From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Mar 11): PURSUIT OPERATIONS II 2 Abu Sayyaf camps seized in Sulu
The military on Thursday afternoon have captured two Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) camps and seized several firearms during operations in Patikul, Sulu province.
Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado, Joint Task Group Sulu commander, said soldiers from the 10th Scout Ranger Company were conducting patrols when they encountered around 30 suspected ASG bandits under sub-leaders Namel Ahajari and Arkam Udjaman at Sitio Mabusing, Barangay Langhub at 1:08 p.m.
The brigands retreated after a 15-minute firefight after sustaining an undetermined number of casualties.
No losses were sustained by government forces, Arrojado said.
In the ensuing pursuit operations, government troops seized two ASG camps, one of which is capable of housing 50 bandits. The second camp, captured by the 11th Scout Ranger Company, can accommodate 100 individuals.
Seized were a rocket-propelled grenade, a M-16 automatic rifle with 45 rounds and assorted foodstuff.
Recently posted to Samar News (Feb 3): Nortehanons benefited from the 20IB led livelihood training
LtCol. Hilarion Palma, commanding officer of the 20th Infantry Battalion, participates in the closing ceremony and awarding of Pangkabuhayan Starter Tool Kits to 125 beneficiaries of TESDA-LNAIS community-based skills and livelihood program on January 29, 2016 at TESDA-LNAIS, Las Navas, Northern Samar.
By DPAO, 8ID
PA
February 3, 2016
CATUBIG, Northern Samar – A community-based skills
training program initiated by 20th Infantry (We Lead) Battalion, Technical
Education and Skills Training Authority (TESDA) and Local Government Unit (LGU)
of Las Navas, Northern Samar was culminated on
January 29, 2016 in Las Navas Agro-Industrial School.
128 local beneficiaries from San Jose, Catubig, Barangay
Dapdap, San Isidro and Del Pilar all of Las Navas, Northern Samar successfully
completed the training requirements on Livestock Poultry Production, Raise
Swine, Vegetable Crops, Sewing Draft and Cut Pattern, Bread and Pastry Making,
and Motorcycle Engine Repair all NC-II TESDA certified.
The beneficiaries received “Pangkabuhayan Starter Tool Kits”
during their graduation as a jump-start to uplift their livelihood and economic
condition. They extend their heartfelt appreciation for the soldier’s best
initiatives on poverty alleviation.
“We cannot always wait for what the government can provide
us, rather, we can better help others by teaching them how to fish. In this
way, the attainment of success and resolution of social issues will be resolved”,
20IB chief LtCol. Palma
said.
This, in return, the Philippine Army will get closer to the
hearts of Nortehanons as we inspire and motivate them in bringing closer to all
the government programs which is anchored on a people centered, comprehensive
and sustainable approach toward the attainment of our core purpose in serving
the people and securing the land.
Posted to the MILF Website (Mar 12): Iqbal attends Forum on Bangsamoro at Philippine Military Academy
Mohagher
Iqbal, Chair of the peace panel of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and
Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) attended a forum entitled Roundtable
Discussion on Bangsamoro and Cordillera Peace process on March 9 at Fort Del
Pilar, Philippine Military Academy, BaguioCity. The forum was
sponsored by Mindanews, Asia Foundation, Australian Aid and Philippine
Information Agency-Cordillera (PIA).
Professor Miriam
Coronel-Ferrer, Chairperson of the GPH Peace Panel and Iqbal were the resource
persons.
PMA Superintendent MGen. Donato B. San Juan II welcomed the guests and
participants to this forum. Also in attendance were Efren Elbanbuena, Regional
Director, Phil Information Agency, Region X1, Carolyn Arguellas of Mindanews,
and Baguio City Mayor Mauricio Domogan.
Iqbal said that the bill that created the PMA, the Philippine Naval Academy,
and requiring college students to undertake ROTC was filed by Moro Sen. Hadji
Buto Abdulbaqi, who was appointed Senator in 1915.
Iqbal pointed out that despite the non-passage of proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law
(BBL) by the 16th Congress, the Comprehensive Agreement of the Bangsamoro (CAB)
remains binding for the GPH and the MILF.
For his part, Mayor Domogan cited the issue on autonomy where the 1987
Constitution provides for the creation of autonomous regions in Muslim Mindanao
and in the Cordillera.
Participants who attended the forum were PMA officers, cadets, media
representatives, officials of line agencies and students from different schools
in the city.
Posted to the MILF Website (Mar 12): BLMI, peace advocates and community leaders hold forum in Zamboanga City
The
Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute (BLMI) in partnership with Moro
Community Leaders and peace advocates conducted a Peace Forum on March 10. 2016
at Barangay Tulungatung, ZamboangaCity. The Moro community
leaders came from six adjacent barangays in west coastal area of the city.
Organizers
aimed to intensify engagement in communities by providing right information and
clarifying vital issues in a bid to sustain the gains of Peace process fostered
by Philippine Government (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)
after a 17-year of protracted and painstaking negotiations.
The undertaking dubbed as “Frustration Management” for it involves
psychological approaches in appeasing people’s bursting emotions and sentiments
after the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) ended up in dismal failure in the
hands of 16th Congress.
The program was part of BLMI propitiatory approach which the institute has
embark on since February this year to mitigate people’s frustrations brought by
non-passage of BBL.
In his message, Tirso Tahir, BLMI Officer and resource person appealed to the
Moro leaders and peace advocates to hold on to the gains of the peace process
and to continue their efforts in peace-building.
“The non-passage of BBL is not the end of our hope, the FAB and CAB are still
in effect and cannot be simply set aside,” Tahir stressed.
In an open forum, the participants expressed different prospects and possible
scenarios on what could happen in next administration in regards to the peace
process, but were collectively hoping that whoever wins in the upcoming
presidential race will honor the signed political agreement- the CAB for that
is the reflection of the Bangsamoro undying aspiration of their legitimate
assertion to right to self-determination.
BLMI and partners are exerting efforts unceasingly by initiating viable
programs and activities on the ground to sustain the gains of the peace process
by reaching out to all stakeholders in different areas in Mindanao.
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Mar 12): Malacañang calls for calm over Abu Sayyaf ransom deadline Malacañang has called for calm following the Abu Sayyaf’s release of a new video of the three foreigners and a Filipina who were kidnapped in Davao del Norte in September last year.
In the video, the militants set a one-month deadline for millions of pesos in ransom, with an Abu Sayyaf member saying “something terrible” would happen to the two Canadians, one Norwegian and the Filipina if their demands would not be met by April 8.
But Communications Undersecretary Manolo Quezon assured the public that government forces were doing their part in handling the situation.
“The Department of Foreign Affairs is keeping in close contact with (the governments) representing these citizens … At the same time, let us not dignify by communicating on an official level with people who have broken the law and who are causing misery to innocent civilians whether Filipino or foreign,” Quezon said over state-run dzRB.
“Let us remain committed to our confidence in our Armed Forces and police to handle the situation. We put in our DFA to properly coordinate and inform foreign governments and the families of those involved,” he added.
Quezon said he could not give details on the operations being conducted by the AFP and the PNP as these were delicate matters.
He maintained that the government would not tolerate criminality by agreeing to pay the ransom that Abu Sayyaf was asking.
“Huwag nating kalimutan that, in general, for most countries, ganito talaga ang mga policies nila in all terrorists na hindi naman talaga pwedeng mag-deal o magbayad ng mga ransoms sa mga terorista dahil sa ganung paraan lalo pa nilang makukuha ang nais nila. Hindi lang magkalat ng katakutan kundi magkaroon ng financial rewards for their criminality,” Quezon said.
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Mar 12): N. Korean submarine missing—reports
A North Korean submarine is missing, reports said Saturday, as the reclusive state issued a fresh threat of retaliation against US and South Korean forces involved in joint military drills.
The unknown class of vessel had been reportedly operating off the North Korean coast earlier in the week when it disappeared.
A South Korean defense ministry told AFP Seoul was investigating the reports. Pentagon officials declined to comment on the matter. The US military had been observing the submarine off the North’s eastern coast, CNN said, citing three US officials familiar with the incident.
American spy satellites, aircraft and ships have been watching as the North Korean navy searched for the missing sub, the report added.
The US is unsure if the missing vessel is adrift or whether it has sunk, CNN reported, but officials believe it suffered a failure during an exercise.
The US Naval Institute (USNI) News said the submarine was presumed sunk.
“The speculation is that it sank”, an unidentified US official was quoted as telling the USNI News.
“The North Koreans have not made an attempt to indicate there is something wrong or that they require help or some type of assistance.”
The incident comes as tensions were further heightened on the Korean peninsula by a fresh threat from Pyongyang.
The official KCNA news agency, citing a statement from military chiefs, warned of a “pre-emptive retaliatory strike at the enemy groups” involved in the joint US-South Korean drill.
Pyongyang added it planned to respond to the drills with an “operation to liberate the whole of South Korea including Seoul” with an “ultra-precision blitzkrieg”.
Responding to the statement, South Korea’s defense ministry urged Pyongyang to stop making threats or further provocations, according to Yonhap news agency.
North Korea’s navy operates a fleet of some 70 submarines, most of them being rusting diesel submarines that are capable of little more than coastal defence and limited offensive capabilities.
But the old, low-tech submarines still pose substantial threats to South Korean vessels.
In 2010, a South Korean corvette was reportedly torpedoed by a North Korean submarine near their sea border.
In August last year, Seoul said said 70 percent of the North’s total submarine fleet — or around 50 vessels — had left their bases and disappeared from South’s military radar, sparking alarm.
From the Philippine Star (Mar 11): IS training manuals found at militants’ camp
More than 40 militants, including three leaders of the Maute group, were killed during the weeklong operations last month. File photo
The military uncovered supposed training manuals for militants under the Islamic State (IS) following a raid in a camp used by the Maute group in Butig, Lanao del Sur last month.
Lt. Gen. Mayoralgo de la Cruz, commander of Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), said troops recovered several documents and booklets espousing extremism, indicating the group of the Maute brothers is trying to link up with the IS.
De la Cruz said the troops also recovered bandanas with IS inscriptions.
“What is good then we managed to address the threat immediately following that offensive operation in Butig against this group of local militants,” De la Cruz said.
More than 40 militants, including three leaders of the Maute group, were killed during the weeklong operations last month.
De la Cruz said the spate of bombings and attacks on military posts could be part of the local militants’ move to be recognized by the IS.
Meanwhile, the military is tracking down the remaining four leaders of the Maute brothers before another offensive will be launched, according to De la Cruz.
“We want to emphasize that once the security of the place, its civilian inhabitants and even the security of our personnel, will be imperiled we will apply the full force of the law and the full might of the Armed Forces and we are ready all the time,” De la Cruz warned.
From the Philippine Star (Mar 12): AFP continues hunt for Abus holding 3 foreigners, Pinay
The military will continue hunting down the Abu Sayyaf holding three foreigners and a Filipina hostage since last year.
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Public Affairs Office chief Col. Noel Detoyato said the troops are under orders to ensure the safety of the hostages – Canadians John Ridsel and Robert Hall; Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad and Maritess Flor – in their operations against the Abu Sayyaf.
“We will just continue with our focused military operations based on available information to support the police operations,” Detoyato said.
Detoyato made the statement after the Abu Sayyaf posted a video last Tuesday showing the four captives surrounded by gunmen threatening to execute them in a month if the demands for ransom are not met.
The hostages themselves appealed to their families and governments to do what’s needed to meet the demand of their abductors in a month or they will be executed.
No ransom figure was mentioned in the video but the Abu Sayyaf earlier demanded P1-billion ransom for each of the foreign captives.
This is the third time the bandits have released a video of the hostages. Last October, a post on social media demanded a halt to military operations in Sulu before the start of negotiations for the freedom of the hostages.
Last November, the kidnappers released another video of their victims and demanded P1 billion in ransom for each hostage.
“The safety of the hostages is a primary concern during our combat operations. While doing all these efforts to secure the safe return of the kidnap victims, we also call on the peace-loving people of Jolo to share with the nearest government authorities any information that may help in the safe recovery of the kidnap victims,” Detoyato said.
The four were seized from a resort in Samal Island on Sept. 21 and were believed to have been brought to and held captive in Sulu.
The military said they were checking the veracity of the video.
Detoyato said the sustained military operation against the Abu Sayyaf is in line with the no ransom policy of the government.
Detoyato said the video is a good indication of the hostages’ present condition and also presents important information on the kidnappers.
The Philippine National Police for its part has secured a copy of the video clip and forwarded this to its Anti-Cybercrime Group for analysis and evaluation.
“We are very careful with regard to the videos and that’s the reason why we endorse videos to ACG for further analysis,” PNP spokesman Chief Supt. Wilben Mayor said.
In coordination with military operational matters, Mayor said there are several police teams conducting operations against kidnapping groups in the Sulu area.
Meanwhile, government troops overran two suspected camps of the Abu Sayyaf in Patikul, Sulu.
Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado, commander of military’s Joint Task Group Sulu, said troops from the Army’s 10th Scout Ranger Company initially figured in a firefight with several Abu Sayyaf gunmen at Sitio Mabusing, Barangay Langhud on Thursday.
From the Philippine Star (Mar 12): Nations urged: Persuade China to accept sea row ruling
“The Philippines maintains that the decision of the tribunal, once rendered, will be legally binding and should be accorded due respect by everyone. We are enjoining other nations to help us to convince China to respect the rule of law,” resigned foreign affairs secretary Albert del Rosario said during a testimonial lunch yesterday at the Fairmont Makati Hotel.
The Philippines is urging the international community to help persuade China to accept the United Nations tribunal’s ruling on the arbitration case filed by the Philippines and for Beijing to comply with the decision.
“The Philippines maintains that the decision of the tribunal, once rendered, will be legally binding and should be accorded due respect by everyone. We are enjoining other nations to help us to convince China to respect the rule of law,” resigned foreign affairs secretary Albert del Rosario said during a testimonial lunch yesterday at the Fairmont Makati Hotel.
The Makati Business Club, Management Association of the Philippines, Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Chamber of Mines of the Philippines,
AMCHAM-Philippines, Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines and Bankers Association of the Philippines hosted the testimonial luncheon for Del Rosario.
Del Rosario said the Philippines has reposed its faith in the rule of law, particularly on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and other applicable principles of international law.
“Having presented our positions and evidence in support of all our submissions before the Arbitral Tribunal last November, we now await the tribunal’s decision on the merits of the case. To this decision, we shall accordingly abide,” he said.
The tribunal’s decision on the Philippines’ case against China for excessive and expansive claims in the South China Sea is expected to be released in May.
Del Rosario said as a result of Chinese unilateral conduct of test flights, island-building activities and constructions, and challenges on freedom of navigation, over flight operations, ongoing militarization and China’s still continuing prevention of Filipino fishermen from plying their trade at the Philippines’ Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal area have “seriously heightened tensions and further highlight the urgency of an early promulgation of the decision.”
The Philippines fully recognizes China’s role in world affairs and supports its peaceful development.
The country openly acknowledged that China’s emergence as an economic power has been of great benefit not only for Asia-Pacific but also for the world, he said.
“Notwithstanding certain difficulties and positions, we have consistently maintained that the South China Sea issue is not the sum total of our relations with China. It is my belief, nevertheless, that for China to be truly viewed as a positive force and a responsible regional power, it is of great import for China to manifest adherence to and respect for the rule of law,” Del Rosario added.
In February, Del Rosario admitted that he felt the Philippines was alone in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) dispute, but the country has gained allies in initiating an arbitration case against China for a lasting, legal and durable solution.
From the Daily Tribune (Mar 13): ISIS now in RP — PNP exec
Elements of the dreaded Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) can be defeated if there’s enough intelligence gathering by the police and military to monitor if they have already set foot in the country.
An unnamed source from the Philippine National Police (PNP) revealed this scenario despite repeated claims of the PNP and military that members of the dreaded organization are already in the Philippines.
ISIS is a militant organization known for its brutal attacks to pursue its goal of creating a Sunni Islam state.
According to the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), ISIS has more than 150 equally dreaded affiliates around the world.
The number of fighters the group commands in Iraq and Syria was estimated by the CIA at 31,000, with foreign fighters accounting for around two thirds.
CIA director John Brennan said ISIS is not easy to defeat because it has chemical weapons and very good in attracting new members.
“In case they are here, we can beat them if the strategy is good,” the source, who requested not to be named as he is not authorized to speak to the media, explained to The Daily Tribune in a chance interview.
The source cannot echo the same denial that some ISIS members have landed in southern Philippines because he is not in touch with intelligence operatives of either PNP or AFP.
The source, however, confirmed supporters of the group are already in some provinces in Mindanao. He didn’t elaborate.
“Their supporters are already here but the PNP itself cannot confirm,” the official, who holds the rank of senior superintendent, added.
When asked if the PNP and AFP have weak intelligence gathering capacity, the official replied “what do you think?”
He said the very long coastline of the Philippines makes it very difficult to monitor the entry and exit of people.
Meanwhile, Malacañang refused to comment on the threat of the Abu Sayyaf group to behead the hostages who were abducted from a resort on Samal Island nearly six months ago.
Presidential Communications Usec. Manolo Quezon III said the government, like other countries, follows protocols which include a policy not to negotiate with terrorist groups.
Recently, John Ridsdel, a Canadian mining consultant and one of the hostages, pleaded with the Canadian prime minister to meet Abu Sayyaf’s demand so their lives would be spared.
He made his appeal in a video posted recently on a Facebook account linked to Philippine Islamists.
On Sept. 21, 2015, members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) stormed a resort on Samal Island and abducted Kjartan Sekkingstad, a Norwegian and operations manager of the resort; Canadians Ridsdel and Robert Hall and his Filipina girlfriend identified only as Tess.
Meanwhile, Quezon said the government will keep in secret the information gathered by the AFP and PNP to protect the two Canadians, the Norwegian and their Filipino female companion.
In November last year, the bandits, through Ridsdel, demanded $21 million or P1 billion for each of the hostages.
A spokesman for Abu Sayyaf appeared in the recent video with Ridsdel, saying they will “do something terrible” against the captives if their demands are not met by the end of their one-month ultimatum.
Abu Sayyaf militants are also holding an Italian missionary, and men from the Netherlands and Japan.
The AFP rejected the other day the ASG’s ransom demand.
“The policy on no negotiations with kidnappers includes no payment of ransom,” Armed Forces spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla Padilla said.
“We’re getting closer to them, hence, they needed to expedite the demand for ransom in order for them to escape from the hands of the law, which is closely catching up,” he added.
From ABS-CBN (Mar 12): Woman dies of heart attack after firefight in Maguindanao
A 45-year-old woman died of heart attack after a suspected mortar round fell near an evacuation center in Barangay Sambolawan in Datu Salibo, Maguindanao Thursday night.
The victim was identified by her relatives as Babai Lagensay.
Mohaimen Antao, a nephew of the victim, said his aunt panicked when a firefight erupted around 7 p.m.
"May nahulog na mortar sa tabi ng evacuation center, ninerbyos siya tapos dinala namin sa hospital... inatake sa puso," Antao said.
The victim died in a Cotabato City hospital at around 6 p.m. on Friday.
Captain Jo-Ann Petinglay, spokesperson for the 6th Infantry Division, confirmed there was skirmish happening when members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighter (BIFF) harassed the military detachment in Barangay Sambolawan.
However, the spokesperson from the military denied there was mortar shelling in the area.
"Nag-retaliate lang ang tropa pero hindi nagpaputok ng mortar, hindi pwede kasi malapit lang ang kalaban," Petinglay said.
Last month, 52-year-old Abdulbasit Antao, a resident of Datu Salibo and a brother-in-law of Lagensay also died due to the same reason.
It has been more than a month since the military launched law enforcement operations against members of BIFF in Maguindanao. About 10,000 families have been displaced due to the ongoing operations.
From ABS-CBN/ANC (Mar 12): Pangasinan fishermen allegedly harassed by Chinese Coast Guard
MANILA - More than a dozen fishermen from Pangasinan have cried foul over an alleged harassment by the Chinese Coast Guard near Scarborough Shoal.
The 17 fishermen from Barangay Cato in Infanta, Pangasinan arrived Thursday after a week of sailing into the West Philippine Sea.
They claimed the Chinese Coast Guard on Monday evening used blinding, powerful lights to drive them away.
The group said the green-colored lights caused pain to their eyes so they just hid in their boat.
Boat captain Greggy Itac also said another boat owned by fishermen from Subic, Zambales was hit by rubber boats of the Chinese Coast Guard.
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) said it has yet to receive any report from the fishermen about the alleged incidents of harassment.
Scarborough Shoal serves as a port for boats of Filipino fishermen in the disputed West Philippine Sea or South China Sea, especially if there is a typhoon.
China says the shoal, which lies about 220 kilometers off Luzon, is part of its historical claim to most of the South China Sea.
The Philippines, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam also have competing claims to parts of the sea.
Asked if they will still go back in the area, the fishermen said yes, noting that fishing is their only source of living.
From GMA News (Mar 11): US announces arrival of another warship in PHL
The US Embassy in Manila on Friday announced the arrival of another American warship in the Philippines.
The USS Antietam (CG-54), a Ticonderoga-class guided missile cruiser, docked in Manila Bay on Tueday "as part of a routine visit for maintenance and crew rest".
It is the American mission's second statement in a day announcing the arrival of a US Navy warcraft.
Earlier in the day, the Embassy released a statement announcing the arrival of the USS Charlotte, an attack submarine, at the Subic Bay port.
The arrival of the warships came after the Navy Times reported that the United States navy has deployed an aircraft carrier and five other ships in the South China Sea.
The deployment of the US ships came at least two weeks after China deployed surface-to-air missiles on Woody Island in the disputed Paracels group, a move seen by many as proof that China is militarizing the South China Sea.
Information available online said the USS Antietam is armed with guided missiles and rapid-fire guns and is capable of facing and defeating threats in the air, on the sea, on the shore, and beneath the sea.
The warship also carries two Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk LAMPS (Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System) helicopters, capable of multiple missions, but primarily equipped for anti-submarine warfare [ASW].
The The USS Antietam, which was commissioned in June 1987 and is homeported in Yokosuka, Japan, is part of the USS John C. Stennis Strike Group.
With a crew of more than 350 personnel, the USS Antietam has previously deployed to the Persian Gulf as part of routine operations, and has also been deployed to the Persian Gulf as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom.
The USS Antietam was also deployed as a part of the US aid mission to the Philippines after Super Typhoon Yolanda in Leyte.
"While in Manila, some members of the ship’s crew will have the opportunity to meet with the Philippine Coast Guard in a friendly game of basketball, as a means of continuing to build the relationship between Philippine and US forces," the Embassy said in a statement.
From GMA News (Mar 11): US attack submarine docks in Subic
The US Embassy in Manila on Friday announced the arrival of the USS Charlotte (SSN-766), a Los Angeles-class submarine in Subic Bay "as part of a routine visit".
"The USS Charlotte was launched 3 October, 1992 and commissioned 16 September, 1994. Its homeport is Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The USS Charlotte has a crew of more than 100 personnel," the two-paragraph statement read.
The submarine's arrival came a week after the Navy Times reported that the United States navy has deployed an aircraft carrier and five other ships in the South China Sea.
The deployment of the US ships came at least two weeks after China deployed surface-to-air missiles on Woody Island in the disputed Paracels group, a move seen by many as proof that China is militarizing the South China Sea.
It was not clear if the Charlotte is part of the carrier group.
Information available online said the submarine is armed with Tomahawk and Harpoon missiles and can lay Mark 67 submarine-launched mobile mines and Mark 60 CAPTOR mines,
In Tom Clancy's book "Debt of Honor", the USS Charlotte was sunk by the Japanese sub Harushio along with her sister ship USS Asheville.
USS Charlotte also made an appearance in Dan Brown's novel "Deception Point", where it plays an important role making covert missions in the Arctic
From Update.Ph (Mar 12): Lease of Japanese planes internationally accepted
Malacanang on Friday defended the government’s plan to lease five planes from Japan to guard the West Philippine Sea, a move that reportedly alarmed China.
“This is a legal and internationally accepted process of acquisition by governments,” Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. told the Malacanang media.
Coloma said it is the duty of the government to continuously develop the country’s capabilities in ensuring the safety and security of the nation.
”Lease or other forms of acquisition from regional partners and allies is but a usual activity of any country,” Coloma said.
Coloma said the Philippines is united with many countries that have expressed their position on the importance of freedom of navigation and freedom of over flight in the WPS.
”It is important for the international trade and commerce and for achieving the progressive livelihood,” Coloma said.
Coloma clarified that the Philippines has no intention to create trouble “because our guidelines is diplomatic and peaceful resolution of the South China Sea issue.”
China, one of the claimant countries in the disputed WPS or South China Sea, has conducted massive land reclamation in the WPS, including the Philippines-claimed Mischief Reef or Panganiban reef.
In response, the Philippines has lodged a diplomatic protest against China at the international arbitral tribunal.
Aside from the Philippines and China, other claimant countries in the South China Sea include Vietnam, Brunei and Malaysia.
From Update.Ph (Mar 11): China warns Philippines not to challenge ‘sovereignty, security interests’
The Chinese government has warned the Philippines not to challenge China’s sovereignty claim in West Philippine Sea.
The warning was made, Thursday, by Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hong Lei after President Benigno Aquino III confirmed that Philippines will lease five Japanese TC-90 trainer aircraft to help patrol West Philippine Sea.
“If the Philippines is meant to challenge China’s sovereignty and security interests, it will be met with firm opposition from the Chinese side,” Hong added.
The Chinese spokesperson added that China is on high alert against Japan’s action in West Philippine Sea. “We urge the Japanese side to act with prudence instead of further complicating the situation and jeopardizing regional peace and stability.”
“Nakapila na rin ang pagdating ng dalawa pang C-130 ngayong taon; pati na ang pag-arkila natin mula sa Japan ng limang TC-90 training aircraft, na tutulong naman sa ating Hukbong Dagat sa pagpapatrolya sa ating teritoryo, partikular na sa West Philippine Sea,” President Aquino said Wednesday during Philippine Air Force change-of-command ceremony.
The Japanese government previously said these aircraft will be leased at a very minimal price for purpose of legality.
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 12): Agusan del Norte, Butuan City to be declared as 'conflict manageable, ready for development'
The province of Agusan del Norte and ButuanCity
are set to be declared as “conflict manageable and ready for further
development”.
It is fifth province in the region to be under such category
and the seventh under the area of responsibility of the 4th Infantry Division
of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
In a media advisory sent to media outlets here, the joint
memorandum of agreement (MOA) signing declaring the province
of Agusan del Norte and ButuanCity
as “conflict manageable and ready for further development,” will be held at the
ProvincialTrainingCenter,
Agusan del Norte Capitol Compound in this city at 10 a.m. Monday, (March 14).
The first province to be declared under such category was
the province of Dinagat in 2015. The island province has
moved further to another level, making it the first province in the region to
be declared as “insurgency free”.
According to Maj. Gen. Oscar T. Lactao, commander of the 4ID
“Diamond” Division of the AFP, this was followed by Surigao del Norte, Agusan
del Sur, Surigao del Sur and then Agusan del Norte and ButuanCity.
Under the area of responsibility of the 4ID, which include
the provinces of Misamis Oriental and Camuigin; the declaration of Agusan del
Norte under the said category will be the seventh, Lactao said.
Lactao, who is due for promotion to the national AFP headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo before this month's end, hoped that the province of Bukidnon will get the same declaration before the end of his term as the commanding general here.
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 12): Army arrest own soldier, CAFGUs for alleged torture
The Philippine Army, particularly the 72nd Infantry
Battalion, placed under arrest on Friday, March 11, a soldier and four members
of Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) who were accused of
torturing a farmer in Malita, Davao Occidental.
10th Infantry (Agila) Division chief information officer
Captain Rhyan Batchar told reporters here on Friday that the arrest was
pursuant to Articles of War 70.
“They shall be restricted to barracks to ensure their
appearances while the investigations are on-going,” Batchar pointed out.
The suspects are now in custody at the battalion’s
headquarters in Barangay Tuboran, Mawab, CompostelaValley
province.
The soldier, identified as Corporal Sandy Batolbatol and the
four CAFGU members, who are not yet identified by the army until the
investigations are concluded, were accused of torturing a farmer belonging to
Tagakaulo tribe, identified as Orlando Engo in Sitio Matamis, Barangay Demoloc,
Malita town last Feb. 19.
The incident was just reported last March 9 through the
social media by Fr. Joey Ganio Evangelista, MJ of Malita Tagakaulo Mission in
Davao Occidental.
A video of the alleged torture was also posted in the social
media. Engo was falsely accused of sending his fourteen-year-old grandson, Ian,
to steal from a store in Sitio Matamis.
“We are shocked and saddened by the actions of our soldier
and CAFGUs perpetrated against Orlando Engo and his two grandsons as shown in a
Facebook post. We are further enraged by their acts as described by Father Joey
Gánio Evangelista, MJ of Malita Tagakaulo Mission in the said Facebook post,”
the 10th ID said in a statement.
Major General Rafael Valencia, commander of 10th ID
immediately ordered the investigation and the custody of those involved in the
incident, Lt. Col. Norman Zuniega the Civil-Military Operations (CMO) commander
of the 10th ID also told reporters on Friday.
Zuniega added that the command lauded the courage of Fr.
Evangelista in reporting the incident, adding that: “We could have acted on it
if it was reported earlier.”
He said that such incidents were sometimes not monitored by
the command due to its wide area of coverage.
The 10th ID covers the whole of Davao
region including parts of the provinces of Agusan del Sur, Bukinon, Sarangani,
North Cotabato and South Cotabato.
“Due process of law shall be strictly observed in the
investigation and when evidence warrants they will be prosecuted with the full
force of military justice, including trial by Courts-Martial. The soldier and
the CAAs are subject to military laws,” the 10th ID statement further said.
The command also gave an assurance that the on-going probe
will not prejudice any investigation that may be conducted by other agencies
and shall make available the soldier and CAAs for such investigation.
From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 12): Pres. Aquino to grace PMA graduation rites on March 13
President Benigno Aquino III will lead the 111th graduation
rites of the Philippine Military Academy at Fort Del Pilar in BaguioCity
on Sunday, March 13.
The President is expected to arrive at the PMA at 9:00AM and will be given the traditional arrival honors at the Sundial Area by the PMA officers and cadets led by PMA Superintendent Major General Donato San Juan II. He will then proceed to the Fajardo Grandstand for the graduation rites.
Aquino will award the diplomas of the 63-strong cadets belonging to the Gabay-Laya (Gintong Anak ng Bayan, Alay ay Buhay Para sa Kalayaan) Class of 2016.
Gabay-Laya composed of 56 male and seven female cadets, is acknowledged as the smallest number of graduates in 40 years or since the 1970s.
San Juan said there were 123 members of the class who entered in 2012, but only 50 made it to graduation day. The surviving members are joined by 13 “turnbacks,” a PMA term for cadets belonging to previous classes.
The class is led by a Cadet First Class Kristian Daeve Abiqui, an Ybanag from San Pablo, Isabela. He is a turn back from PMA “Sinag Lahi” Class of 2015 due to an ailment.
Abiqui will receive the Presidential Saber from the President Aquino during the graduation rites. He will also be receive the Philippine Navy Saber, Academic Group Award, Australian Defense Best Overall Performance Award, Humanities Plaque, Mathematical Plaque, Natural Sciences Plaque, Navy Professional Courses Plaque and Gen. Antonio Luna Award.
The class salutatorian is the lone lady cadet in the top 10, Cadet First Class Christine Mae Naungayan Calima of Bolinao, Pangasinan.
She will receive the Vice Presidential Saber from Vice President Jejomar Binay. She is also a recipient of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) Saber, Tactics Group Award, Australian Defense Best Over-All Performance (Air Force) Management Plaque, Social Sciences Plaque, Department of Tactical Officers Plaque, Department of Leadership Plaque, Air Force Professional Courses, Aguinaldo Saber, Spanish Armed Forces Award, Association of Generals and Flag Officers Award.
CDT 1CL Arby Jurist Azman Cabrera from Cauyan, Isabela is Top 3. The 21 year old will receive the Secretary of National Defense Saber Award. He will join the Philippine Air Force.
Cordilleran cadets, Joseph Stalin Abara Fagsao of Bontoc, Mountain Province and Maddela, Quirino and Jayson Jess Ananayo Tumitit of Baguio City are the Top 4 and 5 of the class, respectively.
Fagsao will receive the Philippine Army (PA) Saber for being the No. 1 graduate in his chosen branch of service while Tumitit will join the Philippine Navy.
Fagsao is also a recipient of the Australian Defence Best Overall Performance Award (Army), Computing and Information Sciences Plaque and Army Professional Courses Plaque.
Others in the Top 10 are Mark Joseph Cabanit Daria (6th) of Bangar, La Union; Ace Uy Clarianes (7th) of Libmanan, Camarines Sur; Prince Regodon Aday (8th) of Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur; George Bernard de Guzman Garcia (9th) of Labrador, Pangasinan, and Gerald Manio Gasacao (10th) of Meycauayan, Bulacan.
This will be the last PMA graduation to be attended by President Aquino as the Commander-in-Chief.
After the graduation rites, the President will host the traditional Merienda Cena of the PMA graduates at the Mansion at 2:00PM.
At 5:00PM, the President is scheduled to join Liberal Party candidates, former Secretary Mar Roxas and his running mate, Leni Robredo, and Baguio City Congressman Nicasio Aliping in meeting with local officials and the community at the PFVR Gym along Upper Session Road, Baguio City.
Just posted to Samar News (Feb 5): Stormtroopers get new assault rifles
8ID chief MGen. Jet Velarmino handed over the 444 new R4 rifles to LtCol. Hilarion Palma, Commanding Officer of 20IB during the Entrustment of Firearms at Headquarters 8ID, on February 3, 2016.
By DPAO, 8ID PA
February 5, 2016
CAMP VICENTE LUKBAN, Maulong Catbalogan City – In line with
the Philippine Army’s goal of becoming well-equipped and acquiring a
respectable image in Southeast Asia by 2016, the 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers)
Division entrusts a total of 444 newly procured Remington USA R4 A3 Assault
Rifles to the troops of 20th Infantry (We Lead) Battalion at 8ID Openiano Field
here, 9 a.m. Wednesday, February 3.
Maj. Gen. Jet B Velarmino, Commander, 8ID spearheaded the
ceremonial entrustment of firearms together with Lt. Col. Antonio C Astilla,
Commanding Officer of 8th Forward Service Support Unit and Lt. Col. Hilarion G
Palma, Commanding Officer of 20IB.
Col. Cesar M Idio, Assistant Division Commander; Col. Divino
Rey C Pabayo Jr., Division Chief of Staff; and Col. Clifford Cyril Y Riveral,
Division Inspector General were among others who witnessed and took part in the
distribution of R4 rifles to the troops.
The R4 rifle is a selective-fire (semi-automatic and
automatic), gas-operated weapon that fires from a closed bolt. It is
hammer-fired and uses a trigger mechanism with a 3-position fire selector and
safety switch.
With the procurement of the 5.56mm R4 rifles, the early
models of M-16 and M-16A1 rifles will be replaced, since majority of which are
already in poor condition and in need of replacement.
The ceremonial entrustment of firearms symbolizes great
responsibility and a reminder of every soldier’s duty to protect every
Filipino, Maj. Gen. Velarmino said. “The issuance of the new 5.56mm R4 rifles
will greatly boost the morale of troops and enhance their war fighting
capability”, Velarmino added.
