AFP denies rumors claiming ASG embedded in Metro Manila, planning to bomb SM malls

From the Philippine News Agency (May 6): AFP denies rumors claiming ASG embedded in Metro Manila, planning to bomb SM malls

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday vehemently denied reports that the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) operatives are in Metro Manila and planning to conduct bombing attacks against SM malls.

"SM has issued a statement denying the alleged bomb threat. On our part, we will continue supporting the law enforcement agencies in the conduct of investigations, we will continue assisting them in monitoring this report and we will also preempt any armed threat against our people," AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Joselito Kakilala said.

In the same vein, he said that the AFP has not monitored any reports suggesting ASG or even Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) operatives are embedded in Metro Manila for such alleged bombing attacks.

"We have not monitored any (reports suggesting) that the Abu Sayyaf and the BIFF are in Metro Manila. Our reports (state that) are still in Central Mindanao and Sulu," Kakilala said.

A text message, purportedly coming from a SM security officer, claimed that the ASG was planning to bomb SM North EDSA and Las Pinas should the management of these shopping malls refused to give in to the group's Php15-million extortion demand.

Terror bombers, Baco and Muawiyah, who reportedly allied themselves to local lawless groups, are still in Central Mindanao, Kakilala said.

Kakilala said the neutralization of the two was not far off as the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, AFP and Philippine National Police were working closely regarding the capture or elimination of the two.

"With the synergy with MILF, AFP and PNP, it (is) not far-fetched," the AFP spokesperson said.

Kakilala declined to comment on whether the MILF should be given credit for the death of terror-bomber Basit Usman and five of his followers Sunday.

But he said that the fact remains that Usman is dead.

"It is adequate for us already, the treat posed by Usman is no longer there."

The AFP earlier claimed that infighting among Usman's group led to the death of the brigand and his five followers in Maguindanao Sunday.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=759022

8ID troops plant trees in Samar province

From the Philippine News Agency (May 6): 8ID troops plant trees in Samar province

In line with its environmental protection mission, the 8th Infantry Division announced that it has planted 50 mahogany and 100 fruit-bearing trees at the outskirts of its headquarters at Barangay Maulong, Catbalogan City, Samar.

Major Amado Gutierrez, 8th Infantry Division spokesperson, in a statement Tuesday, said planting took place last May 1.

He added that the project is also in support of the government's National Greening Program.

This year alone, the 8th Infantry Division had already planted 1,390 assorted fruit bearing and non-fruit bearing trees.

"Since the rainy season had already started, 8ID is now implementing its tree growing activities and had directed its subordinate units to do the same. The directive also emphasized to work with other stakeholders in conducting tree growing activities in their respective areas of operation," Gutierrez said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=759108

USS Fort Worth makes first visit in Philippines, returning for CARAT 2015

From Ang Malaya (May 5): USS Fort Worth makes first visit in Philippines, returning for CARAT 2015

A littoral combat ship, USS Fort Worth of the United States Navy made a short stop in Subic Bay, Philippines yesterday, May 4 for resupply and refueling. This is the first visit of the said warship. After the said stop, the vessel continued its routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.

“This is the first stop in the Philippines for Fort Worth, which is currently on her maiden 16-month rotational deployment in support of the Indo-Asia-Pacific Rebalance,” US Navy said. Fort Worth was commissioned to service September 2012.

Fort Worth employs the surface warfare (SUW) mission package for her entire deployment.

“While this is a brief visit for Fort Worth, the ship will return to the Philippines later this summer to participate in Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) 2015 with the Republic of Philippines Navy,” said Cmdr. Matthew Kawas, Fort Worth Crew 103 commanding officer.

Last year, Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Philippines 2014 was held June in several locations ashore and at sea including Subic Bay, San Antonio in Zambales, Sangley Point in Cavite City, and Ternate.

http://www.angmalaya.net/nation/2015/05/05/10719-uss-fort-worth-makes-first-visit-in-philippines-returning-for-carat-2015

China accuses Philippines of destroying ASEAN-China relationship: ‘PHL defame and smear China’

From Ang Malaya (May 5): China accuses Philippines of destroying ASEAN-China relationship: ‘PHL defame and smear China’

The Chinese government is telling Philippines to stop provocative statements and malicious hyping at once, this is after the Department of Foreign Affairs dared China to prove Philippines violated the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.

“The Chinese side urges the Philippine side to end the malicious hyping and provocation in no time, meet China and a majority of ASEAN countries halfway, and jointly uphold peace and stability of the South China Sea,” Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying said.

The Chinese government again raised the building of an airstrip in Pagasa Island and grounding of vessel in Ayungin shoal which are before 2002. It added, “in 2013, the Philippine side unilaterally initiated international arbitration on relevant disputes with China over the South China Sea in disregard of its commitment in the DOC and the existing consensus between China and the Philippines.”

China also claims that Philippines is destabilizing cooperation in ASEAN. “The Philippine side also obstructs the practical maritime cooperation among parties under the framework of the DOC, causes disturbances in the South China Sea and exerts itself to defame and smear China on regional and international occasions.”

“All that the Philippines has done is an obvious breach of the DOC,” the Chinese official added.

“The Chinese side does not recognize the “status quo” of Philippines’ illegal occupation of relevant maritime features of the Nansha Islands (Spratly Islands).

“The Chinese side reaffirms that the Philippines must immediately stop relevant illegal construction activities, and withdraw all personnel and facilities from the islands and reefs of China.”

http://www.angmalaya.net/nation/2015/05/05/10747-china-accuses-philippines-of-destroying-asean-china-relationship-phl-defame-and-smear-china

OPPAP pushes for sustainable peace

From the Visayan Daily Star (May 6): OPPAP pushes for sustainable peace
 

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process will make sure that the provisions of the peace agreement between the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa-Pilipinas-Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade Tabara Paduano Group and the Philippine government will be fully implemented.

This was claimed by Undersecretary Ma. Cleofe Gettie Sandoval who said that they want to ensure the sustainability of the livelihood program for more than 700 profiled RPM-P-RPA-ABB members, provide them with adequate relocation sites, and an education program for their children.

 

There are five relocation sites identified for former rebels, located in the cities of San Carlos, Victorias, and Kabankalan in Negros Occidental, Tanjay City in Negros Oriental and one in Aklan.

“We can't present it to President Benigno Aquino III until it is finished,” Sandoval said at the Bangsamoro Basic Law forum organized by Pilipina-Negros Occidental chapter at the Mayfair Plaza in Bacolod City.

Mayor Francis Frederick Palanca registered his opposition to the establishment of a resettlement area for former rebels in Brgy. Gawahon, Victorias City, which is a tourist destination area.

Citing security reasons, Sandoval said there is a continuing dialog between the OPPAP and Palanca, who wants the proposed resettlement area to be relocated to other areas of Victorias City.

“Hopefully, we can submit it to the president as soon as possible,” she added.

Sandoval said they hope the closure agreement will be signed by President Aquino in the second quarter of the year.

During his recent visit to Negros Occidental, President Aquino said they are completing the peace agreement with the former rebel group now known as Kapatiran.

BANGSAMORO BASIC LAW

Sandoval, who is now making the rounds in key areas of the country to explain the controversial BBL, admitted that majority of the participants in the forums have no idea about it.

While BBL focuses on development in the Bangsamoro areas of Mindanao, it will benefit the entire country, in the end, she claimed.

Whatever happens in Mindanao affects the whole country, as violence can easily move from one place to another, Sandoval said.

The forum on BBL was co-sponsored by the DAWN Foundation Inc. Provincial Council for Women of Negros Occidental and the National Anti-Poverty Commission-Women Sectoral Council.

 

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2015/May/06/topstory4.htm

Army doc wins Asean prize

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (May 6): Army doc wins Asean prize

Army Capt. Henry Tabinas Jr. recently won first prize in the The Young Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Military Medical Officer (Yammo) Research Presentation at the 5th Asean Chief of Military Medicine Conference in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar (Burma).

Tabinas, an orthopedic surgeon at the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Medical Center, garnered the top award for his “exemplary research paper which dealt on the effect of intraarticular platelet rich plasma (PRP) concentrate injection” as a conservative treatment to degenerative osteoarthritis of the knee in AFP personnel compared with intraarticular sodium hyaluronate injection.

http://globalnation.inquirer.net/122443/army-doc-wins-asean-prize/

Senate conducts executive session on AFP modernization program probe

From GMA News (May 6): Senate conducts executive session on AFP modernization program probe

The Senate blue ribbon committee on Wednesday started looking into the alleged anomalous procurement of military weapons and equipment with an executive session upon the request of Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin.

 

Senator Teofisto Guigona III, chairman of the committee, called for the executive session after allowing Gazmin to deliver his opening statement.

 

Gazmin, in his statement, thanked the committee for the opportunity to be heard on the current status of the AFP modernization program and for allowing them to clarify the negative issues affecting the procurement and acquisition of certain military equipment and armaments.

 

After giving an overview of the modernization program, he asked for an executive session to allow the AFP give a classified briefing on the facts and circumstances and the operational readiness and capability gaps that led to the formulation of the AFP modernization program.

 

“For this, we will request that it be done in an executive session so as not to jeopardize the security interest of the state,” Gazmin said.

 

After the executive session, the committee is expected to tackle the “acquisition projects of the AFP on protection equipment, M113 APC, and UH1D aircraft to answer queries or clarifications on matters the senators want to delve upon,” the Defense secretary said.

Anomalous procurement?

 

In March, senators sought a probe on the supposed anomalous procurement of 21 UH-1D combat helicopters by the Department of National Defense.

 

The procurement of 21 refurbished Huey helicopters by DND was allegedly tailor-fitted for a favored bidder.

 

The contract was reportedly awarded to Joint Venture of Rice Aircraft Services, Inc and Eagle Copters, Ltd on December 28, 2013 for a bid price of P1.25 billion.

 

Reports have it that the UH-1D units that were delivered by the supplier to the Philippine Air Force were non-compliant with the project contract’s Terms of Referrence. The units also reportedly have limited use due to some defects, defeating the purpose of its acquisition and prima facie wastage of taxpayer’s money.

 

He added that amid the delay in the completion of the turnover of the helicopters and the various violations made by the supplier, the DND made no termination of the contract and is still allowing the supplier to deliver.

 

The DND has already created a committee led by Undersecretary for Legal and Legislative Affairs and Strategic Concerns Pio Lorenzo Batino to investigate the alleged irregularity.

 

Aside from Gazmin, Batino was also present at the Senate together with DND undersecretary Fernando Manalo, chairman of the Bids and Awards Committee; Editha Santos, chief of the Defense Acquisition Office; AFP chief Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. and other military officials. 

 

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/482422/news/nation/senate-conducts-executive-session-on-afp-modernization-program-probe

Army troops take arms, explosives from rebels in Ormoc

From the Manila Standard Today (May 6): Army troops take arms, explosives from rebels in Ormoc

ORMOC CITY—Army troops of the 19th Infantry (Commando) Battalion, 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division seized five high-powered firearms and explosives during an armed confrontation with New People’s Army rebels in Barangay Liberty, Ormoc City on Sunday, May 3.

 

 

Lt. Col Nedy C. Espulgar, Commanding Officer of the 19th Infantry Battalion based in the area, said his unit received information from a concerned citizen about the presence of heavily armed men in the barangay.

Acting on the information, troops proceeded to the area and confirmed the presence of about ten NPA members at the outskirts. A five-minute firefight ensued between the government troops and the rebels,  after which the latter withdrew.

Troops immediately scoured the area and seized four M16A1 rifles, one M203 grenade launcher, several M16 magazines, 40mm ammunition, rifle grenades, an improvised explosive device (IED) and cell phones.

Likewise, assorted medical provisions, foodstuffs, personal belongings and subversive documents were found in the area.

There was no reported casualty on the government side.

Major General Jet B. Velarmino, 8ID Commander, thanked the residents of Brgy Liberty for the information, the local government unit, and the soldiers.

“Let us continue to affirm or reaffirm our respective roles and mandate to preserve and sustain the gains and pre-empt/prevent the resurgence of Local Terrorist Groups and to continually exert efforts, cooperate, support and assist each other, along with other government agencies and instrumentalities, in preserving the peace and order in this part of the region.”

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2015/05/06/army-troops-take-arms-explosives-from-rebels-in-ormoc/

AFP: Mall bomb threat a hoax

From the Philippine Star (May 5): AFP: Mall bomb threat a hoax



The text message advised recipients to stay away from the mall this week and to warn their loved ones about the threat.

The military assured the public that Metro Manila is not facing specific threats after a text message about the supposed plot to bomb malls spread.

The text message warned that the Abu Sayyaf had threatened to stage bombings if a mall chain refuses to give $15 million to the terrorist group.

“They are on high alert right now but better be safe than sorry,” the text message read, referring to the mall chain’s management.

Terrorists, the text message claimed, are targeting the mall chain's branch in Las Piñas or Quezon City.

The text message advised recipients to stay away from the mall this week and to warn their loved ones about the threat.

The military, however, dismissed the text message as a hoax.

“We have not monitored any (report) that the Abu Sayyaf and the BIFF (Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters) are in Metro Manila. Our reports (state that) they are still in Central Mindanao and Sulu,” Armed Forces spokesman Brig. Gen. Joselito Kakilala Jr. said in a press conference.

Kakilala, nevertheless, said the military would continue to be on alert to prevent any untoward incident.

“On our part, we will continue supporting the law enforcement agencies in the conduct of investigations,” the military spokesman sad.

“We will also preempt any armed threat against our people,” he added.

The text message about the supposed bomb threat spread two days after wanted terrorist Basit Usman was killed in an encounter in Guindolungan, Maguindanao. Authorities are still investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.

Usman was a bomb expert tagged in various bombing incidents that have killed and injured civilians since 2003.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2015/05/05/1451518/afp-mall-bomb-threat-hoax

What Does the Death of the Philippines’ Top Islamic Militant Mean?

From The Diplomat (May 6): What Does the Death of the Philippines’ Top Islamic Militant Mean?

Will the death of a terrorist breathe life into an imperiled peace process?

On Sunday, the Philippines’ most wanted Islamic militant was killed in a firefight with Muslim rebels.

The death of Abdul Basit Usman, a bomb maker with links to the Abu Sayyaf and Jemaah Islamiyah – the Southeast Asian affiliate of Al-Qaeda – is significant because he was one of two high-profile targets in a deadly January 25 raid which killed 44 Philippine police commandos following clashes with Muslim rebels in the country’s south (The Diplomat covered that incident here). The Mamasapano incident triggered a political crisis for Philippine president Benigno Aquino III and had threatened to undermine a peace deal between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) reached in March last year which ended nearly a half-century of bloody conflict.

Details of how Usman was killed are still murky. The Philippine government says that Usman’s followers had turned on him because of a million-dollar bounty offered by the U.S. State Department, while the MILF says that its fighters had killed Usman.

Nevertheless, the Aquino administration, the MILF, and other proponents of the peace deal have been keen to capitalize on the development to boost prospects for its advancement, including the passage of an enabling law called the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) which has been stalled since the Mamasapano incident. The Aquino government wants the BBL to be passed by June so that a required referendum can be held before the administration’s term expires following elections in May 2016.

Several civilian and military officials, including the head of the Philippine military, Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. and the chief government peace negotiator, have lauded the MILF for its cooperation. At a press conference, presidential communications secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. noted that the MILF’s assistance in going after Usman came at a time when lawmakers were looking for concrete proof of cooperation between the rebel group and the Philippine government as they debate the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law. Several other lawmakers, along with Senate president Franklin Drilon, have also said that the MILF’s role in Usman’s death should help restore the public’s confidence in the peace process that was shaken following the Mamasapano incident.

It is still unclear, however, what this might do for the peace process itself specifically. Congressional leaders have said that they have made the passage of the BBL a top priority for their current session which lasts until June 11, and there does seem to be a sense among many that advancing peace with the MILF is an important objective. Yet the devil may lie in the details. There are still some – including members of a peace council that Aquino recently convened to review the BBL – who are of the view that while the BBL is generally acceptable, there are specific provisions that need to be revised or removed. If the changes are not ones that the MILF can live with, that could mean a rough road ahead for the peace process.

On the security side, operations are expected to continue to move forward despite Usman’s death. Catapang has reportedly expressed determination to get “all the potential spoilers of the peace process,” adding that there were still 10 foreign Islamist militants and around 100 renegade Islamist militants in the south.

http://thediplomat.com/2015/05/what-does-the-death-of-the-philippines-top-islamic-militant-mean/

AFP denies terror threat in Metro Manila malls

From the Sun Star-Manila (May 5): AFP denies terror threat in Metro Manila malls

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) denied on Tuesday rumors circulating on social media that the Basilan-based terrorist group Abu Sayyaf was targeting at least two SM malls in Metro Manila.

"The management of Shoemart has officially denied receiving the alleged bomb threat," Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Brigadier General Joselito Kakilala said.

The text message, which circulated on the Internet Tuesday and supposedly sent by an SM mall officer, warned people against going to SM North Edsa and SM Southmall for precautionary measures. But SM denied on Twitter that any of its officers sent the supposed text message.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/manila/local-news/2015/05/05/afp-denies-terror-threat-sm-malls-405811

79 NPA leaders killed since 2011: military

From the Sun Star-Davao (May 5): 79 NPA leaders killed since 2011: military

GOVERNMENT forces claimed that its unit neutralized 79 high-ranking leaders of the National Democratic Front-Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (NDF-CPP-NPA) from 2011 to March this year.

In a statement emailed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) 5th Civil Relation Group (CRG), it said that from 2011 to 2014, 70 communist leaders were killed and arrested in a clash.

There were some rebel leaders who surrendered to the government authorities.

The nine other rebel leaders were either killed or arrested during intelligence operations conducted by military and police personnel from January 1 to March 31 this year.

AFP Chief of Staff Gregorio Catapang Jr. said these remarkable accomplishments of the government can be attributed to deliberate efforts within the ambit of the AFP's Internal Peace and Security (IPSP) Bayanihan.

"The IPSP Bayanihan is where the military and police forces jointly conduct its law enforcement operations to weaken the NDF-CPP-NPA- ideologically and organizationally," Catapang said.

Among the communist leaders arrested were Benito Tiamzon and his wife Wilma Austria-Tiamzon.

The Tiamzon couple was arrested along with five other rebels in a joint military and police operation conducted in Barangay Zaragosa, Aloguinsan in Cebu on March 22, 2014.

Catapang said the Tiamzon couple is now detained at the Philippine National Police (PNP) Custodial Center in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

He added that the Tiamzon's arrest was a big blow to the 46-year-old communist movement in the country -- the longest in Asia, and had subsequently led to a "leadership vacuum" in the NDF-CPP-NPA.

Catapang welcomed last week the suggestion of the NDF Chief Negotiator Luis Jalandoni for the resumption of peace talks.

While not objecting to the NDF's call for resumption of peace talks, AFP Community Relations Chief Joselito Kakilala questioned the sincerity of the communist movement.

"This strategy has been done many times before by the NDF-CPP-NPA, a year or so before the conduct of the presidential election," Kakilala said.

He said that Utrecht based CPP founder Jose Maria Sison and Jalandoni do not have the moral ground to lead their comrades waging an armed struggle in the localities anymore.

Jalandoni also claimed the supposed armed strength of the NPA has reached to 10,000, more than thrice the military's number which is only more or less 3,000 fighters.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2015/05/04/79-npa-leaders-killed-2011-military-405734

Abdul Basit Usman: Philippines' Most Wanted Terrorist Killed by Bodyguard for $1 Million Bounty

From the International Business Times (May 4): Abdul Basit Usman: Philippines' Most Wanted Terrorist Killed by Bodyguard for $1 Million Bounty



Abdul Basit Usman, an Al Qaeda operative was gunned by his bodyguards who wanted to turn him for the $1 million bounty on his head. Screenshot

Abdul Basit Usman, one of the most wanted Islamist terrorist in the Philippines, was reportedly killed by his personal bodyguards for $1 million bounty, according to country's armed forces.

Usman, who was found dead on Sunday in Maguindanao, initially it was being claimed was killed by Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). Reports then had stated that the wanted terrorist, known popularly as Bomb-maker Usman, was killed in an operation led by MILF's 118th base command in Barangay Muti.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr on Monday said the wanted terrorist was killed by his own bodyguards, who wanted to take the $1 million bounty on his head.

"There was in-fighting among his bodyguards. when he was killed, he had 7 bodyguards -- but these bodyguards were not the most loyal to him," Catapang Jr said.

Catapang said Usman was travelling with the bodyguards towards a rebel camp in Guindulungan town in Maguindano, when the shooting took place. "The bodies were discovered by Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebels," he said, adding army and police units were trying to establish the identities of the slain militants.
The wanted Philippines terrorist - Abdul Basit Usman, is said to have had strong al-Qaeda links and had been blamed for several bombings. He was being hunted down from 2002 since the bomb attacks in the southern Philippines, which killed 15 and 44 wounded.

According to CNN, Usman's death is going to be a boon for the ongoing peace efforts between the government and the MILF –  ending 45 years of violent conflict that has killed 1,20,000 people and displaced two million in war-torn Mindanao.

http://www.ibtimes.co.in/abdul-basit-usman-philippines-most-wanted-terrorist-killed-by-bodyguard-1-million-bounty-631284

China accuses Philippines of violating code of conduct in South China Sea

From InterAksyon (May 5): China accuses Philippines of violating code of conduct in South China Sea

China has accused the Philippines of violating a 13-year-old informal code of conduct in the South China Sea with its building work on disputed islets, firing back again after repeated criticism of China's own construction work.

China and the 10-member Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) signed an agreement in 2002 to refrain from occupying uninhabited reefs and shoals in the sea, and from building new structures that would complicate disputes.

In a statement just before midnight on Monday, China's Foreign Ministry urged the Philippines to stop its "malicious hyping and provocation" on the dispute, whose basis, it said, was Manila's illegal occupation of certain Chinese islands.

"The Philippines side has conducted large-scale construction of military and civil facilities, including airports, ports and barracks on those islands for many years," the ministry said.

The statement was issued after the Philippines Foreign Ministry said it was China that had violated the code with its construction, and was accusing Manila to justify and provide cover for Chinese reclamation work.

"China has never, ever taken actions that may complicate and deteriorate the disputes or affect regional peace and stability," the Chinese ministry said, urging Manila to stop all building work and evacuate its people.

The Philippine foreign minister denied China's accusations of recent massive reclamation, saying the country had done minor, but legal, repair and maintenance within its 200-mile Exclusive Economic Zone in the disputed area some years ago.

"We were doing some repairs and maintenance after the Declaration of Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) but repairs and maintenance is allowed," Albert del Rosario said.

"Massive reclamation is not. Building on features in terms of massive reclamation is not allowed. That is in violation of not only the DOC, but the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea."

Disputes over how to tackle an increasingly assertive stance by China - an ally of several Southeast Asian states - in the strategic South China Sea make the issue the region's biggest potential military flashpoint.

China last week accused Vietnam, the Philippines and others of carrying out their own illegal building work.

China claims 90 percent of the South China Sea, which is believed to be rich in oil and gas, with overlapping claims from Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan.

Recent satellite images show China has made rapid progress in building an airstrip suitable for military use in the disputed Spratly Islands and may be planning another.

Those moves have caused alarm in the region, and Washington, too.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/110007/china-accuses-philippines-of-violating-code-of-conduct-in-south-china-sea

 

 
 
 



Kidnappers free 4 businessmen from GenSan; ransom paid

From MindaNews (May 5): Kidnappers free 4 businessmen from GenSan; ransom paid

GENERAL SANTOS CITY (MindaNews/05 May) — Kidnappers released unharmed the four businessmen from this city who were seized in Maguindanao province on March 29 after the payment of an undisclosed ransom.

Raulito Suyom Sr., father of kidnap victim architect Raulito Jr., said Tuesday his son and business partners Jayson Cababayao, Francis Wong Sepulvida and Rho Steven Bochurno were freed by their captors “somewhere in Maguindanao” last April 28.

He said the release, which was initially kept under wraps due to security reasons, came following a series of negotiations with the kidnappers that eventually led to the ransom payment.

“I will not deny that ransom was paid for their release. But it was just a minimal amount,” he said in an interview over dxES Bombo Radyo.

Suyom said the four victims were released at around 4 a.m. on April 28 and were abandoned at a portion of the Cotabato-Isulan highway.

He said they then boarded a van bound for this city and were reunited with their families several hours later.

“They were mainly in great shape and appeared to have been treated well during their ordeal,” he said.

The four, who were partners of a newly-formed construction business, were on their way to meet a prospective client in Cotabato City for a supposed construction project when they were abducted on March 29.

The victims were last seen leaving the city aboard a Mitsubishi Strada pickup, which was found abandoned several days later.

Victim Jayson Cababayao, whose family owns the J Trade Concrete Products and Construction Supply here, told reporters that a supposed wealthy businessman initially established contact with their partner architect Raulito Jr. in early March to seek assistance regarding a resort development project near Cotabato City.

He said the investor signified to commission Raulito Jr. and their firm for the development of the design and the construction of the project.

They later agreed to a meeting in Cotabato City to discuss the details of the project and visit the site later on, he said.

Cababayao said they left the city aboard his pickup at around 8 a.m. last March 29 along with a woman who was supposed to serve as their guide.

Upon reaching a portion of Dalican in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao, he said they were met by a motorcycle-riding man who will reportedly guide them to the investor’s farm.

They followed the supposed guide to an unfamiliar area where they were met by a group of armed men who then declared the kidnapping, he said.

Cababayao said they were tied up and kept in the area for several days and later transferred to another location.

“They took all our belongings — our vehicle, laptops, cellphones and other valuables. They even asked for the passwords of our Facebook accounts,” he said

He said the suspects later told them that they would contact our parents for the ransom negotiations.

“They were updating us about the negotiations from time to time but always claimed that they were getting nowhere. So we were really surprised when they decided to release us last April 28,” he said.

Before they were abandoned along the national highway, he said the suspects gave P1,100 in cash for their passenger van fare to this city.

Suyom credited the release of the victims to the efforts of the Philippine National Police’s anti-kidnapping group and several “Muslim and Christian leaders.”

“They were released due to the concerted efforts of various parties and not just because of the ransom payment,” he said.

Chief Insp. Aldrin Martin Gonzales, public information officer of the Police Regional Office 12, told MindaNews that the operations are currently ongoing against the kidnappers.

But he declined to issue further details, noting the case is being handled by the Police Regional Office in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (PRO-ARMM).

He said they are currently coordinating with the PRO-ARMM for the investigation of the case and for other necessary operations.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2015/05/05/kidnappers-free-4-businessmen-from-gensan-ransom-paid/

CAFGU wife seriously wounded by M203 shrapnel fired by NPA

From the Philippine News Agency (May 5): CAFGU wife seriously wounded by M203 shrapnel fired by NPA

A 43-year-old wife of a member of the Citizens Armed Forces and Geographical Unit (CAFGU) is now in critical condition after she was hit by a grenade shrapnel coming from an M203 grenade launcher lodged by New People's Army (NPA) rebels who attacked a camp of the Philippine Army/Citizens Armed Auxiliary at Barangay Mabini, Del Gallego, Camarines Sur, Monday morning.

Rushed to the Bicol Medical Center was Marissa Corpuz, a resident of the village.

A police report said Corpuz was preparing breakfast for her husband inside a hut in the camp at about 6:05 a.m. when suddenly there was an explosion and a shrapnel from an M-203 grenade hit her.

The CAFGU detachment was 50 meters away from the unit’s main camp.

The soldiers immediately fought back to defend their camp and exchanged fire with the rebels for 20 minutes, after which the rebels withdrew towards an unknown direction.

The report said Corpuz was just visiting her CAFGU-husband when the rebels harassed the detachment.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=758939

22 of 32 towns, cities in Negros Occidental declared ‘peaceful, ready for further dev’t’

From the Philippine News Agency (May 5): 22 of 32 towns, cities in Negros Occidental declared ‘peaceful, ready for further dev’t’

Twenty-two out of the 32 towns and cities in Negros Occidental, including Bacolod City, have already been declared “peaceful and ready for further development” by the Philippine Army.

The latest addition to the list is La Castellana town, whose officials signed the declaration on Monday, in the presence of Brig. Gen. Jon Aying, commander of 303rd Infantry Brigade, and Lt. Col. Paulito Idul, commanding officer of 11th Infantry Battalion.

Other local government units already declared as “peaceful and ready for further development” are the cities of San Carlos and Escalante, and the towns of Calatrava and Toboso in the First District; cities of Sagay and Cadiz, and Manapla town, Second District;

Cities of Victorias, Silay and Talisay, and towns of E.B. Magalona and Murcia, Third District; Lone District of Bacolod; cities of La Carlota and Bago, and towns of Pulupandan, San Enrique, Pontevedra, and Valladolid, Fourth District; and Binalbagan, Isabela and Hinigaran, Fifth District.

Under the area of operations of the 303rd IB, only the municipalities of Salvador Benedicto and Moises Padilla have not yet been declared “peaceful and ready for further development.”

The Sixth District towns of Cauayan, Hinobaan, Ilog, Candoni, Kabankalan, and city of Sipalay also known as the CHICKS area is already under the operational control of the 302nd Infantry Brigade with headquarters in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental.

The 3rd Infantry Division, which supervises the Army’s peace and development campaign in Panay and Negros, is hoping to declare Negros Occidental as “peaceful and ready for further development” by next month.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=758977

Newest US Navy ship USS Fort Worth makes refueling stop at Subic Bay

From the Philippine News Agency (May 5): Newest US Navy ship USS Fort Worth makes refueling stop at Subic Bay

The United States Navy's newest littoral combat ship, the USS Fort Worth (LCS-3), made a brief refueling and resupply stop at Subic Bay, Zambales on Monday.

The U.S. embassy in Manila said in a statement on Tuesday that it proceeded to its 7th Fleet area of responsibility shortly after.

This was the first stop in the Philippines for USS Fort Worth, which is currently on her maiden 16-month rotational deployment in support of the Indo-Asia-Pacific Rebalance.

The USS Fort Worth is the second LCS to be deployed to the 7th Fleet as part of an initiative to simultaneously deploy up to four LCS in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region by 2018.

The third and fourth LCS deployments are planned in 2016, providing a simultaneous presence of two ships in the region.

“While this is a brief visit for Fort Worth, the ship will return to the Philippines later this summer to participate in Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) 2015 with the Republic of the Philippines Navy,” USS Fort Worth commanding officer Cmdr. Matthew Kawas said.

The ship will conduct routine patrols in the 7th Fleet area of operations before returning to Singapore for the International Maritime Defense Exhibition and Conference (IMDEX) 2015 just ahead of the next crew swap in late May.

Throughout the summer and fall, the USS Fort Worth will take part in most of the 2015 CARAT exercise series. In its 21st year, CARAT is an annual, bilateral exercise series with the US Navy, US Marine Corps and the armed forces of nine partner nations, including Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Republic of the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Timor-Leste.

Fast, agile and mission-focused, littoral combat ships are designed to operate in near-shore environments and employ modular mission packages that can be configured for surface warfare, mine countermeasures or anti-submarine warfare.

The USS Fort Worth will employ the surface warfare (SUW) mission package for her entire deployment, augmenting her 57mm gun and rolling airframe missile launcher with two 30mm guns, two 11-meter rigid-hull inflatable boats, and two six-member maritime security boarding teams.

Enhancing the SUW mission package is the embarked aviation detachment from Helicopter Maritime Squadron (HSM) 35, the Navy's first composite expeditionary helicopter squadron, which consists of one MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter and one MQ-8B Fire Scout unmanned aircraft system.

The Fire Scout complements the MH-60R by extending the HSM-35's range and endurance, enhancing maritime domain awareness.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=758807

NPA weapon seized during Davao Del Sur clash

From the Philippine News Agency (May 5): NPA weapon seized during Davao Del Sur clash

Troopers from the 73rd Infantry Battalion have recovered New People's Army M-16 automatic rifle and a magazine during a 30-minute encounter in Sitio Busao, Barangay Mangulibas, Jose Abad Santos town, Davao Del Sur Monday afternoon.

Eastern Mindanao Command spokesperson Col. Romeo Brawner said the clash took place at 12:30 p.m.

According to Brawner, the government soldiers were on security patrols amid reports that 30 rebels, under one alias "Yoyong," were conducting extortion activities in the locality.

The NPAs quickly retreated after taking an undetermined number of casualties.

No one among the government troopers were hurt nor killed. Pursuit operations are still ongoing.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=758777

Except for minor refinements, Peace Council finds BBL ‘overwhelming acceptable’

From InterAksyon (May 5): Except for minor refinements, Peace Council finds BBL ‘overwhelming acceptable’

Except for some minor refinements and clarifications, the Citizen Peace Council has found the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) "overwhelmingly acceptable".

”The BBL is overwhelming acceptable and deserves the support of all the Filipinos,” said Ateneo de Davao University president Rev. Fr. Joel Tabora on Tuesday at the resumption of the Senate hearing on the BBL.

Tabora represented Manila Archbishop Luis Antonio Cardinal Tagle, one of the five members of the Peace Council formed by President Benigno Aquino III almost a month ago to take a closer look at the draft BBL.

Before the hearing, the Citizen Peace Council submitted to the Senate its full report on the BBL where it recommended some minor refinements and sought clarifications on some provisions of the proposed law.

The council members led by former Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr. handed to Senate President Franklin Drilon and Senate committee on local government chairman Sen. Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. a one-inch thick report at the Office of the Senate President.

Davide, who served as Supreme Court (SC) Chief Justice from 1998 to 2005, was accompanied by former Ambassador Howard Dee, former education Secretary Edilberto de Jesus, and peace advocate Bai Rohaniza Sumndad-Usman.

”We are so happy that we have been given the chance to submit this report to the Senate. We can assure you, that we tried our very best to achieve some very constructive recommendations to ensure that the BBL will be able really promote justice, peace, not only in Mindanao, but also in the entire Philippines,” Davide told the media after the submission of the Peace Council report.

For his part, Drilon said: “I hope that the report of the Peace Council can clarify many of the doubts that will be raised based on a matter of principle, matters of law, in the course of the hearings conducted by Senator Bongbong Marcos.”

Marcos expressed optimism that the Peace Council report would “certainly clarifies certain matters.”

”This would help to assess the law, making it less and less likely necessary for us to think about the speeding up of the process,” Marcos said.

During the BBL hearing, Davide identified some major contentious issues and came out with the major findings made by the council.

The council concluded that the BBL does not make the Bangsamoro government a state.

”The provisions on people, territory and self-determination do not imply the creation of a separate state but are consistent with the constitutionally mandated creation of autonomous region,” the council stated in its nine-page summary report.

However, the peace council recommended to delete the references to the opt-in provisions of the proposed law, saying “the creation of an autonomous region is a sole function of Congress.

”The core of Bangsamoro territories should not be allowed to increase indefinitely by the periodic vote of 10 percent of registered voters in the outer territories,” Davide told the Senate panel.

The council also recommended that the phrase "ministerial form of government” in the BBL be dropped in favor of ‘parliamentary’ form for purposes of consistency and clarity.

It also suggested the refinements of the provision that allows new parliamentary elections upon a two-thirds of vote of no confidence of all members of parliament, saying “it run counter to the constitutionally mandated synchronization of national and local elections.”

The council also recommended that Article IV, Section 6 on Devolution and Subsidiarity be amended “to read “Principles of Devolution and Subsdiarity, and of Solidarity.”

The council found that the SC and the constitutional bodies will continue to maintain the powers that are given them under the Constitution.

However, the council suggested to Congress to make it clear that the judicial power remains with the SC while the BBL envisions the creation of special lower courts under the SC’s control and supervision.

”The BBL provision that states that the decisions of the Shari’ah High Court shall be final and executory invites controversy. In order to avert any confusion, the provision may be amended to include the clause, subject to the review powers of the SC,” Davide said.

On the constitutional bodies, the peace council suggested to make sure that the Bangsamoro special bodies such as auditing body, civil service office, human rights commission, commission on elections should make sure that they “were created with the goal of supplementing, not supplanting , the work of their national counterparts.”

On the management of peace and order, the council said the security and maintenance of peace and order rests with the Bangsamoro police “which will remain part of the national police.”

The council also sought clarification on some potential issues and advised the Senate to address them such as management and control of natural resources, labor and legal framework, land registration and management, customs duties and tariffs within the Bangsamoro, investments and tax management.

The council also found that the draft of the BBL does fulfill its mandate on social justice and human development.

However, the council suggested some refinements such as inclusion of terms such as Non-Moro Indigenous Peoples and Fusuka Inged, “among others, to make the law more readable”; and, expansion of reserve seats for youth, women and the Indigenous Peoples.

On the decommissioning process, the council expressed concerns over the lack of a clear and specific timeframe for its implementation.

Davide, however, clarified that the BBL complies with the Constitution’s mandate for the creation of autonomous regions.

”While imperfect, it is a significant document that should serve as catalyst for building national consensus towards the realization of the long term aspiration, expressed by the country three decades ago, for justice , solidarity and peace, for Mindanao and for the entire Philippines,” Davide said.

Davide said it is still the Congress which has the sole power to decide whether to adopt the council’s recommendations.

Marcos and Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero, who also attended the BBL hearing, thanked the peace council members for their recommendations on how to make a better BBL that would serve as legal basis for the creation of the Bangsamoro government.

“We want to look closer into the findings and recommendations of the peace council, particular those that would help in our task of crafting a version of the BBL that would ensure peace in Muslim Mindanao,” Marcos said.

”We admire the council members for being honest with their recommendations and suggested refinements,” Escudero, for his part, said.

Marcos said his committee will conduct hearings in Zamboanga and Jolo on May 12 and 13 and then returned to Manila for at least two more hearings before making a committee report.

Marcos said the Senate will not pass the BBL as submitted by Malacanang to the House of Representatives and the Senate.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=758959

Ad Hoc committee on BBL members give "benefit of the doubt" on Usman's death

From InterAksyon (May 5): Ad Hoc committee on BBL members give "benefit of the doubt" on Usman's death

At least two party-list lawmakers on Tuesday are giving a favorable judgement despite the absence of proof that Basit Usman is dead as claimed by Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) after encounter with their ground forces.

Magdalo Party-list Rep. Gary Alejano and Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Rodel Batocabe said that although they have no concrete evidence that Usman is dead, they wanted to give the benefit of doubt on the MILF's allegation.

“I have information from our military friends that Usman was indeed killed together with his trusted aides when they refused to surrender to MILF who tried to effect an arrest,” Alejano told reporters at the weekly forum, Ugnayan sa Batasan.

Alejano admitted, however, that he had no information whether the picture of Usman that became viral in the social media was for real. He still wanted to believe that MILF was strengthening confidence measure.

“This is a good sign if indeed MILF is really showing that they want to end the more than four decades of fighting with government troops and put an end to atrocities,” Batocabe pointed out.

The veteran lawmaker said that this was a good sign that MILF were now showing confidence build up, who wanted to change Mindanao into a food basket of the country and centerpiece of investment.

According to Batocabe, once peace is restored in Mindanao, foreign and local investments will automatically flow for they knew that the promise land is very rich in natural resources like oil.

But he said, MILF needed to continue to show proof of sincerity and accept the expected constitutional Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) and forget the original draft, which was expected to be declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.

For his part, Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez said in the same forum that they would pass BBL on schedule.

“We need to pass BBL on June 11 and voting will happened on May 11 and 12. After we get the needed number, we will immediately toss BBL to the plenary for closer scrutiny of all members of the House of Representatives,” Rodriguez, chairman of House Ad Hoc committee on BBL said.

This after Alejano and Batocabe made their individual suggestions that will need more time or extend the scheduled voting on May 11.

Batocabe urged the Department of Justice to release warrants of arrest against MILF who have murdered members of Special Action Force on Jan. 25 Mamasapano incident.

Alejano, former junior officer of the Armed Forces of the Philippines who have vast experience in Mindanao insurgency said, “we want to reward them passing the BBL” if MILF will show sincerity that they want peace by surrendering their men who will be accused of murder and assault upon persons in authority.

“Do not forget that the first beneficiaries of BBL are the MILF. This is why they do not want Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao because it is being controlled by Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). Now, this is also the reason why MNLF does not want BBL because they are not part of this transition. MILF does not represent the whole Muslim community,” Alejano said.

Still, Rodriguez said he was still confident that he could get the needed numbers when the voting comes on May 11 and 12 to pass BBL with or without warrants of arrest.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=758914

American combat ship USS Fort Worth stops in Subic for resupply, refueling

From InterAksyon (May 5): American combat ship USS Fort Worth stops in Subic for resupply, refueling



(photo from Jane's)

SUBIC BAY, Philippines - The littoral combat ship USS Fort Worth (LCS 3) made a stop in Subic Bay on May 4 to resupply and refuel before continuing routine operations in the 7th Fleet area of responsibility.

This is the first stop in the Philippines for Fort Worth, which is currently on her maiden 16-month rotational deployment in support of the Indo-Asia-Pacific Rebalance.

Fort Worth is the second LCS to deploy to 7th Fleet as part of an initiative to simultaneously deploy up to four LCS in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region by 2018.  The third and fourth LCS deployments are planned in 2016, providing a simultaneous presence of two ships in the region.

“While this is a brief visit for Fort Worth, the ship will return to the Philippines later this summer to participate in Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training 2015 with the Republic of Philippines Navy,” said Cmdr. Matthew Kawas, Fort Worth Crew 103 commanding officer.

Fort Worth will conduct routine patrols in the 7th Fleet area of operations before returning to Singapore for the International Maritime Defense Exhibition and Conference 2015 just ahead of the next crew swap in late May.

Throughout the summer and fall, Fort Worth will take part in most of the 2015 CARAT exercise series. In its 21st year, CARAT is an annual, bilateral exercise series with the US Navy, US Marine Corps and the armed forces of nine partner nations including, Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Republic of the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Timor-Leste.

Fast, agile and mission-focused, littoral combat ships are designed to operate in near-shore environments and employ modular mission packages that can be configured for surface warfare, mine countermeasures or anti-submarine warfare.

Fort Worth will employ the surface warfare mission package for her entire deployment, augmenting her 57mm gun and rolling airframe missile launcher with two 30mm guns, two 11-meter rigid-hull inflatable boats, and two six-member maritime security boarding teams.

Enhancing the SUW mission package is the embarked aviation detachment from Helicopter Maritime Squadron 35, the Navy's first composite expeditionary helicopter squadron, which consists of one MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopter and one MQ-8B Fire Scout unmanned aircraft system. The Fire Scout complements the MH-60R by extending the HSM-35's range and endurance, enhancing maritime domain awareness. 

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/109968/american-combat-ship-uss-fort-worth-stops-in-subic-for-resupply-refueling

AFP insists Usman's men killed him, but 'welcomes' MILF claim

From InterAksyon (May 5): AFP insists Usman's men killed him, but 'welcomes' MILF claim



AFP handout photo purporting to show the dead Abdul Basit Usman

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front is "welcome" to claim its men slew Abdul Basit Usman, but as far as the military is concerned, the wanted bomb maker was killed by his own men, who were supposedly fighting over the $1-million bounty offered by the United States and a separate P6.3-million reward from the Philippine government.

"Based on initial reports that we have, Usman was killed in a shootout between his men. Five others were killed in that incident. We welcome though the claim of the MILF that they were the ones who killed Usman," Armed Forces of the Philippines Civil Relations Service chief Brigadier General Joselito Kakilala said in an interview with Interaksyon.com.

However, Kakilala also acknowledged that there is no conclusive evidence to establish whom to credit for the death of Usman, who escaped the disastrous January 25 Special Action Force operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao. That mission left Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir, alias "Marwan," dead, but at the cost of 44 police commandos, 17 MILF fighters and at least three civilians.

"General Catapang has ordered Major General (Edmundo) Pangilinan, commander of the Army's 6th Infantry Division to submit the soonest possible his special report about Usman’s death that would be the final report of the AFP. By then we will know who really killed Usman," Kakilala said.

Kakilala declined to say how the military was able to produce a photograph purporting to show Usman’s body except to point out that the military has a "very broad" intelligence network.

"I don't want to preempt the report of Major General Pangilinan that he will be submitting to General Catapang," he said.

Kakilala also said they had received reports Usman’s killers had left his body behind and that this could have been retrieved by MILF fighters who rushed to the area on hearing bursts of gunfire.

But in an earlier radio interview, MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal said the responding MILF fighters reported that Usman’s body had been taken by his men.

In a separate radio interview, MILF vice chairman for political affairs Ghadzali Jaafar claimed MILF fighters engaged Usman’s group in a firefight in which the bomber was killed.

A ranking intelligence officer who spoke on condition of anonymity because he is not allowed to speak on the matter said fighters of the MILF’s 118th Base Command under Wahid Tundok retrieved the body of Usman and took it to Camp Darapanan, where MILF chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim is based, for burial.

Kakilala said they too have received intelligence reports Usman’s body was retrieved by Tundok's men.

After Marwan’s death, Usman and his men were initially protected by the group of Muhammad Ali Tambako, a known commander of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighter, which broke away from the MILF. However, Tambako and five aides were captured amid a military offensive against their group. 

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/109971/afp-insists-usmans-men-killed-him-but-welcomes-milf-claim