From the Philippine Star (Jul 1): MILF agrees to revise wealth-sharing agreement
The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), the largest anti-government rebel group in the Philippines, promised today to revise the wealth-sharing agreement under the Framework Agreement on Bangsamoro.
MILF Vice Chairman Ghadzali Jaafar said the decision was reached by the MILF Central Committee at a meeting that was presided by MILF chairman Al Haj Murad Ibrahim last week.
"We already have a position," said Jaafar on the government proposal. The official said the position they reached was "good because we discussed it during a whole day meeting."
Jaafar had earlier accused the government of deliberately delaying the signing of a peace agreement by proposing amendments to the already-initialed wealth-sharing agreement.
Jaafar also expressed that MILF commanders are growing impatient over these delays.
The MILF has been fighting government troops for decades to establish a self-rule Muslim state in southern Philippines. The Aquino government and the MILF formally signed on Oct. 15 of 2012 a framework agreement, a road map for final political settlement to end the decades-old armed struggle in southern Philippines.
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/07/01/960457/milf-agrees-revise-wealth-sharing-agreement
Monday, July 1, 2013
President Aquino vows support for PAF pilots whose plane crashed
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 1): President Aquino vows support for PAF pilots whose plane crashed
President Benigno S. Aquino III vowed to provide support and assistance to the families of two Philippine Air Force (PAF) pilots whose plane, a light attack OV-10 Bronco crashed off the coastal waters ofPuerto
Princesa City
in Palawan last month.
In his speech keynoting the 66th Founding Anniversary of the PAF here on Monday, the President said that he had been following closely the progress of the search and retrieval operations of the concerned agencies.
"Kamakailan lang, bumagsak ang OV-10 630 Bronco bomber lulan ang dalawa sa ating mga kawal. Kasalukuyan pa rin pong nagaganap ang search and retrieval operations, at makakaasa po ang pamilya ng mga piloto sa karampatang tulong at suporta ng gobyerno," the President said.
"Ang ganitong mga pangyayari nga mismo ang iniiwasan natin simula't sapul pa, kaya naman, nakatutok tayo sa modernisasyon ng ating pambansang tanggulan," he added.
Col. Miguel Okol, PAF spokesman, said that the light attack aircraft with tail No. R630 went missing following their takeoff at around 6:37 p.m. last June 23 to conduct a night flying proficiency training mission.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=539762
President Benigno S. Aquino III vowed to provide support and assistance to the families of two Philippine Air Force (PAF) pilots whose plane, a light attack OV-10 Bronco crashed off the coastal waters of
In his speech keynoting the 66th Founding Anniversary of the PAF here on Monday, the President said that he had been following closely the progress of the search and retrieval operations of the concerned agencies.
"Kamakailan lang, bumagsak ang OV-10 630 Bronco bomber lulan ang dalawa sa ating mga kawal. Kasalukuyan pa rin pong nagaganap ang search and retrieval operations, at makakaasa po ang pamilya ng mga piloto sa karampatang tulong at suporta ng gobyerno," the President said.
"Ang ganitong mga pangyayari nga mismo ang iniiwasan natin simula't sapul pa, kaya naman, nakatutok tayo sa modernisasyon ng ating pambansang tanggulan," he added.
Col. Miguel Okol, PAF spokesman, said that the light attack aircraft with tail No. R630 went missing following their takeoff at around 6:37 p.m. last June 23 to conduct a night flying proficiency training mission.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=539762
Task Force Bronco clarifies no fuselage, pilot remains found yet in Puerto Princesa
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 1): Task Force Bronco clarifies no fuselage, pilot remains found yet in Puerto Princesa
The Task Force Bronco clarified Sunday in a media conference the fuselage of the OV-10 Bronco 630 that crashed recently in this city has not yet been found, and neither any of its two pilots.
The clarification was made by TFB chief Brig. Gen. Conrado Parra in the media conference held at the headquarters of the 570th Composite Tactical Wing following published articles in national dailies that claim the fuselage has been found and in it is the remains of one of the pilots.
“Contrary to news coming out, we have not found the wreckage yet and the pilots. As of now, the operation is still search and rescue,” he said, and not “search and retrieval” using all available assets of the operational units of the Armed Forces under the Western Command.
He explained they felt the need to clarify wrong news reports that are coming out for the sake of the family of the two pilots, and the public who have been following up the progress of the operation they are conducting.
“We do not know who these sources are, but we have not found the wreckage,” Parra said, adding the “significant findings” they earlier announced proved negative when dived and checked by expert frogmen of the Philippine Navy’s Special Warfare Action Group.
He also clarified that the search and rescue has never been called off by the TFB even when there was announcement of a new typhoon because the sea proved to be calm. But he said if the weather becomes unfavorable, they will temporarily “hold it” as the safety of their personnel is also important.
No deadline has been set as to when the search and rescue will be called off, according to Parra.
He said their mission is to remain looking for pilots Maj. Jonathan Ybanez and 1st Lt. Abner Nacion, and the fuselage which is important to an investigation they will conduct.
The head of the TFB did not also offer theories as to why the OV-10 Bronco 630 crashed when asked by the media.
“Like what I have said, we cannot come out with any theory; not unless we are able to conduct an investigation. We have been getting opinions as to why it crashed, but those cannot complete any conclusion,” he said.
“Please bear with us, we are prioritizing the operation before the investigation about what really happened,” Parra told the press.
His statement was despite the fact of his own disclosure that before the OV-10 Bronco 630 crash, one of its pilots were able to make communication to inform that a problem had caused its RPM (revolution per minute) to stuck up while trying to make a landing 7 nautical miles on final approach to the runway.
The RPM “is a measure of the frequency of rotation. It annotates the number of turns completed in one minute around a fixed axis. It is used as a measure of rotational speed of a mechanical component.”
It also makes vertical flight safe, practical and reliable.
But Parra cautioned that a stocked up RPM may not necessarily cause the crash.
It is better, he said, to wait for the result of the investigation.
“I can only say that there was communication from the pilots that the RPM of OV-10 630 got stuck up. But like I said, this is speculative. We do not want to make any preemptive statement pending investigation,” he said.
As of this writing, Parra said they are trying to borrow a remotely operated vehicle from the Malampaya Natural Gas Project (MNGP) to aid in the search.
Through the Joint Task Force Malampaya and the upper level of the AFP, he said, the machine might arrived in Puerto Princesa on Tuesday.
The equipment, commonly referred to as ROV, is “a tethered underwater vehicle” used in deep-water industries such as offshore hydrocarbon extraction. It is “unoccupied and highly maneuverable and operated by a person aboard a vessel.”
While in the process of borrowing the ROV, Parra Jr. said the Dept. of Science and Technology has allowed the TFB the use of its underwater camera to look for the missing pilots and the fuselage in two suspected areas picked up by their sonar search.
Unfortunately, SWAG divers came up with negative findings on the two locations within the 5.9 nautical mile radius of the search area just off thePuerto Princesa
City International
Airport
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=539823
The Task Force Bronco clarified Sunday in a media conference the fuselage of the OV-10 Bronco 630 that crashed recently in this city has not yet been found, and neither any of its two pilots.
The clarification was made by TFB chief Brig. Gen. Conrado Parra in the media conference held at the headquarters of the 570th Composite Tactical Wing following published articles in national dailies that claim the fuselage has been found and in it is the remains of one of the pilots.
“Contrary to news coming out, we have not found the wreckage yet and the pilots. As of now, the operation is still search and rescue,” he said, and not “search and retrieval” using all available assets of the operational units of the Armed Forces under the Western Command.
He explained they felt the need to clarify wrong news reports that are coming out for the sake of the family of the two pilots, and the public who have been following up the progress of the operation they are conducting.
“We do not know who these sources are, but we have not found the wreckage,” Parra said, adding the “significant findings” they earlier announced proved negative when dived and checked by expert frogmen of the Philippine Navy’s Special Warfare Action Group.
He also clarified that the search and rescue has never been called off by the TFB even when there was announcement of a new typhoon because the sea proved to be calm. But he said if the weather becomes unfavorable, they will temporarily “hold it” as the safety of their personnel is also important.
No deadline has been set as to when the search and rescue will be called off, according to Parra.
He said their mission is to remain looking for pilots Maj. Jonathan Ybanez and 1st Lt. Abner Nacion, and the fuselage which is important to an investigation they will conduct.
The head of the TFB did not also offer theories as to why the OV-10 Bronco 630 crashed when asked by the media.
“Like what I have said, we cannot come out with any theory; not unless we are able to conduct an investigation. We have been getting opinions as to why it crashed, but those cannot complete any conclusion,” he said.
“Please bear with us, we are prioritizing the operation before the investigation about what really happened,” Parra told the press.
His statement was despite the fact of his own disclosure that before the OV-10 Bronco 630 crash, one of its pilots were able to make communication to inform that a problem had caused its RPM (revolution per minute) to stuck up while trying to make a landing 7 nautical miles on final approach to the runway.
The RPM “is a measure of the frequency of rotation. It annotates the number of turns completed in one minute around a fixed axis. It is used as a measure of rotational speed of a mechanical component.”
It also makes vertical flight safe, practical and reliable.
But Parra cautioned that a stocked up RPM may not necessarily cause the crash.
It is better, he said, to wait for the result of the investigation.
“I can only say that there was communication from the pilots that the RPM of OV-10 630 got stuck up. But like I said, this is speculative. We do not want to make any preemptive statement pending investigation,” he said.
As of this writing, Parra said they are trying to borrow a remotely operated vehicle from the Malampaya Natural Gas Project (MNGP) to aid in the search.
Through the Joint Task Force Malampaya and the upper level of the AFP, he said, the machine might arrived in Puerto Princesa on Tuesday.
The equipment, commonly referred to as ROV, is “a tethered underwater vehicle” used in deep-water industries such as offshore hydrocarbon extraction. It is “unoccupied and highly maneuverable and operated by a person aboard a vessel.”
While in the process of borrowing the ROV, Parra Jr. said the Dept. of Science and Technology has allowed the TFB the use of its underwater camera to look for the missing pilots and the fuselage in two suspected areas picked up by their sonar search.
Unfortunately, SWAG divers came up with negative findings on the two locations within the 5.9 nautical mile radius of the search area just off the
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=539823
AFP formally closes Women's Auxiliary Corps
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 1): AFP formally closes Women's Auxiliary Corps
The Armed Forces Monday officially closed down the Office of the Women’s Auxiliary Corps after 50 years of existence as an administrative arm of the military.
Its office, under the General Headquarters Grandstand, in Camp Emilio Aguinaldo, is officially closed with its equipment and other facilities transferred to the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics (J-4).
Its 14 officers and 595 active enlisted personnel are to be integrated into the major or technical service of their choice.
In the unmanning ceremony at the AFP General Headquarters Building Conference Room Friday, the flag of the WAC was symbolically folded, marking its conclusion.
The Chief WAC, Col. Yolanda P. Joaquin, said “The flag of the Corps may now be folded and encased but as to whether it will be unfurled once more or consigned permanently as a relic of the rich history of the AFP, only time and subsequent developments can tell.”
Legally, the WAC could not yet be deactivated as long as Republic Act 3895 as amended remains.
Thus, the unmanning of the office and the integration of its personnel to other units or major services of the AFP.
The AFP Deputy Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Gregorio E. Macapagal, who was the presiding officer of the ceremony said “the ceremony does not symbolize the diminishing value of women in the military but has, instead, elevated their status in the armed service and are recognized as equal partners of men in national development. As such, they are no longer confined in only performing technical, administrative and non-combat roles but have extended their horizon to field duty assignments.”
The WAC was established in 1963 by virtue of Republic Act 3835 which instated the corps in the AFP to provide the procurement of its officers and enlisted personnel, and other purposes.
The first Chief WAC of the AFP was Col. Eufrecinia C. Alfonso, now retired.
It was founded by Josefa Borromeo Capistrano who first organized the Women’s Auxillary Service inMindanao which was a
group of Filipino women soldiers who nursed wounded revolutionaries and were
also given tasks to lure American forces to the traps of the Filipino freedom fighters.
The Corps then went from deactivation in 1996 to a successful reactivation in March 2010.
The unmanning of WAC is pursuant to the Defense Planning Guidance 2014-2019 which deactivates AFP-Wide Service Support and Separate Units, and GHQ, AFP technical and administrative staffs duplicating roles, missions and functions of the Major Services.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=539801
The Armed Forces Monday officially closed down the Office of the Women’s Auxiliary Corps after 50 years of existence as an administrative arm of the military.
Its office, under the General Headquarters Grandstand, in Camp Emilio Aguinaldo, is officially closed with its equipment and other facilities transferred to the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics (J-4).
Its 14 officers and 595 active enlisted personnel are to be integrated into the major or technical service of their choice.
In the unmanning ceremony at the AFP General Headquarters Building Conference Room Friday, the flag of the WAC was symbolically folded, marking its conclusion.
The Chief WAC, Col. Yolanda P. Joaquin, said “The flag of the Corps may now be folded and encased but as to whether it will be unfurled once more or consigned permanently as a relic of the rich history of the AFP, only time and subsequent developments can tell.”
Legally, the WAC could not yet be deactivated as long as Republic Act 3895 as amended remains.
Thus, the unmanning of the office and the integration of its personnel to other units or major services of the AFP.
The AFP Deputy Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Gregorio E. Macapagal, who was the presiding officer of the ceremony said “the ceremony does not symbolize the diminishing value of women in the military but has, instead, elevated their status in the armed service and are recognized as equal partners of men in national development. As such, they are no longer confined in only performing technical, administrative and non-combat roles but have extended their horizon to field duty assignments.”
The WAC was established in 1963 by virtue of Republic Act 3835 which instated the corps in the AFP to provide the procurement of its officers and enlisted personnel, and other purposes.
The first Chief WAC of the AFP was Col. Eufrecinia C. Alfonso, now retired.
It was founded by Josefa Borromeo Capistrano who first organized the Women’s Auxillary Service in
The Corps then went from deactivation in 1996 to a successful reactivation in March 2010.
The unmanning of WAC is pursuant to the Defense Planning Guidance 2014-2019 which deactivates AFP-Wide Service Support and Separate Units, and GHQ, AFP technical and administrative staffs duplicating roles, missions and functions of the Major Services.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=539801
Zambo police eye extortion behind bombing attempt
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 1): Zambo police eye extortion behind bombing attempt
The police are eyeing extortion as most likely the motive behind Monday's bombing attempt of an edifice being occupied by a real estate firm in this southern port city.
Senior Insp. Arlan Delumpines, Criminal Investigation and Detection Management Unit (CIDMU) chief of the local police, said the bombing attempt came five days after the owner of the building has received letter demanding payment for protection money.
Delumpines withheld the identity of the building owner except in saying he is a known businessman in this city.
He did not also disclose how much is being demanded as well as the source of the handwritten extortion letter which was received last June 26.
The building, which is located at the junction ofNuñez Street Camachille Drive
The improvised bomb was discovered around 8 a.m. Monday at the second floor of the building by the security guard on duty, who reported his find to the Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO).
The improvised bomb is classified as Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil (ANFO)-type of explosive, according to ZCPO's Explosive Ordnance Demolition (EOD) officer-in-charge Senior Police Officer 4 Wilfredo Fox.
Fox said a one-liter softdrink plastic bottle was packed with ammonium nitrate as the main charge with complete components like blasting cap, time fuse and nails as shrapnel.
He said the improvised bomb failed to explode since the time fuse was short to ignite the explosive's main charge although it was lighted.
The bomb was believed to have been tossed to the second floor of the building, according to Fox.
Investigation continues to ascertain the identity of the suspect behind the bombing attempt, Delumpines said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=539825
The police are eyeing extortion as most likely the motive behind Monday's bombing attempt of an edifice being occupied by a real estate firm in this southern port city.
Senior Insp. Arlan Delumpines, Criminal Investigation and Detection Management Unit (CIDMU) chief of the local police, said the bombing attempt came five days after the owner of the building has received letter demanding payment for protection money.
Delumpines withheld the identity of the building owner except in saying he is a known businessman in this city.
He did not also disclose how much is being demanded as well as the source of the handwritten extortion letter which was received last June 26.
The building, which is located at the junction of
The improvised bomb was discovered around 8 a.m. Monday at the second floor of the building by the security guard on duty, who reported his find to the Zamboanga City Police Office (ZCPO).
The improvised bomb is classified as Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil (ANFO)-type of explosive, according to ZCPO's Explosive Ordnance Demolition (EOD) officer-in-charge Senior Police Officer 4 Wilfredo Fox.
Fox said a one-liter softdrink plastic bottle was packed with ammonium nitrate as the main charge with complete components like blasting cap, time fuse and nails as shrapnel.
He said the improvised bomb failed to explode since the time fuse was short to ignite the explosive's main charge although it was lighted.
The bomb was believed to have been tossed to the second floor of the building, according to Fox.
Investigation continues to ascertain the identity of the suspect behind the bombing attempt, Delumpines said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=539825
Armed men abduct suspected military information in Agusan del Sur
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 1): Armed men abduct suspected military (informant) in Agusan del Sur
A village councilman was taken away by a group of armed men early Sunday morning in Agusan del Sur town on suspicion of being a military informant.
The abductors sent a demand to the local government for the withdrawal of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) troops in the area in exchange for the safe release of Bantuasan.
Reports from the Agusan del Sur Police Provincial Office mentioned that undetermined number of armed men swooped down at Barangay Sta. Teresa, Loreto town in Agusan del Sur and rounded up some 70 male residents and gathered them at the village elementary school. They then handpicked village council member Edgar Bantuasan, whom they suspected to be a military informant. They hogtied the victim, forcibly boarded him on a motorcycle and reportedly brought him to Sitio (district) Cabuga of the same barangay (village).
Police are still determining whether Bantuasan's abductors are members of the New People's Army.
The armed men reportedly threatened the residents that they will soon liquidate those who will continue to support the troops of the government.
Loreto police together with the AFP are now conducting pursuit operations against the suspects in order to rescue the victim. Meanwhile, a municipal crisis management committee is now being convened to handle abduction.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=539845
A village councilman was taken away by a group of armed men early Sunday morning in Agusan del Sur town on suspicion of being a military informant.
The abductors sent a demand to the local government for the withdrawal of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) troops in the area in exchange for the safe release of Bantuasan.
Reports from the Agusan del Sur Police Provincial Office mentioned that undetermined number of armed men swooped down at Barangay Sta. Teresa, Loreto town in Agusan del Sur and rounded up some 70 male residents and gathered them at the village elementary school. They then handpicked village council member Edgar Bantuasan, whom they suspected to be a military informant. They hogtied the victim, forcibly boarded him on a motorcycle and reportedly brought him to Sitio (district) Cabuga of the same barangay (village).
Police are still determining whether Bantuasan's abductors are members of the New People's Army.
The armed men reportedly threatened the residents that they will soon liquidate those who will continue to support the troops of the government.
Loreto police together with the AFP are now conducting pursuit operations against the suspects in order to rescue the victim. Meanwhile, a municipal crisis management committee is now being convened to handle abduction.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=539845
Army, PNP launch joint manhunt vs. Maguindanao bombers
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 1): Army, PNP launch joint manhunt vs. Maguindanao bombers
Police and military forces have launched a massive manhunt against men believed to be renegade Muslim rebels who set off two improvised explosive devices along a highway in Maguindanao on Sunday that left two soldiers and a civilian wounded.
Col. Dickson Hermoso, speaking for the 6th Infantry Division, said Col. Edgar Gonzales, chief of First Mechanized Infantry Brigade and Senior Supt. Rodelio Jocson, Maguinanao police chief, have met and laid out plans to prevent a repeat of roadside bombings.
Mobile checkpoints have been set up regularly to watch out for suspected bombers who normally used motorcycles in transporting improvised bombs.
Army and police intelligence operatives have initially blamed the bombings to extremist Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), a breakaway group of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), who publicly announced they will subject government forces to harassment.
Two soldiers and a civilian were hurt when to improvised explosive devices were set off along a national highway in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao.
The first IED, fashioned from 105 mm howitzer, went off at about 9:20 a.m. Sunday that left Pfc. Reynaldo Sotto, an unidentified motorist said to be an off-duty Marine officer and a civilian named Fatimah Kunakon, resident of Barangay Satan, Shariff Aguak.
The explosive went off as the convoy of soldiers led by Col. Noli Orense, commanding officer of the 603rd Brigade, was passing Shariff Aguak en route to Buluan town, venue of the mass oath-taking of elected provincial and municipal officials.
Orense
Several vehicles were in convoy heading toward Buluan from Maguindanao's first district when the roadside bombing happened.
Orense
Silvestre said Kunakon was sitting in front of her house across the blast scene and sustained shrapnel injuries. The wounded soldiers are now confined atCamp Siongco Hospital
The second IED, planted some 500 meters away from the site of first explosion, also went off at past noon when convoy of local officials and Army personnel were expected to return home from Buluan.
No one was hurt but the twin blasts forced Army and police personnel to temporarily block the highway while clearing operations were ongoing. It was opened an hour later.
Military intelligence operatives of the 6th Infantry Division suspected the radical BIFF as behind the bombing attempts.
Abu Misry, BIFF spokesman, would neither confirm nor deny his group was involved.
The BIFF gained notoriety last year when it launched simultaneous attacks against military and police installations in a futile effort to prevent the signing of the Framework Agreement on Bangsamoro in Malacanang.
The BIFF, composed now of renegade guerrillas, was opposed to the proposed new autonomous political entity in southernPhilippines
as it vowed to push for the establishment of an Islamic state in Mindanao .
Police and military estimate of BIFF forces was about 1,000 heavily armed men backed by mortars and shoulder-fired rocket propelled grenades.
Its areas of operations include the towns of Datu Piang, Mamasapano, Shariff Aguak, Datu Unsay, Guindulungan, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Datu Abdullah Sangki and the Maguindanao marshland.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=539799
Police and military forces have launched a massive manhunt against men believed to be renegade Muslim rebels who set off two improvised explosive devices along a highway in Maguindanao on Sunday that left two soldiers and a civilian wounded.
Col. Dickson Hermoso, speaking for the 6th Infantry Division, said Col. Edgar Gonzales, chief of First Mechanized Infantry Brigade and Senior Supt. Rodelio Jocson, Maguinanao police chief, have met and laid out plans to prevent a repeat of roadside bombings.
Mobile checkpoints have been set up regularly to watch out for suspected bombers who normally used motorcycles in transporting improvised bombs.
Army and police intelligence operatives have initially blamed the bombings to extremist Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF), a breakaway group of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), who publicly announced they will subject government forces to harassment.
Two soldiers and a civilian were hurt when to improvised explosive devices were set off along a national highway in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao.
The first IED, fashioned from 105 mm howitzer, went off at about 9:20 a.m. Sunday that left Pfc. Reynaldo Sotto, an unidentified motorist said to be an off-duty Marine officer and a civilian named Fatimah Kunakon, resident of Barangay Satan, Shariff Aguak.
The explosive went off as the convoy of soldiers led by Col. Noli Orense, commanding officer of the 603rd Brigade, was passing Shariff Aguak en route to Buluan town, venue of the mass oath-taking of elected provincial and municipal officials.
Several vehicles were in convoy heading toward Buluan from Maguindanao's first district when the roadside bombing happened.
Silvestre said Kunakon was sitting in front of her house across the blast scene and sustained shrapnel injuries. The wounded soldiers are now confined at
The second IED, planted some 500 meters away from the site of first explosion, also went off at past noon when convoy of local officials and Army personnel were expected to return home from Buluan.
No one was hurt but the twin blasts forced Army and police personnel to temporarily block the highway while clearing operations were ongoing. It was opened an hour later.
Military intelligence operatives of the 6th Infantry Division suspected the radical BIFF as behind the bombing attempts.
Abu Misry, BIFF spokesman, would neither confirm nor deny his group was involved.
The BIFF gained notoriety last year when it launched simultaneous attacks against military and police installations in a futile effort to prevent the signing of the Framework Agreement on Bangsamoro in Malacanang.
The BIFF, composed now of renegade guerrillas, was opposed to the proposed new autonomous political entity in southern
Police and military estimate of BIFF forces was about 1,000 heavily armed men backed by mortars and shoulder-fired rocket propelled grenades.
Its areas of operations include the towns of Datu Piang, Mamasapano, Shariff Aguak, Datu Unsay, Guindulungan, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Datu Abdullah Sangki and the Maguindanao marshland.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=539799
Aquino cites Gazmin for being instrumental in modernizing Air Force
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 1): Aquino cites Gazmin for being instrumental in modernizing Air Force
President Benigno S. Aquino III cited Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin for being instrumental in modernizing the Philippine Air Force to be at par with world standards.
The President made his citation of Gazmin during his speech keynoting the 66th Founding Anniversary of the PAF here on Monday.
"Ngayong umaga, sa pagdiriwang natin ng ika-animnapu't anim na anibersaryo ng Hukbong Himpapawid ng Pilipinas, bagong mukha ng gobyerno, at bagong dangal ng kasundaluhan ang humaharap sa mundo. Sa loob lamang ng tatlong taon, pinatunayan natin na ang Philippine Air Force ay muling bumabagwis tungo sa makabagong lakas, at matatag na bukas," the Ptesident said.
"Nagpapasalamat tayo sa dedikasyon at inisyatiba ni Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin upang itaas ang kakayahan at ang kalidad ng kagamitan ng ating buong kasundaluhan, gayundin sa mahusay at tapat na pamumuno ni Lieutenant General Lauro Catalino Dela Cruz sa inyong hukbo. Kitang-kita naman sa inyong aktibong pagtatanod kung paano ninyo pinagsisilbihan ang mga Pilipino," he added.
He vowed that before he stepped down in 2016, the entire Armed Forces of thePhilippines
"Mulat po tayo sa mga kasalukuyang limitasyon ng ating sandatahan, kaya naman nagpapasalamat tayo sa inisyatiba ng Air Force na kumpunihin upang muling mapakinabangan ang ilang eroplano't sasakyan, gaya ng labimpitong M-35 trucks, isang N-22 Nomad transport aircraft, isang UH-1H Utility Helicopter, isang LC-210 aircraft at MG-520 attack helicopter," the President said.
"At dahil sa pagsasabatas ng New AFP Modernization Act, pitumpu’t limang bilyong pisong pondo ang mailalaan natin sa Tanggulang Pambansa sa susunod na limang taon. Asahan po ninyong bago tayo bumaba sa pwesto, tumatanod na sa ating himpapawid ang mga makabago't modernong kagamitan gaya ng lead-in fighters, long-range patrol aircraft, close air support aircraft, light-lift fixed-wing aircraft, medium-lift aircraft, attack helicopters, combat utility helicopters, air defense radars, at flight simulators," he said.
"Nananalig ako na sa pagsasanib ng mga pagkilos ng pamahalaan upang gawing mas moderno ang inyong mga pangangailangan, at ang panibagong dangal at kumpiyansa ng taumbayan sa ating kasundaluhan, talagang magiging abot-langit ang serbisyong hatid ng Hukbong Himpapawid ng Pilipinas," the President further said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=539810
President Benigno S. Aquino III cited Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin for being instrumental in modernizing the Philippine Air Force to be at par with world standards.
The President made his citation of Gazmin during his speech keynoting the 66th Founding Anniversary of the PAF here on Monday.
"Ngayong umaga, sa pagdiriwang natin ng ika-animnapu't anim na anibersaryo ng Hukbong Himpapawid ng Pilipinas, bagong mukha ng gobyerno, at bagong dangal ng kasundaluhan ang humaharap sa mundo. Sa loob lamang ng tatlong taon, pinatunayan natin na ang Philippine Air Force ay muling bumabagwis tungo sa makabagong lakas, at matatag na bukas," the Ptesident said.
"Nagpapasalamat tayo sa dedikasyon at inisyatiba ni Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin upang itaas ang kakayahan at ang kalidad ng kagamitan ng ating buong kasundaluhan, gayundin sa mahusay at tapat na pamumuno ni Lieutenant General Lauro Catalino Dela Cruz sa inyong hukbo. Kitang-kita naman sa inyong aktibong pagtatanod kung paano ninyo pinagsisilbihan ang mga Pilipino," he added.
He vowed that before he stepped down in 2016, the entire Armed Forces of the
"Mulat po tayo sa mga kasalukuyang limitasyon ng ating sandatahan, kaya naman nagpapasalamat tayo sa inisyatiba ng Air Force na kumpunihin upang muling mapakinabangan ang ilang eroplano't sasakyan, gaya ng labimpitong M-35 trucks, isang N-22 Nomad transport aircraft, isang UH-1H Utility Helicopter, isang LC-210 aircraft at MG-520 attack helicopter," the President said.
"At dahil sa pagsasabatas ng New AFP Modernization Act, pitumpu’t limang bilyong pisong pondo ang mailalaan natin sa Tanggulang Pambansa sa susunod na limang taon. Asahan po ninyong bago tayo bumaba sa pwesto, tumatanod na sa ating himpapawid ang mga makabago't modernong kagamitan gaya ng lead-in fighters, long-range patrol aircraft, close air support aircraft, light-lift fixed-wing aircraft, medium-lift aircraft, attack helicopters, combat utility helicopters, air defense radars, at flight simulators," he said.
"Nananalig ako na sa pagsasanib ng mga pagkilos ng pamahalaan upang gawing mas moderno ang inyong mga pangangailangan, at ang panibagong dangal at kumpiyansa ng taumbayan sa ating kasundaluhan, talagang magiging abot-langit ang serbisyong hatid ng Hukbong Himpapawid ng Pilipinas," the President further said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=539810
President Aquino vows to boost PHL defense by acquiring new aircraft
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 1): President Aquino vows to boost PHL defense by acquiring new aircraft
President Benigno Aquino III on Monday vowed to modernize the Philippine Air Force (PAF) through the acquisition of new and modern aircraft and equipment that would boost the country's defense and prevent the loss of lives among soldiers.
The President, in his speech during the PAF's 66th anniversary celebration at the Haribon Hangar, Air Force City here, has assured the PAF of new lead-in fighters, long-range patrol aircraft, close air support aircraft, attack helicopters, air defense radars, flight simulators and other modern equipment before his term ends.
This is part of the AFP modernization program wherein P75 billion will be allocated in the next five years.
President Aquino cited that it is important to modernize the PAF as this would improve the delivery of services to the nation and the people.
"Nananalig ako sa pagsasanib ng mga pagkilos ng pamahalaan upang gawing mas moderno ang inyong mga pangangailangan, at ang panibagong dangal at kumpiyansa ng taumbayan sa ating kasundaluhan, talagang magiging abot-langit ang serbisyong hatid ng Hukbong Himpapawid ng Pilipinas," he said.
The Chief Executive also lamented last week's plane crash inPalawan involving a military 0V-10 Bronco aircraft.
"Ang ganitong mga pangyayari nga mismo ang iniiwasan natin simula’t sapul pa. Kaya naman, nakatutok tayo sa modernisasyon ng ating pambansang tanggulan," he said.
He, however, assured the plane crash victims' families for the government's full support and assistance.
He said there is no doubt that the government is gradually entering into a new chapter in the history of the PAF.
He said the government is now responding to the needs of the military from the modern airplane up to their benefits such as housing unlike before that their welfare have been neglected.
In the light of the continuing efforts of the government to modernize the PAF, the President, however, is asking them to render utmost service to the nation and the people
Sa susunod na lumipad kayo, tanawin ninyo ang libu-libong islang bumubuo sa ating bansa. Isipin ninyo kung ilang Pilipino ang nakatingala, pinagmamasdan ang pagbagwis ninyo sa langit, at buong-pagmamalaki nilang nasasambit na "Salamat at nariyan ang Philippine Air Force. Walang maaaring sumindak o manggipit sa akin. Ligtas ako," he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=539747
President Benigno Aquino III on Monday vowed to modernize the Philippine Air Force (PAF) through the acquisition of new and modern aircraft and equipment that would boost the country's defense and prevent the loss of lives among soldiers.
The President, in his speech during the PAF's 66th anniversary celebration at the Haribon Hangar, Air Force City here, has assured the PAF of new lead-in fighters, long-range patrol aircraft, close air support aircraft, attack helicopters, air defense radars, flight simulators and other modern equipment before his term ends.
This is part of the AFP modernization program wherein P75 billion will be allocated in the next five years.
President Aquino cited that it is important to modernize the PAF as this would improve the delivery of services to the nation and the people.
"Nananalig ako sa pagsasanib ng mga pagkilos ng pamahalaan upang gawing mas moderno ang inyong mga pangangailangan, at ang panibagong dangal at kumpiyansa ng taumbayan sa ating kasundaluhan, talagang magiging abot-langit ang serbisyong hatid ng Hukbong Himpapawid ng Pilipinas," he said.
The Chief Executive also lamented last week's plane crash in
"Ang ganitong mga pangyayari nga mismo ang iniiwasan natin simula’t sapul pa. Kaya naman, nakatutok tayo sa modernisasyon ng ating pambansang tanggulan," he said.
He, however, assured the plane crash victims' families for the government's full support and assistance.
He said there is no doubt that the government is gradually entering into a new chapter in the history of the PAF.
He said the government is now responding to the needs of the military from the modern airplane up to their benefits such as housing unlike before that their welfare have been neglected.
In the light of the continuing efforts of the government to modernize the PAF, the President, however, is asking them to render utmost service to the nation and the people
Sa susunod na lumipad kayo, tanawin ninyo ang libu-libong islang bumubuo sa ating bansa. Isipin ninyo kung ilang Pilipino ang nakatingala, pinagmamasdan ang pagbagwis ninyo sa langit, at buong-pagmamalaki nilang nasasambit na "Salamat at nariyan ang Philippine Air Force. Walang maaaring sumindak o manggipit sa akin. Ligtas ako," he added.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=539747
AFP modernization now making significant headway
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 1): AFP modernization now making significant headway
Like a phoenix slowly rising from the ashes, the Armed Forces of thePhilippines
This is also called the ability to forestall attempts by intruders attempting to violate the country's maritime, aerial and land territories, thanks to the commitment given by President Benigno S. Aquino III to the military.
The latter allocated around P75 billion to modernize the AFP. This money will be spent within five years.
"It is a step forward, a keen capability upgrade for all of our forces. We may not be comparable to other countries in the totality of equipage but the (modernization) program addresses a lot of our tactical and operational needs," AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Domingo Tutaan said of the development.
Highlighting this focus is the BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16), the second Hamilton-class cutter acquired by the Aquino administration from the Americans, is now on its way home and is expected to be in Philippine territory by first week of August.
The Aquino government utilized more than USD15 million in refurbishing and re-equipping this ship.
The ship, which naval experts said is more heavily-armed that its sistership, the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PF-15), is expected to be in service by next September.
It is expected to improve the country's domain awareness capability or the capacity to detect, deter and pursue intruders in thePhilippines
Aside from the BRP Ramon Alcaraz, the Philippine Navy is expecting the delivery of three AW-109 naval choppers by December courtesy of AgustaWestland.
As of this posting, the flight and maintenance crew of these aircraft are now undergoing training atSesto
Calende , Italy
"The PN is also very thankful to the present administration for the continued support that the Navy is receiving," PN spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic stressed emphasized.
The contract for the three AW-109 naval helicopters were signed last April and will be delivered this coming December.
These choppers are worth around P1.33 billion.
"With the support we are getting from the present administration and the capability upgrade and modernization efforts in place, the officers and men of the PN are esteemed to serve the country and the people," he added.
Aside from these, Fabic said equipment in the pipeline includes three more multi-purpose assault craft, a anti-submarine helicopter, engineering and other support equipment.
Recently, the Dept. of National Defense announced that it is allocating P4-billion for two strategic sealift vessels and another P18-billion to acquire two brand-new missile-firing frigates as to fully boost the deterrent capability of the PN.
Fabic's earlier sentiments was also echoed by Philippine Air Force spokesperson Col. Miguel Ernesto Okol who stressed that he is very confident with the way the Aquino government is conducting the AFP's modernization.
"Most of (big) ticket items (equipment upgrade for the PAF) we have requested for has been approved," he added.
This includes the so-called surface attack aircraft, lead-in fighter aircraft, surveillance radars, medium lift and light transport and long-range patrol aircraft.
Recently, the PAF has completed the delivery of its eight W-3A "Sokol" combat utility helicopters with the last four being delivered last Nov. 26, 2012 and Feb. 17 this year.
The first batch of four was delivered in sometimes in 2011. These "Sokols' were commissioned and place in PAF service in March 9, 2012.
Aside from this, the Air Force has also beefed up the number of Lockheed C-130 "Hercules" aircraft from one to three, thanks to the ongoing modernization and upgrade programs.
The additional C-130s were activated during the latter part of 2012.
Besides this, DND observers said that the Philippines is now on the closing stages of the contract regarding the acquisition of 12 South Korean F/A -50 "Golden Eagle" jet aircraft which is touted to be the PAF's interim fighter aircraft.
It has allocated P18 billion for this program.
The Government Procurement Policy Board earlier gave the DND the "green-light" to start pre-negotiations with the South Korean government for 12 F/A 50 aircraft last January.
This boost to Philippine military equippage was made possible by the Dec. 11, 2012 signing of President Aquino signing of Republic Act No. 10349 which amends Republic Act No. 7898 or the AFP Modernization Act.
The amendment will "boost the AFP's capability upgrade program as it shifts from internal to external defense capability."
With the passage of the law, the military will be able to push for the acquisition of equipment which is listed in our medium term (2013-2017) acquisition list.
"(This amendment will extend) the implementation of our modernization and capability upgrade program will also provide greater opportunities and enough time for us to finally achieve a minimum credible defense posture which will help us in better fulfilling our mandate to protect the people and the state," the AFP stressed.
Republic Act No. 10349 has a budget of P75 billion for the first five years of implementation subject to the capacity of the DND to utilize and implement the program in accordance with the Defense System of Management.
The new law exempts certain major defense purchases such as aircraft, vessels, tanks, armored vehicles, communications equipment and high-powered firearms from public bidding.
It also exempts from value-added tax and customs duties the sale and importation of weapons, equipment and ammunition to the AFP which are directly and exclusively used for its projects, undertakings, activities and programs.
Republic Act 10349 also institutionalizes the defense system of management, which incorporates a collegial and collaborative planning and decision-making process by senior defense and military leaders.
It also allows additional funding from public-private partnerships entered into by the DND as well as multi-year contracts.
This law will hopefully repair the damage caused by long years of neglect to the military which during the 1960s up to the 70's was considered to beSoutheast Asia 's best.
DND undersecretary for finance, munitions, installations, and materiel Fernando Manalo earlier said that the signing and passage of the revised AFP Modernization Act will definitely make the military more capable of carrying out its constitutional mandate.
"This law will give the AFP a minimal credible deterrent posture," he emphasized.
Aside from defense equipment, engineering and search-and-rescue materiel will also be acquired, Manalo pointed out, giving thePhilippines
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=539672
Like a phoenix slowly rising from the ashes, the Armed Forces of the
This is also called the ability to forestall attempts by intruders attempting to violate the country's maritime, aerial and land territories, thanks to the commitment given by President Benigno S. Aquino III to the military.
The latter allocated around P75 billion to modernize the AFP. This money will be spent within five years.
"It is a step forward, a keen capability upgrade for all of our forces. We may not be comparable to other countries in the totality of equipage but the (modernization) program addresses a lot of our tactical and operational needs," AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Domingo Tutaan said of the development.
Highlighting this focus is the BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16), the second Hamilton-class cutter acquired by the Aquino administration from the Americans, is now on its way home and is expected to be in Philippine territory by first week of August.
The Aquino government utilized more than USD15 million in refurbishing and re-equipping this ship.
The ship, which naval experts said is more heavily-armed that its sistership, the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PF-15), is expected to be in service by next September.
It is expected to improve the country's domain awareness capability or the capacity to detect, deter and pursue intruders in the
Aside from the BRP Ramon Alcaraz, the Philippine Navy is expecting the delivery of three AW-109 naval choppers by December courtesy of AgustaWestland.
As of this posting, the flight and maintenance crew of these aircraft are now undergoing training at
"The PN is also very thankful to the present administration for the continued support that the Navy is receiving," PN spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic stressed emphasized.
The contract for the three AW-109 naval helicopters were signed last April and will be delivered this coming December.
These choppers are worth around P1.33 billion.
"With the support we are getting from the present administration and the capability upgrade and modernization efforts in place, the officers and men of the PN are esteemed to serve the country and the people," he added.
Aside from these, Fabic said equipment in the pipeline includes three more multi-purpose assault craft, a anti-submarine helicopter, engineering and other support equipment.
Recently, the Dept. of National Defense announced that it is allocating P4-billion for two strategic sealift vessels and another P18-billion to acquire two brand-new missile-firing frigates as to fully boost the deterrent capability of the PN.
Fabic's earlier sentiments was also echoed by Philippine Air Force spokesperson Col. Miguel Ernesto Okol who stressed that he is very confident with the way the Aquino government is conducting the AFP's modernization.
"Most of (big) ticket items (equipment upgrade for the PAF) we have requested for has been approved," he added.
This includes the so-called surface attack aircraft, lead-in fighter aircraft, surveillance radars, medium lift and light transport and long-range patrol aircraft.
Recently, the PAF has completed the delivery of its eight W-3A "Sokol" combat utility helicopters with the last four being delivered last Nov. 26, 2012 and Feb. 17 this year.
The first batch of four was delivered in sometimes in 2011. These "Sokols' were commissioned and place in PAF service in March 9, 2012.
Aside from this, the Air Force has also beefed up the number of Lockheed C-130 "Hercules" aircraft from one to three, thanks to the ongoing modernization and upgrade programs.
The additional C-130s were activated during the latter part of 2012.
Besides this, DND observers said that the Philippines is now on the closing stages of the contract regarding the acquisition of 12 South Korean F/A -50 "Golden Eagle" jet aircraft which is touted to be the PAF's interim fighter aircraft.
It has allocated P18 billion for this program.
The Government Procurement Policy Board earlier gave the DND the "green-light" to start pre-negotiations with the South Korean government for 12 F/A 50 aircraft last January.
This boost to Philippine military equippage was made possible by the Dec. 11, 2012 signing of President Aquino signing of Republic Act No. 10349 which amends Republic Act No. 7898 or the AFP Modernization Act.
The amendment will "boost the AFP's capability upgrade program as it shifts from internal to external defense capability."
With the passage of the law, the military will be able to push for the acquisition of equipment which is listed in our medium term (2013-2017) acquisition list.
"(This amendment will extend) the implementation of our modernization and capability upgrade program will also provide greater opportunities and enough time for us to finally achieve a minimum credible defense posture which will help us in better fulfilling our mandate to protect the people and the state," the AFP stressed.
Republic Act No. 10349 has a budget of P75 billion for the first five years of implementation subject to the capacity of the DND to utilize and implement the program in accordance with the Defense System of Management.
The new law exempts certain major defense purchases such as aircraft, vessels, tanks, armored vehicles, communications equipment and high-powered firearms from public bidding.
It also exempts from value-added tax and customs duties the sale and importation of weapons, equipment and ammunition to the AFP which are directly and exclusively used for its projects, undertakings, activities and programs.
Republic Act 10349 also institutionalizes the defense system of management, which incorporates a collegial and collaborative planning and decision-making process by senior defense and military leaders.
It also allows additional funding from public-private partnerships entered into by the DND as well as multi-year contracts.
This law will hopefully repair the damage caused by long years of neglect to the military which during the 1960s up to the 70's was considered to be
DND undersecretary for finance, munitions, installations, and materiel Fernando Manalo earlier said that the signing and passage of the revised AFP Modernization Act will definitely make the military more capable of carrying out its constitutional mandate.
"This law will give the AFP a minimal credible deterrent posture," he emphasized.
Aside from defense equipment, engineering and search-and-rescue materiel will also be acquired, Manalo pointed out, giving the
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=539672
5 hurt in blast at Zambo highway
From Rappler (Jul 1): 5 hurt in blast at Zambo highway
A grenade thrown at a bus on a busy highway in Zamboanga City early Monday, July 1, injured at least 5 employees of a fishing company, police reports reaching Rappler said.
An initial Philippine National Police report said the explosion at Maria Clara Lorenzo Lobregat Highway (MCLL) in Barangay Guiwan, Zamboanga City, damaged a shuttle bus of the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority, which is based at the city port.
"Malaking explosion," said a PNP official, quoting local police reports.
Local police said the grenade was thrown at the bus while it was travelling on MCLL Highway near the intersection of Sta Cruz at 7:10 am. The injured were identified as: Luciano Gelaga, Ombre Hamsirani, Orly Villareal, Emil Anita and Eugene Khristian Lozano, all employees of the Sangali Fishing Corp.
PNP intelligence sources said that the port manager had been receiving letters and text messages from "extortionists" identified with the Abu Sayyaf and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front based in Basilan and Sacol islands, where most of the port's sea products come from.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/32573-passengers-hurt-in-blast-at-zambo-highway
A grenade thrown at a bus on a busy highway in Zamboanga City early Monday, July 1, injured at least 5 employees of a fishing company, police reports reaching Rappler said.
An initial Philippine National Police report said the explosion at Maria Clara Lorenzo Lobregat Highway (MCLL) in Barangay Guiwan, Zamboanga City, damaged a shuttle bus of the Philippine Fisheries Development Authority, which is based at the city port.
"Malaking explosion," said a PNP official, quoting local police reports.
Local police said the grenade was thrown at the bus while it was travelling on MCLL Highway near the intersection of Sta Cruz at 7:10 am. The injured were identified as: Luciano Gelaga, Ombre Hamsirani, Orly Villareal, Emil Anita and Eugene Khristian Lozano, all employees of the Sangali Fishing Corp.
PNP intelligence sources said that the port manager had been receiving letters and text messages from "extortionists" identified with the Abu Sayyaf and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front based in Basilan and Sacol islands, where most of the port's sea products come from.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/32573-passengers-hurt-in-blast-at-zambo-highway
Give Australia, ASEAN access to PH bases
From Rappler (Jul 1): Give Australia, ASEAN access to PH bases
INCLUDE OTHER STATES: Former defense secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr supports a government plan to give US,Japan
Former defense secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr supports a government plan to give theUnited States Australia
"I favor optimizing access to Philippine bases not only forJapan and
the US , but also for other
friendly States, such as the ASEAN states and Australia
"This will facilitate confidence building and interoperability between our forces and those of others," Teodoro added.
Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said the government is drafting plans to allow US forces to spend extended time on thePhilippines Japan
READ: PH wants to give US, Japan access to bases
Teodoro argued defense exchanges have various benefits, including assisting the Philippine government in improving its disaster preparedness.
"This is useful not merely for traditional defense concerns but also for non-traditional ones such as Humaniatarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR), Peace Keeping Operations (PKO), and responding to pandemics, to name a few," Teodoro said in an e-mail to Rappler.
Teodoro ran for president in 2010 but lost to his cousin, President Benigno Aquino III. He continues to speak on security and defense-related matters.
Concerned camps
Various camps are critical of the government's plan to open access to its bases, notably the one in Subic,Olongapo City US
"The Philippine government is grossly mistaken if it thinks that theUS US is merely out to take advantage of the
dispute so that it can position itself strategically in Asia ,"
Bayan said in a statement on Sunday, June 30.
The Philippine Daily Inquirer also ran a July 1 editorial critical of the plan. It reads: "A decision to host allied military forces inside Philippine bases, however, should not be taken lightly; meetings and supply arrangements and joint exercises can all be justified as the Armed Forces of thePhilippines
INCLUDE OTHER STATES: Former defense secretary Gilbert Teodoro Jr supports a government plan to give US,
Former defense secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr supports a government plan to give the
"I favor optimizing access to Philippine bases not only for
"This will facilitate confidence building and interoperability between our forces and those of others," Teodoro added.
Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said the government is drafting plans to allow US forces to spend extended time on the
READ: PH wants to give US, Japan access to bases
Teodoro argued defense exchanges have various benefits, including assisting the Philippine government in improving its disaster preparedness.
"This is useful not merely for traditional defense concerns but also for non-traditional ones such as Humaniatarian Assistance and Disaster Response (HADR), Peace Keeping Operations (PKO), and responding to pandemics, to name a few," Teodoro said in an e-mail to Rappler.
Teodoro ran for president in 2010 but lost to his cousin, President Benigno Aquino III. He continues to speak on security and defense-related matters.
Concerned camps
Various camps are critical of the government's plan to open access to its bases, notably the one in Subic,
"The Philippine government is grossly mistaken if it thinks that the
The Philippine Daily Inquirer also ran a July 1 editorial critical of the plan. It reads: "A decision to host allied military forces inside Philippine bases, however, should not be taken lightly; meetings and supply arrangements and joint exercises can all be justified as the Armed Forces of the
Allowing foreign troops from allies with
a stake in the ongoing South China Sea
disputes to operate in and—the crucial difference—from Philippine military
bases is much harder to rationalize."
Teodoro said what's important is for government to craft policy guidelines that will guarantee the protection of Philippine interests.
"I used the term optimizing in order to underscore the importance of having carefully crafted policy guidelines on the matter, which shall take into account our national and international interests, responsibilities, and obligations," he explained.
AggressiveChina
US
On Saturday, June 29, China's state-run media warned that the Philippines should brace itself for a possible "counterstrike should Beijing continue to be provoked in the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea).
ThePhilippines
has accused China of "massive"
military buildup in the disputed West
Philippine Sea . In a statement released on the first day of the
annual Asia-Pacific talks in Brunei ,
the Philippines
Japan earlier pledged to help the
Philippines defend its
"remote islands," as both governments expressed concern over China
READ: Japan vows to help PH amid China Sea row
"We agreed that we will further cooperate in terms of the defense of remote islands... the defense of territorial seas as well as protection of maritime interests," Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera told a joint news conference.
The Philippine military also recently held war games with theUnited States
http://www.rappler.com/nation/32605-australia-asean-access-philippine-military-bases
Teodoro said what's important is for government to craft policy guidelines that will guarantee the protection of Philippine interests.
"I used the term optimizing in order to underscore the importance of having carefully crafted policy guidelines on the matter, which shall take into account our national and international interests, responsibilities, and obligations," he explained.
Aggressive
On Saturday, June 29, China's state-run media warned that the Philippines should brace itself for a possible "counterstrike should Beijing continue to be provoked in the South China Sea (West Philippine Sea).
The
READ: Japan vows to help PH amid China Sea row
"We agreed that we will further cooperate in terms of the defense of remote islands... the defense of territorial seas as well as protection of maritime interests," Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera told a joint news conference.
The Philippine military also recently held war games with the
http://www.rappler.com/nation/32605-australia-asean-access-philippine-military-bases
Aquino praises PAF, vows sustained modernization
From Rappler (Jul 1): Aquino praises PAF, vows sustained modernization
President Benigno Aquino III was not short of praises for the Air Force on Monday, July 1, during the celebration of their 66th anniversary.
Aquino, who is known to lambast government agencies for their poor performance, celebrated the achievements of the Philippine Air Force (PAF), including their efficient use of their budget.
"It is a joy to see you have not swayed from our mission to make good governance permanent. Because of the good and cost-efficient administration of your budget according to the Department of Budget and Management, the financial obligation efficiency of the Air Force hit 99.6%," he said in his speech.
Among their achievements due to the efficient use of budget is being able to make the C-130 transport aircraft as well as other aircrafts, trucks, and a utility and attack helicopter work for the first time.
He also celebrated the Air Force's help in peacekeeping efforts in Mindanao, as well as the speed of their response during typhoons and rescue operations. Aquino counted over 28,300 sorties, 1,500 ground operations, and almost 4,700 civil military operations undergone by the Air Force in his 3 years in power.
Aquino said the improvement within the Air Force has been stark since his term. He commended Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin as well as the leadership of Lieutenant General Lauro Catalino dela Cruz for their service to Filipinos.
"Why is it that in the past decade, our Air Force suffered from a broken wings, and we merely relied on old and rickety planes and equipment? It's sad to think we reached a situation like this, because while past leaders were drunk with power, they neglected the interests and welfare of our Filipino fighters," he said.
He added, "In just 3 years, the Philippine Air Force proved they are on their way to increased strength and a stable tomorrow."
Continued modernization
In accordance to Aquino's promise to strengthen the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Aquino also vowed to continue to modernize the PAF. He mentioned the crash of an Air Force OV-10 aircraft over a week ago in Palawan during a special training flight, which carried two soldiers.
Aquino gave assurances that search and retrieval operations continue to find the missing pilots, and vowed to prevent such accidents from occurring again, hence the modernization of PAF's aircrafts.
He expressed faith in improved services delivered by the Air Force, citing the P75 billion allotted to improve the armed forces in the next 5 years under the New AFP Modernization Act.
This is on top the more than P19 billion that had spent over the past 3 years for this purpose.
Between 1992 and 2010, the Philippines had spent only P33 billion pesos for military modernization, Aquino said.
Aquino said he is committed to reversing the under-spending on military capability that he said had characteried the Philippines since the early 1990s.
"Before I step down from the office, you can be assured the Air Force will have modern vehicles and aircrafts such as lead-in fighters, long-range patrol aircraft, close air support aircraft, light-lift fixed-wing aircraft, medium-lift aircraft, attack helicopters, combat utility helicopters, air defense radars, at flight simulators," he said.
"I promise: in the efforts of the government to modernize your needs, and the renewed confidence of the people in our Air Force, the service it will be able to provide will truly be sky-high)," he said.
The Philippines, a former US colony, retired the last of its US-designed F-5 fighters in 2005 and lacks air defense.
Aquino reiterated his administration's plans to modernize the military as tensions rise with China over overlapping territorial claims to islands and waters in the South China Sea.
The main focus was initially the Navy, with the acquisition of two Hamilton-class cutters decommissioned by the US Coast Guard.
The first of the two refurbished vessels became the Philippine Navy's flagship in 2011, replacing a warship initially built for the US Navy in World War II.
The second cutter is set to arrive in the Philippines later this year.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/32612-aquino-praises-air-force-sustained-modernization
President Benigno Aquino III was not short of praises for the Air Force on Monday, July 1, during the celebration of their 66th anniversary.
Aquino, who is known to lambast government agencies for their poor performance, celebrated the achievements of the Philippine Air Force (PAF), including their efficient use of their budget.
"It is a joy to see you have not swayed from our mission to make good governance permanent. Because of the good and cost-efficient administration of your budget according to the Department of Budget and Management, the financial obligation efficiency of the Air Force hit 99.6%," he said in his speech.
Among their achievements due to the efficient use of budget is being able to make the C-130 transport aircraft as well as other aircrafts, trucks, and a utility and attack helicopter work for the first time.
He also celebrated the Air Force's help in peacekeeping efforts in Mindanao, as well as the speed of their response during typhoons and rescue operations. Aquino counted over 28,300 sorties, 1,500 ground operations, and almost 4,700 civil military operations undergone by the Air Force in his 3 years in power.
Aquino said the improvement within the Air Force has been stark since his term. He commended Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin as well as the leadership of Lieutenant General Lauro Catalino dela Cruz for their service to Filipinos.
"Why is it that in the past decade, our Air Force suffered from a broken wings, and we merely relied on old and rickety planes and equipment? It's sad to think we reached a situation like this, because while past leaders were drunk with power, they neglected the interests and welfare of our Filipino fighters," he said.
He added, "In just 3 years, the Philippine Air Force proved they are on their way to increased strength and a stable tomorrow."
Continued modernization
In accordance to Aquino's promise to strengthen the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Aquino also vowed to continue to modernize the PAF. He mentioned the crash of an Air Force OV-10 aircraft over a week ago in Palawan during a special training flight, which carried two soldiers.
Aquino gave assurances that search and retrieval operations continue to find the missing pilots, and vowed to prevent such accidents from occurring again, hence the modernization of PAF's aircrafts.
He expressed faith in improved services delivered by the Air Force, citing the P75 billion allotted to improve the armed forces in the next 5 years under the New AFP Modernization Act.
This is on top the more than P19 billion that had spent over the past 3 years for this purpose.
Between 1992 and 2010, the Philippines had spent only P33 billion pesos for military modernization, Aquino said.
Aquino said he is committed to reversing the under-spending on military capability that he said had characteried the Philippines since the early 1990s.
"Before I step down from the office, you can be assured the Air Force will have modern vehicles and aircrafts such as lead-in fighters, long-range patrol aircraft, close air support aircraft, light-lift fixed-wing aircraft, medium-lift aircraft, attack helicopters, combat utility helicopters, air defense radars, at flight simulators," he said.
"I promise: in the efforts of the government to modernize your needs, and the renewed confidence of the people in our Air Force, the service it will be able to provide will truly be sky-high)," he said.
The Philippines, a former US colony, retired the last of its US-designed F-5 fighters in 2005 and lacks air defense.
Aquino reiterated his administration's plans to modernize the military as tensions rise with China over overlapping territorial claims to islands and waters in the South China Sea.
The main focus was initially the Navy, with the acquisition of two Hamilton-class cutters decommissioned by the US Coast Guard.
The first of the two refurbished vessels became the Philippine Navy's flagship in 2011, replacing a warship initially built for the US Navy in World War II.
The second cutter is set to arrive in the Philippines later this year.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/32612-aquino-praises-air-force-sustained-modernization
More than a dozen PMA graduates have been elected to office
From InterAksyon (Jul 1): More than a dozen PMA graduates have been elected to office
At least 18 military officers who graduated from the prestigious Philippine Military Academy (PMA) and spent half of their life in the service are now elected government leaders.
“When retirement seems to be an end to a soldier’s career, these PMA alumni found their way to back to government service by running for a political office," Col. Romeo Brawner Jr., public relations chairman of the PMA Alumni Association, Inc., said.
Among the prominent cavaliers who won in last May 2013’s local and national elections are Senators Gregorio B. Honasan (Class 1971) and Antonio F. Trillanes III (1995); Muntinlupa Representative Rodolfo G. Biazon (1961); and Zambales Governor Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr. (1970).
PMA alumni are called cavaliers in recognition of a prestigious brotherhood.
The list also includes Lubang, Occidental Mindoro Mayor Juan M. Sanchez (1955); Antipolo City Representative Romeo M. Acop (1970), Pangasinan Governor Amado T. Espino Jr. (1972); San Manuel, Tarlac Mayor Benjamin D. Tesoro (1975); Alabat, Quezon Mayor Fernando L. Mesa (1975); 2nd District of Pangasinan Representative Leopoldo N. Bataoil (1976); Tuguegarao, Cagayan Mayor Jefferson P. Soriano (1976); Laoac, Pangasinan Mayor Silverio D. Alarcio Jr. (1976); Bangui, Ilocos Norte Vice-Mayor Fidel A. Cimatu Jr. (1977); Anti-Crime and Terrorism thru Community Involvement Support Partylist Representative Samuel D. Pagdilao Jr. (1979); Barotac Viejo, Iloilo Mayor Raul C. Tupas (1994); and DIWA Partylist Chair Edgar B. Aglipay (1971) represented by his daughter, Atty. Emmelyn Aglipay.
“The Magdalo Party List group was also able to secure two seats during the elections for Garry C. Alejano (1995) and Francisco Ashley Acedillo (1999),” Brawner said.
The number of votes per party list determines the number of seats.
Whichever gets two percent of total votes cast are guaranteed a seat; those that get more than two percent may get additional seats based on the Comelec’s formula on seat allocation.
The party list system is a proportional mode of representation in Congress.
The Magdalo was formed by Trillanes’ group that revolted against the Arroyo administration. The group seized the Oakwood Hotel in Makati City that earned them the moniker Oakwood munity in 2003.
To date, the highest post ever occupied by a PMA alumnus in politics was the Presidency by Fidel V. Ramos (United States Military Academy 1950) who became the 12th President of the Philippines from 1992 to 1998. Meanwhile, Panfilo M. Lacson (1971) ended his term as Senator last June 30.
“PMA alumni running for public office is not a new practice in the country. In fact, more and more cavaliers are turning to politics after retiring from the service to continue their advocacy and serve the people and the nation,” Brawner said.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/65307/more-than-a-dozen-pma-graduates-have-been-elected-to-office
At least 18 military officers who graduated from the prestigious Philippine Military Academy (PMA) and spent half of their life in the service are now elected government leaders.
“When retirement seems to be an end to a soldier’s career, these PMA alumni found their way to back to government service by running for a political office," Col. Romeo Brawner Jr., public relations chairman of the PMA Alumni Association, Inc., said.
Among the prominent cavaliers who won in last May 2013’s local and national elections are Senators Gregorio B. Honasan (Class 1971) and Antonio F. Trillanes III (1995); Muntinlupa Representative Rodolfo G. Biazon (1961); and Zambales Governor Hermogenes E. Ebdane Jr. (1970).
PMA alumni are called cavaliers in recognition of a prestigious brotherhood.
The list also includes Lubang, Occidental Mindoro Mayor Juan M. Sanchez (1955); Antipolo City Representative Romeo M. Acop (1970), Pangasinan Governor Amado T. Espino Jr. (1972); San Manuel, Tarlac Mayor Benjamin D. Tesoro (1975); Alabat, Quezon Mayor Fernando L. Mesa (1975); 2nd District of Pangasinan Representative Leopoldo N. Bataoil (1976); Tuguegarao, Cagayan Mayor Jefferson P. Soriano (1976); Laoac, Pangasinan Mayor Silverio D. Alarcio Jr. (1976); Bangui, Ilocos Norte Vice-Mayor Fidel A. Cimatu Jr. (1977); Anti-Crime and Terrorism thru Community Involvement Support Partylist Representative Samuel D. Pagdilao Jr. (1979); Barotac Viejo, Iloilo Mayor Raul C. Tupas (1994); and DIWA Partylist Chair Edgar B. Aglipay (1971) represented by his daughter, Atty. Emmelyn Aglipay.
“The Magdalo Party List group was also able to secure two seats during the elections for Garry C. Alejano (1995) and Francisco Ashley Acedillo (1999),” Brawner said.
The number of votes per party list determines the number of seats.
Whichever gets two percent of total votes cast are guaranteed a seat; those that get more than two percent may get additional seats based on the Comelec’s formula on seat allocation.
The party list system is a proportional mode of representation in Congress.
The Magdalo was formed by Trillanes’ group that revolted against the Arroyo administration. The group seized the Oakwood Hotel in Makati City that earned them the moniker Oakwood munity in 2003.
To date, the highest post ever occupied by a PMA alumnus in politics was the Presidency by Fidel V. Ramos (United States Military Academy 1950) who became the 12th President of the Philippines from 1992 to 1998. Meanwhile, Panfilo M. Lacson (1971) ended his term as Senator last June 30.
“PMA alumni running for public office is not a new practice in the country. In fact, more and more cavaliers are turning to politics after retiring from the service to continue their advocacy and serve the people and the nation,” Brawner said.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/65307/more-than-a-dozen-pma-graduates-have-been-elected-to-office
US urges progress on South China Sea tensions after Manila warns of Beijing build-up
From InterAksyon (Jul 1): US urges progress on South China Sea tensions after Manila warns of Beijing build-up
US Secretary of State John Kerry on Monday urged progress on a code of conduct to govern the hotly disputed South China Sea, after ally the Philippines warned of a Chinese military build-up in the strategically vital waters.
"We very much hope to see progress on a substantive code of conduct to help ensure stability in this vital region," Kerry told foreign ministers of Southeast Asian nations at a meeting in Brunei.
Kerry reiterated that the United States does not take a stand on the sea's myriad disputes, many of which pit a rising China against its neighbours.
But Kerry said: "We have a strong interest in the manner in which the disputes of the South China Sea are addressed and in the conduct of the parties."
"As a Pacific nation and a resident power, the United States has a national interest in the maintenance of peace and stability, respect for international law, unimpeded lawful commerce and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea," Kerry said.
But he said, in a clear reference to China: "Our actions are not intended to contain or to counterbalance any one country."
China has been reluctant to reach a code of conduct with the ASEAN bloc, preferring to negotiate individually with each country.
The Philippines and Vietnam have in recent years accused China of increasingly aggressive actions to exert claims to the sea.
China insists it has sovereign rights to all of the sea. ASEAN members the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei and Malaysia, as well as Taiwan, also claim parts of the sea.
On Sunday, Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert Del Rosario told his ASEAN colleagues in Brunei that China had begun a "massive" military build-up in the sea.
"The overwhelming presence of Chinese ships, including military and paramilitary ships, and the issuance of threats pose serious challenges for the region as a whole," Del Rosario said.
Kerry's predecessor, Hillary Clinton, made similar statements on the US position on the South China Sea, starting at a 2010 ASEAN meeting in Hanoi.
Those comments signalled stronger US support for Southeast Asian nations at a time of tension with China.
Kerry, who flew straight into meetings after exhaustive diplomacy in the Middle East, rejected suggestions that President Barack Obama's administration would focus less on Asia after Clinton's departure.
"Let me be crystal clear. I know that some people wondered whether in the second term of the Obama administration and with a new secretary of state, are we going to continue on the path that we have been on?
"The answer, I say to all of you directly, is yes -- not just yes, but we hope to increase the effort," Kerry said.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/65316/us-urges-progress-on-south-china-sea-tensions-after-manila-warns-of-beijing-build-up
US Secretary of State John Kerry on Monday urged progress on a code of conduct to govern the hotly disputed South China Sea, after ally the Philippines warned of a Chinese military build-up in the strategically vital waters.
"We very much hope to see progress on a substantive code of conduct to help ensure stability in this vital region," Kerry told foreign ministers of Southeast Asian nations at a meeting in Brunei.
Kerry reiterated that the United States does not take a stand on the sea's myriad disputes, many of which pit a rising China against its neighbours.
But Kerry said: "We have a strong interest in the manner in which the disputes of the South China Sea are addressed and in the conduct of the parties."
"As a Pacific nation and a resident power, the United States has a national interest in the maintenance of peace and stability, respect for international law, unimpeded lawful commerce and freedom of navigation in the South China Sea," Kerry said.
But he said, in a clear reference to China: "Our actions are not intended to contain or to counterbalance any one country."
China has been reluctant to reach a code of conduct with the ASEAN bloc, preferring to negotiate individually with each country.
The Philippines and Vietnam have in recent years accused China of increasingly aggressive actions to exert claims to the sea.
China insists it has sovereign rights to all of the sea. ASEAN members the Philippines, Vietnam, Brunei and Malaysia, as well as Taiwan, also claim parts of the sea.
On Sunday, Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert Del Rosario told his ASEAN colleagues in Brunei that China had begun a "massive" military build-up in the sea.
"The overwhelming presence of Chinese ships, including military and paramilitary ships, and the issuance of threats pose serious challenges for the region as a whole," Del Rosario said.
Kerry's predecessor, Hillary Clinton, made similar statements on the US position on the South China Sea, starting at a 2010 ASEAN meeting in Hanoi.
Those comments signalled stronger US support for Southeast Asian nations at a time of tension with China.
Kerry, who flew straight into meetings after exhaustive diplomacy in the Middle East, rejected suggestions that President Barack Obama's administration would focus less on Asia after Clinton's departure.
"Let me be crystal clear. I know that some people wondered whether in the second term of the Obama administration and with a new secretary of state, are we going to continue on the path that we have been on?
"The answer, I say to all of you directly, is yes -- not just yes, but we hope to increase the effort," Kerry said.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/65316/us-urges-progress-on-south-china-sea-tensions-after-manila-warns-of-beijing-build-up
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