From the Malaya Business Insight (Mar 20): Detained colonel denies drug charges
THE Department of Justice yesterday ended its preliminary investigation on the illegal drug charges filed by the Philippine National Police-Anti-Illegal Drugs Group against detained Marine Lt. Colonel Ferdinand Marcelino, who reiterated that he is not involved in the illegal drugs trade.
Marcelino, who attended the hearing Wednesday afternoon at the office of Investigating Senior Deputy Prosecutor Theodore Villanueva, submitted his rejoinder to the charges of conspiracy in the manufacture and possession of illegal drugs under Republic Act 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 and denied the allegations.
The bemedalled Marine officer said there was no basis for the charges filed against him and his companion, Yan Yi Shuo, adding that mere presence in the place raided by anti-drug operatives does not mean he is involved in the illegal drugs trade.
“Complainants have failed to establish (that) I and Yan Yi Shuo are in any way involved in the maintenance or operations of the house containing the alleged illegal drugs and manufacturing paraphernalia seized on January 21, 2016,” Marcelino said in his rejoinder, adding that the charged was based on his presence at the apartment located at No.15 Mahogany Street, Celadon Residences, Felix Huertas Street, Sta Cruz, Manila.
“My presence in the said location at the said date and time is justified and is insufficient basis to charge me for the crimes stated in the complaint,” he added.
He reiterated in his defense that he was in a surveillance operation as a member of the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
“My presence in the said house, together with my informant and co-respondent Yan Yi Shuo, was in fulfillment of my duty as a military intelligence officer or in the lawful exercise of the right of an intelligence operative to conduct surveillance activities and to verify raw information that the place may contain illegal drugs,” he explained.
From Malaya Business Insight (Mar 10): US attack sub, cruiser on port calls
A US submarine and a guided-missile cruiser that are on a security operation in the Indo-Asia Pacific region, arrived in the country for port visits amid tension in the South China Sea. The submarine USS Charlotte and the guided-missile destroyer USS Antietam came days after the arrival of the USS Blue Ridge – the flagship of the US 7th Fleet – which docked at the former US naval base in Subic last March 4 for a visit.
USS Charlotte berthed at Subic yesterday morning, security officials said.
A US military statement said USS Antietam docked at the Manila pier last Tuesday. It said the ship is on patrol in the 7th Fleet area of operations in support of security and stability in the Indo-Asia Pacific.”
“During her stay, Antietam’s crew will participate in community relations events and tours and have time to enjoy the city,” the statement read.
Navy public affairs office chief Cmdr. Lued Lincuna said he has no information about the arrival of the USS Charlotte.
An earlier statement by the US Submarine Force Pacific said USS Charlotte, homeported in Hawaii, arrived at US naval base in Japan last Jan. 5 “for a port visit as part of its Indo-Pacific deployment.”
“Charlotte is on a six-month deployment to the US 7th Fleet area of operations. Charlotte will conduct missions to strengthen theater security with strong partners throughout the region,” the statement read.
The US has stepped up operations in the South China Sea to ensure freedom of navigation in the disputed waters. Recently, the US sent a four-ship strike group to patrol the South China Sea.
China has turned aggressive in its claims over the South China Sea by reclaiming land in five reefs and putting up new naval and air force facilities.
From Malaya Business Insight (Mar 10): US eyes long-range bombers in Australia
The United States is in talks to base long-range bombers in Australia, US defense officials said, within striking distance of the disputed South China Sea, a move that could inflame tensions with China.
The deployments could include B-1 bombers and an expansion of B-52 bomber missions, said Lt. Col. Damien Pickart, a spokesman for the U.S. Air Force in the Pacific, stressing that discussions were continuing and no decisions had yet been reached.
“These bomber rotations provide opportunities for our Airmen to advance and strengthen our regional alliances and provide (Pacific Air Forces) and U.S. Pacific Command leaders with a credible global strike and deterrence capability to help maintain peace and security in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region,” said Pickart.
The United States does not currently fly B-1 bombers from Australia, but does conduct periodic B-52 missions.
Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull declined to comment on the discussions.
“I can just assure you that everything we do in this area is very carefully determined to ensure that our respective military forces work together as closely as possible in our mutual national interests,” he told reporters on Wednesday.
Should an agreement be reached, it would position further U.S. military aircraft close to the disputed South China Sea and risk angering China, analysts said.
China’s Foreign Ministry expressed concern.
“Cooperation among relevant counties should protect regional peace and stability, and not target the interests of third parties,” spokesman Hong Lei told a daily news briefing.
Australia last month committed to increase defense spending by nearly A$30 billion ($22 billion), seeking to protect its strategic and trade interests in the Asia-Pacific as the United States and its allies grapple with China’s rising power.
President Aquino said the Philippines will lease from Japan five TC-90 training craft to patrol its territory in the South China Sea.
The Philippine military, for decades preoccupied with domestic insurgencies, has been shifting its focus to territorial defense, allocating P83 billion ($1.77 billion) until 2017 to upgrade and modernize its air force and navy.
South Korea has supplied two light fighters and will give 10 more up to 2017, Aquino said.
He said government would award contracts for six close air-support and two long-range patrol planes. Three air surveillance radars are also due be installed.
From The Standard (Mar 10): MILF: No magic solution for peace in Mindanao
The leadership of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front has admitted there is no magic solution for the attainment of lasting peace in Mindanao as it emphasized that the government must convince the people to follow the path of peace and maximize the development potentials of the region.
Speaking at a forum on Wednesday with Philippine Military Academy cadets and multi-sectoral groups from the Cordillera, MILF Chairman Mohagher Iqbal, who is also the chairperson of the Bangsamoro Transition Committee, said there is a need for both the MILF and the government to sustain the gains of the peace process in order to reach the final destination of lasting peace that would subsequently translate to the development of Mindanao.
MILF Chairman Mohagher Iqbal
“Everyone must follow the lone path to peace since the realization of peace cannot be done overnight. We must sustain the initial gains of the peace process for the benefit of the present and future generations of Filipinos,” Iqbal stressed.
He pointed out the enactment of the controversial Bangsamoro Basic Law is just an integral part of the peace process and the putting in place of good leaders, good justice system, good peacekeeping initiatives would pave the way for the realization of peace because the people will be convinced to support the process up to the end.
According to him, the people of Mindanao are already tired of the over four decades of conflict that has deprived them of development opportunities and the BBL is just one of the steps towards the putting in place of peace initiatives that would solve the age-old conflicts.
“All the things that happened in the past are just water under the bridge. Let us take them as food for thought in our quest for peace because we are also peace-loving people and we want to show the realization of peace through the BBL mechanism that will be put in place,” Iqbal added.
The MILF peace panel chairman also admitted the frustration of the Moros on the failure of government to deliver its commitment to pass the enabling law of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro which is the BBL was at its height over the past several months but the MILF leadership waged an all-out campaign for people to be sober and patient in awaiting the passage of the BBL even up to the next administration to show their commitment to the realization of lasting peace in Mindanao.
He cited what is important now is for the Moros to persevere in working out the passage of the BBL even beyond the Aquino administration because peace would mean the game changer of the current state of Mindanao and for the people to benefit from its rich resources translating to the improvement of the living condition of millions of people who are still living below the poverty line.
Iqbal claimed putting in place the right system and the right kind of leaders will convince the Moro people to embrace peace and contribute in consolidated efforts to improve the living condition of majority of the populace in the areas that will be included in the domain.
From Update.Ph (Mar 9): China: We discovered, named South China Sea
“China was the first country to discover, name, develop and administer the South China Sea islands. Our ancestors lived and worked there for generations, so we know and love the place more than anyone else. And more than anyone else, we want to uphold peace, stability and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea,” Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told international media practitioners during a meet the press event March 8.
“Over the years, the South China Sea has seen colonial invasion and illegal occupation. Now, some people are trying to make waves, some others are showing off force. However, like the tide that comes and goes, these attempts will not make any impact,” he added.
He also said Philippines’ action seeking international arbitration to solve dispute in West Philippine Sea is unlawful.
“The Philippines’ action, on the other hand, is unlawful, unfaithful and unreasonable. It has violated its own commitments in bilateral agreements with China, breached Article 4 of the DOC and broken with international practice that arbitration has to be mutually agreed,” he told the media.
He added that Philippines’ “stubbornness is clearly the result of behind-the-scenes instigation and political maneuvering. This so-called arbitration has become tainted and gone astray, and China is not going to humor it.”
From the Mindanao Examiner (Mar 9): MILF commander shot in Zamboanga Norte province
A leader of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front was shot and critically wounded in an attack by gunmen in Zamboanga del Norte province in southern Philippines, police said Wednesday.
Police said Ustadz Batarasa was shot in the village called Lakiki in Sibuco town on Monday and had been transferred to Zamboanga City Medical Center. It said one of the attackers has been identified only through his alias, Jahal, a leader of an armed group also operating in Sibuco.
The motive of the shooting is still unclear and police said it is investigating the attack. It was unknown if the attack was connected to a turf war or family feud.
The MILF, which signed an interim peace deal with Manila in 2014, has not release any statement in connection with the failed assassination of Batarasa, whose group is operating in the province.
From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 9): Palace tells public not to be swayed by propaganda that might threaten Mindanao peace
Assuring that the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will continue to pursue peace in Mindanao, a Palace official on Tuesday called on the people not to believe propaganda that might spark the resurgence of violence in the region.
Chairman of the MILF, Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, has said that Moro rebels are being recruited by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) to establish a stronghold in the region, as the passage of the Bangsamoro Basic Law remains uncertain.
Commenting on Murad's statement, Communication Secretary Sonny Coloma, Jr. said the MILF leader is airing his views about the non-passage of the BBL, which might result in restiveness among MILF combatants.
"Kaya’t sinabi niya (Murad) na mainam na patuloy na itaguyod natin ang prosesong pang-kapayapaan dahil ang ligalig, agam-agam, o ang alinlangan — ay nabubuhay sa isang sitwasyon ng walang kasiguruhan o uncertainty na siyang tinutukoy ng pagkakaroon ng batas. Sa ngayon, ang atin lang sandigan sa prosesong pangkapayapaan ay ang Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro," Secretary Coloma said during a media briefing in Malacañang.
Representatives of the Philippine government and the MILF met in Malaysia and agreed to observe all the major agreements to ensure peace and stability in Mindanao until 2017, including the ceasefire mechanism and the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group, he said.
Coloma said that despite the Congress’ failure to pass the BBL, both sides remain committed to pushing peace in Mindanao.
"Nakikita naman natin na buo ang pagtitiwala sa isa’t isa ng magkabilang panig, buo ang pagsisikap na ipagpatuloy ang prosesong pangkapayapaan, kaya’t siguro mas mainam na ‘yon ang pagtuunan natin ng pansin at huwag tayong padadala sa propaganda ng mga nais lumikha ng ligalig," he said.
He also maintained that there is no operational link between the Maute group in Lanao del Sur and the ISIS.
From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 9): Female cadet is Top 2 in PMA Class 2016
A female cadet brings pride to Filipino women as the nation celebrates Women’s Month.
Cadet First Class Christine Mae Calima of Bolinao, Pangasinan is the only female cadet to make it to the top ten in the Philippine Military Academy ‘Gabay-Laya’ (Gintong Anak ng Bayan, Alay ay Buhay Para sa Kalayaan) Class of 2016 who will graduate on Sunday, March 13.
Despite being dominated by men, Calima excelled in academics and physical aspect in her four years inside the military institution. She will be receiving various awards including the Vice Presidential Saber,Air Force Saber, Australian Defence Best Overall Performance Award(Air Force), Management Plaque, Special Sciences Plaque, Department of Tactical Officers Plaque Tactics Group Award, Dept. of Leadership Plaque, Air Force Professional Courses Plaque, Aguinaldo Saber, Spanish Armed Forces Award and the Association of Generals and Flag Officers Award.
The 21 year old Calima shared that although there is equality between men and women inside the PMA, it is biological that men are stronger so the female cadets also compliment their male counterparts by excelling in the academics. “In terms of physical aspect, men are biologically stronger so I tried my best to excel academically because I cannot compete with them physically.”
Before entering PMA, Calima was a consistent Dean’s Lister at the Saint Louis University where she took up Bachelor of Science in Accountancy for two years.
Since she was a small child, she was inspired by the stories of her father who wanted to become a police officer and her uncle, retired Philippine National Police Directorate for Intelligence Director Charles Calima of PMA Class 1981.
“It was the dream of my father to have at least a member of our family graduate from the premiere military institution and I am fulfilling this for him with honors,” said Calima who will be joining the Philippine Air Force.
Eight female and 55 male cadets comprise the 63-strong
graduating class who will receive their diplomas from President Benigno Aquino
III on Sunday.
From the Philippine Information Agency (Mar 10): SurSur guv urges to sustain anti-insurgency efforts
"The long awaited dream for Surigao del Sur province to attain the status of diminished uprising has now become a reality.For the past 30 years, we had struggled to fight the battle against insurgency. So many casualties and properties were damaged but at present we have improved significantly.I urge the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP) and the people dwelling in our area to keep performing their duties at its best for the province to totally end the problem of insurgency and eventually achieve our objectives."
These are the encouraging words delivered by Surigao del Sur governor Johnny Pimentel as he spurred for support from Surigaonons during the official declaration of the province he is serving as conflict manageable and ready for further development held yesterday in Tandag City, Surigao del Sur.
Meanwhile, Surigao del Sur vice governor Manuel Alameda Sr. welcomed all the guests and participants. He also expressed his optimism that the province will become more progressive as it maintains to be peaceful and conflict manageable.
"It’s still a long journey to go. Today's declaration as conflict manageable doesn't mean that the province is insurgency-free, but with the signing of Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), it can be surmised that we are very much ready to accommodate potential investors and do business in the province, advance the tourism and its economic status. We are paving at the right track and we will do our best to achieve our end goals," mentioned Pimentel.
Pimentel also underscored that for the first time, the province has noted in particular the failure of Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP)/New People's Army (NPA) to hold its plenum. “This means that we have seriously dedicated our efforts in winning peace and order, leading to the success of this milestone," stated Pimentel.
The MOA signing was split into five parts—ribbon cutting for the peace and development gallery, program proper, entrustment of new firearms, wall of commitment signing, and the press briefing. Other highlights that formed part of the event were the awarding of livelihood, cash and cooperative development assistance to the Comprehensive Livelihood Integration Program (CLIP) beneficiaries.
The three major parties representing the province of Surigao del Sur, the AFP, and the PNP signed the MOA.
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 9): Two Isabelinos top PMA Class 2016
Two cadets of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) belong
to the academy's top 10 of Class 2016.
Cadet First Class Kristian Daeve Abiqui of Minanga Sur, San Pablo, Isabela topped the PMA Gabay Lay class of 2016
and Cadet First Class Arby Jurist Cabrera of Tagaran, CauayanCity
was ranked third.
The announcement of the top ten cadets was announced last
March 7, 2016 by the PMA management.
Philippine Red Cross (PRC) – Isabela chapter administrator
Stephanie Cabrera, mother of Cadet First Class Arby Jurist Cabrera, was elated
after learning that his son was ranked third.
Cabrera said her family did not expect that his son will be
one of the cadets to top the class saying his son was just an average student
when he was in elementary and high school.
Soon, she said her son would realize his dream of becoming a
pilot as he will be assigned in the Philippine Air Force (PAF) after
graduation.
On the other hand, Efren Abiqui, a government worker, said
it has always been his son's dream to enter the country’s premier military
academy. Being the valedictorian of Class 2016 is a bonus.
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 9): PMA cadets briefed on BBL, Muslims' way of life
A forum on the Bangsamoro peace process was conducted on
Wednesday, March 9 at the Lopez Hall of the Philippine Military Academy, Fort
del Pilar, with Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chairman Mohagher Iqbal as
one of the resource speakers.
Spearheaded by the MindaNews and the Philippine Information
Agency (PIA) Mindanao Cluster in cooperation with PIA Cordillera Regional
Office, the forum was aimed at enlightening the PMA cadets on the peace process
and issues in Mindanao and the Cordillera Region’s
clamor for autonomy.
Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, Chairperson of the Government of the
Philippines (GPh) Peace Panelexplained that since the 16th Congress was not
able to pass the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), the Comprehensive Agreement of the
Bangsamoro (CAB) remains to be a binding agreement between the GPh and the Moro
Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to end hostilities and promote peace and
stability in the Bangsamoro areas.
Mohagher Iqbal, chairman of the MILF Peace Negotiating Panel
and Bangsamoro Transition Committee, said that Mindanao
is ready to have peace.
He explained that the problem in Mindanao
is historical, dating back to the Spanish regime and passed on to the Americans
and Japanese until the present.
In a press conference that followed the forum, Efren
Elbanbuena, PIA-Region XI Director explained that the forum was conducted at
the PMA because the cadets should be given a working knowledge on the BBL
especially the members of the PMA 2016 “Gabay Laya” graduating class
considering that some of them will be assigned in Mindanao.
Elbanbuena said the forum will give the cadets a thorough
understanding of the BBL and the Muslims' way of life.
PMA Superintendent MGeneral Donato B. San Juan III delivered
a warm welcome to the panelists and participants including Baguio City Mayor
Mauricio Domogan; Helen Tibaldo, Director PIA-CAR; Carolyn Arguillas,
Editor-in-Chief of MindNews and Marcos Mordeno of MindaNews.
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 9): BIFF armed men resort to 'hit and run' in fight vs. gov't forces
CAMPSIONGCO, Maguindanao -- After its defeat following a month-long military offensives,
the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) has resulted to
harassment against military installations.
On Wednesday night, suspected BIFF tried, but failed, to
over-run an Army detachment in Datu Piang, Maguindanao, Capt. Joann Petinglay,
speaking for the 6th Infantry Division said.
But the 10 p.m. attacks left two soldiers slightly injured,
raising the number of injured infantrymen to 32 since Feb. 5.
"The BIFF cannot sustain battle against the powerful
military so they resorted to hit and run attacks," Petinglay said in
Filipino.
All Army units in the adjoining towns of Datu Salibo, Datu
Piang, Datu Saudi and Shariff Aguak have been alerted since last month as the
armed group carried out diversionary tactics, including road side bombings that
endanger the lives of commuters in Maguindanao.
On Wednesday night, about four or five armed men crawled
near the detachment of 2nd Mechanized Infantry Battalion along Datu Saudi to
Datu Piang highway in Maguindanao and opened fire on government forces who
retaliated by automatic fire.
The attackers, who fired rifle grenades, fled undercover of
darkness as Army reinforcements arrived.
Civilians near the military installation reported seeing two
armed men injured and carried by fleeing bandits.
The wounded soldiers are now undergoing treatment at CampSiongcoHospital in Datu Odin
Sinsuat, Maguindanao.
Four soldiers have died, 32 others injured, mostly due to
improvised bomb explosion since February 5 hostilities in Datu Salibo.
The military has captured a BIFF stronghold in the village of Tee, Datu Salibo where a flood control
project is being constructed.
Following the defeat of the BIFF, construction of flood
control project has resumed early this week.
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 9): Arrival of FA-50PHs best moment for outgoing PAF chief
As he bid his 34-year military career goodbye on Wednesday,
outgoing Philippine Air Force (PAF) commander Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Delgado said
that the best moment for him in the service was the arrival and touchdown of
the country's first two FA-50PH "Fighting Eagle" in November 2015.
"(The best day ever for me) was when the FA-50PHs made
their first touchdown in Clark Air Base in November (28)," he recounted.
Delgado is a member of Philippine Military Academy Class of
1982.
The first two FA-50PHs are part of the 12-plane order
contract from Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) worth PHP18.9 billion.
Delgado said that the event was made very memorable due to
long wait as the PAF has been waiting for brand-new supersonic jet aircraft
since 1995.
"I have waited (for more) 20 years, 1995, we were
already working (for the planning and acquisition of brand-new supersonic jets
which will replace the Northrop F-5s), I was already at the AFP Modernization
Office, and I was teary-eyed when it was realized," he said in Filipino.
Prior to the acquisition of the FA-50PHs, the PAF's F-5
fleet was retired due to lack of spare parts and airframe ageing in 2005.
This forced the cash-strapped Air Force to modify its
existing SIAI-Marchetti S-211 jet trainers into rudimentary fighter and attack
aircraft.
Incidentally, the two FA-50PHs also made high-speed passes
along with the PAF's brand-new attack AgustaWestland AW-109s and W-3A
"Sokol" combat utility helicopters during Delgado's retirement
ceremonies at Fernando Air Base, LipaCity, Batangas on
Wednesday.
The FA-50PHs has a top speed of Mach 1.5 or one and a half
times the speed of sound and is capable of being fitted air-to-air missiles,
including the AIM-9 "Sidewinder" air-to-air and heat-seeking missiles
aside from light automatic cannons.
It will act as the country's interim fighter until the Philippines get
enough experience of operating fast jet assets and money to fund the
acquisition of more capable fighter aircraft.
The FA-50PH design is largely derived from the F-16
"Fighting Falcon", and they have many similarities: use of a single
engine, speed, size, cost, and the range of weapons.
KAI's previous engineering experience in license-producing
the KF-16 was a starting point for the development of the FA-50PH.
The aircraft can carry two pilots in tandem seating. The
high-mounted canopy developed by Hankuk Fiber is applied with stretched
acrylic, providing the pilots with good visibility, and has been tested to
offer the canopy with ballistic protection against four-pound objects impacting
at 400 knots.
The altitude limit is 14,600 meters (48,000 feet), and
airframe is designed to last 8,000 hours of service.
There are seven internal fuel tanks with capacity of 2,655
liters (701 US
gallons), five in the fuselage and two in the wings.
An additional 1,710 liters (452 US gallons) of fuel can be carried
in the three external fuel tanks.
Trainer variants have a paint scheme of white and red, and
aerobatic variants white, black, and yellow.
The F/A-50 uses a single General Electric F404-102 turbofan
engine license-produced by Samsung Techwin, upgraded with a full authority
digital engine control system jointly developed by General Electric and KAI.
The engine consists of three-staged fans, seven axial stage
arrangement, and an afterburner.
Its engine produces a maximum of 78.7 kN (17,700 lbf) of
thrust with afterburner.
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 9): New PAF chief: There is need to re-think security strategies
Due to the changing security environment, newly appointed
Philippine Air Force (PAF) commander Lt. Gen. Edgar Fallorina on Wednesday said
there is a strong need to rethink strategies to address these challenges.
"Over and beyond those our transformation will include
not only re-thinking our approaches but also revolutionizing what we think
about our rapid changing environment and about our strategies to address the
biggest threats and challenges, after all our air and maritime borders do not
hold our first line of defense, our shared values, our wits, our rationality
and our creative genius do," he said.
In doing this, Fallorina said the PAF will be guided by
Republic Act 10349, also known as the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines
Modernization Act.
"Sharpening ourselves as a jointly engaged transforming
force is one thing, contributing to greater peace and security is another. As
your new CGPAF (Commanding General, PAF) let me give you a glimpse of the
landscape ahead, the complexion of our internal security continues to improve
but there is still much work to be done. We must therefore sustain our
contributions to the IPSP (Internal Peace and Security Program) objectives
within our set timelines," he said.
"In pursuit of peace, we must anticipate conflicts and
always bear one thing in mind, the avoidance of any violation of human rights,
at the end of the day there is no great good we can give than the shared
narrative of never having violated any civilian or human rights," he
stressed.
The new PAF chief also pledged the readiness of the Air
Force to respond during disasters or calamities.
"We must be ready 24/7 to help our people prevent,
prepare for, respond to and recover from the impact of disasters," he said.
With election season now in full swing, Fallorina said the
PAF, together with the rest of the AFP, remains committed to protect the
sanctity of the vote.
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 8): Women play key roles in preserving Bangsamoro peace gains
Peace advocates and civil society organization leaders are
giving major recognition to the important role that women play in transforming
conflict-affected areas back into productive communities and in sustaining the
gains of the Bangsamoro peace process to ensure its continuation in the next
Administration despite the 16th Congress’ failure to enact the proposed
Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL).
“To hold the peace together requires great effort, work, and
coordination. I must stress that it takes a community working together to
achieve that,” said Xarifa Lao-Sanguila, National Civilian Protection Monitor
of Nonviolent Peaceforce, in a forum on women’s role in the peace process held
at Miriam College.
“There are so many things that need to be done on the ground
to mitigate conflict… (that are) immediate and doable by every Juana CSO and
peace advocates,” she added.
Sanguila pointed out that women have proven to be good in
conducting the series of listening workshops for the Bangsamoro communities
that provide peaceful platforms for reflective expressions of their anger and
frustrations due to the non-passage of the BBL.
She also urged women leaders to strongly lobby with the
provincial peace and order councils (PPOC) in the Bangsamoro region to pass
resolutions compelling the Army and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to
observe and respect the established ceasefire mechanisms.
“(We need) to institutionalize and strengthen the women-led
local early warning systems for war rumor management and information validation,”
she said.
Meanwhile, Gaston Z. Ortigas (GZO), Peace Institute
Executive Director Karen Tañada also encouraged active women’s participation in
the peace process and uphold the signed peace agreements between the Government
of the Philippines (GPH) and the MILF.
"We have to see the gains of the peace negotiations. We
have the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) that guarantees all
human rights including women's rights of meaningful political participation,”
Tañada said.
“It takes a village to complete a nation and women to
complete one. To sustain the peace gains at the time of no BBL, we have to
build a path forward to help the next administration hit the ground running.”
She added that the reaffirmation of both peace panels and
other stakeholders to their commitment in pursuing the peace process despite
its uncertainty were vital in stabilizing the peace and order situation in Mindanao.
"The women in Mindanao
have their own gains in the GPH-MILF peace process. There are no more wars and
a chance for development (for their families and children),” Tañada said.
Women paved way to successful peace negotiations
Meanwhile, GPH peace panel chair Professor Miriam
Coronel-Ferrer stressed that the success of the peace negotiations with the
MILF that resulted in the signing of the CAB and the Framework Agreement on the
Bangsamoro (FAB) were not only out of patience and understanding of the two
sides but also of the collective effort of various stakeholders especially
women.
“We celebrate the women's month not as observers or mere
recipients of initiatives but as active partners in the peace process. The
peace gains were the product of many efforts of so many committed women,”
Ferrer said.
“Relative peace had enabled the women in the Bangsamoro core
territories to organize themselves. We have new and thriving women's
organizations in the conflict-affected areas. These are the products of
sustained peace and relative stability in the region.”
New York-based International Peace Institute (IPI) have
hailed both Ferrer and Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary
Teresita Quintos Deles as ideal women peacemakers for their key roles in the
government peace talks with the MILF and Communist Party of the Philippines/New
People's Army/National Democratic Front (NDF).
Deles is the country’s first woman presidential peace
adviser while Ferrer is the first female chief negotiator in the world to sign
a major peace agreement. The CAB itself is a landmark document signed by three
women signatories -– one-half of the 6-person GPH negotiating team, and about
one-fourth of the total number of signatories.
In March, 2015, during the ASEAN Institute for Peace and
Reconciliation (AIPR) workshop on Strengthening Women's Participation in Peace
Process and Conflict Resolution Secretary Deles said that "whatever role
women play in peace building, states must ensure that they stand as important
players on the decision-making table as agreements are negotiated and after
they have been signed and throughout their implementation."
“Women are the harbingers of human security in any peace
agreement. They ensure, as stated in the mandate of my office, a principled and
peaceful resolution to internal armed conflict, with neither blame nor
surrender, but with dignity for all concerned.
Last April 2015, Ferrer also accepted the 2015 Hillary
Clinton Award for Advancing Women in Peace and Security held at GeorgetownUniversity
in Washington, D.C. The said award honors Ferrer for her
“indefatigable work to bring about peace in the Philippines and for (her) historic
role as the first female chief negotiator to sign a comprehensive peace
agreement.”
The chief negotiator also maintained that not everything in
the Bangsamoro peace roadmap was lost because of the non-passage of the BBL and
that there are the other aspects of the CAB that remains to be implemented.
"The BBL was not passed but it doesn't mean that the
road was blocked. The roadmap is there, we just need to be patient and work
hard," Ferrer said.
“Our goal is not to annihilate everyone. Our goal in this
peace process is to make the armed groups and other people see that there is a
peaceful way to settle things,” she added.
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 9): President Aquino attends Philippine Air Force change of command ceremony
President Benigno S. Aquino III on Wednesday recognized the
exemplary leadership of outgoing Philippine Air Force (PAF) Chief, Lt. Gen.
Jeffrey Delgado, during the change of command ceremony at the Fernando Air Base
in LipaCity, Batangas.
Delgado, a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA)
“Sandigan” Class of 1982, stepped down from his position ahead of his mandatory
retirement on March 20.
“Sa araw pong ito, kinikilala natin ang huwarang liderato ni
Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Delgado sa inyong hukbo. Panahon pa ng aking ina,
nagpakitang-gilas na si Lt. Gen. Delgado bilang miyembro ng Presidential
Security Group.
Nang maitalaga naman natin siya noong 2014 bilang inyong
Commanding General, at hanggang sa mga sandaling ito, bitbit niya ang talas ng
isip, di-matatawarang kakayahan, at ang kanyang angking husay bilang kawal, at
bilang inyong hepe,” President Aquino said in his speech.
“Ang sabi nga sa akin ng kanyang mga kasamahan: Ito raw pong
si Lt. Gen. Delgado, hindi lang isang mahusay na pinuno, kundi isa ring
‘barkada ng bayan’: maalaga sa tao, at kung may problema ka, tungkol man sa
serbisyo o kahit pa personal na buhay, ay talagang napakadaling lapitan.
"Kaya naman kay Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Delgado: Sa ngalan ng
bawat kawal ng Hukbong Panghimpapawid, saludo, at nagpapasalamat ako sa halos
dalawang taon mong matibay na liderato sa hanay na ito.”
Delgado was replaced by Armed Forces of the Philippines
(AFP) Deputy Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Edgar Fallorina, who belonged to PMA
“Matikas” Class of 1983.
President Aquino said Fallorina was chosen for his vast
knowledge and experience in service.
“Tulad noon, malawak na kaalaman at karanasan din sa
serbisyo ang naging batayan natin sa pagpili kay Lt. Gen. Edgar Fallorina. Sa
serbisyo, kilala si Lt. Gen. Fallorina sa kanyang ‘attention to detail’... Ang
kanyang prinsipyo: Maikintal sa puso’t isip ng bawat kawani, kawal o opisyal,
ang halaga ng paggawa ng tama sa bawat pagkakataon at sa bawat antas ng
institusyon,” he said.
“Sinasalamin ng disiplinang ito ang prinsipyo niyang laging
maging ‘one step ahead’. Sa simpleng meeting man, o sa mismong operasyon,
parati siyang handa at may tangan na datos, kaya’t nagagawa niya ang anumang
layunin o misyon nang mabilis, wasto, at maayos. Ang katangian namang ito,
pihadong magiging kapaki-pakinabang sa layunin nating maihakbang pasulong ang
ating Hukbong Himpapawid.”
“Ang tiwala namang kaloob natin sa inyong bagong pinuno,
kailangan niyang matapatan ng karampatang paglilingkod. Kaya kay Lt. Gen. Edgar
Fallorina: Kaharap mo ngayon ang magigiting na kawal ng Hukbong Panghimpapawid
ng Pilipinas. Ang marching orders mo: Maging gabay ka sa mas matayog pang lipad
ng ating Air Force, kasabay ng pagpapanatili ng kultura ng malasakit, dangal,
at propesyunalismo sa buong hukbo,” the President added.
President Aquino also mentioned that the government has
allocated P58.43 billion for the AFP Modernization and Capability Upgrade
Program since July 2010.
“Malayo yan sa P31.75 billion na nailaan ng tatlong
nakaraang administrasyon para sa unipormadong hanay. Sa ilalim din ng parehong
programa, umabot na sa 68 proyekto ang ating nakumpleto, na lampas na rin sa 45
na pinagsamang natapos ng tatlong administrasyong bago sa atin,” he said.
“Ngayon, ang dating nag-iisang C-130, tatlo na po; meron na
rin tayong tatlong C-295 medium-lift aircraft, at labingwalong SF-260TP
aircraft. Dagdag pa rito ang walong Bell-412 combat utility helicopters, at
walong AW-109E attack helicopters. Bukod sa nabanggit kong dalawang bagong
lead-in fighter jets, nakapila na rin ang pagdating ng dalawa pang C-130
ngayong taon; pati na ang pag-arkila natin mula sa Japan ng limang TC-90
training aircraft, na tutulong naman sa ating Hukbong Dagat sa pagpapatrolya sa
ating teritoryo, partikular na sa West Philippine Sea.”
The Chief Executive further noted that six Close Air Support
Aircraft and two Long Range Patrol Aircraft are scheduled to arrive next year.
“Sa paparating namang sampu pang FA-50, dalawa ang lalapag
sa atin sa Disyembre ng kasalukuyang taon, at ang walo pa, inaasahan nating
susunod sa 2017. Lahat naman ng mga dagdag na kagamitang ito, bahagi lamang ng
ating PAF Flight Plan 2028, na layong paunlarin ang kakayahan ng Air Force na
bantayan ang ating teritoryo,” he said.
“Sama-sama nating pangalagaan ito; gamitin ninyo ito sa tamang
panahon at tumpak na layunin. Isabuhay ninyo ang pagiging responsable at
propesyunal na kawal. Magtulungan tayo upang maparami pa ang ating mga
makabagong kagamitan, at sa gayon ay lalong mapatatag ang ating Sandatahang
Lakas,” the President added.
Aside from the equipment upgrade, President Aquino also
mentioned government initiatives that have benefited the servicemen and their
families.
“Pati ang iba pang pangangailangan ng ating unipormadong
hanay, tinutugunan na rin natin. Para sa ating AFP/PNP Housing Program, mula
Mayo ng 2011 hanggang Disyembre ng 2015, umabot na sa 61,378 housing units ang
naipatayo natin. 25 percent po ng AFP allocation diyan ang nailaan para sa
ating Hukbong Himpapawid,” he said.
The President further cited the increase in subsistence
allowance and monthly hazard pay; provisional allowance for soldiers, policemen
and other uniformed service; monthly combat pay for soldiers in battlefield and
livelihood programs for active and retired soldiers.
“Tunay po: Katuwang na ng ating Sandatahang Lakas ang isang
administrasyong hindi lang nangangahas mangarap, kundi tunay nang tinutupad ang
pinakamatatayog nating pangarap. Sa dulo naman ng lahat ng ito: Naging posible
ang paghahatid natin ng positibong pagbabago sa inyong hanay, dahil sa inyong
dedikasyon at propesyunalismo. Sa inyong wagas ang sakripisyo at pagmamalasakit
sa ating bayan, walang ibang isusukli ang estado kundi malasakit din sa inyo at
sa inyong mga pamilya,” President Aquino added.
Also present were Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and AFP
Chief of Staff Gen. Hernando Iriberri.
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 10): 2 hurt in Sulu grenade attack
Two persons were wounded as still unidentified suspects
hurled a fragmentation grenade in a residential compound in Jolo, Sulu province
Wednesday night.
The explosion took place at 7:50 p.m. at the Tigbao and Tan
residential compound in Barangay Asturias, said Joint Task Group
Sulu commander Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado.
The two bystanders, identified as Abdel Asiri and a certain
Kairan, were wounded by shrapnel and immediately taken to Integrated Provincial
Health Office in Jolo for treatment.
Recovered from the scene was a grenade safety lever.
Investigations are still ongoing to determine the motive for the attack.
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 9): Balikatan to hold training exercises in Antique and Capiz
The Armed Forces of the Philippines
and the United States
military will hold the Balikatan training exercise in Antique and Capiz
provinces on April 11-15.
Lt. Col. Enriqueto Deocadez, Jr., commander of the 82nd
Infantry Battalion, 3rd Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, said in an
interview that the concept of the training exercise is to enhance military
capability in terms of territorial defense whenever there is foreign
aggression.
Around 300 personnel from the US military and 200 from the AFP
will take part in the exercise, Deocadez said.
Advanced parties are expected to be in San Jose de
Buenavista, the assembly area, starting April 4.
Disaster response will also be part of the training
exercise.(
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 9): US exchange students in Mindanao ‘pass on’ governance training
A group of former exchange students to the United States from Mindanao
have banded together to pass on to young community leaders from the island
about the governance training they have learned.
The group calling itself United States Alumni for
Institutional Reforms (US-AIR) has already conducted two training programs –
one in 2015 for the environment and another one last week on governance.
The July 2015 training has netted 60 participants from all
over the island. All of them have submitted project proposals relating to
environmental concerns and were evaluated by the US-AIR for funding
consideration from the United States Embassy.
“Their proposals are just micro-level ones to be implemented
in the villages. But at least, they can jump-start awareness on whatever
advocacies they are, whether on environmental or governance,” Jerlie Luis-Requerme, United
States Alumni for Institutional Reforms
coordinator, said.
Luis-Requerme, now serving as a judge serving on the
municipal circuit trial court in Bukidnon, was a US exchange student grantee in 2012
when she was already practicing law.
After she returned a year later, she founded the United
States Alumni for Institutional Reforms to help up and coming leaders in Mindanao.
Together with a dozen other exchange student alumni from Northern Mindanao, the US-AIR helped craft the syllabuses
in their short-term trainings.
One of the trainees, a community organizer from Zamboanga
Del Norte, said the training has done much to help him improve the voluntary
services that he and his group has done in that province.
“I have learned a lot of things here, especially in
community development and how to encourage the people to participate in
governance in their respective villages by actively engaging not just the
village officials, but involving the whole community,” Rancid Cszar Villano,
one of the leaders of the Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation, said.
The Yellow Boat of Hope Foundation started as a movement to
help children who used to swim to school in a farfetched village of ZamboangaCity. The foundation is one of the
groups that gets assistance from the United States Alumni for Institutional
Reforms.
“I hope through the coordination of the United States
Embassy, we will be able to help more organizations here in Mindanao
as they assist the underprivileged in their respective communities for the
betterment of society,” Ms. Luis-Requerme said.
From Update.Ph (Mar 9): Five Japanese aircraft soon to conduct patrol missions in WPS
President Benigno Aquino III confirmed today during the Philippine Air Force change-of-command ceremony at Fernando Air Base, Lipa City, Batangas that five Japanese aircraft will soon fly over West Philippine Sea for patrol missions. These Japanese aircraft will be leased to Philippines.
In the event, the President highlighted latest acquisitions for Philippine Air Force which include the FA-50PHs, 8 Bell-412 combat utility helicopters, 3 C-295 medium-lift aircraft, and 8 AW-109E attack helicopters.
He then mentioned that Japan will be leasing Philippines with five TC-90 aircraft to help patrol West Philippine Sea. “Nakapila na rin ang pagdating ng dalawa pang C-130 ngayong taon; pati na ang pag-arkila natin mula sa Japan ng limang TC-90 training aircraft, na tutulong naman sa ating Hukbong Dagat sa pagpapatrolya sa ating teritoryo, partikular na sa West Philippine Sea.
The Japanese government previously said these aircraft will be leased at a very minimal price for purpose of legality.
The lease agreement will be made possible after Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Japanese Ambassador Kazuhide Ishikawa formally signed the Agreement Concerning the Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology last February 29, 2016. The agreement will provide framework for Japan to transfer defense equipment and technology to the Philippines.
The Philippines is the first ASEAN country with which Japan has concluded such agreement.
Meanwhile, the Department of National Defense (DND) is on the process of procuring 2 long-range patrol aircraft. The bid opening for LRPA acquisition project is scheduled on March 14.
From Update.Ph (Mar 9): NPA Guerrilla Front secretary arrested in Calinan, Davao City
The secretary of New People’s Army Guerrilla Front 54 Ruditha Rosete Gaylawan was arrested 9:00 am at Purok 21, Sitio Highland, Brgy. Upper Sirib, Calinan District, Davao City. The arrest was made possible through the joint efforts of 84th Infantry Battalion, Philippine National Police (PNP)-CIDG, PNP Calinan, 10MIB, and ISAFP.
“The elements of 84IB were scouring the said vicinity in response to the report that there are presence of suspected Lawless Armed Group (LAG). Upon reaching the specific area where the armed group are staying, the troops saw several people that immediately scampered in different directions,” 84IB said.
“In the process, they were able to corner and restrain one person who was later identified as Ruditha Rosete Gaylawan alyas “Aya/Tess/Apple/Massi/Masang”,” 84IB added.
Gaylawan has a Warrant of Arrest for Murder bearing CC# 20502, RTC branch 1, Tagum City, Davao Del Norte, duly issued by Hon Judge Virginia Tejano Ang.
Recovered from her are one (1) Cal 45 pistol with one (1) magazine and six (6) ammos, two (2) pcs M67 Hand grenade, assorted medicines, two (2) Improvise Explosive Device and subversive documents. She was immediately brought to Calinan Police Station 10 and further referred to Davao City Police Office for proper disposition and filing of appropriate charges.
Guerrilla Front 54 of NPA is operating in 3rd District of Davao City involved in different atrocities and criminal activities.
84IB commander Lieutenant Colonel Louie Villanueva said people in the area are very active in reporting presence of NPAs. It only shows that they are already tired of manipulation and exploitation being made by this group.
He added that people are craving for development but this lawless elements are preventing it so that they can recruit people by advertising the governments fault.
From Update.Ph (Mar 9): New commander pledges to turn Air Force more ‘fundamentally joint’ with Army, Navy
Newly-appointed Philippine Air Force (PAF) commander Lt. Gen. Edgar Fallorina vowed to make the country’s air arm more “fundamentally joint” to be more effective in its security missions. The latter refers to closer coordination and liaison between their Army and Navy counterparts.
“As the new commanding general of the PAF, I shall therefore lead efforts for the Air Force to become fundamentally joint, broadly engaged and effectively transforming, in short a jointly engaged transforming force for greater peace and security,” he stressed during his acceptance speech at Fernando Air Base, Lipa City, Batangas Wednesday.
He replaced Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Delgado who retired after reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.
With this, the new PAF chief said there is a need to enhance jointness and de-emphasize their distinction as an Air Force with other major services from the level of General Headquarters to the level of the Unified Commands.
“Our Armed Forces are essentially interlocked in pursuit of unified strategies guided by synchronized roadmaps, hardened with joint capabilities tempered by uniform standards and sustained by reinforcing command relationships,” he pointed out.
Fallorina also stressed that the PAF must have the capacity and the ability to reach out to a broader range of partners in different regions at various levels and roles in order to address shared concerns and common challenges, our broad engagements should necessarily lead to reinforced alliances, new relationships involving complimentary capabilities and sustained cooperation for mutual ends.
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 9): Fallorina pledges to make PAF more 'fundamentally joint' with Army, Navy
Newly-appointed Philippine Air Force (PAF) commander Lt.
Gen. Edgar Fallorina vowed to make the country's air arm more
"fundamentally joint" to be more effective in its security missions.
The latter refers to closer coordination and liaison between
their Army and Navy counterparts.
"As the new commanding general of the PAF, I shall
therefore lead efforts for the Air Force to become fundamentally joint, broadly
engaged and effectively transforming, in short a jointly engaged transforming
force for greater peace and security," he stressed during his acceptance
speech at Fernando Air Base, LipaCity, Batangas Wednesday.
He replaced Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Delgado who retired after
reaching the mandatory retirement age of 56.
With this, the new PAF chief said there is a need to enhance
jointness and de-emphasize their distinction as an Air Force with other major
services from the level of General Headquarters to the level of the Unified
Commands.
"Our Armed Forces are essentially interlocked in
pursuit of unified strategies guided by synchronized roadmaps, hardened with
joint capabilities tempered by uniform standards and sustained by reinforcing
command relationships," he pointed out.
Fallorina also stressed that the PAF must have the capacity
and the ability to reach out to a broader range of partners in different
regions at various levels and roles in order to address shared concerns and
common challenges, our broad engagements should necessarily lead to reinforced
alliances, new relationships involving complimentary capabilities and sustained
cooperation for mutual ends.
From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 9): New PAF chief says there is need to retool for 'asymmetric challenges'
Newly-appointed Philippine Air Force (PAF) commander Lt.
Gen. Edgar Fallorina on Wednesday said there is a need for the country's air
arm to retool itself for so-called "asymmetric challenges".
The latter is generally defined as conflict between a
standing, professional army and an insurgency or resistance movement.
"Today, we must retool for asymmetric challenges, where
before we use to use our force at any cause. Today, we must relearn to fly and
fight so that we won't unnecessarily use our force," Fallorina stressed.
"Our security environment has unravelled in ways we
never imagined before, long used to divisions among the threat groups in our
country, today we are seeing fusions, and affiliations and the blurring of
lines, long familiar with what lies within our national territory as part of
our heritage and our sovereign rights and entitlements," the
newly-appointed PAF chief pointed out.
Given these challenges, Fallorina said there is an urgent
need to maintain pressure of the PAF's five modernization pillars to ensure its
transformation.
"We’ll find its manifestation vis-a-vis the challenges
we face. The manifestation has to be in our solidarity with the Armed Forces of
the Philippine and in our developing capabilities to add to the strength of the
Armed Forces particularly as altogether we face overwhelming odds this
year," he added.
