Friday, August 5, 2022

Exercise ‘Pagbubuklod’ enhances PH Fleet’s warfighting interoperability

From the Manila Bulletin (Aug 3, 2022): Exercise ‘Pagbubuklod’ enhances PH Fleet’s warfighting interoperability (By Martin Sadongdong)

The Philippine Navy’s (PN) Philippine Fleet (PF) officially concluded this year’s iteration of Exercise “Pagbubuklod,” its unilateral training activity, on Tuesday, Aug. 2, in its headquarters at the Naval Base Heracleo Alano in Sangley Point, Cavite.


Philippine Fleet personnel conduct photo exercise during the at-sea phase of Exercise Pagbubuklod in Bataan. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Fleet)

Rear Adm. Nichols Driz, PF commander, graced the closing ceremony of the drills and expressed confidence that it enabled the sailors to develop, evaluate, validate and sustain the coherence of their warfighting doctrines and platforms interoperability.

“The exposure of our personnel to the different capabilities, old and new, as well as our limitations provided a holistic understanding of how we should fight as one,” Driz said.

“I firmly believe that it is our capacity and commitment to L.E.A.D. – which stands for learn, enhance, adapt, and develop -that will propel Philippine Fleet to sustain different capacities and acquire new capabilities,” the Fleet Commander added.


Table top exercises of participating ships during the Exercise Pagbubuklod were monitored and supervised by the Fleet Training and Doctrine Center. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Fleet)

Exercise Pagbubuklod, which translates to “unity,” was spearheaded by the Fleet Training and Doctrines Center (FTDC) with its superintendent, Capt. Lorenzo Bolor Jr., as the exercise director.

It began on July 25, featuring a series of subject matter expert exchanges, tabletop exercises, shipboard lectures, in-port training activities at Naval Operating Base-Subic.

The highlight of the exercise were the at-sea events where participating personnel and assets such as the BRP Fort San Antonio Abad (AGS701), BRP Manuel Gomez (PC388), BRP Carlos Albert (PC375), and NH434 aircraft simulated various scenarios of maritime security operations at the vicinity of Bataan.



An NH434 aircraft of the Naval Air Wing conducts Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance for Interdiction Maritime Operations during the Exercise Pagbubuklod. (Photo courtesy of Philippine Fleet)

Sailor reservists also took an active role during the exercise which aimed to acquaint them with the organization and update them about the latest capabilities of the Navy like the well deck operations, anti-submarine warfare capability, and other capability-based shipboard tours aboard BRP Jose Rizal (FF150), BRP Conrado Yap (PS39), BRP Davao Del Sur (LD602) and BRP Tarlac (LD601).

A “hotwash” activity served as the penultimate chapter of the exercise where the aprticipating troops evaluated and assessed the just-concluded training toward developing sound operational concepts of the Navy’s interoperability in addressing security threats in the maritime environment.

https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/03/exercise-pagbubuklod-enhances-ph-fleets-warfighting-interoperability/?fbclid=IwAR0OkzEKcs8hl3606-8nSXzDqZ2YECPyHT3n_Es3BuO3udaL06OZYNowQAM

PH Army, NPA clash anew in Batangas

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Aug 5, 2022): PH Army, NPA clash anew in Batangas (By: Delfin T. Mallari Jr.)



New People’s Army (NPA) | INQUIRER.net file photo

Army soldiers and suspected New People’s Army (NPA) rebels clashed again on Thursday, August 4, in Lobo town in Batangas province.

The Batangas police said patrolling soldiers from the Army’s 59th Infantry Battalion at around 10 a.m. chanced upon a group of alleged NPA guerrillas in Barangay Malalim na Sanog.

The battle lasted for three minutes, after which the rebels withdrew.


The government did not report casualties but still undetermined on the NPA group, the police said.

The soldiers reportedly recovered a caliber .45 pistol left behind by the alleged fleeing NPA members.

Troops have been deployed to pursue the rebels.

On July 25, soldiers and NPA rebels also allegedly engaged in a 10-minute gun battle in Barangay Malapad na Parang, also in Lobo.

No casualties were reported on both sides.

On July 18, soldiers and rebels were allegedly engaged in a fierce battle in Taysan town.

A 9-year-old girl died from a stray bullet during the alleged encounter. INQ

RELATED STORIES

Girl slain in NPA-Army clash in Batangas
House probe sought on child’s death after military-NPA clash in Batangas

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1641497/ph-army-npa-clash-anew-in-batangas

IS-linked gunman slain, another falls in clash with Army in Maguindanao

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Aug 5, 2022): IS-linked gunman slain, another falls in clash with Army in Maguindanao (By: Edwin O. Fernandez, John Eric Mendoza)



WAR MATERIALS. Government forces recover a cal. 45 pistol, two improvised bombs, bomb-making components, and personal belongings of terror group members after a brief clash with IS-linked gunmen in Ampatuan, Maguindanao on August 5. (Army photo)

A gunman belonging to a local terror group with links to the Islamic State (IS) was killed, while another was arrested after a clash Friday with government troops in Ampatuan town, Maguindanao province.

In a statement, the Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) identified the killed IS members as Khamhed Akan Kambal also known as Mheds, which the military said is known bomber of the Daulah Islamiyah-Hassan Group.

Operating troops also arrested a personality identified as a certain Nasrudin Sali Blah of Barangay Tuayan in Ampatuan..

The clash occurred at past 3 a.m. in Barangay Dicalongan, the Philippine Army said in a statement.


Soldiers of the 40th Infantry Battalion under Lieutenant Colonel Edwin Alburo were conducting a focused military operation in response to civilian reports about the presence of armed men in the area.

The operation resulted in an armed encounter with the Daulah Islamiyah-Hassan group led by a certain “Alpha King.”

At past 5 a.m., as the soldiers did clearing operations around the site of clashes, they found the body of a slain gunman, a caliber .45 pistol beside him, two improvised bombs, bomb-making components, and personal belongings.

Soldiers turned over the remains of Kambal to officials of Barangay Dicalongan for burial according to Islamic rites. The captured DI member was handed over to the Ampatuan police for the filing of charges.

In a separate statement, Lieutenant General Alfredo Rosario, Jr., chief of the Western Mindanao Command, lauded the accomplishment of the soldiers saying their performance help rid the province of terrorism.

RELATED STORIES:
Alleged ISIS spokesperson killed in Maguindanao ops — military
Air, ground assault in Maguindanao vs Dawlah Islamiyah leaves 1 dead

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1641678/is-linked-gunman-slain-another-fall-in-clash-with-army-in-maguindanao

7 Abu Sayyaf bandits surrender

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Aug 5, 2022): 7 Abu Sayyaf bandits surrender



ZAMBOANGA. Seven Basilan-based Abu Sayyaf bandits surrender Thursday, August 4, following a whole of nation approach initiated by the police with the support of the military and intelligence service of the government. A photo handout shows three of the six Abu Sayyaf surrenderers handed over a rifle and two handguns to police official in a ceremony in Zamboanga City. (SunStar Zamboanga)

SEVEN Basilan-based Abu Sayyaf bandits have surrendered following a whole of nation approach initiated by the police with the support of the military and intelligence service of the government, an official said Friday, August 5, 2022.

Police Colonel Richard Verceles, operations chief of the Area Police Command-Western Mindanao, said the seven Basilan-based Abu Sayyaf bandits surrendered after successful negotiations launched when 100 of their Sulu-based cohorts surrendered on July 30 and welcomed by Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr.

Verceles said they surrendered in Ungkaya Pukan, Basilan and were formally presented around 3:30 p.m. Thursday, August 4, 2022, at the headquarters of the 84th Special Action Company of the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) at Sitio San Ramon in Talisay village.

Verceles identified them as: Hamja Palluh Kuddong; Muhar Palluh Attuh; Muang Tawhid Asalal; Makram Palluh Attuh; Hasalal Arwan Palluh; Palluh Tarang Kanduhon; and, Mantalang Akman Palluh.

Verceles said they are followers of Basilan-based Abi Sayyaf sub-leader Pasil Bayali and former sub-leader Nurhasan Jamiri.

Jamiri has surrendered to the government in Basilan province along with 12 of his followers on March 28, 2018.

Verceles said the surrenderers were involved in kidnapping for ransom, harassment, ambuscades, extortion, illegal drug trading and other terroristic activities in Basilan and nearby provinces to include Zamboanga City.

He said they yielded a caliber .30 M1 Garand rifle, Springfield caliber .45 pistol, and one a caliber 5.56 millimeter revolver with ammunition.

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1937001/zamboanga/local-news/7-abu-sayyaf-bandits-surrender

13 Abu bandits surrender

From the Philippine Star (Aug 6, 2022): 13 Abu bandits surrender (By Roel PareƱo)

Thirteen Abu Sayyaf bandits surrendered in Ungkaya Pukan, Basilan on Thursday following negotiations with police and military intelligence units.

Hamja Palluh Kuddong, Muhar Palluh Attuh, Muang Tawhid Asalal, Makram Palluh Attuh, Hasalal Arwan Palluh, Palluh Tarang Kanduhon and Mantalang Akman Palluhl also turned over three firearms,
Col. Richard Verceles, area police command chief of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) said.

The surrenderees were with the group of Pasil Bayali and Nurhasan Jamiri, who operate in Basilan and Zamboanga peninsula.


Meanwhile, in Maguindanao, Khamhed Akan Kambal, a known bomber of Dawlah Islamiya, was killed in an encounter with government troopers in Barangay Dicalongan in Ampatuan town yesterday.

Westmincom chief Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario Jr. said Nasrudin Sali Blah, 22, was arrested.

Rosario said improvised explosive devices and bomb materials were recovered during clearing operations.

https://www.philstar.com/nation/2022/08/06/2200585/13-abu-bandits-surrender

Troops kill suspected bomber in southern Philippines

From BenarNews (Aug 5, 2022): Troops kill suspected bomber in southern Philippines


Philippine Special Weapons and Tactics officers stand guard along a popular market street in Manila as security forces go on heightened alert following twin bombings in Basilan island, near Jolo, June 1, 2022.  Ted Alibe/AFP

Troops in the southern Philippines killed a suspected bomber identified as a member of the local affiliate of the Islamic State extremist group and captured another during a predawn encounter Friday on the island of Mindanao, the military said.

Two improvised explosive devices (IED) were recovered following the clash with Daulah Islamiyah (DI) terror group members in the village of Dicalungan in Ampatuan town, Maguindanao province
, a military official said.


Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario Jr., commander of Western Mindanao Command, said troops from the 40th Infantry Battalion clashed with the DI-Hassan Group whose leader is known as “Alpha King” early Friday after tracking the group’s location.

“The terrorists are desperate enough to show their force to gain popular support from the civil society,” Rosario said. “Rest assured that we will stop them from creating havoc on peaceful communities.

“The firefight resulted in one enemy killed and another captured,” Rosario said while noting other members escaped.

The DI is the Philippine name for the Islamic State. It has links to Abu Sayyaf, the dominant terrorist group in the south whose members have been blamed for suicide bombings, beheadings of kidnap victims and a five-month siege of the city of Marawi in 2017.

The dead man was identified as Khamhed Akan Kambal alias Meds, a known DI Hassan Group bomber, while the captured suspect was identified as Nasrudin Sali Blah, 22, Rosario said. The military confirmed that Kambal’s body was turned over to village officials to allow for burial following Islamic rites.

After the clash, troops recovered the two IEDs, including one with 105 mm howitzer round as its main charge, bomb components consisting of several pieces of 9-volt batteries, nine cellphones, a remote control and a .45-caliber pistol.

The military and police said the howitzer shell could be unexploded artillery fired in a previous clash with insurgents.

https://www.benarnews.org/english/news/philippine/suspect-killed-08052022110137.html

Abalos on Abu Sayyaf strength: Konting-konti na lang

From GMA News Online (Aug 5, 2022): Abalos on Abu Sayyaf strength: Konting-konti na lang (By JOVILAND RITA)

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benhur Abalos on Friday said very few members of Abu Sayyaf group are left amid the anti-insurgency efforts of the government.

At a Palace briefing, Abalos said that he cannot divulge the exact number of the remaining ASG members.

“Ayoko muna sana sabihin rito pero I assure you konting-konti na lang (I don't want to say it here but I can assure you they are very few),”
he added.


Abalos said 100 supposed Abu Sayyaf members, with their firearms, surrendered to the government in Jolo, Sulu last week.

“I just want to report that last week, about seven days ago, there were about 100 Abu Sayyaf who surrendered in Jolo, Sulu,” he said.

“I think this is the biggest or the largest number of Abu Sayyaf who surrendered so far, 100 of them and even the firearms,” he added.

Abalos said the force of the rebels has already weakened and the areas previously affected by insurgency are now being prepared for economic progress.

Those who surrendered will receive P15,000 cash, livelihood, reintegration, medical, housing assistance among others, he added.

https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/840585/abalos-on-abu-sayyaf-strength-konting-konti-na-lang/story/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Kilusan kontra mandatory ROTC, muling pinalalakas

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis online propaganda article posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 5, 2022): Kilusan kontra mandatory ROTC, muling pinalalakas (Movement against mandatory ROTC, is being strengthened again)






Muling umuugong ang pagtutol ng mga mag-aaral sa mandatory Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) sa harap ng bantang ibalik ito sa mga unibersidad, pamantasan at eskwelahan. Reaksyon ito ng mga kabataan sa kamakailang pahayag ni President Ferdinand Marcos Jr sa kanyang unang State of the Nation Address na dapat ibalik ang mandatory ROTC o sapilitang pagtetreyning militar sa senior high school.

Sa nagdaang linggo, pinaiigting ng No To Mandatory ROTC Network, alyansa ng mga guro, magulang at tagapagtaguyod ng karapatang-bata, ang kampanya nito para labanan ang naturang plano. Kasalukuyan silang naglulunsad ng serye ng talakayan, pag-aaral at petisyon katuwang ang mga konseho ng mag-aaral at iba pang organisasyon.

Inilatag ng network ang anim na puntong dahilan kung bakit dapat tutulan ang mandatory ROTC:

1. Dagdag gastos at paglulustay ng pondo ng publiko
2. Dagdag pahirap sa mga estudyante, guro at magulang
3. Kultura ng karahasan at korapsyon
4. Nagtataguyod ng pekeng nasyunalismo
5. Banta sa kalayaang pang-akademiko
6. Paglabag sa lokal at internasyunal na mga batas at kumbensyon kaugnay ng karapatang-bata
Pagpapabasura sa ROTC noong 2002

Higit dalawang dekada na mula nang ibinasura ang mandatory ROTC matapos maitulak ng mga protesta ng kabataan ang reaksyunaryong gubyerno ng Pilipinas na baguhin ang programa noong 2002. Gayunpaman, kahit hindi na sapilitan, nananatili pa ring pasistang kasangkapan ng estado ang programa sa loob ng mga pamantasan sa sumunod na mga taon.

Naipatigil ang sapilitang ROTC noong Enero 2002 kasunod ng mga protestang sumiklab matapos ang pagkamatay ni Mark Welson Chua, 19 anyos na estudyante ng University of Sto. Tomas, noong Marso 2001 sa kamay ng kapwa upisyal sa ROTC ng pamantasan. Isiniwalat noon ni Chua ang mga anomalya, korapsyon at pang-aabuso sa loob ng UST ROTC dahilan para pag-initan at gantihan siya ng mga upisyal nito na sinipa at inalis sa pusisyon.

Simula Hulyo 2001, naitulak ng sunud-sunod na mga boykot, walk out at mga barikada ang pagbabasura sa programa. Sa pamumuno ng alyansang Abolish! (Network for the Abolition of ROTC,) nagkasa ng walkout sa ROTC treyning ang libong estudyante sa Metro Manila at nagmartsa tungong Mendiola noong Hulyo 1. Daan-daang kadete ng UST ang nagboykot sa treyning sa gitna ng mahigpit na seguridad. Nagsunog sila ng isang pares ng uniporme ng ROTC bilang simbolo ng kanilang protesta.

Sinundan ito ng walkout ng 400 kadete noong Hulyo 8 noong taon ding iyon sa Ateneo de Davao. Sa UP Baguio naman, 130 kadete ang nag-walkout noong Hulyo 14, 2001. Nagmartsa sila sa Session Road at hinikayat ang mga kadete ng iba pang eskwelahan sa lunsod na sumama sa protesta.

Hindi nagpatinag, libu-libong estudyante sa Metro Manila ang muling lumahok sa magkakasabay na kilos-protesta noong Hulyo 15. Umabot sa 7,000 estudyante ang nagbarikada sa University of the East-Caloocan, Adamson University, Arellano University at Technological University of the Philippines. Sa Far Eastern University, 500 kadete ang nagpiket.

Sa Tacloban City, kasama ang mga mag-aaral ng UP-Tacloban at Leyte State University, 200 kadete ang nag-walkout sa kanilang pagsasanay sa Leyte Institute of Technology. Umabot sa 300 ang nag-walkout sa UP Los BaƱos noong Hulyo 21, 2001. Sa Mindanao, lumahok sa walkout ang mga estudyante ng University of Mindanao, Ateneo de Davao University, University of Southeastern Philippines, Holy Cross of Davao College at San Pedro College.
Kasaysayan ng ROTC

Ang programa ay unang ipinatupad sa bansa noong 1922 bilang opsyonal na pagsasanay-militar sa University of the Philippines sa udyok ng US. Noong 1939, sa pamamagitan ng isang executive order, ginawang sapilitan ni Manuel L. Quezon ang pagsasanay na ito para sa lahat ng lalaking estudyante.

Nakapaloob ito sa pinakaunang batas na ipinasa ng gubyernong Commonwealth sa bansa, ang Commonwealth Act No. 1 (National Defense Act). Binuo ito ng US, sang-ayon sa sariling interes, bilang paghahanda sa banta ng Ikalawang Digmaang Pandaigdig. Hangad ng US na gamiting pambala sa kanyon ang mga kabataang Pilipino sa napipinto noong inter-imperyalistang gera.

Sa sumunod na mga taon, laluna sa ilalim ng diktadurang Marcos I, ginawang ekstensyon ng pasistang makinarya ng reaksyunaryong militar ang sapilitang pagsasanay sa ROTC. Ginagamit ng reaksyunaryong sandatahan ang reserbang kwerpong ito sa paniniktik at paninindak sa mga progresibong organisasyon ng mga estudyante sa mga paaralan.

Sa parehong diwa, at pagtatabing dito bilang “pagtataguyod ng nasyunalismo”, muling itinutulak ang panunumbalik nito. Hindi iisang beses mula 2002 nang tangkang ipanumbalik ang sapilitang pagsasanay para sa ROTC. Una itong pinalutang noong 2006 nang maghain ng panukala sa Senado at House of Representatives para buhayin ang sapilitang pagsasanay. Sinundan ito ng pagtutulak ng Department of National Defense noong 2013.

Noong ika-16 Kongreso, hindi bababa sa anim na panukala ang isinumite para isabatas ito. Samantala, kinontra ito ng kinatawan ng Kabataan Partylist sa Kongreso na nagsumite ng panukalang tuluyang ibasura ang buong programa ng ROTC. Pebrero 2017 nang itulak mismo ni Rodrigo Duterte ang pagpapanumbalik ng mandatory ROTC sa senior high school.

https://cpp.ph/angbayan/kilusan-kontra-mandatory-rotc-muling-pinalalakas/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Napakataas na singil sa kuryente sa Ilocos, binatikos

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis online propaganda article posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 5, 2022): Napakataas na singil sa kuryente sa Ilocos, binatikos (Very high electricity bills in Ilocos, criticized)




Binatikos ng mga residente ng Ilocos ang napakataas na singil sa kuryente sa rehiyon, sa kabila ng ipinagmamayabang na Bangui Windmills bilang alternatibong pinagkukunan ng enerhiya.

Ayon sa grupong Power for the People Coalition (P4P) sa isang pahayag noong Agosto 3, umaabot sa ₱16.767 kada kilowatt hour ang binabayaran ng mga konsyumer ng Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative, habang ₱16.1192 naman kada kilowatt hour ang singil ng Ilocos Sur Electric Cooperative Inc. Mas mataas pa ang mga ito sa mataas ring singil ng Meralco na ₱9.7545 kada kilowatt hour.

“Hindi tama para kanino mang Pilipino na magbayad ng higit “16 kada kilowatt hour para sa kuryente, at lalo na Ilocos na hindi man kasing-unlad sa National Capital Region ay mayroon namang malaking potensyal para sa renewable energy,” ayon kay Gerry Arances, kumbernor ng P4P.

Tinukoy niya ang paggamit ng coal o karbon bilang pangunahing salarin sa napakataas na singil. Kumukuha ng kuryente ang dalawang kooperatiba mula Masinloc coal plant at Limay coal plant. Tumaas ang presyo ng coal mula nang unti-unting nagbukas ang ekonomya at pagsiklab ng gera sa Ukraine.

Bago nito, binatikos ng mga grupong makakalikasan si Ferdinand Marcos Jr sa kawalan ng kongkretong programa para sa paglipat ng mapagkukunan ng enerhiya mula sa tinaguriang “maruruming enerhiya” tulad ng karbon at gasolina tungo sa mga magpakukunan ng mas malinis na enerhiya. Ipinagmamalaking balwarte ng mga Marcos ang Ilocos. Sa panahon ng kampanya, inihambog pa niya ang Bangui Windmills, na maling inangkin niyang proyekto ng kanyang pamilya.

https://cpp.ph/angbayan/napakataas-na-singil-sa-kuryente-sa-ilocos-binatikos/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: DepEd, kinastigo ng mga guro sa maanomalyang paggastos sa pondo

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis online propaganda article posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 5, 2022): DepEd, kinastigo ng mga guro sa maanomalyang paggastos sa pondo (DepEd, teachers punished for anomalous fund spending)




Inulan ng batikos ang Deparment of Education (DepEd) matapos maglabas ang Commission on Audit (COA) ng bagong mga ulat na nagtutukoy sa mga “deficiency” o pagkukulang ng kagawaran kaugnay sa paggastos sa ₱4.527 bilyong pondo para sa Basic Education Learning Continuity Plan (BE-LCP) o programang distance learning noong 2020-2021 at 2021-2022.

Kabilang sa pinuna ng COA ang sobrang mahal na mga laptop na binili ng DepEd para umano sa mga guro. Sa badyet na ₱2.4 bilyon, 68,500 laptop ang inaprubahang bilhin sa halagang ₱35,000 bawat isa. Subalit 39,583 lamang ang nabili sa presyong ₱58,300 kada laptop. Natukoy ng COA na ang klase ng biniling laptop ay dapat nagkakahalaga lamang na ₱22,000 hanggang ₱25,000 kada isa.

Pinuna ito ng Alliance of Concerned Teachers (ACT) at sinabing “hindi na nahiya ang pamahalaan, ginagamit pa ang mga guro sa panghihingi ng donasyon, samantalang hindi pinopondohan nang sapat ang edukasyon at kwestyonable pa ang ginawang paggastos sa pondo.”

Kaugnay ang naturang komento ng itinutulak na ‘Brigada Eskwela’ ng DepEd kung saan mga guro ang itinutulak ng kagawaran na magpondo sa pagpapaayos at paghahanda sa kanilang mga klasrum para sa pagbabalik ng harapang eskwela.

“Nakakalungkot na habang 4.5 bilyong piso ang di maayos na ginastos ng Deped na para sana sa mga eskwelahan at mga guro ay inoobliga naman ang mga guro na mangalap ng pera para sa Brigada Eskwela na sagot dapat ng pamahalaan,” ayon kay Vladimer Quetua, tagapangulo ng ACT.

“Masakit sa dibdib ng mga guro na habang nangungutang sila para makabili ng laptop ay maanomalya ang paggamit ng pondo para dito. Dapat magkaroon ng mas malalim na imbestigasyon rito at panagutin ang mga salarin sa nag-aksaya at posibleng kumita sa transaksyong ito,” dagdag ni Quetua.

Sa pahayag naman ni Renato Reyes Jr ng Bagong Alyansang Makabayan, sinabi niyang tila “Pharmally” ito ng DepEd o maanomalyang paggastos na pinagmumulan ng kurakot.

https://cpp.ph/angbayan/deped-kinastigo-ng-mga-guro-sa-maanomalyang-paggastos-sa-pondo/

CPP/Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis: Mga historyador, naglunsad ng 50-araw na countdown

Ang Bayan Daily News & Analysis online propaganda article posted to the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) Website (Aug 5, 2022): Mga historyador, naglunsad ng 50-araw na countdown (Historians, launch a 50-day countdown)




Inilunsad kahapon ng mga historyador ang 50-araw na countdown bago ang ika-50 anibersaryo ng pagpataw ng batas militar ni Ferdinand Marcos Sr. Tinagurian nilang Singkwentada ang countdown na ito.

Tinagurian ng grupong Tanggol Kasaysayan ang isinasagawang pag-alala sa batas militar bilang “TIPON” para patampukin ang pagtitipon ng mga materyal sa kasaysayan para labanan ang pambabaluktot sa nakaraan at pagtitipon rin ng mamamayan para sa layuning ito.

Maglalabas ang grupo ng mga sipi sa isang isang libro kada araw sa loob ng 50 araw sa social media. Maglalathala rin sila ng timeline o pagkakahanay ng mga pangyayari sa ilalim ng batas militar mula sa perspektiba ng mamamayan. Magsisilbi itong alternatibong timeline para sa mga mananaliksik na interesado sa kasaysayan ng batas militar.

Inianunsyo rin ng Tanggol Kasaysayan na maglulunsad ito ng libro ng mga sanaysay sa Setyembre bilang paggunita sa mismong araw ng pagpapataw ng batas militar.

Inilunsad rin sa pagtitipon ang Tanggol Kasaysayan-Kabataan na nagtataguyod naman ng katotohanan sa kasaysayan sa hanay ng kabataan.

https://cpp.ph/angbayan/mga-historyador-naglunsad-ng-50-araw-na-countdown/

Kalinaw News: 1 killed, another apprehended in Maguindanao clash

From Kalinaw News (Aug 5, 2022): 1 killed, another apprehended in Maguindanao clash



Camp Navarro, Calarian, Zamboanga City – August 5, 2022

A Daulah Islamiyah-Hassan Group member was killed while another was apprehended in an encounter with the military in Barangay Dicalungan, Ampatuan, Maguindanao in the wee hours of August 5, 2022.

Troops of the 40th Infantry Battalion conducted focused military operation (FMO) in response to the reports received of the hostile plans of the DI-Maguindanao against the CSP-PCVE Teams deployed in the area of responsibility of the 601st Infantry Brigade. The operation resulted in an encounter with the members of Daulah Islamiyah-Hassan Group led by a.k.a. Alpha King.

While clearing the area, troops recovered one enemy cadaver, one cal. 45 pistol, and two improvised explosive devices, explosive components, personal belongings, and propaganda materials. The slain enemy was later identified as Khamhed Akan Kambal, a.k.a. Mheds, a known bomber of the DI-Hassan Group. Operating troops also recovered one personality identified as Nasrudin Sali Blah, male, 22, married, and a resident of Tuayan, Ampatuan, Maguindanao.

The dead body of alias Mheds was turned over to the barangay officials of Dicalungan for proper disposition while the captured personality was turned over to the PNP for proper disposition.

Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr., Commander of Western Mindanao Command commended the troops for successfully thwarting the terror plots of the Daulah Islamiyah. “The terrorists are desperate enough to show their force to gain popular support from the civil society. Rest assured that we will do everything to stop them from creating havoc on peaceful communities”.



[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/1-killed-another-apprehended-in-maguindanao-clash/

Kalinaw News: ‘TG Bangis’ fortifies the deployment of female troops in peacekeeping operations

From Kalinaw News (Aug 5, 2022): ‘TG Bangis’ fortifies the deployment of female troops in peacekeeping operations



CAMP SIONGCO, Awang, DOS, Maguindanao— The Task Group Bangis, the newly formed Task Group of the 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division, has strengthened the deployment of its female soldiers in support of the peace efforts of the 38th Infantry (We Clear) Battalion in their area of operations.

Lieutenant Colonel Michael Angelo Candole, the Battalion Commander of “TG Bangis,” said that the female soldiers will accompany them in their humanitarian endeavors in the far-flung areas.

“These female soldiers are from 2nd Platoon of Task Force Bangis, wherein their main involvement is to provide support to the local government and other agencies, not limited to our outreach program and medical missions,” Lt. Col. Candole said.

In this regard, the said platoon, led by 2nd Lt. Angelie Calataro, participated in the various medical and outreach programs that were conducted in Sitio Datal Basak, Brgy. Kablacan, Maasim, in Sarangani province on July 30, 2022.

Among their activities are medical consultation, operation tuli, distribution of medicines and vitamins, hygiene awareness for teenagers, kids’ recreational activities, feeding program, operation gupit, minor operations, and relief goods operations.More than a hundred people of the said town, mostly indigent, have benefited from the joint Army, police, local government unit (LGU) and other stakeholders in the said medical and outreach program.

The said activity was organized by the 38th Infantry (We Clear) Battalion led by Lt. Col. Anhouvic Atilano, the Commanding Officer of 38IB, Philippine Air Force Reserve Center/Amaranth Group, LGU Maasim, 1st Mechanized Brigade, 64th Civil-Military Operation Company, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 1204th Platoon, Maasim Municipal Police Station, Provincial DOH South Cotabato, MDRRM Maasim, Siguel Hydropower Corporation and Esperanza Sultan Kudarat Hospital.”Deploying our female troops in these efforts is not only the right thing to do, but also the smart thing to do because they can win the hearts and minds of our local people, specifically those at grassroot level,” Lt. Col. Atilano said.

The Acting Commander of the 6th Infantry (Kampilan) Division and Joint Task Force Central, Major General Roberto S. Capulong, received commendations and positive reactions from several local chief executives regarding the efforts made by female soldiers, not only for the Task Group Bangis but also for the entire Kampilan Army troops. MGen. Capulong believes in the ability of each soldier to achieve peace and tranquility in the area of operations of JTF Central.”As a Kampilan female soldier, I also believe in your capacity to do your job as a peace advocate, as manifested by our local people who cited their positive feedback to us,” MGen. Capulong said, where he underlined that there can be no development without peace, and there can be no peace without development. Thus, convergence of all efforts and resources is needed to solve this more than 50-year-old insurgency in our country.










[Kalinaw News is the official online source of information on the pursuit for peace in the Philippines This website is a property of the Civil-Military Operations Regiment, Philippine Army located at Lawton Avenue, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City Contact us: kalinawnews@cmoregiment.com]

https://www.kalinawnews.com/tg-bangis-fortifies-the-deployment-of-female-troops-in-peacekeeping-operations/

India bids to sell fighter jets to Malaysia, says Philippines also interested

Posted to Rappler (Aug 5, 2022): India bids to sell fighter jets to Malaysia, says Philippines also interested (By REUTERS)



(1st UPDATE) An Indian defense official says the six countries interested in the Tejas are Argentina, Australia, Egypt, USA, Indonesia, and the Philippines

NEW DELHI, India – India has offered to sell 18 light-combat aircraft (LCA) “Tejas” to Malaysia, the defense ministry said on Friday, August 5, adding that Argentina, Australia, Egypt, the United States, Indonesia, and the Philippines were also interested in the single-engine jet.

The Indian government last year gave a $6 billion contract to state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd for 83 of the locally produced Tejas jets for delivery starting around 2023 – four decades after it was first approved in 1983.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, keen to reduce India’s reliance on foreign defense equipment, has also been making diplomatic efforts to export the jets. The Tejas has been beset by design and other challenges, and was once rejected by the Indian Navy as too heavy.

The defense ministry told parliament that Hindustan Aeronautics in October last year responded to a request for proposal from the Royal Malaysian Air Force for 18 jets, offering to sell the two-seater variant of Tejas.

“Other countries which have evinced interest in the LCA aircraft are: Argentina, Australia, Egypt, USA, Indonesia, and Philippines,” India’s junior defense minister, Ajay Bhatt, told members of parliament in a written reply.

He said the country was also working on manufacturing a stealth fighter jet, but declined to given a timeline citing national security concerns.

Britain said in April it would support India’s goal of building its own fighter jets. India currently has a mix of Russian, British and French fighter jets.

India is looking to ground all its Soviet-era Russian fighter jets, the MiG-21, by 2025, following a number of fatal crashes, the Times of India daily reported last month.

https://www.rappler.com/world/south-central-asia/india-bids-sell-fighter-jets-malaysia-says-other-countries-interested/

Pacific Partnership kicks off as USNS Mercy docks in Puerto Princesa

From Palawan News (Aug 4, 2022): Pacific Partnership kicks off as USNS Mercy docks in Puerto Princesa (By Aira Genesa Magdayao)



The USNS Mercy (T-AH-19) hospital ship, which is now in Puerto Princesa City for the 17th Pacific Partnership 2022, is aiming to provide medical services to more than 7,000 beneficiaries from August 3 to 17.

During the opening program on Wednesday, Task Force 73 commander, Rear Admiral Mark Melson, said Pacific Partnership 2022 is a Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) preparedness mission where they will provide medical assistance, training, lectures, and community outreach programs.


“The Pacific Partnership began in 2006 so this is the 17th and this is really the best partnership when you think about multi-national exercises. Pacific Partnership is the brand, so to speak, that people recognize and we’re gonna continue to push and try to get even better, more comprehensive, enhance our command and control, and our logistics and cooperation,” Melson said.

USNS Mercy (T-AH-19) Facebook Page

The medical mission services will be held aboard the USNS Mercy 1,000-bed capacity hospital ship commissioned in 1986 that provides floating, mobile, acute surgical medical facilities, and hospital services to support United States’ disaster relief and humanitarian operations worldwide. The ship first visited Puerto Princesa City in 1987.

Aside from the medical services, the mission also conducted engineering, humanitarian aid, and disaster relief activities, a medical symposium for the Palawan Medical Society, Forensic Dentistry Training, and tree planting in the northern part of the city affected by typhoon Odette and religious outreach.

“Our target, if we can provide a 7,000 plus [services] on Mercy, all we ask obviously is for the community perspective on helping them or the right people in need. We were able to get quality training, we can learn and execute. For us to be partners with all these exercises we have to train our navy and our joint forces to understand more the region, the disasters,” Melson said.

“We already had 200 medical engagements, we’re also doing things that are incredibly sensitive and relevant. Last night I got to take part in a resilience session. So we’re talking about mental health, about how to make the community stronger and more resilient on heels of the humanitarian crisis, of a pandemic, when a lot of people there are suffering,” he added.

Along with the US Navy are the personnel from different countries such as South Korea, Malaysia, Chile, Australia, the United Kingdom, and others.

“We also have the Royal Navy with us, the Australian Defense Force taking part in this and they will help us through in the medical and disaster preparedness in this,” Melson said.

Meanwhile, Western Command (WESCOM) chief Vice Admiral Albert Carlos said that while the mission’s main focus is on HADR, it will be beneficial to the command and its personnel as it will also strengthen interoperability between partner nations.

“This is also a result of building up our interoperability in terms of HADR activities. This is not just a humanitarian mission, mayroon tayong maritime training, and mountain rescue training are being provided. Even for our doctors, there are capacity buildings and in terms of interoperability with the US forces,” Carlos said.

“So for the next two weeks we will provide assistance, and among the seven stops, we will make sure this is the best stop in this partnership and make this a successful partnership.

On the other hand, Vice Mayor Ma. Nancy Socrates said that aside from the services to be provided by the Pacific Partnership, it will also boost the disaster preparedness and response capability of the city.

“Malaki ang impact nito with our disaster preparedness especially our ability to respond in a crisis. Actually, tayo ang may malaking pakinabang kaysa sa kanila, this is a very good chance for us to enhance our capability,” Socrates said. (With reports from Gerald Ticke)

https://palawan-news.com/pacific-partnership-kicks-off-as-usns-mercy-docks-in-puerto-princesa/

Dalawang dating miyembro ng NPA sumuko sa mga awtoridad

From Palawan News (Aug 5, 2022): Dalawang dating miyembro ng NPA sumuko sa mga awtoridad (Two former NPA members surrendered to authorities) (By Arphil Ballarta)



Gutom, pagod, at puyat na nagpahirap sa kanilang buhay sa bundok, dagdag pa ang kalungkutan sa kanilang mga mahal sa buhay, ang naging dahilan ng dalawang dating miyembro ng New Peoples Army (NPA) para sumuko sa mga awtoridad kahapon, August 4.

Ang dalawa ay pawang mga miyembro ng Bienvenido Valleber Command (BVC) bilang vice squad leader, buntot, at platoon member.

Ayon sa tagapagsalita ng Puerto Princesa City Police Office (PPCPO) na si P/Cpt. Maria Victoria Iquin, ang pagtugon sa panawagan na sumuko ng dalawang dating NPA ay resulta ng patuloy nilang programa na hikayatin ang mga miyembro ng NPA na sumuko at walang humpay na pagtutulungan ng ibang intelligence communities ng PNP at AFP sa pakikipag koordinasyon sa Kapatiran ng Dating Rebelde (KADRE).

“2009 to 2011 nang nag lie low sila sa samahan dahil sa hirap ng buhay sa bundok, gutom, at pagkalungkot sa mahal sa buhay, at nakita din nila na walang patutunguhan ang kanilang pinaglalaban idelohiya,” Pahayag ni Iquin.

Kasamang isinuko ni ‘Ka JV’ mula sa Sitio Little Caramay, Brgy. Magara sa bayan ng Roxas, at ‘Ka Jetli’, residente ng Sitio Sabang, Barangay Cabayugan, Puerto Princesa City, ang Cal .30 Carbine rifle at siyam na bala.

Sa kabuuan, mula buwan ng Enero ay mayroon ng aabot sa 42 sumukong NPA sa lalawigan. Ito ay sa pamamagitan ng pinagsamang pwersa ng Joint AFP-PNP Intelligence Committee (JAPIC) at PPCPO Intelligence Unit.

https://palawan-news.com/dalawang-dating-miyembro-ng-npa-sumuko-sa-mga-awtoridad/

Sulu peace efforts lauded

 Posted to the Mindanao Examiner (Aug 5, 2022): Sulu peace efforts lauded

INTERIOR SECRETARY Benjamin Abalos praised the peace efforts of the provincial government in Sulu and the security forces for the sustained and successful surrender of Abu Sayyaf members and their supporters.





Provincial government photos show Gov. Sakur Tan with DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos and Police Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr inspecting the weapons surrendered by Abu Sayyaf members during the formal presentation of 100 surrendered Abu Sayyaf members in Sulu.

Abalos was recently in Sulu where he formally received 100 Abu Sayyaf members who surrendered separately to authorities in the province.

Governor Sakur Tan led security and municipal officials in presenting the former Abu Sayyaf fighters to Abalos. Tan said the support of the community and local government officials and the efforts of the police and military led to the mass surrender.

He said those who surrendered were provided livelihood assistance and financial support by the provincial and municipal government, as well as by the police and military as part of the collective peace efforts in the province.

The ceremony was attended by Police Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr., Army Maj. Gen. Ignatius Patrimonio, commander of the Joint Task Force – Sulu; Police Aj. Gen. Eden Ugale, Police Brig. Gen. Arthur Cabalona, the regional director, among others.

Abalos said: “This is truly a historic day. Itong araw na ito ang simula ng inyong bagong buhay, kayo ay may pagkakataon na muling maging produktibong kabahagi ng bansa. Kaya nagpapasalamat ako na kayo'y naniwala at nagtiwala sa pangako ng pagbabago ng ating gobyerno. Kayo man ay sandaling naligaw ng landas, masaya ako na kayo’y nagbalik hindi lang para sa inyong sarili kung hindi para sa ating kabataan.”

Those who surrendered were from the towns of Indanan, Omar, Maimbung, Panamao, Talipao, and Patikul. They also handed over 22 assorted weapons.

Abalos said the former terrorists will be enrolled in the government’s Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) and shall receive additional financial and livelihood assistance.

Under the E-CLIP grant, qualified beneficiaries are entitled to guaranteed safety and security; cash assistance P50,000 livelihood assistance; P15,000 for mobilization expenses; and firearms remuneration amounting to the value of surrendered weapons.E-CLIP is a government flagship program that aims to help former rebels live a normal life with their loved ones. “Through this program, the E-CLIP aims to address the root cause of the country’s problem on terrorism. We will make sure, na uunlad ang agrikultura at turismo ng Sulu. We will make sure that our children will live in a good, better, and brighter future,” Abalos said.

http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2022/08/sulu-peace-efforts-lauded.html

Philippines hands off on Sulu sultanate heirs’ claims on Sabah, but…

Posted to the Mindanao Examiner (Aug 5, 2022): Philippines hands off on Sulu sultanate heirs’ claims on Sabah, but…

The Philippine government has distanced itself from the Sabah claims being pursued by the heirs of the Sultanate of Sulu, but President Bongbong Marcos said his administration would not relinquish even a square inch of the country's territory.

“From what I understand, the case is in the nature of a private claim by the heirs of the Sultan of Sulu with Malaysia. Therefore, it is not an issue of sovereignty or of territory at the moment,” Press Secretary Trixie Angeles told reporters in Manila.

“The President’s articulation of his statement about not giving up a square inch of territory will have to be reduced into writing and into specifics, after which, we will announce these to you if they are in any way related to the Sabah claim. At the moment, wala pa pong articulation, so we have to wait,” she added.

Angeles was referring to a statement of Marcos during his first State of the Nation Address. The president said while his administration pursues the “friend to all, enemy to none” stance, it would not relinquish even a square inch of Philippine territory.

Marcos said the Philippines will be a good neighbor that will always look for ways to collaborate and cooperate with the end goal of mutually beneficial outcomes. He did not say anything about the historical claims of the Sultanate of Sulu on Sabah.

On July 12, the assets of Petronas’ two subsidiaries in Azerbaijan were reported to have been seized by court bailiffs acting on behalf of the sultan’s heirs who are claiming US$14.92 billion (RM62.59 billion) from Malaysia.

The move was said to be part of legal efforts launched in 2017 by the heirs to receive compensation over land in Sabah which they claimed their ancestors had leased to a British trading company in 1878.

Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said the government will protect the country’s assets over claims by the Sulu sultanate heirs. “Since they brought the case to court, we will also protect our assets through legal channels. I give the assurance that we will not compromise or even budge an inch in defending the country’s rights and sovereignty,” he told reporters after opening the 2022 National Security Conference here.

Ismail was responding to the legal action by the Sulu sultanate’s heirs who were reported to have threatened Malaysia’s interests and assets overseas, especially assets belonging to government-linked companies. Ismail said he was made to understand that Petronas and law minister Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar would give an explanation to Parliament soon on the seizure of the Petronas assets in Azerbaijan.

He said the Cabinet had, on July 14, agreed to set up a special task force to study, monitor and formulate an appropriate action plan based on the provisions of the law to address the issue.

When asked about the need to mobilise security forces to defend the country’s assets overseas, he said: “It’s not easy to bring security forces to other countries, unless under the United Nations flag.”

The Paris Court of Appeal allowed the Malaysian government’s application to stay the enforcement of the final award issued by the arbitration court on the grounds that it would affect the immunity of Malaysia’s sovereignty.

Wan Junaidi said that as a result of the suspension order given by the Paris Court of Appeal, the final award cannot be enforced in any country until a decision is made by the Paris court regarding the Malaysian government’s application for cancellation of the final award.

The dispute arises after “heirs” and “successors-in-interest” to Sultan Jamalul Kiram II initiated a claim against the government of Malaysia through an international arbitration proceeding in Madrid, Spain, Malaysia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) had said in a joint statement in March.

The ministry and AGC said the claim is based on an agreement Sultan Mohamet Jamal Al Alam, the Sultan of Sulu at the time, and Baron de Overbeck and Alfred Dent entered into in 1878 under which the Sultan of Sulu granted and ceded in perpetuity the sovereign rights over certain territories located in North Borneo, now forming part of Sabah, Malaysia.

“As a token, RM5,300 per annum was to be paid to the then Sultan of Sulu, his heirs or successors. Following the Lahad Datu armed invasion, payment was ceased in 2013,” the statement read.

The statement was issued after the French arbitration ruling, a ruling which Malaysia pointed out it had not participated in.

“The government of Malaysia does not recognise the claim and did not participate in the purported arbitration proceedings because Malaysia has always upheld and has never waived its sovereign immunity as a sovereign state,” Putrajaya said in its March statement.

“In addition, the subject matter of the claim is not commercial in nature and thus cannot be subject to arbitration and the 1878 Agreement contains no arbitration agreement. We further stress that the claimants’ identities are doubtful and have yet to be verified,” it added.

The Financial Times also reported that if Malaysia continues to ignore the ruling, the money owed to the “heirs” is set to increase, and the claimants’ lawyers indicated that they would pursue more state assets if a resolution was not reached.

The arbitrator in France previously highlighted that for every year the Sulu heirs are getting unpaid, Malaysia’s outstanding liability to the heirs will rise by 10%, the report noted.

Bernama in May, citing Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Saifuddin Abdullah, reported that Malaysia will be sending diplomatic notes to 168 countries that signed the New York Convention as an early notification on possible unilateral legal claims by descendants of the Sulu Sultan.

The proactive move was taken so that 168 countries were aware of the unilateral claim, apart from hoping that the countries involved would inform Malaysia if there were such applications filed in their countries, Saifuddin reportedly said.

Unpaid cession money

In March, descendants of the Sultan of Sulu have filed a case against Malaysia in a French court to claim over $32 billion in unpaid cession money as well as how much they believe they are owed for the oil and gas found in Sabah.

The Sultanate of Sulu, founded in 1457, continues to lay claim to Sabah which it obtained from Brunei as a gift for helping put down a rebellion on Borneo Island. The British leased Sabah and transferred control over the territory to Malaysia after the end of World War II.

The Sulu Sultanate said it had merely leased North Borneo in 1878 to the British North Borneo Company for an annual payment of 5,000 Malayan dollars then, which was increased to 5,300 Malayan dollars in 1903. The Sultanate of Sulu is believed to exist as a sovereign nation for at least 442 years. It stretches from a part of the island of Mindanao in the east, to Sabah, in the west and south, and to Palawan, in the north. But North Borneo was annexed by Malaysia in 1963 following a referendum organised by the Cobbold Commission in 1962, the people of Sabah voted overwhelmingly to join Malaysia.

According to the Malaysian newspaper The Star, a French arbitration court has “instructed” the Malaysian government to pay $14.92bil (RM62.6bil) to the descendants of the last Sulu sultan. It reported that Arbitrator Gonzalo Stampa, who is from Spain, issued the award in a Paris court. The decision was based on the alleged violation of payments of RM5,300 cession money under the 1878 agreement signed by Sultan Jamal Al Alam, Baron de Overbeck and the British North Borneo Company’s Alfred Dent.

Malaysia stopped paying the Sultan Sulu’s heirs their annual RM5,300 cession money after over 200 armed followers of the Sultan of Sulu, Jamalul Kiram III led by his younger brother Agbimuddin Kiram landed in Lahad Datu town in Sabah in 2013 to press the ancestral claim on the oil-rich territory. Malaysia responded by sending troops and launching airstrikes before the stand-off ended. The conflict, which lasted more than a month, resulted in the deaths of 68 men from the Sulu sultanate, nine Malaysian armed services personnel and six civilians.

The Star also quoted a report by the Spanish news website La InformaciĆ³n which said that Stampa had issued the award, ruling that the 1878 treaty was a commercial “international private lease agreement.” By not paying the cession money since 2013, Stampa said Malaysia had breached the agreement and would have three months to pay up failing which interest would be charged if the decision was not accepted.

On March 17, 2020, Kota Kinabalu High Court judge Datuk Martin Indang ruled that Malaysia was the proper venue to resolve disputes arising from the 1878 Deed of Cession and not the Spanish courts, which do not have authority nor jurisdiction over Malaysia. Justice Idang said this when deciding in favour of the Malaysian government in its suit against eight of the supposed descendants of the sultan of Sulu at the Kota Kinabalu High Court on March 17.

He said there was no binding agreement between the Government and the sultan’s heirs that compelled either party to also submit to arbitration in the event of a dispute.

The heirs’ claims were originally heard in Madrid until the Madrid High Court annulled Stampa’s appointment on grounds that Malaysia was not properly informed about the case and was thus “defenceless”. The case was later moved to the French capital.

Sultan Esmail Kiram III died in 2015 from renal failure at a hospital in Zamboanga City in southern Philippines. His body was brought to his hometown in Sulu’s Maimbung town and buried beside the tomb of his elder brother, Jamalul, whom he succeeded in 2013. The 75-year old sultan was one of the most influential members of the Royal Sultanate. Agbimuddin also died early of cardiac arrest the same year in Tawi-Tawi province after escaping from Lahad Datu at the height of the Malaysian assault on his group.

Datu Phugdal Kiram, another brother, has reportedly assumed the throne, but the sultanate does not hold any power anymore in the modern-day Philippines, and is more of a title although Malaysia previously paid an annual rental for the island to whoever sits as the head of the Royal Sultanate. But there are dozens of sultans claiming to be the legitimate heir to the throne.

North Borneo Bureau

Two years ago, the Philippines said it would revive the “North Borneo Bureau” to exert its claim to the mineral-rich Sabah even if Malaysia insisted it was theirs. Then Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. told lawmakers that he had decided to revive the North Borneo Bureau to uphold the country's claim to Sabah.

Sulu Governor Sakur Tan previously said the cession money that Malaysia paid annually to the heirs of the Sultan of Sulu was insulting. “The amount is insulting anyway, you can never change history,” he told the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.

A report by ABS-CBN also quoted Locsin as telling members of the House Appropriations Committee that: “While we fiercely guard our waters, we are not forgetting our terrestrial domain. In pursuit of securing what is ours, I have decided to reactivate the North Borneo Bureau.”

“After realizing that the rest of us have almost forgotten our Sabah claim, casually designating it as another country’s territory, well we have not forgotten. This is one of several international disagreements we can afford to conduct in our best interest without any risk of loss of any kind for our country,” he said, adding, “Our honor is involved here.”

Even Nur Misuari, chieftain of the Moro National Liberation Front, said that what Malaysia pays to the Sultanate of Sulu (and North Borneo), was but a pittance.

Last year, President Rodrigo Duterte’s Spokesman Salvador Panelo said the government has not abandoned its claim on Sabah. “The position of the President, meron tayong claims. Eh totoo namang may claim tayo di ba? That has been a bone of contention ever since,” he said.

Sultans

Sultan Ibrahim Bahjin-Shakirullah II said North Borneo is an inextricable part and parcel of the Sultanate of Sulu.

He said the Sultanate of Sulu asserts its position on the following: 1.) The Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo was never lawfully ceded to the Republic of the Philippines, and therefore remains a sovereign and independent state; 2.) The stipulation in the Deed of 1878 that the lessees of North Borneo shall administer the territory for “as long as they choose or desire to use them” places it in the category of a “perpetual lease”, effective for 100 years under international law. The contract of lease has therefore expired and possession over North Borneo should now be exercised by the Sultanate of Sulu, its rightful owner. And 3.) The heirs of Jamalul Kiram III do not have private ownership of Sabah. The territory continues to be owned by the Sultanate of Sulu, and not any private person.

In view of the history of the Sultanate and the circumstances surrounding the lease of Sabah, he said: “We desire the recognition of the independent statehood and sovereignty of the Islamic Sultanate of Sulu and North Borneo.”

But Sultan Muedzul-Lail Tan Kiram, who claims to be the 35th Sultan of Sulu and North Borneo, said his grandfather, Sultan Mohammad Esmail Enang Kiram, who was recognized by the Philippine government in 1957, “transferred the rights of North Borneo under the government of President Diosdado Macapagal in 1962.”

Kiram said his father, Sultan Mohammad Mahakuttah Abdulla Kiram, and he, being the Crown Prince of Sulu, confirmed the transfer of the rights of North Borneo to the Philippine government and this was made official through Memorandum Order No. 427 issued by President Ferdinand Marcos in 1974. “We aspire for an amicable solution to the predicament that affects us all in this region,” Kiram said, adding, “The Royal House of Sulu firmly believes that diplomacy will allow us to move forward as governments and other parties involved play a crucial role from alleviating our people from poverty.”

The two are only among the 5 recognized sultans in Sulu. The others are Sultans Mohammad Venizar Julkarnain Jainal Abirin, Muizuddin Jainal Abirin Bahjin and Phugdalun Kiram II. (Free Malaysia Today, The Edge Markets and Mindanao Examiner)
http://mindanaoexaminernewspaper.blogspot.com/2022/08/philippines-hands-off-on-sulu-sultanate.html

PH, Singapore one in pursuing regional peace, stability

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 5, 2022): PH, Singapore one in pursuing regional peace, stability (By Priam Nepomuceno)



Department of National Defense (DND) officer-in-charge (OIC) Undersecretary Jose Faustino Jr. (right) and Singaporean Ambassador to the Philippines Gerard Ho (left) (DND photo)

The Philippines and Singapore stand united in pursuing peace and stability in the Southeast Asian region amid overlapping territorial claims.

Department of National Defense (DND) officer-in-charge (OIC) Undersecretary Jose Faustino Jr. and Singaporean Ambassador to Manila Gerard Ho made this commitment during a meeting at the DND headquarters at Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on August 3.

"The two sides exchanged views on the security situation in the region. Acknowledging the realities of strategic competition and overlapping territorial claims, both sides concurred on the significance of maintaining peace and stability in the region as well as strengthening cooperation with partners,"
DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said in a statement late Thursday.

The meeting also highlighted that the Philippines and Singapore are like-minded countries that share common security concerns.


"Senior Undersecretary Faustino recalled exchanges between the Armed Forces of the Philippines with its Singaporean counterparts during his time at the Philippine Army and expressed satisfaction over how far Philippines-Singapore defense relations have come since then. The Ambassador also noted bilateral exchanges and raised the pending discussions on frameworks of cooperation between the defense establishments of the two countries," Andolong said.

He also added that Singapore envisions itself as a long-term partner of the Philippines.

Ho also hoped that such frameworks of cooperation would be concluded soon.

"The OIC, DND assured the Ambassador that the DND will work with relevant agencies in following up the pending review of proposed frameworks between the Philippines and Singapore," Andolong said.

Andolong added that Ho welcomed Manila's participation in the Fullerton Forum and the Shangri-La Dialogue, which is known as Asia's annual premiere defense forum hosted by Singapore.

"He also welcomed opportunities for the OIC, DND to visit Singapore," he added.

Polish ChargƩ d' affaires visits DND

As this developed, Faustino also met with Jaroslaw Sozczepankiewicz, ChargƩ d' affaires (CDA), a.i. of the Polish Embassy in Manila last August 4.

The meeting took place at the EDSA Lounge of the DND Social Hall in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

Faustino recalled the successful visit of the former defense secretary Delfin Lorenzana to Poland in 2021 and proposed the establishment of a dialogue mechanism between the defense establishments of the Philippines and Poland.

Faustino also conveyed the positive feedback on the "Black Hawk" helicopters that were previously transferred to the Philippines. The CDA welcomed prospects of defense cooperation between the Philippines and Poland.

Both sides discussed logistics and defense industry collaboration with the CDA sharing the experiences of Poland in the field of defense technology.

"The importance of training and sustaining existing technology through providing service centers and maintenance of equipment was underscored with the CDA exploring possible areas of cooperation between the Philippines and Poland to include sharing of experiences with certain defense technology," Andolong said.

The two officials exchanged views on the current regional and global security situation as well as long-term security outlooks and the existing alliances of their respective countries.

They also recalled the history of both the Philippines and Poland in their respective regions.

Both sides also mentioned the economy and the importance of food security.

Faustino expressed appreciation for the CDA's call as Poland is one of the European countries that has existing defense relations with the Philippines.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1180681

BRP Antonio Luna named among RIMPAC's best gunnery ships

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 5, 2022): BRP Antonio Luna named among RIMPAC's best gunnery ships (By Priam Nepomuceno)


File photo courtesy of Philippine Navy

The Philippine Navy's missile-frigate BRP Antonio Luna (FF-151) was adjudged as one of the best gunnery ships in the just-concluded Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC) exercise.

This as the ship notched third place in the Naval Surface Fire Support (NSFS) "Rodeo" of the at-sea phase of the biennial naval manuevers.

Around 17 ships participated in the event, Philippine Navy (PN) spokesperson Commander Benjo Negranza said Friday. The award was presented to the ship on August 4.


NSFS "Rodeo" is a naval gunfire accuracy competition where participants are given a two-dimensional virtual land target information by the designated naval gunfire liaison officer.

"Participants have a practice run for gun fire correction prior to proceeding for the record firing. Performance reports are provided by the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) using its computerized evaluation system," Negranza said.

The PN's BRP Antonio Luna made it to third place with only an eight-meter differential from the first placer USS Mobile Bay, and 4 meters off the second placer ARM Juarez of Mexico.

"This achievement manifested that the Philippine Navy is capable of being at par with best navies in the world, which RIMPAC 2022 has helped validate by providing resources and environment that permit multinational participants to achieve their individual and collective training objectives," Negranza said.

The RIMPAC, considered the world's largest maritime exercise, is held biennially to promote regional stability in the Pacific region.

About 25,000 personnel from 26 nations participated in the 28th iteration of RIMPAC, which was first held in 1971.

This year's RIMPAC began on June 29. It runs until August 4.

The PN's participation in RIMPAC 2022, themed “Capable, Adaptive Partners,” will be the third after its maiden participation in 2018 and its sophomore run in 2020.

In the 2018 RIMPAC, the Navy deployed the offshore patrol vessel, the BRP Andres Bonifacio (PS-17), and the landing dock, BRP Davao Del Sur (LD-602).

In the 2020 iteration of the maritime exercise, the PN sent the country's first missile frigate, the BRP Jose Rizal (FF-150).

Both the BRP Jose Rizal and BRP Antonio Luna are capable of anti-air warfare, anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and electronic warfare operations.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1180697

DILG chief sees more NPA, ASG members abandoning armed struggle

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 5, 2022): DILG chief sees more NPA, ASG members abandoning armed struggle (By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan)



DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. (Rey Baniquet/NIB photo)

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) expressed hope that more members of the New People's Army (NPA) and the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) will leave the armed struggle and lead new lives as peace-loving and productive citizens.

Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. made the remark as he reported the recent surrender of 100 ASG members and supporters in Sulu and 50 former NPA and Militia ng Bayan members.

“Mukhang dire-diretso na (It seems this will continue). I have been receiving a lot of invitations. This week, pupunta na naman ako sa isang lugar and there will be another batch of surrenderees at sana sunod-sunod na ito para ang tunay na kapayapaan ay maramdaman ng bawat isa (I will go to another place again and there will be another batch of surrenderers and I hope this will continue so that we can attain genuine peace),”
Abalos said in a Palace press briefing.

He added that this development will pave the way for real progress and development in the province of Sulu, which is a known stronghold of the ASG.


"Napakaganda ng Sulu (Sulu is very beautiful). They got one of the country’s pristine beaches. Napakataba ng lupa (The land is fertile), ready for agriculture. So, ito ay parang naihahanda na for (it seems this is being prepared) economic progress," he added.

Asked on the exact number of ASG fighters in Sulu, Abalos said he cannot give a figure but the group's force is now limited to a "very small number".

Abalos also called on the remaining NPA and ASG members to return to the fold of the law.

"Sana pag-isipan natin nang maigi, eto ang gobyerno, makikinig at gagawa ng paraan para lahat ng mga programa ay maibigay sa atin (We must carefully ponder that, our government is here, it will listen and come up with ways to provide the programs that will help us). Kaya (Because of this), there is no more reason para humawak ng armas laban sa gobyerno (to take arms and fight the government)," he added.

“Remember, a republic that is one is a nation that is one. Sama-sama tayong babangon muli (Together we will rise again),” said Abalos, echoing President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s call for unity.

With their surrender last month, the former violent extremists (FVEs) from Sulu will be enrolled in the government's Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) to receive financial and livelihood assistance.

Under the E-CLIP grant, qualified beneficiaries are entitled to guaranteed safety and security; cash assistance such as PHP50,000 livelihood assistance; PHP15,000 for mobilization expenses; and firearms remuneration amounting to the value of turned-in firearms.

The former communist rebels, meanwhile, received a total of PHP13.8-million worth of assistance and firearm remuneration under the E-CLIP.

E-CLIP is a flagship program of the government under former president Rodrigo Duterte, which is being continued by the Marcos administration, aimed at helping supporters and members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF), to restore their allegiance to the Philippine government.

It was expanded in 2020 to include FVEs in its beneficiaries.

The E-CLIP aims to incentivize the communist surrender and help reintegrate former members of the NPA and its supporters as part of the government’s anti-insurgency and terrorism campaign.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

The Anti-Terrorism Council also formally designated the National Democratic Front as a terrorist organization on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and inseparable part” of the CPP-NPA that was created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1180698

Palace says PNP to continue 'effective' peace and order programs

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 5, 2022): Palace says PNP to continue 'effective' peace and order programs (By Filane Mikee Cervantes)



Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles (Rey Baniquet/NIB photo)

The Philippine National Police (PNP) will continue to implement its effective peace and order programs from the past administration, MalacaƱang said on Friday.

Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles said that while President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has not made any specific marching order aside from the PNP performing its primary mandate of keeping peace and order, the current administration would focus on continuity of programs that were effectively implemented during the term of former president Rodrigo Duterte.

"Paalala ko lang po, bahagi din naman po ng peace and order program ng Presidente 'yung continuity (I would like to point out that part of the President's peace and order program is continuity.) So whatever it was that has already been there from the past administration, if it works, we continue that program," Cruz-Angeles said in a Palace briefing.

On Wednesday, PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. took over the helm of the police force, replacing Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr. who served as officer-in-charge for nearly three months since May 6.

Azurin vowed to address peace and order concerns with compassion through a peace and security framework known as MKK=K which stand for Malasakit, Kaayusan, Kapayapaan and Kaunlaran, stressing that the combination of care, order and peace shall equate to progress.

Azurin particularly noted that he would sustain the anti-illegal drug campaign, which was intensified during the Duterte administration.

A member of the Philippine Military Academy “Makatao" Class of 1989, Azurin is the PNP's 28th chief and the first under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

He will serve until April 24, 2023, when he reaches the mandatory retirement age of 56.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1180729

NTF- ELCAC backs bill seeking to ban party-lists with 'Red links'

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 5, 2022): NTF- ELCAC backs bill seeking to ban party-lists with 'Red links' (By Marita Moaje)


File photo

The National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) has expressed strong support for the bill seeking to amend Republic Act 7941 or the Party-List System Act.

Under Senate Bill No. 201 filed by Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa,
party-lists that commit violence or any other unlawful acts against children, youth, or other disadvantaged sectors, as well as those that directly or indirectly participate in overthrowing the government should be banned from participating in the elections.

In a statement on Friday, NTF-ELCAC spokesperson for legal affairs Flosemer Chris Gonzales said the greatest betrayal committed by public servants, elected or appointed, was when they collude with the enemies of the state such as the Communist Party of the Philippines-News People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).


“This is the tragedy of Philippine democracy. Our democratic processes were exploited and were taken advantaged of by the CPP-NPA-NDF in furtherance of their goal to overthrow the government,” according to the NTF-ELCAC statement.

Gonzales called the bill "a timely and relevant piece of legislation" that would cleanse the party-list system of "any and all forms of abuse and exploitation by groups that are in cahoots with the CPP-NPA-NDF".

“We will no longer allow the enemy to use government offices and its resources to vilify and destroy the very same government that employs them,” Gonzales said.

The NTF-ELCAC also commended the courage and patriotism of Dela Rosa for seeking to prevent the distortion and exploitation of the party-list system, and help the government eliminate local communist armed conflict.

Gonzales also called on lawmakers to support the bill and work for its passage and help the country attain its dream of a just and lasting peace for the Filipino people.

Dela Rosa in his bill seeks to amend Section 6 of RA 7941 by expanding the grounds for the refusal and/or cancellation of registration of any national, regional, or sectoral party, organization, or coalition as a party-list group.

The lawmaker emphasized it is time to finally put an end to the exploitation of the party-list system, and restore the dignity of this system as originally intended by the framers of the 1987 Constitution.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1180720

E. Samar ex-rebel gets P600-K for turning over firearms

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 5, 2022): E. Samar ex-rebel gets P600-K for turning over firearms (By Sarwell Meniano)



REWARD. A former rebel receives a check from Eastern Samar Governor Ben Evardone on Thursday (August 4, 2022). The insurgent got PHP676,000 cash assistance for yielding eight firearms to the government in 2021. (Photo courtesy of Radyo Pilipinas Borongan)

A former member of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Eastern Samar received PHP676,000 cash assistance for yielding eight firearms to the government last year.

The Eastern Samar provincial government and the Philippine Army 78th Infantry Battalion led the handing over of the financial aid on Thursday as part of the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP).

Lt. Col Allan Tria, Army’s 78th Infantry Battalion commander, said on Friday the former rebel identified as alias Ega of General MacArthur, Eastern Samar has been rewarded for turning over six M16 rifles and two M14 rifles.

“He voluntarily surrendered on June 20, 2021, along with several firearms, but it took time to award the cash assistance since we have to go through the process of checking the firearms, including their conditions,” Tria said in an interview with reporters.

"Ega" was an assistant squad leader of the NPA in Eastern Samar before yielding to the military.

The former rebel received some PHP825,646 from the government since his surrender in 2021.


Tria is optimistic that the giving of cash rewards would encourage other rebels to surrender and turn over their firearms used in armed struggle.

Eastern Samar Governor Ben Evardone said the provincial government has asked PHP6 million from the Office of the President to provide cash assistance to all recent rebel returnees.

“I am happy that more former rebels have realized to abandon the communist ideology. We encourage the remaining NPA members to surrender, stop hiding, and help develop our communities,” Evardone said.

The E-CLIP is a flagship program of the national government to help members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF), and Militia ng Bayan to return to the government fold.

Under this program, each former rebel receives PHP15,000 as immediate cash assistance, and PHP50,000 livelihood assistance as well as remuneration for every firearm they will bring along during their surrender.

The CPP-NPA is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the Philippines.

The Anti-Terrorism Council also formally designated the National Democratic Front as a terrorist organization on June 23, 2021, citing it as “an integral and inseparable part” of the CPP-NPA that was created in April 1973.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1180686

7 Basilan-based ASG bandits surrender

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 5, 2022): 7 Basilan-based ASG bandits surrender (By Teofilo Garcia, Jr.)



ASG SURRENDERERS. Seven Abu Sayyaf Group bandits based in Basilan province surrender Thursday (August 4, 2022) through the 'whole of nation' approach of the police together and the military. They are formally presented at the headquarters of the 84th Special Action Company of the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force in Zamboanga City following their surrender. (Photo courtesy of the Area Police Command-Western Mindanao)

Seven members of the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) yielded to authorities in Basilan, a police official said Friday.

Col. Richard Verceles, Area Police Command-Western Mindanao operations chief, said
the surrender was prompted by the 100 ASG members who yielded in Sulu on July 30.

Verceles said the group surrendered Thursday in Ungkaya Pukan, Basilan, through the “whole of nation” approach initiated by the police with the support of the military and intelligence service of the government.

They were then presented around 3:30 p.m. on the same day at the headquarters of the 84th Special Action Company of the Philippine National Police-Special Action Force (PNP-SAF) here.

Verceles said the latest ASG surrenderers were followers of Basilan-based ASG sub-leader Pasil Bayali and former ASG leader Nurhasan Jamiri, who surrendered along with 12 of his followers in 2018.

The group turned over firearms that included a .30-caliber M1 Garand rifle, a .45-caliber pistol, and a revolver with ammunition.


Verceles said the surrenderers were involved in kidnap-for-ransom, harassment, ambuscades, extortion, illegal drug trading, and other terrorist activities in Basilan and nearby provinces, including Zamboanga City.

They were placed under the custody of the PNP-SAF for debriefing.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1180685

Dawlah Islamiya member slain, another captured in Maguindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 5, 2022): Dawlah Islamiya member slain, another captured in Maguindanao (By Edwin Fernandez)



WAR MATERIEL. A government soldier inspects the war materiel seized from a Dawlah Islamiya terrorist who was killed during an encounter in Ampatuan, Maguindanao province on Friday (Aug. 5, 2022). Another DI member was arrested in the encounter. (Photo courtesy of Westmincom)

A local terror group member was killed while another was arrested following a predawn clash Friday with government forces in Ampatuan, Maguindanao province, the military said.

In a statement, the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) said
the clash occurred in Barangay Dicalungan of Ampatuan town between the Daesh-inspired Dawlah Islamiya (DI)-Hassan Group and the Army’s 40th Infantry Battalion (40IB).

Troopers under the 40IB, led by its commander, Lt. Colonel Edwin Alburo, also arrested another DI member during the military operation in the area.

Soldiers conducting a clearing operation found a cadaver of the slain gunman with a .45-caliber pistol beside him, two complete improvised explosive devices, bomb components, and personal belongings.

The slain DI member was later identified as Khamhed Akan Kambal, a known bomber of the DI-Hassan Group.

Arrested was Nasrudin Sali Blah, a resident of Barangay Tuayan, Ampatuan. He was handed over to the Ampatuan police for filing of appropriate charges.

Meanwhile, soldiers turned over Kambal's remains to village officials in Barangay Dicalangan for burial according to Islamic rites.

Lt. Gen. Alfredo Rosario, Jr., chief of the Westmincom that has jurisdiction over Central and Western Mindanao, said the DI and other lawless groups are "desperate enough to show their force to gain popular support from the civil society."

“Rest assured that we will do everything to stop them from creating havoc on peaceful communities,” Rosario said.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1180737