8IB army deploys troops for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief missions

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 21): 8IB army deploys troops for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief missions

MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon, December 21—Soldiers of the 8th Infantry Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army were deployed on December 19 in disaster-prone areas in the province of Bukidnon at the height of Tropical Depression "Onyok" (TD Onyok) that brought heavy rains in Bukidnon.

Ltc Lennon G Babilonia, commanding officer of the 8th Infantry Battalion, said the soldiers were set out to assist the local government units (LGUs) in its effort to address disaster-related incidents that may occur due to heavy rains brought “TD Onyok."

“Although, the local weather station said "Onyok" has weakened into Low Pressure Area (LPA) as it enters Philippine area of responsibility, heavy rains are still expected to affect the province, which may cause flooding and occurrence of landslides in disaster prone areas, the whole Saturday. The battalion is coordinating with the Incident Management Teams of the different municipalities and cities in Bukidnon, as well as with the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council,” he said.

The Philippine Army’s 8th Infantry Battalion has been an active partner in disaster preparedness, disaster mitigation and environmental protection activities in Bukidnon.

It plays a vital role in helping communities during Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions, being one of the members of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

The battalion also continuously strengthens its HADR capabilities by equipping the troops with proper gears and regularly training them along with LGU rescue units and different government agencies during all-hazard disaster preparation, planning, response and recovery trainings organized by the Office of Civil Defense.

In his statement, Ltc Babilonia said his troops had been advised since December 18, 2015, to coordinate with the local government units (LGUs) and make necessary preparations for contingencies that TD Onyok may bring.

They also assisted the LGUs in informing residents in low-lying and flood prone areas to move to higher grounds. With this, he lauded the Bukidnon’s because they have been doing this for many times now and the people showed others how to cooperate with the army troops.

He said they want everyone to know that they don't only run after New People’s Army (NPA) rebels. They also help the people in disaster mitigation efforts especially that this is also the people’s security concern.

“With this, I challenge the NPA and their leaders to be very discerning in their decisions. If indeed you are pro-people and pro-poor, you should quit from attacking our troops who are doing Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief missions—just like what you did in Pinabacdao, Samar. Our troops there were ambushed while delivering relief goods to communities. It is a cowardly act made by bandits and outlaws and is so frustrating. The NPA should think deeply on this “Let's all work together instead, and help our people in times of dire need," Ltc. Babilonia said.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1501450664981/8ib-army-deploys-troops-for-humanitarian-assistance-and-disaster-relief-missions

Ceasefire welcome relief: Delfin

From the Visayan Daily Star (Dec 22): Ceasefire welcome relief: Delfin

The declaration of a 12-day ceasefire both by the government and the Communist Party of the Philippines is a welcome relief to both members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and New People's Army rebels, Col. Francisco Delfin, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, said yesterday.

The 12-day unilateral ceasefire declared by the government and the CPP starts December 23 and ends January 3 next year.

“Our soldiers may be able to spend the yuletide season with their families”, Delfin said.

So, we may experience a peaceful Christmas celebration, he added.

The declaration will allow military and police personnel who have no serious liabilities other than their membership in their armed units to enter the territory of the people's democratic government to make personal visits to relatives and friends without fear of arrest or punitive actions, the CPP said in a statement.

At the same time, it ordered rebel units to be on the defensive mode at both the strategic and tactical levels and maintain a high degree of militancy and vigilance against any hostile actions or movements of the enemy armed forces, including encroachment on the territory of the people's democratic government, surveillance and other offensive operations including so-called peace and development, civil-military or peace and order operations.

“Active-defense operations shall be undertaken only in the face of clear and imminent danger and actual armed attack by the enemy forces,” it also said.

So long as they do not carry their firearms, Delfin said, NPA members may go back to their respective families and celebrate the yuletide season.

Ka JB Regalado, spokesman of the Leonardo Panaligan Command in central, in a tape-recorded statement, encouraged the strict observance of the ceasefire by their members.

Since the ceasefire will take effect on Dec. 23, the security operations will continue against the NPA remnants, Delfin said

But once the SOMO takes effect, soldiers will have a break to celebrate Christmas, he added.

Senior Supt. Samuel Nacion, officer-in-charge of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, yesterday said law enforcement operation, including the serving of arrest warrants to rebels are not covered by the SOMO.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2015/December/22/topstory7.htm

NPA set to release captive

From the Visayan Daily Star (Dec 22): NPA set to release captive

The Leonardo Panaligan Command of the New People's Army has announced that it will soon release Cirilo Bagnuran, who was taken by rebels during a raid at a cock farm in La Castellana, Negros Occidental, in the spirit of Christmas season.

But NPA spokesman Ka JB Regalado, in a tape-recorded statement furnished the DAILY STAR, called on the Philippine Army and other state security agencies to suspend their military operations, especially that of 11th Infantry Battalion, in the hinterlands of Isabela, Binalbagan and Moises Padilla in Negros Occidental, Canlaon and Guihulngan cities, Vallehermoso and La Libertad in Negros Oriental.

Regalado said Bagnuran was not abducted, and that he is only a respondent to criminal complaints filed against him before a people's court.

Bagnuran, according to the military and police, was kidnapped by rebels, who raided the cock farm of RPA-ABB leader Rene Europa, alias Maco.

The rebels also took six high-powered firearms from the cock farm, claimed by Regalado to be among the 700 firearms taken by the RPA-ABB from NPA.

Europa and Bagnuran, who is also a member of the RPA-ABB, were linked by the NPA to incidents of murder in La Castellana and Guihulngan City.

The accusations were vehemently denied by Europa.

Mildred Bagnuran, who is suffering from a heart ailment, yesterday reiterated her call to the abductors of her husband to release him, in the spirit of Christmas.

A complaint of serious illegal detention was filed yesterday against the NPA before the Commission on Human Rights.

Regalado claimed that it was Europa who triggered the firefight, and used Bagnuran as a human shield, while putting up a fight with the NPA who had tried to arrest him.

The Philippine Army has launched an infantry brigade-sized operation to rescue Bagnuran and capture those behind the series of killings of former and active members of the Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit in southern Negros.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2015/December/22/topstory3.htm

ISIS unveil the Philippines as their new breeding ground for jihadis with their latest propaganda video featuring a secret Filipino jungle training camp

From the Daily Mail (Dec 21): ISIS unveil the Philippines as their new breeding ground for jihadis with their latest propaganda video featuring a secret Filipino jungle training camp

*ISIS release new video showing jihadi training camp in the Philippines

*Militant recruits shown going through a basic assault course in the jungle

*It Is the first time ISIS branded footage has emerged from the Philippines showing jihadi training activity 

The Philippines has become the latest ISIS target for expansion after the jihadi group released its first propaganda video of a terror training camp in the Filipino jungle.

Several jihadi commanders are shown urging Filipinos to travel to Syria to join ISIS before revealing the group have already started their own terror camp in the Philippines. 

The footage shows the 'soldiers of the Caliphate in the Philippines' working on their fitness and agility by completing a series of assault course drills.

A small group of recruits, each wearing similar black clothing and masks, are shown climbing up rope ladders, crawling under barbed wire and practicing with weapons




Recruits are forced to crawl under a fence of barbed wire as a commander lets off occasional gunshots

A small group of recruits, each wearing similar black clothing and masks, are shown climbing up rope ladders, crawling under barbed wire and practicing with weapons. 

The Filipino government has long said that support for ISIS in the Philippines was limited to local bandits claiming allegiance to the group.

However, the latest propaganda video suggests that the jihadi group has earmarked the Philippines as a potential site for establishing further new bases.  

The new video comes after eight members of a criminal gang that pledged allegiance to ISIS were killed in a firefight with the military in the southern Philippines last month.

 

The hour-long battle took place in Palimbang, a remote town in the south - home to the predominantly Catholic nation's Muslim minority and the scene of decades of conflict. 

 

[ISIS video shows jihadi training camp in Philippines Jungle]
 

The Philippines has become the latest ISIS target for expansion after the jihadi group released its first propaganda video showing a jihadi training camp in the Filipino jungle




Many of the structures used in the assault course appear to have been made by hand out of bamboo




The Filipino government has long said that support for ISIS in the Philippines was limited to local bandits claiming allegiance to the group

The bandits were from Ansar al-Khalifa, a small group that declared its support for ISIS in a video circulated on the Internet last year, regional military spokesman Major Filemon Tan said. 

The larger Abu Sayyaf group has also pledged its allegiance to ISIS and is holding at least four foreign nationals hostages. 

The group is demanding millions of dollars in ransom for their safe release and have released several videos threatening them with execution.

Tan told AFP that five black flags similar to those used by Islamic State fighters were recovered from the bandits after the clash.

Criminal gangs operate kidnap for ransom and extortion activities alongside Muslim and communist separatist campaigns in the restive south.



Several jihadi commanders are shown urging Filipino to travel to Syria to join Syria before revealing the group have already started their own terror camp



The new video comes after eight members of a criminal gang that pledged allegiance to ISIS were killed in a firefight with the military in the southern Philippines last month



One alleged jihadi supporter holds a banner while one of the recruits carries out a jumping exercise

While the relatively new Ansar al-Khalifa had extorted from businessmen and stolen cattle from farmers, it had no proven links with Islamic State - also known by the acronym ISIS - national military spokesman Colonel Restituto Padilla said.

'This group is trying to ride on the popularity of the ISIS, but they're not really ISIS,' he told AFP. 'We view them as mere criminal gangs.'

 

Tan said the military was verifying intelligence reports that one of the eight killed was an Indonesian national. 

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3368646/ISIS-unveil-Philippines-new-breeding-ground-jihadis-latest-propaganda-video-featuring-secret-Filipino-jungle-training-camp.html

WATCH: President Aquino's speech at the AFP's 80th anniversary

From Rappler (Dec 21): WATCH: President Aquino's speech at the AFP's 80th anniversary

'Saan ka man bumaling sa AFP, makikita mo ang malawakang pagbabago, na patunay na nasa likod, harap, at tabi ninyo ang inyong gobyerno at ang mamamayang Pilipino'

[Video: President Aquino at the AFP's 80th anniversary
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DIRvKebGUUk]

 

CLARK, Philippines – In his last year as commander in chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, President Benigno Aquino III looks back at the past 6 years, which he says paved the way for the modernization of the Philippine military.
Here's the transcript of his full speech:

Huling AFP Anniversary ko na po ito bilang Pangulo at Commander-in-Chief. At sa araw na ito, hindi ko maiwasang sariwain ang panata ko sa sambayanan: Pagbaba ko sa puwesto, makikita natin ang malaking pagbabago; tumotoo po tayo rito. Ang layo na talaga ng ating narating, kumpara sa sitwasyong ating pinanggalingan. Kitang-kita naman po kung nasaan na tayo ngayon. Sa nakalipas na mga taon, sama-sama nating binago ang imahen ng AFP: Mula sa hukbong napabayaan matapos ang isang dekada ng kasinungalingan, pandaraya, at pagnanakaw sa pamahalaan, pinatatag natin ang inyong hanay upang maging isang mas moderno, mas handa, at mas maaasahang kasundaluhan, na ang tanging interes ay itaguyod ang kapakanan ng ating mga Boss.

Mainam ho sigurong ibahagi ko sa inyo ang minsang binanggit sa akin, na sa palagay ko ay kuhang-kuha ang punto ng positibong transpormasyong naganap sa AFP. Dati nga raw, dahil kulang sa gamit, ultimong purple na backpack mula sa isang fastfood chain, bitbit ng isang kawal sa mga sensitibong operasyon. Ang akin nga po: Di na nga angkop bilang equipment, napakatingkad pa yata ng purple na backpack para sa operasyon sa gubat. Sa paggamit ng ganitong bag, para mo na ring nilagyan ng bull’s eye sa likod ang sundalo. Ito po mismo ang kalagayang binago natin sa pagsusulong ng agenda ng mabuting pamamahala. Nang sinabi nating walang maiiwan sa Daang Matuwid, binali natin ang siklo ng pagsasantabi sa pangangailangan ng mamamayan, pati na ng ating Sandatahang Lakas. Gaya nga nang idiniin ko nang una akong humarap sa inyo bilang Commander-in-Chief noong Hulyo 2010: Kung hindi natutugunan ang mga pangangailangan ng bawat sundalo, paano matutugunan ng bawat sundalo ang pangangailangan ng sambayanan?

Masasabi ko nga po: Talagang full circle na po tayo. Ngayon, saan ka man bumaling sa AFP, makikita mo ang malawakang pagbabago, na patunay na nasa likod, harap, at tabi ninyo ang inyong gobyerno at ang mamamayang Pilipino. Tingnan na lang natin ang mga naisakatuparang big ticket items para sa modernisasyon ng inyong hukbo: Ang tatlong naunang administrasyon sa atin, 45 na proyekto ang naipatupad, na may kabuuang halagang P31.75 billion. Sa inyong pakikiisa, nagawa nating tapatan at higitan iyan; ngayon, meron na tayong 45 na mga proyektong nakumpleto, at ang nailabas na budget para rito mula noong maupo tayo ay nasa P56.79 billion. Bukod pa rito ang pagpapatupad natin sa Medium Term Capability Development hanggang sa 2017; aabot iyan sa P83.90 billion.

Ngayon ho, nariyan na ang malalaking asset para lalong lumakas ang inyong lifting capability lalo na sa panahon ng sakuna: Ang mga dagdag nating C-130, ang tatlong C-295 medium lift transports, ang dalawang Landing Craft Heavy mula sa Australia at maging ang iba’t ibang troop carrier trucks. Nariyan na rin ang mga modernong riple at baril, at night fighting system, bukod pa sa ibang kasangkapan, para mas epektibong magampanan ang inyong mga misyon.

Para naman sa mas mabibigat na operasyon, nariyan ang BRP Ramon Alcaraz at BRP Gregorio Del Pilar, pati na ang mga bagong combat utility at attack helicopters, ang inyong mga multi-purpose attack craft, at mga armored personnel carrier. Sa loob din ng ating administrasyon, sa unang pagkakataon, matapos ang isang dekada, meron na muli tayong makabago at matikas na mga fighter jet; lumapag na ang unang dalawang unit sa binili nating 12 na FA-50 fighters, at asahan ninyong darating ang mga ka-squadron nila bago matapos ang 2017. Nabanggit ko na ang mga bagong C-130 at Landing Craft Heavy; idadagdag ko lang na hindi pa tayo tapos sa pagpapalawak sa ating naturang hukbo; balak pa nating mapasakamay ang mga bagong frigate at strategic sealift vessel, pati ang mga Long Range Patrol at Close Air Support Aircraft, at iba pang kagamitan gaya ng engineering equipment. Kasama din ho natin ang US at ang Japan, ang dalawa sa tatlo nating strategic partners, sa pagpapalawak sa kakayahan at kaalaman ng ating AFP.

Kung medical services naman ng AFP ang pag-uusapan, nariyan po ang bagong pasilidad sa Camp Bautista Station Hospital sa Sulu, pati na ang pag-upgrade sa operating room ng AFP Medical Center sa Quezon City. Nariyan na rin ang mga bagong field ambulance, pati na ang kinakailangan para sa First Forward Medics. Patuloy naman tayong nakatutok sa pagbili pa ng karagdagang medical at dental equipment para sa buong AFP.

Kasabay ng lahat ng ito, patuloy din nating tinutugunan ang pabahay ninyo sa pamamagitan ng AFP-PNP Housing Program, na 99 percent complete na po ang Phase 2. Tinaasan din natin ang subsistence allowance ng ating mga sundalo, pulis, at iba pang kasapi ng unipormadong serbisyo; pati na rin ang buwanang combat pay ng mga kawal nating sumasabak sa operasyon. Nariyan din ang livelihood programs para sa mga kawal, aktibo man o retirado. Patuloy naman ang ating mga hakbang upang tuluyang maitaguyod ang isang makatarungan at patas na sistemang pampensiyon para sa mga tagapagtanggol ng taumbayan. Bilang mamamayan, meron ho kayong mga benepisyong hindi naiiba sa tangan ng iba nating kababayan. Halimbawa na ho nito ang mas pinalakas at pinalawig na Philhealth; at ang ating gusto pong idiin: Talagang pinagsisikapan ng inyong gobyerno na maihatid sa inyo ang serbisyong inaasahan ng bawat Pilipino.

Ang tanong ko nga ngayon: Sa lahat ng ito, may makakapagsabi pa bang pinabayaan ang ating kasundaluhan sa Tuwid na Daan? Siguro naman po, malinaw na malinaw na magkakasama tayong umaangat sa kabanatang ito ng ating kasaysayan. Personal kong nakita kung paanong lalong lumakas at naging mas epektibo ang ating AFP sa paglilingkod at pagsusulong ng kaayusan at estabilidad, na susi para lalong lumakas ang kumpiyansa ng iba na tumaya sa Pilipino.

Sa bawat intelligence briefing at mission update na ibinahagi sa akin, at maging sa mga kuwentong ipinaabot ng inyong mga pinuno at commanding officers, naging saksi ako sa mga sakripisyo at pagsisikap ng ating mga kawal, na buong-tapang, buong-kagitingan, at buong-loob na ginampanan ang sinumpaang tungkulin. Madalas nga ho, ako, kasama ng liderato ng ating AFP, ang tanging nakakaalam sa mga misyong inyong napagtagumpayan, na ang naging kapalit ay blood, sweat, at maging tears ng inyong hanay.

Kinikilala nga natin ang mga sundalong nagpamalas ng husay kasama ng ating kapulisan noong inatake ang Zamboanga City. Sa araw-araw na pagtutok namin sa sitwasyon sa lungsod, personal naming nakita nina Sec. Volts at Sec. Mar ang kahandaan ng mga nasa panig ng pamahalaan na itaya ang sariling buhay para mailigtas ang mga nabihag at maibalik ang kaayusan sa siyudad.

Lahat tayo, talagang napabilib naman sa paninindigan ng ating mga Marines na nagtatanod sa West Philippine Sea. Sila at ang iba pa nating mga kawal ang nagbabantay sa mga liblib na bahagi ng ating teritoryo. Sa labas ng ating bansa naman, nariyan ang ating peacekeepers, gaya ng mga nadestino sa Golan Heights, na kahit malagay sa dehadong posisyon ay talagang ipinamalas ang diskarte, talas ng isip, at kahandaan ng ating lahi na gawin ang tama.

Hindi po natin puwedeng di mabanggit ang mga kasapi ng ating hukbong humarap sa patong-patong na pagsubok upang mapaglingkuran ang ating mamamayan: ang mga sumaklolo para sa mga kalamidad gaya ng Bagyong Sendong, Pablo, Yolanda, Santi, Ruby, Lando, at maging kina Nona at Onyok. Special mention ko na rin ang mga kasapi ng Air Force na di kailanman nagreklamo kahit mataas na ang operational tempo sa pagsubok na ito. Nariyan din ang mga sundalong naghahatid ng serbisyo at kalinga sa malalayo nating pamayanan; sila po ang nagsisilbing tanglaw sa mga nasa laylayan at pinagsasamantalahan.

Banggitin ko na rin ang lahat ng kasapi ng ating unipormadong hanay na nag-ambagan para masigurong ligtas at mapayapa ang pagbisita ng ating mahal na Santo Papa at ng mga lider ng APEC at kanilang mga delegasyon ngayong taon. Dito ko nga ho nakikita ang di-mababaling ugnayan ng iba’t ibang sangay ng ating security sector. Ito rin ang matibay na relasyong nasasaksihan ko sa pang-araw-araw na pagdadamayan ng mga kasapi ng ating Presidential Security Group.

Mga kasama, sa ngalan nga po ng ating mga Boss, tanggapin ninyo ang aming taos-pusong pasasalamat para sa hindi matatawarang serbisyo ng bawat opisyal, sundalo, reservist, at kawani na bumubuo sa kagalang-galang na Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas. Sa inyong pagpapakitang-gilas, talaga namang hindi nakakabigla ang panibagong tibay ng tiwala ng ating sambayanan.

Masasabi naman nating naging mapalad tayong magkaroon ng isang matatag at epektibong liderato sa DND at AFP na talagang kasangga natin sa Daang Matuwid: mula kay Sec. Volts Gazmin na noon pa man ay kasa-kasama na natin sa pagtulak ng reporma; nariyan din ang inyong kasalukuyang Chief of Staff na si Gen. Hernando Iriberri at ang dating mga hepe, at ang inyong mga kasalukuyan at dating service commanders. Lahat sila, kilala sa kanilang galing sa pamumuno, propesyonalismo, at katapatan sa pagtupad ng atas. Sa bawat sandaling maaaring magdulot ng kaba at alinlangan, nariyan sila, sumagot sa bawat tanong ko, nagpatupad ng anumang utos ko, at talaga nga naman pong nagsakripisyo para di na tumawid pa sa publiko ang anumang pangamba.

Ididiin ko naman po: Ngayon ngang papasok na tayo sa huling anim na buwan ng ating administrasyon, malaki ang inaasahan sa atin ng ating mga Boss. Malinaw ang kanilang atas: patuloy na maglingkod na walang ibang pinapanigan kundi ang taumbayan; patuloy na suklian ng serbisyo ang kalingang ibinibigay sa inyo; patuloy na maging lakas at sandigan.

Sa susunod na taon, nakaatang sa ating balikat ang tungkuling siguruhing magiging matiwasay at matagumpay ang paparating na halalan. Ito na ho ang last mission ko para sa inyo, at bilang inyong Commander-in-Chief, tiwala nga akong iisa lang ang kumpas na inyong susundan: Ang gawin ang tama, makatwiran, at makatarungan para sa ikabubuti ng bayan.

Sa natitirang 192 araw ko po sa panunungkulan, makakaasa kayong dodoblehin ko ang sigasig upang masigurong makakamit natin ang isang Pilipinas na di-hamak na mas maganda kaysa ating dinatnan, isang bansang nagsisilbing lunsaran ng malawakang kaunlaran. Tunay nga pong napakalaking karangalan para sa akin ang makapaglingkod bilang Commander-in-Chief ng isang Sandatahang Lakas na di nagpapadaig sa anumang hamon at sumasalamin sa pinakamatatayog na ideyal ng lahing Pilipino.

Bago po ako magtapos, kanina ko pa ho tinitingnan ‘yung Mount Arayat. Naalala ko po ‘yung sabi ng lolo ko noong araw, na ‘pag gusto mo raw malaman kung ano ‘yung klima sa darating na araw, ‘pag nakita raw po ‘yung tuktok ng Arayat, ibig sabihin raw po no’n ay walang ulan na parating. Ngayon po’y maliwanag na maliwanag ang tuktok. Umaasa po tayo na simbolo rin ‘yan na talaga namang paliwanag nang paliwanag ang kinabukasan, hindi lang ng Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas, pero pati na rin po ng buong sambayanang Pilipino.

Magandang araw po. Maraming salamat po.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/116698-full-speech-aquino-afp-80th-anniversary

Irregularities uncovered in vehicle rentals of peace adviser's office

From Rappler (Dec 21): Irregularities uncovered in vehicle rentals of peace adviser's office

The Commission on Audit says the numerous vehicles utilised by the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process were 'unconscionable and excessive'



The Commission on Audit (COA) found that the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) spent at least P45 million on vehicle rentals in 2014 – 469% more than the appropriated budget.

According to state auditors, OPAPP did not follow its P7.97 million ($168,660)* appropriation for motor vehicle rentals as stated in its financial plan and schedule expenses. Instead, it incurred a total of P45.24 million ($957,000).

The audit report released by COA on December 18 also showed that the office rented a total of 294 vehicles in 2014 – 89 units on a monthly basis, and 205 on a “per activity” arrangement.

The rented cars were in addition to the 56 vehicles already owned by the agency.

COA pointed out in the report that OPAPP channeled funds from other programs for the shortfall without prior approval from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

Under the National Budget Circular Number 446 in 1995, rental of motor vehicles for more than 15 days is subject to approval by the budget secretary.

“We verified compliance of OPAPP to the above requirements and found that 89 motor vehicles rented on a monthly basis for CY 2014 were not covered by an authority from the DBM,” the state auditors said in the report. “The necessity of renting 294 motor vehicles cannot be adequately established since the purposes or activities were not always indicated in the supporting documents.”

COA required OPAPP to submit records of all vehicle rental transactions in 2014 through letters dated January 16 and February 23.

The office, however, was only able to present the documents of 37 vehicles – 20 in Mindanao and 17 in Metro Manila.

Auditors are also asking OPAPP to explain the necessity of renting 294 vehicles.

“The numerous vehicles utilized by OPAPP on its day-to-day operations could be regarded as unconscionable and excessive under COA Circular No. 2012-003,” the COA said. “We recommended that the management explain/justify the necessity of renting said 294 vehicles.”

Irregularities on papers?

COA stated in its report that the liquidation documents submitted by OPAPP on its vehicle rental expenses had “questionable registration details,” based on the database of the Land Transportation Office (LTO).

Two plate numbers, supposed to be assigned to a Toyota Fortuner and Mitsubishi Montero, weren’t manufactured yet as of April 2015, COA said.

In addition, details of other vehicles indicated in the rental papers did not tally with the official receipts or certificate of registrations (OR/CR) when validated with LTO.

A supposed plate number for a Toyota Grandia hired by OPAPP in June 2014 from a rental service in Marikina City is actually assigned to a motorcycle registered in Davao City, according to LTO Region 11.

A plate number for a Toyota Fortuner allegedly rented from Barlo Enterprises is still active and assigned to a 1978 Toyota Corona, LTO-Manila West Office disclosed.

The plate number of a Hyundai Tucson hired for 14 months also with Barlo Enterprises is actually registered to an Isuzu dump truck.

Two other Toyota Fortuner meanwhile were also found to have plate numbers registered to other type of vehicles while another car’s supposed plate number did not match with any unit registered with the LTO.

“OPAPP entered into lease agreement with firms that were not into the business of renting motor vehicles or not registered with the DTI (Department of Trade and Industry) and car lease firms that sub-contracted their services to private individuals to the disadvantage of the government,” the COA said.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/116713-coa-irregularities-opapp-motor-vehicles

Photo: AFP@80

From The Standard (Dec 21): Photo: AFP@80



AFP@80. The Armed Forces of the Philippines celebrated its 80th anniversary  at the Air Force City in Clark Air Base, Pampanga on Monday (Dec. 21, 2015) with the  theme ‘Advancing, Transforming to Protect the People and Secure the State.’

http://manilastandardtoday.com/news/-news-in-photos/195024/afp-80.html

Aquino: PH to spend $1.8B for military modernization

From Rappler (Dec 21): Aquino: PH to spend $1.8B for military modernization

In light of the territorial dispute with China, President Aquino stresses the need to modernize the Armed Forces of the Philippines



Philippine President Benigno Aquino (C) walks near troops during the Armed Forces of The Philippines (AFP) 78th Anniversary at the AFP headquarters in Manila on December 20, 2013. AFP PHOTO/NOEL CELIS

President Benigno Aquino III promised Monday, December 21, that the P83.9 billion ($1.77 billion) allocated for military modernization projects would be spent by 2017 as the country faces a territorial dispute with China.

Speaking at a ceremony to mark the 80th anniversary of the armed forces, Aquino said his administration had already spent P56.79 billion of the total scheduled for full disbursement by 2017 on "big-ticket" modernization programs. (READ: The shopping list: Status of PH military's modernization)

This was more than the sum spent by the three previous administrations, said Aquino, who took office in 2010 and leaves office next year, as he bemoaned the lack of proper equipment that had long hampered the military.

"Back then, because of lack of equipment, there was a soldier in a sensitive operation carrying a purple backpack from a fast food chain. I just don't think a purple backpack is suited for an operation in the jungle," he told assembled soldiers.

The President cited the new equipment purchased in recent years, including FA-50 jets, the country's first supersonic fighter aircraft for a decade. (READ: COA questions P24 billion worth of military procurement)

Two of the 12 South Korean-made jets have been delivered and Aquino said the rest would reach the country before the end of 2017.

He praised the military for performing difficult duties, singling out the Marines manning an outpost in the South China Sea to defend the Philippines' claims there.

Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam ,and Taiwan also have partial claims but China asserts rights over almost all of the South China Sea. It has been accused of taking aggressive actions to stake its claim, such as converting tiny outcrops or reefs into islands that can house military facilities.

The Philippines has been the most vocal in opposing China's claims despite having one of the region's weakest militaries.

As ties with China have soured, Aquino has stepped up efforts to strengthen the country's defences, by acquiring new weapons and improving defence ties with allies like the United States and Japan.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/116723-philippines-spending-military-modernization-aquino

Former NPA rebels in Zambo Sur receive PHP1.5-M livelihood assistance

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 21): Former NPA rebels in Zambo Sur receive PHP1.5-M livelihood assistance

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and this province’s Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) has awarded PHP1.5 million assistance to 21 former New People’s Army (NPA) rebels, a military official announced Monday.

DILG Regional Director Paisal Abutazil and Gov. Antonio Cerilles, who chairs the CLIP, led the distribution of the cheques to the 21 former NPA rebel-beneficiaries of the government’s CLIP in a ceremony held Saturday in this city.

Lt. Col. Alvin Luzon, Army’s 53rd Infantry Battalion commander, said 16 of the beneficiaries received PHP65,000 each while the remaining five got PHP50,000 each.

Luzon said the five beneficiaries were earlier given PHP15,000 immediate cash assistance.

Luzon added seven of the 21 beneficiaries, who surrendered with firearms, also received remuneration ranging from PHP8,000 to PHP58,000 depending on the type of firearms they turned over when they surrendered to the government.

He said the beneficiaries of CLIP are residents of this province and former members of the NPA’s Western Mindanao Regional Party Committee.

He said CLIP is a social integration program of the government implemented by the DILG to assist former NPA rebels to start a new life.

Luzon said the former rebels have undergone livelihood training conducted by his personnel, DILG and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) held at Camp Sabido that houses the 53rd IB headquarters in the nearby town of Guipos.

Cerilles said welcomed the decision of the beneficiaries in laying down their firearms since it is another great step towards achieving peace and progress.

Cerilles said Filipinos should work and help instead of killing and fighting each other.

“Nobody will help the Filipinos except fellow Filipinos,” he added.

 http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=840151

FA-50PHs conduct high-speed pass during 80th AFP founding anniversary

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 21): FA-50PHs conduct high-speed pass during 80th AFP founding anniversary

Two of the country's newest fighter jets -- the South Korean-made FA-50PH "Fighting Eagle" -- made history by making two ceremonial high-speed passes during the 80th anniversary celebration of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday.

The flights took place over Clark Air Base, a former United States Air Force base in Angeles City, Pampanga.

The Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI)-built light-interim fighter aircraft made a 350-knot, low-level pass as AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Hernando DCA Iriberri was concluding his anniversary speech.

"Fellow soldiers on this 80th AFP anniversary, let us be grateful for the blessings of our country and the value of freedom and democracy for which countless of our fellow soldiers had offered their lives. Let us once more bear ourselves to our duties with the values of honor, service and patriotism and let us all carry on with our country's colors held high to advance and transform to protect the people and secure the state," Iriberri said.

The jets made another pass as President Benigno S. Aquino III ended his anniversary message to the military after Iriberri's speech.

The Philippines' 12-plane order from KAI is worth PhP 18.9 billion. The aircraft deal was signed in February 2014.

The first two units were delivered last Nov. 28.

The FA-50PH has a top speed of Mach 1.5 or one and a half times the speed of sound and is capable of being fitted air-to-air missiles, including the AIM-9 "Sidewinder" air-to-air and heat-seeking missiles aside from light automatic cannons.

It will act as the country's interim fighter until the Philippines gets enough experience of operating fast jet assets and money to fund the acquisition of more capable fighter aircraft.

The FA-50PH design is largely derived from the F-16 "Fighting Falcon" and they have many similarities: use of a single engine, speed, size, cost, and the range of weapons.

KAI's previous engineering experience in license-producing the KF-16 was a starting point for the development of the FA-50PH.

The aircraft can carry two pilots in tandem seating. The high-mounted canopy developed by Hankuk Fiber is applied with stretched acrylic, providing the pilots with good visibility, and has been tested to offer the canopy with ballistic protection against four-pound objects impacting at 400 knots.

The altitude limit is 14,600 meters (48,000 feet), and airframe is designed to last 8,000 hours of service.

There are seven internal fuel tanks with capacity of 2,655 liters (701 US gallons) -- five in the fuselage and two in the wings.

An additional 1,710 liters (452 US gallons) of fuel can be carried in the three external fuel tanks.

Trainer variants have a paint scheme of white and red, and aerobatic variants white, black, and yellow.

The FA-50PH uses a single General Electric F404-102 turbofan engine license-produced by Samsung Techwin, upgraded with a full authority digital engine control system jointly developed by General Electric and Korean Aerospace Industries.

The engine consists of three-staged fans, seven axial stage arrangement, and an afterburner.

Its engine produces a maximum of 78.7 kN (17,700 lbf) of thrust with afterburner.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=840148

PHL's first strategic sealift vessel to be delivered May 2016

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 21): PHL's first strategic sealift vessel to be delivered May 2016

The country's first strategic-sealift vessel (SSV) will be delivered to the Philippine Navy (PN) in May 2016, a military official confirmed on Monday.

"The ship is now 87 percent complete and will be launched this coming January (2016). The SSV will be delivered sometime this May," Navy spokesperson Col. Edgard Arevalo said at the sidelines of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) 80th founding anniversary Monday.

Eight seven percent completion means the ship's keel, propulsion, engine and other major systems are now installed.

The second SSV, which is now 46 percent complete, will be delivered in 2017, Arevalo added.

When asked if the SSVs are to be armed, Arevalo said defensive armament of the ships will be installed by the PN.

The Philippines has a two-SSV order with Persero for PHP3.87 billion which is sourced from the AFP Modernization Fund.

The SSV acquisition project for the PN was initiated upon the approval of Acquisition Decision Memorandum Number 2012-060 by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin last Oct. 30, 2013.

The Department of National Defense declared Persero as the Single Calculated Responsive Bidder with a bidding price of PHP3.87 billion on Nov. 18, 2014.

The SSVs are programmed to be the PN’s floating command center carrying out their main purpose as military sealift and transport vessels and also for humanitarian assistance and disaster response.

Further, these vessels are critical assets for civil-military operations due to their capability of transporting large number of soldiers, logistics, and supplies.

Moreover, each SSV has the capacity to house three helicopters. The Navy’s Augusta Westland-109s are programmed to be on-board components of these vessels.

These forthcoming landing platform dock strategic sealift vessels will improve the transport capability of the PN and boost the defense capabilities of the country.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=840162

CA upholds writs of amparo, habeas data vs military, police

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 21): CA upholds writs of amparo, habeas data vs military, police

The Court of Appeals (CA) has upheld its ruling granting the petition for issuance of the writs of amparo and habeas data filed by a lawyer who was allegedly subjected to surveillance operations and harassment by individuals working under the command of President Benigno S. Aquino III, as commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and several military and police officials.

In a seven-page ruling written by Associate Justice Romeo Barza, the CA's Special Former Special Sixth Division denied the motion for reconsideration (MR) filed, among others, by Department of Defense (DND) Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, President Aquino, AFP Chief Gen. Hernando Iriberri and resigned PNP Chief Director General Alan Purisima.

Their MR was filed through the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG).

In her petition with the CA, Atty. Maria Catherine Dannug-Salucon argued that she had been subjected to surveillance operations, being a human rights defender.

In March this year, the CA ordered the respondents to exert extra-ordinary diligence and efforts, not only to protect the life, liberty and security of Dannug-Salucon and the immediate members of her family, but also to conduct further investigation to determine the veracity of the alleged surveillance operations and acts of harassments upon the petitioner, and identify the persons supposedly involved.

The CA also ordered the respondents to submit quarterly report of their actions, as a way of periodic review to enable the court to monitor their actions.

They were also told by the CA to disclose to the CA any and all facts, information, statements, records, photographs, dossiers and other evidence, documentary or otherwise, pertaining to Dannug-Salucon.

This prompted the respondents to seek redress with the CA through its petition, arguing that the issuance of the writs had no basis and that it was largely based on hearsay evidence.

In its Dec. 2, 2015 ruling, the CA said that Dannug-Salucon was able to prove by substantial evidence her allegation against the respondents.

"Corollarily, the Court finds a unique circumstance necessitating the relaxation of the hearsay rule," the CA said.

"Indeed, as the Court previously held, the difficulty to obtain direct evidence to prove petitioner’s entitlement to the writs being prayed for stems from the fact that no actual extrajudicial killing or enforced disappearance has yet to occur in this case, and, thus, involves acts which, as of the present, only threaten to violate petitioner's rights to life, liberty and security, or which may be interpreted as preliminary steps to the possible extrajudicial killing or enforce disappearance of the petitioner," the CA added.

In such a case, the CA said, "the Court can exercise flexibility in the consideration of evidence which would otherwise not be admissible under the ordinary rules of procedure."

Concurring in the ruling were Associate Justices Magdangal de Leon and Zenaida Galapate Laguilles.

 

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=840175

Arrival of FA-50PHs show AFP modernization program now in high gear -- AFP chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 21): Arrival of FA-50PHs show AFP modernization program now in high gear -- AFP chief

With the arrival of the brand-new South Korean-made FA-50PH light-interim fighter aircraft and other new military equipment, the modernization program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is now truly in high gear.

AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Hernando DCA Iriberri made the statement during his speech at the 80th founding anniversary of the AFP held at the Clark Air Base in the city on Monday.

"The high flight of our newly-acquired FA-50 lead-in fight jets, together with our newly (acquired) platforms and defense equipment, (shows that) our modernization program is definitely rolling forward in high gear," he added.

Iriberri said the success of the ongoing AFP modernization program can be attributed to President Benigno S. Aquino III.

"Our Commander-in Chief's resolve and commitment, our commemoration today is therefore a tribute to the passage in real life of our unbroken line of heroes who deserve better ways and better means to fight with, this is also a dedication and drive of every Filipino soldier, sailor, airmen and marines and our partners in protecting the people and securing the state," the AFP chief stressed.

The first two FA-50PHs, which arrived in the Philippines on Nov. 28, is part of the 12-plane order deal, worth PHP18.9 billion, signed by the Department of National Defense and Korea Aerospace Industries in March 2014.

Other military assets delivered and completed this year include the three C-295 medium transport planes, eight AW-109 attack helicopters, and five Bell 205 combat utility helicopters, all for the use of the Philippine Air Force.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=840174

President Aquino cites AFP modernization under his administration

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 21): President Aquino cites AFP modernization under his administration

President Benigno S. Aquino III on Monday underscored the positive transformation that took place in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), important in making the military more effective in maintaining orderly and stable conditions in the country.

“Personal kong nakita kung paanong lalong lumakas at naging mas epektibo ang ating AFP sa paglilingkod at pagsusulong ng kaayusan at estabilidad, na susi para lalong lumakas ang kumpiyansa ng iba na tumaya sa Pilipino,” he noted during the 80th anniversary of the AFP in Clark Air Base, Pampanga.

President Aquino said his administration already completed 45 projects worth Php56.79 billion.

He said it has also started implementing the Medium Term Capability Development Program estimated to cost Php83.90 billion, which will be completed until 2017.

To boost its lifting capability especially during disasters, the Chief Executive cited large assets of the AFP including additional C-130, three C-295 medium lift transports, two Landing Craft Heavy from Australia, various troop carrier trucks, modern rifles and guns, and night fighting system.

President Aquino also boasted the BRP Ramon Alcaraz and BRP Gregorio del Pilar navy warships as well new combat utility, attack helicopters and fighter jet.

Moreover, the President said his administration will continue expanding the capabilities of the AFP.

“Nabanggit ko na ang mga bagong C-130 at Landing Craft Heavy; idadagdag ko lang na hindi pa tayo tapos sa pagpapalawak sa ating naturang hukbo; balak pa nating mapasakamay ang mga bagong frigate at strategic sealift vessel, pati ang mga Long Range Patrol at Close Air Support Aircraft, at iba pang kagamitan gaya ng engineering equipment,” he said.

The Chief Executive said the United States and Japan, the country’s strategic partners, are assisting the country expand the capabilities and knowledge of the AFP.

He also cited better health service support to the AFP and the housing program for the military and the Philippine National Police.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=840266

President Aquino attends Armed Forces’ 80th anniversary celebration

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 21): President Aquino attends Armed Forces’ 80th anniversary celebration

President Benigno S. Aquino III on Monday expressed his gratitude to the unwavering commitment, passion and dedication of the members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), which celebrated its 80th anniversary at the Air Force City here.

The President was joined by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and top-ranking officials of the Philippine Army, Philippine Navy, and Philippine Air Force during the celebration, which showcased the country's military assets, including its newly-acquired FA-50 Golden Eagle jet fighter planes and combat helicopters.

He said the AFP's Modernization and Credibility Upgrade Program is the government's way of making the military stronger, more adequately equipped and well provisioned.

"Masasabi ko nga po na talagang full circle na po tayo. Ngayon, saan ka man bumaling sa AFP, makikita mo ang malawakang pagbabago, na patunay na nasa likod, harap, at tabi ninyo ang inyong gobyerno at ang mamamayang Pilipino,” said the President, who was guest of honor and speaker of the event.

“Tingnan na lang natin ang mga naisakatuparang big-ticket items para sa modernisasyon ng inyong hukbo: Ang tatlong naunang administrasyon sa atin, 45 na proyekto ang naipatupad, na may kabuuang halagang PhP31.75 billion. Sa inyong pakikiisa, nagawa nating tapatan at higitan iyan; ngayon, meron na tayong 45 na mga proyektong nakumpleto, at ang nailabas na budget para rito mula noong maupo tayo ay nasa PhP56.79 billion. Bukod pa rito ang pagpapatupad natin sa Medium-Term Capability Development hanggang sa 2017; aabot ito ng PhP83.9 billion," he added.

"Ngayon ho, nariyan na ang malalaking asset para lalong lumakas ang inyong lifting capability, lalo na sa panahon ng sakuna,” the President said, referring to the additional C-130s, three C-295 medium lift transports, two Landing Craft Heavy from Australia, various troop carrier trucks, modern rifles and guns, and night fighting system.

"Para naman sa mas mabibigat na operasyon, nariyan ang BRP Ramon Alcaraz at BRP Gregorio Del Pilar, pati na ang mga bagong combat utility at attack helicopters, ang inyong mga multi-purpose attack craft, at mga armored personnel carrier. Sa loob din ng ating administrasyon, sa unang pagkakataon, matapos ang isang dekada, meron na muli tayong makabago at matikas na mga fighter jet; lumapag na ang unang dalawang unit sa binili nating 12 na FA-50 fighters, at asahan ninyong darating ang mga ka-squadron nila bago matapos ang 2017,” he said.

The Chief Executive also noted plans to acquire new frigates and strategic sealift vessel, as well as Long-Range Patrol and Close Air Support Aircraft, and engineering equipment.

“Kasama din ho natin ang US at ang Japan, ang dalawa sa tatlo nating strategic partners, sa pagpapalawak sa kakayahan at kaalaman ng ating AFP," said President Aquino.

The President also mentioned the implementation of various measures that provided housing, enhanced pensions, and increased combat pay and meal allowances for the welfare of the soldiers and their families.

"Kung medical services naman ng AFP ang pag-uusapan, nariyan po ang bagong pasilidad sa Camp Bautista Station Hospital sa Sulu, pati na ang pag-upgrade sa operating room ng AFP Medical Center sa Quezon City. Nariyan na rin ang mga bagong field ambulance, pati na ang kinakailangan para sa First Forward Medics. Patuloy naman tayong nakatutok sa pagbili pa ng karagdagang medical at dental equipment para sa buong AFP,” he said.

President Aquino reported that 99 percent of the second phase of the housing program for military and police personnel has been completed and that their subsistence allowance and monthly combat pay have been increased.

“Nariyan din ang livelihood programs para sa mga kawal, aktibo man o retirado. Patuloy naman ang ating mga hakbang upang tuluyang maitaguyod ang isang makatarungan at patas na sistemang pampensiyon para sa mga tagapagtanggol ng taumbayan. Bilang mamamayan, meron ho kayong mga benepisyong hindi naiiba sa tangan ng iba nating kababayan. Halimbawa na ho nito ang mas pinalakas at pinalawig na PhilHealth; at ang ating gusto pong idiin ay talagang pinagsisikapan ng inyong gobyerno na maihatid sa inyo ang serbisyong inaasahan ng bawat Pilipino,” he said.

President Aquino further recognized the sacrifices made by the country’s uniformed personnel.

"Sa bawat intelligence briefing at mission update na ibinahagi sa akin, at maging sa mga kuwentong ipinaabot ng inyong mga pinuno at commanding officers, naging saksi ako sa mga sakripisyo at pagsisikap ng ating mga kawal, na buong-tapang, buong-kagitingan, at buong-loob na ginampanan ang sinumpaang tungkulin. Madalas nga ho, ako, kasama ng liderato ng ating AFP, ang tanging nakakaalam sa mga misyong inyong napagtagumpayan, na ang naging kapalit ay blood, sweat, at maging tears sa inyong hanay,” he said.

He further commended those who have been stationed at the West Philippine Sea.

"Lahat tayo, talagang napabilib naman sa paninindigan ng ating mga Marines na nagtatanod sa West Philippine Sea. Sila at ang iba pa nating mga kawal ang nagbabantay sa mga liblib na bahagi ng ating teritoryo. Sa labas ng ating bansa naman, nariyan ang ating peacekeepers, gaya ng mga nadestino sa Golan Heights, na kahit malagay sa dehadong posisyon ay talagang ipinamalas ang diskarte, talas ng isip, at kahandaan ng ating lahi na gawin ang tama.”

The President also acknowledged the services rendered by military personnel who led rescue operations during the onslaught of such typhoons as Sendong, Pablo, Yolanda, Santi, Ruby, Lando, and the recent Nona and Onyok, as well as uniformed personnel who secured Pope Francis and leaders who attended last month’s Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting.

“Mga kasama, sa ngalan nga po ng ating mga Boss, tanggapin ninyo ang aming taos-pusong pasasalamat para sa hindi matatawarang serbisyo ng bawat opisyal, sundalo, reservist, at kawani na bumubuo sa kagalang-galang na Sandatahang Lakas ng Pilipinas. Sa inyong pagpapakitang-gilas, talaga namang hindi nakakabigla ang panibagong tibay ng tiwala ng ating sambayanan,” he said.

President Aquino said it is an honor to be the commander-in-chief of an armed forces that is ready to face any challenge.

"Tunay nga pong napakalaking karangalan para sa akin ang makapaglingkod bilang Commander-in-Chief ng isang Sandatahang Lakas na di nagpapadaig sa anumang hamon at sumasalamin sa pinakamatatayog na ideyal ng lahing Pilipino, " he said.

The celebration featured the fly-by of two brand new FA-50 jet fighters, which were delivered from South Korea last month.

The two fighter jets are part of the 12 FA-50 multi-purpose airplanes acquired by the Department of National Defense for the AFP modernization program. The delivery of the remaining 10 jets will be completed between 2016 and 2017.

The FA-50 is powered by an F404-GE-102 high trust engine that used afterburners to go supersonic to attain the maximum speed of Mach 1.5 (1,838 kilometers per hour). It is equipped with a state-of-the-art radar that can track down multiple targets simultaneously. The pilot is equipped with a night vision device.

Aside from the FA-50s, the air force also made a fly-by of 24 other air assets, such as S211 trainer jets, C-295 medium lift aircraft, C-130, SF-260, Bell 412EP utility helicopters, UH-1D, UH-IH, Sokol helicopters, and AW109P helicopters.

The AFP parade also included V150, Simba, V300 armored vehicles, M35 trucks, water filtration with truck, boom truck, M35 with fiberglass boat, rubber boat, and other military vehicles.

During the anniversary celebration, outstanding AFP members and stakeholders, who showed passion to service and bravery on the field of duty were recognized.

The awardees were Presidential Security Group Commander Raul Ubando (Philippine Legion of Honor); Army Captain Dranreb Lansang (Distinguished Conduct Star); Brig. General Apolinario Alobba (Distinguished Service Star); Navy Sergeant Raul Montero, TSgt. Menardo Ibanez and Pfc. Ronie Gusto (Gold Cross Medal); 2Lt. Rezel Faith Sela (Meritorious Achievement Medal); MSg. Bernard Blanco and Pfc. Cyrus Vincent Verdote (Bronze Cross Medal); CAA Yolly Perez (Kagitingan sa Barangay – Maginoo); TSg. Joel Alegre (AFP Enlisted Personnel of the Year); Engineer Wenefredo Abalos (AFP Model Civilian Supervisor of the Year); Efren Tabtab (AFP Model Civilian Employee of the Year); C/Col. Juan Miguel Cabrera (Male ROTC Cadet of the Year); and Cdt. LtC Lanie Martinez (Female ROTC Cadet of the Year).

Recipients of the AFP Bayanihan Award were Dario Otaza, former mayor of Loreto, Agusan del Sur; the HERO Foundation Inc.; Father Marciano Evangelista; and the Wanita Dan Harapan Foundation.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=840270

Significant portion of military land, air assets present during 80th AFP founding anniversary

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 21): Significant portion of military land, air assets present during 80th AFP founding anniversary

A significant portion of the military's land and air assets were present during the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)'s 80th founding anniversary Monday morning.

This was disclosed by AFP spokesman Col. Restituto Padilla.

Military land assets on hand during customary parade include 194 vehicles which include armored fighting vehicles, truck-towing artillery, tractors, disaster response, rescue and communication vehicles.

Of these, 59 are armored fighting vehicles, including four mounting the .50 caliber remote-control weapon systems which were recently acquired.

On the Air Force side, 24 aircraft were on hand and this includes the FA-50PHs, S-211s, AgustaWestland AW-109 attack helicopters, C-295 medium transports, two C-130 cargo planes, SF-260 trainers and W-3A 'Sokol' combat utility helicopters.

Around 59 paratroopers participated in the practice drops which was another highlight of the event.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=840152