‘Maritime disputes could lead to war’

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jul 28): ‘Maritime disputes could lead to war’

China’s maritime disputes with countries like the Philippines and Vietnam in the South China Sea are increasingly raising anxieties among their neighbors that the row could lead to armed conflict, according to a poll survey released by a US research group two weeks ago.

A study conducted in 44 countries by the Pew Research Center found that “this year, in all 11 Asian nations polled, roughly half or more say they are concerned that the disputes between China and her neighbors will lead to a military conflict.”

The study, reported online by the Agence France-Presse, found that at 93 percent, Filipinos were most concerned, followed by the Japanese at 85 percent, the Vietnamese at 84 percent and the South Koreans at 83 percent. Even in China, the poll showed that 62 percent of the public were worried that the row could lead to armed conflict.

The Philippines and Vietnam are currently at the center of an acrimonious controversy, with China fueled by the aggressive assertions of its territorial claims.

Territorial row

According to Pew, Beijing and Hanoi in particular are embroiled in an increasingly heated territorial row, sparked by China’s placement last May of a major oil rig in waters claimed by Vietnam in the Paracel Islands. But China has also encountered rising tensions with Japan and the Philippines, both of which claim that Beijing has taken inappropriate steps in the East and South China Seas, where claims of several island chains are under dispute.

According to Pew, Japan, the Philippines and Vietnam see China as the greatest, while China as well as Malaysia and Pakistan list the United States as the biggest threat.

Every other Asian nation surveyed, including Bangladesh, India, Indonesia and Thailand, see the United States as their greatest ally, although Indonesia also sees America as its greatest threat. Among citizens of the 44 nations surveyed, 40 percent said they believe the United States was the present-day superpower, compared to 49 percent who said so in 2008.

The number who considered China the leading superpower, meanwhile, rose from 19 percent six years ago to 31 percent today. Fifty percent of respondents said China would eventually replace or has already replaced the United States in that role, compared to just 32 percent who said China would never do so. Across the nations surveyed, excluding China, 49 percent of people expressed a favorable opinion of China, compared to 32 percent unfavorable.

Growing assertiveness

The survey reflected the heightening uncertainties among littoral states in the Asia-Pacific threatened by China’s growing assertiveness in pursuing its territorial claims against its weaker neighbors about the ability and resolve of the United States to maintain its superpower role now being challenged by China.

These doubts have festered since US President Barack Obama proclaimed in a speech in the Australian parliament in April 2011 outlining a US “pivot” toward greater involvement in the Asia-Pacific region, and the rotation of US troops through Darwin.

Many commentators, including in the United States, have begun to debate on the credibility of American power to counter China’s territorial incursions in Southeast and East Asia.

Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has said there is no doubt that America would remain the preeminent force internationally.

“This is a debate that the US will have about its role in the world,” she said during the visit of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo to Canberra a week ago to cement the strategic defense alliance between Australia and Japan as a counterweight to China’s ambitions to become the dominant military and economic power, replacing the US. “It (the United States) is currently the only superpower with the military capability to act globally and the United States must determine whether it’s going to continue in that role. I believe that it must, and it will.”

Bishop made the statement in the midst of an emerging tripartite security alliance anchored  on the broader tripod of the three leading naval powers in the region—the United States, Japan and Australia. The smaller nations with territorial disputes with China are looking for security from its territorial land grab behind the shield provided by the United States, which has mutual defense treaties with Japan and the Philippines.

The weaker nations under pressure from China’s territorial encroachments—most notably Vietnam—are beginning to demonstrate that standing up to China does not increase the risk of armed conflict with China. They have come to realize that appeasement to Chinese demands has not only earned Bejing’s contempt but also has invited more pressure.

Peaceful means

Last week, to Vietnam’s surprise, China decided to move its oil rig from waters claimed by both Beijing and Hanoi near the disputed Paracels archipelago after more than two months of intense maritime confrontations. Vietnam quickly claimed victory after the rig surrounded by 70 Chinese coast guard vessels disappeared overnight.

The commander of the Vietnamese Coast Guard Zone 1 told BBC news, “We were fighting against the Chinese oil rig with peaceful means… We made them aware of their wrongful violation of Vietnamese sovereignty and they have stopped. Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung hailed the efforts by the Vietnamese people and law-executing forces.”

For more than two months, Vietnamese and Chinese coast guard flotillas were locked in a standoff around the rig, in encounters that saw nothing worse than bombardment by water cannons and collision of vessels ramming each other. The Vietnamese showed their own way of standing up to Chinese coercion—and called their bluff.

http://globalnation.inquirer.net/108514/maritime-disputes-could-lead-to-war

China announces war games starting Tuesday

Posted to the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jul 28): China announces war games starting Tuesday

China says it has set up alternative flight routes to minimize delays related to military exercises along its southeastern coast that start Tuesday.

A Defense Ministry statement said the exercises were part of regularly scheduled drills aiming to improve the military’s ability to operate under simulated war conditions.

It gave no details about where exactly they would take place, but said officers had been dispatched to regional airports to facilitate the shifting of civilian flights to alternative routes to reduce the impact on travelers.

China’s Civil Aviation Administration warned last week that flights could be disrupted across a wide swath of eastern China through mid-August....

http://globalnation.inquirer.net/108552/china-announces-war-games-starting-tuesday

State of PH Navy modernization: ‘Golden days will return’

From Rappler (Jul 28): State of PH Navy modernization: ‘Golden days will return’

President Benigno Aquino III says his administration has released more than P40 billion to modernize the military, the bulk of which goes to the Navy

PHILIPPINES' GUARDIAN. An aerial view shows a Philippine Navy vessel that has been grounded since 1999 to assert their nation's sovereignty over Ayungin Shoal, a remote South China Sea reef also claimed by China, on March 29, 2014. Photo by Jay Directo/AFP

Armed Forces chief General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr remembers an old joke about the Philippine Navy that only Filipinos will understand.

“Dati ang biro nila we have an Italian Navy. Itali ng navy yung barko kasi hindi makalabas sa puerto. Kasi mahina ang navy natin (They used to joke that we have an Italian Navy. The navy should just tie the ship down because it can’t leave the port. We used to have a very weak navy),” Catapang teased the sailors of the Philippine Navy on July 24.

He and the troops also had a good laugh as he recalled a time he was aboard a battleship and rust icicles fell on their beddings after it participated in a naval gunfire exercise that shook the vessel.

These jokes are a thing of the past, the new chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines assured the Navy. “We will have in the future a very strong naval presence. We will have strong navy that will be a source of national pride. Babalik ang Golden Days (Our Golden Days will come back),” he told the troops.

President Benigno Aquino III allocated fresh funds of P85.3 billion (about $1.9B) for the first 5 years of the Revised AFP modernization program under Republic Act 10349. The leading force in territorial defense, the Navy and the Air Force are getting big chunks of the funding.

This is on top of other allocations including shares from the Malampaya funds and Malacañang's Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) before the Supreme Court limited the use of these funds. Some "small item" modernization projects are now in limbo because of the High Court ruling, however.

President Aquino said his administration has released more than P40 billion (about $930 million) to modernize and upgrade capabilities of the military. Out of the RA 10349, the defense department said 37 projects worth P9.2 billion (about $214 million) have been completed and more projects worth P17.3 billion ($402 million) will be delivered next year.

Navy’s SSV to arrive in 2016

The Philippine Navy of the 60s was one of the best equipped navies in Southeast Asia. The presence US military bases then also meant additional resources. But communist insurgency soon forced the military to focus on internal security, and the eventual withdrawal of the Americans in 1992 meant the Philippine Navy was on its own.

The Philippine military is playing catch up as maritime conflict over the West Philippines Sea (South China Sea) escalates, acquiring capabilities to achieve “minimum credible defense” to deter China's aggressiveness.

"We are getting closer to our desired state in terms of capability and readiness with our recent acquisitions, and those we are expecting to be delivered in the next few months," said Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said in a statement.

The Navy's twin Del Pilar class cutters from the US – currently the Navy’s most capable ships – are already working together patrolling the West Philippines Sea in tandem with brand new naval choppers from Italy. More naval choppers are arriving next year, 2015.

MOST CAPABLE: Philippine Navy's BRP Ramon Alcaraz. Photo by Carmela Fonbuena/Rappler

These warships will be dwarfed by the 2 Strategic Sea Lift Vessels (SSV) that Indonesian shipbuilder PT PAL are building for the Navy for P4 billion ($93 million). The contract for the ships that will be 2-3 times the size of the Del Pilar cutters was signed in mid-July.

Navy chief Vice Admiral Jesus Millan said the first SSV will arrive in 2016, before Aquino finishes his term. SSVs are a multi-purpose ship that can carry a battalion size of troops and can carry landing craft utility. It has a helipad and a hangarage for helicopters.

“It can be used to transport troops. It can be used for sea basing and it can support HADR (Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response) operations similar to the aftermath of typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan),” explained Millan.

Bidding for what would be the Navy’s biggest ships is yet to be completed. The Navy is acquiring 2 brand new frigates, one of the big-ticket items in the modernization program of the military. It has an allocation of P18 billion ($418 million).

The other big-ticket item is the procurement of a squadron of fighter jets for the Philippine Air Force worth P18.9 billion ($440 million). The first 2 units of the FA-50 lead in fighter trainer from South Korea are arriving next year, along with attack helicopters, combat utility helicopters, light lift and medium lift aircrafts.

The defense department is also completing procurement for air defense surveillance radar systems in Palawan to cover the West Philippines Sea (South China Sea) and old radar sites Lubang Island in Occidental Mindoro and Pasuquin Air Station in Ilocos Norte.

The Army is getting a smaller chunk of the modernization budget but it is getting armored vehicles and new assault rifles.

FA-50: The Philippines recently signed a contract acquiring a squadron of FA-50 fighter jets from South Korea. Rappler photo

Waiting for SC ruling on Malampaya funds, DAP

In a meeting last week, Catapang assured Millan that he will continue the plans laid out by his predecssor General Emmanuel Bautista. But the two leaders recognize that the Navy cannot have everything it needs because of budget constraints.

“Though we would like, of course, to have the capabilities na maganda para sa (for the improvement of the) Philippine Navy, there are some challenges because of some resources that would support these initiatives. Alam naman natin 'yun. This would compete with othe requirements of other agencies like education,” said Millan.

The navy chief also admitted that they are suffering from the SC temporary restraining order on the Malampaya funds and they are hoping it can be lifted for the projects of the Navy. (READ: COA to military: Return P61 million in Malampaya funds)

The Navy got shares from the proceeds of the Malampaya gas field to fund the development of facilities in Palawan. Millan said these facilities support operations in protecting the Malampaya gas field itself.

"This is part of the process. We are all waiting," said Millan.

The Armed Forces is also awaiting SC ruling on Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), a new cooperation agreement between the Philippines and the US. Critics questioned its constitutionality before the before High Court. It was also cited as a ground in an impeachment complaint against Aquino.

EDCA expands cooperation between Philippines and US militaries through the construction or upgrade of military facilities, and storage and prepositioning of defense equipment and supplies in "agreed locations." (READ: EDCA to boost defense posture, allow new joint activities and What is EDCA? Look at Zambo's PH-US joint operations)

The Mutual Defense Board-Security Engage Board (MDB-SEB), co-chaired by AFP chief and the chief of the US Pacific Command, are scheduled to meet in October to discuss the implementation of EDCA.

"It's really urgent. It should be implemented as soon as possible," said Catapang. He said he also supports his predecessor's recommendation to offer the Americans the bases in Fort Magsaysay, Subic, and Palawan. (READ: How far will the US go to defend the Philippines)

Catapang assumed command of the military as it shifts focus from insurgency to territorial defense. He may belong to the Army but Catapang said the new challenges that the military is facing should mean that the next military chiefs should already come from the Navy or the Air Force.

“I foresee that the future chiefs of staff will be coming from the Navy and also the Air Force. The Army will be focused on climate change, global warming, and the typhoons. We will be the first line of defense for the climate change,” said Catapang.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/64561-philippine-navy-modernization

21 civilians killed in Sulu ambush

From Rappler (Jul 28): 21 civilians killed in Sulu ambush

Children are among the dead and wounded


 

SURVIVOR: A government health worker attends to a survivor of the July 28 ambush that killed at least 21 in Talipao, Sulu. Photo by Dennis Sabangan/EPA

As Muslims all over the world observe Eid al-Fitr, at least 21 civilians including a 7-year-old girl were killed in Talipao, Sulu, on Monday, July 28, in an ambush by suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf Group. At least 11 were wounded.

"It happened 8:30 am. Sixteen were immediately killed in the ambush but 2 of the wounded also died," said Brigadier General Martin Pinto, commander of the Sulu-based 2nd Marine Brigade. Pinto said among the dead were children.

A police situation report later updated the death toll to 21.

At least 40 civilians and 10 members of the Barangay Police Action Team (BPAT) were in 3 or 4 Tamaraw vans when they were ambushed by more or less 50 rebels, added Captain Rowena Muyuela, spokesperson of the military's Western Mindanao Command

BPAT members work with government security forces. "This is the retaliatory action of the Abu Sayyaf against the BPATs who are supporting the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police," said Pinto.

The rebels were led by Indang Susukan and Sibih Pisih, according to the military.

The police identied the first 19 fatalities as the following:

Padzma Hasan, 32

Misyaar Hassan, 14

Maida Hasan, 35

Jirmalyn Hasa, 15

Dadah Palahuddin, 85

Mura Ahadan, 60

Jainab Ajid, 50

Milina Ahadan, 15

Miriam Binhur, 19

Nurfaisa Gappar, 14

Dayang Ahadan, 19

Tata Isahac, 40

Risalyn Isahac, 7

Saik Ajid, 45

Said Palahuddin, 35

Abdul Julhari, 83

Baris Julhair, 19

Abdukahal Ahadan, 19

Abdulrahim Isahac Omar

Pinto said the military is currently conducting a blockade to prevent the armed men from withdrawing to more remote areas.

Sulu has been witness to recent bloody incidents involving the Abu Sayyaf and government troops. Only last May, at least 11 were killed, including 7 Marines, in an encounter between the Abu Sayyaf and the Marines.

Previous to this, 14 members of the Abu Sayyaf were killed in an encounter with the military.

ARMM governor Mujiv Hataman condemned the attack. "We strongly condemn this senseless act, especially that it happened on the day Muslims culminate the end of the month-long fast and celebrate the Eid al-Fitr," Hataman said.

"We have directed our security forces to investigate the incident and make sure that those behind the incident will face justice," Hataman added.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/64590-civilians-killed-sulu-ambush

Roxas heads to Mindanao for release of NPA-held cops

From Rappler (Jul 28): Roxas heads to Mindanao for release of NPA-held cops

(UPDATED) 'Kung kinakailangang pumasok sa kampo ng NPA, gagawin natin para masiguro lang na makukuha nating ligtas ang mga pulis na hawak nila,' says the DILG chief

Interior and Local Government Secretary Manuel Roxas II may find himself inside a New People’s Army camp on Tuesday, July 29, when he flies to Mindanao to personally “ensure the release” of 4 police personnel captured by the communist rebels.

In a statement, Roxas said the specific details of the release were still being finalized by negotiators from the government and the National Democratic Front (NDF).

But he said: “Kung kinakailangang pumasok sa kampo ng NPA (New People's Army), gagawin natin para masiguro lang na makukuha nating ligtas ang mga pulis na hawak nila ngayon.” (If I need to go inside an NPA camp, I’ll do it just to make sure our police will be saved.)

On July 10, the NPA attacked the Alegria Municipal Police Station in Surigao del Norte, capturing 4 cops in the process. A few days later, the communist rebels declared the 4 cops “prisoners of war.”

The police personnel are: Police Officer 3 Vic Calubag Concon, PO1 Rey O’niel Morales, PO1 Joen Zabala, and PO1 Edito Roquino.

The 4 were captured by the NPA while they were on their way to respond to assist the police station.

Ceasefire declared

The DILG earlier announced that the NPA would release the 4 cops in exchange for a 5-day ceasefire in 6 Surigao del Norte towns. The group originally wanted a 10-day ceasefire in Surigao City and 14 Surigao del Norte municipalities.

Both the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the NDF announced the suspension of military operations or a ceasefire in Surigao del Norte and Agusan del Norte.

Towns covered by the 5-day ceasefire are:

Claver

Gigaquit

Bacuag

Placer

Tubod

Alegria

Kitcharao

Jabonga

Santiago

“This ceasefire order shall entail the temporary cessation of any military actions by concerned NPA units against any unit or individual members of the APF-PNP-CAFGU in the aforementioned areas,” said NDF in a statement.

In a separate statement, the AFP said its personnel are not allowed to “conduct deliberate offensive operations against the NPA except on movements or activities aimed to support the civil authorities, government instrumentalities and other agencies in promoting peace, development and humanitarian assistance programs.”

The NDF, however, said that NPA units “maintain its active-defense mode… must not hesitate to defend its own forces and the masses within the area where never a serious breach occurs.” The ceasefire began noon of Sunday, July 27 and will end noon of Friday, August 1.

All NPA units were also ordered to “relocated to a relatively secure location” after the ceasefire as preparation for “another wave of brutal attacks by enemy forces.”

The AFP, meanwhile, said the NPA are responsible for around 20 cases kidnappings and abductions in the Eastern Mindanao area.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/64641-alegria-roxas-npa

Acquisition of combat helicopters, modern equipment to increase AFP capability even during disasters -- W. Visayas PAF chief

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 28): Acquisition of combat helicopters, modern equipment to increase AFP capability even during disasters -- W. Visayas PAF chief
 
The acquisition of combat helicopters and other modern equipment could greatly boost the capability of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and other government agencies to deliver immediate services for hard to reach areas including in times of disasters.

Philippine Air Force commanding officer for Western Visayas Col. Ronie Petinglay said the newly acquired helicopters and other modern equipment are much needed for the country to secure and maintain its rights on its aerial territories.

”We need the fighter jets to safeguard the West Philippine Sea ,” Petinglay cited. He said that with the capability it would now serve as deterrence so that the Philippines sovereign rights would not be violated and even respected by other countries.

These helicopters would also help the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and disaster agencies to reach and deliver needed services to geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas.

”There are really areas because of its terrain could not be reached by ground vehicles so the helicopters could deliver the basic services,” Petinglay said.

Petinglay announced his observation after watching the State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Benigno S. Aquino III at the Batasan Complex, Quezon City on Monday.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=666967

President Aquino highlights continued modernization of AFP

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 28): President Aquino highlights continued modernization of AFP

President Benigno S. Aquino III highlighted the continued modernization of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in his fifth State-of-the-Nation (SONA) Address before a joint session of the Senate and the House of Representatives at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City Monday afternoon.

In his one hour and 37 minutes speech, the President also commended the men and women of the AFP for their sterling performance in defending Zamboanga City against rogue elements of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in the ill-advised attack on the area in September last year.

Some of the equipment earlier acquired during the Chief Executive's term were eight W-3A "Sokol" combat utility helicopters, two Hamilton class cutters and one landing craft utility.

As of this posting, the Philippine government has already signed the P18-billion contract for the acquisition of 12 units of Korea Aerospace Industries F/A-50 "Fighting Eagle" which will act as the country's interim jet fighters while waiting for the proper funding and training which will allow it to procure multi-role combat aircraft.

The contract was signed last March 28.

Also signed on the same date was the P4.8-billion contract with the Canadian government for eight Bell 412EP combat utility helicopters.

Two of the F/A-50s and a pair of the Bell 412EP helicopters are expected to be delivered by the latter part of 2015.

These planes will greatly boost the capabilities of the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

Aside from this, the PAF is expected to commission into service eight AW-109E attack helicopters starting January 2015.

Deliveries will be completed by July 2015.

The contract for this modernization program for the PAF is worth P3.4 billion.

On the other hand, the Philippine Army (PA) is expected to take possession of 63,000 units of brand-new M-4 automatic rifles which will replace the Vietnam-era M-16 rifles in its arsenal.

Contract for this weapons is worth P2.4 billion.

Deliveries will start by August and will be completed before the end of 2014.

Meanwhile, four of the 21 refurbished UH-IH “Huey” combat utility helicopters, acquired to beef up the PAF had been delivered in late June.

Another three units are en route and expected to arrive before the end of July.

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin expects the remaining 14 to arrive before the end of 2014.

Sources said these planes were acquired as the PAF’s “Huey” fleet was whittled down to just 18 helicopters, from an estimated 100, due to airframe aging and accidents.

The contract for the 21 refurbished UH-1Hs is estimated to be worth over P1 billion.

Another piece of good news for the PA is the signing of the P882 million deal for the upgraded armored personnel carrier (APC) deal which was bagged by Israeli defense manufacturer Elbit Systems Ltd. last March.

Payment will be done in three tranches.

Dr. Peter Paul Galvez, Defense spokesperson, said the first payment will be pegged at P405 million, the second at P335 million and the third at P142 million.

Elbit Systems Ltd. formally announced the signing of the P882 million deal (roughly USD 20 million) last June 22.

Upgrades include 25-millimeter unmanned turrets, 12.7-mm remote controlled weapon stations (RCWS) and fire control systems (FCS) for 90-mm turrets.

The APCs, which are 28 in number, will be supplied over a one-year period.

The contract marks a significant breakthrough for Elbit Systems, as it is the first one awarded to the company in the Philippines.

"We are very pleased to be awarded our first contract for the Philippines Armed Forces, which we hope will be followed by others. Our extensive portfolio and our vast experience enable us to offer our customers advanced solutions, answering the specific requirements of various combat vehicles, and this award further positions us as world leader in the field of ground vehicle upgrades," Elbit Systems' Land and C41 general manager Udi Vered said.

The APCs are for the use of the Philippine Army.

The latter operates around 343 AFVs (armored fighting vehicles) and APCs.

Around 85 percent of these AFVs are on green status (fully mission capable) while another 10 percent are on yellow status (undergoing repair) and five percent are on red (beyond repair)

A total of 150 of these AFVs are the United Kingdom-built GKN "Simba" with the remaining AFVs consisting of the United States-designed V-150 and V-200 APCs, M-113 "Bradley," Turkish-made ACV-300s and British Scorpion CVRTs.

These vehicles give the PA its armor capability and are organized into a 14-vehicle mechanized infantry companion for deployment with regular units.

Meanwhile, the PN announced that specification of its two state-of-the-art frigates, which is worth P18.9-billion, will be out by July.

These ships will be armed with a variety of weapons capable of dealing with surface, sub-surface and air threats.

This was confirmed by Philippine Navy technical working group head Commodore Roland Mercado in a text message to the PNA.

"It (specifications) might be released by July. I'll just have to present it to the PN leadership to get their comments and approval," he said.

He declined to give the frigates' specification pending his presentation to Navy flag-officer-in-command Vice Admiral Jesus Millan.

Earlier, two more foreign shipbuilders have joined the Navy's P18-billion frigate program.

These firms are Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. of India and STX France SA.

They were allowed to join in the bidding after their motions for reconsideration were considered by the Department of National Defense's Special Bidding Awards Committee.

They were earlier excluded from the project due to deficiencies in documentary requirements.

These companies now join Navantia Sepi (RTR Ventures) of Spain and South Korean firms STX Offshore & Shipbuilding, Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co. Ltd. and Hyundai Heavy Industries Inc. which have successfully passed the first stage of the bidding.

Design assessments of the frigate proponents started last February. Each bidder was given five working days to present its concept.

During this period, hull, powerplant, communications, and weapon systems designs were scrutinized closely by the technical working group.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=666959

Military modernization to help in AFP efforts to protect people, sovereignty

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 28): Military modernization to help in AFP efforts to protect people, sovereignty
 
With President Benigno S. Aquino III expressing his continued support to the military's modernization, Armed Forces of the Philippines public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala on Monday said these efforts will make AFP more capable in its efforts in protecting the people and the country's sovereignty.

"The AFP is grateful for President Benigno S. Aquino III's unparalleled support for our modernization. Even before the AFP Modernization Program was enacted, his commitment to the upgrade of our assets, equipment, and personnel’s capability resulted in over P18-billion worth of projects being implemented," he added.

Zagala said the AFP expresses its gratitude for this support.

"We like to assure not only the President but the Filipino people that your Armed Forces will continue its mission and its mandate in protecting the people and our sovereignty," he pointed out.

"And we continue to believe that our Commander-in-Chief will lead the AFP to the right direction and will continue to give his unprecedented support to the AFP modernization," Zagala added.

And on the successful defense of Zamboanga City last September which the Chief Executive lauded the military, Zagala said that it is the AFP's mandate to defend the people from all threats.

"And the defense of Zamboanga City is a product of our collective desire to maintain the peace that our people rightfully deserve. We thank the President for his acknowledgement of our efforts to defend the City of Zamboanga and the freedom of its people from armed threats," he pointed out.

Zagala also added that the AFP will uphold its commitment to international peace and security.

"Our role as peacekeepers in various volatile areas in the world manifests our support to our country’s commitment to the United Nations," the AFP public affairs office chief concluded.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=666989

GPH, MILF working out issues on fiscal autonomy, Bangsamoro gov’t structure

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 28): GPH, MILF working out issues on fiscal autonomy, Bangsamoro gov’t structure

The Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) are working out issues pertaining to fiscal autonomy and the structure of the Bangsamoro government as they hope Congress will approve the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) before the year ends.

GPH chief negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer said both peace panels are finding good solutions to the sticky issues on the draft BBL.

“I guarantee that we will have a good draft BBL and we commit to work with Congress in any way the legislators see fit,” she said in a statement. "We call on the public to keep the faith and to join our collective effort for peace and development in Mindanao."

Ferrer said the GPH and the MILF are both committed to continue the work until the draft BBL is finished so that it will be submitted to the Office of the President in the soonest possible time.

Meanwhile, President Benigno S. Aquino III reiterated his hope that the BBL will be passed into law before the year ends.

“Kung maisasabatas nga po ang Bangsamoro Basic Law bago matapos ang taon at maisasagawa ang kinakailangang plebesito, mabibigyan ng isa't kalahating taon ang Bangsamoro Transition Authority para ipakita ang positibong pagbabago,” the President said during his fifth State-of-the-Nation Address (SONA) on Monday.

“Kung maaantala naman ito, natural pong iikli rin ang panahon para mapatunayan na tama nga ang landas ng kapayapaang tinatahak natin,” he added.

President Aquino called for understanding from Congress in the delay hounding the draft BBL.

“Mahalaga pong maging masusi ang paghimay natin ng bawat probisyong ilalatag. Sa abot ng ating makakaya, isusulong natin ang isang panukalang batas na makatuwiran, makatarungan, at katanggap-tanggap sa lahat,” he said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=667065

Another milestone for F/A-50 program reached --DND

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 28): Another milestone for F/A-50 program reached --DND

Another milestone has been reached in the Philippine government efforts to acquire the South Korean made F/A-50 "Fighting Eagle" jet aircraft.

This was after Department of National Defense (DND) Undersecretary for Finance, Modernization, Installation and Munitions Fernando Manalo disclosed on Monday that the Letter of Credit (LOC) for the aircraft has been finally opened by the supplier.

"The LOC has been finally opened. We have also given the 15 percent payment requested by the contractor," he said in Filipino.

The LOC is a document issued by a financial institution, or a similar party, assuring payment to a seller of goods and/or services provided certain documents have been presented to the bank.

The contract for the 12 F/A-50s being acquired for the Philippine Air Force (PAF) is worth P18.9 billion. It was signed last March 28.

The F/A-50 is manufactured by the Korean Aerospace Industries (KAI).

Manalo did not give the specific date when the LOC was opened but he earlier said that it would be opened seven days starting July 8.

Upon opening of the LOC, two F/A-50 jet aircraft are expected to be delivered 18 months after.

The next two aircraft will be delivered 12 months later and the remaining eight jet planes on staggered basis within eight months.

The F/A-50 has a top speed of Mach 1.5 or one-and-a-half times the speed of sound and is capable of being fitted with air-to-air missiles, including the AIM-9 "Sidewinder" air-to-air and heat-seeking missiles aside from light automatic cannons.

The F/A-50 will act as the country's interim fighter until the Philippines get enough experience of operating fast jet assets and money to fund the acquisition of more capable fighter aircraft.

The F/A-50 design is largely derived from the F-16 "Fighting Falcon" and they have many similarities: use of a single engine, speed, size, cost, and the range of weapons.

KAI's previous engineering experience in license-producing the KF-16 was a starting point for the development of the F/A-50.

The aircraft can carry two pilots in tandem seating. The high-mounted canopy developed by Hankuk Fiber is applied with stretched acrylic, providing the pilots with good visibility, and has been tested to offer the canopy with ballistic protection against four-pound objects impacting at 400 knots.

The altitude limit is 14,600 meters (48,000 feet) and the airframe is designed to last 8,000 hours of service.

There are seven internal fuel tanks with capacity of 2,655 liters (701 U.S. gallons) -- five in the fuselage and two in the wings.

An additional 1,710 liters (452 U.S. gallons) of fuel can be carried in the three external fuel tanks.

Trainer variants have a paint scheme of white and red, and aerobatic variants white, black, and yellow.

The F/A-50 "Fighting Eagle" uses a single General Electric F404-102 turbofan engine license-produced by Samsung Techwin, upgraded with a full authority digital engine control system jointly developed by General Electric and KAI.

The engine consists of three-staged fans, seven axial stage arrangement, and an afterburner.

The aircraft has a maximum speed of Mach 1.4-1.5. Its engine produces a maximum of 78.7 kN (17,700 lbf) of thrust with afterburner.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=666825

DND wants self-sealing fuel tanks for its CAS aircraft

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 28): DND wants self-sealing fuel tanks for its CAS aircraft

To prevent the possible loss in case of an unlucky hit in the fuel storage area, the Department of National Defense (DND), in a supplemental bid bulletin, has announced that it is requiring bidders interested in its close-air support (CAS) aircraft program to present planes equipped with self-sealing fuel tanks.

"During air operations, the resulting damage from enemy ground fire is hardly noticeable. Self-sealing fuel cells will ensure that the fuel loss is averted without any pilot's corrective action. Self-sealing fuel cells are required," it stressed.

Having these fittings will also prevent the plane from exploding if hit by large caliber shells in the fuel area.

Bid opening for the CAS aircraft project is set for Aug. 11.

The DND is planning to acquire six CAS aircraft to replace or beef up the Philippine Air Force's existing Rockwell OV-10 "Bronco" turboprop attack planes.

CAS refers to capability to provide air support to infantry and naval units in contact with the enemy.

Funding for this weapon system will be sourced from the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Modernization Program.

Bid submission and opening will still be held at the DND Bidding and Awards Committee Conference Room, basement right wing, DND Building, Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

DND Undersecretary Fernando Manalo earlier said that the contract includes integrated logistic support system.

Winning bidder must be able to deliver the aircraft within 540 calendar days from the contract's effectivity.

Participants in the DND's CAS project must have completed a similar program within the last 10 years.

Manalo said that the CAS aircraft must be used by the countries offering and manufacturing them.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=666840

4 troopers hurt in Zamboanga Del Sur ambush

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 28): 4 troopers hurt in Zamboanga Del Sur ambush

Troopers from the 1st Infantry Division are now conducting pursuit operations against the New People's Army (NPA) band who ambushed and wounded four soldiers of the 1st Cavalry Squadron in Barangay Maragang, Tigbao town, Zamboanga Del Sur Sunday morning.

Capt. Franco Suelto, 1st Infantry Division spokesperson, said the incident took place around 9:00 a.m.

He said the soldiers were aboard their service vehicle, an Elf truck, and heading towards Zamboanga City when fired upon by the rebels.

Four troopers were hit initially and return fire from other accompanying vehicles repulsed the NPAs.

The wounded soldiers were quickly rushed to the Tigbao Municipal Health Center for treatment.

Suelto said that all four are now in stable condition.

Troopers from the 53rd and 5th Infantry Battalions were immediately deployed in the area to pursue the perpetrators.

“It is unfortunate and sad that the NPA continue to sow terror and violence just to pursue an irrelevant ideology. The soldiers were on administrative movement on the way to a training exercise when they were treacherously attacked by the NPA. It is a random and unplanned move on the NPA side due to their predicament and hardship in the presence of soldiers in their traditional mass base," Suelto said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=666859

(2nd Lead) Death toll in ASG attack against Sulu civilians now at 21 -- Western Mindanao Command

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 28): (2nd Lead) Death toll in ASG attack against Sulu civilians now at 21 -- Western Mindanao Command

The Western Mindanao Command announced on Monday that the death toll on the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) ambush against 50 civilians in Lower Talipao, Sulu has now climbed to 21.

Capt. Rowena Muyuela, Western Mindanao Command spokesperson, said the incident took place around 8:30 a.m. Monday as 40 civilians and 10 members of the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) were on their way to celebrate Hari Raya.

She added that the group were aboard two "Tamaraw" vans which was fired upon by a force of 50 ASG terrorists headed by Idang Susukan and Sibih Pisih.

Muyuela said that 16 persons were immediately killed and 13 others were wounded before the ASG immediately fled.

The wounded civilians were immediately brought to IPHO Jolo for prompt medical attention after being initially given first aid by responding Marines.

Unfortunately, five more wounded victims died bringing the total number of killed to 21, seven of which are males including a two-year-old boy and 14 females.

There were eight seriously wounded (two toddlers, five minors and one senior citizen) and three slightly wounded.

The Western Mindanao Command spokesperson said the motive for the ambush is a retaliatory action against the BPAT who are supporting the military and police in law enforcement operations in the province particularly against the ASG in Talipao. Earlier, reports said "rido," or clan war, instigated the incident.

Military troops together with the PNP and BPAT have launched pursuit operations against the lawless group.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=667075

Suspected leftists burn bulldozer in Southern Palawan town

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 28): Suspected leftists burn bulldozer in Southern Palawan town

Despite several surrenders by members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army (CPP-NPA) in the past months, sporadic strikes remain in remote areas in Palawan, according to the Palawan Provincial Police Office (PPO).

In an interview Monday, PPO Chief Superintendent David Martinez confirmed that four armed members of the CPP-NPA claimed responsibility in the torching Sunday afternoon of a bulldozer owned by a certain Richard Ibanez.

According to Martinez, the incident happened around 5:00 p.m. in Barangay Pulot Dos in the municipality of Sofronio Española in southern Palawan. Ibanez is a contractor for a road project in the area.

“Yes, there was a report made that there was one bulldozer that was torched in a sitio in Barangay Pulot Dos. The bulldozer is owned by a private individual, a contractor, who is doing a road project in the palm oil plantation in southern Palawan,” said Martinez.

The provincial police chief said the four armed suspects claimed responsibility for the torching incident that happened near a palm oil plantation, and that they are members of the leftist movement.

“According to the report that was received by my office, the men introduced themselves as members of the CPP-NPA,” he said.

Reportedly, they belong to a unit of the rebel group that is operating in southern Palawan and is being headed by alias “Ka Harry.”

The bulldozer was torched after the owner of the palm oil, whom Martinez did not name, refused to pay “revolutionary tax.”

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=666860

Sulu officials condemn ambush of innocent civilians by Abu Sayyaf brigands

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 28): Sulu officials condemn ambush of innocent civilians by Abu Sayyaf brigands

The provincial government of Sulu has strongly condemned the ambush of innocent civilians by the Abu Sayyaf brigands in that province on Monday.

Sulu Gov. Abdusakur Tan II and his father, Vice Gov. Abdusakur Tan, issued the condemnation upon receiving the report about the ambush that took place as they were celebrating Eidil Fit’r.

Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) information officer Capt. Ma. Rowena Muyuela disclosed that 16 people were killed while 13 others were wounded in the ambush at around 8:30 a.m. in Barangay Lower Talipao, Talipao town.

Muyuela said that troops are pursuing the Abu Sayyaf brigands led by Idang Susukan and Sibih Pisih who fled to the hinterlands.

She said the victims were among the estimated 40 people on board two passenger vehicles that were ambushed by some 50 Abu Sayyaf bandits.

Ten of the 40 people aboard the two vehicles are members of the Barangay Police Action Team (BPAT) and could most likely be the main targets, she added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=666910