News Analysis: U.S. slammed for intervention in Philippine affairs in guise of military partnership

From Shanghai Daily (Sep 21): News Analysis: U.S. slammed for intervention in Philippine affairs in guise of military partnership

A respected Filipino political analyst and a militant group have slammed the Philippine-U.S. military partnership, saying that this is a blatant infringement of the country's sovereignty and independence.

In an interview with Xinhua, Jose Cortez, a political strategist and veteran journalist, said the Philippine-U.S. joint amphibious landing exercise that would start next week in various parts of the Philippines is another case of U.S. interventionist policy toward the Philippines.

Troops from the U.S. 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade (3d MEB), the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines will participate in the Philippine Amphibious Landing Exercise, called Phiblex 2016, from Sept. 21 to Oct. 9.

Phiblex 2016 will involve some 650 U.S. servicemen based in Okinawa, Japan, and Philippine sailors and marines working side-by- side to conduct a command post exercise, field training exercises, amphibious operations, combined arms training, civil-military operations as well as humanitarian and civic assistance projects.

Cortez, who writes analytical articles in the Philippine Graphic, a local weekly newsmagazine, said allowing U.S. forces to temporarily stay in the country in the guise of joining military exercises is a travesty of Philippine territorial integrity.

He called anew for the abrogation of the Philippine-U.S. Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA), which is used as the basis for the joint military training.

According to Cortez, it is during these joint military exercises that some U.S. servicemen committed crimes against Filipinos, citing in particular the murder last year of a Filipino transgender by a U.S. serviceman in Olongapo City, some 150 km north of Manila.

U.S. Marine Lance Corporal Joseph Scott Pemberton has been charged with the killing of Filipino transgender Jeffrey "Jennifer " Laude at a motel in Olongapo City on Oct. 11, 2014.

Since the death penalty has been abolished in the Philippines, the prosecution has asked for a life sentence for Pemberton. A court in Olongapo City could hand down its verdict anytime soon after the prosecution and defense have wrapped up their respective arguments.

"If the VFA is scrapped, the killing of Laude and several crimes against Filipino women in the past could have been prevented," Cortez said.

Earlier on Wednesday, militant groups led by the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan or Bayan (New Nationalist Movement) held protest rallies at the Supreme Court and the U.S. embassy in Manila to commemorate the 24th anniversary of the rejection of the new Philippine-U.S. military bases agreement.

The Philippine Senate rejected the renewal of the bases agreement on Sept. 16, l991.

In a statement carried by its website, Bayan Secretary General Renato Reyes said they were protesting against the continuing U.S. intervention in Philippine affairs and the plan to revive U.S. bases under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).

During the protest rally, Bayan called on the Supreme Court to resolve several petitions questioning the EDCA which were filed last year. Petitioners included former senators, party-list lawmakers, activists, academics and church leaders.

Bayan assailed EDCA for allowing the United States to use Philippine military facilities rent-free and tax free.

"EDCA should be declared unconstitutional for bringing back de facto U.S. bases to the country without any treaty. The EDCA has not received Senate concurrence. Majority of the current senators have expressed through a resolution that an international agreement like the EDCA cannot be valid without Senate concurrence, " Reyes said.

According to Reyes, the Philippines cannot be truly independent if it allows foreign powers to dictate on its affairs.

"We cannot be truly free if foreign troops are stationed on our shores and our domestic policy is in the service of the U.S. imperialist agenda in the region," he said.

In the House of Representatives, several legislators have also opposed the EDCA and called for the scrapping of the VFA.

Earlier on Wednesday, youth groups led by the League of Filipino Students also held a lightning rally and threw paint at the seal of the U.S. embassy. The police arrested some six protesters.

http://www.shanghaidaily.com/article/article_xinhua.aspx?id=302804

Army officials meet Surigao Gov. Pimentel on Lumads plight

From GMA News (Sep 21): Army officials meet Surigao Gov. Pimentel on Lumads plight

Top military officials in Surigao del Sur have met the province's governor, Johnny Pimentel, to clarify issues on the alleged involvement of the military in atrocities against the Lumad in the province,  Armed Forces chief of staff Gen Hernando Iriberri said Monday evening.

 

In the telecast of GMA News & Public Affairs' "Bawal Ang Pasaway with Mareng Winnie", Gen. Iriberri did not say however any details on specific results of the meeting of the Army's division commander and brigade commander with Governor Pimentel.

 

Iriberri said in the interview with GMA'S Winnie Monsod that the suspects in the alleged killings of three Lumad leaders are not military personnel nor members of the paramilitary militia known as the CAFGU (Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit).

 

The AFP chief also said the "Bagani", a paramilitary group operating in the province is not part of the military's structure. He added that there are six Bagani commands they are aware of.

 

By way of background, Iriberri said two out of three members of the New Peoples' Army in Surigao are Lumads because the NPA are deliberately targeting the Lumad in their recruitment efforts.

 

He said the NPA now has only over four thousand members from the 1980s high of 35 thousand in the 1980s.

 

The AFP chief also said some members of the United Church of Christ in the Philippines (UCCP) are helping or supportive of the NPA.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/537785/news/nation/army-officials-meet-surigao-gov-pimentel-on-lumads-plight

3 foreigners, Filipina kidnapped from Samal Island resort

From GMA News (Sep 22): 3 foreigners, Filipina kidnapped from Samal Island resort

Gunmen kidnapped three foreign nationals and a Filipina from a resort on Samal Island in Davao del Norte, Monday night.

 

RGMA Davao's Raul Tolibas said that according to Superintendent Lito Impas of the Samal Island police, at least 20 armed men wearing balaclavas and black shirts stormed the Ocean View Resort in Barangay Camudmud, Babak district before 11 p.m.

 

Tolibas reported that the gunmen went door to door and snatched all of the occupants.

 

Tolibas said that according to Impas the gunmen initially took five people, but a Canadian named Steven and his Japanese wife, Kazuka, were able to jump from the kidnappers' boat. The couple is now confined at a district hospital on the island.

 

The four kidnapped victims were identified as Kjarten Sakkinstad, a Norwegian and operations manager of the resort; Canadians John Ridsel and Robert Hall and his Filipina wife identified only as Tess.

 

Impas told RGMA Davao that they were requesting a copy of the CCTV footage of the resort.

 

Tolibas said that according to Impas, the kidnappers could be members of the New People's Army or a local bandit group called BAMA or Bangsamoro Army, a mix of breakaway members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Moro National Liberation Front.

 

Tolibas said that the kidnappers wrote the message: "Alay namin sa aming kumander" around the resort, before leaving with their captives.

 

Capt. Alberto Caber, chief of the public affairs office of the Armed Forces' Eastern Mindanao Command, said naval operations were ongoing to locate the kidnappers and their victims.

 

The local Philippine Coast Guard unit and the local police are also conducting pursuit operations.

 

In 2001, the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf tried but failed to abduct tourists from Samal Island's Pearl Farm. Three employees died when they engaged the raiding Abu Sayyaf men in a firefight.

 

Also in 2001, Abu Sayyaf bandits seized local and foreign tourists at the posh Dos Palmas resort in Palawan, including US missionaries Martin and Gracia Burnham.

 

Returning to Basilan, the bandits took local hostages along the way, even escaping a military dragnet in Lamitan in June that same year.

 

The Dos Palmas hostage-taking drama ended June 2002 when government security forces stormed the bandits' lair in Sibuco, Zamboanga del Norte. At the time, three remained as hostages — the Burnham couple and Filipino nurse Ediborah Yap.

 

Martin and Ediborah, however, were caught in the crossfire. Gracia survived, but sustained a gunshot wound in her leg.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/537799/news/regions/3-foreigners-filipina-kidnapped-from-samal-island-resort

US nixes aid plea

From The Standard (Sep 22): US nixes aid plea

Wary of graft, Obama rejects Aquino’s $300M request

THE United States has rebuffed President Benigno Aquino III’s request for $300 million in military aid this year because “it worries about corruption” and the country’s capacity to handle an influx of resources, the New York Times reported this week.

The same report, quoting a senior Philippine official who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the request was made in private talks in which the Philippines argued the need for a substantial buildup of planes and ships to deter Chinese expansionism.

         Ridon

The Sept. 19 story in the Times, “Warily Eyeing China, Philippines May Invite US Back to Subic Bay,” drew a strong reaction Monday from a leftist lawmaker, who demanded that the Aquino administration disclose details of the secret aid request as well as plans to reopen the US military base in Subic Bay.

“We find it traitorous for the Aquino administration to run to Washington and covertly seek funding for military improvements without even consulting or disclosing such a request, even to the leadership of the legislature,” said Kabataan Rep. Terry Ridon. “We call on the Executive department to immediately disclose details of this failed bid, especially as Congress is currently discussing the national budget.”

Ridon also twitted the Aquino administration for being rebuffed because of corruption.

“[US President Barack] Obama’s refusal to give in to Aquino’s secret wish due to corruption and capacity issues… shows the extent of the Philippine government’s bad reputation when it comes to handling foreign aid. It seems that even the master is distrusting his loyal lapdog,” Ridon added.

Ridon said the New York Times report validated speculation that the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement that the country signed with the United States  would be used to reopen US military bases in Subic and Clark, which were booted out in 1991 in a historic vote in the Senate.

“When EDCA was signed, we warned against Washington’s economic and political motives, and now we’re seeing that such fear is not unfounded,” Ridon said

While acknowledging the need to strengthen the country’s territorial defenses, especially in light of China’s heightened encroachment in the West Philippine Sea, Ridon said the Philippines needs to guard against other powers, particularly the US, that would exploit the conflict to advance their own interests.

“The threat that Beijing poses for our national security is real and significant, yet it does not necessarily mean that we should allow US military forces unprecedented entry to our military bases and facilities. Claiming to defend national sovereignty from one bully by surrendering it to another bully is simply illogical,” he added.

“The US solution is not the answer to the growing unrest in the West Philippine Sea. We have entered into several similar pacts in the past, but did our country benefit from it? Clearly, no. Instead, agreements like the VFA [Visiting Forces Agreement] and the MDT [Mutual Defense Treaty] only served to further undermine our national sovereignty, drag us into Washington’s wars, and exploit our people and resources,” he said.

Ridon insisted that the so-called “US pivot in Asia” is part of a larger US scheme to ensure China’s cooperation with the US, as laid out in former US secretary of state Hillary Clinton’s foreign policy essay “America’s Pacific Century.”

“In the final analysis, the Philippines is again serving as a mere pawn in this hostile game of gaining the upper hand in the Asia-Pacific region,” Ridon said.

In Camp O’ Donnell in Capas, Tarlac, the Army test-fired six US-made M113A2 armored personnel carriers that the Defense Department acquired through a grant from the US Army for excess stock, and which were refurbished by the Israeli company Elbit Systems.

The APCs were the first of 28 units that Elbit Systems is refurbishing for the Defense Department under a 2013 contract approved by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency.

The acquisition of 114 units more of same model through a grant in 2012 by the US DSCA has been approved.

Reports said the Defense Department had an allocated budget of P880 million to buy 14 new APCs but the Army chose to use the funds instead to refurbish used armored vehicles with modern technology and weapons systems.

Each APC was refurbished for P132 million.

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said the refurbished armored vehicles used Israeli technology and featured a remote control weapons system from Australia

Maj. Gen. Mayoralgo dela Cruz, commander of the Army’s Mechanized Infantry Division, said they were satisfied with refurbished units and the results of the live-fire tests.

“The firepower is accurate, and the gunner doesn’t have to leave the vehicle.  He’s inside and it’s like he’s playing a computer game where we can see the enemy at long range,” Dela Cruz said.

The units need to be passed by the Technical Inspection and Acceptance Committee before they can be turned over to the MID for deployment, he said.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2015/09/22/us-nixes-aid-plea/

IN PHOTOS: Army demonstrates firepower, accuracy of APC remote-controlled weapons from Israel

From Ang Malaya (Sep 21): IN PHOTOS: Army demonstrates firepower, accuracy of APC remote-controlled weapons from Israel

Six of the Philippine Army (PA) upgraded M-113A2 armed personnel carriers (APCs) demonstrated the accuracy and firepower of its .50 caliber remote-controlled weapons system (RCWS) Monday. Demonstration of this capability took place at the firing range of the PA’s Mechanized Infantry Division at Camp O’ Donnell, Capas town, Tarlac.

There, crewmen of the newly-acquired M-113A2 showed visiting media personnel, ranking defense officials, including Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, their capability to pick up and neutralize targets well above the 500 meter range.

This was made possible by the APCs’ laser-targeting system which has the capability to lock and track targets, MID public affairs office chief Major Filemon Tan said. He added that these six APCs are different from the older armored fighting vehicles as they no longer need gunners or military personnel to fire their weapons.





Tan said the firing of the guns can be made safely inside the vehicle.

The six APCs were transported to Tarlac last July 8. It arrived in the Philippines last June 18. It is part of 28 APC order deal with Israeli defense manufacturer Elbit Systems Ltd worth Php882 million. The contract was signed on June 22, 2014.

Fourteen of the M-113s will be configured as fire support vehicles, four as infantry fighting vehicles, six as armored personnel carriers, another four as armored recovery units. Upgrades include installation of 25 mm unmanned turrets, 12.7 mm (.50 caliber machineguns) RCWS and fire control systems (FCS) for 90 mm turrets.

http://www.angmalaya.net/nation/2015/09/21/13561-in-photos-army-demonstrates-firepower-accuracy-of-apc-remote-controlled-weapons-from-israel

Army shows 55 units of hard-hitting machineguns for armored carriers

From Ang Malaya (Sep 21): Army shows 55 units of hard-hitting machineguns for armored carriers

Philippine Army’s Mechanized Infantry Division (MID) did not only demonstrate today its newly acquired Armored Personnel Carriers (APC) M-113s armed with .50 caliber machineguns remote-controlled weapons system (RCWS) from Israel but it also showed 55 units of the hard-hitting .50 caliber machine guns to arm APCs of the Army.

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief General Hernando DCA Iriberri and MID commander Major General Mayoralgo Dela Cruz were present during the said event earlier today at Camp O’ Donnell, Capas town, Tarlac. Members of the press were also invited to witness the weapons demonstration.

55 units of the hard-hitting .50 caliber machine guns. PNA photo

 

Major General Dela Cruz also disclosed that they are expecting the delivery of 114 M-113 from United States, declared as excess defense articles, to start in November. “Hopefully, they will arrive by the middle of November this year.” Dela Cruz noted that the government did not pay any money for the acquisition of these M-113s except for the shipping and refurbishment costs.

The 114 M-113s are apart from the 28 M-113s being upgraded by Israeli defense manufacturer Elbit Systems Ltd worth PhP882 million, six of which are already with the MID. Fourteen of 28 M-113s will be configured as fire support vehicles (with fire control systems for 90 mm turret), four as infantry fighting vehicles (with 25 mm unmanned turret), and four as armored recovery units.

http://www.angmalaya.net/nation/2015/09/21/13585-army-shows-55-units-of-hard-hitting-machineguns-for-armored-carriers

MILF to accused members: Get your own lawyers

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Sep 21): MILF to accused members: Get your own lawyers

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will not prevent its members from seeking legal assistance on their own once the Department of Justice files murder charges against them in connection with the deaths of 44 police commandos during the Mamasapano fighting in January.

Last week, President Benigno Aquino III said 90 members of the MILF, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and private armed groups would be charged in the deaths of 44 members of the police Special Action Force (SAF) during a mission to arrest Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir alias Marwan.

READ: Raps OKd vs 90 MILF, BIFF, others in slay of 35 SAF in Mamasapano

Aside from the 44 SAF members, at least 17 rebels and five civilians were killed in the daylong fighting in Mamasapano, Maguindanao.

MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal, in a statement Sunday, said the group’s central committee would not stop their members from defending themselves if they faced prosecution.

“We do not ask them not to do something that would help them get out of that whole problem,” Iqbal said.

“It can include legal, maybe access to lawyers. On the individual decision-making, they can access lawyers on their own personal capacity. We will not stop them,” he said.

Iqbal explained the MILF as an organization was not a party to the case.

“What the MILF can do is invoke the provisions of existing mechanisms of the peace process. That is a binding agreement, particularly the provision on ceasefire, as far as the government and MILF are concerned,” he said.

Iqbal said the group would rather leave it to the public to decide on the Mamasapano incident, although it was standing by the findings of the MILF’s own investigation.

“There are five to six versions of the incident. So let the people decide which one is the truth or leading to the truth,” he said.

“On the findings of the MILF investigating team, that’s official. We hold that as the official version, but we have buried this issue already. We do not want to revive it because those who died both on the side of the government and the MILF are already resting in their graves,” he said.

The MILF earlier said its members who were involved in the encounter would be punished based on their violations of the MILF’s BIAF code of conduct and in accordance with Sharia Law.http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/723878/milf-to-accused-members-get-your-own-lawyers

Army says NPA recruiting lumad

From ABS-CBN (Sep 21): Army says NPA recruiting lumad

The head of the Philippine Army on Monday said soldiers are not involved and will never be involved in any abuse or killings of the Lumad of Mindanao.

Philippine Army chief Lt. Gen. Eduardo Ano said that as members of the Armed Forces, a soldier's duty is to protect the people.

He said there should be emphasis on caring for the Lumad and indigenous people because they are the most marginalized sector in our society.

He said the campaign plan of the Armed Forces in Mindanao is very IP-centric meant to uplift and protect the rights of the Lumad.

He said that based on their study and research, it is the New People's Army that has been taking advantage of the Lumad by using their dire situation to recruit them and fight against government.

He said based on their research, three out of four members of the NPA in Eastern Mindanao were recruited from the Lumad and now belong to the Pulang Bagani Command I that was once headed by Commander Parago.

The statement was made after the closing ceremony of the Malaysia Philippines land training activity, which highlighted the sharing of the best practices in humanitarian response and disaster response.

Public outrage over the plight of the lumad reached its peak after three IPs, including a school head, were gunned down in Lianga, Surigao del Sur last September 1.

The fatalities were identified as Emerito Samarca, executive director of lumad school Alternative Learning Center for Agriculture and Livelihood Development; Manobo leader Dionel Campos; and his cousin Bello Sinzo.

Human rights group Karapatan accused the paramilitary group Mahagat-Bagani of being behind the killing. It likewise accused the military of causing the displacement of lumads in Mindanao.

The military has denied the existence of the paramilitary group and said several lumad are empathizing with communist rebels.
 http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/09/21/15/army-says-npa-recruiting-lumad

Joint Task Group Sulu launches offensive vs Abu Sayyaf brigands, foreign cohorts in Sulu

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 22): Joint Task Group Sulu launches offensive vs Abu Sayyaf brigands, foreign cohorts in Sulu
 

The Joint Task Group Sulu (JTGS) operating units have launched simultaneous focused military operations (FMO) on Tuesday targeting the senior Abu Sayyaf brigand leaders and their foreign cohorts in Sulu.

Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado, JTGS commander, said the concentration of the FMO under Oplan “Castigation 17-15” are the towns of Indanan, Parang, Patikul and Talipao where the Abu Sayyaf brigands are based.

Arrojado named the targeted senior Abu Sayyaf brigand leaders of the FMO as Radulan Sahiron, Hatib Hajan Sawajaan, Yasser Igasan, Mohammad Said alias Amah Maas, Muammar Askali alias Abu Rami, Jamiri Jaong Jawhari, and Hairulla Asbang.

Arrojado said the foreign cohorts of the Abu Sayyaf brigands include Indonesian and Malaysian nationals and three of them were identified as Mohammad Najib Bin Husen with aliases Abraham and Anas, Mujammad Joraimee Bin Awang Raimee alias Abu Nur and Mahmud Bin Amad with aliases Doctor and Abu Handzalah.

He said the simultaneous FMO is also aimed to rescue the kidnap victims who are still in the hands of the Abu Sayyaf brigands in Sulu.

The Abu Sayyaf brigands are believed to be holding more than 10 people including some foreigners as well as Mayor Gemma Adana of Naga, Zamboanga Sibugay.

Adana was seized while she was with relatives and friends in her residence in Barangay Taytay Manubo, Naga, last April 6.

Meanwhile, Arrojado requested Sulu Gov. Abdusakur Tan II to advise the members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) “to stay within their communities and avoid bringing of firearms outside their enclaves.”

Arrojado emphasized that the “MNLF (members) are not our targets,” citing the target of the FMO also include the Abu Sayyaf brigands who harassed on Monday the residents of Barangay Sandah, Patikul.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=806665

Rebels torch engineering equipment in Masbate

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 22): Rebels torch engineering equipment in Masbate

Units of the 9th Infantry Division are now pursuing the New People's Army (NPA) band who torched four units of engineering equipment in Mandaon town, Masbate Monday early morning.

In a belated report, Capt. Mardjorie Paimela Panesa, 9th Infantry Division public affairs office chief, said the incident took place 4 a.m. in Barangay Dayao, of the above-mentioned locality.

Destroyed were one backhoe, two dump trucks, and a cement mixer owned by the Hitone Construction and Development Corporation.

Panesa said the company was building a connecting road from Barangay Alas to Barangay Tagpu when attacked by the NPA bandits for still unknown reasons.

Investigation and pursuit operations are still ongoing as of this posting.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=806648

Filipina, 3 foreigners abducted in Samal island

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Sep 22): Filipina, 3 foreigners abducted in Samal island

(Updated) Four persons—three of them foreigners—were snatched by armed men in a resort in the Island Garden City of Samal in Davao del Norte on Monday evening.

Senior Supt Aaron Aquino, deputy regional director for operations of the Philippine National Police Region 11, said around three unidentified armed men stormed the Ocean View Resort at around 11:41 p.m. and snatched two foreign guests and the resort’s owner, along with a still unidentified Filipino woman.

Aquino identified two of the victims as Canadian John Ridsdel and Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad, the owner of Ocean’s view.

Capt. Alberto Caber, the regional military spokesperson, identified the third victim as Robert Hall, also a Canadian national.

Senior Supt. Samuel Gadingan, Davao del Norte police chief, said the Filipino woman remains unidentified.

Aquino said the suspects fled with the victims aboard a speedboat and was last reported heading towards Pantukan in Compostela Valley.

He said the armed men overpowered the resort’s security guards, which was why they were not able to put up a fight.

“There was no shootout with the security guards. They were overpowered,” Aquino said.

Local authorities are presently conducting pursuit operations against perpetrators, he said.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/128697/2-canadians-abducted-in-samal-island

Armed men abduct 3 foreigners from Samal Island resort

From InterAksyon (Sep 22): Armed men abduct 3 foreigners from Samal Island resort

Naval units are now tracking down a lawless group who abducted three foreigners from the Oceanview Resort, Barangay Camudmud, Babak, Samal Island, Davao del Norte Monday night.

The incident took place at 10:30 p.m., Joint Task Group Sulu commander Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado said.

Kidnapped were the Norwegian manager of the resort, a Canadian, and a tourist of still unknown nationality.

"Two Japanese tourists tried to intervene but failed (to stop the suspects)," Arrojado added.

At the time of the attack, there were more or less 30 tourist visitors in the area.

The abductors immediately fled with their captives aboard a motorized banca.

Three Navy gunboats, PG-390, PS-32 ,and PG-381, are now conducting barrier and pursuit operations.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/117842/armed-men-abduct-3-foreigners-from-samal-island-resort

Next steps in MILF decommissioning process depend on BBL, says JNC member

From MindaNews (Sep 21): Next steps in MILF decommissioning process depend on BBL, says JNC member
 

The next steps in the decommissioning process for the Moro Islamic Liberation Front will depend on the progress in the deliberations on the Bangsamoro Basic Law in Congress, a member of the Joint Normalization Committee said Monday.

“Depende lang sa BBL (It depends on the BBL), Maj. Gen. Leo Cresente Ferrer, a JNC member representing the government, told reporters during the Security Summit organized by the committee at the Waterfront Insular Hotel Davao.

In the House of Representatives, BBL deliberations had been stalled by lack of quorum during sessions.

In the Senate, Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has supplanted the draft BBL submitted by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission with a new bill.

These developments have led to doubts the BBL would be passed before Congress adjourns and the campaign for the 2016 election starts.

Ferrer, however, still sounded optimistic. “If there’s a will, there’s a way.”

The general’s statement echoed the position of GPH peace panel chair Miriam Coronel-Ferrer that “the normalization process will be implemented simultaneously with the political process”.

Coronel-Ferrer issued such statement during the special meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in September last year between the GPH and MILF peace panels to formalize the Independent Decommissioning Body and other mechanisms related to the normalization process.

The MILF has yet to submit to the IDB a list of additional combatants for decommissioning, Ferrer said.

In a media forum in Cagayan de Oro City in February this year, the MILF peace panel also declared that the pace of the normalization process would depend on the progress of the implementation of the peace agreement.

The decommissioning process started in June this year with the turnover of 75 high-powered firearms and crew-served weapons to the IDB at Camp Darapanan in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao. One hundred forty-five MILF fighters were also processed for their transition into civilian life.

The IDB is composed of three foreign experts from Turkey, Brunei and Norway and four local experts nominated by the GPH and MILF. Its task is to oversee the decommissioning of MILF forces and weapons.

Ferrer said they are planning to set up to 10 assembly processing areas where members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces will be convened, interviewed, and assessed based on their needs and skills, so that they can start transitioning from rebel to civilian life.

“Some persons from the government and MILF will go there to interview the combatants in order to determine if they are real MILF members. The transformation councilors will transform them into civilians,” he said.

“The JNC is tasked to undertake the primary functions of coordinating the process of normalization,” he said in his presentation.

“All movements will be coordinated and controlled by both the MILF and the government with the IDB and the existing peace mechanisms,” he said.

Under the JNC, he said the Joint Peace and Security Committee has been created, which “coordinates with the two parties and command structures on security arrangements and relevant to its functions.”

The JPSC also develops policies and operational guidelines for the effective partnership of the Joint Peace and Security Teams and coordinates the security arrangements for the activities related to the implementation of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro and its annexes.

“The JPSTs shall be the operating units composed of contingents of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, and MILF’s BIAF,” Ferrer added.

Lawyer Naguib Sinarimbo, member of the JNC-MILF, added that one of functions of the JPST as agreed by the parties is to empower and develop new skills for the former MILF fighters as they transition into civilian life.

“There are several activities that will have to be undertaken. Skills for planning and managing projects. Planning itself is not yet the technical stage of decommissioning because it is to be undertaken in phases,” he said.

MILF chair Al Haj Murad Embrahim earlier said they will continue to push for the implementation of the Comprehensive Agreement of the Bangsamoro even if the BBL would not be passed.

Aside from the IDB and JNC, the two parties also formed theTransitional Justice and Reconciliation Commission which will undertake a study and recommend to the panels the appropriate mechanisms for transitional justice and reconciliation.

http://www.mindanews.com/peace-process/2015/09/21/next-steps-in-milf-decommissioning-process-depends-on-bbl-says-jnc-member/

Former NPA men in Catanduanes return to normal life, get livelihood help from OPAPP

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 21): Former NPA men in Catanduanes return to normal life, get livelihood help from OPAPP

Life is back to normal now for a band of former communist rebels in Catanduanes who have surrendered to the military to relive a peaceful civilian life.

Not only that they were readily accepted by the government but also all the 14 of them were also given cash incentives to be used in starting up livelihood activities within a free, democratic society.

Among them is a 34 year-old father of three who was a farm laborer in his barangay in Pandan, Catanduanes when recruited into the armed group seven years ago but opted to surrender to the Philippine Army (PA) unit operating in the province early this year.

“After all those agonizing years, I realized that life is going nowhere fighting for the rebellious movement. I am so grateful that the government accepted me back with open arms and is helping me start anew with my family and community,” he said in the local dialect in a statement recently released by the PA's 9TH Infantry “Spear” Division based in Pili, Camarines Sur.

In the same statement, Maj. Gen. Yerson Depayso said the 14 Catanduanes rebel-returnees (RRs) who were members of the New People’s army (NPA) unit operating in the province surrendered en masse to the 83rd Infantry Battalion (IB), the PA contingent assigned in the province.

Among the help extended by the government to these 14 returnees, Depayso said, is the Php50,000 seed money for their chosen livelihood project each of them received last week from the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) under the Aquino administration’s Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP).

The CLIP is a program that aims to facilitate the mainstreaming of former rebels as productive citizens.

Its implementation is institutionalized by a Joint Memorandum Circular signed between the Department of Interior and Local Government and the OPAPP to help former NPA rebels who seek to contribute towards achieving the goal of permanent and peaceful closure of all armed conflicts.

One of the successful features of CLIP is the close collaboration between the military, social welfare agencies and education wherein the government will support them in capacity-building, sustainable employment and psychosocial interventions, among others, Depayso said.

Apart from the Php50,000, he said, each of these RRs also had already received Php15,000 in cash incentive for surrendering with their firearms and Php2,700 as welcome gift.

Under the CLIP, each NPA rebel who surrenders to the government with firearm is given monetary grant amounting to Php15,000 and Php50,000 for livelihood assistance, apart from livelihood skills training and educational support for them and their dependents.

Some of the “Catanduanes 14” were also provided by the Department of Labor and Employment with livelihood kits while the others have enlisted with the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit and now assigned with various PA units in the province and receiving regular monthly stipends and allowances, Depayso said.

The Catanduanes provincial government has also invited the Department of Agriculture, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and the Department of Trade and Industry for additional assistance that could be provided for them to be more productive members of peaceful communities, he said.

In a separate statement, Catanduanes Governor Araceli Wong said she is grateful to the application of CLIP to these RRs and their inclusion in government programs that are now being unloaded by the national administration to local units.

The financial and non-monetary assistance that these RRs are getting show the sincerity of the Aquino administration in pursuing the peace process and in addressing the root causes of uprising, like poverty and lack of livelihood opportunities, Wong said.

All returnees have also conformed to the recent declaration by the Armed Forces of the Philippines of Catanduanes as already a “Conflict Manageable and Ready for Development” area, given that the local insurgency problem had already been contained, she noted.

The declaration was formalized late last year based on the recommendation made by the Provincial Peace and Order Council, which said “the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA-National Democratic Front politico-military organizations in the province have been reduced to a minimal level that they can no longer pose a serious threat to peace and order in the island.”

It can be recalled that until the end of the 1980s, the, island known to be a quiet place, was a model of peaceful and religious communities, being spared from the bloody and vicious activities of the NPA rebels taking place in the Bicol mainland.

In 1990s, the guerrilla movement crossed Maqueda Bay, the body of water that narrowly separates the island from Camarines Sur, to radiate its force and established a foothold in over 100 villages it has influenced over years of staging attacks on undermanned police stations, ambuscades and liquidation of lawmen as well as civilians who refused to cooperate.

That shattered the peaceful identity of the province, compelling the AFP to field in 2001 soldiers of the PA under different units of its 9th ID to reinforce the local police in engaging the rebels in the battle front.

In about four years of relentless campaign both in the mountainous and lowland terrains of the province, the soldiers and the police were able to liberate all barangays from the influence of the rebels and reduced the NPA's force from about 200 fully-armed guerrillas to only 27 with 14 firearms as of the middle of last year.

The victory of the province against the NPA comes as a result of the heightened internal peace and security operations and peace and development programs of the government with the support of all stakeholders, Depayso said.

With this, he added, the AFP has already turned over to the Catanduanes provincial government the lead role in undertaking the province’s internal peace and security efforts.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=806293

Protest rally marks 43rd Martial Law anniversary in Northern Mindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 21): Protest rally marks 43rd Martial Law anniversary in Northern Mindanao

A protest rally marked the commemoration of the declaration of Martial Law in the country as human rights groups in Northern Mindanao joined the nationwide indignation rally of the military rule 43 years ago.

As the protest kick-off Monday morning, human rights group here led by the KARAPATAN marched to the regional office of the Commissions on Human Rights (CHR) to compel the CHR to act on cases filed against the military with alleged human rights violations in Northern Mindanao.

Fr. Chris Ablon, the spokesperson of KARAPATAN (Rights) in Northern Mindanao Region, said that the human rights groups have filed cases against the military for alleged violation of human rights against members of the Indigenous Peoples (IPs) in the region.

Charged before the regional Commissions on Human Rights (CHR) here are elements of the First Scout Ranger Battalion under Col. Nasser Ladasan of the army’s 4th Infantry Division, based in Cagayan De Oro City.

Ablon said that the cases stemmed from the alleged massacre of members of the IPs in Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon mid this year.

He said that one incident took place in Bugna, Misamis Oriental sometime in March this year where five members of the IPs were reportedly killed by elements of the scout battalion and the other in Pangantucan, Bukidnon where another five IPs were killed on suspicion that they were insurgents.

Datu Jomorito Guaynon, head of the Kalumbay, a Bukidnon-based organization of IPs, also joined in the filing of the cases in the CHR regional office here, Ablon said.

He said that the human rights groups also hold a protest rally Monday afternoon to condemn the killing of the IPs and other violations committed by the military in Northern Mindanao.

Ablon said that the protest rally also dramatized the people’s condemnation against the military rule and urged the government to act on alleged human rights violations against the IPs in Northern Mindanao.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=806428

Military: tribal war leads to killing of ‘Lumads’ in Surigao

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 21): Military: tribal war leads to killing of ‘Lumads’ in Surigao

Tribal wars led to the killing of three “lumads” (natives) in Lianga, Surigao Del Sur, last September 1, the military said Monday.

Capt. Patrick Martinez, spokesperson of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division here, said that findings were released by the task force investigating on the killing of three members of Indigenous People (IP) and the burning of two cooperative stores in Diatagon, Lianga, Surigao Del Sur last Sept. 1, 2015.

He said that “Task Force Tejero,” a group of various government law enforcement agencies created by Gov. Johnny Pimentel, of Surigao Del Sur, to go after the “Tejero group,” believed responsible in the killings, are now looking into “tribal war” as the motive of the killings.

Killed in the Diatagon, Lianga massacre were Emerito Samarca, 54, the executive director of the Alternative Learning Center for Agriculture and Livelihood Development (Alcadev), Dionel Campos, chair of a local farmers group, the Malahutayong Pakigbisog alang sa Sumusunod (MAPASU) and his cousin Bello Sinzo, reportedly all members of the “Manobo” tribal community.

Martinez said the provincial police command in Surigao Del Sur have identified and filed cases against Mr Bobby Tejero, Loloy Tejero, Gairto Layno and John Does with Multiple Murder, Grave Threats, Grave Coercion, Arson, and Robbery on September 7, 2015 in connection with the killings.

The military has also issued an official statement that the Tejeros and their group are not members of the military’s auxiliary forces or paramilitary forces in Surigao Del Sur, Martinez said.

He said the police initial investigation also found out that the incident in Diatagon, Lianga could be the result of “pangayaw” (tribal war) and that the government’s law enforcements agencies are now on the trail of the “Tejero Group.”

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=806429

Muslim preacher dies in ASG attack in Patikul, Sulu

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 21): Muslim preacher dies in ASG attack in Patikul, Sulu

A Muslim preacher was killed in an attacked staged by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) brigands in the hinterlands of Sulu, a top military official disclosed Monday.

Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado, Joint Task Group commander, said the attack took place around 1:45 p.m. Monday in Barangay Sandah, Patikul, Sulu.

Arrojado said the Abu Sayyaf brigands numbering to around 150 followers led by Ninok Safare and Hatib Hajan Sawajaan positioned at Patikul Hill and harassed the residents of Barangay Sandah.

Arrojado said the BPAT members of Barangay Sandah “organized themselves to counter the ASG harassment” that triggered a 30-minute firefight.

He said the firefight resulted to the death of a Baddiri Jamdane, a recognized Imam of Barangay Sandah, Patikul.

He said the troops from the Army’s 35th Infantry Battalion “immediately deployed its quick reaction force” and provided assistance to the BPAT members of Barangay Sandah.

He said the ASG brigands fled after the troops pounded their positions with mortar shells.

He added the ASG brigands staged the attack as they were irked by the insistence of the residents in the area to push through with the concreting of the circumferential road linking the barangay of Sandah to Tugas, Patikul.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=806465

Joint Normalization Committee holds Mindanao Security Summit

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 21): Joint Normalization Committee holds Mindanao Security Summit

The Joint Normalization Committee (JNC) conducted a Mindanao Security Summit here at the Waterfront Hotel Monday, recognizing security as a main concern of the people in the conflict-affected areas of Mindanao.

Among its objectives, the Summit gives opportunity to all organizations working on security to present their activities and plans; and a platform for increased coordination and collaboration between the JNC and civil society organizations working on security-related issues.

The JNC was created by the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) last October with a purpose of coordinating efforts to keep and improve security. Its creation is parallel to a number of national and international NGOs and academic institutions implementing projects to address peoples’ security concerns.

The ongoing event, spearheaded by the Asia Foundation and the Conciliation Resources, is participated by the members of the JNC from the GPH and MILF; representatives from international donor agencies; civil society organizations (CSOs) implementing security initiatives in the Bangsamoro; members of the GPH and MILF Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH); Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG); International Monitoring Team (IMT); and International Decommissioning Body, among others.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=806524

Military-PNP intensify hot pursuit operations vs. abductors of Army man in Agusan del Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 21): Military-PNP intensify hot pursuit operations vs. abductors of Army man in Agusan del Sur

Hot pursuit operations by the military and police are ongoing against the heavily armed abductors of an army corporal over the weekend, at a remote hinter municipality of Agusan del Sur province.

Agusan del Sur Police reported Sunday to the regional police headquarters here that about 30 fully armed men and five Amazons (female guerilla members) abducted forcibly a member of the military at 9:00 a.m. Saturday at Km. 16, Brgy. Policarpio, San Luis in Agusan del Sur.

Police investigation identified the victim as Corporal Adriano Dela Pena Bingil, a member of the Alpha Company, 26th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army and a Community Organizer for Peace and Development squad team leader based at Mahagsay Patrol Base, Brgy. Mahagsay, San Luis of the said province.

The police report said that Corporal Bingil was on his way from his patrol base going to San Luis proper on board a black single Rusi Motorcycle driven by a certain Elmer V. Gallerno. Their vehicle was among those flagged down by the said armed group believed to be members of the Guerilla Front 88 of the Northeastern Mindanao Revolutionary Committee (NEMRC) led by an unknown leader which had conducted a checkpoint at the said place.

The armed men commanded the victim to disembark from his motorcycle and took and examined the content of his wallet. Upon knowing that the victim was a member of the AFP based on the identification card found in his wallet, his hands were bound and took him with them as they escaped towards the hinter area of the said town. The other motorists however, were released unharmed.

Upon the receipt of the report, San Luis Municipal Police Station immediately coordinated with the 26th IB, PA and the barangay officials of the area to gather information on the status, location and whereabouts of the victim.

PCSupt. Vert T. Chavez, Caraga PNP chief in a local radio interview this morning said that he had already directed the Agusan del Sur Police Provincial Office to coordinate with the AFP in the area towards the resolution of the incident and the safe release of the abducted army corporal.

 

Furthermore, personnel from the Alpha Company of the 26th IB are also presently conducting hot pursuit operations for the possible neutralization of the armed group and the safe release of the victim.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=806542

4 soldiers wounded in clash between Army, NPA in Bukidnon

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 21): 4 soldiers wounded in clash between Army, NPA in Bukidnon

An alert Army patrol foiled a rebel attack in a mountain village in Bukidnon on Sunday, but four soldiers were wounded in the ensuing firefight, the military reported Monday.

A report said that the Army patrol clashed with suspected members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in the mountains of Kitaotao, Bukidnon while village officials were holding a meeting.

Capt. Norman Tagros, spokesperson of the Army’s 8IB, said that village chief Felipe S. Cabugnason of White Kuliman, a mountain village in Kitaotao, Bukidnon, called the military after noticing a group of armed men, not far from the village.

He said that the responding army soldiers of the 8IB caught and encountered the armed group believed to be members of the New People’s Army (NPA), which resulted in the 30-minute firefight.

Tagros said that the rebels detonated an improvised explosive device against the pursuing government troopers, which injured four Army personnel. However, he did not identify the wounded soldiers.

He said that the residents in the village of White Kuliman claimed that the NPA rebels threatened to kill them after the village residents reportedly denied entry to non-government organizations (NGOs) in the village last month.

Tagros said the village chief alleged that the NGOs want the military to leave the place. However, residents wanted the soldiers to stay due to their fear that the NPA rebels would take over the place and kill them.

Lt. Col. Lennon B. Babilonia, commanding officer of the Army’s 8IB, condemned the continued deployment of the landmines by the NPAs and urged the local village residents to support the military in their security operations in Bukidnon.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=806576

Army optimistic to achieve rebel-free Leyte this year

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 21): Army optimistic to achieve rebel-free Leyte this year

The Philippine Army hopes the entire province of Leyte will be declared insurgency-free this year.

This seems far-fetched, though, based on the information revealed by the 19th Infantry Battalion (IB) that only 32.5 percent of the 43 cities and towns in the province have been declared insurgency-free.

In his presentation during a peace forum on Sept. 19, Lt. Col. Reymondo A. Delgado, acting commanding officer of 19th IB, bared that only 14 towns have been declared as insurgency-free in the province. The first was Matag-ob on June 12, 2014 followed by Merida on Sept. 4 the same year.

The latest town to be declared insurgency-free is Alangalang last Sept. 1. Tunga will be added to the list with a formal declaration set on Sept. 23. The others – Palompon, Tabango, Barugo, Babatngon, San Miguel, Pastrana, Leyte, Tolosa, Dagami, Calubian and Sta. Fe were declared this year.

Four more towns are set to be declared insurgency-free - Palo, Kananga, Tanauan and San Isidro. “The resolution declaring the towns insurgency-free have been approved by the municipal councils. It’s just a matter of ceremony,” he said.

As for Tacloban City and the towns of Isabel, Villaba, Capoocan, Carigara and Jaro, Delgado said they have yet to present the resolutions to the municipal councils of their respective local governments.

However, Delgado noted the same cannot be said for Ormoc.

“We are still in the process of evaluating threat groups in Ormoc,” he went on.

He assured though that the Philippine National Police, military and civil authorities can handle Ormoc’s peace and order situation.

For his part, Maj. Cyril P. Dawatin, logistics officer of 802nd Infantry (Peerless) Brigade, hopes Ormoc and the rest of Leyte will be declared insurgency-free before year end.

Carrying the theme “Unity Towards Peace and Prosperity,” the multi-sectoral peace forum was conducted by 802IB in observance of the 12th National Peace Consciousness Month to raise awareness of the role of stakeholders in maintaining peace in the community.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=806505

5 soldiers hurt in Bukidnon IED blast

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 21): 5 soldiers hurt in Bukidnon IED blast

Five soldiers of the 8th Infantry Battalion were wounded after a rebel improvised explosive device (IED) exploded in Kitaotao, Bukidnon on Sunday morning.

Capt. Alberto Caber, Eastern Mindanao Command public affairs office chief, said the wounded troopers were conducting pursuit operations against New People's Army (NPA) forces at Barangay Pagan, Kitaotao town when the explosion took place at 8:20 a.m.

A five-minute firefight transpired and resulted in the wounding of an undetermined number of rebels.

Caber identified the wounded soldiers as 2nd Lt. Noel Manalang, Sgt. Ruel Lavalle, Pfc. Abdurasan Ibnomusa, Pfc. Ravi Pamalison and Pfc. Marvin Dancel

He said that the perpetrators are members of the Guerrilla Front 53, Southern Mindanao Regional Committee of the NPA, who were responsible for the aborted liquidation attempt of White Kulaman Barangay chairman Felipe S. Cabugnason last Saturday.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=806327

PA demonstrates firepower, accuracy of M-113A2

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 21): PA demonstrates firepower, accuracy of M-113A2

Six of the Philippine Army (PA) refurbished M-113A2 armed personnel carriers (APCs) demonstrated the accuracy and firepower of its . 50 caliber remote-controlled weapons system (RCWS) Monday.

Demonstration of this capability took place at the firing range of the PA's Mechanized Infantry Division at Camp O' Donnell, Capas town, Tarlac.

There, crewmen of the newly-acquired M-113A2 showed visiting media personnel, ranking defense officials, including Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, their capability to pick up and neutralize targets well above the 500 meter range.

This was made possible by the APCs' laser-targeting system which has the capability to lock and track targets, MID public affairs office chief Major Filemon Tan said.

He added that these six APCs are different from the older armored fighting vehicles as they no longer need gunners or military personnel to fire their weapons.

Tan said the firing of the guns can be made safely inside the vehicle.

The six APCs were transported to Tarlac last July 8. It arrived in the Philippines last June 18.

It was part of 28 APC order deal with Israeli defense manufacturer Elbit Systems Ltd worth Php882 million.

The contract was signed on June 22, 2014.

Fourteen of the M-113s will be configured as fire support vehicles, four as infantry fighting vehicles, six as armored personnel carriers, another four as armored recovery units.

Upgrades include installation of 25 mm unmanned turrets, 12.7 mm (.50 caliber machineguns) RCWS and fire control systems (FCS) for 90 mm turrets.

The PA operates around 343 AFVs (armored fighting vehicles) and APCs.

Around 85 percent of these AFVs are on green status (fully mission capable) while another 10 percent are on yellow status (undergoing repair) and five percent are on red (beyond repair)

One hundred and fifty of these are the United Kingdom-built GKN "Simba" with the remaining AFVs consisting of US designed V-150 and V-200 APCs, M-113s, Turkish made ACV-300s and British Scorpion CVRTs.

These vehicles give the PA its armor capability and are organized into a 14-vehicle mechanized infantry companion for deployment with regular units.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=806332

PA's Mechanized Infantry Division to get another 114 M-113s

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 21): PA's Mechanized Infantry Division to get another 114 M-113s

The Philippine Army (PA)'s Mechanized Infantry Division(MID) is scheduled to get another 114 M-113 armored personnel carriers (APCs) starting November this year.

"Hopefully, they will arrive by the middle of November this year," MID head Major Gen. Mayoralgo Dela Cruz said in an interview Monday.

All will be coming from the US as these are declared "Excess Defense Articles."

Dela Cruz said the Philippines did not pay any money for the acquisition of these M-113s except for the shipping and refurbishment costs.

The PA operates around 343 AFVs (armored fighting vehicles) and APCs.

Around 85 percent of these AFVs are on green status (fully mission capable) while another 10 percent are on yellow status (undergoing repair) and five percent are on red (beyond repair).

One hundred and fifty of these are the United Kingdom-built GKN "Simba" with the remaining AFVs consisting of US designed V-150 and V-200 APCs, M-113s, Turkish made ACV-300s and British Scorpion CVRTs.

These vehicles give the PA its armor capability and are organized into a 14-vehicle mechanized infantry companion for deployment with regular units.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=806349

PN starts 5-day fleet-marine amphibious exercise

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 21): PN starts 5-day fleet-marine amphibious exercise

The Philippine Navy (PN) formally started its five-day fleet-marine amphibious exercise "PAGSISIKAP 2015" Monday.

It was headed by Philippine Marine Corps deputy commandant Brig. Gen. Jose Cenabre.

Exercise “PAGSISIKAP” 2015 will be conducted in accordance with PN’s six-year exercise plan, under the Command Planning Guidance that will focus on amphibious operations and/or amphibious raid in littoral force which include command post exercise and field training exercise.

The amphibious exercise will be conducted in the areas of Sangley Point, Cavite City, Marine Barracks Gregorio Lim (MBGL), Ternate, Cavite and in the waters of Manila Bay.

The former is an annual event participated by the fleet and marine components of the PN.

This year, as the 12th iteration of this activity that began on 2003, will be comprised of series of extensive exercises and comprehensive training activities to enhance and strengthen the competencies and capabilities of a combine force of the PN units from the Philippine Fleet and the Philippine Marine Corps.

“PAGSISIKAP 2015" aims to test, evaluate and strengthen the capability of FMRF to plan for operations; mobilize, deploy and employ fleet-marine units; and execute special operations mission in a maritime environment in accordance with the fleet-marine concept of operations and other existing naval techniques, tactics and procedures as PN’s contribution to National Maneuver Force.

Likewise, to put emphasis on naval roles of defensive force projection and maritime security to support our contribution to national government effort in securing the upcoming Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit 2015, as well as, to include the naval reservists integration in naval operations.

The Fleet-Marine Ready Force (FMRF) is the designated unit of the PN in the conduct of the training activities with the participation of the Philippine Fleet and Philippine Marine Corps.

Enhancing capability through this exercise will enable the Fleet and Marine forces to assert more efficiency in the conduct of their mandated tasks.

It also hopes to test and assess the tactical level communications between the PN assets, as well as to strengthen mutual relationship and interoperability of the participants.

 

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=806432

MID to get anti-air capability with arrival of APCs fitted with 25mm RCWS

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 21): MID to get anti-air capability with arrival of APCs fitted with 25mm RCWS

The Philippine Army (PA)'s Mechanized Infantry Division (MID) will be getting an anti-aircraft capability with the arrival of the four armored personnel carriers (APCs) fitted with the 25mm remote-control weapon system (RCWS).

This was stressed by MID public affairs office chief Major Filemon Tan during the sidelights of the testing and demonstration of the .50 caliber RCWS-equipped APCs in Camp O' Donnel, Capas, Tarlac Monday.

Aside from having larger rounds and explosive capabilities, the 25mm RCWS-equipped APCs also has the range to deal with helicopters and attack aircraft.

These can be done by using special "bursting" ammunition, Tan added.

The capability will allow the MID to deal with airborne threats, he stressed.

These APCs are expected to arrive by next year along with the 14 armored vehicles fitted with 76mm turrets and the four armored recovery vehicles.

Tan said the 76mm armed APCs will act as fire support and the PA's mobile anti-tank platform.

The Department of National Defense signed a 28 APC order deal with Israeli defense manufacturer Elbit Systems Ltd worth PhP882 million last June 22, 2014.

 http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=806421

Additional 114 M-113s to bring MID battalions up to strength

From the Philippine News Agency (Sep 21): Additional 114 M-113s to bring MID battalions up to strength

With the impending arrival of an additional 114 M-113 armored personnel carriers this November, all battalions of the Army's Mechanized Infantry Division (MID) will be bought to strength.

This was emphasized by MID public affairs office chief Major Felimon Tan during an interview Monday.

"Arrival of these additional armored vehicles will definitely bring all our mechanized infantry battalions up to strength," he said in Filipino when asked what these APCs can do to the MID's capabilities.

A Philippine mechanized infantry battalion is supposed to have 36 armored vehicles as fighting force but due to lack of equipment, some units are operating only 26 to 27 APCs which is below their mandated complement.

And with all its battalions up to strength, it can deployed more units for whatever missions the Armed Forces of the Philippines can assign to it.

The MID is known to be operating 343 to 345 armored vehicles of all types as of this posting.

The first batch of the US-made, although declared "Excess Defense Articles," is expected to arrive by mid-November.

The Philippine government did not pay a single centavo for this acquisition although it has to shoulder the cost of shipping and refurbishment of these APCs.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=806557