U.S. Pacific fleet commander: We are ready to act in South China Sea

From Ang Malaya (Jul 19): U.S. Pacific fleet commander: We are ready to act in South China Sea

Amid ongoing tensions over Beijing’s construction of artificial islands in the South China Sea, the new U.S. commander of the Pacific Fleet has reassured allies that Washington is prepared to act against an alleged Chinese threat. Despite the fact that the United States lies over 8,000 miles away from the waters of the South China Sea, the U.S. Navy currently has four coastal combat ships operating in the contested waterway. Over the past few months, Washington has also increased military exercises with a number of Pacific allies, including Japan, Australia, and the Philippines.

According to Adm. Scott Swift, commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet, the Navy is “very interested” in increasing both drills and America’s presence in the region, largely in response to perceived threat from China.

“The reason that people continue to ask about the long-term commitment and intentions of the Pacific Fleet is reflective really of all the uncertainty that has generated in the theater now,” Swift told journalists in Manila on Friday, according to the Associated Press.

“If we had the entire United States Navy here in the region, I think people would still be asking, ‘Can you bring more?'”

Yet, even without a military buildup in the region, Admiral Swift remains confident that the U.S. is prepared to meet any conflict that should arise.

“[I am] very satisfied with the resources that I have available to me as the Pacific Fleet commander,” Swift said, adding “we are ready and prepared to respond to any contingency that the President may suggest would be necessary.”

Beijing’s construction of artificial islands in the Spratly archipelago has left the U.S. and many of its allies concerned, even though China has repeatedly stated that the islands will largely serve humanitarian purposes, and any military installations are only there for defensive purposes.

In the last few months, Washington has conducted a number of military exercises with regional allies, moves seen as provocative by the Chinese government. Earlier this month, the U.S. began joint naval exercises with Singapore close to the South China Sea.

Despite these demonstrations of military might, Swift reiterated that “the United States has been very clear that it does not support the use of coercion and force.”

http://www.angmalaya.net/nation/2015/07/19/12224-u-s-pacific-fleet-commander-we-are-ready-to-act-in-south-china-sea

US Pacific Fleet Commander joins patrol mission to West Philippine Sea

From Ang Malaya (Jul 19): US Pacific Fleet Commander joins patrol mission to West Philippine Sea

The Commander of United States Navy Pacific Fleet Admiral Scott Swift joined the Patrol Squadron (VP) 45 in a patrol mission to West Philippine Sea July 18. The said mission was also done for the Pacific Fleet Commander to see personally the full-range capabilities of US Navy P-8A Poseidon aircraft. Admiral Swift is in the country for a four-day visit that started July 16.

The US Navy said Admiral Swift observed operations aboard a P-8A Poseidon aircraft during a flight hosted by the Pelicans of Patrol Squadron (VP) 45.

“Swift took part in a seven-hour maritime surveillance mission to witness firsthand the full range of the Poseidon’s capabilities,” US Navy added.

During his visit, Swift reassured allies that US is prepared to act against Chinese threat. “We are ready and prepared to respond to any contingency that the President may suggest would be necessary,” he said.

The Philippine Defense department welcomed the Admiral’s statement. “It’s always welcome to hear words of commitment from US officials particular in light of as we faced together an oppressive neighbor,” Defense spokesperson Dr. Peter Paul Galvez told state media Philippine New Agency.

“His strong statement as Commander Pacific Fleet indicates the US commitment to maintain stability in the region,” Philippine Navy flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Jesus C. Millan said.

http://www.angmalaya.net/nation/2015/07/19/12229-us-pacific-fleet-commander-joins-patrol-mission-to-west-philippine-sea

US Navy hospital vessel now in Philippines

From Ang Malaya (Jul 19): US Navy hospital vessel now in Philippines

United State Navy Ship USNS Mercy (T-AH 19) is now in the Philippines. The said Military Sealift Command hospital ship arrived July 18, Saturday at Roxas City, Capiz for the first half of its third Pacific Partnership 2015 (PP15) mission. It’s first PP15 mission was in Fiji and the second was in Papua New Guinea which ended July 10.

“In Roxas City, medical staff aboard Mercy will perform surgical procedures and will host community health engagements, and also provide direct care in seven locations throughout the province of Capiz,” the US Navy said in a statement.

“PP15 personnel will work and train side-by-side with the community on civic service events, safety topics, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, water search and rescue, veterinarian care, and community outreach projects,” it added.

USNS Mercy will head to Subic on August 4 to continue its mission in the Philippines. The Mercy crew will be in Subic Bay Aug. 5-14, continuing Pacific Partnership subject matter expert exchange events and community relations projects while the ship undergoes routine maintenance, US Navy said.

http://www.angmalaya.net/nation/2015/07/19/12233-us-navy-hospital-vessel-now-in-philippines

4 hurt in ASG 'motorcycle bomb' blast in Sulu

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 19): 4 hurt in ASG 'motorcycle bomb' blast in Sulu
 

Four people, including a two-year-old boy, were hurt after suspected Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits exploded a "motorcycle bomb" in Jolo, Sulu Saturday night.

Col. Alan Arrojado, Joint Task Group Sulu commander, said the incident took place at 7:30 p.m. in front of the Manay Videoke Bar at Barangay Busbus, Jolo.

Wounded by the blast were Liking Banagudos, 30, a resident of Soldier's Village, Barangay Busbus; Harvie Dunggaye, 2, also of the same area; Felix Codizal, 58, also of Barangay Busbus; and Axis Sacandal, 22, of Port Area, Barangay Walled City, Jolo.

Arrojado said that Banagudos, Dunggaye and Sacandal are now in stable condition at the Sulu Integrated Provincial Hospital.

Codizal was able to go home earlier as he sustained only minor injuries in his left foot.

Investigations revealed that two suspicious-looking unidentified men left the "motorcycle bomb" in front of the Manay Videoke Bar at 5:30 p.m.

Arrojado said they have information stating that ASG member Alkam Udiaman of the bandit's Ajang-ajang Group along with Almuktar Suddung and an unidentified ASG trainee perpetrated the explosion.

"Motive of the incident is retaliatory as well as to create diversionary tactic by the ASG because of the ongoing FMO (focused military operations) and LEO (law enforcement operations) of the military and police," he said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=784237

Leftist-Catamco clash heats up

From the Manila Standard Today (Jul 19): Leftist-Catamco clash heats up

THE left-leaning Makabayan Bloc in the House of Representatives continued to lash at North Cotabato Rep. Nancy Catamco on Saturday, accusing her of “egregious disrespect for the sensitivities of Mindanao’s indigenous people” during a supposed dialogue in Davao City.

Bayan Muna Rep. Neri Colmenares denounced Catamco’s “unilateral decision” to inviting to the dialogue military officials whom he said were the ones harassing and intimidating tribesmen and forced them to seek sanctuary in places like the Haran Compound in Davao City.

“Instead of facilitating the dialogue and evincing empathy towards the lumads (tribesmen), Rep. Catamco made derogatory and humiliating statements against the evacuees, their tribal leaders and support groups,” Makabayan said in a statement.

“She gruffly stopped Rep. Carlos I. Zarate when he tried to raise a point, telling him ‘I’m not talking to you.’ That prompted him to walk out of the dialogue, followed by the lumads and their supporters,” the group added.

The group said Catamco, along with Reps. Luz Ilagan of Gabriela, Carlos Zarate of Bayan Muna and Terry Ridon of Kabataan party-list were supposed to be the only ones invited by the non-government Save our Schools Network to join an investigative mission on the harassment and other human rights violations purportedly perpetrated by the military.

But in a text message to The Standard, Catamco denied the accusations of the Makabayan Bloc.

“It’s not true. They are liars. They detain the Ips in Haran Compound. The dialogue was properly documented. We have video footage for the whole event,” Catamco said.

“The Haran Compound is not a sanctuary is not a sanctuary for the Ips, as they are saying. This is like a concentration camp. They are being treated inhumanely. This is not healthy and even more inhumane,” Catamco said.

“Imagine, they were crammed in make-shift tents with no proper beddings, food or toilets. And worse, they were not allowed to go home and the gate was padlocked. You visit them and see for yourself;” Catamco said.

The Makabayan Bloc said last July 13, the mission went to Cateel, Davao Oriental and visited a school established by the lumads. 

The following day the four legislators met with the evacuees and their leaders at the United Church of Christ Philippines’ Haran Compound in Davao City, the group said.

The Makabayan Bloc said the evacuees presented several concerns to them, including the military and paramilitary harassments and vilification campaign against the lumads, volunteer teachers and their support groups

“At that meeting Rep. Catamco suggested that they meet again the following morning and she would bring along officials of the National Commission of Indigenous Peoples. The lumad leaders welcomed her suggestion.

“...Rep. Catamco further humiliated the evacuees when she uttered, “Panguli na mo kay baho na kayo mo diri. (You should go back to your homes because you are already stinky here).” 

She tried to entice the evacuees to go home by telling them packed lunch and buses had been prepared for them.

“Worse, Rep. Catamco went on questioning the datus if they were really tribal leaders, because according to her myopic view, “leaders should not leave their communities.”  And she maliciously asked several participants in the dialogue if they were members of the NPA or of NGOs,” the Makabayan Bloc charged.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2015/07/19/leftist-catamco-clash-heats-up/

US eyes greater presence

From the Manila Standard Today (Jul 19): US eyes greater presence

THE Philippine defense establishment welcomed the remark of the new commander of the United States Pacific Fleet that Washington is prepared to act against threats in the South China Sea.

Defense officials welcomed the reassurance of Admiral Scott Swift that the US Navy is “very interested” in increasing both drills and America’s presence in the region, largely in response to a perceived threat from China.

“The reason that people continue to ask about the long-term commitment and intentions of the Pacific Fleet is reflective really of all the uncertainty that has generated in the theater now,” Swift said while on a visit to Manila.

“If we had the entire United States Navy here in the region, I think people would still be asking, ‘Can you bring more?’,” he added.

Yet, even without a military buildup in the region, Swift remains confident that the US is prepared to meet any conflict that should arise.

“[I am] very satisfied with the resources that I have available to me as the Pacific Fleet commander,” he said. “We are ready and prepared to respond to any contingency that the President may suggest would be necessary.”

Defense department spokesperson Dr. Peter Paul Galvez welcomed Swift’s remarks and said it showed US commitment to peace and stability in Asia.

“It’s always welcome to hear words of commitment from US officials particular as we face an oppressive neighbor,” Galvez said.

Philippine Navy flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Jesus C. Millan agreed with Galvez and said “his strong statement as Commander Pac Fleet indicates the US commitment to maintain stability in the region.”

“This is good for all those using the sea lanes, including us as freedom of navigation and overflight will be maintained,” Millan said.

Despite the fact that the United States lies over 8,000 miles away from the waters of the South China Sea, the U.S. Navy currently has four coastal combat ships operating in the contested waterway.

Over the past few months, Washington has also increased military exercises with a number of Pacific allies, including Japan, Australia, and the Philippines.

Nearly a trillion in trade passes through the South China Sea each year and while China claim most of the sea, it also has overlapping claims with Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, and Taiwan.

Beijing’s construction of artificial islands in the Spratly archipelago has left the U.S. and many of its allies concerned, even though China has repeatedly stated that the islands will largely serve humanitarian purposes, and any military installations are only there for defensive purposes.

In the last few months, Washington has conducted a number of military exercises with regional allies, moves seen as provocative by the Chinese government. Earlier this month, the U.S. began joint naval exercises with Singapore close to the South China Sea.

Only one week prior, the U.S. also engaged in war games with Japan and Australia in the Northern Territory and Queensland.

Despite these demonstrations of military might, Swift reiterated that “the United States has been very clear that it does not support the use of coercion and force.”

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2015/07/19/us-eyes-greater-presence/

2 wounded in Sulu bomb blast

From GMA News (Jul 19): 2 wounded in Sulu bomb blast

Two persons were wounded after an improvised bomb exploded in a videoke bar in Jolo, Sulu on Saturday night, police said.

 

The incident occurred at around 7:40 p.m. at the Manay Videoke bar in Tabak village in Barangay Busbus, GMA News correspondent Peewee Bacuño reported.

 

Wounded were Azis Sakandal and Lengleng Banagudos.

 

Initial police investigation showed that the improvised explosive device was placed in motorcycle's toolbox.

 

Police are looking for leads on the identity of the perpetrators and the motive behind the bombing.

 

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/524646/news/regions/2-wounded-in-sulu-bomb-blast

Student group condemns escalating attacks on activists

From the Bicol Today (Jul 19): Student group condemns escalating attacks on activists



Union leader Antonieta Setias-Dizon. PHOTO BY BOY BAGWIS via PinoyWeekly

The student group League of Filipino Students (LFS) chided the Aquino government, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Saturday for perpetrating the series of harassment against unionists and activists.

Members of the LFS, public sector union COURAGE, and other progressive groups have been holding a vigil at the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) National Office in Ortigas since July 14 where union leader Antonieta Setias-Dizon sought refuge. Setias-Dizon has experienced a series of harassment and intimidation from state agents, including being tailed by intelligence vehicles.

“We condemn the Aquino government for masterminding the systematic attacks against activists and union leaders. Despite the fact that we have filed writ of habeas data and writ of amparo, political repression is continuing for weeks without let-up,” said LFS national spokesperson Charisse Bañez.

The IBP, COURAGE and Setias-Dizon held a press conference on July 16 to condemn the successive attacks against union leaders and urge the public to join their campaign against the heightening political repression under the Aquino government.

LFS cited incidents where two suspected elements of the military were seen taking photos of their headquarters in Manila. A man who introduced himself as a military agent also visited the headquarters of Kabataan Partylist in a blatant attempt to harass their members.

The youth group also recounted recent incidences of brazen harassment from suspected military and police agents at the IBP office. On the afternoon of July 17, two vehicles were marked as highly suspicious as observed by members of COURAGE and other organizations who have been holding vigil at IBP.

A white Mitsubishi Montero Sport with plate number WOZ 387 passed by the IBP building eleven (11) times. The look-outs noted that the driver had been taking details of the people and the building using a camera.

Another vehicle, a black Starex van with plate number NDQ 961 have also been making rounds. The said vehicle also dropped off and picked up several suspicious looking men at a nearby 24/7 convenient store. One of the men even entered the IBP driveway and took note of the plate numbers of vehicles parked inside. When several look-outs approached him, he pretended to be lost, walked away and was eventually seen boarding the black Starex van.

Also, members of Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (KADAMAY) -Malabon who held vigil in the IBP building also experienced harassment. Upon leaving the premises of IBP at around 7pm on Friday, they noticed that a silver Starex van with plate WSU 936 was tailing the jeepney they were boarding. The van also hustled their jeepney along EDSA near Trinoma. They were able to shake-off the van at Monumento.

LFS stressed that as his final State of the Nation Address approaches, Aquino is becoming more desperate to silence his critics in hopes of escaping accountability on his countless crimes to the Filipino people.

“The youth and the people must condemn the growing climate of political repression under the Aquino regime. Aquino’s last SONA will be drowned by our clamor to oust him and his party from power and make him accountable for his long list of crimes,” ended Bañez.

http://bicoltoday.com/2015/07/19/student-group-condemns-escalating-attacks-on-activists/

U.S. House body hears charges of HR violations by PH authorities

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jul 17): U.S. House body hears charges of HR violations by PH authorities



Testifying at the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission are, from left, Marietta Corpuz, Amaryllis Hilao-Enriquez, Brian Campbell, Bishop Solito Toquero and T. Kumar. PHOTOS BY JON MELEGRITO

“If a bishop is not safe in the Philippines, who is going to be safe in his country?”

This was the question posed by T. Kumar, International Advocacy Director for Amnesty International, USA during a two-hour briefing sponsored by the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission (TLHRC) July 15.

The Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission (formerly known as the Congressional Human Rights Caucus) aims “to promote, defend and advocate internationally recognized human rights norms in a nonpartisan manner, both within and outside of Congress, as enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other relevant human rights instruments.” As an investigative body, it makes recommendations to policy makers and legislators.
 Kumar was referring to the alleged recent harassment of the family of Bishop Solito Toquero, former Resident Bishop of the United Methodist Church Manila Episcopal Area.



Marieta Corpuz, Bishop Solito Toquero and Agta Dumagat community organizer Amaryllis (Marie) Hilao-Enriquez pose for a photo in front of the Rayburn House Office Building.
“That in itself shows the level of abuse conducted by Philippine government security forces,” Kumar pointed out. “They are being committed with total impunity, which means nobody is accountable.
Instead of being punished, they are promoted – which gives them a green light to do anything they want.”

Toquero was among the panelists who described the current situation in the Philippines and provided personal accounts of torture and abuse by security forces. Also testifying were Amaryllis (Marie) Hilao-Enriquez, Chairperson of KARAPATAN (National Alliance for the Advancement of Human Rights), Marieta Corpuz, General Secretary of Samahan ng Katutubo sa Sierra Madre (SKSM) and Brian Campbell, legal advisor and steering committee member for the U.S.-based Ecumenical Advocacy Network on the Philippines (EANP).

More than a dozen congressional staff members of TLHRC, a bipartisan caucus of the U.S. House of Representatives, were on hand to listen and ask questions. Several representatives of faith-based communities, human rights groups and student organizations were also present, filling up the hearing room at the Rayburn House Office Building in Capitol Hill.



Congressional staff members of the bipartisan caucus and representatives of human rights organizations listen to a panel of speakers allege human rights violations in the Philippines.

In his testimony, Toquero recalled how two men claiming to be soldiers went to his son’s home in Cavite on June 28. “They refused to identify themselves or show their mission orders, but they wanted to talk to Raquel, my daughter-in-law,” he said. “They said they know what she has been doing.”

“What she has been doing,” the Bishop asserted, “is fighting for workers to enjoy their rights and receive decent wages.” His daughter-in-law works for the Confederation for Unity, Recognition and Advancement of Government Employees (COURAGE). The advocacy group is pushing for a national minimum wage of P16,000 a month, or about $350, for private as well as public workers.

‘Environment of Impunity’ 

The National Council of Churches in the Philippines (NCCP) has protested the “ongoing harassment against the government employees’ union,” and the “current environment of impunity that prevails in the Philippines.” It cited more than 20 incidents since April this year, including arrest on false charges, extrajudicial killings and disappearances.

Hilao-Enriquez, 52, a member of the Agta Dumagat tribe in Aurora province, talked about “my people’s struggles against foreign capitalist investors, big landholders and government itself.”

Their incursions on the Dumagats’ ancestral lands, she said, “is a desecration of our culture. Logging has destroyed the environment and displaced our tribal communities. These big companies are being protected by government security forces who resort to violence against anyone who gets in the way of development.”

“I have been organizing my people since I was 18 years old,” Hilao-Enriquez added. “What gives me strength and courage to continue fighting is our collective will to do the right thing.”

In her remarks, Corpuz cited how the military uses excuses to “create divisions in the community and target dissidents and anyone who opposes development in the area. Violence against indigenous communities goes on at a regular pace.”

‘Be extremely vocal’

During the question-and-answer, UCLA student Kevin Casasola asked the panelists “what we can do here in the U.S. to put an end to these human rights violations.”

Kumar replied that the American people must “be extremely vocal in pushing the State Department, not just in issuing annual reports, but in setting benchmarks. Meaningful investigations must be undertaken and military officers, whose hands are soaked in blood, must be held accountable.”

Amirah Ali Lidasan, a Muslim activist from Cotabato City in Mindanao, chimed in from the audience. “Our voices are rarely heard because it’s hard for us to come to the U.S.,” she said. “We are relying on the American people to speak out for us, so we can continue our work.”

“I will do my best as Samahang Pilipino’s external vice president to make sure these issues gain more traction as my campus gets more educated about the Philippines,” Casasola assured Lidasan. “I’ll be heading to the Philippines in August to get more hands on experience with the issues.”

‘Meaningful pressure’

Campbell summed up the panel’s recommendations by calling for “meaningful pressure” from the U.S. to “recognize and understand the pain and suffering of the victims.” He noted that the U.S. has provided “lots of military support” to the Philippine government. “This is more than symbolic, because it is real,” he said. “The Armed Forces of the Philippines are culpable of gross human rights abuses and they must be held accountable.”

Toquero and the other panelists, who later met with senior officials at the State Department, will also be speaking at the International Peoples Tribunal held this weekend at Catholic University.

The State Department, in its 2014 Human Rights Report, criticized the Philippines for the “extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearance undertaken by security forces and suspected vigilante groups; a weak and overburdened criminal justice system notable for poor cooperation between police and investigators, a meager record of prosecutions and lengthy procedural delays; and widespread official corruption and abuse of power.”

http://globalnation.inquirer.net/126235/u-s-house-body-hears-charges-of-hr-violations-by-ph-authorities

Army to lead prostate awareness outreach

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jul 18): Army to lead prostate awareness outreach

Some 1,000 beneficiaries from the barangays of Siaton, Negros Oriental, will receive free medical consultation and other services tomorrow, spearheaded by the 79 th Infantry “Masaligan” Battalion of the Philippine Army, based also in the town.

Lt. Col. Harold Anthony Pascua, battalion commander, said the outreach is part of its pre-anniversary activities, in partnership with the local government unit of Siaton, the Philippine Center for Specialized Health Care, and the East Avenue Medical Center-Department of Urology.

About 20 doctors, some of them on practicum with the Department of Health while others are specialists on prostate-related diseases, will join the whole day medical mission, that will include free consultation, giving of medicines, and other related services, Pascua added.

The Masaligan Battalion had earlier met with the 26 barangay captains and health workers to maximize the number of beneficiaries.

The 79 th IB will celebrate its 9 th anniversary August 16, although the program proper is set August 19. Expected guests are Maj. Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero, commander of the 3 rd Infantry Division; Col. Allan Martin, 302 nd Infantry Brigade commander, Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo, Siquijor Governor Zaldy Villa, and Siaton officials, among others.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2015/July/18/negor4.htm

Head of house IP panel blasted for 'insulting' lumad says refugees held in 'concentration camp'

From InterAksyon (Jul 18): Head of house IP panel blasted for 'insulting' lumad says refugees held in 'concentration camp'



North Cotabato Rep. Nancy Catamco during the 'dialogue' with Ata-Manobo refugees at a church compound in Davao City. (photo by Kilab Multimedia)

Lawmakers from the Makabayan bloc and religious leaders blasted the chairwoman of the House of Representatives’ committee on national cultural communities for “insulting” displaced Ata-Manobo who have sought refuge from militarization at a church compound in Davao City this week.

Sought for her side, Catamco, a Bagobo-Manobo, stood her ground and alleged the lumad are being held under duress at the UCCP compound, which she likened to a “concentration camp” where the indigenous people “are being treated inhumanely.”

In audio files uploaded to the Internet, North Cotabato Representative Nancy Catamco is heard speaking in an angry voice during what was supposed to be a dialogue with the lumad at the United Church of Christ in the Philippines Haran compound.

In one of the files, she raises her voice when a man says they would rather die in the evacuation center than return to their militarized communities.

“Okay, you want to die here? Okay, you want to die here? He said that. You want to die? Alright, those who want to die here, raise your hands. Raise your hands! You want this? Really?” she said.

Saying she only wanted to help solve the lumad’s problems, she went on to say she “cannot understand seeing the children here stinking (baho) like this …”

She also insinuates that the lumad are being held against their will and said if they were genuine evacuees, they should be staying with the Department of Social Welfare and Development, not the church compound.

In another file, she dismisses a man’s assertion that they were seeking a dialogue, saying many dialogues had been held in the past “and yet you keep returning here.”

She also justified the continued military presence in hinterland communities, saying it was needed to protect heavy equipment from being burned by rebels and asking if the lumad were willing to take on the responsibility of preventing this.

In comments sent to InterAksyon about the incident, Catamco said: "Hindi ito healthy at lalong hindi makatao. Imagine, pinagsiksikan sila sa makeshift tents, walang maayos na tulugan, makain at palikuran; and worst, ayaw silang pauwiin at naka-kandado ang gate na walang basta-basta makapasok (This is not healthy and more than that, inhuman. Imagine, they are crammed into makeshift tents, with no proper beds, food or toilets; and worst, they are prevented from returning home and the gates locked to prevent anyone from entering). You visit them and see for yourself."

Catamco had been invited, together with party-list Representatives Luz Ilagan of Gabriela, Carlos Zarate of Bayan Muna and Terry Ridon of Kabataan, by the Save our Schools Network to join a fact-finding mission to investigate human rights violations allegedly committed by the military and paramilitary groups against the lumad in Southern Mindanao.

On July 13, the mission went to Cateel, Davao Oriental and visited a lumad school. The following day the lawmakers met with the evacuees and their datu and other leaders at the UCCP Haran compound, where the Ata-Manobo aired their complaints, including what they said were vilification campaigns mounted by the military and milities against them, volunteer teachers and groups who support them.

At the July 14 meeting, said the Makabayan lawmakers, Catamco suggested they meet again the next day so she could invite officials of the National Commission of Indigenous Peoples.

However, aside from NCIP representatives, Catamco also took with her military officers and other government agencies and told the evacuees to return home, the activist lawmakers said.

They said Catamco humiliated the evacuees when she told them, “Panguli na ‘mo kay baho na kayo ‘mo diri. (You should go home because you are already stinking here).”

"She tried to entice the evacuees to go home by telling them packed lunch and buses had been prepared for them," they added.

The Makabayan lawmakers also accused Catamco of disrespecting Zarate when she cut him off, saying, "I'm not talking to you," when he tried to raise a point during their dialogue. This prompted Zarate to walk out.

"The so-called dialogue turned into a mockery. Ultimately it failed to address the issues of militarization being raised by the evacuees. Her words and deeds were no different in effect from what the military have been inflicting on the lumad: threats, intimidation, harassment, and ridicule," the Makabayan bloc said.

In a separate statement, the UCCP-Southeast Mindanao Jurisdictional Area said it felt "insulted by the fact that she disrespected the sanctuary by misleading us of her true intentions of dragging the issue beyond humanitarian aspect."

The “UCCP Peace Sanctuary is a prophetic witness and humanitarian effort of the church for the lost, the last and the least of our people. It is a place purposely created to accommodate individuals or communities that were deprived, neglected, exploited, harassed, and suppressed with their rights to peace, respect and free as a community,” Bishop Hamuel Tequis of UCCP SEMJA said in the statement.

“Forcing the lumad to go back to their villages would not help in addressing the main issues or their demands. Certain government officials and agencies are just making the situation worse, the fact that they are public servant they should act as genuine servants to the people," he added.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/114410/head-of-house-ip-panel-blasted-for-insulting-lumad-says-refugees-held-in-concentration-camp

NPA lauds captured soldier for 'professionalism'

From InterAksyon (Jul 18): NPA lauds captured soldier for 'professionalism'



A soldier sits on the steps of the bullet-riddled CVO outpost in Barangay Alagatan, Gingoog City where PFC Adonis Jess Lupiba was positioned when NPA guerrillas attacked troops stationed in the village. (photo by Erwin Mascarinas, InterAksyon.com)

Communist rebels in Mindanao praised the “professionalism” of a soldier they captured when they attacked troops stationed in a Gingoog City village last weekend when he refused to open fire to avoid endangering civilians.

The statement of Ka Allan Juanito, spokesman of the NPA’s North Central Mindanao Regional Command, echoed those of residents of Barangay Alagatan, who called Private First Class Adonis Jess Lupiba of the 58th Infantry Battalion a "hero" for holding his fire on rebels who had taken cover under a house where several civilians were playing cards and watching a basketball game.

In an earlier account of the incident, “Greg,” an Alagatan resident who asked his real name not be disclosed, said: “For us he is a hero, he exchanged his life for our safety. He could have killed several NPAs from his vantage point above the CVO (civilian volunteer outpost), but he did not fire back or even throw a grenade towards the house.”

Another resident, Gem, recalled Lupiba shouting to the rebels: “Please there are civilians, the civilians are in the house!”

“If the soldier had fired back, my God, we all would have been dead, thankfully he did not fire at our location and even surrendered in exchange. It was a very frightening experience. I just laid it all to God if he would take us that day then I asked for forgiveness in my prayer and for my children, I held on to my faith in God,” she said.

Juanito lauded Lupiba’s adherence to rules of engagement that state, “involvement of civilians and their property must be avoided” and “damages must be limited only to the extent necessitated by the mission.”

However, he added, military officials “clearly do not understand these rules of engagement for they ordered their men to occupy barrio centers, barangay halls, gymnasiums and other public facilities in conducting the psywar component of the triad operations of Oplan Bayanihan,” the government’s counterinsurgency program.

At the same time, Juanito blasted military claims that Lupiba had been wounded before his capture and had subsequently been mistreated by the rebels, “an accusation that has caused unnecessary worry on the part of his family and friends.”

He said a video uploaded by the rebels to YouTube “clearly shows that the prisoner of war under NPA custody is in good health.”

In the video, which InterAksyon.com has viewed, a visibly uninjured Lupiba says he has been treated well and asks his family to pray for his speedy release from captivity.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/114411/npa-lauds-captured-soldier-for-professionalism

5 injured in rebel ambush in Mindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 18): 5 injured in rebel ambush in Mindanao

Communist rebels ambushed a group of army soldiers and government militias and wounded at least 5 of them in the southern Philippines, officials said on Saturday.

Army Captain Alberto Caber, a spokesman for the Eastern Mindanao Command, said the attack occurred in the village of Tagugpo in Compostela Valley’s Pantukan town. He said four soldiers and a militia were reported injured in the Friday ambush.

“The wounded personnel were immediately provided first aid by the troops in the area. They are now in stable condition. Pursuit operations are still ongoing,” Caber told the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.

He said the wounded soldiers were all members of the 101st Division Reconnaissance Company under the 10th Infantry Division.

The ambush occurred just as the military launched operations to track down the NPA ambushers who killed an army scout ranger and wounded an officer in separate attacks recently.

Motorcycle gunmen shot dead a soldier of the 12th Scout Ranger Company in the village of San Antonio also in Compostela Valley’s Mabini town on July 16. The soldier was returning home after bringing his son to school when two gunmen in separate motorcycles shot him.

Two gunmen also on a motorcycle shot Colonel Edwin Respecio, deputy commander of the army’s 10th Regional Community Defense Group in Cagayan de Oro City. He was travelling in a car when the gunmen shot him several times.

The NPA has been fighting for many decades now for the establishment of a Maoist state in the country.

http://mindanaoexaminer.com/5-injured-in-rebel-ambush-in-mindanao/

Alert passenger helps prevent bus bombing in South Cotabato

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 18): Alert passenger helps prevent bus bombing in South Cotabato

Suspected extortionists planted an improvised bomb inside a Yellow Bus in South Cotabato but an alert civilian helped prevent what could be a bloody Saturday when he alerted the driver and conductor of his “unusual discovery.”

“I find it very unusual for mobile phone with packing tape inside carton under one of the seats, my instinct told me it could be a bomb,” the man told reporters after bomb experts detonated the explosive at Sto Nino town bus terminal.

After the man reported his discovery, the driver then directed 23 passengers to slowly alight to avoid stampede.

Supt. Jose Briones Jr, South Cotabato police director, said the blast triggered minor damages to the bus with body number A-93.

He said the improvised explosive device was fashioned from a fragmentation grenade with mobile phone as triggering device.

Quoting witnesses, Briones said a man alighted along the national highway before the bus arrived at Sto Nino bus terminal at 10 a.m.

It came from Isulan, Sultan Kudarat.

He said the man who disembarked vacated a seat at the rear portion where the box was found.

Briones said the attack could be perpetrated by extortion groups preying on the bus firm.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=784154

Bomb explodes inside bus in South Cotabato town; no one hurt

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 18): Bomb explodes inside bus in South Cotabato town; no one hurt

An improvised bomb exploded inside a passenger bus in Sto. Nino town in South Cotabato Saturday morning but no casualties were reported.

Chief Insp. Joel Fuerte, Sto. Nino police chief, said the bomb went off at around 10 a.m. inside a deluxe unit of Yellow Bus Line Inc. (YBL) that was parked inside the town’s public terminal.

He said a passenger initially noticed a device with an attached cellphone dropping from the seat when the bus unit made a stop at the terminal.

Fuerte said the concerned passenger immediately alerted the bus driver, conductor and other passengers regarding the suspicious device, which was planted at the fourth seat from the driver’s seat.

“The passengers and crew were able to disembark from the bus before it exploded,” he told reporters.

The police official said they were still identifying the components of the explosive but initially noted that it was crudely-made.

He said the YBL bus unit only sustained minimal damages as a result of the explosion.

Fuerte said their operatives were currently tracking down three men who were believed to have planted the explosive.

He said the suspects boarded the bus in Isulan town in Sultan Kudarat and disembarked before it reached the Sto. Nino town proper.

“The three suspects were identified by the conductor and some passengers as the ones who were seated at the spot where the explosive was planted,” he said.

YBL had been the subject of bomb attacks these past months that were believed perpetrated by an extortion group operating in the area.

The YBL bus unit was en route to Koronadal City when the explosion happened.

The city is currently hosting the culmination of South Cotabato province’s 49th foundation anniversary celebration and 16th T’nalak Festival.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=784042

Needs of fighting troops to be provided -- new PA chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 18): Needs of fighting troops to be provided -- new PA chief

Stressing that soldiers are the military's best assets, newly-appointed Philippine Army (PA) commander Major Gen. Eduardo Año said the needs of the troops facing and fighting the insurgents and lawless elements will be provided.

"We will continue to manage our resources well while we develop mechanisms to better support and provide the needs of our fighting troops in the front-lines and at the home front," he added.

And with soldiers being the PA's best assets, Año stressed that these fighting men will be provided more training and equipment to give them their best fighting potential.

This includes provision of adequate protective gears to increase survivability in battle, he added.

This was highlighted by the recent decision to reschedule the PA's PHP6.5-billion shore-based missile system (SBMS) program in exchange for the acquisition of more modern force protection equipment, squad designated rifles and radios.

"(The SBMS project) was not removed, we merely requested that it be put on the second horizon of the AFP modernization program. We did not scrap it, we (just) requested that it be moved," newly-appointed Armed Forces of the Philippines chief-of-staff Lt. Gen. Hernando DCA Iriberri earlier said.

The SBMS will be acquired to beef up the external defense capabilities of the PA and not aimed at any particular nation.

Sources said the SBMS consists of 12 launchers, trailers and tracking systems and missiles that could be fired to neutralize ground and naval targets.

And in its place, force protection equipment, squad designated rifles and modern radios.

The AFP's modernization program is divided into three horizons, with the first lasting from 2013 to 2017, the second from 2018 to 2022 and third 2023 to 2028.

He also said the decision to move the SBMS project to the second horizon came about from his stint as PA chief which lasted from Feb. 7, 2014 until July this year.

During that time, Iriberri revealed that he had the opportunity to visit Army units nationwide and talked with their leaders.

During those meetings, he learned that 280 soldiers were killed in action while another 908 were wounded.

Iriberri said those fatalities and casualties would have not been incurred had these Army personnel possess adequate force protection equipment like body armor and helmets

"And as PA commanding general, I requested that a re-prioritization, remember that the AFP modernization first horizon has budget of PHP95 billion, with the PA just getting PHP9.5 billion which is barely 10 percent, I understand this as the Navy and Air Force's (modernization projects) are capital intensive. But out of that PHP9.5 billion, PHP6.5 billion will go to the SBMS with only the remaining PHP3 billion to upgrade our warfighting capability and that does not include the acquisition of force protection equipment," he added.

With that gap, Iriberri said that he then requested the senior leadership to look into this and prioritize first the acquisition of the force protection equipment and other essential items.

"That is the reason why I requested for a reprioritization because I wanted to provide our soldiers the necessary force protection equipment in doing their duty, regardless on whether it is for external or internal defense missions," the newly-appointed AFP chief stressed.

Iriberri also clarified that prior its repriotization, the SBMS project was just a proposal, adding what they did was merely to submit a counter-proposal which he believes is in the best interest of our soldiers.

He vehemently denied claims that he is getting a fat commission for pushing for the acquisition of force protection equipment, adding that such allegations are pure lies.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=784018

U.S. lawmakers praise PHL move to bring disputes with China before int'l arbitration

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 18): U.S. lawmakers praise PHL move to bring disputes with China before int'l arbitration

Top U.S. lawmakers backed the Philippine government's decision to pursue international arbitration to resolve its maritime disputes with China as they called for stronger American military support for its long-time ally amid Beijing’s growing assertiveness in the disputed South China Sea.

On Friday, a statement of support was issued by U.S. Senators John McCain (R-AZ) and Jack Reed (D-RI), chairman and ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, and Senators Bob Corker (R-TN) and Ben Cardin (D-MD), chairman and ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, praising the Philippines’ efforts to peacefully resolve territorial disputes through arbitration.

“Although the United States does not take a position on the competing claims, we applaud Philippine President Benigno Aquino III and his government for his commitment to pursuing this legal course of action,” they said in a statement that adds an important voice to Manila’s stance that arbitration is an “open, legal, durable and peaceful” way of resolving the disputes.

“While China is constructing and militarizing new land features in the South China Sea and increasingly turning to coercion to achieve its goals, we are encouraged to see that Manila continues to make every effort to resolve these claims peacefully, consistent with international law, and through international arbitration mechanisms.”

Dotted with islands, shoals, cays, reefs and rock formations, the South China Sea is a contested major waterway with lush marine life and rich in oil and gas reserves.

It is home to overlapping claims by China, Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan. However, China says it has indisputable and historical claim of nearly 90 percent of the entire sea even as it overlaps with the territories of its Asian neighbors.

China’s massive reclamation on at least seven formerly submerged reefs it controls has worried other claimants and other nations like the United States and Japan.

Last week, a legal team from the Philippines took part in oral arguments before the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague to convince the five-man panel of judges to assume jurisdiction over the case.

A decision on jurisdiction is crucial as it will determine if the Philippines’ case will proceed or not. The court said it will rule on the matter before the year ends.

Manila has maintained that a rules-based approach is the only legitimate way in addressing disputes through a legal framework such as the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea or UNCLOS.

UNCLOS is a 1982 accord signed by 163 countries, including the Philippines and China, which governs the use of offshore areas and sets territorial limits of coastal states.

McCain, Reed, Corker and Cardin said Washington must continue to support its partners and allies, including the Philippines, as they contend with China’s aggressive actions.

“This requires not only routinely exercising freedom of navigation and overflight activities in the East and South China Seas, but also bolstering the maritime capabilities of South East Asian nations and conducting joint exercises and patrols,” they said.

Admiral Scott Swift, U.S. Commander of the Pacific Fleet, has reassured its Asian allies that it is prepared to act against any perceived Chinese threat in the region.

Swift told journalists in Manila on Friday that the Navy is “interested” in stepping up drills with allies like Japan, Australia and the Philippine and increase the presence of its forces in the region.

“It is critical that the United States take the necessary steps to sustain a balance of power that will continue to uphold peace and stability throughout the region,” the lawmakers said.

“Given the pace and scope of China's military trajectory, we believe this will demand a sustained investment in our military presence in the Asia-Pacific region.”

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=784103

4 troopers, 1 militiaman hurt in Compostela Valley clash with NPA rebels

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 18): 4 troopers, 1 militiaman hurt in Compostela Valley clash with NPA rebels

Four soldiers and a militiaman, all assigned at the 101st Division Reconnaissance Company (DRC), were wounded during a clash with New People's Army (NPA) rebels at Sitio Onor, Barangay Tagugpo, Pantukan town, Compostela Valley Friday morning.

The clash took place at 10: 15 a.m. while government troops, in coordination with local officials, were on security patrol, Eastern Mindanao Command public affairs office chief Capt. Alberto Caber said.

Caber said the wounded soldiers were now in stable condition at a secured medical facility.

They are now in stable condition. Pursuit operations are still ongoing, he said.

Civilians reported that the insurgents carried their wounded comrades as they withdrew from the about 30-minute clash.

Earlier, Eastern Mindanao Command head Lt. Gen. Aurelio B. Baladad reminded all military unit commanders in the region to intensify the conduct of security operations in order to protect the civilians in the far-flung areas from NPA's harassment and extortion activities.

He also encouraged wounded NPA members to come out for their medical treatment.

"Our units are ready to help and we have ambulances that could provide them transportation to a medical facility," he concluded.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=784117

Filipino defense, military officials gratified with Swift's statements

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 18): Filipino defense, military officials gratified with Swift's statements

The announcement of US Pacific Fleet commander, Admiral Scott Swift, reassuring allies of American willingness to act against a perceived Chinese threats in the region, was warmly received by ranking Filipino defense and military officials Saturday.

"It's always welcome to hear words of commitment from US officials particular in light of as we faced together an oppressive neighbor," Defense spokesperson Dr. Peter Paul Galvez said in a message to the PNA.

Swift is in the Philippines for the first leg of his visit to allied nations in the Pacific.

He was appointed Pacific Fleet commander last May 27, replacing Admiral Harry B. Harris, who is now current commander of United States Pacific Command.

Meanwhile, Philippine Navy (PN) flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Jesus C. Millan reiterated Galvez's statement and stressed that Swift's pronouncement's indicated American commitment to the region.

"His strong statement as Commander Pac Fleet indicates the US commitment to maintain stability in the region," he said in a message to the PNA.

"This is good for all those using the sea lanes, including us as freedom of navigation and overflight will be maintained," Millan pointed out.

Swift earlier said that the US Navy was “very interested” in increasing both drills and America’s presence in the region, largely in response to perceived threat from China.

"The reason that people continue to ask about the long-term commitment and intentions of the Pacific Fleet is reflective really of all the uncertainty that has generated in the theater now," he said.

Yet, even without a military buildup in the region, Swift remains confident that the US is prepared to meet any conflict that should arise.

"(I am) very satisfied with the resources that I have available to me as the Pacific Fleet commander," Swift said.

"We are ready and prepared to respond to any contingency that the President may suggest would be necessary," he concluded.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=784116

Palace pushes passage of Bangsamoro Basic Law anew to improve plight of Muslim Filipinos

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 18): Palace pushes passage of Bangsamoro Basic Law anew to improve plight of Muslim Filipinos

A recent survey, showing dismal improvement in the plight of Muslim Filipinos in the country, reinforces the government’s position of attaining enduring peace in Mindanao to bring genuine regional development, a Palace official said.

A new survey by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) showed 43 percent of Filipinos do not see "much real improvement" in the position of Muslims in the country.

“I think this only confirms the resolve of why we need to have a real, comprehensive solution when it comes to peace and order and security in Mindanao,” Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a radio interview over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan on Saturday.

“Tingin ko hindi naman natin maikakaila na talagang kailangan ng tulong ng mga kababayan natin doon at hindi lang ito ang tulong na iaabot natin, na mabibigyan ng programa, kailangan talaga komprehensibo ang peace solution para sa kanila.”

Valte said she believes that the best solution is the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law to address not only the physical needs of Muslim Filipinos but also the concerns on peace and security.

The survey, conducted from June 5 to 8, showed that 43 percent agreed and 25 percent disagreed that there has not been much real improvement in the position of Muslims in the past few years, for a "moderate" net agreement of +18.

The survey also showed that nearly half, or 47 percent of the 1,200 adult respondents, agreed to make an effort in improving the situation of Muslims even by giving them preferential treatment.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=784112

USNS Mercy now in Roxas City for Pacific Partnership 2015

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 18): USNS Mercy now in Roxas City for Pacific Partnership 2015

The USNS Mercy (T-AH-19) has arrived in Roxas City, Capiz Saturday well in time to participate in the two-week Philippine leg of Pacific Partnership 2015 (PP-15).

The American ship and her about 900 crew and volunteers from non-government organizations will join personnel and assets from Australia, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea and Malaysia in the event.

Pacific Partnership is the largest annual multilateral humanitarian assistance and disaster relief preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Asia-Pacific Region.

The PP15 mission in Roxas City will kick off Monday and run for two weeks.

Personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), including doctors and engineers, will be joining their US counterparts to provide engineering, medical, dental and veterinary aid to the survivors of Super typhoon "Yolanda".

"While in Roxas City, medical staff aboard Mercy will perform surgical procedures and will host community health engagements, and also provide direct care in seven locations throughout the province of Capiz," the US Navy statement said.

AFP Central Command said at least 300 patients would be accommodated for surgeries aboard USNS Mercy.

Aside from medical care, PP15 personnel will work and train side-by-side with the community on civic service events, safety topics, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, water search and rescue, veterinarian care, and community outreach projects.

Engineering activities will include the repair of Basiao Elementary School in Roxas City, construction of a new school building at Roxas City School for Philippine Craftsman and construction of a new health care center at Barangay Talon, Roxas City.

The USNS Mercy will depart Roxas City Aug. 4, and transit to Subic Bay to continue its mission in the Philippines. She and her crew will be in Subic Bay on Aug. 5-14, continuing the Pacific Partnership activities while the ship undergoes routine maintenance.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=784155