Palawan's Western Command trains soldiers to embody Oplan Bayanihan

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 5): Palawan's Western Command trains soldiers to embody Oplan Bayanihan

About 100 members from the Operation Control and Operation Command (OPCON/OPCOM) units of the Western Command (Wescom) took part in the 15-day Small Unit Combat Operation Training (SUCOT) which focuses on developing and enhancing the participants' peace-building capabilities.

The training held at the Wescon headquarters in Honda Bay, in Brgy. Sta. Lourdes here, will also implements the objectives of the Armed Forces of the Philippines' Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) "Oplan Bayanihan."

The training, which ended Monday, will improve mission-essential capabilities and individual skills and unit cohesiveness. Continuous honing of each soldier's war-fighting skills and warrior spirit will also include inculcating in each the principles of human rights, international humanitarian law and rule of law.

Oplan Bayanihan has four strategic concepts - contribution to the permanent and peaceful closure of all armed conflicts, conducting focused military operations, supporting community-based peace and development efforts and carrying out security sector reform (SSR) which adheres to the whole-of-nation and people-centered approaches to attain lasting peace and continuous progress in the country.

Aside from their capability on war-fighting requirements, non-traditional capabilities will also be enhanced to improve soldiers' ability to pursue collaborative efforts with other internal peace and security stakeholders which involves the development of skills necessary to catalyze, motivate and facilitate the active participation of all stakeholders.

The soldiers' capacity to engage in peace-building efforts will be also developed as they will be more proactive players in facilitating initiatives to pre-empt and manage armed violence such as conflict prevention, conflict management and conflict resolution.

The participants of the training were divided into small groups of no more than 10 individuals whose main mission is humanitarian in nature. The group, though small in number, will be fully equipped and can help the civilian populace achieve peace and development, said Lt. Gen. Rustico O. Guerrero, commander of the Wescom.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=551464

Murder of bus driver in Maguindanao blamed on extortion groups

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 5): Murder of bus driver in Maguindanao blamed on extortion groups
 
The military here blamed the al-Khobar extortion gang as the gunmen who shot dead a bus driver and wounded his conductor in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao Saturday, an Army spokesperson Monday said.

Col. Dickson Hermoso, speaking for the Army's 6th Infantry Division based in Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao, said the al-Khobar extortion gang, composed of former Moro rebels turned bandits, had been mulcting the Husky Bus Company, the lone bus firm serving the Cotabato-Gen. Santos Highway.

Before last Saturday's ambush, the bus firm had been subjected to previous harassment like grenade attacks, strafing and bombing by suspected extortion groups operating in Maguindanao like the al-Khobar and Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF).

Abelardo Nicor Jr., driver of Husky Air Condition bus with body number 1188, was hit in his head and lost control of the steering wheel when two men riding in tandem on a motorbike fired cal. 45 pistol through the window of the vehicle at 12:45 p.m.

Ronaldo Ampan, 35, bus conductor, was wounded in his shoulder while Rahima Ali was also killed when the bus rammed his roadside house in Barangay Labo-Labor, Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao.

The bus swerved to the right after the gunmen shot the driver, Hermoso said.

Heading for Gen. Santos City, the Husky bus left Cotabato City at past 9 a.m. and ambushed at past 12 noon, the second incident in 30 days against the public transport.

Last July 11, gunmen believed to be extortionists, strafed the bus as it approached the town of Guindulungan. Nobody was hurt in that incident which police said could be the handiwork of extortion groups.

The bus firm officials admitted it has been receiving extortion letters from armed men asking for protection money accompanied by warnings the Husky units will be subjected to harassment if the demands are ignored.

Following the incident, the military deployed uniformed personnel aboard the vehicle every time it passes by the restive towns of Guindulungan, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Datu Unsay, Shariff Aguak, Ampatuan and Datu Abdullah Sangki.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=551519

U.S.-funded Samar road provides 1,700 jobs

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 5): U.S.-funded Samar road provides 1,700 jobs

The US$ 214.4 million - funded road project connecting Samar and Eastern Samar has generated 1,700 jobs as of last month, the Millennium Challenge Account Philippines (MCA-P) reported.

In a July 2013 report, MCA-P said that of the number of employed persons by the road rehabilitation project, 1,222 of them or 73 percent are from the local communities. At least 178 of them are women.

MCA-P Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Marivic Añonuevo said jobs created in construction are just one of the positive impacts of the project.

MCA-P, the Philippine entity tasked to manage US Compact projects assured that in hiring workers, there’s zero tolerance for child labor and strict observance of high standard of occupational safety.

These workers are engaged in road clearing, pipe installation, drainage construction, traffic control, grubbing, road signs installation, road concreting and other road rehabilitation activities.

As of end of July 2013, 10 percent or 22.4 kilometers of the 222-kilometers road project from Paranas, Samar to Guiuan, Eastern Samar has been upgraded already.

Contract package (CP) 1, which involves the upgrading of 16.36 kilometers road and two bridges in Paranas town, has started October 2012. The P808-million partnerships is a partnership of DM Consunji Inc. & CM Pancho Construction Inc, the only all Filipino-owned consortium among four road segments.

Under CP3, 11.53 kilometers of the road surface have been applied with asphalt. The third contract, which was awarded September 2012, is a 64.58-kilometers long of highway from the boundary Sulat and San Julian towns to the border of Balangkayan and Llorente towns.

The P2.45 billion road segment also includes rehabilitation of 11 bridges and reconstruction of six others. It is a joint venture of Qingjian Group Co. Ltd. and Mac Builders.

For CP4, MCA-P and contractors Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction Corp. and Yakal Construction have signed a deal on April for the rehabilitation of 77.5 kilometers of existing road.

The P2.2 billion project package cuts through the towns from Llorente to Guiuan will rehabilitate 14 bridges.

Chinese firm Qingjian Group Co. Ltd. has started this month the civil works for CP 2, which is the biggest of the four segments of the Secondary National Roads Development Project (SNRDP).

The P2.5 billion contract will upgrade 63.78 kilometers highway from Hinabangan in Samar to the boundary of Sulat and San Julian in Eastern Samar. Also included is the rehabilitation of 20 bridges reconstruction of five others.

The project involves the rehabilitation of existing roads and bridges that includes widening, drainage installation and other road safety improvements.

The SNRDP requires the biggest chunk of the 434 million dollar grant from the US government. It aims to rehabilitate the 222-kilometer road connecting Samar and Eastern Samar province and improve the road condition in one of the country’s poorest provinces.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=551558

Joint Task Force GenSan gets new head

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 5): Joint Task Force GenSan gets new head

The Armed Forces of the Philippines has designated a veteran Army officer to spearhead the security operations in this city.

Col. Victor Tan, a former assistant commander of the Army's 1102nd Brigade based in Sarangani Province, formally assumed over the weekend as the new commanding officer of the Joint Task Force GenSan.

He replaced Col. Manuel Ramos, who headed the Army-led task force in the last nine months.

Tan, who is a member of the Philippine Military Academy's Class of 1982, previously headed Army's 72nd Infantry Brigade and the Task Force Kitaco, which was assigned to secure the copper and gold mining areas within the tri-boundaries of Davao del Sur, South Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat provinces.

Kitaco stands for the municipalities of Kiblawan in Davao del Sur, Tampakan in South Cotabato and Columbio in Sultan Kudarat.

The three municipalities hosts the proposed large-scale copper and gold mining project of the foreign-backed Sagittarius Mines Inc., which figured in a number of attacks in the last several years from the communist New People's Army.

With his assumption as head of the city's joint security task force, Tan assured residents on Monday of sustained peace and order within the city's 26 barangays.

The official said they are presently reviewing and evaluating the task force's security plan to determine whether they are still relevant with the area's situation.

“We will implement some changes and set new strategies if necessary,” he said in an interview aired over a local television station.

Tan said among his priorities is the strengthening of their coordination with the city police office, especially in the conduct of joint security operations and exchanges of intelligence information.

He said the task force will further beef up their security checkpoints, especially those located at the entry and exit points of the city.

“We're looking at jointly manning these checkpoints along with the local police and have joint activities on other aspects of the city's security,” he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=551622

Bomb attack in Cotabato shows lack of respect for human life by terror group -- AFP

From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 5): Bomb attack in Cotabato shows lack of respect for human life by terror group -- AFP

The Armed Forces of the Philippines Monday announced the recent bomb attack in Cotabato City, which killed four persons and wounded 21 others, highlighted the terrorists lack of respect for human life.

"This bombing shows that terrorists have no respect to (sic) human life and property. The goal is to sow fear, that's the objective of these terrorists.We must come together as a people to collectively fight and condemn this act," AFP public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said.

He added troops are already in the area to help the wounded and secure the blast site.

"We join the Philippine National Police not only in securing Cotabato but to find out who is responsible for this heinous crime," Zagala stressed.

Initial reports said the explosion occurred at Sinsuat Avenue in Cotabato City at around 4:30 p.m.

Four people were reportedly killed while another 21 are wounded.

"Our Marine Battalion Landing Team 1 has already deployed explosive ordnance disposal teams and K-9 units to support the PNP in its investigations. We have also deployed units to conduct area security and to cordon the periphery. We call on the people to stay calm and cooperate with government authorities for the prevention of similar incidents," Zagala concluded.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=551711

Cotabato City blast kills 6

From Rappler (Aug 5): Cotabato City blast kills 6



BLAST. A powerful bomb exploded in a busy street in Cotabato City. Photo by Zainudin Malang/Minhrac

A powerful bomb exploded at the center of Cotabato City on Monday, August 5, killing at least 6 and injuring 25, according to the military.

Lt Col Custodio Parcon of the Armed Forces Marine Battalion Landing Team 1 said a cop was among the fatalities. The Marine Battalion was deployed to assist the police in investigating the explosion. EOD and K9 units were deployed.

"Apparently a multicab was used as car bomb parked near Villa Funeral Home. Allegedly it went off after the vehicle of City Administrator Cynthia Guiani-Sayadi passed by," according to a separate report by the Office of Civil Defense in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

The explosion occurred at Sinsuat Avenue in Cotabato City at around 4:30 p.m. All injured are receiving medical treatment at the Cotabato Regional and Medical Center.

"We call on the people to stay calm and cooperate with government authorities for the prevention of similar incidents," said AFP public information chief Lt Col Ramon Zagala.

The late-afternoon blast damaged at least 4 vehicles and triggered a fire that engulfed a nearby mortuary and a tire repair shop, he added.

CAR BOMB. Authorities say a multicab was used as a car bomb in the attack. Photo by Zainudin Malang/Minhrac

Cotabato is a mixed Muslim-Catholic city on the main southern island of Mindanao, where Muslim insurgents have waged a decades old rebellion that has claimed 150,000 lives.

It was the second bombing to hit Mindanao in 10 days. A powerful blast at a restaurant packed with doctors and pharmaceutical salesmen left 8 people dead in Cagayan de Oro City on July 26.

More than 300 persons were killed in bombing attacks in Mindanao over the last 12 years.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/35672-cotabato-city-blast

PH PLAN VS TERROR THREAT | Police to implement 3-tiered defense system

From InterAksyon (Aug 5): PH PLAN VS TERROR THREAT | Police to implement 3-tiered defense system

With United States intelligence services detecting a global terror threat against its citizens, the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday announced that it will respond to such threats using its three-tiered defense system.

These are: intelligence, target-hardening and incident management, PNP spokesperson Senior Supt. Reuben Theodore Sindac said.

"We take the recent worldwide travel warning issued by the U. with serious attention and great concern, more so because there are domestic threat groups with links to international terrorist organizations that are operating in the Philippines," he added.

Sindac also stressed that recent arrests of local terrorist personalities, particularly those of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group-National Capital Region and the Intelligence Group, demonstrate the PNP's sustained and intensified efforts against these terrorist groups.

"It is the responsibility of any foreign government to ensure the safety of its citizens while traveling to different global destinations. The US is keen on exercising this responsibility by alerting it citizens as well as allied law enforcement counterparts of potential terror threats," the PNP public information office chief said.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/67968/ph-plan-vs-terror-threat--police-to-implement-3-tiered-defense-system

China says in no hurry to sign South China Sea accord

From InterAksyon (Aug 5): China says in no hurry to sign South China Sea accord

China is in no rush to sign a proposed agreement on maritime rules with Southeast Asia governing behavior in the disputed South China Sea, and countries should not have unrealistic expectations, the Chinese foreign minister said on Monday.

After years of resisting efforts by the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to start talks on the proposed Code of Conduct, China said it would host talks between senior officials in September.

Washington has not taken sides, but Secretary of State John Kerry reiterated in Brunei last month the U.S. strategic interest in freedom of navigation through the busy sea and desire to see a Code of Conduct signed quickly.

Speaking in the Vietnamese capital Hanoi, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said a lot more work on the Code of Conduct (CoC) was needed.

"China believes that there should be no rush. Certain countries are hoping that the CoC can be agreed on overnight. These countries are having unrealistic expectations," China's official Xinhua news agency paraphrased Wang as saying.

"...The CoC concerns the interests of various parties and its formulation demands a heavy load of coordination work," he added. "No individual countries should impose their will on others."

Previous efforts to discuss the Code of Conduct had failed "due to disturbances from certain parties", Wang said, without naming any countries.

"Instead of making disturbances, parties should make efforts that are conducive to the process so as to create the necessary conditions and atmosphere," said Wang.

Friction over the South China Sea, one of the world's most important waterways, has surged as China uses its growing naval might to more forcefully assert its vast claims over the oil- and gas-rich sea, raising fears of a military clash.

Four ASEAN nations, including Vietnam and the Philippines, have overlapping claims with China.

China and the Philippines accuse each other of violating the Declaration of Conduct, a non-binding confidence-building agreement on maritime conduct signed by China and ASEAN in 2002.

Such differences could be another obstacle to agreeing on a more comprehensive pact as China has stressed that countries must first show good faith by abiding by the DoC.
Critics say China is intent on cementing its claims over the sea through its superior and growing naval might, and has little interest in rushing to agree to a code of conduct.

Divisions among ASEAN over the maritime dispute burst into the open a year ago when a summit chaired by Chinese ally Cambodia failed to issue a closing communique for the first time in the group's 45-year history.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/67999/china-says-in-no-hurry-to-sign-south-china-sea-accord

Military on full alert in Maguindanao on Ramadan end

From InterAksyon (Aug 5): Military on full alert in Maguindanao on Ramadan end



Military checkpoint in Cotabato City, 5 August 2013. DENNIS ARCON/InterAksyon.com

The entire 6th Infantry Division is on full alert in the province of Maguindanao as Ramadan ends this Friday.

The alert level was raised after news spread in the province that an armed group seeks to wreak havoc here.

The end of Ramadan, or Eid al-F’tr, also marks the end of a month-long fasting among Muslims.

Commanding General Romeo Gapuz, of the 6th ID, immediately directed everyone under his command to effect measures that would secure civilians within their area of responsibility, said 6th ID spokesman Dicson Hermoso.

In a related development, hundreds of families initially evacuated last week following an encounter between the military and some armed groups are staying at the evactuation center by the national highway in Barangay Macasampen in the town of Guindolongan.

The evacuees have moved many times due to armed conflict even before the observance of Ramadan last month.

A number of civilians, soldiers, and those from the armed groups have lost their lives in the fighting.

The civilians most affected by the armed conflict have thus called for peace among the combatants.

At the same time, Maguindanao Vice Governor Datu Lester Sinsuat said he is saddened by the breakout of violence in the province. He said the people have already suffered the floods and the firefight in the month of Ramadan.

He expressed hope that dialogue will stop the violence. He said he hopes that the Bangsamoro definition of Islam -- peace -- will be maintained.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/67966/military-on-full-alert-in-maguindanao-on-ramadan-end

What is the BRP Alcaraz, our second warship, capable of?

From InterAksyon (Aug 5): What is the BRP Alcaraz, our second warship, capable of?



The BRP Alcaraz will be equipped with two 25-mm MKE 201 HEI-T machineguns. NAVY PHOTO

What is the Philippines’ second warship BRP Ramon Alcaraz capable of in terms of firepower?

While it has no missile system, the former Hamilton-class cutter of the United States Coast Guard (USCG) has been equipped with two units of 25mm bushmaster gun system for defensive purposes.

The Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd., which manufactures missile systems, has offered a proposal to the Department of National Defense (DND) to arm the ship with a missile system, a Navy source told InterAksyon.com.

BRP Alcaraz has not been equipped with missile system because “under the US Foreign Military Sales (FMS), arming the ship with sophisticated weapons such as missiles needs the approval of (the US) Congress.”

Also, such weapons are very expensive and were not included in the acquisition plan of the BRP Alcaraz, the source said.

“Makikita niyo bukas kung naka-mount na ba itong dalawang machineguns na ito sa may bandang likuran ng barko o hindi pa (You will see tomorrow if these two machineguns have already been mounted toward the back of the ship or not). This type of gun system is for defensive purposes,” the source said.

He said the BRP Gregorio del Pilar will most likely be installed with a missile system first.

Like the BRP del Pilar, the first acquisition from the USCG, the BRP Alcaraz has a 76mm machine.

Decommissioned by the USCG several years ago, the two cutters were bought and refurbished by the Navy for more than P1 billion to boost its naval capability for territorial defense in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) against aggressors such as China.

On Tuesday, President Benigno Aquino III will lead the welcoming and commissioning of BRP Alcaraz at Subic, Zambales, where it is currently anchored after almost a month of sea voyage from the US.

The skipper of BRP Alcaraz is Capt. Renato Baldovino, a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class 1991.

Some of his batch mates are currently skippers of Navy ships or battalion commanders in the Army and Marines.

Baldovino topped the Naval Officer Qualification Course and was formerly assigned at the PMA Training Cadets. He underwent commandership in patrol gunboats and patrol craft escort.

A licensed electronics and communications engineer, he is also a seasoned skipper of Navy ships, assigned from Luzon to Mindanao, including a stint in patrolling WPS particularly the Kalayaan Island Group (KIG).

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/67959/what-is-the-brp-alcaraz-our-second-warship-capable-of

3 Arabic teachers killed in motorcycle ambush on North Cotabato highway

From InterAksyon (Aug 5): 3 Arabic teachers killed in motorcycle ambush on North Cotabato highway



One of the ambush victims in North Cotabato lay on the pavement, 4 August 2013. FERDZ BALLENTES/interAksyon.com

Three Arabic teachers on board two motorcycles were killed in an ambush on North Cotabato highway Sunday morning.

Usman Kanting, Normi Usman, and Budin Jamil died on the spot after receving gunshots to the head from a caliber .45 pistol, prompting the police to conclude that professional killers were behind the killing.

Another target, Abdul Racman Talib, 42, was wounded but survived the attack. He is now recuperating in an undisclosed hospital.

The four were on board two motorcycles when two assailants who were also on two motorcycles waylaid them.

Senior Superintendent Danilo Peralta said the incident happened in “a tranquil” portion of the highway at Barangay Baguer, Libungan, North Cotabato around 9 a.m. on Sunday.

“We can say the assailants are professional hitmen or hired killers based on how they initiated the killing,” Peralta said.

Police investigation showed that the victims were on their way to attend an Islamic symposium on the peace process at the nearby town of Pikit when the ambush took place.

“They may have been tailed from when they left Cotabato City. The suspects took advantage of the serenity of the highway, which is far from populated areas,” Peralta said.

The provincial police office has sent investigators to the victims’ hometown in Campo Muslim, Cotabato City to get more details about them, but the families were grieving and preparing for the burial of the dead.

Authorities have no idea for the motive behind the ambush.

“We will wait until the lone survivor can give the full details of the incident,” Peralta said.

On the other hand, Chief Inspector Bernard Tayong, Libungan police director, said witnesses have identified one of the gunmen and he is now the subject of a manhunt.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/67963/3-arabic-teachers-killed-in-motorcycle-ambush-on-north-cotabato-highway

Bomb explodes in Southern Philippines

From the Mindanao Examiner (Aug 5): Bomb explodes in Southern Philippines

A bomb explosion has killed at least 5 people in fresh attack Monday in Cotabato City in the restive southern region of Mindanao in southern Philippines.

The blast occurred around 4.30 p.m. outside a row of restaurants along Sinsuat Avenue and the explosion was so powerful that it destroyed several parked vehicles.  

The powerful explosion also sent debris flying in all directions, but the type of bomb used in the attack is still unknown, although other reports said a car bomb was detonated in the area.

The military has confirmed the attack, but officials could not immediately give a detailed report of the bombing, saying, investigators were busy gathering evidence. Troops were also sent to the area to help police secure the scene or search explosives.

“Magulo pa sa scene,” Col. Dickson Hermoso, a spokesman for the 6^th Infantry Division, told the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.


No individual or group claimed responsibility for the latest attack, but it occurred just 10 days after a deadly bombing at Kyla’s Bistro Bar in Cagayan de Oro City, also in southern Philippines, that killed 8 people and wounded 48 others.

Authorities would not say whether the attack in Cagayan de Oro was connected to the latest bombing.

It was unknown whether the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters and former Moro National Liberation Front rebels, who are opposed to the government peace talks with the larger Moro Islamic Liberation Front, are involved in the attack.

In June, a grenade was also lobbed at a military encampment in Cotabato City, although no casualties were reported. The city had been bombed by rebels many times in the past and there were also some attacks that authorities said were connected to political rivalry and clan war. 

Last year, an improvised explosive assembled from 81mm mortar bomb went off in Cotabato City and military and police blamed the attack on the shadowy groups Bangsamoro Independence Movement and Bangsamoro Youth Movement.

Cotabato City, once tagged by the United States as a “doormat” for terrorists in the southern Philippines, is one of the most dangerous places in Mindanao with killings occurring almost every day and had been a target of terror attacks in recent years.




http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/08/bomb-explodes-in-southern-philippines.html

6 dead, 25 hurt in Cotabato City blast — military

From GMA News (Aug 5): 6 dead, 25 hurt in Cotabato City blast — military

Six people were reported killed while 25 others were injured following an explosion in Cotabato City on Monday, the military said.

"As of 5:50 p.m., there are six confirmed dead ones," said Lt. Col. Custodio Parcon, commander of the Marine Battalion Landing Team 1.

One of the fatalities was a policeman based in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Parcon said.

"The explosion was on a very busy street," said Cotabato city police chief Senior Superintendent Rolen Balquin in an interview with Catholic radio station DXMS.

Parcon said the improvised explosive device was attached to a motorcycle parked at corner of Maniara street and Sinsuat Avenue.

Armed Forces spokesman Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said the explosion occurred at 4:30 p.m.

Investigation was ongoing as of press time.

"We call on the people to stay calm and cooperate with government authorities for the prevention of similar incidents," Zagala said.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/320706/news/regions/6-dead-25-hurt-in-cotabato-city-blast-military

Coast Guard deploys special op group to guard US Embassy

From GMA News (Aug 5): Coast Guard deploys special op group to guard US Embassy

In the wake of a global alert warning of possible terrorist attacks on the United States, the Philippine Coast Guard on Monday deployed an elite Special Operations Group team to help guard the US Embassy in Manila.

The Special Operations Group will patrol the portion of Manila Bay near the Embassy, radio dzBB's Carlo Mateo reported.

More SOG teams were placed on standby, ready for deployment if needed, the report said.

The report said police are already monitoring the embassy premises.

Meanwhile, the Coast Guard and Philippine Ports Authority are on guard in other ports, with K-9 and sea marshal units.

AFP ready to provide extra security

Earlier Monday, the Armed Forces of the Philippines said it is prepared to provide extra security to the Embassy.

AFP spokesman Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said the AFP presently has units that are helping secure the embassy premises along Roxas Boulevard.

"If they will request [additional security], we can heed that request. Sa ngayon wala pa po," Zagala said in an interview on dzBB radio.

For now, Zagala said the AFP will have its field units stay "vigilant" and monitor any unusual activity, to prevent any threat or act of terrorism.

On Sunday, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said National Security Adviser Cesar Garcia Jr. has ordered intensified intelligence-gathering and target-hardening efforts.

The International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) over the weekend issued a global security alert and advised increased vigilance for terrorist activity.

It cited suspected Al Qaeda involvement in several recent prison escapes.

"With suspected Al Qaeda involvement in several of the breakouts which led to the escape of hundreds of terrorists and other criminals, the INTERPOL alert requests the Organization’s 190 member countries’ assistance in order to determine whether any of these recent events are coordinated or linked," it said.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/320710/news/nation/coast-guard-deploys-special-op-group-to-guard-us-embassy

MILF: Editorial--Easy to declare independence

Posted to the MILF Website (Aug 1): Editorial: Easy to declare independence

(To) declare independence is very easy. It does not take the tongue to dry up. More importantly, it is not a violation of international law, as long as it is not backed up by violence. In this respect, MNLF chief Nur Misuari by his recent declaration of independence is still in the safety zone.
  

However, does his declaration change anything? The answer depends on who is making the answer.  But one thing sure is that the government has to manage and contain the ill-effects of the declaration. It appears the government is quick on the draw and has already done and is doing something to stave-off the impact.

There are many requisites for real honest-to-goodness declaration of independence. First, one is serious and real preparation to meet the “mother entity” in whatever manner fitting. A mere rhetoric will not work. Second, one has the army ready to die for the cause of secession, a popular support, and enough resources to sustain the confrontation. And third, the support of the international community is crucial. At this juncture, one pertinent question is the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) backing up this declaration? So far there is no clear indication to that effect.  Even Indonesia, which chairs the OIC-MNLF-GPH Tripartite Review Body, has already said it opposes any plan to dismember the Philippines.

The truth is that seeking the support of the United Nations is something like asking for the moon to fall. The United Nations, while it is supposed to be independent, is not free to make any decision. There are five permanent members which have veto powers. Moreover, while it is true that the Philippines is struggling to adopt a third world policy, but nature has placed it within the sphere of influence (we will not use “control”) of the United States and it has no immediate means to shred off that situation. Therefore, a favorable action of the United Nations on Misuari’s declaration of independence cannot ignore the view of the United States on the matter, perhaps not tacitly.

Frankly, we are saddened by the turn of event on Misuari. He started advocating for independence but compromised to work on real autonomy within the Philippine state under the facilitation of the OIC and only to end his long revolutionary career by accepting the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), which is merely an administrative region. Frustrated, sidelined, and aging, he now speaks of reverting back to independence. Is this the best way to end his career? What is in the offing for his followers? Will the declaration make any difference in the current status of the MNLF Misuari faction?

We are not here to decide on these questions. Instead, we assure our brothers in the MNLF that the MILF stands at all times ready to work together for the common good of the Bangsamoro. The Framework Agreement of the Bangsamoro (FAB) is not designed for the MILF. It is for the Bangsamoro. The role of the MILF is good only for the transition, never beyond that. If we want to continue this role, we have to participate in elections and if we win the majority in the Bangsamoro assembly, then we form the government.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/editorial/item/482-easy-to-declare-independence