Army Troopers Learn Media Work

From the Negros Daily Bulletin (Jun 15): Army Troopers Learn Media Work



Members of the 33rd Civil Military Operations (CMO) Battalion attend the training on news writing in print, radio and TV to equip them with skills in news writing/reporting about the programs for peace and development of the army.* (EBColmo)

Considering that media is one of the effective vehicles in reaching out the target clients and stake holders, one of the major subjects in the on-going month-long CMO training Class 01-2013 attended by 60 non-commissioned officers of the army was the media work particularly news writing/ reporting on broadcast, TV and print media.

The participants are frontliners from the 33rd Civil Military Operations (CMO) Battalion lead by Lt Col Patrick Cinco, with facilitator 1Lt Gie Lim.

Lim said , training their men on media work like news writing and reporting would hasten their jobs in linking with the media and the rest of the stake holders for peace and development.

Resource speakers were bonafide members of the media representing print, broadcast and TV, Yasmin Dormido of ABS-CBN, and this writer for the Bulletin (Negros and Manila).

During the news writing lecture for print media, the participants learned the important elements of news, as well as the rules in taking photo shots for photo support of the event or incident, including captioning of their pictures.

It was a learning by doing approach because the soldiers were given limited time in preparing their report through a workshop.

The 8 squads/groups prepared their respective reports based on the usual events or scenario of their experience, and reported it before the groups. Areas presented by the groups varied from ambush, en-counter, surrender, com-munity outreach like medical mission, brigada eskwela, barangay pulong pulong, and other crimes.

It was observed that the troopers are teachable and are fast learners. Based on their workshop output presentation, they have 99% grasp or retention of the lecture because almost all squads were evaluated excellent.

http://ndb-online.com/061513/local-news/local-news-army-troopers-learn-media-work

4 Ex-Rebels Get Cash for Surrendering Guns

From the Negros Daily Bulletin (Jun 15): 4 Ex-Rebels Get Cash for Surrendering Guns



Balik Baril program. Negros Occ. Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. receives a gun from a rebel returnee availing of a government program that converts surrendered guns for cash. They can use the money received as starting capital to start a new life. Ceremony was held during the 2013 Independence Day program at the Negros Occ. Capitol Social Hall.* (PIA6-LOL)

Four former New People’s Army (NPA) rebels were given cash rewards by the Negros Occidental provincial government in exchange for the four high-powered firearms they surrendered to the military.

The financial remuneration of P210,000 were given during the rites for the 115th Philippine Independence Day celebration at the Provincial Capitol in Bacolod City last Wednesday.

Col. Jon Aying, commander of the 303rd Infantry Brigade based in Murcia town, Negros Occidental, said rebel returnees Felizardo Pineda Jr., Evonie Baynosa, Erving Binas, and Eugene Almojero surrendered themselves to the Army, with their three M-16 armalite rifles, and an M-14 assault rifle.

Under the Guns for Peace Program of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), an M-16 armalite rifle has a cash equivalent of P50,000 and an M-14 rifle has P60,000.

The AFP Guns for Peace program is aimed at encouraging NPA rebels to peacefully return to the fold of the law, lay down their arms and avail of firearms remuneration.

The four rebel returnees also received P20,000 in financial assistance and P28,000 worth of livestock as emergency assistance from the provincial government.

Capt. Christopher Cunanan, 303rd Infantry Brigade civil-military operations officer, said the P50,000 livelihood assistance package under the national government’s Comprehensive Local Integration Program (CLIP) each for the four former rebels are still being processed.

Last month, Elizaldy Martisano, squad leader and political officer of the Sentro de Grabidad Platoon of the South West Front, received P110,000 in cash, for surrendering an M-16 rifle and three Mossberg 12-gauge shotguns to the military.

Also during the Independence Day rites, four children of ambush victims in La Castellana were awarded scholarship grants by the provincial government.

Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. awarded scholarship grants to Mary Lyn Complesa, Glen Tamayor, Dexter and Dena Dimafilez, whose parents were among the victims of an ambush perpetrated by the NPA in La Castellana, last January. The ambush claimed the lives of eight civilians and a policeman, and injured 10 others.

Cunanan said AFP chief of staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista also gave scholarship grants to three other children of the La Castellana massacre victims.

The provincial government of Negros Occidental has extended almost P1 million in financial and livelihood assistance to 89 rebel returnees, who have surrendered to the 303rd Infantry Brigade since 2010.

Aying also gave bicycles donated by the Rotary District 3850 to 10 former rebels, namely Erving Bañas, Felizardo Pineda Jr., Eugene Almojero, Evonie Baynosa, Elizaldy Martisano, Rodel Tanedo, Mary Jane Baynosa, Eduardo Baynosa Jr., Queenie Villafranca, and Jonamae Mahilum.

http://ndb-online.com/061513/local-news/local-news-4-ex-rebels-get-cash-surrendering-guns

PH plans to tap Israel for missile launchers

From the Manila Standard Today (Jun 15): PH plans to tap Israel for missile launchers

Amid rising tensions over territorial disputes with China in the West Philippine Sea, the government is planning to buy anti-aircraft guided missiles from Israel, reliable sources told the Manila Standard Friday.

The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the surface-to-air missiles or multiple launch rocket systems were being offered by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. and Israel Military Industries Ltd., both based in Israel.

“SAMs and MLRS are mobile anti-aircraft weapons designed against jet fighters,” the source said, adding that these had been suggested some time ago but had not been taken seriously because the defense establishment had no interest in investing at the time.

“Now, here comes the territorial dispute in the West Philippine Sea, and at last they’ve opened their eyes,” the source added.

Another source said Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin was planning to go to Israel next week to forge an agreement with the prospective suppliers.

“If you have an agreement this would hasten the procurement process, say in three to six months you would already have the weapons. The agreement gives you the leeway to access all the information you want know about a particular weapon you want to procure,” the source said.

Manila Standard tried to reach Defense Undersecretary Fernando Manalo and spokesman Peter Paul Galvez for confirmation, but both did not return calls or answer text messages.

In his first year in office, President Benigno Aquino III had released P75 billion to fund the upgrading of the military’s capability through the procurement of ships and aircraft.

Gazmin then said they had some 138 big-ticket defense items that were being considered on a government-to-government procurement basis.

Part of this buildup was the recent procurement of the BRP Ramon Alcaraz, a rehabilitated US Coast Guard cutter introduced in the 1960s.

The refurbished cutter, procured for will be the country’s most modern warship and is expected to arrive in July or August.

But Senator Gregorio Honasan seemed unimpressed with the extent of help offered by the United States, and called for a review of the US Visiting Forces Agreement and the Mutual Defense Treaty, which he described as useless.

“We are not getting anything out of it. We have many international economic, military and security arrangements with other nations but why did they not say anything while the Scarborough Shoal standoff was heating up?” said the former Army colonel.

Because of this, Honasan said the country should abrogate all treaties that do nothing to help the country.

At the same time, however, he said a joint fishing agreement with Taiwan would be beneficial because it would afford protection to fishermen from both countries.

His remarks follow the May 9 fatal shooting of a Taiwanese fisherman by Philippine Coast Guard personnel in the Balintang Channel that soured relations between Taiwan and the Philippines.

Also on Friday, the Foreign Affairs Department said it welcomed the filing of a resolution in the US Senate in support of a peaceful resolution to territorial disputes in the South China Sea.

“We understand that the resolution has yet to undergo the necessary congressional process before it is passed by the US Senate, nonetheless, we extend our appreciation on the mere fact that some US senators have deigned it necessary to express their views on a fundamental issue that affects the peace and stability of the Asia-Pacific region,” the department said in a statement.

“The Philippines especially appreciates the reaffirmation of the peaceful resolution of disputes, including through arbitration; its condemnation of the use of threat or use of force; its recognition of the significance of the role of ASEAN and of the code of conduct; and its support for the ongoing and deepening efforts of the US in the region relating to ensuring freedom of navigation, maintenance of peace and stability, and respect for universally recognized principles of international law.”

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2013/06/15/ph-plans-to-tap-israel-for-missile-launchers/

Gov’t admits seeking changes in FAB annex

From the Daily Tribune (Jun 15): Gov’t admits seeking changes in FAB annex

CHIEF NEGOTIATOR SAYS NOY REVISING WEALTH-SHARING DRAFT

The government panel negotiating with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) for the creation of a Bangsamoro substate admitted that changes will be introduced in the wealth-sharing annex of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) that was already completed and signed.

The MILF had complained that the change of heart of the government on the annex had delayed the peace negotiations and at the same time warned that militant members of the rebel group are growing impatient over the pace of the negotiations.

The government panel’s chief negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer said a draft for the wealth-sharing annex had indeed been completed by the technical working groups of both the government and the MILF.

She said, however, “prudence on the part of government requires that it undergoes a final review before the President gives his final stamp of approval.”

Ferrer mentioned the government’s wish “to introduce some changes to the draft annex, particularly with regard to some aspects of taxation, fund transfer mechanisms, and revenue sharing.”

In an editorial in its Web site luwaran.com, the MILF said “the delay in the peace talks is causing more harm to the government. The frequent changes, virtually attitudinal, in positions of government in the negotiating table is not only angering the MILF but also irking the international community.”

It added “the much respected daang matuwid (straight path) policy of the Aquino administration is already doubted seriously.”

“If this will not be arrested, the consequence would be very damaging. Credibility is one commodity that is hard to earn but so easily to lose,” it said.

Ferrer said the negotiations on the stalled FAB wealth-sharing annex will resume soon in Malaysia.

“This exchange of notes has already commenced and through this process, we hope to come as close as possible to agreed language and return to Kuala Lumpur to be able to finalize the annexes on power and wealth-sharing very soon,” Ferrer said.

MILF vice chairman Ghadzali Jaafar had expressed disgust over the delays in the negotiations on the FAB annexes.

Jaafar warned that ground commanders of the MILF are becoming impatient.
Presidential deputy spokesman Abigail Valte said the Aquino administration is still taking a positive view on the peace agreement with the MILF.

“Hopefully, those remaining concerns will be addressed. Like what the President had said there were some complex issues on the annexes that need more discussions. And I understand that the panels of both sides have been doing just that. So hopefully, we will find resolution on the remaining issues,” Valte said.

”I understand that while there has no formal talks, the (OPAPP) coordination continues on their counterparts, and we’ll just ask them to give any specifics that may be necessary for public consumption on this,” Valte added.

Ferrer said the negotiation had reached the point of the most crucial issues of the FAB.
”it is to be expected that finding agreement on details (of the FAB annexes) has been more difficult and complex,” she said.

She said on the power-sharing annex, three classes of sharing of powers were identified between the central government and the Bangsamoro regional government which are “reserved” powers or matters over which competencies are fully retained by the central government; “concurrent” powers or aspects of jurisdiction subject to the shared or joint authorities of the central and regional governments; and “exclusive” powers or competencies that are to be devolved to the Bangsamoro.”

Ferrer said some of the reserved powers were already identified which are defense and external security; foreign policy; common market and global trade provided that the power to enter into economic agreements already allowed under Republic Act 9054 shall be transferred to the Bangsamoro; coinage and monetary policy; citizenship and naturalization, and postal service.

”This leaves the other aspects of governance, which runs along a wide gamut of governance functions, for negotiation,” she added.

“Finding the language for this that will not only give life to the intention of the parties, but also be legally defensible and doable, which is politically and administratively feasible, is not a simple task,” she added.

“Learning from the experience of Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, government deems it important that these criteria are met,” Ferrer said.

Coronel-Ferrer said the government is currently undertaking technical consultations with the departments and line agencies to make sure that the details contained in the drafts are feasible, not only in legal but also in practical terms.

“For instance, one of the remaining issues in the power-sharing annex has to do with jurisdiction over transportation and communication,” she added.

“Given the need to comply with prevailing international standards and our obligations under international law, any sharing of jurisdiction in this regard will have both legal and international implications that need to be carefully studied,” Ferrer said.

Ferrer said an exact date when to end the peace negotiation cannot be reckoned until the formal conclusions of the FAB.

“The President and his entire cabinet is giving the peace negotiations the attention it needs and deserves to ensure that a comprehensive agreement, one that will give us the best shot for a just and enduring peace in Mindanao, is reached at the soonest possible time,” she said.

“The Government Panel is just as anxious to find workable solutions to these contentious issues and is working diligently and with urgency towards this end.

Government is fully aware that time is of the essence and does not wish to pass the buck to the next administration to implement the agreement,” Ferrer said.

Ferrer claimed that even without the conduct of formal meetings, the peace process continues to move forward.

Ferrer added the Transition Commission (TC) prior to the creation of the substate had met several times and was able to approve its internal rules of procedure as well as set-up working committees to draft the Basic Law.

“Government hopes that even without the annexes, the TC can soon start discussion on the substantive provisions of the Framework Agreement that will need to find language in the Bangsamoro Basic Law. An example of items that the TC will need to further develop is the provision on the Bangsamoro Government being ministerial in form,” Ferrer said.

“With respect to our agreements on cessation of hostilities, the ceasefire continues to hold well and in fact, no armed skirmishes were recorded for the year 2012. This is testament to the good working relationship between the Government and MILF through the coordinative mechanisms overseeing the implementation of the ceasefire,” Ferrer said.

Ferrer said both panels are also taking the time to continue consultations with stakeholders and their respective constituencies.

“On the part of the government panel, these include engagements with government agencies not only for legal and technical concerns relating to the drafts but also to consolidate support for the implementation of the comprehensive agreement and the prospective Bangsamoro Basic Law,” Ferrer said.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/index.php/headlines/item/15452-gov-t-admits-seeking-changes-in-fab-annex

CPP/NPA: Armando Catapia Command-NPA Interview

Posted to the CPP Website (Jun 15): Armando Catapia Command-NPA Interview



Armando Catapia Command-NPA Interview Press Release June 15, 2013 AFP, Nananaginip ng Gising! Malakihang Pagsuko ng NPA sa Timog Katagalugan Mariing Pinabulaanan! Ka Alfie Madlangbayan, Tagapagsalita Armando Catapia Command, BHB-Hangganang Quezon-Bicol Mariing pinapabulaanan ng Armando Catapia Command ang pahayag ni Col. Peralt...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4apoAeoKOA

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/

CPP/NDFP: Deles wants permanent end to the Peace Negotiations

Posted to the CPP Website (Jun 12): Deles wants permanent end to the Peace Negotiations

By FIDEL V. AGCAOILI
Spokesperson, NDFP Negotiating Panel

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Deles claims that the National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP), representing the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP), New People´s Army (NPA) and all revolutionary forces in the peace negotiations, has designed the peace talks to be unending.

In fact, what Deles wants is a permanent end to the peace negotiations. From the Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo regime to the present one of Benigno S. Aquino III, Deles has had one singular aim in the peace negotiations between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the NDFP – the capitulation and pacification of the revolutionary movement.

But because she could not get her way, she has been sabotaging the peace talks, even proclaiming the so-called sovereign right of the US to intervene in Philippine affairs in the ¨terrorist” listing of the CPP, NPA and Prof. Jose Maria Sison, the Chief Political Consultant of the NDFP Negotiating Panel, after coming from a round of negotiations where it was agreed that the two Parties would call on the international community ¨to refrain from any action that may impede or impair the peace process¨.

Now, with her preposterous claim, Deles is practically calling as foolish all previous presidents, especially Fidel V. Ramos and Joseph Estrada, and her predecessors in the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP), especially Ambassador Howard Dee and former Justice Secretary Silvestre H. Bello III, for having been “hoodwinked” by the NDFP into signing and approving more than 12 agreements, including The Hague Joint Declaration, the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantees (JASIG), and the Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law (CARHRIHL).

This is the reason why Deles´ negotiating panel refuses to abide by signed agreements, declaring The Hague Joint Declaration, the framework agreement in the GPH-NDFP peace negotiations, a ¨divisive¨ document, and the JASIG ¨inoperative¨ in securing the release of JASIG-protected persons.

The practice of Deles in backtracking from previously signed agreements is happening too in the peace negotiations between the GPH and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). An initialed annex document to the Framework Agreement on Bangsamoro (FAB) on wealth sharing has been changed unilaterally by the GPH after undergoing review by the OPAPP. And four MILF members have been arrested for illegal possession of firearms despite the ceasefire agreement. Hopefully the MILF would see through the warmongering ways of Deles in seeking to maintain the violent reactionary state that brutally exploits and oppresses the Filipino people in general and the Bangsamoro in particular.

(sgd) FIDEL V. AGCAOILI
Spokersperson
NDFP Negotiating Panel

Philippines’s shift to external defense seen

From the Business Mirror (Jun15): Philippines’s shift to external defense seen

















In Photo: Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin (center), Air Force chief Lt. Gen. Lauro Catalino de la Cruz (right) and Sweden’s SAAB Vice President Kaj Rosander  in a huddle during the “Air Power” symposium on Thursday held at the SMX building at the Mall of Asia in Pasay City. (Zaff Solmerin)

Philippines has experienced a number of territorial issues over the last several years. Most of these issues have involved China intruding into territorial waters, and in some regard have resulted in the loss, if not invasion, of Philippine sovereign territories such as the Scarborough Shoal off Zambales.

In the last six months, those issues have further extended to other neighbors such as Malaysia, Taiwan and Vietnam.

 

Effectively, the Philippines has no naval or air forces to impede or deny access to its territorial waters, thereby the only recourse has been through diplomatic means, which have yielded very little results.

 

Over the last several decades, the Philippines has focused on internal security operations (ISO) and has relied on its Mutual Defense Treaty with the United States to tend to its external defenses.

 

However, given the new global climate wherein the United States has shifted focus to Asia, US alignment has broadened to several other nations, including those involved in current territorial issues with the Philippines.

 

This, coupled with the current US financial crisis, has caused the Philippines’s historical treaty partner to step back and away from Philippine territorial issues.

 

As a result, the reliance on the Mutual Defense Treaty with the United States has effectively resulted in the loss of external defenses for the Philippines at a period in history where it is needed most.

 

The current direction of modernization was conceptualized under different circumstances, limited understanding and obvious misconceptions.

 

During those times, it was a widely held belief that the United States would continue to support external defense through the US Navy (USN) and aid in modernizing the Philippine Navy (PN) and Air Force (PAF).

 

However, recent history has shown that Philippine expectations on the political will of the US to support the Philippines’s military modernization plans have been gravely misconceived.

 

The 1960s era retired Hamilton-class US Coast Guard cutters supplied to the PN clearly demonstrates this misconception. Expected  to be a modern combat vessel, the BRP Gregorio del Pilar, the fist to be delivered, showed a number of flaws, to include improper ballast system, lack of spare parts, need for restoration and insufficient power generation. Furthermore, the electronics equipment and weapons systems were completely removed and replaced with an antiquated 76mm gun and no longer state-of-the-art fire control systems.

 

In the case of the PAF, its attempt to obtain the F-16 multirole fighters would have been the next and most appropriate evolution from their F-5 fighters decommissioned in 2005.

 

Evolution to the F-16 has been the case for many other nations worldwide with full support from the US.

 

However, in the recent global climate, the political will of the US to support its allies directly in conflict with China have diminished. For the PAF, the supply of F-16 fighters were negated owing to the official US position that maintenance costs were found to be excessive for the Philippines. Although this point could be argued, the larger perspective shows Taiwan also being denied the purchase of F-16 fighters during the same time period. Taiwan already has an F-16 fleet, so some other political issue was used to prevent supply of the fighter plane to Taiwan.

 

In a broader perspective, other Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries have purchased missiles from the US for their aircraft, but the US has withheld the deliveries, storing them instead in US facilities until the US government determines an appropriate time for their release.

 

With that, one must consider how a sovereign nation can purchase articles for its own national defense, and yet be at the mercy of another nation’s discretion as to when and if they can use them.

 

Recent history has demonstrated that the original concept for Philippine military modernization with regards to external defense has been flawed, simply because of a lack of consideration to the changing environment and a misconception of support from the US. This direction would further degrade the sovereignty of the Philippines and allow continued unimpeded access by other countries to its sovereign territories.

Foundation for territorial defense concepts

 External defense has traditionally been a concept of preventing invading forces from reaching Philippine soil. However, a new outlook toward Territorial Defense must be taken in order to defend Philippine resources at sea and understand the need to properly modernize and prepare the PN and PAF for combat readiness to defend the Philippine exclusive economic zone.

 

For an archipelago such as the Philippines, traditional thinking requires massive naval forces to defend its seas and littoral areas. However, military and political history has shown that an arms race, such as that of the US and the Soviet Union during the Cold War, can be won on the financial front, and not necessarily on the front lines.

 

Furthermore, conventional warfare can be extremely expensive when an opponent follows a more unconventional, guerrilla doctrine as shown in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

 

Spearheaded by the special operations community, an evolution in warfare has developed into a cost-effective unconventional doctrine that focuses on having greater situational awareness and conducting more precise and effective use of forces.

 

Learning from these new doctrines, the Philippines can benefit from many of the advantages to include efficient use of resources, rapid employment of new technologies and increased operational readiness.

 

http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/en/news/top-news/15037-philippines-s-shift-to-external-defense-seen

Man kidnapped in Basilan province

From the Mindanao Examiner (Jun 15): Man kidnapped in Basilan province

Provincial police launched an investigation into the reported kidnapping of a 26-year old man in Basilan in the Muslim autonomous region in Mindanao.

Police said a woman reported that her son-in-law, Askal Tantung, is being held captive for ransom in the neighboring province of Sulu.

Nuriam Musa told investigators that a man phoned her and was demanding P200,000 for the safe release of the hostage.

Tantung was last seen on June 10 heading to Isabela City to meet with someone and has failed to return home since then.

Police gave no additional details about the kidnapping.

http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/06/man-kidnapped-in-basilan-province.html

Phl to address security concerns after being ranked as one of 'least peaceful' nations

From the Philippine Star (Jun 15): Phl to address security concerns after being ranked as one of 'least peaceful' nations

The Philippine government vowed today to continue its efforts to address the domestic peace and security concerns after it was ranked as one among the "least peaceful" nations in the world and in Asia Pacific region.

According to the Global Peace Index (GPI) 2013 released this week by the Institute for Economics and Peace, the Philippines remains among the "least peaceful" countries in the world and the Asia Pacific, improving only slightly in its global ranking.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said the Aquino administration welcomed the improvement of the country's global peace rating from 133rd in 2012 to 129th this year among 162 countries surveyed.

"We've been taking concrete steps to address peace-related issues that have been confronting the administration. Moving forward, not because we have slight improvement in the ranking, we would stop our efforts. Of course, these efforts and these actions will continue," she said in an interview over a state-run radio station.

The GPI said it saw improved prospects for peace between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, the largest Muslim rebel group in the country, following the signing of a framework deal last year for a potential peace agreement.

Despite this development, however, the Philippines remained " among the least peaceful countries in Asia Pacific," along with Thailand and Myanmar that face domestic civil conflict.

Listed as the least peaceful countries are Afghanistan (162), Somalia (161), Syria (160), Iraq (159), Sudan (158), Pakistan (157) , the Democratic Republic of Congo (156), Russia (155) and Central African Republic (153).

Iceland was the most peaceful country based on GPI's ranking. This is largely because of Iceland's political stability, low homicide rate and small prison population.

The other top peaceful countries include Denmark, New Zealand, Austria, Switzerland, Japan, Finland, Canada, Sweden and Belgium.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/06/15/954428/phl-address-security-concerns-after-being-ranked-one-least-peaceful

PA joins nation in celebrating Father's Day

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 15): PA joins nation in celebrating Father's Day

The Philippine Army (PA) joins the rest of the nation in celebrating Father's Day this Sunday.

Fathers themselves, Army soldiers scattered all over the archipelago observe this day in the most unconventional way – no dinners with family, no hugs from children, and no gifts to remind them of this special day.

But PA spokesperson Lt. Col. Randolph Cabangbang stressed that geographical restrictions do not pose any hindrance to our soldiers in their efforts to reach out to their families back home.

He added that this when modern communications technology, like the Internet and camera-equipped cellular phones, comes in handy.

Cabangbang cited the case of 31-year-old Capt. Frankjo C. Boral, who is the father of baby girl, two years and seven months old.

The latter is going to commemorate Father’s Day just like other soldiers in the field -– away from his family.

Since joining the military in 2004, Captain Boral has been assigned in Mindanao, first as platoon leader of Charlie Company, 33rd Infantry Battalion, 1st Infantry Division in 2005 and now as commanding officer of the 10th Special Forces Company (Airborne), 5th Special Forces Battalion (Airborne), Special Forces Regiment (Airborne), Special Operations Command.

Tasked with the greater responsibility of commanding his unit situated in Barangay Tawantawan, M’lang, North Cotabato, he seldom makes it home even during special occasions.

“I was lucky if I could visit them every after six months. When my daughter celebrated her second birthday, I was already in North Cotabato and failed to make it home. When she was born, I only had about ten hours to take a glimpse at her because I had to go back to Fort Magsaysay during my Special Forces Operations Course,” he narrated .

Boral is also married to a military officer.

“Our job is very challenging. As soldiers, duty comes first. Last year, when work became so demanding, we had to send our daughter, Sarah Eloisah, to my hometown in Bicol.

My mother looks after her,” he added.

“As much as I wanted to be a hands-on father, circumstances do not permit me to be such. But I know my daughter will understand this,” Boral stressed.

For soldier-fathers, one of the greatest challenges is striking a balance between family and duty.

“I wanted to be successful at both,” he added.

Just like other soldier-fathers in the field, Boral will spend his day away from the persons that he loved most.

This day will not go by without a phone call or a video call.

“Occasions such as this remind us that more than being soldiers, we are fathers. On Sunday, I’ll spend an hour or two in front of my computer, talking to my wife and daughter on Skype. I’m excited to see new tricks or dance moves from my Sarah Eloisah,” he concluded.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=534638

PN still searching for missing persons in Masbate sinking

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 15): PN still searching for missing persons in Masbate sinking

The Philippine Navy Saturday was still searching for the seven unaccounted passengers of the ill-fated M/V Mt. Carmel which sank off Burias Island, Masbate before dawn of June 14.

This, as the number of fatalities from the mishap stood at two -- Carlota Senga, 58, from Pasay City; and Erlinda Julbitado, 59, from Pasig City.

Of the 58 survivors, only three are still in the hospital. The others have been sent home.

PN spokesman Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic said the Naval Forces Southern Luzon was continuing the search and rescue operations for the seven still unaccounted passengers of the sunken ship.

Authorities earlier said four people remain unaccounted for but as of Saturday, Office of Civil Defense 5 head Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV said seven passengers of the sunken vessel were still missing.

"Navy vessels DF-321 and BRP Simeon Castro (PG-374) are still in the area to conduct search-and-rescue operations while the Navy Islander aircraft will conduct aerial search," Fabic stated.

He added Naval Special Operations Unit 3 was also sending a sea, air, land team to dive and try to locate the sunken vessel and determine if there were still passengers trapped inside.

The M/V Mt. Carmel was sailing on a calm sea when it encountered trouble and sank.

Initial reports said the vessel had 57 people on board, including 35 passengers and 22 crew but it turned out there were at least seven people on board not included in the ship's manifest.

M/V Mt. Carmel left the port of Pio Duran in Albay about 2 a.m. bound to Aroroy, Masbate.

As the vessel reached Burias Island around 5:00 a.m., the vessel took a sharp list and sank, PN sources said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=534657

BRP Ramon Alcaraz now crossing Panama Canal

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 15): BRP Ramon Alcaraz now crossing Panama Canal

The BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16), the second Hamilton class cutter in Philippine Navy (PN) service and sister ship of the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PF-15) is now crossing the Panama Canal on its way to the US West Coast.

This information was relayed by Navy spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic Saturday morning.

"She is traveling from the East Coast of the US passing through the Panama Canal on her way to the West Coast. They (ship's crew) just rendered this update Saturday early morning (Philippine time).

He declined to give the specific location of the Filipino frigate on the man-made waterway citing reasons of operational security.

"I can't reveal her exact location right now but everything is going well and (they) are having a good voyage. The BRP Ramon Alcaraz will be in San Diego, California before the end of June," Fabic added.

The PN spokesperson declined to comment on whether the ship is doing additional weapons, engine, communication or other system trials for operational security reasons.

The 82-kilometer Panama Canal connects the Atlantic Ocean (via the Caribbean Sea) to the Pacific Ocean.

It cuts across the Isthmus of Panama and is a key conduit for international maritime trade.

All in all, the ship will travel over 2,000 nautical miles before reaching San Diego, California, her first port stop in her two-month voyage to the Philippines.

The ship left Charleston, South Carolina Monday morning. (US time).

Fabic also said that the ship is "fully mission capable" on her arrival.

"She will be fully capable of carrying out all functions assigned to her upon her arrival," the PN spokesperson added.

He declined to comment on what other weaponry, communications and navigation systems were fitted to BRP Ramon Alcaraz but stated that the latter is "more formidable than BRP Gregorio Del Pilar."

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=534635

Army men give free haircut to school children in Sagay City

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 15): Army men give free haircut to school children in Sagay City
 
The 3rd Civil Military Operations Battalion of the Philippine Army gave free haircut to school children to promote peace in Sagay City Friday.

The “Operation Haircut” benefited 45 students from Vito National High School in Barangay Vito, Sagay City.

The activity was part of civil military operations of the army unit in support to the Internal Peace and Security Plan “Bayanihan” of the Armed Forces.

"This activity is another opportunity for us to make use of our training for the benefit of our students and prove to the public our enduring commitment through the whole-of-the-nation approach embodied in the IPSP ‘Bayanihan’,’ said 3CMOBn Commander Lt. Col. Patrick Cinco.

He also affirmed to continue such undertaking not only to advocate peace but to advocate goodwill by helping those in need and less fortunate.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=534640

Palace hopes govt, MILF panels resolve remaining issues in peace talks

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 15): Palace hopes govt, MILF panels resolve remaining issues in peace talks

Malacanang hopes the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) peace panels could soon resolve the three remaining annexes in the peace talks for the eventual signing of a peace agreement with Muslim separatists.

The MILF, particularly its ground commanders, reportedly expressed dissatisfaction with the recent pace of the talks as both sides miss the target date for the signing of a final peace pact.

But Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said both sides have been spending longer time in threshing out the three remaining annexes which negotiators considered delicate.

“Ang tatlo kasing annexes na natira, medyo mabigat ang mga nilalalaman, and of course, it is in everybody’s interest na upuan nang mabuti at suriin kung ano ang mga ilalaman ng mga annexes na ito,” Valte said in a radio interview Saturday over government-run dzRB Radyo ng Bayan.

“Again, we’re hoping to see a resolution to this and we’re hoping for a way forward from the three annexes that are left.”

Asked about the government’s position on wealth-sharing, Valte decline to answer saying she’s leaving some details of the discussions to be announced the panels.

“Siguro mas mabuting hintayin natin ang magiging final resolution bago tayo magbigay ng komento dito. But, rest assured that the government panel is working with their counterpart on this,” she said.

The Philippine government and the MILF signed in October 15 last year the Framework Agreement for Mindanao peace aimed at ending decades-old separatist struggle of Muslims in the South.

Then government peace panel chairman Marvic Leonen and his MILF counterpart Mohagher Iqbal signed the historic roadmap to peace in a ceremony witnessed by President Benigno S. Aquino III, Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak, Murad and members of the negotiating panels of both sides.

The President said at the time, that he hopes that signing would lead to positive changes while acknowledging that there are many things that have to be done to fully reap the fruits of the Framework Agreement.

Last year’s signing comes after 15 years of negotiations between the government and the MILF, and 40 years of conflict in Mindanao with a casualty figure of more than 150,000.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=0&sid=&nid=0&rid=534663

Gov't denies sabotaging peace talks with leftist rebels

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 15): Gov't denies sabotaging peace talks with leftist rebels

Philippine President Beningo S. Aquino's chief peace adviser was not sabotaging the peace process with the leftist rebels contrary to the latter's claim, a senior government official said Saturday.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte, in an interview over a state-run radio station, said that nobody would believe in the claim of Fidel Agcaoili, spokesman of the National Democratic Front, the political wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA), that Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Deles "has been sabotaging the peace talks."

"It's very clear that in every step that we have taken since the president assumed office, in reference to this particular negotiation, we have shown our good faith and sincerity in talking to the other side," she said.

"Unfortunately, we cannot say the same for them," Valte said, citing the attacks that the leftist rebels had perpetrated against the civilians.

"We don't see why Secretary Deles has to be at the forefront of that particular statement when she has been working to make sure that we have resolution in our talks...the government is not the one who is lacking in sincerity," she explained.

Agcaoili accused Deles of sabotaging the peace process after her recent statement, saying that the CPP-NPA-NDF had designed the peace process to be unending.

"In fact, what Deles wants is a permanent end to the peace negotiations...(she) has had one singular aim in the peace negotiations between the Government of the Philippines and the NDFP -- the capitulation and pacification of the revolutionary movement," the NDF official said.

The peace talks between the government and the NDF bogged down in February after both sides did not agree on some terms of the negotiation.

The Aquino administration said that it would develop a new approach to end the over four decades armed conflict with the leftist rebels.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=534680