Benefits outweigh risks in Philippines peace deal

Posted to  the Philippine Star (Oct 9): Benefits outweigh risks in Philippines peace deal

A tentative roadmap to peace in the southern Philippines announced this week is the first major step in the latest attempt to end a long and bloody insurgency waged by minority Muslims in the predominantly Christian nation. It carries the risk of failure that has been the fate of similar peace agreements, but strong domestic and international backing could boost its chances of success. Here's a look at the background and the future of the deal:

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=857616&publicationSubCategoryId=200

Official confirms plan to increase US troops' presence in Phl

From the Philippine Star (Oct 9): Official confirms plan to increase US troops' presence in Phl

The Philippines stands to benefit economically and militarily to the increase in engagements with American troops in the country, an official of the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) said yesterday.
Aboard USS Bonhomme Richard, VFA Executive Director Edilberto Adan said that the increase in military exercises between Filipino and US servicemen will not only bring new military doctrines and new equipment to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). “The country stands to benefit from these increased PHL-US engagements....” He likewise endorsed government plans to put back in harness the Subic International Airport (SIA) as a military airport to be used jointly by the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the US military. He also explained that no other naval base in the country could accommodate bigger US ships like the USS Bonhomme Richard.... Adan said that under the VFA, US visiting vessels are allowed not to pay for port duties. He said that if the SIA is transformed into a joint military airport, the US will have to pay millions of dollars to use it.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationsubcategoryid=200&articleid=857630

MILF Press Release on the Framework Agreement

Posted to the MILF Website (Oct 7): MILF Press Release on the Framework Agreement

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) officially announces that it has forged the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro with the Government of the Philippines (GPH) in the 32nd Round of Exploratory Talks between their negotiating panels held on October 2-7, 2012 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia....

http://www.luwaran.com/home/images/stories/statement/MILF%20Press%20Release.pdf

Press briefing by the GPH Peace Panel on the Framework Agreement with the MILF

Posted to Office of the President Website (Oct 7): Press briefing by the GPH Peace Panel on the Framework Agreement with the MILF

On the Framework Agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front [Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; October 7, 2012]

http://www.gov.ph/2012/10/07/press-briefing-by-the-gph-peace-panel-on-the-framework-agreement-with-the-milf-october-7-2012/

US naval presence to remind China America ready to prevent bullying

From the Daily Tribune (Oct 8): US naval presence to remind China America ready to prevent bullying

The frequent arrival of United States naval assets in the Philippines and other Asia Pacific countries is not meant only to strengthen bilateral relationships but also to remind China that the US military is just around to prevent bullying in the area and to maintain stability. A US Navy officer, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told Camp Aguinaldo reporters that the US military continuously conducts port calls and other military activities in various countries in the region to guard against possible bullying by China. “Basically, we are here to protect the interest of small countries like the Philippines, Malaysia, Japan,” said the US Navy officer. “They (US naval assets) show presence in the Philippines, stopping by in Manila and Olongapo to show to China that we are here, we’re not gonna leave these guys… we’re not gonna let them bully the Philippines,” said the officer. The US Navy officer said that more than 50,000 troops are stationed in Okinawa, Japan. “We need to maintain presence in the area so that you will not be bullied by China and Iran,” added the US officer. The officer even cited instances when US naval assets, while underway to the Philippines, chanced upon Chinese ships. The US Navy officer claimed that the US intelligence is well aware of the developments in the region....

http://www.tribune.net.ph/index.php/nation/item/5384-us-naval-presence-to-remind-china-america-ready-to-prevent-bullying

Army clears 3 Samar towns of rebel influence

From the Journal Online (Oct 8): Army clears 3 Samar towns of rebel influence

THE local executives of three towns in the depressed province of Eastern Samar cited the Armed Forces of the Philippines for its successful effort in clearing their areas of the presence and influence of the communist New People’s Army. In a simple ceremony attended by local officials, the Philippine National Police and officers of the 8th Infantry Division under Maj. Gen. Gerardo T. Layug declared the municipalities of Taft, Maydolong and Balangkayan “insurgency-free” and are now considered as “development-ready areas.” ‘‘In recent years, some communities in these three municipalities had been frequented by the insurgents or NPAs during foraging and mass work activities which adversely affected the government’s development efforts,” said Maj. Gene Orense, spokesman of the 8th ID....

In Compostela Valley, Lt. Col. Alexis Noel Bravo, chief of the 27th IB, condemned the guerrillas for their alleged continued recruitment of minors with the surrender last Wednesday of a 16-year-old NPA fighter to his unit. The minor, who was reportedly recruited by the NPA only last July 2 and only known by his alias “Jay,” voluntary presented himself to the elements of the Peace and Development Team (PDT) operating in the area....

http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php/news/provincial/39331-army-clears-3-samar-towns-of-rebel-influence

Photo: RP-US PHIBLEX 2013 kicks off in Subic

From GMANews (Oct 8): Photo: RP-US PHIBLEX 2013 kicks off in Subic



PHL and US Marines parade their flags beside a Harrier jet on the flight deck of the USS Bonhomme Richard during the opening ceremony of the RP-US Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX 2013) in Subic Bay on Monday. Reuters/Romeo Ranoco

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/photo/26228/rp-us-phiblex-2013-kicks-off-in-subic?ref=featuredsel

MILF assures Christians, women of political rights in Bangsamoro

From GMANews (Oct 8): MILF assures Christians, women of political rights in Bangsamoro

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has assured Christians and women alike that their rights will be upheld in the soon to be created Bangsamoro, a political entity that will replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). “Ang gobyerno ng Bangsamoro is a democratic government wherein yung karapatan, ‘yung political rights ng mga babae is guaranteed, pati ‘yung political rights ng mga naninirahan sa teritoryo ng Bangsamoro is guaranteed,” Ghazali Jaafar, MILF vice chairman for political affairs, said in a phone interview aired over GMA News TV’s “News To Go” on Monday morning. Seeking to dispel fears of an intolerant theocratic regime, Jaafar said of non-Muslim Bangsamoro constituents: “Malaya silang makakapagtayo ng simbahan where they can worship. Iyan ay karapatan ng ninuman na manalangin sa kanilang Diyos.” The MILF official added that the Bangsamoro Basic Law, which will be drafted by a transition commission and subjected to a plebiscite, will ensure that the political entity will be truly autonomous, with leaders that are elected democratically....

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/277344/news/nation/milf-assures-christians-women-of-political-rights-in-bangsamoro?ref=bannerh1

We’re Still Alive – MNLF

From the Manila Bulletin (Oct 8): We’re Still Alive – MNLF

The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) is still alive. What's more, the MNLF is still the only Moro organization recognized since the late 1970s as the only legitimate representative of the Bangsamoro to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Abuamri A.Taddik, a senior leader of the MNLF, made this clear in an email to the Manila Bulletin in the wake of the framework peace agreement for a Bangsamoro, a replacement for the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), signed by the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Taddik, deputy secretary general for Military Affairs, MNLF-Central Committee, said the group has been silent since the 2nd Ad Hoc High Level Group Meeting in Bandung, Indonesia, in March 2012.... “Now, the MNLF seems to be silent. But the silence should not be mistaken as its weakness and its death. The MNLF has still significant forces and still enjoys OIC recognition as mandated,” said Taddik....

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/376399/we-re-still-alive-mnlf

MILF mulls political party option

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Oct 8): MILF mulls political party option

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) could convert itself into a political party or create a new one so it could join future electoral exercises and govern the Bangsamoro territory.

In a statement posted on its website, the MILF revealed its fate following an agreement on a peace framework with the government to end decadeslong Moro insurgency in Mindanao. After the signing of the peace agreement, it would “either transform itself into a political party or organize a political party and engage in election,” the MILF said. “If it succeeds, then (the MILF) will form and run the government of the new entity,” it said. Details of the MILF political party will still be discussed among members of its central committee, said Ghadzali Jaafar, MILF political affairs chief. What was definite, he said, was that it would be formed and might be able to field candidates in the 2016 regional polls....

 

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/285448/milf-mulls-political-party-option

Phl spends $15 M on 2nd US Hamilton-class cutter

From the Philippine Star (Oct 8): Phl spends $15 M on 2nd US Hamilton-class cutter

The military said today that it is spending more than P600 million ($15 million) for the acquisition of a Hamilton-class cutter from the United States. Philippine Navy Chief Vice Admiral Alexander Pama said the second US ship costs $5 million more than the first Hamilton-class cutter which the government bought under the US Excess Defense Articles Program. "We are installing lots of equipment in the (second) ship," said Pama in an interview after the opening of the Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX) 2013. The ship is set to leave the United States by January next year after the refurbishing and training of Filipino personnel are completed.

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=857575&publicationSubCategoryId=200

Marines not flushing out MILF in territories -- official

From the Philippine Star (Oct 8): Marines not flushing out MILF in territories -- official

The Philippine Marines on Monday assured the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) that the expansion of their security patrol operations in Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat were part of the government's anti-illegal logging activities in the area.... Local officials confirmed having asked the Marines to help enforce anti-illegal logging laws in their areas due to the wanton cutting of poachers of forest trees in watersheds from where rivers springs several rivers that supply water to villages in Palimbang. “Our forces there do not pose any threat to the MILF,” Balutan told reporters....

http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=200&articleId=857303

Army braces for BIFM atrocities in Mindanao

From the Philippine Star (Oct 8): Army braces for BIFM atrocities in Mindanao

The Philippine Army is ready to thwart any attempt by members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement (BIFM) to stage abductions and other criminal acts to show their displeasure over the peace talks. Army spokesman Maj. Harold Cabunoc said they are prepared to secure the public from the atrocities of the BIFM, a breakaway group of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). “Our soldiers, in cooperation with the local police and even the peaceful citizens in Maguindanao, are ready to defend the communities from harm in case the BIFM insists on using violence to advance its interests,” Cabunoc said in a text message. Cabunoc was asked to react to reports that the BIFM led by former MILF commander Umbra Kato is planning to kidnap foreign workers of donor agencies and humanitarian groups operating in Central Mindanao....

http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationSubCategoryId=63&articleId=857304

Mindanao execs want pact details clarified

From the Philippine Star (Oct 8): Mindanao execs want pact details clarified

Local government executives in Mindanao led by the mayor of Zamboanga City want clarifications on the details of a draft pact that would set up a new political entity in the south. Zamboanga City Mayor Celso Lobregat called on the people to closely study the Bangsamoro framework agreement before a deal is formally signed on Oct. 15. “I ask all of you to also be very involved; just follow each and every step of the way because this is a very important phase in the history not only of Zamboanga, the provinces and cities of Mindanao but the entire country,” Lobregat said.... Lobregat, who has been leading the city in its fight against the inclusion of any of its territory in MILF demands, complained that the government panel is not practicing transparency.... “The stakeholders, especially the LGUs (local government units), should be consulted and any consultation done after the fact will be meaningless,” Lobregat said. He said that based on the copy of the framework agreement they got, there are questionable details, including the areas that will be covered by the new entity....

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=857449&publicationSubCategoryId=63

PH sees naval port as vital to US

From Rappler (Oct 8): PH sees naval port as vital to US

The Philippines said Monday, October 8, a former US naval base facing the South China Sea could play a key role as a hub for American ships as Washington moves to strengthen its presence in the Asia-Pacific. Once the US military's largest overseas facility, the former Subic Bay naval base 80 kilometers northeast of Manila has been transformed into a freeport and tourism zone since it was shut down in 1992. But a senior Philippine official pointed out that, with the United States planning to shift the bulk of its fleet to the Pacific by 2020 as it focuses on Asia, it would need natural deep water bays to dock its ships and submarines. "Based on US official pronouncements, there is a strategic rebalancing (of its forces) and that means more assets, more aircraft in the Western Pacific," said Edilberto Adan, a former general who heads the government's Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) commission. "There are very few ports that can accommodate naval assets and naval carriers, and one of them is Subic....

http://www.rappler.com/nation/13838-ph-sees-naval-port-as-vital-to-us

'Collective effort' needed from all stakeholders for Bangsamoro state to succeed

From InterAksyon (Oct 8): MILF: 'Collective effort' needed from all stakeholders for Bangsamoro state to succeed

Moro Islamic Liberation Front chairman Murad Edrahim on Monday said the implementation of the framework peace agreement that will pave the way for the creation of a Bangsamoro state would require "collective effort" not only from the government but from all stakeholders. Murad described the agreement as "the fruit of the 16-year long peace negotiation" between the MILF and the government that "lays down the firm foundations of a just and enduring peace formula designed to address the root cause of the Bangsamoro Question." "The framework agreement, consonant with the right of the Bangsamoro people to self-determination, paves the way for the replacement of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao by a new institution of self-governance defined by the asymmetrical relationship between the central government and the Bangsamoro people through shared-sovereignty modes and concomitant transitional mechanisms that provide character, form and shape to the Bangsamoro government," he said....

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/45033/milf-collective-effort-needed-from-all-stakeholders-for-bangsamoro-state-to-succeed

Renegade MILF commander killed in North Cotabato clash - military

From InterAksyon (Oct 8): Renegade MILF commander killed in North Cotabato clash - military

A renegade commander of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) whose group turned into banditry was killed in a firefight against government forces Monday afternoon in Midsayap, North Cotabato, a military official said. Lt. Col. Roy Galido, commanding officer of the 40th Infantry Battalion, identified the fatality as Mustapha Gundalanga alias "Commander Tha," a resident of Barangay Tubak in Aleosan, North Cotabato. Galido said the government had offered a P12 million-reward to anyone who could lead authorities to Gundalanga. He said Gundalanga’s group was responsible for the harassment of military and police detachments including civilian communities that led to massive evacuations in Barangay Baliki in Aleosan. Based on military and police records, Gundalanga was among the commanders loyal to Ameril Umbra Kato, former commander of the MILF’s 105th Base Command.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/45056/renegade-milf-commander-killed-in-north-cotabato-clash---military

4ID launches youth organization for peace

From the Philippine Information Agency (Oct 8): 4ID launches youth organization for peace

The Army’s 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division has facilitated the launching of a new organization composed of youth leaders from Regions 10 and 13 at the Division’s Grandstand last October 6 and 7. The "Propelling Our Inherited Nation Through the Youth" (Pointy) was organized after conducting seven provincial-level youth leadership seminars to make youth more responsible, productive, and well-informed members of society.... Pointy has 630 members, representing all the youth in the provinces of Misamis Oriental, Camiguin, Bukidnon, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, and Surigao del Sur. Further, it has its respective chapter organizations on these provinces....

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1461349676152

Communist movement waning in Bicol

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 8): Communist movement waning in Bicol

The armed movement of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Bicol has waned after government internal security operation went in full throttle, the 9th Army’s Infantry Division (ID) said Monday.... “The Army and the PNP reduced the rebel organization in Bicol by 63 this year. 24 rebels were slain and 18 were either captured or apprehended during combat operations while 21 others returned to the folds of law,” Major General Romeo V. Calizo, Commander of the 9th Infantry Division said. Calizo attributed the accomplishments to the Army’s implementation of AFP’s Internal Peace and Security Plan "Bayanihan" which has gained momentum this year.... The NPA strength in Bicol was high at 546 in 2008 before plunging to 406 by midyear 2010. It climbed to 437 by midyear 2011 before dropping to 427 by the end 2011.... Rebels are believed to be moving in formations of an average of five (5) members. The 9th Infantry Division saw it as a sign of regression, with the NPAs tied down to their old guerrilla tactics on "hit and run strategy," a manifestation of their deteriorating organization....

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=460655

Joint PHL-US military exercise formally opens in Subic

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 8): Joint PHL-US military exercise formally opens in Subic

The PHL-US Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX) 2013 formally opened on Monday at the Subic Bay Freeport signaling another year of great friendship and cooperation between the Philippines and United States. Filipino and American sailors and marines, as well as members of the Philippine Army (PA) and the Philippine Air Force (PAF) participating for this year's PHIBLEX gathered at the flight deck of the USS Bonhomme Richard for the formal start of the bilateral military exercise....

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=460828

Leonen: No foreign gov't pressure in drafting the Framework Agreement with MILF

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 8): Leonen: No foreign gov't pressure in drafting the Framework Agreement with MILF

Dean Marvic Leonen, chairman of the government peace negotiators, stressed Monday no foreign government influenced nor pressured Manila in the drafting of the Framework Agreement with the secessionist Muslim rebels. Leonen is the chairman of the Philippine government peace negotiating panel with the Moro islamic Liberation Front. "Categorically, no foreign government pressured our government or perhaps the MILF to agree to certain kinds of concessions in this document (Framework Agreement)," Leonen told a press briefing in Malacanang....

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=460877

MILF wants final peace pact 'within Aquino administration'

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 8): MILF wants final peace pact 'within Aquino administration'

The secessionist Moro Islamic Liberation Front wants the final peace agreement with the Philippine government be done within the administration of President Benigno Aquino III. This was stated by Dean Marvic Leonen, head of the GOP negotiating panel, in a press briefing in Malacanang late Monday afternoon. "The Philippine government and the MILF agreed on the final text of what we call a 'Framework Agreement'. It is the mother agreement that is a roadmap which contains a set of principles and values that would guide the process for the final political settlement with the MILF," he said....

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=460871

Communist rebel surrenders

From the Sun Star-Zamboanga (Oct 8): Communist rebel surrenders

DISGRUNTLED with the communist movement, a 36-year-old New People’s Army (NPA) rebel has surrendered to the government in the province of Zamboanga del Sur, a military official reported Monday. Captain Albert Caber, Army 1st Infantry Division spokesman, said Lito Sumasal Bawan alias “Ka Robin” surrendered around 8:30 a.m. of Sunday to the detachment of the 5th Infantry Battalion’s Bravo Company in the village of Lourdes, Pagadian City....

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/zamboanga/local-news/2012/10/08/communist-rebel-surrenders-246999

More questions than answers in new Moro peace pact

From the leftist Davao Today (Oct 8): More questions than answers in new Moro peace pact

It said it is ironic that while the government is signing peace with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), it continues to suppress the Moro people through anti-terror laws and curtail their civil and political rights. This was the contention of the Suara Bangsamoro, a militant Moro organization based in Zamboanga City. Suara further stated it questions the sincerity of the Aquino government on the issue of creating the new agreement as tool to divide the Moro people. Besides, “this is the same autonomous entity promised to MNLF (Moro National Liberation Front) in the 1996 final peace agreement and to PNoy’s Moro party mates in the Liberal Party,” Suara added....

http://davaotoday.com/main/2012/10/09/more-questions-than-answers-in-new-moro-peace-pact/

Peace advocates hail Philippines-MILF accord

From the Mindanao Examiner (Oct 8): Peace advocates hail Philippines-MILF accord

Peace Advocates Zamboanga (PAZ) on Monday praised and congratulated the negotiating panels of the Philippine government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front for successfully forging the "Framework Agreement" in Malaysia. "I urge all stakeholders to support this Agreement as it provides a very clear plan on how to achieve a final and new autonomous government by not later than 2016," PAZ president Fr. Angel Calvo said. "I am sure that with the level of commitment shown by the Aquino government and MILF leadership, plus the active support of international groups, real peace is dawning in Mindanao...."

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20121008110206

Gunmen raid small southern Philippine village

From the Mindanao Examiner (Oct 8): Gunmen raid small southern Philippine village

Gunmen attacked a small village in the southern Philippines, wounding one civilian, but the violence forced at least 120 people fleeing for safety, security officials said Monday. Officials said the gunmen, led by Salindatu Binago, attacked the village of Ticulab in Sarangani’s Maitum town. The motive of the attack was unclear, but the military said the town’s mayor Elsie Perret reported that previous assault by Binago’s group had killed a local politician, Freddie Macatin, his wife and brother-in-law. The Philippine Army’s 1002nd Infantry Brigade headed by Col. Glorioso Miranda tagged bandits as behind the latest attack and that troops are tracking down the gunmen, according to Capt. William Alfred Rodriguez, of the Public Affairs Office. Government and security Officials did not say whether the attacks were connected to clan war or land conflict which is common in the southern Philippines.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/news.php?news_id=20121008104809

NDFP demands release of Consultant Benjamin Mendoza and other NDFP Consultants

Posted to the PRWC Blog (Oct 8): NDFP demands release of Consultant Benjamin Mendoza and other NDFP Consultants

The National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) vigorously denounces the arrest of NDFP Consultant Benjamin Mendoza, 61, on 6 October 2012 by elements of the 2nd Infantry Division of the Aquino regime. Mendoza is among the principal NDFP consultants for the Southern Tagalog region in the GRP/GPH-NDFP peace negotiations. He was arrested together with his wife, Josephine Mendoza, and two other companions....

http://theprwcblogs.blogspot.com/2012/10/ndfp-demands-release-of-consultant.html

Reds demand release of captured comrades

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Oct 8): Reds demand release of captured comrades

The leaders of the country’s communist revolutionary movement on Monday demanded the immediate release of captured top New People’s Army leader Benjamin Mendoza, saying he is part of the communist peace panel, thus, immune from arrest. Luis Jalandoni, in an email statement, a copy was received by the Inquirer, condemned the arrest of Mendoza and his companions and charged the government with violation of the human rights and international humanitarian law and refusal to respect and comply with the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG).
Jalandoni, chairperson of the National Democratic Front based in Utrecht, The Netherland, said Mendoza is covered by the JASIG as the NDF’s principal consultants in the Southern Tagalog region in the conduct of peace negotiation with the government....

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/284934/reds-demand-release-of-captured-comrades

Ex-rebel leader slain by suspected NPA hitmen–military

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Oct 8): Ex-rebel leader slain by suspected NPA hitmen–military

Suspected communist hitmen shot dead a former rebel leader in full view of his family in Mati City in Davao Oriental on Sunday evening. Capt. Raul Villegas, spokesperson of the Army’s 10th Infantry Division, said Ruperto Cadungog, alias Toper, was inside his house in Sitio Fairview in Barangay Central when several men barged in at around 7:45 p.m. Villegas said the suspected New People’s Army hitmen rained bullets on Cadungog as his family watched then fled the scene. “The victim, who used to be an NPA commander, was brutally killed by his former comrades in front of his family,” Villegas said. It was not clear why Cadungog was killed.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/285282/ex-rebel-leader-slain-by-suspected-npa-hitmen-military

PH, US Marines begin annual joint exercises

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Oct 8): PH, US Marines begin annual joint exercises

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) starts Monday joint exercises with soldiers of the United States (US) to strengthen their defense partnership amid continuing tensions between Manila and Beijing over the ownership of the Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal and other disputed islands in the West Philippine (South China) Sea. In a statement, First Lt. Cherry Tindog, director of the Philippine Marine Corps public affairs office, said the 10-day Philippines-US Amphibious Landing Exercise (Phiblex) 2013 would focus on humanitarian assistance, disaster response and relief preparedness, maritime security and community development....

  http://globalnation.inquirer.net/52238/ph-us-marines-begin-annual-joint-exercises

Photo: USS Bonhomme Richard docks at Subic

From GMANews (Oct 8): Photo: USS Bonhomme Richard docks at Subic



Visitors take pictures of the US Navy's USS Bonhomme Richard, a Wasp-class amphibious assault ship, while anchored at the Subic Freeport Zone on Sunday. The Bonhomme Richard is in the country to participate in a joint-PHL-US amphibious landing exercise in Zambales and Tarlac. Danny Pata

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/photo/26209/uss-bonhomme-richard-docks-at-subic