Another US warship to dock in Subic

From InterAksyon (Jun 11): Another US warship to dock in Subic



The guided missile cruiser USS Chosin is seen in US government handout photo. The warship is due on Wednesday at Subic Bay, once the largest military base outside the US mainland. The Philippines stopped hosting US bases after a bases treaty extension was defeated in the Senate in 1991.

Amid observations that rising tension in the West Philippine Sea has coincided with more frequent port calls by US warships, a guided missile cruiser will dock at Subic Bay on Wednesday, the 115th celebration of Philippine Independence.

The US Embassy in Manila said on Tuesday in a statement: “The guided-missile cruiser USS Chosin” (CG 65) will arrive in Subic Bay on Wednesday, June 12, for a routine port call.”

It added, “the USS Chosin will refuel and receive supplies, and its crew will be given opportunities for community service in nearby areas as well as rest and recreation.”

The Ticonderoga-class cruiser was commissioned in 1991in Mississippi.  It is the first US Navy warship named in commemoration of the US First Marine Division’s breakout from surrounding Chinese communist troops during the Battle of Chosin in the mountains of North Korea, near Manchuria, in the winter of 1950.  Historians consider that battle as one of the most savage battles in modern warfare.

The 567-foot long cruiser has a top speed that exceeds 30 knots.  It has a crew of 375 sailors and officers.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/63843/another-us-warship-to-dock-in-subic

'WHAT EXTRADITION?' | De Lima debunks Sulu sultan's claim

From InterAksyon (Jun 11): 'WHAT EXTRADITION?' | De Lima debunks Sulu sultan's claim



Justice Secretary Leila de Lima on Tuesday dismissed Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram’s claims that the administration intends to hand him and his followers over to Malaysia over the clashes in Sabah in March that left scores of people dead.

“I don’t know from whom the Kirams are getting their info,” De Lima said.
Kiram made his accusations at a press conference in his Taguig City residence on Monday.

At the press conference, sultanate spokesman Abraham Idjirani claimed that three days before, a source from “within the Aquino government” told them the administration “is cooking up a plan to surrender” Kiram, the sultan’s daughter Jacel, and himself to Malaysian authorities.

Malacanang has denied the claim.

In debunking Kiram’s claim, De Lima said, “In the first place, Malaysia has not made any request for their extradition. And even if there's such a request, we cannot grant the same because it is not sanctioned under our laws.”

“The (Philippine) Extradition Law (Presidential Decree 1069) allows extradition only pursuant to a treaty. There's no extradition treaty between the Philippines and Malaysia,” she stressed.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/63831/what-extradition--de-lima-debunks-sulu-sultans-claim

PN, PCG step up patrol off Tubbataha Reef

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 11): PN, PCG step up patrol off Tubbataha Reef

In wake of the Vietnamese intrusion off Tubbataha Reef Friday night, the Philippine Coast Guard and Navy have beefed up their patrols in the marine sanctuary in a bid to prevent a similar incident.

Coast Guard Palawan district head Commodore Enrico Evangelista said park rangers have also been on heightened alert status.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines' Western Command earlier announced that its naval component has already dispatched a patrol vessel to look into the alleged Vietnamese incursion.

1st Lt. Cheryl Tindog, Western Command spokesperson, said that Vietnamese craft, around 50 to 60 tons, was spotted off 3.4 nautical miles of North Atoll, Tubbataha Reef by 9 to 10 p.m. last June 7.

She added the Vietnamese fishing vessel was even said to be flying a Philippine flag when spotted by the Tubbataha Park Ranger Station radar east of North Atoll.

And when park rangers tried to approach the foreign vessel, the latter sped off prompting Philippine authorities to chase it.

"Our park rangers gave chase... up to two nautical miles," Tindog stressed, adding that some of the pursuing rangers are Navy personnel.

She also clarified that the vessel that gave chase to the Vietnamese ship was a park boat of the Tubbataha Reef Marine Park.

Tindog added that Naval Forces West was informed of the presence of the foreign vessel in the area and the latter reacted by deploying a patrol craft immediately.

Friday's incident was the third time this year that a foreign vessel has entered the Tubbataha Reef Marine Park.

In January, the U.S. minesweeper USS Guardian ran aground the Tubbataha Reef, which has been declared by the UNESCO as a world heritage site. The U.S. vessel remained stuck in the reef for more than two months before it was eventually removed March 30.

Just days after the U.S. warship was removed from the reef, a Chinese fishing vessel also ran aground at the marine sanctuary.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=533129

PN to showcase capabilities on PHL's 115th Independence rites

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 11): PN to showcase capabilities on PHL's 115th Independence rites

As the country celebrates its 115th Independence Day Wednesday, the Philippine Navy will showcase its capabilities in a special display at Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz in Luneta.

According to PN spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic, the two-day display -- Tuesday and Wednesday -- lwill involve Navy units, advance weapons and other equipment.

Showcasing the Navy's capabilities during the activity are the Naval Special Operations Group and the Philippine Marine Corps Force Recon.

Fabic said that a PN parachutist team will also be participating in the skydiving exhibitions with the Army and Air Force.

Aside from this, the PN will provide entertainment for the audience through its Marine Drum and Bugle Team and PMC Slow Drill Team which will be performing in front of the Quirino Grandstand on June 12.

The Seabees Combo and PMC Combo will fill the night with lively music as participants of "MUSIKALAYAAN" festivity on June 11 and 12 respectively.

Meanwhile, a recruitment booth will be set up for individuals who might be interested in joining the Navy in the regular and reserve force.

Fabic said the PN will also be participating in the simultaneous flag raising and wreath laying ceremonies in which will be the highlight of Independence Day celebration

President Benigno S. Aquino will be the guest of honor during the flag raising and wreath laying at Bonifacio Monument, Liwasang Bonifacio, Manila.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=533107

Statement by Secretary Kerry on the Philippine's Independence Day

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 11): Statement by Secretary Kerry on the Philippine's Independence Day

On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am delighted to congratulate the people of the Philippines on the 115th anniversary of your nation’s independence.

The United States is proud of our rich history and enduring alliance with the Philippines, an important democracy and strategic partner in the dynamic Asia-Pacific region.

I'm especially proud of my long connection to the Philippines dating back to the first amendment I ever passed as a United States Senator, calling for free and fair elections. Not long after, I found myself on the ground in Manila as an election observer for those hard-fought 1986 presidential elections that restored democracy to a people yearning to be freed from dictatorship.

One of the first possessions I hung on the wall of my office at the State Department was the Order of Sikatuna I received from the government of the Philippines just a couple years ago.

Today, our two countries enjoy ever-broadening cooperation on challenges from countering extremism to strengthening economic ties. Through our Partnership for Growth, we can help sustain the Philippines impressive economic growth and our joint efforts in the Open Government Partnership are advancing good governance, accountability, and vibrant civil societies.

On this special day, as Filipinos around the world come together to celebrate, I wish you a joyous Independence Day and a prosperous future.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=533228

Engineer 'kidnapped' more than a year ago freed in Jolo

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 11): Engineer 'kidnapped' more than a year ago freed in Jolo
 
Col. Jose Johnriel Cenebre, 2nd Marine Brigade commander, today announced the release of Carlos Tee after more than a year in captivity by suspected Abu Sayyaf Group members.

Cenabre said the victim -- an engineer working for the Air Transportation Office (ATO) -- walked alone to his house where he was reunited with his surprised family around 3 a.m. Tuesday.

Tee was kidnapped by seven heavily-armed ASG men inside his house in Hadji Butu Extension, Jolo, Sulu in April 7, 2012.

The victim also owns a Caltex gas station in the area.

Cenabre added the family denied paying ransom to facilitate the victim's release.

Tee was taken to the nearby Integrated Provincial Health Office for medical examination.

The Marine officer attributes the release of Tee to ongoing law enforcement and security patrols by the military and police with the assistance of the Sulu provincial government and other stakeholders.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=533220

USS Choisin to dock off Subic Bay this Wednesday

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 11): USS Choisin to dock off Subic Bay this Wednesday

The USS Choisin (CG-65), a guided-missile cruiser, will be dropping anchor at Subic Bay, Zambales Wednesday for a routine port call.

The US Embassy in Manila, in a statement, stressed that the visit highlights the strong historic community and military relations between the Philippines and the United States.

During the port call, the USS Chosin will refuel and receive supplies, and its crew will be given opportunities for community service in nearby areas as well as rest and recreation.

The Ticonderoga-class cruiser was commissioned in 1991 in Mississippi.

It is the first US Navy warship named in commemoration of the US First Marine Division’s breakout from surrounding Chinese communist troops during the Battle of Chosin in the mountains of North Korea, near Manchuria, in the winter of 1950.

Historians consider that battle as one of the most savage battles of modern warfare.

The 567-foot long cruiser has a top speed that exceeds 30 knots. It has a crew of 375 sailors and officers.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=533348

2 Army troopers killed during clash with NPAs in Surigao Del Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 11): 2 Army troopers killed during clash with NPAs in Surigao Del Sur

Two troopers from the 4th Infantry Division's 29th Infantry Battalion was killed during an encounter with a undetermined number of New People's Army (NPA) rebels in Sitio Tibog, Barangay San Isidro, Lianga town, Surigao Del Sur Monday afternoon.

Major Leo Bongosia, 4th Infantry Division spokesperson, said the encounter took place around 2 p.m. and lasted for five minutes.

Bongosia said the killed troopers are Pfc. Nagdar M. Irad, a resident of Patikul, Sulu and Pfc. Merwin M. Tion, of Talisayan, Misamis Oriental.

He said the two soldiers were killed on the spot during the initial gunfire burst.

The soldiers were on routine patrol when it encountered the NPA rebels.

Bongosia said that they have no report yet as to whether the patrol inflicted casualties on the NPAs, adding that the 29th Infantry Battalion is still conducting pursuit operations.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=533241

Sandiganbayan convicts ex-Army officer for SALN violation

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 11): Sandiganbayan convicts ex-Army officer for SALN violation

The Sandiganbayan has convicted a retired Army officer for not declaring in his Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth his business and financial interest as vice president of a security agency for the calendar year 1996.

In a 39-page ruling, the Sandiganbayan's Fourth Division found retired Army Col. Ceferino Leyritana Layao guilty of violating Section 8(a) in relation to Section 11 of Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

Layao was sentenced to suffer a straight penalty of imprisonment for one year; pay a fine of P5,000; disqualification from holding public office; and pay the costs.

It was found while Layao was commissioned as a military officer, he also acted as vice president of Holy Spirit Security Corporation.

However, Layao did not disclose his business and financial interest as an official of the security firm, a corporation duly-registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, in his SALN for the calendar year 1996 for which position he earned a monthly income of P9,000.

During trial, the Ombudsman's Office of the Special Prosecutor presented evidence on Layao's initial registration with the Social Security System on April 5, 1978 when he was assigned an SSS Number, the same number reflected in the remittances made by Holy Spirit for him during the months of August to December 1996.

In the ruling written by Associate Justice Gregory Ong and concurred in by Associate Justices Jose Hernandez and Maria Cristina Cornejo, the Sandiganbayan said the prosecution was able to establish Layao's employment with the security firm through the SSS documents.

It found "ample evidence and therefore concludes that accused Layao's employment and status as [Holy Spirit's] Vice President for Administration [from August 1996 up to December 1996] was clearly established."

However, the Sandiganbayan acquitted Layao on four other similar charges for lack of evidence regarding Layao's link to the corporation for the years 1997, 1998, 1999 and 2000.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=533356

AFP ready for PHL's 115th Independence Day celebrations

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 11): AFP ready for PHL's 115th Independence Day celebrations
 
Aside from ensuring the country's 115th Independence Day celebrations will be secure and orderly, the Armed Forces will also set up a job fair and information caravan along with a static display in Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz in Binondo, Manila Wednesday.

Aside from this, AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Emmanuel T. Bautista and other ceremonial elements from the military will join President Benigno Aquino III in the flag-raising and wreath laying ceremony in Liwasang Bonifacio.

Simultaneous flag-raising and wreath laying ceremonies will be held in other historical sites including the Rizal Monument in Luneta and Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite.

"The participation of the AFP in the celebration of the Philippine Independence Day is a simple way of remembering the Filipinos’ hard-fought achievement of independence for our beloved country," Bautista stressed.

He added this serves as a reminder of the military’s undying perseverance to protect the people, uphold sovereignty, and achieve a just and lasting peace as embodied in Internal Peace and Security Program "Bayanihan".

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=533422

Army's 8th ID continues to lure rebel returnees back to fold

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 11): Army's 8th ID continues to lure rebel returnees back to fold

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is offering cash incentives and livelihood programs to members of the New People’s Army (NPA) who surrender with their firearms under its Guns for Peace Program.

Capt. Amado Gutierrez, spokesperson of the Army’s 8th Infantry Division based in Catbalogan City said the firearms remuneration package is intended to support the rebel returnees and their families as they integrate themselves into mainstream society.

Gutierrez said the AFP will pay P200,000 for light machine guns, P60,000 for M-14 assault rifle, P50,000 for Colt M-16 armalite rifle, and P40,000 for M-203 grenade launcher.

“The rebel returnees will also be able to avail of government livelihood programs, from the comprehensive local integration program, that includes immediate cash assistance ranging from P5,000 to P15,000,” Gutierrez said.

Last month, two former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) were given extended financial assistance by the government under its Gun for Peace Program.

Former rebel members Romeo Banagbanag and Roberto Rom received P50,000 each, which represented the M-16 firearms they surrendered to the government.

Gutierrez said they have received many surrender feelers from the NPA members, who say they are already tired of hiding in the mountains, and now want to live a normal life with their families.

The AFP Guns for Peace Program is a transition mechanism that is also open to other armed threat groups.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=533259

Armed men flag down, fire at DOLE container van in Surigao Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 11): Armed men flag down, fire at DOLE container van in Surigao Sur

Fully armed men on Monday morning flagged down and fired at a container van loaded with bananas on Monday morning at a village in Surigao del Sur.

Reports from Surigao del Sur Police Provincial Office reaching the regional police office here said the container van owned by DOLE, loaded with 1,562 boxes of banana for export coming from Brgy. Dayoan, Tago, Surigao del Sur and bound for Davao City, was flagged down by the armed group upon reaching Sitio Abihaw, Brgy. Bitaugan West, Cagwait town in Surigao del Sur.

The armed men based on the investigation of Cagwait police were believed to be from the Front Committee 19B led by a certain alias "Mark." They were even seen unloading some boxes of banana from the said vehicle before firing their weapons hitting the six wheels at the rear portion of the container van and its generator set.

Responding police personnel recovered four shells and a live ammunition of AK 47 Rifle from the crime scene.

A deeper probe by the Cagwait police is under way to fully identify the suspects and to file appropriate charges.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=533202

Troops, NPA rebs clash in Zamboanga del Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 11): Troops, NPA rebs clash in Zamboanga del Sur

Combined police and military forces have launched pursuit operations against New People’s Army rebels, who figured in a firefight with the troops, in the hinterlands of Zamboanga del Sur, a police official disclosed Tuesday.

Police Regional Office-9 information officer Chief Insp. Ariel Huesca said the troops are scouring Barangay Maralag and nearby areas in the municipality of Lapuyan, Zamboanga del Sur where the NPA rebels could have fled.

Huesca said the firefight, which lasted for few minutes, took place around 12:50 a.m. Monday in Barangay Maralag, Lapuyan municipality.

The firefight ensued when the troops from the Army’s 53rd Infantry Battalion were fired upon by the NPA rebels while they were conducting security operations, Huesca said.

No one was either killed or wounded from both the troops and NPA rebels, he said.

He said the power transmission line in Barangay Maralag was discovered cut-off after the clash and blamed the NPA rebels for the sabotage.

The police forces in Lapuyan and in nearby areas were ordered to establish blockade to prevent the escape of the NPA rebels, he said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=533350

US calls Manila a “strategic partner” in Asia-Pacific

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 11): US calls Manila a “strategic partner” in Asia-Pacific

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry Tuesday congratulated the Philippines ahead of its 115th Independence Day celebration on June 12, highlighting both allies’ expanding cooperation to eradicate terrorism and improve economic ties.

“On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am delighted to congratulate the people of the Philippines on the 115th anniversary of your nation’s independence,” Kerry said in a statement.

Kerry noted the long-standing friendship between the Philippines and the U.S. and how both nations now enjoy “ever-broadening cooperation on challenges from countering extremism to strengthening economic ties.”

He said the US will continue to help sustain the Philippines impressive economic growth and in advancing good governance, accountability, and ensuring vibrant civil societies.

Kerry also recalled his “long connection” to the Philippines, dating back to the first amendment he passed as a U.S. Senator, calling for free and fair elections in 1986, the same year that led to a people power revolt that toppled the administration of Ferdinand Marcos and installed the mother of President Benigno S. Aquino III, Corazon Aquino, to power.

“Not long after, I found myself on the ground in Manila as an election observer for those hard-fought 1986 presidential elections that restored democracy to a people yearning to be freed from dictatorship,” he said.

Kerry likewise said that one of his first possessions, an Order of Sikatuna award – the highest national diplomatic merit conferred on diplomats and officials of foreign governments – given to him two years ago hangs on the wall of his office at the State Department.

“The United States is proud of our rich history and enduring alliance with the Philippines, an important democracy and strategic partner in the dynamic Asia-Pacific region,” he added.

“On this special day, as Filipinos around the world come together to celebrate, I wish you a joyous Independence Day and a prosperous future.”

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=533278

President Aquino says review of all Phl peacekeeping missions abroad ongoing

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 11): President Aquino says review of all Phl peacekeeping missions abroad ongoing

President Benigno S. Aquino III said there is an ongoing review of the country’s United Nations (UN) missions around the world aimed at determining if there’s a need for the Philippines to retain those missions considering the risk they pose to Filipino peacekeepers.

During an interview with the media after his final inspection of the new airport here, the President said he ordered an evaluation of all the Philippine missions overseas following the first Golan Heights issue.

The latest incident is a Filipino peacekeeper being injured by a mortar round exploding in their camp in Golan Heights between the Israeli-Syria border.

“I have asked a review of all of these engagements. For instance, I’m very concerned with two observers from the Philippines in an area—I think it’s in the South Sudan,” he said.

South Sudan, the newest country in Africa, hosts two Filipinos. The President said he wondered how two Filipino personnel could respond to an emergency considering the very small number and their inaccessibility to government help.

The Philippines doesn’t have an embassy in Sudan or South Sudan, and the closest embassy is located in Egypt, according to the President.

The Philippines also has a very small contingent—two personnel in Jammu-Kashmir in India. The Indian government battles Muslim separatists in Jammu-Kashmir.

“So, again, dadalawang tao na naman. So ano ba ang ginagawa nitong dalawang tao doon? Ano ba ang mangyayari sa kanila kung saka-sakaling merong hostilities sa mga lugar na ito? Sino ba ang directly in-charge sa kanila, which embassy?” he asked.

There are also personnel from the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) deployed in Haiti to assist the Caribbean country build its own penal system, the President said.

After the first Golan Heights incident, he said he asked all concerned agencies to make an assessment of all the Philippine missions abroad.

The review will involve determining the primary mission, the effectiviness of carrying out the mission and knowing whether the risks are reasonable for the Filipino personnel to stay on those locations, the President said.

He said the Philippines' engagement in the UN peacekeeping missions started in the 1960s and there is no new commitments under the President’s watch. Everything became routinary.

There are changing conditions on the ground particularly on how the UN and other interested states deal with the situation, the President said.

He said that among the major issues include whether UN personnel get better equipment, adopt different standard operating procedures or rules of engagement to enhance their capacity to safeguard themselves.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=533331