From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 13): Military foils threat from New People's Army
PINUKPUK, Kalinga -- Operatives of the 51st Division Reconnaissance Company (DRC) encountered a group of New people’s Army (NPA) at sitio Kubog, barangay Limos this municipality early morning of April 7.
1Lt. Sandaree Macaiba, Acting Information Officer of the 501st ‘Valiant’ brigade, in a belated report said a platoon of the 51st DRC under 2Lt. McGyver Ricardel were on their routinary patrol at the vicinity when they encountered about 14 NPAs.
She said the soldiers were on the scene responding to reports that the NPAs were allegedly demanding food from the communities of Balbalan and Pinukpuk. The encounter she said resulted to the wounding of one personnel on the government side while undetermined on the enemy side.
Macaiba in a press release said the NPAs were forcing civilians to help them during the firefight which made the soldiers to disengage in order to avoid hitting innocent civilians.
“This shows how the military exercises maximum restraint to protect the civilian populace, which is the tactic used by the NPA making civilians as human shields with total disregard for their safety,” Macaiba said.
On the other hand, Col. Roger Salvador, Commanding Officer of the 501st Infantry Brigade based here reiterated his call to NPA members willing to return to the folds of the law that the government is welcoming them to join the Armed Forces of the Philippines provided they are qualified.
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=171365643390
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Palace exec: PHL confirming if 12 Chinese in Tubbataha incident were spies
From GMA News (Apr 13): Palace exec: PHL confirming if 12 Chinese in Tubbataha incident were spies
Malacañang on Saturday said the Philippine intelligence community is determining whether the 12 Chinese in the Tubbataha grounding incident were spies.
“Tinitingnan pa ng ating intelligence community ang report. Meron tayong sinasagawang investigation para makita ang circumstances surrounding the grounding of the fishing boat,” deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said on government-run dzRB radio.
For now, she said, “wala pang confirmation (there is no confirmation)” that the 12 could be spies.
On Friday, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said the intelligence community will look into reports that the 12 Chinese crewmembers are actually spies.
While saying that the grounding may only be incidental to the grounding of the American minesweeper USS Guardian in January, Gazmin nevertheless said that the reports will be analyzed.
The 12 Chinese fishermen are now detained at the Palawan Provincial Jail after being charged for poaching and attempting to bribe park rangers.
The initial investigation showed their vessel ran aground at Tubbataha Reef before midnight of April 8, three months after the minesweeper USS Guardian was also grounded there Jan. 17.
Investigation
Gazmin said an investigation is being conducted by the provincial committee on illegal entrant on the circumstances of the incident.
“But we have also our intelligence community that can look into this, analyze and see if indeed they are genuine fishermen or disguised fishermen,” he said of the crewmen who have been already charged of poaching.
The 12 were also charged with of corruption of public officials for allegedly offering US$2,400 bribe to park rangers of the Tubbataha Management Office who responded to the grounding incident.
Unfair
Gazmin said it may be unfair for the 12 Chinese to be accused as spies.
“Its difficult to just make an accusation. We should have a basis in accusing people or suspecting people. That’s unfair.”
TMO chief Angelique Songco has said they have a low batting average on the conviction of suspected poachers because the “national office” usually pardon the offenders.
“I think that will not happen again,” said Gazmin on the possible pardoning of the 12 crewmen.
“We have laws that should be applied, that will determine if they are going to be set free,” he added.
Military-like posture
An earlier report by radio dzBB’s Palawan affiliate James Viernes also noted the 12 bore a military-like posture during their inquest proceedings earlier this week.
On the other hand, Western Command spokesman Maj. Oliver Banaria said the claim by the 12 Chinese that they wandered into Philippine territory may be hard to believe, as their vessel is a commercial fishing boat.
Banaria said commercial fishing vessels have instruments that would have told the fishermen their location.
"Ito ay commercial fishing boat. Hindi ito lalayag basta lang nang walang instruments. Hindi ito titingin sa bituin," he said in an interview on dzBB radio.
Tubbataha incident unlike Panatag Shoal incursion
Meanwhile, Valte also said the latest Tubbataha incident was different from the Panatag Shoal incursion.
She said efforts are being made to have the owner of the fishing boat, and not the Chinese government, pay for the damage to the reef.
The law decrees that the owner of the ship should pay for the damages, and Philippine authorities’ initial information indicated this was a private fishing boat, Valte noted.
“Wala pa tayong nakikita na evidence to the contrary,” she added.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/303711/news/nation/palace-exec-phl-confirming-if-12-chinese-in-tubbataha-incident-were-spies
Malacañang on Saturday said the Philippine intelligence community is determining whether the 12 Chinese in the Tubbataha grounding incident were spies.
“Tinitingnan pa ng ating intelligence community ang report. Meron tayong sinasagawang investigation para makita ang circumstances surrounding the grounding of the fishing boat,” deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said on government-run dzRB radio.
For now, she said, “wala pang confirmation (there is no confirmation)” that the 12 could be spies.
On Friday, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said the intelligence community will look into reports that the 12 Chinese crewmembers are actually spies.
While saying that the grounding may only be incidental to the grounding of the American minesweeper USS Guardian in January, Gazmin nevertheless said that the reports will be analyzed.
The 12 Chinese fishermen are now detained at the Palawan Provincial Jail after being charged for poaching and attempting to bribe park rangers.
The initial investigation showed their vessel ran aground at Tubbataha Reef before midnight of April 8, three months after the minesweeper USS Guardian was also grounded there Jan. 17.
Investigation
Gazmin said an investigation is being conducted by the provincial committee on illegal entrant on the circumstances of the incident.
“But we have also our intelligence community that can look into this, analyze and see if indeed they are genuine fishermen or disguised fishermen,” he said of the crewmen who have been already charged of poaching.
The 12 were also charged with of corruption of public officials for allegedly offering US$2,400 bribe to park rangers of the Tubbataha Management Office who responded to the grounding incident.
Unfair
Gazmin said it may be unfair for the 12 Chinese to be accused as spies.
“Its difficult to just make an accusation. We should have a basis in accusing people or suspecting people. That’s unfair.”
TMO chief Angelique Songco has said they have a low batting average on the conviction of suspected poachers because the “national office” usually pardon the offenders.
“I think that will not happen again,” said Gazmin on the possible pardoning of the 12 crewmen.
“We have laws that should be applied, that will determine if they are going to be set free,” he added.
Military-like posture
An earlier report by radio dzBB’s Palawan affiliate James Viernes also noted the 12 bore a military-like posture during their inquest proceedings earlier this week.
On the other hand, Western Command spokesman Maj. Oliver Banaria said the claim by the 12 Chinese that they wandered into Philippine territory may be hard to believe, as their vessel is a commercial fishing boat.
Banaria said commercial fishing vessels have instruments that would have told the fishermen their location.
"Ito ay commercial fishing boat. Hindi ito lalayag basta lang nang walang instruments. Hindi ito titingin sa bituin," he said in an interview on dzBB radio.
Tubbataha incident unlike Panatag Shoal incursion
Meanwhile, Valte also said the latest Tubbataha incident was different from the Panatag Shoal incursion.
She said efforts are being made to have the owner of the fishing boat, and not the Chinese government, pay for the damage to the reef.
The law decrees that the owner of the ship should pay for the damages, and Philippine authorities’ initial information indicated this was a private fishing boat, Valte noted.
“Wala pa tayong nakikita na evidence to the contrary,” she added.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/303711/news/nation/palace-exec-phl-confirming-if-12-chinese-in-tubbataha-incident-were-spies
2 rebel leaders give up
From the Visayan Daily Star (Apr 13): 2 rebel leaders give up
Following the arrest of two rebel leaders in southernNegros ,
two other ranking leaders of the New People's Army also gave themselves up to
the 47 th Infantry Battalion in Candoni, Negros Occidental.
Maj. Rey Tiongson, 3 rd Infantry Division spokesman, yesterday said the two rebel leaders, identified as Elizalde Martisano, with aliases of Ka Nonoy and Bong, and a certain Ka Daisy, also surrendered an M-16 assault rifle with a magazine containing 18 rounds of ammunition, and three 12 gauge shotguns with 23 ammunition.
Tiongson said Martisano, 39, is a squad leader and political instructor of the Sentro De Grabidad Platoon of the NPA South West Front, while Ka Daisy, 35, served as the party branch secretary of the same rebel unit.
The commanding officer of the Sentro De Grabidad Platoon, Reniel Cellon, alias Kumpol, his wife, Mary Jane Magquilat, alias Ka Chin Chin, and four others, were intercepted and arrested at a Comelec checkpoint on April 8 in Brgy. Dancalan, Ilog.
Police records show the arrest of six suspected rebels yielded a .45 caliber pistol, a .22 caliber pistol, a fragmentation grenade and hundreds of live ammunition for various firearms.
Eighty-eight former rebels have surrendered to the different field units of the 303 rd Infantry Brigade since 2010, of which 15 of them recently availed of livelihood and financial assistance from the provincial government of Negros Occidental.
This is a clear indication of the NPA diminishing mass base support, as rebel returnees confessed of hardships they have been experienced with the armed group, Tiongson said.
He also said Martisano and Ka Daisy also realized the futility of armed struggle.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/April/13/topstory4.htm
Following the arrest of two rebel leaders in southern
Maj. Rey Tiongson, 3 rd Infantry Division spokesman, yesterday said the two rebel leaders, identified as Elizalde Martisano, with aliases of Ka Nonoy and Bong, and a certain Ka Daisy, also surrendered an M-16 assault rifle with a magazine containing 18 rounds of ammunition, and three 12 gauge shotguns with 23 ammunition.
Tiongson said Martisano, 39, is a squad leader and political instructor of the Sentro De Grabidad Platoon of the NPA South West Front, while Ka Daisy, 35, served as the party branch secretary of the same rebel unit.
The commanding officer of the Sentro De Grabidad Platoon, Reniel Cellon, alias Kumpol, his wife, Mary Jane Magquilat, alias Ka Chin Chin, and four others, were intercepted and arrested at a Comelec checkpoint on April 8 in Brgy. Dancalan, Ilog.
Police records show the arrest of six suspected rebels yielded a .45 caliber pistol, a .22 caliber pistol, a fragmentation grenade and hundreds of live ammunition for various firearms.
Eighty-eight former rebels have surrendered to the different field units of the 303 rd Infantry Brigade since 2010, of which 15 of them recently availed of livelihood and financial assistance from the provincial government of Negros Occidental.
This is a clear indication of the NPA diminishing mass base support, as rebel returnees confessed of hardships they have been experienced with the armed group, Tiongson said.
He also said Martisano and Ka Daisy also realized the futility of armed struggle.
http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/April/13/topstory4.htm
Why is a Philippine flag hoisted on a Chinese vessel that's now stuck on Tubbataha?
From InterAksyon (Apr 13): Why is a Philippine flag hoisted on a Chinese vessel that's now stuck on Tubbataha?
A photograph of a Philippine flag hoisted over a Chinese fishing vessel that’s now stuck on the Tubbataha Reef has raised suspicions that the ship’s grounding may not be accidental.
A national security expert raised this possibility, saying that the flag's presence on the ship is a clear manifestation of the Chinese fishermen’s “intention to deceive” to “swiftly enter the Philippine territory."
“The whole thing is planned,” the expert told InterAksyon.com. “The message is very clear. The grounding is intentional.”
The Philippine Coast Guard-Palawan District said that placing the flag on a seized and boarded foreign vessel is not part of its standard operating procedures.
The expert also stressed that the “plan” was to supposedly test the possible double standards of local authorities regarding the mishap.
Progressive groups have complained that the government is guilty of double standards after it arrested the 12 Chinese fishermen onboard the vessel for poaching and for intruding into the country's territory. However, it was unable to do the same to US Navy personnel whose ship—the USS Guardian—was also stuck on Tubbataha months earlier.
No special treatment for the US, Chinese vessels
However, the Tubbataha Mangement Office insisted that no special treatment has been given.
The two grounding incidents are different from each other, Park Superintendent Angelique Songco told InterAksyon.com.
“Mas straightforward to (Chinese vessel incident) kasi individuals rather than countries yung involved,” she said. (The incident with the Chinese vessel is more straightforward because it involved individuals.)
On the other hand, the US “helped and talked to us” when the USS Guardian was stuck on the reef, Songco said.
With the Chinese vessel, we still don’t know, she added.
Chinese fishermen don't seem to know one another, interpreter says
As of this posting, what has been determined is that the twelve Chinese nationals are from Fujian, China, interpreter Francis Chua said in a sworn statement, a copy of which was obtained by InterAksyon.com.
Upon boarding BRP Romblon of the Philippine Coast Guard, the Chinese fishermen said that they were on their way home to China from fishing expeditions in Indonesia and Malaysia but they got “stranded” in the Philippines.
Based on his statement, Chua also said that the fishermen told him that they don’t know the name of the fishing company that employs them or even the name of the ship itself.
None of the Chinese fishermen also had passports, Chua said.
Based on his impressions, Chua said that the fishermen don’t seem to know each other.
Chinese nationals don't look like fishermen at all, police official says
Meanwhile, Warden Ramon Espina of the Palawan Provincial Jail said on a local radio station Friday morning that the apprehended Chinese nationals don’t look like fishermen at all.
“Mukhang makikinis itong mga Chinese na ito. Malulusog at maayos. Hindi yung typical naming nakakasalamuha dito,” he said. (They appear to be healthy, strong and don't have hardened complexions.)
The 12 Chinese fishermen are under the custody of the Provincial Jail after the local court issued a commitment order on Thursday.
Boat contains 'powdered substances' but no fishing equipment
Besides fishing nets and dried fish earlier reported to have been recovered on the Chinese vessel, the Tubbataha Management Office said contraband such as powdered substances have also been found onboard.
“Based on the inventory of the Chinese vessel submitted to us by the [Philippine Coast Guard], there are substances found in the ship. We still don’t know yet if they are really explosives,” said Songco.
“Yun ang nakapagtataka eh. Bakit may ganon tapos walang facility yung barko nila to store their catch?” she added. (That's what's mysterious. How come the boat doesn't have an area where to store their catch?)
Substances found on the Chinese vessel are now being identified by the PNP Crime Laboratory, Police Inspector Manel Lamban-Marzo, spokesperson of the Palawan Provincial Police Office told InterAksyon.com.
The Tubbataha Management Office said they will file additional charges against the Chinese nationals depending on the laboratory test results.
Meanwhile, the national security expert is also open to other possible theories and scenarios.
“The possibilities are endless. Pwedeng tinitingnan nila kung baket nabahura doon yung USS Guardian and why are the government taking so long in investigating the real cause of the grounding. Marami talaga.” he said. (The Chinese may be trying to find out why the USS Guardian was grounded and why the government is taking so long in investigating the real cause of the grounding.)
“But one thing is for sure, the government should be extra cautious in handling this, or the Philippines will be put in a bad light,” he added.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/59306/why-is-a-philippine-flag-hoisted-on-a-chinese-vessel-thats-now-stuck-on-tubbataha
A photograph of a Philippine flag hoisted over a Chinese fishing vessel that’s now stuck on the Tubbataha Reef has raised suspicions that the ship’s grounding may not be accidental.
A national security expert raised this possibility, saying that the flag's presence on the ship is a clear manifestation of the Chinese fishermen’s “intention to deceive” to “swiftly enter the Philippine territory."
“The whole thing is planned,” the expert told InterAksyon.com. “The message is very clear. The grounding is intentional.”
The Philippine Coast Guard-Palawan District said that placing the flag on a seized and boarded foreign vessel is not part of its standard operating procedures.
The expert also stressed that the “plan” was to supposedly test the possible double standards of local authorities regarding the mishap.
Progressive groups have complained that the government is guilty of double standards after it arrested the 12 Chinese fishermen onboard the vessel for poaching and for intruding into the country's territory. However, it was unable to do the same to US Navy personnel whose ship—the USS Guardian—was also stuck on Tubbataha months earlier.
No special treatment for the US, Chinese vessels
However, the Tubbataha Mangement Office insisted that no special treatment has been given.
The two grounding incidents are different from each other, Park Superintendent Angelique Songco told InterAksyon.com.
“Mas straightforward to (Chinese vessel incident) kasi individuals rather than countries yung involved,” she said. (The incident with the Chinese vessel is more straightforward because it involved individuals.)
On the other hand, the US “helped and talked to us” when the USS Guardian was stuck on the reef, Songco said.
With the Chinese vessel, we still don’t know, she added.
Chinese fishermen don't seem to know one another, interpreter says
As of this posting, what has been determined is that the twelve Chinese nationals are from Fujian, China, interpreter Francis Chua said in a sworn statement, a copy of which was obtained by InterAksyon.com.
Upon boarding BRP Romblon of the Philippine Coast Guard, the Chinese fishermen said that they were on their way home to China from fishing expeditions in Indonesia and Malaysia but they got “stranded” in the Philippines.
Based on his statement, Chua also said that the fishermen told him that they don’t know the name of the fishing company that employs them or even the name of the ship itself.
None of the Chinese fishermen also had passports, Chua said.
Based on his impressions, Chua said that the fishermen don’t seem to know each other.
Chinese nationals don't look like fishermen at all, police official says
Meanwhile, Warden Ramon Espina of the Palawan Provincial Jail said on a local radio station Friday morning that the apprehended Chinese nationals don’t look like fishermen at all.
“Mukhang makikinis itong mga Chinese na ito. Malulusog at maayos. Hindi yung typical naming nakakasalamuha dito,” he said. (They appear to be healthy, strong and don't have hardened complexions.)
The 12 Chinese fishermen are under the custody of the Provincial Jail after the local court issued a commitment order on Thursday.
Boat contains 'powdered substances' but no fishing equipment
Besides fishing nets and dried fish earlier reported to have been recovered on the Chinese vessel, the Tubbataha Management Office said contraband such as powdered substances have also been found onboard.
“Based on the inventory of the Chinese vessel submitted to us by the [Philippine Coast Guard], there are substances found in the ship. We still don’t know yet if they are really explosives,” said Songco.
“Yun ang nakapagtataka eh. Bakit may ganon tapos walang facility yung barko nila to store their catch?” she added. (That's what's mysterious. How come the boat doesn't have an area where to store their catch?)
Substances found on the Chinese vessel are now being identified by the PNP Crime Laboratory, Police Inspector Manel Lamban-Marzo, spokesperson of the Palawan Provincial Police Office told InterAksyon.com.
The Tubbataha Management Office said they will file additional charges against the Chinese nationals depending on the laboratory test results.
Meanwhile, the national security expert is also open to other possible theories and scenarios.
“The possibilities are endless. Pwedeng tinitingnan nila kung baket nabahura doon yung USS Guardian and why are the government taking so long in investigating the real cause of the grounding. Marami talaga.” he said. (The Chinese may be trying to find out why the USS Guardian was grounded and why the government is taking so long in investigating the real cause of the grounding.)
“But one thing is for sure, the government should be extra cautious in handling this, or the Philippines will be put in a bad light,” he added.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/59306/why-is-a-philippine-flag-hoisted-on-a-chinese-vessel-thats-now-stuck-on-tubbataha
Manila offers US its military bases in case of North Korea war
From InterAksyon (Apr 13): Manila offers US its military bases in case of North Korea war
The US would be allowed to station forces at military bases in the Philippines if it went to war with North Korea, Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario said Saturday citing a treaty between the allies.
"Our mutual defence treaty calls for joint action if either the Philippines or the United States is attacked," del Rosario said in comments sent to AFP at a time of heightened tensions on the Korean peninsula.
"It would then be logical to assume that in the event of an attack on the Philippines or on our treaty ally, the US would be allowed to use our bases," he added.
Del Rosario was responding to a question about whether the archipelago, a former US colony, would allow the stationing of American troops on its soil in case war broke out between the US and North Korea.
The Korean peninsula has been engulfed by escalating military tensions and dire threats of nuclear war since North Korea conducted a rocket test last December and a nuclear test in February.
On Friday Philippine Defence Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said the government was prepared to undertake "extreme measures" including allowing US bases in the country, in the event of an "extreme emergency" on the Korean peninsula.
The US and Philippines are allied by a 1951 mutual defence treaty.
In the early 1990s US forces vacated Clark Air Base and Subic Naval Base, two large facilities used during the Vietnam War, after a disagreement over rents.
In recent years the Philippines has been seeking to improve its defence ties with the United States amid a festering territorial dispute with China over parts of the South China Sea.
Some of its facilities are being used in ongoing annual joint military exercises between the Philippines and the United States, where the Pentagon deployed a dozen F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets.
More than 8,000 Filipino and US troops are taking part in the 12-day drills which end on Wednesday.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/59338/manila-offers-us-its-military-bases-in-case-of-north-korea-war
The US would be allowed to station forces at military bases in the Philippines if it went to war with North Korea, Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario said Saturday citing a treaty between the allies.
"Our mutual defence treaty calls for joint action if either the Philippines or the United States is attacked," del Rosario said in comments sent to AFP at a time of heightened tensions on the Korean peninsula.
"It would then be logical to assume that in the event of an attack on the Philippines or on our treaty ally, the US would be allowed to use our bases," he added.
Del Rosario was responding to a question about whether the archipelago, a former US colony, would allow the stationing of American troops on its soil in case war broke out between the US and North Korea.
The Korean peninsula has been engulfed by escalating military tensions and dire threats of nuclear war since North Korea conducted a rocket test last December and a nuclear test in February.
On Friday Philippine Defence Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said the government was prepared to undertake "extreme measures" including allowing US bases in the country, in the event of an "extreme emergency" on the Korean peninsula.
The US and Philippines are allied by a 1951 mutual defence treaty.
In the early 1990s US forces vacated Clark Air Base and Subic Naval Base, two large facilities used during the Vietnam War, after a disagreement over rents.
In recent years the Philippines has been seeking to improve its defence ties with the United States amid a festering territorial dispute with China over parts of the South China Sea.
Some of its facilities are being used in ongoing annual joint military exercises between the Philippines and the United States, where the Pentagon deployed a dozen F/A-18 Hornet fighter jets.
More than 8,000 Filipino and US troops are taking part in the 12-day drills which end on Wednesday.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/59338/manila-offers-us-its-military-bases-in-case-of-north-korea-war
Hontiveros to Casiño: Why mum on NPA abuses?
From Rappler (Apr 13): Hontiveros to Casiño: Why mum on NPA abuses?
MANILA, Philippines – As congressman, you projected yourself as someone who is against human rights abuses, but why have you been silent on reports of abuses by the New People's Army (NPA)?
This was the question posed by administration senatorial candidate Risa Hontiveros to Makabayan candidate Teddy Casiño at the Rappler senatorial debate Saturday, April 13.
The two come from different factions of the Leftist movement – Casiño, with the so-called reaffirmists, who continue to be supportive of Communist Party of the Philippines chief Jose Maria Sison; Hontiveros, with the so-called rejectionists. The NPA is the armed unit of the CPP.
"Sabay nating siningil si General Jovito Palparan sa mga Human rights violations. Sabay nating siningil ang mga tumutugis sa Batasan 5. Ngunit bakit hindi ko narinig na minsan na magsalita kung pang-aabuso na ng NPA sa ordinaryong mamayan?," Hontiveros said.
Casiño said he would rather focus on the human rights abuses committed by the "men in uniform" rather than those committed by communist rebels.
"Based on info on the ground, it's really the persons in uniform who commit more abuses," he said. "The biggest problem when we present cases to the military, the automatic answers are denials that's why there is no justice. Unlike the rebels who are already accountable to the law, men in uniform have ties with the people who investigate them."
But Hontiveros once again challenged his image as a human rights advocate, questioning Casiños' flip-flopping stand on the freedom of information (FOI) bill and the reproductive health law.
Casiño and the other Bayan Muna representatives in the House withdrew their authorship of the FOI bill while they voted yes to the now RH law "with reservations."
On the FOI bill, Casiño said it was not them who backed down on the bill but Malacañang, which introduced a watered down version of the measure. He said other (missing text?)
On the RH bill, Casiño said he did not believe that overpopulation was a problem but they decided to vote yes after their concerns were addressed in the end.
Hontiveros is a member of the political party Akbayan, which is part of the administration coalition Team PNoy.
This is her second bid for a Senate seat. As guest candidate of the Liberal Party in 2010, she lost in the race. She finished 13th out of 61 senatorial candidates that year, garnering 9.1 million votes.
Before that, she was a congresswoman for 9 years, representing Akbayan in the party list.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/politics/elections-2013/26177-hontiveros-casino-why-mum-on-npa-abuses
MANILA, Philippines – As congressman, you projected yourself as someone who is against human rights abuses, but why have you been silent on reports of abuses by the New People's Army (NPA)?
This was the question posed by administration senatorial candidate Risa Hontiveros to Makabayan candidate Teddy Casiño at the Rappler senatorial debate Saturday, April 13.
The two come from different factions of the Leftist movement – Casiño, with the so-called reaffirmists, who continue to be supportive of Communist Party of the Philippines chief Jose Maria Sison; Hontiveros, with the so-called rejectionists. The NPA is the armed unit of the CPP.
"Sabay nating siningil si General Jovito Palparan sa mga Human rights violations. Sabay nating siningil ang mga tumutugis sa Batasan 5. Ngunit bakit hindi ko narinig na minsan na magsalita kung pang-aabuso na ng NPA sa ordinaryong mamayan?," Hontiveros said.
Casiño said he would rather focus on the human rights abuses committed by the "men in uniform" rather than those committed by communist rebels.
"Based on info on the ground, it's really the persons in uniform who commit more abuses," he said. "The biggest problem when we present cases to the military, the automatic answers are denials that's why there is no justice. Unlike the rebels who are already accountable to the law, men in uniform have ties with the people who investigate them."
But Hontiveros once again challenged his image as a human rights advocate, questioning Casiños' flip-flopping stand on the freedom of information (FOI) bill and the reproductive health law.
Casiño and the other Bayan Muna representatives in the House withdrew their authorship of the FOI bill while they voted yes to the now RH law "with reservations."
On the FOI bill, Casiño said it was not them who backed down on the bill but Malacañang, which introduced a watered down version of the measure. He said other (missing text?)
On the RH bill, Casiño said he did not believe that overpopulation was a problem but they decided to vote yes after their concerns were addressed in the end.
Hontiveros is a member of the political party Akbayan, which is part of the administration coalition Team PNoy.
This is her second bid for a Senate seat. As guest candidate of the Liberal Party in 2010, she lost in the race. She finished 13th out of 61 senatorial candidates that year, garnering 9.1 million votes.
Before that, she was a congresswoman for 9 years, representing Akbayan in the party list.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/politics/elections-2013/26177-hontiveros-casino-why-mum-on-npa-abuses
Photo: Balikatan 2013 April 11-19 at Fort Magsaysay, Palayan City
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 13): Photo: Balikatan 2013
April 11-19 at Fort Magsaysay, Palayan City
Filipino soldiers ready with theirUS counterparts at the squad live fire exercises
during the Balikatan 2013 slated April 11-19 at Fort
Magsaysay , Palayan City
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=21
Filipino soldiers ready with their
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=21
Photo: PHL, US soldiers undergo Balikatan jungle survival training
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 13): Photo: PHL, US soldiers
undergo Balikatan jungle survival training
Philippine Marines demonstrate to U.S. Marines how to make a trap to capture wild animals during the Balikatan 2013 jungle survival training. American soldiers also witnessed how to produce fire using bamboo and build makeshift shelters. Balikatan is an annual exercise aimed at ensuring interoperability of the Philippine andU.S.
militaries during planning, contingency and humanitarian assistance operations
on Saturday April 13, 2013 in Palayan
City
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=21
Philippine Marines demonstrate to U.S. Marines how to make a trap to capture wild animals during the Balikatan 2013 jungle survival training. American soldiers also witnessed how to produce fire using bamboo and build makeshift shelters. Balikatan is an annual exercise aimed at ensuring interoperability of the Philippine and
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?nid=21
DND chief says monitoring of Panatag Shoal still ongoing
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 13): DND
chief says monitoring of Panatag Shoal still ongoing
Despite lacking naval vessels and aircraft, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin said that the military is still conducting naval and aerial surveillance missions on Panatag Shoals.
"Our monitoring of Panatag Shoal is still ongoing. Our naval and air assets are conducting surveillance missions there," Gazmin stressed.
The latter lies 124 nautical miles away from Zambales.
The presence of Filipino ships and aircraft off Panatag Shoals demonstrates Philippine sovereignty in the area, he added.
Panatag Shoal became a flashpoint of sorts last year when the Philippine Navy (PN) saw and intercepted a flotilla of Chinese fishing vessels poaching in the area.
This effort of the PN prompted the Chinese side to deploy their fisheries patrol ships, triggering a tense stand-off between the two nations.
Tension only abated when both sides agreed to withdrew its patrol vessels.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=516015
Despite lacking naval vessels and aircraft, Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin said that the military is still conducting naval and aerial surveillance missions on Panatag Shoals.
"Our monitoring of Panatag Shoal is still ongoing. Our naval and air assets are conducting surveillance missions there," Gazmin stressed.
The latter lies 124 nautical miles away from Zambales.
The presence of Filipino ships and aircraft off Panatag Shoals demonstrates Philippine sovereignty in the area, he added.
Panatag Shoal became a flashpoint of sorts last year when the Philippine Navy (PN) saw and intercepted a flotilla of Chinese fishing vessels poaching in the area.
This effort of the PN prompted the Chinese side to deploy their fisheries patrol ships, triggering a tense stand-off between the two nations.
Tension only abated when both sides agreed to withdrew its patrol vessels.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=516015
PN to develop ASW capability
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 13): PN to develop ASW capability
In line with its efforts to develop its deterrent capability, the Philippine Navy (PN) announced that it is developing its anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capability.
Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic, Navy spokesperson, said that this program is one of the PN's long-term undertakings.
ASW refers to the capability to detect, locate and if necessary, destroy submarines found intruding in the country's territorial waters.
"We have plans for (developing) an ASW capability but it is still in the long-term plans. This is part of the PN's 'Active Archipelagic Defense Strategy'. We are looking at ship mounted and helo (helicopter) ASW capability," Fabic stressed.
He added that this program will be an important part of thePhilippines
The PN earlier called the signing of the contract with AgustaWestland, regarding the delivery of three AW-109 "Power" helicopters by 2014, a "significant milestone".
"The PN finds it to be a significant development in line with the (ongoing) modernization program and capability upgrade," it stated.
The AW-109 "Power" helicopters will enhance the PN's capability in various naval operations such as maritime security patrols and search-and-rescue among others.
"These helicopters are just a few among the list of future acquisition for the PN in order to attain its vision of becoming a strong and credible Navy that our maritime nation can be proud of," Fabic emphasized.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=516014
In line with its efforts to develop its deterrent capability, the Philippine Navy (PN) announced that it is developing its anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capability.
Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic, Navy spokesperson, said that this program is one of the PN's long-term undertakings.
ASW refers to the capability to detect, locate and if necessary, destroy submarines found intruding in the country's territorial waters.
"We have plans for (developing) an ASW capability but it is still in the long-term plans. This is part of the PN's 'Active Archipelagic Defense Strategy'. We are looking at ship mounted and helo (helicopter) ASW capability," Fabic stressed.
He added that this program will be an important part of the
The PN earlier called the signing of the contract with AgustaWestland, regarding the delivery of three AW-109 "Power" helicopters by 2014, a "significant milestone".
"The PN finds it to be a significant development in line with the (ongoing) modernization program and capability upgrade," it stated.
The AW-109 "Power" helicopters will enhance the PN's capability in various naval operations such as maritime security patrols and search-and-rescue among others.
"These helicopters are just a few among the list of future acquisition for the PN in order to attain its vision of becoming a strong and credible Navy that our maritime nation can be proud of," Fabic emphasized.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=516014
US 'Balikatan' director sees exercises reaching multi-lateral level
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 13): US 'Balikatan' director sees exercises
reaching multi-lateral level
CLARK FIELD, Pampanga --US
In an interview, theUS
In particular, Simcock saw most of Southeast Asia andAustralia
He added this practice will greatly improve security and stability in the region.
Incidentally,Australia
has recently concluded a "status of visiting force agreement" with
the Philippines
Earlier, an observation team from the Australian Defense Force visited the Joint Civil Military Operations Task Force and Combined Joint Civil Military Operations Task Force (CJCMOTF) last April 6.
“The Australian Defense Force sent a small observer team to exercise Balikatan to look for future opportunities of involvement,” Australian Army Lt. Col. Michael Scott, the head engineer planner of Headquarters Company, 6th Brigade, said.
“We’re looking for opportunities to potentially integrate into future exercises.”
The team received an exercise overview briefing at the JCMOTF headquarters by the JCMOTF Operations officer Lt. Cmdr. Joe Harder.
“They are visiting exercise 'Balikatan 2013' to look for opportunities to participate with partner nations in the years to come,” Harder stated.
“TheUS
Scott said "Balikatan" is a great exercise to observe due to the long-standing relationship between the Armed Forces of thePhilippines and the US
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=516094
CLARK FIELD, Pampanga --
In an interview, the
In particular, Simcock saw most of Southeast Asia and
He added this practice will greatly improve security and stability in the region.
Incidentally,
Earlier, an observation team from the Australian Defense Force visited the Joint Civil Military Operations Task Force and Combined Joint Civil Military Operations Task Force (CJCMOTF) last April 6.
“The Australian Defense Force sent a small observer team to exercise Balikatan to look for future opportunities of involvement,” Australian Army Lt. Col. Michael Scott, the head engineer planner of Headquarters Company, 6th Brigade, said.
“We’re looking for opportunities to potentially integrate into future exercises.”
The team received an exercise overview briefing at the JCMOTF headquarters by the JCMOTF Operations officer Lt. Cmdr. Joe Harder.
“They are visiting exercise 'Balikatan 2013' to look for opportunities to participate with partner nations in the years to come,” Harder stated.
“The
Scott said "Balikatan" is a great exercise to observe due to the long-standing relationship between the Armed Forces of the
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=516094
PHL, US soldiers find "Balikatan" 'fruitful, engaging'
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 13): PHL, US soldiers find "Balikatan" 'fruitful, engaging'
FORT RAMON MAGSAYSAY, Palayan City -- As an American KC-130, the US Armed Forces’ version of C-130, was about to touch down at the aviation runway here, Capt. Michael Smith narrated how the air vessel refuels fighter planes on air during combat operations.
Smith, of the tanker Squadron of the US Marines, heads a team of contingents from his unit based inOkinawa ,
Japan
The “K’ for the KC-130, a Filipino officer explained, indicates that the huge aircraft is used for refueling aircraft in the air.
Smith said That KC-130 was brought for the exercises to further interoperability training for humanitarian and relief operations.
The aircraft touched down the runway 10 times as a Philippine helicopter was being secured by a number of heavily armed soldiers in a scene of relief and humanitarian mission in a disaster-ravaged area.
Cpl. Nick Oiomo of the California-based US Army National Guard, on the other hand, said his team has a remarkable experience in squad live fire maneuver at the Fernandez Hill here with Filipino soldiers from 808th Infantry Battalion of 2nd Infantry Division.
The Filipinos are using M-16 Armalite rifles while his contingents use M-4, basically the same but smaller version of the former, Oiomo said.
Filipino soldiers, he said, are speedy even as their maneuver tactics have slight differences, he said.
“We learned from them, they learned from us,” he added.
He said the exchange of information was vital in their interoperability exercises.
Filipino American Harol Cajucom, 21, who settled in theUS
He was born inQuezon City to parents who are
native of Cabanatuan
City
“We are learning from them,” he said.
First Lt. Rogecil Labajo, commanding officer of 808th IB, said his unit never had hard time catching up with the training that was facilitated by theUS
“Our troops are trained well so whatever difference our strategies had with those of our counterparts are easily patched up, we have the grasp,” Labajo said.
The "Balikatan" military exercises ends on April 19.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=516095
FORT RAMON MAGSAYSAY, Palayan City -- As an American KC-130, the US Armed Forces’ version of C-130, was about to touch down at the aviation runway here, Capt. Michael Smith narrated how the air vessel refuels fighter planes on air during combat operations.
Smith, of the tanker Squadron of the US Marines, heads a team of contingents from his unit based in
The “K’ for the KC-130, a Filipino officer explained, indicates that the huge aircraft is used for refueling aircraft in the air.
Smith said That KC-130 was brought for the exercises to further interoperability training for humanitarian and relief operations.
The aircraft touched down the runway 10 times as a Philippine helicopter was being secured by a number of heavily armed soldiers in a scene of relief and humanitarian mission in a disaster-ravaged area.
Cpl. Nick Oiomo of the California-based US Army National Guard, on the other hand, said his team has a remarkable experience in squad live fire maneuver at the Fernandez Hill here with Filipino soldiers from 808th Infantry Battalion of 2nd Infantry Division.
The Filipinos are using M-16 Armalite rifles while his contingents use M-4, basically the same but smaller version of the former, Oiomo said.
Filipino soldiers, he said, are speedy even as their maneuver tactics have slight differences, he said.
“We learned from them, they learned from us,” he added.
He said the exchange of information was vital in their interoperability exercises.
Filipino American Harol Cajucom, 21, who settled in the
He was born in
“We are learning from them,” he said.
First Lt. Rogecil Labajo, commanding officer of 808th IB, said his unit never had hard time catching up with the training that was facilitated by the
“Our troops are trained well so whatever difference our strategies had with those of our counterparts are easily patched up, we have the grasp,” Labajo said.
The "Balikatan" military exercises ends on April 19.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=516095
DVIDS: BK 13 - AFP-US Army Team helps sharpen skills of Philippine first responders
From the Defense Video & Imagery Distribution System (DVIDS) (Apr 5): BK 13 - AFP-US Army Team helps sharpen skills of Philippine first responders
U.S. Army medical team lead Maj. (Dr.) Kate Flocke helps Philippine health worker Euezer Ramos apply a bandage to a simulated motor vehicle accident victim during a mass casualty exercise at the President Rama Magsaysay Memorial Hospital in the Iba Municipality. The drill was a culminating event following a four-day first responders course conducted by a combined team of Philippine and U.S. army soldiers. The training event was one of several similar subject matter expert exchanges, cooperative health engagements, and medical, dental and veterinary community relations projects being performed by Combined/Joint Civil Military Operations Task Force units in support of exercise Balikatan 2013. Balikatan is an annual Philippine-U.S. bilateral exercise. Humanitarian assistance and training activities enable the Philippine and American service members to build lasting relationships, train together and provide assistance in communities where the need is the greatest. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Chris Fahey/RELEASED)
ZAMBALES, Philippines - Philippine Army soldiers from the 24th Infantry Battalion teamed up with the Joint Civil Operations Task Force (JCMOTF) U.S. Army medical team to conduct a four-day lifesaver refresher course for Philippine first responders at the President Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Hospital in the Iba Municipality, April 6.
The four-day class covered CPR, basic lifesaving skills, soft tissue injuries, medical emergency priorities, sanitation and pest management, and hazardous waste management.
As a final test, the medical team setup a mock three-vehicle motor accident – a realistic occurrence in the Philippines – in which nine Philippine army soldiers played critically wounded victims. The students had to react to simultaneous, life-threatening injuries, using the skills they learned during the class.
“They did an amazing job,” said JCMOTF Doctor Army Maj. (Dr.) Kate Flocke from the 97th Civil Affairs Battalion. “Seeing the energy in their faces and watching them do everything we taught them almost perfectly was just awesome.”
Neither the military nor the hospital had extra money to buy many supplies for the training event. As a homework assignment, each student had to bring in a homemade tourniquet.
“At first we thought having next to zero supplies would be a huge problem,” said JCMOTF medical trainer Army Sgt. 1st Class Stacey Love from the 95th Civil Affairs Brigade. “They really put their heart into making their own tourniquets, splints and bandages. In a real situation, that may be exactly what they would have to do, so despite it being a hurdle, we overcame it as a team and used it to our benefit.”
During the exercise, the students pulled bystanders to assist roping off the area, organizing supplies and searching for useful material. One bystander, van driver Rizal Pineda, helped the faux victims undress their wounds following the drill. He said he was surprised to be pulled into an official training exercise.
“I drive for a living and am on the road all the time,” said Pineda. “I see accidents all the time, and during a few I wanted to help. I didn’t know what to do and was always scared that I may get in the way. Thanks to them letting us join in on the drill, if I’m a bystander at a wreck, I know what I can do to help without interrupting the real professionals.”
In addition to the knowledge, Pineda felt a positive shift in his perception toward the local health professionals.
“It was nice to see them care so much and it really felt like they thought our safety is important,” he added. “If I ever need their help, I feel confident they would save my life.”
Following the drill, the JCMOTF medical team thanked the Philippine army volunteers for their realistic performance as accident victims. The students, who consisted of actual ambulance drivers, barangay health workers and provincial emergency personnel, gave their feedback on the refresher course. Many expressed gratitude for the thorough teaching. For ambulance driver Roberto Correos, it was an opportunity to lead.
“At first, we were very disorganized, which is what we would be feeling if we just arrived on scene to such a hectic accident,” said Correos. “As we began assessing, we figured out the best way to work together and direct those offering help. I think we did a great job, feel very prepared for an actual life or death moment and thank the Philippine and U.S. team for helping us.”
The training was one of several similar subject matter expert exchanges, cooperative health engagements, and medical, dental and veterinary community relations (COMREL) projects being performed by Combined/Joint Civil Military Operations Task Force (CJCMOTF) units in support of exercise Balikatan 2013.
Balikatan is an annual Philippine-U.S. bilateral exercise. Humanitarian assistance and training activities enable the Philippine and American service members to build lasting relationships, train together and provide assistance in communities where the need is the greatest.
http://www.dvidshub.net/news/104912/bk-13-afp-us-army-team-helps-sharpen-skills-philippine-first-responders
U.S. Army medical team lead Maj. (Dr.) Kate Flocke helps Philippine health worker Euezer Ramos apply a bandage to a simulated motor vehicle accident victim during a mass casualty exercise at the President Rama Magsaysay Memorial Hospital in the Iba Municipality. The drill was a culminating event following a four-day first responders course conducted by a combined team of Philippine and U.S. army soldiers. The training event was one of several similar subject matter expert exchanges, cooperative health engagements, and medical, dental and veterinary community relations projects being performed by Combined/Joint Civil Military Operations Task Force units in support of exercise Balikatan 2013. Balikatan is an annual Philippine-U.S. bilateral exercise. Humanitarian assistance and training activities enable the Philippine and American service members to build lasting relationships, train together and provide assistance in communities where the need is the greatest. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Chris Fahey/RELEASED)
ZAMBALES, Philippines - Philippine Army soldiers from the 24th Infantry Battalion teamed up with the Joint Civil Operations Task Force (JCMOTF) U.S. Army medical team to conduct a four-day lifesaver refresher course for Philippine first responders at the President Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Hospital in the Iba Municipality, April 6.
The four-day class covered CPR, basic lifesaving skills, soft tissue injuries, medical emergency priorities, sanitation and pest management, and hazardous waste management.
As a final test, the medical team setup a mock three-vehicle motor accident – a realistic occurrence in the Philippines – in which nine Philippine army soldiers played critically wounded victims. The students had to react to simultaneous, life-threatening injuries, using the skills they learned during the class.
“They did an amazing job,” said JCMOTF Doctor Army Maj. (Dr.) Kate Flocke from the 97th Civil Affairs Battalion. “Seeing the energy in their faces and watching them do everything we taught them almost perfectly was just awesome.”
Neither the military nor the hospital had extra money to buy many supplies for the training event. As a homework assignment, each student had to bring in a homemade tourniquet.
“At first we thought having next to zero supplies would be a huge problem,” said JCMOTF medical trainer Army Sgt. 1st Class Stacey Love from the 95th Civil Affairs Brigade. “They really put their heart into making their own tourniquets, splints and bandages. In a real situation, that may be exactly what they would have to do, so despite it being a hurdle, we overcame it as a team and used it to our benefit.”
During the exercise, the students pulled bystanders to assist roping off the area, organizing supplies and searching for useful material. One bystander, van driver Rizal Pineda, helped the faux victims undress their wounds following the drill. He said he was surprised to be pulled into an official training exercise.
“I drive for a living and am on the road all the time,” said Pineda. “I see accidents all the time, and during a few I wanted to help. I didn’t know what to do and was always scared that I may get in the way. Thanks to them letting us join in on the drill, if I’m a bystander at a wreck, I know what I can do to help without interrupting the real professionals.”
In addition to the knowledge, Pineda felt a positive shift in his perception toward the local health professionals.
“It was nice to see them care so much and it really felt like they thought our safety is important,” he added. “If I ever need their help, I feel confident they would save my life.”
Following the drill, the JCMOTF medical team thanked the Philippine army volunteers for their realistic performance as accident victims. The students, who consisted of actual ambulance drivers, barangay health workers and provincial emergency personnel, gave their feedback on the refresher course. Many expressed gratitude for the thorough teaching. For ambulance driver Roberto Correos, it was an opportunity to lead.
“At first, we were very disorganized, which is what we would be feeling if we just arrived on scene to such a hectic accident,” said Correos. “As we began assessing, we figured out the best way to work together and direct those offering help. I think we did a great job, feel very prepared for an actual life or death moment and thank the Philippine and U.S. team for helping us.”
The training was one of several similar subject matter expert exchanges, cooperative health engagements, and medical, dental and veterinary community relations (COMREL) projects being performed by Combined/Joint Civil Military Operations Task Force (CJCMOTF) units in support of exercise Balikatan 2013.
Balikatan is an annual Philippine-U.S. bilateral exercise. Humanitarian assistance and training activities enable the Philippine and American service members to build lasting relationships, train together and provide assistance in communities where the need is the greatest.
http://www.dvidshub.net/news/104912/bk-13-afp-us-army-team-helps-sharpen-skills-philippine-first-responders
DVIDS: Philippine, US service members build camaraderie in Exercise Balikatan
From the Defense Video & Imagery Distribution System (DVIDS) (Apr 9): Philippine, US service members build camaraderie in Exercise Balikatan
From left to right: Philippine Marine Cpl. Milky Espere and Cpl. Raymond Almonte, with the Philippine Transportation and Maintenance, observe U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Adrian Sandoval, with Combat Logistics Regiment 35, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, as he demonstrates how to disassemble a M240 machine gun April 5 during a bilateral subject matter expert exchange at a field training exercise in support of Balikatan 2013 at Camp O'Donnell, Philippines. BK13 is an annual bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. forces to enhance interoperability, improve military-to-military relations, and refine combined and joint-force planning in response to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Jerome S. Tayborn/Released)
CAMP O'DONNELL, Philippines — Standing together on a hot black top overlooking a firing range, more than 300 service members with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Combat Logistics Regiment 35, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, were in formation to commemorate the official start of exercise Balikatan 2013.
Balikatan, which means “shoulder-to-shoulder,” is an annual bilateral military exercise conducted by AFP and U.S. forces to strengthen regional partnerships and increase military interoperability and readiness. The exercise, in its 29th iteration, instills camaraderie between forces through shared training and cooperation, which further enhances a combine capability to respond to real-world operations.
While related opening ceremonies took place across the Philippines, this marked the official start of the field training exercises within the Camp O’Donnell and Crow Valley area.
“Balikatan emphasizes and shows that we are committed to the region,” said U.S. Marine Robert Castro, commanding officer of CLR-35, 3rd MLG. “(Being here) indicates the importance of the event, and gives a chance for the Marines and sailors to stand “shoulder-to-shoulder” in a formation as one.”
Philippine Marine Capt. Recto C. Pumares, officer in charge, Philippine Transportation and Maintenance unit, echoed the same sentiment as he welcomed the U.S. Marines.
“I would like to welcome the U.S. Marine Corps led by Lt. Col. Castro,” said Pumares. “You will be here with us for two weeks, and we hope that we can learn a lot from your expertise. Thank you and welcome.”
Finding common ground is not uncommon and according to Castro, “Their core values are similar to ours. Their values of honor, duty and valor are aligned with our values of honor, courage and commitment, and coincide with what we do in our missions and the way we handle our Marines.”
Immediately following the ceremony, the formation dispersed into mixed training platoons with the purpose of integrating Philippine and U.S. forces.
Working together to develop solutions to challenging problems will be key for participants during the FTX. Designed to hone U.S. and AFP on divergent skillsets, the FTX will challenge participants in their ability to effectively communicate with one another while providing combat service support to exercise participants across the region, explained Castro.
Combined forces will conduct mounted convoy operations, tactical recovery and movements of vehicles, establishment of convoy defensive positions, jungle survival and warfare training, vehicle maintenance classes, including a Filipino “M35 Wrecker,” combat lifesaver training and a series of community relations projects in the local area.
Balikatan offers a full range of experiences for all participants, while opening each service member to new challenges.
“This exercise gives the Marines a different perspective. I consider it as lateral thinking, not just as our own military processes, but we are getting the opportunity to see how someone else conducts business and maybe learn a better process, that we might be able to use those skills at a later time,” said Castro.
http://www.dvidshub.net/news/104840/philippine-us-service-members-build-camaraderie-exercise-balikatan
From left to right: Philippine Marine Cpl. Milky Espere and Cpl. Raymond Almonte, with the Philippine Transportation and Maintenance, observe U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Adrian Sandoval, with Combat Logistics Regiment 35, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, as he demonstrates how to disassemble a M240 machine gun April 5 during a bilateral subject matter expert exchange at a field training exercise in support of Balikatan 2013 at Camp O'Donnell, Philippines. BK13 is an annual bilateral exercise between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. forces to enhance interoperability, improve military-to-military relations, and refine combined and joint-force planning in response to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Jerome S. Tayborn/Released)
CAMP O'DONNELL, Philippines — Standing together on a hot black top overlooking a firing range, more than 300 service members with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Combat Logistics Regiment 35, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, were in formation to commemorate the official start of exercise Balikatan 2013.
Balikatan, which means “shoulder-to-shoulder,” is an annual bilateral military exercise conducted by AFP and U.S. forces to strengthen regional partnerships and increase military interoperability and readiness. The exercise, in its 29th iteration, instills camaraderie between forces through shared training and cooperation, which further enhances a combine capability to respond to real-world operations.
While related opening ceremonies took place across the Philippines, this marked the official start of the field training exercises within the Camp O’Donnell and Crow Valley area.
“Balikatan emphasizes and shows that we are committed to the region,” said U.S. Marine Robert Castro, commanding officer of CLR-35, 3rd MLG. “(Being here) indicates the importance of the event, and gives a chance for the Marines and sailors to stand “shoulder-to-shoulder” in a formation as one.”
Philippine Marine Capt. Recto C. Pumares, officer in charge, Philippine Transportation and Maintenance unit, echoed the same sentiment as he welcomed the U.S. Marines.
“I would like to welcome the U.S. Marine Corps led by Lt. Col. Castro,” said Pumares. “You will be here with us for two weeks, and we hope that we can learn a lot from your expertise. Thank you and welcome.”
Finding common ground is not uncommon and according to Castro, “Their core values are similar to ours. Their values of honor, duty and valor are aligned with our values of honor, courage and commitment, and coincide with what we do in our missions and the way we handle our Marines.”
Immediately following the ceremony, the formation dispersed into mixed training platoons with the purpose of integrating Philippine and U.S. forces.
Working together to develop solutions to challenging problems will be key for participants during the FTX. Designed to hone U.S. and AFP on divergent skillsets, the FTX will challenge participants in their ability to effectively communicate with one another while providing combat service support to exercise participants across the region, explained Castro.
Combined forces will conduct mounted convoy operations, tactical recovery and movements of vehicles, establishment of convoy defensive positions, jungle survival and warfare training, vehicle maintenance classes, including a Filipino “M35 Wrecker,” combat lifesaver training and a series of community relations projects in the local area.
Balikatan offers a full range of experiences for all participants, while opening each service member to new challenges.
“This exercise gives the Marines a different perspective. I consider it as lateral thinking, not just as our own military processes, but we are getting the opportunity to see how someone else conducts business and maybe learn a better process, that we might be able to use those skills at a later time,” said Castro.
http://www.dvidshub.net/news/104840/philippine-us-service-members-build-camaraderie-exercise-balikatan
DVIDS: Barangay church volunteers help CJCMOTF Team at Manggahan project site
From the Defense Video & Imagery Distribution System (DVIDS) (Apr 9): Barangay church volunteers help CJCMOTF Team at Manggahan project site
Pastor Amamias Custodio from Manggahan Municipalty's Born Again Christian Church helps U.S. Army engineers Sgt. Joshua Wagster, far left, and Staff Sgt. Cornell McCloud, both from Alaska's 56th Engineering Company, place walls for a prefabricated building. A combined team of Philippine and U.S. Army engineers are building a new community center to help the local barangay. Thanks to consistent help from the church volunteers, the team is ahead of schedule. The project is one of seven engineering civic action projects being performed by Combined/Joint Civil Military Operations Task Force units in support of exercise Balikatan 2013. Balikatan is an annual Philippine-U.S. bilateral exercise. Humanitarian assistance and training activities enable the Philippine and American service members to build lasting relationships, train together and provide assistance in communities where the need is the greatest. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Chris Fahey)
BARANGAY MANGGAHAN, Philippines - A handful of volunteers from the Born Again Christian Church located in Barangay Manggahan helped a combined team of Philippine and U.S. Army engineers build the barangay’s new community center.
The prefabricated building will serve as the main office for barangay officials and a day care for the local residents.
“Development of the community is a core part of our ministry,” said Born Again Christian Church’s Pastor Amamias Custodio. “This new building will help our community so much. It’s only right that we come out and help build it. Plus, it’s fun to work with the engineers and be a part of the progress.”
Twenty-five volunteers came out to help the combined team raise the new community center’s 25-foot walls.
According to the site’s Officer-in-Charge Army 1st Lt. Brock Chavez from the Alaska-based 56th Engineering Company, the volunteers helped push the team ahead of schedule.
“Everything they’ve helped with has been gold,” said Chavez. “We have Filipinos as part of our crew, so communication was easy, and they are extremely skilled at construction. That also made our job easier. We are two days ahead of schedule.”
Teamwork shared between the combined team and the volunteers was compared by Army Sgt. Joshua Wagster to a basketball team. Each person has their role, he said, and everyone worked together.
“Over the course of the work, we built a great rapport,” said Wagster. “It was great to have these guys out here.”
The community center is one of seven engineering civic action projects (ENCAP) being performed by Joint Civil Military Operations Task Force (JCMOTF) units in support of exercise Balikatan 2013.
Balikatan is an annual Philippine-U.S. bilateral exercise.
Humanitarian assistance and training activities enable the Philippine and American service members to build lasting relationships, train together and provide assistance in communities where the need is the greatest.
http://www.dvidshub.net/news/104995/barangay-church-volunteers-help-cjcmotf-team-manggahan-project-site
Pastor Amamias Custodio from Manggahan Municipalty's Born Again Christian Church helps U.S. Army engineers Sgt. Joshua Wagster, far left, and Staff Sgt. Cornell McCloud, both from Alaska's 56th Engineering Company, place walls for a prefabricated building. A combined team of Philippine and U.S. Army engineers are building a new community center to help the local barangay. Thanks to consistent help from the church volunteers, the team is ahead of schedule. The project is one of seven engineering civic action projects being performed by Combined/Joint Civil Military Operations Task Force units in support of exercise Balikatan 2013. Balikatan is an annual Philippine-U.S. bilateral exercise. Humanitarian assistance and training activities enable the Philippine and American service members to build lasting relationships, train together and provide assistance in communities where the need is the greatest. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Chris Fahey)
BARANGAY MANGGAHAN, Philippines - A handful of volunteers from the Born Again Christian Church located in Barangay Manggahan helped a combined team of Philippine and U.S. Army engineers build the barangay’s new community center.
The prefabricated building will serve as the main office for barangay officials and a day care for the local residents.
“Development of the community is a core part of our ministry,” said Born Again Christian Church’s Pastor Amamias Custodio. “This new building will help our community so much. It’s only right that we come out and help build it. Plus, it’s fun to work with the engineers and be a part of the progress.”
Twenty-five volunteers came out to help the combined team raise the new community center’s 25-foot walls.
According to the site’s Officer-in-Charge Army 1st Lt. Brock Chavez from the Alaska-based 56th Engineering Company, the volunteers helped push the team ahead of schedule.
“Everything they’ve helped with has been gold,” said Chavez. “We have Filipinos as part of our crew, so communication was easy, and they are extremely skilled at construction. That also made our job easier. We are two days ahead of schedule.”
Teamwork shared between the combined team and the volunteers was compared by Army Sgt. Joshua Wagster to a basketball team. Each person has their role, he said, and everyone worked together.
“Over the course of the work, we built a great rapport,” said Wagster. “It was great to have these guys out here.”
The community center is one of seven engineering civic action projects (ENCAP) being performed by Joint Civil Military Operations Task Force (JCMOTF) units in support of exercise Balikatan 2013.
Balikatan is an annual Philippine-U.S. bilateral exercise.
Humanitarian assistance and training activities enable the Philippine and American service members to build lasting relationships, train together and provide assistance in communities where the need is the greatest.
http://www.dvidshub.net/news/104995/barangay-church-volunteers-help-cjcmotf-team-manggahan-project-site
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)