PH must get tough on terrorism, experts say

From The Standard (Dec 11): PH must get tough on terrorism, experts say

COUNTER-TERRORISM expert said  Thursday  the government must develop   stronger anti-terrorism measures even as Australia and Singapore have recognized Islamist extremists as a clear and present danger to Southeast Asia.

Australia and Singapore, worried over the Islamic State threat in the region, forged stronger cooperation to meet security challenges in the face of the rapid rise of extremism.

“There must be a continuing process of overt investigation and data gathering in order to determine and approximate if the threat of terrorism in the country is really existing,” said the expert, who spoke on condition of anonymity.

The meeting by defense and police officials from Australia and Singapore was held after the London-base Mail Online detailed the ISIS organizational structure highlighting the spread of terror across the globe, including five cells in the Philippines and two in Malaysia and Indonesia that pledge support to the Islamist extremists.

The five groups that pledge support to ISIS were the Ansar Khilafa Philippines, Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, Ma’rakat Al Ansar, Ansar Khilafa and the Abu Sayyaf Group, the Jemaah Islamiyah in Indonesia and Mahajidden Timor in Malaysia.

Singapore, the front-line state in the war of terror, has outline measures to prevent homegrown extremism following the arrest of a self-radicalized Muslim lawyer that they said posed a security threat.

In the wake of global threat by ISIS in Southeast Asia, Australian Justice Minister Michael Keenan met with Philippine National Police  chief Ricardo Marquez in Camp Crame  Thursday  to lay out cohesive intelligence measures amid the serious threat posed by ISIS following the series of gun and bomb attacks in Paris and West Africa that left over 100 dead and another hundreds wounded.

Military and defense officials, however, continue to belittle the threat by the Islamic State in the country saying local terrorist wanted merely to attract international prominence and to advance their banditry, including kidnapping for financial gain.

“There is what we call terrorism threat assessment,” the expert said as he recommended a serious evaluation and analysis of information emanating from various sources to determine the credibility of it.

He also underscore the need to review previous information relating the existence of various threat groups operating in the country, particularly in Mindanao where reports said that at least 11 foreign nationals whose mission remained unknown were spotted in different areas in the southern backdoor.

AFP spokesman Col. Restituto Padilla has said they have not received any credible threat from terror group out to launch attacks in the country, but Malacañang urged Filipinos to avoid public places and to be vigilant.

“You cannot assess or analyze information without looking back or reviewing information,” the security expert said.

“ISIS has the capacity to conduct a cross-geographical region operations based on the level of sophistication of operations as they did in Europe, Africa and the Middle East,” the source added.

The government  on Thursday  welcomed the Australian government’s commitment to help the Philippines improve its surveillance, intelligence and forensic investigation to prevent a similar terror attack in Paris by Islamist militants in the Philippines.

The support to improve the fight against international and local terrorists was part of the Philippine-Australian agreement signed between President Benigno Aquino III and Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull at the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation in Manila in November.

Under the agreement, Australia and the Philippines will step up exchange of information, concentrating on the flow of Southeast Asian militants traveling to and from Syria and Iraq.

The increased cooperation was discussed by top Philippine police officials with Keenan and Federal Police Commissioner Neil Gaughan, who are on a tour of Southeast Asia.

A report also quoted a police official, saying “they always consider the potential threat posed by radicalized Filipinos supporting the ISIS.”

“We are concerned with the risk of ISIS elements traveling to the country to promote violent extremism and, worse, to seek haven or use the country as a transit point in going to conflict zones,” the official who asked for anonymity said.

Counter terrorism officials from both countries are worried over the presence of about 2 million Filipino contract workers in the Middle East, some of whom are in Iraq and Syria and who may be radicalized by the Islamic State.

http://www.thestandard.com.ph/news/-main-stories/top-stories/194128/ph-must-get-tough-on-terrorism-experts-say.html

Army declares Sorsogon as ‘conflict-manageable’ area

From the Bicol Mail (Dec 10): Army declares Sorsogon as ‘conflict-manageable’ area

SORSOGON CITY — The number of combatants in the New People’s Army (NPA) in the province of Sorsogon has dwindled significantly in recent months, giving way to the classification and declaration of Sorsogon as “conflict-manageable and ready for further development” area.

 This was revealed by Lt. Col. Beerjenson Aquino, commanding officer of the 31st Infantry Battalion which has jurisdiction over Sorsogon province, as the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) prepares for the formal ceremony for such declaration to be held on December 15.

 In an exclusive interview at the sidelines of a security forum here, Aquino said the actual number of

NPA regular cadres had been reduced by as much as eighty percent. “They are now down to just about 40 armed regulars.”

Aquino said Sorsogon Gov. Raul Lee had already approved the declaration of the province as “conflict-manageable and ready for further development” area and that AFP Chief of Staff General Hernando Iriberri is expected to personally attend the ceremony.

 The army commander said several factors were considered in the classification and declaration of Sorsogon as conflict-manageable area. “But the most significant were the reduction in number of villages affected or influenced by the NPA, reduction in actual number of insurgents, and the reduction in crime volume,” the army commander stressed.

 He added that with the over-all reduction on security threats, they expect more investments and business activities that will usher in progress and development in the province.

 The local government units and the Philippine National Police will take bigger roles now while the AFP acts as support agency, he said. But he assured the community that the Army will maintain its forces intact to respond to any untoward incident.

 Aquino said their peace and development teams (PDTs) made a good job of clearing many villages in the province from NPA influences which he said have plagued the countryside.

 With the significant reduction in number, the NPA can no longer mount large-scale operations, the Army commander said, even as he clarified that harassments and other armed operations recently launched by the communist movement were carried out by some civilians who were influenced by the rebels.

 Aquino added that the arrests of two of its ranking officials by government forces in two separate operations in Sorsogon and Cavite provinces were indications that the NPA are now very disorganized and demoralized.

 Andres Hubilla alias Magno, Carlo and Bunso, former secretary of Komite Probinsyal (KOMPROB)- Sorsogon, code named EPSON, was arrested by joint elements of the Philippine National Police and Armed Forces of the Philippines in Brgy. Hugo, Trece Martires City at around 9:00 a.m. last November 25.

 Hubilla is also a member of the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front-New People’s Army (CNN) regional party committee in Bicol Region, it was reported.

 A police report said Hubilla, together with a certain Louie Jayno, was on board a silver Toyota Innova with plate number ZNU 763 when accosted by authorities at around 9:05 a.m. of November 25.

 Hubilla was facing various criminal cases which included Criminal Case No. 2014-9058 for Murder and Criminal Case No. 2014-9059 for Attempted Murder before  RTC Branch 52 and Branch 53, both in Sorsogon City.

 Three days later, Felix Marcaida, Jr., — also known as Migz and Gene – were collared by joint operatives of the Philippine National Police-Bicol’s 5th Regional Public Safety Battalion, Regional Intelligence Unit 5, Sorsogon Provincial Intelligence Branch, Donsol Municipal Police Station and the Philippine Army’s 22nd Infantry Battalion, 9th Military Intelligence Battalion, 901st Infantry Brigade and the 903rd Infantry Brigade.

 Marcaida, married, was executive committee member and secretary of Larangan 3, Komite Probinsyal Sorsogon of the Bicol Regional Party Committee of the NPA.

 A police report said the suspect was cornered at his residence at about 8:00 a.m. on the strength of a warrant of arrest issued by Judge Honesto A. Villamor of Regional Trial Court Branch 52, Sorsogon City for a case of murder docketed under Criminal Case No. 5667 with no bail recommended for his temporary liberty.

 Meanwhile, Senior Supt. Ronaldo Cabral, the police provincial director, said the declaration is a very welcome development which will immensely help the province in its efforts to bring progress and development in the barangays.

 The classification is two steps short of declaring the province as insurgency-free, he said.

 Cabral said LGUs will now assume a bigger and more active role in the pursuit and maintenance of peace and order by allocating more funds towards such purpose.

 The police director said the PNP regularly submits Local Anti-Criminality Action Plan (LACAP) and Integrated Area Community Public Safety Plan to LGUs which map out plans and programs toward attaining peace and security.

 He added that to maintain, or further improve, the security situation in the province, LGUs must focus more on programs and projects that the province needs.

 Sorsogon is the last among the four mainland Bicol provinces to be classified as “conflict-manageable” area and the second to the last among the six provinces.

 Camarines Norte, Catanduanes, Camarines Sur, and Albay, in that order, had all been declared and classified as “conflict-manageable areas” leaving Masbate as only the province that is classified as highly influenced by the rebel group.

http://www.bicolmail.com/2012/?p=23794

CAPABILITY ENHANCEMENT // US Government Transfers M113A2 Armored Personnel Carriers to AFP

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Dec 10): CAPABILITY ENHANCEMENT // US Government Transfers M113A2 Armored Personnel Carriers to AFP

Manila—77 units of M113A2 Armed Personnel Carriers (APC) arrived at Subic Bay yesterday evening. This was the first shipment of 114 such vehicles to arrive. The second shipment of 37 units is scheduled to arrive on 14 Dec, and the remainder will be delivered later this month. The APCs will be transferred from the U.S. government to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) via the Excess Defense Article (EDA) Program.

The EDA Program grants excess U.S. military equipment from the U.S., without cost, to qualified allied countries. The transfer is a result of a formal request made by the AFP to assist in their defense modernization efforts.

The M113 was developed to provide a survivable and reliable light tracked vehicle that allows for troops to be brought forward under armor for dismounted operations.A number of the vehicles are scheduled to participate in the annual AFP Day Parade, Dec. 21.

AFP is scheduled to receive the remaining vehicles later this month.

http://dwdd.com.ph/2015/us-government-transfers-114-m113a2-armored-personnel-carriers-to-armed-forces-of-the-philippines/

HIGH MORALE // Salary standardization law approved, barracks rejoiced

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Dec 10): HIGH MORALE // Salary standardization law approved, barracks rejoiced

 

Quezon City, DWDD–Employees of the Armed Forces of the Philippines rejoiced as the House of Representatives officially approved the proposed Salary Standardization Law (SSL) 2015 on Wednesday.

The House Bill 6268 was approved by the lower chamber considering that the bill only had its second reading last November 11. The approval was made possible with votes of 170-5 and one abstention.

The SSL 2015 aims to standardize the salary increase of the government employees within a span of four tranches from 2016-2019. Moreover, the SSL 2015 would elevate the most basic Salary Grade 1 from Php 9,000- Php 11,069 per month which made the average employees in the AFP really happy.

“Masayang masaya ako kasi sa 2016 magkakaroon na ng pandagdag sa mga gastusin at malaking tulong talaga siya,” air woman 2^nd class Maceh Necio explains.

The SSL 2015 is solidly supported by President Benigno Aquino III after the budget department conducted a thorough study on merits of adjusting the salary grades of public sector employees to their counterparts in the private sector.

However, the bill still has to pass through the committee level in the Senate. According to Rep. Antonio Tinio of Act Teachers Partylist, he opposed SSL for it only implements worthless sums to ordinary employees and it is also dependent on the bonuses instead of increasing trhe salaries per se.

Muntinlupa Rep. Rodolfo Biazon, who is a former AFP Chief, abstained from voting after citing a conflict of interest since SSL 2015 disables the indexation of the pension benefits of retired military personnel like him. \

But such negative remarks won’t take the spirits of the AFP employees down. As airman 2^nd class Dexter Oratia mentioned, “increase pa rin naman yan eh. Pangtawid din yan sa araw-araw.”

http://dwdd.com.ph/2015/high-morale-salary-standardization-law-approved-barracks-rejoiced/

ADHERE AND PROTECT // 4ID Troops Renewed Vow for HR Adherence

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Dec 10): ADHERE AND PROTECT // 4ID Troops Renewed Vow for HR Adherence

CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City (DWDD) – The 4^th Infantry Division renewed its vow for the adherence to the provisions of Human Rights through a ceremonial pledge of commitment led by Reverent Ricardo Yul Yañez, Senior Minister, UCCP, Cagayan de Oro City and Atty. Jerefe T Bacang, OIC Regional Director of Commission on Human Rights Region 10 held at Camp Evangelista, Patag, Cagayan de Oro City.

Rev Yañez graced the ceremonial oath taking for 4ID troops with a theme “Karapatang Pantao: Igalang, Ipagtanggol, Isakatuparan”. He said, “You are the protector of every Filipino. We hope that with this renewal of commitment, People will see a better soldier.

“When I was invited to speak before our soldiers, I remember that we are people who believe in one God. I saw God-fearing soldiers who pledged their commitment to protect our people and that is humility.” Rev Yañez added

Atty Bacang also lauded during her speech, the new generation soldiers. She said, “It is very important for every member of the AFP to uphold and respect the Human Rights for this defines your true character as a soldier of Peace. For the past years, I saw a very drastic change in your performance. We have observed your strict adherence to these provisions. We are now facing a different kind of soldiers who are loved by the people.

In response, BGen Paul T Atal, Human Rights officer of 4^th Infantry Division read the message of MGen Oscar T Lactao, Commander of 4ID, he quoted, “A while ago, we have just renewed our oath of adherence to Human Rights and committed ourselves to advocating Human Rights. This day is the validation of our oath in making our Internal Peace and Security Operations, Human Rights-based, and bound within the purview of Philippine Laws and International Humanitarian Law; for peace can only be truly just and lasting if it is based on respect for life, Human Rights, and dignity.”

“Let us never compromise the values that we seek to defend. For this will be the source of our strength and the weakness of our adversaries; this will be the key to finally winning just and lasting peace based on Human Rights and dignity; the peace that our Nation deserves.

After the message, soldiers and guests signed at the wall of commitment for the renewal of adherence to the provision of Human Rights. 4DPAO / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2015/adhere-and-protect-4id-troops-renewed-vow-for-hr-adherence/

HR DAY // Lumad IDPs Benefit from Community Outreach Program

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Dec 10): HR DAY // Lumad IDPs Benefit from Community Outreach Program

LA PAZ, Agusan Del Sur (DWDD) – In commemoration of the Human Rights Consciousness Week and the International Human Rights Day on December 10, 2015, soldiers of the 8th Infantry Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army organized a community outreach program for the Talaandig Lumads of Sitio Ilian, Brgy. Kasapa 2, La Paz, Agusan del Sur, who fled to Cabanglasan town in the province of Bukidnon due to NPA attacks and harassments. The activity was conducted in Brgy. Freedom of said municipality yesterday, December 9, 2015, around 9:00 am, and was made possible through the collaboration and partnership of Bukidnon Pulangui River Lion’s Club, Soriano Philippines Community Health Foundation and the local government unit of Cabanglasan. Some 21 families coming from the IDPs and around 1,000 residents benefitted from the services brought by the group which include tooth extraction, medical consultation, giving of free medicines and vitamins, giving of reading glasses, distribution of used clothes and relief packs to IDPs, circumcision and free haircut service.

It can be recalled that on November 19, 2015, around 6:00 am, residents reported that a certain Angelito Tilocan, a resident of Sitio Miaray, Brgy. Mandahican, Cabanglasan Bukidnon, was forcibly taken by armed persons who were identified as NPA rebels coming from Guerilla Front 6 of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee. While on November 23, 2015, around 2:30 pm, NPA bandits under Junie Tilocan alias WATIWIT of Pulang Bagani Yunit, Section Committee 89 and Alfredo Banawan alias ALAB of Guerilla Front 6, attacked a community in Manggaud, Sitio Miaray of same barangay.

Only recently, the Talaandig tribe led by Lilongan Bucalas or Datu Manlomakad evacuated from their small village in La Paz town due to repeated attacks of NPA bandits against their local villagers. Foremost among these attacks and harassments was on October 3, 2015 when on that fateful moment, Rene Bucalas or Datu Manhadukan Sandigan, one of their tribal elders and brother of Manlomakad, was brutally killed by the rebels coming from the Pulang Bagani Yunitor SPP1, Section Committee 89, North Central Mindanao Regional Committee under a fellow Lumad, Junie Tilocan alias WATIWIT.

Datu Manlomakad has expressed his gratefulness to the group and has given his appreciation for the 8th Infantry Battalion for organizing such an event. “Daghan kaayong salamat kaninyo tanan sa inyong maayong kasing-kasing. Salamat kaayo sa mga kasundaluhan.Tinuod jud nga kamo ang amoang masaligan.” (Thank you so much to all of you. You all have a good heart. Thank you so much to the soldiers. Indeed, we can depend on you.) says Datu Manlomakad.

Meantime, the 8th Infantry Battalion expresses its gratefulness to its partners, the LGU of Cabanglasan, Bukidnon, the Bukidnon Pulangui River Lion’s Club and Soriano Philippines Community Health Foundation. Indeed, it is in our Bayanihan (collaboration) that we can come up with an unequalled effort in ensuring that our less fortunate brothers, especially the Lumads who have been victims of the exploitations of the NPA and all its cohorts, will be able to benefit from the services that our democratic society can give. It is in our Bayanihan (collaboration) that we can truly be set free from the bondage of poverty and win the peace in our Filipino community.   CMO 8IB / MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2015/hr-day-lumad-idps-benefit-community-outreach-program/

Police tag BIFF as responsible for Bukidnon bus bombing

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Dec 10): Police tag BIFF as responsible for Bukidnon bus bombing
 

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, (DWDD)– The regional police here has tagged the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) as responsible for the Tuesday bombing of a passenger bus in Bukidnon.

Police Supt. Bernardo Mendoza, the spokesperson of the police regional command based in Camp Alagar here, said that police investigators in Bukidnon are 80 percent certain that the bombing was the handiwork of the BIFF.

He said that the PNP regional command received an initial report that nine people died on the spot, some of them students of the Central Mindanao University (CMU), in Maramag, Bukidnon. The number climbed to 11, however, in subsequent reports as two of the wounded victims died later in the hospital.

Mendoza said that the passenger bus owned by the Rural Transit Mindanao, Inc. (RTMI) left Wao, a municipal town in Lanao Del Sur, about 3:00 p.m. Tuesday en route to Cagayan De Oro City.

He said the bus made a stop over to pick up eight passengers in front of the CMU, a state-owned university that specializes in agriculture, forestry, and animal science studies.

“The bomb, an improvised explosive device (IED), exploded inside the bus about 100 meters from the CMU gate,” Mendoza said.

He said that police have tagged the BIFF responsible for the bombing since the IED was similar to the one that exploded inside the RTMI passenger bus a month ago on November 6 in San Fernando, Bukidnon.

“No one was killed in the Nov. 6 explosion, but four passengers were treated for minor shrapnel wounds since the bomb exploded at the back of the bus,” Mendoza said.

He said that the motive for the bombing was extortion since the bus company did not give in to the BIFF demand about two years ago.

According to Mendoza, the PNP has already filed charges against Amir Umra-Kato, the leader of the BIFF, and his followers in connection with the Nov. 6 bombing of the RTMI bus company.

http://dwdd.com.ph/2015/police-tag-biff-as-responsible-for-bukidnon-bus-bombing/

MILF: BTC, JNC, and BLMI orient Sarangani constituents, LGU officials on BBL and Normalization

Posted to the MILF Website (Dec 10): BTC, JNC, and BLMI orient Sarangani constituents, LGU officials on BBL and Normalization



The Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC), Joint Normalization Committee (JNC), and Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute (BLMI) oriented the constituents of Sarangani Province and its local officials about the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) and Annex on Normalization during a peace advocacy activity.

It was organized by Balik-Islam group of Kiamba with the support of local MILF agencies, the Bangsamoro Development Agency-Southern Mindanao, the Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society in partnership with the Municipal Government of Kiamba and the Office of the Governor of Sarangani.

The event was aimed to disseminate vital information about the proposed measure  and the essence of Normalization for the success of the peace process between the Government of the Philippines and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

Nearly a thousand participants comprised of Indigenous Peoples, Moro tribes and Christian settlers coming from the towns of Maasim, Kiamba, Maitum in Sarangani, Lake Cebu in South Cotabato and Palimbang in Sultan Kudarat joined the gathering entitled “Peace Advocacy on Normalization.” It was held at Barangay Lumuyon, Kiamba, Sarangani Province on December 9, 2015.

Wahab Guialal, Admin Assistant from the Office of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission Chairman, briefly dicussed the History of the Bangsamoro Struggle relating some historical highlights starting from the coming of Islam, the resistance of the Moro people against colonization by Spaniards, American and  Japanese and the annexation of Mindanao to the Philippine Republic.

Guialal refused to discuss the massacres during the Martial Law era instead he urged the participants to focus their minds on peace and development .

“It good that both the government and MILF have signed a peace agreement,” he said, which is a solution to the Bangsamoro problem “that needs support from stakeholders.”

“Our children today and the succeeding generations will no longer inherit the same problem if the peace process will be successful,” he explained.

Guialal said the MILF calls for the passage of the BBL, a measure that will address injustices and drive development which he stressed “everybody will enjoy” once realized.

He also cited the citations and support of the International communities  to the GPH-MILF peace accord, the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).

BTC Member Atty. Lanang Ali, Jr. briefly discussed the BBL which was crafted base on the CAB. “For the peace agreement to be implemented, it has to become a law,” he explained.

The proposed legislation, drafted by the 15-member of the BTC is now on the hands of lawmakers for deliberation.

BBL proponents and peace advocates worry the proposed legislation may not be passed before the session ends this 16th of December because of the absence of quorum.

Recently, around 29 Civil Society Organizations wrote the Ombudsman requesting for investigation to the so-called chronic absenteeism among the legislators in the lower chamber.

Ali said the BBL should be passed for “it will bring sustainable peace and development” and pointed out that “it should not be lower than the ARMM.”

Some senators and congressmen had expressed their opposition to some provisions of the measure on the grounds of consitutionality.

Senator Bongbong Marcos had proposed a Senate Bill 2894, a substitute bill, called Basic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (BL-BAR) which is opposed by the MILF and peace advocates for it has heavily diluted important provisions of the original BBL draft.

Ali related that the BTC Chairman Mohagher Iqbal has said they are open for changes as long as it is “to improve and not to dilute.”

Mohamad Nasif, Al Haj, Co-Chair of the MILF-JNC, said normalization is the last Annex of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro signed by both parties.



is a process whereby communites can achieve their desired quality of life and it aims to ensure human security in the Bangsamoro,” he said.

He also explained the major components of Normalization which are the security, socio-economic, confidence building measure, policing, transitional justcie, disbandment of armed groups and decommissioning which he described as the most painful.

Nasif related that the MILF has already decommissioned 145 firearms handled by a third party decommissioning body.

He said that normalization is not an easy process but it is very important because “with peaceful situation, we can focus on livelihood.”

Nasif related that they created an independent commission that will facilitate how to establish policing with the guidance of an expert from Canada.

On the disbandment of armed groups, he said there will be meeting with the Department of Interior and Local Government so the MILF will know their role.

'It is not the aim of the BIAF (Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces) to defeat the Armed Forces of the Philippines,” he said, “What we want is to correct past mistakes.”

“All the conflicts end at the negotiating table,” he said and expressed his hope for support from the audience to the peace process.

“We are hopeful that both chambers of Congress will pass the BBL,” he said.

BLMI Executive Director Mahmod Sumilalaw explained that Islam which has Shari'ah law should not be feared and added that Islamic law is a complete system which encompasses economic, political, and religious affairs of its followers.

He also narrated the life of the Holy Prophet which has exemplified being patient and exercising restraint while on the process of propagating Islam.

The speaker said the Holy Prophet's good character draw others to embrace the faith he was preaching then.

He said peace negotiation is not new for it was also practiced by the Holy Prophet and “in negotiation, not at all time you get what you want, there is always bargaining.”

Kiamba Mayor Raul Martinez expressed his thanks to the speakers for explaining the people about the BBL and the peace process.

He looks forward to pool the teachers in his town to be educated about the proposed Bangsamoro law.

In his message, Governor Steve Chiongbian Solon said prosperity can not be achieved through guns and emphasized that “peace is crucial for development.”

He named Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei  as countries that are peaceful and developed.

The governor also said his local government has livelihood projects for the Muslim communities and  they also support the Madaris education.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/new/item/722-btc-jnc-and-blmi-orient-sarangani-constituents-lgu-officials-on-bbl-and-normalization

MILF: MILF-BIAF 109th Base command intensifies advocacy on Unity, Solidarity and prohibition of illegal drugs

Posted to the MILF Website (Dec 10): MILF-BIAF 109th Base command intensifies advocacy on Unity, Solidarity and prohibition of illegal drugs



DATALBLAO, COLOMBIO, SULTAN KUDARAT--- More than two hundred people representing Muslims, Christians and Indigenous People attended one day Advocacy on Unity, Solidarity and Prohibition of Illegal Drugsspearheaded by the 109th Base Command of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (BIAF-MILF) in coordination with Colombio Local Government Unit led by Hon.  Mayor Amirh M. Musali and Datalbalo Barangay Captain and ABC President Bai Naila M. Mamalinta on December 8, 2015.

Aside from Muslims and Christians, Barangay Datalblao is also inhabited by the B’laan Tribe. It is the last barangay of Columbio Municipalitylocated at the tri-boundary of Davao del Sur, South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat provinces.

BIAF 109th Base Command Administrative Chief of Staff at the same time CCCH Member AbdurrahimMolilis presented the overview of the program.

B’laan Tribal Leader Datu Agustin Dabi emphasized the importance of acquaintanceship. “It is very important to acquaint with each other for unity and progress. Progress is for all. Thus, we must avoid negative attitudes that cause disunity”, he said.

AbdulfatahDelna, HaiyyatilUlama, a respected aleem in Central Mindanao, told the participants that unity in Islam is very essential among mankind because Allah commanded human beings to unite in doing good deeds and in forbidding bad deeds.

“We have to be united because we have been victims of decades of war in our homeland. We were divided by colonial systemthat ruled over us”, he added.

He also said that MILF had released a resolution prohibiting the use and sell of illegal drugs locally known “Shabu” which are rampant in Bangsamoro Homeland and the entire country.

Prof EsmaelA. Abdula, Executive Director of Kalilintad Peacebuilding Institute Inc. (KPI), briefly explained the causes of disunitybetween Bangsamoro Muslims and the indigenous peoples.

“Before the coming of colonizers, our forefathers were united, peacefully living in their respective communities.When colonizers landed on our land, they applied divide-and-rule strategy. As a result, the people were divided. In the end, colonizers grabbed our vast land and exploited its natural resources”, he said.

‘’We need to understand that we are brothers, we have common ancestors , common history and common struggle, the struggle for right to self-determinationto liberate ourselves from colonial and oppressive system.  Wehave to unite towards attaining equitable justice, peace and development”, Prof. Abdula added.

Prof. Abdula also shared updates on GPH-MILF Peace Process. He said that,“Once the original version of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) is passed we can say that our aspiration for right to-self-determination is achieved. But when the Basic Law for theBangsamoro Autonomous Region, BL BAR(Diluted BBL) is the one enacted instead of BBL (CAB Complaint),frustrations shall emerge.

This would result to the radicalization of the young generation.The situation, thus become uncontrollable, and what will happen afterwards, that we do not know. Nevertheless, the MILF repeatedly said that they will continue seeking peace”.

“We still have hopes.The International community, the UN Secretary General, OIC Secretary General, Former US State Secretary Hillary Clinton, LGUs, NGOs, CSOs and the Catholic Church and other religious sectors expressed their continuous support to GPH-MILF Peace Process”, Abdullah also said.

LT. COL. Belvis of 39th IB of AFP said that the AFP is very supportive of the advocacy. “We are zero tolerance and full force for prohibition illegal drugs campaign. Unity and solidarity are very basic part of peace”, he said.

BIAF 111th Base Commander Jerry Abubacar of Davao del Sur expressed his support to GPH-MILF Peace Process. ‘’The GPH-MILF Peace Talks aim to end war and oppression. All-out-peace is our objectives to attain desired genuine peace”, he said.

Police Senior Inspector Bernard Francia of Colombio also expressed his support to the advocacy. “We are supportive of the campaign in prohibiting illegal drugsbecause this is a social cancer that when the youth are into it, they tend to disrespect parents and their fellow. We, in the Police Department, are also supportive of the GPH-MILF Peace Process. Guns and ammunitions will be lost, but ball pens will never be lost. People’s lives are very important. Consequently, we do write for peace”, he said.

ABC President Mamalinta expressed her support to the advocacy. “It is imperative for the indigenous people to know their rights on the political issue. These tribal people have vital role in the society. Therefore, their voice must be heard of”, she said.

She announced that she would sponsor focus group discussion of tri-people in Datalblao in coming days.

Municipal Mayor Hon. Amirah M. Musali of Columbio said thatthe MILF from its more than forty years of struggle has just launched its advocacy on unity and solidarity and prohibition of illegal drugs campaign. “In my belief, the negotiation between the GPH and the MILF is the victory of all because we see peace and hope”, he further said.

Some personalities who gave their messages of support were ShiekHishamNando, EKII President and BLMI Steering Committee member, Hon. Misuari Latip, Columbio, SB member, Hon. Santos Balilid, Columbio, SB member, and Hon. Jun Violet Rufino, Columbio, SB member, 

Also in attendance were BIAF 109th Base Commander Hajji Abas Bukol and his three deputies, Abdulaziz B. Talib,Administrative Staff of Eastern Kutawatao Islamic Institute, (EKII), Abusama A. Abad, Department Head of DatuIbrahim Paglas Memorial College, DIPMC high school department and IPs’ leaders.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/new/item/721-milf-biaf-109th-base-command-intensifies-advocacy-on-unity-solidarity-and-prohibition-of-illegal-drugs

Bangsamoro peace process, first step in development

From the Philippine Information Agency (Dec 10): Bangsamoro peace process, first step in development

The proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) is the first step towards peace and development.

Thus, said International Studies Professor Mhemet R. Derindag  of Liceo de Cagayan University during the 3rd Marshall McLuhan Forum Series on Responsible Media.

The forum held on December 9, at Liceo de Cagayan University, focused on communicating the message of the BBL and how the proposed law and its related issues can further improve and change the narrative of peace in Mindanao.

Derindag said BBL serves as the crucial step in attaining sustainable peace and development in Mindanao. “We have to start from somewhere. This BBL is the step towards lasting peace addressing 400 years of conflict and suffering from Spaniards, Americans, and Japanese as well as the Manila imperial power if they won’t follow democratic rules and regulations,” he stressed.

Albeit he finds the Aquino Administration as sincere in pushing forward the BBL. Thus, he hopes that the peace process should continue. “It should never end because if it will, we’ve seen already what happened in the past. Billions of pesos went to nothing and nobody won,” he said.

On the other hand, Dr. Antonio J. Montalvan, historian and anthropologist, disagrees with the BBL because of its lack of self-determination which the Moros don’t deserve. “I think BBL falls short of what to me is sufficient degree of self-determination because to me sufficient degree of self-determination addresses the reality of political elitism which is the main contribution to the poverty in Moro territories,” he pointed out.

Meanwhile, having mass communication students as the majority of the audience, the role of media in peace process was also tackled. “As media practitioners, we have to report and deliver the truth without prejudices,” said Joseph Morong, senior reporter of GMA Network, Inc. who gave some salient features of the proposed law.

The forum was organized by Liceo de Cagayan University in collaboration with the Canadian Embassy.

It served as an avenue for the young and future communicators to clear misconceptions and misleading issues on the current peace process.

The event was attended by some government agencies, non-government organizations, media practitioners and students.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1521449709866/bangsamoro-peace-process-first-step-in-development

MILF, Army, PNP members graduate from joint security training in Maguindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 10): MILF, Army, PNP members graduate from joint security training in Maguindanao

One hundred fifty former Moro rebels, soldiers and police officers graduated Thursday from a 10-day training as members of the Joint Peace and Security Team (JPST).

The trainees belonged to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF), Philippine Army and Philippine National Police (PNP). They comprise the first batch of JPST graduates who completed the training at Old Maguindanao Provincial Capitol in Barangay Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao.

Representatives from the GPH-MILF Joint Normalization Committee, International Monitoring Team (IMT), the United Nations Development Fund (UNDP), United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), Swiss Foundation for Mine Action, the International Decommissioning Body (IDB), the Philippine Campaign to Ban Landmines, and Maguindanao provincial officials were present during the ceremonies.

Seventy-five of the graduates from the MILF were with firearms and were decommissioned and presented to President Benigno Aquino III early this year.

JPST is one of the Transitional Components of Normalization identified as operating units composed of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP), and the MILF’s BIAF. As one of the mechanisms stated in the Annex on Normalization, JPST shall work for the maintenance of peace and order and the stability of the areas mutually identified by the GPH and the MILF.

“You now have the reason to be happy because you were able to reap the fruits of your sacrifice. This kind of training is a great achievement and that, this achievement shall serve as a special tool and weapon in working for peace,” Toks Ibrahim of the MILF told the graduates.

“By this time, I am sure, we have shared ideas, knowledge and concepts that are important guide in the promotion of peace and development in Mindanao or of Bangsamoro Homeland,” he said of the MILF, Army and police graduates.

Senior Superintendent Greg Soliba, GPH-JPST Training Director and Oshama in Ali, MILF- Training Director, presented their respective graduates. They were confirmed by Major General Leo Cresente Ferrer for the GPH, and Mohammad Nasif, Co-Chair, JNC-MILF.

“Continue learning, and never stop from here, instead you must move forward in accordance with the peace process,” Ferrer said.

The graduates will be deployed in areas in the proposed Bangsamoro territory to serve as peacekeepers and ensure safety of everybody in their respective areas of assignment.

Leaders of the JPST are mandated to always coordinate with local police and military authorities to avoid unnecessary encounter or misencounter.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=836726

AFP to help PNP in securing Yuletide Season

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 10): AFP to help PNP in securing Yuletide Season

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is ready to deploy its Joint Task Group-National Capital Region (JTF-NCR) to work alongside its police counterparts to ensure a peaceful celebration of the Christmas season.

"We are ready to deploy JTF-NCR if needed," AFP spokesperson Col. Restituto Padilla said Thursday.

Padilla said the military is also ready to provide all assistance it can to the Philippine National Police (PNP) even including addressing the traffic situation.

"The AFP on the other hand stands to provide all the assistance that the PNP may require from the AFP side including helping in easing the traffic if we are called to do so," he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=836619

Video: Villagers flee North Cotabato clashes

From ABS-CBN (Dec 10): Villagers flee North Cotabato clashes

Watch premium ANC videos on iWantv or TFC.tv

Deadly clashes between farmers and unidentified armed men in North Cotabato have displaced dozens of families. - ANC, The World Tonight, December 9, 2015

 

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/video/nation/regions/v1/12/09/15/villagers-flee-north-cotabato-clashes

Cop cannot determine Lahad Datu intrusion exhibits after forensic analysis

From the Borneo Post Online (Dec 10): Cop cannot determine Lahad Datu intrusion exhibits after forensic analysis

KOTA KINABALU: A police officer could not determine whether digital exhibits on the Lahad Datu intrusion he had collected from CyberSecurity Malaysia were the same ones which had been sent there for forensic analysis, the High Court here heard yesterday.

Former Semporna investigating officer Insp Mohamad Ali Yusran Osman said this was because the exhibits he collected were re-packed after analysis.

“The exhibits that I received were packed and sealed by CyberSecurity Malaysia and the plastic packages were all in dark colour,” he said at the trial of 30 individuals linked to the intrusion by Sulu gunmen at Kampung Tanduo, Lahad Datu in February 2013.

Mohamad Ali Yusran, who is now attached to the Klang Utara police headquarters in Selangor, said he was instructed by Semporna CID chief, DSP Zairolnizal Ishak to collect the digital exhibits from CyberSecurity Malaysia on three occasions in 2013 — April 24, July 17 and Sept 10.

To a question by deputy public prosecutor Datuk Abdul Wahab Mohamed, he said he did not take the opportunity to look at the exhibits inside the packages he received from CyberSecurity Malaysia as they had been analysed and packed by the digital agency. Instead, he added that he handed all the exhibits to Zairolnizal upon returning to Semporna.

Mohamad Ali Yusran said he had also been involved in the investigation of an accused, Norhaida Ibnahi, who was arrested in an ambush at Kampung Sri Melor in Semporna on March 22, 2013, for an alleged immigration offence.

“Norhaida was released from the investigation under Section 6 (1) (c) of the Immigration Act after police obtained confirmation from the National Registration Department that her MyPR card was valid,” he said, adding however that upon her release, she was re-arrested under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (SOSMA).

Meanwhile, Chief Assistant Director of D13 of the Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (Royal Malaysian Police Forensic Laboratory) ACP Hussien Omar Khan said he had overlooked a memory card during the insepction of digital exhibits before handing them to CyberSecurity Malaysia for analysis.

He said there were actually six memory cards instead of five he received from one Inspector Mohd Faiz Che Mamat on April 4, 2013, along with nine handphones, seven handphone batteries and six SIM cards in connection with a police report lodged in Kunak.

To a question by deputy public prosecutor Datuk Jamil Aripin, the senior officer said did not know how the sixth memory card was discovered when Fauzi Mohd Darus of CyberSecurity Malaysia inspected the exhibits.

In the dock are 27 Filipinos and three local residents who are facing one to multiple charges of being members of a terrorist group and waging war against the Yang di-Pertuan Agong. They are also alleged to have recruited members for a terrorist group or willfully harboured individuals they knew to be members of a terrorist group. The offences were allegedly committed between Feb 12 and April 10, 2013.

The hearing before Justice Stephen Chung at the Sabah Prison Department continues today.

http://www.theborneopost.com/2015/12/10/cop-cannot-determine-lahad-datu-intrusion-exhibits-after-forensic-analysis/

Curfew in Sabah waters to continue indefinitely

From The Malaysian Insider (Dec 10): Curfew in Sabah waters to continue indefinitely



Curfew enforcement in the waters off the Eastern Sabah Security Zone has proven to be effective, says Sabah police commissioner.

The curfew imposed in the waters off the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (EssZone) will continue indefinitely, as it has been found to be effective.

Sabah police commissioner Datuk Jalaluddin Rahman said since enforcing the curfew, nine kidnapping attempts were foiled in the waters within the EssZone.

"In addition, we have also helped local fishermen carry out fishing safely, without having to worry about pirates or intruders,” he told a press conference after addressing Labuan police personnel today.

He said apart from curfew enforcement, integration operations involving all police chiefs stationed within EssZone, with the Eastern Sabah Security Command officials were carried out on a regular basis.

Meanwhile, he said the police had identified several towns and townships where cyber gambling was rampant. They include Kota Kinabalu, Penampang, Tawau, Papar, Kudat and Tuaran.

http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/curfew-in-sabah-waters-to-continue-indefinitely

Philippines, Australia vow cooperation against militants

From The Gulf Today (Dec 10): Philippines, Australia vow cooperation against militants

Australia agreed on Thursday to help the Philippines improve its surveillance, intelligence and forensic investigation to prevent Paris-style attacks by militants in Southeast Asia.

At least five militant groups in the southern Philippines have pledged allegiance to Daesh, a militant group that has taken control of swathes of Iraq and Syria.

Canberra and Manila will step up exchange of information, concentrating on the flow of Southeast Asian militants travelling to and from Syria and Iraq.

The increased cooperation was discussed by top Philippine police officials with Australian Justice Minister Michael Keenan and Federal Police Commissioner Neil Gaughan, who are on a tour of Southeast Asia.

“We always consider the potential threat posed by radicalised Filipinos supporting the Daesh,” said a senior police official, referring to Daesh, who asked not to be identified because he was not authorised to talk to the press.

“We are concerned with the risk of Daesh elements travelling to the country to promote violent extremism and, worse, to seek haven or use the country as a transit point in going to conflict zones.”

Counter terrorism officials from both countries are worried over the presence of about two million Filipino contract workers in the Middle East, some of whom are in Iraq and Syria and who may be inspired by Daesh.

http://gulftoday.ae/portal/6593ddf4-06c1-4ce0-8f5d-fb1d45f16996.aspx

25 areas in Davao Region identified as election hotspots

From InterAksyon (Dec 10): 25 areas in Davao Region identified as election hotspots



The Philippine National Police (PNP) regional office has identified at least 25 areas in Davao Region as election hotspots and the number could increase with the ongoing validation in preparation for the May 2016 polls.

This was revealed by PNP 11 spokesperson Andrea dela Cerna during Wednesday's AFP-PNP Press Corps forum at Davao City Police Office (DCPO).

Dela Cera said the areas are categorized according to previous election-related incidents of politically motivated incidents and the presence of armed threats or past and present armed incidents.

Among the areas placed under category 1 or areas with high possibility of politically motivated election incidents are Malita, Malalag, and Digos City in Davao del Sur.

Under category 2 or areas with serious armed threats or previously reported with armed incidents are Paquibato and Marilog in Davao City; Bansalan, Sta. Cruz, Padada, Hagonoy, Kiblawan, and Digos City in Davao del Sur; New Corella, Kapalong, Talaingod, San Isidro in Davao del Norte; Mati City, Lupon, Banaybanay, and three barangays outside of the Mati city proper in Davao Oriental; Monkayo, Laak, Maco, Mabini, Pantukan in Compostela Valley.

Dela Cerna noted that Digos City fall under two categories because intense political rivalry in the 2013 elections and the armed threats from local groups. She added that there are still specific barangays threatened by armed groups.

She added that the list of election hotspots is a work in progress with continued monitoring by police units.

Private armies

Dela Cerna also hinted that private armies are a threat.

“We are gathering intelligence,” she said but refused to name them in order not to jeopardize or compromise monitoring operations of the army and police leading to the private armies’ disbandment.

Davao City Police Office (DCPO) spokesperson Milgrace Driz said police are also studying the possibility of including the towns of Toril and Calinan in the watchlist following two incidents involving a local armed group that burned heavy equipment and killed a barangay official.

While election would not be as intense compared to other areas since majority of the local candidates have no opposing contenders, Driz said police will need forces to secure election gatherings like political rallies.

Driz said her office will still validate all other information at the joint coordinating conference in January or shortly before the election campaign period begins.

“We are all set to provide security forces to those who will need security,” she assured, adding that police will also closely monitor rallies as some groups will sabotage peaceful gatherings.

NPA threat

On the other hand, 10th Infantry Battalion spokesperson Rhyan Batchar said the military has always considered the New People’s Army (NPA) as the primary threat in Davao region including in Region 12.

According to Batchar, at least five sub-regional committees of the NPA operate in the area of the 10th infantry division and most of these subcommittees are in the areas placed under category 2.

The election hotspot areas will be the focus of the security operations for possible outbreak of politics-related violence.

Earlier, PNP chief Ricardo Marquez said that part of the security preparation is an implementation of a nationwide campaign against firearms either through direct operation or other means to ensure the non-proliferation of firearms especially during the election period.

Marquez plans to implement a gun ban from January 10 to June 8, 2016 as discussed with the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/121279/25-areas-in-davao-region-identified-as-election-hotspots

ARMM gov’t awards P292.9-M infra projects in Maguindanao

From the Philippine Star (Dec 10): ARMM gov’t awards P292.9-M infra projects in Maguindanao



ARMM officials and representatives of construction firms affix their signatures to contracts for five new infrastructure projects in Maguindanao. Philstar.com/John Unson

Gov. Mujiv Hataman of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) on Wednesday awarded five more contracts for P292.9 million worth of new road projects in Maguindanao in support of Malacañang’s Southern peace process.

The contracts for each project were signed in Cotabato City by Hataman, his public works secretary, engineer Don Mustapha Loong, and representatives of the contracted engineering firms, in the presence of reporters.

The five projects are to be implemented in the first district of Maguindanao, a known bastion of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Hataman said the projects, concreting of four arterial networks, the Tamontaka-Kusiong-Tapian road (P48.5 million), the North Upi-Datu Blah Sinsuat provincial road (P69.8 million), the Tapian-Datu Blah Sinsuat road (P110.5 million), the North Upi-Datu Blah Sinsuat-Lebak road (P34.9 million) and the construction of Nuyo Bridge (P29.1 million), will be implemented in utmost transparency.

The BRE Construction Corp. will implement the Tamontaka-Kusiong-Tapian and the Tapian-Datu Blah Sinsuat road projects while the Dalanon Company and MUST Enterprises will build the North Upi-Datu Blah Sinsuat provincial road and the North Upi-Datu Blah Sinsuat-Lebak roads, respectively.

The Nuyo Bridge shall be built by the CS Construction Company, which has the lowest project cost quotation, offered in a bidding process initiated by auditors, officials of the ARMM’s Department of Public Works and Highways and representatives of various civil society organizations.

Loong and Hataman both said the projects will be supervised and monitored closely by engineer Nash Ibrahim, chief of Maguindanao’s first District Engineering Office.

Hataman said the funds for each of the five projects are to be drawn from the ARMM’s 2015 infrastructure budget.

“These projects will complement the socio-economic agenda of Malacañang’s peace overture with Moro sectors in Maguindanao,” Hataman said.

Hataman said the road projects, once accomplished, will boost the productivity of the agriculture and fishery sectors in Maguindanao’s Datu Odin Sinsuat, Datu Blah Sinsuat and North Upi municipalities.

“We are embarking on these projects to hasten the socio-economic agenda and normalization efforts of President Benigno Aquino III and the MILF in this part of the autonomous region,” he said.

The ongoing government-MILF peace initiatives are focused on restoring normalcy in conflict-stricken areas to generate livelihood opportunities for impoverished Moro families and to provide children

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2015/12/10/1531166/armm-govt-awards-p292.9-m-infra-projects-maguindanao

Maguindanao cops mull putting 7 towns under 'areas of immediate concern' during polls

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 10): Maguindanao cops mull putting 7 towns under 'areas of immediate concern' during polls

Security authorities in Maguindanao are mulling to put seven towns of 36 municipalities under "areas of immediate concern (AIC)" during next year's polls.

Senior Supt. Nickson Muksan, Maguindanao police provincial director, placed under “areas of immediate concern” are the towns of Barira, Buldon, Shariff Aguak, Datu Blah Sinsuat, Ampatuan, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Datu Unsay because of election-related violent incidents in the 2013 elections.

However, Muksan was quick to add that all the towns in Maguindanao are undergoing military and police evaluation.

Citing previous elections, police reported election related ambuscades, bombings and other forms of violence.

In coordination with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) provincial office, headed by lawyer Udtog Tago, police and military officials met regularly to “continue assessing and evaluating areas that most likely to become areas of concern by the security sector.”

”The number of towns we consider areas of concern may increase or may reduce, depending on our assessment,” Muksan told political leaders during the summit.

The presence of “intense political rivalry” is enough to consider a particular town or locality under AIC, he said. Muksan added some areas are placed “areas of concern,” or areas that are previously marred by harassment or near violence during last year’s polls but no intense political rivalry.

One of the steps the police are taking is the conduct of peace dialogue among political rivals and to commit them not to use violence during the campaign period until election day.

”We are contemplating of having covenant signing and swearing before the Holy book that candidates will never resort to violence,” he said.

The presence of lawless elements and private armed groups are also ground for putting towns under AIC or immediate concern for law enforcers.

He said elections come and go but the people, including the politicians, live in the same community after the 2016 elections. “So they don’t need to use force just to win a seat in the local government,” he said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=836398

7ID reaffirms commitment to protect, promote human rights

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 10): 7ID reaffirms commitment to protect, promote human rights

FORT MAGSAYSAY, Palayan City, Nueva Ecija -- The 7th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army has reaffirmed its commitment to protect, defend and promote human rights as they joined the nation in the celebration of the National Human Rights Consciousness Week from December 4 to 10.

Major General Angelito de Leon, 7ID commander, has reminded the troops that it is a soldier’s duty as an advocate of peace to defend the rights of those not only under their area of responsibility but of each and every Filipino.

De Leon emphasized that the responsibility should not be taken lightly for upholding of human rights is the key to achieving peace.

He said that it the suppression and abuse of human rights which are the very source of dissent.

”I encourage everyone to value the mandate of their profession and pursue the goals of the Philippine Army without besmirching the reputation of the Army, serving with dignity and with a heart for the people,” he said.

Earlier, Lt. Col. Randy O. Remonte, Assistant Chief of Staff for Civil Military Operations, G7, led the pledge to human rights for all military officers, enlisted personnel and civilian employees of this command.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=836667

PH military gets 114 armored vehicles from US

From Rappler (Dec 10): PH military gets 114 armored vehicles from US

The transfer of this huge number of APCs will boost the armor capabilities of the Philippine military



ARMOR BOOST. An APC from the US. Photo from the US Embassy

A total of 77 units of M113A2 Armed Personnel Carriers (APCs) from the US arrived in Subic Wednesday evening, December 9, and another 37 units are scheduled to arrive next week in time for the transfer of all 114 armored vehicles to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) later in the month, the US embassy in Manila announced in a statement on Thursday, December 10.

The transfer of the large number of APCs will boost the armor capabilities of the Philippine military, which continues to fight communist insurgents and terrorists. The light tracked vehicles will provide secure transport to troops who will be inserted into combat zones.

"The EDA (Excess Defense Article) Program grants excess U.S. military equipment from the U.S., without cost, to qualified allied countries. The transfer is a result of a formal request made by the AFP to assist in their defense modernization efforts," said the US embassy.

The transfer of the armored vehicles has long been approved by the US government but the Philippine defense department had to source the funds to be able to transport them to the Philippines, Rappler learned.

The Philippine military is battling Asia's longest-running insurgency. It has given itself until 2016 to wipe out the guerrillas.

The Aquino government's peace agreement with the rebel Moro Islamic Liberation Front is also in limbo, raising fears of continuing conflict in Muslim-dominated provinces in Mindanao.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/115490-armored-vehicles-philippine-military

5 NPA rebels surrender in Zambo Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 10): 5 NPA rebels surrender in Zambo Sur

Five New People’s Army (NPA) rebels have surrendered amid pressure by ongoing military and police operations in the province of Zamboanga del Sur, an official announced Thursday.

Maj. Felimon Tan, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) information officer, said the NPA rebels surrendered on Wednesday to Lt. Col. Alvin Luzon, Army’s 53rd Infantry Battalion (IB) commander.

Tan did not release the identities of the NPA-surrenderees who surrendered to Luzon at Camp Sabido, which houses the 53rd IB headquarters in Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur.

Tan said the NPA rebels decided to surrender amid pressure by intensified law enforcement operation and dwindling mass support.

Tan said Luzon gladly welcome the NPA rebels who decided to surrender to be able to live a new life in the main stream of the society.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=836618

EDCA equips PH as China builds islands – ex-US admiral

From Rappler (Dec 10): EDCA equips PH as China builds islands – ex-US admiral

Former US Pacific Commander Samuel Locklear says the US will start improving infrastructure in Philippine bases if the Philippine Supreme Court upholds EDCA



IMPROVED INFRASTRUCTURE. Former US Pacific Command Commander Samuel Locklear says the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement will improve infrastructure in Philippine bases. Photo by Franz Lopez/Rappler

The former chief of the US Pacific Command said the implementation of a Philippine-US military deal will boost Manila's maritime security as China continues its island-building spree in the South China Sea.

Retired Admiral Samuel Locklear said the deal known as the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), coupled with the $79 million in military funding from the US this year, will focus on boosting Philippine maritime domain awareness.

The agreement has been pending before the Philippine Supreme Court for over a year due to questions on its constitutionality. The Court is set to tackle EDCA on December 16, likely issuing a ruling.

“Should the people of the Philippines and your court decide to go forward with the EDCA, what it does is provide a strengthening of the alliance for the 21st century,” Locklear said in an interview with Rappler in Manila.

 

“You're a country of over 7,000 islands, a huge archipelago and vast potential EEZs (exclusive economic zones) to have to police and manage. The Filipino Navy and coast guard have a way to go to realize the type of capacity they need to be able to defend such a large area so I think that's primarily where we'd be,” he added.

Signed in April 2014, the deal gives US troops, ships and planes access to bases of the Philippine military, one of Asia's weakest. It allows the US to build facilities and preposition equipment in these bases to support the deployment. The infrastructure will become Philippine property.

As head of America's largest and oldest combatant command from 2012 to May 2015, Locklear worked with Philippine military officials in preparing for EDCA, and drawing up the list of 8 bases providing the US rotational access.

Critics questioned EDCA before the Supreme Court, arguing that it is a treaty that requires the approval of the Philippine Senate. Philippine officials said it is a mere executive agreement that builds on a 1951 treaty with the US. (READ: SolGen to SC: EDCA needed to defend West Philippine Sea)

If the high court upholds the deal, Locklear said the US will begin working on improving infrastructure in Philippine bases for land and maritime forces.

“We'll be looking at things that sustain forces like gas and oil that go into airplanes. We'll be looking at the quality of runways in different places, the depths of piers and access for ships of different sizes, and different places around the Philippines, access to places where you might choose to put a submarine,” said Locklear.

The former top Navy commander said the objective was to secure equipment for various functions.

“The first thing you would see is the infrastructure you already have improved to be able to preposition equipment for multiple uses across multiple contingencies, which means it might be equally useful in a hurricane response situation as it would be to a land contingency somewhere in the region. Humanitarian disaster relief is where we'll probably use it the most.”

The EDCA is part of the Obama administration's strategic rebalance to Asia after a decade of wars in the Middle East.

Locklear is in Manila with experts of the Washington-based think tank Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) to discuss the Asia rebalance, and Philippine-US relations.

 

 

MORE TRAINING. Philippine Marines simulate a beach landing exercise as part of their annual joint naval exercises with the US in October 2015. The EDCA aims to conduct more military training with Philippine forces. File photo by Ted Aljibe/AFP

 

'Thank you but it's ours'

The Supreme Court ruling on EDCA comes as China builds artificial islands in disputed features in the South China Sea, defying calls from Manila and Washington to stop construction activities.

Testifying before US lawmakers in April, Locklear said China's “fairly massive” reclamation work could allow it to deploy long-range detection radars, base warships and warplanes, and enforce an air defense identification zone. “If this activity continues at pace, it would give them de facto control.”

Even if the EDCA is upheld, CSIS Senior Adviser Christopher Johnson said China is unlikely to change its actions in the South China Sea.

“What we're likely to see from them is more argumentation about how US action, things like EDCA is, shall we say, encouraging the Filipinos to perhaps be more adventuresome than they otherwise would be on their own. I think we can expect a pretty typical reaction,” said Johnson, a former senior China analyst for the CIA.

While the US is also working on improving its ties with China, Beijing's aggression in the strategic waterway has become a sticking point. Johnson cited the September summit between US President Barack Obama and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

“This is probably the area where there was the least accommodation or the least agreement between the two sides, the South China Sea specifically. The US obviously presents its concerns, talking about freedom of navigation, the rule of law, and the Chinese effectively saying, 'Thank you, but it's ours.'”

China's island-building also worries other Southeast Asian nations as Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei also claim parts of the South China Sea, where $5 trillion in trade passes every year. The Philippines calls the parts it claims the West Philippine Sea.

When Obama visited Manila in November, he announced $250 million in military assistance over two years to develop the maritime capabilities of the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia and Malaysia. The Philippines is the largest recipient.

CSIS Southeast Asia Deputy Director Murray Hiebert told Rappler that China must weigh its interests in the South China Sea against its rise as an economic superpower.

“It's up to China to decide how it's gonna respond. Its neighbors very much appreciate China's economic rise, how they benefit economically, China's building of infrastructure, selling commodities, etc. But on security issues like the South China Sea, there's a lot of anxiety. So China will have to decide if it wants to have half a relationship which focuses mostly on economics while the rest of the relationship is rather strained.”

CHALLENGING CHINA. The destroyer USS Lassen sailed within 12 nautical miles of Subi Reef in the Spratly archipelago. Locklear says the patrol was meant to show China that its claims on artificial islands in the South China Sea 'can't be accepted.' Photo courtesy: US Navy

'More visible' US patrols

As China continues building airstrips and military installations in disputed waters, the US plans to pursue freedom of navigation patrols that began in October.

Back then, a guided-missile destroyer sailed within the 12-nautical-mile territorial limit China claims around Subi Reef in the Spratly Islands.

Locklear explained that China's island-building prompted the freedom of navigation patrol, called FONOP in military circles.

“We do these all over. We've operated freely forever in the South China Sea. The reason this FONOP around the Chinese structures, I think, became so visible is because these structures didn't exist 36 months ago. They were below the water most of the time. [It was] the rapid build-up of the islands, the pumping of the sand, the building of runways.”

The former commander said it is important for the US to challenge China's claims to waters near artificial islands.

“Because if you don't disagree with it over time, them being there becomes like common law, it becomes commonly accepted. To continue the assertion of the Chinese that somehow they, through the 9-dash line, own all this prompted us to be more visible to the Chinese than what we already had been doing.”

 

http://www.rappler.com/nation/115518-philippines-edca-locklear-china-islands