Thursday, July 16, 2015

Over 100 students benefit from 1st Cavalry Squadron project in Zambo Sur

From the Mindanao Examiner (Jul 16): Over 100 students benefit from 1st Cavalry Squadron project in Zambo Sur

More than 100 students from Grades 5 and 6 benefited from a humanitarian mission conducted by the 1st Cavalry Squadron of the Philippine Army’s Mechanized Infantry Division in Zamboanga del Sur province on July 16, 2015.  Lt. Col. Charlemagne Batayola, Jr., the squadron commander, led the distribution of hygiene kit at the Margareto Lagare Elementary School in the village of Navalan in Tukuran town. (Photo by Ferdinand Libor Jr)

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More than 100 students from Grades 5 and 6 benefited from a humanitarian mission conducted by the 1st Cavalry Squadron of the Philippine Army’s Mechanized Infantry Division in Zamboanga del Sur province on July 16, 2015. Lt. Col. Charlemagne Batayola, Jr., the squadron commander, led the distribution of hygiene kit at the Margareto Lagare Elementary School in the village of Navalan in Tukuran town. (Photo by Ferdinand Libor Jr)

PAGADIAN CITY – More than 100 students from Grades 5 and 6 benefited from a humanitarian mission conducted by the 1st Cavalry Squadron of the Philippine Army’s Mechanized Infantry Division in Zamboanga del Sur province.

Lt. Col. Charlemagne Batayola, Jr., the squadron commander, led the distribution of hygiene kit at the Margareto Lagare Elementary School in the village of Navalan in Tukuran town.

“We hope to replicate this project in other areas, especially those in the far-flung places, to promote good hygiene and healthy practise among the students,” Batayola told the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.

He said the project was in partnership with Pagadian City Mayor Romeo Pulmones, FA Pawnshop and Frederick Yap, of Paint Trade; and participated by teachers and village officials.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/over-100-students-benefit-from-1st-cavalry-squadron-project-in-zambo-sur/

Soldier gunned down in Compostela Valley, Army colonel survives slay try in Cagayan de Oro

From InterAksyon (Jul 17): Soldier gunned down in Compostela Valley, Army colonel survives slay try in Cagayan de Oro

A Scout Ranger was gunned down in Compostela Valley while the deputy commander of the 10th Regional Community Defense Group, Army Reserve Command survived an assassination attempt in Cagayan de Oro on Thursday, the Eastern Mindanao Command said.

The unidentified soldier from the 12th Scout Ranger Company, who the Eastmincom said was unarmed, was returning home after taking his son to the San Antonio Elementary School in Barangay San Antonio, Mabini town when he was shot dead around 12:30 p.m.

The killers fled on two motorcycles.

Around 8 a.m. the same day, Colonel Edwin Respecio was driving his car on his way to Camp Evangelista when two men riding a motorcycle fired on him, the bullet hitting him on the left said of the face and exiting on the opposite side.

Eastmincom said Respecio “is now in stable condition at a medical facility in the city.”

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/114352/soldier-gunned-down-in-compostela-valley-army-colonel-survives-slay-try-in-cagayan-de-oro

Former rebel camps to be turned into farms in Philippines

From the Gulf News (Jul 16): Former rebel camps to be turned into farms in Philippines

The six camps were identified and acknowledged in 1999 during the presidency of Estrada

The Philippines government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), with assistance form the World Bank, have set out on a programme to convert former rebel camps into productive farms.

The programme to transition thousands of hectares of land in Central Mindanao is part of the “Normalisation” annex of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) signed last year.

This particular annex in the agreement seeks to revert, as well as improve, the situation in the region economics wise to the time before the rebellion broke out in Southern Philippines.

Under the Normalisation Annex, the government and the MILF had mutually agreed to constitute joint task forces that “would assess the needs, plan appropriate programmes, and undertake the necessary measures to transform areas affected by conflict into peaceful and productive communities.”

Government Peace Panel member Senen Bacani said the programme to covert former rebel camps into productive farms is an embodiment of the ideal “turning weapons into ploughshares,” by providing MILF members with sustainable livelihoods.

Bacani, a former agriculture secretary, was among the officials present in a three-day Area Development Planning workshop by World Bank experts in Cotabato City. Held from July 9 to 11, the workshop was attended by MILF commanders and government military and agriculture officials and aimed to come up with the priority development plans for the former rebel bases.

These camps are the former MILF bases Abu Bakr Al Seddiqi, Badr, and Omar Bin Al Khattab in Maguindanao; Rajamuda in North Cotabato and Maguindanao; Bilal in Lanao del Norte and Lanao del Sur; and Busrah Somiorang in Lanao del Sur.

The six camps were identified and acknowledged in 1999 during the presidency of Joseph Ejercito Estrada in order to facilitate the observance of the 1997 ceasefire agreement. However, an all-out war was waged against the MILF in 2000. The MILF withdrew from some of these camps, notably Camps Abubakar and Omar.

During the workshop, Bacani urged participants to identify quick-response projects that would address the needs of the communities such as electricity, water supply system, infrastructure and livelihood projects. “These efforts should continue,” Bacani said.

Mohammad Saleh, MILF task force camp transformation coordinator expressed gratitude to the government and international groups for their commitment to achieve genuine peace and development in Mindanao.

Earlier, the MILF turned over some 75 weapons ranging from rifles to heavy machineguns to mortars as part of the “decommissioning annex” of the CAB. Despite its wealth in natural resources, years of conflict between the government and MILF had plunged the Central Mindanao region in poverty.

With the peace agreement and the eventual creation of a Bangsamoro region, the area is provided bright hope for a stable future as Moros pursue their goal of self determination. Presently a law that would govern the Bangsamoro is being debated in Congress.

http://gulfnews.com/news/asia/philippines/former-rebel-camps-to-be-turned-into-farms-in-philippines-1.1551362

CPP/NDF: Negotiations for the release of MisOr POW to be started

NDF propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Jul 15): Negotiations for the release of MisOr POW to be started

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NDFP National Democratic Front of the Philippines
 
Media Statement
July 15, 2015

The National Democratic Front in North Central Mindanao Region first of all expresses gratitude to the local third party facilitators, peace advocates and the Local Crisis Management Committee in Misamis Oriental for their prompt attention and concern for the status of Pfc. Adonis Jess M. Lupeba. The 58th IB soldier was captured by the New People’s Army in a tactical offensive in Alagatan, Gingoog City last July 11. He is now under the custody of NPA-Eastern Misamis Oriental – Northeastern Bukidnon Sub-regional Command as a prisoner of war.

As was stated in an earlier release by the NPA-NCMR Regional Command, the NDF-NCMR is open to start negotiations for the safe and orderly release of the POW as soon as possible. This is another gesture of peace, underscoring our call for the resumption of the peace negotiations between the NDFP and GPH so the people can understand the root causes of the continuing armed conflict in the Philippines and the means by which just and lasting peace can be achieved.

As of writing, we are yet to contact the local third party facilitators composed of the religious sector and peace and human rights advocates and the Local Crisis Management Committee headed by the Misamis Oriental governor regarding coordination and cooperation on the matter.

We once again reassure the family of Pfc. Lupeba and the general public that his rights as a POW are respected in accordance to provisions of the Geneva protocols and CARHRIHL. In more than four decades of advancing the people’s democratic revolution, we have repeatedly proven our strict compliance to these international standards. You may rest assured that he will eventually return to his family once the requisites for his safe and orderly release are provided. The personal statements of 2014 POWs Pfc. Yorong and Pfc. Cinches are the freshest testimonies of our humanitarian treatment of POWs.

If there is anything that may potentially compromise the personal safety of Pfc. Lupeba while he is under NPA custody, it would be the rescue operation of his own battalion. For the NPA’s part, we are always ready to face and foil any counterrevolutionary military combat operation launched by the 403rd Bde and 4th ID whether there is a POW or not.

We will release further advisories regarding developments in the process every now and then.

Sgd.,

Cesar Renerio
Spokesperson
National Democratic Front
North Central Mindanao Region

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20150715_negotiations-for-the-release-of-misor-pow-to-be-started

Abu leader slain, 2 hurt in Sulu shootout

From the Philippine Star (Jul 17): Abu leader slain, 2 hurt in Sulu shootout

An alleged leader of the Abu Sayyaf was killed while his two companions were wounded after they exchanged fire with government security forces in Indanan, Sulu Wednesday.

The body of Mahmur Japuri was recovered by security forces following a firefight in Barangay Ajid, according to Navy Capt. Roy Vincent Trinidad of the Joint Task Group Zambasulta.

Trinidad said the two wounded bandits were able to escape.

He said a team composed of members of the Joint Task Group Sulu and backed by soldiers from the Army’s 501st Infantry Division, 1st Scout Ranger Battalion and 35th Infantry Battalion were dispatched to arrest Japuri in Sitio Baunoh at past 4 p.m.

The suspect and his followers reportedly resisted and opted to shoot it out with the soldiers.

The troopers recovered a .45 caliber  pistol from the slain Abu leader.

Trinidad said, Japuri, who ranked 19th in the target list of the police and the military had a standing arrest warrant for kidnapping with serious illegal detention and murder.

Japuri’s remains were brought to the headquarters of the 2nd Marine Brigade in Barangay Busbus in Jolo.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2015/07/17/1477678/abu-leader-slain-2-hurt-sulu-shootout

New PAF [PA?] chief claims to be apolitical and non-partisan for ’16 polls

From the Daily Tribune (Jul 16): New PAF [PA?] chief claims to be apolitical and non-partisan for ’16 polls

Newly-installed Army chief Maj. Gen. Eduardo Año yesterday assured that the 85,000-strong command will remain apolitical and non-partisan during next year’s presidential elections.

Año said that the task to ensure peaceful and credible 2016 polls was among the marching orders of President Aquino, who led the change of command ceremony in Fort Bonifacio.

Año succeeded his mistah from the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1983 Lt. Gen. Hernando Iriberri, who was promoted last Friday as the new chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

“In being true to our duty as the protector of the people and the state, count on us your army to remain professional, non-partisan and apolitical in our pursuit of ensuring a peaceful and credible elections this coming 2016,” said Año.

“To our soldiers, the challenges ahead may be daunting but united we shall remain strong, resolute and ready to serve the people and secure the land,” he added.

Aside from ensuring credible polls in 2016, Año vowed that he will pushed for the Army Transformation Roadmap (ATR) Base Camp which envisions to have a well-equipped army by 2016; continuity of internal peace and security plan “Bayanihan”; enhancement of the Army’s sovereignty and territorial defense capabilities and the continuity in the development of Army’s force structure and capability.
Año described his assumption to the top Army post as “destiny.”

“There are things you dream some things you wish for and some things you never expect and yet they are given to you. Standing here before you as the 57th commanding general of the Philippine Army is something that as a young officer I only dream and wish to be but never expected to become,” he said.

“Destiny may have a hand on who succeeds the helm of the more than 85,000-strong Philippine Army. But ultimately what one does while in this position will decide not only his fate as a leader but will also greatly impact on the future of both the Army and our court. For while it is great honor, greater is the responsibility,” Año added.

In pursuing for ATR Base Camp, he said vowed more training and new equipment to achieve a multi-dimensional land power.

He said that of the 76 NPA-affected provinces in the country, 60 have already been declared conflict manageable and ready for further development.

“We build upon this not only to finally win the peace but to secure and sustain it and bring continuous prosperity to our people,” said Año.

In Mindanao, Año said that the Army will fully support the national government’s peace initiatives.

But Año is saddled with cases of human rights violation as he was rising in the military ladder, He claimed yesterday said that his number one order to the troops is do not violate human rights.

“My number one order to all units I am visiting — no violation of human rights, we don’t tolerate (such),” said Año, who formally assumed as 57th commanding general of the Army yesterday.

As chief of the Army’s Intelligence Security Group, Año was implicated in the disappearance of farmer activist Jonas Burgos in 2007.

Año’s previous promotions were blocked by Burgos’ mother, Editha, before the Commission on Appointments (CA). However, the CA has affirmed Año’s promotions.

There were other allegations of human rights against Año as he rose to become chief of the Intelligence Service of the AFP and commander of the Army’s 10th Infantry Division but he junked them as baseless.

“That is always the case (there are cases of human rights violations) but actually their allegations have no basis,” said Año.

The new Army chief said that he respects others ideology and as long as they don’t espouse rebellion, there is no problem.

“But as soon as you try to overthrow the government using arms then the Army will do its job,” vowed Año.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/new-paf-chief-claims-to-be-apolitical-and-non-partisan-for-16-polls

RP defies China, says repairs on Sierra Madre to continue

From the Daily Tribune (Jul 17): RP defies China, says repairs on Sierra Madre to continue

The defense and military establishments yesterday justified and vowed to continue the repairs being conducted on grounded BRP Sierra Madre on Ayungin Shoal in the disputed West Philippine Sea amid the protests done by Beijing.

Department of National Defense (DND) Public Affairs Service Director Arsenio Andolong also turned the tables on China, which he branded as the “troublemaker.”

“I think they are the troublemakers and not us,” said Andolong in reaction to China’s calling the Philippines as the “real regional troublemaker” for supposedly reinforcing the ship.

According to Andolong, the Philippines is not violating anything in conducting repairs of BRP Sierra Madre, which is a commissioned ship of the Philippine Navy.

“I don’t think it’s a violation of anything because Sierra Madre is a vessel, which any vessel at sea can conduct repairs on their own…considering that it’s a vessel commissioned by the Navy, it is well within its right to conduct simple repairs,” Andolong said.

“It’s like a home, you need to maintain it,” he added.

Lt. Col. Noel Detoyato, Public Affairs Office chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), echoed Andolong’s statements, maintaining that what is being repaired in BRP Sierra Madre is living areas of the Marines stationed there.

“It’s very minor…it’s the sleeping area. It’s the moral obligation of the Navy to take care of its people,” said Detoyato.

Detoyato also branded China’s pronouncement that it is reserving “the right to take further measures” as a threat to the entire Filipino people.

“That is not threat to us (AFP), but rather threat to all of us,” said Detoyato, adding “they are allowed to say what they want to say.”

Beijing on Wednesday called for Manila to halt repairs on its crumbling ship serving as the Philippines’ lonely outpost in the disputed South China Sea, insisting that Beijing “reserved the right to take further measures.”

Meanwhile, amid the growing tension between the Philippines and China over the disputed West Philippine Sea, Filipino troops and United States Marines will start on Monday a three-week aviation assault training in Luzon areas.

Dubbed Aviation Assault Support Exercise, the three-week exercises are designed to expand and promote cooperative training opportunities Between the US troops and the Armed Forces of the Philippines to enhance core skill proficiency and to increase operational readiness in ground and air operations.

The US Embassy said that the participating US troops belong to the 1st Marine Air Wing, 3rd Marine Division.

On the other hand, the Filipino troops are composed of elements of the Philippine Marine Corps and the Philippine Air Force.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/rp-defies-china-says-repairs-on-sierra-madre-to-continue

FULL STATEMENT: China calls PHL ‘real troublemaker in the region’

From GMA News (Jul 16): FULL STATEMENT: China calls PHL ‘real troublemaker in the region’

The following is Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying's remarks on the Philippines' reinforcing a military vessel grounded on Ayungin (Second Thomas Shoal) which Beijing refers to as Ren'ai Jiao. (July 15, 2015)
 
Q: Philippine naval officials reportedly said on July 13 that since early this year, the Philippine navy had been reinforcing the hull and deck of a military vessel that “ran aground” on the Ren’ai Jiao, and would finish the project by the end of this year. The spokesperson of the Philippine Foreign Ministry said that repairs and maintenance of existing facilities were allowed for the safety of their personnel and safety of navigation. How does China comment on this?
 
A: China has indisputable sovereignty over the Nansha Islands, which include the Ren’ai Jiao, and the adjacent waters. China hereby strongly protests and firmly opposes to the Philippines’ reinforcement of a military vessel illegally “grounded” on the Ren’ai Jiao.
 
In 1999, a Philippine military vessel, under the excuse that it got “stranded,” illegally ran “grounded” on China’s Ren’ai Jiao of the Nansha Islands. The Chinese side has since then lodged multiple protests and representations with the Philippine side, asking it to tow away the vessel with no further delay. The Philippine side has repeatedly replied that as a signatory to the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), it will not be the first to violate the DOC; it has not yet towed away the vessel because of “lack of components and parts”; and it has no plan to build any facility on the Ren’ai Jiao. Today, however, the Philippines not only refuses to fulfill its commitment of towing away the vessel, but also aggravates the situation by carrying out illegal activities in an attempt to permanently occupy the Ren’ai Jiao.
 
It must be pointed out that on one hand, the Philippines promised to tow away the illegally “grounded” vessel on many occasions, yet on the other hand, it schemes to permanently occupy the Ren’ai Jiao by reinforcing the vessel. The Philippines’ breach of its own promise to the international community discloses its hypocrisy and duplicity, and stands as another example that the Philippines is the real troublemaker and rule-breaker in the region.
 
The Chinese side is resolute in safeguarding territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests. China once again urges the Philippines to immediately stop all illegal activities that infringe upon China’s sovereignty and maritime rights, and honor its commitment of towing away the vessel. China reserves the right to take further actions.
 

DND denies having P66.4-B ‘pork’, says lump sum funds for veterans, retirees

From GMA News (Jul 16): DND denies having P66.4-B ‘pork’, says lump sum funds for veterans, retirees

The Department of National Defense on Thursday denied allegations that it has a P66.4-billion 'pork barrel' fund in the 2015 budget saying the lump sum appropriations for the agency were clearly shown and carefully allocated.
 
DND spokesman Peter Galvez said the P55.4-billion fund for the agency included in the Lump Sum Appropriations under the General Appropriations Act is being held by the Department of Budget and Management and will be subject to the issuance of a Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) only when certain conditions are met.
 
“Most of these funds are for the pensions of veterans and retired personnel,” he said in a press statement.
 
He added that since the total number of veterans and retirees would be difficult to predict accurately because of personal discretion and individual preferences, the fund is designed to cover the gap in the allocated budget for pensions and benefits
 
Former Sen. Panfilo Lacson had earlier claimed that about P424 billion in the 2015 national budget was allotted as lump sum budget or discretionary funds to some government agencies.
 
Galvez said there is also a P2.018-billion allocation for unfilled positions under the Miscellaneous Personnel Benefit Fund (MPBF), as stipulated in Page 1494 of the GAA of 2015.
 
Meanwhile, a total of P10 billion is for unprogrammed projects under the AFP Modernization Program, as provided for in Page 1512 of the GAA 2015.
 
“This amount is meant for new modernization projects that are still awaiting approval,” Galvez stated.
 
He also said that P42.377 billion for the Pension Gratuity Fund (PGF) is detailed in page 1501 of the GAA 2015.
 
“Under this item, P32.480 billion is programmed for the General Headquarters, while P9.897 billion is for the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office,” he said.
 
Galvez said an amount of P10 billion is also provided for in the GAA to fund the benefits of military and civilian personnel of the AFP who will avail of optional retirement from the service.
 
“As we have always reiterated, the Department of National Defense is transparent with all of its programs, most especially its budget appropriation. This in line with Defense Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin’s directive to the department to ensure all its affairs are above-board and in accordance with law,” he said.
 

Photo: Newly-appointed PNP chief inspects the troops

From GMA News (Jul 16): Photo: Newly-appointed PNP chief inspects the troops



P/Dir. Ricardo Marquez troops the line for the first time as Philippine National Police chief at Camp Crame on Thursday, July 16. Marquez takes over from his predecessor, retiring OIC PNP chief P/DDG Leonardo Espina. Saleema Refran

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/photo/148814/newly-appointed-pnp-chief-inspects-the-troops

It’s official: New PNP chief Marquez now a four-star general

From GMA News (Jul 16): It’s official: New PNP chief Marquez now a four-star general

New Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Ricardo Marquez formally assumed the position of Deputy Director General with a four-star rank Thursday at a ceremony held shortly after he formally assumed office as the head of a 160,000-strong police force.
 
Marquez took his oath as Director General before Interior Secretary Mar Roxas at the donning of ranks ceremony held inside Camp Crame in the presence of his family, friends and colleagues.
 
The event was also witnessed by new Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff Lt. Gen. Hernando Iriberri.
 
Marquez was appointed by President Benigno Aquino III last Tuesday as the permanent replacement for outgoing PNP officer in charge Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina.
 
Prior to his appointment as PNP Chief, Marquez served as director for operations since December 2013. Last January, he led the 20,000-strong police deployment  for Pope Francis’ five-day visit in Manila. No major security concerns were raised during the events, with joint security and intelligence forces in place.
 
In his first speech as PNP chief at the change of command ceremony earlier in the day, Marquez told policemen to do their job well while warning those involved in illegal activities that they will be put in their rightful place.

Aquino, meanwhile, challenged Marquez to end the “bata-bata” or patronage system in the police force.
 

WATCH: ‘Mistahs’ Catapang and Espina perform duet of ‘That's What Friends Are For’

From GMA News (Jul 16): WATCH: ‘Mistahs’ Catapang and Espina perform duet of ‘That's What Friends Are For’

Thats what mistahs are for....
That's what 'mistahs' are for..... Retired Armed Forces chief of staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang and retired Philippine National Police officer-in-charge Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina sing "That's What Friends Are For" during the testimonial dinner for Espina, who bowed out of the service on Thursday. Catapang and Espina were bunk mates at Philippine Military Academy where they graduated in 1981. Lance Filler
Until recently the heads of the country's biggest uniformed services, retired Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. and retired Police Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina performed a duet of "That's What Friends Are For" at Camp Crame on Thursday night.

The retired officials' performance was caught by GMA News' Saleema Refran.
Espina, who had officially turned over command of the Philippine National Police to Director General Ricardo Marquez earlier in the day, was Catapang's bunk mate at the Philippine Military Academy.

They graduated together in the Dimalupig Class of 1981. 
 

 
Catapang himself turned over command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to the new AFP chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Hernando Iriberri, before retiring on July 10.
 
Espina — as PNP officer in charge — and Catapang were in command during the Jan. 25 Mamasapano encounter, where more than 60 people, including 44 Special Action Force troopers, were killed during a mission to get three international terrorists in a town in Maguindanao.
 
The encounter affected the peace process between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, some members of whom clashed with elite police officers.
 
It also briefly strained relations between the AFP and PNP, especially during Congressional hearings on the clash.
 

Suspected Abus bomb ARMM officials’ convoy

From the Manila Standard Today (Jul 17): Suspected Abus bomb ARMM officials’ convoy

Suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf Group tried to bomb the vehicles of  Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao officials as they visited development projects in Basilan on Wednesday.

The convoy was led by ARMM Gov. Mujiv Hataman and public works and highways officials.

Police said the bomb that went off had the “signatures” of the extremist group blamed for similar bomb attacks in the past.

The improvised explosive planted on a dirt road in Sitio Urot near the town of Tipo-Tipo exploded prematurely minutes after the 15-vehicle convoy of Hataman passed by.

Army bomb experts, on orders of 18th Infantry Battalion commander Lt. Colonel Enerito Lebeco, defused the IED fashioned from 81 mm mortars with mobile phone as trigger mechanism.

Two other bombs, believed to be secondary bombs when the primary failed to explode, were found not far from the minor blast site.

The triggering device went off but not the main charge of the IED, police said.

Despite the incident, Hataman went ahead inspecting infrastructure projects that connect towns in Basilan.

The governor said he was not sure if his convoy was the target but still directed the police to probe the incident and intensify road security.

Hataman has been supporting all efforts of the government’s military against the extremist groups which has been creating troubles in the province while the government is pushing for development projects.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2015/07/17/suspected-abus-bomb-armm-officials-convoy/

Photo: Sea row

From the Manila Standard Today (Jul 17): Photo: Sea row



Former  congressman  Roilo Golez (left), leads convenors of the newly formed West Philippine Sea Coalition at the  weekly forum “Serye on issues surrounding the maritime dispute on West Philippine Sea held at Serye restaurant in Quezon city. LINO SANTOS

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2015/07/17/sea-row/

Ferrer files ethics raps against 2 lawmakers for ‘terrorism'

From the Manila Standard Today (Jul 17): Ferrer files ethics raps against 2 lawmakers for ‘terrorism'

THE lawyer of government chief peace negotiator Miriam Coronel Ferrer on Thursday filed an ethics complaint against two lawmakers and accused them of being “terrorists” against the proponents of the Bangsamoro peace process.

Former Senator and human rights lawyer Rene Saguisag lodged his complaint with the office of House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. and the House committee on ethics and demanded that Reps. Jonathan Dela Cruz of Abakada and Lito Atienza of Buhay be investigated by their peers.

Saguisag said Dela Cruz and Atienza committed “prosecutorial terrorism” against Ferrer and the other members of the peace panel.

He filed the charges in retaliation for the two lawmakers’ filing of treason and sedition charges against Ferrer, peace adviser Teresita Deles and some Moro Islamic Liberation Front officials, among others, on May 28.

“Lawmakers are in the business of crafting laws and policies, not in jailing people,” Saguisag said.

Dela Cruz and Atienza welcomed Saguisag’s complaint but maintained it was their job to legislate laws, such as the controversial Bangsamoro Basic Law, in accordance with the Constitution.

“It’s good to know that former Senator Saguisag is aware that his clients have committed criminal offenses against the Filipino people, the country and the Constitution that he believes would surely land them in jail,” Atienza told The Standard.

“I welcome it as it will give us the opportunity to further ventilate the issues versus Deles, Ferrer and the peace panels for agreeing in signing and then promoting a decidedly un-Filipino, unconstitutional and unrealistic basic law which can lead to the dismemberment and destabilization of our country,” Dela Cruz said.

Atienza and Dela Cruz asked the Manila City Prosecutor’s Office to charge with treason and inciting sedition Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Teresita Quintos Deles and Government of the Philippines Chief Peace Negotiator Professor Miriam Coronel-Ferrer and the other members of the peace panel for their role in the signing of the peace agreement between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Included in the complaint-affidavit by the two solons were all the members of the negotiating panel of the MILF, the members of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission, Supreme Court Justice and former government chief peace negotiator Marvic Leonen.

Also listed by Atienza and Dela Cruz as a respondent was the late Datu Antonio Kinoc, a B’laan leader and member of the MILF peace panel who died prior to the filing of their complaint.

“The situation seems to call for action by your ethics panel or its functional equivalent, even an ad hoc one, to avoid a repetition of the mischief,” said Saguisag in a formal letter complaint transmitted to Belmonte’s office.

“The two Congressmen… have to be probed by their peers as a guide to future action and prevent a repeat of premature ejaculation as it was causing needless departmental tension,” Saguisag said.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2015/07/17/ferrer-files-ethics-raps-against-2-lawmakers-for-terrorism-/

US Navy hospital ship USNS Mercy sails to Philippines

From Ang Malaya (Jul 16): US Navy hospital ship USNS Mercy sails to Philippines

United States Navy hospital ship USNS Mercy is now sailing to the Philippines for its third Pacific Partnership 2015 (PP15) mission. Pacific Partnership, an annual engagement, is in its 10th iteration and is the largest annual multilateral humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region, the US Navy said.

Mission in Papua New Guinea ended July 10.

USNS Mercy is coming to Philippines after its second PP15 mission in Papua New Guinea and first PP15 mission in Fiji. “The PP15 team worked with the residents of Papua New Guinea in Bougainville and East New Britain to train and exchange ideas.

 Members of the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Timor Leste military forces, as well as government and non-governmental organizations (NGO) also provided medical, dental and surgical care to area residents, and conducted subject matter expert exchanges both on and off the ship,” the US Navy said in a news release.

In Philippines: engineering, medical, dental and veterinary civic action programs as well as community relations, civil affairs and disaster preparedness training activities will be conducted.

Pacific Partnership 2015-Philippines will be held in Capiz Province specifically at the vicinity of Roxas City and the neighboring municipalities of Cuartero, Sigma and Dumarao.

http://www.angmalaya.net/nation/2015/07/16/12204-us-navy-hospital-ship-usns-mercy-sails-to-philippines

Filipino, American soldiers start Aviation Assault Support Exercise

From Ang Malaya (Jul 16): Filipino, American soldiers start Aviation Assault Support Exercise

Units of the American 1st Marine Air Wing, 3rd Marine Division and the Philippine Marine Corps Battalion Landing Team 1 kicked-off this year’s second iteration of Aviation Assault Support Exercise (AASE) 15.2 Monday. AASE is a three-week exercise designed to expand and promote cooperative training opportunities with the Armed Forces of the Philippines to enhance core skill proficiency and to increase operational readiness in ground and air operations.

The exercise is currently on its third year, each year containing two iterations. Participating parties include US Marine Corps, Philippine Air Force and Philippine Marine Corps. AASE 15.1 was conducted in January 2015.

“It gives our guys a unique training environments that they are not use to, as well as an opportunity to learn from our Philippine counterparts,” US Air Force operation officer, Joint US Military Assistance Group Lt. Col. Teodoro Apalisok, said. “We learn from them and they learn from us.”

The arrival of US Marines and aircraft at Clark Air Base set the stage for a variety of upcoming bilateral engagements to include fast-rope repelling, casualty evacuation drills, day and night platoon size raids and integrated fires training.

Unique to this year will be the “unitization” of new U aircraft. “Traditionally we have only used the MV-22 in this exercise to conduct many of the engagements,” Apalisok said. “However, this year we will be implementing the CH-53 and the UH-1Y helicopters.”

AASE 15.2 will take place at Basa Air Base, Clark Air Base, both in Pampanga and Crow Valley Range in Tarlac.

http://www.angmalaya.net/nation/2015/07/16/12207-filipino-american-soldiers-start-aviation-assault-support-exercise

Philippine military to China: Who is the victim?

From Ang Malaya (Jul 16): Philippine military to China: Who is the victim?

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) today said that there is nothing wrong with the repairs being done in BRP Sierra Madre (LT-57), a vessel grounded at Ayunging Shoal. “What the Navy is doing is merely improving the accommodations of our troops deployed there,” the new APF Public Affairs Office (AFP-PAO) Chief Lt. Col. Noel Detoyato said in Filipino.

“It is the moral obligation of the Navy to take care of its people,” he added.
China earlier claimed to be the victim in West Philippines Sea dispute.

Lt. Col. Detoyato said BRP Sierra Madre “is in Philippine waters, so who is the victim. They are the ones who are driving away our fishermen from our waters. They are now starting to believe their own propaganda.”

The military official also brushes off China’s claim that Philippines is the troublemaker. “It’s not true, 105 million Filipinos will not believe that.”

Lt. Col. Detoyato accepted the symbols of authority of the AFP-PAO from outgoing AFP-PAO Chief Lt. Col. Harold M. Cabunoc today.

http://www.angmalaya.net/nation/2015/07/16/12211-philippine-military-to-china-who-is-the-victim

Soldier wounded in NPA clash in DavNorte town

From the Mindanao Times (Jul 16): Soldier wounded in NPA clash in DavNorte town

ONE SOLDIER was wounded when troops under 68th Infantry Battalion encountered New People’s Army rebels while they were on security patrol in Barangay Palma Gil, Talaingod in Davao del Norte at 9:20 a.m. Wednesday.
 
Capt. Alberto Caber, informatin officer of Eastern Mindanao Command, said that soldiers responded to the information that rebels were extorting from the communities in the area.
 
They clashed with the communist guerillas believed to be under Guerilla Front 55 in Southern Regional Mindanao Command. The wounded soldier was brought to Panacan Hospital for further medical treatment.
 
Lt. Gen. Aurelio B. Baladad, Eastern Mindanao Command commander, earlier directed military unit commanders in the region to intensify security operations in order to protect people in far-flung areas from the rebels.

 Last July 2, four soldiers were wounded while four landmines recovered in an encounter with the New People’s Army in Barangay Binucayan in Agusan del Sur.
 
Caber said that troops under the 26th Infantry Battalion were on security patrol when they clashed with the rebels at 2:35 p.m.
 
The four wounded soldiers were brought to Patin-ay Hospital in Prosperidad in Agusan del Sur.
 
Troops were able to recover three unexploded improvised explosive devices, two rolls of electrical wires and five liters of gasoline.
 
Also recovered were four backpacks; raincoat; tent; assorted empty shells of high powered firearms (HPFA); sim cards and a medical kit.
 
Last Saturday, troops from the 26th IB recovered two M16s, one AK-47 and one M653 rifles after an encounter with more or less 20 NPAs in Sitio Tagbulete, Barangay Del Monte, Veruela, Agusan del Sur.
 

The China problem: Still no long-term plan (Part 2)

From Rappler (Jul 16): The China problem: Still no long-term plan (Part 2)

The Philippines lacks a cohesive long-term strategy to handle a rising China in spite of sporadic tensions in the disputed seas

US EXCESS. The Philippine Navy's BRP Gregorio Del Pilar is a 40-year-old decommissioned US Coast Guard Hamilton-class cutter. Malacañang photo

US EXCESS. The Philippine Navy's BRP Gregorio Del Pilar is a 40-year-old decommissioned US Coast Guard Hamilton-class cutter. Malacañang photo 

Conclusion
 
 
MANILA, Philippines – A few days before the standoff with China on Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal off Zambales in 2012, Philippine defense and security officials were discussing the rules of engagement in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

China had been harassing Filipino exploration vessels in Recto (Reed) Bank, an area 80 nautical miles off Palawan that is believed to be rich in oil.

How can the government protect them?

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said the Navy can send warships to escort the vessels, but President Benigno Aquino III balked at the idea.

“Wait, are we going to war?” the President said, according to an official present during the discussions.

At the time, Malacañang had issued a policy demilitarizing the South China Sea issue to make "international diplomacy" its "first line of external defense."

This meant deploying civilian vessels of the Philippine Coast Guard, which has little capability and even less experience beyond territorial waters.

The Navy, which has traditionally operated in the high seas, vigorously opposed it.

That a Navy warship was eventually sent to Scarborough after a heated discussion in Malacañang prompted suspicions that the military meant to show off the capabilities of a newly acquired warship from the US Coast Guard, the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar.

But then Navy chief Vice Admiral Alexander Pama said the warship was merely on its way to Poro Point in La Union to monitor North Korea’s nuclear missile test launch when it was diverted to arrest the Chinese poachers.

Chinese Coast Guard ships came to stop the arrests and occupied the rocky sandbar off the coast of Zambales province.

Where's long-term strategy?

Beyond the power struggle between the Navy and the Coast Guard, the incident shows that the Philippines lacks a cohesive long-term strategy to handle a rising China. This, in spite of sporadic tensions that have erupted in the area in the past decades, foremost of which was China's seizure of Mischief Reef in 1995.

Former defense secretary Orlando Mercado said the problem is that the Philippines seems to always shift its foreign policy whenever a new president is elected. (READ: Why China prefers Arroyo over Aquino)

"You are dealing with a country that has a millenia of history and looks at problems and its role as being part of a very long interminable continuum. We should have a larger and longer view of public policy," Mercado said. (READ: Little-known fact: Philippines and China are defense partners)

DIFFERENT STYLES. President Benigno Aquino III and his predecessor, former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, differ in their response to China's interests. Photo from Malacañang/PCOO
 
DIFFERENT STYLES. President Benigno Aquino III and his predecessor, former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, differ in their response to China's interests. Photo from Malacañang/PCOO

Aquino ushered in a shift from former President Gloria Arroyo's policy of joint exploration while the country enjoyed the inflow of Chinese loans.

Arroyo's policy was opposed for allowing China access to areas within the country's 200-nautical-mile exclusive economic zone based on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

It didn't help that the loans that were supposed to fund government infrastructure projects were also embroiled in a massive corruption controversy – the botched national broadband deal and the Northrail project, among others.

When he became president, Aquino discontinued Arroyo's Joint Marine Seismic Undertaking. China's harassment in the South China Sea began.

The occupation of Scarborough, two years into his presidency, marks the first time since 1995 that China sought to change the status quo in the disputed seas.

This would be followed by the aggressive reclamation of shoals to create artificial islands that are feared to become military bases.

Grounding warships

NAVAL OUTPOST. The grounded BRP Sierra Madre is manned by about a dozen Marines
 
NAVAL OUTPOST. The grounded BRP Sierra Madre is manned by about a dozen Marines

The administration of Joseph Estrada already feared a "creeping invasion", following the Chinese occupation of Mischief Reef, recalled Mercado, the defense chief then.

The Philippines purposely grounded a warship on a shoal that the government believed was China's next target – Ayungin Shoal. It has since served as the country's naval outpost.

"I was even saying we should breach more LSTs (landing ship tanks). Under the circumstances, we have no means by which we can set up structures the way the Chinese are doing it," Mercado told Rappler.

But Aquino is not satisfied with just stopping China. He wants Scarborough back.
So when China declared in November 2012 that its ships won't leave the shoal, the Philippines thought it had no choice but to go file an arbitration case.

The Philippines adopted a hardline stance against China. The word war was led by the President himself.

But there is a sense among some government officials that the Philippines has gotten itself in the middle of a proxy war between the US and China.

'We don't have to choose by virtue of our strategic location because we have access to both the Pacific and the South China Sea.'

– Former military officer
West PH Sea Senate hearing

Some attributed the country's response – filing a case – to the character of the President. “Palaban talaga siya (He's really a fighter),” said one top official.

It is a black and white issue as far as the President is concerned. He likened China to "Nazi Germany", recalling how World War II started because of the international community's failure to contain Adolf Hitler.

Although back-channel negotiator Senator Antonio Trillanes IV was isolated in July 2012 when he voted in favor of continuously engaging China – instead of immediately raising the Scarborough standoff before ASEAN – he received some quiet support.
Officials knew that in spite of their opinions, the government has to speak with "one voice."

Trillanes played a role in de-escalating tension with China during the standoff, said a Palace source. But those interviewed by Rappler did not support the senator's track of going for bilateral talks. They were hoping for a possible middle ground.

Years later, in a Senate hearing, Trillanes called in May 2015, Aquino's China policy was put on the spotlight and for the first time provided a venue for the critics – academics and former security officers – to warn againt the repercussions of the Philippines' actions against China.

"I know a lot of people in DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs). There are a lot of good people there but you get this feeling that they're also frustrated that not all of the inputs are being considered," said maritime law expert Jay Batongbacal in an interview after the hearing.

The need to open communication lines with China was stressed. (READ: China on talks with PH: No need to drop case)

The split

The split is largely defined by different long views of the future.

Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio represents the hardline position of those who see the clear and present danger of China taking more territories and pushing its borders toward the country's shores.

The other side that is uneasy about – if not categorically opposed to – the arbitration case is not so afraid of the rise of China and believes that the Philippines should instead adapt to its growing influence in the region.

"They're not going away. These are the realities that you have to take. How do you cope and how do you deal with this? This is the challenge of our leadership," said Mercado.

'Conventional wisdom in DFA when I was there was that China is more important than the US.'

– Former diplomat speaking to Rappler anonymously
A retired military officer said talks with China may not have been exhausted during the standoff in a way that could have enforced a "status quo ante order (the way things were)" – to get Scarborough back without turning it into a big international dispute.

Others argue that dealings with China should be done the "Asian way," which means talking. Chinese declarations that it won't leave Scarborough Shoal should not have been taken as non-negotiable position, but a starting point that may be softened when the two countries sit down and talk.

A fellow officer disagreed, however. "Sa tingin mo, maaawa sa atin ang China at ibabalik ang Scarborough?" (You think China will take pity on us and return Scarborough?)

AIRSTRIP. China is building in Fiery Cross Reef its first airstrip in the Spratlys
 
AIRSTRIP. China is building in Fiery Cross Reef its first airstrip in the Spratlys

They lamented how the country is now suffering the consequences of its position against China.

They believe that China's aggressive reclamation in the Spratly Islands was prompted by the country's case, meant to preempt any ruling by the arbitration court.

They also noted how the country has been out of the loop in China's development plans in the region.

This group doesn't share Carpio's confidence that China will be forced to follow the tribunal ruling.

Another said: "Mas malaking problema (It's a bigger problem) if we win." He's afraid of what China will do to show its defiance of the ruling. (READ: Thought Leaders: Powerplay in the South China Sea)

Aquino's gambit

This is all water under bridge.

Batongbacal said there's no value debating whether or not the Philippines should have filed the case.

He said the government should instead focus its energy on contingency measures for incidents that may rise because of the tension caused by the case.

'We're looking at making sure that it doesn't get any worse than it already is. You don't lose anymore and there's no incident that sparks a major conflict.'

- Jay Batongbacal, maritime law expert
The region has grown militarized as maritime disputes escalated and neighbors beefed up security by acquiring fighter jets and submarines.

VFA. President Aquino and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe agree to improve defese ties. Malacañang photo
 
VFA. President Aquino and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe agree to improve defese ties. Malacañang photo
 
Philippine security officials are encouraged by a stronger US position against China's reclamation activities in the South China Sea.

The Philippines also strengthened its alliance with Japan, seeking to give it access to its military bases.

China miscalculated, said former ABC News Beijing bureau chief Chito Sta Romana.

'The problem now is that the Chinese were basically expecting the Philippine counteraction, which is diplomatic protest, to go to ASEAN. They didn't expect the US would react this way. So the Chinese, I think, have certainly made tactical, and possibly, a strategic miscalculation.'

– Chito Sta Romana, former ABC News Beijing bureau chief
Will it come down to a gun battle? Malacañang officials said the risk is low because both camps realize it is not to anyone's interest to blow up the situation into a war.

Rules of engagement are in place to make sure the Philippines doesn't start any tension, said a senior security officer. The Navy and the Coast Guard are also learning to work together.

Still, the risk of miscalculations at sea is prompting calls for the Philippines to establish a sort of a red button to be able to talk to China in case of misunderstandings at sea.

“When a gun battle erupts, it’s a slippery slope," warned a former Navy officer.

Malacañang said it will talk to China, but only when the Tribunal has issued a ruling. A favorable decision, the Palace argued, will put the Philippines in a stronger position to negotiate.

History will judge Aquino’s stand on this matter. The next generation will benefit or suffer from it.

http://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/in-depth/99116-part-2-china-problem-no-long-term-plan

Aquino legacy: Defying China (Part 1)

From Rappler (Jul 14): Aquino legacy: Defying China

Part 1: Was it a mistake to involve the US in the Scarborough Shoal standoff? Rappler gets the inside story to understand how the Philippines decided to file its historic case against China.

CHINESE HERITAGE. The ancestors of President Benigno Aquino III come from Hongjian village in Zhangzou, a Fujian province in China. Malacañang file photo

CHINESE HERITAGE. The ancestors of President Benigno Aquino III come from Hongjian village in Zhangzou, a Fujian province in China. Malacañang file photo 

Part 1 of 2
 
MANILA, Philippines (Updated) – Fighting China was the farthest thing from the mind of President Benigno Aquino III, who has Chinese roots and had the Chinese ambassador as one of his first guests at his residence on Times Street as soon as he was presumed winner in the 2010 presidential polls.
 
He proved this friendship early on. The son of a martyred senator and a democracy icon disappointed the world when the Philippines joined China's staunchest allies in boycotting the 2010 Nobel ceremony in Oslo to honor imprisoned Chinese dissident Liu Xiaobo.
 
In 2011, he allowed diplomatic tension with Taiwan and risked jobs of Filipinos to comply with a request to deport alleged Taiwanese criminals to China. Later that year, Chinese President Xi Jinping invited him to a state visit.
 
So in April 2012, when Chinese vessels engaged a Philippine Navy warship in a standoff in Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal, Malacañang did not know what to make of it.
 
A Philippine Navy warship tried to arrest Chinese fishing boats poaching in Philippine waters when Chinese Coast Guard ships came to stop them and impose claim on the rocky sandbar off the coast of Zambales province.
 
“We couldn’t understand what China was up to. We’ve been so friendly with them. We’ve done things contrary to our interests,” said a senior security official speaking to Rappler anonymously.
 
Rappler talked to at least 6 insiders privy to Palace moves during the standoff and its decision to file the historic case to take back control of Scarborough Shoal. They agreed to talk to us on condition of anonymity.
 
STRAINED RELATIONS. Philippine President Benigno Aquino III and Chinese President Xi Jinping during the 22nd APEC Leaders’ Meeting in November 2014. Malacañang Photo
 
STRAINED RELATIONS. Philippine President Benigno Aquino III and Chinese President Xi Jinping during the 22nd APEC Leaders’ Meeting in November 2014. Malacañang Photo
 
PH's mistake?
 
Foreign analysts said the standoff was a result of a tactical mistake on the part of the Philippines. Sending a warship instead of a civilian vessel against poachers supposedly gave the wrong signal that it was ready to fight, prompting China's overwhelming response.
 
But the Philippine security official dismissed it as an excuse for China to justify its actions. He said the navy has been making most of the arrests in the South China Sea but it was the first time that China sent its ships. They were deployed so quickly as if they were waiting for it to happen, he said.
 
Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio said it appeared to be pre-planned.
 
"China is actually waiting for other countries to make a little mistake and then counter with a huge reply and grab the territory. If you look at the long-term strategic action of China, you know that they are out to control the entire South China Sea," Carpio said in a Rappler Talk interview.
 
Occupation of Scarborough
 
The Philippines refuses to concede that it has lost Scarborough in spite of China's practical occupation of the shoal, its vessels shooing away Filipinos from their traditional fishing ground.
 
"We have not lost Scarborough Shoal. In fact, it is the subject of our arbitral case,” National Security Adviser Cesar Garcia told a Senate hearing on the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) in May.
 
 
After dismissing talks as pointless, the Philippines filed in April 2013 its historic arbitration case and shut down communication lines with China.
 
Oral arguments at the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague began on July 7. At stake is not only Scarborough, but other areas in the Spratly Islands off Palawan, where China has since built artificial islands.
 
The Philippines is confident it will win the case against China, especially after gathering international support.
 
But there are those who are still shaking their heads over how the situation was allowed to get this far.
'If I'm going to grade the president, he's an epic failure.'
– Former diplomat speaking to Rappler anonymously
"My metric is simple. What a president needs to do is to avoid a skirmish in the West Philippine Sea and make sure we don't lose terroritories. Where are we? We're engaged in a word war with our neighbor. We filed a case. Our fishermen can no longer go to Scarborough Shoal. China is reclaiming 7 areas," the former diplomat said.
 
Manila and Beijing are now only talking to each other through the media, prompting concerns of possible miscalculations at sea.
 
NEW MAP. A new Chinese map shows a 10-dash line to claim virtually the entire South China Sea. Screen grab from news.xinhuanet.com/Image edited by Rappler
 
NEW MAP. A new Chinese map shows a 10-dash line to claim virtually the entire South China Sea. Screen grab from news.xinhuanet.com/Image edited by Rappler

Forgotten message from China
 
With the benefit of hindsight, 3 of the officials interviewed by Rappler said the Philippines may have erred in bringing in Big Brother to the picture immediately. The United States, that is.
 
One of them said they belatedly recalled a message from two former Chinese ambassadors before the standoff. They warned that “whatever problems we have between China and the Philippines, don’t bring in the US.”
 
But the Philippines did exactly the opposite. It called the US to intervene and the superpower responded by brokering an arrangement for both Manila and Beijing to withdraw its ships from the shoal.
 
The Philippines did; China did not. The rest is history.
 
China betrayed the agreement, said then Navy chief Vice Admiral Alexander Pama.
 
"[It] ended with the Chinese occupying the shoal in violation of a US-brokered verbal understanding reached with Manila to withdraw all vessels from the area," Pama said in a paper delivered in 2014 at the Center for New American Security Forum in Washington DC.
 
Pama said the US "image, rightly or wrongly, of being equivocal and irresolute" in helping the Philippines further encouraged China.
 
"This has arguably enabled China to continue to push the envelope on the ground without much effective resistance from other stakeholders around the South China Sea and to a certain extent, legitimizes her actions, to the detriment of small countries such as the Philippines," Pama said.
 
But the Philippines knows Big Brother is its only chance to take back Scarborough in spite of its failure to give a categorical commitment to help.
 
The treaty allies negotiated a new military-to-military agreement to expand US military presence in the Philippines, but it has yet to be implemented.
 
TREATY ALLIES. President Aquino and US President Barack Obama during his state visit to Manila in April 2014. Malacañang Photo
 
TREATY ALLIES. President Aquino and US President Barack Obama during his state visit to Manila in April 2014. Malacañang Photo
 
The security official admitted that a better understanding of China would have made it clear that bringing in the US "almost immediately" would not have helped.
 
A study of China's internal politics shows, he said, that the standoff was being used by a political faction in the run-up to China's elections. The Chinese ships would have stayed in the shoal regardless of Philippine response to court the ultra-nationalist Chinese voters who believe that the entire South China Sea belongs to them.
'If we knew then what we know now, maybe things would be a lot different.'
– Security official speaking to Rappler anonymously
 
In the middle of the standoff, in July 2012, Malacañang called former presidents Fidel Ramos and Joseph Estrada, lawmakers, and Cabinet officials to a meeting in Malacañang. They voted on the proposal to bring issues against China to the ASEAN.
 
All but one – Senator Antonio Trillanes IV, who conducted backchannel talks with China – voted against it. (Editor's note: An earlier version of the story said that they voted on whether or not the Philippines should file the case against China.)
 
The decision to file a case against China was arrived at in late 2012 after ASEAN proved to be a futile venue to seek help and after China categorically declared in November 2012 that its ships will not leave Scarborough.
 
"There is nothing left in our arsenal. Somebody compared the case to a nuclear weapon that we don't have,” said the security official.
 
Beijing remains adamant that the dispute is settled bilaterally, but the Philippines dismisses it as futile.
 
"In every bilateral meeting you have with China, unfortunately, [it begins with them] saying to you, 'We have indisputable sovereignty over the entire South China Sea'," said Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario said in a TV interview in April.
 
The case
 
The Philippines is asking the tribunal to declare as illegal China’s claim over almost the entire South China Sea and uphold the nation's exclusive right to fish and develop, among others, areas up to 200 nautical miles from its shores.
 
Scarborough is located about 150 miles from the Philippines' Zambales province and 550 miles from China’ s Hainan province.
 
The legal forum is the only chance of the Philippines – "which has no air force and no navy" – to win against China, said Carpio.
 
"In the UNCLOS tribunal, warships, warplanes, atomic bombs don't count. They just decide the case based on the law of the sea," Carpio said.
 
To President Aquino, the case is not just about China but about the supremacy of long established international law and every nation's right to its waters.
 
But there are those who fear the son of heroes may have gone too far.