3 soldiers wounded as fighting erupts in Misamis Oriental

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 4): 3 soldiers wounded as fighting erupts in Misamis Oriental

Three army soldiers were airlifted to the military camp here Friday morning as fresh fighting erupted anew in the hinterlands of Lagonglong, a fifth class town north of the province.

Maj. Christian Uy, spokesperson of the army’s 4th Infantry Division in Camp Evangelista, said an army soldier was in critical condition while two others were slightly wounded.

Uy said the soldiers of the 58th Infantry Division were on combat patrol when they encountered an undetermined number of armed men believed members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) in Kapatagan, Lagonglong Friday morning.

He said that fighting continues as of press time.

The military has dispatched helicopter gunships to provide the government troopers air cover and immediate evacuation of the wounded, Uy added.

Uy said it could not be determined yet if the rebels have suffered casualties in the gun battle that rages in the hinterlands of Lagonglong.

Two days ago, elements of the army’s 58th IB also figured in an armed encounter with the NPA rebels in the nearby village of Bunal, a hinterland village in the municipal town of Salay, Uy said.

He said that there were no reports of casualty in the Salay armed skirmish.

The encounter in Lagonglong took place two days after the military launched a hot pursuit operation against the NPA rebels who were suspected in the ambush-slaying of Impasug-ong town Mayor Mario T. Okinlay in Bukidnon last Wednesday morning.

Uy said that the military tagged the NPA as responsible in the ambush-slaying of Okinlay who was on his way home Wednesday morning to their town proper after a medical mission in the remote village of Bontongon the day before.

The town of Impasug-ong borders the mountains of Claveria, a rebel infested farming town in Misamis Oriental.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=659591

Military owns ‘raw’ terror threat report that ‘should not have been released’

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jul 3): Military owns ‘raw’ terror threat report that ‘should not have been released’

The military has said it provided the intelligence report that warned of terror attacks in this city, which Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II and Mayor Rodrigo Duterte had discussed last week.

But Brig. Gen. Alexander Balutan, deputy commander of the Eastern  Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) here, said the intelligence information was raw and should have not been publicized.

It was Duterte who made the report public after meeting with Roxas.

Balutan said when the military got the information, it was sent to  Malacañang as part of the daily briefing for the President.

“We got the information and we informed the President about it,” Balutan told reporters at a news briefing here on Wednesday.

But Balutan said based on military protocol, “information particularly on terror threats (that have not been) verified and raw information, should not be made public.”

In cases of verified information “especially those that concern national security,” he said that the task of making it public would be the duty of the military’s public information officer.

Balutan said that the intelligence information had actually not singled out the city as possible target of terror groups.

He said the cities of Cagayan de Oro, General Santos, Butuan, Koronadal, and other major urban centers in Mindanao had equally been identified and the authorities there also alerted.

“Whether the information is raw or unverified, we have to act on it,” Balutan said.
Up to now, the military continues to look for indicators and is still in the process of verifying the intelligence information, according to Balutan.

Balutan admitted the terror alert came out following the series of the military’s clashes with the Abu Sayyaf in Western Mindanao and the Bangsamoro  Islamic Freedom Fighters in Maguindanao.

In Zamboanga City, Lt. Gen. Rustico Guerrero, the Western Mindanao Command chief, said the military has been monitoring terror suspect Abdul Basit Usman, an al-Qaeda-trained bomber “who was recently monitored in Maguindanao.

“We are facing a serious threat and we know he is alive and he is our current target in our operation in Central Mindanao,” Guerrero said.

He said Usman has been hiding inside the camps of the BIFF in Maguindanao and has been training BIFF gunmen on bomb making.

In January 2010, Usman was reported to have been killed, along with several other terror suspects, during a US drone strike in Pakistan.

But according to Guerrero, Usman is alive and teaching the BIFF how to build up its capability by providing IED training.”

A few weeks ago, Guerrero said soldiers from the 6th Infantry Division recovered assorted war materiel, bomb-making equipment and documents during a clash in Maguindanao, which he said belonged to Usman.

As to how they were certain about this, he said the military had worked hard to verify its information.

The National Democratic Front has denounced the national government for its “alarmist moves” in the wake of the terror alert.

Rubi del Mundo, spokesperson of NDF-Southern Mindanao, said it was clear that the announcement of the terror threats was “politicking, irresponsible, careless and clearly concocted.”

“Using as mouthpiece the AFP Eastern Mindanao Command, Benigno Aquino III and his gang led by Mar Roxas have exposed themselves as having  aligned their political interests for 2016 with that of the United States Imperialism, Del Mundo said.

“Not content with approving the highly irregular and grossly anti-people Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), the puppet US-Aquino regime patently wants Davao City to be its war launch pad of the South”and be popular in the process, a popularity enough to translate into presidential votes,” the communist leader added.

Del Mundo said the people, most especially residents in Davao City, were not stupid and could easily discern that everything was scripted.

“The announcement was suspicious even to ordinary citizens, especially  when they see a desperate presidential hopeful in the person of Mar Roxas instigating meetings for security measures with Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte,” Del Mundo said in an emailed statement.

Del Mundo asserted that aside from the political interests, Aquino has been  pursuing US military interventionist policies in Asia particularly in Davao and Mindanao.

“What is even more shameless in this whole affair is how the US-Aquino regime pursues US military interventionist policies in Asia, eyeing

Davao and Mindanao as its ultimate war theater, at the expense of national sovereignty and patrimony, Del Mundo said.

Earlier, Duterte revealed that the US government has forwarded their intent to utilize the city’s old airport as a base for its drones program.

The mayor shared that a retired Filipino general connected with the Visiting Forces Agreement talked to him to communicate the request of the US government.

“I told him that I would not allow planes or drones here. It is not that I am scared. I just do not want to make enemies,” Duterte said.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/616650/military-owns-raw-terror-threat-report-that-should-not-have-been-released

NDF: Army fails to destroy rebel base

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jul 4): NDF: Army fails to destroy rebel base

The National Democratic Front-Negros yesterday claimed that the military failed to destroy the guerilla base of the New People’s Army in northern Negros, despite its sustained combat operations and Civil Military Operations-related projects being implemented by the Oplan Bayanihan campaign and the Provincial Peace Integration and Development Unit.

Instead, the strength of the NPA not only increased, but it also managed to expand its mass bases in northern Negros, NDF spokesperson Frank Fernandez said in a statement he issued to the media.

 

Earlier the Army’s 303rd Infantry Brigade had described as “successful” the Provincial Peace Integration and Development Unit peace and development initiatives in conflict-affected communities in the 1st and 5th district of Negros Occidental.

 

Fernandez said the transfer of “Marching for Peace, Serving the Countryside” activities from the 1st district to 5th district of Negros Occidental is a desperate attempt of Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. and Col. Jon Aying, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, to give foreign capitalists and investors a free hand in pushing their business interests in the area.

 

The Marching for Peace is a grandiose display of terrorism in the 5th district, he added.

Aying had earlier attributed the success of the peace and development activities to the unity of government officials, working in tandem with civil society groups, church, non-government and people’s organizations.

 

Meanwhile, Fernandez said the Sugarcane Industry Development Act, being proposed by Rep. Alfredo Benitez and the Sugar Industry road map, will serve only the interest of the landlords in Negros Occidental.

 

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2014/July/04/topstory8.htm

Army condemns use of IEDs

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jul 4): Army condemns use of IEDs

The Army’s 3rd Infantry Division yesterday joined the growing calls of civil society groups and the clergy in Western Visayas condemning the continued use of landmines.

Two civilians and two Army soldiers were injured after rebels set off an improvised explosive device used as a landmine in Miag-ao and Guimbal towns of Iloilo Tuesday.

Injured were Melvin Depositario, Dexter Herradura, Sgt. Ruben Dimzon and Cpl. Allen Chris Grapa, military records showed.

Maj. Gen. Aurelio Baladad, 3rd Infantry Division commander, said the New People’s Army has again violated the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL) when it used landmines, not only against soldiers but innocent civilians as well.

Several months ago, the Army's 303rd Infantry Brigade also recovered six anti-personnel claymore mines with blasting caps, which were hidden allegedly by the NPA in Brgy. Purisima, Manapla in Negros Occidental.

This confirmed reports of IEDs being brought into Negros from Panay, and of rebels being trained in assembling homemade explosives, Col. Jon Aying, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, said.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2014/July/04/negor2.htm

AFP evaluating if Usman part of Davao threat

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jul 3): AFP evaluating if Usman part of Davao threat

MANILA, Philippines—With international terror threat Basit Usman still at large, the Armed Forces of the Philippines is evaluating every angle on the possible source of the new brouhaha in Davao City.

“We are evaluating possible angles, we are not discounting if he is part of the threat,” Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Zagala, AFP Public Affairs Office Chief, said.

Earlier reports say that Islamist terror group Abu Sayyaf is planning to sow terror in Davao City, Cotabato City and General Santos City after one of its bomb factories, wherein Usman was said to operate, was raided last June.

Usman has a $1-billion bounty that the United States put on his head while the AFP put P6.3-million

 “Usman is a subject of high interest and is a subject of law enforcement,” Zagala said.
He added that Usman trained under Fatur Rohman Al-Ghozi in the late 1990s and is linked with the Abu Sayyaf and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.
“Basit Usman must be made accountable for his crimes,” Zagala said.
In response to the threat, the AFP has coordinated with the Philippine National Police in securing the area.

Various checkpoints that the joint forces man are scattered about in the region.
“We urge our citizens to be more vigilant and report to the authorities any information that would help our troops in our ongoing security operations against the terrorist,” Zagala said.


Read more: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/616754/afp-evaluating-if-usman-part-of-davao-threat#ixzz36TGOjmv8
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PH, US mark ‘Friendship Day’

From the Manila Standard Today (Jul 4): PH, US mark ‘Friendship Day’

AS the country marks the 52nd Filipino-American Friendship Day today, Vice President Jejomar Binay asked the United States government to grant temporary protection status to Filipinos who survived or have relatives affected by super typhoon “Yolanda” last November.

“Today we celebrate the bond of two nations whose kinship is rooted in the ideals of freedom and democracy and built on mutual respect and cooperation,” Binay, concurrent presidential adviser on overseas Filipino workers’ concerns, said on Thursday.

The Philippines 4th. Old photographs
show the ceremony at the Luneta
where the US flag was pulled down
as that of the Philippines was raised
on July 4, 1946. Days before,
Filipino socialites gathered at
Malacañan Palace to put the
finishing touches on the US flag
that was used in the ceremony.

“As we celebrate this long-standing alliance, I hope that as an act of goodwill, the United States government will grant Temporary Protection Status to our [countrymen] currently working in the US who were or have relatives affected by super typhoon Yolanda,” he added.

Temporary protected status is an immigration condition where eligible nationals of designated countries are allowed to stay in the US temporarily because of ongoing armed conflict, environmental disaster or other extraordinary and temporary condition in their home country.
So far, the seven countries under TPS are El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Nicaragua, Somalia, Sudan and Syria. The Philippines, along with Guatemala and Pakistan, are the countries seeking TPS for its citizens.
The vice president said the issuance of the TPS will allow Filipinos in the US to focus on providing for their families and rebuilding their lives without worrying about being removed from employment or deported back to the Philippines.
Binay said the humanitarian act will further cement and deepen the friendship between Filipinos and Americans which the country celebrates on the day the US officially withdrew from the Philippines in July 4, 1946.

The country’s Independence Day was celebrated in ceremonies held at the Independence Grandstand (a temporary structure built in front of the Rizal Monument) with the US flag was lowered and the Philippine flag was raised to fly alone over the islands.

According pre-World War II socialite Pura Kalaw, the last American flag to fly over the Philippines was specially-prepared by Filipino socialites, including three first ladies: Mrs. Manuel L. Quezon, Mrs. Sergio Osmeña and Mrs. Manuel Roxas.
After the ties at the Luneta, the flag was sent to the US as a souvenir from a former colony which, like the US, also celebrated its own independence day on July 4.

But after 16 years, President Diosdado Macapagal issued a proclamation in 1962 moving the date of Independence Day from July 4 to June 12, the date Filipinos declared independence from Spain at Emilio Aguinaldo’s home in Kawit, Cavite in 1898.

In his proclamation, President Macapagal cited “the establishment of the Philippine Republic by the Revolutionary Government under General Emilio Aguinaldo on June 12, 1898, marked our people’s declaration and exercise of their right to self-determination, liberty and independence.”

 http://manilastandardtoday.com/2014/07/04/ph-us-mark-friendship-day-/

3 soldiers wounded in clash

From the Manila Bulletin (Jul 4): 3 soldiers wounded in clash

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Misamis Oriental -- Three army soldiers were airlifted to the military camp here Friday morning as fresh fighting erupted anew in the hinterlands of Lagonglong, a fifth class town north of the province.

Maj. Christian Uy, spokesperson of the army’s 4th Infantry Division in Camp Evangelista, said an army soldier was in critical condition while two others were slightly wounded.

Uy said the soldiers of the 58th Infantry Division were on combat patrol when they encountered an undetermined number of armed men believed members of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) in Kapatagan, Lagonglong Friday morning.

He said that fighting continues as of press time.

The military has dispatched helicopter gunships to provide the government troopers air cover and immediate evacuation of the wounded, Uy added.

Uy said it could not be determined yet if the rebels have suffered casualties in the gun battle that rages in the hinterlands of Lagonglong.

Two days ago, elements of the army’s 58th IB also figured in an armed encounter with the NPA rebels in the nearby village of Bunal, a hinterland village in the municipal town of Salay, Uy said.

He said that there were no reports of casualty in the Salay armed skirmish.

The encounter in Lagonglong took place two days after the military launched a hot pursuit operation against the NPA rebels who were suspected in the ambush-slaying of Impasug-ong town Mayor Mario T. Okinlay in Bukidnon last Wednesday morning.

Uy said that the military tagged the NPA as responsible in the ambush-slaying of Okinlay who was on his way home Wednesday morning to their town proper after a medical mission in the remote village of Bontongon the day before.

The town of Impasug-ong borders the mountains of Claveria, a rebel infested farming town in Misamis Oriental.

http://www.mb.com.ph/3-soldiers-wounded-in-clash/

PH-Vietnam agree to address tension in the South China Sea

From the Manila Bulletin (Jul 4): PH-Vietnam agree to address tension in the South China Sea

With China becoming increasingly aggressive in the disputed South China Sea, the Philippines and Vietnam emphasized the urgent need to address the escalating challenges in the region through peaceful means and in accordance with international law including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

This communal view was raised by Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh during their meeting in Hanoi  Wednesday.

According to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), the discussions between the two foreign ministers were “comprehensive, constructive and productive, and covered bilateral cooperative projects, international and regional concerns, and people-to-people ties.”

At the same time, the two foreign ministers urged that the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) be implemented in its entirety, including refraining from the use of coercive force.

The two Ministers also agreed that the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) be expeditiously concluded without undue delay.

STRONGER TIES

In this regard, Del Rosario and his Vietnamese counterpart reaffirmed the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Joint Statement on the Developments in the South China Sea issued last May 10 and the ASEAN Six-Point Principles on the South China Sea.

Aside from the full implementation of the DOC and the Guidelines for the Implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, the six-point principles of ASEAN include : the early conclusion of a COC, the full respect of the universally recognized principles of International Law, including the UNCLOS, the continued exercise of self-restraint and non-use of force by all parties, and the peaceful resolution of disputes, in accordance with universally recognized principles of International Law.

On a bilateral basis, the two ministers discussed a wide range of issues and agreed to further promote cooperation in many areas such as fisheries, ocean and maritime, defense and security, trade and investment. The Foreign Ministers also agreed to advance partnership to a higher level, including the establishment of a Joint Commission headed by the two Ministers to formulate a road map in working towards a strategic partnership.

The two countries are currently embroiled in separate territorial disputes with China over territories in the South China Sea.

FLOWERS NOT THORNS

Meanwhile, China urged the United States to have an objective view of China’s national conditions as well as its domestic and foreign policies.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, speaking to former US Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson ahead of next week’s China-US Strategic and Economic Dialogue said he hoped both countries could use such gatherings to keep “injecting positive energy” into the relationship.

“The two sides should expand common interests, deepen cooperation, plant more flowers, not thorns, clear the interference and avoid suspicion and confrontation,” Xi was quoted as saying by the official China Daily.

China would stick to the path of peaceful development and shoulder its international duties, Xi added.

China and the United States, as the world’s two largest economies, have close trade and business ties and work together on important international issues like North Korea.
US Secretary of State John Kerry is also attending, and will likely address Chinese concerns over what Beijing views as Washington’s support for Japan, Vietnam, and the Philippines over their territorial disputes with China.

http://www.mb.com.ph/category/lifestyle/moms-and-kids/

With one eye on Washington, China plots its own Asia 'pivot'

Posted to InterAksyon (Jul 4): With one eye on Washington, China plots its own Asia 'pivot'

The Silk Road, an obscure Kazakh-inspired security forum and a $50-billion Asian infrastructure bank are just some of the disparate elements in an evolving Chinese strategy to try to counter Washington's "pivot" to the region.

While Chinese leaders have not given the government's growing list of initiatives a label or said they had an overall purpose, Chinese experts and diplomats said Beijing appeared set on shaping Asia's security and financial architecture more to its liking.

"China is trying to work out its own counterbalance strategy," said Sun Zhe, director of the Centre for US-China Relations at Beijing's Tsinghua University and who has advised China's government on its foreign policy.

Added one Beijing-based Western diplomat who follows China's international relations: "This is all clearly aimed at the United States."

President Barack Obama's pivot -- as the White House initially dubbed it -- represented a strategy to refocus on Asia's dynamic economies as the United States disentangled itself from costly wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

China sees the pivot as an attempt to contain its growing influence, especially given the United States is strengthening its ties with Asian security allies such as Japan and the Philippines, which have bitter territorial disputes with Beijing in the region's waters.

Washington denies this.

One key part of China's diplomatic outreach has been to breath life into the little-known Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia, or CICA, which has languished since Kazakhstan proposed it in 1992 to promote peace and security.

CICA comprises two dozen mostly Asian nations, as well as Russia and some Middle Eastern countries. The United States, Japan and the Philippines are not members.

China took over chairmanship of CICA at a summit in Shanghai in May for three years. There, President Xi Jinping spoke about a new "Asian security concept," saying China would explore the formulation of a code of conduct for regional security and an Asian security partnership program.

While Xi gave few details and made no direct mention of disputes such as in the South China Sea, he warned Asian nations about strengthening military alliances to counter China, an oblique reference to the US pivot.

"Asian problems must be resolved by Asian people, and Asian security must be protected by Asian people," Xi said.

Rival bank?

Another Chinese initiative is the $50 billion Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, which Xi first proposed in October during a visit to Southeast Asia.

Finance Minister Lou Jiwei said this week Beijing would likely have a 50 percent stake in the bank, which diplomats see as a possible rival to the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank, though China says its role is a complementary one, not competitive.

Washington and Tokyo have the biggest voting rights in both the decades-old institutions.

China sees the infrastructure bank as a way to spread the message of its benign intentions in Asia, where developing countries such as the Philippines and Vietnam accuse Beijing of being the aggressor over territorial claims.

"China upholds a basic guiding principle in regional diplomacy -- being friends and partners with our neighbors," Lou said.

On top of that, China has dangled financial and trade incentives to Central Asia, backing efforts to resurrect the old Silk Road that once carried treasures between China and the Mediterranean.

China is also pushing ahead with various trade pacts in the region, but is not part of negotiations for the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a 12-nation bloc whose two biggest economies are the United States and Japan.

Not everyone is convinced China's initiatives will amount to much.

"Some of those things are more about the optics of these issues rather than the realities of a Chinese-led order," said Matthew Goodman, senior adviser for Asian Economics at the Center for Security and International Studies in Washington.

Washington watching

China's foreign policy since the country began economic reforms three decades ago has traditionally followed the maxim of late paramount leader Deng Xiaoping of "hiding ones' strength and biding ones' time," or keeping a low profile.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi earlier this year flagged China's more assertive regional foreign policy at his annual press conference and in a newspaper article.

"We must accept the role of a responsible major country in international affairs," Wang wrote.

Asked this week whether China was carrying out its own pivot, Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said China was pursing a policy of good neighborliness.

A senior Obama administration official said Washington was paying close attention to Xi's approach to Asia.

"We noted his statement at the CICA conference about Asia for Asians, the growing criticism of US alliances and the Asian infrastructure bank," said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

"It's raising serious questions about whether the US vision and the Chinese vision are fully compatible."

A second senior US official said Washington had not been assured that the infrastructure bank would adopt the high governance and other standards of institutions such as the World Bank and the ADB. He said the administration did not see how such an entity would "add value" for the region and that Washington would be making this point to Asian allies.

While they were not members, the United States and Japan were welcome to join the bank, Lou said.

Top Chinese and US officials will get the chance to discuss the bank and many other issues during annual talks in Beijing on July 9-10, a meeting known as the Strategic and Economic Dialogue.

Forgotten anniversaries

At the start of the CICA summit, China turned on the pomp, with live television showing Red Flag limousines delivering leaders one by one to a Shanghai conference center where they walked down a red carpet to shake hands with Xi.

Most recently, Xi feted suspicious neighbors India and Myanmar last Saturday to celebrate the 1954 signing of almost forgotten principles of peaceful coexistence.
He cited Indian Nobel Literature laureate Rabindranath Tagore in a speech to India's vice president on the 60th anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence, an early Cold War pledge of peace between China, India and the country then known as Burma.

Xi has gone out of his way to court India, a country which hosts exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama and with which China has a festering border dispute.
Still, China's messages of peace can come across as ham-fisted to those it's trying to court.

"China has long engaged in a kind of smile diplomacy in the region but the challenge for China is that many of its neighbors can see the glint of steel beneath the robe," said Goodman from the CSIS thinktank.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/90491/with-one-eye-on-washington-china-plots-its-own-asia-pivot

Sulu province donates 600-horsepower speedboat to military

From the Mindanao Examiner (Jul 3): Sulu province donates 600-horsepower speedboat to military



The Sulu provincial government handed over a 600-horsepower speedboat it donated to the Philippine Marines in support to its law enforcement operations in the southern Philippines.

The boat also serves as a multi-purpose vessel which the military can use in its rescue or logistic operations, among others.

Governor Totoh Tan and Vice-Governor Sakur Tan led the turnover of the speedboat to Brigadier General Martin Pinto, commander of the 2nd Marine Brigade, and Brigadier General Orlando del Leon, the deputy chief of the Western Mindanao Command who represented Lt. Gen. Rustico Guererro.

Both Pinto and De Leon thanked the provincial officials for the donation, saying, the speedboat equipped with three outboard engines, is a big contribution to the efforts of authorities in maintaining peace and order in the province.

The provincial government has been very supportive of the military and police authorities in Sulu in an effort to professionalize the uniformed personnel here.








Sulu Governor Totoh Tan and Vice-Governor Sakur Tan hand over a 600-horsepower speedboat the provincial government donated to the Philippine Marines. Brigadier General Martin Pinto, commander of the 2nd Marine Brigade, and Brigadier General Orlando de Leon, the deputy chief of the Western Mindanao Command who represented Lt. Gen. Rustico Guererro, received the boat on July 2, 2014. (Mindanao Examiner Photo - Franzie Sali)

http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/2014/07/sulu-province-donates-600-horsepower.html

Six JSOG officers killed by ‘friendly fire’; probe on

From the Daily Tribune (Jul 4): Six JSOG officers killed by ‘friendly fire’; probe on

Another military blunder?

An inquiry is now ongoing to determine whether there was a “misfire” of artillery that resulted in the death of six members of the military’s elite Joint Special Operations Group (JSOG) during an operation in Sulu province.

An informed source said that the Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom), which has jurisdiction over military units deployed in Sulu, created a Board of Inquiry (BoI) to look into the incident last June 19 in Barangay Kabuntakas, Patikul.

The source admitted there were reports that the death of six members of JSOG was caused by a “friendly fire.”

“Wesmincom is now conducting an investigation, a BoI was created for that,” said the official, who requested anonymity.

“Those are the reports now subject of investigation by the BoI. There is nothing clear as of now,” he added.

The incident stemmed from an intense clash between elements of the 2nd Marine Brigade and Abu Sayyaf terrorist in the hinterlands of Patikul at around 6:30 a.m last June 19.

A Marine lieutenant was killed during the clash.

Hours later, six JSOG members were also killed after they were hit reportedly by a mortar fire in Barangay Kabuntakas.

Initial report, at that time, said that the JSOG, composed of Army soldiers, were dispatched to reinforce the Marines engaged by the Abu Sayyaf but were hit by a mortar.

However, there were reports saying that the JSOG were hit by a “misfire” from other military units.

“That is the subject of the investigation. There are reports saying they were hit by mortar while other information said it was a cannon…so we cannot say what really transpired until after the BoI completes its report,” the officer said.

The source said that part of the inquiry would be to determine if the artillery used were not “defective.”

“You can only plot your target…after firing, you’ll never know if the ammos will work based on the plot or if fail because they are defective,” he said.

Another officer, however, downplayed the possibility that a “friendly fire” hit the JSOG personnel.

“Initial plotting showed they (JSOG personnel) were not along the line of fire,” the second source said.

“In Sulu, lawless elements, particularly the Abu Sayyaf group, have mortars and other heavy armaments, including IEDs (improvised explosive devices) being used against government troops,” he added.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/six-jsog-officers-killed-by-friendly-fire-probe-on

Filipino masses are not stupid. Aquino should stop terror threat charade

NDF propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Jul 3): Filipino masses are not stupid. Aquino should stop terror threat charade

Rubi Del Mundo
Spokesperson
NDFP Southern Mindanao Chapter

 

The National Democratic Front Southern Mindanao slams the early politicking of the US-Aquino regime as demonstrated by its recent irresponsible, careless and clearly concocted announcement of terror threats in Davao City. Using as mouthpiece the AFP Eastern Mindanao Command, Benigno Aquino, III and his gang led by Mar Roxas have exposed themselves as having aligned their political interests for 2016 with that of the United States Imperialism. Not content with approving the highly irregular and grossly anti-people Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), the puppet US-Aquino regime patently wants Davao City to be its war launch pad of the South—and be popular in the process, a popularity enough to translate into presidential votes.

The Filipino masses, however, are not stupid, and can see through this whole brouhaha as scripted and orchestrated. Nothing can be so far from the truth when the US-Aquino regime announced that a Jemaah Islamiyah bomb expert led by one Abdul Basit Usman will bomb installations in the city. And even if bombing would occur in the city—a possibility not far-fetched to occur anytime and anywhere among US neo-colonies in the world—history has shown that the bombings would most likely be regime-sponsored.

The announcement was suspicious even to ordinary citizens, especially when they see a desperate presidential hopeful in the person of Mar Roxas instigating meetings for security measures with Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte. The Aquino-Roxas faction in the ruling class is sending obvious signals to the public and to Duterte who is playing his cards as a potential 2016 frontrunner. Aquino would later backtrack by saying that the terror threat is based on raw information, a fact that did not surprise many discerning citizens who are already tired of this regime’s disinformation and penchant for lies and cover-up.

What is even more shameless in this whole affair is how the US-Aquino regime pursues US military interventionist policies in Asia, eyeing Davao and Mindanao as its ultimate war theater, at the expense of national sovereignty and patrimony. What is even more callous and insensitive amid this terror threat is how the US-Aquino regime focuses on further perpetuating lies to protect its elitist interest and glosses over the real issues besetting the masses—the grave economic crisis in general and specifically, the skyrocketing increases in the prices of rice, electricity and other basic commodities.

The Aquino administration has not lifted a finger on how to stop the increases of rice prices and alleviate the suffering of the urban and rural poor consumers of this basic staple. Aquino is only interested in nailing the coffin against his political opponents while trying hard to absolve himself from being part of the PDAF scam. Aquino is truly the pork barrel king even in the eyes of justices of the reactionary regime when its High Court declared as unconstitutional the presidential pork or the Disbursement Acceleration Program.

Thus, the people must unite and gather enough strength in order to oust a corrupt, puppet and fascist president and remove Aquino from power.

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20140703_filipino-masses-are-not-stupid-aquino-should-stop-terror-threat-charade

Muslims getting restive over Bangsa law delay – group

From the Manila Times (Jul 3): Muslims getting restive over Bangsa law delay – group

A multi-sectoral group of Muslim, Christian and Indigenous Peoples has expressed alarm over the continued delay in the release of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) submitted more than two months ago to Malacañang by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) after the signing of a comprehensive agreement between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

The Mindanao Peoples Caucus (MPC) said it was high time the draft BBL was released to the public to assure all stakeholders of the sincerity of the government efforts to forge a lasting peace in the South.

“Unhealthy speculations are running high about the fate of the peace roadmap agreed upon by both the government and the [MILF] in a bid to settle over four decades of Moro rebellion in Mindanao,” the MPC said in a statement.

It explained that unhealthy speculations have stemmed from the unavailability to public scrutiny of the BBL.

The statement stressed that the longer such speculations persist, the greater the chance of eroding the public’s trust in the peace process.

“The biggest stakeholders of the peace process are Mindanao’s grassroots communities and peoples who have suffered the most during the long periods of war,” the group added.

“We feel that enough time has passed for a thorough review of the BTC draft; it is also about time to give the public, especially the Bangsamoro constituency, the opportunity to examine the documents,” MPC further said.

The group also urged Malacañang to immediately release its comments on the BTC’s draft basic law before a ‘revised’ draft is submitted to Congress when it resumes session on July 28.

Earlier, MILF vice chairman for political affairs Ghadzali Jaafar said every day of delay reduces the BBL’s chances of becoming a law within the year.

“It is important to the Bangsamoro government because a government cannot run without a law,” Jaafar stressed.

He said the Bangsamoro people was getting worried at the delay but ignored speculations that the Aquino administration might not be interested in the peace agreement.

Jaafar also hinted that the delay in passage of the BBL could lead to some sort of violence.

“I am not saying that but the question is what will happen if the approval of the proposed [BBL] is delayed? If the ratification of the proposed [BBL] is delayed, what will the Bangsomoro do? Will the Bangsamoro accept that, if they reject it, what will they do? That I cannot answer for the moment,” Jaafar stressed.

The draft law was submitted by the BTC to Malacanang on April 22.
Its enactment into law would pave the way for the establishment of a new autonomous region in Mindanao to end the decades-old conflict in the South.

Malacañang, through Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma, earlier said the draft law would not be forwarded to Congress until the Palace legal team and the Office of the Chief Presidential Legal Counsel finishes reviewing it.

Coloma, however, could not say when the review would be completed since it needed a meticulous and thorough evaluation to ensure that it conforms with the Constitution.

http://www.manilatimes.net/muslims-getting-restive-over-bangsa-law-delay-group/108828/

Part 1: Can America stay the course in East Asia and the West Pacific?

From the Manila Times (Jul 3): Part 1: Can America stay the course in East Asia and the West Pacific?

Beijing’s assertiveness on the China sea tests US resolve to remain a Pacific power

Beijing’s assertiveness on the South China Sea seems, above all else, a test of America’s resolve to stay a Pacific power.

Chinese leaders see their country’s rise to wealth and power as signifying the transformation of the world order: the tilting of global gravity away from the Atlantic toward the Pacific.

President Xi Jinping wants President Barack Obama to acknowledge China’s arrival as a great power—with a rightful role in “shaping new global rules and norms.”

In China-US relations, he wants to build “strategic reassurance”; respect for each other’s “core interests”; and recognition of each other’s “spheres of influence.” ”

A recession of US influence

These negotiating demands will mean—unavoidably—some cutback in US influence: some recession in the activist strategy the US has followed in the West Pacific since the 1890s.

At that time, the geopolitician Captain Alfred Thayer Mahan and his disciples (who included Theodore Roosevelt, then Under-Secretary of the Navy) began to regard the projection of US sea-power as a kind of “forward defense”—as well as an expression of America’s “Manifest Destiny” as a global power.

Mahan argued that while America’s Atlantic coast was protected by its French and British allies, the Asian mainland and the islands enclosing the China Sea were occupied by peoples alien to the Americans. So that it is an invasion from the Pacific that would threaten the US.

Through Roosevelt’s influence (he became president in 1901-09), the US Navy acquired way stations in the immensities of the Pacific and, through the 1898 war Washington forced on Madrid, Manila Bay as its East Asian base.

And, sure enough, Mahan’s apocalyptic vision of danger rising from the Pacific became a reality four decades later. In 1941, a beleaguered Japan struck pre-emptively at Pearl Harbor.

East Asian hegemony

Since Japan’s defeat, the US has kept alliances and bases all along the China Sea coast to prevent a continental power—whether China or the USSR—from breaking out to the West Pacific and the world ocean.

And, ironically, it is the regional stability generated by the US hegemony that enabled China—no less than East Asia’s “tiger” economies—to grow at unprecedented rates.

After surpassing Germany as the largest exporter in October 2009, China overtook Japan to become the second-largest economy in middle 2010.

Now only the US is ahead in GDP terms—and even that may change by 2025.

Strengths and weaknesses

How America the hegemonic power and China the revisionist power resolve their conflicts will determine the course of regional history during this next generation.

Militarily, Washington still outspends all the great powers put together. China’s military budget for 2014 is 12.2% more than it declared for 2013. Experts believe its expenditure is higher than the declared total.

Since China still spends only 2.5% of its GDP on its military, against4.5% by the US, the Chinese won’t go bankrupt, as the Russians did, trying to compete against the Americans.

Ominously, China’s top generals are beginning to express their views on political issues. The Brookings Institute think tank notes a profound “lack of coordination between the foreign ministry and the military.”

In its search for friends, Beijing is devising a “March West” strategy to counter Washington’s “pivot to Asia.” Beijing aims to fill the power vacuum Washington leaves behind as it disengages from the Middle East.

Economic stresses

Economically, China is virtually allied with the US. Their two-way trade exceeds 400 billion dollars, and China is the biggest US creditor.

By 2030, China will be importing 75% of its oil. But the US is increasingly oil-independent, because of new shale oil and gas fields. China has just surpassed the US as the largest oil importer.

Then, too, China’s labor pool is drying up, so that wages are rising rapidly—hurting its export competitiveness.

In the US, joblessness is projected to continue for another decade or so.

Economic stresses will tend to turn Americans inward—against immigrants, foreign commitments and foreign trade—and make policy compromises between its political parties even more difficult.

Meanwhile income inequality is devastating America’s cherished egalitarian myth.

In January 2014, half of all Americans thought their country’s system of democracy either needed “a lot of changes” or a complete overhaul.

In its people’s view, China’s political culture too needs improvement. The rising middle class is beginning to challenge authoritarian rule at local-government level.

“Between 2006 and 2010,” The New Yorker notes, “the number of strikes and riots and what Chinese officials call ‘mass incidents’ doubled to 180,000 a year.”

Build-up of forces

China’s muscle still comes disproportionately from its 1.4 million ground troops–the world’s biggest. Xi Jinping’s reforms are preparing it to fight the sea-air battle it must win against the US-Japan combine.    By 2020, the PLA will have ballistic missiles, stealth jets and the nuclei of carrier battle groups.

Immediately, Beijing aims to prevent the defection of Taiwan and deter US intervention in any confrontation with its estranged island. In 1996, the US sent two carrier battle groups off the island during a Taiwan Straits crisis.

A 2009 study by the think tank RAND judged the US no longer able to defend Taiwan from Chinese attack by 2020.

Over the longer term, China seeks to break its encirclement by the US and its allies and dominate its surrounding sea.

Meanwhile, Washington has been building an Asia-Pacific strongpoint on its island-territory of Guam—as the focal point of all US efforts to project power in the Western Pacific and as far away as the Indian Ocean.

From Guam, in the Marianas, it is only two days’ sailing to Manila Bay for an American carrier battle-group.

“Part 2: Looking for a new great power relationship” will come out tomorrow.

http://www.manilatimes.net/part-1-can-america-stay-the-course-in-east-asia-and-the-west-pacific/108877/

New division chief vows tough campaign vs Abu Sayyaf, NPA

From the Philippine Star (Jul 3): New division chief vows tough campaign vs Abu Sayyaf, NPA

A ground military commander, seasoned in counter-insurgency and separatism in Mindanao, vowed “an aggressive” campaign against the Abu Sayyaf and insurgents as he formally assumed as the chief of the army’s 1st Division in Western Mindanao area.

Brig. Gen. Gerardo Barrientos was installed by Philippine Army (PA) acting chief Maj. Gen. Romulo Cabatac Jr. during simple military rites held at Camp Major Cesar Sang-an in Labangan town, Zamboanga del Sur.

Barrientos, of Philippine Military Class (PMA) ’83, took over the helm from Maj. Gen. Felicito Virgilio Trinidad who now heads the Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom).

Prior to his new assignment, Barrientos led the army brigade in Sarangani areas in quelling the Abu Sayyaf faction and lost command Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) faction under Umbra Amiril Kato.

Barrientos also led the 102nd Army Brigade in Zamboanga Sibugay province against the lost command group operating the kidnap for ransom syndicate. He was also assigned as assistant commander of the 4th Infantry Division in Cagayan de Oro before he assumed as the 1st Division chief.

Barrientos vowed to step up the campaign against the Abu Sayyaf groups operating in Basilan and Sulu and mainland of Zamboanga peninsula.

“The campaign is already there and  what we need is to make it more  aggressive  to put a stop of their terrorism and kidnapping activities,” Barrientos said.

He said similar campaign will be implemented against the New People’s Army (NPA) operating in some areas in Zamboanga del Sur and Misamis Occidental provinces. 

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2014/07/03/1342032/new-division-chief-vows-tough-campaign-vs-abu-sayyaf-npa

Friendly fire killed 6 soldiers in Sulu? AFP probe on

From the Philippine Star (Jul 3): Friendly fire killed 6 soldiers in Sulu? AFP probe on

Were six members of the Armed Forces’ Joint Special Operations Group (JSOG) killed by friendly howitzer fire and not by Abu Sayyaf militants during heavy fighting in Patikul, Sulu last month?

Sources said this is now the subject of an investigation by a Board of Inquiry, which would determine if the incident would warrant the convening of a general court martial or not.

“What happened out there with our JSOG elements was a result of friendly fire,” one of the sources alleged, saying the six JSOG men were hit by 105-mm howitzer rounds that landed right in their forward command post in the outskirts of Patikul town.

Prior to the incident, another source said JSOG members were all set to reinforce elements of Marine Force Recon who were waylaid by Abu Sayyaf militants while conducting combat operations in the hinterlands of Patikul on the early morning of June 19.

In the first volley of gunfire, 1Lt. Roger Flores, the third-ranking graduate of Philippine Military Academy’s Masiglahi Class of 2009, was felled by the militants’ bullets. A number of his men were wounded.
 
At the height of the fighting, the Marines, according to another source, called for fire support from higher headquarters. The fire support came in the form of the 105-mm howitzer rounds. 

But instead of hitting the Abu Sayyaf position, three 105-mm rounds directly landed on the JSOG’s forward command outpost, killing six and wounding several others.

“The troops were then readying to reinforce their ambushed Marine colleagues when the unfortunate incident happened,” the source said.

When the fighting ended, at least 24 Marines and JSOG men were officially declared wounded in action, some of them in critical condition and had to be airlifted to the Zamboanga City military hospital.

Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, the Armed Forces’ public affairs chief, confirmed the creation of the inquiry board to find out what went wrong and if there were operational lapses to prevent similar incidents in the future.

“The objective is not really fault-finding,” he said.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2014/07/04/1342071/friendly-fire-killed-6-soldiers-sulu-afp-probe

Clans end rido in Buluan

From the Philippine Star (Jul 3): Clans end rido in Buluan



Senior members of the feuding Utto and Kabugatan families swear over the Quran to put closure to their decades-old "rido" (clan war) during a reconciliation rite brokered by the Maguindanao provincial peace and order council.  JOHN UNSON

Leaders of two more feuding Moro clans on Tuesday swore over the Quran to end their decades-old “rido” that caused the deaths of dozens from both sides in clashes.

The reconciliation rite, held at Buluan town in Maguindanao, was preceded by last month’s reconciliation of five rival ethnic Iranon families from the first district of the province, through the efforts of the inter-agency provincial peace and order council (PPOC).

The Utto and Kabugatan families in Maguindanao’s adjoining Sultan sa Barongis and Rajah Buayan towns agreed to reconcile last Tuesday through the joint intercession of Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu, and Brig. Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan of the Army's 6th Infantry Division.

Mangudadatu said the local government units of Rajah Buayan and Sultan sa Barongis also helped convince the two families to agree to an amicable settlement of their rido, which means clan war in most Moro dialects.

Elders of both families, who repeatedly figured in bloody gunfights sparked by political differences and squabbles for control of strategic patches of lands in the two adjoining municipalities for many years, signed a peace covenant before a Quran, in the presence of Mangudadatu, Rajah Buayan Vice-Mayor Jonathan Lumenda, and Mayor Ramsondatu Angas of Sultan sa Barongis. 

The covenant, drafted by Mangudadatu and senior members of the PPOC, underscored the commitment of leaders and members of the Utto and Kabugatan families to live in peace again and cooperate in restoring their relationship as blood relatives and as neighbors in the villages that were devastated by past hostilities between them.

Mangudadatu said they stepped up their efforts to persuade both camps to reconcile last week.

Mangudadatu said he is confident the PPOC can settle more clan wars involving big families in the province before the Ramadan's end with the sighting of the new moon possibly on the third week of July.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2014/07/03/1342018/clans-end-rido-buluan

Government agencies, military support CSO empowerment

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 3): Government agencies, military support CSO empowerment

Government line agencies including the local government, provincial government of Basilan and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) showed support to Civil Society Organization’s Social Empowerment program.

During the Second Evaluation and Consultation with the Institutional partners on Wednesday, Zamboanga-Basilan Integrated Development Alliance Inc. (ZABIDA) invited almost 20 government line agencies of local and regional offices.

ZABIDA executive director Esperancita Hupida introduced the project “Integrated Social Empowerment Program for the Marginalized Communities of Zamboanga City and Basilan,” as inspired by the Bottom-Up Budgeting (BUB) planning program of the government which is completing its first year cycle this month.

Hupida told the participants that ZABIDA has made a series of trainings for the capacity-building for marginalized sectors of the community.

She even conveyed that the organization tapped majority of these sectors. Among these are children, youth, farmers, fisher folks, vendors, barangay officials and many others.

Using the three themes Poverty reduction, Peace and Security and Good Governance, the marginalized sectors have been processing the planning for their community development using their own plans with the organization’s assistance.

“We have been preparing them to sustain people’s participation in the barangay development planning and that would eventually link to the government agencies concern for implementation,” Hupida said.

With a lot of sectors tapped by the organization, Dr. Arcadio Cavan of Office of the City Veterinarian recommended that these sectors would be moving as one, and therefore create a committee body that would represent the sectors as a whole.

“They will try to identify how they can engage to the local and national levels, and how will they access funding not only in barangays but to national government as well,” Cavan said.

Uldarico Fabian of the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) conveyed that with the gigantic mission of the organization that the government agencies are willing to embrace, and that the key persons of the agencies should really be involved.

“Let us not look at the things as separate entities,” Fabian told the group.

“We should have more capacity-buildings that would involve key persons to participate,” Fabian reiterated.

Cavan agreed that it’s not only the marginalized sectors that need empowerment but also the government line agencies implementing the projects to have harmonious relationships with each other.

Derived from previous experiences, Hupida cited how the non-government organizations (NGOs) usually plan for the community and how NGOs plan with the sectors without relating to the government where some of the projects usually fail.

“Our advocacy in this project now is to bring to the line agencies what the stakeholders want for their own development,” Hupida said.

Department of Agriculture (DA) regional office representative Petronila Amona-Barredo acknowledged ZABIDA for its ideal advocacy for mobilizing the people of its social development as part of people’s participation.

“That is why we call them not as beneficiaries but stakeholders. They are considered as partners,” Barredo said.

Ma. Dinah Villena, of the Department of Trade and Industry-Zamboanga City Office, offered how the agency’s shared service facilities can help and see what technical assistance they can give to sectors that needs livelihood development, stating that in some parts of Zamboanga Peninsula, BUB has already been implemented, while in the city, there is no BUB project yet because there is no specific organization that is asking for such assistance.

Department of Budget and Management Regional Director Wilda Cemine expressed appreciation knowing that ZABIDA in collaboration with Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) is pushing for the people’s participation.

Ruben Mustafa, from Office of the City Planning in Lantawan, Basilan province having reversed occurrence, wherein the Barangay LGUs are those that come to the office ask what Barangay Development Plan they can give to the Barangay.

“ZABIDA came in an appropriate time, as of now, we are working with the stages for the social empowerment,” Mustafa quipped.

Lt. Col. Taharudin Ampatuan of Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) expressed intention to let the soldiers assigned in Basilan to let them join in the planning.

“Peace and Security goes with the economic development of a certain area. Please let the soldiers join for the peace and security,” Ampatuan suggested.

ZABIDA is optimistic that either in BUB or BDP the marginalized sectors plans would come into reality. “If the government may lack resources, we can tap international CSOs who were willing to help, provided we give necessary documents needed,” Hupida said.

At the end of this month, a “Social Empowerment Forum” will be held in this city, having been duly invited the marginalized sectors, government line agencies local and regional, international NGOs and many others for the presentation of the Sectoral Participation in Peace and Community Development and would tackle issues and concerns and hereby bring together responses from concerned agencies.

ZABIDA is a Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) that has been established since 1997.

It is a consortium of four NGOs committed to uplift the quality of life disadvantaged sectors in this city Zand in Basilan province.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=659428

PMA opens doors for prospective cadets

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 3): PMA opens doors for prospective cadets

In line with its efforts to recruit and train people for the country's various military services, the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) on Wednesday announced that applicants interested in becoming members of the Cadet Corps of the Armed Forces of the Philippines can submit their applications until July 25.

Applicants must be natural-born Filipino citizens, single, never been married nor pregnant (if female) nor has a legal obligation to support a child.

They must also be, at a minimum, a high school graduate.

Applicants may submit their application through regular mail or courier services.

They may also take advantage of the online application through the academy’s website at www.pma.ph.

Walk-in applicants with complete documents may take the examination as long as there are sufficient examination booklets.

The academy will be putting up 37 testing centers to attract students with leadership potentials at the following sites:

Manila, Quezon City, Baguio City, Laoag City, Dagupan City, Bontoc, Bayombong, Tuguegarao City, Cabanatuan City, Tarlac City, Pampanga’s City of San Fernando, Calapan City, Lipa City, Puerto Princesa City, Lucena City, Legazpi City, Naga City, Bacolod City, Iloilo City, Kalibo, Cebu City, Dumaguete City, Tagbilaran City, Catbalogan City, Tacloban City, Zamboanga City, Butuan City, Cagayan De Oro City, Ozamiz City, Davao City, General Santos City, Tacurong City, Iligan City, Cotabato City, Jolo, Basco, and Bongao, Tawi-Tawi.

The PMA Entrance Examination aims to measure the mental ability of applicants in the areas of Math (Algebra and Geometry), English (Grammar, Composition, and Reading and Comprehension) and Abstract Reasoning (Verbal and Numerical Reasoning and Pattern Analysis).

Qualified examinees will be informed of their scheduled test date.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=659287

Army scout rangers testing 5,000 pairs of 'Kubar' boots

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 3): Army scout rangers testing 5,000 pairs of 'Kubar' boots

The Philippine Army (PA) on Thursday announced that 5,000 pairs of "Kubar" boots are now undergoing operational tests at the field.

"Kubar" means "HukbongKatihanBoots".

Lt. Col. Noel Detoyato, Army spokesperson, said that these series of tests, ranging from forced marches in rough, muddy, and mountainous terrain, will determine the durability of the boots for combat use.

He added full scale delivery of the "Kubar" to line units will start once the boots successfully pass its operational test.

Scout Rangers based in San Miguel, Bulacan are the ones conducting the operational tests.

The PA earlier announced that it will be acquiring 79, 066 pairs of jungle olive green "Kubar" boots for the use of its soldiers.

Detoyato said that the "Kubar" were inspired by the latest athletic shoes and military boots construction technology.

It added that the above-mentioned boots offers protection, maximum stability, comfort and protection in actual combat training and operations.

There are three color options for the finished "Kubar" boots and these are urban black, jungle olive green, and desert Mojave khaki.

Detoyato said that after a series of research and consultations with the best shoe manufacturers, and the test and evaluation conducted at the Research and Development Center of the Army Support Command, the PA introduced the "Kubar" on Nov. 27, 2013.

He added that the PA believes that soldiers deserve only the best so that they in turn can provide excellent service, especially in performing their duties in combat related missions.

This project is in tune with the Army Transformation Roadmap, which is geared towards making sustainable impact not only on the Army’s systems, processes and organizational capability, but more importantly in the individual soldiers.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=659431

Court rejects motion to drop kidnapping raps vs Tiamzon couple

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jul 2): Court rejects motion to drop kidnapping raps vs Tiamzon couple



Communist Party of the Philippines and New People’s Army chief Benito Tiamzon (left) and his wife, Wilma (right). INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

The motion filed by alleged communist leaders Benito Tiamzon and Wilma Austria to dismiss the kidnapping case against them has been denied by a Quezon City court.

In an order dated June 20, Judge Madonna Echiverri dismissed the Tiamzons’ motion to set aside their arraignment on the charge of kidnapping with serious illegal detention on grounds it was invalid.

In their motion, the accused said “a valid arraignment requires more than a simple reading of the information.” It should ensure that accused is able to fully understand the nature of the charges as well as the possible consequences of whatever plea he or she would make.

The Tiamzons were arraigned “over their objection” on April 8 because they were informed about it late afternoon of the previous day. They refused to enter a plea so the court entered a “not guilty” plea for them.

In her order, Echiverri said “the counsel for accused were given ample time to confer with the accused before the reading of the information.”

The Tiamzons also asked the court to dismiss the case because it should have been absorbed in the rebellion charge against them.

The judge said the defense must justify that their alleged acts were committed in furtherance of a political act during the trial.

“The proof of showing political motivation is deduced during trial where accused is assured of opportunity to present evidence supporting the defense,” the judge said.

The case will proceed with a pre-trial hearing on August 11. http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/616201/court-rejects-motion-to-drop-kidnapping-raps-vs-tiamzon-couple

Alleged MILF fighter dies in clash vs farmers

From ABS-CBN (Jul 2): Alleged MILF fighter dies in clash vs farmers

COTABATO CITY - A firefight between a group of farmers and alleged members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) transpired in Matalam, North Cotabato on Tuesday, the Army's 602nd Brigade said.

Authorities said the farmers were preparing their rice field in Sitio Maligaya, Barangay Malamuti when several armed men shot at them at around 6 a.m.

The armed group was allegedly led by Commander Onson Baliwan of the 5th Brigade of the MILF's 108th Base Command.

One member, identified as Muslimin Baliwan, was killed in the clash.

Hours after the firefight, a dialogue among military troops, North Cotabato board member Kelly Antao, and a representative of Baliwan was held in Barangay Cuyapon, Kabacan, North Cotabato.

The military and police said land conflict was the motive behind the attack.

Last month, a firefight also took place between the MILF and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in Matalam because of land dispute.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/07/02/14/alleged-milf-fighter-dies-clash-vs-farmers

‘NDF laying ground for assassination’

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jul 2): ‘NDF laying ground for assassination’

Assassination?

Abang Lingkod Rep. Stephen Paduano said yesterday that the National Democratic Front-Negros is laying the ground for his assassination by issuing “malicious and concocted” accusations against him.

 

NDF Negros spokesperson Frank Fernandez, in a statement furnished the media Monday, slammed the installation of Paduano, former national commander of the Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade, as a representative of what he called the “bogus” Abang Lingkod partylist-group in the House of Representatives.

 

Fernandez said Abang Lingkod is a bogus party-list group that does not represent any marginalized sector.

 

He also linked Paduano to the series of killings of peasant leaders in Negros, and said other RPA-ABB leaders were also linked to the murder of Kabankalan Regional Trial Court Judge Henry Arles in Ilog, and that of Romeo Capalla in Iloilo.

 

He added that they are also part of the much-dreaded “death squad,” allegedly of the Philippine Army.

 

These are just a few of the cases filed before the People’s Revolutionary Court against the RPA and Paduano, Fernandez also said.

 

Paduano said the claims of Fernandez against him and Abang Lingkod is a big insult to the intellect and constitutional rights of the 200,000 who voted for his partylist group in Negros Occidental and the 60,000 more in other provinces .

 

“They are recycled, concocted, malicious accusations from an old dog who never learns new tricks,” Paduano said.

 

Their system of justice that is carried out through "kangaroo courts" that is a shortcut of the justice system is what is bogus, Paduano said.

 

If Fernandez is still alive, his statement shows old age while thinking like a crying kid, he added.

 

PEOPLE’S COURT

 

“I challenge him (Fernandez) if he is still alive and can still talk straight, to a debate over the airwaves,” Paduano added.

 

“What about the hundreds of innocent victims executed by their (the NDF’s) executioners on orders of their fake people’s court. They are the accuser, judge and executioners,” Paduano said.

 

He also cited the thousands of Negrense victims of the NDF’s Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army revolutionary taxation in countryside by force and intimidation, and their using the money for their terroristic activities and not for services for the people.

 

“It is only the legitimate government that can tax people, not these arrogant and anti people terrorists of the CPP-NPA,” Paduano added.

 

Paduano, 49, a native of Negros Occidental, joined the New People’s Army (NPA) in 1982 and rose through the ranks.

 

When his group split from the NPA in 1997, they formed the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa-Pilipinas with the RPA-ABB as its armed wing. The group has entered into a peace agreement with the government.

 

Paduano resigned as RPA-ABB national commander in June 2012 to campaign for Abang Lingkod, of which he was first nominee.

 

Negros Occidental Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. would not comment on the NDF statement against Paduano.

 

But he said he is reiterating his offer to provide medical assistance to Fernandez who, he heard, is sick.

 

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2014/July/02/topstory5.htm

RPA peace pact still in limbo

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jul 3): RPA peace pact still in limbo

The signing of a closure agreement to the to the peace talks between the government and the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa-Pilipinas-Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade (Tabara Paduano Group) remains in limbo.

Abang Lingkod party-list Rep. Stephen Paduano, who recently met with Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita “Ging” Deles, said yesterday that he and RPM-P chairwoman Veronica Tabara were told that the closure agreement is still under scrutiny by the Office of the President.

 

The peace agreement between the government and the RPM-P-RPA-ABB was signed in December 2000. Almost 14 years after, members of the RPA-ABB, now known as Kapatiran sa Progresong Panlipunan, are still waiting for the signing and many of their leaders and members are already dead.

 

Paduano, who was the former national commander of the RPA-ABB, said they were also told by OPAPP that the closure agreement may be signed soon by President Benigno Aquino, although they gave no definite date.

 

The reported delay in the signing was traced to the failure of some government agencies to identify the alternate sites for resettlement areas of the families of RPA-ABB members in Negros island, among others.

 

Barangays Bagonbon and Celestino Villacin in the cities of San Carlos and Cadiz, respectively, have initially been identified as resettlement areas for RPA-ABB members.

 

However, it was later found out that those hinterland areas are part of the Northern Negros Natural Park, with informal settlers are now due for relocation by the provincial government, that aims to protect the remaining forest cover of the NNNP.

 

A DAILY STAR source said that while Gov. Alfredo Maranon Jr. wants the signing of closure agreement as soon as possible, the use of NNNP as a resettlement area is non-negotiable to him.

 

Marañon, instead, suggested that the government should look for CARPable areas in Negros, that suit the needs of RPA-ABB members and their families, the source added.

 

In 2012, the Provincial Peace and Order Council of Negros Occidental passed a resolution asking OPAPP to look for alternative sites. The source, however, said there is no update on it yet.

 

The OPAPP had said earlier that the closure agreement is under due diligence review by the Office of the Presidential.

 

The signing has been awaited by members of the RPM-P-RPA-ABB since last year.

 

OPPAP has already completed the profiling of 716 RPM-P/RPA-ABB members all over the country, including the guns and explosives in their possessions.

 

The former rebel armed group has changed its name, in line with the goal of the government to transform it into a legitimate socio-economic and political organization.

 

Tabara, wife of the slain RPM-P founder Arturo Tabara, had said earlier that she is optimistic that the signing of their own closure agreement with the government will follow soon, after the inking of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

 

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2014/July/03/topstory9.htm

Philippines, Vietnam form team to boost alliance

From Rappler (Jul 3): Philippines, Vietnam form team to boost alliance

The Philippine and Vietnamese armies also vow to conduct joint training as both countries face China's threats in the disputed South China Sea



STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP SEEN. Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario (left) shakes hands with Vietnamese Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh (right) at the Government Guest House in Hanoi, Vietnam July 2, 2014. Photo by Luong Thai Linh/EPA

The Philippines and Vietnam announced on Thursday, July 3, that they will form a commission to forge a stronger, wide-ranging alliance as the two countries face security threats from an aggressive China.

The two countries agreed to form a commission to outline a strategic partnership, the Philippines said, after Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario met with his Vietnamese counterpart on Wednesday, July 2.

The Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Del Rosario and Pham Binh Minh, Vietnam's deputy prime minister and foreign minister, “discussed a wide range of issues and agreed to further promote cooperation in many areas such as fisheries, ocean and maritime, defense and security, trade, and investment.”

“The foreign ministers also agreed to advance partnership to a higher level, including the establishment of a joint commission headed by the two ministers to formulate a road map in working toward a strategic partnership,” the DFA said.

The Philippines only has two strategic partners so far – the United States and Japan, both of which also remain challenged by China.

Vietnam, on the other hand, has forged at least 10 strategic partnerships over the past decade, according to the state-run Vietnamnet Bridge. These include partnerships with China, India, and Japan.

'Ready to align' vs threats

What exactly do these partnerships entail?

Experts say strategic partnerships remain vaguely defined, but agree these involve shared objectives to promote regional security, among other things.
Julio Amador III, an Asia Studies visiting fellow at the East-West Center in Washington, described strategic partnerships as “comprehensive: economic, political, and socio-cultural.”

“With the elevation of bilateral relations to a strategic level, Manila expects closer cooperation especially in military and maritime matters,” Amador wrote in a Thought Leaders piece for Rappler.

Amador said: “Strategic partnerships are also evidence that some countries are ready to align against a perceived threat to the regional order. This cooperative activity, premised as it is on shared values, makes it easier for other regional states and external stakeholders to come on board to prevent any one power from upsetting established norms.”

The analyst said moves toward strategic partnerships “indicate the willingness of the Philippines to expand its current bilateral and multilateral relations and deepen its ties with like-minded states.”

In the case of the Philippines and Vietnam, the proposed strategic partnership – brought up when Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung visited the Philippines in May – comes as both countries remain embroiled in disputes over the South China Sea.

Joint army training, too

During their meeting, the DFA said, Del Rosario and Minh “exchanged views on the rising tension in the South China Sea, and discussed the urgent need to address the escalating challenges through peaceful means and in accordance with international law including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.”

“The two foreign ministers urged that the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea be implemented in its entirety, including refraining from the use of coercive force. The two ministers also agreed that the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea be expeditiously concluded without undue delay,” the DFA added.

In a separate meeting, the Philippine and Vietnamese armies also vowed to conduct joint training.

On June 24, Vietnam's official online newspaper reported a meeting between Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Emmanuel Bautista and his Vietnamese counterpart, Vietnam People's Army Chief of Staff Senior Lieutenant General Do Ba Ty.

The Philippine and Vietnamese armies agreed on the following:

• to “promote the exchange of delegations at all levels and cooperation in personnel training, and boost joint training on search and rescue activities at sea”
• to “work more closely to solve the problem of fishermen violating the law while fishing in bordering waters”
• to “exchange views on issues of mutual concern”

In an interview with Rappler, Vietnamese Ambassador to the Philippines Truong Trieu Duong earlier said Manila and Hanoi should “stand united” in the face of Beijing. (READ: Q and A: 'Brave, patriotic' Vietnam challenges China)

Duong said: “We've got to be united, and stand united. We will win.”

http://www.rappler.com/nation/62321-philippines-vietnam-commission-strategic-partnership?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rappler+(Rappler)