AFP identifies 24 out of 42 bandits claimed killed in Lanao del Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 28): AFP identifies 24 out of 42 bandits claimed killed in Lanao del Sur
 

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Sunday confirmed the identities of the 24 out of the 42 members of a local terrorist organization killed in the ongoing military operation in Lanao Del Sur.

Of the 24 confirmed killed in the fighting, AFP spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said they have recovered 10 to 12 bodies.

He added names of the slain bandits were provided by civilian authorities in Butig town.

Padilla said the number of identified dead could still raise as validation efforts are still ongoing.

Clearing operations are also ongoing with intermittent shots being exchanged between the military and the bandit group.

Padilla declined to give an exact timetable on when the clearing operation will end but said that normalization is their prime objective.

The military was forced to conduct an offensive against the bandit group led by Omar Maute and his younger brother after the terrorists tried to overrun a detachment of the 51st Infantry Battalion in Butig last Feb. 20.

An estimated 40 to 80 lawless elements took part in the raid which lasted until early Feb. 21.

In the ensuing government air and artillery strikes, Omar was reported killed along with 41 other bandits.

The Mautes are believed to be allied to elements of the Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) and have connections to a foreign terrorist neutralized in 2012.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=861530

Alleged MILF leader nabbed for drugs in Central Luzon

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Feb 28): Alleged MILF leader nabbed for drugs in Central Luzon

A man identified as a member of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and suspected of operating as a bulk supplier of methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) in Central Luzon was arrested on Feb. 26, an official of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said on Sunday.

Alan Lao, allegedly a platoon leader of the MILF, was arrested together with Andi and Latip Baraiman, said Gladys Rosales, PDEA director in Central Luzon.
The Philippine Daily Inquirer could not independently confirm if the 21-year-old Lao was indeed a leader of the MILF.

Lao and the Baraiman brothers are natives of Lanao del Sur and live in Barangay San Pablo in Castillejos town in Zambales province, Rosales said.

They were nabbed when Lao handed 50 grams or P230,000-worth of shabu to a poseur buyer in a shopping mall here last Friday.

PDEA believes he was “responsible for the bulk distribution of shabu” in Olongapo City in Zambales, Dinalupihan town in Bataan province as well as in Lubao and City of San Fernando, both in Pampanga province, according to Reyes.

The three men are now being held at the PDEA jail in the regional police headquarters in Camp Olivas here pending the filing of charges for selling dangerous drugs.

The Philippine government has been pushing the Bangsamoro Basic Law with the MILF to fulfill a peace agreement. The 16th Congress has not passed it into a law.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/769298/alleged-milf-leader-nabbed-for-drugs-in-central-luzon

4 killed by gunmen on busy street in Cotabato City

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Feb 28): 4 killed by gunmen on busy street in Cotabato City
Unidentified gunmen shot dead four persons in a daring ambush along a busy street here Sunday afternoon.

Senior Supt. Saul Supiter, the city police chief, identified the victims as Jun Miraato, 22; Rahima Tan, 40; and her sons, Sansay, 10, and Guiabel, 11, all residents of Piang Street here.

Police said the victims had just visited a relative at the Cotabato City Jail when gunmen opened fire at them.        

 

The ambush happened along Raja Tabunaway Street, a few meters from the jail.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/769304/4-killed-by-gunmen-on-busy-street-in-cotabato-city

Gov't admits 'huge disappointment' over failure to pass BBL

From the Philippine Star (Feb 28): Gov't admits 'huge disappointment' over failure to pass BBL



Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Deles said the ceasefire mechanisms are still working and that the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) are not standing in the way of the law enforcement operations in Lanao del Sur. File photo

The government on Sunday admitted that there is a “huge disappointment” over Congress’ failure to pass the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) amid ongoing clashes between security forces and armed men who are said to be dismayed by the bypassing of the measure.

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Deles, nevertheless, said the ceasefire mechanisms are still working and that the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) are not standing in the way of the law enforcement operations in Lanao del Sur.

"Certainly, the huge disappointment over the non-passage of the BBL provides more enticing, fertile ground for recruitment to radical, extremist thought and action,” Deles said in a statement forwarded to reporters by Presidential Communications and Operations Office Herminio Coloma.

“Thankfully, our ceasefire mechanisms particularly, the GPH (Government of the Philippines)-MILF Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities and the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group, with the International Monitoring Team are working closely and robustly with the security sector to maintain peace and order on the ground, including curbing the spread of extremism,” she added.

Reports have quoted MILF vice chair Ghadzali Jaafar as saying that the armed men who are clashing with military forces in Butig, Lanao del Sur are not terrorists but Moros disappointed with the way the government handled the peace process.

The Armed Forces Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) previously said that security forces are launching offensives against local terrorists led by brothers Abdullah and Omar Maute. The Maute brothers are believed to have ties with the Southeast Asian regional terrorist group Jemaah Islamiyah.

Deles said the ceasefire mechanisms have repositioned MILF troops to allow law enforcement operations to proceed. She said the MILF has also provided sanctuary to displaced civilians.

The proposed BBL aims to form a new Bangsamoro political entity with enhanced autonomy. It will also implement the peace agreement signed by the MILF and the government in 2014. Congress adjourned sessions early this month without passing the BBL, one of the priority measures of the Aquino administration.

The military launched law enforcement operations in Butig after the Maute group raided a detachment of the 51st Infantry Battalion in Butig town, leaving two soldiers dead and six others wounded.

Three soldiers were killed and 11 others were wounded during the pursuit operations, according to a Westmincom report released last Friday.

Security officials claimed to have received reports that as much as 42 members of the Maute group were killed during the clashes, which also displaced about 2,500 civilians. The military has so far validated 24 fatalities on the side of the Maute group.
Coloma said the government is working hard to ensure that the gains of the peace talks with the MILF would cross over to the next administration.

“It is the position of this administration that‎ it is this comprehensive social justice-based approach that would deter the rise of violent, extremist groups in southern Philippines and comprehensively sustain past and present efforts for peace and development in Mindanao and the rest of the country,” Coloma said.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/02/28/1557739/govt-admits-huge-disappointment-over-failure-pass-bbl

Gov't stresses need for rule of law, peaceful resolution of sea disputes

From the Philippine Star (Feb 28): Gov't stresses need for rule of law, peaceful resolution of sea disputes



Screengrab from a surveillance video taken by the P-8A Poseidon showed China's reclamation activities in the West Philippine Sea. US Navy YouTube account

Malacañang on Sunday stressed the need to respect whatever decision will be made by the United Nations (UN) tribunal on the Philippines’s complaint against China following an assessment by an American think tank that Manila would likely get a favorable ruling on the case.

Presidential Communications Operations Secretary Herminio Coloma, Jr. said respecting the ruling would ensure freedom of navigation in the South China Sea, where more than $5 trillion worth of international trade passes through every year.

"At the recently concluded special ASEAN-US summit, President Aquino called upon all countries who believe in the rule of law and in peaceful dispute resolution to follow and abide by the decision of the UN arbitral tribunal on the PH petition,” Coloma said.
“Such call, if heeded, will serve to promote the primacy of freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea/West Philippine Sea and in all international sea lanes as this is essential to the continuous flourishing of global trade and commerce," he added.

Earlier, the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative (AMTI) said the UN arbitral tribunal would “almost certainly” rule that China’s expansive maritime claim in the South China Sea is not valid and that the country is “not entitled to any historic rights beyond the regime of territorial seas, exclusive economic zones, and continental shelves laid out in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.”

“This will not affect China’s territorial claims to the disputed islands and rocks of the South China Sea, nor will it necessarily mean that Beijing cannot make large claims to the seabed and waters in the area,” AMTI director Gregory Poling said in an article posted on the group’s website.

“But it will amount to an order that China clarify its maritime claims based on entitlements from land features, not ambiguous dashes on a map,” he added.

Poling said Beijing would not suddenly clarify its claims in the South China Sea because the tribunal orders it to do so.

“The Chinese government has repeatedly said that it will not recognize any ruling. But it has also worked hard since Manila brought the case in early 2013 to get the Philippine government to drop it. That is because being branded an international outlaw will involve significant reputational costs for Beijing,” he said.

“It will undermine China’s narrative that it is a responsible rising power that deserves a greater hand in global governance. It will make other countries wary of Chinese commitments and will drive regional states even closer to Tokyo and Washington,” he added.

Poling said a political compromise, which may involve entering into negotiations with the Philippines, might become appealing to China.

“In order to promote that kind of political compromise, Manila and Washington will need to embark on a sustained campaign to garner international support for the tribunal’s ruling. That support will need to come not only from like-minded countries like Australia, Japan, and European states, but also from the Philippines’ Southeast Asian neighbors,” the AMTI director added.

China claims about 90 percent of South China Sea while the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, Vietnam and Taiwan also have overlapping claims.

China said its claim is based on “historical rights,” a concept rejected by the Philippines and other countries who believe that territorial claims should be consistent with international law.

Unfazed by criticisms, China built what appear to be military structures on at least seven South China Sea reefs that are also being claimed by the Philippines.

In 2013, the Philippines challenged the legality of China’s territorial claim before the international arbitral tribunal, calling it “excessive” and “exaggerated.” China, however, refused to answer the complaint, saying it has “indisputable sovereignty” over the South China Sea.

Last October, the Philippines bagged a legal victory after an arbitration court in The Hague ruled that it has jurisdiction over the case it filed against China. The court said China’s refusal to participate in the proceedings does not deprive it of jurisdiction over the case.

With the issue of jurisdiction settled, the next hearings will focus on the merits of the Philippines’s case.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/02/28/1557754/govt-stresses-need-rule-law-peaceful-resolution-sea-disputes

‘Reconciliation vital in achieving peace in Mindanao’

From the Philippine Star (Feb 28): ‘Reconciliation vital in achieving peace in Mindanao’



While the basic law that would have established the Bangsamoro region has yet to be passed into law, TPMT chairman Alistair MacDonald said the peace process continued to score milestones that were essential in maintaining stability on the ground. Philstar.com/File

With the non-passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), the Third Party Monitoring Team (TPMT) believes that transitional justice and reconciliation will play a vital role in the country’s continued quest for peace and development in Mindanao.

While the basic law that would have established the Bangsamoro region has yet to be passed into law, TPMT chairman Alistair MacDonald said the peace process continued to score milestones that were essential in maintaining stability on the ground.

“There has been significant progress in a number of areas, including for example the successful completion of the first ceremonial stage of decommissioning on June 16, or the completion of the work of the Transitional Justice and Reconciliation Commission (TJRC),” MacDonald told members of the media during the release of its third annual report on Friday.

MacDonald is joined by Huseyin Oruc from the Turkish non-government organization The Foundation for Human Rights and Freedoms and Humanitarian Relief (IHH); Karen Tañada of the Gaston Z. Ortigas Peace Institute; Rahib Kudto of the United Youth for Peace and Development; and Steven Rood of The Asia Foundation.
The TJRC finished drafting its report in December 2015.

It formally submitted its report to the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) negotiating panels during their meeting in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia last month.

“The early publication of that report will be invaluable. Putting that report into the public’s awareness is important,” MacDonald said.

MacDonald explained the TJRC’s report generated from various consultations across the country would be an important component in the country’s healing process from the decades-long armed conflict in Mindanao and in dissipating prejudices between the majority Christian Filipinos and the Muslim minority in the south.

While suggesting that the curriculum of the Department of Education with regard the history of the Bangsamoro people would be worth revisiting, MacDonald said such plan would be for the long haul.

“In the meantime, there are a lot of provisions in the CAB that can be done now, especially in the normalization aspect, which can aid in that regard,” MacDonald said, referring to the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro signed between the government and the MILF in 2014.

For her part, Tañada, stressed the importance of building one narrative of the Filipino people that would include the history of the Bangsamoro.

Referring to the recently concluded 30th anniversary celebration of the EDSA People Power revolt, Tañada said “the stories of the Bangsamoro people during Martial Law still have to be told.”

“That will be part of the TJRC’s recommendation and report. The Bangsamoro story is the Filipino story,” she said.

For her part, government peace panel chair Miriam Coronel-Ferrer expressed the gratitude of the government peace panel to the TPMT for its invaluable role in ensuring that both the government and the MILF adhere to the agreement.

“The TPMT’s third annual report and the recommendations therein will be taken with utmost consideration in line with our shared desire to sustain and nurture the Bangsamoro peace process and finish in due time the implementation of the CAB, which includes the passage and ratification of a CAB-based Bangsamoro Basic Law,” Ferrer said.

Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Undersecretary Rafael Seguis said the failure to pass the BBL is not the end of the peace process.

Seguis also said the support of the international community is vital to sustain the Bangsamoro peace process amid Congress’ failure to pass the BBL.

He said the international community will provide the necessary fuel in preserving and sustaining the gains of the Bangsamoro peace process.

Seguis said the DFA would continue to talk to its counterparts in other countries.
“As diplomats, it is our duty to continue to engage and to talk to the international community in general and, in particular, our international partners and stakeholders in the peace process. This is how we can substantively contribute to the peace process here in the Philippines,” he said.

Seguis said several international actors have been involved in the negotiation and implementation phases of the CAB.

Aside from the presence of Malaysia as a third-party facilitator, international actors can also be found in the other mechanisms established through the agreement, including the TPMT.

Seguis explained the international facilitator has helped a lot in clarifying some of the differences between the negotiating panels and is instrumental in coming up with the comprehensive agreement.

“If we exclude Malaysia, it will be more of a problem. We needed somebody to listen if we encounter any issues during the discussions,” he said.

DFA Office of American Affairs executive director Louie Alvarez stressed that having supportive foreign countries would help generate public attention in the ongoing peace process.

“It is very apparent that it is important to have international partners that publicly support the peace process. It creates a public image that both parties are in good faith,” Alvarez said.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/02/28/1557596/reconciliation-vital-achieving-peace-mindanao

PMA Army Cadets class 2016 sent to Mindanao for OJT

From Update.Ph (Feb 26): PMA Army Cadets class 2016 sent to Mindanao for OJT

Army Cadets of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) of “Gabay-Laya” Class 2016 arrived at the headquarters of 4th Infantry Division in Cagayan de Oro City on February 26 for a week-long On the Job Training (OJT). The group is composed of 29 males and 4 females.

They were transported by Philippine Air Force C295 aircraft from Villamor Airbase, Pasay City to Lumbia Airport. They will visit 4ID’s Area of Responsibility (AOR) to have an experiential learning on how the Philippine Army tactical units effectively implement the imperatives of Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) “Bayanihan”.

“It is the first time that PMA cadets will be immersed in Mindanao. We are expecting that they will learn so many things from 4ID as one of Philippine Army’s Major Unit which accomplishes its mission through its Bayanihan efforts in the AOR,” said Colonel Ignatius N Patrimonio, Head of the PMA OJT Directorate.

“The visit and tour of the cadets here in 4ID shall help in the development of their skills as future officers of the Army who could become catalysts for peace and development. At this early stage of their career, they will understand the importance of a collective partnership with the different sectors of society,” 4ID commander Major General Oscar Lactao said.

“They will realize that peace and security can be fully achieved through the concerted and united efforts of all stakeholders as what we are doing all these times. We warmly welcome them and I will encourage them to maximize their one-week stay in 4ID and learn lots of things from the officers and enlisted personnel of this Command,” Major General Lactao added.

http://www.update.ph/2016/02/pma-army-cadets-class-2016-sent-to-mindanao-for-ojt/2853

Israel’s Rafael to supply weapons, missiles of Navy’s Attack Crafts

From Update.Ph (Feb 26): Israel’s Rafael to supply weapons, missiles of Navy’s Attack Crafts 

The Department of National Defense has awarded Israeli Rafael Advanced Defense Systems the contract to supply weapons system and missiles of Philippine Navy’s three (3) Multi-purpose Attack Crafts (MPAC).

According to the Notice of Award signed by National Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin addressed to Development and Marketing Director of Rafael Naval Warfare Systems, the contract price is PhP 594,319,550. The letter was conformed February 10, 2016.

Quantity of missiles and type of weapon systems were not mentioned in the Notice of Award, however, according to MaxDefense, “Rafael will supply 3 Mini Typhoon 12.7mm MG RWS mounts, and unspecified number of Spike-ER launchers and missile rounds plus ILS to the Philippine Navy.”

Weapons and missiles in the said contract will be fitted to 3 MPACs MkIII to be built by a joint venture between Filipino shipbuilder Propmech Corporation and Taiwanese builder Lung Teh Shipbuilding Corporation.

MPAC MkIII has provisions for remote weapon system for 12.7mm Heavy Machine Gun; missile launch system and its respective remote operating console inside the craft. MPAC Mk III will also have provisions for two M60/7.62mm Light Machine Gun. These MPACs will also be capable of storing 2,000 rounds for 12.7mm, 4,000 rounds for 7.62mm and 10 canisters of surface-to-surface missiles.

MPACs to be utilized as platforms for missile launch system will be delivered within 365 days.

The Philippine Navy is known to be operating six MPACs which are not armed with missiles. Three, 15-meter Mk I, were built by Lung Teh while the other three, 17-meter Mk II, were built by Propmech.

http://www.update.ph/2016/02/israels-rafael-to-supply-weapons-missiles-of-navys-attack-crafts/2859

Israel arming Philippines’ attack crafts with missiles

From Update.Ph (Feb 26): Israel arming Philippines’ attack crafts with missiles  

Israeli firm Rafael Advanced Defense Systems will be arming Philippine Navy’s upcoming three Multi-purpose Attack Crafts (MPAC) to be built by the partnership between Filipino shipbuilder Propmech Corporation and Taiwanese builder Lung Teh Shipbuilding Corporation.

According to the Notice of Award issued by the Department of National Defense, Rafael’s proposal for the MPAC (Lot 2) Weapons System and Missiles Acquisition Project worth PhP 594,319,550 was accepted.

According to reports, the Israeli firm will provide 3 Mini-Typhoon remote-controlled naval stabilized gun and SPIKE-ER launchers and missiles.

According to Rafael, Mini-Typhoon gun was designed for day and night operation, especially designed for fast maneuvering patrol boats. The system provides day and night observation, operation, and accurate firing capabilities.

The SPIKE-ER is a guided weapon which is the extended long-range version of the Spike family, capable of defeating targets at a range of up to 8 kilometers. “This missile is designed for installation on land vehicles, helicopters and naval platforms,” Rafael said.

Mini-Typhoon has a variant which incorporates a machine gun and surface-to-surface missiles.

Lot 1, the project for three attack crafts, is expected to be completed within one year. These MPACs will be capable of storing 2,000 rounds for 12.7mm, 4,000 rounds for 7.62mm ammunition and 10 canisters of surface-to-surface missiles.

http://www.update.ph/2016/02/israel-arming-philippines-attack-crafts-with-missiles/2865

LOOK: Japanese destroyer operating with US strike group in Philippine Sea

From Update.Ph (Feb 26): LOOK: Japanese destroyer operating with US strike group in Philippine Sea

A Japanese destroyer was operating alongside with American warships and has received an advanced biofuel from United States Navy fast combat support ship USNS Rainier (T-AOE 7) in Philippine Sea February 22. Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force Murasame-class destroyer JS Samidare (DD-106) received replenishment-at-sea with other US Navy vessels under John C. Stennis Strike Group (JCSSG).

The said American strike group, providing a ready force supporting security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific, is the centrepiece of US Navy’s Great Green Fleet, aiming to make US Sailors and Marines better warfighters, able to go farther, stay longer and deliver more firepower.

The Great Green Fleet (GGF) is a year-long initiative demonstrating Navy’s efforts to transform its energy use.

JCSSG consists of aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis (CVN 74) with Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9, guided-missile destroyers USS Stockdale (DDG 106), USS Chung-Hoon (DDG 93), and USS William P. Lawrence (DDG 110), and guided-missile cruiser USS Mobile Bay (CG 53).

USS John C. Stennis transits with JS Samidare. US Navy photo

The strike group is participating in a number of exercises during this deployment. The group will also undergo training, integration and capacity building with US allies in Pacific region as part of an ongoing rotation of US forces supporting maritime security operations in waters around the world.

 

JS Samidare receives replenishment from USNS Rainier. US Navy photo

http://www.update.ph/2016/02/look-japanese-destroyer-operating-with-us-strike-group-in-philippine-sea/2873

US Navy landing ship patrols West Philippine Sea

From Update.Ph (Feb 27): US Navy landing ship patrols West Philippine Sea 

An amphibious dock landing ship of United States Navy, USS Ashland (LSD 48), conducted a routine patrol in waters of West Philippine Sea February 26. Prior to said patrol, Ashland participated in Thailand-US co-sponsored multinational joint exercise Cobra Gold 16.

“As always, the officers and crew navigated the ship in a highly professional manner. Routine in execution, transits like these have the additional benefit of training our junior officers and watch standers on real world applications associated with International Maritime Law,” said Cmdr. Dan Duhan, commanding officer of Ashland.

According to US Navy, other Navy ships have conducted similar operations in the 7th Fleet area of operations including the Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyers USS Curtis Wilbur (DDG 54), USS Lassen (DDG 82) and USS Preble (DDG 88), the multi-purpose amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), the Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville (CG 62) and the Freedom-class littoral combat ship USS Fort Worth (LCS 3).

USS McCampbell (DDG 85) completed a similar patrol February 22.

Ashland, with the embarked 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, is currently on patrol in 7th Fleet as part of the Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group (ARG). The Bonhomme Richard ARG is comprised of amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD 6), Ashland and amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42).

http://www.update.ph/2016/02/us-navy-landing-ship-patrols-west-philippine-sea/2886

PH, Japan signing defense equipment, technology transfer agreement on Monday

From Update.Ph (Feb 27): PH, Japan signing defense equipment, technology transfer agreement on Monday

The Philippines will be signing an agreement with Japanese government that will pave way for the transfer of military hardware and technology to the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

National Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, in a report by Associated Press, said that he will sign the agreement in behalf of the Philippine government on Monday, February 29, with the Japanese ambassador in Manila.

The report added that no discussion on a particular equipment yet but Gazmin said the country needs upgrade on intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.

The transfer of military equipment and technology agreement is going to be first between Japan and a Southeast Asian country.

In November last year, at the sidelines of Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Summit in Manila, Philippines and Japan have agreed on principle on the transfer of defense equipment and technology during a bilateral meeting between President Benigno Aquino III and Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

“We welcomed the agreement in principle on transfer of defense equipment and agreed to work together for the early signing of agreement and realization of cooperation in defense equipment,” Prime Minister Abe said during a joint press briefing after the meeting with President Aquino at the sidelines of APEC meeting.

http://www.update.ph/2016/02/ph-japan-signing-defense-equipment-technology-transfer-agreement-on-monday/2890

One of PAF's C-130 aircraft up for hydraulic system maintenance

From the Philippine News Agency (Feb 28): One of PAF's C-130 aircraft up for hydraulic system maintenance

The national government, through the Department of National Defense, has allocated the sum of Php8,260,480 for the acquisition of spare parts needed for the maintenance of the hydraulic system of one of the Philippine Air Force's three Lockheed C-130 "Hercules" cargo aircraft.

The hydraulic system is vital for the efficiency and safe operation of the aircraft.

Bid opening is scheduled for March 10 at 9 a.m. at the PAF Procurement Center Conference Room, Villamor Air Base, Pasay City.

Prospective bidders should have an experience in similar project within the last five years.

A hydraulic drive system is a drive or transmission system that uses pressurized hydraulic fluid to power hydraulic machinery.

The term hydrostatic refers to the transfer of energy from flow and pressure, not from the kinetic energy of the flow.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=861462

Army base projects raise fears for Subic bats

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Feb 28): Army base projects raise fears for Subic bats




BATS roost on a tree inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. Plans to expand the military base inside the former US naval station are worrying conservationists who expressed fears about the projects’ effects on bat habitats. ALLAN MACATUNO/INQUIRER NORTHERN LUZON

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT—The military base expansion of the Armed Forces of the Philippines toward the forests inside this free port has drawn concern from conservationists because of its potential impact on the habitat of fruit bats thriving there, an official here said.

Roberto Garcia, chair of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), said the agency is closely monitoring the population of two species of bats dwelling in the free port’s forest, after groups expressed apprehension that increased human activity near the animals’ habitat would disrupt the bat community and deplete their population.

“We’re trying to protect the habitat [of the Acerodon jubatus or giant golden-crowned flying foxes, and the Pteropus vampyrus lanensis or Philippine giant fruit bat] since bats are known to be sensitive to noise,” said Garcia in a news conference on Monday.

“There are conservation efforts being done,” he said.

These bats roost in the vicinity of the Subic Bay International Airport, which will undergo a major upgrade to house some of the Philippine Air Force’s latest equipment and aircraft.

A smaller roost of the flying foxes is found in the naval magazine area, which will also be rehabilitated to house soldiers and civilian military personnel.

“Once the military expansion gets underway, I’m worried that habitat of the bats will be disturbed,” Garcia said.

As of January this year, the ecology center had recorded at least 18,700 bats in the forest.

The population of bats here has increased over the years, Garcia said, noting that there were only about 12,000 bats in 2014.

“The growing bat population inside the free port means they continue to thrive in our forest here and the challenge now is how to protect their habitat,” he said.

On Saturday, a fund-raising event was held here to benefit the local nonprofit organization Wildlife in Need (WIN) Foundation.

“We work very hard to provide the best possible care and welfare for the rescued animals at our center,” said Gail Laule, president of WIN.

The WIN Rescue Center here provides food, housing and medical care for rescued animals, such as bats, birds and snakes. http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/769186/army-base-projects-raise-fears-for-subic-bats
 

Israeli Missiles, RWS to Equip Philippine Navy Combat Boats

From Defense Update (Feb 27): Israeli Missiles, RWS to Equip Philippine Navy Combat Boats



Philippine Navy Multi-Purpose Attack Craft.

Rafael Advanced Defense Systems will supply three Mini Typhoon remotely controlled weapon mounts to arm three multi-purpose attack crafts (MPAC MKIII) of the Philippine Navy. The contract amount is $12 million (PhP 594,319,550), each RWS will operate 12.7 heavy machine guns also mount Spike-ER launchers, extending the boat’s firepower to more than 8 kilometers.

The new boats are constructed by a joint venture between Philippine shipbuilder Propmech Corporation and Taiwanese builder Lung Teh Shipbuilding Corporation.

MPAC Mk III will also have provisions for two M60/7.62mm Light Machine Gun.

According to Philippine sources each Mini-Typhoon will contain 2,000 rounds and 10 missile canisters. The Philippine Navy is known to be operating six MPACs which are not armed with missiles. Three, 15-meter Mk I, were built by Lung Teh while the other three, 17-meter Mk II, were built by Propmech.

Spike LR Missile launched from a Typhoon weapon station on an Israel Navy Super Dvora Mk 2. A similar configuration was recently tested by the US Navy, from an unmanned surface vessel (USV-PEM). Photo: RAFAEL

http://defense-update.com/20160227_philippine_typhoon.html

Soldier hurt in series of NPA attacks

From the Manila Bulletin (Feb 27): Soldier hurt in series of NPA attacks

Butuan city – A soldier has been wounded in a series of attacks launched by the New People’s Army in the last three days as the military accused the insurgents of trying to disrupt its peace and development operations in the two Agusan provinces, the Army said yesterday.

According to First Lt. Edgar Lemuel L. Adajar, civil military operation officer (CMO) of the 23rd Infantry Battalion (23 IB), Pfc. Mark Michael Buendia was slightly wounded when armed men, believed to be communist rebels, assaulted government “Bayanihan Teams” in Sitio Kitondow, Barangay Sangay in Buenavista Agusan del Norte Friday.

Adajar said the soldiers were engaged by the rebels at 3 p.m., resulting in a 15-minute gun battle where, he added, “an undetermined number of NPAs were wounded.”

“The NPAs deny the delivery of government basic services and projects to the communities and it is unfortunate and sad that our soldiers were encountered while serving the people,” Adajar charged.

 

“Our troops were there to conduct peace and development operations as part of the national government development efforts and these anti-development NPAs wanted to block,” he added.

On the same day, another group of NPA rebels was reported to have harassed residents of Bayugan City, Agusan del Sur.

On Thursday, some 40 heavily-armed men, who were also tagged as NPA insurgents, burned a sawmill and several equipment in the outskirts of Jabonga, Agusan del Norte.

As of press time, troops from the 401st Infantry Brigade have been dispatched to chase after the rebels in both Agusan provinces.

http://www.mb.com.ph/soldier-hurt-in-series-of-npa-attacks/

Kin of slain tribal chief in Davao del Norte blames NPA for the killing

From Davao Today (Feb 27): Kin of slain tribal chief in Davao del Norte blames NPA for the killing

The family of Datu Vicente S. Amboy, the vice- tribal chief of Barangay Sua-on in Kapalong town, who was gunned down by four unidentified gunmen is blaming the New People’s Army for the killing, a police official said.

“It was confirmed by the family through the revelation of his wife, Mrs. Lilibeth Amboy that it was the group of NPA who killed Datu Vicente Amboy,” Police Chief Inspector Michael Seguido said in an interview with DavaoToday on Friday, February 26.

Seguido said that Amboy was killed by unidentified gunmen on Tuesday afternoon in his farm at Purok 13, Barangay Sua-on, Kapalong in Davao del Norte.

Amboy was shot in the head and several parts of his body using a long and short fire arms, killing him instantly, said Seguido.

During the investigation, a relative of the victim turned over one bullet of caliber.45 pistol and one spent bullet of a caliber 7.62mm , according to Sequido.   “The evidence will be submitted for ballistic exam.”

Seguido said that the assailants, while about to shoot the victim, reportedly called Amboy as “sagbot ka sa katilingban” ()

He alleged that Amboy, 56, currently the Purok Leader Purok 4 in Barangay Sua-on, was formerly linked with the communist movement in Davao del Norte.

“Our interview with the neighborhood revealed that the victim was allegedly formerly connected with the NPA. During his term as Purok Leader, he was denounced as land grabber in his own barangay,” said Seguido.

Meanwhile, the NPA has not yet issued a statement owning up to the killing of Amboy. Police authorities from Barangay Sua-on have started to conduct an in-depth investigation as to the background of the slain Lumad leader.

http://davaotoday.com/main/human-rights/kin-of-slain-tribal-chief-in-davao-del-norte-blames-npa-for-the-killing/

NPA launches at least 19 offensives in Mindanao on 30th EDSA anniv

From the often pro-CPP Davao Today (Feb 27): NPA launches at least 19 offensives in Mindanao on 30th EDSA anniv

New People’s Army in Mindanao. (File photo)

 

The 30^th year commemoration of the EDSA People Power was met by a series of military offensives by the New People’s Army in the northeastern part of Mindanao.

 

In an emailed statement, Maria Malaya, spokesperson of the National Democratic Front said the NPA-NEMR has launched at least 19 attacks against military troops in Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, and Agusan del Norte starting Thursday, February 25 .

“These synchronized NPA attacks are launched underscoring its significance during the EDSA I celebrations because while the US-Aquino III regime boasts of its ‘peaceful revolution’, it is currently waging its brutal military attacks in the countryside,” said Malaya.

In his speech during the program for the commemoration of EDSA, President Benigno S. Aquino III encouraged the country’s youth to know the history of the EDSA People Power Revolution “to avoid a repeat of the dark years of Marital Law.”

Quoting the words of his mother, the late president Corazon Aquino, he said, “The problems we face are our generation’s making. It is our generation that has to correct them. Your role is to prepare yourselves better to avoid making the same mistakes.”

Today’s young people are free to dream, have careers and nurture their own families, things that were difficult to do during the Martial Law years, he said.

President Aquino said 40 percent of the poorest of the poor now have access to free medical care in government hospitals under his watch.

He said the Philippines has also recorded the lowest unemployment rate in the past 10 years, adding that the government has constructed many infrastructure projects that now benefit the people.

But Malaya refuted Pres. Aquino’s claim.  “Thirty years after EDSA, the big bourgeois comprador, big landlords, their US imperialist master and the political dynasties are still in power and monopolizing the nation’s economy.  Thus, the national democratic revolution remains to be the only solution,” she said.

She said the NPA’s tactical offensives show that the armed revolution is “imperative, because the so-called ‘peaceful people power revolution’ of EDSA was not able to provide for genuine solutions to the basic problems of the Filipino people.”

“Since the massacre of September 1, 2015 at Han-ayan Lianga, Surigao del Sur until present, the Armed Forces of the Philippines has launched continuously, intensifying and widespread attacks in NEMR against the revolutionary movement and the people. Several activists, leaders and civilians were killed, houses and schools burned, hundreds of thousands forcibly evacuated and other human rights violations inflicted,” said Malaya.

http://davaotoday.com/main/politics/npa-launches-at-least-19-offensives-in-mindanao-on-30th-edsa-anniv/

MILF opens camp for Lanao evacuees

From the Sun Star-Cagayan de Oro (Feb 27): MILF opens camp for Lanao evacuees

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has opened one of its stronghold areas in Lanao del Sur province to evacuees from the already week-long fighting between government troops and armed men locally known to harbor extremist ideals.

The arrangement to accommodate the evacuees in Barangay Sandab of Butig town was made through the peace mechanisms set up by the government and the MILF, according to a news release of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (Opapp).

Sandab village is a major bastion of the MILF’s armed wing, the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF), in Lanao del Sur, and hosts a satellite office of its peace-negotiating panel.

The Opapp quoted Ameruddin Usman, member of the MILF Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH), as saying the hosting of the evacuees were coordinated with the front commander in the area.

Usman estimated that “around 500 families were evacuated and secured in Barangay Sandab.”

He added that several more families “went to their respective relatives in the other barangays away from the encounter site.”

Major Carlos Sol Jr., head of the government contingent in the joint ceasefire committee, said Barangay Sandab has enough facilities like school houses to serve as temporary shelters for evacuees.

Apart from providing sanctuary to the evacuees, Sol stressed that the continued cooperation between government and the MILF was also shown by the BIAF’s decision to reposition its troops in Butig to prevent a mis-encounter with the Army.

Sol added that the repositioning of BIAF elements was also aimed “to give the government forces the freedom to pursue operations against the lawless group.”

The clashes in Butig — a town located in Lanao del Sur’s border with Maguindanao — started evening of Febuary 20 when armed men harassed a detachment of government soldiers in Barangay Bayabao. The fighting has spilled over to nearby Barangay Poktan.

On February 23, armed men ambushed soldiers in an area between Tugaya and Balindong towns, far across the vast Lake Lanao, in what was initially thought of as sympathy or diversionary attack to diffuse the strong military attention in Butig.

The military has described the perpetrators of the Butig attack as belonging to a group comprised of “foreign and local terrorists.”

But in Lanao del Sur, they are simply branded as “Isis” as a reference to their harboring of extremist ideals of jihad akin with that espoused by the Middle Eastern terrorist network Islamic State of Iraq and Syria.

Meanwhile, a local commander of the MILF in Lanao del Sur has denied the involvement of his troops in the recent clashes in the province.

In a 59-second video clip circulated in social media by the group named Free the Bangsamoro Movement, Abdullah Macapaar, known as Commander Bravo, categorically stated that the MILF is not part of the fighting in Butig and Balindong towns.

“The MILF continues to be a party to a peace process with government, and as such, we in the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces of the Northwestern Mindanao Front, will maintain our defensive posture,” Macapaar explained.

Macapaar also brushed aside reports he has cooperated with the local extremist group in Lanao del Sur. “I remain loyal to the MILF because its leader, Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, is a faithful follower of Allah and the Prophet Mohammad,” Macapaar said.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/local-news/2016/02/27/milf-opens-camp-lanao-evacuees-459687

IS-influenced youth said to be joining fighting in south

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Feb 29): IS-influenced youth said to be joining fighting in south

SOME 150 young men, suspected to have been influenced by extremist ideas, are reportedly fighting with what the military has described as “foreign and local” armed groups in the weeklong clashes in Butig, Lanao del Sur.

A well-placed security official, who requested anonymity, said the young fighters have apparently been influenced by the idea of a worldwide caliphate claimed by the Islamic State (IS) jihadist extremist group.

Malacañang, through Communications Undersecretary Manuel Quezon III, has declined to comment on the security official’s statement.
Unverified allegiance
 
“I would be uncomfortable offhand assuming that certain conclusions could be reached. I do recall that in the past the defense establishment has pointed out that there may be certain small groups or individuals who proclaimed allegiance to IS but that is not to assume or to conclude that this is genuine,” Quezon told state-run Radyo ng Bayan Saturday.

“It could be as much a public relations effort to try to gain media traction as something else. That being said, I defer to the Department of National Defense, which could give a more thorough and sober briefing on this matter,” Quezon added.

The Third Party Monitoring Team observing the implementation of agreements in the peace deal with the secessionist Moro Islamic Liberation Front has warned that the hiatus between now and when a “Bangsamoro law” is finally passed is a critical period, as it could be exploited by extremists recruiting fighters.

Delayed peace
 
The five-person team, headed by former European Union Ambassador to the Philippines Alistair MacDonald, said that “violent extremism” could result from the non-passage of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) as radicals could take advantage of the frustration of many of those who had been hopeful of the establishment of a Bangsamoro entity in Mindanao.

“President (Aquino) had said in the past that delaying peace and delaying justice tied with precisely what had been warned about that there may be younger hotheads who would be frustrated by the delay and use it as an excuse to give up on the peace process,” Quezon said.

“This sort of warning should inspire all of us to reach out to our Muslim brothers, to reassure them that all Filipinos are committed to the peace process. So that the leaders, on the part of our Moro brothers and sisters, who have really stuck their necks out to commit to a way forward under a united Philippines will be reassured that we remain partners of peace,” he said.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/769163/is-influenced-youth-said-to-be-joining-fighting-in-south