Closure agreement benefiting former CPLAs

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 6): Closure agreement benefiting  former CPLAs

The economic component of the closure agreement between the government and the Cordillera Peoples Liberation Army (CPLA) is  bringing  favorable results.

Former CPLA members who qualified  as Bantay Gubat under the employ of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) earn  salaries  during  a six month employment which is renewable. They gained additional and applicable skills that are office-based  and regard themselves as partner of DENR in forest protection.

From the results of the program review done by a third party, the  Bantay Gubat has contributed significant intelligence for operations on forest protection. They  perform their functions with less supervision and have changed their perception of their capacities showing higher self-regard.
There are 148 former rebels working at present as Bantay Gubat.

On the other hand, former CPLA members integrated to the Armed Forces of the Philippines have now permanent source of income and  opportunity for trainings and capacity building, and opportunity for promotion to a higher rank.

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process encourages the former rebel group to organize and be partners of government. Livelihood assistance is also packaged for said organizations.

The Government of the Philippines and the Cordillera Bodong Administration-CPLA signed  in 2012 a memorandum of agreement dubbed as  “closure agreement” to transform the group into a socio-economic organization and hasten the attainment of peace and development in the Cordillera Region. Its component include final disposition of arms and forces, projects for identified communities and livelihood and employment support.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/171438829779/closure-agreement-benefiting-former-cplas

Pacific Partnership 2015 ends, earns gratitude of Capiceños

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 5): Pacific Partnership 2015 ends, earns gratitude of Capiceños

ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Aug. 4 (PIA) – The humanitarian engagements of the Pacific Partnership 2015 in Capiz capped with a ceremony on board United States Naval Hospital Ship.

The ceremony was graced by about 100 invited guests led by Capiz Governor Victor Tanco, August 1, with Pacific Partnership 2015 Mission Commander Capt. Christopher Engdahl as host.

In his message, Gov. Tanco thanked the team composed of service personnel from the different countries led by the United States of America for selflessly sharing their blessings to the Filipinos, particularly the people of Capiz.

He said that the Pacific Partnership serves as the true example of excellence and an attestation of the concern for others.

“To be in service to others, you need not be in office as what is needed is the compassion and commitment to serve,” Tanco said.

He also stressed that the various engagements in Capiz is full of life changing endeavor to help the less fortunate Capiceños, especially those who were affected by supertyphoon Yolanda.

The international humanitarian engagements in Capiz included the medical, dental, optal, veterinary and surgical civic action programs as well as engineering, disaster relief and rescue capacity training and cultural exchange programs.

During the ceremony, Tanco presented a plaque to Capt. Engdahl containing the province’s sincerest gratitude for all the services extended to the people of Capiz.

He also said that more than the humanitarian services is the bond formed that will forever be treasured by the Capiceños.

The governor likewise gave a Capiz shell – based lampshade as token of Capiceños' gratefulness to the various mission collaborators who conducted joined the team here.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/991438675590/pacific-partnership-2015-ends-earns-gratitude-of-capice-os

SurSur, OPAPP, allies gear up for Peace Caravan; guv calls for PPOC meeting

From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 6): SurSur, OPAPP, allies gear up for Peace Caravan; guv calls for PPOC meeting

TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – The province of Surigao del Sur in coordination with the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), line-agencies, municipal local government units (MLGUs), and other stakeholders has continued to finalize the groundwork for the Peace Caravan set on August 25-26 in Lianga and San Agustin towns, this province.

Governor Johnny Pimentel, chair of the Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC), has again called for another meeting at 1:00 p.m. on August 7, Friday at the conference room of the Provincial Governor’s Office (PGO) to take up once and for all the “preparatory details.”

In his notice of meeting to all concerned PPOC members, the governor stated wanting to seek inputs and full commitment to ensure the success of the affair.

Several meetings intended for this endeavor have already been held since June, this year.

Meanwhile, barangays to be given particular attention especially in the delivery of basic services during the peace caravan have already been identified, Efren Rivas said when asked of the updates.

He said that on August 25, six barangays of Marihatag town are on the list—San Pedro, San Isidro, Mahaba, Mararag, Bayan, and Amontay.

Also, on August 26, three barangays each of Lianga and San Agustin towns—St. Christine, San Isidro, and Diatagon as well as Buhisan, Pong-on, and Hanipaan, respectively, are going to benefit from this initiative for the Medium Development Goal (MDG).

The holding of peace caravan is a goodwill gesture of promoting peace, first and foremost, and making the people aware that the government and all its instrumentalities are one in taking care of its constituents particularly in conflict-affected areas by bringing in basic services, it was learned.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1741438845875/sursur-opapp-allies-gear-up-for-peace-caravan-guv-calls-for-ppoc-meeting

Pacific Partnership 2015 with US Navy kicks off

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 6): Pacific Partnership 2015 with US Navy kicks off

The United States (US) and the Philippine navies team up in the conduct of a medical mission as well as disaster preparedness seminar dubbed "Pacific Partnership 2015" in Pangasinan.

In this activity held August 5 and 6, a team from the Provincial Health Office (PHO) underwent basic life support training conducted by staff of the US Navy Ship (USNS) Mercy currently docked at Subic Bay, Olongapo City.

Provincial health officer, Dr. Anna De Guzman, who led the PHO delegation in the training, said there were 20 health responders who joined.

On August 10-12, around 70 USN officers and staff will engage in various activities related to medical, health, veterinary, and disaster-preparedness in partnership with the provincial government.

"The US navy team will provide technical assistance and cascade their expertise to us," said De Guzman.

They will donate seven crates of medical supplies, she added.

On Aug. 10-12, the team is set to observe and share knowledge on hospital emergency and laboratory protocols at the Pangasinan Provincial Hospital (PPH) in San Carlos City.

They will also participate in a veterinary medical mission with the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) in 10 various villages in Lingayen on Aug. 10-11.

There will be a pre-surgical screening forum in the morning of Aug. 11 and public health diseases (tuberculosis/TB, leptospirosis, leprosy, and dengue) forum at the Capitol Resort; and environmental sanitation site inspection in identified business establishments in the province in the afternoon.

On the last day of the three-day partnership, the US navy team will join a mobile blood donation at the PPH and an anti-TB drive in Bayambang.

Other activities on Aug. 12 include a feedback meeting of the environmental sanitation engagement group at the PHO conference room; and demonstrations of rapid rabies detection test.

There will also be chemical castration in dogs with the chemical zeuterin, and discussion on the Regional Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (RADDL) and disease prevention in Pangasinan at the Sta. Barbara Provincial Field Office.

Welcome ceremonies for the USNS team will be led by Governor Amado Espino Jr., on August 10 during the flag raising ceremony at the Capitol Plaza.

Espino thanked the navy contingents for coming to Pangasinan as he expressed optimism towards the fruitful partnership by the province with the two navies.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=790417

President Aquino leads PNP service anniversary rites

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 6): President Aquino leads PNP service anniversary rites

President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the national celebration of the 114th Police Service Anniversary on Friday (August 7) in simple ceremonies at the PNP National Headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

The PNP celebrates Police Service Anniversary every Aug. 8 to commemorate the joint founding anniversaries of its forerunner organizations — the Philippine Constabulary founded in 1901 and the Integrated National Police established in 1975.

As guest of honor and keynote speaker, President Aquino is expected to issue his policy guidance to the 160,000-strong PNP as the police force embarks on intensified law enforcement and public security operations and major events security for the forthcoming 2015 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperations (APEC) Summit in November and the national elections in May 2016.

The Chief Executive, assisted by DILG Secretary Mar Roxas and PNP Chief, Police Director General Ricardo C Marquez, will also present awards to outstanding PNP units and personnel in recognition of outstanding service and exemplary performance of duty.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=790539

Two PHL naval forces merged

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 5): Two PHL naval forces merged

In line with efforts to protect and secure the country's vast maritime domains, Naval Forces North and its counterpart at the West was merged into Naval Forces North-West, according to Naval Task Force 11 commander Capt. Albert Mogol .

"So in line with the defense planning guidance of the SND (Secretary of National Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin) addressing common threat, the former Naval Forces North was merged with the Naval Forces West into Naval Forces North-West. So there are two naval task forces addressing security concerns within the area," Mogol said on Thursday.

The merger took place July 6.

Mogol said that Naval Forces North-West has two operating group, one of which is Naval Task Force 41 which covers the West Philippine Sea, and Naval Task Force 11 which is responsible for patrolling Northern Luzon waters and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions.

Mogol said that Naval Forces North-West covered maritime domains of five regions and 24 provinces, which included Batanes.

The latter province landed in the spotlight after several incidents of Taiwanese incursions were reported earlier.

He added that they had sufficient ships and personnel for this mission.

"In the north we have just established our automatic identification system in Batanes so we have already an eye in the north," Mogol said.

"It's a littoral observatory station, but we call it the littoral monitoring detachment in Batanes and manned by the Philippine Marines," he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=790586

Rewards also helping AFP in running after threat groups

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 6): Rewards also helping AFP in running after threat groups

Aside from intensified law enforcement operations, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is also neutralizing various threat groups in the country by giving monetary rewards to informants who provide exact descriptions and whereabouts of these wanted personalities.

This was stressed by AFP public affairs office chief Col. Noel Detoyato as the military will be handing out substantial rewards to persons who provided information which led to the successful arrest of ranking New People's Army (NPA) leader Benito Tiamzon in March 22 of last year and several Abu Sayyaf terrorists.

Bounties range from Php150,000 to Php10 million, he added.

Friday's reward giving ceremonies will take place 3: 30 p.m. at the OJ2 multi-purpose hall, ISAFP compound, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

Detoyato said the reward money for Tiamzon took tim as a lot of paperworks needed to be process aside from authentication of supporting documents.

But he clarified that not all people were after the reward as some of these individuals were only looking after the welfare of their respective communities.

The rewards program is orchestrated by the AFP thru the AFP-PNP Joint Rewards Valuation Committee (JRVC), which is co-chaired by the AFP Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence, J2, and Philippine National Police.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=790562

PHL, US reaffirm opposition to China reclamation

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 6): PHL, US reaffirm opposition to China reclamation
 

Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and US Secretary of State John Kerry on Thursday reaffirmed their countries’ opposition to China’s reclamation work in the South China Sea as they called on other states locked in the territorial law to “behave responsibly” and avoid acts that would further raise tensions in the region.

Del Rosario and Kerry met at the margins of the 48th Association of South East Asian Nations Ministerial Meetings, where top diplomats from the US and other countries, like China, Japan and Australia, have gathered in the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur to discuss regional and security issues.

“The Secretaries reaffirmed the commitment of their respective countries to the resolution of the disputes in the South China Sea in accordance with the rule of law, particularly the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea,” a Department of Foreign Affairs statement issued in Manila said.

China insists its actions, such as the construction of artificial islands, are done within its sovereign rights, stating several times that its ownership of virtually the entire South China Sea is "indisputable" and anchored on history.

As they discussed the progress on the arbitration case filed by the Philippines against China’s sweeping maritime claims in the resource-rich waters, Del Rosario and Kerry agreed on the need for all claimant states “to behave responsibly and avoid further aggressive unilateral action.”

China's reclamation, Del Rosario said, covers at least 800 hectares, which is equivalent to over 1,000 football fields, and has caused "irreversible" damage on the sea's marine ecosystem.

Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan also have overlapping claims to the waters.

Recognizing the shared regional challenges, the DFA said the two officials discussed new areas and initiatives for defense and security cooperation, which in recent years have focused on maritime security and maritime domain awareness.

Del Rosario and Kerry also agreed on the need to reconvene the Philippines-US Ministerial Consultations that involves the Defense and Foreign and State Secretaries of both countries “at the soonest possible time to move forward a more robust security agenda.”

They also sought for the early implementation of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement to “underscore the strength and relevance” of the two nations’ treaty alliance, the DFA said.

The Philippine Supreme Court has yet to decide on the legality of the accord. EDCA, signed in April 2014, was questioned by militant groups and asked the tribunal to declare it unconstitutional.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=790611

Camarines Sur NPA denies ambush of police director; blames gun-for-hire syndicate

From the Bicol Today (Aug 5): Camarines Sur NPA denies ambush of police director; blames gun-for-hire syndicate 

 

 Photo courtesy of Wikipedia.org

The underground rebel group in Camarines Sur denies any involvement over the ambush and wounding of provincial police deputy director P/S Romeo Pillonar and the killing of civilian Domingo Dancalan.

Superintendent Pillonar was in a vehicle with several other persons when they were waylaid Sunday night of August 2 along the highway in Barangay Buluang, Bato, Camarines Sur.

Early reports blamed the New People’s Army (NPA) rebels of the ambush.

“We are very strict on our armed units not to initiate military actions on legitimate targets where there are civilians nearby,” said Maria Roja Banua, in a statement posted Tuesday at the internet.

Banua is the spokesperson of National Democratic Front- Bicol (NDF-Bicol).

Banua pointed to the Obet Concepcion gang of Libon, Albay as the group behind the Bato ambush.

The Obet Concepcion group is allegedly a criminal syndicate involved in hold-ups, robberies, and gun-for-hire contracts in the region.

Banua said the Concepcion group was involved in the killing of Engineer Morales in Malinao, Albay, and was also hired by the Armed Forces to assassinate activists and rebel sympathizers.

“The AFP was forced to deny in public the Concepcion gang when it was linked over the killing of Morales,” said Banua, citing investigation findings from Eduardo Olbara Command, the NPA group in Camarines Sur.

Meanwhile, Superintendent Pillonar was recuperating from wounds in a Naga hospital, while Dancalan was brought by relatives in Barangay Santiago, Bato. 

http://bicoltoday.com/2015/08/05/camarines-sur-npa-denies-ambush-of-police-director-blames-gun-for-hire-syndicate/

Mar Roxas urged to scrap ‘reward system’ for Reds capture in peace process

From the Bicol Today (Aug 5): Mar Roxas urged to scrap ‘reward system’ for Reds capture in peace process

 

DILG Secretary Mar Roxas. Photo courtesy of untvweb.com

Presidential hopeful Mar Roxas is challenged to scrap the “reward-bounty system” used as incentives to capture key National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) peace consultants involved in the peace process.

The call to Roxas also includes his replacement as Secretary of  the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Human rights group, Karapatan, lamented the capture of peace consultant Maria Concepcion Araneta-Bocala alias “Remi Estrella” by state security operatives for bounty pay-offs is contrary to the peace efforts as Araneta-Bocala is protected by immunity guarantee from arrest or detention.

Karapatan said the Department of National Defense (DND) and DILG “reward system-bounty list” weighs heavier than its joint agreement with the NDFP on safety and immunity guarantees or the JASIG, and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL).

Reacting on the recent arrest of peace consultant Maria Concepcion Araneta-Bocala, Karapatan Secretary General Cristina Palabay said, “The GPH and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) would gladly violate JASIG and arrest NDFP peace consultants, earn from the reward money than push forward the long-stalled peace talks with the NDFP.”

“We challenge the DILG Secretary, whether its Mar Roxas or his replacement, to withdraw the Order on Reward System targeting so-called communists but has proven to have victimized innocent civilians,” Palabay said.

“By arresting peace consultants of the NDFP, the government already bagged at least Php 55 million. These funds would have been more useful when channeled to social services since these are taxpayers’ money. The reward system further breeds corruption in the bureaucracy,” Palabay said.

Araneta-Bocala, or Concha, with Php 7.8 million bounty on her head, was arrested early morning of August 1, 2015, by joint forces of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) Unit Region 6 and the AFP Intelligence Service at a house in Juntado Subdivision, Molo, Iloilo City.

Araneta-Bocala is NDFP peace consultant for the Visayas region.

She was issued Document of Identification No. ND978245 under assumed name “Remi Estrella”.

Bounty-reward system

Under the JASIG, persons with Document of Identification should be immune from arrests and detention in order to perform their duties as peace consultants.

The DND-DILG reward system is contained in the DND-DILG JOR Number 14-2012.

But it was amended in 2012 through the JO ORDER ON REWARD NUMBER 14(A)-2012 in recognition of the peace negotiations with the NDFP.

The order stated, ‘Pursuant to the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantess (JASIG) dated 24 February 1995 and the current GPH list of JASIG-covered personalities, the following names are to be deleted from DND-DILG JOR Number 14-2012 in recognition of the pending peace negotiations and conditions upon the existence of the said peace negotiations.’

Some of the deleted names with corresponding reward money were Wilma Austria-Tiamzon, Rafael Baylosis, Vicente Ladlad, Reynaldo Bocala and Jose Maria Sison.

“However, Austria is still detained with husband Benito Tiamzon while Ladlad and Baylosis still face trumped-up murder charges initiated during the Arroyo regime, supposedly Aquino’s nemesis,” Palabay added.

Another NDFP consultant was arrested on July 20 in Quezon City. Ernesto Lorenzo is falsely charged with destructive arson. Lorenzo and his wife Joyce Latayan is now detained at the CIDG holding area in Camp Crame Quezon City.

“Lorenzo and Lantayan complained that they are only given food after the CIDG members have eaten and there are left over food,” Palabay said.

OPAPP, saboteur of the peace process

Karapatan strongly criticized the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process for its “consistent role in sabotaging the GPH-NDFP process through its statements and moves that consider previously signed agreements such as the JASIG inoperative.”

The OPAPP released a statement yesterday on Araneta-Bocala’s arrest.

Palabay cited an acknowledgement letter issued by the GPH Peace Panel citing “Remi Estrella,” Araneta-Bocala’s assumed name, as entitled to the safety and immunity guarantees under the JASIG, aside from the DI shown by Araneta-Bocala upon her arrest.

“The OPAPP, through its Secretary Teresita “Ging” Deles, also consistently justifies illegal arrests, disappearances and other rights violations,” Palabay added.

“We reiterate our call to immediately release the NDFP peace consultants and resume the peace talks. We also call on the GPH to stop spending huge amount of people’s money in self-serving and unproductive activities,” she insisted.

http://bicoltoday.com/2015/08/05/mar-roxas-urged-to-scrap-reward-system-for-reds-capture-in-peace-process/

Masbate NPA insists 4 dead rebels are civilians, for-hire motorcycle drivers (Warning: Graphic photos)

From the Bicol Today (Aug 6): Masbate NPA insists 4 dead rebels are civilians, for-hire motorcycle drivers



Photos show the 4 dead persons are reported as New People’s Army (NPA) rebels killed in retaliation by State troops during the ambush by NPA on combined CIDG-Army unit along a highway in Barangay Mactan, Cawayan, Masbate. During the ambush, 1 Army soldier was killed and 4 troopers were injured. Contrary to government reports, the Masbate NPA issued a statement saying the 4 dead persons were civilians. This latest report needs immediate human rights investigation on the incident. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

In a sudden twist of events, the 4 rebels killed in the exchange of gunfire with State troops in the Mactan-Cawayan ambush Monday staged by the NPA has turned out to be civilians who were motorcycle drivers for-hire.

Jose Rapsing Command, the NPA group in Masbate, issued a statement saying the alleged 4 rebels killed were non-combatants, but civilians and motorcycle drivers who were ferrying passengers for a living.

According to the rebel version, a unit of Jose Rapsing Command ambushed on Monday afternoon a combined group of Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) under Major Manuel Pedire and Bravo Company, 9th IB under 1st Lt. Jeffrey Fajardo, killing one Army soldier and wounding 3 soldiers and a CIDG agent.

The ambush happened along the highway at Barangay Mactan, Cawayan, Masbate.

Before the ambush, the soldiers had been in operation for three (3) days in the villages of Cataingan, Palanas, Cawayan, and Placer.

After the ambush, troops of Bravo Company had set-up a checkpoint at Mactan village and, later flagged down the drivers of 4 motorcycles.

The soldiers herded the drivers into a grassy area where they were massacred.

The families of the dead victims Gary Bisnar, Adam Fajardo, Biboy Badillo and a certain Pabito will testify that they were not NPA rebels. The victims were residents of the village.

After the killing, the military released disinformation that the victims were rebels who were killed during the Mactan ambush.







Photos show the 4 dead persons are reported as New People’s Army (NPA) rebels killed in retaliation by State troops during the ambush by NPA on combined CIDG-Army unit along a highway in Barangay Mactan, Cawayan, Masbate. During the ambush, 1 Army soldier was killed and 4 troopers were injured. Contrary to government reports, the Masbate NPA issued a statement saying the 4 dead persons were civilians. This latest report needs immediate human rights investigation on the incident. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

http://bicoltoday.com/2015/08/06/masbate-npa-insists-4-dead-rebels-are-civilians-for-hire-motorcycle-drivers/

Japan may give planes to Manila for South China Sea patrols - sources

From ABS-CBN (Aug 6): Japan may give planes to Manila for South China Sea patrols - sources

 * Japan wants to donate Beechcraft TC-90 King Air planes - sources
* Aircraft could be fitted with surveillance radar - sources
* Tokyo has not made formal proposal to Manila - sources
* Any transfer of planes would likely anger China



A Japan Maritime Self-Defense Forces' TC-90 training aircraft is seen in this undated handout photo released by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Forces, and obtained by Reuters on August 5, 2015. Photo by Reuters

Japan wants to give planes to the Philippines that Manila could use for patrols in the South China Sea, sources said, a move that would deepen Tokyo's security ties with the Southeast Asian nation most at odds with Beijing over the disputed waterway.

Four sources with knowledge of the matter told Reuters that Japan was looking to offer three Beechcraft TC-90 King Air planes that could be fitted with basic surface and air surveillance radar.

They said talks within the Japanese government were preliminary and would need to overcome legal hurdles. Japan had yet to formally propose the planes as an alternative to more sophisticated Lockheed Martin P3-C aircraft that Manila wants to track Chinese submarine activity, they added.

Senior Philippine military and defense officials in Manila said they had not heard about the possible donation of the twin-turboprop TC-90 aircraft, which Japan uses to train military pilots.

"The Philippines doesn't have enough aircraft to conduct regular patrols over the South China Sea," one of the sources in Japan said, declining to be identified because he was not authorzed to talk to the media.

Donating aircraft, even small planes, would represent a military upgrade for the Philippines, which has only a handful of fixed-wing planes it can deploy on maritime patrols.

Tokyo has no claims in the South China Sea, but is worried about Beijing's construction of seven artificial islands in the waterway's Spratly archipelago, which will extend Chinese military reach into sea lanes through which much of Japan's ship-borne trade passes.

Concerns over the islands have dominated regional meetings in Kuala Lumpur this week between Southeast Asia and countries including Japan, China and the United States.

Equipping Manila with maritime-capable patrol planes would dovetail with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's more muscular security agenda but likely anger China, which has repeatedly accused Japan of interfering in the South China Sea dispute.

A spokesman for Japan's Ministry of Defense said working level talks had been set up to explore possible cooperation in defence equipment with the Philippines but that there was no "concrete plan" to give Manila the TC-90s.

Philippine Defense Minister Voltaire Gazmin told Reuters he was unaware of any Japanese plan to supply the aircraft. Top Philippine generals said they were also unaware of any proposal but welcomed the growing security cooperation with Japan.

China's Defense Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

POSSIBLE PRECEDENT

To allow what would be its first donation of equipment used by the Japanese military to another country, lawmakers would have to amend financial regulations that require second-hand government-owned equipment to be sold at fair market value, sources said.

That could open the way for Japan to give military equipment to other friendly nations in Southeast Asia.

The sources in Japan said radar to monitor surface activity and aircraft could be easily installed on the TC-90 planes if they were transferred. The U.S. military uses Beechcraft King Air 90s in transport roles and to train pilots.

While Gazmin said Manila still wanted P3s that Tokyo will retire over the next several years, a senior Philippine military official said operating and maintaining such advanced surveillance aircraft and ground-based support equipment would be a challenge. The P3s, which have four turboprops, also use a lot of fuel, he added.

Japan worries that the Philippine military's lack of experience in maritime surveillance means it would struggle to operate the aircraft's equipment and be able to quickly analyze data collected, sources in Tokyo said.

GROWING SECURITY COOPERATION

China claims most of the South China Sea. The Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia, Brunei and Vietnam also claim parts of the ocean.

While acknowledging its new islands will have undefined military purposes, China insists it is not a threat to its neighbors and says the outposts will also have civilian uses such as search and rescue and weather monitoring.

Recent satellite images show China has almost finished building a 3,000-metre-long (10,000-foot) airstrip on one of the islands.

The Philippines and Japan have conducted two naval exercises in and around the South China Sea in recent months.

Philippine President Benigno Aquino and Abe also agreed in June to begin talks on a visiting forces agreement that would open the way for Japan to use bases in the Philippines to refuel aircraft and resupply naval vessels.

The United States, which has security treaties with both Manila and Tokyo, has backed the cooperation because it wants its regional allies to shoulder more of the security burden as Chinese military power and assertiveness grows.

Washington has asked the Japanese military to provide training and maintenance along with any aircraft it supplies to the Philippines, a U.S. military source told Reuters.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/08/06/15/japan-may-give-planes-manila-south-china-sea-patrols-sources

Rights group laments delay in case vs Palparan with judge's inhibition

From InterAksyon (Aug 6): Rights group laments delay in case vs Palparan with judge's inhibition



Erlinda Cadapan and Concepcion Empeno with pictures of their missing daughters, UP students Sherlyn and Karen. (InterAksyon.com file)

The human rights group Karapatan on Wednesday said the inhibition of the judge trying retired Army general Jovito Palparan and two other soldiers for the abduction and disappearance of University of the Philippines students Sherlyn Cadapan and Karen Empeno would "inexcusably" delay justice.

Judge Teodora Gonzales of Regional Trial Court Branch 14 in Malolos, Bulacan inhibited herself in an order dated June 13 granting the motion filed by lawyer Bonifacio Alentajan, counsel of Palparan’s co-accused, Army Staff Sergeant Edgar Osorio.

The third accused is Colonel Felipe Antonado Jr. All three are detained at Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio.

In his motion, Alentajan accused Gonzales of “by manifest partiality, evident bad faith, and gross inexcusable negligence” for denying his motion to quash the information against Osorio.

He also claimed Gonzales’ comments during the June 1 presentation of witness Adoracion Paulino showed “partiality towards the prosecution.”

While denying Alentajan’s allegations, “… nevertheless, to preserve and promote public confidence in the integrity and respect for the judiciary, the presiding judge is voluntarily inhibiting herself from further taking cognizance of the instant case,” Gonzales said in her order.

Reacting to Gonzales’ decision, Karapatan secretary general Cristina Palabay said her inhibition had “inexcusably delayed” the indictment of Palparan and his co-accused “while the mothers and fathers of Cadapan and Empeno remain anguished, the witnesses’ lives and security remain in danger.”

Karapatan had earlier decried Gonzales’ decision to allow Palparan’s transfer from the Bulacan provincial jail to Army headquarters September last year, calling his detention there a “staycation.”

Empeno and Cadapan were abducted along with farmer Manuel Merino in Bulacan in June 2006.

Accused of masterminding their enforced disappearance, the Malolos RTC ordered Palparan arrested in 2009.

However, he went into hiding and was captured in Sta. Mesa, Manila only in August last year.

Dubbed the “Butcher” by human rights advocates, Palparan has been blamed for human rights violations, including summary executions and enforced disappearances, in the areas he was assigned to as an Army commander.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/115563/rights-group-laments-delay-in-case-vs-palparan-with-judges-inhibition

PROOF OF THE PUDDING… | Pull out all equipment to prove reclamation has stopped - DND to China

From InterAksyon (Aug 6): PROOF OF THE PUDDING… | Pull out all equipment to prove reclamation has stopped - DND to China



A Chinese airstrip under construction on reclaimed land on Fiery Cross Reef

The best way for China to prove it has, indeed, ended all reclamation activity in the South China Sea would be “the pullout of all equipment” in the disputed territory, the Department of National Defense said Thursday.

Sought for his reaction to the announcement made by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to counterparts from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations at a security forum in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia the day before , DND spokesman Peter Paul Galvez said: “The best proof would be the pullout of all equipment as a clear and unequivocal manifestation of that announcement.”

Notwithstanding Wang’s announcement, an ASEAN diplomatic source told Agence France-Presse that the Chinese official said construction on the islands built from reclaimed land would continue.

Galvez also said despite Wang’s announcement, “a stop in the reclamation doesn't change the fact that they have violated the agreement among states, disrespected nations in the area and violated our maritime rights placing the region in crisis.”

“Furthermore,” he added, “the region would be glad to see a genuine proof of sincerity.”

However, he declined to comment if the military had sent reconnaissance flights to verify Wang’s claim, saying that was an “operational” matter he could not comment on.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/115574/proof-of-the-pudding--pull-out-all-equipment-to-prove-reclamation-has-stopped---dnd-to-china

Pikit church blast suspect falls

From MindaNews (Aug 6): Pikit church blast suspect falls

A church bombing suspect who is considered this town’s most notorious criminal was arrested after an informant tipped off his location to local police.

Inspector Sindato Karim, the town’s police chief said Mastur Edu Akil did not resist arrest after they surrounded the house in the poblacion where he was staying, around 7:30 on Wednesday night.

Akil is facing murder, multiple murder, car theft and several other cases.

He was tagged as the mastermind of the bombing of the local United Church of Christ of the Philippines that killed two persons and wounded three others.

The bombing occurred sometime in October 2014 while a prayer meeting was going on.

Karim said they began tracking down the suspect after the local court issued arrest warrants for him.

Aside from the church bombing, Akil was also implicated in the slay try of a local policeman and the killing of a local media man.

The suspect is temporarily detained at Pikit municipal police station.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2015/08/06/pikit-church-blast-suspect-falls/

Army steps up civil military operations in Samar

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 6): Army steps up civil military operations in Samar

CALBIGA, Samar -- The Philippine Army’s 87th Infantry Battalion (IB) based in this town is vent on pursuing their civil military mission in different remote villages in Samar, known to be a rebel infested area.

The battalion will focus on extending medical assistance, participate in rebuilding process, and distribute basic school supplies to poor school children in villages.

Soldiers of the 87th IB is convinced that continuing to educate and constant communicating with the locals, as well as providing them the basic services they need is a key to curb insurgency problem in Samar.

“Our main goal is to provide presence in the area, presenting a different approach to driving back the enemy and gaining the confidence of local villagers,” said 87th IB battalion commander Lt. Col. George Domingo.

“Building relationships with villagers and bringing the basic social services to outlying areas is a way to gain their confidence,” Domingo said.

The official said that soldiers have to revisit villages several times just to ensure that people are educated and well-informed.

Troopers help the villagers determine and identify their needs to facilitate government’s response to basic needs, according to Domingo.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=790381

Navy to commission 2 armed AW-109Es Monday

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 6): Navy to commission 2 armed AW-109Es Monday

The Philippine Navy (PN) will be commissioning into service its two armed AgustaWestland AW-109E "Power" helicopters this coming Monday.

Commissioning will be done at PN headquarters at Naval Station Jose Andrada along Roxas Boulevard in Manila.

This was disclosed by PN public affairs office chief Cmdr. Lued Lincuna in a message to the PNA.

The commissioning of the two armed AW-109Es will coincide with the retirement ceremony of PN flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Jesus C. Millan who will be leaving the service after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.

His replacement will be announced on same day.

The last two AW-109E airframes arrived in the Philippines last December.

This is part of the five-helicopter deal, worth PHP1.33-billion, signed by the Philippines with AgustaWestland early 2013.

Three of the AW-109s were delivered and commissioned in Dec. 22, 2013.

The armed versions of the AW-109s will be equipped with machine guns, 20mm cannons and possibly, with air-to-ground rockets.

The AW-109 "Power" helicopter is a three-ton class eight seat helicopter powered by two Pratt and Whitney PW206C engines.

The spacious cabin is designed to be fitted with a number of modular equipment packages for quick and easy conversion between roles.

The aircraft’s safety features include a fully separated fuel system, dual hydraulic boost system, dual electrical systems and redundant lubrication and cooling systems for the main transmission and engines.

The AW-109 has established itself as the world’s best selling light-twin helicopter for maritime missions.

It's superior speed, capacity and productivity combined with reliability and ease of maintenance make it the most cost effective maritime helicopter in its class.

For shipboard operations the aircraft has a reinforced-wheeled landing gear and deck mooring points as well as extensive corrosion protection measures.

The ability to operate from small ships in high sea state enables the AW-109 to perform its mission when many others helicopters would be confined to the ship’s hangar.

Over 550 AW-109 "Power" and AW-109 light utility helicopters have been ordered for commercial, parapublic and military applications by customers in almost 50 countries.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=790288

AFP welcomes Chinese halt on reclamation works

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 6): AFP welcomes Chinese halt on reclamation works

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) strongly welcomes China statements claiming that it has stopped reclamation activities in the South China Sea.

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi made this statement in the sideline of the ongoing ASEAN Ministerial Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

"That's good news for all Filipinos, if that is really true, then the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) will be giving us some updates on the matter," AFP public affairs office chief Col. Noel Detoyato said in Filipino.

He added that this development, if verified and found to be true, will greatly ease tension among the claimant countries.

"It can ease tension so it is good for everybody," Detoyato pointed out.

However, he said that the AFP is still to verify this information and said that they were waiting for the DFA updates regarding this.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=790463

Int'l pressure played a role in Chinese reclamation halt

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 6): Int'l pressure played a role in Chinese reclamation halt

Mounting pressure from the international community played a major role in China's decision to halt reclamation works at disputed portions of the South China Sea.

This was stressed by Department of National Defense (DND) spokesperson Dr. Peter Paul Galvez Thursday.

"Yes, it played a very significant role," he said in reply to questions on whether growing clamor on the international community forced China to stop its reclamation works.

Countries who expressed their concern over Chinese reclamation activities in the South China Sea include the US and Japan.

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi made this statement in the sideline of the ongoing ASEAN Ministerial Meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

And while to verify the Chinese statement, the DND spokesperson said a stop in the reclamation doesn't change the fact that China violated the agreement among states, and disrespected other nations in the area.

Galvez was referring to the 2002 Declaration of the Code of Conduct signed by China and ASEAN members, an agreement those violation China must be made accountable.

Aside from this, China also violated Philippine maritime rights and placed the region in crisis, he added. "Furthermore, the region would be glad to see a genuine proof of sincerity. The best proof would be the pull out of all equipment as a clear and unequivocal manifestation of that announcement," the DND spokesperson said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=790492