WikiLeaks: Libya used Sabah to arm PHL Moro rebels in 1970s

From GMA News (Apr 12): WikiLeaks: Libya used Sabah to arm PHL Moro rebels in 1970s

Sabah had played a big role in the rise of the Muslim secessionist movement in Mindanao in the 1970s when it was used as conduit in the smuggling of arms from Libya to southern Philippines, according to declassified cables published by WikiLeaks.

According to two cables, former Sabah chief minister Tun Mustapha facilitated the arms smuggling from Libya, then ruled by military dictator Muammar Gaddafi, to Mindanao to arm Moro rebels there in the hope that it will force the Philippines to abandon its claim to Sabah.

A cable dated April 17, 1976, quoted then-Sabah chief minister Tun Fuad as saying that it was “no secret” that his predecessor, Mustapha, supplied arms to Philippine guerrillas.

“He said it was no secret that his predecessor, former chief minister Tun Mustapha, had been running guns and money from Libya's Gaddafi to the Philippine guerrillas,” according to the secret cable written by an unnamed American Embassy official in Kuala Lumpur.

The official reported that “assistance has been provided to Filipino Muslim insurgents directly by Mustapha, by Libya and perhaps other Arab countries through Mustapha, and there is evidence of GOM (Government of Malaysia) agencies collaborating with Mustapha.”

The official added that Mustapha seemed to have resorted to arms smuggling following reports that then-Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos was training Muslims to invade Sabah, a disputed territory. This project failed and eventually led to the killing of 68 to 200 young Moros on March 18, 1968, an event now known as the Jabidah Massacre.

“(Government of Malaysia's) involvement in the southern Philippines was triggered by evidence in 1968-89 that president Marcos was training Muslims for infiltration of Sabah (the Jabidah affair),” according to the cable.

The official also said the Sabah government would not stop arms smuggling unless Marcos gives up the Sabah claim.

“The mission feels that while present Kuala Lumpur government may be less inclined to condone direct assistance to Moro rebels, the government of Malaysia (Mustapha) will not give up possibility of extending such assistance until President Marcos publicly and categorically abandons Philippine claim to Sabah,” according to the cable.

Upon finding out about Marcos' plan to invade Sabah, Malaysia allegedly conspired with Moro secessionist groups to distract the Philippines from the Sabah claim, said Abraham Idjirani, spokesperson of the Jamalul Kiram III's sultanate whose forces are fighting against Malaysian authorities in their stake for the land.

Sabah then instigated an "arms shipping" from Libya to Sulu, Palawan and Mindanao to arm a group of young Moro soldiers which came to be known as the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), he added.

After MNLF co-opted with the Philippine government, Sabah then veered their arms shipments to a breakaway group the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Idjirani claimed. The MNLF signed a peace pact with the government in 1996. On the other hand, the MILF is now conducting exploratory talks on the peace process in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

"The arm shipments were done to augment the power capacity of the MNLF in fighting against Philippine government. When they co-opted with the Philippine government, they now encouraged the MILF to fight against Philippine government," Idjirani said in a phone interview.

"It is Malaysia who created the Mindanao conflict so that the Philippine government could not focus their attention in pursuing their claim to Sabah," he added.

Reached for a reaction, MILF peace panel chairperson Mohagher Iqbal said he does not want to comment on a "very delicate issue."

As of posting time, GMA News Online was still awaiting for a response on our e-mailed query from the Malaysian Embassy in the Philippines.

Another cable detailing the meeting between former Indonesian ambassador Sjarif Thajeb in a meeting with US State Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Marshal Green mentioned reports that the Indonesian government invited Sabah's Mustapha “in order to persuade him to stop supporting Muslim insurgents in Southern Philippines.”

The Indonesian ambassador was then under the “view that problem would be resolved if GOP (Government of the Philippines) renounced its claim to Sabah, but observed that this view (is) 'not yet' communicated to GOP,” according to the cable dated March 10, 1973.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/303584/news/nation/wikileaks-libya-used-sabah-to-arm-phl-moro-rebels-in-1970s

PH open to US bases

From the Manila Bulletin (Apr 12): PH open to US bases
          

American Military Facilities May Be Allowed Under ‘Extreme Emergency’ – Gazmin

 

Amid North Korea’s nuclear threat, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin yesterday said the United States may be allowed to open military bases in the country in case of “extreme emergency.”

 

“Well right now our Constitution does not allow that (setting of new American or any foreign military bases) but in cases of extreme emergency then there are extreme measures to be undertaken... maybe this is one of them,” said Gazmin, without elaborating constitutes “cases of extreme emergency.”

The defense chief made the statement when asked if the United States can set up military bases in the Philippines “in case something happens” in the face of explicit nuclear threats by North Korea.

 

He likewise clarified that at the moment, the defense and military departments have not raised alert level despite rising tensions in the Korean Peninsula.

 

“We are still on normal alert level,” said the defense chief, noting that even in North and South Korea it’s still business as usual.

 

But he also stressed that the government is prepared to evacuate the 43,000 Filipinos working in the Korean peninsula in a shooting war erupts.

 

“The Air Force has three Lockheed C-130 ‘Hercules’ aircraft in stand-by while the Navy has the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PF-15),” Gazmin said, adding this is the first time that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has the stand-by capability to evacuate its nationals without resorting to its allies.

 

In the same interview, Gazmin said while the government does not allow any foreign military to set up a permanent base at the moment, there is increased rotational presence of American troops in the country who are involved in exercises and training.

 

While the 1987 Constitution bans permanent foreign military bases in the country, American maintains close military ties with the Philippines under the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) and the 1998 Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA).

 

Through the MDT and VFA, US military forces have actively engaged their Philippines counterparts in bilateral exercise such as the ongoing “Balikatan,” which is now on its 29th iteration.

 

The US also has about 500 forces temporarily deployed in Mindanao under the Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines (JSOTF-P). JSOTF-P, which operates under the Special Operations Command, has maintained its presence in the south since 2002.

 

Last week at the opening of the Balikatan exercise, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert Del Rosario said the Philippines is bound to help the US in case North Korea will make good its threat of a nuclear attack.

 

“I think as treaty allies, if there is an attack we should help one another which is what the treaty alliance is all about,” he said.

 

http://www.mb.com.ph/article.php?aid=7434&sid=1&subid=1

Release of 12 Chinese sought

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 12): Release of 12 Chinese sought

PUERTO PRINCESA CITY—Let them go. Forgive and forget. This was the gist of what two ranking officials of the Chinese Embassy in Manila on Thursday were asking in trying to secure the immediate release of 12 Chinese fishermen accused of poaching in the Tubbataha Reef in the Sulu Sea. But they were snubbed by marine park and defense officials.

Instead of listening to Consul General Shen Zicheng and Third Secretary Li Jian, officials of the Tubbataha Management Office proceeded to file bribery charges against the 12 Chinese fishermen, who were arraigned in a court here on Wednesday on charges of poaching.

Shen and Li arrived here on Tuesday and sought a meeting with marine park supervisor Angelique Songco, but were “quietly turned down,” according to a member of the Tubbataha Management Board.

The two Chinese diplomats refused to talk to reporters and returned to Manila on Thursday, said the board member, who requested anonymity for not having authorization to discuss the matter with journalists.

An official at the military’s Western Command (Wescom) here said the two Chinese officials tried to convince local defense authorities in a meeting on Wednesday to pardon the fishermen because their presence in Tubbataha, a protected marine sanctuary, was “unintentional.”

“They tried to convince us that this was all an accident and they did not intend to be there,” the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said.

The fishermen have been in detention here since their arrest by park rangers who found their vessel, the 48-meter Ming Long Yu, jammed onto the northern atoll of the world-famous marine sanctuary, 1,600 kilometers from China’s nearest major landmass.

“We will seek to quickly prosecute and resolve this case,” Alen Ross Rodriguez, chief prosecutor of Palawan province, which has jurisdiction over Tubbataha, said.

“No one can just enter our waters and willfully destroy our marine life,” Rodriguez said.

Second case

Like the marine park officials, the security officials refused to listen to Shen and Li, the Wescom official said.

Lawyer Adel Villena of the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development, who assisted the marine park authorities in bringing the bribery charges, said the second case involved the Chinese fishermen’s offering park rangers $2,400 to let them go after their boat ran aground on the northern atoll of Tubbataha Reefs, a UN World Heritage-listed site, on Monday night.

“The second case was for violation of Article No. 212 of the Revised Penal Code concerning bribery of public officials,” Villena said.

“Possibly we are also going to file an additional case for judicial determination of fines,” he added.
The Chinese fishermen—Che Li Yong, Fon Lenl Yie, Zuan Ven Fe, Wang Yu Zhen, Lizhong Shen, Lizhi Ming, Liu Cheng Tie, Liu Wen Jie, Tung Zhue We, Tang Hai Ling, Wen Hong Min and Qi Vixn—face up to 12 years in jail in the Philippines on conviction.

No Beijing role

Despite the Chinese Embassy’s intervention, Malacañang on Thursday dismissed insinuations that Beijing was behind the unauthorized entry of the Ming Long Yu into Tubbataha.

“At this point, we’re treating it the way it looks, it’s a Chinese fishing vessel, not government-owned, and that it ran aground by accident,” Communications Secretary Ricky Carandang told reporters in the Palace.

“At this point, we have no reason to believe otherwise,” he added.

The filing of charges against the Chinese fishermen followed President Aquino’s promise of swift legal action to quickly resolve the violations of Philippine environmental and maritime security laws.

US Navy case

The Ming Long Yu is the second foreign vessel to run aground on Tubbataha Reefs this year.
On Jan. 17, the US Navy’s minesweeper, the USS Guardian, ran aground on the south atoll of Tubbataha, damaging over 2,000 square meters of coral reef in the sanctuary.

The Guardian had to be dismmantled piece by piece to prevent further damage to the reef, in a salvage operation that took 10 weeks.

The damage would cost the US Navy $1.4 million in fines, which environmentalists and some lawmakers find too small. They want the government to press the investigation to determine further US liability for the damage to the reef.

Responding to criticism of the government’s speedy legal action against the Chinese fishermen and its kid glove handling of the US Navy in the Guardian incident, Carandang said: “Those are two separate incidents. They are not apples to apples. One is a military ship of an allied country that was here with our permission, involved in our mutual defense. The other is a private fishing vessel, which was here without permission [and] for commercial reasons. So clearly, the different natures of these [incidents] necessitate different responses.”

Investigation

The US Navy has relieved the four top officers of the Guardian while an investigation of the grounding is going on.

“We have an investigation that is proceeding with the Americans, and there are certain laws and practices that we have to abide by,” Carandang said.

He said the goals of the US internal investigation were to find out what really happened and to seek “some sort of reparations for the damages that admittedly were incurred.”

“Nobody believes that this was done on purpose so our idea is, if something happens again, there are certain processes in place that would ensure or that would provide for resolution or reparation,” Carandang said.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/389421/release-of-12-chinese-sought

PH to stick with arbitration under UNCLOS to pursue Spratly claims

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Apr 12): PH to stick with arbitration under UNCLOS to pursue Spratly claims
The Philippines reiterated, on Thursday, its commitment to the peaceful settlement of its claims in the West Philippine Sea or the South China Sea area through arbitration proceedings under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, or UNCLOS.

Speaking before the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ foreign ministers meeting in Bandar Seri Begawan, Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario emphasized on Thursday, that “the Philippines’ recourse to arbitration is firmly rooted in the tradition of good global citizenship.”

“The Philippines shall always adhere to the peaceful settlements of disputes through lawful, non-coercive and transparent means that promote the healthy functioning of an equitable and rules-based international system,” said the Department of Foreign Affairs head.

Del Rosario asserted that Manila’s arbitration initiative, “when objectively considered, will benefit all parties.”

“For the Philippines, it will clearly define what is legitimately ours, specifically maritime entitlements under the UNCLOS with regards to our fishing rights to resources and our right to enforce our laws within our Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ),” he said.

For China, “an arbitration award will finally clarify its lawful maritime entitlements in the South China Sea,” he pointed out.

“This will enable China to provide responsible leadership towards fostering stability in the region,” according to Del Rosario.

At the same time, he reiterated that “the Philippines’ desire to have a legally binding Code of Conduct in the South China Sea has not changed.”

“We will continue to work with ASEAN and China in crafting the COC and in implementing our commitments under the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC),” he said, adding ASEAN should “focus on solidarity in taking a stronger position on violations of the DOC.”

In a related development, the DFA said China had yet to respond to the Philippines’ request for clarification of its new maritime rules in the West Philippine Sea.

Beijing “did not reply to our note (verbale),” Assistant Secretary Raul Hernandez told the Philippine Daily Inquirer.

Sometime in late December, China sent its first patrol vessel to disputed parts of the West Philippine Sea ahead of its enforcement of new rules that authorized Chinese border police to board search and expel foreign vessels from waters Beijing considers its territory.

The patrol chief Haixun 21 reportedly sailed into the high seas under the administration of the Maritime Safety Administration of Hanan Province from which China administers the West Philippine Sea.

Del Rosario then said that if the reports proved correct, the Philippines would ask the Chinese why they were patrolling and in what areas.

The new rules came into effect on January 1, but ASEAN nations and the United States had asked China for clarification on their purpose and extent.

China claims almost the entire West Philippine Sea, but the Philippines, Malaysia, Vietnam and Brunei claim parts of the sea within their EEZs. Taiwan also claims some islands in the same sea.

The Philippines and Vietnam are the more strident claimants, both pressing for the resolution of their claims according to UNCLOS and for a code of conduct in the region to prevent the conflicting claims from erupting into armed clashes.

http://globalnation.inquirer.net/71879/ph-to-stick-with-arbitration-under-unclos-to-pursue-spratly-claims

Boat loaded with gunmen sinks in Zambo Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 12): Boat loaded with gunmen sinks in Zambo Sur

A motor boat loaded with gunmen involved in a firefight between two warring families sank off Zamboanga del Sur late yesterday, causing an undetermined number of casualties, local police said today.

Ariel Huesca, Zamboanga Peninsula police spokesman, said initial investigation showed that the clash between the Moen Lam and Lao families occurred around 5 p.m. Thursday off the coast in Pisaan, Dinas town.

Both parties agreed to meet at the sea for a firefight, a move to solve their problems, Huesca added.

Moen Group from Dimataling town on board a motor boat fell down and sank into the sea with undetermined number of passengers, Huesca said.

He said that the motive of the incident was believed to be family feud, adding that investigation has still been underway.
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/04/12/930151/boat-loaded-gunmen-sinks-zambo-sur

NPAs demand ‘campaign fees’ from 12 Caraga bets

From the Philippine Star (Apr 12): NPAs demand ‘campaign fees’ from 12 Caraga bets

BUTUAN CITY, Philippines – Communist rebels have reportedly demanded so-called “permit to campaign” fees from at least 12 candidates running for various positions in the Caraga region, according to a military official.

Lt. Col Eugene Osias, spokesman of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division, did not identify the candidates for their safety and security, except to say that they have asked for police and military assistance.

Osias gave assurance that authorities are ready to provide security to candidates being harassed by the New People’s Army (NPA).

The military earlier urged candidates to turn down the NPA’s extortion demands and avoid campaigning in communist-infested areas.

Local radio station dxBC of the Radio Mindanao Network earlier identified Butuan City councilor Ryan Anthony Culima, who is running for re-election under the Liberal Party (LP), as among those being asked to pay P20 million in campaign permit fees.

The amount, according to the radio station, is also for San Roque Mining Inc. (SRMI), where Culima is an official. SRMI is one of the biggest mining firms operating in Agusan del Norte.

Culima, in an interview with The STAR, neither confirmed nor denied the dxBC report.

“Where in the hands of God will I get the P20 million?… I am only an employee of SRMI being its spokesman. I only receive salary for my services,” he said.

The dxBC report added that the proclamation rally of LP candidates in Las Nieves town was cancelled due to the reported sighting of NPA guerrillas there.

Osias said the Caraga region is now an area of concern in the May elections due to the increased presence of NPA rebels.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/04/13/929942/npas-demand-campaign-fees-12-caraga-bets

NPA stages 2 attacks in Camarines Norte town

From Bicol Today (Apr 11): NPA stages 2 attacks in Camarines Norte town

The New People’s Army (NPA) staged two successive attacks within the week in Labo town, Camarines Norte, which included the burning of mining equipment and shooting to death of an ex-rebel turned barangay tanod (village security).

Senior Supt. Moises Pagaduan, Camarines Norte provincial police director, said over the phone Thursday that suspected NPA rebels burned down equipment worth P4 million early morning Monday in the mining town of Labo.

Pagaduan said the equipment belong to Bohai Top Mining International, a mining firm owned by a Chinese national he named only as Mr. Peng, which operates mining activities in Barangay Napaod, Labo.

He said two dump trucks and a payloader were burned by around 20 NPA rebels.

Ka Greg Bañares, spokesperson of the National Democratic Front (NDF) in Bicol, said in a statement Thursday that the Chinese mining firm was penalized for alleged disregard of the environment.

Pagaduan said the NPA rebels have yet to own or disown the Tuesday killing of Jimmy Marquez, 45, married with children, who was shot dead with a .45-caliber pistol by one of three assailants.

He said Marquez, a rebel returnee, was walking home when three armed men, two with M16 rifles, waylaid him.

Pagaduan said the suspected NPA rebels fled on foot towards the mountainous part of Barangay Tigbinan of the same town.

http://bicoltoday.com/?p=9538

No more RPA-ABB

From the Visayan Daily Star (Apr 12): No more RPA-ABB

The name, “Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade,” an armed component of the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Mangagawa-Pilipinas, no longer exists.

Instead, it is now known as the “KAPATIRAN para sa Progresong Panlipunan (Brotherhood for Social Progress),” as part of the compliance with the provisions of the peace agreement they signed with the government in year 2000.

The peace agreement aims to transform the RPA-ABB into a civilian, socio- economic organization; and to mainstream its members into their communities, provide them with livelihood and employment, and move them towards disarmament and the dismantling of their military structure.

With this development, Gilbert Arsenal, who was elected president of the KAPATIRAN, said they are now a legitimate organization composed of former revolutionary armed group members, that will lead to the disbandment of the RPA-ABB.

Records of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process show that, of the 716 profiled RPA-ABB members, 607 are in Negros Occidental, 58 in Negros Oriental, and the rest scattered in Panay and some areas of Mindanao and Luzon. They also possess more than 400 firearms and 300 explosives.

Since they entered into the peace pact with the government, Arsenal said, 50 to 60 percent of the provisions of the peace agreement have already been complied with by the government. He, however, said the threats to their lives and resettlement areas of their members, among others, are still to be addressed.

The OPPAP has proposed a P279.16 million budget for livelihood and development programs for conflict-affected communities identified by then RPA-ABB (Tabara-Paduano Group), that will be implemented through the PAMANA (Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan) program, a national government framework and program for conflict-affected areas, and in communities covered by existing peace agreements.

KAPATIRAN secretary Marlon de los Santos said the transformation of the RPA-ABB into a socio-political-economic organization, may be an eye opener and show members of the New People's Army, that waging an armed struggle is no longer an option.

Pending signing of the closure agreement, de los Santos, however, said they may still possess their firearms for security reasons. But he added that they are very strict against the display of firearms in public places and they will not tolerate it.

Arsenal also dismissed as “black propaganda” claims that they are serving as private armed groups of some politicians during the election period. He, however, admitted that they are supporting some candidates in the May 13 elections, including the Abang Lingkod partylist group, with Stephen Paduano, as the number one nominee.

Paduano, known as Carapali Lualhati, had served as commander of the RPA-ABB for more than a decade, before he resigned last year.

Arturo Tabara, who used to the secretary of the CPP-NPA Visayas Commission, founded the RPM-P, after they severed their ties with the mainstream rebel faction in the early 1990s. He was murdered in Quezon City by suspected NPA assassins.

His wife, Veronica, succeeded him as the RPM-P secretary.

As stipulated in the closure agreement, the RPA-ABB Tabara Paduano Group has agreed to lay down its firearms, even without monetary remuneration.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/April/12/topstory6.htm

Chinese vessels continue to stay at Panatag Shoal a year after tension between Manila, Beijing

From InterAksyon (Apr 12): Chinese vessels continue to stay at Panatag Shoal a year after tension between Manila, Beijing

Chinese vessels continue to remain at the Panatag (Scarborough) shoal—claimed by both the Philippines and China—more than a year after Beijing blocked Manila from arresting its nationals caught poaching on local waters.

Two China Marine Surveillance (CMS) vessels and a Fisheries Law Enforcement Command (FLEC) ship are still in the disputed area, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said on Friday.

For its part, the Philippines maintains its naval and air assets in the area. No recent tension or standoff has yet been reported.

"They are there, but we don't want to escalate the problem. We have done our part by submitting this matter to an international court of arbitration so that we can resolve this peacefully," Gazmin said.

On April 10, 2012, tension erupted between the Manila and Beijing when a Philippine Navy ship attempted to arrest Chinese fishermen who illegally collected corals, giant clams, and live sharks in the area but was blocked by Chinese vessels.

Gazmin dismissed speculations that China was already controlling the area. He also denied that Philippines has weakened its stance on Panatag Shoal.

Meanwhile, the Philippine government has still yet to identify the two foreign aircraft that intruded into Philippine air space last week. The two unidentified aircraft flew at high-speed over Philippines' Pag-asa Island.

"That is the sad truth about these things. We admit...we cannot file the necessary complaint because we have not identified the nationality of these aircraft," Gazmin said.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/59280/chinese-vessels-continue-to-stay-at-panatag-shoal-a-year-after-tension-between-manila-beijing

Spies? We're looking into that, Gazmin says of Chinese fishermen whose vessel got stuck on reef

From InterAksyon (Apr 12): Spies? We're looking into that, Gazmin says of Chinese fishermen whose vessel got stuck on reef



Chinese fishermen arrive in Puerto Princesa after their vessel got stuck on Tubbataha. (Elmer Badilla, InterAksyon.com)

Philippine intelligence officials are looking into the possibility that the Chinese fishermen whose vessel got stuck on Tubbataha Reef could be spies.

While it remains “coincidental” that the grounding of the Chinese vessel took place just months after the US Navy ship USS Guardian got stuck in the same area, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said appropriate agencies are now looking into the matter.

"It's difficult for us to just accuse anyone or suspect anyone, it's unfair but we do hope it's coincidental," he told reporters on Friday.

Speculations arose that the Chinese fishermen could be secret agents after they tried to bribe park officials with $2,400.

The 12 Chinese fishermen were brought to the local detention facility in Palawan after they were charged for violating several environmental laws.

Gazmin could also not confirm reports that the 12 Chinese fishermen had asked for their freedom.

The Philippine Coast Guard hopes to remove the Chinese fishing vessel from the North Atoll this weekend.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/59293/spies-were-looking-into-that-gazmin-says-of-chinese-fishermen-whose-vessel-got-stuck-on-reef

Gazmin rules out US bases but sees increased American military presence in cases of emergency

From InterAksyion (Apr 12): Gazmin rules out US bases but sees increased American military presence in cases of emergency

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin ruled out the possibility of re-establishing US military bases in the Philippines after tension rose in the Korean Peninsula.

However, in cases of emergencies, "extreme measures" may be undertaken such as increased US presence in the country, Gazmin said. For the meantime, the Philippines will continue to undertake bilateral military exercises and training with the US military, he added.

The Philippine government also has contingency measures in place should violence break out in the Korean peninsula. Gazmin said the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute also has prepared possible scenarios in case of a full-blown nuclear war that could affect the Philippines.

"But hopefully we will not be able to implement this, meaning we hope our worst fears would not happen," Gazmin told reporters.

Air and naval assets from the Philippines are also on standby should Filipinos living and working in South Korea need evacuation, he added.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/59302/gazmin-rules-out-us-bases-but-sees-increased-american-military-presence-in-cases-of-emergency

US, Philippine Marines in live-fire maneuver

From Rappler (Apr 12): US, Philippine Marines in live-fire maneuver

ALLIES. US and Filipino armed forces stage armored assault maneuvers as part of annual military exercises the Philippines has deemed vital in building its capacity to defend itself. Photo by AFP

 

 

CAPAS, Philippines - US and Filipino marines staged armored assault maneuvers on Friday, April 12, as part of annual military exercises the Philippines has deemed vital in building its capacity to defend itself.

This year's edition is taking part amid a tense territorial dispute between the Philippines and China in the South China Sea, as well as bellicose anti-US rhetoric by North Korea.

More than 8,000 soldiers from both countries, 30 military aircrafts including a dozen US F/A-18 Hornets and 3 naval vessels are taking part in 12 days of military exercises that end on Wednesday, April 17.

The exercise, part of annual large-scale war games, highlighted how two allied armed forces with unequal military capability can work together to defeat a common enemy, said First Lieutenant Garth Langley, a US participant.

"They didn't have their own vehicles, but we put them inside our vehicles and showed them what we can do with inter-operability," Langley told AFP, speaking of their Filipino Marine counterparts.

About 60 US and Filipino Marines aboard 4 US AAV-7 amphibious assault vehicles ploughed through the volcanic ash of Crow Valley, a gunnery range laid waste by the 1991 eruption of nearby Mt Pinatubo.

The marines fired live rounds from the armored vehicles' mounted machine guns, after which their occupants got off and used their automatic rifles to hit designated targets, said Langley, a 25-year-old from California.

Afterwards, a US F/A-18 Hornet fighter jet screamed atop the Crow Valley canyons in a related military exercise being conducted from the nearby Clark air field.

At a time of rising regional tensions, the Philippines has sought closer diplomatic and military ties with the United States, its former colonial ruler.

The two countries share a 61-year-old mutual defense pact, which requires the US to come to the aid of the Philippines if it is attacked.

Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario said at the opening of the maneuvers last week that the war games are an important contribution to building the country's capacity to defend its territorial integrity.

However First Lieutenant Langley said Friday's live-fire exercise was not conducted with a specific enemy force in mind.

"We're focused on what we're doing. It doesn't matter what's going on in the world," he added.

http://www.rappler.com/world/26103-us-philippine-live-fire-maneuver

GPH Chief Negotiator: GPH-MILF peace process reaches new phase

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 12): GPH Chief Negotiator: GPH-MILF peace process reaches new phase

Government of the Philippines (GPH) peace panel chair Professor Miriam Coronel-Ferrer on Thursday said that the peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is taking on a “new phase” never reached before by both sides.

“We are where the process has never been before. Never before had the negotiations between the government and the MILF come to the stage of actually defining and listing down powers; of actually identifying sources of funds and revenues for the new political entity that we are creating. Never before has the transformation of an armed group been discussed let alone imagined in detail,” she said in her speech during the closing ceremony of the 37th GPH-MILF Formal Exploratory Talks in Kuala Lumpur, a statement from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace (Process) said.

The panels concluded their three-day talks with the signing of the Terms of Reference for Sajahatra Bangsamoro, which is a development program jointly undertaken by the GPH and the MILF to deliver basic socio-economic services to target communities in the south.

Discussions on the normalization annex by their respective Technical Working Groups also resumed while both parties continued to discuss the remaining issues on power-sharing and wealth-sharing.

“Let us not think there is only one correct way of moving forward. After this round, we have agreed to a process of exchanging notes that will settle the unresolved issues,” Coronel-Ferrer added, thanking Malaysian Facilitator Tengku Dato’ Ab Ghafar Tengku Mohamed for his “willingness to maximize the potential of this approach in the next weeks before we convene again for the finishing touches.”

She said that both panels may possibly sign the three remaining annexes at the same time or sign each in a sequential process.

“However the actual process turns out, what is important is that we do this together, take the same path together, and reach our goal together – with the rest of the country, the whole government, its three branches, Philippine civil society and the international community behind us,” Coronel-Ferrer stated.

Overcoming challenges

The peace panel chair quoted President Aquino in describing the current stage of the GPH-MILF peace process to the difficult part called “Heartbreak Hill” in the famous Boston marathon.

“The Heartbreak Hill, it turns out, has many diversions. We are once more in this long marathon, at the crossroad where we need to stop and reflect … to get us a full second wind that will carry us through the finishing line.”

Tough round

MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal described the three-day sessions as “tough.”

He congratulated everyone “for being very professional” as they exchanged their views “in the spirit of fair play and understanding.”

“We know that in negotiations, nothing is personal, it is about issues,” said Iqbal. “Rest assured that on the part of MILF peace panel, we have only respect for our counterparts in government. I know that our counterparts in government are honorable women and men. We salute all of them.”

He stressed the need to complete the annexes the soonest possible time. “We understand that the remaining issues are very tough, very, very tough but they are not insurmountable. We can surmount all these remaining issues as long as our negotiation is (geared toward) problem-solving. We can settle these, Insha Allah.”

Based on solid ground

Coronel-Ferrer reiterated, “The GPH wants a peace agreement based on a solid foundation that will withstand scrutiny and has solid legal, political and financial grounds.”

“We are thoroughly reviewing all the issues on the table so that we can confidently sign and implement what we agree to,” she stated.(opapp.gov.ph)

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1781365764951

Philippine Army Aptitude Test Battery set on Apr. 26-27

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 12): Philippine Army Aptitude Test Battery set on Apr. 26-27

The Philippine Army Recruitment Office for Mindanao, Army Personnel Management Center (APMC) is set to conduct an Aptitude Test Battery examinations (PAATB) and other Pre-Written Examinations for Officer Candidate Course (OCC), Officer Preparatory Course (OPC) Probationary Officer Training Course and Candidate Soldier Course (CSC) on April 26, 2013 at the Surigao State College of College, Surigao City and April 27, 2013 at the Kalayaan Hall, 15th RCDG, Butuan City.

Qualifications for OCC are: he/she must be 21-24 years old, single, Filipino, physically and mentally fit, at least 5 feet tall, and baccalaureate degree holder.

For OPC qualifications are: he/she must be a graduate of Probationary Officers Training Course, baccalaureate degree holder, 21-31 years old, single, minimum height is 5 feet, Filipino and mentally and physically fit.

Qualifications for POTC are: he/she is at least 21 years old, college graduate and ROTC advance graduate and must be physically and mentally fit.

And for CSC, he/she is 18-26 years old, single w/ no child, minimum height at least 5 feet tall, Filipino, at least had 72 units in college, if applicant is high school graduate, he/she must possess a certified skill needed in the military service and physically and mentally fit.

Interested applicants must prepare the needed requirements such as; NSO Birth Certificate, Transcript of Records and Diploma, Form 137-A for High School Graduate, and any Valid Identification Card.

For additional information you may contact Philippine Army Technical Sergeant Darwin F. Doble at 0947-7149299.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1721365736909

WESMINCOM awards bronze cross medal to IMT personnel

From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 12): WESMINCOM awards bronze cross medal to IMT personnel

The Western Mindanao Command (WESMINCOM) has recently awarded bronze cross medal to outgoing personnel of the International Monitoring Team (IMT) whose one year tour of duty ended on March this year.

In a statement, Col Rodrigo T Gregorio, WESMINCOM Public Information Officer (PIO) said the awards were given last February 25 in recognition of IMT personnel’s acts of heroism during their stint at the command from March 3, 2012 to March 23, 2013.

The awardees were composed of five Malaysians, three Indonesians, and two Brunei nationals. They were recognized for their efforts in monitoring the ceasefire agreement which led to the signing of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Col. Gregorio said that Col. Halim of the Royal Malaysian Army and his team monitored and ensured the establishment of the plan for the development and humanitarian support that would complement the peaceful resolution of the conflict.

“They ensured the implementation of guidelines of the ceasefire agreement and the Joint PGH-MILF Law Enforcement Operations against kidnappers and lawless elements in areas with MILF presence. With the collaborative efforts of Ad Hoc joint Action Group (AHJAG), Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH), and WESMINCOM, they successfully facilitated the activities for the Civilian Protection Component (CPC) in MILF communities,” Gregorio said.

He lauded the awardees for they disregarded personal safety by actively pacifying and preventing armed confrontations between warring clans in Basilan, Zamboanga Sibugay, and Zamboanga del Norte.

He said that together with (AHJAG), the awardees conducted numerous advocacies and focused discussions in the headquarters of the division and brigades on the ceasefire mechanisms and agreements.

According to Gregorio, the awardees have actively assisted GPH and MILF panels, Local Government Units (LGUs), and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) during the conduct of 13 advocacies on the FAB.

These efforts greatly helped the local populace in deeply understanding the agreement in localities not covered by the proposed Bangsamoro and in covered provinces without MILF. They conducted limited civil military cooperation projects with the locals and engaged the AFP, PNP, LGUs, NGOs and the MILF in the area of monitoring (AOM).

“During their stint, they conducted peace advocacies to 30 interested groups, met all provincial governors, municipal mayors, some barangay captains, numerous NGOs, PNP and AFP commanders, and most MILF commanders,” he reported.

He also noted that last July 2012, the awardees had actively assisted GPH-MILF panels, LGUs, and AHJAG in bringing cooperation and establishing trust between 102nd Infantry Brigade and the MILF commanders in Tumangong, Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay Province to prevent the operations of lawless elements.

“With GPH-MILF and AHJAG, they spearheaded confidence-building activities and measures between AFP and MILF in Basilan Province by setting up peaceful meetings between AFP Commanders and MILF Commanders in the area in January 2013 in Magkawa, Al Barka, Basilan,” he said.

Gregorio said that the event started bridging network, close relationship, law and order, and facilitates peaceful resolution of conflicts between leadership and members of both camps.

Together with AHJAG, LGU and 104th Infantry Brigade, the awardees were active in the settlement of conflict between Ustaz Amir Mingkong of MILF and the Bakkal family on Jan. 21, 2013 in Baag, Sumisip, Basilan.

The command is expecting a new batch of IMT soon to replace the outgoing personnel.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1421365670336