Undeserving generals given DCS awards

From the Daily Tribune (Dec 21): Undeserving generals given DCS awards

Instead of uplifting the morale of its personnel through medals and recognitions, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) could be doing otherwise by giving out the coveted Distinguish Conduct Star (DCS), the second highest combat award, to officers who were not directly involved in fire fight during the Zamboanga City siege.

During its 78th founding anniversary celebration yesterday with the commander in chief President Aquino as guest of honor, the AFP recognized 53 soldiers and civilian employees, led by Pfc Ian Paquit, of the Army’s 3rd Scout Ranger Company, who was given posthumously the highest award Medal for Valor.

An automatic rifleman of the 3rd SRC, Paquit was cited for “conspicuous courage, gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty” last Sept. 13 when the military started its calibrated response against the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) faction of Nur Misuari in Zamboanga City. 

Paquit was hit in the neck during the firefight in Barangay Sta. Barbara. He returned to the conflict area two days later but was again hit by enemy bullet. He went into coma for several days and died Sept. 30.

“Despite his injuries from a previous encounter, Private First Class Ian Paquit returned to ground zero in defense of our people in Zamboanga. His display of heroism and courage during the conduct of a coordinated attack to neutralize the enemy weakened their forces,” the citation said of Paquit.

“With the courage, dedication and sacrifice of Private First Class Ian Paquit, further casualties were avoided and the neutralization of enemy firing positions greatly contributed to the clearing and capture of enemy strongholds. But because of his selfless acts of heroism, a bullet pierced his left neck resulting to his death. The operations resulted to the capture of 41 MNLF fighters and 15 enemies killed,” it added.

The AFP also yesterday awarded 13 additional DCS recipients, including battalion commanders of the operating troops involved in the Zamboanga City operation that lasted for 21 days.

On Thursday, the AFP also recognized 14 DCS awardees, some of whom prompted some officers to raise questions on the prevailing standards in giving the coveted award.

The same questions were raised yesterday after six officers, who served as commanders during the Zamboanga City operation, were awarded with DCS. Other recipients of DCS were company commanders or captains and enlisted personnel.

“With due respect to the awardees, but DCS, in my personal view and as stipulated in the handbook, calls for singular act of courage and gallantry in action during actual combat,” an officer told The Tribune after seeking his comments on the awardees.

“The DCS is given to those who showed individual acts of heroism under extraordinary circumstances and intense enemy fire and not just the accomplishment of mission in totality,” he added.

This decoration, as stated in AFP awards and decorations handbook, is awarded to a soldier who distinguishes himself by an extraordinary act of heroism not justifying the award of a Medal of Valor; while engaged in military operations involving conflict with an armed enemy.

The act or acts of heroism must have been so notable and have involved risk of life so extraordinary as to set the individual apart from his or her comrades.

“In boxing, Manny Pacquiao has Freddie Roach as coach but Pacman does the fighting in the ring and gets the world champion trophy when he wins and not Roach.

“A military commander is like a coach, he plans and directs the operation at the tactical command post and the foot soldiers up to company commanders implement it on the ground,” the source said.

The source, however, admitted that there were exceptional battalion commanders, like Army chief Lt. Gen. Noel Coballes and former AFP chief retired Gen. Jessie Dellosa, who joined their soldiers in the frontlines in some operations during their time in the field.

“But in Zamboanga City, I did not know of commanders operated in the front line,” the officer said.

“Really, this (awarding of DCS to those not present in the combat zone) raises questions as to the standard we now observe.

“We cannot help but compare and ask why some of those soldiers actually involved in fighting the enemies in the frontline were only given Gold Cross Medals while those in the back, commanding them received DCS,” the officer added.

The officer added, “really, this does not boost the morale of the soldiers who are receiving difficult missions, risking their lives. This has an effect on the ordinary soldiers.”

The AFP has recognized more than 2,000 soldiers in connection to the 21-day Zamboanga City siege laid by MNLF-Nur Misuari faction last Sept. 9.

The military operation led to the safe rescue of 195 hostages while more than 200 MNLF fighters were killed, along with more than 20 government troops.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/undeserving-generals-given-dcs-awards

Questions raised over the awarding of medals

From the Business Mirror (Dec 20): Questions raised over the awarding of medals

AN Army enlisted man, who was killed while providing covering fire to his companions who were repositioning in one of the skirmishes during the 21-day siege of Zamboanga City, was awarded on Friday the Medal for Valor, the country’s highest award for gallantry in action.

 

The posthumous awarding of the Medal for Valor to Pfc. Ian Paquit highlighted the 78th anniversary celebration of the Armed Forces, which was attended by President Aquino and defense and military officials, headed by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin.

 

The medal was received by his father, Eduardo Paquit.

 

Paquit was an automatic rifleman of the command group of the 3rd Scout Ranger Company, First Scout Ranger Regiment.

 

The awarding of the Medal for Valor and more than 50 other awards that included 13 Distinguished Conduct Star, the second highest award for valor, continued the awarding binge of the Armed Forces for the more than 4,000 soldiers who participated in the clearing of six barangays that were held by members of the Moro National Liberation Front-Nur Misuari faction in Zamboanga City.

 

More than 2,000 soldiers have already received their awards and medals, which were given by the military leadership in batches.

 

The awarding of the Medal for Valor and the Distinguished Conduct Star raised questions among some officers, asking whether the military has already lowered the standards for the two awards.

 

Out of the 14 Distinguished Conduct Stars that were given, six were awarded to battalion commanders, while the remaining eight were given to company commanders, team leaders and enlisted personnel.

 

“There is no doubt that the company commanders and the rest may have led their men during the battle, but how about the battalion commanders, were they in the front of the battle as their junior subordinates?” one of the officers asked.

 

As the Distinguished Conduct Star connotes, its recipient must be in the battlefront and must distinguish himself from the rest.

 

“If the battalion commanders were given with the award, then it follows that all of their men should have received the award too,” said another officer.

 

In the case of Paquit, the military said that when his team was pinned down by MNLF fighters, he “adjusted his position to a better line of sight to provide cover fire for the repositioning troops, notwithstanding his vulnerability to enemy fire.”

 

Paquit and a section of the 3rd Scout Ranger Company clashed with more than 100 members of the MNLF during the clearing of Barangay Santa Barbara, Zamboanga City.

 

“With the courage, dedication and sacrifice of Private First Class Ian Paquit, further casualties were avoided and the neutralization of enemy firing positions greatly contributed to the clearing capture of enemy strongholds,” the citation of the award said.

 

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/en/news/regions/24640-questions-raised-over-the-awarding-of-medals

AFP: Nothing wrong with NPA lightning rally

From the Philippine Star (Dec 20): AFP: Nothing wrong with NPA lightning rally



CPP/NPA/NDF staging a lightning rally at Recto-Avenida

The Armed Forces of the Philippines does not see anything wrong with the lightning rally staged by at least 500 members and supporters of the outlawed communist New People’s Army at the busy intersection of Rizal and Recto Avenues in Sta. Cruz, Manila Thursday morning.

“This is a free country. They can express their beliefs publicly for as long as they do it in a peaceful way,” said AFP Public Affairs Office chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, referring to the masked rallyists who converged in Manila.

Zagala stressed that being a communist is no longer a crime in the country and for as long as active members and supporters of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CCP-NPA-NDF) converge for a peaceful assembly to express their political beliefs, they could always do so.

However, Zagala said that what is illegal is when the communist party members and supporters bear arms during their public assembly to further their political agenda.

“It’s already a different story. If they are armed it’s already a crime and the military will be forced to use arms as part of its mandate in protecting the people and the state. So, I suggest that if they intend to launch more peaceful assemblies in Metro Manila, they must first turn over their firearms to us,” Zagala said.

He also challenged the group behind yesterday’s lightning rally not to hide their true identities behind masks if they really are convinced about their political belief because communism is no longer barred from being practiced in the country.

The lighting rally by the NPA rebels and their supporters caught government security forces securing Metro Manila off-guard.

The rally was staged to commemorate in advance the communist party’s 36th founding anniversary on Dec. 26.

And before policemen could confront the supposed NPA rallyists, the group dispersed and blended in with Christmas shoppers, students and pedestrians along Recto Avenue, removing their masks and throwing their red-painted placards.

Meanwhile, AFP chief Gen. Emmanuel Bautista said yesterday that the six-day holiday truce declared by communist rebels was too short, even as the government has yet to reciprocate the declaration.

If Bautista would have his way, the ceasefire should last forever so that people won’t suffer from armed violence.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/metro-manila/12/19/13/afp-nothing-wrong-npa-lightning-rally

Research Effectiveness: The Case of the Mindanao Conflict

Posted to the Asia Foundation (Dec 20): Research Effectiveness: The Case of the Mindanao Conflict

Research is most useful for development practitioners when it is embedded in the entire endeavor, directing and directed by actions and reflections throughout implementation, rather than being something done initially to design a project and at the end to evaluate it.

The root of The Asia Foundation’s conflict management initiatives in the Philippines was a decision in 2001 to undertake a probability sample survey of households in Mindanao. A strategic planning session had suggested that beyond work on governance and economic reform, we needed to focus on Mindanao conflicts since unrest in the country’s south was holding back nationwide development by deterring investment and destroying livelihoods.

 

A conflict management workshop and orientation on rido, held in Mindanao last year. When asked about their household’s experience with conflict, the most frequently mentioned sources were not conflict between the government and Muslim separatist fronts but conflict between families or clans. Photo/Karl Grobl

 

Perhaps the prime element in what Hans-Georg Gadamer calls “fore-knowledge” was the conviction that the experience of average citizens should be the starting point – and that in the Philippines we had the resource of a high-quality, non-government academic survey institution capable of scientifically rigorous surveys. The Foundation had worked with Social Weather Stations (SWS) since its founding in 1985, partnering with SWS to design and implement surveys. Asking individuals about a range of topics produces a perspective that is often very different from those of policy or governmental elites, and development practice benefits when it takes that perspective into account.

When asked about their household’s experience with conflict, to our surprise, the most frequently mentioned sources were not conflict between the government and Muslim separatist fronts (or with communist guerillas, or class-based conflict) but conflict between families or clans. Of course observers were aware of such conflict (that is, after all, why the option made it onto a questionnaire), but this was the first empirical statement of its prevalence. To follow up on this new insight, the Foundation worked with 17 local institutions and researchers on a multi-method research into what we dubbed “rido” (Maranao term for such clan conflict), which resulted in a published volume of studies in 2007.

The studies themselves became an element of development practice, as the Foundation actively briefed all stakeholders on the findings:  media were introduced to the concept so that they could better understand conflict incidents in the region, and briefings for the International Monitoring Team for a cessation of hostilities between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) helped the IMT distinguish between rido and incidents of separatist violence. The result was a better public understanding of when violence was localized and when it was part of a broader insurgency, and a decrease in the frequency of a phenomenon dubbed “Big Wars, Small Wars” where conflict between a clan with ties to the government and one with ties to a separatist front is mistaken for a separatist incident and escalated by reinforcements from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Moro armed forces.

The research effort itself turned into conflict management, when one of the families in a major rido being studied requested the researchers to help broker a settlement. The NGO, serving as a “go between,” recruited a high-status individual equally related to both sides, and helped arrange a ceremonial kanduli at the settlement of the long-running conflict between the Tayuan and Manansakan clans. Since 2007, Foundation partners have used these and a variety of other methods to settle over 200 clan conflicts throughout the region.

After a decade of work, the Foundation has developed a large network of partners in Mindanao, working with more than 160 organizations, institutions, and government units not only to manage conflicts but also to improve local governance and economic reform. This network, along with a reputation for even-handed knowledge, no doubt contributed to the Foundation being appointed in 2009 to the International Contact Group for negotiations between the government and the MILF in Kuala Lumpur.

Observation at the negotiations and the Foundation’s discussions with both negotiating parties led to a more detailed understanding of what questions could be asked in surveys to gauge citizen attitudes toward possible peace deals. Running the surveys then allowed the Foundation to brief both sides on the parameters of public opinion – not as a mechanical guide to particular details to be agreed upon – but rather as a way of being aware of possible reactions to agreements. In this manner, the survey research itself is the development practice.

So, research is embedded in a program arc covering over a decade, where certain presuppositions or “fore-knowledge” are tested empirically and new understandings developed. Having development practitioners actually involved in the research helps shorten the cycle time between knowledge and improved practice, but runs the danger of a too-narrow focus on immediate problems and not strategic enough view of possibilities. Here is where academics, with their insistence on theory building (and a willingness to discuss with development professionals a theory of change that ensures that theories are not too abstract) can be crucial to the knowledge-building process. For instance, Jeroen Adam has raised the question of the relationship between the community-level work and the more macro work on the peace process. In discussions leading to a forthcoming JRSP paper he has proposed a focus on “state-building” at the local level to help understand possible connections.

And, given that the peace process is meant to result in a new government unit within the Philippines, the Bangsamoro, a focus on building state institutions at the local level is welcome. This insight from an academic, along with the evidence being gathered to fill in the details, can be useful to development practitioners concerned with the implementation of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro by 2016.

Steven Rood is The Asia Foundation’s country representative in the Philippines. He can be reached at srood@asiafound.org. The views and opinions expressed here are those of the individual author and not those of The Asia Foundation.

http://asiafoundation.org/in-asia/2013/12/18/research-effectiveness-the-case-of-the-mindanao-conflict/

Troops used drones in Zamboanga crisis ops

From the Philippine Star (Dec 20): Troops used drones in Zamboanga crisis ops



Government forces used drones to conduct spying operations against rogue elements of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) who figured in the Zamboanga crisis last September.

Army spokesman Cpt. Anthony Bacus said the unmanned aerial vehicle system (UAS) can provide real-time imagery intelligence and video feed from an area with a range of three to seven kilometers. He said the range could be extended to up to 50 kilometers.

“The UAS had been instrumental in the successful conduct of operations against the rogue MNLF rebels in Zamboanga City last September that led to the surrender and arrest of several MNLF fighters under Nur Misuari,” Bacus said in a statement issued Friday.

The drones, which were developed by the Army last year, complements the troops’ human intelligence and signals intelligence capability being used in surveillance and  disaster response efforts.

Footages from drones help ground commanders make crucial decisions on important matters like troop deployment.

The unmanned aerial vehicles were among the items displayed in the Army booth that was set up in Camp Aguinaldo for the military’s 78th anniversary.

Each drone is equipped with a 12 mega pixel camera and weighs about 2.1 kilograms. It has a wing span of 178 centimeters and an altitude of 1,000 feet.

The development of the drones started last year and required a P2.5-million funding.
Raptor, first drone costs P150,000 while Knight Falcon costs P300,000. The Army is now developing a third drone that has more advanced features than those of the two drones combined.

“The Army came up with this unmanned aerial system to boost its capability. We can now come up with video footages without risking the life of an individual,” Bacus said.

“Because we were the ones who developed the drones, the expenses involved were less compared to those acquired from other sources,” he added.

Earlier, the Defense department bared plans to acquire drones and other surveillance equipment to boost the Marines' security and search and rescue capabilities.

The items form part of the Marine Forces Imagery and Targeting Support System Acquisition Project worth P684-million.

The project involves the acquisition of six sets of drones or small unmanned aerial vehicle sub-system, nine sets of target acquisition device sub-systems, 12 kits of tactical sensor integration sub-systems, and an integrated logistics support package.
The equipment will be used by the three Marine brigades in Sulu, Central Mindanao and Palawan.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/12/20/1270362/troops-used-drones-zamboanga-crisis-ops

Humanitarian program for returnees implemented

From the Manila Bulletin (Dec 20): Humanitarian program for returnees implemented

Believed to be the first humanitarian project implemented by the local government unit (LGU) to rebel returnees in the country, the provincial government of Surigao del Norte launched the “Bayay Paglaum” (Home of Hope) program early this week.

During the Peace Forum and Provincial Peace and Order Council Meeting held at the Provincial Convention Center here on Tuesday, it was announced that the “Bayay Paglaum” will be a decent dwelling for the rebel returnees that also help in the government’s peace and development program in the province and the city.

The “Bayay Paglaum” is a peace village project composed of cluster of homes for former rebels fully supported by the government.

http://www.mb.com.ph/humanitarian-program-for-returnees-implemented/

Paquit gets Medal for Valor

From the Manila Bulletin (Dec 20): Paquit gets Medal for Valor

An Army Scout Ranger killed during the bloody Zamboanga siege in September was bestowed the Medal for Valor (posthumous), the highest award in the military, during the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) 78th anniversary celebration held Friday at Camp Gen. Emilio E. Aguinaldo.

The presentation of the Medal for Valor award for the late Army Private First Class Ian O. Paquit of the 3rd Scout Ranger Company, 1st Scout Ranger Regiment, highlighted the AFP’s simple anniversary celebration.

President Benigno S. Aquino III, AFP commander-in-chief, presented the Medal for Valor award, which was received by Eduardo Paquit, father of the slain soldier. The president was joined by Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin during the ceremony.

Moreover, 48 other soldiers, two civilian employees, and two ROTC cadets were also given awards for their roles in the successful defense of Zamboanga City, humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations following the 7.2 magnitude earthquake that struck Central Visayas, and in the aftermath of super typhoon Yolanda, as well as, other combat operations and non-traditional missions.

Paquit, automatic rifleman of the command group of the 3rd Scout Ranger Company, was bestowed the Medal for Valor award, in recognition of his courage, dedication and sacrifice that greatly contributed to the clearing and capture of enemy positions in Zamboanga City.

According to the military, when Paquit’s team was pinned down by MNLF fighters, he “adjusted his position to a better line of sight to provide cover fire for the repositioning troops, notwithstanding his vulnerability to enemy fire.”

Paquit and a section of the 3rd Scout Ranger Company clashed with more than 100 members of the MNLF during the clearing of Barangay Sta. Barbara, Zamboanga City.

“With the courage, dedication and sacrifice of Private First Class Ian Paquit, further casualties were avoided and the neutralization of enemy firing positions greatly contributed to the clearing capture of enemy strongholds,” the military said of Paquit.
The enlisted personnel was wounded on September 13 in another firefight with MNLF members and was taken to the hospital. Two days later he checked out and joined his colleagues in the clearing of Sta. Barbara.

The AFP said that because of Paquit’s selfless acts of heroism, a bullet pierced his left neck. He went comatose on September 30 and never recovered.

The operations involving Paquit resulted to the capture of 41 MNLF fighters and 15 enemies killed.

“By this display of heroism, PFC Paquit distinguished himself in combat, in keeping with the finest traditions of Filipino soldiery,” said the AFP.

http://www.mb.com.ph/paquit-gets-medal-for-valor/

53 soldiers, employees honored during AFP 78th anniversary ceremony

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 20): 53 soldiers, employees honored during AFP 78th anniversary ceremony

The military honored and feted 53 of its outstanding soldiers and civilian ceremonies during simple ceremonies Friday as part of the the 78th founding anniversary of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday.

These individuals, consisting of 49 soldiers and four civilians employees, were honored for their invaluable contributions during the successful defense of Zamboanga City against rogue Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) fighters last September; humanitarian assistance and disaster response operations during the earthquake in Bohol and super typhoon "Yolanda"; and other combat operations and non-traditional missions.

The awarding ceremony featured Medal of Valor awardee, Pfc. Ian O. Paquit of the 3rd Scout Ranger Company, 1st Scout Ranger Regiment, who was posthumously cited for his courage, dedication and sacrifice which greatly contributed to the clearing and capture of enemy positions in Zamboanga City.

His act of conspicuous courage, gallantry, and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in Barangay Sta. Barbara on Sept. 24, even after being wounded and hospitalized in an encounter on Sept. 13, earned him the nation's highest military decoration.

During the Sept. 24 encounter, Pacquit, exhibiting selfless acts of heroism, was hit by a bullet in left neck resulting to his death.

The operations resulted to the capture of 41 MNLF fighters and 15 of the rebels killed.

By this display of heroism, Paquit distinguished himself in combat, in keeping with the finest traditions of Filipino soldiery.

His award was received by his father, Eduardo Paquit.

Thirteen soldiers were also awarded with the Distinguished Conduct Star, the second highest military award, for their conspicuous acts of gallantry; while nine other soldiers, two of them posthumously, received the Gold Cross Medal.

They are among 34 soldiers awarded Friday for their role in the successful defense of Zamboanga City, and are among the over 2,000 soldiers already awarded in line with their contributions in the operations in Zamboanga City.

Other awards are in the pipeline to ensure that all soldiers involved, either in combat or administrative capacity, will be recognized.

Also, around 115 soldiers and seven civilians were awarded during Thursday's decoration ceremonies.

Leading the civilian awardees were Zamboanga City Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar, who received the AFP Command Plaque during the AFP Thanksgiving Day ceremony held at the GHQ Canopy Area Thursday.

A simultaneous flag-raising ceremony was held Friday to kickstart the 78th Anniversary Program attended by AFP commander-in-chief and President Benigno S. Aquino III.

Among the many highlights of Friday's rites was the President's inspection of three newly acquired AgustaWestland AW-109 "Power" helicopters of the Philippine Navy.

These will be used in various naval operations including economic zone protection, surface surveillance, search and rescue and maritime security operations.

Worth around a total of P1.35-billion, the new AW-109s helicopters are ready to be equipped for territorial defense missions in preparation for future external defense functions of the AFP.

Two more of these aircraft are expected to be delivered in 2014 for a contract price of P850.91 million.

Aquino also inspected the three helicopters, along with two Sikorsky S-76 air ambulance units, and other assets on display at the AFP Grandstand.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=598606

PA boosts firepower with new 81-mm Serbian-made mortar

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 20): PA boosts firepower with new 81-mm Serbian-made mortar
 

The Philippine Army (PA) fire support capability has gotten a significant boost with the arrival and deployment of the new 81-mm Serbian made mortar which was put into display during the AFP's Thanksgiving Day Thursday.

Capt. Anthony Bacus, Army spokesperson, said their newest mortar has a bore length of 1455 mm and weighs 47.1 kilograms. When fitted with its beechring, the weapon has a weight of 16.6 kilograms. It also has a bipod weight of 13.5 kilograms.

Around 100 units are now in service with various PA units.

Bacus said the Serbian made 81-mm mortar can be fired without sighting corrections at 20 rounds per minute, and 15 rounds with sight corrections.

He added that it can fire high explosive rounds and smoke shells at a range of 5,070 meters and illuminating mortar shells for 3,644 meters.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=598611

PN frigates, choppers: Essential in maintaining PHL sovereignty

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 20): PN frigates, choppers: Essential in maintaining PHL sovereignty
 

Philippine Navy flag-officer-in-charge Vice Admiral Jose Luis Alano has said that its frigates and naval helicopters are essential in maintaining the country's sovereignty.

He made this statement during the sidelights of the commissioning ceremony of the Navy's three latest AgustaWestland AW-109 "Power" helicopters.

These helicopters, along with two armed versions coming by the third quarter of 2014, are worth around P1.33 billion.

"All of these (frigates and naval helicopters) are essential to ensure that we are able to secure our sovereignty (and) protect our national interest," Alano stressed.

He pointed out that these naval assets are also very useful in maintaining regional security and ensuring that there is peace and stability in the region.

The PN chief earlier said that the AW-109s will greatly extend the patrolling and monitoring capabilities of the two Gregorio Del Pilar class frigates in service.

"With it, it would be able to provide an increase in its ability to have a larger coverage of maritime surveillance and to cover a larger area. The seas are so vast and to ensure that we are able to cover it on the fastest part of time, these helicopters will be able to do that," Alano said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=598527

PNP allocates P63-M to transfer Maritime Group headquarters to Zambo City

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 20): PNP allocates P63-M to transfer Maritime Group headquarters to Zambo City
 

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has allocated P63 million for the transfer of the Maritime Group headquarters from Camp Crame to this city.

Maritime Group Regional Director Supt. Rollen Ariño said they are just waiting for the go-signal since the matter has already been approved by Camp Crame.

The Maritime Group is eyeing to build its headquarters at a cove in the coastal barangay of Bolong, 32.60 kilometers east of this city, which is an ideal harbor place.

Barangay Bolong is also near to the 11 Island group and Sacol Island which is being used by rebels and pirates as jump off point of atrocities and stop-over haven in traveling from the Sulu archipelago to Central Mindanao and vice-versa.

Ariño said they have transferred the regional headquarters last month from the shore of Barangay Baliwasan, west of this city, to Barangay Rio Hondo, east of this city, as an initial step to strengthen security against seaborne lawless elements.

Earlier, they maintain a station in Barangay Rio where Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) rebels landed at dawn of September 9 and laid siege in this city.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=598662

AFP: A distinguished military institution --Bautista

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 20): AFP: A distinguished military institution --Bautista

As the Armed Forces of the Philippines celebrated its 78th founding anniversary a day earlier on Friday, AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Emmanuel T. Bautista lauded all the men and women under his command, stressing that the institution they are all serving has distinguished tradition and enduring legacy of defending the Filipino nation.

"It is with great pride that we honor the glorious legacy of the AFP on the occasion of our 78th year. The AFP is a distinguished institution with an enduring legacy of defending the Filipino nation and the ideals of peace, freedom and democracy that our nation represents -- from the revolutionary Army led by Andres Bonifacio that won our independence to the AFP that freed our country and help restore democracy," Bautista said.

"Our proud legacy has always been that of honor, service and patriotism in fulfillment of our constitutional mandate," he added.

The AFP chief stressed that protecting peace and democracy is the proud legacy of the AFP.

"While we win the peace today as our legacy for the future, thus our anniversary theme 'Tagumpay Noon, Bayanihan Ngayon, Karangalan Nating Lahat Bukas', as we celebrate our history, let me take this opportunity to honor and to thank each and every member of our Armed Forces, past and present, for heroism offered and faithful services rendered in the pursuit of our mandate. May we also pay tribute to and honor the lives and services of our fallen brothers who gave their last full measures of devotion in the name of peace, and there is no greater way to honor them than by carrying on the work that they have left behind," he said.

He noted that 2013 is a very particular year due to various challenges it has offered.

"In this particular eventful year of our organization in the face of challenges that kindled the adrenalin of heroism and service in us, the Sabah crisis, the kidnapping of our UN peacekeepers in the Golan Heights, the defense of Zamboanga City, the 7.2-magnitude earthquake that struck Central Visayas, the numerous typhoons, the most devastating of which was super typhoon 'Yolanda,' not to mention the internal peace and security operations that we continuously conduct, all these challenges were met with courage and strength of spirit by every soldier, sailor and airman of the AFP," Bautista emphasized.

In light of these events which were successfully mastered by the military, the AFP chief also took the opportunity to extend his deepest gratitude to all uniformed and non-uniformed personnel for their silent sacrifices and for always performing above and beyond the call of duty.

"You all deserve recognition and this day is for you, in honor of our legacy, we will continue performing our mandate with patriotism burning in our hearts, we will win the peace for the Filipino people, we will continue building a stronger AFP that is more responsive to our mandate. We may have a long way to go but we have already set our transformation direction, as inspired by the leadership and steady vision for reform of His Excellency, President Benigno S. Aquino III. Through our AFP transformation roadmap, we will develop our capabilities and further professionalize our troops, we will be a world-class Armed Forces, a source of national pride," Bautista stressed.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=598638

Aquino approves holiday truce with communist rebels

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 20): Aquino approves holiday truce with communist rebels

President Benigno Aquino III approved on Friday a holiday truce with communist rebels.

In a text message, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said: "The President has approved the recommendation of the Secretary of National Defense and the chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Secretary of OPAPP on the suspension of offensive military operations effective midnight December 20 until January 15, 2014."

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) earlier declared a six-day ceasefire, from 12 a.m. on December 24 to 11:59 p.m. on December 26 and from 12 a.m. on December 31 to 11:59 p.m. on January 2, 2014.

For her part, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos-Deles said the government continues its traditional call for a Christmas ceasefire to allow those in conflict areas, whether soldier, rebel or civilian, safe passage to celebrate Advent with their families, far from all harm.

"This year, a Christmas ceasefire gains added urgency with the call for healing and rebuilding that resonate in this Season and its promise of a new life to all," she said.

In the past three months, the country faced major tragedies that have left our nation deeply traumatized. Among these, the onslaught of super typhoon "Yolanda" in Eastern Visayas has caused the most extraordinary challenge for the Filipino people with the unparalleled and incomprehensible destruction it has left in its aftermath.

"Our nation needs to bind our wounds and focus our energies and resources on the tasks at hand. It presents to our country and people the chance to start afresh, to build on new and just foundations -- the common wealth for the common good, innovative approaches to governance and development based on justice and fairness, an understanding of nature’s gifts and perils, and the healing of Mother Earth," said Deles.

"In this season of faith, hope and solidarity, we bind ourselves together as a people for the long-term effort to rebuild in our disaster areas and reconstruct the lives, livelihoods and property of the survivors. May the peace and goodwill that must dwell in our hearts become building blocks for a healing and enduring peace in our land," she said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=0&sid=&nid=0&rid=598704

President Aquino honors soldiers at AFP anniversary celebration

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 20): President Aquino honors soldiers at AFP anniversary celebration

President Benigno Aquino III honored Armed Forces soldiers who had given exemplary service during the Zamboanga crisis and the recent back-to-back earthquake and super typhoon "Yolanda" disasters in Bohol and Eastern Visayas, respectively.

Coinciding with the 78th anniversary celebration of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, President Aquino awarded 49 soldiers, two civilian employees and two ROTC cadets in recognition of their invaluable contributions to the fulfillment of their mandate.

"Sa patong-patong na pagsubok na dinaanan ng bansa ngayong taon, taas-noo ninyong maipagmamalaki sa ating mga ninuno at sa mga kababayan natin ang ipinakita ninyong tapang, sigasig, at pananagutan sa serbisyo,” the President said of the outstanding soldiers.

Among the soldiers awarded was Private First Class Ian Paquit of the 3rd Scout Ranger Company, 1st Scout Ranger Regiment, who was given a Medal of Valor posthumously for his courage, dedication and sacrifice that contributed to the clearing and capture of rebels in the Zamboanga City crisis.

Despite being wounded in an encounter on Sept. 13, Paquit led a defense operation in Barangay Sta. Barbara on Sept. 24 but was shot in his left neck, resulting to his death. The operations resulted in the capture of 41 Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) fighters and 15 more killed. Soldier Paquit's award was received by his father, Eduardo Paquit.

Fourteen soldiers were also awarded with the Distinguished Conduct Star, the second highest military award, for their conspicuous acts of gallantry; while eight other soldiers, two of them posthumously, received the Gold Cross Medal.

Other soldiers and civilians were awarded for their exemplary achievement in performing their duties. Some 2,000 soldiers were already awarded in line with their contributions in the operations in Zamboanga City while other awards are in the pipeline to ensure that all soldiers involved in combat and administrative operations will be recognized.

"Nagpapasalamat din ako para sa halos 200 bihag na na-rescue natin mula sa masasamang puwersang naghasik ng karahasan sa Zamboanga, at para sa panunumbalik ng kaayusan sa lungsod. Sa ngalan ng mga kababayan nating niyanig ng malakas na lindol sa Cebu, Bohol, at kalapit na probinsya, maraming salamat sa mabilis ninyong pagresponde. Gayundin, maraming salamat sa pagsagip at paghahatid ninyo ng ayuda sa mga biktima ng bagyong Yolanda," he said.

"Pinatunayan ninyo sa buong mundo na gaano man kalaking hamon ang idulot ng mga mapagsamantala at ng mga dumarating na sakuna, anumang banta o peligro, gaano man kalayo at kaliblib na pook, basta’t tumbasan lamang ng tapang at dedikasyong tumulong, maaaruga at makakabangon ang mga Pilipino," he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=0&sid=&nid=0&rid=598789

President Aquino inspects 3 Agusta Naval helicopters, vows continuous AFP modernization

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 20): President Aquino inspects 3 Agusta Naval helicopters, vows continuous AFP modernization

President Benigno Aquino III inspected three newly-acquired AgustaWestland 109 Power Helicopters of the Philippine Navy during the 78th anniversary of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Friday.

In his speech, President Aquino vowed to continue the modernization in the AFP by acquiring more ships and helicopters to perform a variety of missions such as economic zone protection, surface surveillance, search and rescue and maritime security operations.

"Sa harap nga po ng mga pagsubok, malaki ang inaasahan sa ating mga kawal. Kaya naman marapat lang na bigyan kayo ng estado ng sapat na kapasidad upang tumugon sa inyong tungkulin. Hindi na po manhid ang gobyerno sa pangangailangan ninyo; ang tugon natin: tuloy-tuloy na modernisasyon," he said.

The AW-109 helicopters cost P1.33-billion. Two more of these aircraft are expected to be delivered in 2014 for a contract price of P850.91 million.

Aside from the helicopters, two new Sikorsky Air Ambulance units and other assets of the AFP were displayed at the AFP Grandstand during the ceremony.

President Aquino said the government will also be acquiring two more C-130 aircrafts aside from the three operational units the military are using.

He added that more maritime ships will be acquired aside from the existing BRP Gregorio del Pilar and BRP Ramon Alcaraz.

"Makakaasa kayong mula sa pagbili ng iba pang bagong kagamitan, hanggang sa pagpili ng inyong mga pinuno; mula sa paglalatag ng oportunidad sa inyong pamilya, ngayon hanggang sa inyong pagreretiro, isinusulong ng gobyerno ang mas makakabuti sa inyong kapakanan," he said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=598791

Aquino approves holiday ceasefire

From Rappler (Dec 29): Aquino approves holiday ceasefire

President Benigno Aquino III approved a nationwide Christmas ceasefire directing the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to suspend offensive military operations for 25 days.

The ceasefire takes effect at 12:01 am of December 21 and ends at 11:59 pm of January 15, 2014.

Security forces, however, will maintain defensive readiness.

The government's declaration comes two days after the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) declared a 6-day unilateral ceasefire for the holidays – 3 days for Christmas and another 3 days for the New Year. The ceasefire disallows all commands and units of the New People's Army (NPA) and the people's militia from carrying out offensive operations against the military, police, and other paramilitary forces.

In a statement, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos-Deles said "government continues its traditional call for a Christmas ceasefire" so those in conflict areas can "celebrate Advent with their families, far from all harm."

"This year, a Christmas ceasefire gains added urgency with the call for healing and rebuilding that resonate in this Season and its promise of a new life to all," she said.

Deles pointed to recent major tragedies that befell the country, especially Super Typhoon Yolanda, as having "left our nation deeply traumatized." She said rebuilding these areas should be the country's united priority this Christmas.

"Our nation needs to bind our wounds and focus our energies and resources on the tasks at hand… In this season of faith, hope and solidarity, we bind ourselves together as a people for the long-term effort to rebuild in our disaster areas and reconstruct the lives, livelihoods and property of the survivors," she said.

The CPP also earlier declared a unilateral ceasefire in Yolanda-affected areas.

Peace talks with the National Democratic Front (NDF) resumed under the Aquino administration but reached an impasse after disagreements. The military under Armed Forces chief General Emmanuel Bautista aims to make insurgency "irrelevant" by 2016.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/46336-aquino-christmas-holiday-ceasefire

Soldier killed in Zambo given highest military honor

From Rappler (Dec 20): Soldier killed in Zambo given highest military honor

President Benigno Aquino III on Friday, December 20, posthumously bestowed the Medal of Valor, the highest military honor, on First Lieutenant Ian Paquit for his bravery in the Zamboanga City crisis.

He died after he intentionally put himself in the line of fire to save his team. He was 21.

It was the 3rd week of the standoff with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) when his team, the 3rd Scout Rangers Company, was trapped in heavy exchanges of fire in Barangay Sta Barbara.

To allow the troops to reposition, Pacquit left his covered position to get a better line of sight and provide cover fire.

"With the courage, dedication and sacrifice of Private First Class Ian Pacquit, further casualties were avoided and the neutralization of enemy firing positions greatly contributed to the clearing and capture of enemy strongholds," according to the military report.

His heroic move resulted in the capture of 41 MNLF rebels and the death of another 15.

It proved costly for Pacquit, however. Bullets came flying and they hit his left neck. He was brought to hospital, his second trip there for that military operation against the MNLF.

He was wounded earlier, on Week 1, when a shrapnel hit his face. He was brought to the hospital but immediately asked to be returned to the combat zone.

The Medal of Valor award entitles a soldier to a string of benefits, including scholarship for his dependents. Pacquit was not married, however. His 16-year-old brother is mulling options to enter the Philippine Military Academy.

The Zamboanga standoff was an urban warfare in the worst possible place. In the heavily populated coastal barangays, there were many occasions when the soldiers were a few meters away from the MNLF rebels and their hostages.

They could see them from across the street or they were just inside the next building. They were shouting invectives at each other. But the soldiers could not shoot or throw bombs without hurting the hostages whom the rebels had turned into human shield.

Eighteen soldiers died in the 20-day standoff, but the military considers it a successful operation because they saved most of the hostages. Two out of 198 hostages died.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/46297-highest-military-honor-zambo-soldier

CPP: CPP condemns AFP attacks against NPA units doing rehabilitation work in Samar

From the CPP Website (Dec 20): CPP condemns AFP attacks against NPA units doing rehabilitation work in Samar

Communist Party of the Philippines

 

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) condemned the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for carrying out relentless attacks against units of the New People’s Army (NPA) carrying out rehabilitation work in the areas devastated by the recent supertyphoon Yolanda, as an armed encounter was reported to have erupted in Barangay Sto. Niño, Motiong, Samar last Tuesday between a local NPA unit and troops of the 87th IB.

At the same time, the CPP castigated the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for rejecting the 6-day ceasefire declaration issued the other day by the CPP and making the ludicrous demand for the NPA to declare an indefinite ceasefire even as the Aquino regime adamantly refuses to resume formal peace negotiations with the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).

“The CPP strongly condemns the AFP for relentlessly carrying out offensive operations in Samar, Leyte, Negros and other areas devastated by typhoon Yolanda, despite the fact that the CPP had earlier declared a unilateral ceasefire in order to mobilize the entire forces of the NPA and the masses for rehabilitation work,” said the CPP.

The report issued by the 8th ID clearly indicate that the AFP units were conducting offensive operations against the NPA. According to the report, the troops of the 87th IB, which were operating in the next town of San Jorge, mobilized its forces to Motiong to pursue the local NPA unit.

“Since November 8, all NPA units in Motiong and in the rest of Samar and all areas ravaged by the recent supertyphoon Yolanda have been busy carrying out rehabilitation work by assisting the masses in their effort to resume agricultural production and revitalize the environment through various forms of cooperation and collective work,” pointed out the CPP.

“Clearly, the AFP does not want the NPA and the people to succeed in rehabilitation work,” said the CPP. “Firstly, Aquino and the AFP refused to reciprocate the ceasefire declaration issued by the CPP leadership to cover the NPA commands in the Visayas islands ravaged by supertyphoon Yolanda. Secondly, it has ordered all units of the 8th and 3rd ID to carry out offensives against the NPA and suppression activities against the people.”

“The continuing offensives of the AFP in the Yolanda-devastated areas is a repeat of the heightened suppression campaign which it has been carrying out in the areas devastated by the December 4, 2012 supertyphoon Pablo in Compostela Valley,” pointed out the CPP. “In most of the areas devastated by Pablo, people are suffering not only from the complete absence of assistance from the Aquino regime, but from heightened human rights abuses by the fascist troops of the AFP.”

“If the Aquino regime and its armed forces really want a long-term or indefinite ceasefire, then it should push for the resumption of formal peace negotiations with the NDFP on the basis of the foundations built through more than 25 years of negotiations,” said the CPP. “Aquino should respect all previous agreements, seriously discuss the roots of the armed conflict and stop using peace negotiations solely to dupe the revolutionary into silencing their weapons and allowing their hands to be tied behind their backs.”

“The CPP declared two three-day ceasefires with the clear aim of expressing solidarity with the people’s traditional holiday observance and in order to allow the NPA to concentrate on providing security to the thousands of people expected to join the mass celebrations of the CPP’s 45th anniversary on December 26 in the guerrilla zones,” added the CPP.

“Indeed, the Filipino people want long-lasting peace,” said the CPP. “But they also know that this is impossible under a system that exploits and oppresses the workers, peasants and the downtrodden and that such can only be achieved by waging mass struggles and armed resistance.”

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20131220_cpp-condemns-afp-attacks-against-npa-units-doing-rehabilitation-work-in-samar

Taiwanese woman kidnapped in Sabah freed in southern Philippines

From the Mindanao Examiner blog site (Dec 20): Taiwanese woman kidnapped in Sabah freed in southern Philippines

A Taiwanese tourist kidnapped on a posh island resort off the Malaysian state of Sabah was freed by her captors in the southern Philippine province of Sulu.

Chang An Wei, 58, was released near the village of Liban in Talipao town and eventually recovered by civilians who informed local authorities about the woman, who was later brought to a military hospital in the capital town of Jolo.

It was not immediately known how much ransom was paid to the kidnappers believed to be members of the Abu Sayyaf.

The woman was kidnapped on November 15 by gunmen who also shot dead the victim’s husband Hsu Li Min, 57, in a daring cross-border raid in Sabah’s Pom Pom Island and fled towards Pulau Mataking near the Filipino province of Tawi-Tawi.

Malaysian authorities were investigating the possible involvement of locals in planning the raid.

The Abu Sayyaf has previously raided resorts in Sabah several times over the past decade and kidnapped dozens of Malaysians and foreigners and exchanged them for ransom money which is used to purchase weapons and fund terror attacks in the Philippines.

http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/12/taiwanese-woman-kidnapped-in-sabah.html