PH, US officials meet on South China Sea row

From Rappler (May 14): PH, US officials meet on South China Sea row

Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario says the US pivot to Asia 'is not as focused and as strong as it should be'



SEEKING SUPPORT. Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario meets with US Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken during Del Rosario's two-day trip to Washington DC. Photo courtesy of DFA

Seeking greater support in the face of China's aggression, Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario met with key US officials to discuss the Philippines' dispute with China over the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Del Rosario met with US Deputy Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday, May 12.

 

The two leaders discussed the US "rebalance policy" in the Asia Pacific. The rebalance policy, also known as the US "pivot to Asia," means the US plans to bring more of its naval forces to a region threatened by a rising China. (READ: Rebalancing the US pivot to Asia)

 

Del Rosario and Blinken also discussed "recent developments in the South China Sea, which have direct implications for regional peace, security, and stability," the DFA said in a news release on Wednesday evening, May 13.

 

These recent developments include China's reclamation activities to build artificial islands in the West Philippine Sea. (READ: PH runway in Spratlys erodes as China reclaims to build own)

 

Del Rosario also pointed out that the Philippines and the US remain "treaty allies and strategic partners." This means the Philippines' relationship with the US "remains a cornerstone of our foreign policy."

 

"It is critical that both our countries continue to work together to maintain the dynamism of our alliance," Del Rosario said during his two-day trip to Washington DC.

 

 

KEY MEETING. Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario (1st from right) and Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Cuisia Jr (3rd) also meet with US Senator John McCain (2nd) on May 11, 2015. Photo courtesy of DFA

Meeting with US senators, too

 

On Monday, May 11, Del Rosario, a former Philippine ambassador to the US, also met with US Senators John McCain and Bob Corker.

 

The two Republican senators, along with Democrats Jack Reed and Bob Menendez, earlier requested a formal strategy to stop China's building of artificial islands in the disputed South China Sea. They addressed this request to US Secretary of State John Kerry.

 

Del Rosario, who earlier hailed these senators for their request, thanked McCain and Corker for pursuing a "dynamic engagement with Asia."

 

Accompanied by Philippine Ambassador to the US Jose Cuisia Jr, Del Rosario "also encouraged the forging of bipartisan cooperation in the US legislature with regard to the urgent need to address the worsening situation in the South China Sea."

 

In another event organized by the Center for Strategic and International Studies, Del Rosario reportedly pointed out, "We are trying to deliver the message that the Asia pivot is not as focused and as strong as it should be."

 

This comes as the US "is considering sending US military aircraft and ships to assert freedom of navigation around growing Chinese-made artificial islands in the disputed South China Sea," according to a US official quoted by Reuters.

 

The reported US plan has angered China, which prefers a one-on-one instead of a third-party approach to resolve the sea dispute.

 

http://www.rappler.com/nation/93137-philippines-us-officials-south-china-sea

Vietnam defends building in South China Sea

From Rappler (May 14): Vietnam defends building in South China Sea

'Vietnam has indisputable sovereignty over the Paracel and Spratly archipelagos,' the Vietnamese ambassador tells Rappler



VIETNAM CONSTRUCTION. This satellite image shows Vietnam's reported construction activities on Sand Cay, one of the features of the Spratly Islands in the disputed South China Sea. Photo courtesy of SIS Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative/DigitalGlobe

Vietnam on Wednesday, May 14, defended its construction activities in the disputed South China Sea as shown in recently published satellite images.

In an e-mail to Rappler, Vietnamese Ambassador to the Philippines Truong Trieu Duong said, "Activities conducted by Vietnam as you mentioned are wholly aimed at improving the old physical facilities in order to serve the minimum daily needs of the people living in islands which are under the jurisdiction of Vietnam in the Spratlys."

These activities, which Rappler mentioned in an earlier e-mail to Duong, involve the construction reported by the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) on May 7.

Using satellite imagery, the CSIS' Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative said it confirmed that Vietnam "has engaged in land reclamation in recent years" on Sand Cay and West Reef, two features in the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea.

The CSIS said these satellite images reveal the following:

"That in the last several years, Vietnam has added approximately 65,000 square meters to West Reef and 21,000 square meters to Sand Cay. It has also developed its military facilities at Sand Cay."

"By comparison, in the last year, China has reclaimed 7 features. Its largest Spratly project is Fiery Cross Reef, whose landmass may exceed 900,000 square meters."

"According to US government officials, China has now reclaimed over 2 million square meters of new land, while Vietnam's reclamation projects total approximately 200,000 square meters."

Duong pointed out that the CSIS report "is not totally accurate." He didn't describe their construction activities as "land reclamation" as the CSIS did.

"In fact, Vietnam has several times embellished some of the islands which are under its jurisdiction, but in a very small scale, mostly constructing ridges against shoreline erosion; building a dock and wharf; (and providing) logistics for fishing services. Our construction and embellishment do not change the status quo," the ambassador said.

The Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Monday, May 11, said it was verifying Vietnam's reported land reclamation.

The CSIS report came as the Philippines protests China's reclamation activities in the South China Sea and, at the same time, seeks a stronger alliance with Vietnam in the face of an aggressive China.

'Indisputable sovereignty'

Responding to Rappler's questions, the Vietnamese ambassador pointed out that his country's construction in the South China Sea is unlike China's activities.

For one, Duong said, "Vietnam has indisputable sovereignty over the Paracel and Spratly archipelagos."

Because of this, he said Vietnam's activities in Spratly and Paracel Islands in the South China Sea "are completely legitimate and normal."

Vietnam, he added, pursued these "in accordance with the Declaration on the Conduct (DOC) of Parties in the South China Sea," a 2002 statement that aims to prevent tension and ensure maritime security.

In line with the DOC, Vietnam's activities "neither change the status quo nor further complicate the current territorial disputes."

Duong said: "Vietnam has resolutely expressed its opposition to all acts violating the sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction of Vietnam in the South China Sea. It also requests all parties concerned to exercise restraint, without altering the status quo, destroying the marine environment, threatening peace, stability, freedom of navigation, and aviation in the region."

He added that Vietnam has "repeatedly requested all parties concerned to comply fully with the DOC and the relevant provisions of international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea in 1982," the so-called "Constitution for the Oceans."

'Contrary to Vietnam's normal activities'

Duong, however, said Vietnam's activities shouldn't be compared to China's "'artificial islands' strategy."

"China, contrary to Vietnam’s normal activities, is building up rocky areas, changing underwater reefs into islands, and building runways and infrastructure on illegally occupied islands," he said.

The ambassador added: "Such activities will have serious impact that will change the geographical status quo, affect marine environment in the South China Sea. The scale and purposes of China’s activities are totally different from what Vietnam is doing on its islands."

The Philippines' Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources earlier said China's reclamation has buried 311 hectares of coral reefs, or 5 times the size of Rizal Park in Manila. (READ: China reclamation poses P4.8-B economic loss for PH)

Reports on Vietnam's construction activities come as the Philippines and Vietnam try to forge a strategic partnership, which is expected to boost the two countries' security alliance. (READ: Can the Philippines and Vietnam be strategic partners?)

Vietnam is also helping the Philippines on the legal front. On December 11, 2014, Vietnam filed a position paper to support the Philippines' case against China before an arbitral tribunal at the Permanent Court of Arbitration based in The Hague, The Netherlands. (READ: PH to tribunal: Vietnam boosts case vs China)

In May 2014, Duong said in an interview with Rappler that the Philippines and Vietnam should "stand united." He said, "We are on the same side."

He also said that to keep peace and stability in the South China Sea, the Philippines and Vietnam can share marine resources in the disputed waters. He said the same idea, however, will not work with China because the Asian giant "is claiming the whole sea."

http://www.rappler.com/nation/93189-vietnam-construction-south-china-sea

Colonel Romeo Brawner Jr is new 6th Infantry Division chief of staff

From InterAksyon (May 14): Colonel Romeo Brawner Jr is new 6th Infantry Division chief of staff

CAMP SIONGCO, Maguindanao -- The 6th Infantry Division warmly welcomed the designation of Colonel Romeo S. Brawner Jr. as the new Division Chief of Staff during the flag raising ceremony here this morning, with 6th Infantry Division Commander Major General Edmundo R. Pangilinan in attendance.

Brawner replaced Colonel Virgilo B. Bartolome, who served as the acting Division Chief of Staff.

Bartolome temporarily took the place of Colonel Roseller G. Murillo, who served the Division as Chief of Staff for 29 months from November 1, 2012 to March 30, 2015.

Murillo assumed Command of 103rd Infantry Brigade based in Marawi City.

The ceremony was witnessed by the General, Technical and Special Staff of the Division and the commanders of Post and Tenant units as well as the officers, enlisted personnel, and civilian employees of 6ID.

In his message, Colonel Brawner said that performing his task is as in a symphony orchestra.

“Each of you has your own instrument to play and I will be your conductor with Maj. Gen. (Edmundo) Pangilinan as our musical director,” he said.

“Bear with me as we go about performing our tasks and I am looking forward to working with you in 6th ID,” he added.

On the other hand, Pangilinan said that the role of the Chief of Staff is vital in the success of the Command.

“I entrust on him the important role of Division Chief of Staff because I am aware of his commendable work experiences and achievements and that this Command deserves no less than the best,” he said.

“The baton is now in your hands and I will be waiting for the symphony that you will be conducting,” Pangilinan added.

Colonel Brawner was the former Spokesperson of Eastern Mindanao Command. He was previously assigned to the Office of J3 (Operations) of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and to the AFP Public Information Office.

He was an awardee of the Ten Outstanding Philippine Soldiers (TOPS) in 2013. 

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/110520/colonel-romeo-brawner-jr-is-new-6th-infantry-division-chief-of-staff

Kerry to take tough approach in China over South China Sea

From InterAksyon (May 14): Kerry to take tough approach in China over South China Sea



Chinese President Xi Jinping and US State Secretary John Kerry converse through a translator during a banquet in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing in November 2014. (Reuters)

US Secretary of State John Kerry will leave China "in absolutely no doubt" about Washington's commitment to ensuring freedom of navigation and flight in the South China Sea when he visits Beijing this weekend, a senior State Department official said on Wednesday.

Setting the scene for what could be contentious encounters with Chinese leaders, including President Xi Jinping, the official said Kerry would warn that China's land-reclamation work in contested waters could have negative consequences for regional stability - and for relations with the United States.

On Tuesday, a US official said the Pentagon was considering sending military aircraft and ships to assert freedom of navigation around rapidly growing Chinese-made artificial islands in the disputed South China Sea.

China's Foreign Ministry responded by saying that Beijing was "extremely concerned" and demanded clarification.

US Assistant Secretary of Defense David Shear told a Senate hearing the United States had right of passage in areas claimed by China. "We are actively assessing the military implications of land reclamation and are committed to taking effective and appropriate action," he said, but gave no details.

The senior State Department official said "the question about what the US Navy does or doesn't do is one that the Chinese are free to pose" to Kerry in Beijing, where he is due on Saturday for meetings with civilian and military leaders.

Kerry's trip is intended to prepare for the annual US-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue next month in Washington and Xi's expected visit to Washington in September. But growing strategic rivalry rather than cooperation look set to dominate.

China's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying said that freedom of navigation did not mean that foreign military ships and aircraft can enter another country's territorial waters or airspace at will.

On Thursday, influential Chinese tabloid the Global Times warned that the United States was risking a showdown if it sends its military to the South China Sea.

"If Washington takes this dangerous step, it will be nothing but a blatant infringement of China's sovereignty, and the US can expect potent countermeasures," it said in an editorial in both its Chinese and English language editions.

‘You can’t build sovereignty’

The State Department official dismissed the idea that constructing islands out of half-submerged reefs gave China any right to territorial claims.

"Ultimately no matter how much sand China piles on top of a submerged reef or shoal ... it is not enhancing its territorial claim. You can't build sovereignty," he said.

"He (Kerry) will leave his Chinese interlocutors in absolutely no doubt that the United States remains committed to maintaining freedom of navigation and to exercise our legitimate rights as pertaining to over flight and movement on the high seas."

He said Kerry would "reinforce ... the very negative consequences to China's image and China's relationship with its neighbors on regional stability and potentially on the US- China relationship from their large-scale reclamation efforts and the behavior generally in the South China Sea."

Beijing claims sovereignty over most of the South China Sea, through which $5 trillion in ship-borne trade passes every year. The Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei have overlapping claims.

Last month, the US military commander for Asia, Admiral Samuel Locklear, said China could eventually deploy radar and missile systems on the islands it is building in the Spratly archipelago that could be used to enforce an exclusion zone should it move to declare one.

The US official who spoke on Tuesday said US Defense Secretary Ash Carter had requested options that include sending aircraft and ships within 12 nautical miles (22 kilometers) of the reefs China has been building up.

US President Barack Obama announced a strategic shift toward Asia in 2011 in response to growing Chinese power and influence, but critics have questioned his commitment to this "rebalance" given US security distractions elsewhere in the world and stretched resources.

News of the possibly tougher US stance came as the key economic pillar of the rebalance suffered a blow at the hands of Obama's Democrats in the US Senate, who blocked debate on a bill that would have smoothed the path for a 12-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership trade deal.

Failure to clinch an agreement could damage Washington's leadership image in Asia, where China has been forging ahead with a new Beijing-led Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank seen as a challenge to US global financial leadership.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/110525/kerry-to-take-tough-approach-in-china-over-south-china-sea

DFA chief presses US to 'substantiate Asia rebalance policy'

From InterAksyon (May 14): DFA chief presses US to 'substantiate Asia rebalance policy'



The status of Mischief Reef as of 20 April 2015. PHOTO FROM AFP-PAO

While the United States military has made a strong statement that it is considering sending US aircraft and ships to assert freedom of navigation around growing Chinese-made artificial islands in the disputed South China Sea, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario continued to press the US political leadership “to urgently give more focus to recent developments in the South China Sea and provide substance to its Asia rebalance policy.”

Del Rosario, who is in the US, attended the launch of the US-Philippines Strategic Initiative (USPSI) on May 12 at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington DC and later met with US congressional leaders.

In a news release, the secretary said the Philippines remains supportive of the US government’s rebalance towards Asia.   

The US-Philippines Strategic Initiative, a joint project by CSIS and the ADR Institute, aims to highlight the enduring alliance “through sustainable and strategic engagement on high-impact global and regional issues.” It is expected to produce policy recommendations that would enable the Philippines-US alliance to effectively deal with current political and economic realities.

Del Rosario lauded the effort in his written remarks, describing it as “deliberate, timely, and time-bound.”

“At the core of this Initiative is the realization that the United States must remain an active player in strengthening the regional architecture for stability, security, and development. The Philippines, in turn, contributes to and has an important role to play in maintaining that regional stability,” he said.

The Philippines is the oldest treaty ally of the United States in Asia. In recent years, the two countries have been closely working together to reinvigorate their bilateral relations within the context of the US rebalance policy and in light of new issues that have far-reaching implications for the region’s security and progress. Among these issues are the maritime disputes plaguing the region, including those that concern the South China Sea.

‘The most important issue today’

“The South China Sea dispute is the most important issue today,” Del Rosario said.

The Philippines is advocating a peaceful settlement of the disputes in the South China Sea in accordance with universally recognized principles of international law. This position has generated broad support from the United States and the rest of the international community.

The Secretary also underscored the economic and people-to-people ties that bind the Philippines and the United States as strongly as their cooperation in the field of defense and security.  

The audience was composed of around 150 people, including CSIS fellows, Philippine and US government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and media representatives. He was joined in the panel by Mr. William Cohen, Chairman and CEO of The Cohen Group, a global consultancy firm. Mr. Ernest Bower, Sumitro Chair for Southeast Asia Studies and co-director of the Pacific Partners Initiative at CSIS, moderated the discussion.

The Secretary last visited CSIS in September 2012 during The Philippines Conference.

Push for more US congressional support

After the launch of the USPSI, Secretary Del Rosario proceeded to a reception in honor of the US-Philippines Friendship Caucus in the US Capitol. He reiterated to US legislators the vital role of the Philippines-US alliance in preserving peace, stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific.

The Secretary then briefed the Caucus members on Philippine issues, including the recent developments in the South China Sea, the post-Haiyan rehabilitation and rebuilding efforts and the status of the Filipino communities across the US.

“It is through the tireless efforts of the US-Philippines Friendship Caucus that bilateral relations gain more meaning and relevance to peoples’ lives,” Del Rosario said.

Del Rosario separately met with US Senators John McCain and Bob Corker on May 11 as part of his two-day visit to Washington DC.

The secretary thanked the two legislators for their leadership in pursuing continued dynamic engagement with Asia and reiterated the Philippines’ support for the US rebalance policy. He also encouraged the forging of bipartisan cooperation in the US legislature with regard to the urgent need to address the worsening situation in the South China Sea.

Meeting with State Department officials

Del Rosario met with US Deputy Secretary of State Tony Blinken on May 12 during his two-day visit to Washington DC.

Our relationship with the United States remains a cornerstone of our foreign policy. As treaty allies and strategic partners, the Philippines and the US stand together to promote common interests. It is critical that both our countries continue to work together to maintain the dynamism of our alliance,” Del Rosario said.

Del Rosario and Blinken discussed the US rebalance policy towards the Asia-Pacific region. They also exchanged views on recent developments in the South China Sea, which have direct implications for regional peace, security, and stability.

The practice of sending ships and aircraft near the islands would be in line with regular US military "Freedom of Navigation" operations, which it conducted last year to challenge maritime claims of 19 countries, including China.

Recent reclamations by China

Five countries as well as China lay claim to parts of the Spratly archipelago. They are Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam.

Recent satellite images have shown that since about March 2014, China has conducted reclamation work at seven sites in the Spratlys and is constructing a military-sized air strip on one artificial island and possibly a second on another.

Other images have suggested that China is working to extend another airstrip to that length in the Paracel Islands further north in the potentially energy-rich South China Sea, a vital shipping route through which $5 trillion of trade passes every year.

Reuters reported last week China had added about 2,000 acres of land since the start of 2014, according to one US estimate.

China drew condemnation from Japan and the United States in 2013 when it imposed an Air Defense Identification Zone, in which aircraft are supposed to identify themselves to Chinese authorities.

The United States responded by flying B-52 bombers through the zone in a show of force.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/110526/dfa-chief-presses-us-to-substantiate-asia-rebalance-policy

ASG releases teacher but keeps brother captive in Sulu

From InterAksyon (May 14): ASG releases teacher but keeps brother captive in Sulu



Suspected members of Abu Sayyaf Group with high-powered firearms. Screen grab from News5

Reports reaching Manila indicated that a teacher who was kidnapped together with her brother by a kidnap-for-ransom group last March in Zamboanga Sibugay, and then passed onward to the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) was released Thursday morning in Jolo, Sulu.

According to a report from Colonel Alan Arrojado, commander of the Joint Task Group Sulu, Keynadeth Bagonoc Silvano, 31, was recovered by authorities at around 7:30 a.m.

But Silvano's brother, 22-year-old Russel, was kept by Abu bandits.

Upon recovery, Silvano was brought to the task force headquarters for medical checkup and debriefing before she was turned over to the Task Force Zambasulta (Zamboanga, Basilan, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi) where her family awaited.

Arrojado said they have no information if the family paid ransom money for the teacher's release.

"What do know is that she was released because of pressure from continuous law enforcement operations at the borders of Indanan and Parang towns, where the ASG had been hiding with their captives," Arrojado said.

The Silvano siblings were abducted by armed men on May 5 at round 7:30 a.m. in Barangay Moalboal, Talusan while traveling on board a motorcycle to report for work at Tuburan Elementary School.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/110531/asg-releases-teacher-but-keeps-brother-captive-in-sulu

Rebel attacks kill four soldiers

From the Philippine News Agency (May 12): Rebel attacks kill four soldiers

At least four soldiers were killed and eight others injured in simultaneous attacks by communist insurgents in Davao City in southern Philippines, a New People’s Army (NPA) rebel spokesman said on Tuesday.

Parago Sandoval said rebels launched the attacks recently in Calinan District in retaliation to continued human rights violations by the army against innocent civilians and tribesmen. He said four soldiers were killed and eight more were wounded in the fighting in Dalagdag village.

He said rebel forces overpowered troops from the 69th, 84th and 71st Infantry Battalions and claimed to have confiscated assorted weapons – one M203 grenade launcher, two automatic rifles, 400 pieces of bullets for M60 machine gun, 200 more for K3 machine gun, 8 army packs, 5 combat boots, 34 magazines, 10 military vests, including a military tactical map and cell phones.

The fighting, he said, lasted over two hours and there were no casualties from the side of the NPA, which has been waging a separatist war for many decades now.

“The tactical offensive proved that a just war will always prevail in the face of the enemy’s cunning and trickery. It was part of the 1st PBC’s campaign against the 15 columns of AFP [Armed Forces of the Philippines] units operating in Calinan, Buhangin and Paquibato districts, Davao City,” he said.

“It was a fitting punishment against the brutal operations of the Oplan Bayanihan counter-revolutionary forces who have instigated aerial bombing last March 23 and 26 and in a separate occasion last April in Paquibato,” Sandoval added.

He accused the Eastern Mindanao Command and 10th Infantry Division for violating the rights of villagers in Davao.

“True to their cruel form, the AFP troops trained their guns against the masses in cowardly vengeance. They mauled the residents and filed trumped-up charges against progressive leaders and members of Paquibato peasant organizations who were not deceived by their nefarious psychological warfare schemes,” Sandoval said.

“No matter how the 10th Infantry Division and Eastern Mindanao Command try to conceal it by declaring Paquibato as peace and development-ready, Red fighters raise the banner of enduring sacrifice by launching tactical offensives and daring counter-attacks against the enemy. The people’s army, thus, urge foot soldiers and AFP junior officers to abandon its headquarters and detachment, denounce the US-Aquino regime, and side with truth and justice for the interest of peasants, workers and other basic sectors,” he added.

The military has not issued any statement about the allegations, but some of Davao’s hinterland villages are known strongholds of the NPA.

http://www.manilatimes.net/rebel-attacks-kill-four-soldiers/182943/

PCG wants 2 80-meter MRRVs for longer patrols

From the Philippine News Agency (May 13): PCG wants 2 80-meter MRRVs for longer patrols

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) wants two of the 10 multi-role response vessels (MRRVs) it has ordered from Japan Marine United Corporation (JMU) to be upgraded from the 40-meter to the 80-meter class.

This was disclosed by PCG spokesperson Cmdr. Armand Balilo in an interview with the PNA.

He added that MRRVs measuring 80-meters will give the Coast Guard the capability to conduct longer patrols, thus ensuring the country's maritime security.

Balilo said the PCG is planning to talk with the Japanese shipbuilder to discuss whether this is feasible.

The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) last April has awarded the contract to build and deliver 10 40-meter MRRVs to the JMU.

Staggered deliveries will take place from the third quarter of 2016 up to the third quarter of 2018.

“This project is part of government’s program to equip our forces with necessary assets to protect the national marine interest. These 10 new vessels will help the Coast Guard in its functions of maritime law enforcement, search-and-rescue operations, and upholding maritime security within Philippines seas,” DOTC Secretary Jun Abaya said.

The project, formally called the Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project, was awarded by the transportation department to the JMU during the second week of April.

It is being implemented as an Official Development Assistance (ODA) project, via a tied loan extended by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The loan facility covers Php7,373,700,000 out of the total project of Php8,807,700,000. The balance will be sourced from the Philippine counterpart of Php1,434,000,000.

Under the project terms, the MRRVs will be used by the PCG for the following purposes:

* Primary rescue vessels within the PCG Districts’ areas of responsibility (AOR) when the extent of the disaster is beyond the capability of floating assets deployed within the area.

* Assistance in the control of oil pollution and protection of the marine environment.

* Enforcement of applicable maritime laws within the designated AOR, particularly relating to illegal fishing and sea patrol.

* Service as platform for rapid response during relief operations in the area.

* Transport of personnel and logistical support.

The MRRVs will be deployed to various PCG Districts across the country, including Manila, La Union, and Puerto Prinsesa.

JMU’s winning bid is in the amount of 12,790,000,000 Japanese Yen, and includes the supply of standard spare parts and tools, crew training, ocean transportation, and marine insurance. The vessels will have a standard cruising speed of 16 knots, and a range of 1,500 nautical miles.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=761175

MNLF to pursue Sulu sultanate's claim over Sabah

From the Philippine Star posted to ABS-CBN (May 13): MNLF to pursue Sulu sultanate's claim over Sabah

The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) would continue pursuing the claim of the Sultanate of Sulu over Sabah and Sarawak by integrating the disputed territories to the Bangsamoro Republik, the group’s spokesman said yesterday.

Absalum Cerveza told The STAR that the petition for the declaration of independence of the Bangsamoro Republik has been submitted to the United Nations committee on decolonization.

He said the MNLF opted to adopt the so-called “Kosovo model” as a peaceful means to attaining independence.

Cerveza said the MNLF has renounced war and is pursuing the peaceful strategy similar to the declaration of Kosovo independence from Serbia in 2008.

Serbia has not recognized the declaration of independence by Kosovo, saying that it is illegal, and sought international validation from the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which said the declaration did not violate international law.

Aside from Sabah and Sarawak the Bangsamoro Republik also covers Mindanao, Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Basilan and Palawan.

Cerveza said the declaration of the Bangsamoro Republik was an offshoot of the peace accord forged by the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which the MNLF claimed is a “betrayal” of the 1996 peace agreement forged by the government and the MNLF.

“It’s only a matter of time,” he said.

Cerveza said the declaration of Sabah and Sarawak as part of the Bangsamoro Republik practically restores the historic and proprietary rights of the Sultanate of Sulu, which up to this time is being recognized by Malaysia.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/05/13/15/mnlf-pursue-sulu-sultanates-claim-over-sabah

China slams ‘futile’ PHL occupation of Pag-asa Island in Spratlys

From GMA News (May 13): China slams ‘futile’ PHL occupation of Pag-asa Island in Spratlys

BEIJING - China rebuked the Philippines on Tuesday for taking journalists to Pag-asa Island, a disputed area in the South China Sea, dismissing its occupation as "futile and illegal" in the latest war of words between the two sides.

 

China claims 90 percent of the South China Sea, which is believed to be rich in oil and gas. Its claims overlap with those of Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Vietnam and Taiwan.

 

The Philippines took foreign and local journalists this week to Thitu Island (Pag-asa Island), the biggest island occupied by Manila in the region.

 

China's Foreign Ministry said the Philippines was endangering international law.

 

"China has made clear on many occasions that it opposes the Philippines' futile and illegal occupation," said ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying. "The reality of the situation has again proven the Philippines to be a rule-violator and a troublemaker."

 

China has so far not permitted journalists to visit the islands it controls in the South China Sea, through which $5 trillion in ship-borne trade passes every year.

 

China last month put forward a detailed defense of its reclamation in the Spratlys, saying the new islands would provide civilian services including weather forecasting and search and rescue facilities that would benefit other countries.

 

China's reclamation of about seven reefs in the Spratlys has rendered islands controlled by the Philippines vulnerable, Philippine military officials and security experts said on Tuesday.

 

The Philippine military's top priority was to build a naval base on the country's western coastline, opposite the Spratlys, although the plans have been delayed by funding bottlenecks, the Philippine armed forces chief told Reuters.

 

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/486390/news/nation/china-slams-futile-phl-occupation-of-pag-asa-island-in-spratlys

Chinese rants on Pagasa Island visit, a deception ploy

From the Philippine News Agency (May 13): Chinese rants on Pagasa Island visit, a deception ploy

China's rants claiming that the Philippines endangered international law by bringing local and foreign journalists to Pagasa Island is all part of their deception ploy.

This was stressed by Western Command head Vice Admiral Alexander Lopez Wednesday.

"That's part of their deception ploy, it's a good thing that we took along a member of the Chinese media. By doing do, we showed to China and the rest of the world that we are not doing any developments projects (in Pagasa)," he said in Fiilipino.

Lopez stressed that there is nothing wrong with Philippines sending media representatives to Pagasa as Armed Forces chief-of-staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang is known to bring journalists and broadcasters with him when inspecting Filipino military installations.

"And as far as we are concerned, Philippine occupation of Pagasa Island is a legal one as stated by Presidential Decree 1596," Lopez stressed.

The same was issued by then President Ferdinand E. Marcos in 1978 and declared Pagasa Island and other features in the Kalayaan Island Group as Philippine territory.

Lopez also dared China to bring along members of the media, international and local, to their territories where reclamation and other activities are ongoing.

"We tried to be as transparent as we can to further improve the policy of the administration to be compliant with the 2002 Declaration of Conduct, so the foreign media was there, the Chinese media was there, they have seen for themselves that the Philippines was not doing anything that would violate the DOC," he added.

Earlier, the Department of National Defense stated that the Philippines strongly complies with the Declaration of the Code of Conduct between China and ASEAN which was signed in 2002.

Under the agreement, signatories are prohibited from constructing new facilities in the disputed areas and exercise self restraint.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=761384

PHL slams China for questioning its actions in the West Philippine Sea

From GMA News (May 13): PHL slams China for questioning its actions in the West Philippine Sea

The Philippines on Wednesday shot back at China for questioning its action to bring journalists to Manila-claimed Pag-asa Island off the South China Sea, insisting it has “full sovereignty” over the feature.

 

“We have all the right to do such actions and no one can question it because we own it,” Foreign Affairs spokesman Charles Jose said in the latest trade of diplomatic barbs with China.

 

Led by Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang, local journalists visited Pag-asa Island on Monday, sparking criticisms from Beijing, which claims nearly 90 percent of the resource-rich waters, including areas that fall within the country’s sovereignty.

 

Beijing called the Philippines a “rule-violator” and “troublemaker” for arranging the trip to the island also known by its international name, Thitu.

China's Foreign Ministry said the Philippines was endangering international law, a Reuters report said.

 

"China has made clear on many occasions that it opposes the Philippines' futile and illegal occupation," said ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying. "The reality of the situation has again proven the Philippines to be a rule-violator and a troublemaker."

 

Jose maintained that no violation was committed by the Philippines.

 

“It is not a violation because Pag-asa is within our sovereign territory,” he said.

 

Manila and Beijing have been locked in years-long conflict over South China Sea territories, where undersea gas and oil deposits have been discovered in several areas.

 

It also pointed out that it was China who violated international law for undertaking massive and rapid reclamation of seven features in the waters, including those that are within Philippine waters.

 

China’s reclamation in the South China Sea, Manila said, is not only illegal, but is intended to advance its so-called nine-dash line claim which covers almost the entire waters.

 

Other governments, such as Brunei, Malaysia, Vietnam and Taiwan, also have overlapping claims with China in the South China Sea which analysts feared as Asia's next potential flashpoint for a major armed conflict.

 

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/486574/news/nation/phl-slams-china-for-questioning-its-actions-in-the-west-philippine-sea

US plans military patrols to counter Beijing’s expansion in S. China Sea

From the Philippine News Agency (May 13): US plans military patrols to counter Beijing’s expansion in S. China Sea

The Pentagon is drafting plans to begin military patrols around China’s land reclamation projects in the Spratly Archipelago as the tension in the South China Sea became a lot more heated, according to a US official.

China has been constructing artificial islands atop coral reefs in the Spratly Archipelago for months now. The inclusion of runways and other potential military installations have caused a panic among Pentagon officials, who fear that Beijing may be making a power play for the strategic waterway.

In the now infamous example, the commander of the US Pacific Fleet even accused China of building a "great wall of sand."

China maintains that it has every right to build in its own territory, and that the islands will ultimately provide stations for disaster mitigation, scientific research, and navigation safety.

These assurances have done little to soothe Washington, and according to an anonymous Pentagon official speaking to the Wall Street Journal, the US may soon send military aircraft and naval vessels to enforce “freedom of navigation” around the disputed islands.

"We are considering how to demonstrate freedom of navigation in an area that is critical to world trade," the official said. "The US and its allies have a very different view than China over the rules of the road in the South China Sea."

The draft request comes directly from Defense Secretary Ash Carter, and seeks to review the Pentagon’s options for sending military vehicles within 12 nautical miles of Beijing’s artificial islands.

Washington has steadily made moves to bolster its presence in the South China Sea. Admiral Harry Harris Jr. of the US Pacific Fleet announced in March that the US Navy would be shifting 60 percent of its fleet into the Pacific by 2020, and would expand its cooperation with India.

The US Navy has also admitted to flying its most advanced spy plane – the P-8A Poseidon – out of the Philippines earlier this year. Capable of both anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare, the plane has been regularly monitoring the South China Sea region.

In March, the United States Senate also requested that the US adopt a formal strategy for dealing with Beijing’s growing influence in the region. It’s possible that the Pentagon’s considerations are in response to this appeal.A destroyer of the South China Sea Fleet of the Chinese Navy fires a missile during a training exercise.

Also throwing itself into the mix is Japan, another country with no territorial claim in the region. The Japanese Navy has been conducting military exercises with Philippines, and Tokyo has indicated that it may partake in joint air patrols with the United States.

There’s a lot at stake. While China claims nearly 90 percent of the South China Sea, there are disputed, overlapping claims by Vietnam, Taiwan, the Philippines, Brunei, and Malaysia. All of these countries also claim various parts of the Spratly Archipelago.

Nearly USD5 trillion in trade passes through the contested waterway each year.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=761176

PNP chief: Malaysian bomber next target

From the Manila Standard Today (May 13): PNP chief: Malaysian bomber next target

AFTER the death of terrorists Zulkifli bin Hir of Malaysia and Abdul Basit Usman, Philippine National Police officer-in-charge Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina on Tuesday said the authorities are now training their guns on Malaysian bomb maker Amin Baco.

“[The death of Malaysian bomb makers Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan, and Basit Usman] definitely led to a marking of major accomplishments in the fight versus terrorism. However, we’re not going to put our guards down” Espina said in a chance interview at Camp Crame.

He said that there were many other terrorists at large, but PNP was determined “to account for all ... especially those who would create havoc”.

According to Espina, PNP is set to catch Jemaah Islamiyah member, Amin Baco, next.

Amin, 31, a Malaysian terrorist and a Jemaah Islamiyah member, is believed hiding with the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu, together with four other militants wanted by Malaysian police. They were reported to have fled to Mindanao following police crackdowns on militant activities in Malaysia.

“Mamasapano is just an operation to reach an objective. All objectives are very noble and for the betterment of general public. We will not stop until highly valued terrorists are all accounted for,” Espina said.

Meanwhile, PNP awaits submission of more evidence needed to determine Usman’s DNA.

“PNP Crime Laboratory and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) personnel in the field are busy collating all pieces of evidence that are relevant to the determination of the DNA” said Espina.

The PNP-OIC also said that the PNP would request proximate relatives, like parents” to cross-match with the DNA of Usman.

Usman, who was killed last May 3 in a Moro Islamic Liberation Front-controlled area.

Usman were among the targets of the bungled operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao with Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli Bin Hir or ìMarwan,î who was killed in the Jan. 25 mission. The police operation, however, cost the lives of 44 Special Action Force troopers, 16 Moro Islamic Liberation Front fighters and three civilians.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2015/05/13/pnp-chief-malaysian-bomber-next-target/

US Navy warship patrols near Spratly Islands with Chinese frigate sailing close

From Ang Malaya (May 13): US Navy warship patrols near Spratly Islands with Chinese frigate sailing close

United State Navy littoral combat ship USS Fort Worth (LCS 3) conducts a routine patrolling in international waters near Spratly Islands in West Philippine Sea on Monday, May 11. While the said US warship is conducting its mission a Chinese People’s Liberation Army-Navy guided-missile frigate Yancheng (FFG 546) sails close behind.

It can be remembered that the said LCS made its first visit in Philippines for resupply and refueling last May 4. “This is the first stop in the Philippines for Fort Worth, which is currently on her maiden 16-month rotational deployment in support of the Indo-Asia-Pacific Rebalance,” the US Navy said.

Fort Worth employs the surface warfare (SUW) mission package for her entire deployment.

Today, May 13 the said warship is back at Subic Bay to resupply after a weeklong routine patrol in international waters and airspace near the Spratly Islands.

“Routine operations like the one Fort Worth just completed in the South China Sea will be the new normal as we welcome four LCSs to the region in the coming years.

Deployment of multiple LCSs to Southeast Asia underscores the importance of this ‘region on the rise’ and the value persistent presence brings,” US Navy Captain Fred Kacher, commodore, Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7.

http://www.angmalaya.net/world/2015/05/13/10900-us-navy-warship-patrols-near-spratly-islands-with-chinese-frigate-sailing-close

Coast Guard to discuss with Japanese builder plan to upgrade two 40-meter MRRV to 80-meter class

From Ang Malaya (May 13): Coast Guard to discuss with Japanese builder plan to upgrade two 40-meter MRRV to 80-meter class

The Philippine Coast Guard is looking into the possibility of upgrading two of ten 40-meter multi-role response vessels (MRRV) ordered from Japan Marine United Corporation to 80-meter class vessels, PCG spokesperson Cmdr. Armand Balilo told state-run news agency.

PCG is planning to discuss the possibility with the Japanese builder. Balilo said longer vessels have the capability to conduct longer maritime patrolling.

JMU won the bidding for 10 40-meter MRRVs against Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Niigata Shipbuilding and Sumidagawa Shipyard. The project is known as Maritime Safety Capability Improvement Project of DOTC being implemented under Japanese Official Development Assistance (ODA) Loan Agreement with Japan International Cooperation Agency.

Staggered delivery will start third quarter of 2016 up to the third quarter of 2018.
These vessels, when delivered, will act as primary rescue vessels within the PCG Districts area of responsibility (AOR) when the extent of the disaster is beyond
the capability of floating assets deployed within the AOR of a PCG Station and help assist in the control of oil pollution and protection of maritime environment.
PCG MRRVs will also enforce applicable maritime laws within the designated AOR.

http://www.angmalaya.net/nation/2015/05/13/10904-coast-guard-to-discuss-with-japanese-builder-plan-to-upgrade-two-40-meter-mrrv-to-80-meter-class