Remember Zamboanga? Misuari's fake UN ally arrested

From Rappler (Nov 26): Remember Zamboanga? Misuari's fake UN ally arrested

American Daniel Xavier allegedly worked with Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) founder Nur Misuari to mislead hundreds of Muslim fighters who attacked Zamboanga City in September. He supposedly introduced himself to them as a representative of the United Nations (UN), promising support for their call for the re-negotiation of 1996 peace agreement between the government and the MNLF.

Xavier was arrested on Tuesday, November 26, at 3:30 am in Bulua, Cagayan De Oro City, near a bus terminal, police sources told Rappler. He was brought to the police Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit based in the northern Mindanao city.

The UN flagged the activities of Xavier in Mindanao as early as July, or 2 months before the Zamboanga siege.

“The UN in the Philippines has been informed that a certain [Mr. Daniel Xavier] is falsely claiming to represent the UN in particular in Mindanao. He has, in this false capacity, engaged with various persons and agencies in Mindanao,” the UN earlier said in a statement.

He was supposedly spotted in Sulu a week before the attack in Zamboanga City. Misuari, Malik and many of the fighters are from Sulu but other fighters from nearby provinces also joined them.

Xavier is among at least 60 individuals, along with Misuari, who are facing rebellion charges over the bloody Zamboanga siege that killed 25 government troops, 12 civilians, and hundreds of rebels.

MNLF Commander Habier Malik, who led the attack, is presumed dead although his body has not been found. He was Misuari's top lieutenant. (READ: Habier Malik 'obviously' dead)

There are reports that Misuari has left the country. About 300 MNLF fighters were captured during and after the siege.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/44609-misuari-fake-united-nations-ally

Women dominate military course

From the Manila Standard Today (Nov 26): Women dominate military course

Armed Forces Chief Emmanuel Bautista on Monday congratulated 140 graduates of the Officer Candidate Course held in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, with women outdoing their male counterparts.

Leading the batch that received their diploma and awards from President Benigno Aquino III were Probationary 2Lt. Mary Jean Cabillete, Army; P/2Lt. Kristyl May Beatingo, Air Force; and P/ENS. Vanessa Katrina Tulang, Navy.

Bautista dispelled any sex bias in the military establishment.

“May gender equality tayo sa Armed Forces,” he said, adding that women do frontline combat duties as well. “We have women wounded in action.”

Other awardees are P/2LT. Shiela Mae Enderez (Army); P/2LT. John Red Honrales (PAF); and P/ENS Tiffany Ann Palmares (Navy) received the Secretary of National Defense Saber.

P/2LT. Mike Vergel Conception (Army); P/2LT. Janna B. Ontong (PAF); and P/ENS Eunice Fe M. Sabado (Navy) received the Chief of Staff Saber.

Of the 140 graduates, 55 are assigned to the Army, 40 to the Navy and 45 to the Air Force.

“The AFP that you are joining today is in the midst of a transformation. Now, you all have the responsibility of shaping and leading this transformation, in the spirit of the vision and renewed call to reform inspired by our President,” Bautista said.
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2013/11/26/women-dominate-military-course/

Yolanda justifies US troops’ PH presence

From the Manila Standard Today (Nov 26): Yolanda justifies US troops’ PH presence

Super Typhoon Yolanda brought out the need for increased presence of US troops in the Philippines, Foreign Affairs secretary Albert del Rosario said on Monday.

In a press conference with the US congressional delegation headed by Representatives Chris Smith of New Jersey, Al Green of Texas and Trent Franks of Arizona, del Rosario said that the U.S. response to Yolanda justified the need for a new military framework agreement.

Smith on the other hand seconded del Rosario’s statement, stressing that the storm has brought the Philippines and the US together giving a positive boost to the ongoing bilateral negotiations between the two countries.

“Those of us who are here are very much in favor of the strongest possible bond between the US military and the Philippine military in every aspect and we know there are negotiation that are underway,” Smith said.

“I think in a paradoxical way the storm has brought all of us even closer together,” he added.

Green, for his part, said he would do everything that his government will do to solidify the US-Philippines’ friendship including efforts in bringing both military together.

“What we can to solidify that more and more,” he said.

He said that the increased rational agreement could be the key to bring the U.S and Philippine military together.

The congressional delegation is in the country to expressed the sympathies of the American people, to check the relief operations and to assess what else is needed in terms of emergency relief, rehabilitation and rebuilding.

The negotiation for the US increased rotational presence in the Philippines is an integral part of the Obama administration’s repivot to Asia policy after more than a decade of preoccupation in its war against terrorism campaign in the Middle East, hit a snag days before Yolanda flattened our parts of Leyte and Samar provinces.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2013/11/26/yolanda-justifies-us-troops-ph-presence/

As Japan warns Beijing, South Korea, too, asserts control within China's new 'air zone'

From InterAksyon (Nov 25): As Japan warns Beijing, South Korea, too, asserts control within China's new 'air zone'



South Korea cruise missiles. REUTERS FILE PHOTO

South Korea stressed Monday its "unchanging" control over an area that overlaps with China's newly-declared air defense zone and said it would raise the issue at high-level talks with Beijing.

China announced on Saturday that it was setting up the zone in the East China Sea, incorporating islands disputed by China, Japan, and South Korea.

Seoul called the move "regrettable" as it overlapped with its own air defense zone and incorporated a disputed, submerged, South Korean-controlled rock - known as Ieodo - that has long been a source of diplomatic tension with Beijing.

"I'd like to say once again that we have unchanging territorial control over Ieodo," South Korean defense ministry spokesman Kim Min-Seok told reporters on Monday.

Kim said the two sides would have "in-depth discussions" on the matter during scheduled talks between their deputy defense ministers in Seoul on Thursday.

In an effort to strengthen its claim over Ieodo, South Korea built a maritime research station on the submerged rock in 2003 - despite strong Chinese opposition.

China's declaration of the new "air defense identification zone" triggered an angrier response from Japan, which refused to recognize the measure and warned of "unpredictable events" if Beijing should seek to have it enforced.

China has already released a set of aircraft identification rules that must be followed by planes entering the area.

The development further raises the stakes in an already dangerous stand-off between Tokyo and Beijing over a set of islands, known as the Senkakus in Japan and the Diaoyus in China.

The dispute has seen coastguard vessels and planes from both sides engage in tit-for-tat shows of force.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/75526/as-japan-warns-beijing-south-korea-too-asserts-control-within-chinas-new-air-zone

AFP takes over international miltary air, naval efforts

From InterAksyon (Nov 26): AFP takes over international miltary air, naval efforts



Major General Jeffrey Delgado, deputy commander of Joint Task Force Yolanda, shakes hands with US Navy Rear Admiral Hugh Wetherald, Joint Force Maritime Component Commander for Joint Task Force 505, to signify the transfer of responsibility for total coordination of maritime forces in support of super typhoon 'Yolanda' response to the Armed Forces of the Philippines. (US Marine Corps photo by CWO3 Jonathan C. Knauth)

The command and control of air and maritime assets under “Oplan Damayan,” the international military relief and rehabilitation in areas struck by super typhoon “Yolanda,” has been turned over to the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The Air Coordination Component Element of Joint Task Force 505, Damayan’s command and control center, was turned over to the Philippine Air Force, PAF spokesman Col. Miguel Ernesto Okol said Tuesday. It was formerly led by US Brigadier General James Hecker.

The maritime component, on the other hand, was turned over by US Rear Admiral Hugh Wetherland to Major General Jeffrey Delgado, deputy commander of the AFP’s Joint Task Force Yolanda.

JTF-505 was formed on November 16 to assist the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade during the initial stage of relief operations.

Okol said the last shipment of USAID delivered by a US Air Force C-130H to Tacloban City was made on November 23.

The PAF is now coordinating its efforts with the Joint Force Maritime Component Commander.

“The ACCE has met all air coordination requirements and assistance benchmarks set by the Philippine government and the JTF. The PAF is thankful for their support during the initial and surge response phases, but we are confident that their assistance is no longer required,” PAF chief Lieutenant General Lauro Catalino dela Cruz said in a statement.

JTF-505’s air component conducted more than 1,100 sorties, delivering over 2,000 tons of relief supplies to date.

It also evacuated more than 20,100 people from affected areas and delivered more than 2,000 relief workers to Tacloban.

This is apart from 698 air sorties and 49 naval sorties by the Philippine military from November 9 to 20.

Over 11 million pounds of relief goods were also ferried by AFP air and naval assets, and 135 trucks of relief goods transported by ground assets in Leyte, Ormoc, Guiuan, Borongan, Samar, Camotes, Bantayan, Cebu, Tagbilaran, Roxas, Aklan, Iloilo, Palawan, Masbate, and Mindoro as of November 20.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/75637/afp-takes-over-international-miltary-air-naval-efforts

MILF: BDA-PLEDGE joins International Workshop on Entrepreneurship in Italy

From the MILF Website (Nov 26): BDA-PLEDGE joins International Workshop on Entrepreneurship in Italy

 

The Program Coordinator of Program for Local Economic Development through Enhanced Governance and Grassroots Empowerment (PLEDGE) currently implemented by the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) attended an international workshop on entrepreneurship in Turin, Italy.
  

Julhaina Cadon, BDA-PLEDGE Program Coordinator, was among the international delegates who joined the training entitled Value Chain Development for Descent Work: Reaching Scale, Fostering Sustainability and Promoting Equity at the International Labour Organization (ILO)-International Training Centre, Turin, Italy on November 11-15, 2013.

Cadon leads the implementation of PLEDGE which primarily focuses on enhanced community ownership for sustainable livelihood and the development of human resources.

Still in the early phase of execution, PLEDGE program helps develop value-added chain on local products from the grassroots communities thereby increasing its quality and profitability and further aims to generate more employment opportunities.

Cadon shared in the training the BDA’s experience in implementing PLEDGE Program, “given that the communities being served are conflict-affected.”

Value chain development practitioners coming from different countries in the world attended the event which aims to empower small enterprises (SEs) to sell to more stable, higher volume or higher value markets.

Cadon related, “The workshop enables participants to share knowledge with partners and stakeholders about the value chain development principles and applications.”
In implementing PLEDGE, Cadon said “We have recently conducted values chain analysis and this training is very useful for the implementation of PLEDGE program.” The training is filled with workshops, lecture and experiences-sharing.

She further elucidated, “This contributes to the design and implementation of market driven value chain development projects using a participatory approach.”
PLEDGE is one of the components of the Mindanao Trust Fund Reconstruction and Development Program (MTF-RDP) administered by the World Bank, and ILO as its trust fund recipient (TFR). 

The program is aimed on the creation of sustainable livelihood in communities enhancing community ownership through participatory approach and with enhanced support networks and services.

BDA continues in providing capacity-building support to its staff to become more effective “agents of change.” The agency, which was created in 2001, has been the lead entity working for the rehabilitation and development of conflict affected areas in Mindanao with the help of local and international partners.

At present, BDA also dwells in formulating the Bangsamoro Development Plan that will serve as a blue-print for the holistic development of Bangsamoro homeland to be implemented by the upcoming “Bangsamoro” a New Political Entity that will replace the ARMM.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/674-bda-pledge-joins-international-workshop-on-entrepreneurship-in-italy

MILF: Sajahatra Bangsamoro – SouthMin starts Community Livelihood Needs Assessment Planning

From the MILF Website (Nov 26): Sajahatra Bangsamoro – SouthMin starts Community Livelihood Needs Assessment Planning



The staff of Sajahatra Bangsamoro in Southern Mindanao started the Community Livelihood Needs Assessment Planning (CLNAP) geared to come up with a project proposal that will help address the issue of poverty in the community.
  

For Southern Mindanao Region, CLNAP commenced with a community assembly that was conducted in Barangay Sumbakel in Polomolok, South Cotabato on November 12, 2013.

Barangay Sumbakel will pilot the implementation of livelihood project in Southern Mindanao under the Sajahatra Bangsamoro.

Around 160 constituents of Barangay Sumbakel attended the assembly. The participants got   oriented about the Sajahatra Bangsamoro program components.

They also identified 25 Community Volunteers (CVs) who committed to help draft the Base Map (BM) and Thematic Map (TM).

BM and TM are useful tools which help describe the real situation of the barangay. TM conveys the issues and concerns of the community in thematic areas like economy, environment, health and education.

With the aid of TM, the community members will be able to identify the top ten priority needs of the Barangay.

The tool shall also give a hint on what livelihood activities are feasible in the community and who should be the priority beneficiaries.

Sajahatra Bangsamoro is an initiative of the Government of the Philippines supported by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front which delivers livelihood, education and health assistance to target conflict affected areas in Mindanao.

In Southern Mindanao around 500 households were enrolled to PhilHealth and 16 college freshmen students are being provided educational assistance. The program also targets 500 beneficiaries for the Cash for Work program under its livelihood component.

Around 10 beneficiaries have already availed the services of the PhilHealth.
The program implementation is being carried out in collaboration with line agencies which include the Commission on Higher Education, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation,  and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources shall engage with Sajahatra for the reforestation program.

Sajahatra is supported by the Mindanao Trust Fund Reconstruction and Development Programme (MTFRDP).

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/675-sajahatra-bangsamoro-–-southmin-starts-community-livelihood-needs-assessment-planning

Army general who survived ‘Yolanda’ promoted

From the Visayan Daily Star (Nov 25): Army general who survived ‘Yolanda’ promoted

One of the 12 newly-promoted Army generals was a survivor of super typhoon Yolanda in Tacloban, Leyte.

Maj. Gen. Jet Joel Belarmino floated at sea for several hours when their satellite office near the Tacloban airport was hit by the storm surge and flashflood, military records show.

Belarmino, commanding general of the Army’ 8th Infantry Division in Eastern Samar, used to be assigned as commander of the 6th Special Forces Battalion in Brgy. La Granja, La Carlota City in Negros Occidental.

Before his appointment as 8ID commander, Belarmino was Army chief of staff and deputy commander of the Special Operations Command.

Army chief, Lt. Gen. Noel Coballes, said the promotion of Maj. Gen. Belarmino is fitting as he handled very well the situation in converging efforts to help the victims of typhoon “Yolanda”.

He himself was a survivor of Yolanda’s onslaught, Coballes said.

Coballes recently led the donning of ranks by the 12 newly-promoted generals, including Belarmino, Major Gen. Aurelio Baladad, 3rd Infantry Division commander, and Brig. Gen. Ivan Samarita, who also served as 11th Infantry Battalion commander in central Negros.

As 3ID commander in the Western Visayas region, Baladad had personally seen the havoc brought about by the super typhoon. The Army units under him are among those responsible for the massive relief and rehabilitation efforts of the government.

Baladad said what happened in Tacloban City and its neighboring provinces is truly a test of leadership and management; but added that with the enormity of challenges that the country is facing today, only the best could be expected from the Army.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/November/25/negor3.htm

CPP/NDF: Unite with the people in facing the devastation of Typhoon Yolanda, carry out the temporary and unilateral ceasefire for two months

Posted to the CPP Website (Nov 25): Unite with the people in facing the devastation of Typhoon Yolanda, carry out the temporary and unilateral ceasefire for two months

Fr. Santiago Salas (Ka Sanny)
Spokesperson
NDFP Eastern Visayas Chapter

 

Eastern Visayas as well other nearby regions only recently suffered an unparalleled calamity. Typhoon Yolanda, which was estimated to have wind speeds of more than 300 km. per hour, lashed the entire length of the region for 3-4 hours and caused a 5-meter storm surge that inundated coastas areas. This resulted in thousands of dead, injured and missing, and hundreds of thousands of demolished houses; destruction of important infrastructure for energy, transportation and communication and other public structures; damage to agriculture and the economy in general; mass evacuation of families; and other damage. In the more than two weeks since the storm, the Aquino government has not fully arrived at an accurate picture of the destruction because it has focused only on the urban centers, while remaining ignorant about the situation in the vaster and more numerous towns. Even foreign observers note there is no organized and systematic government response to the calamity.

The revolutionary forces feel for the masses of the people in EV in the wake of Typhoon Yolanda’s devastation, which comes on top of the sufferings they already undergo under the exploitative and oppressive ruling system. We must care for and lead the masses in overcoming the present situation. In the next two to six months, this should be the principal concern of the revolutionary forces, according to the extent of the gravity of the damage to the life and livelihood of the masses. We will carry out during this period a temporary and unilateral ceasefire against the reactionary armed forces, while maintaining strict security and the readiness all the time to defend ourselves if the enemy attacks.

We call the attention of the Red commanders and fighters under the Efren Martires Command-New People’s Army to the following order of the Executive Committee of the Regional Committee-Eastern Visayas of the Communist Party of the Philippines last November 12:

“1. Offensive operations are suspended from here on until the middle of January (2 months).

“2. An active defense posture shall be maintained such as remaining on strict security, being always ready to face enemy attacks, and the carrying out of military training during this period.

“3. The Party leadership in EV shall communicate again through the ROC [Regional Operations Command) whether the ceasefire period should be lifted or extended.”

The mass movement must be active in carrying important issues to surmount the disaster. The mass movement must banner the urgent needs of the masses of the people for housing, food, clothing, medicine and livelihood projects for rehabilitation. The recurring neglect and corruption by officials of the reactionary government tasked with relief operations and funds for the people must be denounced. Campaigns for production and cooperation must be carried out. The rising prices of the people’s basic needs must be protested, especially that of food as well as gasoline, electricity, LPG, medicine, housebuilding materials, and others.

There can be many courses of action. There can be various local ways of community spirit and cooperation (tiklos, aglayon,pintakasi), building houses and the restoration of public structures. Organized demands must be pushed through such as calling for the Aquino government’s action towards solving the problems of hunger, thirst, illness, and other results of Typhoon Yolanda. Mass actions must be carried out against the higher costs of not only food but also gasoline, transportation fares, electricity and others. Mass campaigns for planting must be carried especially that could immediately yield results, as well as work for cash. There must be mass actions against militarization. Depending on the hotness of the issue, there can be mass actions at the municipal or inter-municipal level.

Documentation must be carried out to ascertain the severity of the damage caused by the storm, such as the dead, injured, destroyed homes, and also farm animals, agricultural crops and infrastructure, as these will serve as the bases for mass campaign struggles. The Party, NPA and the mass organzations must be united about the urgency in jointly addressing this issue as their primary concern. The mass movement is the key means towards solving the problems caused by the storm, thus we must reinvigorate this along with closely monitoring and guiding. The Party members at the basic level must lead the way in the mass movement and serve as examples to the people in serving and leading the masses. The people’s army must particupate in the production for food and in joining hands in repairing and building houses and the restoration of public structures.

Support for the masses must also be obtained from the upper classes, humanitarian organizations and allies in the reactionary government. The mass organizations and the people should get the support of the friendly elements within and outside the bureaucracy, humanitarian and civic organizations, and others. The organizations and alliances of the people must actively seek support and funding from friends in the government, especially those who have the funds and aid supplies for the victims, and the international organizations as well.

The calamity victims and the people must do propaganda actively. They must condemn the Aquino government’s obliviousness, superficiality, hypocrisy in aiding the victims, and looting of government calamity funds and humanitarian aid from abroad, The price hikes of basic goods and services must be protested. In the face of natural calamity, the inutility and corruption of the Aquino government can be further exposed and linked to issues such as the pork barrel scandal.

The Aquino regime must be slammed for its militarist approach to the problems of hunger, thirst and sickness, as well as the continuation of military operations in the countryside. The Aquino regime must be held accountable for its arrogance and derision of the people’s desperation and in showing armed force rather than humane aid. The Aquino regime’s psywar vilification of the revolutionary movement must be exposed and opposed, such as its claims of harassment of the relief convoys and the allegations of taking advantage of the calamity to sow chaos. The regime is doing this to gain the upper hand and mislead the people that it is taking care of the calamity victims. The US must also be condemned for taking advantage in sending warships including those with nuclear weapons on the pretext of aiding the calamity victims.

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20131125_unite-with-the-people-in-facing-the-devastation-of-typhoon-yolanda-carry-out-the-temporary-and-unilateral-ceasefire-for-two-months

Anti-coup military unit has new commander

From InterAksyon (Nov 25): Anti-coup military unit has new commander



 Brig Gen Rodelio Santos

The Army’s 2nd Infantry Division, the anti-coup unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) because of its proximity to the national seat of government, has a new commander.

Maj. Gen. Rodelio Santos, a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Matikas” Class of 1983, took over the command from Maj. Gen. Nonato Alfredo Peralta (PMA “Matpat” Class 1979), who reached his mandatory retirement of age 56.

The Army Division is based at Camp Capinpin in Tanay, Rizal which has operational jurisdiction over Calabarzon (Cavite-Laguna-Batangas-Rizal-Quezon).

Army chief Lt. Gen. Noel Coballes presided over the change of command ceremony.
With his promotion, Santos has vacated his former position as AFP Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations (OJ3) and his concurrent position as the Acting Chief of the Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Center Liaison (JPSCCL).

Before such positions he served as chief of staff of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division in Mindanao and commanded the 603rd Brigade, 6th Infantry Division. He also became the commanding officer of the 40th Infantry Battalion, 6th Infantry Division.

He was also assigned with the Presidential Security Group from 1995 to 1999.

As a young lieutenant, he served under the 49th Infantry Battalion, 2nd Infantry Division as Platoon Leader of Alpha Company and later on as its Company Commander.

Santos garnered numerous medals and commendations, most notably of which are four Distinguished Service Stars, four Bronze Cross Medals, and several Military Merit Medals.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/75531/anti-coup-military-unit-has-new-commander

PH Navy, PAF brings over 13M tons of relief goods from Mactan to typhoon-hit areas in Visayas

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 25): PH Navy, PAF brings over 13M tons of relief goods from Mactan to typhoon-hit areas in Visayas

Over 13 million tons of relief goods have been transported by the Philippine military from Mactan, Cebu to typhoon-ravaged areas particularly in Leyte province as of Friday, November 22.

Armed Forces of the Philippines – Central Command (AFP-CentCom) spokesperson Lt. Jim Alagao told media reporters over the weekend that relief goods shipped via the Philippine Navy amounted to 10.16 million tons while the Philippine Air Force via the C-130 cargo planes flew a total of 3.57 million tons of relief goods. The AFP used pounds for standard weight measurement.

“These are just relief goods the Philippine Navy and Philippine Air Force transported to typhoon-hit areas in the Visayas since the beginning. This does not include the Navy ships from five to six other countries that brought relief goods as well,” said Alagao.

Alagao said relief goods continue to be flown and shipped to affected areas even as government now is slowly shifting to the rehabilitation phase.
“Relief operations would continue and overlap the transition to the rehabilitation phase,” said Alagao.

The CentCom spokesperson said there are 30 countries that have participated and assisted typhoon-ravaged communities from food aid to medical services on top of cash and in kind donations.

Recently, AFP Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Emmanuel Bautista flew to Tacloban City from Mactan, Cebu to personally assess and check the groundwork operations of military personnel involved in relief, clearing and recovery operations.

 Bautista also held a meeting with top officials of CentCom headed by Lt. Gen. Roy Deveraturda who is set to be assigned to the Western Command by early December.

On the same day, Cabinet Minister Justine Greening of the United Kingdom also flew in to Mactan Air Base just to transfer to a helicopter en route to Roxas City to visit the HMAS Daring, a British ship destroyer that contained also relief goods. Greening is the UK cabinet minister responsible for international aid and disaster response.

 According to Alagao, the Japanese Government also deployed three ships that carried its hundreds of military contingent to help in relief, clearing and emergency operations on top of the relief goods it sent for the thousands of typhoon victims.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=1051385305310

USS Freedom (LCS 1) Delivers HA/DR Supplies to Tacloban, Philippines

From the US 7th Fleet Website (Nov 25): USS Freedom (LCS 1) Delivers HA/DR Supplies to Tacloban, Philippines

TACLOBAN, Republic of the Philippines - USS Freedom (LCS 1) delivered ten pallets of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief supplies to officials from the Armed Forces of the Philippines on Nov 24. 

The delivery was part of Operation Damayan and occurred in Tacloban - one of the areas hardest hit by Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda. Supported by U.S. Joint Task Force 505, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is coordinating HA/DR efforts with multi-national forces, local civilian authorities and non-governmental organizations.

On scene to receive the materials from Freedom in Tacloban were Philippine representatives from AFP, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

“We appreciate the efforts of our U.S. Navy partners from USS Freedom to deliver these supplies to the people of Tacloban,” said Philippine Navy Capt. Roy Trinidad, director of the AFP’s Task Force Airport in Tacloban. “We have already discussed the best use of these supplies and will deliver them within the local community as Tacloban recovers from Typhoon Yolanda.”

From her position 16 nautical miles off the coast of Tacloban, Freedom delivered the five pallets of hygienic supplies and five pallets of medical supplies with her MH-60R helicopter and one from USS Cowpens (CG 63). Like other U.S. Navy ships supporting Operation Damayan, Freedom’s helicopter is one of her most important HA/DR assets. 

Personnel from both nations unloaded Freedom’s supplies on Tacloban’s airfield, including much needed items such as hand sanitizer, baby wash, bandaids and disinfectant. As noted by Capt. Trinidad, the AFP will coordinate delivery of the supplies with OCD and DSWD.

Freedom deployed to Southeast Asia with a Surface Warfare Mission Package to conduct maritime security operations with allies, partners and other 7th Fleet units, and as such, is not configured specifically for HA/DR missions. “That said,” Fire Controlman 1st Class Sergio Pina explained, “while HA/DR is not our primary mission, we were very happy to be able to help the people of Tacloban as we return from deployment, and it’s an honor to be part of this mission.”

Loaded with the pallets in Singapore last week, Freedom joined the other U.S. Navy ships supporting Operation Damayan on Nov. 23 after a brief port call in Brunei. The delivery in Tacloban occurred as Freedom was beginning her transit across the Pacific Ocean to return to her homeport in San Diego.

Rear Adm. Cindy Thebaud, JTF 505’s maritime liaison officer and commander of the U.S. Navy’s Logistics Group Western Pacific, was the senior U.S. Navy official present during the delivery in Tacloban.

“Freedom deployed to this region nearly nine months ago to work with partner navies in a challenging operational environment,” said Thebaud. “Supporting Operation Damayan alongside our Philippine Navy partners is a fitting way to wrap up her maiden overseas deployment. I’m very proud of Freedom’s Sailors and glad to know these relief supplies will be so well used.”

USS Freedom's first rotational deployment to Southeast Asia began March 1, when the ship departed San Diego and commenced a Pacific Ocean transit that included port visits in Hawaii, Guam and Manila. Freedom used Singapore as a logistics and maintenance hub between April 18 and Nov. 16, during which she participated in the International Maritime Defence Exhibition (IMDEX), three phases of the bilateral naval exercise CARAT with Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei, and the multinational exercise Southeast Asia Cooperation and Training (SEACAT). During port visits, Freedom hosted thousands visitors from throughout Southeast Asia.

http://www.c7f.navy.mil/news/2013/016.htm

Transition in Tacloban, U.S. Marine capabilities no longer necessary

From DVIDS (Nov 24): Transition in Tacloban, U.S. Marine capabilities no longer necessary



U.S. Marine Brig. Gen. Paul Kennedy, right, stands with Armed Forces of the Philippines Army Col. Emmanuel Cacdac at Tacloban airport, Nov. 24. As some U.S. military forces begin to redeploy due to decreasing emergent needs and changing requirements, the U.S. and many other nations and organizations continue to assist in recovery efforts. The retrograde of U.S. military forces follows massive emergency relief efforts which are now transitioning to long-term recovery operations. As aid has reached the areas in most need, and those needing evacuation have been flown to safety, the demand for unique U.S. military capabilities is decreasing and can be replaced with host nation or international agency solutions, according to officials. Kennedy is the commanding general of 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, currently in support of Joint Task Force 505, and Cacdac is the Yolanda deputy task force commander.

TACLOBAN, Philippines - U.S. Marine forces supporting Joint Task Force 505 in Tacloban City began conducting a coordinated transition and retrograde of military operations with the Armed Forces of the Philippines today due to the decreasing demand for unique U.S. military capabilities in further recovery efforts, Nov. 24.

The Government of the Philippines, with U.S. Agency for International Development, various international military and non-governmental supporters, continues leading the effort to aid survivors and continue the recovery from Typhoon Haiyan in that location.

As some U.S. military forces begin to redeploy due to decreasing emergent needs and changing requirements, the U.S. and many other nations and organizations continue to assist in recovery efforts. The retrograde of U.S. military forces follows massive emergency relief efforts which are now transitioning to long-term recovery operations.

“We are now transitioning towards expanding beyond the airport,” Philippine Navy Capt. Roy V. Trinidad, the task-group airport commander with Joint Headquarters Staff Operations said. “The airport is in good hands, civil aviation authorities are now handling the airport; of course with support from the Philippine Air Force and the U.S. military.”

Immediately after the typhoon struck the entire area was destroyed and there was no semblance of governance because all local government officials were victims of the storm, according to Trinidad. But within a matter of days there were personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines on the ground, government officials were flown in from unaffected areas, and multiple foreign countries including the U.S. were willing to help.

“All the relief that came in, food, water, medicine, fuel, would not have been possible, we could not have pushed them out from the airport without the critical air assets that came in,” Trinidad said. “The decisive point of the whole mission was the arrival of the aircraft to help us push all the supplies out.”

Typhoon Haiyan struck the Philippines Nov. 7 with estimated wind gusts reaching 230 mph, left a path of destruction spanning 36 provinces and impacted an estimated 4.2 million people, according to the Philippine National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

“We were led by our Philippine partners from the Eighth Division and we got critical augmentation from the Armed Forces of the Philippine - they have been leading this thing since day one - but all the augmentation that has now been provided is now being shouldered by the Philippine Armed Forces,” Brig. Gen. Paul Kennedy, the commanding general of 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade, currently in support of Joint Task Force 505 said. “It makes me feel good as an ally of this government that we could respond. We were under the direction of the Philippine Armed Forces the entire time, it was tailored and it was immediate and responsive. We feel pretty good about having participated in this operation.”

The eighth division has designed a plan to continue improving the ground transportation corridors by having Philippine Armed Forces travel along the roads and make sure the roads are open, according to Kennedy.

“We have pulled more than 135 different types of trucks that are being used to push forward on a regular schedule in coordination with our Department of Social Welfare and Development. We are pushing the relief to a lot of (affected) communities and now a lot of the hospital facilities are increasingly functional in coordination with the Department of Health,” Philippine Army Col. Emmanuel Cacdac, the Yolanda deputy task force commander said. “We plan to build up needed relief supplies here that our military trucks and assets will be pushing out to the stricken municipalities. We have done this on a regular basis for the last couple weeks.”

The U.S. assets were critical in the operation of several distribution hubs, including Tacloban City, Guiuan and Ormoc City, according to Cacdac.

The substantial improvement in existing and developing supply and distribution chains across the most severely affected areas hit by Typhoon Yolanda have set conditions for a coordinated, responsible, and measured retrograde of U.S. military forces from the Philippines, according to Kennedy. In addition to Tacloban City, Kennedy also traveled to Ormoc City and Cebu to witness transition activites.

“You (U.S. forces) were there bridging the gap, helping those people pick up their lives, escorting them aboard the planes,” Trinidad said. “Compassion for them was there, and we all worked long hours, but it was very fulfilling.”

U.S. military forces have evacuated more than 17,000 people from the affected areas, and delivered more than 2,000 tons of relief supplies.

It is very heartwarming that one of our closest allies, the U.S. military was the first to join us and help us; truly their presence put a lot of stability in the initial stages of the operation,” Cacdac said.

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/117318/transition-tacloban-us-marine-capabilities-no-longer-necessary#.UpPQ0z-A2AJ

AFP chief slams NPA for truce breach

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Nov 25): AFP chief slams NPA for truce breach



Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Emmanuel Bautista. Photo from AFP Public Affairs Office
The Armed Forces of the Philippines on Monday accused the New People’s Army of violating its own ceasefire declaration.

“Yun nga nakakalungkot, despite the declaration of the ceasefire maraming atrocities ang nangyayari nationwide and I don’t know if that is reflective of their control over the units on the ground (That’s what is saddening. Despite the declaration of the ceasefire there are still several NPA atrocities taking place nationwide, and I don’t know if that is reflective of their control over the units on the ground),” Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Emmanuel Bautista told reporters at Camp Aguinaldo.

“It’s just sad that there are some atrocities being committed in spite of the calamity that befell us. There are other atrocities against non-military targets in Zamboanga and Compostela Valley. There was also a chapel that was targeted,” he added.

The NPA extended to one month its unilateral ceasefire on Saturday. It first declared a ceasefire in areas affected by super typhoon Yolanda (international name Haiyan) when it struck Central Philippines, and was originally set to expire on Nov. 24. The extended ceasefire will remain in effect until December 24.

Yolanda is the strongest storm to make landfall in recent world history. It has killed thousands and affected about 10 million people. The NPA claimed in a statement that it will use its forces to help in rehabilitation efforts.

The ceasefire, however, only covers the following regional commands of the NPA: Eastern Visayas Regional Command, Panay Regional Command, Central Visayas Regional Command and Negros Island Command. The government has not reciprocated the ceasefire.

But on Sunday, the military in Western Visayas reported an attack by the NPA in La Libertad town in Negros Oriental.

Major Ray Tiongson of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division said that about 10 members of the NPA fired at soldiers on security patrol. The encounter led to the killing of an NPA rebel while the government suffered no casualties.

Bautista assured that they will remain focused on disaster relief operations.
He said the AFP has reinforced troops in the Visayas to help typhoon survivors as he expressed hope that the NPA will observe the truce.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/534453/afp-chief-slams-npa-for-truce-breach

AFP welcomes 140 new officers

From the Manila Bulletin (Nov 25): AFP welcomes 140 new officers

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday has welcomed 140 new officers who graduated from their respective Officers Candidate Courses (OCC).

Leading the graduates were three female officers who topped this year’s OCC offered by the Army, Navy, and Air Force Officers Candidate Schools.

Receiving the Presidential Saber from are now 2nd Lt. (2Lt.) Mary Jean B. Cabillete, Philippine Army (PA); now 2Lt. Kristyl May A. Beatingo, Philippine Air Force (PAF); and now Ensign (Ens.) Vanessa Katrina J. Tulang, Philippine Navy (PN).

It was the first time that the President attended the joint graduation ceremony of the OCC. He was assisted AFP Chief of Staff General Emmanuel T. Bautista and Defense Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin in distributing diplomas and presenting awards.

Receiving the Presidential Saber are now 2Lt. Mary Jean B. Cabillete, Philippine Army (PA); now 2Lt. Kristyl May A. Beatingo, Philippine Air Force (PAF); and now Ensign Vanessa Katrina J. Tulang, Philippine Navy (PN).

The Secretary of National Defense Saber was awarded to now 2Lt. Shiela Mae T. Enderez, PA; now 2Lt. John Red A. Honrales, PAF; and now Ens.Tiffany Ann P. Palmares, PN.

The Chief of Staff Saber was awarded to now 2Lt. Mike Vergel L. Conception, PA; now 2Lt. Janna B. Ontong, PAF; and now Ens. Eunice Fe M. Sabado, PN.

After the graduation ceremony held at the AFP Theater in Camp Gen. Emilio E. Aguinaldo, the 55 graduates from the Army, 40 from the Navy, and 45 from the Air Force took their oath as regular military officers before the AFP Chief of Staff.

In his message, Bautista told the graduates: “The AFP that you are joining today is in the midst of a transformation. Now, you all have the responsibility of shaping and leading this transformation, in the spirit of the vision and renewed call to reform inspired by our President.”

“Take pride in the uniform that you wear, and in the patriotic duty that you will perform as protector of the people and of the State, in the attainment of our vision of being a world-class armed forces, source of national pride; and in our commitment to winning just and lasting peace for our nation,” he added.

AFP also said in jest that women are now more perseverant in their studies.

AFP public affairs office (PAO) chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said the AFP Officer Candidate School in 1988 and later evolved into Army, Air Force and Navy officer candidate schools.

He added that OCC graduations in the past are usually attended by defense secretaries.
“Now, the President recognize their importance. These are officers who also need his guidance as the commander-in-chief,” he said.

According to the AFP PAO chief, board members of the OCS Alumni Association requested the President to attend graduation of the products of the schools. “And he did (attend),” said Zagala of the President.

Zagala, who is also a product of the AFP Candidate Officer School class 1994, acknowledged that the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) remains to be the premier source of military officers.

http://www.mb.com.ph/afp-welcomes-140-new-officers/

Australians assume Operation Damayan support role in Ormoc

From DVIDS (Nov 24): Australians assume Operation Damayan support role in Ormoc



Ruben R. Capahi and U.S. Army Maj. Herb Daniels shake hands after discussing the discuss recovery efforts and the transition of assistance responsibilities at Ormoc City Hall during Operation Damayan Nov. 23. Typhoon Haiyan struck the Republic of the Philippines Nov. 7 with estimated wind gusts reaching 230 mph. The typhoon left a path of destruction spanning 36 provinces and impacted 4.2 million people, according to the Philippine’s National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. Capahi is a council member at Ormoc City Hall and Daniels is the commander of the Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines, which operated from Ormoc City Airport during Operation Damayan.

ORMOC, Philippines - Australian forces assumed responsibility for assisting the Government of the Philippines in aiding survivors of Typhoon Haiyan in Ormoc, Leyte, Nov. 23, as they replaced U.S. Joint Special Operations-Philippines (JSOTF-P) forces that supported Joint Task Force 505.

As some U.S. military forces begin to redeploy due to decreasing emergent needs and changing requirements, the U.S. and many other nations and organizations continue to assist in recovery efforts. The retrograde of U.S. military forces follows massive emergency relief efforts which are now transitioning to long-term recovery operations.

“The local government, with continued assistance from their Australian military partners and international aid organizations, is prepared and ready to face the challenges of long-term recovery into the future,” said Ruben R. Capahi, a council member at Ormoc City Hall.

As aid has reached the areas in most need, and those needing evacuation have been flown to safety, the demand for unique U.S. military capabilities is decreasing and can be replaced with host nation or international agency solutions, according to officials.
Typhoon Haiyan struck the Philippines Nov. 7 with estimated wind gusts reaching 230 mph, left a path of destruction spanning 36 provinces and impacted an estimated 4.2 million people, according to the Philippine National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

In Ormoc, the goals of the JSOTF-P ranged from identifying the capabilities of all the international aid groups entering the area to communicating with the local government about relief supply distribution, according to U.S. Army Maj. Herb Daniels, the commander of the joint special operations task force operating out of Ormoc City Airport.

“Our biggest challenge was receiving so many different aid organizations and international groups at once and linking them up with the local government,” Daniels said. “We have a lot of people who want to do good, and with the guidance and direction of the local government, they will do an even greater good because it will be a planned effort.”

The transition process began once the members of the JSOTF-P felt comfortable with their assessments of recovery activities and operations that were occurring in the local area and that the relief efforts had been effective, according to Daniels.

“While working with the local government, the municipal leadership, and Philippine security forces, we were able to identify key individuals and capabilities,” Daniels said. “Once we were able to build that extensive database … we were able to pass that information along, not just to our Australian counterparts, but also the local government and U.N.”

Ormoc City itself sustained substantial damage with up to 90 percent of the structures affected, according to Capahi.

“We were ready for the typhoon in the sense that we prepared as best as we could, and were very aggressive with our pre-emptive evacuation,” Capahi said. “But with a typhoon of this scale, everything in this city was damaged if not destroyed.”

After conducting a thorough turnover, the Australian forces are confident in their ability to provide assistance to the local government as they continue to help the citizens of Ormoc recover from the typhoon, according to Australian Army Capt. Francois Nozaiz, a watch officer with the J3 operations, Joint Task Force 505.

“Once the U.S. military forces depart the area of operations, we will take responsibility of aiding the government … ensuring that all major routes are clear within the area, which will allow aid to reach those municipal areas outside of the city region,” Nozaiz said. “So far this transition has not been a problem at all. The American team that has been on the ground has provided us with a lot of valuable data.”

U.S. military forces assisted with moving approximately 48 tons of relief supplies into Ormoc, more than 1,700 tons of aid overall to affected areas, and evacuating approximately 18,000 people as of Nov. 21.

“The U.S. forces have been a huge help, and the transition has been moving very smoothly,” Capahi said. “It is ultimately the little things that are helping the people the most and are making things better. It’s the handshake, the smile, or the hug and the positive demeanor of the U.S. forces.”

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/117300/australians-assume-operation-damayan-support-role-ormoc#.UpPOGD-A2AJ

Misuari follower nabbed in Lanao del Sur

From the Philippine Star (Nov 25): Misuari follower nabbed in Lanao del Sur

LANAO DEL SUR, Philippines - Government operatives on Sunday arrested in Picong town in the province a follower of Nur Misuari for possession of P300,000 worth of shabu, six assault rifles, and an M-60 machinegun.

The suspect, Commander Maminta Ali, is a senior leader of a faction in the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) identified with Misuari.

Felimon Ruiz, regional director of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, said Ali  did not resist arrest when the latter sensed that PDEA agents have surrounded his hideout and  ready to pounce on him.

Also arrested, along with Ali, was a militiaman named Alinor Sampurna, who was with him at his lair in Barangay Liangan in Picong, a coastal town in the second district of Lanao del Sur.

Local officials confirmed that Ali is a staunch follower of Misuari, founder of the MNLF.

Ali was listed as one of the “top three priority targets” of the PDEA in the autonomous region, according to Ruiz.

“It's good they did not resist [arrest]. They had high-powered firearms,” Ruiz said.
Ruiz said they learned of the location of Ali’s hideout from local and barangay officials.

Ruiz said agents found inside Ali’s hideout five M-16 assault rifles, an AK 47 Kalashnikov, and an M-60 machinegun.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/11/25/1260740/misuari-follower-nabbed-lanao-del-sur

AFP inducts 140 new 2nd lieutenants into service

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 25): AFP inducts 140 new 2nd lieutenants into service

Showing that there are still a lot of patriotic Filipinos left yet, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) inducted into service 140 2nd lieutenants on Monday.

The latter also formally graduated from their respective Officer's Candidate Courses (OCCs) at the AFP Theater in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

Present in the OCC joint graduation ceremonies as guest-of-honor was President Benigno S. Aquino III, also the AFP commander-in-chief.

He was assisted by the AFP chief-of-staff, Gen. Emmanuel T. Bautista, and Secretary of National Defense, Voltaire T. Gazmin in the distribution of diplomas and presentation of awards.

Receiving the Presidential Saber are Probationary 2nd Lt. (P/2Lt.) Mary Jean B. Cabillete, Philippine Army (PA); P/2Lt. Kristyl May A. Beatingo, Philippine Ari Force (PAF); and Probationary Ensign (P/Ens.) Vanessa Katrina J. Tulang, Philippine Navy (PN).

The Secretary of National Defense Saber is awarded to P/2Lt. Shiela Mae T. Enderez, PA; P/2Lt. John Red A. Honrales, PAF; and P/Ens. Tiffany Ann P. Palmares, PN.

While the Chief of Staff Saber is awarded to P/2Lt. Mike Vergel L. Conception, PA; P/2Lt. Janna B. Ontong, PAF; and P/Ens. Eunice Fe M. Sabado, PN.

After the graduation ceremony, the 55 graduates from the Army, 40 from the Navy and 45 from the Air Force took their oath as regular military officers before Bautista.

“The AFP that you are joining today is in the midst of a transformation. Now, you all have the responsibility of shaping and leading this transformation, in the spirit of the vision and renewed call to reform inspired by our President,” the AFP chief said.

“Take pride in the uniform that you wear, and in the patriotic duty that you will perform as protector of the people and of the State, in the attainment of our vision of being a world-class armed forces, source of national pride; and in our commitment to winning just and lasting peace for our nation,” he added.

The officer candidate schools established in the three Major Services train civilians and enlisted personnel who are baccalaureate degree holders to be future members of the AFP regular force.

The one-year course prepares an officer candidate with a rank of Probationary Second Lieutenant and Probationary Ensign to be mentally, physically and emotionally fit to earn a commission as an officer in the Army, Air Force, and Navy.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=590493

NDRRMC appoints 3ID Chief as 'Incident Commander' for Western Visayas

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 25): NDRRMC appoints 3ID Chief as 'Incident Commander' for Western Visayas

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has appointed 3rd Infantry Division chief, Major Gen. Aurelio Baladad, as the "Incident Commander" for Western Visayas.

This refers to the ongoing "Yolanda" humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) operations in the region.

With this development, Baladad stressed that the concentration of HADR operations effort must be in the areas hit badly by the super typhoon while the resources from all sources (local and international) shall be integrated.

He added that his goals are: to prevent or minimize loss of life;to prevent or mitigate damage to properties; to facilitate the recovery of affected areas; and, to hand-over the responsibilities to local government units.

Meanwhile, the Incident Command Post (ICP) was transferred from Iloilo International Airport to Capiz Airport considering the place as near the impact area.

A regular situation update briefing will also be conducted to international aid groups at the Capiz provincial capitol.

Five staging areas were established in Panay Island, which include the Roxas City Airport in Capiz; Kalibo Airport in Aklan; Iloilo International Airport in Iloilo province; Airport in San Jose, Antique; and in Jamindan, Capiz.

These are the areas where relief goods will be hauled in a warehouse and these relief goods will be distributed utilizing land and air assets in a coordinated and synchronized manner to ensure that all the affected families will be provided of their needs.

In support to relief distribution efforts, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in Western Visayas is now utilizing 69 military trucks of different types, four helicopters of the Philippine Air Force and two vessels of the Philippine Navy.

Canadian Forces Mobile Medical Teams and the 3rd Infantry Division medical personnel also continue to conduct medical mission in the affected towns of Capiz and northern Iloilo.

Engineering units of both forces also work hand in hand in the clearing of roads and repair of public buildings and schools.

In Estancia, Iloilo Sunday, the AFP provided five military trucks for the forced evacuation of about 1,500 families living in the coastal area who were affected by the oil spill.

Working with Estancia local govenrment, the evacuees were transported to Northern Iloilo Polytechnic State College which was repaired by the Army’s 552nd Engineering Construction Battalion and the Canadian Engineer unit.

Meantime, in between the continuous conduct of disaster response operations and for the operators to take a very short break, AFP personnel got the chance to view live the fight of Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao who won a unanimous decision against his opponent, Brandon Rios.

Pacquiao, through his relentless training, has been the source of inspiration and motivation for 3rd Infantry Division troopers in preparing to engage in various situation of the operational environment.

Armed with that inspiration and motivation, the soldiers will be able to handle and pursue the AFP’s mission in serving the people here in Western Visayas especially during this difficult time.

“We will ensure that all the affected families will be provided with relief goods, while the injured and sick persons in the affected areas will be provided the necessary medical treatment. Also from here, concerned government agencies will be working with the appropriate aid organization cluster in the relief, recovery and rehabilitation efforts," Baladad concluded.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=590499

3rd Infantry Division conducts re-greening program to replace trees destroyed by 'Yolanda'

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 25): 3rd Infantry Division conducts re-greening program to replace trees destroyed by 'Yolanda'

Major Gen. Aurelio Baladad, commander of the Army's 3rd Infantry Division, led his men in the planting of saplings which will eventually replace the trees destroyed by super typhoon "Yolanda" last Nov. 8.

The re-greening project was done at the unit's headquarters in Camp Peralta, Jamindan, Capiz last Thursday, Nov. 21.

Around 130 enlisted men and officers assisted Baladad in this endeavor. More than 500 fruit and non-fruit bearing trees were planted.

Camp Peralta, comprising 33,310 hectares, is the third largest base of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The 3rd Division occupies only about 1,000 hectares of the reservation, leaving most of it untouched.

Because of the rich natural resources, the camp has been labelled as a forest conservation and wildlife sanctuary area.

The reservation covers 27 barangays in the municipalities of Jamindan and Tapaz in the province of Capiz and Lambunao town in Iloilo.

These towns were among the hardest-hit areas by super typhoon in Panay Island.

“Panay Island has been hard hit by the super typhoon and several trees have been damaged. It is our commitment to protect and preserve our environment and biodiversity for the benefit of the next generations. We likewise encourage other stakeholders in the efforts to re-green Panay Island which was vastly damaged by the super typhoon,” Baladad said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=590508

Relief efforts with other donor countries going smoothly -- AFP chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 25): Relief efforts with other donor countries going smoothly -- AFP chief

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Emmanuel T. Bautista on Monday announced that their ongoing relief operations with foreign militaries is proceeding very smoothly.

He added that coordination with foreign units is very good.

"They are all appreciative with the coordination happening," Bautista stressed.

The AFP chief added that coordination work was greatly improve with the activation of the multinational coordination center (MNCC) in AFP headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

Bautista emphasized that all AFP personnel will focus on the task at hand regardless of what other sectors will say.

He also added that the Philippines is very fortunate to have lots of friends and allies as the latter's military assets, especially the aerial ones, are doing a great help in the ongoing relief efforts.

The AFP chief stressed that the foreign power interested in helping the Philippines in its hour of need can always go the the MNCC so that coordination can be facilitated.

And while giving no exact timetable on when these forces would leave, Bautista said that this will come once the situation normalizes.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=590526

Acquisition of 2 more C-130s to boost AFP's strategic lift capability

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 25): Acquisition of 2 more C-130s to boost AFP's strategic lift capability

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff Gen. Emmanuel T. Bautista on Monday said the decision to acquire two more Lockheed C-130 "Hercules" cargo aircraft was done to boost the military's strategic lift capability.

He added that this goal was reflected by the fact that the Navy has recently bidded out the requirements for two 7,000 gross register ton strategic sealift vessels which are expected to be in service within three years time.

"We are now in the process of acquiring these two C-130s," Bautista said.

He added that the C-130 is a very ideal strategic lift aircraft as proven by its performance during September's Zamboanga City siege, relief efforts for quake-battered Bohol, and now for "Yolanda" that devastated parts of Visayas Region.

"We need more (C-130s and strategic sealift vessels) and will get more as our resources will allow," the AFP chief stressed.

Aside from combat missions, these assets also have a very valuable secondary mission like search-and-rescue and relief missions.

Currently, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) operates three C-130 aircraft while the Navy operates four to five logistic ships.

Studies indicate that the PAF needs to have at least nine C-130s to be able to carry out its strategic lift requirements.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=590545

Immense U.S. response to Yolanda bolsters need for increased rotational presence pact: DFA chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 25): Immense U.S. response to Yolanda bolsters need for increased rotational presence pact: DFA chief

The immense United States (U.S.) military aid to typhoon-ravaged eastern Visayas region has reinforced the need for the two countries to conclude a framework agreement that would pave the way for an expanded presence of American troops in the country, Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario said.

"I think what has been demonstrated in central Philippines as a result of this typhoon and the assistance provided in terms of relief, rescue operation demonstrates the need for this framework agreement that we are working out with the United States," Del Rosario told a press briefing Monday following a meeting with U.S. lawmakers, who visited Tacloban, one of the hardest hit areas of super typhoon "Yolanda", over the weekend.

The U.S. government, a long-time military ally of the Philippines, was among the first countries to bring in troops, aircraft, navy ships and financial assistance after the country was overwhelmed by the magnitude of the death and destruction wrought by the record-breaking storm, also known internationally as Haiyan on November 8.

Both allies are negotiating for an accord that will allow an increased rotational presence of American troops in the country amid a backdrop of mounting territorial rift between the Philippines and China over the South China Sea, of which a part being claimed by Manila is called the West Philippine Sea.

The U.S., under President Barack Obama, has announced an "Asian pivot" after its heavy military engagement in Afghanistan and Iraq.

According to Del Rosario, the pact, currently being negotiated by Philippine and US panels, “accentuates one of the main purposes of the framework, which is to make humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and response a very major aspect of the agreement.”

The U.S. lawmakers, in the same briefing, welcomed an expanded presence of American military in the Philippines.

“Those of us in here are very much in favor of the strongest possible bond between the U.S. military and the PHL military in every aspect,” said New Jersey Congressman Chris Smith, the head of the US congressional delegation.

Arizona Congressman Trent Franks said the US government is “deeply committed” to solidify the historic alliance with the Philippines.

“I think it’s vitally important for us to stick closely together and to take every opportunity we have to try to bring our military efforts close together because we certainly not only have great common potential opponents to deal with but we have a great commitment to being in common in going forward in peace efforts,” he said.

The lawmakers, who met Del Rosario on Monday morning, expressed their strong support for Philippine humanitarian relief operations as well as upcoming reconstruction and rehabilitation plans of the government in the aftermath of the typhoon, which has killed at least 5,200 and affected close to 10 million.

Smith, together with Franks and Texas Congressman Al Greene, went to Tacloban on Saturday to look at humanitarian assistance coordination and health situation there.

The delegation said housing is urgently needed for the survivors and called on the government to ensure the protection of affected women and children against trafficking.

The lawmakers discussed with Del Rosario the way forward in reconstruction and rehabilitation of affected areas and how the U.S. can further help.

“What our delegation is seeking to do is to get as best we can as much information then to bring that information back to the United States and work with our colleagues both in the House and the Senate and with the executive branch to be as supportive and generous as we possibly can,” Smith said.

Del Rosario conveyed to the US lawmakers his appreciation for the immediate and overwhelming humanitarian assistance from the U.S.

“We thank the United States for sharing their unique airlift capabilities in order to get to hard to reach areas immediately after typhoon hit the Philippines. Now, access to affected areas has tremendously improved and Philippine forces and humanitarian assistance are reaching more people,” Del Rosario said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=590560

U.S. congressmen back PHL-led post-Yolanda reconstruction

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 25): U.S. congressmen back PHL-led post-Yolanda reconstruction

Members of the U.S. House of Representatives expressed their strong support for Philippine humanitarian relief operations as well as upcoming reconstruction and rehabilitation plans of the government in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Yolanda.

Representative Chris Smith (R-NJ) and members of the U.S. congressional delegation (CODEL) conveyed this support during a courtesy call on Secretary of Foreign Affairs Albert F. del Rosario in the DFA today.

Smith, House Subcommittee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights and International Organizations (SAGHGHRIO), led the CODEL to the Philippines to look at humanitarian assistance coordination and health situation related to Typhoon Yolanda relief operations.

Representative Al Greene (D-TX) and Representative Trent Franks (R-AZ) joined Smith in the CODEL.

During the courtesy call, the CODEL expressed their sympathies for the Philippines in this time of tragedy.

Secretary del Rosario conveyed to the CODEL his appreciation for the immediate and overwhelming humanitarian assistance from the United State in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Yolanda.

“We thank the United States for sharing their unique airlift capabilities in order to get to hard to reach areas immediately after typhoon hit the Philippines. Now, access to affected areas has tremendously improved and Philippine forces and humanitarian assistance are reaching more people,” Del Rosario said to the CODEL.

The CODEL discussed with the Secretary the way forward in reconstruction and rehabilitation of affected areas and how the U.S. can further help.

“Now as we move from short-term relief to long-term rebuilding, I expressed to the CODEL that the Philippine government is in the process of drafting rehabilitation and reconstruction plans for affected areas. I emphasized the importance of U.S. development assistance dovetailing our reconstruction plans,” commented del Rosario.

“Indeed, the loss of lives and devastation brought by Typhoon Yolanda is sad and unfortunate. The Filipino people continue to be resilient and will rise above this tragedy. It will be a daunting task."

"We are blessed that we have a reliable ally like the United States to help us rise above this crisis. Ours is a history of standing together, steadfast and resolute. Ours is a partnership, firm and unwavering. Once more we lock arms to defeat despair and to bring hope,” Del Rosario added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=590572

CAFGU Patrol Base attacked by NPAs in Agusan del Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 25): CAFGU Patrol Base attacked by NPAs in Agusan del Sur

A Civilian Armed Auxiliary (CAA) Patrol base was harassed by a fully armed group believed to be members of the CPP-NPA over the weekend.

Reports from Agusan del Sur Police Provincial Office reaching the regional headquarters here Monday, said that on Saturday, 9:30 p.m. the CAA manned patrol base of the 23rd Infantry Battalion PA headed by Cpl. Jul H. Hassan.

The detachment command located at Brgy. Sinubong, Veruela town in Agusan del Sur was harassed by more or less three fully armed men believed to be members of the CPP-NPA under the Guerilla Front 3 of the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (GF3, SMRC) said the report.

The police also reported that the attackers positioned themselves at the west portion and fired at the said patrol base which resulted to a two-minute firefight as the base-defenders returned fire.

No casualty on either side was reported after the attackers withdrew towards an unknown direction.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=590484

NPA rebels demand ‘revolutionary taxes’ from MisOr’s industrial firms

From the New People's Army (Nov 25): NPA rebels demand ‘revolutionary taxes’ from MisOr’s industrial firms

The communist New People’s Army (NPA) purportedly sent demand letters to four major industrial firms in Misamis Oriental asking a P5 million “revolutionary tax” from the companies, a police officer said on Monday.

Police Senior Insp. Rogelio Labor, police town chief of Villanueva, said the letters were addressed to  the management of the Japanese-owned Philippine Sinter Corporation, the German-supervised STEAG, a coal fired power plant, the Coca-cola Plant, and the Elegant Alloy Metal Corp.

Labor said the firms were all multinational companies located in the municipal town of Villanueva, one of the three coastal towns identified as the Misamis Oriental’s economic industrial zone.

In their letter, the group demanded a P1 million to P5 million to help defray cash assistance to the victims of typhoon "Sendong" in Cagayan de Oro City and Iligan City on December 17, 2011, Labor added.

He said another group, who also claimed to be members of the NPA rebels, has sent a letter demanding a 2 percent “revolutionary tax” from the gross contract price of a contractor in Claveria for a Multi Million Infrastructure Project.

According to Labor, the police’s provincial command was trying to establish the authenticity of the alleged letter-demand.

“The police are conducting an investigation to determine whether the letters came from groups who were trying to extort money masquerading as NPA rebels,” Labor added.

The Communist Party of the Philippines and the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (CCP/NDF) has confirmed they have extended P 100,000 cash assistance to the local government for the victims of "Sendong" on December 2011.

George Madlos, a.k.a. “Oris,” the spokesperson of CPP/NDF Mindanao, also announced a week after typhoon "Yolanda" struck the Visayas Region that the communist rebels has extended P 100,000 cash assistance to victims of typhoon "Yolanda".

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=590584

Communist rebels released 5 kidnapped village officials

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 25): Communist rebels released 5 kidnapped village officials

The communist New People's Army (NPA) rebels had released five villlage officials including a volunteer militiaman abducted a month ago four days prior to the conduct of the barangay election here, the military announced on Monday.

Maj. Noli Kanashiro, executive officer of the Army's 26th Infantry Batallion based here, identified the village officials as incumbent village chief Lino Andalique of Barangay Sabud, Loreto Agusan del Sur, Marvin Bantuasan, Balaba Andalique, and Cresanto Piodos, all barangay kagawads of Sabud and Pepe Subla, a militiaman of the Civilian Volunteers Organization.

Kanashiro said the victims were abducted by the communist rebels as human shield when they withdrew after attacking the village on October 24, four days before the barangay election on Oct. 28, 2013.

He said that the NPA rebels released the kidnap victims Friday last week after the military conducted sustained military operations leading to the capture of the NPA's main rebel camp in the area.

Kanashiro said that the rebel camp has generator sets, food supplies, explosive devices, and personal belongings.

He said that the military sustained negative casualties during the month-long operations that saw intermittent skirmishes and running gunbattles toward the nearby province of Compostela Valley.

Despite his absence during the barangay elections, residents in the village of Sabud re-elected Lino Andalique as village chief after garnering an overwhelming votes as against his closest rivals, Kanashiro added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=590579