Wednesday, July 12, 2017

At least 300 civilians still trapped in Marawi: AFP

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 12): At least 300 civilians still trapped in Marawi: AFP

An estimated 300 civilians are still trapped in areas held by Maute Group in Marawi City where fighting is now on its 51st day.

This was disclosed by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla, citing reports of the Marawi City local government.

"There are estimates (of) about 300 or more who are still unaccounted for," he said.

The unaccounted civilians include residents who are still hiding in their homes or missing persons who may be hostages of the terrorists, he added.

Padilla said they are looking at the possibility of recovering or seeing additional remains of civilians killed by the Maute Group terrorists once they overrun the last remaining positions of the lawless elements.

"As of now, we have not gone into the interiors of previously held enemy areas and once we do that we may get the surprise of our lives and find numbers of cadavers left who have been killed by the enemy," he said.

Latest figures of casualties from the Maute Group are placed at 381, civilians at 39 and government troops, 90.

Seized Maute Group firearms are placed at 461 and rescued civilians at 1,723.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1000275

A year after The Hague ruling: PHL opts to solve WPS dispute amicably

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 12): A year after The Hague ruling: PHL opts to solve WPS dispute amicably

The government on Wednesday reaffirmed its commitment to protect the country’s territorial claims and maritime entitlements, but opted to resolve the territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea (WPS)/South China Sea amicably.

“(The Duterte administration) believes that the ongoing territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea should further be resolved in a manner consistent with the spirit of good neighborly relations,” the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a statement on the first year anniversary of the arbitral tribunal award.

On July 12 last year, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague invalidated China’s “nine-dash line” entitlement over the entire West Philippine Sea because it overlapped with the Philippine 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

The DFA stressed President Rodrigo Duterte's priority of regional peace and stability has led to the healthy environment of dialogue, cooperation and development.

“The bold initiatives of the Administration in pursuing an independent foreign policy have become a game changer not only in the geo-political landscape in the region but more importantly in the lives of our people,” it said.

The DFA cited considerable economic gains of adopting positive neighborly relations, with Filipino fishermen are now back exercising their livelihood in Scarborough Shoal.

“We have received investment and financial assistance commitments upwards of USD 30 billion from our partners in the region. These significant developments have likewise allowed our defense resources to also address other pressing security concerns facing the country,” it added.

Further, the DFA said such approach has strengthened Philippine status as ASEAN Chair and “regional peacemaker.”

It added the country is further encouraged by the agreement on a framework on the code of conduct on the South China Sea that “will help us move towards negotiating an effective Code of Conduct.”

ASEAN members and China completed the framework on the code of conduct for managing the dispute in the South China Sea on May 19 in Guiyang, Guizhou Province in Southwest China.

The completed COC framework was expected to be submitted to the Foreign Ministers of ASEAN and China during their meeting in Manila in August for their consideration

DFA Secretary Alan Peter S. Cayetano also reiterated the administration is committed to its strategy to strengthen old allies and engage new partner nations.

“The Philippines shall remain an enemy to none and a friend to all in its pursuit of economic and political benefits for the country, including the long-term security and stability in the region,” he said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1000358

Envoy defends PH's two-track approach in South China Sea issue

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 12): Envoy defends PH's two-track approach in South China Sea issue

Separating non-contentious issues from contentious ones is wiser approach to settle disputes in the South China Sea, according to Philippine Ambassador to China Jose Santiago Sta. Romana.

"The two-track approach is wiser," Sta. Romana said when asked by A group of Filipino journalists for comments on The Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) judgment released exactly a year ago on Wednesday.

Three years after the Philippines filed arbitration case, the PCA ruled on July 12, 2016 nullifying China’s nine-dash demarcation to insist its historic claims that cover almost the whole South China Sea territory.

"It’s been a year since the arbitral tribunal award. But over the past year, basically, there’s been a paradigm shift, a basic approach in handling relationship with China," Sta. Romana said.

"Instead of an approach putting the dispute at the center of the bilateral relations, the Duterte administration decided to separate into two tracks. The contentious issues on put track and non-contentious issues on another track," he added.

The contentious issues, he said, are the issues of sovereignty and maritime jurisdiction including China’s nine-dash line while non-contentious issues are trade, economic, infrastructures and people-to-people exchanges.

"The non-contentious issues were frozen on the past years because the dispute has been put at the center. The basic approach now is don’t let the dispute be an obstacle to developing the non-contentious issues," he explained.

While President Rodrigo Duterte decided to temporarily shelve the PCA’s ruling, Sta. Romana emphasized that South China Sea issue was not totally forgotten in the first year of President Duterte’s administration.

He said the South China Sea or West Philippine Sea disputes, including the Philippines’ arbitral tribunal victory, were discussed in the two countries’ first Bilateral Consultative Mechanism meeting held in Guiyang, China last May. The meeting will resume late this year in Manila.

"The differences remain but at least we were able to talk about it in amicable and civil manner. That’s the basic change in the approach and that’s basically the approach that we are following in terms of developing the bilateral relations," Sta. Romana said.

The dual-track approach, including the BCM meeting, was one of the fruits of two productive visits that President Duterte made in China in October last year and May this year.

In both trips, President Duterte met with Chinese officials, including President Xi Jinping, a move that normalized China-Philippines relations and brought home USD24 billion worth of investment pledges and infrastructure projects.

Under the renewed relationship, China has lifted ban on importation of tropical fruits, particularly banana and pineapples, from the Philippines and is working on possible hiring of English teachers and, likely, English-speaking nannies from the Philippines.

"In addition, there are more high level of exchanges now. So at least we have restored all the bilateral mechanism: foreign ministers are talking again, the two coast guards have formed joint committee for areas of cooperation and then, in the coming months, they will restore the joint commission for defense and security," Sta. Romana said.

Sta. Romana downplayed criticism that President Duterte’s decision to temporarily shelve the PCA’s judgment to give way friendly dialogues has compromised the Philippines’s claim in the disputed territory also being partly claimed by Malaysia, Vietnam and Brunei.

"What we are trying to do is not to give up our claims and yet to develop good relations and this is the goal of the Duterte administration," the soft-spoken envoy said.

He said the Philippines has not lost even an inch of territory when Duterte’s government opted to take two separate tracks in dealing with China on the South China Sea disputes.

"I don’t think we have lost an inch of territory. We gained whereas before we don’t have access to Scarborough shoal, now we have access. The Chinese claims that they would not build and there is consensus to keep this area as marine reserves and as fishing areas," Sta. Romana said.

"So basically, what we are trying to do is hopefully, through this approach, is not only to defend and preserve what we have but, if possible, regain what we have lost," he added.

Sta. Romana said use of force is not an option in resolving the South China Sea issue, adding there is no shortcut solution to the problem that swelled for so many years.

"The Chinese, they negotiate seriously and it takes time to try to outlast you if possible but if you try to force an issue, it will result an escalation of tension and possibly, conflict," he said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1000392

Terrorists dead in 51st day of fighting now at 389

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 12): Terrorists dead in 51st day of fighting now at 389

As fighting between Maute Group terrorists and military reached its 51st day, an estimated 389 lawless elements were reported killed in the ongoing clearing operations along with 90 government troops.

This was bared by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo in a statement Wednesday.

He added that this information is as of 6 p.m. of July 11.

Also, number of civilians executed by the Maute Group terrorists remained at 39 while number of rescued individuals are placed at 1,723.

Arevalo said number of weapons recovered has been placed at 494.

Fighting broke out in Marawi City after government troops tried to arrest Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon and ISIS "emir" in Southeast Asia last May 23.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1000363

Lorenzana tells local maritime industries to help in AFP modernization program

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 12): Lorenzana tells local maritime industries to help in AFP modernization program

Help us modernize the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) especially the Navy.

This was the appeal of Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Delfin Lorenzana to local maritime industries during the opening of the PHILMARINE (Philippines Marine) 2017 Conference at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City Tuesday.

In the same vein, he said these industries can support the Self-Reliant Defense Posture Program (SRDP) by considering the needs and requirements of the AFP in its ongoing modernization program.

The SRDP Program is a key initiative of the DND to develop the country’s local defense industry with the end in view of eventually sourcing defense materiel from local suppliers thereby boosting the local economy.

Lorenzana said that the implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act 10349 or the Revised AFP Modernization Program have “leveled the playing field for legitimate local industries to build major defense equipment and weapons system for the AFP.”

“With this development, I would like to encourage our domestic maritime industries to dedicate some resources to design, construct, upgrade, and upkeep defense materiel for our Armed Forces,” the DND chief said.

Having a strong and vibrant local maritime industry is especially important as it is in the field of technology that the DND anchors its SRDP," he pointed out.

“This is where our maritime defense industries, which are technology-based, are now called upon to participate,” Lorenzana said.

He, however, called on potential proponents and suppliers to strictly comply with existing procurement rules to avoid delays in the procurement process, which has a far-reaching adverse effect on the operations of the Armed Forces.

“We are all aware how tedious and time-consuming government procurement process is because of numerous documentary requirements and confirmatory actions,” he said.

“It is in this light that I would suggest to prospective suppliers to carefully study the process and avoid short cuts. Many projects have incurred delays or contract rescinded due to questionable documents,” the DND chief added.

“These are only meant to protect taxpayers’ money and not to favor any particular group,” Lorenzana pointed out.

The PHILMARINE (Philippines Marine) 2017 Exhibition and Conferences is open to the public until July 14.

It is the 4th edition of the annual shipbuilding and maritime event that aims to bring together in one venue local and international companies that are involved in maritime and related industries. Among the exhibitors include the DND, Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard, Maritime Industry Authority, marine engineering companies, as well as foreign and local suppliers. The said conference is hosted by The Maritime League.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1000406

AFP clarifies 15-day announcement by Chief Executive on Marawi crisis

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 12): AFP clarifies 15-day announcement by Chief Executive on Marawi crisis

The 15 days which President Rodrigo Duterte announced he needs to crush the Maute Group remnants and their rebellion in Marawi City, is not an actual deadline but only the earnest hope of the Chief Executive to resolve the crisis at the soonest possible time.

"The 15 days is a period within which the President hopes the crisis in Marawi (will) end. The AFP will do its best, as it has been giving its level best, to crush the rebellion of the Maute-ISIS Group," said military public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo on Wednesday.

Fighting broke out in Marawi City after government troops tried to arrest Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon and ISIS "emir" in Southeast Asia last May 23.

"The Commander-in-Chief is aware of the complexities of the ongoing operations because he is being briefed regularly," he said.

The AFP earlier claimed the urban nature of the fighting coupled with the skillful use of sniper nests, improvised explosive devices and hostages is forcing the military units to take a more deliberate approach to lessen damage to the infrastructure and private dwellings and avoid needless casualties.

"Your government security forces' resolute desire to accomplish the mission remain and undiminished," Arevalo said.

As of this posting, an estimated 389 lawless elements are reported killed in the ongoing clearing operations along with 90 government troops.

This information is as of 6 p.m. of July 11.

Also, number of civilians executed by the Maute Group terrorists is still at 39 along while number of rescued individuals are placed at 1,723.

Arevalo said number of weapons recovered has been placed at 494.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1000376

PH urged to exhaust all diplomatic avenues in the WPS issue

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 12): PH urged to exhaust all diplomatic avenues in the WPS issue

The Philippines should exhaust all diplomatic avenues to promote an international arbitral ruling on the West Philippine Sea/South China Sea, as the country protects its sovereignty over disputed seas, said a former top diplomat on Wednesday.

“We must protect what is unlawful, coercive and contrary to the correct principles that govern relations between states. We should seek cooperation from like-minded states,” said former Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario in a forum held on the first year anniversary of the arbitral tribunal award.

Del Rosario said the Philippines likewise should be ready to approach the United Nations General Assembly to appeal to the “global village of nations.”

“Any suggestion of war should be shunned. Instead, we should exhaust our diplomacy by protesting the threat of war, however unlikely it may be in actuality. We cannot allow others to play with the threat of war when our submitted disputes have already been clarified in the ruling,” he noted.

On July 12 last year, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague invalidated China’s “nine-dash line” entitlement over the entire West Philippine Sea because it overlapped with the Philippine 200-nautical mile exclusive economic zone (EEZ).

The ambassador also underscored the need for the Philippines to work with other nations, “bilaterally and multilaterally”, to further safeguard its interests and protect its rights.

For his part, Supreme Court Senior Associate Justice Antonio Carpio suggested that the country bring up the South China Sea issue with China while taking measures to fortify the arbitral ruling.

“We should talk to China on the code of conduct, code of unplanned encounters at sea for naval and coast guard vessels, conservation of fish stocks, on preservation of maritime environment and how fishermen can fish on Scarborough Shoal,” he said.

To fortify the arbitral ruling, Carpio said the Philippines could enter into sea boundary agreements with Vietnam and Malaysia on its overlapping extended continental shelf and EEZ in the Spratlys.

Countries that have made competing claims over parts or all of the West Philippine Sea/South China Sea were the Philippines, China, Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam and Taiwan.

Further, Carpio said the country also could file an extended continental shelf claim beyond its 200-nautical mile EEZ in the WPS off the coast of Luzon.

He said China does not oppose Philippine extended continental shelf claim.

The legal expert was optimistic that the UN would award the extended continental shelf claim to the Philippines, similar to the country’s claim to Benham Rise “where there was no opposition.”

“If China opposes our extended continental shelf claim, China will have a dilemma on what ground to invoke. If China invokes the nine dash line, the UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf will reject the opposition because the Commission is bound by the ruling of the arbitral tribunal,” added Carpio.

Dr. Jay Batongbacal, director at the University of the Philippines Institute for Maritime Affairs and Law of the Sea, said the country should raise the WPS issue with China.

“It is not a choice between confrontation and friendliness especially when it comes to protecting your interest. You can protect your interest even while you are being non-confrontational,” he said in an interview.

Batongbacal believed that the proper timing to raise the issue should be determined by events.

“That’s why every important event that takes place in South China Sea, that document should be the basis of our positions and statements. That’s how you raise it, by making it the basis of your positions…,” he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1000473

2 troopers killed, 11 wounded in latest military 'blue-on-blue' incident

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 13): 2 troopers killed, 11 wounded in latest military 'blue-on-blue' incident

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has formed an investigation team to look into the incident where two soldiers were killed and another 11 wounded after being hit by debris caused by a wayward aerial bomb in Marawi City Wednesday afternoon.

"Investigation is being conducted to determine the circumstances surrounding an incident where an ordnance missed its target during an airstrike conducted at about 12 noon of 12 July 2017," military public affairs office chief Col. Edgard Arevalo said in a message.

Initial report from Marawi indicates that the bomb was 250 meters off target. The impact of the explosion caused the collapse of nearby structures.

"Large debris from heavily reinforced buildings accidentally hit two of our personnel who (died )in the process," Arevalo added.

However, he did not identified the specific aircraft responsible for this incident.

Meanwhile, 11 others sustained minor shrapnel wounds. All are ambulatory and are recuperating in the nearby hospital.

“We are saddened by this unfortunate incident. We are attending to the needs of the families of our troops who died or were hurt. Cognizant units from the AFP have formed a group that is now conducting initial investigations to determine the cause of the mishap and prevent the chances of it re-occuring,” the official said.

This is the second incident involving aerial bombs causing casualties to friendly forces in the ongoing Marawi City crisis.

Last May 30, an Air Force SF-260 light attack aircraft, conducting strike missions against Maute Group terrorists, accidentally bombed an Army position in Marawi City, killing 10 troopers and wounded seven others.

The incident prompted the temporary grounding of the above-mentioned aircraft and investigation of flying personnel involved.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1000474

AFP: Security assessment needed for Martial Law extension

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 13): AFP: Security assessment needed for Martial Law extension

Before Martial Law in Mindanao can be extended, a detailed assessment on the prevailing security situation has to be done, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said.

"We have stated our position that the AFP will conduct an assessment on the need to extend or not Martial Law. That assessment will then recommend our position for the Commander-in-Chief's perusal and approval. Let us wait for that. Whatever the Commander-in-Chief's decision is, the AFP will be ready to comply and implement," Padilla said when sought for comment on calls of Philippine National Police head Dir. Gen. Ronald Dela Rosa to extend Martial Law.

Once assessment has been done along with recommendations, it will be forwarded to Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, the Martial Law administrator, who will then forward it to President Rodrigo Duterte for review.

"The declaration of Martial Law goes out of effect at the end of 60 days and the recommendation and decision to extend it must done before it ends," Padilla added.

Martial Law in Mindanao was declared on May 23 shortly after the attack of the Maute Group terrorists in Marawi City.

Under the 1987 Constitution, Martial Law is limited for 60 days and needs the approval of the House of Representatives for extension.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1000478