From the Visayan Daily Star (Dec 3): Bonafos named AFP CentCom commander
The incoming commanding general of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Central Command in the Visayas region is a mistah of Negrense Brig. Gen. Ademar Tomaro.
Maj. Gen. John Bonafos, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class 1982, will replace Air Force Lt. Gen. Roy Deveraturda, who assumed command of the AFP Western Command in Palawan yesterday.
As CentCom chief, Bonafos will supervise all AFP units in Visayas.
Before his appointment as AFP Central Command chief, Bonafos had also served in the Western Visayas as commander of the 15th Infantry Battalion, chief of staff of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division, and deputy commander of the 302nd Infantry Brigade in Negros Oriental, military records show.
Other members of the PMA Class 1982 who served in Western Visayas, aside from Tomaro, who is the 602nd Infantry Brigade commander, include newly-promoted Maj. Gen. Aurelio Baladad, 3rd Infantry Division commander, Maj. Gen. Jet Joel Velarmino, 8th Infantry Division commander, and Brig. Gen. Ivan Samarita, 202nd Infantry Brigade commander, and Brig. Gen. Francisco Patrimonio, 302nd Infantry Brigade commander.
Negrense Lt. Gen. Rey Ardo, retired, was replaced as AFP Western Mindanao Command chief by Marine Lt. Gen. Rustico Guerrero.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/December/03/topstory13.htm
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Remington lands $47 million contract with the Armed Forces of the Philippines
From Guns.com (Dec 2): Remington lands $47 million contract with the Armed Forces of the Philippines
U.S. Representative Richard Hanna is happy to announce that Remington has landed a contract to supply the Armed forces of the Philippines with 50,000 R4 rifles. The contract will earn Remington $47 million.
Remington is to begin work immediately and have the order delivered in 2014. The contract is for more than just rifles and includes, spare parts, accessories and training.
“The award of this competitive contract continues to prove Remington’s excellence in the industry worldwide,” Rep. Hanna said in a press release. “I have full confidence that this contract will be fulfilled with the high quality and standards that define our Ilion workforce. The proven performance of Remington’s quality products keeps attracting buyers at home and abroad.”
The Armed Forces of the Philippines currently employs a small handful of different rifles, including American-made M16, M4, CAR-15 and Philippine-made PVAR rifles, which are all AR-15 variants, as well as Heckler & Koch G36, Steyr AUG and IMI Galil rifles.
The Remington R4 is essentially a Remington-made M4 carbine, the most commonly-issued rifle in the U.S. Army.
The R4 has a 14.5-inch one-in-seven rifled barrel, standard carbine stock and handguard and flattop upper receiver with a carry handle sight. It comes standard with an A2-style flash hider but can be ordered with an Advanced Armament Corp. AAC Blackout flash hider/suppressor mount and M4-2000 suppressor. Remington supplies them with USGI-style magazines and Magpul PMags.
Remington makes three R4 variants, an even shorter, 11.5-inch carbine, a close-quarters combat personal defense weapon, or PDW, with a seven-inch barrel and a full-size M16-type rifle with a 20-inch barrel.
All the details and specifications of the R4 family can be found on the Remington Defense website.
This is happy news for Remington as they were underbid earlier this year for a major M4 carbine contract with the U.S. Army. FN-USA came in at the last hour with the lowest bid.
The Army put out a call for an up-to $180 million infinite quantity, infinite delivery (IDIQ) contract for M4 carbines, with a minimum of 24,000 rifles to be ordered. Remington was initially awarded the contract until the Government Accountability Office reviewed the contract following a petition by Colt.
Eventually the Army asked the qualified companies to re-bid on the contract with FN-USA offering the most affordable bid, settling with the Army for an order of 120,000 rifles for $84 million.
http://www.guns.com/2013/12/02/remington-lands-47-million-contract-armed-forces-philippines/
U.S. Representative Richard Hanna is happy to announce that Remington has landed a contract to supply the Armed forces of the Philippines with 50,000 R4 rifles. The contract will earn Remington $47 million.
Remington is to begin work immediately and have the order delivered in 2014. The contract is for more than just rifles and includes, spare parts, accessories and training.
“The award of this competitive contract continues to prove Remington’s excellence in the industry worldwide,” Rep. Hanna said in a press release. “I have full confidence that this contract will be fulfilled with the high quality and standards that define our Ilion workforce. The proven performance of Remington’s quality products keeps attracting buyers at home and abroad.”
The Armed Forces of the Philippines currently employs a small handful of different rifles, including American-made M16, M4, CAR-15 and Philippine-made PVAR rifles, which are all AR-15 variants, as well as Heckler & Koch G36, Steyr AUG and IMI Galil rifles.
Filipino marines train with some remarkably vintage M16s.
The R4 has a 14.5-inch one-in-seven rifled barrel, standard carbine stock and handguard and flattop upper receiver with a carry handle sight. It comes standard with an A2-style flash hider but can be ordered with an Advanced Armament Corp. AAC Blackout flash hider/suppressor mount and M4-2000 suppressor. Remington supplies them with USGI-style magazines and Magpul PMags.
Remington makes three R4 variants, an even shorter, 11.5-inch carbine, a close-quarters combat personal defense weapon, or PDW, with a seven-inch barrel and a full-size M16-type rifle with a 20-inch barrel.
All the details and specifications of the R4 family can be found on the Remington Defense website.
This is happy news for Remington as they were underbid earlier this year for a major M4 carbine contract with the U.S. Army. FN-USA came in at the last hour with the lowest bid.
The Army put out a call for an up-to $180 million infinite quantity, infinite delivery (IDIQ) contract for M4 carbines, with a minimum of 24,000 rifles to be ordered. Remington was initially awarded the contract until the Government Accountability Office reviewed the contract following a petition by Colt.
Eventually the Army asked the qualified companies to re-bid on the contract with FN-USA offering the most affordable bid, settling with the Army for an order of 120,000 rifles for $84 million.
http://www.guns.com/2013/12/02/remington-lands-47-million-contract-armed-forces-philippines/
Overview of the Business and Investment Climate in the Bangsamoro
From the Sun Star-Davao: Overview of the Business and Investment Climate in the Bangsamoro
There are several questions we may ask ourselves, how can the communities within the Bangsamoro be described? How can the community be understood? What are its values and priorities? Who should be involved in helping develop and implement in creating a conducive business climate for the region? Who is likely to be a great help and why? Who else can be part of a network of support? Who might hinder the process if not included? These questions were in my mind when I attended the forum, “Overview of the Business and Investment Climate in the Bangsamoro,” last week, November 27–28, 2013, at Waterfront Hotel.
The forum was organized by Foundation for Economic Freedom, Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy, and Australian Aid.
The Framework Agreement and transitional arrangements provides a “golden” opportunity for the partners in the peace process to set in place appropriate policy and institutional arrangements that will enhance governance and capacity, and serve to improve significantly the business and investment climate in the region. Complemented with well directed public sector investments, this would set the foundations for a more robust and productive private sector essential to creating much needed employment and income earning opportunities for the people of the Bangsamoro. (Bangsamoro, Laying the Foundations for a Robust and Productive Private Sector in Muslim Mindanao. 2013)
In my limited experiences in Mindanao and working in the communities in the Armm, I raised the following questions and tried to answer them.
How can the communities within the Bangsamoro be described? How can the community be understood? What are its values and priorities?
The culture of the Bangsamoro is rich and diverse. As early as 10th century, there interaction with Southeast Asian countries, European countries, and even during the 19th century American and Japanese interventions, all left their marks in the way of life of the people. The following are key values system that stems their world view and judgments:
Process of Decision-Making
Like the Filipino culture, the people in the Bangsamoro need to consult their elders, family members, and even the clan before they decide or commit to do anything. The decision of the family is far more important than the individual's judgment or decision on a particular issue or concern. In the process of dealing with people, Bangsamoro needs to know the background of the person that they are dealing with. The family and personal background of the person are vital information before they can give their trust and confidence.
Essence of Maratabat
The Bangsamoro are family oriented and they cling to their clan as a source of support and stability. Thus, they value the honor of the clan/family more than their life. This is the essence of maratabat. An act of a family member is an act of the whole family, thus the whole clan may be shamed by an action or omission of one of their family member. The same goes with the marriage of a member of the family. It is actually a marriage of clans or communities. Thus, there are several rituals and traditions that need to be followed before a wedding is conducted. These factors give stability of life which is connected in their traditions and cultural practices.
Who should be involved in helping develop and implement in creating a conducive business climate for the region? Who is likely to be a great help and why? Who else can be part of a network of support? Who might hinder the process if not included?
Socio-Political Landscape: Understanding the Concept of Datuism
The Datu system is one of the oldest potent institutions in Southern Philippines. Families and clans in Maguindanao, Lanao, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi, and in traditional domains of non-Islamized indigenous groups are centered in recognizing the power and influence of the datus. With the introduction of Islam, these datus have confederated themselves in establishing the Sultanate.
Muslims in Mindanao and Sulu have this distinct strong attachment to the datu and sultanate systems because of the existence of the tarsila. Tarsila is defined as the genealogical lineage with particular reference to the succession of hierarchy and exercise of power.
Tarsila is not only a cultural practice but also a religious recognition that a person and his/her family and clan, has a direct lineage to the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). The founding fathers of Islam in Sulu and Maguindanao were Shariff Makdum and Shariff Kabungsuan, respectively. They were from Sumatra and Borneo of Arab descent related to the prophet of Islam as recorded in the tarsilas. Therefore, a datu or a sultan is believed to be a descendant of the Prophet and because of this, he is a political and a religious leader, thus the official title of sultan is both Batara (lord) and Maulana (religious scholar).
Most present-day traditional and political leaders in the Muslim areas have their respective tarsilas supporting the legitimacy of the power and rule over the people. To this date, most of the tarsilas are kept by the different clans and political and traditional ruling clans have their own keepers of the tarsila. Importantly, we must add that the datu system and sultanate existed exclusively of one another as two separate political structures before they finally converged with the advent of Islam in the Southern Philippines. The old datu system of local overlords merged with the Islamic and Arabic sultanate system in which the sultan “commanded the allegiance of other datus.” Since alliances were formed by marriages (the sultans’ daughter being married to a local datu or his marriage to a daughter of another datu) the tarsila made sure that the precious bloodline of the Prophet remained intact and the sultan’s legitimacy (owing to his direct lineage with the Prophet) was unquestioned by his Muslim constituents or followers.
Therefore, if we really want to engage and have economic development in the Armm or the proposed Bangsamoro New Political Entity, we need to have a complete grasp of the cultural component and the history of Islam in the region. These two are crucial points in the lives of the people.
Unfortunately, these points were not thoroughly discussed during the conference. Another question we may also ask, how will the Bangsamoro handle the datu system?
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/opinion/2013/12/04/lidasan-overview-business-and-investment-climate-bangsamoro-316959
BUSINESS and Investments opportunity in the proposed
new political entity, Bangsamoro, is a breakthrough in Mindanao. The ongoing
peace talks between the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic
Liberation Front (MILF) holds out the possibility of peace, a responsive
government and a better, more prosperous future for their people of the
region.
There are several questions we may ask ourselves, how can the communities within the Bangsamoro be described? How can the community be understood? What are its values and priorities? Who should be involved in helping develop and implement in creating a conducive business climate for the region? Who is likely to be a great help and why? Who else can be part of a network of support? Who might hinder the process if not included? These questions were in my mind when I attended the forum, “Overview of the Business and Investment Climate in the Bangsamoro,” last week, November 27–28, 2013, at Waterfront Hotel.
The forum was organized by Foundation for Economic Freedom, Philippine Center for Islam and Democracy, and Australian Aid.
The Framework Agreement and transitional arrangements provides a “golden” opportunity for the partners in the peace process to set in place appropriate policy and institutional arrangements that will enhance governance and capacity, and serve to improve significantly the business and investment climate in the region. Complemented with well directed public sector investments, this would set the foundations for a more robust and productive private sector essential to creating much needed employment and income earning opportunities for the people of the Bangsamoro. (Bangsamoro, Laying the Foundations for a Robust and Productive Private Sector in Muslim Mindanao. 2013)
In my limited experiences in Mindanao and working in the communities in the Armm, I raised the following questions and tried to answer them.
How can the communities within the Bangsamoro be described? How can the community be understood? What are its values and priorities?
The culture of the Bangsamoro is rich and diverse. As early as 10th century, there interaction with Southeast Asian countries, European countries, and even during the 19th century American and Japanese interventions, all left their marks in the way of life of the people. The following are key values system that stems their world view and judgments:
Process of Decision-Making
Like the Filipino culture, the people in the Bangsamoro need to consult their elders, family members, and even the clan before they decide or commit to do anything. The decision of the family is far more important than the individual's judgment or decision on a particular issue or concern. In the process of dealing with people, Bangsamoro needs to know the background of the person that they are dealing with. The family and personal background of the person are vital information before they can give their trust and confidence.
Essence of Maratabat
The Bangsamoro are family oriented and they cling to their clan as a source of support and stability. Thus, they value the honor of the clan/family more than their life. This is the essence of maratabat. An act of a family member is an act of the whole family, thus the whole clan may be shamed by an action or omission of one of their family member. The same goes with the marriage of a member of the family. It is actually a marriage of clans or communities. Thus, there are several rituals and traditions that need to be followed before a wedding is conducted. These factors give stability of life which is connected in their traditions and cultural practices.
Who should be involved in helping develop and implement in creating a conducive business climate for the region? Who is likely to be a great help and why? Who else can be part of a network of support? Who might hinder the process if not included?
Socio-Political Landscape: Understanding the Concept of Datuism
The Datu system is one of the oldest potent institutions in Southern Philippines. Families and clans in Maguindanao, Lanao, Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi, and in traditional domains of non-Islamized indigenous groups are centered in recognizing the power and influence of the datus. With the introduction of Islam, these datus have confederated themselves in establishing the Sultanate.
Muslims in Mindanao and Sulu have this distinct strong attachment to the datu and sultanate systems because of the existence of the tarsila. Tarsila is defined as the genealogical lineage with particular reference to the succession of hierarchy and exercise of power.
Tarsila is not only a cultural practice but also a religious recognition that a person and his/her family and clan, has a direct lineage to the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). The founding fathers of Islam in Sulu and Maguindanao were Shariff Makdum and Shariff Kabungsuan, respectively. They were from Sumatra and Borneo of Arab descent related to the prophet of Islam as recorded in the tarsilas. Therefore, a datu or a sultan is believed to be a descendant of the Prophet and because of this, he is a political and a religious leader, thus the official title of sultan is both Batara (lord) and Maulana (religious scholar).
Most present-day traditional and political leaders in the Muslim areas have their respective tarsilas supporting the legitimacy of the power and rule over the people. To this date, most of the tarsilas are kept by the different clans and political and traditional ruling clans have their own keepers of the tarsila. Importantly, we must add that the datu system and sultanate existed exclusively of one another as two separate political structures before they finally converged with the advent of Islam in the Southern Philippines. The old datu system of local overlords merged with the Islamic and Arabic sultanate system in which the sultan “commanded the allegiance of other datus.” Since alliances were formed by marriages (the sultans’ daughter being married to a local datu or his marriage to a daughter of another datu) the tarsila made sure that the precious bloodline of the Prophet remained intact and the sultan’s legitimacy (owing to his direct lineage with the Prophet) was unquestioned by his Muslim constituents or followers.
Therefore, if we really want to engage and have economic development in the Armm or the proposed Bangsamoro New Political Entity, we need to have a complete grasp of the cultural component and the history of Islam in the region. These two are crucial points in the lives of the people.
Unfortunately, these points were not thoroughly discussed during the conference. Another question we may also ask, how will the Bangsamoro handle the datu system?
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/opinion/2013/12/04/lidasan-overview-business-and-investment-climate-bangsamoro-316959
NPA denies casualty in clash against Army in La Libertad
From the Visayan Daily Star (Dec 3): NPA denies casualty in clash against Army in La Libertad
The Leonardo Panaligan Command of the New People’s Army denied that it incurred a casualty in an encounter with the military in La Libertad, Negros Oriental, on Nov. 24, claiming it was possibly a “mis-encounter” with a group of “Greenans,” a religious cult.
Rebel spokesman Ka JB Regalado, said in a statement he issued that the military’s claim of an NPA casualty is more of “pogi points”, and mere “black propaganda.”
The 11th Infantry Battalion, however, maintained that it was an encounter between its Bravo Company troopers and about 10 armed members of the Larangan Gerilya I unit of the NPA, that had resulted in the killing of a suspected NPA member, the recovery of a carbine rifle, and a backpack containing personal belongings and subversive documents.
1Lt. Von Ryan Gomez, 11IB Civil Military Operations officer, yesterday identified the slain rebel as a certain Ranie Garsola of Brgy. Amontay, Binalbagan, Negros Occidental.
Gomez said the body of the slain rebel was claimed and later buried by members of his family.
Regalado, citing their own investigations, however, claimed it was a mis-encounter between the 11IB and a group of Greenans, who had been jointly conducting military operations in the mountainous areas of La Libertad and Guihulngan in Negros Oriental, and Binalbagan, Negros Occidental, since Nov. 22, involving about 100 Army soldiers.
He also claimed that 15 to 19 Greenan members joined the military operations, and called the actuations of the AFP a violation of the provisions of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law, that prohibits the issuance of firearms to civilians, and of having them join their military operations.
Brig. Gen. Francisco Patrimonio, 302nd Infantry Brigade commander, had said earlier that the NPA violated its own ceasefire, by firing first at Army soldiers, that had led to the running gunbattle.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/December/03/negor3.htm
The Leonardo Panaligan Command of the New People’s Army denied that it incurred a casualty in an encounter with the military in La Libertad, Negros Oriental, on Nov. 24, claiming it was possibly a “mis-encounter” with a group of “Greenans,” a religious cult.
Rebel spokesman Ka JB Regalado, said in a statement he issued that the military’s claim of an NPA casualty is more of “pogi points”, and mere “black propaganda.”
The 11th Infantry Battalion, however, maintained that it was an encounter between its Bravo Company troopers and about 10 armed members of the Larangan Gerilya I unit of the NPA, that had resulted in the killing of a suspected NPA member, the recovery of a carbine rifle, and a backpack containing personal belongings and subversive documents.
1Lt. Von Ryan Gomez, 11IB Civil Military Operations officer, yesterday identified the slain rebel as a certain Ranie Garsola of Brgy. Amontay, Binalbagan, Negros Occidental.
Gomez said the body of the slain rebel was claimed and later buried by members of his family.
Regalado, citing their own investigations, however, claimed it was a mis-encounter between the 11IB and a group of Greenans, who had been jointly conducting military operations in the mountainous areas of La Libertad and Guihulngan in Negros Oriental, and Binalbagan, Negros Occidental, since Nov. 22, involving about 100 Army soldiers.
He also claimed that 15 to 19 Greenan members joined the military operations, and called the actuations of the AFP a violation of the provisions of the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law, that prohibits the issuance of firearms to civilians, and of having them join their military operations.
Brig. Gen. Francisco Patrimonio, 302nd Infantry Brigade commander, had said earlier that the NPA violated its own ceasefire, by firing first at Army soldiers, that had led to the running gunbattle.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/December/03/negor3.htm
PHL to acquire shore-based missile system
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 4): PHL to acquire shore-based missile system
In line with its efforts to modernize the military, the Department of National Defense (DND) has announced plans of acquiring a shore-based missile system for P6.5 billion.
Patrick Velez, DND vice chair for the bids and awards committee, said once acquired, the weapon will be placed under the control and supervision of the Army.
The shore-based missiles will be carried out through “limited source bidding."
Velez defines limited source bidding a process where certain companies are invited to submit bids for a project.
No other details were given for security reasons.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=593392
In line with its efforts to modernize the military, the Department of National Defense (DND) has announced plans of acquiring a shore-based missile system for P6.5 billion.
Patrick Velez, DND vice chair for the bids and awards committee, said once acquired, the weapon will be placed under the control and supervision of the Army.
The shore-based missiles will be carried out through “limited source bidding."
Velez defines limited source bidding a process where certain companies are invited to submit bids for a project.
No other details were given for security reasons.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=593392
143 new soldiers sent for relief, rehab operations in Tacloban City
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 4): 143 new soldiers sent for relief, rehab operations in Tacloban City
Around 143 new soldiers are assisting the ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts of the 8th Infantry Division inTacloban
City , Leyte .
This was disclosed by Capt. Amado Gutierrez, the unit's spokesperson, Wednesday.
He added that these new soldiers will be graduating from the Candidate Soldier's School this Dec. 12.
But while waiting for their official induction to the 8th Infantry Division rolls, these men are now helping in the clearing of debris, distribution of relief goods and other rehabilitation works in the city.
Gutierrez said that the activation of these troopers will allow some of their men to get some badly needed rest and leave this Christmas soon.
Once inducted, these new soldiers will be getting around P20,000 worth of salaries and other allowances monthly.
They will also be formally issued their service weapons and other military gear.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=593387
Around 143 new soldiers are assisting the ongoing relief and rehabilitation efforts of the 8th Infantry Division in
This was disclosed by Capt. Amado Gutierrez, the unit's spokesperson, Wednesday.
He added that these new soldiers will be graduating from the Candidate Soldier's School this Dec. 12.
But while waiting for their official induction to the 8th Infantry Division rolls, these men are now helping in the clearing of debris, distribution of relief goods and other rehabilitation works in the city.
Gutierrez said that the activation of these troopers will allow some of their men to get some badly needed rest and leave this Christmas soon.
Once inducted, these new soldiers will be getting around P20,000 worth of salaries and other allowances monthly.
They will also be formally issued their service weapons and other military gear.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=593387
Ready to eat meal rations of US military, being sold online
From GMA News (Dec 4): Ready to eat meal rations of US military, being sold online
Ready-to-eat food rations of the United States military are sold online via a shopping website, GMA News' 24 Oras newscast reported on Tuesday.
Ready-to-eat food rations of the United States military are sold online via a shopping website, GMA News' 24 Oras newscast reported on Tuesday.
The Meal, Ready-to-Eat (MRE) packs were spotted on Monday by GMA News in a mall at Makati and were being sold despite the US Department of Defense rations' label warning against the commercial sale of these items.
The public was first alerted to their sale through Facebook photos of the meals. The rations, according to the photo caption, were left by US troops and sold by a general, and was not part of Typhoon Yolanda relief goods.
When Jerry Carual, President of the Search and Rescue Unit
Foundation Inc, tried to purchase them on Tuesday, he was the store had no
stocks of the MREs and never sold any.
Continuing his search, Carual found another dealer from Pampanga through an online site, selling the US military-issued rations for P3,500.
When GMA News contacted the person who posted the ad to buy some of the goods, the response was that stocks were not available and cannot be sold partly because the MREs are current hot topic in the news media. The seller also declined to disclosed the source of their MREs, saying that it was classified information.
MREs are the food rations of US soldiers and may last for several days, making them optimal for disaster aid. Prohibition of their sale is printed on their packaging.
Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, spokesperson of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, said the MREs could not have come from the Philippines' and the US' joint military exercises.
"It's wrong to say na ito ay galing sa Balikatan Exercises at iniwan nila at ibinigay sa atin. The right people to probably look into this, would be the Department of Trade and Industry or the U.S. government," said Zagala.
The US Embassy has yet to reply to queries about the MREs.
GPH, MILF peace panels meet in Kuala Lumpur today
From the Sun Star-Cagayan de Oro (Dec 4): GPH, MILF peace panels meet in Kuala Lumpur today
Negotiators of the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will meet today, December 4, in Kuala Lumpur to settle the details on power sharing and normalization that are preventing them from clinching a comprehensive peace accord more than a year after inking a landmark preliminary pact.
On the same day, public consultations on the Bangsamoro Basic Law kick off in Lanao del Norte, spearheaded by civil society organizations that entered into a partnership with the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC).
The first consultations will take place in two clusters covering at least four of the province’s 22 towns December 4 with former Iligan City mayor Franklin Quijano serving as facilitator.
All the towns plus Iligan City will hopefully be covered by December 7, said Gimaidee Ann Cadotdot of the Pailig Academy for Grassroots Democracy (PAGD), secretariat of the Lanao consultations.
Hammering consensus
Wednesday’s meeting of the peace panels is widely expected to be focused on hammering consensus on power sharing, which will essentially spell out the governance powers devolved by the central government to the Bangsamoro, and the scheme for the exercise of powers the two entities share.
The exploratory meeting on October, which was scheduled for 10 days but extended by another day, failed to muster agreement on the details.
Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro learned that last month, the parties met in Kuala Lumpur for several days of executive session, meaning, a process that involves only a small contingent from each side.
Sources familiar with the dynamics of the peace negotiations estimate that at the current pace of the panels, a comprehensive peace agreement could be forged around February next year.
The same sources also said it is likely that the issue of power sharing could be settled in the current meeting with about eight points up for negotiations, the most crucial of which are on internal waters and elections.
Completing a comprehensive peace agreement (CPA) was originally set for December 2012 based on the consensus enshrined in the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) that was inked October 15 last year.
The CPA will consist of the FAB plus the annexes on transitional modalities, wealth sharing, power sharing and normalization. The last two annexes are yet to be finished.
Consultative exercise
The civil society-led consultations in Lanao del Norte is part of a Mindanao-wide effort to solicit inputs from grassroots communities regarding the charter of the future Bangsamoro self-governance entity that will replace the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Armm). This is covered by a memorandum of agreement between the BTC and at least 40 non-government groups and networks.
Primarily, these consultations will be done in every legislative district of the provinces of the Armm and provinces which have localities that can be potentially part of the Bangsamoro. Thematic consultations are also planned like among indigenous peoples, women and youth.
For Lanao del Norte, its 22 towns are grouped into 10 clusters while the 44 barangays of Iligan City is also another cluster. Some 100 participants will be convened per cluster.
The results of these consultations will be forwarded to the BTC as well as the government and MILF peace panels, said Cadotdot.
“We have especially targeted grassroots leaders because we believe that the effort to improve the Moro autonomy setup must redound to the greater benefit of the ordinary Bangsamoro,” Cadotdot stressed.
More than 30 local civil society organizations are participating in the consultation effort supported by the GIZ Civil Peace Service program, Cadotdot added.
“We aim that the conduct of this democratic exercise provides a hopeful contrast amid the historical backdrop of Lanao del Norte being a key trigger for war in the 1970s, 2000 and 2008,” explained Quijano.
The Moro autonomy experiment began in 1977, founded on the 1976 Tripoli Agreement of Peace inked between government and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).
But consultations related to its design were first done in 1987 through the Mindanao Regional Consultative Commission (MRCC) that drafted the original Organic Act of the Armm.
Negotiators of the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will meet today, December 4, in Kuala Lumpur to settle the details on power sharing and normalization that are preventing them from clinching a comprehensive peace accord more than a year after inking a landmark preliminary pact.
On the same day, public consultations on the Bangsamoro Basic Law kick off in Lanao del Norte, spearheaded by civil society organizations that entered into a partnership with the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC).
The first consultations will take place in two clusters covering at least four of the province’s 22 towns December 4 with former Iligan City mayor Franklin Quijano serving as facilitator.
All the towns plus Iligan City will hopefully be covered by December 7, said Gimaidee Ann Cadotdot of the Pailig Academy for Grassroots Democracy (PAGD), secretariat of the Lanao consultations.
Hammering consensus
Wednesday’s meeting of the peace panels is widely expected to be focused on hammering consensus on power sharing, which will essentially spell out the governance powers devolved by the central government to the Bangsamoro, and the scheme for the exercise of powers the two entities share.
The exploratory meeting on October, which was scheduled for 10 days but extended by another day, failed to muster agreement on the details.
Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro learned that last month, the parties met in Kuala Lumpur for several days of executive session, meaning, a process that involves only a small contingent from each side.
Sources familiar with the dynamics of the peace negotiations estimate that at the current pace of the panels, a comprehensive peace agreement could be forged around February next year.
The same sources also said it is likely that the issue of power sharing could be settled in the current meeting with about eight points up for negotiations, the most crucial of which are on internal waters and elections.
Completing a comprehensive peace agreement (CPA) was originally set for December 2012 based on the consensus enshrined in the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) that was inked October 15 last year.
The CPA will consist of the FAB plus the annexes on transitional modalities, wealth sharing, power sharing and normalization. The last two annexes are yet to be finished.
Consultative exercise
The civil society-led consultations in Lanao del Norte is part of a Mindanao-wide effort to solicit inputs from grassroots communities regarding the charter of the future Bangsamoro self-governance entity that will replace the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Armm). This is covered by a memorandum of agreement between the BTC and at least 40 non-government groups and networks.
Primarily, these consultations will be done in every legislative district of the provinces of the Armm and provinces which have localities that can be potentially part of the Bangsamoro. Thematic consultations are also planned like among indigenous peoples, women and youth.
For Lanao del Norte, its 22 towns are grouped into 10 clusters while the 44 barangays of Iligan City is also another cluster. Some 100 participants will be convened per cluster.
The results of these consultations will be forwarded to the BTC as well as the government and MILF peace panels, said Cadotdot.
“We have especially targeted grassroots leaders because we believe that the effort to improve the Moro autonomy setup must redound to the greater benefit of the ordinary Bangsamoro,” Cadotdot stressed.
More than 30 local civil society organizations are participating in the consultation effort supported by the GIZ Civil Peace Service program, Cadotdot added.
“We aim that the conduct of this democratic exercise provides a hopeful contrast amid the historical backdrop of Lanao del Norte being a key trigger for war in the 1970s, 2000 and 2008,” explained Quijano.
The Moro autonomy experiment began in 1977, founded on the 1976 Tripoli Agreement of Peace inked between government and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).
But consultations related to its design were first done in 1987 through the Mindanao Regional Consultative Commission (MRCC) that drafted the original Organic Act of the Armm.
But much of these consultations, according to
Mindanao historian and MRCC member Rudy Rodil, never went down to the
grassroots. The effort to involve grassroots leaders in designing Moro autonomy
is therefore the first in its 36-year history.
Church worker still faces rebellion raps
From the Visayan Daily Star (Dec 4): Church worker still faces rebellion raps
Although the murder case against her has been dropped, alleged rebel leader Nilda Bertulano is still facing a charge for rebellion, Senior Supt. Milko Lirazan, provincial police director of Negros Occidental, yesterday said.
Bertulano, alias Ka Frea, was linked by the military to the killing of 1Lt. Archie Polenzo in an encounter with suspected New People’s Army rebels in Cadiz City, Negros Occidental, in 2010.
In dropping the murder case, Judge Rosario Orada-Caise of the Regional Trial Court Branch 48, said that it was impossible for Bertulano to take part in the killing of Polenzo as she was detained for a different offense when the army official was killed.
Aside from rebellion and murder cases, Bertulano is also facing a case of arson, for which she posted bail, after her arrest in La Carlota City, police records showed.
Bayan Negros secretary general Christian Tuayon insists that Bertulano is not an NPA leader, but a Church worker who was wrongfully accused.
Military records show that Bertulano was among the key personalities of the Komiteng Rehiyonal-Negros, that included NPA regional commander Romeo Nanta, Hernando Llorente, Rogelio Danoso, Mary Grace Delicano-Sumayang, and Arturo Moleta, who rejoined their comrades in the mountains after posting bail, before she was arrested for the second time in Negros Oriental.
Maj. Gen. Aurelio Baladad, 3rd Infantry Division commander, said they have done their job of bringing Bertulano to the court of law.
Baladad, stressed in a statement in issued that the Armed Forces of the Philippines will follow legal proceedings and respect judicial processes. We will abide by the rule of law because we are in a democratic society. We will leave it to the civilian court to decide on her case”.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/December/04/topstory14.htm
Although the murder case against her has been dropped, alleged rebel leader Nilda Bertulano is still facing a charge for rebellion, Senior Supt. Milko Lirazan, provincial police director of Negros Occidental, yesterday said.
Bertulano, alias Ka Frea, was linked by the military to the killing of 1Lt. Archie Polenzo in an encounter with suspected New People’s Army rebels in Cadiz City, Negros Occidental, in 2010.
In dropping the murder case, Judge Rosario Orada-Caise of the Regional Trial Court Branch 48, said that it was impossible for Bertulano to take part in the killing of Polenzo as she was detained for a different offense when the army official was killed.
Aside from rebellion and murder cases, Bertulano is also facing a case of arson, for which she posted bail, after her arrest in La Carlota City, police records showed.
Bayan Negros secretary general Christian Tuayon insists that Bertulano is not an NPA leader, but a Church worker who was wrongfully accused.
Military records show that Bertulano was among the key personalities of the Komiteng Rehiyonal-Negros, that included NPA regional commander Romeo Nanta, Hernando Llorente, Rogelio Danoso, Mary Grace Delicano-Sumayang, and Arturo Moleta, who rejoined their comrades in the mountains after posting bail, before she was arrested for the second time in Negros Oriental.
Maj. Gen. Aurelio Baladad, 3rd Infantry Division commander, said they have done their job of bringing Bertulano to the court of law.
Baladad, stressed in a statement in issued that the Armed Forces of the Philippines will follow legal proceedings and respect judicial processes. We will abide by the rule of law because we are in a democratic society. We will leave it to the civilian court to decide on her case”.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/December/04/topstory14.htm
Bomb in Basilan store a dud—police
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Dec 4): Bomb in Basilan store a dud—police
An improvised explosive device found Monday by authorities in a Basilan store turned out to be a dud, the Philippine National Police said Tuesday.
The IED in a carton box with a Nokia cellphone, wires, and a small can wrapped in a packaging tape was found inside the New Mabuhay Trading in Isabela City, said the report from the PNP Intelligence Group.
The report said the package was found by store owner James Tan, who said the box has been left untouched for four days prior to its discovery.
Isabela City authorities said the makeshift bomb failed to explode after the battery of the cellphone was
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/539609/bomb-in-basilan-store-a-dud-police
An improvised explosive device found Monday by authorities in a Basilan store turned out to be a dud, the Philippine National Police said Tuesday.
The IED in a carton box with a Nokia cellphone, wires, and a small can wrapped in a packaging tape was found inside the New Mabuhay Trading in Isabela City, said the report from the PNP Intelligence Group.
The report said the package was found by store owner James Tan, who said the box has been left untouched for four days prior to its discovery.
Isabela City authorities said the makeshift bomb failed to explode after the battery of the cellphone was
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/539609/bomb-in-basilan-store-a-dud-police
John Kerry to visit Philippines this month
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Dec 4): John Kerry to visit Philippines this month
Secretary of State John Kerry will visit the Philippines this month to reaffirm the US commitment to helping the Southeast Asian nation rebuild after a devastating typhoon.
State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf said Kerry spoke Tuesday with Philippines Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario who thanked the US for its “overwhelming support” in the wake of Supertyphoon “Yolanda” (Haiyan) that struck the central Philippines Nov. 8, killing nearly 5,600 people and displacing 3.8 million.
The US has provided about $60 million in aid.
Kerry told Del Rosario the US “will continue to stand by the Philippines during this difficult time.” Harf said they will also discuss a wide range of bilateral and regional issues.
Kerry was forced to postpone a trip to the Philippines in October because an earlier typhoon was approaching.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/93095/john-kerry-to-visit-philippines-this-month
Secretary of State John Kerry will visit the Philippines this month to reaffirm the US commitment to helping the Southeast Asian nation rebuild after a devastating typhoon.
State Department spokeswoman Marie Harf said Kerry spoke Tuesday with Philippines Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario who thanked the US for its “overwhelming support” in the wake of Supertyphoon “Yolanda” (Haiyan) that struck the central Philippines Nov. 8, killing nearly 5,600 people and displacing 3.8 million.
The US has provided about $60 million in aid.
Kerry told Del Rosario the US “will continue to stand by the Philippines during this difficult time.” Harf said they will also discuss a wide range of bilateral and regional issues.
Kerry was forced to postpone a trip to the Philippines in October because an earlier typhoon was approaching.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/93095/john-kerry-to-visit-philippines-this-month
Army seeks deployment of citizens armed group in Vizcaya
From the Manila Times (Dec 3): Army seeks deployment of citizens armed group in Vizcaya
BAYOMBONG: The Philippine Army on Tuesday requested for the deployment of citizens armed group to stop the activities of rebels in Nueva Vizcaya’s upland villages.
Lt. Col. Eugenio Mata, commanding officer of the Army’s 31st Battalion of the 7th Infantry Division based in San Jose City, said there is a need to deploy the Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit (Cafgu) in Ambaguio and Villaverde upland towns.
Mata said that the request for the deployment of Cafgu forces to the remote villages in towns near the boundary of Asipulo town in Ifugao province is necessary “to thwart any attempt of the communist New People’s Army [NPA] to enter upland villages.”
“The needed deployment of citizens armed group forces will serve as a deterrent factor in driving away rebels from the area,” Mata stressed.
Intelligence reports reaching the Army reveal that the New People’s Army rebels are in the process of recruitment in the upland villages near the Ifugao-Nueva Vizcaya boundary.
“With the presence of our auxillary forces there, we can prevent the frequent visits of the communist remnants who are trying to seek community support and recruitment,” Mata added.
Police and Army reports also confirmed at least four sightings and movements of NPA rebels in the towns of Ambaguio, Dupax del Sur, Kasibu and Villaverde towns in Nueva Vizcaya.
Police, however, said that besides recruitment activities in the recent sightings, the rebels are also involved in “kidnapping.”
http://manilatimes.net/army-seeks-deployment-of-citizens-armed-group-in-vizcaya/57748/
BAYOMBONG: The Philippine Army on Tuesday requested for the deployment of citizens armed group to stop the activities of rebels in Nueva Vizcaya’s upland villages.
Lt. Col. Eugenio Mata, commanding officer of the Army’s 31st Battalion of the 7th Infantry Division based in San Jose City, said there is a need to deploy the Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit (Cafgu) in Ambaguio and Villaverde upland towns.
Mata said that the request for the deployment of Cafgu forces to the remote villages in towns near the boundary of Asipulo town in Ifugao province is necessary “to thwart any attempt of the communist New People’s Army [NPA] to enter upland villages.”
“The needed deployment of citizens armed group forces will serve as a deterrent factor in driving away rebels from the area,” Mata stressed.
Intelligence reports reaching the Army reveal that the New People’s Army rebels are in the process of recruitment in the upland villages near the Ifugao-Nueva Vizcaya boundary.
“With the presence of our auxillary forces there, we can prevent the frequent visits of the communist remnants who are trying to seek community support and recruitment,” Mata added.
Police and Army reports also confirmed at least four sightings and movements of NPA rebels in the towns of Ambaguio, Dupax del Sur, Kasibu and Villaverde towns in Nueva Vizcaya.
Police, however, said that besides recruitment activities in the recent sightings, the rebels are also involved in “kidnapping.”
http://manilatimes.net/army-seeks-deployment-of-citizens-armed-group-in-vizcaya/57748/
Navy to help ship G.I. sheets to ‘Yolanda’ battered areas
From the Manila Times (Dec 4): Navy to help ship G.I. sheets to ‘Yolanda’ battered areas
The Philippine Navy (PN) announced its willingness to help ship the estimated 300 million tons of G.I. sheets needed for the repairs of homes damaged in the Eastern and Western Visayas during the onslaught of Supertyphoon “Yolanda” last Nov. 8.
Navy spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic said that two logistic ships, the BRP Bacolod City (LC-550) and BRP Dagupan City (LC-551), can be utilized for this mission.
“These ships can be loaded to the utmost of their capacity and deployed to deliver the G.I. sheets in Eastern Visayas and Western Visayas” he said.
Both ships are capable of carrying 4,000 tons of assorted cargoes.
“Once a request is made, these vessels are easily deployed,” Fabic stated.
Local government officials in Eastern and Western Visayas earlier said that 300 million tons of G. I. sheets (around 7 million pieces) are needed to repair homes damaged by “Yolanda.”
Local officials estimate each beneficiary would need between 20 to 50 pieces of G.I. sheets to fix their houses.
http://manilatimes.net/navy-to-help-ship-g-i-sheets-to-yolanda-battered-areas/57847/
The Philippine Navy (PN) announced its willingness to help ship the estimated 300 million tons of G.I. sheets needed for the repairs of homes damaged in the Eastern and Western Visayas during the onslaught of Supertyphoon “Yolanda” last Nov. 8.
Navy spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic said that two logistic ships, the BRP Bacolod City (LC-550) and BRP Dagupan City (LC-551), can be utilized for this mission.
“These ships can be loaded to the utmost of their capacity and deployed to deliver the G.I. sheets in Eastern Visayas and Western Visayas” he said.
Both ships are capable of carrying 4,000 tons of assorted cargoes.
“Once a request is made, these vessels are easily deployed,” Fabic stated.
Local government officials in Eastern and Western Visayas earlier said that 300 million tons of G. I. sheets (around 7 million pieces) are needed to repair homes damaged by “Yolanda.”
Local officials estimate each beneficiary would need between 20 to 50 pieces of G.I. sheets to fix their houses.
http://manilatimes.net/navy-to-help-ship-g-i-sheets-to-yolanda-battered-areas/57847/
Westcom to face intruders
From the Manila Standard Today (Dec 4): Westcom to face intruders
AIR Force Lt. Gen. Roy Deveraturda on Tuesday said he was ready to face a new challenge after being named the new commander of the Western Command, which has jurisdiction over the West Philippine Sea where China has been intruding into the country’s territorial waters.
“In view of this, let it be stressed that the Western Command serves as the forefront of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in safeguarding our interests in the vastness of Palawan and the Kalayaan Group of Islands,” Deveraturda said in his assumption speech after he was installed by Armed Forces Chief Gen. Emmanuel Bautista.
Westcom is based in Puerto Princesa City but it lacks equipment to defend its territory adequately.
Also installed was Army Maj. Gen. John Bonafos from the Philippine Military Academy “Sandigan” Class of 1982 to take charge of Central Command based in Cebu City.
“Visayas region will rise up. We shall see the active involvement of both citizenry and government,” he said in his inaugural speech.
Bonafos led the Special Operations Command based in Nueva Ecija where among his possible successors include newly promoted Brig. Gen. Donato San Juan from PMA “Maharlika” Class of 1984.
The bulk of the Aquino administration’s P75-billion modernization program is earmarked for buying modern equipment for the Air Force and the Navy.
Part of the program is the acquisition of 12 Korean-made lead-in fighter jets worth P18.9 billion from Korea, but the talks between the Defense Department’s Bids and Awards Committee and aircraft manufacturer Korean Aerospace Inc. has stalled over some differences.
The Defense Department says KAI wants a 52-percent down payment and an exchange rate of P45 to $1, which is way beyond the 15-percent maximum down payment allowed by law.
Another crucial issue is the time of delivery and the warranty for spare parts.
Some defense sources who spoke on condition of anonymity say that if the Defense Department and KAI fail to close a deal this month, there is a possibility that the project will be shelved for good.
“The implementation of the project should start by January 2014, and if not the delivery schedule will go beyond 2016,” one of the sources said.
“I think this administration would not want the completion of the project to be credited to the next administration.”
Another source said the Air Force should look at its other options, including buying Gripen multi-role fighters being offered by SAAB of Sweden.
Deveraturda said his leadership would not be stalled by a lack of equipment.
“I will pursue my new responsibility with fervor and intensity as I have in my previous command, putting a premium on Security Sector Reform, IPSP [Internal Peace and Security Plan], Bayanihan and the role of the Armed Forces in national development,” Deveraturda said.
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2013/12/04/westcom-to-face-intruders/
AIR Force Lt. Gen. Roy Deveraturda on Tuesday said he was ready to face a new challenge after being named the new commander of the Western Command, which has jurisdiction over the West Philippine Sea where China has been intruding into the country’s territorial waters.
“In view of this, let it be stressed that the Western Command serves as the forefront of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in safeguarding our interests in the vastness of Palawan and the Kalayaan Group of Islands,” Deveraturda said in his assumption speech after he was installed by Armed Forces Chief Gen. Emmanuel Bautista.
Westcom is based in Puerto Princesa City but it lacks equipment to defend its territory adequately.
Also installed was Army Maj. Gen. John Bonafos from the Philippine Military Academy “Sandigan” Class of 1982 to take charge of Central Command based in Cebu City.
“Visayas region will rise up. We shall see the active involvement of both citizenry and government,” he said in his inaugural speech.
Bonafos led the Special Operations Command based in Nueva Ecija where among his possible successors include newly promoted Brig. Gen. Donato San Juan from PMA “Maharlika” Class of 1984.
The bulk of the Aquino administration’s P75-billion modernization program is earmarked for buying modern equipment for the Air Force and the Navy.
Part of the program is the acquisition of 12 Korean-made lead-in fighter jets worth P18.9 billion from Korea, but the talks between the Defense Department’s Bids and Awards Committee and aircraft manufacturer Korean Aerospace Inc. has stalled over some differences.
The Defense Department says KAI wants a 52-percent down payment and an exchange rate of P45 to $1, which is way beyond the 15-percent maximum down payment allowed by law.
Another crucial issue is the time of delivery and the warranty for spare parts.
Some defense sources who spoke on condition of anonymity say that if the Defense Department and KAI fail to close a deal this month, there is a possibility that the project will be shelved for good.
“The implementation of the project should start by January 2014, and if not the delivery schedule will go beyond 2016,” one of the sources said.
“I think this administration would not want the completion of the project to be credited to the next administration.”
Another source said the Air Force should look at its other options, including buying Gripen multi-role fighters being offered by SAAB of Sweden.
Deveraturda said his leadership would not be stalled by a lack of equipment.
“I will pursue my new responsibility with fervor and intensity as I have in my previous command, putting a premium on Security Sector Reform, IPSP [Internal Peace and Security Plan], Bayanihan and the role of the Armed Forces in national development,” Deveraturda said.
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2013/12/04/westcom-to-face-intruders/
Australian warship arrives with aid
From the Manila Bulletin (Dec 3): Australian warship arrives with aid
The HMAS Tobruk, an amphibious ship sent by the government of Australia to assist in the relief and recovery operations in areas severely affected by super typhoon “Yolanda,” has arrived in Cebu with relief goods and tents.
The Australian warship immediately unloaded 110 tons of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief goods, including shelter materials and food from the World Food Program for Yolanda victims in the northern part of Cebu province.
The ship also had a helicopter on board which will be used to bring the relief goods to remote areas in Bantayan Island, said a statement from the Australian Embassy.
The ship has 167 personnel who will be joining in relief and recovery operations in affected areas.
HMAS Tobruk left Australia on November 17 and first arrived in Ormoc. The vessel will stay in Cebu until this Friday.
http://www.mb.com.ph/australian-warship-arrives-with-aid/
The HMAS Tobruk, an amphibious ship sent by the government of Australia to assist in the relief and recovery operations in areas severely affected by super typhoon “Yolanda,” has arrived in Cebu with relief goods and tents.
The Australian warship immediately unloaded 110 tons of Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief goods, including shelter materials and food from the World Food Program for Yolanda victims in the northern part of Cebu province.
The ship also had a helicopter on board which will be used to bring the relief goods to remote areas in Bantayan Island, said a statement from the Australian Embassy.
The ship has 167 personnel who will be joining in relief and recovery operations in affected areas.
HMAS Tobruk left Australia on November 17 and first arrived in Ormoc. The vessel will stay in Cebu until this Friday.
http://www.mb.com.ph/australian-warship-arrives-with-aid/
US deactivates ‘Yolanda’ task force
From the Daily Tribune (Dec 4): US deactivates ‘Yolanda’ task force
The United States government has shut down its Joint Task Force 505, activated at the height of the massive disaster relief operations in the Visayas region following the havoc wreaked by super typhoon “Yolanda,” resulting in the pullout of thousands US troops and equipment involved in the mission.
The JTF 505, created by the US Pacific Command, officially shut down operation at Camp Aguinaldo on Sunday.
The “deactivation” of JTF 505 also resulted in the pull out of most US troops involved in the actual relief and retrieval operations in typhoon-ravaged areas in Visayas region.
In spite of the shutdown, a small contingent of US troops would still be in the country to oversee the pullout.
At the height of the massive relief operations, the number of US troops in the country peaked at 13,400, along with 66 aircraft and 12 naval ships, including aircraft carrier USS George Washington.
Last week, the number went down to 3,000 US servicemen, with 1,900 of them aboard ships deployed to assist in the ongoing “Oplan Damayan.”
During its operation, elements of the JTF 505 logged in at least 2,000 flight hours during more than 1,000 flights and moved 2,000 relief workers. US aircraft also transported 21,000 evacuees.
Also last week, military medical contingent from Israel, composed of 148 personnel, also pulled out from the humanitarian mission in the typhoon-ravaged areas.
Presently, there are still more than a dozen foreign military contingents are still in the areas affected by “Yolanda” assisting in the ongoing relief, retrieval and rehabilitation efforts.
Meanwhile, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) yesterday reported an increased in the number of fatalities brought about by “Yolanda” which smashed into central Philippines last Nov. 8.
The NDRRMC death toll stood at 5,680 persons while 1,779 are still missing and 26,233 others were injured.
Eastern Visayas accounted for most of the fatalities with 5,338; Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon provinces) with three; Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan), 19; six in Bicol; 238 in Western Visayas; Central Visayas, 74; one in Zamboanga Peninsula; and one in Caraga.
The NDRRMC said that at least 2,376,210 families or 11,236,014 individuals were affected in 12,075 villages in 44 provinces. Of these, 28,371 families or 125,225 people are still staying in 426 evacuation centers.
Damage caused by Yolanda was still estimated at P34.366 billion, including P17.333 billion in infrastructure and P17.033 billion in agriculture.
The NDRRMC said the number of destroyed houses has reached 1,180,837 including 587,035 destroyed and 593,802 damaged.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/us-deactivates-yolanda-task-force
The United States government has shut down its Joint Task Force 505, activated at the height of the massive disaster relief operations in the Visayas region following the havoc wreaked by super typhoon “Yolanda,” resulting in the pullout of thousands US troops and equipment involved in the mission.
The JTF 505, created by the US Pacific Command, officially shut down operation at Camp Aguinaldo on Sunday.
The “deactivation” of JTF 505 also resulted in the pull out of most US troops involved in the actual relief and retrieval operations in typhoon-ravaged areas in Visayas region.
In spite of the shutdown, a small contingent of US troops would still be in the country to oversee the pullout.
At the height of the massive relief operations, the number of US troops in the country peaked at 13,400, along with 66 aircraft and 12 naval ships, including aircraft carrier USS George Washington.
Last week, the number went down to 3,000 US servicemen, with 1,900 of them aboard ships deployed to assist in the ongoing “Oplan Damayan.”
During its operation, elements of the JTF 505 logged in at least 2,000 flight hours during more than 1,000 flights and moved 2,000 relief workers. US aircraft also transported 21,000 evacuees.
Also last week, military medical contingent from Israel, composed of 148 personnel, also pulled out from the humanitarian mission in the typhoon-ravaged areas.
Presently, there are still more than a dozen foreign military contingents are still in the areas affected by “Yolanda” assisting in the ongoing relief, retrieval and rehabilitation efforts.
Meanwhile, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) yesterday reported an increased in the number of fatalities brought about by “Yolanda” which smashed into central Philippines last Nov. 8.
The NDRRMC death toll stood at 5,680 persons while 1,779 are still missing and 26,233 others were injured.
Eastern Visayas accounted for most of the fatalities with 5,338; Calabarzon (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon provinces) with three; Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan), 19; six in Bicol; 238 in Western Visayas; Central Visayas, 74; one in Zamboanga Peninsula; and one in Caraga.
The NDRRMC said that at least 2,376,210 families or 11,236,014 individuals were affected in 12,075 villages in 44 provinces. Of these, 28,371 families or 125,225 people are still staying in 426 evacuation centers.
Damage caused by Yolanda was still estimated at P34.366 billion, including P17.333 billion in infrastructure and P17.033 billion in agriculture.
The NDRRMC said the number of destroyed houses has reached 1,180,837 including 587,035 destroyed and 593,802 damaged.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/us-deactivates-yolanda-task-force
DND plans to spend P2.9-B on equipment for Yolanda-hit areas' rehab
From the Philippine Star (Dec 3): DND plans to spend P2.9-B on equipment for Yolanda-hit areas' rehab
The Department of National Defense is planning to spend P2.9-billion to acquire equipment needed for the rehabilitation of areas ravaged by super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).
Defense Assistant Secretary Patrick Velez said the project would cover common requirements of the military units involved in the rehabilitation efforts like bulldozers, backhoes, graders, dump trucks and other construction equipment.
“The acquisition will cover civil engineering equipment for the purpose of addressing the requirements in Eastern Visayas. It is part of the rehabilitation of affected areas,” Velez said in an interview last Monday.
The acquisition of construction and engineering equipment has been considered a primary purchase in the light of recent developments.
The procurement will be done through emergency acquisition due to the immediate need to rebuild areas hit by the typhoon.
Unlike public biddings, emergency procurement does not have to comply with publication requirements. The procuring entity, however, is still required to talk to a minimum of three prospective suppliers.
Agencies usually tap emergency procurement if they need to respond immediately to certain situations. The procuring entity, however, has to secure the approval of the interagency Government Procurement Policy Board.
Velez said the proposal to acquire construction equipment for rehabilitation would be presented to Congress/
The funding for the project may come from the P14.6-billion supplemental budget awaiting final approval by the legislature.
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/12/03/1263763/dnd-plans-spend-p2.9-b-equipment-yolanda-hit-areas-rehab
The Department of National Defense is planning to spend P2.9-billion to acquire equipment needed for the rehabilitation of areas ravaged by super typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).
Defense Assistant Secretary Patrick Velez said the project would cover common requirements of the military units involved in the rehabilitation efforts like bulldozers, backhoes, graders, dump trucks and other construction equipment.
“The acquisition will cover civil engineering equipment for the purpose of addressing the requirements in Eastern Visayas. It is part of the rehabilitation of affected areas,” Velez said in an interview last Monday.
The acquisition of construction and engineering equipment has been considered a primary purchase in the light of recent developments.
The procurement will be done through emergency acquisition due to the immediate need to rebuild areas hit by the typhoon.
Unlike public biddings, emergency procurement does not have to comply with publication requirements. The procuring entity, however, is still required to talk to a minimum of three prospective suppliers.
Agencies usually tap emergency procurement if they need to respond immediately to certain situations. The procuring entity, however, has to secure the approval of the interagency Government Procurement Policy Board.
Velez said the proposal to acquire construction equipment for rehabilitation would be presented to Congress/
The funding for the project may come from the P14.6-billion supplemental budget awaiting final approval by the legislature.
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/12/03/1263763/dnd-plans-spend-p2.9-b-equipment-yolanda-hit-areas-rehab
Consultations on Bangsamoro Basic Law kicks off
From MindaNews (Dec 3): Consultations on Bangsamoro Basic Law kicks off
Massive public consultations on the Bangsamoro Basic Law kicks off Wednesday in Lanao del Norte, parallel to the convening of the peace panels of government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Kuala Lumpur.
The peace panels meet in a bid to settle the details on power sharing and normalization that are preventing them from clinching a comprehensive peace accord more than a year after inking a landmark preliminary pact.
The first consultations will take place in two clusters covering at least four of the province’s 22 towns Dec. 4 with former Iligan City mayor Franklin Quijano serving as facilitator.
All the towns plus Iligan City will hopefully be covered by Dec. 7, said Gimaidee Ann Cadotdot of the Pailig Academy for Grassroots Democracy (PAGD), secretariat of the Lanao consultations.
The civil society-led consultations in Lanao del Norte is part of a Mindanao-wide effort to solicit inputs from grassroots communities regarding the charter of the future Bangsamoro self-governance entity that will replace the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
This is covered by a memorandum of agreement between the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) and at least 40 non-government groups and networks.
Primarily, these consultations will be done in every legislative district of the provinces of the ARMM and provinces which have localities that can be potentially part of the Bangsamoro. Thematic consultations are also planned like among indigenous peoples, women and youth.
For Lanao del Norte, its 22 towns are grouped into 10 clusters while the 44 barangays of Iligan City is also another cluster. Some 100 participants will be convened per cluster.
The results of these consultations will be forwarded to the BTC as well as the government and MILF peace panels, said Cadotdot.
“We have especially targeted grassroots leaders because we believe that the effort to improve the Moro autonomy setup must redound to the greater benefit of the ordinary Bangsamoro,” Cadotdot stressed.
More than 30 local civil society organizations are particitipating in the consultation effort which is supported by the GIZ Civil Peace Service program, Cadotdot added.
“We aim that the conduct of this democratic exercise provides a hopeful contrast amid the historical backdrop of Lanao del Norte being a key trigger for war in the 1970s, 2000 and 2008,” explained Quijano.
The Moro autonomy experiment began in 1977, founded on the 1976 Tripoli Agreement of Peace inked between government and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).
But consultations related to its design was first done in 1987 through the Mindanao Regional Consultative Commission (MRCC) that drafted the original Organic Act of the ARMM.
But much of these consultations, according to Mindanao historian and MRCC member Rudy Rodil, never went down to the grassroots. The effort to involve grassroots leaders in designing Moro autonomy is therefore the first in its 36-year history.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2013/12/03/consultations-on-bangsamoro-basic-law-kicks-off/
Massive public consultations on the Bangsamoro Basic Law kicks off Wednesday in Lanao del Norte, parallel to the convening of the peace panels of government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Kuala Lumpur.
The peace panels meet in a bid to settle the details on power sharing and normalization that are preventing them from clinching a comprehensive peace accord more than a year after inking a landmark preliminary pact.
The first consultations will take place in two clusters covering at least four of the province’s 22 towns Dec. 4 with former Iligan City mayor Franklin Quijano serving as facilitator.
All the towns plus Iligan City will hopefully be covered by Dec. 7, said Gimaidee Ann Cadotdot of the Pailig Academy for Grassroots Democracy (PAGD), secretariat of the Lanao consultations.
The civil society-led consultations in Lanao del Norte is part of a Mindanao-wide effort to solicit inputs from grassroots communities regarding the charter of the future Bangsamoro self-governance entity that will replace the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
Primarily, these consultations will be done in every legislative district of the provinces of the ARMM and provinces which have localities that can be potentially part of the Bangsamoro. Thematic consultations are also planned like among indigenous peoples, women and youth.
For Lanao del Norte, its 22 towns are grouped into 10 clusters while the 44 barangays of Iligan City is also another cluster. Some 100 participants will be convened per cluster.
The results of these consultations will be forwarded to the BTC as well as the government and MILF peace panels, said Cadotdot.
“We have especially targeted grassroots leaders because we believe that the effort to improve the Moro autonomy setup must redound to the greater benefit of the ordinary Bangsamoro,” Cadotdot stressed.
More than 30 local civil society organizations are particitipating in the consultation effort which is supported by the GIZ Civil Peace Service program, Cadotdot added.
“We aim that the conduct of this democratic exercise provides a hopeful contrast amid the historical backdrop of Lanao del Norte being a key trigger for war in the 1970s, 2000 and 2008,” explained Quijano.
The Moro autonomy experiment began in 1977, founded on the 1976 Tripoli Agreement of Peace inked between government and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).
But consultations related to its design was first done in 1987 through the Mindanao Regional Consultative Commission (MRCC) that drafted the original Organic Act of the ARMM.
But much of these consultations, according to Mindanao historian and MRCC member Rudy Rodil, never went down to the grassroots. The effort to involve grassroots leaders in designing Moro autonomy is therefore the first in its 36-year history.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2013/12/03/consultations-on-bangsamoro-basic-law-kicks-off/
Obama to PH, Asia: ‘When our friends are in trouble, we help’
From the Manila Times (Dec 3): Obama to PH, Asia: ‘When our friends are in trouble, we help’
President Barrack Obama said on Tuesday that the United States would continue its aid to the Philippines from the destruction brought about by Typhoon Yolanda (international name: Haiyan) a month after the incident.
Obama said through a video message at the LEAD Asean Youth Summit in Philippines that the US government would continue its help to long term for the victims of the typhoon, as well as forging good diplomatic relations in the Southeast Asia.
“Because when our friend are in trouble, we help…My message to the Philippines, and to our allies and partners across the Pacific, is that we stand with you. As you move forward, you will always have a friend and partner in the United States,” Obama said through a video message.
Obama commended the Philippine government in accommodating more or less than 150 youth delegates-scholars of the US government from all over Southeast Asia despite the hardship the country experienced from the supertyphoon.
The president also emphasized the importance and opportunities in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).
“Prosperity and peace in the Asia Pacific means more opportunity for us all, including the United States. And I want to make sure we’re building that future together.”
The United States president, who spent his childhood mostly in Indonesia, said that he will also visit Asia by April next year to further strengthen diplomatic ties in the region, being labeled as the future economic power of the world.
Though not disclosing the countries he would visit, it is earlier said that the planned visit next year was because of the cancellation of his planned trip to the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia last October because of concerns over US government shutdown.
http://manilatimes.net/obama-to-ph-asia-when-our-friends-are-in-trouble-we-help/57591/
President Barrack Obama said on Tuesday that the United States would continue its aid to the Philippines from the destruction brought about by Typhoon Yolanda (international name: Haiyan) a month after the incident.
Obama said through a video message at the LEAD Asean Youth Summit in Philippines that the US government would continue its help to long term for the victims of the typhoon, as well as forging good diplomatic relations in the Southeast Asia.
“Because when our friend are in trouble, we help…My message to the Philippines, and to our allies and partners across the Pacific, is that we stand with you. As you move forward, you will always have a friend and partner in the United States,” Obama said through a video message.
Obama commended the Philippine government in accommodating more or less than 150 youth delegates-scholars of the US government from all over Southeast Asia despite the hardship the country experienced from the supertyphoon.
The president also emphasized the importance and opportunities in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).
“Prosperity and peace in the Asia Pacific means more opportunity for us all, including the United States. And I want to make sure we’re building that future together.”
The United States president, who spent his childhood mostly in Indonesia, said that he will also visit Asia by April next year to further strengthen diplomatic ties in the region, being labeled as the future economic power of the world.
Though not disclosing the countries he would visit, it is earlier said that the planned visit next year was because of the cancellation of his planned trip to the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia last October because of concerns over US government shutdown.
http://manilatimes.net/obama-to-ph-asia-when-our-friends-are-in-trouble-we-help/57591/
PHL, US forces prepares for 'BALIKATAN 2014'
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 3): PHL, US forces prepares for 'BALIKATAN 2014'
In preparation for the Philippines–United States (PH-US) Exercise BALIKATAN 2014, a Final Site Survey (FSS) and Final Planning Conference (FPC) between the Philippine Army and United States Army personnel will be conducted atFort Magsaysay ,
Nueva Ecija and at Dusit Thani Hotel, Makati City
The Philippine Army Forces Field Training Exercise (FTX) Final Site Survey (FSS) Team headed by Colonel Glorivine R. Dida and the US Army Forces FTX FSS Team led by Major Anthony Williams of the 25th Infantry Division, US Army Pacific, are currently surveying and inspecting the Special Operations Command’s (SOCOM) training areas and facilities where the actual military bilateral exercise may be held in 2014.
Meanwhile, 42 Philippine Army personnel will also participate in the Final Planning Conference.
The conduct of these preparatory activities aims to finalize the exercise dates, venue, exercise concept, logistical requirements and other details necessary for the successful conduct of PH-US Exercise BALIKATAN 2014.
The PH-US BALIKATAN is an annual training activity aimed at enhancing interoperability of both the Philippine andUnited States
Previous exercises focused on war fighting and territorial defense capability enhancement and interoperability between the Armed Forces of thePhilippines and the US
This year, apart from the traditional military exercises, Filipino and American soldiers also trained for humanitarian disaster response.
The soldiers also engaged in community development projects such as the construction of school buildings and community centers.
Humanitarian assistance to include medical and dental missions were also carried out which benefited the residents of several communities.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=593170
In preparation for the Philippines–United States (PH-US) Exercise BALIKATAN 2014, a Final Site Survey (FSS) and Final Planning Conference (FPC) between the Philippine Army and United States Army personnel will be conducted at
The Philippine Army Forces Field Training Exercise (FTX) Final Site Survey (FSS) Team headed by Colonel Glorivine R. Dida and the US Army Forces FTX FSS Team led by Major Anthony Williams of the 25th Infantry Division, US Army Pacific, are currently surveying and inspecting the Special Operations Command’s (SOCOM) training areas and facilities where the actual military bilateral exercise may be held in 2014.
Meanwhile, 42 Philippine Army personnel will also participate in the Final Planning Conference.
The conduct of these preparatory activities aims to finalize the exercise dates, venue, exercise concept, logistical requirements and other details necessary for the successful conduct of PH-US Exercise BALIKATAN 2014.
The PH-US BALIKATAN is an annual training activity aimed at enhancing interoperability of both the Philippine and
Previous exercises focused on war fighting and territorial defense capability enhancement and interoperability between the Armed Forces of the
This year, apart from the traditional military exercises, Filipino and American soldiers also trained for humanitarian disaster response.
The soldiers also engaged in community development projects such as the construction of school buildings and community centers.
Humanitarian assistance to include medical and dental missions were also carried out which benefited the residents of several communities.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=593170
American help during early part of 'Yolanda' crisis very crucial
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 3): American help during early part of 'Yolanda' crisis very crucial
Multi-National
Coordinating Center
Around 16 US Lockheed C-130 "Hercules" cargo aircraft, 12 V-22 "Osprey" and numerous UH-IH "Huey" helicopters, and the air-group of the USS George Washington (CVN-73) battle group were on hand to provide aid to the Philippine military during the initial part of the "Yolanda" relief efforts.
"TheUS
He said that American assistance also played a major role in stabilizing the humanitarian crisis in the aftermath of the super typhoon.
Another worthwhile assistance of US forces is the restoration of theTacloban City Airport
Without this help from the Americans, Mariano admitted that thePhilippines
American units have pulled out of the "Yolanda" relief efforts last Dec. 1 along with the Israeli contingent.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=593312
Around 16 US Lockheed C-130 "Hercules" cargo aircraft, 12 V-22 "Osprey" and numerous UH-IH "Huey" helicopters, and the air-group of the USS George Washington (CVN-73) battle group were on hand to provide aid to the Philippine military during the initial part of the "Yolanda" relief efforts.
"The
He said that American assistance also played a major role in stabilizing the humanitarian crisis in the aftermath of the super typhoon.
Another worthwhile assistance of US forces is the restoration of the
Without this help from the Americans, Mariano admitted that the
American units have pulled out of the "Yolanda" relief efforts last Dec. 1 along with the Israeli contingent.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=593312
Deveraturda assumes leadership of Western Command
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 3): Deveraturda assumes leadership of Western Command
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced Tuesday that Lt. Gen. Roy Deveraturda has formally took over Puerto Princesa-based Western Command.
He replaces Lt. Gen. Rustico Guerrero who was appointed Western Mindanao Command chief last Nov. 9.
Deveraturda, the former Central Command head, was supposed to assume his Western Command position in the same day but due to the pressing situation brought by super typhoon "Yolanda", the AFP opted to postpone his assumption to allow swift humanitarian assistance disaster relief operations in affected areas.
Deveraturda is a member of the Philippine Air Force Flying School of 1980.
He is also an attack pilot and instructor pilot.
AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista previously stated that Deveraturda is very familiar with the Western Command and in strategic situation having served in the area and being the former Deputy Chief for Plans and Programs.
“I shall carry on the same thrust of the collaborative efforts of the AFP units here inPalawan . Western Command stands
at the forefront of protecting our interest in the vastness of Palawan and Kalayaan Islands
“Lives are secured thru the efforts of the AFP. We cannot stand still or slip backwards; we must go forward now, together,” he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=593302
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced Tuesday that Lt. Gen. Roy Deveraturda has formally took over Puerto Princesa-based Western Command.
He replaces Lt. Gen. Rustico Guerrero who was appointed Western Mindanao Command chief last Nov. 9.
Deveraturda, the former Central Command head, was supposed to assume his Western Command position in the same day but due to the pressing situation brought by super typhoon "Yolanda", the AFP opted to postpone his assumption to allow swift humanitarian assistance disaster relief operations in affected areas.
Deveraturda is a member of the Philippine Air Force Flying School of 1980.
He is also an attack pilot and instructor pilot.
AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista previously stated that Deveraturda is very familiar with the Western Command and in strategic situation having served in the area and being the former Deputy Chief for Plans and Programs.
“I shall carry on the same thrust of the collaborative efforts of the AFP units here in
“Lives are secured thru the efforts of the AFP. We cannot stand still or slip backwards; we must go forward now, together,” he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=593302
DND firm on disqualification of Korean armor vest supplier from bidding
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 3): DND firm on disqualification of Korean armor vest supplier from bidding
The Department of National Defense (DND) has stood firm on its final decision to disqualify Kolon Global Corp., a Korean company, who submitted a product that was found to be inferior and sub-standard in connection with the bidding for the supply of 44,080 pieces of armor vests.
In a press briefing with members of the Bulacan PNP Press Corps (BPCC) on Tuesday morning, Assistant Secretary Efren Q. Fernandez, DND bids and awards committee (BAC) chairman, said their decision strictly followed the implementation of Republic Act 9184 (Phil. Gov't. Electronic Procurement Services Act) based on the findings of the Assessment/Post-Qualification body headed by Ret. General Essel Soriano, the highest technical working group representing the Philippine Army and Marines.
Fernandez told BPPC members that the DND's announcement was made to correct the misleading news reports being peddled by Kolon which offered an armor vest, whose metal plate, upon measurement was found to be technically non-compliant as required in the bid document, hence, it was declared substandard and inferior in quality.
He said that the bidding for the supply of 44,080 pieces armor vests for the use of Army and Marines worth P1.76 billion started last year and bids were opened last April with four companies emerging as lowest qualified bidders, namely, Kolon of Korea; Merkata of Serbia; JV Achidatex Nazareth Elite of Israel; and MKU Private Ltd. OfIndia
“As in other departments of the government, the mere fact that one submitted the lowest bid does not automatically entitle the bidder to be awarded the project if its product fails in the post-qualification, assessment and analysis which is the most crucial stage of the bidding process," Fernandez, who once served as provincial commander of the PC-INP in Bulacan, said.
He said the work of the DND-BAC and its process was very transparent from Day 1 in line with the order of Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin.
He said they cannot compromise the safety and lives of the soldiers who are engaged in armed conflict and battle.
“Although financial consideration is also important, we must understand the very purpose of the product we are buying is for the protection of the vital body part of our soldiers. A soldier killed because of an inferior or sub-standard vest cannot be equated to the money saved from a flawed bidding,” he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=593163
The Department of National Defense (DND) has stood firm on its final decision to disqualify Kolon Global Corp., a Korean company, who submitted a product that was found to be inferior and sub-standard in connection with the bidding for the supply of 44,080 pieces of armor vests.
In a press briefing with members of the Bulacan PNP Press Corps (BPCC) on Tuesday morning, Assistant Secretary Efren Q. Fernandez, DND bids and awards committee (BAC) chairman, said their decision strictly followed the implementation of Republic Act 9184 (Phil. Gov't. Electronic Procurement Services Act) based on the findings of the Assessment/Post-Qualification body headed by Ret. General Essel Soriano, the highest technical working group representing the Philippine Army and Marines.
Fernandez told BPPC members that the DND's announcement was made to correct the misleading news reports being peddled by Kolon which offered an armor vest, whose metal plate, upon measurement was found to be technically non-compliant as required in the bid document, hence, it was declared substandard and inferior in quality.
He said that the bidding for the supply of 44,080 pieces armor vests for the use of Army and Marines worth P1.76 billion started last year and bids were opened last April with four companies emerging as lowest qualified bidders, namely, Kolon of Korea; Merkata of Serbia; JV Achidatex Nazareth Elite of Israel; and MKU Private Ltd. Of
“As in other departments of the government, the mere fact that one submitted the lowest bid does not automatically entitle the bidder to be awarded the project if its product fails in the post-qualification, assessment and analysis which is the most crucial stage of the bidding process," Fernandez, who once served as provincial commander of the PC-INP in Bulacan, said.
He said the work of the DND-BAC and its process was very transparent from Day 1 in line with the order of Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin.
He said they cannot compromise the safety and lives of the soldiers who are engaged in armed conflict and battle.
“Although financial consideration is also important, we must understand the very purpose of the product we are buying is for the protection of the vital body part of our soldiers. A soldier killed because of an inferior or sub-standard vest cannot be equated to the money saved from a flawed bidding,” he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=593163
Feuding Maguindanao clans end 45-year-old quarrel
From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 3): Feuding Maguindanao clans end 45-year-old quarrel
Better late than never.
Realizing that their futile desire to annihilate each other’s clan is going nowhere, two huge and influential clans in Maguindanao have agreed to settle their 45-year-old “rido” (family feud) in a peaceful manner.
Amid the presence of hundreds of family members, the feuding Omar and Midtimbang clans forged documents at the municipal hall of Talayan, Maguindanao, over the weekend affirming that no one from both sides shall ever initiate wrongdoings that can spark atrocities between their families again.
Negotiations for the settling down of the two clans started since last month through the help of elders and top provincial politicians until the eventual amity marked by a “kanduli” (Thanksgiving party) on Nov. 28 that went on for several days.
The conflict between the Omars of South Upi and Midtimbangs of Guindulungan is one of the longest existing conflicts in the history of the province, marked by dozens of armed reprisals from among its members.
“But that is in the past now, we will start anew with normal lives without fear on anybody or anything,” Guindulungan Mayor Datu Ali Midtimbang said.
The recent peace signing activity were headed by Midtimbang and his elder brother, former Talayan Vice-Mayor Ali Midtimbang while South Upi Vice-Mayor Mohammad Omar Jr., as witnessed by top officials of both military and police units in the province, led the other side.
With their settlement, both families have encouraged other warring clans in Maguindanao to resolve “everything in paper and not in armed conflict” citing such would affect, among others, their communities and continuity of theMindanao peace process.
Long-drawn disagreements over political control had dragged the Midtimbang and Omar families into the decades-old “rido”, notwithstanding close kinship brought about by intermarriages of several family members.
In retrospect, the feud started in 1966 as triggered by an intense argument between then Cotabato Provincial Deputy Governor Datu Guindulungan Midtimbang and his first cousin Hadji Rashid Omar over rampant incidents of cattle rustling in the area.
Unknown to the two men, Hadji Rashid’s son, then a teenager named Disumimba, was emotionally hurt on overhearing the argument from proximate distance, leading him to silently plot on killing his uncle, the deputy governor.
Accordingly, Disumimba carried out his plan successfully, which started the conflict that dragged on for decades.
Forming his own group of formidable armed men, the younger Omar later became the subject of a constabulary manhunt and eventually slain in an encounter inCotabato City
A son of Disumimba also later became a military captain, but unknown assailants shot him dead at a hotel room inManila
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=10&sid=&nid=10&rid=593066
Better late than never.
Realizing that their futile desire to annihilate each other’s clan is going nowhere, two huge and influential clans in Maguindanao have agreed to settle their 45-year-old “rido” (family feud) in a peaceful manner.
Amid the presence of hundreds of family members, the feuding Omar and Midtimbang clans forged documents at the municipal hall of Talayan, Maguindanao, over the weekend affirming that no one from both sides shall ever initiate wrongdoings that can spark atrocities between their families again.
Negotiations for the settling down of the two clans started since last month through the help of elders and top provincial politicians until the eventual amity marked by a “kanduli” (Thanksgiving party) on Nov. 28 that went on for several days.
The conflict between the Omars of South Upi and Midtimbangs of Guindulungan is one of the longest existing conflicts in the history of the province, marked by dozens of armed reprisals from among its members.
“But that is in the past now, we will start anew with normal lives without fear on anybody or anything,” Guindulungan Mayor Datu Ali Midtimbang said.
The recent peace signing activity were headed by Midtimbang and his elder brother, former Talayan Vice-Mayor Ali Midtimbang while South Upi Vice-Mayor Mohammad Omar Jr., as witnessed by top officials of both military and police units in the province, led the other side.
With their settlement, both families have encouraged other warring clans in Maguindanao to resolve “everything in paper and not in armed conflict” citing such would affect, among others, their communities and continuity of the
Long-drawn disagreements over political control had dragged the Midtimbang and Omar families into the decades-old “rido”, notwithstanding close kinship brought about by intermarriages of several family members.
In retrospect, the feud started in 1966 as triggered by an intense argument between then Cotabato Provincial Deputy Governor Datu Guindulungan Midtimbang and his first cousin Hadji Rashid Omar over rampant incidents of cattle rustling in the area.
Unknown to the two men, Hadji Rashid’s son, then a teenager named Disumimba, was emotionally hurt on overhearing the argument from proximate distance, leading him to silently plot on killing his uncle, the deputy governor.
Accordingly, Disumimba carried out his plan successfully, which started the conflict that dragged on for decades.
Forming his own group of formidable armed men, the younger Omar later became the subject of a constabulary manhunt and eventually slain in an encounter in
A son of Disumimba also later became a military captain, but unknown assailants shot him dead at a hotel room in
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=10&sid=&nid=10&rid=593066
After Yolanda, general takes on the Spratlys challenge
From Rappler (Dec 3): After Yolanda, general takes on the Spratlys challenge
For Lieutenant General Roy Deveraturda, November 8 was really going to be a big day. He was going to turn over command of the Cebu-based Central Command (Centcom) to another general and transfer to a more challenging post as chief of the Western Command (Wescom) inPalawan .
The turnover ceremony was postponed because typhoon Yolanda made landfall that day. Deveraturda found himself on top of a huge military operation involving foreign troops and assets, that responded to the aftermath of the strongest typhoon recorded. Centcom commands all military troops and assets based in the Visayas region.
On Tuesday, December 3, almost a month after Yolanda struck Centcom areas, the turnover ceremony finally pushed through.
Deveraturda took over as chief of Wescom on Tuesday. His predecessor, Lieutenant General Rustico Guerrero, assumed his new post as chief of the Zamboanga-City based Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) on November 9. (READ: Reshuffle in key AFP posts)
Deveraturda's new command oversees Palawan, part of Sulu Sea, and the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) including the Kalayaan Group ofIslands
(Spratlys). The West Philippine Sea is a territory where 6 countries including
the Philippines and China
On Monday, December 2, Major General Bonafos replaced Deveraturda as chief of Centcom which will continue to play a big role in the rehabilitation of the Yolanda-devastated provinces in the Visayas.
External defense
"Let it be stressed that the Western Command serves as the forefront of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in safeguarding our interests in the vastness of Palawan and Kalayaan Group ofIslands ," Deveraturda
said in his assumption speech.
Deveraturda, an attack and instructor pilot, is a graduate of the Philippine Air Force Flying School of 1980.
AFP chief of staff General Emmanuel Bautista earlier said Deveraturda is the man for the job because of his former post as AFP deputy chief for plans and programs.
"We will review the way we do things. We will review operations and how we conduct our security patrols here in the mainland and in the west and east side [ofPalawan island]," Deveraturda said.
Deveraturda said it's time for the AFP to focus on external security operations. He said thePhilippines will continue to approach "with
peaceful means" the tension in the West Philippine
Sea .
Beyond the West Philippine Sea, Deveraturda said his task includes guarding the Malampaya Natural Gas Project; promoting peace, development and tourism of the entirePalawan province; and improving the humanitarian
assistance and disaster response capability of the province.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/45150-deveraturda-western-command
NEW POST:
Lieutenant General Roy Deveraturda takes over Western Command. Photo from the
Armed Forces of the Philippines
For Lieutenant General Roy Deveraturda, November 8 was really going to be a big day. He was going to turn over command of the Cebu-based Central Command (Centcom) to another general and transfer to a more challenging post as chief of the Western Command (Wescom) in
The turnover ceremony was postponed because typhoon Yolanda made landfall that day. Deveraturda found himself on top of a huge military operation involving foreign troops and assets, that responded to the aftermath of the strongest typhoon recorded. Centcom commands all military troops and assets based in the Visayas region.
On Tuesday, December 3, almost a month after Yolanda struck Centcom areas, the turnover ceremony finally pushed through.
Deveraturda took over as chief of Wescom on Tuesday. His predecessor, Lieutenant General Rustico Guerrero, assumed his new post as chief of the Zamboanga-City based Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) on November 9. (READ: Reshuffle in key AFP posts)
Deveraturda's new command oversees Palawan, part of Sulu Sea, and the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) including the Kalayaan Group of
On Monday, December 2, Major General Bonafos replaced Deveraturda as chief of Centcom which will continue to play a big role in the rehabilitation of the Yolanda-devastated provinces in the Visayas.
External defense
"Let it be stressed that the Western Command serves as the forefront of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in safeguarding our interests in the vastness of Palawan and Kalayaan Group of
Deveraturda, an attack and instructor pilot, is a graduate of the Philippine Air Force Flying School of 1980.
AFP chief of staff General Emmanuel Bautista earlier said Deveraturda is the man for the job because of his former post as AFP deputy chief for plans and programs.
"We will review the way we do things. We will review operations and how we conduct our security patrols here in the mainland and in the west and east side [of
Deveraturda said it's time for the AFP to focus on external security operations. He said the
Beyond the West Philippine Sea, Deveraturda said his task includes guarding the Malampaya Natural Gas Project; promoting peace, development and tourism of the entire
http://www.rappler.com/nation/45150-deveraturda-western-command
US sends new submarine-hunting jets to Japan amid East Asia tension
From InterAksyon (Dec 3): US sends new submarine-hunting jets to Japan amid East Asia tension
A US Navy P8-A Poseidon aircraft (Reuters)
The US Navy's first two advanced P-8A Poseidon patrol aircraft have arrived in Japan, US military officials said on Monday, helping to upgrade America's ability to hunt submarines and other vessels in seas close to China as tension in the region mounts.
The initial deployment -- another four of the aircraft are due to arrive in the coming days -- was planned before China last month established an air defense identification zone covering islands controlled by Japan and claimed by Beijing.
The Pentagon says it is routinely flying operations in the region, including in China's newly declared air defense zone, without informing Beijing ahead of time.
One US defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters these routine operations include surveillance flights.
The deployment of the P-8As came before US Vice President Joe Biden left for Asia this week, where he is seeking to strike a balance between calming military tensions with China and supporting Japan as it wrangles with Beijing over the islands.
The P-8As, built by Boeing Co. based on its 737 passenger plane, were built to replace the aging propeller-powered Lockheed Martin P-3 Orion patrol aircraft, which have been in service for 50 years.
Equipped with the latest radar equipment and armed with torpedoes and anti-ship missiles, the P-8A is able to fly further and stay out on a mission longer than the P-3.
"The P-8A is the most advanced long-range anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare aircraft in the world," the Pentagon said.
Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey Pool, a Pentagon spokesman, said the first two P-8As arrived in Japan on Sunday. The other four were expected to arrive there later this week, a Navy spokeswoman said.
One US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, acknowledged the deployment came at a moment of region tensions. The official said the timing was a coincidence, but one that would bolster the US military's efforts to monitor the maritime environment in the region.
That includes the area around the disputed islands, known to the Japanese as the Senkakus and to the Chinese as the Daioyu, the official said.
Washington takes no position on the sovereignty of the islands. However, it recognizes Tokyo's administrative control and says the US-Japan security pact applies to them, a stance that could drag the United States into a military conflict it would prefer to avoid.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/76096/us-sends-new-submarine-hunting-jets-to-japan-amid-east-asia-tension
A US Navy P8-A Poseidon aircraft (Reuters)
The US Navy's first two advanced P-8A Poseidon patrol aircraft have arrived in Japan, US military officials said on Monday, helping to upgrade America's ability to hunt submarines and other vessels in seas close to China as tension in the region mounts.
The initial deployment -- another four of the aircraft are due to arrive in the coming days -- was planned before China last month established an air defense identification zone covering islands controlled by Japan and claimed by Beijing.
The Pentagon says it is routinely flying operations in the region, including in China's newly declared air defense zone, without informing Beijing ahead of time.
One US defense official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters these routine operations include surveillance flights.
The deployment of the P-8As came before US Vice President Joe Biden left for Asia this week, where he is seeking to strike a balance between calming military tensions with China and supporting Japan as it wrangles with Beijing over the islands.
The P-8As, built by Boeing Co. based on its 737 passenger plane, were built to replace the aging propeller-powered Lockheed Martin P-3 Orion patrol aircraft, which have been in service for 50 years.
Equipped with the latest radar equipment and armed with torpedoes and anti-ship missiles, the P-8A is able to fly further and stay out on a mission longer than the P-3.
"The P-8A is the most advanced long-range anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare aircraft in the world," the Pentagon said.
Lieutenant Colonel Jeffrey Pool, a Pentagon spokesman, said the first two P-8As arrived in Japan on Sunday. The other four were expected to arrive there later this week, a Navy spokeswoman said.
One US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, acknowledged the deployment came at a moment of region tensions. The official said the timing was a coincidence, but one that would bolster the US military's efforts to monitor the maritime environment in the region.
That includes the area around the disputed islands, known to the Japanese as the Senkakus and to the Chinese as the Daioyu, the official said.
Washington takes no position on the sovereignty of the islands. However, it recognizes Tokyo's administrative control and says the US-Japan security pact applies to them, a stance that could drag the United States into a military conflict it would prefer to avoid.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/76096/us-sends-new-submarine-hunting-jets-to-japan-amid-east-asia-tension
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