MILF: UN reiterates support to GPH-MILF peace negotiation

Posted to the MILF Website (Jul 24): UN reiterates support to GPH-MILF peace negotiation

In an official press statement released to the media, the United Nations “has reiterated its commitment to support all parties involved in bringing peace to Mindanao, being an active supporter, inter alia, the ongoing peace negotiations between the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.”
  

In a single undated press release but a copy of which was obtained by Luwaran yesterday, Mr. Arjun Jain, UN Area Coordinator ad interim in Mindanao, disclosed that a certain Mr. Xavier Daniel “is falsely claiming to represent the United Nations in the Philippines, and in particular in Mindanao.”

“He has, in this false capacity,” the statement added, “engaged with various persons and agencies in Mindanao.

Further, the statement stated that the United Nations wishes to categorically state that it has no relationship with any person by this name, and that no such person has in the past, or currently is authorized to represent the United Nations or any official of the United Nations in relation to any matter concerning the Philippines.

As this developed, a short message system (SMS) or texts are circulating that the MNLF has elevated the Bangsamoro case to the United Nations and that the United States is actively supporting such move.

The source of the texts cannot be determined but analysts pointed to supporters of MNLF Chairman Nur Misuari as behind this text campaign.

Most of the texts were forwarded from MILF contact persons in the island province of Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, and Basilan.

http://www.luwaran.com/

Boeing, 3 more firms to bid for Phl's P3.4-B attack helicopters

From the Philippine Star (Jul 24): Boeing, 3 more firms to bid for Phl's P3.4-B attack helicopters

American aerospace and defense firm Boeing, France-based Eurocopter Group and two other companies participated in the Department of National Defense's (DND) pre-bidding conference for eight new attack helicopters.

About P3.4 billion from the General Appropriations Act and the Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Act Trust Fund was earmarked for the new helicopters that will be used to navigate through extreme weather conditions.

British-Italian helicopter design company AgustaWestland NV and American firm MD Helicopters Inc. specializing in production of military and civil aviation choppers also participated in the conference.

In a document, DND said he helicopters should have full night operation capability, "complete" weapons systems and integrated logistics support package.

Related: DND to buy 8 new attack helicopters

"These helicopters shall be capable of performing close air support during day and night, and navigate safely during inadvertent instrument meteorological condition," the bidding guide says.

The department also said that the helicopters must also be affordable without compromising other requirements.

"They shall be equipped with armaments and avionics system highly suitable for said flying operation conditions," it adds.

Winning bidders  are required to deliver the aircrafts within 540 calendar days.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/07/24/1007801/boeing-3-more-firms-bid-phls-p3.4-b-attack-helicopters

MNLF posters, flags in Zamboanga City suggest talk of ‘independence’

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jul 24): MNLF posters, flags in Zamboanga City suggest talk of ‘independence’

Some residents in the villages of Sta. Maria and Pasonanca here expressed alarm over the display of Bangsamoro streamers, flags and posters outside the homes of alleged members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

Sonia Alvarez, a resident of Pasonanca, said they have been hearing rumors that the MNLF members would “declare independence” on Thursday, July 25.

“We don’t want war. We’ve been through that before,” Alvarez said, referring to the Cabatangan incident in November 2001 where more than 60 civilians were taken as hostages by MNLF members.

Senior Supt. Jose Chiquito Malayo, the city police chief, confirmed that “talks are spreading around about the MNLF declaring independence.”

“From whom? That we need to find out,” Malayo said.

“We will continue monitoring and inspecting areas where there are reported hanging of some kind of flags and streamers,” he said.

But Habib Mudjahab Hashim, chair of the MNLF’s Islamic Command Council, denied that their group would declare the independence of a Bangsamoro Republic on July 25.

“This is not true. It is just a propaganda designed to mislead our people and brothers on the ground,” Hashim said.

On July 9, more than a hundred MNLF members marched the streets of Lamitan City in Basilan demanding “independence.” The MNLF members ended their activity an hour later.

The MNLF signed a peace agreement with the government in 1996. The government is negotiating peace with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), a breakaway group of the MNLF.

Earlier this week, the MNLF said any agreement between the government and the MILF should be reconciled with the peace pact signed in 1996.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/452047/mnlf-posters-flags-surface-in-zamboanga-city-sparking-talk-of-independence

2 suspected 'teen' NPAs nabbed in Agusan del Sur

From the Philippine Star (Jul 24): 2 suspected 'teen' NPAs nabbed in Agusan del Sur

Two teenage boys were arrested by the military after they were identified as members of the New People's Army in Agusan del Sur, rights group Karapatan said on Wednesday.

Karapatan also accused members of the 26th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army based in Loreto, Agusan del Sur of torturing the suspected communist rebels-- a 17-year-old, and the other a 16-year old,  both Lumads of the Agusanon tribe.

 

"Torture marks are physically evident on different parts of their bodies," the group said.

 

Based on the reports reaching Karapatan chapter in Manila, last July 22, the two teenagers, along with two others, were onboard a motorcycle on their way to Brgy. Poblacion to register for the upcoming barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections when they were stopped by soldiers.

 

The soldiers, along with para-military Bagani troops, lined up the four, two of whom were identified by Bagani leader Jun Uson as NPAs and the ones responsible for the attack on government troops earlier.

 

Karapatan said the four teenagers were brought to the Kauswagan barangay hall where they were interrogated and detained. 

 

However, the other two teenagers  later were released while the other two were brought to Patin-ay, Agusan del Sur for inquest, the group said. 

 

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/07/24/1007641/2-suspected-teen-npas-nabbed-agusan-del-sur

MILF breakaway group attacks military camp: 4th IB

From ABS-CBN (Jul 24): MILF breakaway group attacks military camp: 4th IB

A detachment of the 45th Infantry Battalion of the military in Barangay Magaslong in Datu Piang Town, Maguindanao was allegedly harassed by suspected members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) Wednesday morning.

According to 4th Infantry Battalion Alpha Company Commanding Officer 1st Lt. Franklin Solis, the harassment by the MILF breakaway group lasted for almost 30 minutes.

"Kagabi pa may mga natatanggap na kaming threat na aatakihin daw nila ang mga kampo namin dito sa Datu Piang kaya nakapaghanda kami," Solis said.
No casualties were reported.

Military personnel in the area are now on full alert for possible attacks from the rebels.
 http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/07/24/13/milf-breakaway-group-attacks-military-camp-4th-ib

New Chinese coast guard ship seen in PHL territory

From GMA News (Jul 24): New Chinese coast guard ship seen in PHL territory

A new Chinese coast guard vessel has been spotted in the Panganiban Reef—the same type of ship that a news report in China says is being used for the first time in disputed territorial waters.

“An unidentified China Coast Guard (CCG) vessel was sighted in Panganiban Reef,” a government report seen Wednesday by GMA News Online said.

The ship, according to the report, possesses “advance communication systems and armaments such as twin automatic cannons mounted on the ships' deck.”

“As such, it is deemed imperative for the Philippines to enhance its present intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities while seeking a minimum credible deterrent against potential external threats," the report said.

Panganiban Reef is a rich fishing ground within Philippine territory but came under Chinese control in 1995.

Chinese media has reported in Beijing that China would now use armed Chinese coast guard vessels to complement its fleet of Chinese Maritime Surveillance (CMS) and Fisheries and Law Enforcement Command (FLEC) vessels that, for years, have been conducting sovereignty patrols in most of the Chinese-claimed areas in the South China Sea.

The Philippines, China, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have competing claims over the resource-rich waters.

China claims “indisputable sovereignty” over the entire South China Sea, where undersea gas deposits have been discovered in several areas, even as it overlaps with the territories of its Asian neighbors.

Manila has sought international arbitration to try to declare as illegal China’s massive claim.

News reports say Chinese coast guard vessels have been seen first in waters being disputed by China and Japan off the Japanese territorial waters in the East China Sea islands called Senkaku in Japanese and Diaoyu in Chinese.

China's integrated Coast Guard Agency began its operation on Monday.

The unified China Coast Guard integrates the functions of marine surveillance, the existing coast guard that came under the police, fisheries law enforcement and Customs' anti-smuggling maritime police, an Agence France Presse report said, adding divisions “that were not allowed to be equipped with weapons can be armed now."

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/318989/news/nation/new-chinese-coast-guard-ship-seen-in-phl-territory

Enlisted NGCP employees start military orientation training

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 24): Enlisted NGCP employees start military orientation training
 
After being approved by Malacanang as the 1st Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Affiliated Power Division Reserve Unit, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), together with the AFP Reserve Command (AFPRESCOM), has started the military orientation training of 173 reservist candidates from the system operator.

Collectively known as Class HO 01-2013, the reservist candidates will be trained to lead the NGCP in protecting transmission operations and facilities in times of national emergencies.

Confirmed by AFPRESCOM Commander BGen. Quirino Calonzo, Class HO 01-2013 will undergo a 120-hour training which will facilitate the candidates’ effective response to the program’s four-pronged mission: serve as base for AFP’s expansion in case of war and calamities, assist in disaster response, aid in economic development, and continuously provide basic services.

“There will be no regrets in signing up,” assured BGen. Calonzo to the first batch of reservist candidates. Upon training completion, the trainees will become full-pledged members of the Reserve Force of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

NGCP cited the value of rendering service to the country, more than the prestige gained from fulfilling their assignment. “NGCP is confident that through the training of our enlisted employees, we will be ready to assist AFP in times of national emergencies by safely protecting the Philippine power grid.”

NGCP is a privately owned corporation in charge of operating, maintaining, and developing the country’s power grid. It transmits high-voltage electricity through “power superhighways” that include the interconnected system of transmission lines, towers, substations, and related assets. NGCP secures and protects the transmission facilities through anti-pilferage programs and related activities to ensure that power delivery service remains uninterrupted at all times.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=547496

AFP supports call to revive ROTC

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 24): AFP supports call to revive ROTC

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is amenable to the proposal of the Association of General and Flag Officers, Inc. (AGFO) calling for the revival of the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC).

"Decades ago, the Philippines was defended by members of the ROTC in Bataan (during World War II) at the time even if they are in a very young age," Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said.

He added that ROTC service, during the Commonwealth period, inculcated patriotism, love of country and discipline to the youths who undertook training at that time.

"For the past 11 years, we have not seen this kind of patriotism so I think this resolution is very timely it is something that should be looked into and considered so we can bring back patriotism and service and love of country inculcated in our youth," Zagala stressed.

AFGO earlier claimed that geopolitical developments in the Asia Pacific region have accentuated the weaknesses of the Philippine defense posture and exposed the very limited capabilities of the AFP to defend the national sovereignty.

"Whereas, 10 years after the abolition of the ROTC as a mandatory program, there is now growing sentiment that the national defense preparedness of our nation has not been served well since the alternative programs in the National Service Training Program are deemed insufficient to inculcate the values of discipline and patriotism required of every citizen and do not address the military training ideally required of every citizens," the group stated.

The ROTC was scrapped in 2002 after Mark Wilson Chua, an engineering student of the University of Sto. Tomas, was killed in 2001 for attempting to expose corrupt practices in the then mandatory civilian military training.

Zagala also hopes that the reactivation of the ROTC will instill discipline, love of country and commitment to heed the call to serve among today's youths.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=547547

Speaker Belmonte vows swift passage of the creation of Bangsamoro region

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 24): Speaker Belmonte vows swift passage of the creation of Bangsamoro region

Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr., on Wednesday vowed swift passage of a proposed law that would pave the way for the creation of Bangsamoro region in response to President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino 3rd commitment for peace which he highlighted during his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) last Monday.

Belmonte said there would be no serious or stiff opposition to the establishment of Bangsamoro Region as the end result of the peace agreement being pushed by the President and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), especially if proponents can explain very well the necessity of the details, including the wealth-sharing agreement.

“As usual, there will be pros and cons. But I am very confident that as along as it can be shown to us to be a reasonable thing and that would finally end the decades of conflict which is really one of the things that is holding back the development of our country, I am confident that the House will carry it,” Belmonte said in an interview.

Anak Mindanao party-list Rep. Sitti Djalia Turabin, wife ofAutonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Gov. Mujiv Hataman, credited President Aquino for his commitment to attaining peace in Mindanao by establishing the Bangsamoro region to replace ARMM.

“The highlight for me was his commitment to the peace process. The call for Congress to support it and the assurance that what the Bangsamoro Basic Law will contain will be deliverable,” Turabin explained in a separate interview.

According to Turabin, she thinks they need to support the negotiations first and applaud the fact that both parties reached an agreement, particularly on the wealth-sharing.

“It is not the time to be negative about the figures as it will still go through the Transition Commission, Congress, and then ratification by the people thru a plebiscite. Let us be thankful that both parties continue to talk, eventually, it will be the people who will decide the fate of the Bangsamoro region,” Turabin pointed out.

Belmonte also said he is hoping that what the creation of Bangsamoro region will just need new laws and would not deal on amending the Constitution.

Under the agreement of the government and MILF, 75% of the taxes collected by the central leadership will go to Bangsamoro region from the current 70 percent under ARMM.

With respect to natural resources, the Bangsamoro government will enjoy 100 percent of revenues from non-metallic resources (sand, gravel and quarry resources) and 75 percent from metallic resources.

In the case of fossil fuels (petroleum, natural gas, and coal) and uranium, the Bangsamoro government and the central government would equally share the income.

But both parties committed to incorporate a review mechanism of this scheme in the Bangsamoro law.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=547576

Suspected NPA member kills ex-cop in Sorsogon town

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 24): Suspected NPA member kills ex-cop in Sorsogon town

A suspected New People's Army (NPA) member gunned down on Wednesday morning a retired police officer at his residence in Barangay Gadgaron, Matnog town, Sorsogon, a Philippine National Police (PNP) officer said.

Inspector Malou Calubaquid, PNP Bicol spokesperson, identified the victim as Virgilio Miguel Garra, a retired senior police officer 1 (SPO1) formerly assigned at the PNP National Capital Regional Police Office and a native of Matnog, Sorsogon.

Calubaquid said initial police report said the victim was at the lawn of his house, a few meters from the Highway Patrol Group (HPG) checkpoint, at around 7:00 a.m., Wednesday, when the suspect -- believed to be a member of the NPA and armed with a .45-caliber pistol -- approached Garra and fired at him at close range, killing him instantly.

The suspect immediately fled upon seeing the victim dead.

Police investigators said Garra sustained two bullet wounds on his head.

The victim was brought to a funeral parlor for autopsy.

Garra was a former security aide of Matnog Mayor Emil Ubaldo.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=547542

NPA rebels torch 2 heavy equipment in Catanduanes

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 24): NPA rebels torch 2 heavy equipment in Catanduanes

New People's Army (NPA) members burned on Wednesday afternoon two units of heavy equipment in Barangay Sulong, San Miguel town in Catanduanes, a Philippine National Police (PNP) Bicol official said.

Inspector Malou Calubaquid, PNP Bicol spokesperson, said at least five heavily armed communist rebels torched two units of backhoe that were parked at a roadside in Sitio Ugaw, Barangay Sulong, at around 1:00 p.m., Wednesday.

Calubaquid said the rebels poured gasoline into the equipment owned by Sun West Corp., a construction firm implementing a road opening project in the village, about 15.7 kilometers from Virac -- the capital town of Catanduanes.

The NPA guerrillas did not harm the heavy equipment operator and other workers who were having a lunch break when the attack occurred.

Police investigators said the burning was a sort of harassment after the construction firm rejected the extortion demands of the NPAs in the past.

The burning of two heavy equipment on Wednesday was the second incident since 2010 where several heavy equipment from the Sun West Corp. were similarly burned while implementing being used in a construction work at a government circumferential road project in Catanduanes.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=547615

200 families flee in continuing MNLF-MILF clash in NorCot

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 24): 200 families flee in continuing MNLF-MILF clash in NorCot 

Close to 200 families were affected by the ongoing three-day skirmishes between factions of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) at Sitio Leonard, Barangay Manubuan in Matalam, North Cotabato.

Mona Reyes, a health workers in Barangay Manubuan, has sought help from authorities to end the deep-seated land conflict in her village.

Reyes’ house was razed after it was hit by a rifle grenade fired during the gunbattle.

On Monday, an MNLF member identified as Larry Panga was injured during the fighting.

Reyes said the renewed MNLF-MILF skirmishes resulted to massive evacuation from her village.

The evacuees, she reported, are housed temporarily at Manubuan Elementary School and Amas Elementary School in nearby Barangay Amas, Kidapawan City.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=547616

4 firms to participate in DND attack helicopter program

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 24): 4 firms to participate in DND attack helicopter program

Four international helicopter manufacturers have participated in the pre-bid conference of the Dept. of National Defense's attack helicopter program.

These firms are the Boeing Company, Eurocopter Group,AgustaWestland NV and MD Helicopters, Inc.

All four aerospace companies have acquired the required bidding documents.

The Boeing Company is an American multinational aerospace and defense corporation.

Founded in 1916 by William E. Boeing in Seattle, Washington, the company has expanded over the years, and merged with McDonnell Douglas in 1997.

Boeing moved its corporate headquarters from Seattle to Chicago, Illinois, in 2001.

It is made up of multiple business units, which are Boeing Commercial Airplanes; Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS); Engineering, Operations & Technology; Boeing Capital; and Boeing Shared Services Group.

The Eurocopter Group is a global helicopter manufacturing and support company.

It is the largest in the industry in terms of revenues and turbine helicopter deliveries.

Its head office is on the property of Marseille-Provence International Airport in Marignane, France, near Marseille.

Eurocopter's main facilities are at its headquarters in Marignane, France at Eurocopter Deutschland GmbH in Donauwörth, Germany and at Eurocopter España in Albacete, Spain.

While AgustaWestland NV is a British-Italian multinational helicopter design and manufacturing company, and a wholly owned subsidiary of Finmeccanica.

It was formed in July 2000 when Finmeccanica and GKN merged their respective helicopter subsidiaries (Agusta and Westland Helicopters) to form AgustaWestland, with each holding a 50 percent share. Finmeccanica acquired GKN's stake in AgustaWestland in 2004.

MD Helicopters, Inc. is an American aerospace company that produces helicopters primarily for military/civil aviation use. Coverage here includes the company's tenure as McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Systems, a subsidiary of McDonnell Douglas.

The DND attack helicopter program has a budget of P3,441,460,000 and will be sourced from the General Appropriations Act and the AFP Modernization Act Trust Fund of 2000.

The helicopters must have full night operation capability and complete weapon systems aside from integrated logistics support package.

"These helicopters shall be capable of performing close air support during day and night, and navigate safely during inadvertent instrument meteorological condition. Furthermore, they shall be equipped with armaments and avionics system highly suitable for said flying operation conditions. The guiding principles for this project shall be based on affordability and sustainability while conforming to the requirements of our Air Force in furtherance of accomplishing its mission," documents obtained by the PNA disclosed.

Bidders should have completed, within 10 years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the project

"Delivery of the goods is required within a period of 540 calendar days from the opening of the letter of credit. Bidders should have completed, within 10 years from the date of submission and receipt of bids, a contract similar to the project," the documents stated.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=547475

Retired generals want ROTC back in colleges

From Rappler (Jul 24): Retired generals want ROTC back in colleges



BRING BACK MANDATORY ROTC: Retired senior military officials support the revival of mandatory ROTC

Retired military generals are proposing that the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program be made mandatory again in schools again.

They noted that the abolition of the program more than a decade ago has weakend the country's "defense posture." This becomes a concern, they say, because of recent "developments" in the region.

"Geopolitical developments in the Asia Pacific region have accentuated the weaknesses of the Philippine defense posture and exposed the very limited capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to defend the national sovereignty," reads the resolution issued by the Association of General and Flag Officers Inc (AGFO).

It was signed by retired generals Edilberto Adan, Romulo Cabantac, Miguel Sol, Oscar Cabaron, and Quintin Alucia, among others.

The mandatory ROTC was abolished after investigation showed that a University of Santo Tomas student was murdered after he exposed alleged corruption in the ROTC. It became a volunteer program in 2002.

AGFO said the alternative programs in the National Service Training Program (NSTP) are "deemed insufficient to inculcate the values of discipline and patriotism required of every citizen and do not address the military training ideally required of every citizen."

"The revival of the ROTC as a mandatory program for tertiary students should be considered by government since the NSTP is seemingly wanting in attaining its objectives," the resolution added.

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin earlier made statements supporting the revival of the mandatory ROTC program.

For disaster response?

Sought for reaction, AFP public affairs chief Lt Col Ramon Zagala said the proposal is timely – because "we are experiencing, at the moment, threats."

He said the AFP is "very much capable of defending the country even if we dont' have an active ROTC."

There are about 354,000 in the Reserve Command, said Zagala.

Zagala said what can be done right now is to "enhance the program to make it attractive so our students will volunteer" to go through the program.

The corps could help in disaster response, he said, because it is a group that can be organized easily.

 

"We don’t need war to have patriotism. We don’t need war to show love for country. It's the responsibility of every citizen," he said.

"Our environment is fast changing. We have experienced floods and disasters in areas we did not have before. Where can you muster enough people to help respond immediately?" he said.

Zagala said the ROTC prepares young Filipinos to help the country. But he recognized the flaws discovered in the past should be corrected.

"People may believe marching under the sun or doing drills are useless. It is instilling discipline. Can you handle hardship and being under pressure? These are things you have to face when the country calls you."

http://www.rappler.com/nation/34685-retired-generals-rotc-colleges

Filipinos tell China: Bad feng shui to take what isn't yours

From Rappler (Jul 24): Filipinos tell China: Bad feng shui to take what isn't yours



'GLOBAL PROTEST.' Hundreds of protesters troop to the Chinese consulate to denounce Beijing's 'bullying' over the West Philippine Sea. Photo by Vincent Go

Marimi de la Fuente quietly held up a homemade poster Wednesday, July 24, as groups swelled in front of the Chinese consulate in Makati City to protest China’s incursions in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

“Bad feng shui to take what isn’t yours,” her poster said.

De la Fuente wasn't among the groups that organized the rally, but she came anyway to protest “Chinese aggression and their imperialism.”

She joined hundreds who trooped to the World Center, which houses the Chinese consulate, at noon on Wednesday.

The newly formed West Philippine Sea Coalition led the protest, which stretched until past 1 pm.



BAD LUCK. Marimi de la Fuente says China's territorial incursion is 'bad feng shui.' Photo by Rappler/Paterno Esmaquel II

De la Fuente said: “I have nothing against the Chinese people. I have everything against the Chinese government. They’re bullying our government. That’s why I’m here. I want them to know that they cannot bully the Filipino people.”

The rally came as the Philippines and China engaged in a word war over their territorial dispute.

The Philippine government on Wednesday disowned the protest. "No, we do not have a hand on this," presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said.

In an apparent reaction to the rally, the Chinese consulate on Wednesday closed its visa section "for security reasons."

Like Jericho’s walls

Singing the Philippine national anthem twice, protesters considered the rally a show of patriotism.



FOR BEIJING. Protesters blow their horns to reenact the fall of Jericho. Photo by Vincent Go

Several times during the two-hour event, a Christian group also blew horns to reenact the biblical story of the fall of Jericho.

In the Bible, the Israelites conquered Jericho after priests marched for 6 days and, on the 7th day, blew their horns. Jericho’s walls collapsed – which protesters also want to happen to China in its territorial row with the Philippines.

Wearing a collarless shirt, former Sen Rene Saguisag said he attended the rally as an “ordinary citizen” to support the movement against China’s claims.

He said it’s time the Philippines put its foot down, after China’s incursions in the Ayungin and Scarborough Shoals.



'IT'S OURS.' One of the protest leaders, former National Security Adviser Roilo Golez, shows maps to disprove China's territorial claims. Photo by Vincent Go

“We have to take a stand, dahil 'yung Ayungin, Scarborough, pinipitik na lang tayo eh. It’s our own self interest. Hindi sa Kano, hindi sa Intsik, hindi sa Hapon, kundi kung anong ikabubuti ng Pilipino, dahil ayoko na paglaki ng mga apo ko, problema pa rin ito,” Saguisag said.

(We have to take a stand, because in Ayungin and Scarborough, China is picking on us. It’s our own self-interest. Not for the Americans, not for the Chinese, not for the Japanese, but for Filipinos, because I don’t want my grandchildren to grow up with this problem unresolved.)

War? So what?

Saguisag deflected concerns that the protest could worsen the rift between Manila and Beijing.



POLICE BARRICADE. Policemen block protesters from going near the building that houses the Chinese consulate. Photo by Rappler/LeANNE Jazul

“Kaysa naman pipi tayo na hindi natin pinapaano ang ano natin. Eh ano kung lumala? Giyera sa Tsina? Ang ikinakatakot ko pag nagkagiyera sa Tsina, baka manalo tayo eh,” the former senator said.

(That’s better than keeping quiet about this. So what if it worsens? War with China? My fear is that if we’re caught in a war with China, we could even win.)

He said the rally will make China “pay a little attention. This will be noticed, I’m sure.”

Organizers said similar rallies were scheduled in other countries, such as Australia, Canada, and the United States.



RALLY ORGANIZERS. The West Philippine Sea Coalition urges Filipinos to protest against China's claims through other means. Photo by Rappler/LeANNE Jazul

One of the protest leaders, former Interior Secretary Rafael Alunan III, said Filipinos should use social media and other means to protest against China.

“We’re asking Filipinos to take leadership wherever they are,” Alunan said.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/34709-filipinos-global-protest-china

Suspected rebels gun down ex-cop in Sorsogon

From InterAksyon (Jul 24): Suspected rebels gun down ex-cop in Sorsogon

A retired policeman was shot dead Wednesday morning by suspected communist rebels near a checkpoint of the Highway Patrol Group in Barangay Gadgaron, Matnog, Sorsogon.

Superintendent Renato Bataller, spokesman of Regional Police Office 5, said Virgilio Miguel Garra, who retired a senior police officer 1 and spent his last year in the service with the National Capital Regional Police Office, was gunned down in front of his residence.

The former policeman died immediately when he was shot twice in the head with a .45 caliber pistol.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/67099/suspected-rebels-gun-down-ex-cop-in-sorsogon

Suspected NPA rebels torch 2 backhoes in Catanduanes

From InterAksyon (Jul 24): Suspected NPA rebels torch 2 backhoes in Catanduanes

Five suspected communist rebels Wednesday torched two pieces of heavy equipment owned by a private company in Sito Ugaw, Barangay Sulong, San Miguel, Catanduanes, the public information office of the Police Regional Office 5 (Bicol) said.

Bicol police spokesman Supt. Renato Bataller said the burning of two back hoes owned by Sun West Corporation happened at around 1 p.m. “[The equipment] were burned by five suspected rebels armed with M-16 and M-14 rifles,” said Bataller, citing a sketchy report forwarded by the information office of the Catanduanes Provincial Police Office.

Elements of the police’s Regional and Provincial Public Safety Battalion and Army soldiers were in hot pursuit of the New People’s Army members.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/67117/suspected-npa-rebels-torch-2-backhoes-in-catanduanes

SLIDESHOW | Not made in China

From InterAksyon (Jul 24): SLIDESHOW | Not made in China

Multi sectoral groups led by the West Philippine Sea Coalition (WPSC) rally against “home invasion” by the Chinese government of Philippine territorial waters dubbed as "Global day of protest against Chinese aggression" in front of the consular section of the Chinese Embassy in Makati City.
(Bernard Testa/InterAksyon.com)

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/67115/slideshow--not-made-in-china

Protest vs China 'bullying' shuts down consulate in central business district

From InterAksyon (Jul 24): Protest vs China 'bullying' shuts down consulate in central business district



Thousands of people from over 30 citizen groups picketed the Chinese consulate in Makati City Wednesday to protest China’s occupation of Philippine reefs and shoals, and demanding that Beijing act responsibly and follow the rule of law as a case filed by Manila gets under way at a UN tribunal.

The Chinese embassy closed its consulate for the day as a result of the rally, which coincided with similar protests around the world where July 24 is being observed as the “global day of protest” against China’s aggressive assertion of sovereignty in disputed waters in resource-rich South China Sea, which Manila calls West Philippine Sea.

The protests came a day after China announced it was launching its integrated Coast Guard service in order to better conduct maritime policing in areas it claimed, as a result of which more heretofore unarmed civilian vessels will now be armed.  The expected escalation of Chinese Coast Guard operations is seen to heighten tensions between the Asian giant and its neighbors in Southeast and East Asia.

The Chinese Embassy in Manila released a note that it will be closing its visa section in Makati City on Wednesday for “security reasons”.

Outside, the alliance of 30 groups explained the point of the protests: “Whatever our political or ideological differences, now is the time to stand as one nation so we can show to the Chinese government and to the world that we are united and we are determined to defend our country’s honor, dignity and sovereignty, ” former Interior and Local Government Secretary Rafael Alunan III said.

China controls 3 PH reefs

Under China’s so-called “cabbage strategy,”  Chinese ships now practically control  three Philippine reefs– Panganiban (Mischief), Panatag (Scarborough) and Ayungin, where three Chinese ships have been deployed to enforce a three-layered security.

Alunan, former Paranaque City Rep. Roilo Golez and Nick Sotelo are the co-convenors of the Western Philippine Sea Coalition, which organized today’s rally in the Philippines.

Golez, head of the “Di Ka Pasisiil” Movement and a former naval officer and National Security Adviser, said that “today’s rally is just the start of a series of activities here and abroad aimed at drawing together the diverse sectors of Philippine society and engaging them in the campaign to thwart China’s illegal designs on the country’s territorial and Exclusive Economic Zone.”

Besides shining a light on China’s illegal push into the West Philippine Sea,  Alunan said the coalition also wants to project that “we are not against the Chinese people. In fact, we would like to reach out to the Chinese people with whom we have had a long history of amity and cooperation even before Magellan encountered LapuLapu in 1521. We are not against you. We are against your government’s lawless policy of intrusion, occupation, theft of natural resources and intimidation in our Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).“    

He added: “we are asking China to be a good neighbor, to avoid unilateral action on disputed waters, and to stop its provocations. We are asking China to respect the rule of law, particularly the Law of the Sea to which it is a signatory. We are asking China to take the peaceful path toward dispute resolution to prove its claims before ITLOS.”

For his part, Golez said the rallies are meant “to show that we fully support the government’s goal to modernize and professionalize our military forces. We must attain the means to present a credible defense posture at the soonest possible time that would enable us to protect our EEZ, defend our territorial integrity and uphold national honor.”

Similar rallies around the world

Meanwhile,, similar rallies were also being held in a global protest action staged by the U.S. Pinoys for Good Government (USP4GG) in several cities in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and by other Filipino organizations in the cities of Rome, Copenhagen, London, Adelaide,  Brisbane, Vienna and in Cambodia.

Other speakers at the Makati City rally were Akbayan Rep. Walden Bello, former Akbayan Rep. Riza Hontiveros, Leah Navarro of the Black and White Movement, Gibby Gorres of the Student Alliance of the Philippines, Bishop Mike delos Reyes of the Philippine for Jesus’ Movement, and columnist Jarius Bondoc of the Philippine Star.

U.S. based Loida Nicolas Lewis, chairwoman of USP4GG, sent a pre-taped message aired during the rally.

Filipino musicians and artists also performed at the rally.

The mass action was joined in by: Former Senior Government Officials (FSGO), Di KaPasisiil Movement (DKPM), Akbayan, Rebolusyonaryong Alyansang Makabayan (RAM), Civil Defense Action Group (CDAG),  Student Alliance of the Philippines (SAP), UP Women Lawyers (UPWL), Guardian s Stop Global Warming Foundation (GSGWF), Spirit Of EDSA Foundation (SOEF), Muslim Coalition, Zonta Manila, UP Pi  Omicron Fraternity, Guardians, Rockwell Forum, Gawad Kalinga Expats, SHED Microfinance Group, Deborah Youth, Pinoy Fishmart Multi-Purpose Cooperative, Cavitenong Makabayan, Rotarians of Bikol, CIBAC, People's Power Volunteers for Reform (PPRV), Friendscare, Theresa Makabayan of St. Theresa’s College, Tsinoy Tayo, Ateneo for Better Philippines, Sheld, World Vision, Pillars in Media, Las Pinas Coalition, Gising Kabataan of San Juan, Bulacan Coalition, Expats in the Philippines, and Lewis College.

The protesters also counted religious organizations such as the CamSur All Pastors Group (CSAPG), March For Jesus Movement (MFJM), Jesus Is Lord Manila and Bulacan Chapters, Philippines for Zion, Prayer for Jerusalem, Grain New Wine and Oil Ministries, Shofar Blowers of Grain New Wine and Oil Ministries (GNWOM) , Word for the World Makati City, World for Christ Fellowship Laguna, Christians in Media, Every Nation Church of Vietnam, and members of the Iglesia ni Cristo, and El Shaddai.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/67116/protest-vs-china-bullying-shuts-down-consulate-in-central-business-district