Alleged NPA leader Benito Tiamzon joins NDF panel

From Rappler (Oct 6): Alleged NPA leader Benito Tiamzon joins NDF panel

The NDF reshuffles its peace panel on the eve of its 2nd round of talks with the government, replacing Luis Jalandoni as panel chairperson with Fidel Agcaoili   



NEW PANEL MEMBER. Benito Tiamzon takes new role as negotiator. Photo by Edwin Espejo/OPAPP

The communist National Democratic Front (NDF) changed the composition of its negotiators on the eve of the 2nd round of talks with the Philippine government, appointing alleged New People's Army (NPA) leader Benito Tiamzon to its panel.

Tiamzon, tagged by the military as the "center of gravity" of NPA operations until his arrest in 2014 in Cebu, was released in July 2016 to serve as a consultant in the NDF panel.

In the reshuffle, NDF panel's longtime chairperson Luis Jalandoni resigned and will be replaced by his vice-chairperson Fidel Agcaoili. Jaladoni will serve as senior adviser to the NDF panel.

The NDF said Jalandoni has long requested to be relieved of his duty as chairperson of the panel.

"The national leadership of the National Democratic Front of the Philippines has granted the long-standing request of Comrade Luis G. Jalandoni to resign as the Chairperson of the NDFP Negotiating Panel," the statement said. The on-again, off-again peace negotiations have dragged for 3 decades. (READ: FAST FACTS: The CPP-NPA-NDF and the Oslo talks)

The NDF made the announcement late Wednesday night in Oslo, October 5 (October 6 in Manila), on the eve of the second round of talks that begins October 6 and ends on October 10.

Tiamzon was among 22 detained NDF consultants released in July to jumpstart the peace process that aims to end Asia's longest running communist insurgency.

The government is confident that the involvement of tagged NPA leaders in the talks will address allegations that the NPA does not support the process process pursued by NDF.

The NPA has declared an indefinite ceasefire nationwide.

The NPA and the NDF are the armed and political wings, respectively, of the Communist Party of the Philippines.

Government chief negotiator Silvestre Bello III was earlier quoted saying "we are talking to the right people."

"In order to further strengthen the NDFP Negotiating Panel, NDFP Peace Consultant, Benito Tiamzon is named by the NDFP national leadership as Member of the NDFP Negotiating Panel.," the NDF said in a statement. (READ: Benito Tiamzon: writer, organizer, party man)

http://www.rappler.com/nation/148352-tiamzon-ndf-panel

50% of AFP’s naval, air assets deployed to crush Abu Sayyaf

From Update.Ph (Oct 6): 50% of AFP’s naval, air assets deployed to crush Abu Sayyaf

Half of the naval and air assets of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) were deployed to Mindanao with mission to crush the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf. This was revealed by AFP Chief-of-Staff General Ricardo R. Visaya during his command visit to the Palawan-based Western Command (WESCOM) Wednesday, October 5.

“With regards to the status on crushing the Abu Sayyaf, more than 50% of our naval and air assets were deployed in Mindanao and for the past two months, there were approximately 62 bandits killed in Basilan and Jolo,” General Visaya said.

“There were also 21 surrenderers in Basilan and from 26 kidnapped victims, it is now downgraded to 12. The unceasing effort and contribution of the branches of service particularly the Navy, Marines, Air Force and Army came up with successful operations,” General Visaya added.

Amid the numerous problems that the country is facing at present, General Visaya anticipates a diplomatic and progressive nation in the near future.

He also mentioned the guidance of the Commander-in-Chief, President Rodrigo R. Duterte. Among the President’s guidance are: crash of Abu Sayyaf which was the reason for realignment of some of the forces and military assets in Western Mindanao Command (WESMINCOM); to assist the PNP and PDEA in their anti-illegal drug campaign; and the government is supporting peace negotiation with the communists leaders.

http://www.update.ph/2016/10/50-of-afps-naval-air-assets-deployed-to-crash-abu-sayyaf/10083

Abu Sayyaf in Sulu splits up to evade military

From the Philippine Star (Oct 6): Abu Sayyaf in Sulu splits up to evade military



Army Special Forces troopers clearing the area around a captured Abu Sayyaf bunker in Barangay Baguindan, Tipo-Tipo, Basilan. AFP Westmincom, file

The Abu Sayyaf Group has splintered into smaller factions to focus on mobile tactics after being chased out of a base in this province by military offensives.

 

Col. Cirilo Donato, commander of the 104th Infantry Brigade, said the 200-member Abu Sayyaf group that used to occupy a camp in Barangay Baguindan as a base of operations against Tipo-Tipo town, fled last month because of the military operations.

 

Donato said the Abu Sayyaf group led by Isnilon Hapilon suffered close to 50 dead and several wounded during its occupation last month.

 

Hapilon and his group are known to have pledged allegiance to the extremist Islamic State of Iraq and Syria and vowed to establish a caliphate in Basilan.

 

Donato said that Hapilon's group prevented the villagers from visiting their farms. Residents would only be allowed to go if they agree to join the Abu Sayyaf.

 

Residents reported the harassment, which prompted the military and the local government to launch the offensive against the militants.

 

“They have lessons learned from holding a camp, so they decided to break up and [are]now mobile so they will not be cornered,” Donato said.

 

Donato said about 100 Abu Sayyaf militants are believed to be hiding in the jungle of Sumisip near Sampinit Complex.

 

He said the Abu Sayyaf group is also believed to be low on ammunition.

 

The military is trying to trace the Abu Sayyaf's supplier of guns and bullets.

 

“We hope to cut that line of supply,” Donato said.

 

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2016/10/06/1630946/abu-sayyaf-sulu-splits-evade-military

Philippines' top diplomat: 'America has failed us'

From Rappler (Oct 6): Philippines' top diplomat: 'America has failed us'

Rappler learns that this is not the official policy statement of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) as far as the agency’s bureaucracy is concerned



TOP DIPLOMAT. Philippine Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr speaks with media outside a restaurant in Hanoi, Vietnam on September 29, 2016. Photo by Kham/Pool/AFP

Departing from the measured tone of his agency's policy papers, Foreign Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr released a statement saying the United States has "failed" the Philippines in the eyes of President Rodrigo Duterte.

"America has failed us," Yasay said in a statement uploaded on the website of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) on Wednesday, October 5.

 

Yasay also said the Philippines should end its "subservience to the United States' interests."

 

He added that the US cannot even assure the Philippines that "it will promptly come to our defense under our existing military treaty and agreements."

 

The US has repeatedly expressed its commitment to the Philippines, in the wake of China’s aggression in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

 

During his state visit to the Philippines in April 2014, US President Barack Obama said that US commitment to the Philippines is "ironclad." Obama reiterated this when he returned to the country for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Summit in November 2015.

 

Citing Washington's Mutual Defense Treaty with Manila during a visit to the country in 2015, US Defense Secretary Ashton Carter "stressed that the US commitment to defend the Philippines is ironclad."

 

On the US, Yasay continued, "Does it value our special friendship to save and strengthen it?"

 

"Or would it instead choose to ignore our urgent pleas and interject alleged human rights violations and concerns as we address our pressing domestic problems based on our urgent needs and priorities to get what they want?" (READ: Obama to Duterte: Fight crime, terror 'the right way')

 

This statement was originally posted on Yasay's personal Facebook page on Tuesday, October 4.

It was later posted on the DFA website with the title, "Statement of Secretary Perfecto R. Yasay Jr." The post came with a footnote saying, "As posted on his personal Facebook page."

 

Yasay's statement is not the DFA's official policy position as far as his agency's bureaucracy is concerned, Rappler learned on Thursday, October 6.

 

Lack of 'message discipline'

 

Yasay, however, is the Philippines' top diplomat. He is also Duterte's alter ego when it comes to foreign affairs.

 

This means everything he says as secretary – especially when posted as a "statement" on the DFA’s official platforms – is construed as the Philippines' official position.

 

Still, throughout his first 100 days as DFA chief, Yasay has been known to speak without checking his notes or consulting his colleagues if his statement is aligned with the established DFA policy.

 

Weeks ago, in fact, a Filipino ambassador pointed out Yasay's lack of "message discipline."

 

Yasay's communication style was seen during Duterte’s recent trip to Hanoi, Vietnam. Just minutes after Duterte said that the upcoming military drills with the US "will be the last military exercise," Yasay told reporters: "No, no, no, he did not say that at all."

 

Yasay later admitted that he "did not hear" Duterte say that. "Maybe I was too sleepy because of the jet lag that I am going through," he said after his flight from Manila to Hanoi.

 

Contradicting Del Rosario

 

Before this, he had also claimed to be misquoted or misinterpreted by media at least twice.

 

Once, he denied having said one thing during the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Laos, only to deny this in Manila. A recording obtained by Rappler showed that Yasay actually delivered the quote attributed to him.

 

The quote was about Yasay justifying why he doesn't want to include a historic ruling on the South China Sea in the joint communiqué issued by ASEAN foreign ministers.

 

At the same time, Yasay also once contradicted his predecessor, Albert del Rosario, on the Philippines' case over the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

 

Yasay said on July 27, "The case we filed before the arbitral tribunal with respect to our dispute with China concerns China and the Philippines alone."

 

Two years before this, what Del Rosario said was, "The case before you is of the utmost importance to the Philippines, to the region, and to the world."

 

Before entering the DFA, Yasay chaired the Securities and Exchange Commission from 1995 to 2000, and taught law in the United States. Yasay ran for senator in 2001, and for vice president in 2010, but lost in both bids.

 

He also wrote newspaper commentaries, hosted a live radio program in New York, and ran a blog, www.perfectoyasay.com.

 

http://www.rappler.com/nation/148393-philippines-dfa-yasay-america-has-failed-us

US happy with EDCA, working with Philippines for implementation

From the Philippine Star (Oct 6): US happy with EDCA, working with Philippines for implementation



The Supreme Court last January approved the constitutionality of EDCA, which allows US access to five Philippine military bases to station troops and supplies on a rotational basis to help counterbalance Chinese presence in the South China Sea. ERNIE PENAREDONDO, file

The United States is not making any changes to the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) with the Philippines and will work with the Duterte administration to implement it, Pentagon spokesman Peter Cook said.

Cook made the statement on Tuesday when asked to comment on President Duterte’s threat to cancel EDCA. He said there has been no official communication from Manila on the matter.

Cook said Defense Secretary Ashton Carter had good and productive talks with his Filipino counterpart Delfin Lorenzana in Hawaii last week about the continuation of the two countries’ Mutual Defense Treaty, in effect since 1951.

Washington has said it will continue to meet its commitments to the alliance.

The Supreme Court last January approved the constitutionality of EDCA, which allows US access to five Philippine military bases to station troops and supplies on a rotational basis to help counterbalance Chinese presence in the South China Sea.

Duterte has been hitting back at the United States and President Barack Obama over the past weeks because of US insistence that he abide by the rule of law and put an end to extrajudicial killings in his brutal war against drugs.
 
Since coming to power three months ago, some 3,500 people have been reported killed in the war on drugs.

Clashing positions

In Manila, Duterte and his spokesman appear to have conflicting positions on how the country should deal with the US, a traditional ally and treaty partner.

The President, on Tuesday, declared he might eventually break ties with the US.

“I will be reconfiguring my foreign policy,” Duterte said during a visit to the Beit Yaacov Synagogue in Makati.

“Eventually I might, in my time, I will break out America. I would rather go to Russia and to China. At least even if we do not agree with the ideology they have respect for the people. Respect is important,” he added.

Duterte’s spokesman, however, views the statement differently.

In a press briefing in Malacañang yesterday, presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella claimed that Duterte was merely emphasizing the need for an independent foreign policy. “It does not necessarily mean breaking up alliances,” Abella said.

“Let us try to use our creative imagination. Let’s not be too literal,” he added.

When asked which among Duterte’s remarks were policy statements, Abella replied: “It becomes policy when there is official action. OK? That’s it. Is it clear?”

Duterte made the remark weeks after he declared that the Philippines is not cutting its umbilical cord with its allies but would “certainly follow an independent posture and independent foreign policy.”

When asked how he can reconcile the seemingly contradictory statements, Abella offered a personal opinion.

“This is not policy but this is my opinion regarding the way he makes statements, okay. Like for example, I think very recently he said he wants – I think it was yesterday or this morning, he said, he wants Americans out of Mindanao,” he said.

“So he carefully calibrates his statements. So along that line – if we follow his style – then let us carefully, let us not simply just put a period at the end of his statement… let’s wait for his clarifications regarding the matter.”

Pressed if he thinks the President should be more specific with his statements to avoid misinterpretation, Abella said: “We can want, or we can wish. But this is his particular leadership style. So it’s best I think to just allow him to complete his policies in time.”

Economic analyst Peter Wallace believes Duterte would not sever ties with the US.

“For the last 60 years since we broke away from America as a colony, there has always been this kind of subservient thinking and he wants to break that. He wants to establish that the Philippines is a truly independent country,” Wallace told Malacañang reporters yesterday.

“I don’t see him as trying to divorce himself from America. That would make no sense, right? He’s just trying to establish an equal partnership and that’s a different thing.”

No need for Senate OK

For Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III, the President can terminate EDCA without requiring any action from the Senate.

Pimentel noted that there is a provision in the EDCA governing any move to terminate it. He stressed EDCA is purely an executive initiative.

“I think there will be a notice from the executive branch – because the executive branch is in charge of foreign relations, especially this is a military agreement,” Pimentel said.

“The notice will come from the executive branch – DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs), DND (Department of National Defense) or even the President,” he added.

“But let’s take note, even the first step hasn’t kicked in yet, so there is nothing to talk about. There is no termination to talk about,” Pimentel said partly in Filipino.

Sen. Richard Gordon said the EDCA should remain for now just in case conflict breaks out between the Philippines and China over the West Philippine Sea.

Chief presidential legal counsel Salvador Panelo, meanwhile, defended President Duterte’s plan to junk EDCA.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2016/10/06/1630853/us-happy-edca-working-philippines-implementation

Will Duterte's temper imperil US-Philippine defense ties?

From Deut Welle (Oct 5): Will Duterte's temper imperil US-Philippine defense ties?

Brash statements from the president of the Philippines have raised questions about the country's "ironclad" alliance with the US. They could also mark the start of a downturn for a key partnership in the Asia Pacific.

 

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is continuing with his series of tirades against the US and his statements are injecting uncertainty into a longstanding strategic partnership between the two countries.

In his most recent statements on Tuesday in the capital Manila, Duterte said that US President Barack Obama could "go to hell" and that the Philippines would be willing to acquire arms from China and Russia if the US was unwilling to provide them. "Eventually I might, in my time; I will break up with America… I would rather go to Russia and to China," he said.

On Sunday, October 2, Duterte amped up his rhetoric, saying that the US "better think twice" or he would ask that the Americans "leave the Philippines altogether." He continued saying, "The Americans, I don't like them... they are reprimanding me in public. So I say: 'Screw you, fuck you'."

Last week, during a speech in Vietnam, Duterte said that an eight-day joint military exercise currently taking place between a combined 1,500 US and Philippine troops would be the last during his term. Although his foreign secretary says no final decision has been made, Duterte's remarks raised questions if other annual US-Philippine military exercises would be called off. Duterte has also threatened to evict US special forces from bases in the southern Philippines.

All talk and no action? 

Duterte's rhetoric has yet to be translated into changes in policy, but the uncertainty surrounding his willingness to follow through on his statements is cause for concern.

No one knows what exactly Duterte's intentions are, says Gregory Poling, Director of the Asia Maritime Transparency Initiative at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). "And this is a big part of the problem. Alliance management thrives on consistency, which is desperately lacking under Duterte," he told DW.

"His alternative strategy seems to hinge on hoping that China will cut a fair deal in the South China Sea - but there has been no indication that Beijing is actually willing to negotiate any of the core issues in the South China Sea," said Poling.

 

US and Philippine troops pose together during the opening ceremony of the PHIBLEX exercises at the marines headquarters in Manila

 

This week's Philippine Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX) is part of the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), which the US and Philippines signed in 2014. The agreement was partially in response to Chinese territorial aggression and the recognition that building mutual capacity was necessary.

Leverage vis-à-vis Beijing 

Despite Duterte's tough talk, he has assured that he would not absolve the Mutual Defense Treaty in place with the US since 1951. But even if the Philippines were to maintain this longstanding framework, hands-on exercises between troops like PHIBLEX would be necessary to sustain alliances.

"The alliance will continue to exist on paper, but would be badly degraded," said Poling about the possible discontinuation of military exercises. "You can't maintain an effective military alliance if your two militaries can't work together."

The relationship with the Philippines is a key component of the current US administration's "pivot to Asia" or a rebalancing of US foreign policy goals to the region from the Middle East. The Philippines is currently the third-largest recipient of US military aid in Asia, after Afghanistan and Pakistan, with $120 million allotted so far in 2016. Deterioration of military cooperation would have consequences for both sides, observers warn.

"China will certainly cheer," said Poling. "The threat of US intervention has been the only real deterrent to China using force against the Philippines in the South China Sea; it is why there are still Filipino marines stationed aboard a naval vessel at Second Thomas Shoal and why there is not a Chinese artificial island at Scarborough Shoal. Without the alliance, Manila has little or no leverage vis-à-vis Beijing."

A diplomatic tightrope

Recent US criticism of the drug war in the Philippines has irritated Duterte, who took office in June 2016 and began a nationwide vigilante campaign against drug dealers and users with an estimated 3,100 people having been killed in 10 weeks.  In recent weeks, Duterte has made vulgar statements toward US President Obama and made favorable comparisons with Hitler. And although there have been no official notices issued by the Philippine government, US officials are walking a diplomatic tightrope in order to avoid further agitating the Philippine firebrand.

"US officials continue to keep calm, respond to each of Duterte's tirades in a measured way, and reiterate the US commitment to the alliance," said Poling. "But none of that seems to be calming Duterte."

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Political scientist discusses Duterte

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Political scientist discusses Duterte

"Sometimes you have to hold your nose about the individuals and deal with the countries," Frank Jannuzi, a former Senate Foreign Relations Committee Asia specialist, told Reuters news agency. "The United States doesn't have the luxury of writing off the Philippines, so we have to find a way to deal with this extraordinarily distasteful leader while still conveying our opposition to his human rights policies." 

Domestic consequences 

If Duterte breaks the EDCA agreement or moves away from cooperation with the US, it could put his popularity at home in jeopardy. Along with military aid, humanitarian relief was a large part of the agreement.

"What really made EDCA possible was the US response to Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda, which reminded Filipino citizens of the public goods that the US, and only the US, can deliver during an emergency," said Poling. "That is why humanitarian assistance and disaster relief remain such a big part of EDCA planning, despite all the media focus on the South China Sea."

"What is clear is that when it comes to foreign policy, Duterte is out of step with his own cabinet officials, the Philippine military brass, and the vast majority of Filipinos according to polls," added Poling.

http://www.dw.com/en/will-dutertes-temper-imperil-us-philippine-defense-ties/a-35962057

Here's how the U.S. is dealing with Philippines leader Rodrigo Duterte's blitz of rants, insults and ultimatums

From the Los Angeles Times (Oct 6): Here's how the U.S. is dealing with Philippines leader Rodrigo Duterte's blitz of rants, insults and ultimatums

Like those from a battering ram, the hits just keep coming from the recently elected president of the Philippines, Rodrigo Duterte.

Saying this week that President Obama could “go to hell,” Duterte has threatened to jettison decades of close security cooperation with the United States, suggesting Manila would turn to China or Russia for support.

The latest anti-U.S. vitriol came as U.S. Marines and sailors practiced amphibious landings and other exercises with Philippine troops at coastal sites close to the strategic shipping lanes and disputed islands in the South China Sea, a regional hot spot.

The joint exercises began Tuesday and are scheduled to run until Oct. 12. Last week, Duterte said this would be the final round of joint exercises with the U.S. military.

Obama administration officials have chosen to largely ignore Duterte’s insults and ultimatums, and say they have not scaled back any military or aid programs in the Philippines.

“The administration is playing this as well as one can,” said Amy Searight, director of the Southeast Asia Program for the nonpartisan Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. “The best option for the U.S. is to stay calm and let it play out. We don’t know yet where Duterte plans to go with this.”

Washington and Manila have had a mutual defense treaty since 1951 and Defense Secretary Ashton Carter said that military partnership remains “ironclad.”

He spoke in Honolulu after meeting with his Philippine counterpart, Delfin Lorenzana, at a weekend gathering of defense ministers from the Assn. of Southeast Asian Nations, a regional grouping that promotes economic, political and security cooperation.

Lorenzana said Wednesday that Duterte might be “misinformed” about the value of the Philippines’ military cooperation with the United States.

Josh Earnest, the White House press secretary, said Tuesday that Duterte’s harsh comments are “at odds with the warm relationship that exists between the Filipino and American people.”

Last month, Duterte used a common slur in Tagalog that roughly translates as “son of a bitch” to refer to Obama. The White House responded by canceling a planned bilateral meeting on the sidelines of a regional summit in Laos.

Duterte later said in a statement through his spokesman that he regretted that his language “came across as a personal attack on the U.S. president.”

White House officials had said Obama was concerned about widespread extrajudicial killings since Duterte was elected on a vow to declare war on illegal drugs. Police and vigilantes have killed more than 3,500 people since Duterte took office June 30.

“Words do matter,” a senior State Department official said, requesting anonymity to speak candidly. But, the official added, “we are not going to respond to every little thing said in Tagalog somewhere in the Philippines.”

The Philippines spent five decades as an American colony until it won independence after World War II, and relations have been stormy numerous times in the past. In 1991, the U.S. was forced to give up major air and naval bases in the country.

Obama has visited the Philippines twice in the last four years in an effort to broaden ties. It paid off with wider U.S. military access to Philippine bases and ports, and greater cooperation on counter-terrorism programs.

In 2014, Washington and Manila signed an enhanced defense cooperation agreement partly in an effort to provide a stronger counterbalance to China’s expansion in the resource-rich South China Sea, where it is building artificial islands.

The agreement, now criticized by Duterte, was upheld as constitutional by the Philippine Supreme Court on Jan. 12.

The Pentagon keeps 300 to 500 troops in the Philippines to support training, joint exercises and other activities. About 50 to 100 members of the U.S. special forces also work with Philippine security forces, especially in the restive southern islands.

Cmdr. Gary Ross, a Pentagon spokesman, said the U.S. military has been consulting with Manila over the last two months “on ways we can support the new administration's counter-terrorism efforts.”

Ten weeks ago, the Philippines won an important legal victory when an international tribunal, the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, ruled that China’s “historic” claims to islands and reefs in the South China Sea were invalid.

Duterte, however, has sought to move closer to Beijing, which is a major trading partner for Manila.

“There is a history of anti-American sentiment that gathers around sovereignty issues [in the Philippines] and Duterte can tap into that,” said Sheila Smith, a senior fellow at the nonpartisan Council on Foreign Relations in Washington. “But he is playing rather dangerously, thinking ‘we can cozy up to China’ … as a hedge.”

http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-fg-us-philippines-20161005-snap-story.html

US warships arrive in Subic for PH, US war games

From Rappler (Oct 6): US warships arrive in Subic for PH, US war games

Up to 1,400 US service members based in Okinawa and 500 Filipino soldiers participate in the war games

AIRCRAFT CARRIER. Sea Knight transport and Sea Stallion attack helicopters sit on the deck of the assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard, which will participate in the ongoing PHIBLEX war games between the Philippines and the United States.

 

Three warships of the United States Navy arrived here on Wednesday, October 5, to participate in this year's Philippine Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX 33) to be held in various areas in Luzon.

 

The Bonhomme Richard Amphibious Ready Group (BHR ARG) consists of the Wasp-class amphibious assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard (LHD-6), the San Antonio-class amphibious transport dock USS Green Bay (LPD-20), and the Whidbey Island-class dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD-42).

 

About 1,400 US service members based in Okinawa, Japan, and 500 Philippine Armed Forces personnel are joining the war games here.

LANDING SHIPS. The dock landing ship USS Germantown (right) and the assault ship USS Bonhomme Richard occupy the length of the Alava Pier in the Subic Bay Freeport on Wednesday. The ships, along with USS Green Bay, are in port for replenishment before participating in the ongoing war maneuver between the Philippines and the United States.

The exercise is meant to enhance the interoperability and capability of the naval forces of both countries, said Marine Corps Public Affairs Office director Captain Ryan Lacuesta.

Some of the activities are the following:

• Amphibious Landing Exercise on October 7, 2016 at the Naval Education Training Command in San Antonio Zambales
• Combined Live Fire exercise (CALFEX) on October 10, 2016 at the Crow Valley in Tarlac
• Turn-over ceremony of Engineering project at the Palawig Elementary School and San Vicente Elem School on October 11, 2016 at Sta Ana, Cagayan
• Closing Ceremony PHIBLEX33 on October 12, 2016 at the Acero Hall, Headquarters Philippine Marine Corps, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/148405-warship-phiblex-war-games

PHIBLEX 33 Opening Ceremony

From the Defense Video Imagery Distribution System (Oct 4): PHIBLEX 33 Opening Ceremony



Philippine Marine Maj. Gen. Andre M. Costales Jr., commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps, makes remarks during the Philippine Amphibious Landing Exercise 33 (PHIBLEX) opening ceremony at Marine Barracks Rudiardo Brown, Taguig City, Philippines, Oct. 4, 2016. PHIBLEX is an annual U.S.-Philippine military bilateral exercise which combines amphibious capabilites and live-fire training with humanitarian civic assistance efforts to strengthen interoperability and working relationships. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Cpl. Steven Tran/Released)

Philippine and United States Marines came together for the opening ceremony of Philippine Amphibious Landing Exercise 33 (PHIBLEX) here, Oct. 4, 2016.

PHIBLEX is an annual U.S.-Philippine military bilateral exercise that combines amphibious capabilities with humanitarian civic assistance efforts to strengthen interoperability and working relationships.

“The training ahead is specifically designed to enhance the capabilities of our forces and strengthen our ability to cooperate for disaster relief and regional security,” said Brig. Gen. John M. Jansen, commanding general of 3d Marine Expeditionary Brigade.

More than 1,400 U.S. service members based in Okinawa, Japan, and 500 Armed Forces of the Philippines members will be participating in the exercise where they will continue to enhance their relationship through commitment, cooperation and capability.

“For more than three decades, the Philippine and U.S. Marine Corps, being strong allies in the Asia-Pacific region, built capacities and capabilities on a wide range of operations,” said Maj. Gen. Andre Costales Jr.,” the Commandant of the Philippine Marine Corps. “Without interoperability, the integration inside of an organization is in danger. I remain steadfast in the call for jointness, the call for cooperation.”

In the past, amphibious landing capabilities practiced during exercises such as PHIBLEX have been used in real life operations.

“This landing is not just about projecting power from sea to shore, it is about growing a capability, a capability that has saved live during times of crises,” said Jansen. “This unique amphibious acumen has enabled our combined forces to bring in water, medical supplies and relief whether by helicopter or landing craft.”

The exercise is scheduled to end Oct. 12, 2016.

https://www.dvidshub.net/news/211382/phiblex-33-opening-ceremony

Amid the harsh words, Goldberg underscores strong US-PH ties

From InterAksyon (Oct 6): Amid the harsh words, Goldberg underscores strong US-PH ties

US Ambassador Philip S. Goldberg, who is soon ending a three-year tenure just as Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte mounts a continuing tirade against Washington, chose to focus on the strength of seven decades of cooperation between the allies, and the US' commitment to its partner in Asia.

In his final address to the members of the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (AmCham), Goldberg underscored the strong US-Philippine relationship and reflected upon his three-year tenure as envoy to the Philippines.

The Ambassador was the guest of honor at AmCham’s meeting held on October 5 at the Manila Hotel.

In his remarks, Ambassador Goldberg said, “The fundamentals of bilateral cooperation with the Philippines and our relationship with the Filipino people remain strong.  Our history of cooperation spans 70 years, and our commitment to this country remains unchanged."

The Philippines, he added, "is a key strategic partner of the United States and our military alliance, development assistance, and commercial cooperation continue.  Much like you, we are relying on strong ties developed through our common endeavors as well as building effective relationships with new partners to ensure productive future cooperation.”

Noting that AmCham is “the voice of American business in the Philippines,” Goldberg stressed AmCham’s role in bilateral cooperation, and cited examples of contributions made by US companies to disaster relief and development, education, and the environment.

His speech comes at a particularly eventful week: on Oct. 4, the Armed Forces of the Philippines began its Phiblex joint exercises with US forces, just days after Duterte said he was seriously considering making it the last war games between Manila and Washington.

A local think tank gave Duterte unsolicited advice: beyond the exposure to advanced military technology, the joint exercises allow troops from both sides to respond quickly to non-military challenges, especially during disasters.

Duterte, reiterating an apology to the Jewish community in a subsequent event, told President Obama he can "go to hell" as he slammed anew what he described as a defense partnership of minimal advantage to the Philippines.

http://interaksyon.com/article/133062/amid-the-harsh-words-goldberg-underscores-strong-us-ph-ties

Armed Forces chief visits Palawan-based command

From Update.Ph (Oct 6): Armed Forces chief visits Palawan-based command



Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief-of-Staff General Ricardo R. Visaya visited the Palawan-based Western Command (WESCOM) Wednesday, October 5. WESCOM said the visit aims to boost the morale and welfare of the troops and to lay-down guidance for the accomplishment of the mission of the government and AFP as a whole.

He was rendered with foyer Honors which was attended by the Commanders of the Units, officers, enlisted personnel and civilian employees of the Command. It was then followed by an executive session with WESCOM Commander Vice Admiral Ronald Joseph S. Mercado.

During the “Talk to Men’, he delivered the guidance of Commander-in-Chief President Rodrigo R. Duterte which are: the crush of Abu Sayyaf which was the reason for realignment of some of the forces and military assets in Western Mindanao Command (WESMINCOM); to assist the PNP and PDEA in their anti-illegal drug campaign; and the government is supporting peace negotiation with the communist leaders.

“In support to the anti-illegal drug campaign of the government, the AFP constantly undergo random drug testing to different commands and units of the Armed Forces to determine those military personnel who are using illegal drugs,” General Visaya said. “Compared to other government agencies, few were only discharged in their service due to the positive result in drug test.”

http://www.update.ph/2016/10/armed-forces-chief-visits-palawan-based-command/10079

Army, PNP arrest 5 'big time' drug pushers in Maguindanao

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 7): Army, PNP arrest 5 'big time' drug pushers in Maguindanao

Joint police and military authorities arrested on Thursday five men believed to be big time illegal drug pushers operating in Maguindanao, authorities said.

Lieutenant Colonel Reiner Sarmiento, commander of the 19th Infantry Battalion, said his unit backed up elements of the Regional Intelligence Division of the PNP and local police authorities in serving the warrants of arrest against the suspects.

Judge Bansawan Ibrahim of Regional Trial Court Branch 13 issued the warrants of arrest against Macky Dumpao, 46; Cobra Ezong alias Tato, 30; Montero Dumpao, 18; Menzing Galidig, 18; and Abu Sopian, 20, all residents of Barangay Timbangan, Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao.

Joint police operatives raided the house of the suspects in Barangay Timbangan at about 6 a.m. The suspects did not resist arrest and some were still asleep when the government forces arrived.

The raiding team seized an Armalite rifle with M-203 grenade launcher, a 40 mm ammunition, bullets and magazines and a digital weighing scale.

Sarmiento said the suspects are now detained at Shariff Aguak police office.

Sarmiento said the Army is backing all police operations in the implementation of Oplan Double Barrel in the province.

Police investigators are also determining the affiliation of the suspects following intelligence reports they were suspected of members of outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=929321

ASG bandit voluntarily surrenders in Basilan

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 7): ASG bandit voluntarily surrenders in Basilan

Tired of the relentless government military pressure, an Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) member has decided to call it quits and surrender to Task Force Basilan Thursday afternoon.

Western Mindanao Command spokesperson Major Filemon Tan identified the surrendered bandit as Murajin Salahudin, reportedly a member of ASG bands headed by sub-commander Furuji Indama and Radzmil Janatul.

The terrorist voluntarily surrendered to 65th Infantry Battalion troops in Barangay Tumahubong, Sumisip, Basilan.

He also handed a Garand rifle with two clips of ammunition to military authorities.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=929335

Hurricane is Coming

Hurricane Matthew is bearing down on my location. Spent most of the day in hurricane prep. I expect that the storm will hit my location full force sometime tomorrow. Power outages are expected. I will attempt to keep the blog running as long as I have power and a roof over my head. However, it seems most likely that my blog activity will be intermittent over the next 3-5 days,

Retired Analyst.

PHL forces getting more expertise in humanitarian assistance, disaster relief operations

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 6): PHL forces getting more expertise in humanitarian assistance, disaster relief operations

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) units are getting more expertise on various humanitarian assistance and disaster relief readiness techniques by training with American forces.

This was stressed by Department of National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana in an interview on Wednesday.

This joint-training provides AFP personnel and their American counterparts with more capabilities to respond in times of calamities and disasters, he said.

Incidentally, Philippine and American forces are now conducting the 33rd iteration of the Philippine Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX) which has special focus on disaster relief missions.

PHIBLEX started last Oct. 4 and will end on Oct. 12. Around 1,400 American military personnel and 500 Filipino soldiers are taking part in the maneuvers.

Lorenzana said this capability was readily demonstrated by US forces during the onslaught of super typhoon "Yolanda" in Leyte in Nov. 8, 2013 where American aircraft, ships and personnel readily helped their Filipino counterparts until the situation was stabilized.

Lorenzana's view was shared by US 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade head Brig. Gen. John Jansen.

"Within four hours, Ospreys from Marine Corps Air Station Futenma in Okinawa, arrived to support the humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. The MV-22s evacuated more than 1,200 people while delivering over 20 tons of supplies, none of which would have been possible without the Philippine government and military’s fast actions, and the practice we all receive during exercises. Our forces have come together again and again, in 2013 for the Bohol Earthquake and typhoon Bopha, typhoon Washi in 2011, typhoon Frank in 2008, and typhoon Reming in 2006," Jansen stressed.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=929144

PAF's fifth C-130 to arrive in Mactan Sunday

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 6): PAF's fifth C-130 to arrive in Mactan Sunday

The Philippine Air Force (PAF)'s 5th Lockheed C-130 "Hercules" cargo aircraft, which was acquired through the US Excess Defense Articles Program, will arrive at the Benito Ebuen Air Base, Mactan, Cebu on Sunday, according to PAF spokesperson Col. Antonio Francisco.

"(The fifth C-130) took off this morning from Tucson, Arizona (Davis-Monthan Air Base). The aircraft is expected to arrive in Mactan Sunday," Francisco said in a message to the PNA Thursday.

The PAF's fifth C-130 as well as the fourth belong to the "T" model of the class and original configured as a airborne tanker.

The fourth C-130 arrived in Benito Ebuen Airbase, Mactan, Cebu last April 5.

It was flown by Filipino pilots Col. Alejando Baclayon (head), Lt. Col. Ian Earth Lamzon, Major Ian Dexter Danes, Major Anthony Amora, and Major Ramil Daet.

The two C-130Ts are worth USD61 million and were acquired through the US Excess Defense Article Program.

Francisco said the additional C-130s will boost the PAF's transport and logistic capabilities.

Aside from the four C-130s, the PAF has three Airbus Military C-295 medium and three Fokker F-27 transports for its logistics and lift missions.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=929178

Former security adviser finds Pres. Duterte’s first 100 days ‘exceptional’

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 6): Former security adviser finds Pres. Duterte’s first 100 days ‘exceptional’

Former national security adviser Jose Almonte on Thursday described the first 100 days of President Rodrigo Duterte as exceptional, particularly in addressing insurgency, broken politics and monopolized business.

”Exceptional,” Almonte said when asked during a Malacañang press briefing to describe President Duterte’s first 100 days in office.

Almonte served as director general of the National Security Council (NSC) under former president Fidel V. Ramos, who is now President Duterte’s special envoy to China on the maritime dispute at the West Philippine Sea.

He said the Philippines has had an internal war since 1946 and he commended President Duterte’s move to declare an indefinite ceasefire to give way to the peace process with the Communist Party of the Philippines.

Almonte also noticed President Duterte's unconventional approach when he appointed known leftists to his Cabinet.

”This is the longest communist insurgency in the world. And we are at the same time, having a problem of separatist movement in the South. So that’s number one. Number two is our broken politics,” Almonte said.

Almonte said President Duterte’s call for Congress to start immediately the discussion on the possible shift of government from the presidential system to federalism would fix the "broken politics" in the country.

”The problem is this -- only a small group, special group, in general, formulates the policies, national policies of this government and it is implemented for the interest. And this happens, as you know, every after election. As we know, the center of political power, where we are in this country, is under the hands of this small group that funded the election,” he said.

Almonte also praised President Duterte for trying to break the “unholy alliance” between politics and business.

”If we cannot solve these three basic problems, we can never build a Filipino nation the way we want it to be. So these three must be solved and President Duterte is confronting it. That’s the best for the nation,” he said.

Almonte also said if President Duterte could solve these three basic problems, other concerns like corruption, inequality and poverty will also be addressed in the future.

”It just so happened that what he’s doing is what I thought before. And that is why I am here to talk to you. I was asked. And the reason is I believe that he is doing the right thing on this,” he said.

However, Almonte expressed apprehension that addressing his three basic concerns would be derailed if the nation's attention continues to focus on the extrajudicial killings and President Duterte’s colorful language.

”My fear (is that) the three fundamental things that President Duterte would like to address may be jeopardized because of these things that I have mentioned earlier,” he said.

With regard to the foreign policy that President Duterte wants to pursue, Almonte suggested that it should be a policy that would make the Philippines friend of all nations, including its old ally the United States.

”The best foreign policy is, let’s maintain our friendship with our old allies. But at the same time, let us work very hard to become friends of others, even if they are enemies of our allies,” he said.

In his previous statements, President Duterte said he "might" break up with the US and that he would rather go with Russia and China.

”We maintain our relationship with America. But at the same time, let us befriend all the others, including China,” he said.

Almonte advised President Duterte to make his colorful language "colorless".

”I hope that he will change when the time comes. By the way, I hope the President does not take it against me. I have not met him. So I do not know him personally,” Almonte said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=929209

DFA: Revitalizing PHL-China trade does not mean weakening ties with US

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 6): DFA: Revitalizing PHL-China trade does not mean weakening ties with US

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Thursday that revitalizing trade between the Philippines and China does not mean the weakening of ties between the Philippines and the United States.

Foreign Affairs Secretary Perfecto Yasay Jr. made the assurance during a Senate hearing on his department's 2017 proposed budget of PHP16.63 billion, which is 20 percent lower than its budget this year.

This comes after Presidential Spokesperson Ernesto Abella said Wednesday the legal team of President Rodrigo Duterte is reviewing the Philippines-United States’ Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA).

Last Monday, President Duterte said he might, under his presidency, break up ties with America and would rather establish alliances with Russia and China.

The President's threat to break ties with the US has emanated from the US’ criticism of the Philippine government’s war on drugs.

Meanwhile, Yasay also assured that although the President was “hurt” by criticism coming from the European Union (EU), implying that the administration allows extrajudicial killings under its intensified anti-illegal drug campaign, Philippine-EU ties also remain strong.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=929273