Delfin NIR Army head

From the Visayan Daily Star (Nov 19): Delfin NIR Army head

Col. Francisco Delfin has been designated as commander of the Philippine Army troops in the Negros Island Region (NIR).

This was confirmed Tuesday by Maj. Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero, commanding general of the Army's 3rd Infantry Division, who said there will be only one commander to oversee the internal security operations, following the creation of the NIR.

The 302nd Infantry Brigade that used to be assigned in Negros Oriental, is now stationed in Bohol, that is still under the jurisdiction of 3ID.

With the pull-out of 302nd Brigade and its operating unit, the 47th Infantry Battalion, Guerrero said the area of Negros Oriental is now under the operational control of the 303rd Infantry Brigade headed by Delfin.

Delfin is now supervising three Army infantry battalion – 62IB in northern Negros, 11IB in central Negros and 79IB in southern Negros.

Both the  11IB and 79IB used to be under the supervision of the 302nd Infantry Brigade based  Tanjay, Negros Oriental.

As NIR Army chief, Delfin vows to continue the Oplan Bayanihan campaign, in tandem with various stakeholders.

 

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2015/November/19/topstory4.htm

Suspected NPA rebels snatch firearms of Digos City prosecutor in Davao Sur

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Nov 19): Suspected NPA rebels snatch firearms of Digos City prosecutor in Davao Sur

MAGSAYSAY, Davao del Sur, Philippines – Suspected communist rebels on Wednesday seized four firearms from a public prosecutor at a roadblock in a remote village here.

Senior Insp. Ricky Boy Remoroza, the town police chief, said Digos City prosecutor Christopher Abarilla reported that he and his family were traveling from Barangay Tacul here for Digos City when they were flagged down by some 20 armed men in military uniforms as they were passing by Barangay San Isidro around 4:30 p.m.

Remoroza said Abarilla, 61, told police that aside from his wife and son, two other men, identified as Mardonio Bocquil and Ednel Barinque, were with him onboard the family-owned Isuzu D-Max pickup truck.

He said that as the prosecutor’s vehicle pulled for a stop at the roadblock, one of the armed men introduced themselves as members of the New People’s Army (NPA).

Remoroza said the armed men rounded up the victims, inspected the car, and took the firearms – a Colt .45 caliber pistol; a Rock Island .45 caliber pistol; a Llama caliber .380 pistol; and an M2 carbine rifle with a loaded magazine.

He said Abarilla owned up to the firearms, which he claimed were all licensed.

He said Abarilla also reported that they were unharmed and were all released after the rebels confiscated the firearms.

Remoroza said the police, in coordination with the military, have launched a manhunt against the rebels.  http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/740902/suspected-npa-rebels-snatch-firearms-of-digos-city-prosecutor-in-davao-sur

PM Najib condemns beheading of hostage

From the Straits Times (Nov 19): PM Najib condemns beheading of hostage

He urges action against Abu Sayyaf militants for 'savage, barbaric' murder of Malaysian

Prime Minister Najib Razak yesterday condemned the beheading of Malaysian hostage Bernard Then by Abu Sayyaf militants in the Philippines, as the country reeled in shock from the horrendous deed.

"I, the government and all Malaysians are shocked and sickened by the murder of our countryman Bernard Then and we condemn it in its strongest terms," Datuk Seri Najib wrote on his official Facebook account.

Mr Najib, who is in Manila for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Economic Leaders' Meeting, also called for action to be taken "against those who have perpetrated this savage and barbaric act and ensure that they are brought to justice".

The 39-year-old victim's older brother, Christopher, appealed for privacy for the family to mourn their loss.

"For the last 188 days, we lived with hopes, yet hopelessness. With this dreaded news… may he rest in peace. We hope the governments of Malaysia and Philippines will expedite the search and repatriation of his body home," he said in a statement yesterday.

HEARTFELT SADNESS

I have a personal interest in the matter because I actually met Bernard's wife and the son of the other (kidnap) victim three months ago, and gave them the assurance both of them would come back safe... (I am) relieved to recover one hostage but (it is) unfortunate that the other was killed.

DEPUTY HOME AFFAIRS MINISTER NUR JAZLAN MOHAMED, whose ministry was involved in the hostage negotiations

Some Malaysians posted #JesuisBernard (I am Bernard) on Facebook while others offered their condolences to the Then family in an outpouring of grief.

The Philippine military said Mr Then was killed on Tuesday at an Abu Sayyaf stronghold on Jolo island. It said that a breakdown in negotiations for his release led to the beheading.

Philippine police officials said a severed head was found inside a sack with the words "Bernard Then Ted Fen" on Tuesday night.

Jolo police chief, Major Junpikar Sitin, told The Star daily that the head had been handed over to a military task force for DNA testing.

Mr Then was holidaying with his wife when he and seafood restaurant manager Thien Nyuk Fun, 50, were abducted in May in Sabah's Sandakan city. Ms Thien was freed earlier this month after the militants were reportedly paid 30 million pesos (S$900,000) in ransom.

Deputy Home Affairs Minister Nur Jazlan Mohamed, whose ministry was involved in the negotiations, expressed sadness at Mr Then's death.

"I have a personal interest in the matter because I actually met Bernard's wife and the son of the other (kidnap) victim three months ago, and gave them the assurance both of them would come back safe," Mr Jazlan told The Straits Times. "(I am) relieved to recover one hostage but (it is) unfortunate that the other was killed."

Opposition MP Stephen Wong of Sandakan called for Parliament to hold an emergency discussion today on the killing.

"All Asean countries must come together to discuss this matter and escalate east coast Sabah security problem to a major regional issue that all South-east Asia countries must seek for solutions," Mr Wong, of the Democratic Action Party, said in a statement.

http://www.straitstimes.com/asia/se-asia/pm-najib-condemns-beheading-of-hostage

Philippine militant group Abu Sayyaf: Who are they?

From the Free Malaysia Today (Nov 18): Philippine militant group Abu Sayyaf: Who are they?

The Abu Sayyaf sells itself as the saviour of Muslim communities in Mindanao and leaders last year pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group, which controls vast swathes of Syria and Iraq.



A Malaysian man held by Islamic militants for six months in the southern Philippines was confirmed killed on Wednesday.

Here are a series of questions and answers on the Abu Sayyaf, a US-listed terrorist organisation blamed for the murder of Bernard Then.

Who are they?

The Abu Sayyaf emerged in the early 1990s as a radical offshoot of a Muslim insurgency that has claimed 120,000 lives in the country’s south since the 1970s.

From its remote jungle bases on Jolo and Basilan islands the loosely organised group roams on fast boats to snatch hostages, including Western tourists and Christian missionaries, from other parts of the southern Philippines.

What is their agenda?

The Abu Sayyaf sells itself as the saviour of Muslim communities in Mindanao and leaders last year pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group, which controls vast swathes of Syria and Iraq.

The United States and United Nations list it as a terrorist organisation.

The Philippine military and security analysts regard its members as having little ideology, and as being primarily concerned in lucrative kidnappings for ransom.

Why does the threat persist?

From 2002-2014 about 500 US special forces advisers trained and provided intelligence to Philippine troops, which led to the killing or arrest of many Abu Sayyaf leaders.

US assistance was scaled back last year, with American officials saying the Abu Sayyaf’s ability to carry out international attacks had been neutralised.

The number of gunmen had been brought down from about 1,000 to roughly 300, according to Philippine military officials.

However, the surviving militants are able to roam the jungles of Basilan and Jolo islands, counting on support from local Muslim communities.

They also entice new recruits, and buy top-grade weapons, with money earned from kidnappings for ransom and other crimes, such as drug trafficking.

How dangerous are they?

Many Western and other embassies routinely issue warnings to their citizens in the Philippines against travel to most of the country’s Muslim-populated southern regions because of the risk of being abducted by the Abu Sayyaf.

Recent kidnappings, including of two Canadian tourists and a Norwegian resort owner in areas previously considered beyond the group’s reach, has raised fears further.

Then, the murdered Malaysian was kidnapped from a seaside restaurant in Malaysia’s Sabah state, about 300 kilometres from the Abu Sayyaf’s Jolo stronghold.

The group in 2004 also firebombed a ferry on Manila Bay, more than 1,000 kilometres to the north, killing more than 100 people in what is regarded as the Philippines’ deadliest terrorist attack.

Will a Muslim peace deal help?

President Benigno Aquino’s government last year signed a peace deal with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the country’s largest guerrilla group, aimed at ending decades of insurgency that the rebels warned has dangerously radicalised young Muslims.

If the deal goes through, the government hopes some of the MILF will be able to contain the much harder-line but smaller Abu Sayyaf.

But, due to a range of political obstacles, hopes are fading that the peace process will be finalised before Aquino steps down next year.

http://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/world/2015/11/18/philippine-militant-group-abu-sayyaf-who-are-they/

FACT SHEET: U.S. Building Maritime Capacity in Southeast Asia

From the White House (Nov 17): FACT SHEET: U.S. Building Maritime Capacity in Southeast Asia

For 70 years, the U.S. presence in the Asia-Pacific has been the foundation of regional peace, stability, and security in the region.  Our presence has supported the stability and openness necessary for the unimpeded flow of resources and trade across Asia’s waterways that has been critical to its unprecedented economic success.  In the current environment, we are enabling our allies and partners to modernize their maritime capabilities in order to address the evolving dynamics of the region.

We are increasing the maritime security capacity of our allies and partners, to respond to threats in waters off their coasts and to provide maritime security more broadly across the region.  We are not only focused on boosting capabilities, but also helping our partners develop the necessary infrastructure and logistical support, strengthen institutions, and enhance practical skills to develop sustainable and capable maritime forces.

Advancing Maritime Capabilities

We are expanding our regional maritime capacity building efforts by:

• Committing $119 million in FY 2015 to develop Southeast Asian maritime capabilities and will seek to provide $140 million in assistance during FY 2016 subject to appropriation, totaling more than $250 million over two years.
• Developing regional maritime security programs and funds to rapidly respond to evolving challenges. 
• Pursuing the Southeast Asia Maritime Security Initiative announced by Secretary of Defense Ash Carter at the Shangri-La Dialogue, a new effort to work together with our allies and partners in Southeast Asia to build a shared maritime domain awareness architecture that will help countries share information, identify potential threats, and work collaboratively to address common challenges.
• Coordinating with our strong allies Japan and Australia on maritime security assistance to align and synchronize regional security and law enforcement assistance programs for maximum effect.
• Funding will be allocated to Southeast Asian countries, including the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia, including as described below.

The United States is expanding its maritime cooperation with the Philippines:

• The Philippines remains the largest recipient of maritime security assistance, and will receive a record $79 million in bilateral assistance of the FY 2015 funds allocated for developing Southeast Asian maritime capabilities.  This assistance is largely focused on building the training and logistical base for expanding the Philippine Navy, Coast Guard, and Air Forces’ ability to conduct operations within waters off the Philippines’ coasts.  We are assisting with naval maintenance capacity building as well as providing interdiction vessels, naval fleet upgrades, communications equipment, and aircraft procurement. 
• We are prioritizing transfer of maritime related Excess Defense Articles (EDA) to rapidly enhance capability within limited budgets.  The United States intends to grant the high-endurance U.S. Coast Guard Cutter (USCGC) Boutwell to the Philippine Navy, the third ship of its class that we have provided in the past few years.  This will provide the Philippines the ability to maintain greater maritime presence and patrols throughout its EEZ.  We are also in the process of transferring the research vessel R/V Melville to support naval research and law enforcement capabilities.
• We will continue to support the National Coast Watch System and assist the Philippines through the Global Security Contingency Fund (GSCF), building capacity in Philippine maritime vessel maintenance, training, law enforcement support, and intelligence assistance to expand the country’s ability to detect, track, and interdict where necessary criminal and terrorist elements involved in the smuggling of sensitive items and illicit goods.
• We will hold increased and more complex exercises and training with U.S. government agencies and U.S. Pacific Command to increase interoperability and professionalization.
• We will continue assisting improvements in security at ports to prevent illegal activity and illegal shipments.

The United States is expanding its maritime assistance to Vietnam by:

• Increasing maritime program assistance to $19.6 million in FY 2015 to support developing Southeast Asian maritime capabilities which we will seek to expand by providing $20.5 million in FY 2016 subject to appropriation.  We are helping Vietnam bolster its maritime Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) and command and control within Vietnam’s maritime agencies.
• Lifting the ban on sales of maritime-related lethal capabilities to allow development of Vietnam’s maritime capacity and encourage interoperability with other regional forces.
• Expanding bilateral training and exercises, focusing on disaster relief and humanitarian issues.

The United States is expanding its maritime assistance to Indonesia by:

• Maintaining robust security assistance programs, with nearly $11 million in maritime-related assistance in FY 2015 and almost $10 million planned for FY 2016 subject to appropriations.
• Increasing Indonesia’s patrol capacity, ISR integration, and maintenance capacity to enhance the Indonesian government’s ability to protect its maritime areas, safeguard its natural resources, and contribute to regional security and stability.
• Supporting the Indonesian Coast Guard’s organizational development, focusing on human resource capacity, technical skills, and educational partnerships.

The United States is assisting Malaysia by:

• Providing almost $500,000 in FY 2015 and planning to provide over $2 million in FY 2016, subject to appropriation, to work with Malaysia to build maritime law enforcement training capacity and interagency coordination to help improve their maritime domain awareness.
• Enhancing port security to prevent illicit activity and transshipment of illegal goods.

Looking Ahead

The United States will remain engaged and committed to improving maritime security capabilities in Southeast Asia.  We are working together with our allies and partners to develop the most effective mix of capabilities to provide credible maritime defenses and patrol capabilities.  We will consult with our allies and partners to ascertain their needs and requirements more effectively and to explore new opportunities for maritime collaboration.

https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2015/11/17/fact-sheet-us-building-maritime-capacity-southeast-asia

Noy signs law vs weapons of mass destruction

From the Philippine Star (Nov 18): Noy signs law vs weapons of mass destruction



Republic Act 10697, the Strategic Trade Management Act (STMA), aims to stop the spread of WMD through responsible management of strategic goods and the provisions of related services in trade and investment.   Ryan Lim/Malacañang Photo Bureau (pcoo.gov.ph)

President Aquino has signed into law a bill seeking to prevent the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) in the Philippines.

Republic Act 10697, the Strategic Trade Management Act (STMA), aims to stop the spread of WMD through responsible management of strategic goods and the provisions of related services in trade and investment.

Strategic goods refer to products that, for security reasons or due to international agreements, are considered to be of such military importance that their export is either prohibited altogether or subject to specific conditions.

The law was signed in compliance with the Philippines’ foreign policy and national security interests and to support efforts to counter terrorism, control crime and safeguard public safety.

A Strategic Trade Management Committee under the National Security Council was created as a policy body that would regulate trade and management of strategic goods.

The law covers any natural or juridical person operating within the country engaged or intends to engage in the export of strategic goods and the re-export of strategic goods that have been imported from the Philippines to a foreign country.

A person caught engaging in such activity shall face imprisonment for a period from six years and one day to 12 years and a fine from P1 million to P5 million.

The Senate passed the STMA on Aug. 17,  which amended Bill No. 5822 of the House of Representatives.

The Philippines has joined other Asian countries with STM laws, including South Korea, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, India, Pakistan, Australia, New Zealand and China.

Naval Architecture Law

Aquino also signed into law RA 10698, the Naval Architecture Law to regulate and modernize the practice of naval architecture to develop and nurture globally competitive Filipino naval architects.

The government recognizes the importance of naval architects in nation building and development.

The Professional Regulatory Board of Naval Architecture was created  under the supervision of the Professional Regulation Commission to ensure the quality of the naval architect industry.

The 50-year-old RA 4565, the Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering Law was deemed as “outdated, with most of its provisions no longer applicable or relevant.”

During the transition period, the certificates of registration and professional identification cards of registered naval architects will continue to be valid until expiry.         

  http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2015/11/18/1523161/noy-signs-law-vs-weapons-mass-destruction

US, Russia, Australia, South Korea want more defense equipment for Philippines

From the Philippine Star (Nov 18): US, Russia, Australia, South Korea want more defense equipment for Philippines



Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull arrives in the Philippines for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit. APEC/Released

President Benigno Aquino III on Wednesday held bilateral meetings with four of his counterparts ahead of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders' plenary session.

Aquino met first with United States President Barack Obama who reaffirmed his country's commitment to defend the Philippines, a treaty ally.

Obama reiterated that the US will donate two more vessels to the Philippine Navy.

"During my visit yesterday with members of the Filipino Armed Forces I was able to announce that we are increasing our maritime security assistance to the Philippines to record levels," Obama said.

After his meeting with Obama, Aquino had bilateral talks with Australia Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and thanked him for donating two landing crafts and for supporting the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Turnbull, meanwhile, was keen to continue helping Philippines by providing more equipment for defense and disaster risk reduction.

"We've had a very good discussion today about the work we can do together in terms of defense cooperation, and we appreciate your thanks for the landing craft—the heavy landing crafts that we provided to the Philippines, and we look forward to more support in that area," Turnbull said in joint press conference with Aquino.

Aquino then met with South Korea President Park Geun-hye and expressed pleasure over the "robust logistics cooperation" between their countries, as manifested by Manila's acquisition of various defense material from Seoul such as the FA-50 fighter jets.

Aquino thanked Park for donating a patrol combat corvette, a landing craft utility and 16 rubber boats to improve the AFP's capabilities.

Park hoped that more South Korean companies will participate in the AFP modernization program.

Aquino last met with Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev who filled in for President Vladimir Putin.

Medvedev said Russia seeks to open avenues for military and defense cooperation with the Philippines similar to existing agreements with other states.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2015/11/18/1523308/us-russia-australia-south-korea-want-more-defense-equipment-philippines

Russia wants military, defense cooperation pact with

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Nov 18): Russia wants military, defense cooperation pact with PH



Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev walks towards his offical car escorted by Ambassador Carlos Sorreta upon his arrival on Wednesday, November 18, 2015, at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) terminal 1. GRIG C. MONTEGRANDE

RUSSIAN Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev on Wednesday said his government wants to work closely with the Philippine military.

“PM says Russia also seeks to open avenues for military and defense cooperation similar to their existing agreements with adjacent states,” Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in a text statement.

President Benigno Aquino III and Medvedev held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Summit in Manila.

Coloma said Medvedev  “wants to intensify bilateral ties at diplomatic, business and entrepreneurial fronts.”

While the two countries have maintained diplomatic ties for almost 40 years, the Philippines is known as a close ally of the United States, which has strained relations with Russia over the Ukrainian crisis and the Syrian civil war.

Nevertheless, Aquino invited Russia to expand its trade in the industries of information technology-business process outsourcing, processed and specialty food, energy and renewables, design-driven products and aerospace.

“[President Aquino] cited great potential offered by large scale public and private sector contracts, such as AG&P’s participation in Yamal LNG project in Far East,” Coloma said.

He said Medvedev also congratulated Aquino for the “impressive performance” of the Philippine economy and that Russia is interested in economic cooperation in energy, telecommunications and transport infrastructure.

Aquino and Medvedev witnessed the signing of an agreement on the Establishment of a Philippines-Russia Joint Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation, which will facilitate and promote trade between the Philippines and Russia.

The two countries will identify measures to facilitate bilateral trade and investments.

“The Agreement envisions the participation of the private sector and business community, as well as experts in the economic field to complement governmental efforts to bolster Philippines-Russia economic cooperation,” a Malacañang statement said.

Also signed  before the two leaders was a memorandum between the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and the Federal Service of the Russian Federation for Narcotics Traffic Control on Cooperation in Combating New Psychoactive Substances.

In line with a 2007 agreement against trafficking of narcotic drugs, the memorandum aims to strengthen the cooperation between the two countries in combatting the production, spread and abuse of psychoactive substances.

Russian President Vladimir Putin was supposed to attend the Apec Summit but begged off as Medvedev was also attending meetings in the region.

READ: Palace: Putin calls Aquino to discuss non-attendance at Apec

“PM Medvedev conveyed Pres. Putin’s felicitations and expressed his personal elation on his first visit to the Philippines,” Coloma said.

He said Medvedev cited the country’s beautiful weather.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/131882/russia-wants-military-defense-cooperation-pact-with-ph

MILF: Editorial -- ‘Shabu’ is enemy of all

Editorial posted to the MILF Website (Nov 17): Editorial -- ‘Shabu’ is enemy of all

Drug addiction, caused by methamphetamine hydrochloride or simply shabu, has hit all sectors of society and does not recognize any boundary, race nor religion. The poor are not spared either; in fact, users from this sector often resort to criminal means to get money to buy drugs. On the other hand, sons and daughters of well-to-do families often have monies at their disposal, and their parents can also send them more easily to rehabilitation centres. 

As a menace, shabu is the enemy of all and, therefore, should be fought together.   A common enemy calls for a united front approach.

Fully aware of this menace, the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has decided to act by passing a resolution directing its forces to address the circulation and use of this drug. The targets are drug pushers and also drug users. But the initiative of the MILF has clear limitations. While the Moros recognize the moral authority of the MILF to undertake this responsibility, but in other aspects they are not yet set in proper perspectives.  Moreover, drug dealers have deep network of operation and can use their money to buy their way.

If the efforts to curb or stop kidnap-for-ransom groups operating in Mindanao have many success stories, it is because the government and MILF have cooperated and created the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG) whose task is mainly “to interdict and isolate these criminals operating in or near MILF communities.” The exceptions are those victims held in Sulu where the presence of the MILF is not as strong as in Central Mindanao. Sulu is the bastion of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), the Sultanate of Sulu, and, of course, the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG). (However, in recent months the MILF is gaining ground in this island province. Perhaps, a similar fashion is worth examining). 

The advantage of the MILF taking an active role in fighting drug trafficking and addiction is three-fold: First, the MILF has a vast knowledge of the population and therefore, they have a good information of the dealers and users; second, most, if not all, of the users, mostly young people, are from their own people, and therefore, if they are allowed or tolerated to continue with their evil deeds, they will destroy the future of Moro society; and third, with its Islamic ideology, the MILF has more reasons to stop the drug trade and proliferation, because drug addiction or even the use of it is considered “haram” or prohibited or forbidden. The same reason is given why Muslims are prohibited to drink liquor, because it clouds the intellect and makes it difficult to differentiate between right and wrong. Muslim faith is founded on the intellect, rational thought and good judgment. Anything that could jeopardize this behavior is forbidden. 

Drug use, more seriously, its abuse and addiction have negative consequences for individuals and for society. Addiction is a chronic, often relapsing brain disease that causes compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences to the addicted individual and to those around him or her.

 

Although the initial decision to take drugs is voluntary for most people, the brain changes that occur over time challenge an addicted person’s self-control and hamper his or her ability to resist intense impulses to take drugs.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/editorial/item/680-shabu-is-enemy-of-all

PH to get 3rd Hamilton-class warship from US

From Rappler (Nov 18): PH to get 3rd Hamilton-class warship from US

The US Coast Guard is set to decommission CGC Boutwell early next year   



HAMILTON CLASS. The US Coast Guard ship USCG Boutwell is the 3rd Hamilton-class cutter that will be transferred to the Philippine Navy. Photo from US military web site

The Philippine Navy will be getting a Hamilton-class cutter from the US Coast Guard, the yet to be decommissioned CGC Boutwell, which is the same class as the Philippine warship that US President Barack Obama visited on Tuesday, according to a White House statement.

"This will provide the Philippines the ability to maintain greater maritime presence and patrols throughout its EEZ (Exclusive Economic Zone)," the statement said.

Obama, who is in Manila for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit, toured BRP Gregorio Del Pilar as the US stepped up rhetoric against China's aggressiveness in the South China Sea. Chinese President Xi Jinping is also in the country.

Obama announced the transfer of 2 ships to the Philippines in a speech after the tour but he did not provide details. The other ship to be transferred is the oceanographic research vessel M/V Melville. Both ships will be transferred through the Excess Defense Articles (EDA) program.

 

MANILA HARBOR. US President Barack Obama at the South Harbor in Manila on Tuesday, November 17. Photo courtesy of the 7th Civil Relations Group, AFP 

 

CGC Boutwell is set to be decommissioned early next year. It was known for its rescue operations, drug seizure and interdictions, and the defense of oil terminals on the coast of Iraq.

It's the 3rd Hamilton-class cutter for the Philippines, which acquired BRP Gregorio Del Pilar in 2011 and its twin BRP Ramon Alcaraz in 2013. Both warships have since been armed with additional weapons and regularly deployed to patrol the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) in tandem with newly acquired brand new naval choppers.
 

The Hamilton-class, renamed Del Pilar-class by the Philippine Navy, is a high-endurance cutter capable of extended patrols and can withstand heavy weather and rough seas. They were previously the largest cutters of the US Coast Guard until they were recently replaced by the National Security Cutter class.

 

They are currently the navy's most capable warships as the acquisition of two brand new frigates is still in the pipeline.
 

R/V Melville, on the other hand, is equipped with capabilities such as"deep-towing cameras, deploying massive moorings, precisely maneuvering remotely-operated vehicles thousands of meters below the ship, and launching unmanned aircraft used to measure gravity and atmospheric physical properties."
 

The US pledged $259M of support to develop the maritime capabilities of its Southeast Asian allies at a time when countries in the region are fighting China's aggressiveness in the South China Sea.
 

The Philippines, one of Washington's most loyal allies in Asia and one of the fiercest critics of China's actions in the South China Sea, will get the bulk of $79 million in assistance to bolster maritime security.
 

The US and the Philippines signed an agreement last year to allow the US military to construct facilities and preposition defense assets inside Philippine military assets. It has not been implemented however as the Supreme Court has yet to rule on its constitutionality. (READ: No verdict yet on EDCA)
 

The US also vowed to increase exercises with the Philippine military and continue to support the National Coast Watch System, envisioned as the "brain" of Philippine maritime law enforcement operations.
 

http://www.rappler.com/nation/113195-philippine-navy-get-boutwell-cutter

Two injured in van explosion at Davao City mall terminal

From Rappler (Nov 18): Two injured in van explosion at Davao City mall terminal

Acting Davao City Mayor Paolo Duterte orders police and the military to beef up security measures



EXPLOSION. A blast hit this van at the terminal of SM Ecoland in Davao City on November 18.

An explosion hit a passenger van at the terminal of shopping mall SM Ecoland on Wednesday, November 18, leaving its driver and conductor slightly injured.

The blast occurred around 9:40 am along Ecoland Drive, just several meters away from the mall.

"The van just offloaded passengers from the terminal outside SM when the IED exploded," said Davao City Police Office chief Vicente Danao. "It's very good it did not explode in a populated area and that the passengers already disembarked."



DAVAO CITY BLAST. The local government orders tighter security after a van explosion left two men injured.

Two other vehicles parked along the street were also damaged by shrapnel and were covered in debris.

Initial investigation shows the van travelled from Pikit, North Cotabato.

Danao said police are considering various angles, including personal grudge against the owner of the van. Authorities said the owner of the van divulged the existence of illegal van terminals in the city, prompting a recent crackdown.

"We cannot discount any possibility," the police chief said.

Danao also said that even if Davao is considered one of the safest cities in the world, there is always the threat of terror attacks. "But life must go on. We can't allow an act of terror to slow down our lives."

Acting Davao City Mayor Paolo Duterte, who visited the blast site, has ordered police and the military to beef up security measures.

***************************************************************************

 

 

Vice Mayor Pulong Duterte - Official added 2 new photos.

Government Official · 54,058 Likes

· 17 hrs · Edited ·

 

A bomb exploded in a van which came from Pikit, North Cotabato. No one died from the explosion but 2 persons were hurt. This happened at around 9:40am today, November 18, 2015 at Ecoland 4000 Residences (at the back of SM City Ecoland).

The Police and TF Davao are conducting thorough investigation and are intensifying the check points inside the City and at its borders. Your local government is on top of it.

Mag-binantayon ug mag-amping ta kanunay!

 

 

http://www.rappler.com/nation/113235-davao-mall-terminal-explosion

Students, IPs clash with police in APEC protests

From Rappler (Nov 18): Students, IPs clash with police in APEC protests

Militant and progressive groups are also gearing up for a major mobilization for Thursday, November 19, the last day of the APEC Leaders' Summit   



YOUTH POWER. Youth activists from the League of Filipino Students clash with anti-riot police while attempting to hold a protest near the venue of APEC in Pasay City. Photo by Ben Nabong/Rappler

Various groups protesting the ongoing Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit clashed with anti-riot police in different parts of Metro Manila on Wednesday, November 18.

Youth activists from the League of Filipino Students (LFS) tried to hold a protest along Buendia Avenue near the APEC venue but were stopped by police.

The students condemned APEC by burning its logo.

“Filipinos have been mired in poverty under the exploitation of foreign corporations and the dogged adherence of the government to foreign diktats, especially to the US. The Aquino government’s hosting of APEC will only ensure the implementation of onerous policies that will further stunt the country’s economic growth,” Charisse Bañez, LFS Chairperson, said.

Indigenous peoples' protest

 

SOLID NORTH. Indigenous people from the northern part of Luzon stage a protest against APEC in mendiola. Photo by Ben Nabong / Rappler

Tribal groups and indigenous peoples (IPs) from the northern part of Luzon met with protesters in Mendiola on Wednesday morning.

They then marched to Quezon City and held a lightning protest in front of Camp Aquinaldo, headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

They vandalized the walls of the camp with slogans protesting against the militarization of different parts of Mindanao and the alleged human rights abuses committed by the army.

The protesters tried to enter gate 3 of Camp Aguinaldo but were dispersed with the use of water cannons.



marc mendiola @makoymendiola

Isang delegado ng #MartsaAmianan ang tinamaan ng bato mulas hanay ng mga Camp Aguinaldo

10:25 PM - 17 Nov 2015

 

 

Malacañang, through the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the AFP, had implemented strict security measures for APEC, in light of the terrorist attacks in Paris last week.

Freedom parks were declared no rally zones, an act that, progressive groups said, is a curtailment of the constitutional right to peacefully assemble.

Against the US agenda

Kabataan Party-list Representative Terry Ridon called out the United States for attempting to make the Philippines look like a "powerless ragged medicant."

"We believe that what Obama has unwittingly done was to show the world how powerless the Philippines is when it comes to maritime defense. His offer for old, hand-me-down US warships highlights the fact that our nation remains vastly reliant on the US even for maritime equipment – a ragged mendicant of a nation in other words,” Ridon said.

Ridon was referring to the two ships Obama promised to give the Philippines to boost its maritime defense.

LFS also accused US President Barack Obama of using the APEC Summit to "facilitate military rebalancing" in the region.

“It’s no surprise that Obama started out his visit here by fanning the flames of the maritime dispute between China and the Philippines. Obama is challenging China and taking advantage of APEC in order to advance the US’ deployment of troops and war materiel in its policy of pivot to Asia,” Bañez added.

Progressive and leftist groups believe the APEC has 5 pillars that are detrimental to the public – Privatization, Liberalization, Deregulation, Contractualization and Public-Private Partnerships. In a forum on Tuesday, they offered alternatives to the APEC's "exploitative agenda."

The People's Forum on APEC 2015 (PFA) is set to burn effigies of Obama and other APEC leaders during their mass protest on Thursday, the last day of the APEC Leaders' Meeting.

This is the second time in 19 years that the Philippines is hosting the regional economic bloc, which accounts for nearly half of world trade, and about 57% of global Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

http://www.rappler.com/move-ph/113245-students-ips-clash-police-apec-protest

Australia eyes more defense, disaster response equipment for PH

From Rappler (Nov 18): Australia eyes more defense, disaster response equipment for PH

In his bilateral meeting with President Aquino, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull conveys Australia's keenness to provide the Philippines more equipment for defense and disaster risk reduction



PH-AUSTRALIA TIES. President Benigno Aquino III and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull witness the signing of two bilateral agreements between their nations on November 18, 2015. Photo from Official Gazette

Australia is planning to give additional defense and disaster response equipment to the Philippines, one of its long-time allies in the region.

Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull conveyed the plan in a joint statement with President Benigno Aquino III, which they delivered after their bilateral meeting on Thursday, November 18.

"We’ve had a very good discussion today about the work we can do together in terms of defense cooperation and we appreciate your thanks for the landing craft – the heavy landing crafts that we provided to the Philippines. We look forward to more support in that area," said Turnbull, who is in Manila for the Asia-Pacific Eocnomic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders' Meeting.

In July, Australia formally handed over two Landing Craft Heavy (LCH) ships to the Philippine Navy. The supply ships are 44.5 meters long, have a speed of 10 to 13 Knots, and are capable of carrying up to 180 tons of cargo.

The ships are also used for disaster and humanitarian response.

Aquino said that since 1946, the Philippines and Australia have cooperated in all aspects of its bilateral relations, including humanitarian assistance and disaster response.

"It is this long legacy of cooperation that we pay tribute to today, in signing the Joint Declaration on Philippines-Australia Comprehensive Partnership. The Declaration acknowledges the increasing breadth and depth of our relations, which sets the tone, pace, and direction of our relationship in the years ahead," he said.

The Philippine leader said he and Turnbull also "exchanged views on regional security challenges, including maritime security, and, with this, committed to continue our bilateral consultations on how to address them."

"The Prime Minister and I committed to continue working closely towards more substantive and meaningful activities between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Australian Defence Force to build trust and confidence and enhance interoperability," he added.

Australia supports the Philippines’ stand on the peaceful resolution of the disputes in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea), even as it continues to provide military training and education to its Southeast Asian ally.

Turnbull also welcomed Aquino's pledge to help Australia in fighting terrorism. Aquino said the Philippines will continue working with other nations to achieve so-called "de-radicalization" of individuals and groups who pose security threats.

In December last year, several people were hostaged inside a café in the central business district of Sydney by presumed terrorists.

The two countries also signed two deals on the Comprehensive Partnership Agreement and the Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

Aquino said the TVET will allow the two countries "to share knowledge, information, and best practices with each other, particularly in areas of mutual interest, and collaborate on significant projects that will enable both the Australian and the Filipino peoples to take hold of their own destinies."

http://www.rappler.com/nation/113255-australia-more-defense-equipment-malcolm-turnbull

1 injured in blast inside commercial van; VM Duterte says “relax lang”

From MindaNews (Nov 18): 1 injured in blast inside commercial van; VM Duterte says “relax lang”

An explosion inside a commercial van whose passengers had earlier disembarked injured slightly the driver’s assistant but OIC Mayor Paolo Duterte repeatedly said “relax lang mo, naa man atong kapulisan (the police are here), they are doing their jobs.”



A member of the Davao City police explosive and ordnance unit inspects a van that was shattered by an improvised explosive device along Ecoland Drive around 9:45 a.m. Wednesday (18 Nov 2015). MindaNews photo by Toto Lozano

German Daag, driver of the Toyota Hi-Ace van that came from Pikit in North Cotabato, told reporters he had just dropped off his passengers at the SM van terminal at around 9:30 a.m. Wednesday and he and his aide, Tatat Besanez, immediately headed to the Times Beach area to eat breakfast when something exploded in the van just as they were cruising along Ecowest Drive fronting Ecoland 4000 Residences.

Duterte and the city police chief said the police were on double red alert following Friday night’s terror attacks in Paris and the Philippines’ hosting of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit (APEC) in Manila this week, but both officials admitted “nakalusot” (the incident was not averted).

“Actually expected na ni (this was expected), not only in Davao but anywhere” since the terror attacks in Paris on November 13,” said Supt. Vicente Danao, city police chief.

“Among tan-aw cell phone gigamit ani” (We think a cell phone was used to detonate here), said Duterte.

But Danao said they cannot conclude the explosion was caused by a bomb until the post-blast investigation is finished. Only then will they know, he said, if this was “caused by bomb explosion or something went wrong.”

Only the rear of the van was damaged but because of the impact of the explosion, the shards reached some 80 meters away from the van, deflating tires and partly damaging the sides of vehicles parked on the road outside the condominium.

Danao urged the public to also help by reporting suspicious-looking persons in their vicinity.

Danao said he cannot say what the message of the perpetrators is but “definitely if you will choose Davao City kasi, it will create bigger news.”

But he noted that there would have been a “bigger damage and bigger casualty” if the passengers were still inside the van.

Radio DXAB reports said three passengers disembarked at the terminal while another got off on the road outside the terminal.

Duterte ordered the police to strengthen and tighten security measures and even add personnel particularly those in the boundaries.

“Expected na man ni” (This was expected), Duterte said, especially after what happened in Paris and this week’s APEC. “Maayo gani kay walay namatay,” (It’s good nobody died), Duterte said as he urged the public to trust the police and the Task Force Davao.

Among Mindanaos’s 33 cities, it is only Davao City which has, since the airport and seaport bombings in 2003, installed checkpoints manned 24/7 by Task Force Davao in the city’s boundaries with Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte and Bukidnon.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2015/11/18/1-injured-in-blast-inside-commercial-van-vm-duterte-says-relax-lang/

P100,000 reward offered for those behind NorthCot blasts

From MindaNews (Nov 18): P100,000 reward offered for those behind NorthCot blasts

KABACAN, North Cotabato  – Gov. Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza bared on Tuesday that a P100,000 reward has been raised for the arrest of the mastermind behind the grenade blasts in this municipality over the weekend.

“We have revived the Task Force Kabacan to strengthen choke points in the area. We offer incentives to those who can give information to the identity of the perpetrators or mastermind,” the governor said.

Mendoza said Kabacan Mayor Herlo Guzman pledged half of the reward money, saying the local government is leading the investigation to determine the mastermind behind the blasts that left five persons injured evening of November 15.

The following night, still unidentified men lobbed a grenade at the parking area of a gasoline station, wherein one person was injured.

Mendoza said that the provincial government is presently conducting refresher training course for Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) members in different towns to better equip them in their job of securing and maintaining peace and order.

As this developed, Senior Supt. Alex Tagum, Cotabato Provincial Police Office (CPPO) chief, said they already strengthened security in this bustling town, which also hosts the University of Southern Mindanao.

Supt. Bernard Tayong, CPPO spokesperson, said the reactivation of Task Force Kabacan will help ensure safety of the local folks.

Apart from the local police, the task force is composed of augmentation personnel from the CPPO and from different police stations in the province.

Following the blasts, Tayong believes that the grenade throwing incidents were not totally intended to harm civilians.

“If you look at the locations where [the blasts] happened, these were not crowded places. Unfortunately it happened that in the first incident, grenade shrapnel hit some civilians,” Tayong told MindaNews.

Like the second blast, which was on Sunday evening, Tayong said the suspects lobbed the grenade at the parking area of a gasoline station.

As the police are still investigating the motive of these incidents, Tayong hinted that reports have been circulating in Kabacan that politics could be the motive behind the blasts.

Guzman, who will seek reelection in next year’s elections, is challenged by two other bets.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2015/11/18/p100000-reward-offered-for-those-behind-northcot-blasts/

Body of Malaysian hostage recovered in Philippines

From the Mindanao Examiner (Nov 18): Body of Malaysian hostage recovered in Philippines

Philippine troops have recovered Wednesday the remains of Malaysian hostage Bernard Then, a day after he was decapitated by Abu Sayyaf rebels in the southern Filipino town of Indanan.

The 39-year old Then was killed on November 17 hours after Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak arrived in Manila for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum.

Bernard was kidnapped by armed rebels in May along with the 50-year old Thien Nyuk Fun, manager of Ocean King Restaurant in Sandakan town in Sabah, and spirited them the southern Philippines.

Thien was freed by rebels just this month in what Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi claimed was the result of successful negotiations with her captors.

Bernard’s head was found in a package left on Marina Street in Walled City in Jolo town and with it was a piece of paper with his name scribbled on it.

Captain Roy Trinidad, a military spokesman, has confirmed that a headless body was recovered from a shallow grave in Indanan’s Kagay village. “Authorities are determining if the severed head and the recovered body are that of Malaysian national Bernard Then,” he told the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.

The military’s Joint Task Force ZAMBASULTA (Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi) has condemned the merciless killing of the Malaysian hostage.

Brigadier General Alan Arojado, task force commander, said the military operation against the Abu Sayyaf is still continuing in Sulu and nearby Basilan province, a stronghold of the rebel group which has pledged allegiance to ISIS. “There is an ongoing operation against the Abu Sayyaf,” he said without further elaborating.

A military source said a leader of the Abu Sayyaf, Isnilon Hapilon, was wounded in recent clash with government troops and is being pursued by the security forces. The Abu Sayyaf is still holding several foreign hostages, including two Canadians, a Norwegian, an Italian and Filipinos kidnapped from other places and brought to Sulu’s jungle.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/%ef%bb%bfbody-of-malaysian-hostage-recovered-in-philippines/

AFP, PNP both on red alert in SurSur

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 18): AFP, PNP both on red alert in SurSur

Both the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Surigao del Sur have been in red alert primarily because of the APEC being held in the country.

Col. Isidro Purisima, 402nd Infantry Brigade commander, added however that the Paris bombing recently was also one of the immediate reasons that triggered them to take action.

At this time that December 26 Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) anniversary is drawing near aside from other considerable situation, such measures had to be imposed in order to thwart the “tactical offensives” of the New Peoples’ Army (NPA), he stressed.

Purisima likewise said they continue to maintain security operations as well as monitoring in spite of the prevailing relatively good peace and order condition.

On the part of the PNP, the new provincial chief, P/SSupt. Romualdo Bayting confirmed that the entire police force in the province had been enforcing parallel action with the AFP, citing heightened alert.

In fact, immediately upon his assumption on Monday, he managed to iterate the order to his subordinate, referring to the memo received coming from the higher-ups.

Bayting, who replaced former provincial director P/SSupt. Narciso Verdadero, also indicated that they would remain to do so until necessary.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1741447807126/afp-pnp-both-on-red-alert-in-sursur

Probers eye extortion in van blast

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 18): Probers eye extortion in van blast

Authorities are now looking into the persons and the motive behind the explosion that happened inside a UV Express Van  at  the Eco-west Drive in front of the gate of the Ecoland 4000 Condominiums 9:45 am Wednesday.

Initial police investigation identified the lone casualty as Tata Besanas, the van conductor who was immediately rushed to the Southern Philippines Medical Center due to shrapnel wounds in the head and right shoulder.

Chief Inspector Milgrace Driz, spokesperson of the Davao City Police Office said that the white Toyota Hi-ace passenger van with plate number MVW 553 is operated by Gregorio Guerrero, and was driven by Herman Daag.

She said the van arrived from Pikit, North Cotabato and just disembarked its passengers when the IED exploded.

“The explosion happened fronting the Eco-west drive near the Ecoland 4000 condominiums and the van was able to run for 100 meters before it stopped,” she said.

Driz said probers are now taking statements from the driver and operator’s son of the van following the claims that they themselves received extortion letters from criminal elements in Pikit.

She said the investigation also looks into its relevance to the intensified campaign of the city government against illegal terminals.

“It was an IED explosion given the presence of its triggering device,” Driz said.

She urged the public to be calm but vigilant.

Investigators surmised that the victim was checking for other possible cargo left by the passengers at the van’s back portion when the explosion happened.

Explosive and Ordnance experts and Scene of the Crime Operatives of the Davao City Police Office and the Task Force Davao, respectively are now peering the crime scene.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2381447827099/probers-eye-extortion-in-van-blast

Philippines, US to enhance defense alliance

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 19): Philippines, US to enhance defense alliance

President Benigno S. Aquino III and United States President Barack Obama on Wednesday agreed to enhance the two countries’ defense ties, during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit.

President Aquino noted the country’s defense and security alliance with the US, “which began more than 60 years ago; to this day, it remains a cornerstone of peace and stability in the Asia Pacific.”

The Philippines thanked the US for its support in the advocacy of upholding the rule of the law in the West Philippine Sea issue and for recognizing the country’s initiation of arbitral proceedings in an open, friendly, durable and rules-based settlement mechanism.

“President Obama and I likewise had a discussion on maritime security, including on the maritime disputes in the region, and how international law should remain the framework for behavior of all countries and for the peaceful resolution of disputes,” President Aquino said. “I take this opportunity to reiterate the Philippines’ view that the freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea must be continuously upheld, consistent with international law.”

Aquino cited the United States’ Foreign Military Financing that helped the Philippines respond to security challenges, particularly in the area of maritime security and maritime domain awareness. He also mentioned the significant support US gave in the completion of the National Coast Watch Center that serves as the country’s maritime point of contact for maritime security.

He also expressed support for US efforts on countering violent extremism and promoting cyber security cooperation.

“We also exchanged views on cyber security threats and resolved to explore cooperation in this area, knowing full well that all countries have a stake in maintaining peace and order in cyberspace, so that principles of international law can be applied. This area of collaboration with the United States can impact positively on the capacity of the Philippine Government to effectively and swiftly respond to cyber security threats and challenges,” he said.

Meanwhile, President Obama affirmed that the US alliance with the Philippines remains strong.

“The Philippines and the United States are great allies, so this is an occasion for me to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to the security and defense of the Philippines. We stand shoulder-to-shoulder: “balikatan.” I am grateful for my partnership with President Aquino, who has been a valuable and trusted friend to the United States,” said President Obama.

“Here in the Philippines, you are pursuing reforms and good governance; together, we support a rule-based order in the region, which is critical to regional security and the global economy. Now, our rebalance to the Asia Pacific is rooted in our treaty alliances, including with the Philippines. Our Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement, when implemented, will bring our militaries even closer together, and we are especially committed to ensuring maritime security in the region, including freedom of navigation,” he added.

President Obama announced that the US is increasing its maritime assistance to the Philippines to record levels, including two new vessels.

“We discussed the impact of China’s reclamation and construction activities on regional stability. We agreed on the need for bold steps to lower tensions, including pledging to halt further reclamation, new construction, and militarization of disputed areas in the South China Sea,” said Obama. “As President Aquino indicated, disputes need to be resolved peacefully, that’s why the United States support the Philippines’ decision to use arbitration under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea to peacefully and lawfully address differences.”

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/3001447844302/philippines-us-to-enhance-defense-alliance-