From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Jun 15): MEDCAP | 44IB conducts Medical – Dental mission in Kabasalan, ZSP
KABASALAN, Zamboanga Sibugay Province (DWDD) – In partnership with the Local Government Unit of Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay Province, this unit led by LieutenaNT Colonel Jonathan P Obena INF (GSC) PA, Commanding Officer, 44IB represented by 1Lt Jestoni V Labarosa (INF) PA, Acting Civil-Military Officer, 44IB; together with 1Lt Rommel P Galvez (INF) PA, Commanding Officer, Alpha Company, 44IB and 2Lt Ma Melva G Logrono (INF) PA.
44IB participated in the Medical and Dental Outreach Program at Barangay, Penaranda and Barangay Lacnapan, Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay Province.
The activity benefitted a total of more or less 300 beneficiaries from the said barangays who all belong to the marginalized sector of the society. 44IB Agile and Stable / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/06/15/medcap-44ib-conducts-medical-dental-mission-in-kabasalan-zsp/
Thursday, June 14, 2018
DWDD: GREENING THE PHILIPPINES | 3ID joins NIA Nationwide Tree-Planting Activity
From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Jun 15): GREENING THE PHILIPPINES | 3ID joins NIA Nationwide Tree-Planting Activity
CALINOG, Iloilo (DWDD) – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), through the 3rd Infantry “Spearhead” Division (3ID) participated the conduct of National Irrigation Authority (NIA) Nationwide Tree Planting Activity with a theme: “TREES, WATER, LIFE 2018” at Binulosan Pequeño National High School, Calinog, Iloilo in celebration of its 55th Anniversary together with Engr. Gerardo P Corsiga-Regional Manager/JRMP II, Project Manager, Brgy Officials, BFP, Students and Staffs of BNHS. 3DPAO / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/06/15/greening-the-philippines-3id-joins-nia-nationwide-tree-planting-activity/
CALINOG, Iloilo (DWDD) – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), through the 3rd Infantry “Spearhead” Division (3ID) participated the conduct of National Irrigation Authority (NIA) Nationwide Tree Planting Activity with a theme: “TREES, WATER, LIFE 2018” at Binulosan Pequeño National High School, Calinog, Iloilo in celebration of its 55th Anniversary together with Engr. Gerardo P Corsiga-Regional Manager/JRMP II, Project Manager, Brgy Officials, BFP, Students and Staffs of BNHS. 3DPAO / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/06/15/greening-the-philippines-3id-joins-nia-nationwide-tree-planting-activity/
DWDD: FISHERMEN’S FORUM | NOLCOM conducts Fisherman’s Dialogue in Zambales
From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Jun 15): FISHERMEN’S FORUM | NOLCOM conducts Fisherman’s Dialogue in Zambales
CAMP GEN SERVILLANO AQUINO, Tarlac City (DWDD) – The Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) through the Area Task Force North (ATF-North) of the National Task Force West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) co-initiated with the Provincial Government of Zambales a Fishermen’s Dialogue and Consultative Forum at the People’s Park in Iba, Zambales.
The event was co-initiated to serve as a venue for consultation of the fisher folks of Zambales with regards to different evolving issues on their livelihood, safety of life at sea and security as well.
The forum, an inter-agency collaboration and dialogue, was participated by the concerned
Local Government Agencies (LGAs) and Local Government Units (LGUs) in the area, wherein fishermen along the coastlines of Zambales Province and adjacent municipalities was invited as principal audience.
The purpose of the activity is to engage the local fisher folks in order to bring to the concerned government agencies for appropriate actions. Likewise, this aimed to promote Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), raise awareness among our countrymen and promote sovereignty over our maritime areas in Northern Luzon.
Lt Gen Emmanuel B Salamat, the NOLCOM Commander, Area Task Force- North (ATF-North) heads the inter-agency organization tasked to guard the nations maritime northern interest.
NOLCOM will remain an active partner for nation-building, in collaboration with the other national and local government agencies, Local Government Units (LGUs) and other stakeholders. NOLCOM / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/06/15/fishermens-forum-nolcom-conducts-fishermans-dialogue-in-zambales/
CAMP GEN SERVILLANO AQUINO, Tarlac City (DWDD) – The Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) through the Area Task Force North (ATF-North) of the National Task Force West Philippine Sea (NTF-WPS) co-initiated with the Provincial Government of Zambales a Fishermen’s Dialogue and Consultative Forum at the People’s Park in Iba, Zambales.
The event was co-initiated to serve as a venue for consultation of the fisher folks of Zambales with regards to different evolving issues on their livelihood, safety of life at sea and security as well.
The forum, an inter-agency collaboration and dialogue, was participated by the concerned
Local Government Agencies (LGAs) and Local Government Units (LGUs) in the area, wherein fishermen along the coastlines of Zambales Province and adjacent municipalities was invited as principal audience.
The purpose of the activity is to engage the local fisher folks in order to bring to the concerned government agencies for appropriate actions. Likewise, this aimed to promote Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), raise awareness among our countrymen and promote sovereignty over our maritime areas in Northern Luzon.
Lt Gen Emmanuel B Salamat, the NOLCOM Commander, Area Task Force- North (ATF-North) heads the inter-agency organization tasked to guard the nations maritime northern interest.
NOLCOM will remain an active partner for nation-building, in collaboration with the other national and local government agencies, Local Government Units (LGUs) and other stakeholders. NOLCOM / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/06/15/fishermens-forum-nolcom-conducts-fishermans-dialogue-in-zambales/
DWDD: CHALLENGING TERRAIN | 33IB Combat Operation vs IS-inspired Terrorist Group
From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Jun 15): CHALLENGING TERRAIN | 33IB Combat Operation vs IS-inspired Terrorist Group
LIGUASAN MARSH, Maguindanao (DWDD) – Footages of the Combat Operations against ISIS-Inspired Terrorist Group in Liguasan Marsh, Maguindanao.
The Makabayan warriors have learned the techniques, tactics, and procedures in waterborne operations in a challenging terrain like the Liguasan Marsh.
The operation aims to stop the IED attacks against civilian populations in urban centers in Maguindanao ang neighboring provinces. 33IB Makabayan / MCAG
http://dwdd.com.ph/2018/06/15/challenging-terrain-33ib-combat-operation-vs-is-inspired-terrorist-group/
LIGUASAN MARSH, Maguindanao (DWDD) – Footages of the Combat Operations against ISIS-Inspired Terrorist Group in Liguasan Marsh, Maguindanao.
The Makabayan warriors have learned the techniques, tactics, and procedures in waterborne operations in a challenging terrain like the Liguasan Marsh.
The operation aims to stop the IED attacks against civilian populations in urban centers in Maguindanao ang neighboring provinces. 33IB Makabayan / MCAG
Zamboanga del Sur town residents surrender 26 loose firearms
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 14): Zamboanga del Sur town residents surrender 26 loose firearms
Military, police and local government officials pose for photo session on Tuesday during the surrender of 26 firearms in Dimataling, Zamboanga del Sur. (Photo courtesy: Westmincom PIO)
ZAMBOANGA CITY--Twenty-six assorted loose firearms were surrendered to government authorities by residents of Dimataling, Zamboanga del Sur, officials said Wednesday.
Lt. Col. Gerry Besana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) information officer, said the surrender of the firearms on Tuesday coincided with the graduation of 169 Persons Who Use Drugs and Substance (PWUDS) at the town's gymnasium.
The surrendered firearms were three M-14 rifles; one M-79 grenade launcher; one improvised M-16 rifle; eight homemade shotguns; eight caliber .38 revolvers; and, three caliber .45 pistols. Also surrendered were two rifle grenades.
Besana said the surrender of the unlicensed firearms was achieved through the joint efforts of the Army’s 53rd Infantry Battalion, the police, and the municipal government of Dimataling.
Besana noted that town mayor Dolores Baya marked the surrender of firearms ceremony “as the start of a more peaceful Dimataling.”
“With your active participation, we could surely make it. Thank you for cooperation and let us continue to support our national campaign to collect your loose firearms in our areas,” he said quoting Baya as saying.
Col. Francisco Ariel Felicidario, Army’s 102nd Infantry Brigade commander, has advised owners of loose firearms to surrender the guns and “don’t wait for (the conduct of) zoning.”
Felicidario said the prevailing mindset among residents associating guns with safety should be changed.
“If you know that you’re using drugs, surrender. Don’t wait for the police to come to your homes before you surrender. Go for rehabilitation,” he also told the 169 PWUDS, who attended the ceremony.
The 169 PWUDS has completed a rehabilitation training conducted jointly by concerned agencies of government.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1038113
ZAMBOANGA CITY--Twenty-six assorted loose firearms were surrendered to government authorities by residents of Dimataling, Zamboanga del Sur, officials said Wednesday.
Lt. Col. Gerry Besana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) information officer, said the surrender of the firearms on Tuesday coincided with the graduation of 169 Persons Who Use Drugs and Substance (PWUDS) at the town's gymnasium.
The surrendered firearms were three M-14 rifles; one M-79 grenade launcher; one improvised M-16 rifle; eight homemade shotguns; eight caliber .38 revolvers; and, three caliber .45 pistols. Also surrendered were two rifle grenades.
Besana said the surrender of the unlicensed firearms was achieved through the joint efforts of the Army’s 53rd Infantry Battalion, the police, and the municipal government of Dimataling.
Besana noted that town mayor Dolores Baya marked the surrender of firearms ceremony “as the start of a more peaceful Dimataling.”
“With your active participation, we could surely make it. Thank you for cooperation and let us continue to support our national campaign to collect your loose firearms in our areas,” he said quoting Baya as saying.
Col. Francisco Ariel Felicidario, Army’s 102nd Infantry Brigade commander, has advised owners of loose firearms to surrender the guns and “don’t wait for (the conduct of) zoning.”
Felicidario said the prevailing mindset among residents associating guns with safety should be changed.
“If you know that you’re using drugs, surrender. Don’t wait for the police to come to your homes before you surrender. Go for rehabilitation,” he also told the 169 PWUDS, who attended the ceremony.
The 169 PWUDS has completed a rehabilitation training conducted jointly by concerned agencies of government.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1038113
Army finds abandoned NPA camps in N. Cotabato
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 14): Army finds abandoned NPA camps in N. Cotabato
KIDAPAWAN CITY--Government forces on Wednesday found two abandoned training camps of communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in the hinterlands of Magpet, North Cotabato.
In a statement released Thursday, the Army’s 19th Infantry Battalion (IB) said it believes the adjoining rebel camps in mountainous Barangay Don Panaca used to be a hiding place for kidnapped police and soldiers in North Cotabato.
One of the two camps found by soldiers pursuing communist rebels could accommodate more than 100 individuals at one given time, the military said.
Soldiers belonging to the 19th IB Alpha Company, led by 1Lt. Prolen Bonacua, have already secured the abandoned NPA camps, where they recovered combat uniforms, assorted ammunition, food supplies and medical kits in the bunkers.
Lt. Col. Ehrlich Noel Paraso, acting commanding officer of 19th IB, said it appeared that the rebels who were fleeing sustained huge casualties from military operations at the foot of Mt. Apo, the country’s highest peak.
“They are evading Army offensives, they no longer have the peoples’ support,” Paraso was quoted in the statement as saying.
More than 50 NPAs in North Cotabato voluntarily yielded to the 19th and 39th IBs since January this year with the help of local government units.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1038204
KIDAPAWAN CITY--Government forces on Wednesday found two abandoned training camps of communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in the hinterlands of Magpet, North Cotabato.
In a statement released Thursday, the Army’s 19th Infantry Battalion (IB) said it believes the adjoining rebel camps in mountainous Barangay Don Panaca used to be a hiding place for kidnapped police and soldiers in North Cotabato.
One of the two camps found by soldiers pursuing communist rebels could accommodate more than 100 individuals at one given time, the military said.
Soldiers belonging to the 19th IB Alpha Company, led by 1Lt. Prolen Bonacua, have already secured the abandoned NPA camps, where they recovered combat uniforms, assorted ammunition, food supplies and medical kits in the bunkers.
Lt. Col. Ehrlich Noel Paraso, acting commanding officer of 19th IB, said it appeared that the rebels who were fleeing sustained huge casualties from military operations at the foot of Mt. Apo, the country’s highest peak.
“They are evading Army offensives, they no longer have the peoples’ support,” Paraso was quoted in the statement as saying.
More than 50 NPAs in North Cotabato voluntarily yielded to the 19th and 39th IBs since January this year with the help of local government units.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1038204
Former NPA leader in Central Luzon arrested
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 14): Former NPA leader in Central Luzon arrested
SAMAL, Bataan -- A former high-ranking official of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP- NPA) in Central Luzon was arrested here late Wednesday afternoon by combined elements of the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Army.
Samal police head Chief Insp. Emelito dela Cruz said Juanito Carabeo, alias Toktok, 62, was nabbed in his house in Brangay San Juan of this town by members of the Bataan Police Provincial Office, Philippine Army and Samal police by virtue of a warrant of arrest.
“Halos three months ang surveillance at ng positive na, isinagawa na ang raid. Nahaharap si Carabeo sa kasong three counts of murder, rebellion at arson (The surveillance was almost three months and when it was ascertained, the raid was conducted. Carabeo will face three counts of murder, rebellion and arson),” the chief of police said.
Dela Cruz said Carabeo was a member of the CPP-NPA for more than 20 years, and stopped only when he suffered a stroke and got paralyzed.
Carabeo was assistant medical staff but later became the secretary of the Regional Medical Staff of the Central Luzon Regional Party Committee of the communist organization.
Carabeo admitted he was with the rebel movement from the 1980s to 2016, transferring from Bataan, Zambales, Pangasinan and other areas.
“Pagkakataon ko na ito upang makapag-bagong buhay (This is my chance to start a new life),” he said of his arrest.
Dela Cruz said Carabeo will be turned over to the court that will issue a commitment order for suspect to be jailed.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1038255
SAMAL, Bataan -- A former high-ranking official of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP- NPA) in Central Luzon was arrested here late Wednesday afternoon by combined elements of the Philippine National Police and the Philippine Army.
Samal police head Chief Insp. Emelito dela Cruz said Juanito Carabeo, alias Toktok, 62, was nabbed in his house in Brangay San Juan of this town by members of the Bataan Police Provincial Office, Philippine Army and Samal police by virtue of a warrant of arrest.
“Halos three months ang surveillance at ng positive na, isinagawa na ang raid. Nahaharap si Carabeo sa kasong three counts of murder, rebellion at arson (The surveillance was almost three months and when it was ascertained, the raid was conducted. Carabeo will face three counts of murder, rebellion and arson),” the chief of police said.
Dela Cruz said Carabeo was a member of the CPP-NPA for more than 20 years, and stopped only when he suffered a stroke and got paralyzed.
Carabeo was assistant medical staff but later became the secretary of the Regional Medical Staff of the Central Luzon Regional Party Committee of the communist organization.
Carabeo admitted he was with the rebel movement from the 1980s to 2016, transferring from Bataan, Zambales, Pangasinan and other areas.
“Pagkakataon ko na ito upang makapag-bagong buhay (This is my chance to start a new life),” he said of his arrest.
Dela Cruz said Carabeo will be turned over to the court that will issue a commitment order for suspect to be jailed.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1038255
Task group to probe village chief shooting in Negros Oriental
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 14): Task group to probe village chief shooting in Negros Oriental
DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental - The Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office (NORPPO) has formed another special investigation task group to look into the shooting and wounding of a newly-elected punong barangay in Barangay Humay-humay, Guihulngan City.
Presently recuperating from gunshot wounds in different parts of his body is Mike Jakosalem, married, of legal age, who took his oath of office before President Rodrigo Duterte this week - along with the rest of the reelected and newly-elected barangay captains in Region 7 in Cebu.
During the attack that happened around 4:30 a.m. on Independence Day, June 12, 2018, Jakosalem's nephew and close-in bodyguard, Lenmar Camero Cabasag, was killed.
The initial investigation points to the New People’s Army (NPA) as responsible for the murder of Cabasag and the frustrated murder of the village chief.
Philippine National Police (PNP) provincial director Senior Supt. Raul Tacaca said that his initial assessment showed that “Jakosalem was a target of the NPA’s liquidation plan because of his openness to support the government in its anti-insurgency campaign”.
In fact, the victim had received threats and was previously warned by the communists, Tacaca said.
The heavily-armed suspects, who fired at the two men, fled through the hilly portion of the barangay and shouted “mabuhay ang NPA (long live the NPA),” according to the police report.
The police is also looking into reports of looting at the crime scene by the suspects while the males are being hogtied and the females ordered to drop.
Cabasag’s father, Ladi, in a cellphone interview disclosed that one of the armed men told them that he (village chief) had to be killed because “dako na og atraso ngadto kanila ang napili nga kapitan (the elected village chief has done many wrong things on them).”
Tacaca stressed that “loyalty of all newly-elected and reelected barangay captains and kagawads must be to the Constitution and not to any other organization like the NPA”.
Jakosalem is a successful Cebu-based businessman engaged in the business of stonework, customized kitchen, welding, plumbing, cabinetry, construction, and electrical, among others.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1038335
DUMAGUETE CITY, Negros Oriental - The Negros Oriental Provincial Police Office (NORPPO) has formed another special investigation task group to look into the shooting and wounding of a newly-elected punong barangay in Barangay Humay-humay, Guihulngan City.
Presently recuperating from gunshot wounds in different parts of his body is Mike Jakosalem, married, of legal age, who took his oath of office before President Rodrigo Duterte this week - along with the rest of the reelected and newly-elected barangay captains in Region 7 in Cebu.
During the attack that happened around 4:30 a.m. on Independence Day, June 12, 2018, Jakosalem's nephew and close-in bodyguard, Lenmar Camero Cabasag, was killed.
The initial investigation points to the New People’s Army (NPA) as responsible for the murder of Cabasag and the frustrated murder of the village chief.
Philippine National Police (PNP) provincial director Senior Supt. Raul Tacaca said that his initial assessment showed that “Jakosalem was a target of the NPA’s liquidation plan because of his openness to support the government in its anti-insurgency campaign”.
In fact, the victim had received threats and was previously warned by the communists, Tacaca said.
The heavily-armed suspects, who fired at the two men, fled through the hilly portion of the barangay and shouted “mabuhay ang NPA (long live the NPA),” according to the police report.
The police is also looking into reports of looting at the crime scene by the suspects while the males are being hogtied and the females ordered to drop.
Cabasag’s father, Ladi, in a cellphone interview disclosed that one of the armed men told them that he (village chief) had to be killed because “dako na og atraso ngadto kanila ang napili nga kapitan (the elected village chief has done many wrong things on them).”
Tacaca stressed that “loyalty of all newly-elected and reelected barangay captains and kagawads must be to the Constitution and not to any other organization like the NPA”.
Jakosalem is a successful Cebu-based businessman engaged in the business of stonework, customized kitchen, welding, plumbing, cabinetry, construction, and electrical, among others.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1038335
PAF allots P32-M for FA-50PH 'canopy jettison rocket motors'
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 14): PAF allots P32-M for FA-50PH 'canopy jettison rocket motors'
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is now looking for suppliers capable of delivering "canopy jettison rocket motors" needed for the maintenance of its eight South Korean-made FA-50PH "Fighting Eagle" jet fighters.
The budget for the project is placed at PHP32,832,000.
The said components are for FA-50PH aircraft with tail numbers 003 to 010.
Pre-bid conference is slated for June 20, 10 a.m. at the PAF Procurement Center, Conference Room, the bid bulletin posted at the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System said Thursday.
The final submission and opening of bids is on July 4, 9:15 a.m. at the same venue.
"All particulars relative to Eligibility Statement and Screening, Bid Security, Performance Security, Pre-Bidding Conference/s, Evaluation of Bids, Post-Qualification and Award of Contract shall be governed by the pertinent provisions of RA 9184 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR)," PAF Bids and Awards Committee chair Brig. Gen. Fernyl Buca said in the same bid bulletin.
The FA-50PHs had its baptism of fire in the Marawi City campaign where it was heavily used for close-air support mission roles along with the venerable OV-10 "Bronco" turbo-prop attack aircraft, SF-260 light bombers and various attack helicopters of the PAF.
The FA-50PHs 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.
Twelve aircraft were acquired from Korea Aerospace Industries for PHP18. 9 billion. Deliveries commenced on November 2015 and were completed in May 2017.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1038222
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) is now looking for suppliers capable of delivering "canopy jettison rocket motors" needed for the maintenance of its eight South Korean-made FA-50PH "Fighting Eagle" jet fighters.
The budget for the project is placed at PHP32,832,000.
The said components are for FA-50PH aircraft with tail numbers 003 to 010.
Pre-bid conference is slated for June 20, 10 a.m. at the PAF Procurement Center, Conference Room, the bid bulletin posted at the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System said Thursday.
The final submission and opening of bids is on July 4, 9:15 a.m. at the same venue.
"All particulars relative to Eligibility Statement and Screening, Bid Security, Performance Security, Pre-Bidding Conference/s, Evaluation of Bids, Post-Qualification and Award of Contract shall be governed by the pertinent provisions of RA 9184 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR)," PAF Bids and Awards Committee chair Brig. Gen. Fernyl Buca said in the same bid bulletin.
The FA-50PHs had its baptism of fire in the Marawi City campaign where it was heavily used for close-air support mission roles along with the venerable OV-10 "Bronco" turbo-prop attack aircraft, SF-260 light bombers and various attack helicopters of the PAF.
The FA-50PHs 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.
Twelve aircraft were acquired from Korea Aerospace Industries for PHP18. 9 billion. Deliveries commenced on November 2015 and were completed in May 2017.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1038222
No timetable for military ops vs. BIFF in Liguasan Marsh
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 14): No timetable for military ops vs. BIFF in Liguasan Marsh
No timetable has been issued to military commanders tasked to clear the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) terrorists in the Liguasan Marsh, Maguindanao.
This was disclosed by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief Col. Noel Detoyato in an interview late Tuesday.
"(AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Carlito Galvez, Jr.) he did not give any timeline (on the operations now ongoing there)," he added.
Also, the military official said that the Liguasan Marsh is a unique operational area as it has some patches of land not placed in any maps.
"Liguasan is a unique operational area kasi may mga tubig, may mga (because there are waters, there are) patches of land dun na hindi nakalagay sa mapa (which are not included in the maps)," he added.
But Detoyato clarified that the remaining BIFF terrorists are not superior to government troops except maybe for their mastery of the terrain.
"Actually ang lakas nila (BIFF) dun (their advantage there) is their mastery of the terrain, ganun-ganun sa waterlily, pero (but) in terms of firepower, talo sila (they are at a disadvantage)," the AFP official stressed.
Detoyato earlier said military commanders are ordered to ensure that every operation will result in the ejectment of BIFF in areas where operation are being held.
"Binigyan niya (AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Carlito Galvez) ang mga commanders ng mga (He has given commanders) operational goals and standards na dapat may naki-clear kayo na mga areas (that there must be areas that are cleared in) every operation, so ang ginagawa nya dapat may (so there must be an) extra push towards operations, extra push towards the positive contribution to the AFP mission, ang AFP mission is to clear all security threats, defeat pero (but), while it is being done, meron ding (there must also be) peace efforts," Detoyato added.
Operations against the BIFF started last June 10 after military units bombed suspected terrorist positions, including an improvised explosive device factory near the Linguasan Marsh, Maguindanao.
Military operations have so far neutralized dozens of the BIFF while wounding an undetermined number.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1038228
No timetable has been issued to military commanders tasked to clear the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) terrorists in the Liguasan Marsh, Maguindanao.
This was disclosed by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief Col. Noel Detoyato in an interview late Tuesday.
"(AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Carlito Galvez, Jr.) he did not give any timeline (on the operations now ongoing there)," he added.
Also, the military official said that the Liguasan Marsh is a unique operational area as it has some patches of land not placed in any maps.
"Liguasan is a unique operational area kasi may mga tubig, may mga (because there are waters, there are) patches of land dun na hindi nakalagay sa mapa (which are not included in the maps)," he added.
But Detoyato clarified that the remaining BIFF terrorists are not superior to government troops except maybe for their mastery of the terrain.
"Actually ang lakas nila (BIFF) dun (their advantage there) is their mastery of the terrain, ganun-ganun sa waterlily, pero (but) in terms of firepower, talo sila (they are at a disadvantage)," the AFP official stressed.
Detoyato earlier said military commanders are ordered to ensure that every operation will result in the ejectment of BIFF in areas where operation are being held.
"Binigyan niya (AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Carlito Galvez) ang mga commanders ng mga (He has given commanders) operational goals and standards na dapat may naki-clear kayo na mga areas (that there must be areas that are cleared in) every operation, so ang ginagawa nya dapat may (so there must be an) extra push towards operations, extra push towards the positive contribution to the AFP mission, ang AFP mission is to clear all security threats, defeat pero (but), while it is being done, meron ding (there must also be) peace efforts," Detoyato added.
Operations against the BIFF started last June 10 after military units bombed suspected terrorist positions, including an improvised explosive device factory near the Linguasan Marsh, Maguindanao.
Military operations have so far neutralized dozens of the BIFF while wounding an undetermined number.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1038228
PN to test fire its Spike-ER missile this July
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 15): PN to test fire its Spike-ER missile this July
The Philippine Navy (PN) will conduct the first test fire of its Spike-ER surface-to-surface missile in July.
This was bared by Navy flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad in an interview with military-run radio DWDD Wednesday.
“(This) July, we might be testing our very first missile aboard our small ships, (the) MPACs (multi-purpose assault crafts where the weapon is now being fitted), the President would like to see that testing,” he added.
Empedrad is hoping that the test will be successful as it will allow them to acquire more ships with missile capability.
“We’re hoping that we will be able to successfully test it and ‘pag naging maganda ang testing (if the testing will be successful), then we will acquire more ships with missile capability,” he stressed.
The PN’s Spike-ER missiles with its launchers and tracking systems were delivered to the Philippines from Israel last April.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1038286
The Philippine Navy (PN) will conduct the first test fire of its Spike-ER surface-to-surface missile in July.
This was bared by Navy flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad in an interview with military-run radio DWDD Wednesday.
“(This) July, we might be testing our very first missile aboard our small ships, (the) MPACs (multi-purpose assault crafts where the weapon is now being fitted), the President would like to see that testing,” he added.
Empedrad is hoping that the test will be successful as it will allow them to acquire more ships with missile capability.
“We’re hoping that we will be able to successfully test it and ‘pag naging maganda ang testing (if the testing will be successful), then we will acquire more ships with missile capability,” he stressed.
The PN’s Spike-ER missiles with its launchers and tracking systems were delivered to the Philippines from Israel last April.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1038286
Navy readies protocols, personnel for use of new assets
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 15): Navy readies protocols, personnel for use of new assets
To ensure the proper use and maintenance of all of its incoming assets, Philippine Navy (PN) flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad is now busy establishing protocols and technical working groups (TWGs) to ensure that Filipino naval officers are capable of operating such equipment.
He made this statement during an interview with the military-run radio station DWDD on Wednesday.
“(I) focused on personnel on how to maintain and sustain doctrines, protocols. Halimbawa, sinong puputok ng (For example, who will fire the) missiles? Sino puputok ng (Who will fire the) torpedo? Wala kaming (We don't have) doctrines on that aspect. So we created a lot of TWGs para magtrabaho sa bawat aspeto (to work on every aspect) (of modern warship operations) because our frigates (are) worth PHP8 billion each, 'yung (the) helicopter na may (with) torpedoes is worth PHP2.75 billion, so we are talking of billions of equipment na kung hindi (tama ang) handling ng organization eh mawa-waste lang natin, masisira lang (that may be ruined or go to waste if not handled properly by the organization),” he added.
The PN is expecting the delivery of its first-missile firing frigate by 2020. The second frigate is expected to be delivered in 2021.
These ships are capable of neutralizing an air, surface and subsurface threat; and are worth PHP18 billion including the weapons and munitions.
Also, Empedrad stressed that equipment modernization should be parallel with the upgrade of the personnel tasked to man and operate it.
“Dapat parallel ung preparation (The preparation must be parallel). What we have been doing in the past is kuha lang tayo ng kuha ng equipment and then sinisira din natin (we just acquire equipment and then we ruin it),” he added.
In line with this, the PN chief said that they need a lot of money now for base development to house these incoming assets.
“We need a lot of budget to fund our programs like base support development, one of our bases in Sangley (Cavite City), we need around PHP11 million for its renovation. These cost millions and we need storage for our missiles and torpedoes and the study that we made shows that developing these sites requires PHP7 billion. So we need a lot of funds to support the upgrade of our capabilities,” he added.
Possible missiles and torpedoes sites for the PN include Caballo Island near Corregidor in Manila Bay, Subic Bay in Zambales, and Cebu.
Multiple sites are needed as the Navy cannot afford to put all its missiles and torpedoes in one place as one strike could eliminate all of these weapons in an instant.
“So we cannot put our missiles and torpedoes in one place kasi pag tinira, wala na (if all these are hit by one strike, they will be gone). We have to distribute them strategically,” Empedrad said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1038273
To ensure the proper use and maintenance of all of its incoming assets, Philippine Navy (PN) flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad is now busy establishing protocols and technical working groups (TWGs) to ensure that Filipino naval officers are capable of operating such equipment.
He made this statement during an interview with the military-run radio station DWDD on Wednesday.
“(I) focused on personnel on how to maintain and sustain doctrines, protocols. Halimbawa, sinong puputok ng (For example, who will fire the) missiles? Sino puputok ng (Who will fire the) torpedo? Wala kaming (We don't have) doctrines on that aspect. So we created a lot of TWGs para magtrabaho sa bawat aspeto (to work on every aspect) (of modern warship operations) because our frigates (are) worth PHP8 billion each, 'yung (the) helicopter na may (with) torpedoes is worth PHP2.75 billion, so we are talking of billions of equipment na kung hindi (tama ang) handling ng organization eh mawa-waste lang natin, masisira lang (that may be ruined or go to waste if not handled properly by the organization),” he added.
The PN is expecting the delivery of its first-missile firing frigate by 2020. The second frigate is expected to be delivered in 2021.
These ships are capable of neutralizing an air, surface and subsurface threat; and are worth PHP18 billion including the weapons and munitions.
Also, Empedrad stressed that equipment modernization should be parallel with the upgrade of the personnel tasked to man and operate it.
“Dapat parallel ung preparation (The preparation must be parallel). What we have been doing in the past is kuha lang tayo ng kuha ng equipment and then sinisira din natin (we just acquire equipment and then we ruin it),” he added.
In line with this, the PN chief said that they need a lot of money now for base development to house these incoming assets.
“We need a lot of budget to fund our programs like base support development, one of our bases in Sangley (Cavite City), we need around PHP11 million for its renovation. These cost millions and we need storage for our missiles and torpedoes and the study that we made shows that developing these sites requires PHP7 billion. So we need a lot of funds to support the upgrade of our capabilities,” he added.
Possible missiles and torpedoes sites for the PN include Caballo Island near Corregidor in Manila Bay, Subic Bay in Zambales, and Cebu.
Multiple sites are needed as the Navy cannot afford to put all its missiles and torpedoes in one place as one strike could eliminate all of these weapons in an instant.
“So we cannot put our missiles and torpedoes in one place kasi pag tinira, wala na (if all these are hit by one strike, they will be gone). We have to distribute them strategically,” Empedrad said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1038273
Gov't postpones resumption of talks with Reds: OPAPP
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 15): Gov't postpones resumption of talks with Reds: OPAPP
Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza on Thursday announced the postponement of the resumption of peace talks between the government and the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) to allow the public to engage more in the peace process.
“The decision for the moment is not to resume talks yet,” Dureza said in a Palace press briefing.
Dureza said President Rodrigo R. Duterte made the instruction during the joint military and police command conference Wednesday night to engage the general public, as well as other stakeholders, “in our common effort to make sure that we achieve a conducive and enabling environment for peace”.
“Consequently, the initial timeline that our backchannel team had worked on with their counterparts (CPP/NPA/NDF) 'across the table' had to be necessarily re-adjusted,” Dureza said.
Recently, Duterte said talks with the Reds may resume in July while National Democratic Front political consultant Jose Maria Sison said resumption might happen between June 28 to 30 in Oslo, Norway.
“Our peace efforts to succeed should have good support from the general public hence it is necessary that all efforts be exerted to inform and engage them in the same way as the government engages the rebels in addressing the root causes of conflict,” Dureza said, and noted it is important that the “last chance” to put a dignified closure to the armed rebellion will not be squandered away.
“It is equally important that the stakeholders on the ground must also be equally engaged through consultations to ensure that all those consensus points and agreements forged in the negotiations table have palpable support from them,” the peace adviser said.
“We are now at the cusp of some major breakthroughs in the peace talks hence the urgent need now to take deliberate steps to ensure that we do not falter,” he added.
Dureza said the CPP-NPA-NDF peace negotiators have already been informed about the postponement of the resumption of peace talks.
“Enabling environment is something that will convince the government to push through with the peace talks,” he said.
He said the Government of the Republic of the Philippines intends to do a public consultation similar to what the government has been doing with the Bangsamoro people in Mindanao.
“Just, sustainable and lasting peace will happen only when our people understand and support these efforts,” Dureza said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1038318
Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza on Thursday announced the postponement of the resumption of peace talks between the government and the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) to allow the public to engage more in the peace process.
“The decision for the moment is not to resume talks yet,” Dureza said in a Palace press briefing.
Dureza said President Rodrigo R. Duterte made the instruction during the joint military and police command conference Wednesday night to engage the general public, as well as other stakeholders, “in our common effort to make sure that we achieve a conducive and enabling environment for peace”.
“Consequently, the initial timeline that our backchannel team had worked on with their counterparts (CPP/NPA/NDF) 'across the table' had to be necessarily re-adjusted,” Dureza said.
Recently, Duterte said talks with the Reds may resume in July while National Democratic Front political consultant Jose Maria Sison said resumption might happen between June 28 to 30 in Oslo, Norway.
“Our peace efforts to succeed should have good support from the general public hence it is necessary that all efforts be exerted to inform and engage them in the same way as the government engages the rebels in addressing the root causes of conflict,” Dureza said, and noted it is important that the “last chance” to put a dignified closure to the armed rebellion will not be squandered away.
“It is equally important that the stakeholders on the ground must also be equally engaged through consultations to ensure that all those consensus points and agreements forged in the negotiations table have palpable support from them,” the peace adviser said.
“We are now at the cusp of some major breakthroughs in the peace talks hence the urgent need now to take deliberate steps to ensure that we do not falter,” he added.
Dureza said the CPP-NPA-NDF peace negotiators have already been informed about the postponement of the resumption of peace talks.
“Enabling environment is something that will convince the government to push through with the peace talks,” he said.
He said the Government of the Republic of the Philippines intends to do a public consultation similar to what the government has been doing with the Bangsamoro people in Mindanao.
“Just, sustainable and lasting peace will happen only when our people understand and support these efforts,” Dureza said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1038318
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