one of the “senior defenders” leading the pack who freezes themoment by snapping a selfie in the activity that marks the observance of the Philippine Veterans Week. RAFFY LERMA

A SELFIE FOR POSTERITY WorldWar II veterans parade around the Hunters-ROTC Guerilla Field of the Philippine Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig, during the “Review in Honor of the Veterans” on Sunday. Stealing the scene is one of the “senior defenders” leading the pack who freezes the moment by snapping a selfie in the activity that marks the observance of the Philippine Veterans Week. RAFFY LERMA

For their “unparalleled service and selfless sacrifices,” 10 living war veterans were honored Sunday morning by the Armed Forces of the Philippines during the “Review in Honor of the Veterans” ceremony at the Philippine Army Headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

The AFP gave a snappy salute to their forebears and the “nation’s senior defenders” as part of the annual observance of the Philippine Veterans Week.

Among those who received plaques and medals of recognition for their service during the World War II were Col. Francisco T. San Miguel, Sgt. Jose Felix F. Caparas, Sgt. Manuel C. Carpio, Col. Francisco S. Tamondong, Pfc. Pilar Hipolito de Ocampo, Maj. Jesse M. Baltazar, Pvt. Manuel T. Cannu, Pfc. Valentin R. Ege, TSgt. Silvestre D. Sarmiento and Col. Catalino D. IbaƱez.

Recognition was also given to the families of posthumous awardees Pvt. Francisco S. Cordoba Sr., lawyer Gamaliel A. Cordoba, Lt. Commander Vicente A. Perez, Sgt. Domingo G. Padiernos, MSgt. Jesus V. delos Santos, Lt. Gen. Jaime Delos Santos, Lt. Col. Saturnino R. Silva Sr., MGen. Calixto M. Duque, AFP and 3Lt. Leopoldo G. Bataoil.

Speaking before the veterans and their families, AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. said the awardees embody the traits that helped the military organization become “a more capable, more professional and more reliable Armed Forces serving the Filipino people.”

“The road they took are surely difficult but they have victories they can tell. I hope we will all be inspired by the examples of the awardees who have shown great courage and service,” Catapang said in his welcome speech.

The review is an annual tradition of the Armed Forces, wherein men and women in the uniformed service show their respect to veterans for their “unparalleled services, selfless sacrifices and numerous accomplishments.”

The veterans were paraded around the Hunters-ROTC Guerrilla Field and given honors by a battalion-sized contingent from the AFP.

Receiving the award for his uncle and namesake, Pangasinan Rep. Leopoldo N. Bataoil, also vice chair of the House committee on veterans affairs, was also the event’s special guest and keynote speaker.

In his speech, Bataoil remembered his World War II veteran uncle, whose body has not been found by the family until now.

“His body was never recovered in the hills of Bataan,” said Bataoil, who claimed to have been raised living up to the ideals of his uncle.

He also noted that 3Lt. Bataoil served as his inspiration when he became a policeman and climbed the command chain ladder, becoming the director of the PNP Regional Office I during the latter part of his career as a law enforcer.

In addressing the veteran awardees, Bataoil also read the privilege speech of Bataan 1st District Rep. Herminia B. Roman, chair of the House committee on veterans affairs, which appealed to the legislative body to continue to push for the increase of benefits and services to veterans and their beneficiaries.

Earlier, Lt. Gen. Hernando Delfin Carmelo Iberri, 56th Commanding General of the Philippine Army, led the sunrise ceremony, the traditional start of the Veteran’s Week, at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers, Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig.

“To this day, our modern-day soldiers continue to offer the ultimate sacrifice. Nevertheless, they will continue to preserve the national pride that these honorable veterans gained for every Filipino,” Iberri said in his speech.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/683702/10-living-war-vets-honored-by-afp

No stopping Balikatan 2015 despite Laude case, Mamasapano

From ABS-CBN (Apr 6): No stopping Balikatan 2015 despite Laude case, Mamasapano

The Philippines and the United States will once again come together in joint exercises despite 2 major incidents that have cast a shadow over the military ties between the 2 countries.

In a statement, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said 5,000 US soldiers and 6,000 Filipino soldiers will engage in the 31st Balikatan Exercises, which will officially begin on April 20.

“Our Armed Forces and the US Armed Forces are coming together for this mutual defense and disaster response exercises towards a more responsive partnership to the community focusing on development and community service,” the AFP said.

The Balikatan is a yearly exercise that seeks to enhance the capabilities of both nations’ armed forces, as anchored on provisions of the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty.

The 2015 Balikatan will have three simultaneous events: Humanitarian Civic Assistance, Command Post Exercise, and Field Training Exercise.

The first is a joint civil-military operation by the AFP, US and Australian Defense Forces (ADF) in selected areas of the Western Command (WESCOM) area of responsibility in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan and Central Command (CENTCOM) area of responsibility in Panay Island. It is seen to enhance civil-military cooperation in support of the AFP and US objectives.

The Command Post Exercise, on the other hand, will focus on Marine Security (MARSEC) with Combined Arms Live Fire Exercise (CALFEX) to demonstrate the capability of the AFP National Maneuver Force.

“Selected US and ADF staff members will form a Joint Liaison Group (JLG) to support the capability development at each staff,” the AFP said.

The field trainings, on the other hand, will involve the Philippine Army (PA), Philippine Air Force (PAF), Philippine Navy (PN), Philippine Marine Corps (PMC), AFP Special Operations Force (SOF), United States Army (USAR), United States Air Force (USAF), United States Navy (USN), United States Marine Crops (USMC), and United States SOF (US SOF).

These will be held in Crow Valley Gunnery Range (CVGR), Tarlac; Basa Air Base (BAB), Floridablanca and Clark Air Base (CAB) Angeles City, both in Pampanga; Fort Magsaysay, Nueva Ecija (FMNE); Marine Base Gregorio Lim (MBGL), Ternate, Cavite; Naval Base Heracleo Alano (NBHA), Sangley Point, Cavite and at Naval Station Leovigildo Gantiouqui (NSLG), San Antonio, Zambales.

The field exercise is seen to enhance capacities and improve tactics, techniques and procedures, reinforce relations, and improve the interoperability of AFP, US and ADF forces.

The joint exercise comes amid renewed tensions in the South China Sea as China continues to expand land claims.

Admiral Harry Harris of the US Pacific Fleet recently said the US is ready to respond to security threats in the Asia-Pacific region.

Some critics have used the bloody Mamasapano incident, where the US provided anti-terror assistance, and the Jennifer Laude murder case involving US Pfc Joseph Scott Pemberton to question what they say is a skewed relationship between the 2 countries.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/04/06/15/no-stopping-balikatan-2015-despite-laude-case-mamasapano

11,000 Filipino, American soldiers to join Balikatan 2015

From the Philippine Star (Apr 6): 11,000 Filipino, American soldiers to join Balikatan 2015



The United States will be sending 76 air assets and three ships for the exercise while the Philippines will deploy 15 planes and one vessel.

Nearly 12,000 Filipino and American soldiers will join this year’s Balikatan exercises to be held as China is achieving significant progress in its construction projects in disputed areas in the West Philippine Sea.

A total of 6,656 American servicemen will participate in the drills, more than double the 2,500-strong contingent that joined last year and outnumbering its Filipino counterpart, which will consist of 5,023 soldiers.

Balikatan 2015, the 31st iteration of the bilateral exercise, will be held from April 20 to 30 and will feature traditional military trainings and community development projects.

The United States will be sending 76 air assets and three ships for the exercise while the Philippines will deploy 15 planes and one vessel.

The Australian Defense Force will also take part in the activity and will be sending 61 personnel and one aircraft.

“Our Armed Forces and the US Armed Forces are coming together for this mutual defense and disaster response exercises towards a more responsive partnership to the community focusing on development and community service,” said Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc, public affairs chief of the Philippine military.

The Philippine military bared the details of the annual joint exercise a week after it reported that China is conducting reclamation and construction projects in at least seven reefs in the disputed Spratlys archipelago.

China, which has been occupying disputed areas to assert its expansive territorial claims, is building artificial islets over Mabini (Johnson South), Burgos (Gaven), Kennar (Chigua) and Calderon (Cuarteron) Reefs and is conducting reclamation in Zamora (Subi), Kagitingan (Fiery Cross) Reef and parts of Panganiban (Mischief) Reef.

Officials, however, have repeatedly denied that the Balikatan exercises are directed towards China.  The US previously said it won’t be taking sides on the territorial row but called on claimants to settle their differences peacefully through international law.

Balikatan 2015 activities will be divided into three categories namely the command post exercise, field training exercise and humanitarian civic assistance.

In the command post exercise, the scenario will focus on marine security and will involve combined arms live fire exercises.

The field training exercises will be held in Crow Valley in Tarlac, Basa Air Base and Clark Air Base both in Pampanga, Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija, Marine Base Gregorio Lim and Naval Base Heracleo Alano both in Cavite and Naval Station Leovigildo Gantiouqui in Zambales.

Cabunoc said the exercises were designed to enhance the capabilities, tactics and interoperability of the Philippine and US militaries.

The humanitarian civic assistance events will be held in parts of Puerto Princesa in Palawan and Panay Island in the Visayas. Members of the Australian Defense Forces will participate in the activity, which seeks to strengthen the ties between the military forces and the local communities.

The opening ceremony of Balikatan 2015 will be held at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on April 20 while the closing rites will be at Clark Airbase on April 30.

Vice Adm. Alexander Lopez, the chief of the Palawan-based Western Command, will be this year’s exercise director while Armed Forces Command and General Staff College commandant Brig. Gen. Rodolfo Santiago will serve as his deputy.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2015/04/06/1440954/11000-filipino-american-soldiers-join-balikatan-2015

(Newsfeature) BBL: Filipinos at the crossroads

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 6): (Newsfeature) BBL: Filipinos at the crossroads

Would you go to the troubled parts of Mindanao? Would you befriend an MILF member?

I bet most of you would answer "No," or even "No way!" We cannot deny the fact that many, nowadays, picture the conflict areas in Mindanao as a dangerous place and the MILFs depicted as bad guys.

Apparently, the passage of the Basic Bangsamoro Law (BBL) would clear that picture, as it is said to bring peace in the entire country as well as normalcy in the lives of the Moros, the MILF combatants and their families.

Recently, the BBL is always in the news. As cool as it may sound like the BB in BlackBerry and the ladies’ all-time favorite BB Cream, the BBL has a deeper meaning and agenda. Its thrusts, according to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and the government of the Philippines (GPH) are being misunderstood by the public.

There were many questions raised about the bill. Fears have been expressed. What will happen when the BBL is passed? Who will benefit from it? These are just some of the many questions running in the minds of many Juan. Some, on the other hand, don’t care at all, as it would take them time to read the BBL draft. Thus, Filipinos are at a crossroads. Will you support the BBL? Will you go against it?

In a dialogue Monday among the MILF, the Philippine Council for Evangelical Churches (PCEC) and the GPH, the three groups expressed their desire for the passage of the BBL.

Each agreed that all Filipinos, not just the MILF or the Bangsamoro, will benefit from it. They also noted the common public misconceptions and fully expressed why they think anti-BBL sentiments exist.

Dissecting the BBL draft

Secretary Teresita Quintos Deles, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, described that there are actually three groups currently existing: the "Stop BBL" group, the "Stall BBL" and the "Dilute BBL."

She said the "Stop BBL" group thinks that the said law is unconstitutional. They believe that the MILF is not a sincere partner to the government. Deles also noted that this group thinks that BBL will lead to independence and entry of ISIS.

The "Stall BBL" group, on the other hand, wants justice for the 44 Special Action Force (SAF) policemen who died during the January 25 anti-terrorist operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao after a clash with members of the MILF, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and armed groups.

Meanwhile, the "Dilute BBL" wants to remove CAB provisions. Deles said reports on the provision on Constitutional bodies, Bangsamoro Police and P70-billion fund for BBL were without basis.

So what is the GPH position on BBL?

First, she clarified that BBL was never rushed. “It has undergone 36 public hearings not just in Congress but also in Visayas and Mindanao,” she cited, and continued that it has undergone more consultations than any other laws enacted by the Congress. Also, she cited that President Benigno S. Aquino III and his Cabinet fully support the passage of the BBL.

Other supporters, according to MILF Peace Negotiation Panel chief, Mohagher Iqbal, are the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP); business community (Makati Business Club, Mindanao Business Council); 18 surviving members of the 1987 Constitutional Convention; Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP); growing support from other Christian churches; civil society; NGOs; and international community.

As for Iqbal, he said the MILF is pushing for BBL’s passage as this will end the long-standing armed conflict in Mindanao. “Human rights violations, economic inequities, social and cultural discriminations will be addressed in the BBL,” he said.

He noted that the law will end the suffering of the Bangsamoro people and other inhabitants of Mindanao. There will be no more war between the MILF and the AFP, thus, people will be more focused on livelihood and basic necessities in life.

Furthermore, Iqbal cited that the BBL will foster harmony and unity since inclusive representation and equitable sharing of resources will harmonize various groups. Iqbal envisions that BBL will pave the way for more inter-religious partnerships and dialogues. “The BBL will also buy in economic development in Bangsamoro, Mindanao, and the entire country. Foreign investors will be attracted to invest in a peaceful country,” he said.

Allaying fears

Both the MILF and the GPH mentioned that one of the most feared results of the BBL is with regard to the Shariah law. They clarified the Shariah law will only be applied to Muslims, and will not be applied to Christians and Indigenous Peoples (IPs). This also proves that Bangsamoro will not be an Islamic state since there would be separate courts for non-Muslims.

The rights (human rights, vested rights) will also be protected. The Bangsamoro Parliament will also have reserved seats for settler (Christian) communities.

Iqbal highlighted that now is the time to pass the BBL. “Opportunity rarely knocks on our doors,” he noted. Iqbal added that people will be disappointed if this will not be passed, and the MILF’s effectiveness will sink at the lowest level. He added that the MILF will not decommission its weapons and combatants “until the BBL is passed."

Busting myths

The MILF and GPH highlighted several facts, which, according to them, are commonly misunderstood by the public:

--Bangsamoro will not have its own armed forces. The defense and security are reserved to the national government;

-- It will not have a separate police;

-- There is no automatic integration of MILF combatants to the PNP and AFP. If they wish to apply, they will have to comply with the requirements set by the PNP;

-- It will not have its own Constitutional Commission; and

-- It will not receive P70-75 billion on its first year.

While it is true that the Mamasapano clash brought much anger, grief, and distrust, Deles said she thinks these were used towards one agenda – to weaken the President.

“If you don’t want the President to succeed, you would not want him to pass the BBL, which could even become a big legacy,” she noted.

She added the Anti-PNoy campaign, the original anti-BBL campaign as well as the 2016 electoral ambitions as other factors.

While the Constitution is very clear on the separation of the Church and the State, the Philippine Council of Evangelical Churches (PCEC) expressed its full support to the government and the passage of the BBL.

“The PCEC envisions to help transform our nation. We call all parties to make the safety of civilians their priority,” said PCEC National Director Bishop Noel Pantoja.

Former PCEC National Director, Bishop Ephraim Tendero, stated that their group firmly believes that if they are pro-peace, then they are doing what God wanted, which is peace.

The BBL is set to undergo Committee hearings and the public is invited to attend. As Filipinos are at the crossroads, Deles leaves the following questions:

Would you return to war or a continued pursuit of peace?

Would you choose bigotry or celebrate cultural diversity?

Would you heighten distrust or choose leap of faith?

Would you prefer the short term interest of politicians or the long term interest of children everywhere?

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=750762