China takes dual-track sea policy: Power and peace

From the Manila Standard Today (Jun 20): China takes dual-track sea policy: Power and peace

China “naturally loves peace” but will take “resolute measures” to protect regional stability, Premier Li Keqiang said Wednesday, affirming a dual-track foreign policy of power and peace despite tensions with nations including Japan and Vietnam.

Li insisted that an urge for expansion was “not in the Chinese DNA” and that a “stable neighboring environment” was necessary for China’s continued economic development.

He was speaking London’s financial district on a three-day trip which aims to build trade ties and repair relations strained when British Prime Minister David Cameron met exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama in 2012.

China is currently facing territorial disputes with Japan, Vietnam and the Philippines amid a hardline approach pursued by Li’s administration.

“We want to have a stable external environment. The Chinese naturally love peace. Confucius taught us that we should not do to others what we don’t want done to us... this has been imprinted on to the DNA of the nation,” Li said.

“Expansion is not in the Chinese DNA nor can we accept the logic that a strong country is bound to be hegemonic.”

But he added that China would take action “to protect the stability of the region” where necessary.

“For those acts of provoking incidents and undermining peace, China will have to take resolute measures to stop them, to prevent the situation from getting out of control,” he said.

“This is to protect the stability of the region.”

Meanwhile, 12 Vietnamese were sentenced to six months in jail and fined $100,000 for illegal fishing in Philippine waters, the prosecutor in the case said.

The fishermen, who were arrested on March 21 with a boatload of sharks just off the western island of Palawan, pleaded guilty last week, prosecutor Alen Rodriguez said.

If the 12 cannot pay the fine, the equivalent of more than $8,000 each and a huge sum for such fishermen, the judge could add more time to their sentence, said Rodriguez.

But in similar cases in the past, foreign fishermen caught in Philippine waters were allowed to go free after serving their sentences without paying the fine, he said.

The Vietnamese embassy in Manila could not be contacted for comment.

Vietnamese fishermen have been caught repeatedly fishing in Philippine waters in recent years, mostly near Palawan, which is the closest major Filipino island to Vietnam.

The 1,250-mile coast of Palawan is home to some of the region’s richest fishing grounds.

The Philippines has few maritime resources to police the area, so fishermen from neighboring countries regularly sail in.

In 2011, 122 Vietnamese were arrested near Palawan in the biggest illegal fishing bust in recent memory. They served jail terms of about six months, then were sent home.

The arrests of the Vietnamese fishermen have generally occurred in waters very close to Palawan, and not in areas of the adjoining South China Sea that are subject to competing territorial claims by the Philippines, Vietnam, China and other neighboring countries.

In Manila, lawmakers aired mix reactions to the plan of the Philippine Navy to build a runway at the Pagasa Island located within the Kalayaan Island Group, a move seen as the government’s way to strengthen its claim on the territory, but has drawn strong protest from China.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2014/06/20/china-takes-dual-track-sea-policy-power-and-peace/

Two Soldiers Injured In South Philippine Bomb Blast

From Bernama, the National News Agency of Malaysia (Jun 20): Two Soldiers Injured In South Philippine Bomb Blast

Two government troops were injured after an improvised bomb exploded in southern Philippines early on Friday, Xinhua news agency reported.

The bomb believed planted by leftist New People's Army guerrillas went off as an army vehicle travelled down a road in Monkayo town in Mindanao's Compostela Valley province at 5:30 a.m. local time.

The soldiers were taken to a local hospital for treatment.

The military has accused the 4,000-strong leftist guerrilla group of orchestrating bombings using internationally-banned landmines that killed hundreds of security forces and civilians in southern Philippines in recent years.

http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v7/wn/newsworld.php?id=1047852

5 installations in NegOr ‘high risk’ for sabotage

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jun 19): 5 installations in NegOr ‘high risk’ for sabotage

Military and police officials in Negros Oriental have tagged five of 47 vital installations in Negros Oriental as being high risk of bombing and sabotage.

They identified these as the URSUMCO Sugar Mill in Barangay Alangilanan in Manjuyod; URSUMCO Ethanol Plant in Barangay Tamiso, Bais City; the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines in Barangay Tandayag, Amlan; the Energy Development Corp. geothermal power plants and the Green Core Geothermal Inc., both in Valencia.

This was at the signing ceremony Tuesday between the Armed Forces of the Philippines, represented by Philippine Army Col. Allan Martin, commander of the 302nd Infantry Brigade, and Senior Supt. Mariano Natuel Jr., OIC provincial director of the Philippine National Police in Negros Oriental, on security concerns of these vital installations.

Natuel said these installations are prone to bombing and sabotage, because they provide basic services to the people in Negros Oriental, such as electricity being generated and transmitted by the EDC and the NGCP.

Other installations similarly prone to bombing, sabotage, extortion and arson are public and private installations, projects, facilities and equipment in the province. They were classified under three threat levels – low, moderate and high.

Nine of the installations were in the first district, 29 in the second district, and nine in the third district. The EDC geothermal power plants and Green Core are now under the jurisdiction of the Army, while the 45 others have been turned over to the PNP.

The other installations that are under the threat level of moderate and low, are the Ceres terminals, the Bulado and Basak ports in Guihulngan City, municipal water reservoir - Vallehermoso, the Negros Oriental I Electric Cooperative and PLDT – Bindoy, NERECO 2 and its sub-stations, and sub-offices in Mangnao and Real Street, the Dumaguete City Water District Office and water reservoir in Daro and Bajumpandan, and the seaport, all in Dumaguete City; the Central Azucarera de Bais sugar mill in Bais City; Chevron, Petron, and Shell depots, the Submarine Cable Transmission Line, Tandayag Wharf and the mini hydro plant in Amlan; The National Power Grid, and the Mabinay Terminal Complex in Mabinay; Fil Oil and Chevron depots, and Maayo Shipping in San Jose; the Sibulan port, the Looc Sibulan Wharf (Lite Shipping) and the Sibulan Airport in Sibulan; ORICA office and wharf and the DUCOMI Port in Bacong.

These areas already have security forces, either deployed for routine patrol, or with a fixed detachment to ensure that any threats to them can be deflected, the military and the police said.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2014/June/19/negor1.htm

PH Air Force set to receive new aircraft

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jun 19): PH Air Force set to receive new aircraft
As the modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines kicks into high gear, its armed wings are set to receive some new muscle.

Lieutenant General Jeffrey Delgado, Philippine Air Force Commanding General, said that his wing would be more capable when the new aircrafts get delivered in 2018.

“Right now we are still in the stage of enhancing it, we expect the air assets to arrive a few months from now until 2018 and this will surely strengthen our capabilities,” Delgado said.

PAF’s top brass was referring to the 12 F/A50 “Fighting Eagle” units, the contract of which was signed on March 28 and would be in service in 2015.

Also, the PAF expects the arrival of eight armed versions of the Agusta Westland AW-109s that would arrive in by the third quarter of 2014 with its contract signed on November of 2013.

“This will address some of our territorial defense concerns especially air interdiction,” Delgado said.

Concerned with the tension in the disputed areas in the South China Sea, Delgado said that the Air Force is focused on monitoring the activities and reporting to the Department of National Defense and the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Also, biddings for two long-range patrol aircraft, three medium-lift cargo planes, three air defense radars and six close-air support aircrafts have been opened.

He added that though the Air Force is still grounded to the proper conduct in the disputed areas, it is “ready to confront if the need arises.”

“We are prepared (for) any contingency that the government will ask us to do as far as the territorial defense is concerned even with our meager resources,” Delgado said.
 

“We are ready to confront any kinds of threat should there be a need for us to be really involved but right now we are avoiding any confrontations. We are adhering to the rule of law, we are supporting the government’s efforts in pursuing the legal complaint in the international courts,” he said.

 

http://globalnation.inquirer.net/106765/ph-air-force-set-to-receive-new-aircraft

Foreign troops launch 4 rehab projects in Leyte

From the Philippine Star (Jun 20): Foreign troops launch 4 rehab projects in Leyte

The Joint Task Force Pacific Partnership 2014, composed of military units from the United States, South Korea, Malaysia, Japan and the Philippines, kicked off four rehabilitation projects in Tacloban City and Palo town in Leyte on Wednesday.

The troops will build a four-classroom building and science building at the San Fernando Elementary School, and will reconstruct the outpatient building of the Tacloban City Hospital.

In Palo town, they will build a science building at the Castilla Elementary School.
The civic action projects in Tacloban and Palo, both heavily devastated by Typhoon Yolanda last November, will be completed next month.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2014/06/20/1336683/foreign-troops-launch-4-rehab-projects-leyte

'CPP-NPA in disarray’

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jun 20): 'CPP-NPA in disarray’

The arrest of Benito Tiamzon and his wife, Wilma, the top two leaders of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army, will make it easier for government forces to neutralize threats of the communist movement, Army Lt. Gen. John Bonafos said yesterday.

Bonafos, commanding general of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Central Command, said the CPP leadership has weakened with the arrest of the Tiamzon couple in Cebu recently.

Without guidance from its top leadership, there is no movement in ground, he said and it will be easier for them to neutralize the threats.

The CPP-NPA organization is now in disarray due to weakened leadership, Bonafos also claimed.

The military said Tiamzon and Austria are the chairman and secretary general of the CPP-NPA, respectively. They are now detained at the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame.

There is still no official statement from the communist movement as to who replaced the couple, although the CPP had said that it has a deep bench of leaders.

Following the apprehension of the Tiamzon couple, Roy Erecre, who is alleged to be secretary of the Komiteng Rehiyonal Sentral Bisayas, was also arrested by the police and military in Davao.

The military claimed to have dismantled the KSRB, with majority of its members in Negros Oriental either killed or have surrendered, Bonafos said.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2014/June/20/negor1.htm

‘Negros Occ. to be conflict manageable’

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jun 20): ‘Negros Occ. to be conflict manageable’

The Armed Forces of the Philippines Central Command is now focusing its effort on Negros Occidental, which it expects to be declared soon as conflict manageable and development ready. This was the declaration of Negros Oriental as such last month.

Although they have not set a time table for its declaration. Lt. Gen. John Bonafos, AFP Central Command chief said yesterday that they have noted a marked improvement in the peace and development campaign of the 303rd Infantry Brigade, in tandem with local government units and multi-sectoral groups, including civil society organizations.

 

Bonafos said there is need for an immediate follow up to bring the development aspect to the conflict-affected communities.

 

He said the overwhelming support of the people of Negros Occidental to their peace and development campaign showed that they are already fed up with violence, and want peace to reign in their communities.

 

Having declared an area as “conflict manageable and development ready,” Bonafos, who attended the third leg of Marching for Peace, Serving the Countrysides spearheaded by the Provincial Peace Integration and Development Unit, in this remote barangay, said indicates state of normalcy, with the insurgency problem already in an insignificant level.

 

Board Member Alain Gatuslao, represented Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. in the activity.

Gatuslao enjoined the population of the district to support the peace initiative.

 

Hundreds of barangay residents led by San Agustin barangay chairman Agapito Euroba availed of health-related services and programs, who also received relief goods and food packs, medicines and livelihood supplies from the provincial government.

 

Soldiers and policemen, who participated the marching for peace activity since Monday, have travelled more than 60 kilometers up to this barangay from Brgy.

Cabacungan, La Castellana to Brgy. Quinten Remo, Moises Padilla, show to the people that they are the legitimate armed forces, who could be relied on to protect them, Bonafos said.

 

The peace activity will again converge on June 21 in Brgy. Bi-ao, Binalbagan.

 

Eight Bayanihan teams of the 47th Infantry Battalion have dispatched for immersion activities Monday in the hinterland barangays of Carabalan, Mahalang and Buenavista, all in Himamaylan City.

 

Four other Bayanihan teams were also deployed by the 47IB in the hinterland sitios of Brgy. Tan-awan in Kabankalan City, its commander, Lt. Col. Ariel Reyes, said.

 

Himamaylan City Mayor Agustin Ernesto Bascon and Kabankalan City Mayor Isidro Zayco expressed their support to the peace and development efforts of the 47IB.

Zayco reminded government troops to respect human rights of the populace, in order to ultimately win their support and cooperation.

 

Reyes assured the two local chief executives that the 47IB will be their active partners in the delivery of desired basic services and government programs, in conflict-affected communities.

 

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2014/June/20/topstory2.htm

MILF: JICA, REPUSM organize series of Consolidation for Peace Seminars

From the MILF Website (Jun 20): JICA, REPUSM organize series of Consolidation for Peace Seminars



The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in partnership with the Research and Education for Peace Unit, Universiti Sains Malaysia (REPUSM) organized a series of the Consolidation for Peace (COP) seminars. The program is dubbed, “Post Agreement Implementation: Building ‘Capacities for Peace’ of  Bangsamoro stakeholders”.
  

To date, there have been five COP seminars. The COP1, COP2, and COP4 were organized for three different conflict areas, namely Mindanao, Aceh, and Southern Thailand, while COP3 and COP5 were designed exclusively for Mindanao. There was also a program organized to promote peace education in higher education institutions in Mindanao. This was the Mindanao Educators Peace Summit of 2010. This present COP6 program is organized to keep the momentum going in the Mindanao Peace Process and will be held at the Hiroshima International Convention Center in the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park on June 23-25, 2014.

This COP6 is an important opportunity for the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) leaders and other stakeholders to discuss challenges in the search for peace in Mindanao. Specifically, this COP6 aims to clarify the ongoing discussion in the GPH-MILF peace process and find ways to continue the momentum of this process.

This COP6 will focus on the following topics – Bangsamoro socio-economic development, the institutionalization of the Bangsamoro government, and developments in normalization. The themes on development, transition and normalization in this seminar will further give emphasis on ideas to develop technical and functional capacities, organizational changes, social cohesion and establishment of a new working relationship among institutions and stakeholders that will lead to reconciliation and forging of sustainable peace in the Bangsamoro region.

The COP6 to be held in Hiroshima, Japan will be a high level meeting. The delegation of the GPH will be led by the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process, Secretary Teresita Quintos Deles, and Government Negotiating Panel Chair, Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer. The MILF delegation will be led by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) Chair and MILF Peace Panel Chair, Mr. Mohagher Iqbal, and Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) Chair, Dr. Saffrullah Dipatuan. Other stakeholders are also presenting during this meeting, including the International Monitoring Team (IMT) Head of Mission, Major General Dato Abd. Samad Yaakub of Malaysia, Prof. Yuji Uesuji of Japan from the Independent Commission on Policing, and Governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), Hon. Mujiv Hataman.

Key government officials are also expected to attend and deliver official remarks, namely, Secretary Florencio Abad of the Department of Budget (NEDA) and Deputy Director General Margarita Songco of the National Economic Development Agency (NEDA). The event will be officially opened by the JICA President Dr. Akihito Tanaka and Univesiti Sains Malaysia Dr. Prof. Kamarulzaman Askandar.

The COP6 slated in Japan shall be a historic occasion as a peacebuilding platform with the participation of the MILF Chair, Al Haj Murad Ebrahim and his spouse, Hja. Lupia Ebrahim as Guests of Honor. It is also expected that President Benigno Aquino III will grace the occasion and deliver a keynote speech. The City of Hiroshima as a symbolic place of peace will be a meaningful venue of the COP6 for Mindanao. It is envisioned that the COP6 will further strengthen the peacebuilding process between the Government of the Philippines and the Bangsamoro people.
http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/1050-jica-repusm-organize-series-of-consolidation-for-peace-seminars

MILF: MILF-BIAF officers attend advocacy on GPH-MILF Peace Agreements

From the MILF Website (Jun 20): MILF-BIAF officers attend advocacy on GPH-MILF Peace Agreements



Another batch of officers and members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) of the Moro Islamic Liberation front belonging to Central and Northern Mindanao Fronts attended an advocacy program at JP Restaurants, Barangay Rebuken, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao on June 18, 2014 aimed at enhancing their level of understanding and awareness on the GPH-MILF Peace Agreements.
  

About 300 participants from the Civil Military Relations Department, Military Disciplinary Board, Murshid Training Education Department attended.

Unit heads of training, Research and Community Organizing of the Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute (BLMI) acted as speakers on various topics in the one day program.

Sheikh Sam Alabat, Shariah Lawyer and a graduate from International Islamic University (IIU), Pakistan and head of Community Organizing lectured on leadership in Islamic perspective. 

This writer, BLMI Research Unit head lectured on Ministerial Form of Government as envisioned for the upcoming Bangsamoro new polity, electoral system and political party formation.

Professor Esmael Abdula, Head of BLMI Training Unit spoke on GPH-MILF Peace process presented and discussed all agreements between the GPH and the MILF from 1997 up to the signing of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) on March 27, 2014. 

In the open forum participants raised their concerns and confusions on issues not so familiar to them and were in turn clarified vividly by the speakers.
  
Since the previous months, the MILF-BIAF of Central Mindanao front (CMF) and BLMI as a capacity building entity were partners in capacitating officers and members of the military wing of the Moro Front on various aspects of leadership and management, providing the combatants accurate information on the peace process, the proposed Bangsamoro region and the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).

To the minds of BLMI’s management, BIAF officers and members among others are priorities in their capability building programs as they were less informed on the recent developments affecting the Moro people. A lot of them had virtually lived in the jungles and marshlands of Mindanao for quite a long time in pursuance of the Moro struggle for self-determination, peace and progress in their homeland. It is high time that they can partake with skills and knowledge on public administration and governance.  
http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/1049-milf-biaf-officers-attend-advocacy-on-gph-milf-peace-agreements

OIC renews call for linkage between MILF, MNLF peace accords

From the Philippine Star posted to ABS-CBN (Jun 20): OIC renews call for linkage between MILF, MNLF peace accords

Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) secretary-general Iyad Ameen Madani has reiterated his call for the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to be synchronized with the 1976 Tripoli agreement and the 1996 final peace pact with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

In a statement posted on the OIC website (OIC-OCI.org), Madani said among the concerns of the 57-member Islamic body is that the Bangsamoro are still struggling to prove their “identity and confirm their history and rights.”

“In light of the agreement signed recently between Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the Philippine government under the auspices of Malaysia in the presence and witness of some member states, and opposed by all factions of Moro National Liberation Front, and the fact that the declared texts of the new agreement do not mention or build explicitly on Tripoli and Jakarta Agreements of 1976 and 1997 respectively,” he said.

The post was made during the opening of the 41st OIC Conference of Foreign Ministers on June 18 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Madani said the OIC Secretariat has spared no effort in bringing the two groups together to establish the stand of the Islamic body towards that conflict.

“They actually met a few days ago and reached a memorandum of understanding which we hope will be the basis for bridging the gap between them and establishing a united national front that follows up the implementation of the new agreement and links it to the previous agreements overlooked by the Philippine government,” he said.

Spokesman Emmanuel Fontanilla said senior MNLF leaders have met with Madani to reaffirm their unity under founding chairman Nur Misuari in Jeddah last week.

“The meeting with OIC secretary was a great success, they (MNLF leaders) firmly uphold the MNLF leadership under Misuari,” he said.

Fontanilla said they had relayed the message of Misuari rejecting integration of the CAB with the 1996 peace agreement.

“The MNLF is now back to its original political objective which is the independence of the Bangsamoro Republik,” he said.

The OIC supports the reconciliation of both fronts and the implementation of the new agreement and compliance of the Philippine government to its text and soul is “unavoidable if we want Bangsamoro Muslim people in the Philippines to obtain their most basic rights,” Madani said.

Earlier, Fontanilla said the warrant of arrest issued by the Zamboanga regional trial court has prevented Misuari from attending the 41st Foreign Minister’s Meeting in Jeddah last Wednesday and Thursday.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/06/20/14/oic-renews-call-linkage-between-milf-mnlf-peace-accords

Abus set June 29 deadline for 2 captives' ransom

From the Philippine Star posted to ABS-CBN (Jun 20): Abus set June 29 deadline for 2 captives' ransom

The Abu Sayyaf has given a June 29 deadline for the payment of P3-million ransom for a foreman and his brother-in-law, threatening to behead them if the amount is not paid.

Analiza Lingayan, wife of captive foreman Remegio Lingayan, 50, wept as she revealed the ransom deadline to Brigada News FM yesterday.

Mrs. Lingayan appealed to Sulu authorities to help her family secure the freedom of her husband and Joselito Gonzales, who were seized last June 4 by seven armed men in Indanan, Sulu while working on a project of Sulu Vice Gov. Sakur Tan.

The kidnappers initially demanded P20 million but lowered it to P7 million and later to P3 million.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/06/20/14/abus-set-june-29-deadline-2-captives-ransom

China says moving 2nd rig closer to Vietnam

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jun 19): China says moving 2nd rig closer to Vietnam




In this May 7, 2014 file photo released by Vietnam Coast Guard, a Chinese ship, left, shoots water cannon at a Vietnamese vessel, right, while a Chinese Coast Guard ship, center, sails alongside in the South China Sea, off Vietnam’s coast as Chinese ships are ramming at Vietnamese vessels trying to stop Beijing from setting up an oil rig in the sea. China’s moves to assert its territorial claims in the South China Sea are giving fresh impetus to a Japanese push to play a bigger role in regional security, adding to the growing strains between the two Asian rivals. AP

China said Thursday it was moving a second oil rig closer to the Vietnamese coast in disputed waters, near where ships from the two countries have been ramming each other in a tense confrontation.

The 600-meter (1,970-foot) -long rig was being towed southeast of its current position south of Hainan Island and would be in its new location closer to Vietnam by Friday, the Maritime Safety Administration said in a notice on its website. It asked vessels in the area to give it a wide berth.

Both installations will be inside what Vietnam claims as its continental shelf and exclusive economic zone.

The shifting of the rig came as officials from both sides said they made no progress in talks Wednesday over the deployment of another Chinese rig on May 1 that sparked the current standoff. Each country accuses the other of violating its territorial rights and instigating ramming of the other’s ships around the rig.

The first rig’s deployment also triggered anti-China demonstrations across Vietnam that led to attacks on hundreds of factories believed to employ Chinese workers, five of whom were killed and hundreds more injured. Many of the factories were built and run by investors from Taiwan, which has nothing to do with the current dispute.

Both rigs lie south of China’s Hainan province near the Chinese-controlled Paracel Islands that also are claimed by Vietnam. China’s military expelled Vietnamese troops from two of the islands in the group in 1974, and in 1988 also used force to kick Vietnam out of Johnson South reef in the Spratly Islands to the east.

The border between China and Vietnam in the area has never been properly demarcated.

China claims virtually all of the South China Sea, rich in natural resources and one of the world’s busiest sea lanes, bringing it into disputes with neighbors that also include the Philippines, a U.S. ally. http://globalnation.inquirer.net/106787/china-says-moving-2nd-rig-closer-to-vietnam

DFA lectures China: Your reclamation, PH airstrip upgrade different

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jun 19): DFA lectures China: Your reclamation, PH airstrip upgrade different
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) lectured China on the “big difference” between the Philippines’ plan to upgrade its facilities in islands in the West Philippines Sea (South China Sea) and the reclamation work that China is doing to the reefs there.

“I would like to point out the big difference in what we are doing and what China is doing. What we are doing in our airstrip on Pag-asa island, it is the maintenance and repair work for the safety of our people there,” DFA spokesman Charles Jose said in a press conference Thursday.

“We are not trying to change the nature or character of the maritime feature there. We are not doing reclamation work that could harm the environment. China, by its reclamation work that they are doing, they are trying to change the character of the maritime feature,” he said.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said in a press conference last June 16 that the Philippines was making “provocative actions” when it announced plans to upgrade facilities in the Spratly Islands.

“The Philippines’ Defense Ministry announced that they would invest large sums of money to upgrade the airstrips and naval facilities on the Zhongye Island (Pag-asa Island). In January this year, the Philippines’ military officials again announced their plans to build a world-class airport on the so-called Kalayaan Island,” she said.

“The Philippine side, on the one hand, intentionally takes provocative actions while on the other hand makes irresponsible remarks on China’s legitimate actions which are within China’s sovereignty. That is unjustifiable. We call on the Philippine side to correct its erroneous actions … and stop provocations that would further aggravate and complicate the situation,” Hua said.

China further demanded for the Philippines to withdraw all its facilities and personnel in the Spratly islands, saying that these had been “illegally and forcefully occupied” since the 1970s.

DFA previously released a series of aerial photographs showing the progression of reclamation activities conducted by China on Mabini reef.
Jose previously said that these reclaimed artificial islands are likely foundations for “military purposes.”

Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario expressed his intent to raise before the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) the need for a moratorium on all activities in the disputed region to ease tensions.

In a separate interview, he also said that they are studying the possibility of filing a request before the International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea (Itlos) to expedite the proceedings given that China has already expressed that it will not participate in the arbitration case.

http://globalnation.inquirer.net/106791/dfa-lectures-china-your-reclamation-ph-airstrip-upgrade-different

PH, US to hold naval exercises near Scarborough

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jun 20): PH, US to hold naval exercises near Scarborough

Continuing bilateral relations, the Philippines and the United States will hold naval exercises in Subic Bay, with some activities near Scarborough come June 26, a Philippine Navy officer said.

Lieutenant Junior Grade Rommel Rodriguez, Philippine Fleet Public Affairs Officer, said the Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (Carat) would last until July 1 with the Philippine Navy and the United States Navy conducting maritime exercises near the disputed shoal in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

Strengthen ties

According to Rodriguez, the 2014 version of Carat would be its 20th and has the aim to strengthen the ties of the Philippine Navy, Philippine Marine Corps, United States Navy, and the United States Marine Corps and to promote “relationship and goodwill.”

Activities will involve classroom style discussions on safety, maritime defense awareness flight operations, at-sea events and will be culminated in an amphibious operation facing the South China Sea in San Antonio town of Zambales province, an area close to Panatag Shoal (Scarborough Shoal) that is claimed by China but is within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone.

A joint concert between the US 7th Fleet Band the Philippine Fleet Band will also be held.

There will also be a gunnery exercise in the vicinity of Luzon Sea on June 29.

“This will be around 39 nautical miles southwest of Sampaloc Point, near Subic. It’s the lower tip of Zambales. Barko natin and barko ng US, we’ll involve lahat ng barko natin, lahat sila,” Rodriguez said.

“[There will be] maritime interdiction operations, visit board search and seizure exercise at sea, all will be within the area, riverine, diving exercise, mga communication exercise…same area,” he added.

Purely maritime training

The war games will be held amid increasing tensions with China, but Rodriguez said the event is a “purely maritime training activity” and is no way related to the territorial row.

“There is nothing to be worried about. This has nothing to do with Philippines-China dispute or the territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea,” he said.

“Carat is conducted every year and it has no connection with the current dispute, issue on territorial claims…Just to emphasize that both our navies have conducted Carat activities in different areas in the Philippines,” Rodriguez said.

Not a sign of threat
Rodriguez said that China need not fret the exercises as it is focused solely on the two countries’ cooperability and not on the feud with the mighty Asian nation.

“There is nothing to worry about,” Rodriguez said. “This has nothing to do with the Philippines and China dispute or the territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea.”

He added that the venues of the previous Carat exercises were not in the vicinity of the disputed area with Cebu playing hosts in 2009, Subic for 2010, 2013, and 2014, Palawan for 2011 and Mindanao for 2012.

Show of force
According to Rodriguez, around 1,000 troops from the two country’s navies would participate in the maritime exercises.

He added the United States Navy would use one of its destroyers, USS Halsey, a dock landing ship, USS Ashland, and a rescue ship, USS Safeguard.

There will also be an underwater construction team, Naval seabees, choppers, SH60B seahawk, mobile diving salvage unit, explosive ordnance disposal unit, two landing craft air cushion, company size amphibious assault vehicles.

 For their counterparts, the Philippine Navy would use the BRP Ramon Alcaraz, which would be the venue of the kickoff, and BRP Emilio Jacinto.

It will also use Augusta helicopters, one Islander, a Naval Special Operations Group EOD team, three diving teams, two special boat teams, and two marine companies, communications team, band and logistics team and Seabees.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/106803/ph-us-to-hold-naval-exercises-near-scarborough

#TalkThursday with US Ambassador to the PH Philip Goldberg

From Rappler (Jun 19): #TalkThursday with US Ambassador to the PH Philip Goldberg

Rappler talked to US Ambassador to the Philippines, Philip Goldberg on the crisis in Iraq, as well as the United States' plans moving forward from the recently signed Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement



Rappler talked to US Ambassador to the Philippines, Philip Goldberg on the crisis in Iraq, as well as the United States' plans moving forward from the recently signed Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).

On June 17, Tuesday, militants led by terrorist group the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) pushed a week long offensive to within 60 kilometers of Iraq’s capital city Baghdad. In response, Iraq's military claimed it had driven back militants who stormed the country's main oil refinery in the town of Baiji, the latest front in the battle which is 225 kilometers north of the capital. In a televised news conference, Iraqi military spokesman Gen. Qasem Atta added the situation “is under control.” (READ: Fighting nears Baghdad as UN warns crisis 'life-threatening')

Earlier, the insurgents captured Mosul, a city of two million people, and Tal Afar, a Shiite-majority town in north Iraq lying along a strategic corridor in Syria. In his statement, Atta also claimed "most of the areas" around the northwestern city of Tal Afar are now liberated.

ISIS is the latest reincarnation of fighters from al-Qaeda-linked groups that are so brutal, al-Qaeda distanced itself from them. Goldberg said although the senior leadership of Al Qaeda weakened, groups such as ISIS Boko Haram in Nigeria have sprung up to continue the jihadist movement.

He added, Iraq is now the focal point for the transnational jihadist movement with extremists crossing borders to join in the fight. He said the crisis could be Afghanistan all over again - " Iraq already is, and already had a conflict and there was hope at the end of the conflict and when we withdrew, that it would be able to be sustained. I think there are a lot of people that have been very disappointed in the Maliki government and the way it has handled the various sectarian issues. And there clearly is a problem in Iraq that goes beyond ISIS." (READ AND WATCH: Southeast Asian recruits join jihadist ISIS)

As ambassador to the Philippines, Goldberg pushed for stronger ties between the two countries, especially in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan last year. In April, the Philippines and the US signed a defense deal that gives the US more access to Philippine bases and allow them to store equipment. Yet, Goldberg says the US has not yet identified the bases it prefers to use, adding the two countries will have to reach a mutual agreement on the locations. (READ: DOCUMENT: Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement)

He emphasizes however that the bases should help the Philippines build up its defense and boost the United States’ presence with allies in the region.

Watch the interview with Goldberg below.

[Video interview: Amb. Goldberg on friendships in Asia & challenges in Iraq
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7QgTWdQAL0]

http://www.rappler.com/video/talkthursday/61029-talkthursday-with-us-amb-Goldberg

7 soldiers killed, 13 hurt in clashes with Abu Sayyaf

From Rappler (Jun 19): 7 soldiers killed, 13 hurt in clashes with Abu Sayyaf



Seven soldiers were killed and 24 others wounded in separate encounters with suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf Group in Sulu on Thursday, June 19.

At least 10 members of the ASG were also killed, although only one body was recovered, according to Captain Maria Rowena Muyuela, spokesperson of the military's Western Mindanao Command.

Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Zagala, spokesperson of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), said in a statement that a military officer was killed after his troops clashed with an undetermined number of Abu Sayyaf members at around 6:20 am on Thursday, in Barangay Kagay in Patikul.

About 10 minutes later, 6 soldiers were killed and 13 more were wounded after being hit by an 81mm mortar launched by the Abu Sayyaf in Barangay Kabbon-Takas, Zagala said. (The number of wounded later rose to 24, based on Muyuela's report late afternoon.)

"The remaining troops are still in the area of operations while the casualties were evacuated," the statement said.

Three critically-wounded personnel were airlifted to Camp Navarro General Hospital in Zamboanga City for proper medical treatment, while the other wounded soldiers were brought to the nearest hospital for medical attention.

The families of those who had been killed and wounded have yet to be informed of the development as of posting.

The AFP said that the incident would not hamper military operations against the Abu Sayyaf.

“The AFP continues to conduct its focused-military operations against these rebels to ensure the safety and security of the civilians in the area. Our soldiers did not suffer in vain for they bravely sacrificed their lives in line of their duty to our people,” Zagala said.

The attack comes after the Abu Sayyaf suffered a series of setbacks including the capture in Manila last week of one of its leaders, Khair Mundos, who is on the US government's list of "most wanted" terror suspects. (READ: Abu Sayyaf leader in US terror list arrested)

Days later, two of his followers were also arrested.

On April 30, 15 – including one soldier – were also killed in clashes between government troops and the Abu Sayyaf who were seeking to regain their captured camp in Patikul.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/61040-soldiers-killed-clashes-abu-sayyaf

Hundreds displaced by Sulu clashes between military, Abu Sayyaf

From InterAksyon (Jun 20): Hundreds displaced by Sulu clashes between military, Abu Sayyaf



Clashes between the Abu Sayyaf and military in Sulu that left at least 17 combatants dead Thursday have displaced hundreds of civilians, authorities said on Friday.

At least 335 families have fled their homes, 185 of these from Sitio Karagi in Barangay Kabuntakas and another 150 from Sitio Nakilap, Barangay Garayan, in Patikul Sulu, initial reports from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s Humanitarian Emergency Action and Response Team.

The displaced families have sought shelter in Barangay Danag, the ARMM HEART said.

At the same time, the agency said continuing tensions have made it difficult to gather more information about the situation, including whether any civilians were hurt in the clashes that claimed the lives of seven soldiers, including an officer, and at least 10 Abu Sayyaf gunmen.

Thirteen other troops were wounded in the hostilities.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/89511/hundreds-displaced-by-sulu-clashes-between-military-abu-sayyaf

7 Marines killed in Sulu clash, military claims killing 10 Abus

From MindaNews (Jun 19): 7 Marines killed in Sulu clash, military claims killing 10 Abus

Seven Marines were killed while 24 others were wounded in a clash with Abu Sayyaf members in Sulu Thursday morning, the military reported.
 
The military also claimed that based on accounts of residents, the Marines killed 10 of the Abu Sayyaf bandits in the encounter at Sitio Sangay, Barangay Buhanginan in the municipality of Patikul.

Capt. Maria Rowena Muyuela, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) information officer, admitted that the Marines were able to recover only one body from among the alleged 10 dead Abu Sayyaf members.

She said the firefight ensued when the Marine troops chanced upon the Abu Sayyaf bandits, led by mid-level Sulu leader Hairula Asbang, while on security patrol.

Muyuela disclosed most of the slain and wounded Marines were hit by mortar rounds fired by the Abu Sayyaf.

 

She did not disclose the identities of the slain and wounded Marines except that they were assigned with the 2nd Marine Brigade.

She said pursuit operations, in coordination with the police, continue.

The Abu Sayyaf Group is still holding some kidnap victims in Sulu, among them Zamboanga City residents Remigio Lingayan and Joselito Gonzalez who were kidnapped last June 4 in Maimbung, Sulu. The two were are working on a government water system project.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2014/06/19/7-marines-killed-in-sulu-clash-military-claims-killing-10-abus/

20 troops killed, wounded in clashes with Abu Sayyaf

From the Mindanao Examiner (Jun 19): 20 troops killed, wounded in clashes with Abu Sayyaf





Soldiers help carry their casualties in fighting in southern Philippines. (Mindanao Examiner Library photos)

At least 20 soldiers were killed and wounded in fierce clashes with Abu Sayyaf militants on Thursday in the southern Philippine province of Sulu, reports said.

The fighting, which erupted in the town of Patikul, a known stronghold of the militant group tied to al-Qaeda and Jemaah Islamiya, killed seven soldiers, including a lieutenant; and wounded at least 13 more. There were no immediate reports of Abu Sayyaf casualties.

The wounded soldiers were airlifted to the Western Mindanao Command headquarters in Zamboanga City. The Philippine military in Manila has confirmed the reports, but military and police commanders in Sulu and Zamboanga City have not issued any statement about the fighting.

Their spokesmen also did not answer or ignored text messages sent by journalists who were trying to get details of the deadly fighting.

It was unclear whether those killed and wounded in the clashes were on a test mission or not, but other reports said members of the US-trained Light Reaction Company and marines were involved in the fighting.

It was also unknown is US troops stationed in Sulu were assisting local military forces in combat operation against the Abu Sayyaf, blamed for the spate of ransom kidnappings in Malaysia’s eastern state of Sabah.

The Abu Sayyaf is believed to be harboring Jemaah Islamiya militants in Sulu, one of five provinces under the Muslim autonomous region in Mindanao.

http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/2014/06/20-troops-killed-wounded-in-clashes.html

Casualties in Philippine clash now at 40

From the Mindanao Examiner BlogSpot site (Jun 19): Casualties in Philippine clash now at 40

At least 40 soldiers and Abu Sayyaf militants were killed and wounded in fierce clashes on Thursday in the southern Philippine province of Sulu, officials said.

Marine Captain Maria Rowena Muyuela, a spokeswoman for the Western Mindanao Command headquarters, said the fighting in the town of Patikul left 7 soldiers and 10 Abu Sayyaf militants killed and at least 24 more soldiers wounded.

She said the fighting erupted when a military patrol ran into a group of militants headed by Abu Sayyaf subleader Hairula Asbang in the village of Buhanginan.

“The fighting started when the Abu Sayyaf group encountered government troops who were conducting patrol operation in the hinterlands of Patikul town,” she told The Manila Times.

Muyuela said most of the military casualties were hit by Abu Sayyaf mortar fires in Patikul, a known stronghold of the militant group tied to al-Qaeda and Jemaah Islamiya. She also denied media reports that those killed and wounded in the fighting were members of the US-trained Light Reaction Company.

“All the casualties are regular marine soldiers who were on a patrol mission,” she said.

The Abu Sayyaf is being blamed for the spate of ransom kidnappings in Malaysia’s eastern state of Sabah and is also believed harboring Jemaah Islamiya militants in Sulu, one of five provinces under the Muslim autonomous region in Mindanao.

http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/2014/06/casualties-in-philippine-clash-now-at-40.html

P62-M peace projects benefit conflict-affected, vulnerable towns in SOCCSKSARGEN

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 19): P62-M peace projects benefit conflict-affected, vulnerable towns in SOCCSKSARGEN

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-12) on Thursday announced that some P62 million worth of various community peace projects have been completed and now benefiting thousands of families in conflict-affected and vulnerable towns in Region-12.

Bai Zorahayda T. Taha, DSWD-12 regional director, said that the amount represents 138 community projects through the government’s flagship peace and development framework.

“These projects are part of the government’s firm intent for peace-building and development in conflict affected and vulnerable areas in Mindanao,” Taha said, citing the town of Pikit in North Cotabato which had been the scene of bloody armed conflict in the past.

Pikit, an affected armed conflict town, has completed P27.8 million projects, while Arakan and Libungan, considered as conflict-vulnerable towns got P20.7 million and P13.5 million, respectively, an agency data shows.

Taha added that the projects form part of the synergized efforts of the agency, local government units, village officials and volunteers with funding support from Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) through its Payapa at MasaganangPamayanan Project.

Taha said among the completed projects include peace centers, community livelihood initiatives, pre and post-harvest facilities, rural electrification, water systems, roads, flood controls, educational facilities, and many others.

Meanwhile, Emerita Q. Dizon, DSWD-12 regional project coordinator, said that the agency’s PAMANA projects go beyond the usual infrastructure projects since it employed a community-driven development (CDD) strategy to ensure participatory, collective and inclusive decision-making process.

“As complementary tract to national government’s peace initiative, the process itself fosters peaceful relations between and among communities and addresses the root of conflict,” Dizon said.

Currently, these three towns have been granted an additional P27 million worth of various community projects that are expected to be completed before the year ends.

SOCCSKSARGEN region, also known as Central Mindanao region, is composed of the provinces of North and South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Saranggani and the cities of Cotabato, Kidapawan, Koronadal, Tacurong and Gen. Santos.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=654870

Palawan gov't awards P25,000 each to 8 rebel returnees

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 19): Palawan gov't awards P25,000 each to 8 rebel returnees

Palawan Governor Jose Alvarez awarded eight rebel returnees with P 25,000 each Wednesday as his leadership’s commitment to help them get back into the government fold and live normal lives again.

Alvarez personally handed over the cheques to the rebel returnees in a simple ceremony, which they may use as start-up capitals.

Their names were not mentioned during the event to protect them against reprisals by their comrades in the communist-terrorist movement.

The funds, he said, are part of the local social integration program for rebel returnees under his administration’s IHELP (Infrastructure, Health, Education, Livelihood and Protection of the Environment) development agenda.

“It is IHELP’s goal to extend help to those who have left the arms movement to have something to start with for their families. Let’s join hands together to make Palawan’s development sustainable by living in lasting peace,” Alvarez said in his message.

Aside from the financial assistance, the rebel returnees will also be given Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PHIC) or PhilHealth cards under the Kalingang Pangkalusugan para sa Pamilyang Palawenyo Program (KalingaPPP).

The awarding was witnessed by Vice Governor Victoriano Dennis Socrates, PNP Provincial Director P/Supt. David Martinez and Western Command commander Lt. Gen. Roy Deveraturda.

On the other hand, Martinez, in a short message, congratulated the beneficiaries for deciding to trust the government again.

“You can expect that we will continuously guide you on your return, and that we will support you in your goals to improve your lives,” Martinez said, calling on other rebels in Palawan to surrender and live the life of peace and harmony.

He also thanked the provincial government for keeping true with its commitment to help rebel returnees in Palawan back in the government fold and start new lives.

He said that often, rebel returnees programs end without good results because local governments do not give support to those who avail of it.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=654888

10 Abu Sayyaf bandits, seven soldiers killed in Sulu clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 19): 10 Abu Sayyaf bandits, seven soldiers killed in Sulu clash

Ten Abu Sayyaf bandits and seven soldiers were killed while 24 others were wounded in a firefight in the province of Sulu early today, Thursday, a military official disclosed.

Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) information officer Capt. Maria Rowena Muyuela disclosed the firefight broke out around 6:30 a.m. in Sitio Sangay, Barangay Buhanginan, Patikul, Sulu.

Muyuela said the firefight ensued when the troops from the 2nd Marine Brigade chanced upon the Abu Sayyafs bandits led by Hairula Asbang while conducting security patrol.

Muyuela said Asbang is one of the Abu Sayyaf Group’s (ASG) mid-level leaders in the province of Sulu.

She disclosed that most of the government casualties were hit by mortar fires unleashed by the Abu Sayyaf bandits.

She said the troops have recovered the remains of one of the 10 slain Abu Sayyaf bandits as pursuit continues.

“The marines are presently conducting follow on law enforcement operation in coordination with the police to locate and neutralize the ASG,” Muyuela added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=655167

P-3C 'Orion' to participate in CARAT 2014

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 19): P-3C 'Orion' to participate in CARAT 2014

A Lockheed P-3C "Orion" anti-submarine and maritime surveillance aircraft will be participating in Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT 2014) between the Philippine and US Navies.

This was revealed by Philippine Fleet spokesperson Lt. (JG) Rommel Rodriquez Thursday.

The four-engine turboprop anti-submarine and maritime surveillance aircraft will be on static display at the Subic Bay International Airport this coming June 29.

CARAT 2014 will run from June 26 to July 1, Rodriquez added.

The "Orion" was introduced in the 1960s. Lockheed based it on the L-188 Electra commercial airliner.

It is easily recognizable from the Electra by its distinctive tail stinger or "MAD Boom", used for the magnetic detection of submarines.

Over the years, the aircraft has seen numerous design advancements, most notably to its electronics packages.

The "Orion" is still in use by numerous navies and air forces around the world, primarily for maritime patrol, reconnaissance, anti-surface warfare and anti-submarine warfare.

A total of 734 P-3s have been built, and in 2012, it joined the handful of military aircraft including the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress and Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker that have served 50 years of continuous use by the United States military.

The US Navy's remaining P-3C aircraft will eventually be replaced by the P-8A Poseidon.

The "Orion" can carry a crew of 11 and it has a length of 116 ft 10 inches (35.6 meters).

It has a wingspan of 99 ft 8 inches (30.4 meters) and a height of 38 ft 8 inches (11.8 meters).

The P-3C has a wing area of 1300 ft² (120.8 m²)

Its empty weight is at 77,200 lb (35,000 kg); loaded weight at 135,000 lb (61,400 kg); useful load is 57,800 lb (26,400 kg).

Maximum takeoff weight is at 142,000 lb (64,400 kg).

Its powerplant consist of four Allison T56-A-14 turboprop, with 4,600 shp (3,700 kW) each.

Its propellers are a four-bladed Hamilton Standard propeller, one per engine.

The P-3C's maximum speed is pegged 411 knots (750 km/h) while cruise speed is 328 knots (610 km/h) and range of 2,380 nautical miles radius (4,400 km).

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=654890

New jets, helis to make PAF more capable of carrying out its mandate

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 18): New jets, helis to make PAF more capable of carrying out its mandate

With the impending arrival of its new jet planes and attack helicopters, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) will be more capable in carrying out its mandate of defending the country's airspace against intruding and hostile aircraft.

Delivery of this equipment is expected to be completed by 2018.

"Right now we are still in the stage of enhancing it, we expect the air assets to arrive a few months from now until 2018 and this will surely strengthen our capabilities, " PAF chief Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Delgado stated.

Delgado was referring to the 12 F/A-50 "Fighting Eagle" whose contract was signed last March 28 and expected to be in service by third quarter of 2015 and the eight armed versions of the AgustaWestland AW-109s, whose contract was signed last November, and are expected to be delivered by the third quarter of this year.

The F/A-50s will act as the PAF interim fighter aircraft until funding and training needed for the so-called multi-role fighters have been completed.

The Air Force lost its fighter capability in 2005 when it retired its fleet of Northrop F-5 "Tiger" jet fighters due to airframe aging and lack of suitable spare parts.

This lack has forced the PAF to utilize its SIAI-Marchetti S-211 jet trainers as fighter and ground attack planes.

"This will address some of our territorial defense concerns especially air interdiction," the PAF chief stressed.

Other equipment in the pipeline for the PAF are two long-range patrol aircraft, three medium lift cargo planes, three air defense radars and six close-air support aircraft.

Delgado also reiterated the PAF's commitment to defend the country's airspace in the West Philippine Sea despite its current shortage of equipment and the growing assertiveness of China.

"We are prepared (for) in any contingency that the government will ask us to do as far as the territorial defense is concerned even with meager resources, we are ready to confront any kind of threat should there be a need for us to be really involved but right now we are avoiding any confrontrations, we are adhering to the rule of law, we are supporting the government’s efforts in pursuing our legal complaint in the international courts," he pointed out.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=654912

1,000 US-Filipino troops, sailors to take part in CARAT 2014

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 19): 1,000 US-Filipino troops, sailors to take part in CARAT 2014

Around 1,000 US and Filipino troopers and seamen will be participating in CARAT 2014, which is scheduled from June 26 to July 1.

CARAT refers to "Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training" between the Philippines and US Navies.

Lt. (JG) Rommel Rodriquez, Philippine Fleet spokesperson, said the American contingent will consist of the USS Halsey (DDG-97), an Arleigh Burke-class destroyer, USS Ashland (LSD-48), a Whidbey Island-class docking landing ship, USS Safeguard (ARS-50), a Safeguard-class rescue vessel, Sikorsky SH-60 "Seahawk" helicopters, two landing craft air cushion, underwater demolition teams, Seabees, a mobile diving salvage unit, explosive ordnance division unit, and company sized amphibious assault vehicles.

While the Filipino contingent to CARAT 2014 consist of the BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16), BRP Emilio Jacinto (PS-35), two AgustaWestland AW-109E helicopters, an Norman Britten Islander aircraft, one Naval Special Operations Group explosive ordnance unit, three diving teams, two special boat teams, two Marine companies, communication team, band, logistic and Seabees units.

US Navy participants to CARAT 2014 will arrive by June 26 in Subic Bay, Zambales.

"There will be classroom-style discussions on safety, maritime defense awareness, flight operations, EOD training, and 'cold form' amphibious operations planning," Rodriquez added.

While on June 27, the second day of the training, discussions and training on side-scan sonar will take place.

Side-scan sonar is used for hydrographic surveys and on June 29, both US and Philippine participants will conduct maritime surveillance exercises.

Rodriquez said on June 29, a gunnery exercise will take place 39 nautical miles southwest off Sampaloc Point, which is located on the lower tip of Zambales.

All surface ship assets participating in CARAT 2014 will participate in this activity, he added.

"(Aside from this), we'll also conduct maritime interdiction operations, visit board-search-and-seizure exercises at sea, all will be within the (above-mentioned) area, riverine (exercises) and diving and communication exercises will take place on June 28 and 29," Rodriquez stressed.

The Philippine Fleet spokesperson also clarified that CARAT 2014 has nothing to do with the ongoing maritime dispute with China concerning Scarborough Shoal.

"This is purely training, a purely maritime training activity that is conducted annually. It has no connection with the current dispute (issue on territorial claims). Just to emphasize that both our Navies have conducted CARAT activities in different areas in the Philippines, the previous CARAT exercise in 2009 was in Cebu, 2010 in Subic, 2011 in Palawan, 2012 was held in Mindanao, in 2013 in Subic. Carat is on its 20th year now since its inception (and)this shows the longstanding relations between the two allies," he pointed out.

Rodriquez also stressed that China has nothing to worry about the exercise.

"This has nothing to do with Philippine-China dispute or the territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea. This is a regular training activity that we are conducting every year; even before this recent territorial issues, we have been conducting this (for a long time)," he concluded.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=655010

7 troopers killed, 13 others hurt in clash with ASG in Sulu

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 19): 7 troopers killed, 13 others hurt in clash with ASG in Sulu

Seven soldiers, including an officer, were killed while 13 others were wounded in separate encounters with suspected Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) brigands in Sulu, Thursday.

Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) public affairs office chief, said the officer was killed around 6:20 a.m. after he and his men encountered an undetermined number of ASG men in Barangay Kagay, Patikul, Sulu.

Ten minutes later, six soldiers were killed while 13 were wounded after they were hit by an 81mm mortar launched by the lawless group in Barangay Kabuntakas.

"As of this report, the remaining troops are still in the area of operations while the casualties were evacuated to the nearest hospital for medical attention," Zagala stressed.

The three critically-wounded personnel from Barangays Kabbon-Takas were evacuated to Camp Navarro General Hospital in Zamboanga City via a military chopper for proper medical treatment, he added.

"We are yet to inform the families of our members who were killed and wounded during the encounters in Sulu. Rest assured that they are being well taken care of," the AFP public affairs office chief stated.

Zagala said the incident in Patikul would not hamper military operations against the ASG.

"The AFP continues to conduct its focused-military operations against these rebels to ensure the safety and security of the civilians in the area," he added.

"Our soldiers did not suffer in vain for they bravely sacrificed their lives in line of their duty to our people," Zagala concluded.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=655027

DND chief orders implementation of new Veterans Federation CBL

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 19): DND chief orders implementation of new Veterans Federation CBL

To pursue reforms in the Veterans Federation of the Philippines (VFP) and address its systemic problems, Defense Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin ordered the continued implementation of the newly approved Constitution and By-Laws (CBL).

Contrary to reports that the CBL would diminish the core function of the current set up of officers, and downgrade the roles of the veterans’ widows and children, Gazmin said that the CBL shall advance the interest of all Filipino veterans and consequently, their families, and not just the interest of a few.

“The new constitution and by-laws of the VF is the backbone of the various reforms that will further strengthen the VFP,” he added.

The approved CBL was a product of consultation with all veterans organizations, primarily the VFP, for over two years, starting in 2010.

“We believe that all veteran organizations, most especially the VFP, have been adequately and fairly represented in the series of consultations we did. I even directed all veterans’ organizations to submit their proposed CBL,” Gazmin added.

Among those who complied were the Cavalier Association of Veterans, Inc.; KAMPILAN Peace-keepers Association, Inc.; Alliance for the Amelioration of Veterans and Former Policemen and Reservists, Inc.; and the Veterans Federation of the Philippines. Other veterans organizations also submitted their comments and inputs during the deliberations.

The move to promulgate a CBL for VFP was initiated by the House Committee on Veterans Affairs and Welfare through a Committee Resolution directing the Secretary of National Defense through its bureau, the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) to implement a “To Do List.”

Headed by Bataan Rep. Herminia B. Roman, the Committee conducted a series of hearings and consultations with various veterans organizations following complaints pertaining to alleged abuses and mismanagement of VFP funds as stated in the audit reports of the Commission on Audit (COA).

The consolidated output was again presented in a number of public hearings of the Committee where veterans organizations were again represented, including the VFP, before elevating it to the Office of Legal Services – DND and, finally, to Gazmin who approved it on June 25, 2013.

However, since the VFP has been left alone to manage its own affairs for many years, the promulgation of a new constitution that constrains it to strictly follow its charter has not been welcomed by a few people in the current management, who are threatened in their present positions.

“Resistance to reforms is but normal in the case of these people, especially so because they are the same people who have been implicated in the adverse management audit findings of the Commission on Audit and the DND Special Management Audit Team,” Gazmin stated.

This group, Gazmin added, is doing everything to counter or delay reforms through disinformation and court battles. Part of the disinformation is the latest claim that the approved Constitution and By-Laws was allegedly rejected by delegates in the first-ever National President’s Convention held in Taguig City last May 17-18.

“I was the one who approved that convention to educate the members about their new Constitution and By-Laws, and I was informed that most of the attendees were AFP retirees, not war veterans because these veterans are very old and they cannot travel anymore, so the statement of VFP that 182 war veterans rejected the CBL is definitely a patent lie, and I will make sure that the source of that lie will be held accountable,” Gazmin said.

The Defense chief said that the VFP right now has become so unpopular to the veterans that less than 30 percent of the total number of PVAO pensioners nationwide are members of the group.

“We are exerting efforts to encourage more veterans, especially the retirees, to participate in the affairs of VFP because the federation is the “umbrella” of all veterans organization,” Gazmin further said.

He admits, however, that convincing veterans to join VFP is a tough task because it is difficult to convince them that they would stand to gain anything if they would join the organization.

Meanwhile, the Department has come up with a primer to make the greater majority of veterans understand and appreciate the reforms in VFP.

“We hope that veterans would actively help bring back the relevance of the VFP as an organization that would harness in their old age their talents, skills, leadership, business and influence, and raise their capacity to contribute to nation-building and to continue serving as inspiration and as models to the citizenry, especially to the youth in loving and serving our country,” Gazmin narrated.

The defense establishment has ordered a massive information campaign to educate the veterans about these latest developments and inform them of their Constitutionally-guaranteed rights to transform them from being members of the silent majority into active members who are empowered not only to participate but also to manage their own affairs as veterans and as leaders.

The primer is hoped to dispel speculations about the disenfranchisement of widows, sons and daughters, and the like, which are merely contrived by the few who resist the reforms.

On the part of veterans’ sons and daughters, Gazmin explained that their role as relatives of veterans is primarily to provide support and other necessary services to their parents, as part of their moral obligation and patriotic duty.

They should ensure that the heroic deeds of their parents are never forgotten.

He added that sons and daughters of veterans must acknowledge the fact that veterans are forever.

“For as long as our country remains a sovereign and independent state, we will always have veterans from the ranks of our defenders from the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” he added.

He also underscored that the present VFP Constitution and By-Laws is not carved in stone.

“In case there are provisions the veterans want to amend, Article XII of the CBL provides procedures for the amendment or repeal, in whole or in part, of its provisions. Any member may raise the proposed amendment to the Governance Committee who will evaluate its soundness before submitting it to the Committee on Governance,” Gazmin said.

VFP shall then submit to the Supreme Council the proposal for such amendments or repeal for review and appropriate recommendation to the Secretary of National Defense. Any amendment or repeal under this provision shall be ratified by the members in the annual regular general assembly.

“Within the transition period of two years, we shall be able to transform the VFP into a dynamic and vibrant organization that is truly representative of the Filipino Veterans Community and a vital partner of the State in nation-building,” Gazmin said.

The approved CBL is pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act No. 2640 or the VFP Charter.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=655095

AFP 'Libreng Sakay' cushions public from transport strike impact

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 19): AFP 'Libreng Sakay' cushions public from transport strike impact

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday launched its "Libreng Sakay" Operations to assist commuters affected by the transport strike in Metro Manila.

A total of 28 vehicles from the Army, Air Force, Navy, General Headquarters and Joint Task Force-NCR were made available for the operations; 11 of which were already deployed to different places in Metro Manila.

From the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region, three KM-450 trucks and two Isuzu Elf were deployed for the Monumento-Pasay and Rotonda via EDSA routes while the three M-35 trucks from the Air Force were deployed for the Monumento-Trinoma via EDSA route.

Three trucks from the General Headquarters and Headquarters Support Command were placed under the disposition of Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) for the duration of the operations.

Twelve M-35 trucks from the Army and Navy will also be utilized to provide free rides.

Military personnel will also be deployed to each vehicle to assist in loading and unloading, and ensure the safety and security of the passengers on board.

The AFP’s cooperation with the MMDA and PNP in cushioning the commuting public from the effects of the strike is a manifestation of AFP’s commitment in upholding 'Bayanihan'.

The AFP is also ready to provide further support to the MMDA, PNP and other concerned government agencies during the transport strike.

The goal in this partnership is the successful, peaceful and secured operations aimed at putting primacy to the safety and security of our commuting public.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=655099