From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jun 24): Military hunts Basit Usman
The Armed Forces of the Philippines has launched pursuit operation against alleged terror bomber Basit Usman who remains at large.
“Usman is the subject of law enforcement operations so he can be arrested and made accountable for his crimes,” Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Zagala, AFP Public Affairs Office Chief, said Tuesday.
On June 10, government troops spotted Usman in a Jemaah Islamiyah encampment manufacturing improvised explosive devices for the rebel group Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.
“We are working with the Philippine National Police so we can capture him the soonest,” Zagala said.
Even with the international notoriety that Usman bears, Colonel Dickson Hermoso, 6th Infantry Division spokesman, downplayed his capability saying that the bomb-maker is “similar” to other threats.
“He is just similar to others that would like to do harm to the innocents for being an extremist,” Hermoso said.
Usman, who is under the BIFF, has a $1-million bounty on his head the United States State Department put up, and another P6.3-million reward from the AFP.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/614061/military-hunts-basit-usman
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
Al Arabiya interview with Philippines’ Moro ILF chair al-Hajj Murad Ebrahim
Al-Arabiya (Jun 23): Al Arabiya interview with Philippines’ Moro ILF chair al-Hajj Murad Ebrahim
[Video interview]
The chairman of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Al Haj Murad Ibrahim during an exclusive interview with Al Arabiya News Channel. (Al Arabiya)
Al-Haj Murad also said that the deal would isolate all groups and individuals involved in criminal activities such as the Abu Sayyaf group, which he claimed was being manipulated by corrupt military and political elements for their own interests.
The signed agreement gives Mindanao the status of a semi-autonomous state under the central government in Manila. While the Philippines Armed Forces will maintain a presence, maintaining law and order will be left to the police force which will be drawn from the people of Mindanao.
He also noted that the enhanced military pact between Washington and Manila would not be a cause of concern for his group as long as it does not harm the signed “peace” deal between Manila and MILF.
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/asia/2014/06/22/Philippines-Moro-MILF-group-to-enter-politics-after-transition-.html
[Video interview]
The chairman of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Al Haj Murad Ibrahim during an exclusive interview with Al Arabiya News Channel. (Al Arabiya)
In an Interview with Al Arabiya, the chairman of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) al-Haj Murad Ibrahim said that the comprehensive deal for Mindanao was a result of a “compromise” between the Philippines government and his group in order to give the Mindanao people their right to self-rule.
Talking to Al Arabiya bureau Chief in South and East Asia Baker Atyani from Kuala Lumpur, al-Haj Murad said that the Front would form a political party and take part in the democratic process after the transition period ends in 2016.
Play the above video to watch the full interview
He added that the agreement, which was signed on March 27, 2014, would pave the way for everyone in Mindanao to participate in the democratic process, adding that the ballot box would decide who would govern the people.
The signed agreement gives Mindanao the status of a semi-autonomous state under the central government in Manila. While the Philippines Armed Forces will maintain a presence, maintaining law and order will be left to the police force which will be drawn from the people of Mindanao.
He also noted that the enhanced military pact between Washington and Manila would not be a cause of concern for his group as long as it does not harm the signed “peace” deal between Manila and MILF.
http://english.alarabiya.net/en/News/asia/2014/06/22/Philippines-Moro-MILF-group-to-enter-politics-after-transition-.html
Joint US-China drills to make friends, not war
Posted to the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jun 25): Joint US-China drills to make friends, not war
Chinese warships will join US-led naval drills off Hawaii for the first time this week, in a significant but mainly symbolic effort by the two powers’ fighting forces to make friends, not war.
Rising giant China and superpower the United States frequently find themselves at loggerheads as Beijing asserts itself in maritime disputes with neighbors and Washington seeks to shore up its influence in Asia.
Forging friendly ties or at least an understanding between the two heavyweights’ militaries is the key to preventing any unintended clashes from escalating, analysts say.
Yet “mil-to-mil” ties remain stunted by disputes and suspicions that have sharpened as each side accuses the other of inflaming tensions over contested islands in the East and South China Seas, aggressive cyberspying and other issues.
“It’s pretty important,” said Michael O’Hanlon, a senior fellow at the US-based Brookings Institution and author of a book on US-China relations.
“We have a situation where small crises, or skirmishes, blowing up into bigger things is one of our chief worries, and a situation where US-PLA ties at the military level are underdeveloped,” he said.
Four ships of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy with an estimated 1,100 sailors on board a missile destroyer, missile frigate, supply ship and hospital ship will join the United States and more than 20 other countries in the six-day “Rim of the Pacific” (Rimpac) drills that begin in and around Hawaii on Thursday.
First time
The Rimpac exercises, normally held every two years, began in 1971 but it is the first time Chinese vessels will take part.
The head of US Pacific Command, Adm. Samuel Locklear, said: “This was a big step for the Chinese to commit to this, particularly in an exercise commanded by a US commander.
“We just have to get past these issues that are historical in nature that are causing the region problems,” he added. “And if we keep working at it we’ll get through them.”
Beijing has also touted its participation, with the official Xinhua news agency running an essay by naval academy researcher Zhang Junshe saying it “will have great benefits for the elimination of misunderstandings, the avoidance of misjudgment and the promotion of mutual trust.”
China’s involvement marks “a very good step,” O’Hanlon said in an e-mail. “In isolation, it doesn’t do a great deal of course, but it provides the basis for more.”
Beijing and Washington regularly pledge to strengthen ties across the board, and Presidents Xi Jinping and Barack Obama held an informal get-to-know-you summit in California soon after the Chinese leader took office last year. http://globalnation.inquirer.net/107052/joint-us-china-drills-to-make-friends-not-war
Chinese warships will join US-led naval drills off Hawaii for the first time this week, in a significant but mainly symbolic effort by the two powers’ fighting forces to make friends, not war.
Rising giant China and superpower the United States frequently find themselves at loggerheads as Beijing asserts itself in maritime disputes with neighbors and Washington seeks to shore up its influence in Asia.
Forging friendly ties or at least an understanding between the two heavyweights’ militaries is the key to preventing any unintended clashes from escalating, analysts say.
Yet “mil-to-mil” ties remain stunted by disputes and suspicions that have sharpened as each side accuses the other of inflaming tensions over contested islands in the East and South China Seas, aggressive cyberspying and other issues.
“It’s pretty important,” said Michael O’Hanlon, a senior fellow at the US-based Brookings Institution and author of a book on US-China relations.
“We have a situation where small crises, or skirmishes, blowing up into bigger things is one of our chief worries, and a situation where US-PLA ties at the military level are underdeveloped,” he said.
Four ships of the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Navy with an estimated 1,100 sailors on board a missile destroyer, missile frigate, supply ship and hospital ship will join the United States and more than 20 other countries in the six-day “Rim of the Pacific” (Rimpac) drills that begin in and around Hawaii on Thursday.
First time
The Rimpac exercises, normally held every two years, began in 1971 but it is the first time Chinese vessels will take part.
The head of US Pacific Command, Adm. Samuel Locklear, said: “This was a big step for the Chinese to commit to this, particularly in an exercise commanded by a US commander.
“We just have to get past these issues that are historical in nature that are causing the region problems,” he added. “And if we keep working at it we’ll get through them.”
Beijing has also touted its participation, with the official Xinhua news agency running an essay by naval academy researcher Zhang Junshe saying it “will have great benefits for the elimination of misunderstandings, the avoidance of misjudgment and the promotion of mutual trust.”
China’s involvement marks “a very good step,” O’Hanlon said in an e-mail. “In isolation, it doesn’t do a great deal of course, but it provides the basis for more.”
Beijing and Washington regularly pledge to strengthen ties across the board, and Presidents Xi Jinping and Barack Obama held an informal get-to-know-you summit in California soon after the Chinese leader took office last year. http://globalnation.inquirer.net/107052/joint-us-china-drills-to-make-friends-not-war
Cops clueless on suspects behind NCotabato explosion
From the Philippine Star (Jun 25): Cops clueless on suspects behind NCotabato explosion
NORTH COTABATO, Philippines - Investigators are still clueless on who were behind Monday’s powerful roadside bombing in Barangay Sibsib in Tulunan, North Cotabato.
No one was reported killed or injured in the explosion, but the incident triggered panic in the surroundings of Barangay Sibsib, an agricultural enclave in the northwest of Tulunan.
Senior Inspector Ronnie Cordero, municipal police chief, said the improvised explosive device used in the bombing was fashioned from a live 81-millimeter mortar projectile rigged with a battery-operated blasting mechanism attached to a mobile phone.
There are merchants in Barangay Sibsib that have long been complaining of attempts by extortion groups to mulct money from them, even threatening to bomb their establishments if they refuse to shell out “protection money” on a regular basis.
The roadside bomb could have exploded prematurely, said Cordero.
“It went off at a time when there were no vehicles passing by,” he said.
Tulunan is not far from the 220,000-hectare Liguasan Delta, a known lair of extortion gangs, and also within reach of communist rebels operating at the border of Davao del Sur and North Cotabato.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2014/06/25/1338855/cops-clueless-suspects-behind-ncotabato-explosion
NORTH COTABATO, Philippines - Investigators are still clueless on who were behind Monday’s powerful roadside bombing in Barangay Sibsib in Tulunan, North Cotabato.
No one was reported killed or injured in the explosion, but the incident triggered panic in the surroundings of Barangay Sibsib, an agricultural enclave in the northwest of Tulunan.
Senior Inspector Ronnie Cordero, municipal police chief, said the improvised explosive device used in the bombing was fashioned from a live 81-millimeter mortar projectile rigged with a battery-operated blasting mechanism attached to a mobile phone.
There are merchants in Barangay Sibsib that have long been complaining of attempts by extortion groups to mulct money from them, even threatening to bomb their establishments if they refuse to shell out “protection money” on a regular basis.
The roadside bomb could have exploded prematurely, said Cordero.
“It went off at a time when there were no vehicles passing by,” he said.
Tulunan is not far from the 220,000-hectare Liguasan Delta, a known lair of extortion gangs, and also within reach of communist rebels operating at the border of Davao del Sur and North Cotabato.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2014/06/25/1338855/cops-clueless-suspects-behind-ncotabato-explosion
Arrests of Abus in Zambo City trigger heightened alert
From the Philippine Star (Jun 25): Arrests of Abus in Zambo City trigger heightened alert
Police and military authorities have placed their men in this city on heightened alert following the series of arrests of suspected Abu Sayyaf militants reportedly plotting to stage kidnappings.
Senior Superintendent Angelito Casimiro, city police chief, said the military offensives against the militants in Sulu and Basilan also contributed to the heightened alert.
In a week’s time, security forces captured six suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits, including three militants in a beachfront in Barangay Maasin last Sunday night while reportedly targeting to seize a son of a shipyard owner and another businessman.
A speedboat was confiscated from the three bandits, whose companions managed to flee on another speedboat.
Hours earlier, combined security forces also captured Sattar Abdulla, who was tagged in the 2002 kidnapping of six Jehovah’s Witnesses members in Sulu.
“We suspect these Abu Sayyaf (militants) who were spotted here were on a kidnapping mission only,” Casimiro said.
However, Casimiro did not discount the possibility that the Abu Sayyaf could launch an attack here to divert the military’s attention in Sulu where 10 militants were killed and 13 others were wounded in an encounter in Patikul town last week.
Seven soldiers were also killed and 24 others were wounded in the clash. The government troops were on a mission to rescue at least 10 captives, including six foreign nationals, of the Abu Sayyaf.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2014/06/25/1338555/arrests-abus-zambo-city-trigger-heightened-alert
Police and military authorities have placed their men in this city on heightened alert following the series of arrests of suspected Abu Sayyaf militants reportedly plotting to stage kidnappings.
Senior Superintendent Angelito Casimiro, city police chief, said the military offensives against the militants in Sulu and Basilan also contributed to the heightened alert.
In a week’s time, security forces captured six suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits, including three militants in a beachfront in Barangay Maasin last Sunday night while reportedly targeting to seize a son of a shipyard owner and another businessman.
A speedboat was confiscated from the three bandits, whose companions managed to flee on another speedboat.
Hours earlier, combined security forces also captured Sattar Abdulla, who was tagged in the 2002 kidnapping of six Jehovah’s Witnesses members in Sulu.
“We suspect these Abu Sayyaf (militants) who were spotted here were on a kidnapping mission only,” Casimiro said.
However, Casimiro did not discount the possibility that the Abu Sayyaf could launch an attack here to divert the military’s attention in Sulu where 10 militants were killed and 13 others were wounded in an encounter in Patikul town last week.
Seven soldiers were also killed and 24 others were wounded in the clash. The government troops were on a mission to rescue at least 10 captives, including six foreign nationals, of the Abu Sayyaf.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2014/06/25/1338555/arrests-abus-zambo-city-trigger-heightened-alert
China celebrating Spratlys' 2nd anniversary as part of new 'city'
From the Philippine Star (Jun 25): China celebrating Spratlys' 2nd anniversary as part of new 'city'
XIao Jie, designated mayor of new Chinese city Three Sansha purportedly to administer disputed Paracel Islands and Spratlys Islands, speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of the prefecture's first school early this month.
China is celebrating the second year since the establishment of Sansha, a settlement based in disputed Woody (Yongxing) Island and designated as a "city" to administer the Philippine-claimed Spratly (Kalayaan) Islands.
In a report posted on the Chinese government's website, Sansha Mayor Xiao Jie recently expressed delight with the approaching date of July 24, when Beijing declared the city part of China's southernmost Hainan province.
Sansha covers theVietnam-claimed Paracel Islands, Taiwan-governed Pratas (Dongsha) Islands and the Spratlys group. Its base on Woody Island has a Chinese population of 1,443 tasked to oversee hundreds of thousands of square kilometers despite the neighboring states' opposition.
Some of the maritime features unilaterally declared under Sansha are controlled by the Philippines, Vietnam and Malaysia. China has restricted the Philippines from accessing the Scarborough Shoal (Bajo de Masinloc) following the 2012 standoff.
Chinese media claimed that stocks have warmed up and ushered the so-called city's second anniversary, with investments having poured in and shares surging 8.53 percent in the first year.
The city also boasted a 5.52 percent rise in "full-swing" construction as China's youngest prefecture-level city.
The local government said that road projects water conservation projects, sewage and waste treatment plants as well as desalination infrastructures are ongoing.
Xiao vowed to step up construction of a school, public housing facilities, livelihood infrastructure and office buildings to fuel the economy.
The city also has a permanent 24-hour radio and television broadcasting network and a publication arm.
Xiao said that government is committed to strengthening the "administrative jurisdiction" and improving its residents means of livelihood.
The Sansha government recently announced the construction of its first school, which started June 14 and could take 18 months to complete. It said there were about 40 children of school age on the island.
When China created Sansha in July 2012, the outpost had a post office, a bank, a supermarket, hospital and a population of about 1,000. By December, it had a permanent population of 1,443, which can sometimes swell by 2,000, according to the Sansha government.
It also has its own supply ship that brings in food, water, construction materials as well as people who live and work on the island.
Vietnam, the Philippines and the United States criticized Beijing for establishing Sansha, saying it risked escalating regional tensions
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2014/06/25/1338850/china-celebrating-spratlys-2nd-anniversary-part-new-city
XIao Jie, designated mayor of new Chinese city Three Sansha purportedly to administer disputed Paracel Islands and Spratlys Islands, speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony of the prefecture's first school early this month.
China is celebrating the second year since the establishment of Sansha, a settlement based in disputed Woody (Yongxing) Island and designated as a "city" to administer the Philippine-claimed Spratly (Kalayaan) Islands.
In a report posted on the Chinese government's website, Sansha Mayor Xiao Jie recently expressed delight with the approaching date of July 24, when Beijing declared the city part of China's southernmost Hainan province.
Sansha covers theVietnam-claimed Paracel Islands, Taiwan-governed Pratas (Dongsha) Islands and the Spratlys group. Its base on Woody Island has a Chinese population of 1,443 tasked to oversee hundreds of thousands of square kilometers despite the neighboring states' opposition.
Some of the maritime features unilaterally declared under Sansha are controlled by the Philippines, Vietnam and Malaysia. China has restricted the Philippines from accessing the Scarborough Shoal (Bajo de Masinloc) following the 2012 standoff.
Chinese media claimed that stocks have warmed up and ushered the so-called city's second anniversary, with investments having poured in and shares surging 8.53 percent in the first year.
The city also boasted a 5.52 percent rise in "full-swing" construction as China's youngest prefecture-level city.
The local government said that road projects water conservation projects, sewage and waste treatment plants as well as desalination infrastructures are ongoing.
Xiao vowed to step up construction of a school, public housing facilities, livelihood infrastructure and office buildings to fuel the economy.
The city also has a permanent 24-hour radio and television broadcasting network and a publication arm.
Xiao said that government is committed to strengthening the "administrative jurisdiction" and improving its residents means of livelihood.
The Sansha government recently announced the construction of its first school, which started June 14 and could take 18 months to complete. It said there were about 40 children of school age on the island.
When China created Sansha in July 2012, the outpost had a post office, a bank, a supermarket, hospital and a population of about 1,000. By December, it had a permanent population of 1,443, which can sometimes swell by 2,000, according to the Sansha government.
It also has its own supply ship that brings in food, water, construction materials as well as people who live and work on the island.
Vietnam, the Philippines and the United States criticized Beijing for establishing Sansha, saying it risked escalating regional tensions
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2014/06/25/1338850/china-celebrating-spratlys-2nd-anniversary-part-new-city
PNoy assures Bangsamoro polls in 2016
From ABS-CBN (Jun 24): PNoy assures Bangsamoro polls in 2016
President Benigno Aquino III assured participants of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) International Conference on the consolidation for peace for Mindanao that there will be free elections in the Bangsamoro in 2016.
This, even if his administration has yet to submit to Congress a draft Bangsamoro Basic Law that will institutionalize the comprehensive agreement signed with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) which will mandate that election.
"This is why my administration will work doubly hard to ensure that free, peaceful, and democratic elections for the Bangsamoro government will take place come 2016.
This is why my government will continue to take on programs and implement projects that will empower more Filipinos to contribute to the growth of our nation. This is why, even in the face of immense challenge and difficulty, the Filipino people will continue to tread the straight and righteous path to progress—because we know that true, inclusive growth affects individuals, communities, nations, and the entire world.
It is with this commitment that we will continue to work with all partners of goodwill," Aquino said.
"Whenever it seems that the path to peace is filled with so many obstacles, when our spirits are tested and our faith in the processes are shaken, those of us who are in a position to make decisions must remember what happened here in Hiroshima, in Nagasaki, and in the many places that have faced and are now experiencing conflict: If we falter, it is the innocent who will pay the ultimate price," he added.
The city of World War II's ground zero—where the United States dropped the atomic bomb that ended the war—hosted the conference which discussed the inroads for peace in Mindanao.
Early in his presidency, Aquino met with MILF Chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim in Japan to reinvigorate the peace negotiations that ultimately led to the agreement aimed at ending the secessionist movement in Mindanao.
"With very little notice, your nation opened its doors to me and the members of my Cabinet, and to Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim and the members of the MILF. Japan generously accepted our request to host our meeting—admittedly a risky move, especially since there was no certainty that negotiations would succeed. This was the context from which we approached that day in August here, in Japan, almost three years ago."
"I sometimes wonder: if that meeting did not take place, where would we be today? Fortunately, that meeting, my first face-to-face encounter with my brother Chairman Murad, was a breakthrough. We gained each other's trust—and the trust borne of that engagement was a positive turning point. It allowed us to move towards the realization of our shared aspirations. Japan's friendship and support were, without doubt, instrumental as we took those early steps," Aquino said.
The President noted that just like what happened to Japan after World War II, former combatants can become partners in peace and development. Japan and the United States became treaty allies after the war.
"It is therefore fitting that we are gathered in this city consecrated to the principle of the preservation of peace, to discuss how the combatants of yesterday can become partners for the avoidance of future conflict. In this regard, I believe that the Philippines, which also paid a colossal price in lives and material damage in war, has something significant to share when it comes to setting aside conflict and achieving reconciliation and harmony."
Aquino, likewise, reminded everyone that there shouldn't have to be another nuclear war to achieve peace.
"Next year, the world will mark 70 years since the terrible power of nuclear weapons was first unleashed—right here in the City of Hiroshima. The tragedy that took place in this city on August 6, 1945 involved a previously untested type of uranium bomb, and claimed over a hundred thousand lives. It was followed by the use of a plutonium bomb on Nagasaki on August 9, 1945, inflicting over a hundred thousand casualties in a city that was actually a secondary target. Heavy ground haze and smoke obscured the city of Kokura, the real target, leading to the decision to bomb Nagasaki instead."
"A fundamental question arises from this tragedy: To end the conflict, what did the peoples of both Hiroshima and Nagasaki do for them to pay the ultimate price of war? The tragedy that was the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, seven decades later, only remind us the futile results of conflict, and impress upon us the collective responsibility we hold in defending the rights of our respective peoples to live not only without fear, but to live in a world where peace is a shared reality by all nations."
Aquino noted that for the Bangsamoro in particular, the Japan-Bangsamoro Initiatives for Reconstruction and Development (J-BIRD) has funded around 15.1 billion yen or P6.6 billion worth of projects.
"This will redound not only to the development of livelihood and industry, but more importantly to the empowerment of my brothers and sisters in the Bangsamoro—allowing them to take hold of their destinies and bring their families, communities, and ultimately our nation to greater heights," he said.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/06/24/14/pnoy-assures-bangsamoro-polls-2016
President Benigno Aquino III assured participants of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) International Conference on the consolidation for peace for Mindanao that there will be free elections in the Bangsamoro in 2016.
This, even if his administration has yet to submit to Congress a draft Bangsamoro Basic Law that will institutionalize the comprehensive agreement signed with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) which will mandate that election.
"This is why my administration will work doubly hard to ensure that free, peaceful, and democratic elections for the Bangsamoro government will take place come 2016.
This is why my government will continue to take on programs and implement projects that will empower more Filipinos to contribute to the growth of our nation. This is why, even in the face of immense challenge and difficulty, the Filipino people will continue to tread the straight and righteous path to progress—because we know that true, inclusive growth affects individuals, communities, nations, and the entire world.
It is with this commitment that we will continue to work with all partners of goodwill," Aquino said.
"Whenever it seems that the path to peace is filled with so many obstacles, when our spirits are tested and our faith in the processes are shaken, those of us who are in a position to make decisions must remember what happened here in Hiroshima, in Nagasaki, and in the many places that have faced and are now experiencing conflict: If we falter, it is the innocent who will pay the ultimate price," he added.
The city of World War II's ground zero—where the United States dropped the atomic bomb that ended the war—hosted the conference which discussed the inroads for peace in Mindanao.
Early in his presidency, Aquino met with MILF Chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim in Japan to reinvigorate the peace negotiations that ultimately led to the agreement aimed at ending the secessionist movement in Mindanao.
"With very little notice, your nation opened its doors to me and the members of my Cabinet, and to Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim and the members of the MILF. Japan generously accepted our request to host our meeting—admittedly a risky move, especially since there was no certainty that negotiations would succeed. This was the context from which we approached that day in August here, in Japan, almost three years ago."
"I sometimes wonder: if that meeting did not take place, where would we be today? Fortunately, that meeting, my first face-to-face encounter with my brother Chairman Murad, was a breakthrough. We gained each other's trust—and the trust borne of that engagement was a positive turning point. It allowed us to move towards the realization of our shared aspirations. Japan's friendship and support were, without doubt, instrumental as we took those early steps," Aquino said.
The President noted that just like what happened to Japan after World War II, former combatants can become partners in peace and development. Japan and the United States became treaty allies after the war.
"It is therefore fitting that we are gathered in this city consecrated to the principle of the preservation of peace, to discuss how the combatants of yesterday can become partners for the avoidance of future conflict. In this regard, I believe that the Philippines, which also paid a colossal price in lives and material damage in war, has something significant to share when it comes to setting aside conflict and achieving reconciliation and harmony."
Aquino, likewise, reminded everyone that there shouldn't have to be another nuclear war to achieve peace.
"Next year, the world will mark 70 years since the terrible power of nuclear weapons was first unleashed—right here in the City of Hiroshima. The tragedy that took place in this city on August 6, 1945 involved a previously untested type of uranium bomb, and claimed over a hundred thousand lives. It was followed by the use of a plutonium bomb on Nagasaki on August 9, 1945, inflicting over a hundred thousand casualties in a city that was actually a secondary target. Heavy ground haze and smoke obscured the city of Kokura, the real target, leading to the decision to bomb Nagasaki instead."
"A fundamental question arises from this tragedy: To end the conflict, what did the peoples of both Hiroshima and Nagasaki do for them to pay the ultimate price of war? The tragedy that was the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, seven decades later, only remind us the futile results of conflict, and impress upon us the collective responsibility we hold in defending the rights of our respective peoples to live not only without fear, but to live in a world where peace is a shared reality by all nations."
Aquino noted that for the Bangsamoro in particular, the Japan-Bangsamoro Initiatives for Reconstruction and Development (J-BIRD) has funded around 15.1 billion yen or P6.6 billion worth of projects.
"This will redound not only to the development of livelihood and industry, but more importantly to the empowerment of my brothers and sisters in the Bangsamoro—allowing them to take hold of their destinies and bring their families, communities, and ultimately our nation to greater heights," he said.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/06/24/14/pnoy-assures-bangsamoro-polls-2016
Homemade bomb explodes in North Cotabato town, no one hurt
From InterAksyon (Jun 25): Homemade bomb explodes in North Cotabato town, no one hurt
Homemade bomb found in Datu Piang, Maguindanao. FILE PHOTO BY DENNIS ARCON
A homemade bomb exploded in Barangay Sibsib, Tulunan, North Cotabato pass noon Tuesday. No one was reported injured.
Initial police report indicated that a child placed the bomb by the side of a highway in Purok 6, Tulunan police chief Senior Inspector Ronnie Cordero said.
The bomb is made of an 81-mm mortar and a cellphone as a triggering device, Cordero added.
Police believe that the explosion was meant to cause no more harm than scare people.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/89854/homemade-bomb-explodes-in-north-cotabato-town-no-one-hurt
Homemade bomb found in Datu Piang, Maguindanao. FILE PHOTO BY DENNIS ARCON
A homemade bomb exploded in Barangay Sibsib, Tulunan, North Cotabato pass noon Tuesday. No one was reported injured.
Initial police report indicated that a child placed the bomb by the side of a highway in Purok 6, Tulunan police chief Senior Inspector Ronnie Cordero said.
The bomb is made of an 81-mm mortar and a cellphone as a triggering device, Cordero added.
Police believe that the explosion was meant to cause no more harm than scare people.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/89854/homemade-bomb-explodes-in-north-cotabato-town-no-one-hurt
CPP/NPA: Tangkang pagkubkob ng militar, binigo ng BHB
NPA propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Jun 24): Tangkang pagkubkob ng militar, binigo ng BHB
CPP/NPA: NPA foils mounting AFP operations with 18 enemy casualties
NPA propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Jun 23): NPA foils mounting AFP operations with 18 enemy casualties
Philippines, Japan to enhance security ties
From the Business World (Jun 24): Philippines, Japan to enhance security ties
THE CHIEF EXECUTIVES of the Philippines and Japan yesterday wrapped up a brief bilateral meeting highlighting the “severe” situation in the South China Sea, even prompting Philippine President Benigno S. C. Aquino III to welcome the easing of the Japanese Constitution to allow Japan’s military to help the Philippines and other allies amid territorial disputes.
Mr. Aquino made the remark as both the Philippines and Japan continue to be embroiled in a territorial dispute over potentially oil-rich parts of the West Philippine Sea or South China Sea.
Beijing and Tokyo also contest a string of Japanese-administered islets in the East China Sea, known as Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China.
“We... do not view with alarm any proposal to revisit the Japanese Constitution if the Japanese people so decide, especially if this enhances Japan’s ability to address its international obligations and brings us closer to the attainment of our goal of peace, stability, and prosperity,” he said in his joint statement delivered with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo.
Mr. Aquino said it will only benefit the Japanese government if it is “empowered to assist others and is allowed to come to aid of those in need especially in the area of collective self-defense.”
Citing the situation of Filipino peace-keepers in Syria -- attacked but had no one to seek help from -- Mr. Aquino added that in such a situation, “one would want to be able to count on the allies.”
Mr. Abe is particularly pushing for a review of Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution, which states “the Japanese people forever renounce war as a sovereign right of the nation, and the threat or use of force as means of settling international disputes.”
“In order to accomplish the aim of the preceding paragraph, land, sea, and air forces, as well as other war potential, will never be maintained. The right of belligerency of the state will not be recognized,” it adds.
Mr. Aquino also expressed his gratitude for Japan’s support after the onslaught of typhoon Yolanda (international name: Haiyan), mentioning that the Japan Self-Defense Forces and the disaster relief medical teams were among those in the international community that extended help during the typhoon.
Meanwhile, in his statement, Mr. Abe said they will further strengthen cooperation and security in disaster relief between the two countries.
“The President and I agreed to further strengthen our cooperation and security in areas such as disaster relief, building on the track record of cooperation such as that I have described,” the Japanese leader said.
Moreover, Mr. Abe said they will also boost economic ties with the Philippines as Japan eased its visa requirements for Filipinos.
“I also informed the President about the relaxation of visa requirements for the Philippines toward the promotion of human exchange,” he said.
“It is hoped that many tourists from the Philippines would visit Japan,” he added.
Messrs. Abe and Aquino met over lunch at the Japanese leader’s official residence in Tokyo before the Philippine leader headed to Hiroshima for a conference.
Meanwhile, Japan and the Philippines also jointly stressed the need to use “the rule of law” to solve regional disputes.
The comments highlight how regional neighbors are forging alliances to counter an increasingly muscular Beijing as it presses its influence in nearby waters.
Tokyo and Manila, former World War II enemies, have been drawn closer in recent years as they have tackled their parallel disputes with China.
“In the face of the regional situation becoming severe, both nations are closely coordinating,” Mr. Abe told reporters.
“I reaffirmed with President Aquino [yesterday] the significance of... the rule of law,” Japan’s conservative premier added.
Mr. Aquino also said his visit to Japan was focusing on “the challenge of safeguarding our regional security by advancing the rule of law to protect our global and regional common interest.”
Mr. Abe has repeatedly called for the rule of law to be upheld in the region as tensions simmer over territorial disputes, involving China and some Southeast Asian states around the South China Sea as well as between Tokyo and Beijing in the East China Sea. Beijing claims almost all of the South China Sea, even waters approaching the shores of neighboring countries, and has become more aggressive in enforcing what it says are its historical rights.
ABE’S PLEDGE
When Mr. Abe visited Manila in July last year, he pledged Japan’s help in strengthening the Philippines’ maritime defense capabilities.
Part of that was a promise of 10 patrol boats for the Philippines’ poorly equipped coast guard, which is on the front line of Manila’s spat with China.
The Philippines has lodged repeated protests over China’s growing military and civilian presence on islands and in waters within what it considers its exclusive economic zone.
Meanwhile, relations between Japan and China have plummeted over their competing claims in the East China Sea.
After meeting Mr. Abe, Mr. Aquino moved to the western Japanese city of Hiroshima to attend a conference on a decades-long Islamic insurgency in the South of the country, as it seeks to implement a peace pact with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) signed this year.
Japan hosted secret talks between Mr. Aquino and MILF leader Murad Ebrahim in 2011, which later became recognized as a key moment in igniting the peace push.
Mr. Abe told the conference: “Japan will continue to provide support so that peace can be maintained.”
Mr. Aquino left yesterday morning for a one-day visit to Japan where he delivered a keynote address at an international conference titled, “Consolidation for Peace for Mindanao,” organized by the Japan International Cooperation Agency and the Research and Education for Peace unit of Universiti Sains Malaysia.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) had said earlier that the President will speak on the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.
As Japan and the Philippines discuss security cooperation, Chinese warships will join US-led naval drills off Hawaii for the first time this week, in a significant but mainly symbolic effort by the two powers’ fighting forces to make friends, not war.
Rising giant China and superpower the United States frequently find themselves at loggerheads as Beijing asserts itself in maritime disputes with neighbors and Washington seeks to shore up its influence in Asia.
Forging friendly ties -- or at least an understanding -- between the two heavyweights’ militaries is a key to preventing any unintended clashes from escalating, analysts say.
Yet “mil-to-mil” ties remain stunted by disputes and suspicions which have sharpened in recent years as each side accuses the other of inflaming tensions over contested islands in the East and South China Seas, aggressive cyber-spying and other issues.
“It’s pretty important,” said Michael O’Hanlon, a senior fellow at the US-based Brookings Institution and author of a book on US-China relations.
“We have a situation where small crises or skirmishes blowing up into bigger things is one of our chief worries.”
Four ships of China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy with an estimated 1,100 sailors on board -- a missile destroyer, missile frigate, supply ship and hospital ship -- will join the US and more than 20 other countries in the six-day “Rim of the Pacific” (RIMPAC) drills that begin in and around Hawaii Thursday.
The RIMPAC exercises, normally held every two years, began in 1971 but it is the first time Chinese vessels have taken part.
The head of US Pacific Command, Admiral Samuel Locklear, said: “This was a big step for the Chinese to commit to this, particularly in an exercise commanded by a US commander.
“We just have to get past these issues that are historical in nature that are causing the region problems,” he added. “And if we keep working at it we’ll get through them.”
Beijing has also touted its participation, with the official Xinhua news agency running an essay by naval academy researcher Zhang Junshe saying it “will have great benefits for the elimination of misunderstandings, the avoidance of misjudgment, and the promotion of mutual trust.”
China’s involvement marks “a very good step”, Mr. O’Hanlon said in an e-mail.
“In isolation it doesn’t do a great deal of course, but it provides the basis for more,” he added.
LOWEST POINT
Beijing and Washington regularly pledge to strengthen ties across the board, and Presidents Xi Jinping and Barack H. Obama held an informal get-to-know-you summit in California soon after the Chinese leader took office last year.
Both militaries have extended other invitations, including tours of one another’s aircraft carriers and high-level meetings.
But despite the positive rhetoric, tensions have grown -- particularly over their roles in Asia -- and spilled into unusual public confrontations.
China has emphatically asserted its claims to islands claimed or controlled by Japan, Vietnam and the Philippines, and desires greater global stature, stressing that its standing with the US must reflect a “new model of great-power relations.”
Washington announced a “pivot” to Asia in 2011, including a stronger military presence, with Mr. Obama declaring that his country “has been and always will be a Pacific nation.”
Mr. Aquino returned to Manila Tuesday night.
It was the fifth time that Mr. Aquino visited Japan since he assumed office in 2010. Japan is one of the two strategic partners of the Philippines apart from the United States.
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Nation&title=Philippines,-Japan-to-enhance-security-ties&id=89741
THE CHIEF EXECUTIVES of the Philippines and Japan yesterday wrapped up a brief bilateral meeting highlighting the “severe” situation in the South China Sea, even prompting Philippine President Benigno S. C. Aquino III to welcome the easing of the Japanese Constitution to allow Japan’s military to help the Philippines and other allies amid territorial disputes.
Mr. Aquino made the remark as both the Philippines and Japan continue to be embroiled in a territorial dispute over potentially oil-rich parts of the West Philippine Sea or South China Sea.
Beijing and Tokyo also contest a string of Japanese-administered islets in the East China Sea, known as Senkaku in Japan and Diaoyu in China.
“We... do not view with alarm any proposal to revisit the Japanese Constitution if the Japanese people so decide, especially if this enhances Japan’s ability to address its international obligations and brings us closer to the attainment of our goal of peace, stability, and prosperity,” he said in his joint statement delivered with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Tokyo.
Mr. Aquino said it will only benefit the Japanese government if it is “empowered to assist others and is allowed to come to aid of those in need especially in the area of collective self-defense.”
Citing the situation of Filipino peace-keepers in Syria -- attacked but had no one to seek help from -- Mr. Aquino added that in such a situation, “one would want to be able to count on the allies.”
Mr. Abe is particularly pushing for a review of Article 9 of the Japanese Constitution, which states “the Japanese people forever renounce war as a sovereign right of the nation, and the threat or use of force as means of settling international disputes.”
“In order to accomplish the aim of the preceding paragraph, land, sea, and air forces, as well as other war potential, will never be maintained. The right of belligerency of the state will not be recognized,” it adds.
Mr. Aquino also expressed his gratitude for Japan’s support after the onslaught of typhoon Yolanda (international name: Haiyan), mentioning that the Japan Self-Defense Forces and the disaster relief medical teams were among those in the international community that extended help during the typhoon.
Meanwhile, in his statement, Mr. Abe said they will further strengthen cooperation and security in disaster relief between the two countries.
“The President and I agreed to further strengthen our cooperation and security in areas such as disaster relief, building on the track record of cooperation such as that I have described,” the Japanese leader said.
Moreover, Mr. Abe said they will also boost economic ties with the Philippines as Japan eased its visa requirements for Filipinos.
“I also informed the President about the relaxation of visa requirements for the Philippines toward the promotion of human exchange,” he said.
“It is hoped that many tourists from the Philippines would visit Japan,” he added.
Messrs. Abe and Aquino met over lunch at the Japanese leader’s official residence in Tokyo before the Philippine leader headed to Hiroshima for a conference.
Meanwhile, Japan and the Philippines also jointly stressed the need to use “the rule of law” to solve regional disputes.
The comments highlight how regional neighbors are forging alliances to counter an increasingly muscular Beijing as it presses its influence in nearby waters.
Tokyo and Manila, former World War II enemies, have been drawn closer in recent years as they have tackled their parallel disputes with China.
“In the face of the regional situation becoming severe, both nations are closely coordinating,” Mr. Abe told reporters.
“I reaffirmed with President Aquino [yesterday] the significance of... the rule of law,” Japan’s conservative premier added.
Mr. Aquino also said his visit to Japan was focusing on “the challenge of safeguarding our regional security by advancing the rule of law to protect our global and regional common interest.”
Mr. Abe has repeatedly called for the rule of law to be upheld in the region as tensions simmer over territorial disputes, involving China and some Southeast Asian states around the South China Sea as well as between Tokyo and Beijing in the East China Sea. Beijing claims almost all of the South China Sea, even waters approaching the shores of neighboring countries, and has become more aggressive in enforcing what it says are its historical rights.
ABE’S PLEDGE
When Mr. Abe visited Manila in July last year, he pledged Japan’s help in strengthening the Philippines’ maritime defense capabilities.
Part of that was a promise of 10 patrol boats for the Philippines’ poorly equipped coast guard, which is on the front line of Manila’s spat with China.
The Philippines has lodged repeated protests over China’s growing military and civilian presence on islands and in waters within what it considers its exclusive economic zone.
Meanwhile, relations between Japan and China have plummeted over their competing claims in the East China Sea.
After meeting Mr. Abe, Mr. Aquino moved to the western Japanese city of Hiroshima to attend a conference on a decades-long Islamic insurgency in the South of the country, as it seeks to implement a peace pact with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) signed this year.
Japan hosted secret talks between Mr. Aquino and MILF leader Murad Ebrahim in 2011, which later became recognized as a key moment in igniting the peace push.
Mr. Abe told the conference: “Japan will continue to provide support so that peace can be maintained.”
Mr. Aquino left yesterday morning for a one-day visit to Japan where he delivered a keynote address at an international conference titled, “Consolidation for Peace for Mindanao,” organized by the Japan International Cooperation Agency and the Research and Education for Peace unit of Universiti Sains Malaysia.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) had said earlier that the President will speak on the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.
As Japan and the Philippines discuss security cooperation, Chinese warships will join US-led naval drills off Hawaii for the first time this week, in a significant but mainly symbolic effort by the two powers’ fighting forces to make friends, not war.
Rising giant China and superpower the United States frequently find themselves at loggerheads as Beijing asserts itself in maritime disputes with neighbors and Washington seeks to shore up its influence in Asia.
Forging friendly ties -- or at least an understanding -- between the two heavyweights’ militaries is a key to preventing any unintended clashes from escalating, analysts say.
Yet “mil-to-mil” ties remain stunted by disputes and suspicions which have sharpened in recent years as each side accuses the other of inflaming tensions over contested islands in the East and South China Seas, aggressive cyber-spying and other issues.
“It’s pretty important,” said Michael O’Hanlon, a senior fellow at the US-based Brookings Institution and author of a book on US-China relations.
“We have a situation where small crises or skirmishes blowing up into bigger things is one of our chief worries.”
Four ships of China’s People’s Liberation Army Navy with an estimated 1,100 sailors on board -- a missile destroyer, missile frigate, supply ship and hospital ship -- will join the US and more than 20 other countries in the six-day “Rim of the Pacific” (RIMPAC) drills that begin in and around Hawaii Thursday.
The RIMPAC exercises, normally held every two years, began in 1971 but it is the first time Chinese vessels have taken part.
The head of US Pacific Command, Admiral Samuel Locklear, said: “This was a big step for the Chinese to commit to this, particularly in an exercise commanded by a US commander.
“We just have to get past these issues that are historical in nature that are causing the region problems,” he added. “And if we keep working at it we’ll get through them.”
Beijing has also touted its participation, with the official Xinhua news agency running an essay by naval academy researcher Zhang Junshe saying it “will have great benefits for the elimination of misunderstandings, the avoidance of misjudgment, and the promotion of mutual trust.”
China’s involvement marks “a very good step”, Mr. O’Hanlon said in an e-mail.
“In isolation it doesn’t do a great deal of course, but it provides the basis for more,” he added.
LOWEST POINT
Beijing and Washington regularly pledge to strengthen ties across the board, and Presidents Xi Jinping and Barack H. Obama held an informal get-to-know-you summit in California soon after the Chinese leader took office last year.
Both militaries have extended other invitations, including tours of one another’s aircraft carriers and high-level meetings.
But despite the positive rhetoric, tensions have grown -- particularly over their roles in Asia -- and spilled into unusual public confrontations.
China has emphatically asserted its claims to islands claimed or controlled by Japan, Vietnam and the Philippines, and desires greater global stature, stressing that its standing with the US must reflect a “new model of great-power relations.”
Washington announced a “pivot” to Asia in 2011, including a stronger military presence, with Mr. Obama declaring that his country “has been and always will be a Pacific nation.”
Mr. Aquino returned to Manila Tuesday night.
It was the fifth time that Mr. Aquino visited Japan since he assumed office in 2010. Japan is one of the two strategic partners of the Philippines apart from the United States.
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Nation&title=Philippines,-Japan-to-enhance-security-ties&id=89741
Army awaiting fighting vehicles ordered from Israel
From the Business Mirror (Jun 23): Army awaiting fighting vehicles ordered from Israel
THE Army is expecting its first delivery of armored fighting vehicles from Israel, at least by January next year, as the delivery processes are already in full swing.
Israeli contractor Elbit Systems’ Land and C41 said it hoped to deliver the upgraded armored vehicles procured by the Army under the $20-million contract it signed in January.
Elbit is an international defense electronics company operating in the areas of aerospace, land and naval systems, command, control, communications, intelligence surveillance and reconnaissance.
“We are very pleased to be awarded our first contract for the Philippines Armed Forces, which we hope will be followed by others,” said Udi Vered, general manager of Elbit Systems’ Land and C41.
Early this year, the Department of National Defense signed the P888-million contract with the Israeli firm for the delivery of 28 upgraded armored personnel carriers.
Fourteen of the fighting vehicles are armed with automatic 76mm cannons and should provide the needed fire power to ground troops during combat operations.
Six are designed as “armored personnel carriers” models, while four are “infantry fighting vehicles” and the remaining four are “recovery and repair units.”
Once the vehicles are put into service, the Army will use them as mobile field artilleries.
Currently, the Army is heavily dependent on the 105mm and 155mm howitzers in providing the needed fire support to troops during firefights and similar operations.
Elbit said the upgraded armored personnel carriers should include 25-mm unmanned turrets, 12.7-mm remote controlled weapon stations and fire control systems for 90 mm turrets.
“The contract marks a significant breakthrough for Elbit Systems, as it is the first one awarded to the company in the Philippines,” said the Israeli contractor.
PNoy, Murad meet on concerns over draft Bangsamoro Basic Law
From MindaNews (Jun 24): PNoy, Murad meet on concerns over draft Bangsamoro Basic Law
It wasn’t a two-hour talk like their first face-to-face meeting in a hotel near Narita airport in Tokyo on August 4, 2011 but President Benigno Simeon Aquino III and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim met for “15 to 20 minutes” in a room in Sheraton Hiroshima Hotel, just before the President delivered his keynote address at The Consolidation for Peace for Mindanao seminar at around 5:40 p.m. (4:40 pm Manila).
Accompanied by his peace panel chair, Mohagher Iqbal, Murad raised their concerns about the Malacanang-proposed revisions on the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), a copy of which the MILF received only a few days ago.
Murad told MindaNews that he brought to the President’s attention their “concerns” on the proposed revisions of the 97-page draft that the GPH-MILF Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) submitted to the Office of the President on April 22.
Murad declined to disclose details about their “concerns” but said “inisa-isa ko sa kanya yung concerns” (I cited the concerns one by one).
He also declined to say how many “concerns” they raised.
The President, he said, told them he cannot answer them now as he has yet to check with those who reviewed the draft, but promised to look into these “concerns.”
He said the President was not accompanied by any Cabinet member when he met with them. Iqbal noted the meeting began at 5:07 p.m. and lasted “around 15 minutes.”
The MILF had earlier expressed fears of a “watered down” version of the draft Basic Law.
Draft to Congress
Malacanang is expected to submit the draft to Congress when it reopens on July 28, the same day the President is expected to deliver his State of the Nation Address.
Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos-Deles had told the International Conference of Cotabato on June 6 that the draft was still undergoing a “thorough process of review” by the Office of the President to ensure Congress gets a “more refined and strengthened” draft.
In the same Cotabato conference, Senate President Franklin Drilon, in a message read for him by Cardinal Orlando Quevedo, assured the Senate’s support to the peace process and their commitment to pass what he refers to as “unifying and integrating” Basic Law.
Drilon said they “will ensure that the Bangsamoro law falls within the four corners of the Constitution and that it can withstand judicial scrutiny.”
He vowed to pass the law “as early as possible.”
Meeting with Murad
There was no mention of the Bangsamoro Basic Law in the President’s 17-minute speech before participants of the COP-6.
President Aquino thanks Japan for its assistance to the Philippines, particularly in the Bangsamoro peace process, in his keynote address as the Consolidation for Peace for Mindanao seminar in Hiroshima afternoon of June 24. Aquino met with MILF chailr Al Haj Murad Ebrahim (onstage, second from left) before delivering his speech. To Murad’s right is Dr. Kamarulzaman Askandar of the Universiti Sains Malaysia while to his left are Hiroshima Governor Hidehiko Yukazi, Philippine Foreign Minister Albert del Rosario and ICA President Dr. Akhiko Tanaka. MindaNews photo by Carolyn O. Arguillas
The President praised Japan for the assistance it has been extending the Bangsamoro peace process as member of the International Monitoring Team, International Contact Group and International Commission on Policing.
He also lauded Japan’s decision to host his August 2011 meeting with Murad, “admittedly a risky move, especially since there was no certainty that negotiations would succeed.”
“This meeting happened at a crucial time: Talks with the MILF had reached a difficult standstill, and I had broached the idea of directly meeting with Chairman Murad to move the discussions forward. To their credit, they responded in the affirmative. In hindsight, to us, that was the turning point in our narrative to secure a just and lasting peace. Trust was established between brothers, and genuine dialogue was possible,” Aquino said.
He said that as congressman he came to understand that “the degree of resentment in the hearts of the Bangsamoro people was, on a large part, a result of land grabbing and the opportunism of some of our less scrupulous compatriots.”
“Taking advantage of the illiteracy of our indigenous peoples who did not know that their lands had to be registered under their name, these lettered Christians sought control of the lands our Moro and other indigenous peoples called home. This in turn led to a struggle of our Moro brothers to reclaim what was rightfully theirs. Given the many deaths, which were the result of the conflict that raged and festered for generations, one cannot help but wonder: If a law had been passed to protect the marginalized, like the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) we have now, could bloodshed have been avoided? Is it not right that as one of my predecessors once said: That those who have less in life should have more in law? I wondered: With all the hostility and animosity that once existed between brothers, how could one achieve the trust crucial in forging an agreement?,” Aquino asked.
As President, Aquino said, these questions “continued to preoccupy my mind,’ hence “every avenue to build a once-scarce trust was explored the moment we stepped into office.”
Working together
He said he and Murad met on August 4, 2011 in Japan “not thinking how to win, or how to give up the least — but, rather, how we could work together, and how we can improve the lot of our followers, who, after all, are all Filipinos.”
He said both he and Murad understood that “the suffering of our people had to stop, and that any form of violence, neglect, and misgovernance only fueled the hatred one side had for the other,” the President said.
Despite the many challenges in pursuing peace, “both Chairman Murad and I, as well as our followers, knew that we had to put an end to this vicious cycle, and in turn ignite a virtuous cycle of empowerment and advancement,” he said, adding that this was the context “from which we approached that day in August here, in Japan, almost three years ago.”
“I sometimes wonder: If that meeting did not take place, where would we be today? Fortunately, that meeting, my first face-to-face encounter with my brother Chairman Murad, was a breakthrough,” Aquino said.
The innocent pays
Aquino began and ended his speech with August 6, 1945, when an atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima and on Nagasaki three days later, killing over a hundred thousand residents.
“A fundamental question arises from this tragedy: What did the peoples of both Hiroshima and Nagasaki do for them to pay the ultimate price of war?
The tragedy that was the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, seven decades later, only reminds us the futile results of conflict, and impress upon us the collective responsibility we hold in defending the rights of our respective peoples to live not only without fear, but to live in a world where peace is a shared reality by all nations,” the President opened his speech.
“It is therefore fitting that we are gathered in this city consecrated to the principle of the preservation of peace, to discuss how the combatants of yesterday can become partners for the avoidance of future conflict.”
Aquino ended his speech by reminding participants that “whenever it seems that the path to peace is filled with so many obstacles, when our spirits are tested and our faith in the processes are shaken, those of us who are in a position to make decisions must remember what happened here in Hiroshima, and in Nagasaki, and in the many places that have faced and are now experiencing conflict: If we falter, it is the innocent who will pay the ultimate price.”
http://www.mindanews.com/peace-process/2014/06/24/pnoy-murad-meet-on-concerns-over-draft-bangsamoro-basic-law/
It wasn’t a two-hour talk like their first face-to-face meeting in a hotel near Narita airport in Tokyo on August 4, 2011 but President Benigno Simeon Aquino III and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim met for “15 to 20 minutes” in a room in Sheraton Hiroshima Hotel, just before the President delivered his keynote address at The Consolidation for Peace for Mindanao seminar at around 5:40 p.m. (4:40 pm Manila).
Accompanied by his peace panel chair, Mohagher Iqbal, Murad raised their concerns about the Malacanang-proposed revisions on the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), a copy of which the MILF received only a few days ago.
Murad told MindaNews that he brought to the President’s attention their “concerns” on the proposed revisions of the 97-page draft that the GPH-MILF Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) submitted to the Office of the President on April 22.
Murad declined to disclose details about their “concerns” but said “inisa-isa ko sa kanya yung concerns” (I cited the concerns one by one).
He also declined to say how many “concerns” they raised.
The President, he said, told them he cannot answer them now as he has yet to check with those who reviewed the draft, but promised to look into these “concerns.”
He said the President was not accompanied by any Cabinet member when he met with them. Iqbal noted the meeting began at 5:07 p.m. and lasted “around 15 minutes.”
The MILF had earlier expressed fears of a “watered down” version of the draft Basic Law.
Draft to Congress
Malacanang is expected to submit the draft to Congress when it reopens on July 28, the same day the President is expected to deliver his State of the Nation Address.
Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos-Deles had told the International Conference of Cotabato on June 6 that the draft was still undergoing a “thorough process of review” by the Office of the President to ensure Congress gets a “more refined and strengthened” draft.
In the same Cotabato conference, Senate President Franklin Drilon, in a message read for him by Cardinal Orlando Quevedo, assured the Senate’s support to the peace process and their commitment to pass what he refers to as “unifying and integrating” Basic Law.
Drilon said they “will ensure that the Bangsamoro law falls within the four corners of the Constitution and that it can withstand judicial scrutiny.”
He vowed to pass the law “as early as possible.”
Meeting with Murad
There was no mention of the Bangsamoro Basic Law in the President’s 17-minute speech before participants of the COP-6.
President Aquino thanks Japan for its assistance to the Philippines, particularly in the Bangsamoro peace process, in his keynote address as the Consolidation for Peace for Mindanao seminar in Hiroshima afternoon of June 24. Aquino met with MILF chailr Al Haj Murad Ebrahim (onstage, second from left) before delivering his speech. To Murad’s right is Dr. Kamarulzaman Askandar of the Universiti Sains Malaysia while to his left are Hiroshima Governor Hidehiko Yukazi, Philippine Foreign Minister Albert del Rosario and ICA President Dr. Akhiko Tanaka. MindaNews photo by Carolyn O. Arguillas
The President praised Japan for the assistance it has been extending the Bangsamoro peace process as member of the International Monitoring Team, International Contact Group and International Commission on Policing.
He also lauded Japan’s decision to host his August 2011 meeting with Murad, “admittedly a risky move, especially since there was no certainty that negotiations would succeed.”
“This meeting happened at a crucial time: Talks with the MILF had reached a difficult standstill, and I had broached the idea of directly meeting with Chairman Murad to move the discussions forward. To their credit, they responded in the affirmative. In hindsight, to us, that was the turning point in our narrative to secure a just and lasting peace. Trust was established between brothers, and genuine dialogue was possible,” Aquino said.
He said that as congressman he came to understand that “the degree of resentment in the hearts of the Bangsamoro people was, on a large part, a result of land grabbing and the opportunism of some of our less scrupulous compatriots.”
“Taking advantage of the illiteracy of our indigenous peoples who did not know that their lands had to be registered under their name, these lettered Christians sought control of the lands our Moro and other indigenous peoples called home. This in turn led to a struggle of our Moro brothers to reclaim what was rightfully theirs. Given the many deaths, which were the result of the conflict that raged and festered for generations, one cannot help but wonder: If a law had been passed to protect the marginalized, like the Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA) we have now, could bloodshed have been avoided? Is it not right that as one of my predecessors once said: That those who have less in life should have more in law? I wondered: With all the hostility and animosity that once existed between brothers, how could one achieve the trust crucial in forging an agreement?,” Aquino asked.
As President, Aquino said, these questions “continued to preoccupy my mind,’ hence “every avenue to build a once-scarce trust was explored the moment we stepped into office.”
Working together
He said he and Murad met on August 4, 2011 in Japan “not thinking how to win, or how to give up the least — but, rather, how we could work together, and how we can improve the lot of our followers, who, after all, are all Filipinos.”
He said both he and Murad understood that “the suffering of our people had to stop, and that any form of violence, neglect, and misgovernance only fueled the hatred one side had for the other,” the President said.
Despite the many challenges in pursuing peace, “both Chairman Murad and I, as well as our followers, knew that we had to put an end to this vicious cycle, and in turn ignite a virtuous cycle of empowerment and advancement,” he said, adding that this was the context “from which we approached that day in August here, in Japan, almost three years ago.”
“I sometimes wonder: If that meeting did not take place, where would we be today? Fortunately, that meeting, my first face-to-face encounter with my brother Chairman Murad, was a breakthrough,” Aquino said.
The innocent pays
Aquino began and ended his speech with August 6, 1945, when an atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima and on Nagasaki three days later, killing over a hundred thousand residents.
“A fundamental question arises from this tragedy: What did the peoples of both Hiroshima and Nagasaki do for them to pay the ultimate price of war?
The tragedy that was the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, seven decades later, only reminds us the futile results of conflict, and impress upon us the collective responsibility we hold in defending the rights of our respective peoples to live not only without fear, but to live in a world where peace is a shared reality by all nations,” the President opened his speech.
“It is therefore fitting that we are gathered in this city consecrated to the principle of the preservation of peace, to discuss how the combatants of yesterday can become partners for the avoidance of future conflict.”
Aquino ended his speech by reminding participants that “whenever it seems that the path to peace is filled with so many obstacles, when our spirits are tested and our faith in the processes are shaken, those of us who are in a position to make decisions must remember what happened here in Hiroshima, and in Nagasaki, and in the many places that have faced and are now experiencing conflict: If we falter, it is the innocent who will pay the ultimate price.”
http://www.mindanews.com/peace-process/2014/06/24/pnoy-murad-meet-on-concerns-over-draft-bangsamoro-basic-law/
Misamis Oriental gov't to arm militiamen with skills in emergency response
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 24): Misamis Oriental gov't to arm militiamen with skills in emergency response
About 900 militiamen in the province would be armed with the skills to make them responsive in times of emergencies, Governor Yevgeny Vincente Emano said on Tuesday.
Emano said that the militiamen would undergo training on village-based disaster and anti-criminality technology to arm them with the necessary skills to respond during emergencies in their areas of concerned.
He said that the provincial government would prepare the militiamen for disaster mitigation strategies and anti-criminality schemes to make them effective in responding to disasters and calamities.
“We will implement community-based education specifically for the militiamen in the province’s villages on how to alleviate and respond to disasters. We will equip them with skills and trainings,” Emano said.
“I cannot stand if we lose lives of our people again because of disasters; we will prepare for the worst,” he added.
He said that the militiamen will undergo seminar-orientations, capability trainings, hands-on applications and demonstrations to be set by the participating agencies just in time of the militiamen’s annual convention on July 4 at the Capitol grounds here.
Edmundo Y. Pacamalan Jr., disaster risk reduction and management office (DRRMO) chief, said this event will not only foster unity the militiamen in the province, but will cultivate sensitivity and awareness during the “sharing experiences” forum.
“It will be a new experience for the militiamen who would be coming here for the convention and would be going home with tons of knowledge and greater responsibilities in their hands,” Pacamalan added.
Pacamalan said that concerned government agencies such as the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine Army (PA- 58IB), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), among others, would serve as resource persons during the forum.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=656433
About 900 militiamen in the province would be armed with the skills to make them responsive in times of emergencies, Governor Yevgeny Vincente Emano said on Tuesday.
Emano said that the militiamen would undergo training on village-based disaster and anti-criminality technology to arm them with the necessary skills to respond during emergencies in their areas of concerned.
He said that the provincial government would prepare the militiamen for disaster mitigation strategies and anti-criminality schemes to make them effective in responding to disasters and calamities.
“We will implement community-based education specifically for the militiamen in the province’s villages on how to alleviate and respond to disasters. We will equip them with skills and trainings,” Emano said.
“I cannot stand if we lose lives of our people again because of disasters; we will prepare for the worst,” he added.
He said that the militiamen will undergo seminar-orientations, capability trainings, hands-on applications and demonstrations to be set by the participating agencies just in time of the militiamen’s annual convention on July 4 at the Capitol grounds here.
Edmundo Y. Pacamalan Jr., disaster risk reduction and management office (DRRMO) chief, said this event will not only foster unity the militiamen in the province, but will cultivate sensitivity and awareness during the “sharing experiences” forum.
“It will be a new experience for the militiamen who would be coming here for the convention and would be going home with tons of knowledge and greater responsibilities in their hands,” Pacamalan added.
Pacamalan said that concerned government agencies such as the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine Army (PA- 58IB), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine Red Cross (PRC) and Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), among others, would serve as resource persons during the forum.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=656433
Lanao town mayor fears MILF attack
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 24): Lanao town mayor fears MILF attack
A town mayor in Lanao Del Sur has expressed the fear of an attack by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) forces of his town in a bid to rescue a jailed follower, a report reaching here said on Tuesday.
Vice Mayor Lacson Lantud of Pantao Ragat has sought the assistance of the military after receiving reports that “Kumander Bravo” was massing about 700 fully armed followers – ready to attack Pantao Ragat anytime.
Lantud said that the case stemmed when the military has arrested one of “Kumander Bravo’s” men identified as Majid Abuat for alleged involvement in the kidnapping of a public school teacher Aslaime Pangader and husband Nait Wednesday last week.
Lantud said that “Kumander Bravo”, real name is Abdullah Macapaar, was demanding the release of Abuat who was then detained in the town ofMaigo
Lantud said that instead of releasing Abuat, the Malaysian members of the International Monitoring Team (IMT) who are overseeing the Bangsamoro peace process with the national government, has taken custody of Abuat.
Sr. Pol. Supt. Madid Paitao, Lanao Del Norte provincial police chief, said that Abuat is still officially detained since the IMT could not release the detained person without proper order from the court.
Lantud has expressed the fear that Kumander Bravo will do anything to rescue his follower prompting him to appeal to the military authorities to reinforce Pantao Ragat’s undermanned police force to thwart any attempt of Bravo to attack the town.
In 2000, Macapaar led the deadly attack on the Kauswagan town in Lanao Del Norte after then President Joseph Estrada’s declaration of an all-out war against the MILF.
When the government backed down on the memorandum on ancestral domain the MILF earlier proposed, Macapaar again raided two towns in Lanao Del Norte.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=656432
A town mayor in Lanao Del Sur has expressed the fear of an attack by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) forces of his town in a bid to rescue a jailed follower, a report reaching here said on Tuesday.
Vice Mayor Lacson Lantud of Pantao Ragat has sought the assistance of the military after receiving reports that “Kumander Bravo” was massing about 700 fully armed followers – ready to attack Pantao Ragat anytime.
Lantud said that the case stemmed when the military has arrested one of “Kumander Bravo’s” men identified as Majid Abuat for alleged involvement in the kidnapping of a public school teacher Aslaime Pangader and husband Nait Wednesday last week.
Lantud said that “Kumander Bravo”, real name is Abdullah Macapaar, was demanding the release of Abuat who was then detained in the town of
Lantud said that instead of releasing Abuat, the Malaysian members of the International Monitoring Team (IMT) who are overseeing the Bangsamoro peace process with the national government, has taken custody of Abuat.
Sr. Pol. Supt. Madid Paitao, Lanao Del Norte provincial police chief, said that Abuat is still officially detained since the IMT could not release the detained person without proper order from the court.
Lantud has expressed the fear that Kumander Bravo will do anything to rescue his follower prompting him to appeal to the military authorities to reinforce Pantao Ragat’s undermanned police force to thwart any attempt of Bravo to attack the town.
In 2000, Macapaar led the deadly attack on the Kauswagan town in Lanao Del Norte after then President Joseph Estrada’s declaration of an all-out war against the MILF.
When the government backed down on the memorandum on ancestral domain the MILF earlier proposed, Macapaar again raided two towns in Lanao Del Norte.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=656432
MBLT-3 commended for defending Zamboanga City during 2013 siege
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 24): MBLT-3 commended for defending Zamboanga City during 2013 siege
Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar gave recognition and commendation to all officers and men and women of the Marine Battalion Landing Team-3 (MBLT-3) for being in the frontline in defending this city during the September 2013 siege.
MBLT-3 led by Lt. Col. Elpidio Factor will end its tour of duty in this city, nine months after it was deployed here.
They will be replaced by MBLT-11 headed by Lt. Col. Nestor Narag.
Salazar presented Monday the letter of recognition and commendation during the exit call of MBLT-3 officials in City Hall.
“I would like to give special recognition and commendation to all the officers, and men and women of the 3rd Marine Battalion Landing Team led by Lt. Col. Elpidio Factor, commanding officer and the unit which defended the City from the rebel group, and its security efforts during its stint in the city from September 2013 to June 2014,” Salazar declared.
She requested that the recognition and commendation extended to the officers and men and women of MBLT-3 be inscribed and reflected in their respective 201 and or appropriate files for future reference.
She likewise thanked Philippine Marine Corps commandant Maj. Gen. Romeo Tanalgo for the continuing and unfailing support of the marine troops in securing this city.
“I and the entire Zamboangueño community are also particularly grateful for your continuing and unfailing support in securing the City. As we sent forth and bade our goodbyes the MBLT-3, you have replaced them with another of your able guardian angels in the 11th Marine Battalion Landing Team led by Lt. Col. Nestor Narag, Jr.,” she said in a letter to Tanalgo.
“Zamboanga City
All other security forces helped in the defense of this city during the September 2013 siege, these included the officers and personnel of the Armed Forces of thePhilippines
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=656517
Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar gave recognition and commendation to all officers and men and women of the Marine Battalion Landing Team-3 (MBLT-3) for being in the frontline in defending this city during the September 2013 siege.
MBLT-3 led by Lt. Col. Elpidio Factor will end its tour of duty in this city, nine months after it was deployed here.
They will be replaced by MBLT-11 headed by Lt. Col. Nestor Narag.
Salazar presented Monday the letter of recognition and commendation during the exit call of MBLT-3 officials in City Hall.
“I would like to give special recognition and commendation to all the officers, and men and women of the 3rd Marine Battalion Landing Team led by Lt. Col. Elpidio Factor, commanding officer and the unit which defended the City from the rebel group, and its security efforts during its stint in the city from September 2013 to June 2014,” Salazar declared.
She requested that the recognition and commendation extended to the officers and men and women of MBLT-3 be inscribed and reflected in their respective 201 and or appropriate files for future reference.
She likewise thanked Philippine Marine Corps commandant Maj. Gen. Romeo Tanalgo for the continuing and unfailing support of the marine troops in securing this city.
“I and the entire Zamboangueño community are also particularly grateful for your continuing and unfailing support in securing the City. As we sent forth and bade our goodbyes the MBLT-3, you have replaced them with another of your able guardian angels in the 11th Marine Battalion Landing Team led by Lt. Col. Nestor Narag, Jr.,” she said in a letter to Tanalgo.
“
All other security forces helped in the defense of this city during the September 2013 siege, these included the officers and personnel of the Armed Forces of the
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=656517
PCG gets additional 212 male draftees
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 23): PCG gets additional 212 male draftees
With the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) fast-tracking its modernization program, the agency on Monday took an additional 212 male draftees to boost its ranks.
The Coast Guard is expected to take delivery of an additional 10 40-meter cutters fromJapan
Oath taking of these trainees took place Monday afternoon with PCG commandant Vice Admiral Rodolfo D. Isorena leading the oath taking ceremonies.
This brings to 674 male draftees who will soon undergo Coast Guardman’s Course (CGMC) training for a minimum of six months before their entry as regular members of the PCG.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=656173
With the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) fast-tracking its modernization program, the agency on Monday took an additional 212 male draftees to boost its ranks.
The Coast Guard is expected to take delivery of an additional 10 40-meter cutters from
Oath taking of these trainees took place Monday afternoon with PCG commandant Vice Admiral Rodolfo D. Isorena leading the oath taking ceremonies.
This brings to 674 male draftees who will soon undergo Coast Guardman’s Course (CGMC) training for a minimum of six months before their entry as regular members of the PCG.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=656173
New APCs to boost firepower, troop protection capability of military
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 23): New APCs to boost firepower, troop protection capability of military
Arrival of its upgraded armored personnel carriers (APCs) will greatly boost the fire support and force protection capabilities of the Philippine Army (PA).
"(The new APCs) will be a big help to our troops as it can provide fire support (during encounters) and protect our troops (during their journey to the battlefield)," said Army spokesman Lt. Col. Noel Detoyato in Filipino.
"These APCs will also ensure survivability of our troops (when in contact with the enemy," he added.
This was after Elbit Systems Ltd., one of the leading Israeli defense manufacturers, announced that it was awarded a US$ 20 million (around P882 million) to supply APCsfor the military.
The APCs are estimated to be 28 in number.
Upgrades include 25 mm unmanned turrets, 12.7 mm remote controlled weapon stations (RCWS) and fire control systems (FCS) for 90 mm turrets.
Elbit stated that the APCs will be supplied over a period of one year.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=656071
Arrival of its upgraded armored personnel carriers (APCs) will greatly boost the fire support and force protection capabilities of the Philippine Army (PA).
"(The new APCs) will be a big help to our troops as it can provide fire support (during encounters) and protect our troops (during their journey to the battlefield)," said Army spokesman Lt. Col. Noel Detoyato in Filipino.
"These APCs will also ensure survivability of our troops (when in contact with the enemy," he added.
This was after Elbit Systems Ltd., one of the leading Israeli defense manufacturers, announced that it was awarded a US$ 20 million (around P882 million) to supply APCsfor the military.
The APCs are estimated to be 28 in number.
Upgrades include 25 mm unmanned turrets, 12.7 mm remote controlled weapon stations (RCWS) and fire control systems (FCS) for 90 mm turrets.
Elbit stated that the APCs will be supplied over a period of one year.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=656071
20th iteration of CARAT to formally start on June 26
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 24): 20th iteration of CARAT to formally start on June 26
CARAT 2014 (Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training) will formally start on June 26 atSubic Bay , Zambales.
Since its inception in 1995, CARAT 2014 will be the 20th edition of the annual bilateral maritime training which aims to strengthen Philippine Navy/Philippine Marine Corps and USN/US Marine Corps combined capabilities in amphibious operations, special operations and surface warfare; enhance information sharing; and to promote relationship and goodwill, Philippine Fleet spokesperson Lt. (JG) Rommel Rodriquez said on Tuesday.
As this develops, the USS Halsey (DDG-97), one of the Arleigh Burke-class destroyers which will be participating in CARAT 2014, might be replaced.
This was disclosed by Rodriquez in a text message to the Philippines News Agency.
The ship might be replaced by the USS John S. McCain (DDG-56), Rodriguez said.
"The USS McCain (replacement) is still for confirmation," he added.
Rodriquez stated that his American counterparts did not reveal the US Navy's reasons for replacing the USS Halsey.
The latter was earlier announced to be one of the four American naval vessels which will participate in CARAT 2014.
CARAT refers to "Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training" between the Philippine and US navies. It is slated for June 26 to July 1.
The US naval contingent for CARAT 2014 includes the 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.
On the other hand, the Filipino contingent to CARAT 2014 consists of the BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16), BRP Emilio Jacinto (PS-35), two AgustaWestland AW-109E helicopters, a 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 inSubic Bay , Zambales.
Arleigh Burke destroyers are armed with Mark 45 Model 5-inch caliber which is capable of engaging any air and surface targets with a high rate of fire (around 120 rounds per minute), ensuring of its neutralization.
It is also fitted with a 20mm Phalanx CIWS (closed-in weapon system) which is capable of firing 4,500 rounds per minute, literally creating a cloud of lead impossible for any missile, rocket and aircraft to penetrate.
This weapon is located in the ship's stern.
CIWS acts as the ship's last line of defense against threats emanating from the air.
It operates independently from the ship's other weapon systems.
Other armaments of the Arleigh Burke class destroyers are two Mark 41 VLS (vertical launching systems) which are capable of firing a mixture of Standard and Tomahawk missiles, anti-submarine rockets and the evolved Sea Sparrow missile.
The two Mark 41 VLS are equivalent to 96 cells (firing tubes).
Adding more punch to the ship is a two MH-60R Seahawk LAMPS III which is capable of detecting and destroying submarines.
These aircraft use sonobouys to locate submarine threats and once determined hostile, it can sink at will using its Mark 46 anti-submarine torpedoes.
The MH-60s has a loiter time of three hours and is capable of conducting aerial and rescue missions.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=656396
CARAT 2014 (Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training) will formally start on June 26 at
Since its inception in 1995, CARAT 2014 will be the 20th edition of the annual bilateral maritime training which aims to strengthen Philippine Navy/Philippine Marine Corps and USN/US Marine Corps combined capabilities in amphibious operations, special operations and surface warfare; enhance information sharing; and to promote relationship and goodwill, Philippine Fleet spokesperson Lt. (JG) Rommel Rodriquez said on Tuesday.
As this develops, the USS Halsey (DDG-97), one of the Arleigh Burke-class destroyers which will be participating in CARAT 2014, might be replaced.
This was disclosed by Rodriquez in a text message to the Philippines News Agency.
The ship might be replaced by the USS John S. McCain (DDG-56), Rodriguez said.
"The USS McCain (replacement) is still for confirmation," he added.
Rodriquez stated that his American counterparts did not reveal the US Navy's reasons for replacing the USS Halsey.
The latter was earlier announced to be one of the four American naval vessels which will participate in CARAT 2014.
CARAT refers to "Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training" between the Philippine and US navies. It is slated for June 26 to July 1.
The US naval contingent for CARAT 2014 includes the 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.
On the other hand, the Filipino contingent to CARAT 2014 consists of the BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16), BRP Emilio Jacinto (PS-35), two AgustaWestland AW-109E helicopters, a 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
Arleigh Burke destroyers are armed with Mark 45 Model 5-inch caliber which is capable of engaging any air and surface targets with a high rate of fire (around 120 rounds per minute), ensuring of its neutralization.
It is also fitted with a 20mm Phalanx CIWS (closed-in weapon system) which is capable of firing 4,500 rounds per minute, literally creating a cloud of lead impossible for any missile, rocket and aircraft to penetrate.
This weapon is located in the ship's stern.
CIWS acts as the ship's last line of defense against threats emanating from the air.
It operates independently from the ship's other weapon systems.
Other armaments of the Arleigh Burke class destroyers are two Mark 41 VLS (vertical launching systems) which are capable of firing a mixture of Standard and Tomahawk missiles, anti-submarine rockets and the evolved Sea Sparrow missile.
The two Mark 41 VLS are equivalent to 96 cells (firing tubes).
Adding more punch to the ship is a two MH-60R Seahawk LAMPS III which is capable of detecting and destroying submarines.
These aircraft use sonobouys to locate submarine threats and once determined hostile, it can sink at will using its Mark 46 anti-submarine torpedoes.
The MH-60s has a loiter time of three hours and is capable of conducting aerial and rescue missions.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=656396
Civilian radars helping Air Force in monitoring missions
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 24): Civilian radars helping Air Force in monitoring missions
While the military is expediting the acquisition of defense equipment that will protect the country's vast maritime and aerial domains, a ranking security official has revealed that the Air Force is using the radars of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) in monitoring the nation's airspace.
The official stated that CAAP radars are presently back-stopping the only operational Air Force radar station in Poro Point, La Union.
He added that the Philippine Air Force (PAF) was forced into this measures as the La Union facility is not enough to ensure constant aerial surveillance of the entire country.
The security official stated that this tactic will continue until the three radar platforms thePhilippines
Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Delgado earlier said the PAF will be more capable once its new aircraft and equipment arrive 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, " he added.
Delgado was referring to the 12 F/A-50 "Fighting Eagle" contract which 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 is expected to be delivered by the third quarter of this year.
"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.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=656459
While the military is expediting the acquisition of defense equipment that will protect the country's vast maritime and aerial domains, a ranking security official has revealed that the Air Force is using the radars of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) in monitoring the nation's airspace.
The official stated that CAAP radars are presently back-stopping the only operational Air Force radar station in Poro Point, La Union.
He added that the Philippine Air Force (PAF) was forced into this measures as the La Union facility is not enough to ensure constant aerial surveillance of the entire country.
The security official stated that this tactic will continue until the three radar platforms the
Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Delgado earlier said the PAF will be more capable once its new aircraft and equipment arrive 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, " he added.
Delgado was referring to the 12 F/A-50 "Fighting Eagle" contract which 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 is expected to be delivered by the third quarter of this year.
"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.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=656459
PHL, Japan adhere to rule to law to settle sea disputes
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 24): PHL, Japan adhere to rule to law to settle sea disputes
ThePhilippines and Japan have agreed to advance the “rule of law”
to settle territorial disputes with China
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said both nations are closely coordinating as regional situation becomes increasingly severe.
“I reaffirmed with President Aquino today the significance of the three principles of the rule of law..,” Prime Minister Abe said in his meeting with Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III during the latter's working visit to Japan on Tuesday.
President Aquino said he and the Prime Minister recognized the need to safeguard the region’s security by “advancing the rule of law to protect our global and regional common interests.”
In a media interview, the President said that apart from upholding the rule of law, the Philippines is also pushing for the full implementation and compliance of the Declaration on the Conduct (DOC) of Parties in the South China Sea.
“...Pero more importantly nasana (But more
importantly, I hope that) ASEAN and China
Apart from safeguarding the region’s security, President Aquino said thePhilippines and Japan
also agreed to strengthen cooperation in securing lasting peace and development
in Mindanao .
“Japan Japan
and the rest of the international community as we strive to build a truly just,
inclusive and prosperous Mindanao ,” he said.
On the economic front, the two countries agreed to further boost their ties.
“I convey to the President that we could continue to support approaches taken by thePhilippines
“Infrastructure development is integral in sustaining thePhilippines
The Prime Minister also informed President Aquino about the relaxation of visa requirements for thePhilippines
“It is hoped that many tourists from thePhilippines
would visit Japan
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=656536
The
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said both nations are closely coordinating as regional situation becomes increasingly severe.
“I reaffirmed with President Aquino today the significance of the three principles of the rule of law..,” Prime Minister Abe said in his meeting with Philippine President Benigno S. Aquino III during the latter's working visit to Japan on Tuesday.
President Aquino said he and the Prime Minister recognized the need to safeguard the region’s security by “advancing the rule of law to protect our global and regional common interests.”
In a media interview, the President said that apart from upholding the rule of law, the Philippines is also pushing for the full implementation and compliance of the Declaration on the Conduct (DOC) of Parties in the South China Sea.
“...Pero more importantly na
Apart from safeguarding the region’s security, President Aquino said the
“
On the economic front, the two countries agreed to further boost their ties.
“I convey to the President that we could continue to support approaches taken by the
“Infrastructure development is integral in sustaining the
The Prime Minister also informed President Aquino about the relaxation of visa requirements for the
“It is hoped that many tourists from the
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=656536
PA defends promotion of military officer on duty during time of Maguindanao massacre
From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 24): PA defends promotion of military officer on duty during time of Maguindanao massacre
The Philippine Army (PA) on Tuesday announced that newly-promoted Brig. Gen. Medardo Geslani, the officer commanding the military unit detailed in Maguindanao, during the time of Maguindanao massacre in Nov. 23, 2009, has no legal impediment that would prevent his promotion to one-star rank.
"He was promoted because he had no legal impediments," said Army spokesman Lt. Col. Noel Detoyato.
Geslani was promoted to brigadier general last Monday.
Some sectors criticized Geslani for his alleged inaction during the time of the incident.
Geslani, who is the incumbent deputy commander of the Training and Doctrine Command, was the former commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade which was based in Maguindanao.
Rowena Paraan, National Union of Journalists in the Philippines (NUJP) chair, in a statement, said the promotion of Geslani "is an insult" after the Army colonel rejected the request to safeguard the Mangudadatu convoy which was on its way to file the certificate of candidacy of then Buluan Vice Mayor Esmael Mangudadatu who was then seeking governorship of Maguindanao.
At the time of the shooting, which resulted in the death of 58 people, 32 of them local journalists, Maguindanao was governed by Gov. Andal Ampatuan Sr., and his family.
Before Geslani's promotion, the Office of the Ombudsman cleared Geslani of any involvement in the gruesome massacre.
Detoyato said that Geslani, who topped the 1982 "Sandigan" class of the Philippine Military Academy, was promoted since he had no actions that would merit any legal actions.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=656538
The Philippine Army (PA) on Tuesday announced that newly-promoted Brig. Gen. Medardo Geslani, the officer commanding the military unit detailed in Maguindanao, during the time of Maguindanao massacre in Nov. 23, 2009, has no legal impediment that would prevent his promotion to one-star rank.
"He was promoted because he had no legal impediments," said Army spokesman Lt. Col. Noel Detoyato.
Geslani was promoted to brigadier general last Monday.
Some sectors criticized Geslani for his alleged inaction during the time of the incident.
Geslani, who is the incumbent deputy commander of the Training and Doctrine Command, was the former commander of the 601st Infantry Brigade which was based in Maguindanao.
Rowena Paraan, National Union of Journalists in the Philippines (NUJP) chair, in a statement, said the promotion of Geslani "is an insult" after the Army colonel rejected the request to safeguard the Mangudadatu convoy which was on its way to file the certificate of candidacy of then Buluan Vice Mayor Esmael Mangudadatu who was then seeking governorship of Maguindanao.
At the time of the shooting, which resulted in the death of 58 people, 32 of them local journalists, Maguindanao was governed by Gov. Andal Ampatuan Sr., and his family.
Before Geslani's promotion, the Office of the Ombudsman cleared Geslani of any involvement in the gruesome massacre.
Detoyato said that Geslani, who topped the 1982 "Sandigan" class of the Philippine Military Academy, was promoted since he had no actions that would merit any legal actions.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=656538
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