‘Delaying negotiations poses a threat’

From the Free Malaysia Today  (Jun 6): ‘Delaying negotiations poses a threat’



The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) opined that a delay in finding closure to the peace negotiations decreased the optimism generated by the signing often peace treaty signed last October.

KUALA LUMPUR:  The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has warned that any delay in concluding the negotiations on the annexes to the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) will pose a threat to peace in Mindanao.

MILF chairman Al-Haj Murad Ebrahim said delay in finding closure to the peace negotiations decreased the optimism generated by the signing of the FAB between the MILF and Philippine government in October last year.

“For the people of Bangsamoro, every minute of delay in finishing the annexes to the FAB poses a threat to peace,” he said during the plenary session titled “Will Peace Hold in Mindanao?” at the 27th Asia Pacific Roundtable, here.

Other participants in the plenary session were Philippine presidential adviser on the Mindanao peace process, Secretary Teresita Quintos Deles and the Malaysian facilitator, Tengku Abdul Ghaffar Tengku Mohamed.

According to Murad, peace will also remain elusive if the Bangsamoro Basic Law, finds rejection in the Philippine Congress or is “mangled” purposely for the benefit of the vested interest groups in the republic.

The Bangsamoro Basic Law is the constitution of the envisioned Bangsamoro sub-state and which is now in the process of being drafted by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC).

The MILF chairman said: “Peace, let alone permanent peace, will once again be an elusive commodity that will perhaps be very difficult to get hold of whether in our time or in the future.”

He reiterated that peace in Mindanao would only hold if the Bangsamoro people attained “a just peace” and resolved the Bangsamoro question pertaining to establishing a system of life and governance suitable and acceptable to the people.

Responding to the delay in concluding the negotiations on the annexes to the FAB as pointed out by Murad, Deles said Manila needed time to carefully study the matter and be sure it could implement any agreement that it signed with the MILF.

Philippines’ Aquino government, she said, wanted to avoid the problems suffered by the previous administration which was unable to carry out the stipulated agreement despite agreeing to it earlier.

The annexes, she said, involved several complex issues such as fiscal matter and ancestral domain.

MNLF leaders supportive

Meanwhile, Abdul Ghaffar remains optimistic that the final agreement between Manila and the MILF is “within sight” despite the long history of armed conflict between the two warring parties.

“I can see the light of peace in Mindanao and for the signing of a comprehensive agreement between the MILF and the Philippine government,” he said, adding that both sides had a team that was committed to achieving peace.

Later during the question-and-answer session, the MILF chairman was also asked about the reservation expressed by Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) leader, Nur Misuari on the FAB.

Murad brushed aside Misuari’s reservation on the FAB, saying that the majority of leaders in the MNLF were supportive of the agreement signed between the MILF and the Philippine government.

The present MNLF, he pointed out, was splintered into four groups with three of them in clear support of the FAB.

Nevertheless, he was confident that Misuari would accept the FAB that was struck by the MILF and Manila as it would create a better and feasible autonomous Mindanao compared to the agreement that was inked by MNLF and the previous Philippine administration.

https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/nation/2013/06/06/delaying-negotiations-poses-a-threat/

'Intrusion won't affect peace pact'

From the New Straits Times (Jun 6): 'Intrusion won't affect peace pact'

INTACT: Lahad Datu incident a separate issue, says Manila

KUALA LUMPUR: THE armed intrusion by Sulu gunmen in Lahad Datu, Sabah in February is unlikely to affect the ongoing peace process in Mindanao, the Philippine government said yesterday.

Presidential adviser on the peace process Secretary Teresita Quintos-Deles said the Sabah intrusion and the peace agreement signed by the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) last October were two separate issues that should not be linked.

"The armed intrusion was carried out by a group whose motivations have nothing to do with the peace agreement signed between the government and the MILF.

"The claims (by the Sulu sultanate) should instead be addressed through separate negotiations," she said during the 27th Asia-Pacific Roundtable, organised by the Institute of Strategic and International Studies.

Quintos-Deles was joined by MILF chairman Al-Haj Murad Ebrahim and the Malaysian facilitator to the peace process, Tengku Datuk Abdul Ghafar Tengku Mohamed, as part of the panel during the plenary session titled "Will peace hold in Mindanao?".

During the session, Quintos-Deles also addressed delays in implementing the annexes to the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB), saying that the Philippine government wanted to avoid the mistakes of past administrations.

Murad urged for negotiations on the annexes to the FAB to be concluded as quickly as possible.

Tengku Ghafar remained optimistic that the final agreement between Manila and the MILF was "within sight" despite the region's long history of armed conflict.

Responding to a question from the audience, Tengku Ghafar said Malaysia would not be able to play a similar role in assisting in resolving the conflict involving the Muslim community in Myanmar, owing to the principle of non-interference.

He said Malaysia would still be able to assist through other means. "Malaysia was formally invited to assist in the negotiations process by the Philippines government."

http://www.nst.com.my/nation/general/intrusion-won-t-affect-peace-pact-1.294723

Misuari will not be able to derail peace process

From the Star Online (Jun 6): MILF: Misuari will not be able to derail peace process

KUALA LUMPUR: The former chairman of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), Nur Misuari, will not succeed in his attempt to derail the southern Philippine peace process which Malaysia is facilitating.

Chairman of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Murad Ebrahim, whose group is in peace talks with the Philippine govern­ment, said the majority of the people in southern Philippines had expressed their support to the framework peace agreement that both parties signed last October.

“Nur Misuari is quite critical of the framework agreement, but the overwhelming support of the Bangsamoro people and the international community to the framework agreement is a very strong signal that the majority of the people welcome this agreement,” Murad said in response to a question during a plenary session titled “Will peace hold in Mindanao” at the 27th Asia-Pacific Roundtable.

The three-day event that ended yesterday was jointly organised by the Asean Institute of Strategic and International Studies (Isis) and Isis Malaysia.

Misuari has condemned the framework agreement which he said had left the people of southern Philippines shortchanged and has supported claims on Sabah by the self-styled Sulu sultanate whose followers mounted an armed incursion into the state in February.

Murad said the MNLF, which Misuari used to lead and which the MILF broke away from, was now split into four groups.

“The other three groups have already expressed their support for the framework agreement.”

Murad noted that Misuari had also failed in his bid to be elected as governor of the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao during the Philippine mid-term elections last month.

Philippine Presidential Adviser to the peace process Secretary Teresita Quintos Deles, replying to a question on the issue of the Philippine claim on Sabah which resurfaced following the incursion into the state, said that the matter needed to be resolved separately.

“The peace process is one to help resolve an internal conflict, and there is no way that the peace process can resolve a conflict or a problem in which the area involved (Sabah) is currently under the political jurisdiction of another country (Malaysia),” she said.

Murad said that following the signing of the framework agreement, both the MILF and the Philippine government were working to draw up the three annexes that would contain details about the autonomous Bangsamoro region which they hope to be in place by 2016.

“Work on the first two annexes on power-sharing and wealth-sharing are almost 95% complete, while the third which is on the normalisation process is 60% ready.”

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2013/6/6/nation/13204618&sec=nation

US eyes progress on South China Sea tensions

From Rappler (Jun 6): US eyes progress on South China Sea tensions

WASHINGTON, D.C. - A US official on Wednesday, June 5, voiced hope that China and Southeast Asian nations will start talks soon on a code of conduct to resolve disputes over the South China Sea after repeated flare-ups.

Joe Yun, the acting assistant secretary of state for East Asia, said that China and the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) made apparent progress during a working-level meeting last week in Bangkok.

"I think there seems to be an understanding that at a future date, maybe sometime this year, they will announce a formal beginning of negotiations" on a code of conduct, Yun told the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

"If that's the case, we would genuinely welcome it because we see CoC as a key piece of the puzzle that would bring peaceful resolution" to rival claims in the South China Sea, Yun said.

Tensions have soared in recent years as Vietnam and the Philippines accuse China of increasingly assertive claims to territories in the South China Sea, through which around half of the world's cargo passes.

The broader region is also rife with maritime disputes, with the Philippines and Taiwan recently at loggerheads and China and Japan embroiled in a bitter dispute over islands in potentially energy-rich waters of the East China Sea.

Yun reiterated that the United States does not take sides in territorial disputes and that a code of conduct, which would formalize rules of behavior, offered the best way to prevent further conflict.

"To be frank with you, I'm not sure that these territorial disputes, whether they are maritime or whatever, can ever be fully resolved in a sense that one party says, 'Damn, I think you're right, you know I never thought about that,'" Yun said.

Instead, the code of conduct can offer a way to "not disturb our stability," he said.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/30752-us-eyes-progress-on-south-china-sea-tensions

US ships to arrive in Subic, do community service

From Rappler (Jun 6): US ships to arrive in Subic, do community service

An American submarine and submarine tender will arrive in Subic Bay later this week for routine visits, the United States Embassy in Manila said on Thursday, June 6.

The USS Frank Cable (AS 40), a LY Spear-class submarine tender, will arrive on Friday, June 7. The USS Asheville (SSN 758), a Los Angeles-class submarine, will arrive on Saturday, June 8.

The USS Frank Cable also visited the country in March.

Both ships will refuel and receive supplies. The crew will conduct community service and other recreational activities in the area.

Commissioned in 1980, the USS Frank Cable is nearly 200 meters long and has a crew of 1,500. The Frank Cable serves as the US 7th Fleet’s mobile repair and support platform. The ship is named after Frank Taylor Cable, one of the pioneers in the development of submarines for the U.S. Navy.

Its homeport is in Guam.

The USS Asheville is named after a city in North Carolina and was commissioned in 1991. The submarine is 91 meters long and has a top speed of 32 knots underwater. The Asheville's homeport is in San Diego, California.

 

http://www.rappler.com/nation/30765-us-ships-subic-community-service

Kidnapped ship captain released in Sulu after paying ransom

From ABS-CBN (Jun 6): Kidnapped ship captain released in Sulu after paying ransom

A captain of a fishing vessel who was kidnapped by armed men on May 21 has been released.

Lucio Gonzales was released in Sulu on Tuesday, his son said.

The Gonzales family said they paid a ransom for the captain’s release, but they declined to say the exact amount.

The kidnappers initially demanded a P15 million ransom from GMA Fishing Company, where Gonzales is employed, but the family said they were able to convince the kidnappers to lower the ransom.

Gonzales was treated well by his captors and was even given medicine for his diabetes, his family said.

They suspect that the incident was a case of mistaken identity.

Authorities have yet to identify the suspects behind the kidnapping.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/06/06/13/kidnapped-ship-captain-released-sulu-after-paying-ransom

Sayyaf gunmen release captive in Jolo

From the Philippine Star (Jun 6): Sayyaf gunmen release captive in Jolo

Suspected Abu Sayyaf gunmen freed unharmed a fishing boat master patron in Jolo, capital town of Sulu province, reportedly after payment of still unspecified ransom, according to  a security official.

The victim Lucio Gonzales, master patron of the fishing boats of GMA and AMR fishing companies, was released Tuesday night in the downtown of Jolo.

The victim took a ferry and arrived Wednesday where he immediately went home to be reunited with his family at Barangay Cawit, west coast of this city.

The family confirmed the release and payment of unspecified ransom but declined to present the victim,  citing privacy and safety.

The gunmen, on board two pumpboats, intercepted the fishing boat where Gonzales was on board and seized him while in the waters of Lantawan town in Basilan last May 21 and sped toward the direction of  Sulu.

The kidnappers initially demanded P15-million, but eventually negotiated for a much lower amount which they declined to specify in exchange for the safe release of the victim.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/06/06/950976/sayyaf-gunmen-release-captive-jolo

PA chief award housing units to CDO based officers, enlisted personnel

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 6): PA chief award housing units to CDO based officers, enlisted personnel

Philippine Army (PA) chief Lt. Gen. Noel Coballes on Wednesday awarded 10 officers and 20 enlisted personnel, assigned at Cagayan De Oro City, with brand-new housing units.

All of the beneficiaries are members of the 4th Infantry Division which is based in Camp Evangelista, Cagayan De Oro City.

The houses awarded to Army personnel are part of the three 10-door apartment units constructed at the base for the use of military personnel.

Coballes said the apartments are part of the Army’s program in uplifting the living condition of our Army personnel working inside army major camps such as the 4th Division.

Military officers and personnel who availed will pay through an automatic monthly deduction out from their quarters allowance depending on their rank.

Officers whose actual residence is outside Mindanao and enlisted personnel who are renting outside camp are given priority.

Coballes said the awarding of the apartment units is in line with the present administration’s program to provide a decent and affordable homes to the members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=531634

US tender, attack submarine to dock off Subic Bay

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 6): US tender, attack submarine to dock off Subic Bay

The US Embassy in Manila announced that tender USS Frank Cable (AS-40) and attack submarine, USS Asheville (SSN-758), will be arriving in Subic Bay, Zambales this June 7 and 8, respectively, for routine port calls.

The visits of the two US vessels highlight the strong historic community and military relations between the Philippines and the United States.

During their visit, both the USS Frank Cable and USS Asheville will refuel and receive supplies, and the crew will be given opportunities for community service in nearby areas as well as rest and recreation.

The L.Y. Spear-class USS Frank Cable (AS-40) was commissioned in 1980.

It is nearly 200 meters long and has a crew of 1,500.

The USS Frank Cable serves as the US 7th Fleet’s mobile repair and support platform.

The ship is named after Frank Taylor Cable, one of the pioneers in the development of submarines for the US Navy. It is homeported in Guam.

Named for the city of Asheville, North Carolina and commissioned in 1991, the USS Asheville is a Los Angeles-class attack submarine.

It is 91 meters long, and has a top speed of 32 knots underwater. The Asheville is homeported in San Diego, California.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=531679

Indonesian Army general visits 3rd ID headquarters in Capiz

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 6): Indonesian Army general visits 3rd ID headquarters in Capiz

A ranking Indonesian military officer, Major Gen. Ediwan Prabowo, visited 3rd Infantry Division headquarters in Camp Macario Peralta, Jamindan, Capiz Wednesday as part of the senior officers visit exchange program between the Philippine and Indonesian Army.

Prabowo is the chief of the Indonesian National Army's Military Area Command 5.

Maj. Rey Tiongson, 3rd Infantry Division spokesperson, said the latter's visit is part of the confidence building between the two countries.

"Also the purpose is to observe, learn and exchange knowledge on the organization, mission, training activities and management of the unit (being visited)," he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=531691

PA to compete in Dragon Boat races in China

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 6): PA to compete in Dragon Boat races in China

The Philippine Army (PA) will send a contingent to participate in the upcoming Dragon Boat races in China this coming June 12.

Major Harold Cabunoc, PA Dragon Boat Team president, said that the Army has already approved its participation in the Macau Dragon Boat Races.

"Our commanding general, Lt Gen. Noel Coballes has allowed my team's participation in the race after its convincing win over the strong teams fielded by Camarines Sur," he added.

Cabunoc said that the Cherifer Premium-powered team will participate in the 500m Men's Open Event.

He is confident that his team is ready to compete globally based on its past achievements.

"My team posted the fastest record time in the PDBF's 200m event at 41.27 seconds during the recent international race in Bohol. This record is also the fourth fastest recorded time in the World Championship," he said.

It can be recalled that the team dominated the 2nd Leg of the Cobra-PDBF Dragon Boat Race last June 2.

The team outraced two of its strongest rivals in the country, the paddlers from Lake Buhi in Camarines Sur.

The Army had participated in the international race for the third time since 2011.

It emerged as the champion in the races held in Indonesia and Malaysia.

Seven members of the team are among those who won 5 golds in the 10th IDBF World Dragon Boat Championships which was held in Tampa, Florida in August 2011.

The team will depart for its third foray abroad on Monday at 7 p.m.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=531917

Army reports 2 separate encounters with insurgents in Samar, 1 rebel killed

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 6): Army reports 2 separate encounters with insurgents in Samar, 1 rebel killed

Government troops under the 8th Infantry Division (8ID) of the Philippine Army (PA) figured in two separate encounters against members of the New People’s Army (NPA) this week as its continues with its peace and security operations in Samar provinces.

Information from the division’s public affairs office (DPAO) said the first encounter happened Tuesday at the vicinity of Poponton village in Las Navas, Northern Samar between the 63rd Infantry Battalion and undetermined number of rebels.

One NPA rebel was killed and two M16 rifles were recovered during the chance encounter, according to DPAO chief, Capt. Amado Gutierrez.

On the other hand, the 43rd Infantry Battalion engaged around 10 rebels at Brgy. Ligaya, Matuguinao, Samar on Wednesday.

There were no casualties or injuries reported during the 15-minute exchange of fire.

8ID commanding general, M/Gen. Gerardo T. Layug assured that their troops will continue to perform its primary mandate “to protect the people.”

“This is the constitutional mandate of the AFP so we cannot afford to waste time,” he said.

Northern Samar and Samar are the two remaining provinces of Eastern Visayas that are yet to be declared as manageable conflict and development ready.

“Our mission and goal is to make the Island of Samar a manageable conflict and development-ready area just like Biliran, Bohol, Leyte and Southern Leyte. We are determined to do this to serve the people of Samar so we can attain a just and lasting peace,” Layug said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=531765

Taiwanese, NBI probers meet anew to discuss findings

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 6 ): Taiwanese, NBI probers meet anew to discuss findings

The National Bureau of Investigation and Taiwanese investigators will meet Thursday to talk about their findings about the shooting incident in Balintang Channel last May 9 that led to the death of a Taiwanese fisherman.

NBI Director Nonnatus Caesar Rojas confirmed the Taiwanese investigators arrived in the country Thursday morning to sit down with their counterparts with the NBI.

Justice Secretary Leila M. De Lima earlier said the Taiwanese probers have requested for such a meeting.

Both Philippine and Taiwanese governments are investigating the May 9, 2013 shooting by Philippine Coast Guard personnel of 65-year old Taiwanese fisherman Hung Shih-Cheng.

The concerned PCG personnel have maintained Shih-Cheng was accidentally shot at after the Taiwanese fishing vessel refused to heed their warning shots.

De Lima added the meeting will not resort to any "cross-checking" of findings.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=531737

China, ASEAN nations discuss South China Sea issue: spokesman

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 6): China, ASEAN nations discuss South China Sea issue: spokesman

Representatives of China and the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) recently met and discussed the South China Sea issue, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said Thursday.

The eighth joint work group meeting on implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea took place in Bangkok on May 29, spokesman Hong Lei told a daily press briefing.

Hong's comments came after Acting US Assistant Secretary of State Joseph Yun on Wednesday said China and the ASEAN countries made progress during a meeting last week.

Hong did not specify details, but said the meeting was of great significance and recognized the positive progress made in implementing the DOC in 2012, including cooperation in disaster prevention and reduction and maritime ecology.

All parties agreed to fully and effectively implement the DOC and mapped out the work plan for 2013-2014, Hong said.

China, Thailand, Indonesia and Cambodia have raised nearly 10 cooperative proposals like setting up the China-ASEAN maritime emergency rescue hotline, Hong said.

The meeting also looked into how to promote the Code of Conduct of the South China Sea and enhance its understanding among countries, Hong said.

The meeting agreed to maintain dialogue and negotiations and decided to hold the ninth joint working group meeting in Beijing later this year, Hong added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=531908

302nd Brigade Medical-Dental Team Gets an Ambulance

From the Negros Daily Bulletin (Jun 6): 302nd Brigade Medical-Dental Team Gets an Ambulance

The Medical and Dental Team of the Army’s 302nd Brigade based in Camp Leon Kilat, Tanjay City received 1 new Field Ambulance named KM 451 and other Brigade Treatment Facility (BTF) equipment, recently.



The Medical and Dental Team of the Army’s 302nd Brigade based in Camp Leon Kilat, Tanjay City receive one new Field Ambulance named KM 451 and other Brigade Treatment Facility (BTF) equipment.

The 3rd Forward Support Medical Company (3FSMC) of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division headed by their Company Commander, Captain Abdul-Aziz Ontok (Medical Corps) Phil. Army turned-over the said medical equipment to the officers and men of the 302nd Brigade through the Brigade Executive Officer, Ltc. Harold Anthony Pascua.

Ltc. Pascua said that the KM 451 will be used by the Brigade MEDCAP Team in conducting various military or civilian initiated medical and dental missions in the Brigade’s area of responsibility. "This medical equipment will not only boost the morale of our troops having a readily available treatment facility during combat operations, but will largely contribute to the Brigade’s continuing efforts in delivering basic health services to the less privileged residents especially in the conflict affected areas in the Brigade’s area of responsibility in partnership with various stakeholders," Pascua added.

Record shows that the 302nd Brigade MEDCAP Team has already participated in 30 various medical and dental missions benefiting more than 16, 000 residents especially in the conflict affected areas this year. Meanwhile, the 3FSMC also conducted troop’s information and education to the Achiever troopers. Cpt Ontok emphasized the prevention and cure on hepatitis viruses and the health services support system of medical company. The activity was then followed by free medical consultation to the troops, CAFGUs and military dependents. More or less 40 benefited from the said activity.

http://ndb-online.com/060613/local-news/local-news-302nd-brigade-medical-dental-team-gets-ambulance

Photo: 302nd Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Francisco M. Patrimonio AFP

From the Negros Daily Bulletin (Jun 6): Photo: 302nd Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Francisco M. Patrimonio AFP



302nd Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Francisco M. Patrimonio AFP (center), receives his first star rank during the donning of ranks to newly-promoted Army Generals presided over by Army Chief Lt Gen Noel A Coballes AFP (right) after the Flag Raising Ceremony at Headquarters Philippine Army, Fort Bonifacio, Metro Manila, yesterday.

http://ndb-online.com/060613/local-news/302nd-brigade-commander-brigadier-general-francisco-m-patrimonio-afp

Amid territorial dispute with China, Philippines turns into showcase site of US warships

From InterAksyon (Jun 6): Amid territorial dispute with China, Philippines turns into showcase site of US warships

Amid its territorial dispute with China, the Philippines has turned into a popular site to showcase the warships of the United States. This year alone, the several US destroyers have visited Philippine shores.

On Thursday, the US Embassy in Manila said its Navy submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40) and submarine USS Asheville (SSN 758) will arrive in Subic Bay on June 7 and June 8, respectively.

The USS Frank Cable is its second time to visit the country this year.

The US calls such visits “routine port calls” but they notably come every time China presses its claims over the Spratly Islands.

But the Chinese warships, and maritime and fishing vessels now “guarding” the Ayungin Reef. China has also maintained its “presence” at the Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal off Masinloc, Zambales, where Filipino fishermen could not go anymore for fear of harassment or possible arrest or execution for “intrusion.”

Earlier, citing the nuclear threat of North Korea, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario said the US military may use the country as a military base in case of “extreme emergency.”

In fact, since January this year US warships that already visited the country include USS Freedom (LCS1), USS Tortuga (LSD46), USS Ohio, USS Decatur, USS Emory S. Land (AS39), USS Blue Ridge USS Stockdale (DDG106), USS Cheyenne (SSN773), USS Guardian (MCM5), which met its demise at Tubbataha Reef, among others.

“During their visit, the Frank Cable and Asheville will refuel and receive supplies, and the crew will be given opportunities for community service in nearby areas as well as rest and recreation,” the US embassy said.

The L.Y. Spear-class USS Frank Cable (AS-40) was commissioned in 1980.  It is nearly 200 meters long and has a crew of 1,500. The Frank Cable serves as the US 7th Fleet’s mobile repair and support platform. The ship is named after Frank Taylor Cable, one of the pioneers in the development of submarines for the US Navy. It is homeported in Guam.

Named for the city of Asheville, North Carolina and commissioned in 1991, the USS Asheville is a Los Angeles-class submarine. It is 91 meters long, and has a top speed of 32 knots underwater. The Asheville is homeported in San Diego, California.

Also, US Pacific Command chief Admiral Samuel J. Locklear III arrived in Thursday for a meeting “with his counterparts.”

Locklear will stay in the country for two days.

It must also be noted that defense ministers from the Asia Pacific nations had just met for a security conference in Singapore where it a reported that the US reaffirmed its 62-year-old Mutual Defense Treaty with the Philippines.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/63453/amid-territorial-dispute-with-china-philippines-turns-into-showcase-site-of-us-warships

China trying to establish foothold in Ayungin — security official

From the Daily Tribune (Jun 5): China trying to establish foothold in Ayungin — security official

Just like what it did in Mischief Reef when it “illegally” occupied the Philippine territory in 1995, the Chinese government is bent on doing the same in Ayungin Shoal as indicated by the continued presence of its vessels in the area and recent pronouncement by Beijing.

A security official, who requested anonymity, yesterday noted recent pronouncements made by Lt. Gen. Qi Jianguo, deputy chief of the general staff of the People’s Liberation Army, justifying Chinese presence in Ayungin Shoal where the Philippine Navy is maintaining troops and using grounded BRP Sierra Madre as barracks.

At press time, there were three Chinese maritime surveillance ships monitored along the vicinities of Ayungin Shoal which is located approximately 120 nautical miles from Rizal town, Palawan province.

“They (Chinese) intend to pursue these activities which the DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) says are illegal and provocative…there are indicators,
the way it looks it will continue and it will be the line of China,” the security official added.

Asked what is China’s objective in maintaining its presence in Ayungin Shoal, the source replied: “To establish foothold, the way they did in Mischief Reef… it can be gleaned from their action in protesting against and demanding the removal of our Navy vessel.”

The official was referring to the grounded BRP Sierra Madre in Ayungin Shoal which presence in the area is now being protested by China. The Navy ship has been grounded there since 1999.

The official went on to describe China as “recalcitrant.”

In 1995, China occupied Mischief Reef, located about 130 nautical miles from Palawan, initially by putting structures supposedly as shelters for fishermen.

Eventually, China established military garrison in the area, prompting protest from the Philippines.

Only last year, the Chinese engaged Philippine authorities in a two-month long standoff in Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal in Zambales. Allegedly, both parties agreed to a pullout but the Chinese have not left the area until now.

Last month, a Chinese flotilla, escorted by a frigate, was monitored in Ayungin Shoal and has stayed in the area up to now.

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin has stressed the Philippines will not pull out from Ayungin Shoal and that the military is ready to fight for “what is ours” until the last soldier standing.

During his speech at the Shangri-La Dialog in Singapore last June 2, Qi justified Chinese patrols over South China Sea, which the Philippines calls West Philippine Sea, and East China Sea, where there are ongoing disputes.

The Chinese military general said Beijing will continue with its patrols over East China Sea and South China Sea which he stressed as “totally legitimate and uncontroversial.”

The West Philippine Sea, including the Kalayaan Islands Group (KIGs) or the Spratlys and the Panatag (Scarboroug) Shoal, is being disputed by the Philippines, China, Taiwan, Brunei, Malaysia and Vietnam.

Over at the East China Sea, China is disputing territories with Japan.

Relatedly, Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos said Manila and Beijing should mutually agree to step back and cool the situation arising from conflicting territorial claims over South China Sea.

“I propose that instead of making that conflict the main feature of our relationship, let us make it a minor part and pursue further contacts, exchanges and cooperation in other sectors,” Marcos, in a statement, added.

The lawmaker aired the proposal in his speech during the June 3-4 “China-Southeast Asia People’s High-Level Dialogue” in the city of Nanning in Guangxi, China.

Marcos said the two countries could further strengthen their relationship in the areas of trade, tourism, linkages between educational institutions, health and social protection issues, agricultural cooperation and mutual assistance when natural disasters occur.

He added tourism holds a great promise for cooperation between the two countries as it would promote individual and social contact and lessen tensions “as we put a face to each other at a more human level.”

“What has long sustained our relations thus far has generally been in the area of cultural and arts exchanges.  This plays no small part in deepening the understanding between our two peoples.  It is an area rich with possibilities and something we can expand immediately and surely will bring us closer to each other,” Marcos said.

Noting that problems related to the conflicting territorial claims have become of immediate concern recently, with incidents of standoffs and heated exchanges, Marcos said the two countries “must find a way to at least resolve the situation.”

Aside from a mutual agreement to cool the situation, the senator said both countries “must agree on a framework method that is agreeable to both our countries to move the discussions forward to arrive at a true and permanent resolution of the problem.”

“This is with the quite reasonable understanding that it is the duty of the Philippine leadership to explore, discuss and pursue any other possible avenues that are available that have the potential to normalize the situation,” he stressed.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/index.php/headlines/item/14993-china-trying-to-establish-foothold-in-ayungin-security-official

International lawyers’ group to government: Resume peace talks with NDF

From the Business Mirror (Jun 6): International lawyers’ group to government: Resume peace talks with NDF

THE human-rights watchdog Karapatan has welcomed the call of the International Association of Democratic Lawyers (IADL) for the government to resume the peace negotiations with the National Democratic Front (NDF).

 

“The recent statement of the IADL is a much-needed boost to the Filipino people’s call to resume the peace talks and to end the culture of impunity in the country,” Karapatan Chairman Marie Hilao-Enriquez said.

 

Established in 1946, the IADL is an organization of lawyers worldwide that has consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council and United Nations’ Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

 

On May 27 the IADL came out with a resolution calling on the Aquino administration to hold human-rights violators accountable and to continue peace negotiations.

 

Karapatan and other people’s organizations and human-rights advocates have urged the Aquino administration to push through with the peace talks with the NDF.

 

“Yet, the Aquino administration ignored these calls and continues to insist on its own framework in the peace negotiation, ignoring previously signed agreements with the NDF,” Enriquez said.

 

She said the peace negotiations have been scuttled for the failure of the government to abide by its commitment to release imprisoned NDF consultants covered by the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees.

 

Recently, the Aquino administration, through its peace panel head lawyer Alex Padilla, unilaterally terminated the peace talks through media releases. “It shows the government only means war,” Enriquez said. “For us, it means more human-rights violations,” she added.

 

“We call on the parties to resume the negotiations based on their previous agreements to earnestly, patiently and sincerely address and comprehensively resolve the underlying social, economic and political reasons for the armed conflict and resistance,” the IADL resolution said.

 

http://businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/news/nation/14614-international-lawyers-group-to-government-resume-peace-talks-with-ndf

Chinese bringing in construction materials on Panatag Shoal

From the Business Mirror (Jun 6): Chinese bringing in construction materials on Panatag Shoal

A MILITARY official said on Thursday that the government now has satellite photographs showing that China has already started to build structures on the disputed Panatag (Scarborough) Shoal off Masinloc, Zambales.

 

“The defense and military establishments have already in their possession satellite photographs of what the Chinese were actually doing on our shoal. At least three Chinese big ships on a rotation basis are maintaining presence on the shoal aside from fishing boats that were unloading sacks of gravel, stone, cement and metals,” a senior officer said.

 

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, during one of his media interviews, said the Chinese had already roped up the shoal to prevent Filipino fishermen from entering and fish inside the maritime area.

 

“Iyong tali na ginawang bakod ng mga Chinese sa Panatag ay kasing laki ng hita ng tao,” another source said, adding it would only take a “few more weeks” and new Chinese structures will soon rise on the shoal “with the Chinese flag flying.”

 

Manila and Beijing have locked horns over Panatag since April last year. The government initiated actions to deescalate the situation by withdrawing its ships, but China reneged from the agreement by not pulling out all its ships.

 

The disputed maritime area is within the municipality of Masinloc and well within the exclusive economic zone (EZZ) of the country.

 

Aside from Panatag Shoal, China has also intruded into the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG), a municipality in Palawan, particularly on Ayungin Reef. The KIG is a series of seven islets and three reefs located in the Spratly Islands that China claims its own.

 

Other claimant countries include Taiwan, Vietnam, Brunei Darussalam and Malaysia.

 

More US warships visit PHL

 

TWO US Navy warships—the submarine tender USS Frank Cable (AS 40) and the nuclear-powered submarine USS Asheville (SSN 758) will arrive in Subic Bay on June 7 and June 8, respectively, the US Embassy announced.

 

It is the second time for USS Frank Cable to visit the country this year.

 

“During their visit, the Frank Cable and Asheville will refuel and receive supplies, and the crew will be given opportunities for community service in nearby areas, as well as rest and recreation,” the US Embassy said.

 

The L.Y. Spear-class USS Frank Cable (AS-40) was commissioned in 1980. It is nearly 200 meters long and has a crew of 1,500. The Frank Cable serves as the US 7th Fleet’s mobile repair and support platform. The ship is named after Frank Taylor Cable, one of the pioneers in the development of submarines for the US Navy. It is homeported in Guam.

 

Named for the city of Asheville, North Carolina, and commissioned in 1991, the USS Asheville is a Los Angeles-class submarine. It is 91 meters long, and has a top speed of 32 knots underwater. The Asheville is homeported in San Diego, California.

Also, the US Pacific Command chief, Adm. Samuel J. Locklear III, arrived on Thursday for a meeting with his counterparts.

 

Locklear will stay in the country for two days.

 

Since January this year US warships that already visited the country include USS Freedom (LCS1), USS Tortuga (LSD46), USS Ohio, USS Decatur, USS Emory S. Land (AS39), USS Blue Ridge, USS Stockdale (DDG106), USS Cheyenne (SSN773) and USS Guardian (MCM5), that met its demise at Tubbataha Reef.

 

http://businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/news/nation/14615-chinese-bringing-in-construction-materials-on-panatag-shoal