From Malaya (Apr 14): Relax, it’ll take very much more to host US bases anew
DEPUTY presidential spokeswoman Abigail Valte yesterday said the reestablishment of the US bases in the Philippines would only be considered under an “extreme emergency,” like if war breaks out in the Korean peninsula.
Valte, in an interview over Radyo ng Bayan, said Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin was just doing his job of looking at all possible scenarios relative to national defense when he revealed that government is considering allowing the US to set up bases again in the country as an option.
“Only in the case of extreme emergency, iyung katulad pong pinag-uusapan na digmaan. So hindi naman po ganoon, hindi po in the present situation,” she said.
Gazmin on Friday said the Constitution does not allow US bases in the country, but it might be considered as an extreme measure, and subject to Congress’ approval.
Gazmin and Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario have said the Mutual Defense Treaty between the Philippines and the United States requires either of the countries to come to the aid of its ally if it is attacked by another country and the Philippines would stand by its commitment.
The Philippines, amid the tension, had put in place contingency measures including evacuation plans in case the situation escalates.
Tensions have been brewing in the Korean peninsula since the North’s new leader Kim Jong-un ordered a third nuclear weapons test in February and later announced that it is entering a state of war with South Korea.
Pyongyang had also warned foreigners in South Korea to leave following their threat of a thermonuclear war, as well as warned of attacks against American troops and its territories amid its brinkmanship with Seoul.
Records from the DFA showed that there are about 80,000 Filipinos residing and working in South Korea while data from Commission on Filipinos Overseas showed that there are only about 15 Filipinos based in North Korea.
http://malaya.com.ph/index.php/news/nation/28785-relax-itll-take-very-much-more-to-host-us-bases-anew
Sunday, April 14, 2013
US deploys sea Radar
From the Manila Bulletin (Apr 12): US deploys sea Radar
A powerful US military sea-based radar is now in place to detect any possible missile launches by North Korea, according to a senior US defense official.
“The SBX is in position,” the defense official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told AFP late Wednesday.
The official would not offer more details but confirmed the SBX, a floating X-band radar that resembles a giant golf ball, had reached a location at sea where it could track missiles fired by the Pyongyang regime.
US and South Korean forces remain on heightened alert amid expectations North Korea will launch a missile or multiple missiles before the April 15 celebrations for the birthday of the North’s late founder, Kim Il-Sung.
The United States has already bolstered its missile defenses in the region to help protect allies South Korea and Japan as well as US bases in Guam.
Guam has raised its official threat level and on Thursday tested its emergency alert system after warnings from North Korea identifying the island as a potential missile target.
With a North Korean missile test expected at any time, authorities said the US territory in the western Pacific was on yellow alert, the middle phase of a three-step “traffic light” system comprising green, yellow and red levels.
“This means we should continue with our daily lives while preparing ourselves for any potential of an emergency,” the government said in a statement, describing the risk to the island as “medium.”
“It also means the government pulls its resources together through the emergency operations centre to ensure we are prepared to respond to emergencies.”
Two US Arleigh-class destroyers have been sent to the western Pacific with anti-missile weaponry while ground-based THAAD interceptor batteries had been deployed to Guam, a US territory about 3,380 kilometers (2,100 miles) southeast of North Korea.
The US military also staged shows of force as part of drills with South Korea, with over-flights by B-52 and B-2 bombers as well as sophisticated F-22 fighter jets.
The floating X-band radar, which sits atop a platform similar to an oil rig, had been stationed at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii.
The SBX radar, which is 85 meters (280 feet) tall and operated by civilian contractors, is supposed to detect missile launches over a range of at least 2,000 kilometers.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel warned Wednesday that North Korea has come very close to a “dangerous line” with its sharp statements and provocative steps.
“North Korea has been, with its bellicose rhetoric, its actions, has been skating very close to a dangerous line,” he said during a press conference at the Pentagon. “Their actions and words have not helped defuse a combustible situation.”
http://www.mb.com.ph/article.php?aid=7285&sid=1&subid=1
A powerful US military sea-based radar is now in place to detect any possible missile launches by North Korea, according to a senior US defense official.
“The SBX is in position,” the defense official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told AFP late Wednesday.
The official would not offer more details but confirmed the SBX, a floating X-band radar that resembles a giant golf ball, had reached a location at sea where it could track missiles fired by the Pyongyang regime.
US and South Korean forces remain on heightened alert amid expectations North Korea will launch a missile or multiple missiles before the April 15 celebrations for the birthday of the North’s late founder, Kim Il-Sung.
The United States has already bolstered its missile defenses in the region to help protect allies South Korea and Japan as well as US bases in Guam.
Guam has raised its official threat level and on Thursday tested its emergency alert system after warnings from North Korea identifying the island as a potential missile target.
With a North Korean missile test expected at any time, authorities said the US territory in the western Pacific was on yellow alert, the middle phase of a three-step “traffic light” system comprising green, yellow and red levels.
“This means we should continue with our daily lives while preparing ourselves for any potential of an emergency,” the government said in a statement, describing the risk to the island as “medium.”
“It also means the government pulls its resources together through the emergency operations centre to ensure we are prepared to respond to emergencies.”
Two US Arleigh-class destroyers have been sent to the western Pacific with anti-missile weaponry while ground-based THAAD interceptor batteries had been deployed to Guam, a US territory about 3,380 kilometers (2,100 miles) southeast of North Korea.
The US military also staged shows of force as part of drills with South Korea, with over-flights by B-52 and B-2 bombers as well as sophisticated F-22 fighter jets.
The floating X-band radar, which sits atop a platform similar to an oil rig, had been stationed at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii.
The SBX radar, which is 85 meters (280 feet) tall and operated by civilian contractors, is supposed to detect missile launches over a range of at least 2,000 kilometers.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel warned Wednesday that North Korea has come very close to a “dangerous line” with its sharp statements and provocative steps.
“North Korea has been, with its bellicose rhetoric, its actions, has been skating very close to a dangerous line,” he said during a press conference at the Pentagon. “Their actions and words have not helped defuse a combustible situation.”
http://www.mb.com.ph/article.php?aid=7285&sid=1&subid=1
Rally set to end Sabah crisis
From the Manila Bulletin (Apr 14): Rally set to end Sabah crisis
A rally is set for April 21 in Jolo to press the Malaysian and Philippine government to peacefully resolve the Sabah issue once and for all.
Abraham J. Idjirani, spokesman of the sultanate, said the “massive rally” will be attended by prominent leaders from the political, professional and religious sectors as well as some former Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) leaders in support of the sultanate's Sabah claim.
This developed as another of Jamalul Kiram III's younger brothers, Datu Alianapia who is living in Semporna, Sabah, had eluded his Malaysian pursuers.
Idjirani said the datu is now with Rajah Muda Agbimuddin Kiram and his men, and being treated from injuries he sustained while on the run. He added that Agbimuddin, the crown prince, now has about 500 “volunteers” with him from Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, Basilan and other parts of Mindanao.
“About 80 percent of them are armed,” Idjirani said. “The Malaysian military knows where they are, but not the specific area. Even if the rajah doesn't stay in one permanent area, their stronghold has widened,” he added.
He said Agbimuddin has no plans to leave Sabah now that he has more men.
Meanwhile, the Malaysian government has announced that Operation Daulat (Sovereign) in Sabah is ending in a few days under the new Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom).
Other countries may join Balikatan: US General
From the Manila Bulletin (Apr 13): Other countries may join Balikatan: US General
United States Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey VTOL aircraft lands in Crow Valley, Tarlac during the RP-US Balikatan (shoulder to shoulder) military exercises on Friday. More than 8000 Filipino and US soldiers are participating in this years (Balikatan exercise)
CLARK FIELD, Pampanga- The "PH-US Balikatan Exercise" may soon turn into a multilateral event with more nations now looking at the possibility of joining the annual military and humanitarian maneuvers.
Brig. Gen. Richard Simcock II, the US exercise director for "Balikatan 2013", said they welcome the interest of other militaries to participate in the exercise where both Filipino and American soldiers have been learning useful military and humanitarian and disaster response techniques.
He added this practice will greatly improve security and stability in the region.
Simcock likewise noted that this year, Australia sent a small team to observe some of the training and project sites in the on-going Balikatan 2013 as they consider joining future exercises.
The observation team from the Australian Defense Force visited the Joint Civil Military Operations Task Force (JCMOTF) and Combined Joint Civil Military Operations Task Force (CJCMOTF) last April 6.
According to Australian Army Lt. Col. Michael Scott, the head engineer planner of Headquarters Company, 6th Brigade, the Australian Defense Force sent a small observer team to exercise Balikatan to look for future opportunities of involvement.
“We’re looking for opportunities to potentially integrate into future exercises," said Scott.
The team received an exercise overview briefing at the JCMOTF headquarters by the JCMOTF Operations Officer Lt. Cmdr. Joe Harder who also answered more specific questions from the group.
In a report released by the US Marine Corps, Harder was quoted as saying, “They (Australian observer team) are visiting exercise Balikatan 2013 to look for opportunities to participate with partner nations in the years to come."
Harder added, “The US is supporting the Australian visit by giving them an overview of how the execution is being conducted and to help identify gaps and capabilities that can expand the effectiveness of the mission vice just coming and doing the same thing which would just add more redundancy to the mission.”
Scott said "Balikatan" is a great exercise to observe due to the longstanding relationship between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the US military.
Philippine Army Capt. Felipe Estrada, on the other hand, said: “We have learned many techniques and tactics during the exercise already, so when other countries like Australia want to be combined with the training then we would learn even more practices to deliver within the community.”
Estrada is the officer in charge of construction at the Looc Elementary School project site which is among those visited by the Australian group.
Scott said they were able to see a lot of the projects that are part of the Balikatan 2013 and these gave them some good exposure to what’s actually being done between the Philippine and American services during this year's bilateral exercises.
“Balikatan is a good opportunity and we’re looking forward to observing the rest of the exercise and seeing if there are any opportunities for Australian involvement in the future," said Scott.
http://www.mb.com.ph/article.php?aid=7503&sid=1&subid=2
United States Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey VTOL aircraft lands in Crow Valley, Tarlac during the RP-US Balikatan (shoulder to shoulder) military exercises on Friday. More than 8000 Filipino and US soldiers are participating in this years (Balikatan exercise)
CLARK FIELD, Pampanga- The "PH-US Balikatan Exercise" may soon turn into a multilateral event with more nations now looking at the possibility of joining the annual military and humanitarian maneuvers.
Brig. Gen. Richard Simcock II, the US exercise director for "Balikatan 2013", said they welcome the interest of other militaries to participate in the exercise where both Filipino and American soldiers have been learning useful military and humanitarian and disaster response techniques.
He added this practice will greatly improve security and stability in the region.
Simcock likewise noted that this year, Australia sent a small team to observe some of the training and project sites in the on-going Balikatan 2013 as they consider joining future exercises.
The observation team from the Australian Defense Force visited the Joint Civil Military Operations Task Force (JCMOTF) and Combined Joint Civil Military Operations Task Force (CJCMOTF) last April 6.
According to Australian Army Lt. Col. Michael Scott, the head engineer planner of Headquarters Company, 6th Brigade, the Australian Defense Force sent a small observer team to exercise Balikatan to look for future opportunities of involvement.
“We’re looking for opportunities to potentially integrate into future exercises," said Scott.
The team received an exercise overview briefing at the JCMOTF headquarters by the JCMOTF Operations Officer Lt. Cmdr. Joe Harder who also answered more specific questions from the group.
In a report released by the US Marine Corps, Harder was quoted as saying, “They (Australian observer team) are visiting exercise Balikatan 2013 to look for opportunities to participate with partner nations in the years to come."
Harder added, “The US is supporting the Australian visit by giving them an overview of how the execution is being conducted and to help identify gaps and capabilities that can expand the effectiveness of the mission vice just coming and doing the same thing which would just add more redundancy to the mission.”
Scott said "Balikatan" is a great exercise to observe due to the longstanding relationship between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the US military.
Philippine Army Capt. Felipe Estrada, on the other hand, said: “We have learned many techniques and tactics during the exercise already, so when other countries like Australia want to be combined with the training then we would learn even more practices to deliver within the community.”
Estrada is the officer in charge of construction at the Looc Elementary School project site which is among those visited by the Australian group.
Scott said they were able to see a lot of the projects that are part of the Balikatan 2013 and these gave them some good exposure to what’s actually being done between the Philippine and American services during this year's bilateral exercises.
“Balikatan is a good opportunity and we’re looking forward to observing the rest of the exercise and seeing if there are any opportunities for Australian involvement in the future," said Scott.
http://www.mb.com.ph/article.php?aid=7503&sid=1&subid=2
MILF pins talks’ snag on gov’t
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Apr 14): MILF pins talks’ snag on gov’t
The negotiations between the government and Muslim rebels look to have hit a bump.
The separatist Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is none too pleased that the latest round of exploratory talks ended in Kuala Lumpur last Thursday without the negotiating panels signing at least one of three annexes to the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement.
“Something is wrong,” said Maulana Alonto, a member of the MILF negotiating panel.
The two sides failed to complete a single one of the annexes on wealth-sharing, normalization and power-sharing.
What they did complete were the terms of reference on the much-touted Sajahatra Bangsamoro, a joint government-rebel development program for communities in Mindanao.
Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, the government’s chief negotiator, said in a text message the government was putting the draft of the three annexes through a “diligent review,” which, she said, would ensure a smoother implementation in the long run.
“[The] government is just as keen as the MILF to finish the comprehensive agreement as soon as possible. But it would rather err for the moment on the side of prudence,” Ferrer said.
She said the road map to the election in 2016 of officials for the new Bangsamoro political entity was “in place.”
MILF panel members were quoted in the MILF’s luwaran.com website as saying they had hoped the wealth-sharing annex could have been signed at least during the latest round of talks.
Alonto said the panels had already initialed the annex on wealth-sharing during the last exploratory talks on Feb. 25.
He said “expectations were high” that there would be no further discussions on the wealth-sharing annex as the text had already been initialed by both sides.
While the panels could both take the annex back to their principals, President Aquino and MILF chair Ebrahim Murad, for a “cursory review,” this should only be “routine because the panels had already concurred on the language of the initialed text and consultations had been held with their principals before the initialing took place,” he said.
“We were not prepared, however, for the sudden announcement by the (government) panel that they needed more time to revisit and review the wealth-sharing annex despite the fact that more than a month was ample time to make such a review,” Alonto said.
He said that he and his MILF colleagues now believe that there was “something wrong… a very serious question of credibility.”
“We are racing against time but the way things are turning out, time might outrun us,” he said.
Luwaran.com quoted another MILF panel member, Abdulla Camlian, as saying that the problem may lie either with the government negotiating team or Mr. Aquino himself.
“I think there is much traffic between him and his negotiators and we may be looking at a communications problem between them as the culprit. Let us wait, for certainly the real score will be known sooner or later,” Camlian said.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/72023/milf-pins-talks-snag-on-govt
The negotiations between the government and Muslim rebels look to have hit a bump.
The separatist Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is none too pleased that the latest round of exploratory talks ended in Kuala Lumpur last Thursday without the negotiating panels signing at least one of three annexes to the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement.
“Something is wrong,” said Maulana Alonto, a member of the MILF negotiating panel.
The two sides failed to complete a single one of the annexes on wealth-sharing, normalization and power-sharing.
What they did complete were the terms of reference on the much-touted Sajahatra Bangsamoro, a joint government-rebel development program for communities in Mindanao.
Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, the government’s chief negotiator, said in a text message the government was putting the draft of the three annexes through a “diligent review,” which, she said, would ensure a smoother implementation in the long run.
“[The] government is just as keen as the MILF to finish the comprehensive agreement as soon as possible. But it would rather err for the moment on the side of prudence,” Ferrer said.
She said the road map to the election in 2016 of officials for the new Bangsamoro political entity was “in place.”
MILF panel members were quoted in the MILF’s luwaran.com website as saying they had hoped the wealth-sharing annex could have been signed at least during the latest round of talks.
Alonto said the panels had already initialed the annex on wealth-sharing during the last exploratory talks on Feb. 25.
He said “expectations were high” that there would be no further discussions on the wealth-sharing annex as the text had already been initialed by both sides.
While the panels could both take the annex back to their principals, President Aquino and MILF chair Ebrahim Murad, for a “cursory review,” this should only be “routine because the panels had already concurred on the language of the initialed text and consultations had been held with their principals before the initialing took place,” he said.
“We were not prepared, however, for the sudden announcement by the (government) panel that they needed more time to revisit and review the wealth-sharing annex despite the fact that more than a month was ample time to make such a review,” Alonto said.
He said that he and his MILF colleagues now believe that there was “something wrong… a very serious question of credibility.”
“We are racing against time but the way things are turning out, time might outrun us,” he said.
Luwaran.com quoted another MILF panel member, Abdulla Camlian, as saying that the problem may lie either with the government negotiating team or Mr. Aquino himself.
“I think there is much traffic between him and his negotiators and we may be looking at a communications problem between them as the culprit. Let us wait, for certainly the real score will be known sooner or later,” Camlian said.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/72023/milf-pins-talks-snag-on-govt
DFA chief: More US troops allowed under PH-US defense pact
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Apr 13): DFA chief: More US troops allowed under PH-US defense pact
Foreign Secretary Albert Del Rosario said Saturday a greater presence of American troops in the country should be welcomed as such was allowed under the long-standing mutual defense treaty between the Philippines and the United States.
The country’s top diplomat, however, stressed that the establishment of any US military facility could be granted only if it would be under the control of the Philippine military and would not violate the Constitution, which bars the US from using military bases in the country.
“Our MDT (Mutual Defense Treaty) calls for joint action if either Philippines or US is attacked. 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,” Del Rosario told the Philippine Daily Inquirer.
“For example, if the US were to propose a facility in the Philippines to support humanitarian assistance, disaster response and maritime security—one that is mutually beneficial, one that is controlled by the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) and one that is not violative of the Philippine Constitution— we should welcome that form of assistance and cooperation,” he added.
Del Rosario made the comment when asked about Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin’s statement Friday on the possibility of restoring US bases in the Philippines in case of war on the Korean Peninsula.
Gazmin said Friday that permitting the return of US bases in the Philippines might happen “in cases of extreme emergency,” including the possible breakout of war in the Korean Peninsula.
Amid doubts about its weapons and nuclear launch capabilities, North Korea has threatened to wage war against South Korea and its ally, the United States, following fresh international sanctions for its nuclear tests earlier this year.
The two countries along with Japan, another defense ally, have raised their defense posture in the face of Pyongyang’s persistent war rhetoric.
The Philippines is closely monitoring developments on the Korean Peninsula, mainly to look after the welfare of some 40,000 Filipinos known to be residing there.
The Philippine Embassy in Seoul has been on Alert Level 1 since North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un came out with his nuclear threat two weeks ago.
Under this alert level, embassy officials are in constant contact with the Filipino community in Korea and continue to refine an evacuation plan for Philippine nationals if the tension escalates.
US bases in Clark, Pampanga and Subic Bay, Olongapo City were closed down in 1992 following a Senate vote, ending nearly a century of US military presence in the country.
But defense cooperation between the two countries has been close in the last 20 years since. Most recently, both sides vowed to further deepen such relationship amid common concerns in the region.
In meetings in Washington D.C. earlier this April, Del Rosario reaffirmed such ties with US Secretary of State John Kerry, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel and Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton Carter.
During the meetings, US officials discussed progress in increasing rotational presence of US troops in the Philippines and the conduct of further joint military exercises in the areas of both defense and humanitarian and disaster response.
The US is keen on the security situation in the Asia Pacific amid its defense pivot to the region.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/71971/dfa-chief-more-us-troops-allowed-under-ph-us-defense-pact
Foreign Secretary Albert Del Rosario said Saturday a greater presence of American troops in the country should be welcomed as such was allowed under the long-standing mutual defense treaty between the Philippines and the United States.
The country’s top diplomat, however, stressed that the establishment of any US military facility could be granted only if it would be under the control of the Philippine military and would not violate the Constitution, which bars the US from using military bases in the country.
“Our MDT (Mutual Defense Treaty) calls for joint action if either Philippines or US is attacked. 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,” Del Rosario told the Philippine Daily Inquirer.
“For example, if the US were to propose a facility in the Philippines to support humanitarian assistance, disaster response and maritime security—one that is mutually beneficial, one that is controlled by the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) and one that is not violative of the Philippine Constitution— we should welcome that form of assistance and cooperation,” he added.
Del Rosario made the comment when asked about Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin’s statement Friday on the possibility of restoring US bases in the Philippines in case of war on the Korean Peninsula.
Gazmin said Friday that permitting the return of US bases in the Philippines might happen “in cases of extreme emergency,” including the possible breakout of war in the Korean Peninsula.
Amid doubts about its weapons and nuclear launch capabilities, North Korea has threatened to wage war against South Korea and its ally, the United States, following fresh international sanctions for its nuclear tests earlier this year.
The two countries along with Japan, another defense ally, have raised their defense posture in the face of Pyongyang’s persistent war rhetoric.
The Philippines is closely monitoring developments on the Korean Peninsula, mainly to look after the welfare of some 40,000 Filipinos known to be residing there.
The Philippine Embassy in Seoul has been on Alert Level 1 since North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un came out with his nuclear threat two weeks ago.
Under this alert level, embassy officials are in constant contact with the Filipino community in Korea and continue to refine an evacuation plan for Philippine nationals if the tension escalates.
US bases in Clark, Pampanga and Subic Bay, Olongapo City were closed down in 1992 following a Senate vote, ending nearly a century of US military presence in the country.
But defense cooperation between the two countries has been close in the last 20 years since. Most recently, both sides vowed to further deepen such relationship amid common concerns in the region.
In meetings in Washington D.C. earlier this April, Del Rosario reaffirmed such ties with US Secretary of State John Kerry, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel and Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton Carter.
During the meetings, US officials discussed progress in increasing rotational presence of US troops in the Philippines and the conduct of further joint military exercises in the areas of both defense and humanitarian and disaster response.
The US is keen on the security situation in the Asia Pacific amid its defense pivot to the region.
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/71971/dfa-chief-more-us-troops-allowed-under-ph-us-defense-pact
PH, US air forces show off firepower at Clark
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Apr 14): PH, US air forces show off firepower at Clark
CLARK FREEPORT—In a rare exhibit, the Philippine and United States armed forces taking part in this year’s Balikatan military exercises on Saturday presented their aircraft for public viewing, turning the Philippine Air Force’s (PAF) Haribon flight line here into a large amusement park for children and civilians.
The display of air power was mounted to “let the people see what we are using,” Maj. Gen. Virgilio Domingo, the Philippines’ Balikatan exercise director, told reporters. Viewing was free.
Brig. Gen. Richard Simcock II, head of flight training at Clark, said the Balikatan activities were “not directed at any particular country in the region.”
“The exercises aim to improve our interoperability to enable us to address any crisis, manmade or natural,” said Simcock, replying to an Inquirer question on whether adjustments had been made in Balikatan, in light of the tension between North and South Korea.
Domingo said he was not sure if this was the first time an exhibit of this kind was staged under Balikatan, which is being conducted here for the 29th time.
Balikatan had been a periodic military exercise until the Philippine Senate rejected on Sept. 16, 1991, the 1947 Philippine-US military bases agreement.
The Balikatan resumed when the Senate approved the Visiting Forces Agreement in 1999.
Balikatan camps, however, are off-limits to reporters and civilians.
The US Marine Corps put on display an F-18 fighter jet, also known as a Hornet, an MV-22 transport plane, also called Osprey, and the KC-130 carrier.
On the Philippine side were displayed an UH-1H (Huey), an MG-520 attack helicopter, the trainer aircraft SF-260 and S-211, and the light attack turboprop OV-10 (Bronco).
Najal Flores, one of 80 students at Tacondo Elementary School in Barangay Margot in Angeles City, scampered from one aircraft to another.
Showcase for kids
“It’s their first time and they’re excited,” said Arsenia Mallare, the teacher who accompanied them to the exhibit.
Their unofficial tour guide, Technical Sgt. Ilinda Johnson, said it was not a problem showing the kids around the military hardware in the sweltering heat.
Cadet Maj. Rhea Andaya, a business administration student at the University of the Philippines, said she appreciated the exhibit. She said that because the Balikatan had been “clouded by issues,” the exhibit helped explain what the US forces were doing in the country.
“You can see the assurance of readiness of the PAF,” said Andaya, who was with 10 first class cadets of her school’s Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC).
US Marine pilot Capt. Brian Radler found himself swamped with questions from the students. “What does your F-18 jet do? How far does it go? These were the stuff of queries I got,” said Radler, who arrived on Thursday for the Balikatan.
Lt. Col. Enrico Canaya, PAF Balikatan director at Clark, said the joint training was “not about modern or old (aircraft).”
“In terms of procedures and doctrines, we are pretty much the same,” said Canaya. “This gives our Filipino pilots the opportunity to gain more knowledge on how the US operates. We learn techniques and tactics. Our pilots benefit from the exchange.”
Domingo admitted that the PAF aircraft were not at all sophisticated compared to the US air fleet. “But the aircraft we have does service for our armed forces,” he said.
Simcock said the United States was not making a permanent presence in the Philippines. “We have a rotational presence for interoperability,” he said.
According to him, the Balikatan “gives exceptional training day and night, and air to ground.”
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/72035/ph-us-air-forces-show-off-firepower-at-clark
CLARK FREEPORT—In a rare exhibit, the Philippine and United States armed forces taking part in this year’s Balikatan military exercises on Saturday presented their aircraft for public viewing, turning the Philippine Air Force’s (PAF) Haribon flight line here into a large amusement park for children and civilians.
The display of air power was mounted to “let the people see what we are using,” Maj. Gen. Virgilio Domingo, the Philippines’ Balikatan exercise director, told reporters. Viewing was free.
Brig. Gen. Richard Simcock II, head of flight training at Clark, said the Balikatan activities were “not directed at any particular country in the region.”
“The exercises aim to improve our interoperability to enable us to address any crisis, manmade or natural,” said Simcock, replying to an Inquirer question on whether adjustments had been made in Balikatan, in light of the tension between North and South Korea.
Domingo said he was not sure if this was the first time an exhibit of this kind was staged under Balikatan, which is being conducted here for the 29th time.
Balikatan had been a periodic military exercise until the Philippine Senate rejected on Sept. 16, 1991, the 1947 Philippine-US military bases agreement.
The Balikatan resumed when the Senate approved the Visiting Forces Agreement in 1999.
Balikatan camps, however, are off-limits to reporters and civilians.
The US Marine Corps put on display an F-18 fighter jet, also known as a Hornet, an MV-22 transport plane, also called Osprey, and the KC-130 carrier.
On the Philippine side were displayed an UH-1H (Huey), an MG-520 attack helicopter, the trainer aircraft SF-260 and S-211, and the light attack turboprop OV-10 (Bronco).
Najal Flores, one of 80 students at Tacondo Elementary School in Barangay Margot in Angeles City, scampered from one aircraft to another.
Showcase for kids
“It’s their first time and they’re excited,” said Arsenia Mallare, the teacher who accompanied them to the exhibit.
Their unofficial tour guide, Technical Sgt. Ilinda Johnson, said it was not a problem showing the kids around the military hardware in the sweltering heat.
Cadet Maj. Rhea Andaya, a business administration student at the University of the Philippines, said she appreciated the exhibit. She said that because the Balikatan had been “clouded by issues,” the exhibit helped explain what the US forces were doing in the country.
“You can see the assurance of readiness of the PAF,” said Andaya, who was with 10 first class cadets of her school’s Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC).
US Marine pilot Capt. Brian Radler found himself swamped with questions from the students. “What does your F-18 jet do? How far does it go? These were the stuff of queries I got,” said Radler, who arrived on Thursday for the Balikatan.
Lt. Col. Enrico Canaya, PAF Balikatan director at Clark, said the joint training was “not about modern or old (aircraft).”
“In terms of procedures and doctrines, we are pretty much the same,” said Canaya. “This gives our Filipino pilots the opportunity to gain more knowledge on how the US operates. We learn techniques and tactics. Our pilots benefit from the exchange.”
Domingo admitted that the PAF aircraft were not at all sophisticated compared to the US air fleet. “But the aircraft we have does service for our armed forces,” he said.
Simcock said the United States was not making a permanent presence in the Philippines. “We have a rotational presence for interoperability,” he said.
According to him, the Balikatan “gives exceptional training day and night, and air to ground.”
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/72035/ph-us-air-forces-show-off-firepower-at-clark
Gov't to accelerate peace process with MILF: Official
From the Philippine Star (Apr 14): Gov't
to accelerate peace process with MILF: Official
The government is trying hard to fast-track the peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), a senior government official said today.
Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte made the statement after the MILF, the largest Muslim rebel group in the country, warned the Aquino administration of prolonging the peace process, stressing that the "clock is ticking away."
"We know what they feel when it comes to peace talks and all sides are really doing their work to discuss and to come up with decision in all the issues involved on the remaining annexes," she said in an interview over a state-run radio station.
The MILF officials have raised concern on the government's apparent prolonged process to complete the three annexes of the framework agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB). The annexes include wealth-sharing, power-sharing and normalization.
After their 37th round of talks last week in Malaysia, the government and the MILF agreed to resume the negotiation after the May midterm polls.
MILF panel chair Mohagher Iqbal earlier expressed hope to sign the three annexes and the comprehensive peace agreement before the May elections.
The government is trying hard to fast-track the peace process with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), a senior government official said today.
Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte made the statement after the MILF, the largest Muslim rebel group in the country, warned the Aquino administration of prolonging the peace process, stressing that the "clock is ticking away."
"We know what they feel when it comes to peace talks and all sides are really doing their work to discuss and to come up with decision in all the issues involved on the remaining annexes," she said in an interview over a state-run radio station.
The MILF officials have raised concern on the government's apparent prolonged process to complete the three annexes of the framework agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB). The annexes include wealth-sharing, power-sharing and normalization.
After their 37th round of talks last week in Malaysia, the government and the MILF agreed to resume the negotiation after the May midterm polls.
MILF panel chair Mohagher Iqbal earlier expressed hope to sign the three annexes and the comprehensive peace agreement before the May elections.
The comprehensive peace agreement aims to establish the Bangsamoro entity
that will replace the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and will end
the four decades armed struggle in southern Philippines.
'No definite plans to reestablish US bases in Phl'
From the Philippine Star (Apr 14): 'No
definite plans to reestablish US bases in Phl'
The Philippine government on Sunday stressed that there are no definite plans to reestablish the United States bases in the Philippines even if it was one of the scenarios discussed in anticipation of the brewing tension in Korean Peninsula.
Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte, in an interview over a state-run radio station, said Philippine Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin had already clarified that the possibility of reestablishing the US bases was just one of the scenarios that is being studied by the government.
She added that the establishment of US bases would only be considered under "extreme emergency" like if war broke out between the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and South Korea which is not present at the moment.
Gazmin on Friday said that the Philippine Constitution does not allow the setting up of US bases in the country, but it might be considered as one of the extreme measures in case an "extreme emergency" develops in the Korean Peninsula.
Both Gazmin and Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario said the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) between the Philippines and the United States requires either of the countries to come to the aid of its ally if it is attacked by another country and the Philippines would stand by its commitment.
The Philippines, amid the tension, had put in place contingency measures including evacuation plans in case the situation escalates.
http://www.philstar.com/breaking-news/2013/04/14/930669/no-definite-plans-reestablish-us-bases-phl
The Philippine government on Sunday stressed that there are no definite plans to reestablish the United States bases in the Philippines even if it was one of the scenarios discussed in anticipation of the brewing tension in Korean Peninsula.
Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte, in an interview over a state-run radio station, said Philippine Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin had already clarified that the possibility of reestablishing the US bases was just one of the scenarios that is being studied by the government.
She added that the establishment of US bases would only be considered under "extreme emergency" like if war broke out between the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and South Korea which is not present at the moment.
Gazmin on Friday said that the Philippine Constitution does not allow the setting up of US bases in the country, but it might be considered as one of the extreme measures in case an "extreme emergency" develops in the Korean Peninsula.
Both Gazmin and Philippine Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario said the Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) between the Philippines and the United States requires either of the countries to come to the aid of its ally if it is attacked by another country and the Philippines would stand by its commitment.
The Philippines, amid the tension, had put in place contingency measures including evacuation plans in case the situation escalates.
http://www.philstar.com/breaking-news/2013/04/14/930669/no-definite-plans-reestablish-us-bases-phl
Gen Garcia: How the big fish got away
From Rappler/Newsbreak (Apr 11): Gen Garcia: How the big fish got away
STILL IN JAIL. Despite the court's ruling, retired Maj Gen Carlos Garcia is still in jail due to a case filed against him by the military. File photo by Newsbreak
(Editor's note: On Wednesday, April 10, the Sandiganbayan upheld the plea bargain deal entered into by retired military comptroller Carlos Garcia and the Office of the Ombudsman. The controversial deal allowed Garcia to escape plunder charges. The book "The Enemy Within," written by Glenda M. Gloria, Aries Rufo and Gemma Bagayaua-Mendoza looked into this deal. We are reprinting excepts from the chapter on the Garcia deal written by Aries Rufo.)
The senior prosecutor’s words carried an air of resignation: “I just cannot stomach the plea bargain.” He was on the phone with a colleague who had called him to ask why he had suddenly become inactive in the Garcia plunder case. The senior prosecutor said, “This is going to explode. The deal has been submitted to the Sandiganbayan for approval.”
It was December 2010, and word had already leaked that the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) had entered into a plea bargain deal with the disgraced retired Maj. Gen. Carlos Garcia. It was about the withdrawal of the plunder case filed against him in exchange for pleading guilty to the lesser offenses of indirect bribery and facilitating money laundering. The plea bargain required Garcia to surrender to the government his real estate properties, shares of stocks and bank deposits amounting to P135 million—which is not even half of the P303 million that he was accused of amassing. More importantly, it allowed him to post bail and spend Christmas at home after 5 years in jail.
A tsunami of protests greeted the deal that the prosecutors attempted to keep under wraps. With the imprimatur of then Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez, it was hammered out by Garcia and his lawyer on one side and 5 state prosecutors on the other: Wendell Barreras-Sulit, Jesus Micael, Robert Kallos, Jose Balmeo, and Joseph Capistrano. Of the 5, only two—Balmeo and Capistrano—were part of the original team that prosecuted the ex-military comptroller for plunder. The rest entered the picture only when the plea bargain talks were about to begin.
The agreement was finalized only less than 3 months after a special division of 5 justices threw out Garcia’s petition for bail in a 3-2 vote, on Jan. 7, 2010. The verdict, however tight, meant that up to that time, the court was convinced that the evidence of plunder against him was solid.
Yet, the prosecution and defense still proceeded with the joint motion for approval of the plea bargain agreement, triggering public outcry that plunged the career of some, and raised the stock of others. It prompted a Senate investigation that pushed former Defense Secretary Angelo Reyes to commit suicide.
Although the plea bargain deal was not among the listed complaints, it put the spotlight on Merceditas Gutierrez, who quit just before the Senate was to begin her impeachment trial in May 2011. It made instant self-styled heroes and heroines, as in the case of former Lt. Col. George Rabusa, who spilled the beans on the alleged “pabaon” system in the military, and former auditor Heidi Mendoza who was later appointed commissioner of the Commission on Audit.
What happened?
Based on court records and interviews with people privy to the case and Ombudsman insiders, we discovered that:
• The real estate properties and deposits that Garcia supposedly surrendered in the deal were already the subject of two forfeiture cases in the Sandiganbayan’s Fourth Division, which was not even informed about the plea bargain deal.
• Gutierrez only showed token interest in the case. She hardly supported the team that prosecuted Garcia.
• Despite the importance and complexity of the case, it was a former Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) lawyer, who had indigents as former clients, who was assigned to handle it. From a mere “coordinator” of the team, this prosecutor assumed the burden of a lead prosecutor when the original prosecutors got promoted or refrained from further handling the case.
• The prosecution rested its case only on two pieces of evidence: the written statement of Garcia’s wife, Clarita, and the testimony of Heidi Mendoza on the supposed missing P50-million fund from the United Nations’ reimbursements to the Philippine military.
• Witnesses called to buttress Mendoza’s testimony debunked the former auditor’s court statements. Mendoza’s testimony also crumbled during cross-examination by Garcia’s lawyer.
• Despite its vast powers, the Office of the Special Prosecutor and the Ombudsman failed to persuade a single military supplier that supposedly provided bribes to Garcia to testify.
“We were beaten to the draw by the defense in talking to those suppliers,” one prosecutor admitted.
Thus, this is a classic story of how the big fish got away without trying too hard.
http://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/26027-garcia-military-corruption-deal
STILL IN JAIL. Despite the court's ruling, retired Maj Gen Carlos Garcia is still in jail due to a case filed against him by the military. File photo by Newsbreak
(Editor's note: On Wednesday, April 10, the Sandiganbayan upheld the plea bargain deal entered into by retired military comptroller Carlos Garcia and the Office of the Ombudsman. The controversial deal allowed Garcia to escape plunder charges. The book "The Enemy Within," written by Glenda M. Gloria, Aries Rufo and Gemma Bagayaua-Mendoza looked into this deal. We are reprinting excepts from the chapter on the Garcia deal written by Aries Rufo.)
The senior prosecutor’s words carried an air of resignation: “I just cannot stomach the plea bargain.” He was on the phone with a colleague who had called him to ask why he had suddenly become inactive in the Garcia plunder case. The senior prosecutor said, “This is going to explode. The deal has been submitted to the Sandiganbayan for approval.”
It was December 2010, and word had already leaked that the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) had entered into a plea bargain deal with the disgraced retired Maj. Gen. Carlos Garcia. It was about the withdrawal of the plunder case filed against him in exchange for pleading guilty to the lesser offenses of indirect bribery and facilitating money laundering. The plea bargain required Garcia to surrender to the government his real estate properties, shares of stocks and bank deposits amounting to P135 million—which is not even half of the P303 million that he was accused of amassing. More importantly, it allowed him to post bail and spend Christmas at home after 5 years in jail.
A tsunami of protests greeted the deal that the prosecutors attempted to keep under wraps. With the imprimatur of then Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez, it was hammered out by Garcia and his lawyer on one side and 5 state prosecutors on the other: Wendell Barreras-Sulit, Jesus Micael, Robert Kallos, Jose Balmeo, and Joseph Capistrano. Of the 5, only two—Balmeo and Capistrano—were part of the original team that prosecuted the ex-military comptroller for plunder. The rest entered the picture only when the plea bargain talks were about to begin.
The agreement was finalized only less than 3 months after a special division of 5 justices threw out Garcia’s petition for bail in a 3-2 vote, on Jan. 7, 2010. The verdict, however tight, meant that up to that time, the court was convinced that the evidence of plunder against him was solid.
Yet, the prosecution and defense still proceeded with the joint motion for approval of the plea bargain agreement, triggering public outcry that plunged the career of some, and raised the stock of others. It prompted a Senate investigation that pushed former Defense Secretary Angelo Reyes to commit suicide.
Although the plea bargain deal was not among the listed complaints, it put the spotlight on Merceditas Gutierrez, who quit just before the Senate was to begin her impeachment trial in May 2011. It made instant self-styled heroes and heroines, as in the case of former Lt. Col. George Rabusa, who spilled the beans on the alleged “pabaon” system in the military, and former auditor Heidi Mendoza who was later appointed commissioner of the Commission on Audit.
What happened?
Based on court records and interviews with people privy to the case and Ombudsman insiders, we discovered that:
• The real estate properties and deposits that Garcia supposedly surrendered in the deal were already the subject of two forfeiture cases in the Sandiganbayan’s Fourth Division, which was not even informed about the plea bargain deal.
• Gutierrez only showed token interest in the case. She hardly supported the team that prosecuted Garcia.
• Despite the importance and complexity of the case, it was a former Public Attorney’s Office (PAO) lawyer, who had indigents as former clients, who was assigned to handle it. From a mere “coordinator” of the team, this prosecutor assumed the burden of a lead prosecutor when the original prosecutors got promoted or refrained from further handling the case.
• The prosecution rested its case only on two pieces of evidence: the written statement of Garcia’s wife, Clarita, and the testimony of Heidi Mendoza on the supposed missing P50-million fund from the United Nations’ reimbursements to the Philippine military.
• Witnesses called to buttress Mendoza’s testimony debunked the former auditor’s court statements. Mendoza’s testimony also crumbled during cross-examination by Garcia’s lawyer.
• Despite its vast powers, the Office of the Special Prosecutor and the Ombudsman failed to persuade a single military supplier that supposedly provided bribes to Garcia to testify.
“We were beaten to the draw by the defense in talking to those suppliers,” one prosecutor admitted.
Thus, this is a classic story of how the big fish got away without trying too hard.
http://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/26027-garcia-military-corruption-deal
After PNA site hacking, govt to adopt security measures - Coloma
From InterAksyon (Apr 14): After PNA site hacking, govt to adopt security measures - Coloma
With the latest incident of hacking in government website, Malacanang on Sunday said it would adopt measures to strengthen the security of government websites.
Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio "Sonny" Coloma said the news on the hacking of the Philippines News Agency website had been released by a hackers group and shared by others on Facebook.
Shortly before 12 noon today, PNA’s site was defaced by what seemed like Chinese hackers.
The website showed a flag of China and the following message: "China Hacker EvilShadow Team. We are evil shadow. We are the team. We have our own dignity. China Hacker Lxxker. mail:9718692@qq.com"
The PNA website was back up after an hour.
The incident seemed to be in retaliation for the recent arrest of supposed Chinese fishermen whose vessel ran around on Tubbataha Reef.
The PNA website was first defaced by those claiming to be Chinese during the height of the issue over the disputed Scarborough Shoal.
"We continue to adopt measures that will strengthen the security of our websites," said Coloma in a statement.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/59403/after-pna-site-hacking-govt-to-adopt-security-measures---coloma
With the latest incident of hacking in government website, Malacanang on Sunday said it would adopt measures to strengthen the security of government websites.
Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio "Sonny" Coloma said the news on the hacking of the Philippines News Agency website had been released by a hackers group and shared by others on Facebook.
Shortly before 12 noon today, PNA’s site was defaced by what seemed like Chinese hackers.
The website showed a flag of China and the following message: "China Hacker EvilShadow Team. We are evil shadow. We are the team. We have our own dignity. China Hacker Lxxker. mail:9718692@qq.com"
The PNA website was back up after an hour.
The incident seemed to be in retaliation for the recent arrest of supposed Chinese fishermen whose vessel ran around on Tubbataha Reef.
The PNA website was first defaced by those claiming to be Chinese during the height of the issue over the disputed Scarborough Shoal.
"We continue to adopt measures that will strengthen the security of our websites," said Coloma in a statement.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/59403/after-pna-site-hacking-govt-to-adopt-security-measures---coloma
Chinese hackers deface Philippines News Agency website
From InterAksyon (Apr 14): Chinese hackers deface Philippines News Agency website
The website of the government-owned Philippines News Agency has been defaced by what seems like Chinese hackers, it was learned Sunday.
Instead of showing a list of news about the Philippines, the website simply shows a flag of China and the following message:
"China Hacker EvilShadow Team
We are evil shadow
We are the team
We have our own dignity
China Hacker Lxxker
mail:9718692@qq.com"
This seems to be in retaliation to the recent arrest of supposed Chinese fishermen whose ship grounded off the World Heritage Site, Tubbataha Reef.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/59384/chinese-hackers-deface-philippines-news-agency-website
The website of the government-owned Philippines News Agency has been defaced by what seems like Chinese hackers, it was learned Sunday.
Instead of showing a list of news about the Philippines, the website simply shows a flag of China and the following message:
"China Hacker EvilShadow Team
We are evil shadow
We are the team
We have our own dignity
China Hacker Lxxker
mail:9718692@qq.com"
This seems to be in retaliation to the recent arrest of supposed Chinese fishermen whose ship grounded off the World Heritage Site, Tubbataha Reef.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/59384/chinese-hackers-deface-philippines-news-agency-website
Rebels blast Gazmin, Del Rosario for offering bases to US in case of war with NoKor
From InterAksyon (Apr 14): Rebels blast Gazmin, Del Rosario for offering bases to US in case of war with NoKor
Communist rebels on Saturday blasted Secretaries Voltaire Gazmin of Defense and Albert del Rosario of Foreign Affairs for offering the United States the use of military bases in the country should the Americans go to war against North Korea.
In a statement, the Communist Party of the Philippines denounced “the Aquino regime for blindly supporting US warmongering and for allowing the Philippines to be used as a military outpost and instrument of US hegemonism in the Asia-Pacific region.”
Earlier, Gazmin said the US could be allowed to station its forces in the country as an “extreme measure” in the event of an “extreme emergency” on the Korean peninsula.
And at the opening ceremonies of the 2013 Balikatan exercises in Camp Aguinaldo, Del Rosario said the Philippines is obligated by the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty to extend military help to the US in case of war.
The 1987 Constitution prohibits the permanent basing of foreign troops on Philippine soil and the country kicked out American military bases in 1991.
However, US troops have been rotating in and out of the country under the Visiting Forces Agreement.
“As it is, the Philippines is already serving as a US military outpost as a result of the Aquino regime’s policy of providing full-access to the US military,” the CPP said. “US naval warships and fighter jets regularly dock and land in order to refuel, resupply and provide rest and recreation to US interventionist troops. A large 700-strong contingent of US soldiers under the Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines is permanently stationed in Zamboanga.”
“US interventionism in the Philippines has now reached unprecedented heights since the dismantling of the US military bases in 1991,” it said. “Aquino’s shameless puppetry to the US imperialists and policy of full access have resulted in the sharp depreciation of Philippine sovereignty and caused the complete subordination of the Philippines to the dominant power of the US.”
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/59399/rebels-blast-gazmin-del-rosario-for-offering-bases-to-us-in-case-of-war-with-nokor
Communist rebels on Saturday blasted Secretaries Voltaire Gazmin of Defense and Albert del Rosario of Foreign Affairs for offering the United States the use of military bases in the country should the Americans go to war against North Korea.
In a statement, the Communist Party of the Philippines denounced “the Aquino regime for blindly supporting US warmongering and for allowing the Philippines to be used as a military outpost and instrument of US hegemonism in the Asia-Pacific region.”
Earlier, Gazmin said the US could be allowed to station its forces in the country as an “extreme measure” in the event of an “extreme emergency” on the Korean peninsula.
And at the opening ceremonies of the 2013 Balikatan exercises in Camp Aguinaldo, Del Rosario said the Philippines is obligated by the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty to extend military help to the US in case of war.
The 1987 Constitution prohibits the permanent basing of foreign troops on Philippine soil and the country kicked out American military bases in 1991.
However, US troops have been rotating in and out of the country under the Visiting Forces Agreement.
“As it is, the Philippines is already serving as a US military outpost as a result of the Aquino regime’s policy of providing full-access to the US military,” the CPP said. “US naval warships and fighter jets regularly dock and land in order to refuel, resupply and provide rest and recreation to US interventionist troops. A large 700-strong contingent of US soldiers under the Joint Special Operations Task Force-Philippines is permanently stationed in Zamboanga.”
“US interventionism in the Philippines has now reached unprecedented heights since the dismantling of the US military bases in 1991,” it said. “Aquino’s shameless puppetry to the US imperialists and policy of full access have resulted in the sharp depreciation of Philippine sovereignty and caused the complete subordination of the Philippines to the dominant power of the US.”
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/59399/rebels-blast-gazmin-del-rosario-for-offering-bases-to-us-in-case-of-war-with-nokor
Government troops seize NPA camp, firearms in Northern Samar
From the Philippine Information Agency (Apr 14): Government troops seize NPA camp, firearms in Northern Samar
BARANGAY, MAGSAYSAY, Lope de Vega, Northern Samar -- An abandoned camp believed to be of the New People's Army was discovered by government security forces at Happy Valley, San Isidro, Northern Samar at around 10:30 a.m. April 13.
Lieutenant Colonel Noel A. Vestuir, 20IB’s Commanding Officer, in his report to 803rd Brigade Commander, Colonel Rolando Malinao, said the camp was seized by the operating troops of 20IB led by 1Lt. Florencio Tayo III.
The camp has 15 bunkers that can accommodate around 20 persons, one kitchen, one comfort room, three outposts and has just been abandoned by the the rebel group as they evade armed engagement with the operating troops, Lt. Col. Vestuir said.
After thoroughly searching the area, the troops recovered four cal .38 revolvers hidden in one of the bunkers.
The camp was seized after 20IB launched sustained combat operations in the area in response to the information tipped-in by some residents in the nearby barangays who reported the presence of armed men roaming in the area enforcing their Permit to Campaign (PTC) strategy, extorting money and food stuffs from residents well as from the politicians.
The recent accomplishments by the 20IB troops against the NPAs in the area of 1st district of Northern Samar have disrupted the impending terroristic activities that are being hatched to be conducted by the NPA, Vestuir said.
The government troops has dislodged them from their guerilla camps and cut-off their supply support lines that they forcibly take from the residents in the area.
The fact that the discovery and seizure of the said camp in the area was made possible by the information provided by local populace, is a clear indication that the enemy revolutionary organization has already alienated the people and the communities where they got their support through their forced extortion activities, Vestuir added.
Lt. Col. Vestuir, 20IB’s Commanding Officer commended his troops for a job well done. He also thanked the local residents for their continued support in the government’s efforts of “Winning the Peace”.
Vestuir also called on the fleeing NPAs to lay down their arms in order to once again live decent and normal lives along with their families.
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1141365910620
BARANGAY, MAGSAYSAY, Lope de Vega, Northern Samar -- An abandoned camp believed to be of the New People's Army was discovered by government security forces at Happy Valley, San Isidro, Northern Samar at around 10:30 a.m. April 13.
Lieutenant Colonel Noel A. Vestuir, 20IB’s Commanding Officer, in his report to 803rd Brigade Commander, Colonel Rolando Malinao, said the camp was seized by the operating troops of 20IB led by 1Lt. Florencio Tayo III.
The camp has 15 bunkers that can accommodate around 20 persons, one kitchen, one comfort room, three outposts and has just been abandoned by the the rebel group as they evade armed engagement with the operating troops, Lt. Col. Vestuir said.
After thoroughly searching the area, the troops recovered four cal .38 revolvers hidden in one of the bunkers.
The camp was seized after 20IB launched sustained combat operations in the area in response to the information tipped-in by some residents in the nearby barangays who reported the presence of armed men roaming in the area enforcing their Permit to Campaign (PTC) strategy, extorting money and food stuffs from residents well as from the politicians.
The recent accomplishments by the 20IB troops against the NPAs in the area of 1st district of Northern Samar have disrupted the impending terroristic activities that are being hatched to be conducted by the NPA, Vestuir said.
The government troops has dislodged them from their guerilla camps and cut-off their supply support lines that they forcibly take from the residents in the area.
The fact that the discovery and seizure of the said camp in the area was made possible by the information provided by local populace, is a clear indication that the enemy revolutionary organization has already alienated the people and the communities where they got their support through their forced extortion activities, Vestuir added.
Lt. Col. Vestuir, 20IB’s Commanding Officer commended his troops for a job well done. He also thanked the local residents for their continued support in the government’s efforts of “Winning the Peace”.
Vestuir also called on the fleeing NPAs to lay down their arms in order to once again live decent and normal lives along with their families.
http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1141365910620
PAMANA to help Region 12’s poor, conflict-laden communities
From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 14): PAMANA to help Region 12’s poor,
conflict-laden communities
At least 17 poor and conflict-afflicted barangays in selected towns in the four provinces of region 12 will benefit from Pres. Benigno Aquino’s PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA) Program, the Dept. of Agriculture 12 announced Saturday.
The PAMANA is the national government's program and framework for peace and development which is implemented among conflict-affected communities covered by the existing peace agreements.
To effectively implement the projects, a planning workshop and consultative meeting was recently conducted inDavao
City
DA-12 regional executive director Amalia Jayag-Datukan said PAMANA is a peace-building initiative of the government in conflict areas and has received less program interventions.
“It will be implemented in identified local government units (LGUs) in the region where each area will receive development programs according to the residents’ specific needs," Datukan said, adding that PAMANA will allocate funds for these projects thru the national agencies like the DA, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Interior and Local Government Unit, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Department of National Defense and other involved agencies and LGUs.
Datukan identified the beneficiary communities as villages in the towns of Arakan, Banisilan, Carmen, Kabacan, Matalam, Midsayap and Pikit in North Cotabato; Glan, Maasim and Malapatan in Sarangani; Lake Sebu and T’boli towns in South Cotabato and; towns of Bagumbayan, Isulan, Kalamansig, Lebaj and Palimbang in Sultan Kudarat.
The identified projects include farm-to-market roads, post-harvest facilities, livestock dispersal, warehouses, multi-purpose buildings, water systems, livelihood projects, health centers, school building, evacuation or peace centers, other community infrastructure and other social services.
PAMANA program also aims to reduce poverty and vulnerability in conflict-affected areas through sustainable rural development, community infrastructure and focused delivery of social services.
It also aims to improve governance through partnerships with national and local institutions, building capacities for governance, and enhancement of transparency and accountability mechanisms.
A complementary track to peace negotiations, the program’s main strategy is to bring back government to PAMANA areas, ensuring that the communities benefit from improved delivery of basic social services and are served by responsive, transparent and accountable government units thru the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP) and in coordination with its partner government agencies.
The project is also being implemented in other conflict communities, mostly in Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur where the government forces and Moro rebels figured in years of armed conflict.
Now that a peace negotiation is underway and is almost complete, the OPAPP, through PAMANA, is all out in the implementation of various peace and development projects.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=516265
At least 17 poor and conflict-afflicted barangays in selected towns in the four provinces of region 12 will benefit from Pres. Benigno Aquino’s PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn (PAMANA) Program, the Dept. of Agriculture 12 announced Saturday.
The PAMANA is the national government's program and framework for peace and development which is implemented among conflict-affected communities covered by the existing peace agreements.
To effectively implement the projects, a planning workshop and consultative meeting was recently conducted in
DA-12 regional executive director Amalia Jayag-Datukan said PAMANA is a peace-building initiative of the government in conflict areas and has received less program interventions.
“It will be implemented in identified local government units (LGUs) in the region where each area will receive development programs according to the residents’ specific needs," Datukan said, adding that PAMANA will allocate funds for these projects thru the national agencies like the DA, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Interior and Local Government Unit, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Department of National Defense and other involved agencies and LGUs.
Datukan identified the beneficiary communities as villages in the towns of Arakan, Banisilan, Carmen, Kabacan, Matalam, Midsayap and Pikit in North Cotabato; Glan, Maasim and Malapatan in Sarangani; Lake Sebu and T’boli towns in South Cotabato and; towns of Bagumbayan, Isulan, Kalamansig, Lebaj and Palimbang in Sultan Kudarat.
The identified projects include farm-to-market roads, post-harvest facilities, livestock dispersal, warehouses, multi-purpose buildings, water systems, livelihood projects, health centers, school building, evacuation or peace centers, other community infrastructure and other social services.
PAMANA program also aims to reduce poverty and vulnerability in conflict-affected areas through sustainable rural development, community infrastructure and focused delivery of social services.
It also aims to improve governance through partnerships with national and local institutions, building capacities for governance, and enhancement of transparency and accountability mechanisms.
A complementary track to peace negotiations, the program’s main strategy is to bring back government to PAMANA areas, ensuring that the communities benefit from improved delivery of basic social services and are served by responsive, transparent and accountable government units thru the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace Process (OPAPP) and in coordination with its partner government agencies.
The project is also being implemented in other conflict communities, mostly in Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur where the government forces and Moro rebels figured in years of armed conflict.
Now that a peace negotiation is underway and is almost complete, the OPAPP, through PAMANA, is all out in the implementation of various peace and development projects.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=516265
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