From the Manila Times (Jun 19): PNP nabs NPA leader in Agusan del Sur
A RANKING leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) was arrested on Thursday by joint police and army troops during an operation in a remote village in Bunawan town in Agusan del Sur, police reports said on Friday.
Reports reaching the PNP national operation center in Camp Crame identified the suspect as Randy Dapidran Subla, 30 and resident of Bunawan, Agusan del Sur.
Subla, based on an intelligence report was a platoon leader of the NPA’s Guerilla Front 14, was arrested by joint elements of the Regional Intelligence Unit, Agusan del Sur Provincial Police and of the army’s 75th Infantry Battalion based on a warrant of arrest arson charges.
http://www.manilatimes.net/pnp-nabs-npa-leader-in-agusan-del-sur/193291/
Friday, June 19, 2015
US govt lists NPA, Abu Sayyaf, JI among foreign terrorist organizations in PHL
From GMA News (Jun 20): US govt lists NPA, Abu Sayyaf, JI among foreign terrorist organizations in PHL
The Abu Sayyaf, Jemaah Islamiyah and Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army are among the Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) operating in the Philippines, the US State Department said.
In its Country Reports on Terrorism 2014, the State Department said these groups may threaten the security of US nationals or the national security – national defense, foreign relations or economic interests – of the US.
Also, the State Department listed parts of southern Philippines as possible havens for such terrorist groups.
Abu Sayyaf
In its report, the US said the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) – designated as an FTO as early as October 8, 1997 – is the "most violent of the terrorist groups operating in the Philippines" as it claims to promote an independent Islamic state in western Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago.
The US noted ASG group split from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in the early 1990s.
ASG "engages in kidnapping for ransom, bombings, ambushes of security personnel, public beheading, assassinations, and extortion," it said.
Also, the report said the ASG remained active in 2014, conducting numerous attacks on civilian and government targets in the southern Philippines.
Last July 28, 40 to 50 ASG militants with assault rifles fired at civilians traveling to celebrate the end of Ramadan, killing at least 21, including six children.
"In a July video, senior ASG leader Isnilon Hapilon, also an FBI most-wanted terrorist, swore allegiance to ISIL and ISIL’s leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi," it added.
According to the report, the ASG is estimated to have 400 members and operates mainly in Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi; and on the Zamboanga Peninsula and even in Malaysia.
It said the ASG is funded through kidnapping for ransom operations and extortion, "and may receive funding from external sources including remittances from supportive overseas Philippine workers and Middle East-based violent extremists."
Jemaah Islamiyah
JI, designated as an FTO on October 23, 2002, seeks to establish an Islamic caliphate spanning Indonesia, Malaysia, southern Thailand, Singapore, Brunei, and the southern Philippines.
In late 2012, the Philippine military said it had killed two JI members in separate incidents in the southern Philippines, including "one of the group’s senior-most representatives to the Philippines."
The US said JI's strength may "vary from 500 to several thousand."
It said that while JI is based in Indonesia, it is "believed to have elements in Malaysia and the Philippines" and gets funds via membership donations and criminal and business activities.
CPP-NPA
The Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA), designated an FTO on August 9, 2002, seeks to overthrow the government through protracted guerrilla warfare, the US said.
According to the State Department, the CPP-NPA primarily targeted "Philippine security forces, government officials, local infrastructure, and businesses that refused to pay extortion, or 'revolutionary taxes.'”
Also, it said the CPP-NPA charged some politicians in its influenced areas for “campaign permits.”
"Over the past few years, the communist group has continued to carry out killings, raids, kidnappings, acts of extortion, and other forms of violence which are directed mainly against domestic and security force targets," it said.
On July 10 last year, NPA fighters attacked a municipal police station in Surigao del Norte, and held four police officers captive. Two police officers were wounded.
On July 17 last year, at least two soldiers were killed and another wounded following an encounter with suspected NPA rebels in Negros Occidental.
Even during a holiday ceasefire in December 2014, NPA guerrillas staged multiple attacks, "including setting fire to construction equipment and a civilian’s vehicle, abducting a jail warden, and shooting and killing three military-affiliated individuals – all unarmed and in civilian clothes," the US said.
"The NPA continued to use explosive and improvised explosive devices to target police and security forces," it added.
But also last year, CPP-NPA leaders Benito Tiamzon and his wife Wilma were arrested in Aloguinsan, Cebu. Another suspected leader, Abraham Delejero Villanueva, was arrested July 20. Last August 5, Eduardo Almores Esteban was arrested in Iloilo.
The US cited Philippine government estimates that there are 4,000 CPP-NPA members. The NPA operates in rural Luzon, Visayas, and parts of northern and eastern Mindanao and is said to have cells in Manila and other metropolitan centers.
Moreover, it said the CPP/NPA gets funds "through extortion and theft."
Haven?
The US State Department report noted some violent extremists "have been known to operate and hide in isolated littoral areas of the Sulu-Sulawesi Seas between Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines."
In 2014, it said militants allegedly from the Philippines and linked to the ASG conducted four cross-border kidnapping for ransom operations in Malaysia-controlled eastern Sabah.
A Chinese tourist and a Philippine hotel employee were kidnapped by armed men from a diving resort off the coast of Semporna in April 2014.
The following month, armed men abducted a Chinese manager of a fish farm from an island near Lahad Datu. In June, a Filipino and a Malaysian were kidnapped from another fish farm in Kunak.
In July, at a diving resort on Mabul Island, armed men killed a Royal Malaysian Police (RMP) officer and kidnapped another officer, who remained in captivity at end-2014.
Counter-terrorism cooperation
The State Department noted counter-terrorism cooperation between the Philippines and the US continued to improve in 2014.
It added terrorist groups, including the ASG, JI and CPP-NPA "were unable to conduct major attacks compared to previous years due to continuous pressure from Philippine counter-terrorism and law enforcement efforts."
But it said that while Philippine counter-terrorism efforts sustained pressure on terrorist organizations, members of these groups were suspected to have carried out attacks against government, public, and private facilities.
Such attacks occurred mainly in the central and western areas of Mindanao while others were linked to extortion operations in other parts of the country.
"In addition, terrorist and rebel groups in the southern Philippines retained the capability and intent to conduct bomb-making training, small-scale shootings, and ambushes," it said.
On the other hand, the State Department noted the Philippine government made progress in implementing its 2011–2016 Internal Peace and Security Plan that calls for the transition of internal security functions from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to the Philippine National Police (PNP).
"The increasing role and capability of the police in maintaining internal security in conflict-affected areas will permit the AFP to shift its focus to enhance the country’s maritime security and territorial defense capabilities," it said.
Yet, it said this transition continued to be "slow and ineffective" as continued violent extremist activity, as well as counter-terrorism capability gaps between the AFP and PNP, slowed this transition.
Mindanao peace process
Meanwhile, the US report said the Philippine government’s Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) with the MILF, seeking to create a new Bangsamoro autonomous government in Mindanao may pave the way for a peaceful solution to the 40-year-old conflict in Mindanao – "if successful."
Yet, after the signing ceremony of the CAB in March 2014, violent clashes with the MILF splinter group Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (IFF) continued in central Mindanao, "indicating that violent spoilers to a lasting peace remain."
2014 terrorist incidents
In 2014, the State Department noted "dozens of small arms and improvised explosive device (IED) attacks, kidnappings for ransom, and extortion efforts by suspected members of terrorist groups in the Philippines." High-profile incidents included:
Law enforcement
While the 2007 Human Security Act (HSA) is the principal counter-terrorism legislation of the Philippines, many aspects of the law have not been used due to strict procedural requirements.
Such requirements include notification to subjects of surveillance before activities can begin and damages of approximately $12,000 for every day of detention if an individual accused of terrorism is ultimately acquitted.
President Benigno Aquino III prioritized the adoption of amendments to the HSA in three main areas:
Passport security
The State Department noted the Philippines continued to improve the security of its passports in 2014.
It said three million machine-readable passports remained in circulation at year’s end.
Also, it said the first phase of the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) was completed in 2014, which included the build-out of the physical AFIS facility at NBI headquarters, and the digitization of 850,000 fingerprint records.
On transportation and port security, the Philippines has committed to align its priorities with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the US Coast Guard to increase security capabilities at its airports, seaports, and bus terminals.
Operation darkhorse, other operations
On January 27, “Operation Darkhorse” was supposed to end after two days but was extended until February 1 to allow government forces to seize more BIFF facilities, leading to the capture of four BIFF camps and a makeshift explosive factory in Maguindanao.
In the week-long offensive, 52 BIFF members and one soldier were killed, while 49 BIFF members and 20 soldiers were injured.
Eight civilians were also hurt and more than 35,000 were displaced during the operations.
On June 11, terrorist financier and high-ranking ASG member Khair Mundos was arrested by Philippine authorities near the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
Mundos was on trial at year’s end, facing local bombing related charges.
On June 17, security forces captured two ASG militants in Zamboanga City, including one allegedly involved in the 2011 kidnappings of an American teenage boy and his mother, as well as a separate kidnapping of an Australian in 2011.
On July 11, authorities in Cebu arrested Australian citizen Musa Cerantonio, a popular pro-ISIL ideologue active on social media, for suspicion he was radicalizing Philippine citizens to join the group. Cerantonio was deported to Australia.
On October 7, authorities arrested Ricardo Ayeras, Andrescio Valdez, and Ricky Macapagal in Manila on suspicion of plotting to attack the U.S. Embassy in Manila. One of the three suspects, Ayeras, was implicated in the 2003 Maguindanao airport bombing.
On October 20, troops seized several suspected ASG camps in Patikul, Sulu. The AFP kept up the pressure on ASG following the 2013 kidnapping and subsequent release of two German hostages.
Problems with resources, corruption
Meanwhile, the State Department report said an "under-resourced and understaffed law enforcement and judicial system, coupled with widespread official corruption" led to "limited domestic investigations, unexecuted arrest warrants, few prosecutions, and lengthy trials of cases."
"Philippine investigators and prosecutors lacked necessary tools to build strong cases, including a lack of clear processes for requesting judicially-authorized interception of terrorist communications, entering into plea bargains with key witnesses, and seizing assets of those suspected in benefiting from terrorism," it said.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/507386/news/nation/us-govt-lists-npa-abu-sayyaf-ji-among-foreign-terrorist-organizations-in-phl
The Abu Sayyaf, Jemaah Islamiyah and Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army are among the Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) operating in the Philippines, the US State Department said.
In its Country Reports on Terrorism 2014, the State Department said these groups may threaten the security of US nationals or the national security – national defense, foreign relations or economic interests – of the US.
Also, the State Department listed parts of southern Philippines as possible havens for such terrorist groups.
Abu Sayyaf
In its report, the US said the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) – designated as an FTO as early as October 8, 1997 – is the "most violent of the terrorist groups operating in the Philippines" as it claims to promote an independent Islamic state in western Mindanao and the Sulu Archipelago.
The US noted ASG group split from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in the early 1990s.
ASG "engages in kidnapping for ransom, bombings, ambushes of security personnel, public beheading, assassinations, and extortion," it said.
Also, the report said the ASG remained active in 2014, conducting numerous attacks on civilian and government targets in the southern Philippines.
Last July 28, 40 to 50 ASG militants with assault rifles fired at civilians traveling to celebrate the end of Ramadan, killing at least 21, including six children.
"In a July video, senior ASG leader Isnilon Hapilon, also an FBI most-wanted terrorist, swore allegiance to ISIL and ISIL’s leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi," it added.
According to the report, the ASG is estimated to have 400 members and operates mainly in Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi; and on the Zamboanga Peninsula and even in Malaysia.
It said the ASG is funded through kidnapping for ransom operations and extortion, "and may receive funding from external sources including remittances from supportive overseas Philippine workers and Middle East-based violent extremists."
Jemaah Islamiyah
JI, designated as an FTO on October 23, 2002, seeks to establish an Islamic caliphate spanning Indonesia, Malaysia, southern Thailand, Singapore, Brunei, and the southern Philippines.
In late 2012, the Philippine military said it had killed two JI members in separate incidents in the southern Philippines, including "one of the group’s senior-most representatives to the Philippines."
The US said JI's strength may "vary from 500 to several thousand."
It said that while JI is based in Indonesia, it is "believed to have elements in Malaysia and the Philippines" and gets funds via membership donations and criminal and business activities.
CPP-NPA
The Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA), designated an FTO on August 9, 2002, seeks to overthrow the government through protracted guerrilla warfare, the US said.
According to the State Department, the CPP-NPA primarily targeted "Philippine security forces, government officials, local infrastructure, and businesses that refused to pay extortion, or 'revolutionary taxes.'”
Also, it said the CPP-NPA charged some politicians in its influenced areas for “campaign permits.”
"Over the past few years, the communist group has continued to carry out killings, raids, kidnappings, acts of extortion, and other forms of violence which are directed mainly against domestic and security force targets," it said.
On July 10 last year, NPA fighters attacked a municipal police station in Surigao del Norte, and held four police officers captive. Two police officers were wounded.
On July 17 last year, at least two soldiers were killed and another wounded following an encounter with suspected NPA rebels in Negros Occidental.
Even during a holiday ceasefire in December 2014, NPA guerrillas staged multiple attacks, "including setting fire to construction equipment and a civilian’s vehicle, abducting a jail warden, and shooting and killing three military-affiliated individuals – all unarmed and in civilian clothes," the US said.
"The NPA continued to use explosive and improvised explosive devices to target police and security forces," it added.
But also last year, CPP-NPA leaders Benito Tiamzon and his wife Wilma were arrested in Aloguinsan, Cebu. Another suspected leader, Abraham Delejero Villanueva, was arrested July 20. Last August 5, Eduardo Almores Esteban was arrested in Iloilo.
The US cited Philippine government estimates that there are 4,000 CPP-NPA members. The NPA operates in rural Luzon, Visayas, and parts of northern and eastern Mindanao and is said to have cells in Manila and other metropolitan centers.
Moreover, it said the CPP/NPA gets funds "through extortion and theft."
Haven?
The US State Department report noted some violent extremists "have been known to operate and hide in isolated littoral areas of the Sulu-Sulawesi Seas between Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines."
In 2014, it said militants allegedly from the Philippines and linked to the ASG conducted four cross-border kidnapping for ransom operations in Malaysia-controlled eastern Sabah.
A Chinese tourist and a Philippine hotel employee were kidnapped by armed men from a diving resort off the coast of Semporna in April 2014.
The following month, armed men abducted a Chinese manager of a fish farm from an island near Lahad Datu. In June, a Filipino and a Malaysian were kidnapped from another fish farm in Kunak.
In July, at a diving resort on Mabul Island, armed men killed a Royal Malaysian Police (RMP) officer and kidnapped another officer, who remained in captivity at end-2014.
Counter-terrorism cooperation
The State Department noted counter-terrorism cooperation between the Philippines and the US continued to improve in 2014.
It added terrorist groups, including the ASG, JI and CPP-NPA "were unable to conduct major attacks compared to previous years due to continuous pressure from Philippine counter-terrorism and law enforcement efforts."
But it said that while Philippine counter-terrorism efforts sustained pressure on terrorist organizations, members of these groups were suspected to have carried out attacks against government, public, and private facilities.
Such attacks occurred mainly in the central and western areas of Mindanao while others were linked to extortion operations in other parts of the country.
"In addition, terrorist and rebel groups in the southern Philippines retained the capability and intent to conduct bomb-making training, small-scale shootings, and ambushes," it said.
On the other hand, the State Department noted the Philippine government made progress in implementing its 2011–2016 Internal Peace and Security Plan that calls for the transition of internal security functions from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to the Philippine National Police (PNP).
"The increasing role and capability of the police in maintaining internal security in conflict-affected areas will permit the AFP to shift its focus to enhance the country’s maritime security and territorial defense capabilities," it said.
Yet, it said this transition continued to be "slow and ineffective" as continued violent extremist activity, as well as counter-terrorism capability gaps between the AFP and PNP, slowed this transition.
Mindanao peace process
Meanwhile, the US report said the Philippine government’s Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) with the MILF, seeking to create a new Bangsamoro autonomous government in Mindanao may pave the way for a peaceful solution to the 40-year-old conflict in Mindanao – "if successful."
Yet, after the signing ceremony of the CAB in March 2014, violent clashes with the MILF splinter group Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (IFF) continued in central Mindanao, "indicating that violent spoilers to a lasting peace remain."
2014 terrorist incidents
In 2014, the State Department noted "dozens of small arms and improvised explosive device (IED) attacks, kidnappings for ransom, and extortion efforts by suspected members of terrorist groups in the Philippines." High-profile incidents included:
January 29: an eight-year-old girl and a pregnant woman were wounded after an explosion ripped through the public ferry terminal in Datu Piang, Maguindanao. The PNP said the bombing was an apparent attack by the BIFF to divert authorities involved in an operation to arrest senior group leaders.
March 2: 16 people, including 11 soldiers and five civilians, were hurt in a landmine explosion that hit a convoy of ambulances in Bansalan, Davao del Sur. The landmine was allegedly planted by NPAs in the area.
May 21: policemen foiled an attempt by as many as 100 NPA communist rebels to take over the town hall of President Roxas city in Cotabato. The Roxas police chief was wounded.
May 22: suspected members of the ASG group demanded US $670,194 in exchange for the release of a Chinese businesswoman and her daughter, kidnapped by at least 10 armed men in early May in Isabela City, Basilan.
December 9: five people were killed and 42 wounded in an explosion aboard a bus in Bukidnon, Mindanao. Authorities filed charges against Garnet Lintang, a commander of the BIFF operating in Central Mindanao.
March 2: 16 people, including 11 soldiers and five civilians, were hurt in a landmine explosion that hit a convoy of ambulances in Bansalan, Davao del Sur. The landmine was allegedly planted by NPAs in the area.
May 21: policemen foiled an attempt by as many as 100 NPA communist rebels to take over the town hall of President Roxas city in Cotabato. The Roxas police chief was wounded.
May 22: suspected members of the ASG group demanded US $670,194 in exchange for the release of a Chinese businesswoman and her daughter, kidnapped by at least 10 armed men in early May in Isabela City, Basilan.
December 9: five people were killed and 42 wounded in an explosion aboard a bus in Bukidnon, Mindanao. Authorities filed charges against Garnet Lintang, a commander of the BIFF operating in Central Mindanao.
Law enforcement
While the 2007 Human Security Act (HSA) is the principal counter-terrorism legislation of the Philippines, many aspects of the law have not been used due to strict procedural requirements.
Such requirements include notification to subjects of surveillance before activities can begin and damages of approximately $12,000 for every day of detention if an individual accused of terrorism is ultimately acquitted.
President Benigno Aquino III prioritized the adoption of amendments to the HSA in three main areas:
- revise the definition of terrorism to conform to international standards
- ease the strict monetary penalties and prison terms against law enforcement officials involved in cases where individuals are wrongly accused and later acquitted
- remove barriers to support investigations.
- ease the strict monetary penalties and prison terms against law enforcement officials involved in cases where individuals are wrongly accused and later acquitted
- remove barriers to support investigations.
Passport security
The State Department noted the Philippines continued to improve the security of its passports in 2014.
It said three million machine-readable passports remained in circulation at year’s end.
Also, it said the first phase of the Automated Fingerprint Identification System (AFIS) was completed in 2014, which included the build-out of the physical AFIS facility at NBI headquarters, and the digitization of 850,000 fingerprint records.
On transportation and port security, the Philippines has committed to align its priorities with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and the US Coast Guard to increase security capabilities at its airports, seaports, and bus terminals.
Operation darkhorse, other operations
On January 27, “Operation Darkhorse” was supposed to end after two days but was extended until February 1 to allow government forces to seize more BIFF facilities, leading to the capture of four BIFF camps and a makeshift explosive factory in Maguindanao.
In the week-long offensive, 52 BIFF members and one soldier were killed, while 49 BIFF members and 20 soldiers were injured.
Eight civilians were also hurt and more than 35,000 were displaced during the operations.
On June 11, terrorist financier and high-ranking ASG member Khair Mundos was arrested by Philippine authorities near the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
Mundos was on trial at year’s end, facing local bombing related charges.
On June 17, security forces captured two ASG militants in Zamboanga City, including one allegedly involved in the 2011 kidnappings of an American teenage boy and his mother, as well as a separate kidnapping of an Australian in 2011.
On July 11, authorities in Cebu arrested Australian citizen Musa Cerantonio, a popular pro-ISIL ideologue active on social media, for suspicion he was radicalizing Philippine citizens to join the group. Cerantonio was deported to Australia.
On October 7, authorities arrested Ricardo Ayeras, Andrescio Valdez, and Ricky Macapagal in Manila on suspicion of plotting to attack the U.S. Embassy in Manila. One of the three suspects, Ayeras, was implicated in the 2003 Maguindanao airport bombing.
On October 20, troops seized several suspected ASG camps in Patikul, Sulu. The AFP kept up the pressure on ASG following the 2013 kidnapping and subsequent release of two German hostages.
Problems with resources, corruption
Meanwhile, the State Department report said an "under-resourced and understaffed law enforcement and judicial system, coupled with widespread official corruption" led to "limited domestic investigations, unexecuted arrest warrants, few prosecutions, and lengthy trials of cases."
"Philippine investigators and prosecutors lacked necessary tools to build strong cases, including a lack of clear processes for requesting judicially-authorized interception of terrorist communications, entering into plea bargains with key witnesses, and seizing assets of those suspected in benefiting from terrorism," it said.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/507386/news/nation/us-govt-lists-npa-abu-sayyaf-ji-among-foreign-terrorist-organizations-in-phl
Brand new P1.4-B aircraft under repair
From the Manila Times (Jun 19): Brand new P1.4-B aircraft under repair
A P1.4-billion brand new aircraft bought by the Philippine Air Force in Spain is undergoing thorough safety check after an engine display light malfunctioned, causing a delay a scheduled maiden flight in Legazpi City.
The newly purchased medium lift aircraft of the Philippine Air Force, Spain made C295 was scheduled to land in at 8:00 in the morning Tactical Operations Group 5-Philippine Air Force but cancelled the flight due to fine tuning check.
Lt. Col. Luisito Angeles, TOG5 commanding officer, invited media practitioners to witness the maiden flight of one of the first three brand new aircrafts but later had to cancel the activity.
The newly acquired C-295 medium lift fixed-wing aircraft can bring 70 passengers, 50 paratroops, 24 stretchers with 5 to 7 attendants or up to about 20,000 pounds of cargo.
The Philippine Air Force C-295 will enhance the capability of the PAF in providing airlift requirements of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and during Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) operations
Angeles said the C295 fleet is a multipurpose medium lift transport Aircraft. “The public is invited to witness this momentous event,” Angeles said.
The Aquino administration is modernizing the Armed Forces of the Philippines wherein the Department of National Defense (DND) entered into a contract on Dec. 23, 2013 with the joint venture of Rice Aircraft Services, Inc. and Eagle Copters, Ltd. for the acquisition of 21 UH-1 Huey helicopters, “including integrated logistics support or spare parts.
However, the P1.21 billion worth of UH-1H helicopters found defective and undergoing probe before the House of Representatives. The contract was approved by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin in 2013.
http://www.manilatimes.net/brand-new-p1-4-b-aircraft-under-repair/193329/
A P1.4-billion brand new aircraft bought by the Philippine Air Force in Spain is undergoing thorough safety check after an engine display light malfunctioned, causing a delay a scheduled maiden flight in Legazpi City.
The newly purchased medium lift aircraft of the Philippine Air Force, Spain made C295 was scheduled to land in at 8:00 in the morning Tactical Operations Group 5-Philippine Air Force but cancelled the flight due to fine tuning check.
Lt. Col. Luisito Angeles, TOG5 commanding officer, invited media practitioners to witness the maiden flight of one of the first three brand new aircrafts but later had to cancel the activity.
The newly acquired C-295 medium lift fixed-wing aircraft can bring 70 passengers, 50 paratroops, 24 stretchers with 5 to 7 attendants or up to about 20,000 pounds of cargo.
The Philippine Air Force C-295 will enhance the capability of the PAF in providing airlift requirements of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and during Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR) operations
Angeles said the C295 fleet is a multipurpose medium lift transport Aircraft. “The public is invited to witness this momentous event,” Angeles said.
The Aquino administration is modernizing the Armed Forces of the Philippines wherein the Department of National Defense (DND) entered into a contract on Dec. 23, 2013 with the joint venture of Rice Aircraft Services, Inc. and Eagle Copters, Ltd. for the acquisition of 21 UH-1 Huey helicopters, “including integrated logistics support or spare parts.
However, the P1.21 billion worth of UH-1H helicopters found defective and undergoing probe before the House of Representatives. The contract was approved by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin in 2013.
http://www.manilatimes.net/brand-new-p1-4-b-aircraft-under-repair/193329/
Chinas's 'Sun Tzu's strategy': preparing for winning without fighting
From Thanh Nien (Jun 19): Chinas's 'Sun Tzu's strategy': preparing for winning without fighting
Chinese dredging vessels are purportedly seen in the waters around Mischief Reef in the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea in this still image from video taken by a P-8A Poseidon surveillance aircraft provided by the United States Navy May 21, 2015. REUTERS/U.S. Navy/Handout via Reuters
The following interview with Alexander Vuving[1] was carried out inHonolulu Philippines
and Vietnam
South China Sea
http://www.thanhniennews.com/commentaries/chinass-sun-tzus-strategy-preparing-for-winning-without-fighting-46787.html
Chinese dredging vessels are purportedly seen in the waters around Mischief Reef in the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea in this still image from video taken by a P-8A Poseidon surveillance aircraft provided by the United States Navy May 21, 2015. REUTERS/U.S. Navy/Handout via Reuters
The following interview with Alexander Vuving[1] was carried out in
The land reclamation activities by China China are happening on a different scale, they
still don’t add strategic value in a conflict scenario that includes the U.S. China China
We need to look at China ’s
land reclamation in the South China Sea from a
different perspective than the conventional one where you focus on military and
legal implications of these activities. China South
China Sea , which range from the land reclamation to the use of
People’s Liberation Army as well as non-military forces and lawfare, are all
elements of this “winning without fighting” strategy. It is misleading if you
look at what China is doing
in the South China Sea from the perspective of
military significance. It is similarly misleading to assess the land
reclamation from a legal perspective given that the rocks China is building up
are actually submerged rocks and not islands and therefore can not generate an
Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).[4]
What China
is doing right now is setting up various positions in the South
China Sea and building them into robust points of control.
Starting from this, China
wants to create a situation that will lead people to look at the propensity of
things and think that China China China
The argument often made is that if China China China and China
is not preparing for the moment when you have real fighting across the ocean
between those islands and the mainland of Vietnam ,
the Philippines or Malaysia Vietnam ,
Malaysia or the Philippines China
to control the South China Sea, even though they don’t engage in a military
clash and it changes the calculus by other claimants due to China China China is
already the dominant force in the South China Sea .
Meanwhile, the U.S. is far
away, it does not have any bases there so when it comes to real clashes, China
Another aspect are the legal implications of the island
buildup. Obviously, if you look at Art. 121 of the UN Convention on the Law of
the Sea, it states that an island is a naturally formed area of land that is
above water at high tide.[6] If you want to have a 200 nm EEZ extending from
this feature, it has to classify as such an island. It further has to be able
to sustain human habitation on this island and an economic life of its own. Now
what China is doing is to transform those rocks, which were mostly submerged
decades ago, into islands. While a court may argue that these are not naturally
formed as they have been submerged, it is going to be a very complicated and
prolonged process. China is not preparing for that, it has from the very
beginning refused to go to the court.
Instead, it is creating facts on the ground so that it can
claim that these are islands and generate a 200 nm EEZ. There are previous
examples for that. The Japanese build-up of the Okinotori features is a
precedent for the transformation of rocks into islands and the claim of the 200
nm EEZ around that feature, even though China and South Korea see it just as a
rock.[7] I would not be surprised if China in the next few years would claim
that these features are islands and that they have their 200 nm EEZ. It is not
legal and other countries would be opposed to that and dispute it. However,
until you get to a court you don’t have a final judgment on whether it is a
rock or an island or whether they are entitled to the EEZ. So it is up to the
most powerful player in the region to unilaterally enforce its claims. China is
the most powerful nation and can theoretically do this.
This is very similar to the nine-dashed line.[8] The
nine-dashed line is perhaps the most ridiculous issue in international legal
affairs. But China says it is there, and it enforces it. The U.S. State
Department recently published a study on the nine-dashed line.[9] One reason I
see in that was to expose the inconsistency in China’s nine-dashed line as
there are different versions of it. The comparison of those differing versions
shows the world that this is even more ridiculous. But again it reflects a
perspective, which is strictly legalistic. What China is doing is different and
more practice and history oriented. It is also related to China’s argument
about its historical rights and the historical waters in the South China
Sea.[10]
In that context, for an outsider it is always
interesting to see what little role ASEAN actually plays, compared to what role
it could potentially play. Do you see any chance that the change of leadership
within ASEAN and the Chinese behavior in the South China Sea lead to a more
active ASEAN?
ASEAN is deeply divided over the issues of the South China
Sea. Recently Cambodia embraced the Chinese perspective on the South China Sea
saying that the dispute is a bilateral issue between the claimants, not
involving ASEAN.[11] If you have member states such as Cambodia, Laos and
Brunei that are increasingly influenced by China, then ASEAN is as a whole, as
an organization that operates on the principle on consensus, unable to move an
inch on these issue. With the increasing influence of China, ASEAN is going to
be less and less relevant to the South China Sea issues. I can imagine some
mini-ASEAN organized as a cooperation arrangement among some of the members of
ASEAN like Vietnam, the Philippines and probably in the far future Malaysia,
Indonesia and Singapore, which may have some impact on the disputes in the
South China Sea. But ASEAN as an organization is going to be less relevant
particularly because of this Division.
So the countries have two options: waiting for the
tactic of China to materialize or they have to come closer to the U.S.?
The countries that are faced with the challenge of China in
the South China Sea are not sitting idly by. Parallel with the Chinese
salami-slicing in the South China Sea, we are also witnessing a similar
incremental creeping rapprochement and coalition building among the states that
are facing a similar Chinese challenge: Vietnam, the Philippines in Southeast
Asia and the U.S., Japan and India outside of the region. But also countries
such as Indonesia, Singapore and Australia, which share some interest with the
core group in counteracting China’s expansion in the South China Sea and the
East China Sea, are coming closer together. There is a general process of
rapprochement among those countries, particularly the Philippines, Vietnam, the
U.S., Japan and India.
Would you argue that there is any hope for the legal
claims by the Philippines and Vietnam against China to have an impact or is it
a more symbolic protest given that China is opposed to arbitration on these
issues?
It will have some impact. Any legal challenge to China’s
position in the South China Sea will have an impact, although we are not sure
about the degree and timing of it. It is not just a symbolic gesture because it
will influence the mainstream opinion in the world. It is important to count
world opinion, meaning the mainstream opinion of the majority of people in the
international media. If China is faced with a very unfavorable opinion, then
that is putting pressure on China to react. As an example, in the legal process
the Philippines has initiated, the court will decide on whether to make a
verdict or not.[12] Even though a potential verdict of the court would not be
implemented by China on the ground, it would have an impact on world opinion.
Whatever the court would say would be regarded as the truth or at least as the
most authoritative judgment of the situation. If the court says that the
nine-dashed line is illegal, China will face heightened pressure from world
opinion. So even though China does not accept the court’s verdict and
criticizes the court, for the rest of the world, China is on the wrong side of
history. The same goes for any legal actions other countries could initiate
against China in the South China Sea.
When looking at the region and what the claims are
about, things come to mind such as fisheries, sea lanes of communication and
fossil fuels. What do you think is the driver for the main claimants Vietnam,
the Philippines and China?
This is very complicated. The prevalent narrative in the
international press is that it is all about oil or resources.[13] But I think
this issue is highly complex because of the long history of dispute and because
of the complexity of interests by the claimant states. Initially, the
Philippines got interested in the Spratly Islands during the 1960s and 1970s.
The initial primary interest of the Philippines was resource related, it was
about oil. The story is similar for Malaysia, which also started to claim the
Spratly Islands in the 1970s and 1980s after UNCLOS was signed and when the
prospect for oil was good from Malaysia’s perspective.
But for China and Vietnam the story is much more complex.
Vietnam for example can look back several centuries on their interests in the
South China Sea. If you look at the documents of the Vietnamese Nguyễn dynasty
of the 19th century, which addresses issues related to the Paracel islands,
then you can see that their primary interest is security. They considered the
Paracel islands as critical in the defense of the coastline back in the 19th
century. In the early 20th century, when China turned to the South China Sea
and developed primary interests in the small islands there and dispatched
vessels to survey them, it was also primarily for security reasons. It was back
then when Japan was sailing south through the South China Sea, expanding
territories along the way. So China felt it should take control of those areas
to feel more secure vis-à-vis Japanese expansionism in the Western Pacific. For
both China and Vietnam the initial issue was security.
Then you have the age of oil, the discovery of resources,
technologies that can explore the seabed and UNCLOS which gives you 200 nm off
your coast that you own economically and where you can explore the resources.
That area is in some cases bigger than the mainland of the littoral states.
Therefore, they developed an interest in the resources. Oil also is a factor in
there, but for China in terms of resources something different than oil and gas
is much more interesting: ice crystals containing gas.[14] With the current
technology it cannot yet be commercially extracted, but in China there is the
belief that methane hydrate can be the fuel source of the 21st century and the
Chinese have discovered some areas in the South China Sea where they can mine
this type of methane.[15] The picture becomes more complicated with the
discovery of new hydrocarbons and the development of technology.
Another factor that also fuels regional tensions is
nationalism. When the South China Sea becomes a hot spot for conflict, it
arouses patriotic sentiments, and indeed even for nations like the Philippines
that don’t have nationalism as strong as the Vietnamese and the Chinese, they
also developed some patriotic sentiments related to the South China Sea. The
Philippines for example renamed the South China Sea into West Philippine
Sea[16] and for some Filipinos the Sea has become a symbol of their nation’s
ability to stand up to China. It was already a symbol for the Vietnamese
resistance to China. When you look at Vietnam’s long history of living with
China, any kind of conflict with its neighbor easily became a symbol of
nationalism and national identity, whereby the Vietnamese are very proud of
being able to resist China. For China itself it is about territorial integrity,
their ability to stand up to Western powers, to readdress the century of
humiliation. So we have patriotic sentiments and symbolism that are being
fueled by the South China Sea issue.
A fourth factor that is more pronounced for China is the
strategic location of the South China Sea. There is a concentration of sea
lanes of communication (SLOC) between the Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean.
80% of the oil supplies to Japan and about the same to China, Taiwan and South
Korea pass through the South China Sea, as does half of Asia’s commodity trade.
For a global power such as the U.S., the South China Sea sits in the middle of
the most critical SLOC between the Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean. It is
therefore not just about resources, nationalism and security or defense of the
mainland. The South China Sea is very important for any country that aspires to
become the main power in Asia. To paraphrase Mackinder, the father of
geopolitics, whoever controls the South China Sea, will dominate East Asia.[17]
With the rise of Asia and the concentration of wealth, manufacturing and
economic power in East Asia, whoever dominates this region will rule the world
during the 21st century.
U.S.-China Relations
Analyzing China-U.S. relations, how do you assess the
new type of great power relations[18] that has been highlighted a lot in China?
I think this is a Chinese device to deceive the U.S.
Initially it was proposed by China to reset and redefine the relationship with
the U.S., to build an unprecedented relationship between the two most important
powers in the world, different from the typical relationship between great
powers during the past. The U.S. was lured to that device initially, but after
a while it realized that this is just a trap. What China wants with this is not
a new type of relationship, it is about the U.S. acknowledgement of China’s
core interest. That is the idea behind the Chinese proposal. Obviously, China’s
core interests as defined by China are something the U.S. cannot fully accept.
The U.S. can accept some of it, but not all. Today, the U.S. no longer resorts
to that narrative. You can hear Chinese leaders talk about it, but not any U.S.
interrogators.
Thank you very much for the interview.
This article was originally published by IR.ASIA at
http://www.international-relations.asia/alexander-vuving-apcss/#_ftn5.
_______________________________________________
[1] More about Dr. Alexander Vuving at:
http://www.apcss.org/college/faculty/vuving/.
[2] Additionally, one can look to the game weiqi as
a means to understand China’s grand strategy behind this island building, as
Dr. Vuving further pointed out in his article “China’s Grand-Strategy
Challenge: Creating Its Own Islands in the South China Sea” in The National
Interest of December 8, 2014. The article is available here:
http://nationalinterest.org/feature/chinas-grand-strategy-challenge-creating-its-own-islands-the-11807.
[3] Much of The Art of War is about how to outsmart the
opponent without having to actually engage in war. To read more about this
military strategy and how it is used today by China’s officials:
http://thediplomat.com/2015/03/sun-tzu-and-the-art-of-soft-power/.
[4] The definition of an island and the resulting right to
an EEZ according to Art. 121 of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea will be
the subject later on in this interview.
[5] More about the land reclamation on Fiery Cross Reef and
an assessment of the situation at:
http://www.janes.com/article/46083/china-building-airstrip-capable-island-on-fiery-cross-reef.
[6] Art. 121 of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea can
be accessed here: http://www.un.org/depts/los/convention_agreements/texts/unclos/part8.htm.
[7] An overview over the current state of the Okinotori
Islands and the corresponding claims is given at:
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/19/business/energy-environment/growing-coral-to-keep-a-sea-claim-above-water.html?_r=0
.
[8] A first overview over the nine-dash line is given by the
CFR here: http://www.cfr.org/china/south-china-sea-tensions/p29790.
[9] The U.S. State Department publication on Limits in the
Seas (No. 143) “China: Maritime Claims in the South China Sea” can be accessed
here http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/234936.pdf.
[10] The issue of historic waters is also discussed in the
previously mentioned State Department publication.
[11] More on Cambodia’s endorsement of China’s position that
the South China Sea disputes cannot be solved through ASEAN:
http://www.voanews.com/content/cambodia-publicly-endorses-china-position-on-south-china-sea/2694301.html.
[12] More on the arbitration case of the Philippines against
China in this article: http://thediplomat.com/2015/03/philippines-counters-china-in-new-south-china-sea-case-submission/.
[13] For an overview over the natural resource potential
expected in the South China Sea, refer to the website of the Energy Information
Administration: http://www.eia.gov/countries/regions-topics.cfm?fips=scs.
[14] Methane hydrate presents as ice crystals with natural
methane gas locked inside. They are found primarily on the edge of continental
shelves where the seabed drops sharply into the ocean floor. For a map of
potential reserves and additional information on this hydrocarbon, please go
to: http://www.bbc.com/news/business-27021610.
[15] More about the methane hydrate potential in the South
China Sea:
http://www.ft.com/intl/cms/s/2/8925cbb4-7157-11e3-8f92-00144feabdc0.html#axzz3XuwZ5c4F.
[16] After a standoff with China in the South China Sea, the
Philippines renamed the waters off its coast into West Philippine Sea. More
about this story:
http://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/1035119/philippines-tags-coast-west-philippine-sea.
[17] Halfort Mackinder wrote in his book “Democratic Ideals
and Reality: A Study in the Politics of Reconstruction”: “Who rules East Europe
commands the Heartland; Who rules the Heartland commands the World Island; Who
rules the World Island commands the World.”
[18] The new type of great power relations (新型大国关系) was the issue of many
discussions including:
http://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/142178/andrew-s-erickson-and-adam-p-liff/not-so-empty-talk
and http://www.brookings.edu/research/opinions/2014/12/05-chinese-pessimism-american-cynicism-great-power-li-xu.
http://www.thanhniennews.com/commentaries/chinass-sun-tzus-strategy-preparing-for-winning-without-fighting-46787.html
2 civilians dead in latest BIFF attack
From the Philippine Star (Jun 19): 2 civilians dead in latest BIFF attack
The military on Friday endorsed to the Maguindanao police for resolution Wednesday’s fatal ambush of two commuters by guerillas led by the son of the deceased Ameril Umbra Kato.
The fatalities were riding a White Toyota Innova en route to Cotabato City when they were attacked by members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) while at Kapok area in Barangay Pamalian in Shariff Saidona town in the second district of Maguindanao.
Captain Joan Petinglay, spokesperson of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said the incident is a typical case of “rido,” which means clan war in most Moro vernaculars, between the victims and their attackers.
Local folks have confirmed that the ambushers were led by Salah, son of BIFF founder Kato, who passed away two months ago after a long bout with diabetes and hypertension.
Members of the municipal peace and order councils in Shariff Saidona and nearby towns said witnesses saw Salah lead the gunmen that shot the victims’ car with assault rifles.
“It’s a case of 'rido’ so it’s a police matter. Even so, our intelligence units will help the police investigate on the incident,” Petinglay said.
Local officials said Salah is an emerging leader of a new faction in the BIFF, which fragmented into different smaller blocs, due to differences among its commanders, even before Kato’s demise.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2015/06/19/1467677/2-civilians-dead-latest-biff-attack
The military on Friday endorsed to the Maguindanao police for resolution Wednesday’s fatal ambush of two commuters by guerillas led by the son of the deceased Ameril Umbra Kato.
The fatalities were riding a White Toyota Innova en route to Cotabato City when they were attacked by members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) while at Kapok area in Barangay Pamalian in Shariff Saidona town in the second district of Maguindanao.
Captain Joan Petinglay, spokesperson of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said the incident is a typical case of “rido,” which means clan war in most Moro vernaculars, between the victims and their attackers.
Local folks have confirmed that the ambushers were led by Salah, son of BIFF founder Kato, who passed away two months ago after a long bout with diabetes and hypertension.
Members of the municipal peace and order councils in Shariff Saidona and nearby towns said witnesses saw Salah lead the gunmen that shot the victims’ car with assault rifles.
“It’s a case of 'rido’ so it’s a police matter. Even so, our intelligence units will help the police investigate on the incident,” Petinglay said.
Local officials said Salah is an emerging leader of a new faction in the BIFF, which fragmented into different smaller blocs, due to differences among its commanders, even before Kato’s demise.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2015/06/19/1467677/2-civilians-dead-latest-biff-attack
Soldier shot dead, 2 others hurt in Maguindanao
From the Philippine Star (Jun 19): Soldier shot dead, 2 others hurt in Maguindanao
Moro bandits on Friday shot dead a soldier and wounded two of his companions in Datu Piang, Maguindanao.
The incident was preceded by the fatal ambush a day earlier of two civilians in Barangay Pamalian in Shariff Saidona town, about 6 kilometers away.
The slain soldier belongs to the Army’s 22nd Mechanized Company, a unit the 2nd Mechanized Battalion, which has jurisdiction over the adjoining Datu Piang, Salibo and Datu Saudi towns in the second district of Maguindanao.
The victims were riding motorcycles on their way to their roadside detachment in Barangay Magaslong southeast of Datu Piang from the town market when they were attacked by gunmen that emerged from one side of the road and opened fire with pistols and assault rifles.
One of the four soldiers attacked died on the spot while two others who sustained gunshot wounds in different parts of their bodies managed to escape and ask help from companions guarding an Army outpost nearby.
Local officials said BIFF bandits were behind the attack.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2015/06/19/1467722/soldier-shot-dead-2-others-hurt-maguindanao
Moro bandits on Friday shot dead a soldier and wounded two of his companions in Datu Piang, Maguindanao.
The incident was preceded by the fatal ambush a day earlier of two civilians in Barangay Pamalian in Shariff Saidona town, about 6 kilometers away.
The slain soldier belongs to the Army’s 22nd Mechanized Company, a unit the 2nd Mechanized Battalion, which has jurisdiction over the adjoining Datu Piang, Salibo and Datu Saudi towns in the second district of Maguindanao.
The victims were riding motorcycles on their way to their roadside detachment in Barangay Magaslong southeast of Datu Piang from the town market when they were attacked by gunmen that emerged from one side of the road and opened fire with pistols and assault rifles.
One of the four soldiers attacked died on the spot while two others who sustained gunshot wounds in different parts of their bodies managed to escape and ask help from companions guarding an Army outpost nearby.
Local officials said BIFF bandits were behind the attack.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2015/06/19/1467722/soldier-shot-dead-2-others-hurt-maguindanao
Sayyaf demands P17-M ransom for captive Sibugay mayor?
From the Philippine Star (Jun 20): Sayyaf demands P17-M ransom for captive Sibugay mayor?
Police are verifying reports the Abu Sayyaf has demanded a multimillion-peso ransom for the release of the mayor of Naga town in Zamboanga Sibugay.
Senior Superintendent Jose Bayani Gucela said they received various reports that the kidnappers have demanded between P10 million and P17 million from the family of Gemma Adana.
“It is unclear whether the demand is confirmed because various groups were calling the victim’s family,” Gucela said.
He said the victim’s family has also limited the release of information, citing the sensitivity of the case.
Gucela said he was not aware if negotiations for Adana’s release are underway.
Adana was seized at her house in Barangay Taytay Manubo on April 6.
Authorities said Adana is being held by the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2015/06/20/1467737/sayyaf-demands-p17-m-ransom-captive-sibugay-mayor
Police are verifying reports the Abu Sayyaf has demanded a multimillion-peso ransom for the release of the mayor of Naga town in Zamboanga Sibugay.
Senior Superintendent Jose Bayani Gucela said they received various reports that the kidnappers have demanded between P10 million and P17 million from the family of Gemma Adana.
“It is unclear whether the demand is confirmed because various groups were calling the victim’s family,” Gucela said.
He said the victim’s family has also limited the release of information, citing the sensitivity of the case.
Gucela said he was not aware if negotiations for Adana’s release are underway.
Adana was seized at her house in Barangay Taytay Manubo on April 6.
Authorities said Adana is being held by the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2015/06/20/1467737/sayyaf-demands-p17-m-ransom-captive-sibugay-mayor
Visaya, others get promoted
The Standard (Jun 20): Visaya, others get promoted
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2015/06/20/visaya-others-get-promoted/
Southern Luzon
Command commander Major General Ricardo Visaya will receive his three-star rank
of lieutenant general this weekend or early next week, after President Benigno
Aquino III approved his promotion along with those of other senior officers.
Aquino signed
Visaya’s promotion Thursday despite alleged efforts to stop his promotion
because of reports that he was going to replace outgoing Armed Forces of the
Philippines (AFP) chief of staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr.
Catapang is set
to reach the mandatory retirement age of 56 on the third week of July.
Also promoted to
the next higher rank are Intelligence Services of the AFP chief Brigadier
General Arnold Quiapo and 1st Infantry Division Commander Gerry Barrientos,
both classmates of Visaya at the Philippine Military Academy’s Class “Matikas”
of 1983.
Two other
classmates of Visaya, Colonels Bobet Moog and Joel Celino, were promoted to
brigadier general.
Aside from
Visaya, other contenders for the military top post are Philippine Air Force
chief Lieutenant General Jeffrey Delgado (PMA “Sandigan” Class of 1982) and
Army chief Lt. Gen. Hernando Irriberi (PMA 1983).
Both Visaya and
Delgado have personal ties with Aquino, having been presidential security aides
before.
Irriberi is
believed to be close to Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin.
Irriberi was
facing criminal and administrative charges before the Office of the Ombudsman
for delaying the delivery of three ammunition contracts worth P97.8 million of
a supplier, who has been seeking for his preventive suspension.
There is also
talk that Irriberi will be kicked upstairs and named AFP vice chief of staff
when Lt. Gen. John Bonafos retires this August.
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2015/06/20/visaya-others-get-promoted/
3 provinces want out of Bangsamoro area
From The Standard (Jun 20): 3 provinces want out of Bangsamoro area
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2015/06/20/3-provinces-want-out-of-bangsamoro-area/
THREE provinces
and four cities want out of the Bangsamoro territory as they are being
“compelled to be part of it against their will,” officials of the Philippine
Constitution Association and two administration lawmakers said Friday.
The provinces of
Palawan, Zamboanga and Lanao del Norte and the cities of Palawan ,
Zamboanga, Cotabato and Isabela had already voted No four times to reject their
inclusion in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Philconsa president and
Leyte Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez said.
Palawan Rep.
Frederick Abueg and Zamboanga City Rep. Celso Lobregat have demanded that the
House plenary declare in the controversial Bangsamoro Basic Law the explicit
exclusion of the province and city of Palawan
and the province and city of Zamboanga
Philconsa
officials also denounced the government’s decision to “expand the core
territories by compelling these areas to be part of the Bangsamoro territory
against their will.”
“The BBL also
expanded the core territories that included the cities of Cotabato and Isabela
and the province
of Lanao del Norte
Abueg and
Lobregat claim that their provinces and cities have already voted an
overwhelming No in the plebiscites for the ARMM.
“These provinces
and cities all voted No four times but the results of the voting were not
included in the BBL,” said Romualdez, the leader of the House Independent
Minority Bloc.
“The people of
Palawan vehemently oppose the inclusion of the Province
of Palawan and the City of Puerto Princesa
Abueg and
Lobregat have been listed among the 33 lawmakers that will interpellate the
sponsors, led by Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, chairman of the House
special ad hoc committee on the BBL.
Abueg also said
that in the past committee meetings of the Ad Hoc panel, he had already moved
and raised the deletion of the phrase “including Palawan” in the definition of
“Bangsamoro people” in Section 1, Article II of the BBL, originally House Bill
4994 that is now HB 5811, the substitute bill.
Just like Abueg,
Lobregat wants to insert the provision “except Zamboanga City
Romualdez and
Philconsa chairman and former Justice Manuel Lazaro came out with a 74-page
study that found some of the provisions in the BBL to be “legally infirm.”
“We have done so
in the past and we shall do so again: the people of Palawan consistently resist
the inclusion of the province in any entity, such as the Autonomous Region in
Muslim Mindanao, in four successive plebiscites held during the time of then
Presidents Marcos, Aquino and Ramos, wherein the negative votes there from cast
were more than eighty-five percent of the total voters,” Abueg insisted.
“Considering
the recent developments on the BBL, it is surprising when particular
provisions, which have already been amended during the previous deliberations,
were reflected in the latest working draft of the Bangsamoro bill,” the Palawan lawmaker said.
In the
Philconsa study, Romualdez and Lazaro said the municipalities of Balai, Munai,
Nunungan, Pantar, Tagoloan, and Tangkal in the province of Lanao del
Norrte
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2015/06/20/3-provinces-want-out-of-bangsamoro-area/
PHL won’t allow dispute to turn into a war with China —Palace
From GMA News (Jun 19): PHL won’t allow dispute to turn into a war with China —Palace
Malacañang on Friday sought to allay the fear voiced out by most Filipinos in a recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) that the dispute over territories in the South China Sea will result in a war with China.
At a press briefing, deputy presidential spokesperson Usec. Abigail Valte said the government will not let the sea row escalate into a full-blown armed conflict.
"Iyon din ang iniingatan ng pamahalaan na ayaw nating magkakaroon ng insidenteng magkakaroon ng tendency to escalate,” Valte told reporters.
"Kapag nag-escalate iyan, paano na ang magiging epekto niyan hindi lang sa mga sundalong humaharap sa panganib kundi pati na rin sa mga ordinaryong taong tulad natin?” she added.
Valte said that it is but “natural” for Filipinos to fear war.
"It will be unnatural if you don’t worry about armed conflict because in an armed conflict, no one wins,” she said.
On Thursday, an SWS survey conducted in March showed that 84 percent of Filipinos are worried "about armed conflict with China in the disputed islands of Scarborough Shoal.”
The Scarborough Shoal off the coast of Zambales, known locally as Panatag Shoal, was the site of an incident involving the Chinese Coast Guard and Filipino fishermen in April.
In 2012, Chinese and Philippine vessels were engaged in a standoff in the same shoal when the Philippine Navy tried to apprehend Chinese vessels fishing in the area.
‘PHL pursuing right tracks'
The same poll also showed that 49 percent strongly or somewhat approve of Philippine government’s actions to address its territorial dispute with China.
The administration still believes it is pursuing the right approach to the sea row.
"Sa ating paniniwala, tama pa rin po ang mga track na kinukuha natin,” Valte said.
The Palace official added that the Philippines cannot resort to “direct action” to solve its territorial spat with China.
"It is not unknown to us that there are some who favor direct action. When I say kapag nagkakaroon ng incident, ng harapan, gusto nila parang ituloy na or maging agresibo,” Valte said.
"Sa paniniwala naman ng ating pangulo at ng ating administrasyon, it is in the nation’s best interest if we continue to adopt a peaceful manner of addressing the disputes that we have,” she added.
Manila and Beijing have been locked in a territorial dispute over resource-rich parts of the South China Sea over the past years.
China uses its so-called “nine-dash line” theory to assert ownership of almost the entire South China Sea, while the Philippines uses the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea as its basis for its claim.
The Philippines, which calls the disputed areas the “West Philippine Sea,” has already sought international arbitration before a Netherlands-based tribunal to nullify China’s massive claims over South China Sea. Oral arguments on the case will begin next month.
Beijing, however, has refused to participate in the arbitration proceedings, insisting instead on bilateral talks to settle the dispute.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/506950/news/nation/phl-won-t-allow-dispute-to-turn-into-a-war-with-china-palace
Malacañang on Friday sought to allay the fear voiced out by most Filipinos in a recent Social Weather Stations (SWS) that the dispute over territories in the South China Sea will result in a war with China.
At a press briefing, deputy presidential spokesperson Usec. Abigail Valte said the government will not let the sea row escalate into a full-blown armed conflict.
"Iyon din ang iniingatan ng pamahalaan na ayaw nating magkakaroon ng insidenteng magkakaroon ng tendency to escalate,” Valte told reporters.
"Kapag nag-escalate iyan, paano na ang magiging epekto niyan hindi lang sa mga sundalong humaharap sa panganib kundi pati na rin sa mga ordinaryong taong tulad natin?” she added.
Valte said that it is but “natural” for Filipinos to fear war.
"It will be unnatural if you don’t worry about armed conflict because in an armed conflict, no one wins,” she said.
On Thursday, an SWS survey conducted in March showed that 84 percent of Filipinos are worried "about armed conflict with China in the disputed islands of Scarborough Shoal.”
The Scarborough Shoal off the coast of Zambales, known locally as Panatag Shoal, was the site of an incident involving the Chinese Coast Guard and Filipino fishermen in April.
In 2012, Chinese and Philippine vessels were engaged in a standoff in the same shoal when the Philippine Navy tried to apprehend Chinese vessels fishing in the area.
‘PHL pursuing right tracks'
The same poll also showed that 49 percent strongly or somewhat approve of Philippine government’s actions to address its territorial dispute with China.
The administration still believes it is pursuing the right approach to the sea row.
"Sa ating paniniwala, tama pa rin po ang mga track na kinukuha natin,” Valte said.
The Palace official added that the Philippines cannot resort to “direct action” to solve its territorial spat with China.
"It is not unknown to us that there are some who favor direct action. When I say kapag nagkakaroon ng incident, ng harapan, gusto nila parang ituloy na or maging agresibo,” Valte said.
"Sa paniniwala naman ng ating pangulo at ng ating administrasyon, it is in the nation’s best interest if we continue to adopt a peaceful manner of addressing the disputes that we have,” she added.
Manila and Beijing have been locked in a territorial dispute over resource-rich parts of the South China Sea over the past years.
China uses its so-called “nine-dash line” theory to assert ownership of almost the entire South China Sea, while the Philippines uses the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea as its basis for its claim.
The Philippines, which calls the disputed areas the “West Philippine Sea,” has already sought international arbitration before a Netherlands-based tribunal to nullify China’s massive claims over South China Sea. Oral arguments on the case will begin next month.
Beijing, however, has refused to participate in the arbitration proceedings, insisting instead on bilateral talks to settle the dispute.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/506950/news/nation/phl-won-t-allow-dispute-to-turn-into-a-war-with-china-palace
SC asked to junk peace deal with MILF
From Business World (Jun 19): SC asked to junk peace deal with MILF
TWO SEPARATE petitions were filed on Friday before the Supreme Court challenging the legal standing of the peace agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
The Philippine Constitution Association and former Negros Oriental 1st District Rep. Jacinto V. Paras separately asked the high court to declare the 2012 Framework Agreeement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) and the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) unconstitutional.
The FAB and the CAB were the peace deals struck with the MILF paving the way for the replacement of the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao with the proposed Bangsamoro political entity, which has greater devolved governing powers and revenue share from the use of its resources.
The proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law, which enacts the agreements’ provisions, is itself currently mired in controversy as it faces constitutional questions during Congress deliberations.
PHILCONSA, ARCHBISHOPS: PEACE PANEL COMMITTED ABUSE OF DISCRETION
In its 30-page petition for certiorari, Philconsa also asked the high court to stop the Department of Budget and Management from releasing funds to implement FAB, CAB and related acts, including the Bangsamoro Basic Law.
The group also asked that the Commission on Audit be ordered to disallow the expenses of the government peace panel.
They added that the peace panel should be admonished “to be more prudent and cautious in dealing with the amorphous, self-styled entity (referring to the MILF), exclusively to the exclusion of other Muslims, Christians and Lumads.”
Philconsa was led by its President, Leyte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, and former Senator Francisco S. Tatad. Joining the petition were former national security adviser Norberto B. Gonzales, and Archbishops Ramon C. Arguelles (Lipa), Fernando R. Capalla (Davao) and Romulo T. de la Cruz (Zamboanga).
The petitioners said that the “conduct of the peace process itself is flawed” because it violated the Executive Order No. 125 provision for the negotiators to be assisted by a panel of advisers.
The chief negotiators, now-Supreme Court Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen and his successor Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, were also accused of “usurping a power they did not have” by committing to provisions that would cause amendments in the 1987 Constitution and in existing laws.
Apart from flagging several provisions violating the Constitution, the petition noted only the First Congress had the power to create the ARMM.
“In agreeing to replace the ARMM with the Bangsamoro, in violation of the Constitution and existing laws, without first amending the Constitution and pertinent laws, the FAB and the CAB have caused undue injury to the Government and inflicted a fatal wound upon the Constitution,” it added.
“Constitutionally, it is nothing but a band of amorphous rebels,” read the petition.
Since the FAB and CAB should be declared unconstitutional, all subsequent acts and issuance arising from them, like the draft BBL, are “odious and treacherous violations of the 1987 Constitution, the group said.
Mr. Romualdez, who leads Philconsa, is the cousin of Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr., who leads the Senate committee tackling its version of the BBL.
The petition impleaded the Philippine government peace panel, led by Mr. Leonen, who executed the FAB, and current chief negotiator Ms. Coronel-Ferrer, who executed the CAB.
Also named as respondents were: the MILF as represented by chief negotiator Mohagher Q. Iqbal, DBM Secretary Florencio B. Abad, and CoA.
FORMER LAWMAKER: AGREEMENTS INCLUDE PROVISIONS
PREVIOUSLY DECLARED UNCONSTITUTIONAL
Mr. Paras, for his part, named only Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Q. Deles and the four government peace panel members -- Ms. Coronel-Ferrer, Senen C. Bacani, Yasmin Busran-Lao, and Mehol K. Sadain -- as respondents in his separate 35-page petition for certiorari.
Although he did not implead Mr. Leonen, he said the justice should voluntary inhibit from the case “considering that prior to his appointment to the Supreme Court, [he] signed the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro, which is one of the official documents assailed in this case.”
Mr. Paras’ petition similarly argued the peace panel abused its discretion by usurping the “sole discretionary power” of the Congress to propose constitutional amendments.
He also said the negotiators failed to conduct consultations with the people affected by the agreement.
He argued that the agreements also contained provisions similar to that of the 2008 Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD), which was forged by the previous administration with the MILF but was junked by the Supreme Court as unconstitutional.
Mr. Paras said the agreements should be ripe for judgment since the Supreme Court entertained numerous petitions against the MOA-AD in 2008 even if it was not yet signed.
‘BBL WON’T BE AFFECTED’
Asked if the bill’s progress will be hampered by the legal challenges, House Speaker Feliciano R. Belmonte, Jr., said: “Not at all, unless SC rules against it.”
Meanwhile, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail F. Valte said the “government will be ready to answer once the Supreme Court directs us to do so.”
“It is interesting that these challenges to the FAB and CAB come at this time, more than a year after both were signed,” said Ms. Valte.
Apart from the two new petitions, the International Ministries for Perfect and Party Against Communism and Terrorism Inc. (Imppact) -- led by lawyer Elly V. Pamatong -- lodged a petition against FAB in December 2012, even as the government and the MILF had yet to come out with the annexes of the October 2012 framework agreement.
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Nation&title=sc-asked-to-junk-peace-deal-with-milf&id=110003
TWO SEPARATE petitions were filed on Friday before the Supreme Court challenging the legal standing of the peace agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
The Philippine Constitution Association and former Negros Oriental 1st District Rep. Jacinto V. Paras separately asked the high court to declare the 2012 Framework Agreeement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) and the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) unconstitutional.
The FAB and the CAB were the peace deals struck with the MILF paving the way for the replacement of the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao with the proposed Bangsamoro political entity, which has greater devolved governing powers and revenue share from the use of its resources.
The proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law, which enacts the agreements’ provisions, is itself currently mired in controversy as it faces constitutional questions during Congress deliberations.
PHILCONSA, ARCHBISHOPS: PEACE PANEL COMMITTED ABUSE OF DISCRETION
In its 30-page petition for certiorari, Philconsa also asked the high court to stop the Department of Budget and Management from releasing funds to implement FAB, CAB and related acts, including the Bangsamoro Basic Law.
The group also asked that the Commission on Audit be ordered to disallow the expenses of the government peace panel.
They added that the peace panel should be admonished “to be more prudent and cautious in dealing with the amorphous, self-styled entity (referring to the MILF), exclusively to the exclusion of other Muslims, Christians and Lumads.”
Philconsa was led by its President, Leyte 1st District Rep. Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, and former Senator Francisco S. Tatad. Joining the petition were former national security adviser Norberto B. Gonzales, and Archbishops Ramon C. Arguelles (Lipa), Fernando R. Capalla (Davao) and Romulo T. de la Cruz (Zamboanga).
The petitioners said that the “conduct of the peace process itself is flawed” because it violated the Executive Order No. 125 provision for the negotiators to be assisted by a panel of advisers.
The chief negotiators, now-Supreme Court Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen and his successor Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, were also accused of “usurping a power they did not have” by committing to provisions that would cause amendments in the 1987 Constitution and in existing laws.
Apart from flagging several provisions violating the Constitution, the petition noted only the First Congress had the power to create the ARMM.
“In agreeing to replace the ARMM with the Bangsamoro, in violation of the Constitution and existing laws, without first amending the Constitution and pertinent laws, the FAB and the CAB have caused undue injury to the Government and inflicted a fatal wound upon the Constitution,” it added.
“Constitutionally, it is nothing but a band of amorphous rebels,” read the petition.
Since the FAB and CAB should be declared unconstitutional, all subsequent acts and issuance arising from them, like the draft BBL, are “odious and treacherous violations of the 1987 Constitution, the group said.
Mr. Romualdez, who leads Philconsa, is the cousin of Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr., who leads the Senate committee tackling its version of the BBL.
The petition impleaded the Philippine government peace panel, led by Mr. Leonen, who executed the FAB, and current chief negotiator Ms. Coronel-Ferrer, who executed the CAB.
Also named as respondents were: the MILF as represented by chief negotiator Mohagher Q. Iqbal, DBM Secretary Florencio B. Abad, and CoA.
FORMER LAWMAKER: AGREEMENTS INCLUDE PROVISIONS
PREVIOUSLY DECLARED UNCONSTITUTIONAL
Mr. Paras, for his part, named only Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Q. Deles and the four government peace panel members -- Ms. Coronel-Ferrer, Senen C. Bacani, Yasmin Busran-Lao, and Mehol K. Sadain -- as respondents in his separate 35-page petition for certiorari.
Although he did not implead Mr. Leonen, he said the justice should voluntary inhibit from the case “considering that prior to his appointment to the Supreme Court, [he] signed the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro, which is one of the official documents assailed in this case.”
Mr. Paras’ petition similarly argued the peace panel abused its discretion by usurping the “sole discretionary power” of the Congress to propose constitutional amendments.
He also said the negotiators failed to conduct consultations with the people affected by the agreement.
He argued that the agreements also contained provisions similar to that of the 2008 Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MOA-AD), which was forged by the previous administration with the MILF but was junked by the Supreme Court as unconstitutional.
Mr. Paras said the agreements should be ripe for judgment since the Supreme Court entertained numerous petitions against the MOA-AD in 2008 even if it was not yet signed.
‘BBL WON’T BE AFFECTED’
Asked if the bill’s progress will be hampered by the legal challenges, House Speaker Feliciano R. Belmonte, Jr., said: “Not at all, unless SC rules against it.”
Meanwhile, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail F. Valte said the “government will be ready to answer once the Supreme Court directs us to do so.”
“It is interesting that these challenges to the FAB and CAB come at this time, more than a year after both were signed,” said Ms. Valte.
Apart from the two new petitions, the International Ministries for Perfect and Party Against Communism and Terrorism Inc. (Imppact) -- led by lawyer Elly V. Pamatong -- lodged a petition against FAB in December 2012, even as the government and the MILF had yet to come out with the annexes of the October 2012 framework agreement.
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Nation&title=sc-asked-to-junk-peace-deal-with-milf&id=110003
Army intensifies drive vs NPA rebels in Davao City
From Business Mirror (Jun 19): Army intensifies drive vs NPA rebels in Davao City
TWO New People’s Army guerrillas were killed, while five others were wounded in a firefight between rebels and government troops in Davao City on Thursday.
The gun battle on Thursday was the fourth in Manga, Paquibato District, Davao City, since Monday. Five soldiers were wounded in Thursday’s encounter.
The troops recovered ammunition for high-powered firearms and backpacks after the encounter, the Armed Forces Eastern Mindanao Command chief, Lt. Gen. Aurelio Baladad, said.
Baladad said troops from the Army’s 69th Infantry Battalion were on security patrol at Manga, Paquibato District, Davao City, when they were fired upon by the rebels at around 3:45 p.m.
During the firefight, two rebels were killed, while five others were wounded.
Five soldiers were also wounded. “The soldiers suffered minor shrapnel wounds and are now in stable condition,” Baladad said, adding that the identities of the killed rebels were still being determined.
Lt. Col. Rodney Intal, 69th Infantry Battalion commander, said he ordered more security patrols in Paquibato District following reports of regular sightings of communist rebels in the area.
3 Abu Sayyaf members arrested in Palawan
From ABS-CBN (Jun 19): 3 Abu Sayyaf members arrested in Palawan
Three suspected members of Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) operating in the Basilan-Sulu-Tawi-tawi (BASULTA) area were arrested in Sitio Bagong Buhay, Barangay Sumbiling in Bataraza, Palawan Thursday.
Colonel Alan Arrojado, commander of Joint Task Group Sulu, identified the three suspected bandits as Alnaser Sawadjaan, Jardin Hajuli, and Alig Pandah. All three are from Sulu.
The three were invited for questioning during a joint patrol of policemen and soldiers in Barangay Sumbiling after they acted suspiciously.
After further investigation, it was revealed that the three are allegedly active members of ASG, under the command of ASG sub-commander Muammar Askali.
Askali has been involved in some kidnapping incidents in Zamboanga and Sulu, including the abduction of two German nationals, Stefan Viktor Okonek, and Henrite Dielen in 2014.
He was also tagged in the twin explosions in Sulu police headquarters last month, where at least 17 policemen and civilians were wounded.
Sawadjaan is the son of former ASG sub-commander Jul Asman Sawadjaan, who was involved in the abduction of Jordanian journalist Baker Atyani and his Filipino crew in June 2012. Atyani was released after 18 months in captivity.
Arrojado said a caliber .45 pistol was recovered from one of the three suspects.
He added that the three may have been planning to abduct a certain individual in Palawan, monitoring the target's daily routine when they were arrested.
The three suspects are currently under the custody of the police for further interrogation.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/06/19/15/3-abu-sayyaf-members-arrested-palawan
Three suspected members of Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) operating in the Basilan-Sulu-Tawi-tawi (BASULTA) area were arrested in Sitio Bagong Buhay, Barangay Sumbiling in Bataraza, Palawan Thursday.
Colonel Alan Arrojado, commander of Joint Task Group Sulu, identified the three suspected bandits as Alnaser Sawadjaan, Jardin Hajuli, and Alig Pandah. All three are from Sulu.
The three were invited for questioning during a joint patrol of policemen and soldiers in Barangay Sumbiling after they acted suspiciously.
After further investigation, it was revealed that the three are allegedly active members of ASG, under the command of ASG sub-commander Muammar Askali.
Askali has been involved in some kidnapping incidents in Zamboanga and Sulu, including the abduction of two German nationals, Stefan Viktor Okonek, and Henrite Dielen in 2014.
He was also tagged in the twin explosions in Sulu police headquarters last month, where at least 17 policemen and civilians were wounded.
Sawadjaan is the son of former ASG sub-commander Jul Asman Sawadjaan, who was involved in the abduction of Jordanian journalist Baker Atyani and his Filipino crew in June 2012. Atyani was released after 18 months in captivity.
Arrojado said a caliber .45 pistol was recovered from one of the three suspects.
He added that the three may have been planning to abduct a certain individual in Palawan, monitoring the target's daily routine when they were arrested.
The three suspects are currently under the custody of the police for further interrogation.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/06/19/15/3-abu-sayyaf-members-arrested-palawan
Philippine Islamists reject BBL
From the Mindanao Examiner (Jun 18): Philippine Islamists reject BBL
LANAO DEL
SUR – Alleged Filipino supporters and sympathizers of the Islamic State or ISIS
in southern Philippines
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/philippine-islamists-reject-bbl/
An influential Muslim preacher, Jamil Yahya, along with
dozens of his followers, also said they will not support the BBL which is part
of the peace agreement signed by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the
Aquino government last year.
Yahya said the Shari’ah laws should be fully sourced and
implemented based on the teachings and practices of Prophet Mohammad called
Sunnah and the interpretations of the Islamic holy Qur’an, and not the
provisions in the BBL.
The elderly preacher is reported to have the support of many
MILF commanders who are pursuing Muslim independence in Mindanao .
MILF’s spokesperson Von Al Haq denied the reports and said
it was meant to discredit and break the BBL to derail the peace process. Al Haq
said he had met with MILF field commanders and all expressed their loyalty to
the former rebel group, their leaders headed by Murad Ebrahim and the peace
process.
Abdullah Macapaar alias Commander Bravo, a senior MILF
leader, said their current “Amerul Mujahideen” is Ebrahim and they will support
him whatever the outcome of the peace process.
The MILF has been pushing for the approval and ratification
of the BBL and other provisions stipulated in the Comprehensive Agreement on
the Bangsamoro and the Framework Agreement on Bangsamoro, including the establishment
of the new Bangsamoro autonomous region.
According to field members of the MILF in Munai town of Lanao del Norte , two of their “sub-leaders” identified
only as Abu Ansari and Abu Arafat had attended a clandestine meeting in Marawi City
Yahya was originally a member of the MILF’s board of
committee based in Jeddah , Saudi Arabia
Last year, Yahya along with masked men identified later as
members of the another shadowy group called Khilafah Islamiyah Movement,
locally known as Ghuraba, were able to lure some 100 civilians, including women
and children, and reportedly pledged their allegiance to ISIS.
The reports on Yahya could not be independently confirmed,
although various independent sources claimed the issue on the controversial BBL
was the main reason for the disillusionment of many Muslim tribes in the
restive South.
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/philippine-islamists-reject-bbl/
CARAT 2015 formally opens on Monday; 600 American and Filipino military personnel to participate
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 19): CARAT 2015 formally opens on Monday; 600 American and Filipino military personnel to participate
This year's Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercises, which take place offPalawan
waters, will formally open Monday afternoon with 600 American and Filipino
military personnel slated to take part in the bilateral naval maneuvers.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=10&sid=&nid=10&rid=774176
This year's Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercises, which take place off
CARAT 2015 public affairs office chief Lt. Liezl Vidallon
said the opening ceremonies will take place at 1:30 p.m. at Naval Station
Apolinario Jalandoni in Puerto Princesa City ,
Palawan .
Three-hundred Philippine Navy (PN) sailors will be taking
part in the drills along with another 300 from the United States Navy.
CARAT 2015 had its soft-opening last June 18. It is expected
to last until June 30.
Filipino ships participating in the 12-day activity include
the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PF-15) and the BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16), one
AW-109 "Power" helicopter, an Islander aircraft, a Naval Special
Operations team, one Marine company and a naval mobile construction battalion.
The American side will be fielding the USS Fort Worth
(LCS-3), USS Safeguard (ARS-50), a Lockheed P-3 "Orion" maritime
patrol aircraft, a naval expeditionary combat training command, training teams,
riverine, EODs and Seabees.
Meanwhile, the latest class of American warship, the USS
Fort Worth (LCS-3), a "littoral combat ship," will be making its first
appearance at CARAT 2015.
The LCS-3 is a class of relatively small surface vessels
intended for operations in the littoral zone (close to shore) by the United
States Navy.
It was "envisioned to be a networked, agile, stealthy
surface combatant capable of defeating anti-access and asymmetric threats in
the littorals."
The USS Fort Worth, along with the PN's BRP Gregorio Del
Pilar and BRP Ramon Alcaraz, two ex-Hamilton class cutters acquired in 2011 and
2012, respectively, will be conducting gunnery exercises this coming June 21 or
22 in the east side of Palawan.
Littoral combat ships (LCSs) have the capabilities of a
small assault transport, including a flight deck and hangar for housing two
SH-60 or MH-60 Seahawk helicopters, a stern ramp for operating small boats, and
the cargo volume and payload to deliver a small assault force with fighting
vehicles to a roll-on/roll-off port facility.
Standard armaments include Mark 110 57 mm guns and
"rolling airframe missiles" (the American RIM 116 small, lightweight,
infrared homing surface-to-air missile.)
The USS Fort Worth was commissioned on Sept. 22, 2012.
Vidallon said the maneuvers have nothing to do with the
ongoing tensions between the Philippines
and China at the West Philippine Sea .
Aside from the gunnery exercises, Filipino and American
sailors will also conduct helicopter crash and salvage drills, deck-landing
qualifications, visit, board, search-and-seizure and weapon system training.
Vidallon added that Filipino naval personnel will also get a
chance to see first-hand a "rolling, airframe missile".
"They will be introducing the weapon to our sailors for
familiarization purposes," she stressed.
Vidallon said the 12-day exercise aims to enhance the
inter-operability between the USN and the PN.
"Furthermore, it will strengthen both navies’ combined
capabilities in amphibious operations, special operations, surface warfare, and
modern naval warfare; enhance information sharing; and will promote
relationship and goodwill," she added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=10&sid=&nid=10&rid=774176
(Special Report) PN remains committed to fulfilling mandate despite challenges in WPS
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 19): (Special Report) PN remains committed to fulfilling mandate despite challenges in WPS
China is
conducting reclamation and building activities in seven locations in the West Philippine Sea .
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=10&sid=&nid=10&rid=774297
Despite increasing incidents of Chinese assertiveness at the
West Philippine Sea (South China Sea ), the
country's naval force remains committed to fulfilling its security mandate and
sovereignty in the disputed waterways.
This was stressed by Philippine Navy (PN)
flag-officer-in-charge Vice Admiral Jesus C. Millan in reply to the Philippines
News Agency when asked whether the Navy intends to continue its sovereignty
patrols in the wake of continued Chinese aggressiveness in the WPS as proven by
their ongoing reclamation activities and incidents of aircraft challenge.
"The Navy will continue to perform our security
mandates to protect the Philippine sovereignty and (territorial)
integrity," Millan said.
"And our units are fully aware of the challenges in the
maritime environment. We are continuously sending our aircraft and ships to
perform their regular missions," he stressed.
However, the PN chief said that all of their units are
directed to avoid actions/miscalculations that would affect stability in the
area.
"Our troops were told to exercise diligent actions to
support Philippine (track) to peacefully resolve (the) issues. We will sustain
our deployed fleet and marine units in the WPS," Millan added.
In support of this, Department of National Defense (DND)
spokesperson Dr. Peter Paul Galvez earlier said that the country is committed
in maintaining its "moral high ground" despite ongoing Chinese
reclamations and other construction activities at disputed portions of the West Philippine Sea .
This means that the Philippines
will not conduct activities that are detrimental to the 2002 Declaration of
Conduct between ASEAN and China
Galvez said that the Philippines
He added that China
"I'm not so sure (on the state of the airstrip's
completion), they were saying that it's like 75 percent, I'm not so sure on how
long it is but its already more than halfway, they were saying that it is three
kilometers long approximately, (with that length), it can (handle) large
aircraft, like cargo and military ones," he added.
Once they had that kind of facility, the DND spokesperson
said China will have the
capability to maintain and sustain such aircraft which will be likely a cause
of concern for all nations having overlapping claims in the West
Philippine Sea .
"If they can sustain maintain (that) airfield they can
put there a jet anytime and you know it can be (used) in enforcing (an) ADIZ
(air defense identification zone) anytime," Galvez stressed.
The DND spokesperson earlier said that Chinese continued and
aggressive action is creating a lot of speculations among nations having
overlapping claims in the above-mentioned waterways.
To ease down the tensions, Galvez said China
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=10&sid=&nid=10&rid=774297
Army official welcomes probe into massacre incident in Davao village
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 18): Army official welcomes probe into massacre incident in Davao village
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=773897
The commanding general of the Philippine Army’s 10th
Infantry Division is ready for the City Council investigation on the alleged
massacre of three civilians in Barangay Paradise Embac, Paquibato District last
Sunday as it would ferret out the truth on the relations of the New People’s
Army (NPA) and the legal fronts.
“Ako ay tuwang-tuwa sa imbestigasyon (I am very happy). I am
happy,” 10th ID chief Maj. Gen. Eduardo Año said during the AFP-PNP Press Corps
at the Royal Mandaya Hotel on Wednesday.
The Davao City Council on Tuesday declared it will
investigate the incident which the Karapatan human rights group claimed as
massacre that killed three civilians and wounding of a 12-year old child of
peasant leader, Aida Seisa. Año insisted it was a legitimate encounter.
He also disclosed that they are also filing charges against
Seisa, the owner of the house where the rebels stayed, for obstruction of
justice and possession of explosives and firearms.
Año said Seisa, who is the secretary-general of Paquibato
District Peasant Alliance (PADIPA), has been facilitating needs of the NPA
including medical treatment of the wounded rebels.
Año was amused why the militant groups easily claim that NPA
rebels killed in encounter are identified as civilians as he stood firm that
the incident was a legitimate encounter.
He said they even recovered M14 rifles, two Improvised
Explosive Device (IED), two grenades and other materials in the encounter site.
He added that in the investigation of the Scene of the Crime Operation (SOCO)
the slain rebels identified as Ruben Enlog, Randy Carnasa and Garyo Quimbo have
gun powder burns indicating they also fired their arms.
Año said Enlog was no longer an IP datu after he was
replaced by the lumads there due to his involvement in the activities of the
NPA. He said Enlog was instrumental to the joining of seven lumads to the NPA
rebels.
Año welcomed the investigation so the truth will come out.
He said it will be a venue for them to prove that the persons slain in the
encounter with the 69th Infantry Battalion were really regular members of the
NPA.
Karapatan however wanted to probe the incident which they
claimed as an attack on Aida Seisa. It was learned that Seisa, a peasant leader
was also one of the targets of the military. Karapatan reported that one of
Seisa's children was wounded and not provided immediate medical aid.
The 10th ID reported that the troops recovered at the
encounter site one M14 Rifle, two landmines, two hand grenades, three
backpacks, empty shells of cal 5.56mm and 7.62mm ammunitions and subversive
documents. No one was hurt among the government troops.
Hanimay Suazo of KARAPATAN-SMR, claimed that after strafing
the bodies of the three victims they were brought to the central area of the
community and were photographed with guns and explosives by their side to
falsely show that they were members of the NPA.
Suazo said the incident happened only a few days after a
fact-finding mission was conducted in Paquibato by several concerned
organizations.
“We have just wrapped up a fact-finding mission in Sitio
Quimotod in Paquibato, where we documented bombings and harassments of the
populace by the 69th IB. A few days after, state forces massacre civilians,
adding up to their already long list of human rights violations,” Suazo said.
Año denied the accusation. He stressed that the army troop
went to the area after receiving information from the civilians on the presence
of Leonardo Pitao alias kumander Parago in the house of Aida Seisa. He said the
troop wanted to serve the warrants of arrest for Parago and Nelson Algo alias
"Upaw, who are both facing a string of cases, but they were met with gun
shots.
He further claimed that Randy Carnasa was a member of Bayan
Militia, while the other two were party members of the NPA.
“Gusto namin na mag imbestiga ang city council para malaman
ng lahat kung bakit nasa bahay ni Aida Seisa ang grupo ni Kumander Parago, They
are not civilians, they are armed and they are NPA, alam ng grupong Karapatan
yan (We wanted the city council to investigate for everybody to know why they
the group of Kumander Parago were in the house of Aida Seisa,” Año said.
When asked if it was a legitimate function of the military
to serve the warrants of arrest, Año said it was a citizen’s army and it was
the call of time since there was presence of the rebels wanted by law.
Año said there was also coordination with the police under
the joint security conference.
Davao City Police Office (DCPO) spokesperson, Sr. Inspector
Milgrace Driz said the army is allowed to serve the warrants of arrest because
they are also law enforcers. Driz said they can return the warrants of arrest
to the court.
Driz confirmed there was prior joint coordinating conference
between the army and the Philippine National Police (PNP) prior to the
operation.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=773897