From GMA News (Mar 2): Blast hits NGCP tower in Cotabato, causes brownout
Armed men attacked a transmission tower of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines in remote Pagangan village in Aleosan town in North Cotabato early Wednesday morning, a police official said.
Superintendent Bernard Tayong, spokesperson for Cotabato Police Provincial Office, said the suspects blasted NGCP Tower 63 at about 12:10 a.m., causing damage to two of the tower's pillars.
Authorities also recovered an un-exploded Improvised Explosive Device (IED) strapped in another pillar of the tower, Tayong said.
“The village chair reported [the incident] to the Aleosan police,” Tayong added.
According to Tayong, the blast failed to topple the tower but its impact caused damage to power lines.
After the blast, residents in some areas in North Cotabato, Cotabato City and Maguindanao province experienced power fluctuations.
Tayong said that the attack on the same tower in Barangay Pagangan was already the second this year.
On January 14, suspected members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) bombed the same tower which also caused widespread brownouts in Cotabato City, Maguindanao and North Cotabato.
The Cotabato provincial office is urging the NGCP to work for the deployment of security forces in their respective towers to thwart possible attacks.
From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 1): Caraga on ‘full alert’ ahead of NPA anniversary
Butuan City – The regional command center of Northern Mindanao Police Regional Office 10 (PRO-10) has placed all field units on “full alert” status in anticipation of more attacks by New People’s Army (NPA) rebels ahead of the insurgent group’s 47th anniversary on March 29.
The command center of PRO-10 based in Camp Alagar, Cagayan de Oro City has ordered all city and provincial police offices as well as municipal police stations to tighten their security and defense perimeters with the NPA anniversary drawing near, as well as the ongoing campaign for the May 9, 2016 national and local elections.
Chief Supt. Lyndel A. Desquitado, regional director of PRO-10 also ordered field unit directors and field officers to conduct round-the-clock patrol in their respective areas of responsibility (AORs).
Supt. Surki Sereñas, PRO-10 regional spokesperson, said the “full alert” status was declared in the entire region, especially in the provinces of Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental where the NPA’s presence continues to be prevalent.
He said the elections and the NPA anniversary will likely intensify attacks in soft-target areas in the region.
The PRO-10 spokesperson said it has been the NPA’s practice “to escalate their tactical operations on or prior to their anniversary celebration.”
In a statement released to various media organization last week, the NPA vowed to continue its offensive attacks to counter the continued military operations in their lairs in some parts of the region, particularly in Bukidnon, Agusan and Surigao provinces.
Meanwhile, the regional command of PRO-10 and PRO-13 urged the peace-loving citizens to report immediately to the nearest local police or military of any information involving security concerns while appealing for cooperation in the fight against the NPA, armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines.
From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 1): Soldiers, NPA clash; 2 hurt
San Mariano, Isabela — Two army troopers were wounded in action following an encounter with New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Barangay Tappa, San Mariano town, this province, early yesterday morning.
Initial reports reaching the Isabela Police Provincial Office (PPO) said the clash broke out around 4:30 a.m.
The PPO said a 1st Lieutenant Alog and a Private First Class Abing Binuya were both slightly wounded and had sustained either a fractured left arm or left leg.
Moreover, the army side lost five backpacks with issued items such as tactical maps and a Yukon tracker (night vision binoculars), the PPO said.
The gun battle ended in the retreat of the undetermined number of rebels in the north and northwest direction, police said.
As of press time yesterday afternoon, government security forces have been deployed to go after the NPA rebels while the wounded troopers were recuperating at an undisclosed hospital.
From the Manila Bulletin (Mar 1): Leyte now has 16 rebel-free towns – Army
Ormoc City, Leyte – The neighboring town of Kananga has been declared insurgency-free after the Philippine Army (PA)’s 19th Infantry Battalion (IB) and the municipal government declared this former stronghold of the New People’s Army in northern Leyte a Stable and Internal Peace and Security Area last Monday, Feb. 29.
Kananga is the 16th town declared insurgency-free in Leyte. Other towns in the province similarly given Stable Internal Peace and Security status are Matag-ob, Palompon, Tabango, Barugo, Babatngon, San Miguel, Leyte, Pastrana, Tolosa, Dagami, Calubian, Sta. Fe, Alangalang and Tunga.
The joint declaration according rebel-free status on Kananga was pursued upon the recommendation of 19th IB and subsequent legislation by the 20th Sangguniang Bayan through Resolution No. 20R-14-791.
Ormoc City Mayor Elmer C. Codilla considers the declaration an achievement, citing his administration’s capability to address the needs of his constituents as a key factor in attaining the town’s current state.
For his part, Col. Francisco Mendoza Jr., Commander of the PA’s 802nd Infantry Brigade is optimistic that the declaration would attract investors to Kananga.
He added that the declaration is a clear indication that there is development going on in Kananga. Still, Mendoza said, despite the prevalence of peace in the town, he vowed that the authorities will not stop working to maintain stability in the area.
From Business World (Mar 1): NPA rebels stepping up attacks on banana, pineapple growers
Farmers, mainly agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) who are now contract growers for banana and pineapple exporters, have reported increased attacks by the New People’s Army (NPA) on farms, facilities and equipment in the last two months.
Pineapple farmer in Bukidnon -- BW File Photo
Eduardo Maningo, a spokesman for the ARBs, said in a statement that about a dozen burnings were carried out by the NPA from late January to February this year, almost the same as the total for the whole of 2015.
The attacks, some of which were not reported to the authorities, were in T’boli and Surallah in South Cotabato; Barobo and Lianga in Surigao del Sur; Quezon, Bukidnon; Maco, Compostela Valley; and Maasim, Sarangani.
The NPA is the armed wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), which is part of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP).
In a statement issued last month and posted on the NDFP Web site, the group also threatened to shoot down aircraft used in aerial spraying if companies do not stop the practice, which they say is detrimental to humans and the environment.
“NDFP-NEMR (Northeastern Mindanao Region) strongly warns the owners of large banana plantations in Caraga [Region] to stop the use of aerial spray because of the damage it causes to the workers, residents and the environment. Contractors and pilots of these aircraft are also warned. If they will not stop, the NPA will shoot down the aircraft,” the statement reads.
Mr. Maningo called on the government to step up its protection of farm workers.
In an interview with the media last month, Stephen A. Antig, executive director of the Pilipino Banana Growers and Exporters Association, Inc. (PBGEA), which groups the country’s biggest operators, said the ultimate solution is to secure a peace deal with the rebel groups.
“We can’t arm ourselves, we have to turn to the military to help us. But we also understand they can’t be in all places at the same time. We prefer that the government talk peace with them,” Mr. Antig said.
The military, meanwhile, said it is closely coordinating with the police and the companies to prevent further attacks.
“Military field commanders under EastMinCom (Eastern Mindanao Command) were directed earlier to closely coordinate with the local PNP (Philippine National Police); and security officers of business firms to undertake measures to prevent harassment and attacks by the CPP/NPA,” Captain Alberto C. Caber, head of EastMinCom’s information office, told BusinessWorld.
“A meeting with the security officers of Philippine Banana Growers Exporters Association with concerned military field commanders was held last [January] to establish close coordination and prevent untoward incidents,” he added.
Mr. Caber said the NPA’s raids are part of its “extortion activities”.
Mr. Maningo said while no one has been hurt so far, the toll on the agriculture industry could prove to be long-term and wide-ranging as he noted that the banana industry directly and indirectly employs more than 300,000 workers in Mindanao.
Mindanao Business Council chair Vicente T. Lao, meanwhile, said the continued attacks affect the industry and Mindanao and also paints the country in a bad light.
“Investors will have second thoughts if the government fails to address the problem,” Mr. Lao told BusinessWorld.
He added that the government needs to come up with a “comprehensive mechanism” for long term and permanent solutions.
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Mar 2): Tribal militiamen gather, vow to fight NPA
STUDENTS and indigenous peoples from Mindanao carry torches during a march in Manila recently against attacks on “lumad” communities allegedly by militias being backed by the military. INQUIRER PHOTO At least 500 members of two militias being accused of attacks on “lumad” communities in several provinces in Mindanao converged in North Cotabato province over the weekend amid the military’s continued denial of the militias’ existence.
Datu Alim Bandara, a top leader of one of the militias that calls itself Alamara, said those who attended the gathering are tribal warriors and leaders from North Cotabato and two other provinces—Bukidnon and Davao del Norte.
Bandara, who is based in North Cotabato, said the gathering on Saturday, held in Barangay Kibia in Matalam town, was organized to enable the tribal warriors and leaders to renew their loyalty to the armed tribal groups that had sworn to defend ancestral domain.
“We will fight any armed group that wants to take away from us our ancestral domain lands,” said Bandara.
“We will use our traditional arms to ensure the protection of our tribes,” he said.
Bandara said at least 102 ancestral domain areas in Mindanao had already been occupied by the New People’s Army (NPA) and the rebels are also using the lumad in their fight against the government.
He said the Alamara and another tribal militia, Bagani, will work hard to prevent the rebels from encroaching on more areas.
“We don’t want them in our place,” he said.
Bandara, who spoke on behalf of the armed tribal groups, said some villages in the towns of Matalam, President Roxas, Arakan and Magpet in North Cotabato are in danger of being influenced by the NPA and the tribal militias want to stop it by fighting the rebels.
He said Alamara and Bagani warriors might not have powerful weapons against the rebels but they have spears, machetes, bows and arrows.
“We will defend our territory using traditional arms and with the blessing of our (deities),” Bandara said.
He said the tribal warriors could not just sit down and watch their ancestral domains fall into the hands of rebels and other groups, such as those wanting the lumad out so that their lands can be converted into agricultural plantations.
Militants and human rights groups have blamed the Alamara and the Bagani for killings and increasing violence in indigenous peoples communities in several areas in Mindanao.
The human rights group Karapatan said the tribal warriors, which are being backed by the military, are responsible for killings occurring in tribal communities, such as the Sept. 1 murders of Emerito Samarca, director of an alternative school in Surigao del Sur province, and two others.
The military has consistently denied the existence of the tribal armed groups, which are known for their counterinsurgency advocacy.
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Mar 2): Quezon bets turn to Army for protection
Several local candidates in Quezon province have turned to the military for protection as they continue to receive demands from communist rebels asking them to pay permit to campaign (PTC) fees in guerrilla-controlled areas, an Army official said.
“We are now receiving queries from some candidates on how we can protect them during the campaign. They don’t want to pay PTC fees anymore,” said Brig. Gen. Rhoderick Parayno, commander of the Army’s 201st Infantry Brigade based in Calauag town.
Parayno said they expected more politicians to seek their help in the run-up to the start of the campaign period on March 25.
The military’s information was confirmed by two local candidates in the Bondoc Peninsula (third congressional district) and Lamon Bay (fourth congressional district) areas. These candidates had paid PTC fees to members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in previous elections.
“I’ve already received a demand letter asking me to pay. But I’m not sure if I’m dealing with a real NPA emissary. Besides, my fund is too tight; I will not pay them this time,” said one of the politicians who asked not to be named for security reason.
The candidates said they have no idea what kind of security measures they will get from the police and military during the campaign.
“I don’t want to jeopardize the safety of my campaign workers. They are also afraid that they would be caught in the crossfire,” said the other candidate.
Parayno clarified the military would not give candidates individual security escorts. Soldiers, he said, would only clear the campaign site of any threat from communist rebels or other armed groups.
“The general guidance is we won’t be acting as bodyguards or personal security [aides]. But if our assessment [shows] there is clearly a threat, we can coordinate with the police and be ready… just in case,” he said.
Lt. Col. Angelo Guzman, spokesperson of the military’s Southern Luzon Command (Solcom), said some politicians in Occidental Mindoro and Camarines Norte provinces have approached military officials to arrange security measures during the campaign.
Guzman said the Bicol candidates sought their help as they cited how the security arrangement provided by government forces to public works projects in the area worked.
Lt. Gen. Ricardo Visaya, Solcom commander, reiterated his call to all candidates not to give in to the rebels’ demand.
“There is no more reason to be afraid of the NPA,” he said in an earlier interview.
Parayno reminded candidates who would pay PTC fees that NPA rebels would return to ask for more concessions once they win.
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Mar 1): Aquino celebrates PSG’s 30th founding anniversary
President Aquino leads the inspection of troops during the 30th founding anniversary of the Presidential Security Group on Tuesday. President Benigno Aquino III on Tuesday joined the Presidential Security Group (PSG) as it celebrated its 30th founding anniversary.
The PSG was first formed in March 1, 1986, under the administration of former President Corazon Aquino, as a separate support unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. It replaced the Presidential Security Command as the group dedicated for the security of the president and his family.
In his speech, the President recalled how the PSG is very different from the military personnel during the regime of former president Ferdinand Marcos.
He said the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the then Presidential Security Command seemed to have served as a private army of the president.
“Noong mga panahong iyon, kumbinsido ako, mayroon nang maitim na balak laban sa aking ama (At that time, I was convinced, that there was a threat to the life of my father),” he said as he narrated how the Aviation Security Command head personally met his family to report that they have various plans on how to secure his father, former senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr.
Ninoy’s assassination brought about a surge in the protests against Marcos. It is said to have been one of the pivotal events that led to the Edsa People Power Revolt and the election of his wife, the late Corazon Aquino.
“Kita naman po ninyo ang malaking pagkakaiba ng Presidential Security Command ni Ginoong Marcos, at ng Presidential Security Group na itinatag ng aking ina, at pinamunuan ng dating Col. Voltaire Gazmin matapos ng Edsa,” Aquino said.
(You can see the big difference of the Presidential Security Command under Mr. Marcos and the Presidential Security Group created by my mother, and led by then Col. Voltaire Gazmin after Edsa.)
However, he said the beginnings of the PSG was not easy. They lacked the equipment, Aquino said, recalling that even his mother’s close-in security resorted to pretending that he had a firearm by carrying a bottle wrapped in towel.
He said the PSG members’ principles were also tested, especially during the series of coup d’etat launched by military men against his mother.
“Sa mga panahong iyon ng matinding tensy.on, napatunayan nga ninyo ang mga katagang mga sinabi ng aking ina sa kauna-unahan ninyong anibersaryo: ‘The Armed Forces as a whole are the shield and sword of the Republic, but the Presidential Security Group has been the breastplate protecting the Heart of the Republic,’” he said.
(During that time of heightened tension, you were able prove what my mother said during your first anniversary: “The Armed Forces as a whole are the shield and sword of the Republic, but the Presidential Security Group has been the breastplate protecting the Heart of the Republic.”)
Zamboanga siege
Aquino said he himself had witnessed the PSG’s professionalism when he had to fly to Mindanao in 2013 to personally oversee the operations during the Zamboanga Siege.
At that time, the PSG’s group commander, Raul Ubando, has just been appointed.
“Sa kabila nito, matagumpay ang naging pagmando at pagbabantay natin — at ang mga aksyon natin sa mga lugar ng bakbakan,” he said. (Despite this, they were successful in securing me — and my movements in areas where fighting was ongoing.)
He said Ubando expressed his hesitation when Aquino said he wanted to go to the stadium where evacuees were staying.
Aquino, however, insisted that he needed to be at the forefront of the operations.
“Kailangan tayo ng ating mga kababayan. Kailangan makita nila na hindi sila nag-iisa. Gawin mo ang kaya mong gawin. Bahala na ang Diyos sa atin at sa hindi natin kaya,” he told Ubando.(The people needs us. They need to see that they are not alone. Do what you need to do. Let the Lord deal with the rest.)
Ubanda immediately said “Yes.” Aquino said he was impressed that the PSG commander did not even argue with him because he knew that he needed to do what was expected of him.
Aquino, who is always shadowed by PSG members, said the group has always ensured his safety.
He lauded them for not abusing their position.
For this, he said the PSG should always remember that they are part of change and that their work has helped bring change in the country.
Family
Aquino thanked the group profusely, adding that they treated him not only as their commander-in-chief but also as friend and family.
At one point, the president recalled the contributions of former PSG members, including his close-in security detail, Bong Fuyonan, who died last year due to pancreatic cancer.
“Nasaan ka man ngayon, tiyak kong binabantayan mo pa kaming lahat at maraming, maraming salamat sa’yo,” he said.
(Wherever you are, I am sure you are watching over us. Thank you very much.)
During the event, Aquino witnessed a capability demo, parade and review and the presentation of troops.
Together with Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and PSG Rear Adm. Raul Ubando, Aquino gave out special awards and plaques of recognition to members of the PSG.
The awardees are as follows:
Col. William A. Alunday (GSC) PA – Presidential Legion of Honor Awards (Degree of Legionnaire)
Col. Rosalito G. Martires (PSC) PA – Presidential Legion of Honor Awards (Degree of Legionnaire)
Cdr. Edwin M. Nera (GSC) PN – Presidential Medal of Merit
Maj. Xavier C. Celestial, PA – Outstanding Achievement Medal
Lt. Col. Edralin L. Poblete, PA – Organic Officer of the Year
Maj. Chester D. Guazon, PAF – Operationally Controlled (OpCon) Officer of the Year
TSG. Jose M. Fulay Jr., PA – Organic Enlisted Personnel
TSG Deoderick L. Rigon, PA – OpCon Enlisted Personnel of the Year
Dr. Catherine S. Bellen – Civilian Employee of the Year
SPO3 Jaime B. Castro, close-in food tester of the President – Plaque of Appreciation
LTC Elizabeth V. Sanchez, voluntary close-in doctor of the President – Plaque of Appreciation
From DVIDS (Mar 1): Seabees held a ribbon cutting ceremony at Cebu, Philippines
CEBU, Philippines - Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 3, Construction Civic Action Detail (CCAD), Cebu, held a ribbon cutting ceremony Jan. 5, for the completion of a two classroom school building at Biasong High School in Cebu, Philippines. The project was a joint effort with the Joint U.S. Military Advisory Group (JUSMAG) Philippines, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Department of Education Philippines (DepEd).
The day kicked off with the Philippine National Anthem and Star Spangled Banner sung by NMCB 3’s Construction Electrician 3rd Class Shaqile Read followed by traditional Filipino dances and songs performed by the students of Biasong High School. Messages of gratitude were given by students, the school principal, and representatives from the Department of Education as well as local community leaders.
As a humanitarian assistance project in conjunction with the Armed Forces of the Philippines, this project allowed the Seabees to assist a grateful community in need, while building long lasting relations between the two nations to include subject matter expert exchanges, community relations activities, team building and comradery. The new classrooms will provide relief for the overcrowded school of approximately 300 students and increase education opportunities for the local children.
“This was an amazing experience for me and the crew,” said Builder 3rd Class Derrick Fettes, project crew leader. “It was extremely rewarding to come to work every day and see the smiles on the children’s faces. We built a great relationship with the AFP and look forward to working alongside them on our next project.”
During the ceremony members of the Seabees and AFP were recognized with certificates of appreciation for their hard work and dedication. The ceremony concluded with members of the Seabees and distinguished guests cutting the ribbon, officially opening the classrooms for the students and staff to use.
NMCB 3 is homeported in Port Hueneme, Calif., and is currently deployed to Okinawa, Japan. The mission of NMCB 3 is to support Navy and joint forces throughout the U.S. Pacific Command (PACOM) Area of Responsibility (AOR) through construction projects and humanitarian missions in more than 14 different geographical locations.
From rhk111's Military and Arms Page (Feb 21): Philippine Navy Frigate Acquisition Project Revised Technical Requirements – February 2016
Top view illustration of the AW159 Wildcat. Illustration taken from the Department of National Defense (DND) document DND/PN-FAP-16-01.The bidding for the Philippine Navy’s new Frigate Acquisition Project officially resumed when the Department of National Defense (DND) posted recently on the official Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System (PhilGEPS) website the schedule of the Bid Submission and Opening of the Second or Final Stage of the bidding. It was initially set for February 16, 2016,[1] but was later reset to March 3, 2016,[2] then reset again to March 10, 2016.[3] Along with the initial announcement, they also published a REVISION to the specifications of the Frigates, and it is quite long at over 71 pages.[4]
The revisions resulted in a more detailed and comprehensive technical specifications compared to it was before,[5] thanks probably in no small part to help from the P 25 million Consultant/s that they hired[6] and also from the Technical Working Group (TWG) that helped review the bids.[7] The revisions are quite numerous, so I am just summarizing on what I think are the most important and interesting ones. If you want to read the old and new specifications yourself, just refer to the End Notes.[4][5]
SHIP CHARACTERISTICS
* From none specified to a minimum length of 95 m.
* From none specified to a minimum weight of 2,000 tons.
* Additional requirement to the Propulsion System, it has to be a Combined Diesel and Diesel (CODAD) type.
* From none specified to requirement for Stealth characteristics against Radar, Infra-Red and Sonar Sensors.
* Additional requirement for the Ownership of the Design or License-building of the ship by the Navy.
* From none specified to requirement to meet DDS-079-01 Military/Naval specifications for the stability of the ships, the same standards used by the United States (US) Navy.
WEAPONS
* From none specified to space and power allowances for an 8-cell Vertical Launch System (VLS), a Close-In Weapons System (CIWS) and a Towed Array Sonar (TAS) for future upgrade.
* Additional requirement for the main gun to have a minimum rate of fire of 120 rounds per minute. This rules out the older Oto Melara Compact 76 mm gun that our Del Pilar and Jacinto class are using, and puts the newer Oto Melara Super Rapid (SR) cannon as the ONLY candidate out there are there no other naval gun with a 76 mm caliber that has this rate of fire.
* Additional requirement for the secondary naval gun to have a caliber of 30-40 mm. One of the more common naval guns within those calibers is the Oerlikon 35 mm Millenium Gun, so the suppliers could go for that.
* From Primary and Secondary Guns to be installed to none specified.
* From a 50 km minimum range for the Anti-Ship Missiles (AShMs) to a minimum range of 150 km. This puts the minimum to be in the class of the RGM-84 Harpoon Block II missile.
* From a quadruple launcher for the Surface to Air Missiles (SAMs) to two twin-tube launchers. This puts the minimum to similar to the Mistral Simbad or the Dual-Mount Stinger (DMS) systems.
* From a defined minimum number of Ammunition, Missiles and Torpedoes to none.
SENSORS
* From a 2D Radar with a minimum range of 148 km to a 3D Radar with a minimum range of 185 km for air targets.
* Additional requirement of Medium Frequency for the Active mode and Low Frequency for the Passive mode for the Sonar System.
OTHER EQUIPMENT
* From a general specification for Tactical Data Link (TDL) to a more specific one, for Link 16 and 22.
* From none specified to a Satellite Internet Access (for Facebooking! Don’t take this seriously, folks, just kidding …)
* Additional requirement against Torpedoes for the Decoy System.
* Additional requirement to up to 12 tons weight rating for the Flight Deck only. The hangar requirement remains at 10 tons only.
* Additional requirement for Close Circuit Television (CCTV) Cameras from just a few portions of the ship to almost all throughout the entire ship; Additional requirement also for the CCTV Cameras to meet Military specifications for Shock, Vibration, etc.
’Future Upgrades’
One of the good things about this new revision is the option for future upgrades. Before, there was no such options whatsoever, but now they do for the VLS, CIWS and the TAS. The specified allowance for a VLS with a height or length of 5.3 m jibes with the shortest of the Mk41 VLS, the Mk 41 VLS Self-Defense Module.[8] This module allows the “quad-packing” (i.e., four per cell) of the RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM), each of which has a range of 50 km.
And with a requirement of eight cells, that means a total of 32 ESSMs could be carried by the ship. If and when in the future the Navy avails of this option, then we will have a ship that is not only capable of defending itself, but other ships as well if needed. The future option for a TAS is also important as that it will allow better Submarine detection by the ship.
For the CIWS, if they take up that option also in the future and choose something like the RIM-116 Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM), then that would make for a vastly improved CIWS against aircraft and missiles with the RAM’s larger 12 kg warhead and longer 9 km range compared to the Mistral/Stinger-type missiles.
’Stealth Features’
Another good thing included in the revision is the requirement for Stealth features or characteristics. Whereas before there was no mention of it, now there is a STRONG emphasis on stealth against Radar, Infra-Red (IR) and Sonar Sensors. To reduce the Radar Cross Section (RCS) of the ship, for example, the requirement is for the Hull and Superstructure to be sloped, and to minimize angles formed between two (Dihedrals) or three (Trihedrals) surfaces as much as possible.
Complex structures are to be avoided, and Meshes or Grids must cover all openings. To reduce the IR signature of the ship, Insulation is required on high heat areas, and cooling systems must be in place for heat sources located in the outer surfaces. And to reduce its Sonar signature, low-noise equipment should be used and they should be mounted on mounts that dampen noise and vibration. Other equipment for reducing the noise of the Hull and Propellers are also required. Frankly before I wasn’t sure if these could be incorporated into the ship at the budget that we have, but apparently they can be, so now they have added these requirements in place.
’Design Ownership and License Building’
There is also now a requirement for the winner of the bidding to either grant ownership of the design to the Navy, or at least allow them to license build the design. This is a common practice in some navies, which is why you see ships being built in batches by different manufacturers.
This should also make the people insisting that we build these types of ships locally happy because it will allow the Navy to build the next batches in local shipyards, although I think our local shipbuilders will likely go and partner with foreign companies that have a lot of experience in naval shipbuilding in order to do this the proper way.
It’s likely that most if not all suppliers will choose to go with the License building rather than give away the design of the ship to the Navy for free because even if they do so, it won’t help them win the bidding as our laws require that the winner be based on the lowest price that can meet the specs. Unless of course the bidding rules allow them to factor that in to the price, but I am now sure how they can go about it.
As for the license building requirement, it is pretty general, so I think the suppliers will formulate the specific terms to be as advantageous to them as much as possible.
’ASW Helicopter and Torpedo’
A bonus provided from the revised document is that it showed us a glimpse on the likely Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Helicopter and its Torpedo that will be used with these Frigates. The last we heard about the ASW Helicopter was that AgustaWestland with their AW159 Wildcat Helicopter was undergoing Post-Qualification checks after the bidding,[9] and in the document the Wildcat was featured prominently, with an illustration of it and the new Hangar dimensions also based on it on page 71. So it looks like that will definitely be the Frigate’s ASW Helicopter.
Another interesting clue is the mention of the “Blue Shark Torpedo” for the helicopter on page 46. This is the K745 Blue Shark Light Weight Torpedo (LWT)[10] made by the South Korean company, LIG Nex1. It is also known as the Chung Sang Eo in Korean, it entered service with the South Korean Navy in 2005, and has a top speed of 45 knots.
’Minor Torpedo Issue’
One thing I noticed with the revised specs though, is that it doesn’t require the Torpedo used by the Ship and its Helicopter to be the same, but I think it should. So if the AW159 is using the Blue Shark torpedo, then the ship should also. Maybe the Navy is thinking of using a better Heavy Weight Torpedo (HWT) which has a more powerful warhead and longer range, but as far as I know these HWTs are almost exclusively used by Submarines only these days, very few ships use them.
Most ships use LWTs instead like the Blue Shark, probably because a Helicopter with a LWT can reach a target faster than any HWT can. Now if the ship ends up getting a different LWT than the Blue Shark, then that means having two different types of LWTs, and I don’t think that is ideal. This is because after some time when the LWTs need to be checked or refurbished, then we might end up approaching two different suppliers.
However, for me this is just a minor issue, especially if the non-Blue Shark LWT can also be used by the Wildcat. That means having two different LWTs won’t make much of a difference from the Point of View of Use.
’Midnight Deal Deadline’
Since the Bid Submission and Opening is now scheduled for March 10, 2016 (as of this writing), then to me this means that the project will now be part of the “Midnight Deal” transactions that the next incoming government will automatically review once it sits into power. This is because the Bid Submission and Opening is just one of the many steps in our long and complex bidding process, and according to the lead times provided by the Philippine Government’s Manual of Procedures for the Procurement of Goods and Services (GMPPGS),[11] it will take another 67 days, or more than two months for the whole process to be completed even if no problems are found.
Below is the approximate process flow of the bidding starting from the final Submission and Opening of the Bids with their lead times, taken from the GMPPGS. Of course the lead times are just guides and they actually could do it faster, but given the complexity of this project and the usual Red Tape of securing document approvals at each stage, then it might really well end up that long. The approximate, partial Process Flow of the bidding process starting from the Submission and Opening of the Bids.I think the deadline for “Midnight Deals” is on March 9, 2016, or 60 days before the May 9, 2016 elections. Actually the minimum timeframe for such deals is 30 days before the elections, but there is no clear definition on what the maximum timeframe should be. It could be just 45 days before the elections, or maybe even more than 60 days. In my case, I am only assuming it will be 60 days.
’No Ammunition for the Weapons’
The biggest issue with this revision though is the status of the weapons. The Supplemental Bid Bulletin (SBB) number DND-PN-FAP-16-03[12] on page 3 changed the description of the project to just “The Acquisition of Two (2) Units New Construction Frigates”, removing the “With Ammunition” phrase that was present before. “Ammunition” is defined by Dictionary.com as “any projectile such as bullets, rockets, missiles, etc, that can be discharged from a weapon”. So no ammunition means no rounds for the guns and no missiles or torpedoes will be included in this bidding.
The main and secondary guns will be installed, as well as the launchers for the missiles and torpedoes. Without ammunition, it is likely that only the main gun would be operational when the ship arrives as the Oto Melara SR Gun is compatible with the ammunition used by the older Oto Melara Compact Guns of our other ships. The secondary gun would be doubtful even if a 30 or 40 mm caliber gun is used because the similar caliber ammunition that we have in our inventory might not be compatible with them as there can be several sub-variants of ammunition for the same caliber.
’Consequences’
With only limited weapons available, the ships will not be fully mission-capable, and with no budget for the ammunition visible as of now, this puts the responsibility of buying them on the next Administration. Now if that Administration turns out to be not as supportive of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization, then these ships would end up without advanced weapons.
This could partly explain the long delivery time of these ships, four years for just two of them. This gives the Navy more time to hopefully convince and secure the budget and conduct the bidding for the weapons or ammunition within the next Administration. Now if that doesn’t work out, then at least when the ships arrive, it won’t be too long of a wait until the next Administration is elected, and hopefully that Administration will finally allow the weapons/ammo for these ships to be bought.
I initially had reservations about buying just the launchers because those have limited compatibilities and thus would limit us to what weapons to buy later. I thought it would’ve been better to just get the launchers and missiles at the same time so we will have more options on what to buy. But then again maybe the Navy wanted to have the fastest and easiest integration of the weapons with the Combat Management System (CMS) and other systems as possible when we finally buy them.
With the launchers already there, then it will almost be just like “Plug and Play” once they arrive. Assuming of course that it won’t take us decades to buy those ammo because if so, then newer versions could be available and they might not necessarily be as compatible anymore.
’Parting Shot’
I would say that most of the changes made were for the better and ensured that the best ship possible will be bought, despite the deletion of the ammunition. With the ships only partially armed, the acquisition of the ammunition will be very critical because if we don’t get them, then we will end up with expensive ships that can’t do their intended jobs effectively.
From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 1): 10 NPA rebels surrender anew to AFP in SurSur
TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur – In just a matter of days, 10 regular New People’s Army (NPA) rebels of the Guerilla Front Committee 30 (GFC-30) and Guerilla Front Committee 27 (GFC-27), who likewise turned in their firearms (FAs), have surrendered to the 2nd Special Forces Battalion under Lt. Col. Gaspar Panopio in a joint effort with San Miguel Mayor Alvaro Elizalde, this province, recently.
Col. Isidro Purisima, 402nd Infantry Brigade commander of the Philippine Army (PA) here, said that seven of whom (all belonging to the GFC-30) had returned to the folds of the law on February 18 and 19.
A couple of days earlier, three NPA regulars, also with firearms, had done the same, the army official disclosed.
Purisima bared that among the high-powered firearms that were brought along by the seven surrenderees included four AK47, an M2 Carbine rifle, an M16 rifle, and a caliber .357.
However, when check was done with the initial details, it was found out that an M14 rifle was on the list instead of M16.
Also, all of the guns cited were loaded with magazines and ammunitions apart from the spares—a total of two magazines and ammunitions for the Carbine rifle, one magazine and ammunitions for the M14, plus 16 magazines and 480 rounds of live ammunitions for the AK47s, including four bandoleers.
Col. Purisima assured that every former rebels (FRs) would be entitled to cash aid—a total of P70,000 each—P50,000 for livelihood assistance, P15,000 for immediate assistance, apart from the additional P5,000 financial assistance to be given by Governor Johnny Pimentel from the provincial government.
Meanwhile, the brigade chief said his command remained optimistic that more surrenderees would be availing of the Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP).
“Since the start of this year alone, the brigade has already accounted for close to 30 FRs,” Purisima pointed out.
On other developments, the 36th Infantry Battalion (36IB) here under Lt. Col. Randolph Rojas has continued to carry out security operations following the clash with NPA rebels at Sitio Boringon, Barangay Mahaba, Marihatag town on Sunday, February 21.
The army troopers had recovered subversive documents, medical kits, three rifle grenades, cords believed to be used in detonating improvised explosive device (IED), and personal effects at the encounter site, according to Capt. Al Anthony Pueblas, battalion civil military operations (CMO) officer.
Bloodstains in all directions were also seen, he added.
Pueblas, quoting a certain Ka Corazon De Jesus, spokesperson of Guerilla Front Committee 19 (GFC-19), who, he said was monitored in an interview over a local radio station a day after the incident owned up to have suffered casualties during the 10-minute firefight.
The CMO officer also said that Lt. Col. Rojas was thankful to a civilian who tipped off the battalion via “text” about the presence of armed group in their area.
Rojas has again reiterated his call on rebels to give up their cause and return to the mainstream of society by availing of the CLIP.
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Mar 1): 3 soldiers hurt in Isabela gunbattle
SAN MARIANO, Isabela — Three Army soldiers were hurt on Tuesday in an hour-long skirmish with suspected New People’s Army rebels in Barangay (village) Tappa here, military reports said.
The rebels attacked a community patrol at 4:30 a.m., injuring 1st Lt. Randy Alog and two soldiers identified only as PFC Abing and PFC Binoya, members of the 86th Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army’s 5th Infantry Division.
Two rebels were also wounded and were dragged away by their comrades when the group withdrew.
At press time, reinforcement platoons have been pursuing the rebels.
From ABS-CBN (Mar 1): LOOK: PH flag raised at Maute terror group's main camp
LANAO DEL SUR - As a sign of victory and the restoration of order, the Philippine flag was raised at the main camp of the Maute Terrorist Group in Barangay Poctan, Butig, Lanao del Sur.
The main camp looks like a normal community but is actually designed for battle.
There are foxholes and trenches around. The houses were made of solid concrete with small windows.
Recovered inside the camp and at the first line of defense were two Rocket-Propelled Grenades (RPGs), four M16 rifles, and a .50-caliber sniper rifle. There were also various paraphernalia which may be used to make illegal drugs, and ingredients for improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
There were also identification cards, photos of young fighters, documents that teach radicalization, and Islamic State (ISIS) headbands and armbands scattered among the debris.
Also found inside the camp was the burnt house of the terrorist group's leader, Omar Maute, hit by rockets. The house of Abdullah Maute was there as well.
Chiara Zambrano@chiarazambrano
Omar and Abdullah Maute, alleged leaders of Maute Group that pledged allegiance and uses the symbol and name of ISIS
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In Barangay Ragayan, where the first line of defense of the Maute group stood, there was an elementary school behind the group's watch tower. Troops who first went in said the ISIS flag was raised in the flagpole of that school.
Maj. Gen. Gerardo Barrientos, commander of the 1st Infantry Division, said the Maute group has been causing havoc in Lanao del Sur for some time now and is responsible for killings in as far as Marawi City.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said it will do its best to pursue and eliminate this group completely before it has the chance to regroup and recruit more youth.
At least six soldiers were killed, one of them beheaded, and 11 others were injured in the clashes with the Maute terrorist group.
Around 50 to 60 from the terrorist group were also killed, the AFP said.
From ABS-CBN (Feb 29): Photo: Lanao Sur clash displaces thousands
A wounded soldier is extricated from a clash and airlifted to safety during a firefight between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the ISIS-sympathizing Maute Group in Butig, Lanao del Sur on Sunday. The clash reportedly displaced thousands and killed at least 6 people.
From Update.Ph (Mar 1): 5 Things to know regarding PH-Japan agreement on military hardware, technology transfer
Philippines and Japan signed February 29 the Agreement Concerning the Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology. The agreement was signed by Japan Ambassador to the Republic of the Philippines Kazuhide Ishikawa and National Defense Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin for their respective countries.
The said agreement will not only pave way for transfer of military hardware and technology but will also usher in joint production of defense equipment.
The following are facts regarding the said agreement according to the Japanese Embassy:
1. It establishes the legal framework for the Governments of Japan and the Republic of the Philippines to participate in the joint research, development, and production of defense equipment and technology.
2. It establishes framework for the handling of defense equipment and technology to be transferred between Japan and the Philippines in order to enhance cooperation between the two countries in the areas of security and defense.
3. Agreement establishes a Joint Committee as the organ for approving the defense equipment and technology to be transferred for the projects in this Agreement.
4. It also stipulates the regulations for the use of the transferred defense equipment and technology.
5. Agreement ensures appropriate control regarding the transfers to third parties and for extra-purpose use against the joint development and production of defense equipment and technology which the Governments of Japan and the Republic of the Philippines participate in, or the transfers of defense equipment and technology between Japan and Philippines to enhance their cooperation in the areas of security and defense.
Japan has adopted “Three Principles on Transfer of Defense Equipment Technology” in April 2014 which will not permit transfer if the transfer violates obligations under treaties and other international agreements that Japan has concluded, the transfer violates obligations under United Nations Security Council resolutions, or the defense equipment and technology is destined for a country party to a conflict (a country against which the United Nations Security Council is taking measures to maintain or restore international peace and security in the event of an armed attack).
Japan will permit transfer if it will contribute to active promotion of peace contribution and international cooperation, or Japan’s security.
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Mar 1): Philippine assault seizes terrorist lair, kills 24 militants
AFP spokesperson Restituto Padilla. FILE
The Philippine military says a major offensive has killed 24 suspected local sympathizers of the Islamic State group and captured their remote southern stronghold, where troops raised the national flag.
Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla says six military personnel were killed and a dozen wounded in the operation. About 2,000 troops took part in the weeklong campaign in Butig town in Lanao del Sur province.
Padilla said Tuesday that army generals turned over control of the captured militant stronghold to the Butig town mayor after the flag-raising, which was held near where leaders of the extremist group identified as Omar and Abdullah Maute used to live.
Padilla said the military offensive, which was supported by the provincial government, helped stop “the spread of extremism.”
Datu Tungig Mansimoy-at, a lumad from Talaingod town in Davao del Norte, reiterates their call to stop alleged military attacks in their communities during a protest rally on Tuesday (1 March 2016) at the gates of Santa Ana Wharf in Davao City where Task Force Davao headquarters is located. Datu Tungig and his people left their communities and sought refuge at the UCCP Haran compound, which was set on fire by unidentified men last Feb. 25. MindaNews photo by Toto Lozano
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Mar 1): Soldier killed, 2 hurt in clash with suspected BIFF in Maguindanao A soldier was killed while two others were hurt in an encounter in the town of Datu Salibo in Maguindanao on Tuesday afternoon.
Capt. Jo-ann Petinglay, spokesperson of the Philippine Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said that a combined unit of government forces were providing support during a law enforcement operation when they were fired upon by suspected members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Barangay Tee at around 2 p.m. Initial reports received by the division stated that a soldier died in the firefight while two others were wounded, she said. Petinglay explained that the ongoing operations have been aimed at securing the communities and government projects from attacks by armed groups.
The attacking rebels were allegedly led by a certain Abu Zaiden.
The BIFF was created by former Moro Islamic Liberation Front commanders who left the organization after a series of serious disagreements on the conduct of the peace negotiations with the government.
From the Mindanao Examiner (Mar 1): Police disarm powerful bomb in Sultan Kudarat province
Police on Tuesday disarmed a powerful bomb left behind by 2 men who were captured following a chase in the southern Philippine province of Sultan Kudarat.
The men left a suitcase near a street pole in Isulan town containing a 105mm howitzer round rigged to a cell phone. Police said the suitcase was also filled with iron nails.
One of the men is said to be a native of Datu Saudi Ampatuan town in Maguindanao where security forces are battling Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and other jihadist groups.
It was not immediately known whether the duo is a member of the BIFF or other rebel group.
The foiled bombing coincided with a “unity march” by civil employees and members of the police and military celebrating the start of the Fire Prevention Month and Women’s Month in the town.
Police said the two men tried to escape on a motorcycle, but they were cornered by lawmen and eventually captured. It was unknown if they were armed with guns or not. The duo is currently being interrogated.
Security forces were also alerted by the presence of an abandoned bag in Tacurong City also in Sultan Kudarat, but it only contained clothing and electric charger for a laptop computer.
Government forces are battling jihadists and rebels for weeks now in nearby Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur provinces in the restive Muslim autonomous region.
From the Mindanao Examiner (Mar 1): Cops attack police station in Lanao Sur, 6 wounded
At least 6 people were wounded when two groups of policemen clashed in Lanao del Sur province in the troubled Muslim autonomous region in southern Philippines, the military said Tuesday.
It said policemen from Tugaya town and more than a dozen armed men attacked the police station in the village of Bubong in the town of Bacolod Kalawi on Monday afternoon, sparking a firefight that left six civilians injured.
There were no immediate reports of casualties on the side of both police forces, but the military released the identities of those wounded in the clash as Osmeňa Bagaya, 41; Anie Radie, 37; Mosa Radiem, 40; Basar Pumbaya, 49; Iya Maniri, 43; and Kalil Radie, 10.
The military said the fighting lasted for about 15 minutes and it only stopped after the attackers retreated.
The motive of the attack is unknown, but it occurred ahead of the local political campaign in Lanao del Sur, which is one of the most contested area during elections in the Muslim autonomous region.
The regional police and the provincial government did not issue any statement about the violence involving lawmen.
The fighting also coincided with deadly clashes between military forces and jihadists in Butig town also in Lanao del Sur, and the infighting between Balabagan town Mayor Edna Benito and Vice Mayor Quirino Sampiano.
Benito, whose suspension was lifted by the Department of the Interior and Local Government, was trying to retake her office from the acting mayor, Sampiano, who refused to yield power.
From GMA News (Mar 1): After days of clashes: Butig town in Lanao del Sur on its way to normalcy –military
Security situation in Butig town in Lanao del Sur is expected to return to normal soon after the military overran the camp of the armed group Maute following days of sporadic fighting.
At present, the military is conducting clearing operations in several villages in the town affected by the clashes, according to Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla, the Armed Forces spokesman.
"This is [part of] the process back to normalization, we are trying to expedite all the activities that we need to do so that people can return back to their residence and resume their normal lives," Padilla said Tuesday.
On Tuesday morning, a flag-raising ceremony was held in an area in Barangay Poktan that used to be the lair of the Maute group led by brothers Omar and Abdullah Maute.
Padilla said the flag-raising ceremony was followed by a ceremonial turnover of the area by the military to the local government.
He said the military and local leaders are set to hold a meeting on Wednesday regarding the return of the displaced families to their homes.
"Although clearing operations will still continue, a consultative meeting between the military forces in the area as well as the local govt officials down to the barangay level will be conducted tomorrow to discuss return to normalization of the area and the eventual return of all residents," he said.
More than 2,000 residents have fled their homes since last week following the clashes between the military and the Maute group.
Six soldiers were killed in the clashes while 24 were reported from the side of the Maute group.
Padilla said clearing operations in adjacent areas from the captured Maute camp will continue "until all security issues are addressed."
From Rappler (Mar 1): Troops regain control of Lanao town attacked by terrorists
The town of Butig is the site of a 10-day battle between soldiers and terrorists
TERRORIST AREA NO MORE. Army troops arrive in Butig, Lanao del Sur, as they end their 10-day offensive against a ISIS-inspired armed group. Photo by Rappler
LANAO DEL SUR, Philippines – Soldiers regained control of Butig town in Lanao del Sur on Tuesday, March 1, as they captured 3 major strongholds of an ISIS-inspired militant group following a 10-day offensive that killed 24 rebels, 3 soldiers and displaced more than 5,000 families.
The gun battles since February 20 have destroyed houses, school buildings, government offices and small business establishments.
A Rappler source raised concern that the terrorists would stage another round of attacks to avenge their slain comrades.
“The attackers will come from another town not in Butig. They are just preparing for the burial of their fighters,” the government source said.
Despite this, Brig Gen. Gerardo Barrientos, 1st Army Division chief, led his men in a flag-raising ceremony in one of the 3 previous terrorist strongholds where the houses of Maute group leaders Omar and Abdullah Maute were burned and destroyed.
“This is my message to them. Never challenge the legitimacy or the rule of law in this part of the region because you will suffer from the force of the armed forces,” Barrientos told troops and local officials.
“We will not hesitate to use the full force of the army once challenged by any other non-law abiding people,” he added.
ALL CLEAR? Troops attend a flag-raising ceremony in Butig, Lanao del Sur, Tuesday, March 1, 2016. Photo by Rappler
The terrorists attacked the detachment of the 51st Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army in Barangay Bayabao on February 20, killing 2 soldiers and wounding 6 others.
The military has been conducting clearing operations in the area since then, fighting it out with the group in several instances.
“This day is historic for all of us because what our troops did. From February 20, we resolved the crisis the fastest possible time,” the general said.
Intelligence reports said the ISIS may soon declare a wilayat or province in the southern Philippines, following the circulation in January this year of an ISIS-inspired video from Mindanao.
In November last year, 8 members of a criminal group – including an alleged Indonesian bomb maker – were killed in a clash with government troops in Palimbang town in Sultan Kudarat.
Snipers
Barrientos said the group's first stronghold in Butig, located in the village of Ragayan, has a public school and a three-story building that served as the terrorists' observation point used by about 30 snipers.
He said the second territory, surrounded by trenches situated in the nearby village of Puktan, was used as the center of the militants’ activities.
“It is where one of the houses of Maute leader was located,” he said.
Barrientos thanked the leadership of the MILF for their cooperation by repositioning their men.
Mayor Ibrahim Macadato told reporters the military cleared people affected by the conflict, about 5000 families, who are safe to return to their respective homes.
“But we want to have a military base in our town so the Maute group can no longer return here,” he said.
AFTERMATH. Troops stand beside a burned house in Butig, Lanao del Sur, Tuesday, March 1, 2016. Photo by Rappler
Barrientos said the last camp is where Omar and Abdullah were staying.
“We will continue to run after them so the people of Butig will have peace. They still have capabilities and maybe they can still recruit new members,” he said.
From the Star Online (Mar 1): Sulu heir: I was asked to create trouble in Semporna
KOTA
KINABALU: An heir to the “Sulu sultanate” was asked to create trouble in
Semporna by his uncle Agbimuddin Kiram (pic),
who led the group of armed intruders at Kampung Tanduo in Lahad Datu three
years ago, the High Court was told on Tuesday.
Businessman Amir Bahar Hushin Kiram, 53, said he refused to
comply to with his uncle’s orders even though Agbimuddin was the “crown prince”
of the sultanate.
“My uncle called me into a room and he asked me to convince
our people to make problems in Semporna.
“I told him I respect him as my uncle but I must respect my
father’s decision for me not to be involved in anything that goes against the
Malaysian authorities,” he said, adding that Agbimuddin was angry with him.
He said Agbimuddin told him this after negotiations between
Agbimuddin and top Special Branch officers at Kampung Tanduo on Feb 16, 2013.
Testifying before Justice Stephen Chung, Amir Bahar said
among those at the negotiations were former Bukit Aman Special Branch deputy
director Datuk Abdul Hamid Bador and former Sabah Special Branch deputy chief
Asst Comm Zulkifli Abd Aziz.
Amir Bahar is among the key accused and the fourth defence
witness in the trial of 19 individuals facing various charges, including waging
war against the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, over the intrusion of Kampung Tanduo in
February 2013.
To a question by defence counsel Majnah Abdullah, Amir Bahar
said he lived in Jolo, southern Philippines,
and was in Sabah on Feb 14, 2013 when he was
called by an uncle, Datu Naufal, who lived in Likas, here.
He said Datu Naufal was a cousin of his father, Esmail
Kiram, who had been “elected” Sulu sultan by the people there, though another
brother, Jamallul Kiram, was also the sultan but lived in Manila.
Amir Bahar said Datu Naufar had called him on behalf of ACP
and the Malaysian Government, who wanted him to arrange for his father Esmail
Kiram to meet Agbimuddin.
According to Amir Bahar, his father was willing to come to Sabah to meet Agbimuddin, but Jamallul rejected the
proposal, insisting that he was the rightful representative of the sultanate.
Amir Bahar said his father asked him to go to the
negotiations at Kampung Tanduo where Hamid met Agbimuddin on Feb 16.
At that meeting, Hamid told Agbimuddin that Prime Minister
Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak had personally ordered him (Hamid) to get the gunmen
to leave Tanduo.
Amir Bahar said Hamid had assured Agbimuddin that talks over
the Sabah claim would begin when he and his men returned to the Philippines.
Agbimuddin was agreeable, provided the Government put in
writing its willingness to negotiate the Sabah
claim.
Majnah: Why did Agbimuddin tell Hamid Bador to tell the
Prime Minister that this request must be put in writing?
Amir Bahar: Because Agbimuddin said the Government likes to
promise things verbally, then they retract their promise.
