Philippines' lacklustre fight in the South China Sea

From Aljazeera (May 22): Philippines' lacklustre fight in the South China Sea

Amid South China Sea dispute, President Rodrigo Duterte balks at pushing back after landmark maritime rights ruling.



Protesters demonstrate outside the Chinese consulate against China's militarisation of disputed islands [Bullit Marquez/AP]
"I cannot go to war with China," says Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte whenever he is pressed about his country's challenged sovereignty claim over a portion of the South China Sea.

It's the same line he told his Navy on its 120th anniversary on Tuesday. Although appreciative of the sailors' "gallant" efforts to defend the archipelago's maritime territory, Duterte implicitly acknowledged their inferiority to their Chinese counterparts.

"I cannot go into a battle that I cannot win," he said before the Navy's ranks and top brass.

It's a decidedly "defeatist" stance Duterte has taken, his critics point out, and they say he is partly to blame for China's audacity in continuing to militarise its garrisons in the Spratly and Paracel island groups despite calls from several countries that it stop.

That is because the Philippines has not joined those calls, when it is the one country that possesses an ace card that could possibly trump China's military might: a UN-backed arbitral award that debunks China's sweeping claim over the South China Sea, and affirms its own exclusive rights to 200 nautical miles of sea from its shores.

Because Duterte has chosen to set the ruling aside in hopes of wooing China, analysts believe the Philippines is now losing the dispute to its more aggressive neighbor.

"If the government continues on its present track, the arbitral ruling will become irrelevant to the realities on the ground within the next year or so," Jay Batongbacal, director of the University of the Philippines Institute of Maritime Affairs and the Law of the Sea, told Al Jazeera.
Bombers and missiles

On Friday, China's People's Liberation Army Air Force announced it deployed bomber planes to one of its outposts in the Paracel Islands, an area also claimed by Vietnam and Taiwan.

Earlier this month, a CNBC report cited US intelligence sources saying China had installed anti-ship cruise missiles and surface-to-air missiles on the Spratly Islands, where the Philippines, Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei also have overlapping claims.

In both cases, the Philippines falls within striking range of China's weapons, causing alarm among the public and putting pressure on Duterte to take action.

On Monday, his Department of Foreign Affairs said it was "taking the appropriate diplomatic action" to protect the country's claims, but it will not "publicise every action taken".

It was hardly the reaction the Philippine public expected.

In contrast, Vietnam accused China of "increasing tensions and causing regional instabilities", and demanded it halt its militarisation of the area.

The Philippines' acting Chief Justice Antonio Carpio and former foreign affairs secretary Albert Del Rosario, who both helped build and argue the country's case before the UN-backed tribunal in The Hague, criticised the government's response.

Del Rosario said the Duterte government needed to "revisit" its foreign policy, and its decision to shelve the arbitral award cost the country "opportunities to advance [its] position", and enabled China to "work itself into [the Philippines'] backyard".

Since 2015, China has reclaimed seven reefs in the Spratlys and turned them into military-ready installations. The arbitral award states those reefs fall within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone under international maritime law.

Carpio, meanwhile, urged the government to "formally protest" China's actions and to rally other countries that were willing to back the arbitral award.

Otherwise, Carpio said the Philippines would end up a "willing victim of China's third warfare strategy" of intimidating rival claimants with military might.

Addressing Duterte's fear of war with China, Carpio said a formal protest is recognised by the UN Charter as a "peaceful and legitimate response" and, therefore, not a trigger for military confrontation.
'Active collaborator'

Duterte has been criticised widely for citing the possibility of war with China as a pretext for inaction.

In a lecture he gave in July 2017, Carpio said Duterte had a "dismal lack of understanding of international law and relations", pointing out that China would not risk attacking the Philippines because it would activate a mutual defence treaty with the US.

In other words, a war with the Philippines would be a war with the US, which Carpio believed China would not want.

However, for Jose Antonio Custodio, a military analyst and former consultant of the Philippines' National Security Council, Duterte is not just being overly careful.

"The actions of the Duterte administration from day one have seen it breaking away from forging an international consensus against China's territorial ambitions and moving into an active collaborator of Beijing," Custodio told Al Jazeera.

Aside from shelving the arbitral award, Duterte diluted statements of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) that would have addressed the South China Sea disputes, when he was the bloc's chairman in 2017. He has also continually heaped praise and flattery on China and opened the Philippines to its economic and political influence through aid and loan packages.

These, said Custodio, reveal a Duterte who actively works for China's interests and "spreads an atmosphere of defeatism to justify a shift to a pro-Beijing policy."
'Concern but not a threat'

Aware of such criticism, Duterte's communications team has attempted publicity stunts to portray him as a patriot.

Last week, the president visited a Navy ship about to set out for Benham Rise, a strategic and resource-rich underwater plateau off the country's Pacific coast, which he renamed "Philippine Rise" after Chinese vessels were spotted scouting the area.

Duterte's son and his top aide rode jet skis near the anchored ship, a nod to him saying he would take a jet ski to the Spratlys and plant the national flag on one of China's installations, back when he was still campaigning to be president.

Even Duterte's underlings are careful when speaking about China. Asked about the president's view of the latest developments in the South China Sea, his spokesman said he views China as "a concern but not a threat".

Duterte insists he has few if any options in dealing with China, and so there is nothing to do but "hope for China's mercy".

As for the arbitral award, he claimed - wrongly - that it was not at his disposal but his predecessor's

"Do not believe in that sh*t that it was during my time that the arbitral ruling was handed down. Of course, it was not," he told a public audience on Sunday.

Although the case was largely the effort of former president Benigno Aquino's government, the tribunal released the verdict on July 12, 2016 - two weeks into Duterte's term.

By taking the award for granted, Batongbacal said Duterte "conceded the game prematurely" and his government will only have itself to blame for "squandering its most significant victory in the South China Sea disputes".

https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2018/05/philippines-lacklustre-fight-south-china-sea-180522174023071.html

PH to receive 2 Cobra choppers from Jordan

From Malaya Business Insight (May 23): PH to receive 2 Cobra choppers from Jordan

PRESIDENT Duterte yesterday said the Philippines is set to receive two cobra helicopters from Jordan that is expected to beef up the country’s drive against terrorism.

Duterte made the announcement during the 120th anniversary of the Philippine Navy at the Coconut Palace grounds.

Duterte was late for the event by more than an hour because he was reviewing an electronic mail sent to him by National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr., who was in Jordan, asking for approval and authorization to receive the two helicopters.

“Jordan is giving us two Cobra helicopters. Those things that we cannot really afford maybe in my term,” he said, adding the Philippines and Jordan have a common problem – terrorism.

Reports said aside from the two Cobra attack helicopters Jordan is also donating several M113 Armored Personnel Carrier.

The President recalled that he had to swallow an insult from a high-ranking international human rights official because he is the brother of the Jordan king. United Nations Human Rights Council chief Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein, a prince in Jordan, earlier this year said Duterte may need to undergo a psychiatric evaluation following his “unacceptable” remarks against some UN officials, including a member of the UN rapporteur who was accused of being connected with local communist terrorists.

Duterte said he was prepared to answer the official but was advised by Esperon to just shut up.

The President said he wanted to talk more about his policy against terrorism and geopolitics but was pressed for time and instead promised to discuss it either over breakfast or a boodle fight.

Duterte thanked the Navy for its role in the liberation of war-torn Marawi City, and for fulfilling its mandate of protecting and defending the country’s territories, and its participation in the counter-terrorism, and disaster relief operations.

He also recognized the sacrifices, dedication and professionalism of the members of the Philippine Navy.

“It was only last year when we celebrated the Philippine Navy’s anniversary during the Marawi siege. Then, we honored the heroic efforts of the men and women of the Navy and Marines in the liberation of Marawi. Today, we once again honor them as we make significant progress in the rehabilitation and reconstruction of that city. To the brave soldiers and marines of our Navy, you have made the Filipino people proud and continue to do so with gallantry in defending our sovereignty in our territorial waters, particularly in the West Philippine Sea,” he added.

He committed to continue to support the uplifting and improvement of the professional and personal wellbeing of the Navy and the Armed Forces in general as he reiterated his commitment to the realization of the Second Horizon of the Revised AFP Modernization Program that included P77 billion worth of project for the Navy.

“We are indeed excited – we live in exciting times for our Armed Forces as we further enhance the capability of our Navy. Since the beginning of this administration, I have exerted efforts to upgrade your equipment and artillery,” he said, noting that under his administration, the Navy now has additional units of TC90 aircraft, multi-purpose assault crafts and a strategic sealift vessel, among others.

Navy chief Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad said the Navy is rising from the state of “obsolescence,” citing the assets acquired and being acquired under their modernization program.

During the Navy’s 120th anniversary, Empedrad said the Navy was “one of the most powerful navies” in Asia after the World War II but became “one of the weakest” even in Southeast Asia six decades later.

Empedrad said other countries upgraded their naval capability “while the Philippine Navy went to obsolescence.”

“It’s sad to note that through time, we failed to sustain that strong maritime heritage of our forefathers, let alone lose it. The big question is why?” he said.

He said the Navy is “slowly regaining our maritime character as a nation and our vision of becoming a strong and credible Navy, that our maritime nation Philippines will be proud of by year 2020, is very well crafted.”

“Be that as it may, we are still too far behind compared to other navies in the region,” said Empedrad, adding that with Duterte’s support, “our dream will soon become a reality.”

He cited several projects being undertaken under the Navy’s modernization program, including the recent acquisition of their first missile system that were fitted on three multi-purpose attack craft and the acquisition of five patrol aircraft from Japan.

Empedrad said the Navy is due to receive a Pohang-class corvette from South Korea during the third quarter of this year while two anti-submarine warfare helicopters with torpedoes are due to be operational by May next year.

“Finally, two missile frigates will be delivered in 2020,” said Empedrad, referring to the warships that are currently being built by the Hyundai Heavy Industries of South Korea for P18 billion.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/ph-receive-2-cobra-choppers-jordan

Sison, wife receive P2.4M in reparation as ML victims

From Malaya Business Insight (May 23): Sison, wife receive P2.4M in reparation as ML victims

COMMUNIST party founder Jose Maria Sison said he and his wife, Julie, received P1.2 million each from the government in reparation as victims of martial law during the Marcos dictatorship.

Interviewed by ABS-CBN in the Netherlands where he is on a self-exile since the 1980s, Sison said more than the amount, what counts is the Philippine government’s acknowledgement of the human rights abuses.

“The remittance has been made to the bank account of Julie. So we are instant peso millionaires. I think she got P1.2 (million) and I got P1.2 million,” Sison said.

Thousands of martial law victims during the Marcos years started receiving the monetary reparation about two weeks ago. The fund came from the P10 billion Swiss bank deposits recovered from the Marcoses.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said Sison and other victims of human rights violation during the martial law years deserve the reparation given them in recognition of the sufferings and human rights violation they suffered.

Roque added the P2.4 million given to Sison and his wife is not connected with efforts to resume peace negotiations with the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army-National Democratic Front of the Philippines (CPP-NPA-NDFP).

“It is not related to the peace talks, they are really victims of martial law. And the Palace is happy that the victims have started to receive the checks because the concept of reparation, grant of compensation is important because their rights have been violated during the martial law period,” he said.

Sison and his wife were arrested and tortured during the martial law years. They went on exile in the Netherlands after being released by the administration of President Corazon Aquino.

“On the case of my brother who was killed...he got P1.79 million,” said Sison.

Sison explained why the human rights case against the Marcoses was brought to a US court and not before a Philippine court.

“The human rights case against Marcos in the US is good. It may appear, ‘why go to a foreign country?’ But even the Cory Aquino government could not handle the case so we have to go to the US,” said Sison.

The Human Rights Victims’ Claims Board (HRVCB) has started the distribution of checks and compensations to the verified victims, and their heirs, of human rights violations during the martial law period last week. The HRVCB said 11,103 victims had been verified and found eligible for compensation.

The grant of compensation stemmed from Republic Act 10368 titled “An Act Providing For Reparation And Recognition Of Victims Of Human Rights Violations During The Marcos Regime, Documentation Of Said Violations, Appropriating Funds Therefor And For Other Purposes” that was signed by the President Benigno Aquino III on February 25, 2013.

“All along our motive was to put on record, legally and judicially...But whatever is the amount (reparation), the important thing is the Philippines accepted that violations of human rights occurred, recognized...That’s very important,” he said.

On the House of Representatives’ approval of a bill that seeks to abolish the Presidential Commission on Good Government, Sison said: “I think that’s a bad decision.” The measure seeks to transfer the PCGG’s responsibilities to the Office of the Solicitor General.

Sison noted that not all of the ill-gotten wealth of the Marcoses had been recovered, saying: “What had been recovered from the Marcoses is only a fraction of what they stole.”

http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/sison-wife-receive-p24m-reparation-ml-victims

Army chief: ISIS has sleeper cells in PH

From Malaya Business Insight (May 23): Army chief: ISIS has sleeper cells in PH

ARMY chief Lt. Gen. Rolando Bautista yesterday said the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) has sleeper cells throughout the country, ready to be activated for terrorist attacks.

Bautista made the remarks in an interview at the Army headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, a day before the first anniversary of the attack on Marawi City by the Maute group which has declared allegiance to the ISIS. 

“We discovered after the Marawi campaign that there are ISIS sleeper cells not only in Mindanao but also in Luzon and the Visayas,” said Bautista, who served as head of the Joint Task Force Marawi.

The task force liberated the city on October 23, or five months after its occupation. The conflict resulted in the death of 974 terrorists, 168 soldiers and policemen, and 47 civilians.

“You can see the presence of ISIS cells in Baguio, Dagupan, Tarlac, Pangasinan. In the Visayas, there are (cells) in Samar, Cebu and so forth. If they will orchestrate terrorist activities, it might be in the form of lone wolf,” said Bautista.

“If they are activated, they can create simultaneous terrorist activities, for example, one or two explosions in one area and an assassination in Cebu, liquidation. That will create a big impact although two or three persons will carry that out. That is their most probable strategy in the meantime,” said Bautista.

Bautista said terrorist groups may not be able to launch a Marawi-like attack in the next three to five years, noting that their strength had been degraded during the military operations in Marawi City.

He noted the deactivation of the Joint Task Force Marawi and the activation of the National Joint Task Force Bangon Marawi which is spearheading the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the city.

He said the enemy strength has been “totally reduced in terms of leadership, in terms of armament, in terms of foreign support.”

“Their hardcore fighters have been neutralized in the main battle area,” he added.

Bautista nevertheless said the ISIS- influenced groups “are still recruiting” although the Maute group had been “reduced in terms of strength and capability.”

Bautista named the Abu Sayyaf, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, and the Khilafah Islamiyah Mindanao as among the ISIS-influenced groups. These groups, along with the Maute Group, have pledged with the ISIS a few years ago.

A security official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Bautista’s statement may not be entirely accurate.

“I think the statement is purely speculative and not based on actual or factual information... With all due respect to CGPA (Commanding General, Philippine Army), I think his statement is a product of an intel assessment that is highly speculative,” he said.

“When you say sleeper cell, they were recruited a long time ago, projected to a specific area, lied low for some time and maybe just gathering information, and then activated for a specific mission or tasking,” the source said.

He said those who joined the “jihad” in the Marawi siege came from various areas and were not members of sleeper cells.

“If ever some were able to go back to their area after the siege to consolidate and recover, it will be difficult for them to launch individual and simultaneous attacks at different parts of the country due to financial, logistical, security and cultural reasons,” he said.

He said sleeper cells have leaders, bomb makers, surveillance people, and logistics man. He said these are deployed in certain areas for “future attacks.”

“Now assuming that there are ISIS members who went back to Luzon after Marawi (siege), they cannot be considered immediately as sleeper cells,” he said.

He said “lone wolves” are entirely different from sleeper cells.

“Lone wolves, for all intents and purposes, have no connection with ISIS because their attacks at the time of execution have no support or were not planned by the group (ISIS) or any of its leaders,” he said.

He said lone wolves are mostly “self-radicalized and act on their own based on their belief that they are contributing to jihad and they will become martyr.”

Meanwhile, 641 Army enlisted personnel have been promoted to the next higher rank for their contribution in the liberation of Marawi City. Bautista led the donning of the rank for the soldiers yesterday in Fort Bonifacio.

Bautista told them, “You put your lives on the line and you did not fail your country all in the name of service. I hope that when the time comes that you are needed, you won’t hesitate to give your best, even your lives, for the country.”

Col. Romeo Brawner, spokesman of the military’s Joint Task Force Ranao, said Air Force and Navy personnel would also be promoted for their role in Marawi but could not immediately give details.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said President Duterte is satisfied with efforts to rehabilitate Marawi City.

Government has launched a P72-billion rehabilitation program.

Roque said about 70 percent of displaced residents have returned to the city and provided with temporary or permanent shelters.

Roque also said the government has lined up some activities to commemorate the siege which include a possible visit to Marawi by the President.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/news/army-chief-isis-has-sleeper-cells-ph

Teen NPA surrenders

From the Mindanao Times (May 22): Teen NPA surrenders

A 19-year-old boy who claimed to be a member of the New People’s Army surrendered to the 67th Infantry Battalion in Cateel, Davao Oriental following the apprehension of Elizalde Canete, one of their top NPA leaders.

 Capt. Jerry Lamosao, the spokesperson of 10th Infantry Division, identified him alias Adi, member of Abe Primera, Section Committee 20, Southern Mindanao Regional Command, and a resident of Barangay Mainit, Cateel.

 Lamosao said Morales surrendered without a gun at the headquarters of 67th IB in Barangay Mainit, Cateel.

 Initial investigation revealed that Adi joined the group on Dec. 27, 2016 in Sitio Bangas, Mainit. He escaped from the group on May 16 in Barangay Pamaypayan, Bislig City upon knowing that an NPA leader, Ka Jinggoy, was arrested.

 Adi was brought to 67th IB headquarters in Barangay Salingcomot, Baganga for custodial debriefing.

 Meanwhile, in his statement, Maj. Gen. Noel S Clement, commander of the 10th ID, said, “We send a clear message to the NPAs out there to surrender now.”

http://mindanaotimes.net/teen-npa-surrenders/

Appeal denied: PH orders Australian nun Patricia Fox to leave

From Rappler (May 23): Appeal denied: PH orders Australian nun Patricia Fox to leave

The Bureau of Immigration says Sister Patricia Fox, whose missionary visa was forfeited, can still return to the Philippines as a tourist since she is 'not yet' blacklisted

MISSIONARY. Priests pray over Australian nun Sister Patricia Fox at UP Diliman's Parish of the Holy Sacrifice on April 28, 2018. File photo by Angie de Silva/Rappler

The Philippine Bureau of Immigration (BI) denied the motion for reconsideration of Australian nun Sister Patricia Fox, and affirmed its order for her to leave the country.

The order to leave is based on the BI's forfeiture of Fox's missionary visa for "engaging in political activities," which foreigners are prohibited from doing in the Philippines, according to an immigration circular.


"The BI Board dismissed Fox's assertion that the bureau forfeited her visa without due process and that allegations that she engaged in political activities were not backed with solid evidence," the BI said in a statement on Wednesday, May 23.

The BI said Fox "acted beyond allowed activities under her visa by working outside of Barangay Amihan in Quezon City," referring to the place she declared in her visa application as her place of missionary work.

Fox, 71 years old, has helped farmers and peasants in the country, including Kidapawan farmers in the southern Philippines who figured in a fatal mass protest over rice subsidies in 2016.

Photos of Fox visiting political prisoners in Compostela Valley, and at the picket of Coca-Cola workers in Davao City, were shown to the nun when immigration authorities detained her back in April.

According to BI Spokesperson Dana Sandoval, Fox is not considered deported yet as a deportation complaint on the same grounds is still pending.

"Pending resolution of the deportation complaint, Fox could still return to the country as a tourist after she leaves as she is not yet in the bureau's blacklist," Sandoval said.

President Rodrigo Duterte earlier admitted ordering the BI to investigate Fox because of "disorderly conduct." Duterte said Fox's supposed remarks against the Philippine government constitute a "violation of sovereignty."

 

https://www.rappler.com/nation/203209-patricia-fox-ordered-leave-philippines-bureau-immigration

PNP urges U.S. to include Filipino cops in Balikatan exercises

From Rappler (May 23): PNP urges U.S. to include Filipino cops in Balikatan exercises

The proposal is in line with the Philippine National Police's modernization, which the government sees for the most part as militarization

BALIKATAN 2018. Philippine and US navies hold an amphibious landing exercise in San Antonio, Zambales, at a base facing the South China Sea. File photo by Adrian Portugal/Rappler

The Philippine National Police (PNP) wants to join the annual Balikatan exercises of Filipino and American soldiers.

This was proposed to United States Ambassador to the Philippines Sung Kim by PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde, in a bid to further train the country's cops.

"'Yung meeting ko with the ambassador of the United States, I've requested na 'pag may Balikatan sana kahit na 'yung SAF (Special Action Force) lang or 'yung our Regional Mobile Force (RMF) will be accommodated," Albayalde said in a Camp Crame news briefing on Wednesday, May 23. (In my meeting with the ambassador of the United States, I've requested that when Balikatan comes, I hope that at least the Special Action Force or the Regional Mobile Force will be accommodated.)

Who are the SAF and RMF? The SAF, dubbed the "Tagaligtas" (Savior) unit of the PNP, is the elite police group trained not just in anti-criminality operations and community relations but also in specialized military warfare and high-risk missions.

RMF members, meanwhile, are reserve cops in regional police headquarters trained to rapidly respond to high-level natural or man-made crises. They are also sometimes deployed to guard major events.



SHOULDER TO SHOULDER. American and Filipino navy personnel pursue a simulated joint mission in Balikatan 2018. File photo by Adrian Portugal/Rappler

Why add them to Balikatan? According to Albayalde, the proposal is in line with PNP modernization, which the government sees for the most part as militarization. (READ: Duterte wants to revive 'militaristic' training for PNP)

The intense two-week exercises adopt different specialized programs every year, with the recent ones focusing on humanitarian response and counterterrorism.

"When we were with the PC (Philippine Constabulary) Special Action Force we were included every year. It's just one way to refresh the skills of our police, particularly those assigned to mobile forces," Albayalde said in a mix of English and Filipino.

Throwback: SAF personnel under the PNP have, in fact, joined the Balikatan drills before.

Around a hundred elite cops joined back in 2009 and were asked to teach other cops what they learned.

https://www.rappler.com/nation/203175-pnp-proposal-united-states-include-filipino-police-balikatan-exercises

5 soldiers hurt in ComVal town blast

From the Philippine News Agency (May 23): 5 soldiers hurt in ComVal town blast

Five soldiers of the Army's 46th Infantry Battalion were wounded after an improvised explosive device (IED) exploded on Monday evening in Sitio Patawon, Barangay Cabuyuan, Mabini, Compostela Valley.

A platoon of the 46th IB’s Charlie Company was moving towards Km 15, Barangay Cabuyuan, Mabini, Compostela Valley at around 10:55 p.m. when the IED exploded, a report released by the Police Regional Office-11 (PRO-11) said.

Chief Insp. Milgrace Driz, PRO-11 spokesperson, said the explosion was believed to be perpetrated by Milisyang Bayan (MB) members belonging to the Apo Cluster B, led by a certain Janu.

The soldiers, whose names have not yet been disclosed as of posting time, were evacuated by the responding troops of 46th IB.

Driz said the Mabini municipal police and military counterparts are conducting a follow-up investigation on the incident.

Earlier in the day at around 1:10 p.m. (May 21), police said a squad of the 46th IB encountered members of the New People’s Army’s (NPA) Guerilla Front 2 at Km 15, Barangay Cabuyuan, resulting to a firefight that lasted about five minutes.

Capt. Jerry Lamosao, 10th Infantry Division spokesperson, said the soldiers were conducting a reconnaissance patrol when they encountered the rebels. There was no reported casualty on the government side in said incident.

 http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1036116

Ex-NPA rebel leads gov’t troops to explosives depot

From the Philippine News Agency (May 23): Ex-NPA rebel leads gov’t troops to explosives depot



A former communist New People’s Army (NPA) rebel who has earlier surrendered to government forces in North Cotabato led the military to an encampment where war materiels were recovered Tuesday.

Jonaden Sicao, 22, of Barangay Manobo, Magpet, North Cotabato, volunteered to lead Tuesday the troops in locating the items he hid more than a month after his surrender to government troops.

Sicao surrendered to the military on April 4, saying he had lost trust in the communist movement and that he wanted to go back to school.

Lt. Prolen Bonacua, Alpha company commander of 19th Infantry Battalion (IB), said the items, which include one home-made grenade launcher and three Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), were found in an abandoned NPA encampment in Barangay Kinarum, Magpet.

Sicao admitted his role was to plant and set off IEDs in routes regularly used by government forces. He declined to answer queries from reporters when asked as to how many bombing jobs he had carried out in the past.

Last month, the 19th IB also facilitated the mass surrender of 34 NPA rebels, where two high-powered firearms were turned over to the Army in Barangay Manobo, also in Magpet.

Lt. Col. Ehrlich Noel Paraso, the 19th IB acting battalion commander, believed the surrender manifested the rebels’ desire to a new life, away from continuously hiding in the forest and evading government forces.

“The surrender has put the NPA organization in disadvantage in remote Magpet villages, which they usually consider as their strongholds,” Paraso said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1036141

ARMM youth affairs office launches book on Marawi siege

From the Philippine News Agency (May 23): ARMM youth affairs office launches book on Marawi siege


(Photo image by BPI-ARMM)

To commemorate the first anniversary of the Marawi siege, the Office of the Bangsamoro Youth Affairs of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (OBYA-ARMM) launched Wednesday morning (May 23) a book entitled ‘Tadman di ripatan’ (Remember, do not forget) at Mindanao State University in Marawi City.

The book features narrative essays, poems and photos reflecting the memories of Marawi residents and MSU students during and after the five-month Marawi siege.

The five-month Marawi siege, which started on May 23 last year, occurred after ISIS-inspired Maute terrorist group laid siege to the city that resulted in the death of over 1,000 people.

Amir Mawallil, ARMM’s information chief, said the impact of the siege could still be felt a year after it happened as residents remain displaced and housed in evacuation centers.

“The book hopes to create a space for those affected by the siege to share their experiences and remind others the importance of its impact. It also seeks to expand the discussions on the aftermath of the siege,” Mawallil said.

The event, organized by OBYA-ARMM and the MSU-Marawi Communication and Media Studies (CMS) Department, was held at the Mamitua Saber Research Hall of the university. A photo exhibit, entitled: ‘Memories of Marawi Siege’ was also opened to the public during the event.

Officials of the ARMM government, students and members of MSU school-based organizations, the faculty of the MSU-CMS Department, and the book’s writers and contributors were present during the event. A re-launching of the book and photo exhibit is set on May 25-26 in Cagayan de Oro City.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1036137

AFP installs new Western Mindanao Command chief

From the Philippine News Agency (May 23): AFP installs new Western Mindanao Command chief



National Defense Sec. Delfin Lorenzana hands over the command flag to Lt. Gen. Arnel Dela Vega, who assumes as the new commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) on Wednesday, May 13, as Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., the Armed Forces Cheif-of-Staff and outgoing Westmincom chief looks on. (Photo courtesy: Westmincom PIO)
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday installed newly-promoted Lt. Gen. Arnel Dela Vega as the new commander of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom).

The installation of dela Vega, a seasoned military officer, coincided with the commemoration of the first year anniversary when the Islamic State for Iraq and Syria (ISIS)-inspired Maute and Abu Sayyaf groups occupied the city of Marawi.

National Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana presided over the turnover of command that saw the installation of dela Vega as the 10th commander of Westmincom.

Dela Vega, the current commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, replaced Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., who was promoted as AFP chief of staff on April 18.

Lorenzana said Westmincom is fortunate to be led successively by two bemedalled officers, Galvez and dela Vega.

“Both are very good officers,” Lorenzana added, citing both officials have served as his subordinate officers when he was still in the military service.

Lorenzana said both Galvez and dela Vega have worked together in crushing the ISIS-inspired Maute and Abu Sayyaf Groups in Marawi City.

Galvez said dela Vega was the first commander to send reinforcements to government troops when the fighting broke on May 23, 2017 in Marawi City.

Previously, dela Vega was assigned as the commander of the Joint Task Force Sulu, the command that pursues the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).

Dela Vega, as the current commander of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, also leads the fight against the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Central Mindanao.

“With his vast experience in dealing with terrorism and his strong leadership, I am confident that the Westmincom under (Lt.) Gen. dela Vega can performs its task inherent to this command,” Lorenza said.

Galvez said Westmincom “will be in good hands” with the designation of dela Vega as the new chief, whom he described as “a competent and honest commander.”

Galvez and dela Vega are members of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Sandiwa” Class of 1985.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1036176

NoCot, Maguindanao execs vow support for new Westmincom chief

From the Philippine News Agency (May 23): NoCot, Maguindanao execs vow support for new Westmincom chief



Local officials in North Cotabato and Maguindanao provinces have vowed continued support to the military’s peace and development initiatives, even as the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (6ID) commander was promoted to head the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom).

Lt. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, 6th Infantry Division commander, has replaced AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr. as Westmincom chief. Both of them belong to the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1985.

The turnover rites would be held today (Wednesday) at the Westmincom headquarters in Zamboanga City. The 6ID area of responsibility includes the provinces of North Cotabato, Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, and parts of Lanao del Sur.

In North Cotabato, the provincial council passed a resolution recognizing the contribution of dela Vega in the province’s quest for peace.

The resolution commended dela Vega for his conflict resolution programs with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the surrender of communist rebels in the region.

Maguindanao Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu, for his part, said he was initially sad with the promotion of dela Vega, who left the province as military peace advocate.

The governor, however, has vowed to provide dela Vega his all-out support as far as peace advocacy is concerned. Mangudadatu commended dela Vega for helping the provincial government settle clan wars in areas where the 6th ID operates, and for his relentless campaign against violent extremism.

“It was during his (dela Vega) stint as 6th ID commander when members of the BIFF started coming out to surrender and help the government against extremists,” Mangudadatu said in a statement.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1036151

Suspected Abu Sayyaf member nabbed in Zamboanga City

From the Philippine News Agency (May 23): Suspected Abu Sayyaf member nabbed in Zamboanga City

Police and military operatives arrested early Wednesday an alleged member of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in a coastal barangay in this city, a top police official said.

The arrest came as authorities continue the law enforcement operations against the ASG in other areas of the region while the military forces relentlessly pursue the members of the group in the province of Sulu.

Chief Supt. Billy Beltran, Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9) director, identified the arrested suspect as Amin Aklam, an alleged member of the Sulu-based ASG.

Beltran said Aklam, who has standing warrants of arrest for kidnapping, frustrated murder and murder issued by a court in Jolo, Sulu, was arrested at around 3 a.m. in Barangay Buenavista.

The ASG is still holding captive nine people, including five foreigners -- three Indonesians, one Vietnamese and a Dutch -- and four Filipinos.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1036193

PRRD: Marawi siege could have been handled better

From the Philippine News Agency (May 22): PRRD: Marawi siege could have been handled better

President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Tuesday took full responsibility for the shortcomings of the way the Marawi siege was handled last year, noting that the government could have done better.

On Wednesday (May 23), Marawi City will mark the commemoration of the first year after ISIS-inspired Maute terrorist group laid siege to the city which led to the death of over 1,000 people.

“We had a very sad experience in the Marawi siege. And we all know that we have fallen short in some respects the way it was handled. I assume full responsibility,” Duterte said in a speech during the 120th anniversary of the Philippine Navy in Pasay City.

Duterte said he did not anticipate that there would be so much ordnance and that the fight between terrorist fighters and government troops would take over four months to finish.

“All of these faults, if it is indeed one, or our faults, it belongs and it falls on my shoulders as Commander-in-Chief. And I assume full responsibility to the nation of what’s going to happen,” he added.

The President recalled how he had to declare martial law in Mindanao and cut short his trip to Russia.

“That is a painful realization to be signing something about your country, about the safety of your country, about the safety of the people and to give the orders outside of the Republic of the Philippines,” Duterte said.

The Chief Executive, meanwhile, congratulated the Philippine Navy for its 120 years of “unwavering service, sacrifice, dedication and commitment” to defend shores, protect seas, and secure maritime borders.

He also recognized the Navy’s accomplishments and contributions in humanitarian assistance, maritime law enforcement, counter-terrorism, and disaster relief operations.

“To the brave soldiers and marines of our Navy, you have made the Filipino people proud and continue to do so with gallantry in defending our sovereignty in our territorial waters, particularly in the West Philippine Sea,” Duterte said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1036099

PH to get 2 Cobra attack helicopters from Jordan: Duterte

From the Philippine News Agency (May 22): PH to get 2 Cobra attack helicopters from Jordan: Duterte

The Philippines is set to receive two Cobra attack helicopters from the Kingdom of Jordan, President Rodrigo R. Duterte bared Tuesday.
“Jordan is giving us two Cobra helicopters. Those things that we cannot really afford,” Duterte said in his speech during the 120th anniversary of the Philippine Navy.
Duterte did not give further details about the two helicopters and admitted that he did not know if he was supposed to make a public announcement about it.

“I don’t know if I’m supposed to make it public and I really do not have a way of knowing whether it would make Esperon happy or not,” he added, referring to National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr.

Esperon has yet to confirm Duterte’s announcement.
The President, however, said that Jordan faces the same problem like the Philippines, which is terrorism.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1036101

Duterte to Navy: I won’t go to war over West Philippine Sea

From the Philippine News Agency (May 22): Duterte to Navy: I won’t go to war over West Philippine Sea

President Rodrigo Duterte on Tuesday insisted he won’t go to war that would result in the destruction of the armed forces of the country amid China’s show of military force in the disputed West Philippine Sea.

Duterte made this comment as he graced the 120th anniversary of the Philippine Navy, which is tasked to defend the country’s maritime territories.

“I cannot afford at this time to go to war. I cannot go into a battle, which I cannot win and it would only result in the destruction and probably a lot of losses for our armed forces,” Duterte said in his speech during the event held at the Coconut Palace, CCP Complex in Pasay City.

Duterte said he really wanted to do “something to assert” the Philippines’ claims in the West Philippine Sea, but opted to temporarily shelve an arbitral tribunal’s decision to give way to friendly and peaceful dialogues.

The United Nations-backed Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) ruled that China’s nine-dash line map, covering nearly the whole of South China Sea, has no legal basis.

“But you know, when I assumed the presidency, there was already this ruckus in the West Philippine Sea. It used to be China Sea,” Duterte explained.

Duterte has said he had discussed with Chinese President Xi Jinping that he would bring up the PCA’s verdict again with the Chinese leader before he steps down in 2022.

The President said he would have taken “a stronger but probably a more violent way of doing it”.

“And I said in my own estimation, it would be a great loss to the nation and probably end up losing a war. And all of these things I have wanted to make known to you and whether you accept it or not, that is the reality on the ground,” he said.

In a Palace press briefing on Tuesday, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque assured the Philippines would not give up any of its territorial claims in the WPS.

“Right now, our position is still the same: whatever happens there, no territory will be given. We will assert our rights and sovereignty on the maritime territory that is part of our exclusive economic zone,” Roque said.

Roque has said that the Philippines expresses serious concerns over reports that China has landed combat aircraft, including a long-range H-6K bomber, at an airfield of one of its reclaimed island in the WPS.

China has denied the militarization allegations, saying the movement of the bombers was just part of the normal Chinese military training in the South China Sea, which Beijing claimed “are Chinese territories”.

Roque said the Philippines, through the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), is already addressing the deployment of Chinese military assets through diplomatic approach.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1036108

PN to be more capable of defending PH waters due to ongoing upgrades

From the Philippine News Agency (May 23): PN to be more capable of defending PH waters due to ongoing upgrades

The Philippine Navy (PN) will become more capable of protecting the country's vast maritime domains in the coming years.

This is due to the ongoing upgrade programs, PN flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad said during the Navy's 120th founding anniversary ceremonies held at Coconut Palace, Cultural Center of the Philippines Complex, Pasay City Tuesday.

"At this point, I wish to mention some of the Navy's upgrade program(s) in recent months; two months ago, the PN received the last three of the five TC-90 aircraft from the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force. These aircraft upgrades the Navy's capability in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, search-and-rescue operations and surveillance capability. The aircraft has longer range that can effectively cover our vast maritime waters in support to our littoral monitoring stations," he added.

The above-mentioned aircraft have a range of over 1,000 nautical miles, and a maximum speed of 226 knots and capable of carrying eight passengers along with the pilots.

The TC-90, which is part of the Beechcraft King Air aircraft family, was offered by Japan shortly after the Agreement Concerning the Transfer of Defense Equipment and Technology was finalized last Feb. 29, 2016.

"A month ago, the very first missile capability (Spike-ER) of the PN was acquired from Israel. These will be integrated onboard the Navy's multi-purpose attack craft. The system will be fully operational in July," Empedrad stressed.

The Spike-ER surface-to-surface missiles along with its launchers have arrived third week of April.

These missiles are capable of penetrating 1,000 mm (39 inches) of rolled homogeneous armor and has a range of eight kilometers giving the Navy a potent anti-ship capability.

Aside from this, the PN chief said the "Pohang" class corvette, donated by South Korea, may be delivered by the third quarter of this year, boosting the number of its surface assets.

"The two anti-submarine helicopters (AgustaWestland 159) with torpedoes will be operational by May next year and finally, the (first of the) two missile frigates will be delivered in 2020," Empedrad said.

The above-mentioned assets will give the PN the capability to hunt, detect and if necessary, neutralize surface, sub-surface, and air threats.

He added that these upgrades are in-line with efforts to recover the country's maritime character and boost the Navy's capability to protect the country's maritime domains.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1036135

Maute-ISIS capability greatly reduced in Marawi fighting

From the Philippine News Agency (May 23): Maute-ISIS capability greatly reduced in Marawi fighting

The Maute-ISIS Group terrorists' capability to launch attacks and other atrocities has been greatly reduced by the military following the five-month battle in Marawi City.

This was the assessment given by Philippine Army (PA) commander Lt. Gen. Rolando Joselito D. Bautista Tuesday.

He based his statement on the fact that the five-month fighting caused heavy damage to the Maute-ISIS Group's leadership, armament, and fighting infrastructures.

"Kasi na-assess dun na yung threat situation yung enemy dun is talagang (Because it was assessed there in the threat situation that the enemy) was totally reduced, in terms of leadership, in terms of armament in terms of foreign support, ina-assess namin yung pinaka (We assessed the most) hardcore fighters na-neutralize dito sa (were neutralized here in the) Main Battle Area so with that, nakita namin na yung fragments ng mga (we saw the fragments of the) ISIS-influenced (terror organizations) are still recruiting kasi alam natin na (because we know), although yung (the) Maute-ISIS Group have been reduced in terms of strength and capability," Bautista pointed out.

Also, the PA chief said that it would take the terrorists three to five years to conduct another Marawi-like strike due to their severe losses.

Over 1,000 Maute-ISIS Group terrorists were killed in the fighting including ISIS emir in Southeast Asia, Isnilon Hapilon, and Omar Maute, of the founder of the terror organization.

While around 200 soldiers and civilians died in the fighting which started May 23, 2017 and ended on October of that year.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1036142

NPA surrenderers: AFP civic action program vs. Reds very effective

From the Philippine News Agency (May 23): NPA surrenderers: AFP civic action program vs. Reds very effective



TOWARDS A NEW BEGINNING. Three NPA rebels, Ka Jelly, Ka Kem, and Ka Dodong (their faces covered for security reason), who surrendered and took their oath of allegiance before Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado, commanding general of the Joint Task Force of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (JFT/AFP) in Camp Aguinaldo last week, May 19.
For the first time, three former rebels of the New People’s Army (NPA) who recently surrendered confirmed that the civic action program launched by the military has been very effective in the fight against insurgency.

“Keep it up, sustain your so-called Bayanihan civic action program because it is hurting the NPA,” said Ka Jelly (true name withheld for security reasons) in an exclusive interview with the Philippine News Agency (PNA) in Camp Aguinaldo on Tuesday.

Ka Jelly had been with the NPA for almost two decades before he and two of his comrades decided to surrender last May 18 to Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado, commanding general of the Joint Task Force of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (JTF/AFP), which secures Metro Manila.

Arrojado is a veteran military strategist in the AFP’s war on terror in Mindanao, particularly against the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu and Basilan, before he was assigned to his current position.

Ka Jelly, whose testimony was corroborated by his comrades, Ka Kem and Ka Dodong, said they decided to surrender after realizing that they were fighting fellow Filipinos.

During the interview, Ka Jelly said he considers the AFP’s civic action program a success “because it has been benefiting the people down to the grass root level, since the program includes free medical-dental treatment, food, shelter and other civic actions.”

“That is why I urge the AFP to intensify this Bayanihan civic action program because the NPA is having a hard time countering this humanitarian effort,” he said. “There is no way to put down a good program that benefits the people.”

As a former rebel, Ka Jelly manifested how the communist movement is having a difficult time countering the civic action program undertaken by the AFP through the years that he said should be sustained.

Ka Jelly said he was recruited by the NPA in Compostela Valley in Davao del Sur in 1999 when he was only 17 years old.

“Actually, I joined the NPA just for fun and adventure and my desire to own a gun,” he said, noting that as a rebel, he participated 15 times in raids of military units in Pantukan, Compostela Valley.

“During the raid of an army detachment in 2003, four soldiers were killed and four others (were) wounded during the hour-long of fighting,” he added.

At the same time, Ka Jelly and his two comrades said that while they hail from Compostela Valley, they were ordered by the Central Committee to come to Luzon to reinforce the depleting NPA fighters in the area in April 2017.

“We travelled for three days and two nights by land on board three vans from Davao to Southern Luzon. There were no checkpoints along the route, and besides, we did not bring our firearms,” he said.

They were transferred to other vehicles upon arrival in Lucena City and were brought to Quirino, Isabela where they were briefed about their mission as reinforcement coming from Mindanao.

He identified two NPA rebels who met them in Lucena only as Ka Anak and Ka Sera.

During the series of lectures, he counted 210 NPA comrades, 40 of them non-combatants.

It was there that they were told by the sub-region finance committee that the NPA has been experiencing lack of funds, despite the collection of revolutionary taxes.

After staying several months in Isabela, Ka Jelly thought of surrendering to the government, but the question was how, since the NPA would not allow it.

He hatched a plan by making an excuse that he was to meet a relative in Montalban, Rizal to borrow some money. His request was granted, together with Ka Kem.

However, while on their way to Montalban, the NPA leadership in Isabela suspected something fishy, so Ka Dodong was asked to go after Ka Jowell and Ka Kem to make sure they return to Isabela.

But instead of convincing the duo, Ka Dodong was the one convinced to go with them to Montalban.

“It was during this critical moment that we prayed to God for our safety,” Ka Jelly said.

“In fact, I continued to pray even during my stint with the NPA for almost 20 years,” he said, “because I always believe in God Almighty. And God heard my prayers.”

Ka Dodong and Ka Kem also said they did not stop praying while with the rebel movement. The three are members of the Iglesia ni Cristo.

Shortly after reaching Montalban, they sent feelers to the National Intelligence Service Agency (NICA) in Metro Manila that they would like to surrender.

NICA immediately contacted Gen. Arrojado to fetch them.

Without delay, Arrojado sent a team to Montalban to pick up Ka Jelly, Ka Kem and Ka Dodong.

They were brought to Arrojado’s office in Camp Aguinaldo where they were asked if they had firearms with them.

“They answered yes, but they were buried underground,” said Arrojado, who sent a team of soldiers from the JTF/AFP to go to Isabela to recover the weapons.

He contacted Maj. Gen. Perfecto Rimando, commanding general of the 5th Infantry Division, and Brig. Gen. Bartolome Bacarro, commander of the 502nd Brigade of the Philippine Army, based in Echague, Isabela to coordinate with the recovery of the buried firearms.

Arrojado said the troops from JTF, 5th Infantry Division, and 502nd Brigade retrieved five M-16 assault rifles, two M-14 rifles, and one Baby Armalite M653 rifle buried in Sitio Pulang Lupa, Barangay Disimungal, Nagtipunan, Quirino, last Saturday.

The weapons were brought to the JTF headquarters last Saturday.

Ka Jelly, Ka Kem and Ka Dodong took their oath of allegiance before Arrojado.

Their papers are now being processed.

Ka Jelly said he and his two comrades would be happy to see President Rodrigo R. Duterte if given the opportunity to see the commander-in-chief.

Arrojado said the successful mission was a joint effort by the JTF/AFP/PNP/NICA under the Enhanced Comprehensive Integration Program of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to eradicate the long-drawn communist insurgency in the country.

He also expressed hope that other NPA rebels would surrender so that the country would attain lasting peace sooner than later.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1036156

Concom votes to raise rank of AFP officers requiring CA confirmation

From the Philippine News Agency (May 23): Concom votes to raise rank of AFP officers requiring CA confirmation

The Consultative Committee (Concom) tasked by President Rodrigo R. Duterte to review the 1987 Constitution has voted to adopt in its proposed federal Constitution a provision raising the rank of Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) officers that will require confirmation by the Commission on Appointments (CA).

Senior Technical Assistant and Concom spokesperson Ding Generoso said that the Concom agreed to change the present “colonel and navy captain” to “major general or rear admiral.”

Voting 11-7-1, this provision to use “major general or real admiral” was among the revisions in the Article on the Executive Branch approved by the Concom in an en banc session on Tuesday.

Eleven Concom members voted to change it to major general or real admiral, seven voted for brigadier general or commodore, while only one voted for colonel or navy captain.

The 11 members who voted for major general or rear admiral are: Mr. Arthur Aguilar, Fr. Ranhilio Aquino, Atty. Antonio Arellano, Atty. Ferdinand Bocobo, Atty. Roan Libarios, Atty. Jose Martin Loon, retired Commodore Rex Robles, Atty. Rodolfo Robles, Prof. Edmund Tayao, Dean Julio Teehankee, and Atty. Laurence Wacnang.

The seven who voted for brigadier general or commodore include retired Chief Justice Reynato Puno, Prof. Eddie Alih, Atty. Ali Pangalian Balindong, Dr. Virgilio Bautista, retired Associate Justice Antonio Eduardo Nachura, Atty. Susan Ubalde-Ordinario, and retired Associate Justice Bienvenido Reyes.

The lone member who voted to retain the 1987 Constitution’s colonel or naval captain provision was former Senate President Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr.

Concom member and retired lieutenant general Ferdinand Bocobo, who proposed this provision, explained that only major generals or rear admirals have policy-making powers in the AFP. They are two-star ranks.

“Nung ginawa yang provision na ‘yan, ay ginaya pa nung 1935 na yung ating (When we made that provision, we copied the 193 Constitution when our) Armed Forces was about 12,000 and a colonel then was holding an important and high-ranking position,” Bocobo said.

Bocobo said that under the current AFP set up a colonel or naval captain has limited responsibility.
“But now, ang (our) Armed Forces natin ngayon ay mga (now are about) 200,000 na and therefore 'yung (the) colonel, mababa na yung kaniyang responsibility (only has little responsibility),” he added.

“I proposed the rank to be upgraded to major general or rear admiral sa kadahilanan na sa kanya na po nagsisimula yung policy-making ng ating Armed Forces (I proposed the rank to be upgraded to major general or rear admiral for the reason that that’s where policy-making in the Armed Forces start),” he added.

Bocobo, a retired three-star general, also pointed out that some countries have done away with the one-star rank in their navy.

“Sa ibang countries, wala na pong one-star. Like in Spain, wala pong commodore kasi ang commodore ay parang civilian position (In other countries, there’s no more one-star, Like in Spain, they don’t have commodore because a commodore is like a civilian position),” Bocobo said.

‘Yan po ang justification kaya inakyat natin yung (That’s the justification) rank requirement to be confirmed by the Commission on Appointments,” he added. (PNA)

Below is a comparison of Section 16 in the 1987 Constitution and in the Concom’s proposed federal Constitution:

The 1987 Constitution reads:

“Section 16. The President shall nominate and, with the consent of the Commission on Appointments, appoint the heads of the executive departments, ambassadors, other public ministers and consuls, or officers of the armed forces from the rank of colonel or naval captain, and other officers whose appointments are vested in him in this Constitution. He shall also appoint all other officers of the Government whose appointments are not otherwise provided for by law, and those whom he may be authorized by law to appoint. The Congress may, by law, vest the appointment of other officers lower in rank in the President alone, in the courts, or in the heads of departments, agencies, commissions, or boards.

The President shall have the power to make appointments during the recess of the Congress, whether voluntary or compulsory, but such appointments shall be effective only until disapproved by the Commission on Appointments or until the next adjournment of the Congress.”

The Concom’s proposed amendment reads (Note: changes are in bold format):

“Section 16. The President shall nominate and, with the consent of the Commission on Appointments, appoint the heads of the executive departments, ambassadors, other public ministers and consuls, or officers of the armed forces from the rank of major general or rear admiral, and other officers whose appointments are vested in him in this Constitution. He shall also appoint all other officers of the Federal Government whose appointments are not otherwise provided for by law, and those whom he may be authorized by law to appoint. The Congress may, by law, vest the appointment of other officers lower in rank in the President alone, in the courts, or in the heads of departments, agencies, commissions, or boards.

The President shall have the power to make appointments during the recess of the Congress, whether voluntary or compulsory, but such appointments shall be effective only until disapproved by the Commission on Appointments or until the next adjournment of the Congress.

Any Presidential appointment or nomination that has been bypassed or unacted upon by the Commission on Appointments at least twice shall be deemed withdrawn and disapproved.”

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1036209

Support from key PH leaders to help Navy in transformation goals

From the Philippine News Agency (May 23): Support from key PH leaders to help Navy in transformation goals



RAID SIMULATION. President Rodrigo Roa Duterte strikes his signature pose with the personnel of the Naval Special Operations Group and the Marine Special Operations Group after they conducted a raid simulation before President Rodrigo Roa Duterte during the Philippine Navy's 120th anniversary at the Coconut Palace of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) Complex in Roxas Boulevard, Manila on May 22, 2018 (Tuesday). Joining the president are Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Carlito Galvez Jr., House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, Philippine Navy Commander Vice Admiral Robert Empredad and Philippine Army Commander Lieutenant General Rolando Bautista. Rey Baniquet/Presidential Photo

With strong support from President Rodrigo Duterte and Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana, the Philippine Navy (PN) will soon reach its goal of being a strong and credible naval force in Southeast Asia.

"We are slowly regaining our maritime character as a nation and our vision of 'Becoming a Strong and Credible Navy' that our maritime nation, (the) Philippines, will be proud of by year 2020," Navy flag officer-in-command Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad said during the Navy's 120th foundation ceremony held at the Coconut Palace in Pasay City on Tuesday.

By 2020, the Navy is expecting the delivery of one of the two missile-capable frigates ordered from South Korean shipbuilder Hyundai Heavy Industries.

These ships will be armed with weapons capable of neutralizing surface, sub-surface and air threats. Arrival of these assets, including its first two anti-submarine helicopters by May 2019, will boost the capability of the Navy to go after such threats.

"Be that as it may, we are still too far behind compared to other navies in the region. But with the strongest support of our beloved President, the Secretary of National Defense and our political leaders, our dream will soon become a reality," Empedrad added.

Tuesday's celebration was highlighted by a capability demonstration on amphibious operations, counter-terrorism and hostage rescue by the Naval Special Operations Group and the Marines Special Operations Group, capped by a fleet review of vessels and fly-by of naval fixed and rotary aircraft, including the recently acquired TC-90s.

Empedrad said the last fleet review was held in 1998, making the event more memorable.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1036157

Many lessons learned from Marawi siege: AFP spox

From the Philippine News Agency (May 23): Many lessons learned from Marawi siege: AFP spox

While it has won decisively in the five-month battle against the Islamic State-inspired Maute Group terrorists in Marawi City, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has learned many lessons in the conflict and vowed not to let its guard down again, its spokesperson said.

Among these lessons learned is harnessing the vigilance and participation of the local government and residents in security and terrorism concerns, Col. Edgard Arevalo said as the country commemorated the first year anniversary of the conflict Wednesday.

Some 165 military personnel and police officers were killed while 908 Maute terrorists were neutralized in the five-month campaign to retake Marawi City from the extremists.

Arevalo cited the example of Inabanga, Bohol where Abu Sayyaf terrorists were detected, tracked and neutralized by government forces, thanks to the vigilant reports and cooperation of local government units and residents with security forces.

Also, the AFP's experience in the Marawi siege has prompted the military to redraft doctrines and revise techniques, tactics, and procedures to face the challenge posed by terrorist attacks of such nature and magnitude.

"Part of the 'Balikatan' 2018 is interoperability in counter-terrorism planning and execution," Arevalo added.

In line with this, various agencies of the government have crafted programs to prevent and counter violent extremism, which is targeting vulnerable sectors of society, such as the youth, Muslim converts, and victims of the siege.

The AFP is continuing to monitor reports and do proactive measures to frustrate efforts of the remnants of the Maute Group to recruit, reorganize, and regroup, aside from enlisting the active involvement and vigilance of the people and the local government in reporting their observations to security forces.

"Marawi has been liberated. If we have to look back to it, let’s do so to learn from it and move on. The efforts of the AFP, in cooperation with other line agencies of government, are now on the physical Reconstruction and Rehabilitation of Marawi; and the prevention of its repeat -- in the City or elsewhere in the country," Arevalo said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1036200