From (Jan 19): The Standard (Jan 19): Encounter with Reds kills two in Caramoan
At least two rebels were killed and another one was captured after a 15-minute fierce encounter between government troops and the New People’s Army Monday morning in Caramoan, Camarines Sur, Southern Luzon Command chief Lieutenant General Ricardo Visaya said.
“Before the encounter, our troops in the area got intelligence reports about armed men believed to be NPA rebels moving from one place to another in the area. The intel indicates the rebels were distributing papers containing instructions to political wannabes to pay permit-to-campaign fees,” Visaya said.
He said the encounter occurred in Barangay Gibgos at around 10:20 a.m.
In its report, the 83rd Infantry Battalion said its troops composed of 21 soldiers encountered around 14 rebels.
After heavy firefight, the rebels withdrew.
“Our troops recovered two dead rebels and cornered another rebel during pursuit operations. Aside from them, our troops also recovered three M16 rifles, an M653 carbine rifle, an M203 Grenade Launcher, 3 backpacks, 3 improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and subversive documents,” Visaya said.
He said there was no casualty on the government side.
Earlier, Visaya ordered all commanders under his command to be vigilant against the NPA’s PTC as this is extortion and must be stopped.
“Our election preparations shall not be made as excuse for us not to hit the NPAs. On the contrary, hitting them is a vital component of our election preparations,” he said.
http://manilastandardtoday.com/news/-provinces/197143/encounter-with-reds-kills-two-in-caramoan.html
Monday, January 18, 2016
Rebel killed, 5 soldier wounded in separate incidents in Compostela Valley
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 19): Rebel killed, 5 soldier wounded in separate incidents in Compostela Valley
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=847950
A New People's Army (NPA) fighter was killed while five
soldiers were slightly wounded in an improvised explosive device (IED) attack
in two separate incidents in Compostela
Valley
Capt. Rhyan Batchar, 10th Infantry Division spokesperson,
said the first incident took place 10 a.m. and involved troopers from the 66th
Infantry Battalion when they encountered rebel forces under Guerilla Front 25
of the Southern Mindanao Regional Committee (SMRC) at Sitio Mainit,
Pagsabangan, New Bataan.
Fighting lasted for one hour and a half and resulted in the
death of a still unidentified NPA and no losses to the government side.
Batchar said the body of the slain rebel was recovered along
with one IED, a portable generator, subversive documents and several personal
belongings.
He added the fallen NPA was brought to the Alar Funeral
Homes, Compostela town for safekeeping and burial.
In the second incident, a platoon from the 46th Infantry
Battalion was patrolling at Sitio Lugpaton, Barangay Kingking, Pantukan when
victimized by a rebel IED around 1 p.m.
Five soldiers were slightly wounded and were identified only
as Sgt. Fernandez, Cpl. De Asis, Pfc. Silagan, Pfc. Sagario and Pfc. Dublas.
The NPAs quickly fled after detonating the IED while
responding government troops treated their wounded companions.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=847950
Soldiers thwart BIFF attack in Maguindanao
From MindaNews (Jan 18): Soldiers thwart BIFF attack in Maguindanao
DATU SAUDI AMPATUAN, Maguindanao – Army soldiers repulsed on Sunday night an attack by the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in a remote village here, a military official said.
Elements of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion were conducting patrol in Barangay Kabingi, a known area of BIFF, when the rebels struck.
As the soldiers moved into fighting positions, an improvised explosive device went off followed by gunfire from two directions, 1Lt Emmanuel Ferrer, Army team leaders said.
Ferrer said a 20-minute gunfight ensued, adding the Army did not sustain casualties. He could not say if the BIFF suffered losses.
He said that before 8 p.m., soldiers backed by an armored personnel carrier went to Kabingi following reports from villagers that about 20 heavily armed men were massing in the area.
He said the rebels fled under cover of darkness. Soldiers pursued them but Ferrer told his men not to press as there could be booby traps.
Soldiers led by Lt. Colonel Warlito Limet, 2nd Mechanized Brigade commander, found a box with an improvised bomb along the rebels’ escape route. Army bomb experts defused the bomb Monday morning.
Limet said that before the attacks Army intelligence agents learned of an impending harassment by the BIFF in the so called SPMS box.
SPMS refers to the adjoining towns of Shariff Aguak, Pagatin (Datu Saudi), Mamasapano and Shariff Saydona, a known bailiwick of the BIFF where government forces have detachments, command posts and checkpoints.
Limet said Sunday night’s attack was led by “Kagi Tatang”.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2016/01/18/soldiers-thwart-biff-attack-in-maguindanao/
DATU SAUDI AMPATUAN, Maguindanao – Army soldiers repulsed on Sunday night an attack by the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters in a remote village here, a military official said.
Elements of the 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion were conducting patrol in Barangay Kabingi, a known area of BIFF, when the rebels struck.
As the soldiers moved into fighting positions, an improvised explosive device went off followed by gunfire from two directions, 1Lt Emmanuel Ferrer, Army team leaders said.
Ferrer said a 20-minute gunfight ensued, adding the Army did not sustain casualties. He could not say if the BIFF suffered losses.
He said that before 8 p.m., soldiers backed by an armored personnel carrier went to Kabingi following reports from villagers that about 20 heavily armed men were massing in the area.
He said the rebels fled under cover of darkness. Soldiers pursued them but Ferrer told his men not to press as there could be booby traps.
Soldiers led by Lt. Colonel Warlito Limet, 2nd Mechanized Brigade commander, found a box with an improvised bomb along the rebels’ escape route. Army bomb experts defused the bomb Monday morning.
Limet said that before the attacks Army intelligence agents learned of an impending harassment by the BIFF in the so called SPMS box.
SPMS refers to the adjoining towns of Shariff Aguak, Pagatin (Datu Saudi), Mamasapano and Shariff Saydona, a known bailiwick of the BIFF where government forces have detachments, command posts and checkpoints.
Limet said Sunday night’s attack was led by “Kagi Tatang”.
http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2016/01/18/soldiers-thwart-biff-attack-in-maguindanao/
FOCUS | South China Sea? For Beijing, Taiwan is the No. 1 security issue
From InterAksyon (Jan 17): FOCUS | South China Sea? For Beijing, Taiwan is the No. 1 security issue
For China, whose President Xi Jinping is already taking an increasingly muscular approach to claims in the East and South China Sea, the question of Taiwan trumps any other of its territorial assertions in terms of sensitivity and importance.
After eight years of calm in what had been one of Asia's powder kegs, the landslide election of an independence-leaning opposition leader, President-elect Tsai Ing-wen, has thrust Taiwan back into the spotlight as one of the region's most sensitive security issues.
Defeated Nationalist forces fled to Taiwan at the end of the Chinese civil war in 1949. China claims Taiwan as its sacred territory, is estimated by Taiwan to aim hundreds of missiles at the island over a narrow stretch of water and has never renounced the use of force to bring it under its control.
China carried out rare live-fire drills in the sensitive strait that separates the two sides in September, though Taiwan's defense ministry described them at the time as routine.
"She (Tsai) is going to deal with a very tough-minded leader in Beijing," said Chu Yun-han, a professor at the National Taiwan University.
But Tsai will also have to be accountable to her own constituency, especially the more radical, pro-independence younger generation, Chu added. "That doesn't give her too much room for maneuver."
The election in 2008 of the China-friendly Ma Ying-jeou, and then re-election four years later, ushered in an unprecedented period of calm with China, with landmark trade and tourism deals signed.
Tsai's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is at pains to stress its election will not cause a return to tensions. She addressed the issue of China almost immediately upon claiming victory, saying she would strive to maintain the peace, but added she would defend Taiwan's interests and its sovereignty.
Bitter fruit
While China has been relatively measured in its response, repeating its standard line about opposing independence, great uncertainty lies ahead. China's official Xinhua news agency warned any moves toward independence were like a "poison" that would cause Taiwan to perish.
In an online commentary on Sunday, Wang Hongguang, a lieutenant general and former deputy commander of China's Nanjing military region, said the People's Liberation Army was now better prepared than ever for operations against Taiwan.
"The front line forces are like a tiger who has grown wings," he wrote. "Tsai Ing-wen and her Taiwan independence forces shouldn't think they'll get away with it. The mainland will not swallow the bitter fruit of Taiwan independence."
The outside world should not underestimate the continued importance of Taiwan to the Chinese leadership, said a senior Western diplomat, citing recent conversations with Chinese policymakers on Taiwan.
"Nothing is more important than Taiwan to Beijing."
Beijing will have to bear in mind the opinion of a Chinese public that has always been brought up never to question Taiwan's status as an inherent part of China.
On Weibo, China's answer to Twitter, the popularity of the phrase "use force to unify Taiwan" soared.
"We are just waiting for you to say the phrase 'Taiwanese independence'," said one Weibo user.
In the United States, which has no formal ties with Taiwan but is its most important diplomatic and military supporter, Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz said the election was "a beacon of light to their neighbors yearning to be free".
"Now more than ever, we must stand with Taiwan and reaffirm our commitment to their security," he said in a statement.
Taiwan is a key fault line in the Beijing-Washington relationship.
A month before the election, the Obama administration formally notified Congress of a $1.83 billion arms sale package for Taiwan, prompting anger in Beijing which said it would put sanctions on U.S. firms involved.
Missile test
A Beijing-based Chinese source, with ties to the People's Liberation Army and who meets regularly with senior officers, told Reuters the election would have "far-reaching" consequences for China's ties with Taiwan, and Sino-U.S. relations.
"I'm very worried about what is going to happen now," the source said, speaking on condition of anonymity. "Things have become much darker."
Tsai's election is also an embarrassment to Xi, who held a historic meeting last year in Singapore with Ma, and used the occasion to call for both sides not to let proponents of Taiwan's independence split them.
China and Taiwan have nearly gone to war three times since 1949, most recently ahead of the 1996 presidential election. Then, China carried out missile tests in waters close to the island hoping to prevent people voting for Lee Teng-hui, who China suspected of harboring pro-independence views. Lee won by a landslide.
Ties were also badly strained when the DPP's Chen Shui-bian was Taiwan president from 2000-2008 because of his independence rhetoric, even as he tried to maintain positive relations with Beijing.
But then, the DPP did not have a majority in parliament, which constrained its agenda. This time, the DPP has also won a parliamentary majority, which gives it much more leeway to push legislative priorities.
In any case, China does not need to rattle its sabers to pressure Taiwan - Beijing already holds all the economic cards as the island's most important trade partner and investment destination.
"Taiwan can't survive without international support," said Michael Kau, a former Taiwan foreign ministry official and now a senior fellow at Taiwan Foundation for Democracy. "Because our adversary is giant China."
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/122870/focus--south-china-sea-for-beijing-taiwan-is-the-no--1-security-issue
For China, whose President Xi Jinping is already taking an increasingly muscular approach to claims in the East and South China Sea, the question of Taiwan trumps any other of its territorial assertions in terms of sensitivity and importance.
After eight years of calm in what had been one of Asia's powder kegs, the landslide election of an independence-leaning opposition leader, President-elect Tsai Ing-wen, has thrust Taiwan back into the spotlight as one of the region's most sensitive security issues.
Defeated Nationalist forces fled to Taiwan at the end of the Chinese civil war in 1949. China claims Taiwan as its sacred territory, is estimated by Taiwan to aim hundreds of missiles at the island over a narrow stretch of water and has never renounced the use of force to bring it under its control.
China carried out rare live-fire drills in the sensitive strait that separates the two sides in September, though Taiwan's defense ministry described them at the time as routine.
"She (Tsai) is going to deal with a very tough-minded leader in Beijing," said Chu Yun-han, a professor at the National Taiwan University.
But Tsai will also have to be accountable to her own constituency, especially the more radical, pro-independence younger generation, Chu added. "That doesn't give her too much room for maneuver."
The election in 2008 of the China-friendly Ma Ying-jeou, and then re-election four years later, ushered in an unprecedented period of calm with China, with landmark trade and tourism deals signed.
Tsai's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) is at pains to stress its election will not cause a return to tensions. She addressed the issue of China almost immediately upon claiming victory, saying she would strive to maintain the peace, but added she would defend Taiwan's interests and its sovereignty.
Bitter fruit
While China has been relatively measured in its response, repeating its standard line about opposing independence, great uncertainty lies ahead. China's official Xinhua news agency warned any moves toward independence were like a "poison" that would cause Taiwan to perish.
In an online commentary on Sunday, Wang Hongguang, a lieutenant general and former deputy commander of China's Nanjing military region, said the People's Liberation Army was now better prepared than ever for operations against Taiwan.
"The front line forces are like a tiger who has grown wings," he wrote. "Tsai Ing-wen and her Taiwan independence forces shouldn't think they'll get away with it. The mainland will not swallow the bitter fruit of Taiwan independence."
The outside world should not underestimate the continued importance of Taiwan to the Chinese leadership, said a senior Western diplomat, citing recent conversations with Chinese policymakers on Taiwan.
"Nothing is more important than Taiwan to Beijing."
Beijing will have to bear in mind the opinion of a Chinese public that has always been brought up never to question Taiwan's status as an inherent part of China.
On Weibo, China's answer to Twitter, the popularity of the phrase "use force to unify Taiwan" soared.
"We are just waiting for you to say the phrase 'Taiwanese independence'," said one Weibo user.
In the United States, which has no formal ties with Taiwan but is its most important diplomatic and military supporter, Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz said the election was "a beacon of light to their neighbors yearning to be free".
"Now more than ever, we must stand with Taiwan and reaffirm our commitment to their security," he said in a statement.
Taiwan is a key fault line in the Beijing-Washington relationship.
A month before the election, the Obama administration formally notified Congress of a $1.83 billion arms sale package for Taiwan, prompting anger in Beijing which said it would put sanctions on U.S. firms involved.
Missile test
A Beijing-based Chinese source, with ties to the People's Liberation Army and who meets regularly with senior officers, told Reuters the election would have "far-reaching" consequences for China's ties with Taiwan, and Sino-U.S. relations.
"I'm very worried about what is going to happen now," the source said, speaking on condition of anonymity. "Things have become much darker."
Tsai's election is also an embarrassment to Xi, who held a historic meeting last year in Singapore with Ma, and used the occasion to call for both sides not to let proponents of Taiwan's independence split them.
China and Taiwan have nearly gone to war three times since 1949, most recently ahead of the 1996 presidential election. Then, China carried out missile tests in waters close to the island hoping to prevent people voting for Lee Teng-hui, who China suspected of harboring pro-independence views. Lee won by a landslide.
Ties were also badly strained when the DPP's Chen Shui-bian was Taiwan president from 2000-2008 because of his independence rhetoric, even as he tried to maintain positive relations with Beijing.
But then, the DPP did not have a majority in parliament, which constrained its agenda. This time, the DPP has also won a parliamentary majority, which gives it much more leeway to push legislative priorities.
In any case, China does not need to rattle its sabers to pressure Taiwan - Beijing already holds all the economic cards as the island's most important trade partner and investment destination.
"Taiwan can't survive without international support," said Michael Kau, a former Taiwan foreign ministry official and now a senior fellow at Taiwan Foundation for Democracy. "Because our adversary is giant China."
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/122870/focus--south-china-sea-for-beijing-taiwan-is-the-no--1-security-issue
Militias kill teenager in Southern Philippines
From the Mindanao Examiner (Jan 18): Militias kill teenager in Southern Philippines
DAVAO CITY – A teenager was shot dead by pro-government militias whose group has been linked by human rights workers to the spate of attacks on tribal groups in southern Philippines, the non-governmental organization Save Our Schools (SOS) said on Monday.
It said members of the Alamara paramilitary group attacked Alibando Tingkas, 15, in Palma Gil village in Davao del Norte’s Talaingod town. Two of Tingkas’ companion managed to flee and reported the weekend attack to tribal leaders.
SOS – which condemned the killing – said Tingkas, a grade three pupil of Salugpongan Elementary School, was heading home when the gunman attacked him. It said the teener is the 29th child victim of extrajudicial killing in the region. It said a tribal leader – Datu Manliro Landahay – a council member of Salugpongan Lumad Organization in Talaingod was also killed by Alamara in November last year.
“We are enraged and saddened by this incident. The paramilitary group and their military cohorts will not stop from attacking and even killing lumads in the name of their counter-insurgency operations, even children are not spared anymore,” Rius Valle, spokesperson of the SOS Network in Southern Mindanao, said in a statement sent to the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.
He said witnesses to the attack tagged the Alamara as behind the killing. The body of Tingkas was recovered by villagers, according to Valle, who fears the militias would launch more attacks against indigenous people who are not supporting the government’s anti-insurgency operations in the South.
Valle said teachers of Salugpongan Elementary School are also receiving death threats after militias accused them as members of the NPA.
He said militias in September last year also brutally killed a school principal and two tribal leaders in Lianga town in Surigao del Sur province, and also the forcible closure and demolition of a Fr. Fausto Tentorio Memorial School in Bukidnon’s Kitaotao town on suspicion they were used as front of the communist rebel group.
“SOS will be conducting further investigation of this matter. We urge the local government of Talaingod to investigate and apprehend those responsible in the killing of the teenager, and for the national leadership to take heed lest things go out of hand and they will also suffer the consequences,” Valle said, adding, “we are now focusing our efforts to secure the victim’s family, the witnesses and the teachers at the Salugpongan school.”
There was no immediate statement from the military and police on the murder of Tingkas, but security officials had previously denied funding or supporting militia groups in the region, and blamed the attacks on tribal war.
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/militias-kill-teenager-in-southern-philippines/
DAVAO CITY – A teenager was shot dead by pro-government militias whose group has been linked by human rights workers to the spate of attacks on tribal groups in southern Philippines, the non-governmental organization Save Our Schools (SOS) said on Monday.
It said members of the Alamara paramilitary group attacked Alibando Tingkas, 15, in Palma Gil village in Davao del Norte’s Talaingod town. Two of Tingkas’ companion managed to flee and reported the weekend attack to tribal leaders.
SOS – which condemned the killing – said Tingkas, a grade three pupil of Salugpongan Elementary School, was heading home when the gunman attacked him. It said the teener is the 29th child victim of extrajudicial killing in the region. It said a tribal leader – Datu Manliro Landahay – a council member of Salugpongan Lumad Organization in Talaingod was also killed by Alamara in November last year.
“We are enraged and saddened by this incident. The paramilitary group and their military cohorts will not stop from attacking and even killing lumads in the name of their counter-insurgency operations, even children are not spared anymore,” Rius Valle, spokesperson of the SOS Network in Southern Mindanao, said in a statement sent to the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.
He said witnesses to the attack tagged the Alamara as behind the killing. The body of Tingkas was recovered by villagers, according to Valle, who fears the militias would launch more attacks against indigenous people who are not supporting the government’s anti-insurgency operations in the South.
Valle said teachers of Salugpongan Elementary School are also receiving death threats after militias accused them as members of the NPA.
He said militias in September last year also brutally killed a school principal and two tribal leaders in Lianga town in Surigao del Sur province, and also the forcible closure and demolition of a Fr. Fausto Tentorio Memorial School in Bukidnon’s Kitaotao town on suspicion they were used as front of the communist rebel group.
“SOS will be conducting further investigation of this matter. We urge the local government of Talaingod to investigate and apprehend those responsible in the killing of the teenager, and for the national leadership to take heed lest things go out of hand and they will also suffer the consequences,” Valle said, adding, “we are now focusing our efforts to secure the victim’s family, the witnesses and the teachers at the Salugpongan school.”
There was no immediate statement from the military and police on the murder of Tingkas, but security officials had previously denied funding or supporting militia groups in the region, and blamed the attacks on tribal war.
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/militias-kill-teenager-in-southern-philippines/
Rebels raid military posts in Southern Philippines
From the Mindanao Examiner (Jan 18): Rebels raid military posts in Southern Philippines
Rebel forces simultaneously attacked two military posts in the restive province of Maguindanao in the Muslim autonomous region, sparking firefight with government troops.
There were no reports of casualties from either side, but the clashes involved the groups of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which signed a peace deal with Manila in 2014.
MILF soldiers from the 106th Base Command under Haron and Diego attacked the 1stMechanized Battalion in the village of Bagan in Guindulungan town late Sunday and the fighting lasted over one hour.
The attack was believed to be in retaliation to a military operation against a group of armed men in Kitapuk village earlier on Sunday. Troops recovered weapons and ammunition in the area following a firefight.
The BIFF also reportedly attacked a military post in Kabengi in Datu Saudi Ampatuan town on Sunday night and engaged troops in a clash which lasted over 40 minutes. The BIFF, which pledged allegiance with ISIS, is fighting for a separate Islamic state in the troubled region.
There was no immediate statement from the 6th Infantry Division and officials did not answer phone calls by journalists.
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/rebels-raid-military-posts-in-southern-philippines/
Rebel forces simultaneously attacked two military posts in the restive province of Maguindanao in the Muslim autonomous region, sparking firefight with government troops.
There were no reports of casualties from either side, but the clashes involved the groups of Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), which signed a peace deal with Manila in 2014.
MILF soldiers from the 106th Base Command under Haron and Diego attacked the 1stMechanized Battalion in the village of Bagan in Guindulungan town late Sunday and the fighting lasted over one hour.
The attack was believed to be in retaliation to a military operation against a group of armed men in Kitapuk village earlier on Sunday. Troops recovered weapons and ammunition in the area following a firefight.
The BIFF also reportedly attacked a military post in Kabengi in Datu Saudi Ampatuan town on Sunday night and engaged troops in a clash which lasted over 40 minutes. The BIFF, which pledged allegiance with ISIS, is fighting for a separate Islamic state in the troubled region.
There was no immediate statement from the 6th Infantry Division and officials did not answer phone calls by journalists.
http://mindanaoexaminer.com/rebels-raid-military-posts-in-southern-philippines/
Philippine plane warned by 'Chinese navy' in disputed sea
From the Philippine Star (Jan 18): Philippine plane warned by 'Chinese navy' in disputed sea
Philippine officials say they received two intimidating radio warnings from people who identified themselves being from the Chinese navy when they flew a Cessna plane close to a Chinese-constructed island in the South China Sea.
Eric Apolonio said the incident happened Jan. 7 when he and other personnel of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines flew to a Philippine-occupied island for an engineering survey ahead of the planned installation of aviation safety equipment on the island.
The island, which the Philippines calls Pag-asa, is close to Subi Reef, which has been transformed by China into an island in the disputed Spratly chain.
Apolonio said the voice message warned that the aircraft was "threatening the security of our station." He said they continued their trip.
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/01/18/1543918/philippine-plane-warned-chinese-navy-disputed-sea
Philippine officials say they received two intimidating radio warnings from people who identified themselves being from the Chinese navy when they flew a Cessna plane close to a Chinese-constructed island in the South China Sea.
Eric Apolonio said the incident happened Jan. 7 when he and other personnel of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines flew to a Philippine-occupied island for an engineering survey ahead of the planned installation of aviation safety equipment on the island.
The island, which the Philippines calls Pag-asa, is close to Subi Reef, which has been transformed by China into an island in the disputed Spratly chain.
Apolonio said the voice message warned that the aircraft was "threatening the security of our station." He said they continued their trip.
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/01/18/1543918/philippine-plane-warned-chinese-navy-disputed-sea
Chinese warn off CAAP flight
From the Philippine Star (Jan 19): Chinese warn off CAAP flight
Reclamation and construction on Mischief (Panganiban) Reef in the South China Sea are seen in this recent aerial photo released by the Armed Forces on April 20, 2015. China claims almost the entire South China Sea, believed to have huge oil and gas deposits.
Philippine officials say they received two intimidating radio warnings from people who identified themselves being from the Chinese navy when they flew a Cessna plane close to a Chinese-constructed island in the South China Sea.
Eric Apolonio said the incident happened Jan. 7 when he and other personnel of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) flew to the Palawan town of Pag-asa for an engineering survey ahead of the planned installation of aviation safety equipment on the island.
Pag-asa is close to Subi Reef, which has been transformed by China into an island in the disputed Spratly chain.
Apolonio said the voice message warned that the aircraft was “threatening the security of our station.” He said they continued their trip.
“The foreign ministry has been informed about the reported incident involving our civil aviation team,” presidential spokesman Herminio Coloma told reporters, adding that the foreign ministry was expected to make a statement on the matter.
The Philippine civil aviation agency has limited radar coverage and the military is expected to sign a deal this year for three aerial radars to detect airspace intrusions as far as 402 km away, beyond the exclusive economic zone.
The Philippines plans to install a $1-million satellite-based system to track commercial flights over the disputed South China Sea, after China landed its first test flights this month on a reef it built in the Spratly islands.
China’s increasing military presence in the Spratlys has stirred fears it could lead to an air defense zone the country controls, which would escalate tension with other claimants, and the United States, in one of the world’s most volatile areas.
China claims almost the entire South China Sea, believed to have huge oil and gas deposits, but Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have claims in the sea, through which about $5 trillion in trade passes every year.
“In the absence of a radar in the area, the system will help track aircraft movements, enhancing safety and security,” said Rodante Joya, a deputy director-general of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines.
Joya said the Philippines would install the P50-million ($1.05-million) surveillance system on the Philippine-occupied Pagasa Island (Thitu), to track about 200 commercial flights through the area each day.
The area in the South China Sea is among the blind spots in the Philippines’ airspace, he added.
The Philippines and Vietnam protested against China’s test flights on the Fiery Cross reef this month, saying Beijing might impose an air defense identification zone, restricting flights by commercial airlines over the South China Sea.
Joya said the agency was waiting for approval from security and foreign affairs officials as the tracking system, or automatic dependent surveillance broadcast system, as it is called, is to be located on a military base in a disputed area.
Seven civil aviation radar stations will also be added, he said.
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/01/19/1544098/chinese-warn-caap-flight
Reclamation and construction on Mischief (Panganiban) Reef in the South China Sea are seen in this recent aerial photo released by the Armed Forces on April 20, 2015. China claims almost the entire South China Sea, believed to have huge oil and gas deposits.
Philippine officials say they received two intimidating radio warnings from people who identified themselves being from the Chinese navy when they flew a Cessna plane close to a Chinese-constructed island in the South China Sea.
Eric Apolonio said the incident happened Jan. 7 when he and other personnel of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) flew to the Palawan town of Pag-asa for an engineering survey ahead of the planned installation of aviation safety equipment on the island.
Pag-asa is close to Subi Reef, which has been transformed by China into an island in the disputed Spratly chain.
Apolonio said the voice message warned that the aircraft was “threatening the security of our station.” He said they continued their trip.
“The foreign ministry has been informed about the reported incident involving our civil aviation team,” presidential spokesman Herminio Coloma told reporters, adding that the foreign ministry was expected to make a statement on the matter.
The Philippine civil aviation agency has limited radar coverage and the military is expected to sign a deal this year for three aerial radars to detect airspace intrusions as far as 402 km away, beyond the exclusive economic zone.
The Philippines plans to install a $1-million satellite-based system to track commercial flights over the disputed South China Sea, after China landed its first test flights this month on a reef it built in the Spratly islands.
China’s increasing military presence in the Spratlys has stirred fears it could lead to an air defense zone the country controls, which would escalate tension with other claimants, and the United States, in one of the world’s most volatile areas.
China claims almost the entire South China Sea, believed to have huge oil and gas deposits, but Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam also have claims in the sea, through which about $5 trillion in trade passes every year.
“In the absence of a radar in the area, the system will help track aircraft movements, enhancing safety and security,” said Rodante Joya, a deputy director-general of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines.
Joya said the Philippines would install the P50-million ($1.05-million) surveillance system on the Philippine-occupied Pagasa Island (Thitu), to track about 200 commercial flights through the area each day.
The area in the South China Sea is among the blind spots in the Philippines’ airspace, he added.
The Philippines and Vietnam protested against China’s test flights on the Fiery Cross reef this month, saying Beijing might impose an air defense identification zone, restricting flights by commercial airlines over the South China Sea.
Joya said the agency was waiting for approval from security and foreign affairs officials as the tracking system, or automatic dependent surveillance broadcast system, as it is called, is to be located on a military base in a disputed area.
Seven civil aviation radar stations will also be added, he said.
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/01/19/1544098/chinese-warn-caap-flight
Jakarta bombers used guns from Philippines?
From the Philippine Star (Jan 19): Jakarta bombers used guns from Philippines?
Members of the Quezon City Police District conduct a simulated bomb blast and rescue exercise at a mall in Ortigas yesterday to gauge and improve police response to various emergencies, including terror attacks. BOY SANTOS
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is coordinating with its Indonesian counterpart amid reports that the guns used in the terror attack in Jakarta, Indonesia last week came from the Philippines.
PNP chief Director General Ricardo Marquez yesterday said they would wait for the official report from the Indonesian National Police (INP) and would start checking the information once they have the documents.
“We don’t know yet their basis in saying that the instrument in the attack in Jakarta came from the Philippines. We have a memorandum of understanding with the Indonesian National Police and soon, we will be able to get the documents,” Marquez said in an interview at Camp Crame in Quezon City.
According to The Wall Street Journal report on Sunday, INP spokesman Anton Charliyan said that 12 people arrested in the raids disclosed the information that the guns, described as “well-built,” came from the Philippines.
Charliyan added that another nine guns seized in the counterterrorism raids in Jakarta since Thursday came from another neighboring country.
Marquez said the information was new because what they have heard were reports that several firearms from the Philippines were being smuggled into Taiwan and Japan.
The PNP chief said they remain on full alert after the bombing in Indonesia to thwart any attack in the country.
“We raised our alert level after the bombing in Jakarta and we will try to assess towards the middle of this week if we can downgrade to one notch lower or be on heightened alert because of election operations,” he said.
Marquez maintained there were no specific terrorist threats monitored by intelligence units.
Still allegations
For the Armed Forces of the Philippines, reports that guns used in the terror attack in Jakarta came from the Philippines were mere allegations for now.
“The AFP has no report on this,” Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla, AFP spokesman said.
However, Padilla is not discounting the possibility since Indonesia shares a maritime border with the Philippines.
“We were surprised, but anything can happen anywhere. That’s why we said the threat of terrorism is something that you have to guard against every moment of the day,” Padilla said.
On Thursday, Indonesia’s capital was attacked by suicide bombers. They struck at a Starbucks cafe in a shopping area and started a gunfight with the police.
The terror attacks claimed eight lives, allegedly consisting of four civilians and four attackers.
The terrorist group Islamic State took responsibility for the attack last Thursday through Twitter, noting that it was funded by the IS in Syria.
A report of the Associated Press particularly mentioned that the IS attack was funded through an Indonesian who spent a year in jail for illegal possession of weapons in 2011. He was identified by INP chief General Badrodin Haita as Bahrun Naim.
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/01/19/1544099/jakarta-bombers-used-guns-philippines
Members of the Quezon City Police District conduct a simulated bomb blast and rescue exercise at a mall in Ortigas yesterday to gauge and improve police response to various emergencies, including terror attacks. BOY SANTOS
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is coordinating with its Indonesian counterpart amid reports that the guns used in the terror attack in Jakarta, Indonesia last week came from the Philippines.
PNP chief Director General Ricardo Marquez yesterday said they would wait for the official report from the Indonesian National Police (INP) and would start checking the information once they have the documents.
“We don’t know yet their basis in saying that the instrument in the attack in Jakarta came from the Philippines. We have a memorandum of understanding with the Indonesian National Police and soon, we will be able to get the documents,” Marquez said in an interview at Camp Crame in Quezon City.
According to The Wall Street Journal report on Sunday, INP spokesman Anton Charliyan said that 12 people arrested in the raids disclosed the information that the guns, described as “well-built,” came from the Philippines.
Charliyan added that another nine guns seized in the counterterrorism raids in Jakarta since Thursday came from another neighboring country.
Marquez said the information was new because what they have heard were reports that several firearms from the Philippines were being smuggled into Taiwan and Japan.
The PNP chief said they remain on full alert after the bombing in Indonesia to thwart any attack in the country.
“We raised our alert level after the bombing in Jakarta and we will try to assess towards the middle of this week if we can downgrade to one notch lower or be on heightened alert because of election operations,” he said.
Marquez maintained there were no specific terrorist threats monitored by intelligence units.
Still allegations
For the Armed Forces of the Philippines, reports that guns used in the terror attack in Jakarta came from the Philippines were mere allegations for now.
“The AFP has no report on this,” Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla, AFP spokesman said.
However, Padilla is not discounting the possibility since Indonesia shares a maritime border with the Philippines.
“We were surprised, but anything can happen anywhere. That’s why we said the threat of terrorism is something that you have to guard against every moment of the day,” Padilla said.
On Thursday, Indonesia’s capital was attacked by suicide bombers. They struck at a Starbucks cafe in a shopping area and started a gunfight with the police.
The terror attacks claimed eight lives, allegedly consisting of four civilians and four attackers.
The terrorist group Islamic State took responsibility for the attack last Thursday through Twitter, noting that it was funded by the IS in Syria.
A report of the Associated Press particularly mentioned that the IS attack was funded through an Indonesian who spent a year in jail for illegal possession of weapons in 2011. He was identified by INP chief General Badrodin Haita as Bahrun Naim.
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/01/19/1544099/jakarta-bombers-used-guns-philippines
Philippines to launch its 1st satellite in April: department
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 18): Philippines to launch its 1st satellite in April: department
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=847895
The Philippines
Named as Diwata, the first all-Filipino assembled
microsatellite, could be used in improved weather detection and forecasts,
disaster risk management, detecting agricultural growth patterns, and the
monitoring of forest cover, mining, protection of cultural and historical
sites, and the territorial borders of the Philippines
"Diwata was turned over to the Japan Aerospace
Exploration Agency (JAXA) to prepare for its launch into space in April. With
Diwata, comes the Filipino dream to have its own Philippine Space Agency,"
DOST said.
Recognizing the advantages of using satellite-based remote
sensing, the government invested in the construction and launching of the
Philippine scientific earth observation microsatellite, under the PHL-MICROSAT
or Diwata program, with the budget of 800 million pesos (USD 16.76 million) for
three years.
Diwata is the country's first microsatellite designed,
developed, and assembled by Filipino researchers and engineers under the
guidance of Japanese experts from Hokkaido
University and Tohoku University
Diwata-1 is a low earth orbit (LEO) satellite set to fly 400
km above the earth. It serves as a training platform and will pave the way for
the Filipino team to further develop their skills in the space technology.
Part of the three-year program is the development of a
second microsatellite (Diwata 2) to be launched in 2017.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=847895
(Feature) SSVs to be largest vessels in PN inventory
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 18): (Feature) SSVs to be largest vessels in PN inventory
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=10&sid=&nid=10&rid=847703
The two strategic sealift vessels (SSVs) -- one of which was
formally launched on Sunday in Surabaya , Indonesia -- are the largest naval ships ordered
by the Philippines
This was confirmed by Philippine Navy (PN) public affairs
office chief Cmdr. Lued Lincuna in a message to the Philippine News Agency on
Monday.
"Yes, the SSVs are the largest ships ordered by the
Philippine Navy (as of this time)," Lincuna said.
Both ships, which were ordered from the Indonesian
shipbuilder PT PAL (Persero) for Php3,870,000,000, weigh 7,300 gross register
tons.
The SSVs will act as humanitarian assistance and disaster
relief mission ships, aside from floating command centers.
Previously, the largest vessels ordered by the PN are two Bacolod City
The two ships in this class are named BRP
Dagupan City
(LCC-551) and BRP
Bacolod City
The latter vessels are classified as landing and transport
ships.
The SSV acquisition project for the PN was initiated upon
the approval of Acquisition Decision Memorandum Number 2012-060 by Defense
Secretary Voltaire Gazmin last Oct. 30, 2013.
These vessels are critical assets for civil-military
operations due to their capability of transporting large number of soldiers,
logistics, and supplies.
Moreover, each SSV has the capacity to house three
helicopters.
The Navy’s Augusta Westland-109s are programmed to be
on-board components of these vessels.
These forthcoming landing platform dock strategic sealift
vessels will improve the transport capability of the PN and boost the defense
posture of the country.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=10&sid=&nid=10&rid=847703
Troops recover bombs aboard abandoned motorboat off Zambo
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 18): Troops recover bombs aboard abandoned motorboat off Zambo
Sacol
Island
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=847676
The police are conducting a thorough probe to determine who
were behind the attempt to sneak improvised bombs and bomb-making components
into this city’s mainland.
Chief Insp. Rogelio Alabata, Police Regional Office- (PRO-9)
information officer, disclosed the combined police and Navy operatives have
recovered the explosives around 12:20 p.m. Saturday in the vicinity of Sacol Island
Alabata said the joint police and Navy personnel were on
seaborne patrol when they sighted an abandoned motor boat.
Alabata said the troops have recovered aboard the motor boat
the following: three Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs); three improvised
blasting caps; wires; nails; and, three containers of one-liter each motor oil,
including two filled with ammonium nitrate and mixed with gasoline.
The IEDs and bomb-making components were recovered following
reports that a group of unidentified people were planning to infiltrate this
city.
Both the police and military forces are on red alert since
last week.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=847676
Army foils BIFF attempt to overrun military base in Maguindanao
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 18): Army foils BIFF attempt to overrun military base in Maguindanao
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=847671
Moro bandits failed to invade a major military base in
Maguindanao after soldiers took one step ahead of the lawless group's plot,
army officials said on Monday.
About 50 heavily armed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters
(BIFF) on Sunday night harassed government forces but quickly fled when
soldiers, who have obtained advance information on the group's attempt, traded
shots with the gunmen at 8 p.m. Sunday in the village of Kabpangi
1Lt. Emmanuel Ferrer, Mechanized Army team leader, told
reporters they received intelligence information about the impending attack.
Villagers also reported the presence of BIFF bandits in Barangay Kabpangi.
Before they could strike at the base, the soldiers, backed
by armored personnel carriers, went to Kabpingi only to receive gunfire from
lawless groups.
The BIFF also lobbed hand grenades towards the military
hardware.
A 30-minute firefight ensued until the bandits, led by
Commander Kagi Tatang, fled to the marshland.
Lt. Colonel Warlito Limet, 2nd Mechanized Infantry Brigade
chief, said there were no casualties from the government side during the
firefight. He could not confirm whether or not the attackers sustained
casualties.
Ferrer said his men tried to chase the attackers along the
sides of a narrow cemented highway but retreated for fear of booby traps that
could have been left by the attackers.
At past 7 a.m. Monday, government forces found an improvised
bomb with a rope tied to a small tree during their clearing operations in the
encounter site. The IED could have exploded had pursuing soldiers stepped on
the rope, Ferrer said.
Bomb experts defused the IED on Monday morning.
Limet said prior to the attacks, Army intelligence agents
learned of an impending harassment by BIFF in the so called “SPMS box,” a
military term for the adjoining towns of Shariff Aguak, Pagatin (Datu Saudi),
Mamasapano and Shariff Saydona, a known bailiwick of the BIFF where government
forces have detachments, command posts and checkpoints.
At present, soldiers remain on heightened alert, expecting
more attacks from BIFF.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=847671
Local officials divided on allowing a US military station in Cagayan De Oro
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 18): Local officials divided on allowing a US military station in Cagayan De Oro
Former
City
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=847740
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Two top local officials
have expressed opposing views on the prospect of allowing a United States army station to operate in this
trading hub of Northern Mindanao .
The two local officials were referring to the Lumbia Airport
here, which commercially ceased to operate after the Laguindingan Airport
“I would not allow a US
military station in Lumbia
Airport
Rodriguez said that the 400-hectare Lumbia airport has been
identified as the city’s new local government center where the offices of the
city government would be relocated in the future.
City Mayor Oscar Moreno said in a radio interview that he is
willing to lease the area to a US
Emano has pushed for the relocation of the present site of
the City Hall complex because the area is prone flood every time the Cagayan De
Oro River swells.
The three officials, Rodriguez, Emano, and Moreno
The Lumbia airport is currently home to the Philippine Air
Force (PAF) Tactical Operation Group in Northern Mindanao .
The city government owns the airport.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=847740
Bangsamoro law tightens security measures against extremism threats
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 18): Bangsamoro law tightens security measures against extremism threats
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=847600
As Congress resumes session, Government of the Philippines
(GPH) peace panel chair Professor Miriam Coronel–Ferrer Monday once more
appealed to legislators to act on the draft Bangsamoro law, saying that the
recent terrorist attack in Indonesia last week, shows the urgency of countering
the influence of extremist groups among the local population.
“The Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) and the
draft Bangsamoro law are social justice measures, but from the global security
perspective, these are also a containment measure against jihadist extremism,”
Ferrer said. “I reiterate our appeal to our legislators in the joint peace
panels’ open letter to them which we issued last November 26 after the attack
on Paris, in view of the recent violence in Indonesia, which is so much closer
to home.”
Ferrer said the creation of the Bangsamoro autonomous region
will strengthen current efforts by different stakeholders in Mindanao,
including the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) which signed a peace
agreement with the Philippine government in March 2014, to stop the armed
conflict in the South and stem the tide of extremism that has sprouted in
Africa and the Middle East in the recent years.
The open letter signed by both Ferrer and MILF peace panel
chair Mohagher Iqbal cited the statement made by National Security Adviser
Cesar Garcia before Congress during the committee hearings on the draft law.
According to Garcia, "(P)assing the BBL can help in
curbing the spread of extremism in Mindanao .
In particular, the Bangsamoro government would be able to help moderate Islamic
leaders to counter the ideology of radicalism being promoted by the Islamic
State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and steer the Muslim community away from ISIS influence."
According to Garcia, the completion of the Bangsamoro peace
process will have positive national security implications as it will close one
of the serious internal armed conflicts in the country.
“[This will] essentially free up a significant component of
the Armed Forces of the Philippines… to shift resources to focus on external
concerns, principally the protection of our external territorial integrity and
maritime domain which is now being threatened.”
Recently, ISIS claimed responsibility for the terrorist
attack in Jakarta, Indonesia last January 14 which claimed the lives of seven
people, including five of the assailants, and leaving 23 people wounded. This
event raised concerns from the international community to the Philippines due to the continuing delay in the Mindanao peace talks.
In a news report, Asia Foundation Country Representative
Steven Rood said that the presence of foreign fighters in the Philippines
“The [MILF] have clearly said [that] they are committed to
the path to peace no matter what; and if they’re not achieving anything, it’s
harder to keep arguing that you can fight for Islam through peaceful means.” He
added that Philippine lawmakers should expedite the stalled peace plan to deny
extremists an opportunity to win over the country’s disillusioned young
Muslims.
During the Regional Consultative Meeting for Heads of Posts
in Europe, organized by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) held in Manila
last January 11, Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process
(OPAPP) Secretary Teresita Quintos Deles said that the that the outcome of the
Bangsamoro peace process would send a message to the leaders of the religious
extremist groups.
“[T]he success of the Bangsamoro peace process can help us
arrest the spread of extremism around the globe by showing clearly that an
Islamic movement can address its grievances and pursue its interests through a
legitimate mode of democratic political engagement while still remaining within
the country’s territorial integrity and constitutional framework, and without
losing their culture and identity,” she said.
“[The completion of the peace negotiations] can show the
global ummah that even Muslim minorities can thrive and contribute to
development through the mutually-beneficial interaction of distinct cultures,”
Deles added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=847600
Delay in BBL passage hinders progress toward stability, peace
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 18): Delay in BBL passage hinders progress toward stability, peace
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=847598
A former undersecretary of the Department of Trade and
Industry (DTI) cited the urgent need to enact the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law
(BBL) in order to address security threats and stabilize the economy of
southern Philippines
Former DTI and Department of Agriculture (DA) Undersecretary
Ernesto Ordoñez urged lawmakers to push for the passage of the BBL, emphasizing
that the delay has stalled progress in the roadmap to peace and stability
established by the Philippine government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front
(MILF) through the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).
”We are calling on our congressmen and senators to pass a
BBL that is consistent with 1987 Constitution and continues to protect the
rights of the indigenous peoples in the Bangsamoro,” Ordoñez said in a media
forum in Manila.
”We are talking of inclusive growth that will benefit the
Moro people. It will be a shame to waste all efforts as we have come so far,”
he added.
To recall, Congress failed to meet the deadline in passing
the BBL set on Dec. 16, 2015 and only completed the period of interpellations
before adjourning for a one-month Christmas break.
The first session for the year 2016 resumed on Monday with
only eight session days before Congress adjourns again on Feb. 5 to give way to
the campaign period for the May 9 polls.
The former DTI undersecretary reminded lawmakers to uphold
their role in ending the armed conflict in Mindanao
through their legislative power, noting that “short-sighted politics should not
derail this legislation.”
Act now
Ordoñez also urged lawmakers to “act now” and seize this
“golden opportunity to show our government’s sincerity in ending this
conflict.”
He noted that the armed conflict situation raises security
and stability concerns for the business community.
”(The Bangsamoro people) need jobs but there are no new jobs
because of the armed conflict situation which is a concern (of) the business
community,” said Ordoñez.
”Investors are looking for stability in the area. The
promises (from the business sector) have been coming in since the start of the
BBL discussion. If we have these companies , there will be jobs,” he added.
Investments worth USD366 million (PHP16.3 billion) were
pledged for Mindanao by business leaders by
June on assumption that the BBL would be enacted into law.
Unifruitti Group of Companies Chairman John Perrine said
that the initial investments in agricultural products vowed by different
companies would generate around 23,000 jobs in direct employment in the
Bangsamoro region.
”Give peace a chance”
On Nov. 3, 2015, the business sector, both international and
local, renewed their call to both chambers of Congress to immediately pass the
Bangsamoro law to stabilize the security situation and make Mindanao
more attractive to business ventures.
”(This is) a very sincere appeal to our political leaders to
give peace a chance. Unless we try to correct the imbalances, the problem in Mindanao cannot be worked through the barrel of a gun.
The best solution is economic intervention,” said Mindanao Business Council
President Vicente Lao.
”It is difficult to invite business in an area with security
concern(s). Realities in the ground are in dire need of support. Let us give
the Bangsamoro people a chance to chart their own destinies. The BBL is not a
perfect document but it is the first step,” he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=847598
6 PAF UH-IH up for maintenance
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 18): 6 PAF UH-IH up for maintenance
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=847611
The Philippine Air Force (PAF) has allocated the sum of
Php22,500,000 for the acquisition of main rotor hub assembly for six UH-IH
"Huey" combat utility helicopters.
The hub assembly refers to the system that allows the
helicopter to fly, as well as the control that allows the aircraft to move
laterally, make turns and change altitude.
Helicopters under maintenance are UH-IH with tail numbers
853, 517, 507, 513, 504 and 276.
Pre-bid conference is on Jan. 21, 9 a.m. at the PAF
Procurement Center Conference Room, Villamor Air Base, Pasay City
Submission and opening of bids is on Feb. 2, 9 a.m. also on
the same venue.
The PAF is known to operate 41 variants of the UH-I
helicopters for its transport, medical evacuation and ground support missions.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=847611
PAF MD-500E/R light utility helicopter up for maintenance
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 18): PAF MD-500E/R light utility helicopter up for maintenance
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=847641
In line with efforts to ensure that all of its aircraft are
mission worthy at all times, the Philippine Air Force (PAF) is placing one of
its MD-500E/R light utility helicopters for repair and maintenance.
Budget for this project is placed at Php3,200,000.
Pre-bid conference is on Jan. 21, 9 a.m. at the PAFPAF
Procurement Center Conference Room, Villamor Air Base, Pasay City
Submission and opening of bids is on Feb. 2, 9 a.m. at the
same venue.The MD-500 series is an American family of light utility civilian
and military helicopters.
It is developed from the Hughes 500, a civilian version of
the US Army's OH-6A Cayuse/Loach. The series currently includes the MD-500E,
MD-520N, and MD-530F.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=847641
16 officials promoted
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 18): 16 officials promoted
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=847667
Sixteen newly-promoted general officers were formally added
to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)'s list of general officers Monday.
Col. Noel Detoyato, AFP public affairs office chief, said
donning ceremonies for these newly-promoted officers took place 9 a.m. at the
General Headquarters Canopy Area in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
Spearheading the activities was AFP chief-of-staff Gen.
Hernando DCA Iriberri.
Detoyato identified the newly-promoted generals as:
Brig. Gen. Gerry P. Amante - AFP Munitions
Control Center
Brig. Nelia F. Valmonte - AFP Chief Nurse
Brig. Gen. Gener P. Del Rosario - AFP Command
Center
Brig. Gen. Restituto F Padilla Jr. - AFP spokesman and Civil
Military Operations deputy chief-of-staff
Lt. Gen. Glorioso V. Miranda - AFP Northern Luzon Command
commander
Major Gen Arnold Rafael Y. Depakakibo – AFP Chief Engineer
Major Gen. Job S. Yucoco – AFP Deputy Chief of Staff for
Logistics, J4
They received their promotions in accordance with the
provisions of Article VII, Section 16 of the 1987 Constitution of the Republic
of the Philippines
In an official letter from the office of Commander-In-Chief
and President Benigno Aquino III, the following military leaders were also
promoted to the rank of brigadier general and commodore last Jan. 11 and 15:
Brig. Gen. Robert M. Arevalo – Commander of Headquarters and
Headquarters Support Group of Philippine Army commander
Brig. Elvin B. Velasco – 3rd Marine Brigade commander
Brig. Gen. Dinoh A. Dolina – Assistant Division Commander,
3rd Infantry Division assistant division commander
Brig. Gen. Arnel B. Dela Vega - 6th Infantry Division
assistant division commander
Commodore Francisco O. Gabudao Jr. – Commander, Naval
Construction Brigade commander
Commodore Danilo R. Rodelas – Naval Doctrine
Center
Brig. Gen. Melquiades L. Feliciano - 5th Infantry Division
assistant division commander
Brig. Gen. Rodel Mauro R. Alarcon 2nd Infantry Division
assistant division commander
Brig. Gen. Werner M. Elpedes - 600 Air Base Wing commander
Brig. Gen. David B. Diciano - 702 Infantry Brigade commander
Brig. Gen Allan F. Martin - 302 Infantry Brigade commander
Brig. Gen. Jose P. Cabanban - 2nd Marine Brigade head
Also last Jan. 11, Major Gen. Mayoralgo M. Dela Cruz, AFP
Western Mindanao Command was promoted to the next higher rank of lieutenant
general.
Other generals and flag officers promoted to major general
and rear admiral were:
Rear Admiral Bayani R. Gaerlan - Philippine Navy
chief-of-naval staff
Rear Admiral Rafael G. Mariano - Naval Sea Systems Command
Major Gen. Benjamin R. Madrigal - Philippine Army
chief-of-staff
Rear Admiral Jorge F. Amba - Naval Forces Western
Mindanao .
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=847667
NGCP tower bombed in Lanao del Sur
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 18): NGCP tower bombed in Lanao del Sur
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=847745
Another tower of power-grid operator National Grid Corp. of
the Philippines (NGCP) was bombed in Lanao del Sur on Monday -- the second
incident for this year.
In an advisory, the NGCP said "Tower 50 of Agus
2-Kibawe 138 kilovolt (kV) line in Brgy. Pantar, Dimayon Bubong, Lanao del Sur
was bombed early morning on January 18."
The Sy-led firm noted the tower was not toppled, but repairs
would be conducted after the area was secured.
The grid operator warned the bombings would further
"aggravate the tenuous power situation in Mindanao ."
It said the incoming 600-MW power supply would not relieve Mindanao 's energy shortfall -- if the bombing of
transmission facilities were not stopped.
NGCP calls on the public and the local and national
government to assist in identifying the perpetrators.
Meanwhile, the grid operator reported Tower 25 in Ramain,
Lanao del Norte was still not repaired.
NGCP said it awaited the resolution of the right-of-way
(ROW) claims of landowner Sambitori to the National Transmission Corp.
(TransCo).
Sambitori earlier rejected the request of NGCP crews to
enter his property as he argued the payment for ROW was not settled. NGCP also
said he stressed the demand for payment was decades ago.
The grid operator calls on the public, local government
units, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police
(PNP) to help monitor the safety of the transmission towers.
The Department of Energy (DOE) also warned earlier that the
bombing incidents would affect power rates through the recovery for
transmission costs. However, DOE secretary Zenaida Monsada said there was no
estimate on the price impact yet for Mindanao 's
grid.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=847745
2 rebels killed, one captured in Camarines Sur clash
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 18): 2 rebels killed, one captured in Camarines Sur clash
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=847747
Two New People's Army (NPA) men were killed while another
one was captured by Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) troopers during an
encounter Monday at 10: 20 a.m. in Barangay Gibgos, Caramoan, Camarines Sur.
SOLCOM spokesperson Major Angelo Guzman said troopers from
the 83rd Infantry Battalion and the 91st Division Reconnaissance Company were
on combat operations when they encountered an estimated 14 rebels.
This led to a fierce 15-minute firefight that resulted to
the recovery of three M-16 rifles, one M-653 carbine rifle, one M-203 grenade
launcher, three backpacks, three IEDs and subversive documents.
No one was hurt among the soldiers.
"We need bigger strides in our operations this year.
And I am happy our units responded and our strategy yielded with a big blow to
the rebels," SOLCOM head Lt. Gen. Ricardo R. Visaya said.
"Our election preparations shall not be made as an
excuse for us not to hit the NPAs. On the contrary, hitting them is a vital
component of our election preparations," he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=847747
GPH peace panel chair calls Congress to push for Bangsamoro law vs extremism
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 18): GPH peace panel chair calls Congress to push for Bangsamoro law vs extremism
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=847665
In light of the recent terrorist attack in Indonesia
Ferrer reiterated its call for lawmakers to enact the
proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), noting that the recent terrorist attack in
Indonesia
"I reiterate our appeal to our legislators in the joint
peace panels’ open letter to them which we issued last November 26 after the
attack on Paris, in view of the recent violence in Indonesia, which is so much
closer to home," she said.
"The Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB)
and the draft Bangsamoro law are social justice measures, but from the global
security perspective, these are also a containment measure against jihadist
extremism,” she added.
Ferrer said the creation of the Bangsamoro autonomous region
will strengthen current efforts by different stakeholders in Mindanao,
including the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) which signed a peace
agreement with the Philippine government in March 2014, to stop the armed
conflict in the South and stem the tide of extremism that has sprouted in
Africa and the Middle East in the recent years.
The open letter signed by both Ferrer and MILF peace panel
chair Mohagher Iqbal quoted the statement made by National Security Adviser
Cesar Garcia before Congress during the committee hearings on the draft law.
According to Garcia, the BBL is designed to help curb the
"spread of extremism in Mindanao ."
"In particular, the Bangsamoro government would be able
to help moderate Islamic leaders to counter the ideology of radicalism being
promoted by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and steer the Muslim
community away from ISIS influence," he argued.
Furthermore, the completion of the Bangsamoro peace process
will have positive national security implications as it will close one of the
serious internal armed conflicts in the country, Garcia noted.
"(This will) essentially free up a significant
component of the Armed Forces of the Philippines… to shift resources to focus
on external concerns, principally the protection of our external territorial
integrity and maritime domain which is now being threatened,” he added.
Recently, ISIS claimed responsibility for the terrorist
attack in Jakarta, Indonesia last January 14 which claimed the lives of seven
people, including five of the assailants, and leaving 23 people wounded.
This event raised concerns from the international community
to the Philippines due to
the continuing delay in the Mindanao peace
talks.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=847665
Jakarta terror attacks should prod AFP, PNP to be pro-active in the fight against ISIS
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 18): Jakarta terror attacks should prod AFP, PNP to be pro-active in the fight against ISIS
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=847773
Valenzuela City Rep. Win Gatchalian on Monday advised the
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP)
to take proactive measures to prevent terror attacks on Philippine soil similar
to the ones launched in Indonesia
"Now that the attacks hit much closer to home, it's
high time for authorities to shift from being reactive to taking proactive
measures,” said Gatchalian, a majority member for the House committees on
foreign affairs.
Eight people have died after suspected Islamic State
militants launched a gun and bomb assault on Jakarta
Before the Jakarta attacks,
the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) reportedly gave a cryptic warning,
with national police spokesperson Anton Charliyan telling a local radio
station: "The warning said there will be a concert in Indonesia
The veteran lawmaker said it was no longer acceptable for
the AFP to downplay the threat of the jihadist extremist organization.
“The AFP has no excuse anymore not to prepare for any
possible attack by ISIS ,” said Gatchalian.
The military earlier downplayed the warning by Rohan
Gunaratna, head of the International Center for Political Violence and Terrorism Research
in Singapore and author of
"Inside al-Qaeda," who said that ISIS may soon create a
"wilayat" or province in Mindanao .
The AFP had maintained that to date, there is no credible,
verified and direct link established, and the possibility of establishing of a
satellite is unlikely. “There remains no credible and direct connection to the
bigger group in the Middle East up to this time," AFP spokesperson Col.
Restituto Padilla was quoted by news reports as saying.
Padilla issued such statement despite the circulation on
Jan. 4 of a video showing Abu Sayyaf leader Isnilon Hapilon, Ansar al-Khilafa
leader Abu Sharifa, and other extremist leaders pledging allegiance to ISIS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.
“The ISIS-initiated merger of the fighting formations and
unification of the leaders will present an unprecedented challenge to the Manila government,” warned Gunaratna. "In the Philippines , the next step ISIS is likely to
take is the proclamation of wilayat Mindanao ."
Guaratna believes that with the proclamation of an ISIS
branch in the southern Philippines ,
the ISIS influence and ideology is likely to grow, affecting both the southern Philippines and eastern Malaysia Philippines
and Malaysia
Gatchalian warned that the military would be blamed for not
being prepared enough in case a terror attack similar to Jakarta
"Denying that extremist groups are coming together
under the flag of a global terrorist is not going to help. Do not underestimate
them. If an attack does happen, be it ISIS-inspired or ISIS-directed, the
military will be blamed for not being on top of the situation. It is not wise
to risk the lives of the Filipino people who trust in the military to protect
them,” explained Gatchalian.
Last year, Gatchalian called on the government to join the
ranks of the Global Coalition to Counter ISIS following a report by Reuters in
November quoting Nur Jazlan Mohamed, Malaysia 's
deputy home minister, as saying it was possible that terror attacks similar to
those done in Paris could be launched by
fighters coming back from Syria
in Southeast Asia .
“Our government must consider being part of the Global
Coalition to Counter ISIS. We live in a very interconnected world and the
terror attacks happening in one part of the globe may happen in our region,
especially that we have a terror group in our own backyard that already swore
allegiance to ISIS . The problem becomes bigger
if the Abu Sayyaf joins forces with other militant groups to form an ISIS
province in Southeast Asia ,” Gatchalian
pointed out.
Eight men, who were armed and carrying the flag of ISIS , were killed in an encounter with state troops in
Sultan Kudarat in late November.
The Valenzuela lawmaker also recalled that there have been
reports of two alleged fighters who died in Syria
who were described as Abu Sayyaf member, while another dead fighter was
described by a military source as coming from the Philippines
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=847773
Ranking PHL defense, military officials present in SSV launching ceremonies
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 18): Ranking PHL defense, military officials present in SSV launching ceremonies
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=847847
Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Philippine Navy (PN)
flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Caesar Taccad graced the launching
ceremonies of the country's first strategic sealift vessel (SSV) Sunday.
The event was held at the PT PAL (Persero) shipyard in Surabaya , Indonesia
PN public affairs office chief Cmdr. Lued Lincuna said the
SSV, which was designated "Landing Dock (LD)-601" was unveiled by
Jocelyn Taccad, wife of the Navy chief.
LD-601 is expected to be delivered in May.
Likewise, the ceremony marked the keel-laying or the formal
start of construction of the second SSV (LD-602) which is expected to be
completed by 2017.
The SSV project was initiated upon the approval of
acquisition decision memorandum Number 2012-060 by the Secretary of National
Defense last October 30, 2013.
It is a two-unit SSV procurement project with an approved
budget contract of PHP4 billion sourced from the AFP Modernization Act Trust
Fund.
The Department of National Defense declared PT PAL (Persero)
as the single calculated responsive bidder with a bidding price of PHP3.8
billion on November 18, 2014.
The SSVs are programmed to be the PN’s floating
command-and-control ships especially in the conduct of humanitarian assistance
and disaster response missions and serving other purposes as military sealift
and transport vessels.
These vessels are also critical assets for civil-military
operations due to their capability of transporting large number of soldiers,
logistics, and supplies.
Moreover, each SSV has the capacity to house three
helicopters. The Navy’s Augusta Westland-109s are programmed to be on-board
components of these vessels.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=847847
Palace awaits DFA statement on recent West Philippine Sea incident
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 18): Palace awaits DFA statement on recent West Philippine Sea incident
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=847857
Malacanang is relying on the Department of Foreign Affairs
(DFA) for any statement regarding the alleged harassment experienced by a Civil
Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) team at Pag-asa
Island in Palawan
recently.
Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO)
Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr., in a statement, said the Foreign Affairs
department has been informed about the incident.
"We will await for the DFA's statement on this
matter," he said.
Reports said a technical group from CAAP went to Pag-asa Island
Reports quoting CAAP Deputy Director General for Operations
Rodante Joya, who held a briefing Monday, said the radar would be constructed
to monitor commercial flights passing through the West Philippine Sea daily.
He said that when the team, which was onboard a private
chartered Cessna plane, was already near the Rancudo airstrip they received a
radio message from a person who identified himself as someone from the Chinese
Navy.
The message said:"Foreign military, this is the Chinese
Navy. You are threatening the security of our station."
Joya said their pilot disregarded the message.
He said they were able to assess the area where the radar
would be constructed but added that they were still waiting for Malacanang's go
signal for the project given the territorial dispute on the area.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=847857
UK envoy warns unresolved peace deal in Mindanao may invite radicalism
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 18): UK envoy warns unresolved peace deal in Mindanao may invite radicalism
Britain ’s
top diplomat to Manila on Monday warned that
people may be encouraged to look for “alternatives” if no peace would come to Mindanao as a legislation that will enforce the signed
peace pact between the government and Muslim rebels remains stalled in
Congress.
Britain
is a key adviser to the Mindanao peace process
and Ahmad’s statements highlight his country’s concerns for the much-delayed
passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) in Congress.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=847860
“If the situation in the south does not change and we have
another decade that is lost in the process of negotiation with nothing coming
out, one can’t rule out the fact that people would look for alternatives,
particularly those who are exposed to social media, who have abilities to
interact with other students and those who have freedom of traveling and going
to some of these places of radicalization,” Asif Anwar Ahmad told journalists
at a reception he hosted at his residence.
BBL, a proposed legislation that will establish a more
powerful autonomous region for minority Muslims in Southern Philippines under
the historic peace deal that was signed in March 2014, was stalled in 2015 when
some fighters of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) got involved in a
firefight with elite Philippine National Police (PNP) commandos hunting down
Malaysian terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan, in Mamasapano town,
Maguindanao.
Marwan was killed in the operation, but as the police pulled
out, an encounter with the Muslim rebels erupted, killing 44 members of the PNP
Special Action Force. Their deaths stirred public outrage and prompted several
lawmakers to withdraw support for the bill.
Philippine officials raised concerns that the delay in the
full implementation of the peace deal may resume armed hostilities with the rebels
in Southern Mindanao, where the Al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf, which is on the
United States’ list of terrorist groups and notorious for kidnap for ransom
activities, abduction of foreigners and beheading its hostages, is also based.
Moreover, Ahmad said the threat of the radical Islamic
State, also known as ISIS or ISIL, coming to the Philippines is not far-fetched
and this was conveyed by British Foreign Minister Philip Hammond in his
official visit to the country early this month when he met with Philippine
counterpart Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario.
“The theme that our Foreign Secretary has raised very very
strongly over here is that there is a danger of Southeast Asia as a whole, the
Philippines in particular, thinking that the rise of ISIL and extremism is
something that is far away from here. It is not. Last week we saw what happened
to Indonesia
ISIS has claimed responsibility for last week’s deadly
Jakarta attack on a popular coffee shop in the city center that killed two
civilians and injured more than a dozen.
“ISIL is not some sort of multinational corporation that
needs to have subsidiaries or corporations,” Ahmad explained. “The way they
have spread themselves is through people aspiring to the ideology or people
imitating what they have.”
President Benigno Aquino III is hoping that the full
implementation of the peace accord with the MILF would be among the legacies of
his presidency before he steps down in June 2016.
The more than four decades of Muslim rebellion has claimed at
least 150,000 lives, displaced thousands and blocked economic progress to a
number of areas in Mindanao.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=847860
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