JTF 505 activates for Operation Damayan

From DVIDS (Nov 18): JTF 505 activates for Operation Damayan

CAMP AGUINALDO, Philippines – Joint Task Force 505 officially activated today, Nov. 18, in order to conduct humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations in support of the government and Armed Forces of the Philippines in Operation Damayan.

Lt. Gen. John Wissler, U.S. Marine Corps, commanding general, III Marine Expeditionary Force, was designated as the JTF-505 commander by Pacific Command commander Adm. Samuel L. Locklear on Nov. 13. JTF-505 follows the 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade’s Force as they were the initial U.S. military response to the government and Armed Forces of the Philippines provided lifesaving support and critical relief supplies.

JTF-505 headquarters will be located at Camp Aguinaldo, near Manila, and will coordinate U.S. military relief efforts. The task force will work closely with senior representatives from the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and other U.S. agencies to ensure continued, timely and swift responses to requests from our allied partner, the Government of the Philippines.

“Because of the longstanding partnership and friendship between our two nations, the U.S., working in support of the government and Armed Forces of the Philippines, is able to rapidly respond with critically needed capabilities and supplies in times of crisis,” said Wissler.

JTF-505 currently includes nearly 850 personnel on the ground and an additional 6,200 in the USS George Washington Strike Group. An additional 1,000 Marines and sailors with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit are expected to arrive in approximately three days. Personnel and equipment from the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps has come from Hawaii, Okinawa, mainland Japan and the continental U.S.

JTF-505 will integrate and coordinate with foreign military units and non-governmental relief organizations supporting the disaster efforts.

“The U.S. military has a history of successfully working with international relief organizations and host nations to respond to those people affected by natural disasters,” said Wissler. “As we reach out further and further into the outlying areas, we will have a better assessment of the complete scope of disaster. The duration and extent of JTF-505 support will depend on the needs of the government of the Philippines, and we are fully partnered with the Armed Forces of the Philippines in our relief operations. We will be present as long as we are needed, but no longer than required.”

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/116907/jtf-505-activates-operation-damayan#.UoonupEo6AI

U.S. Military relief efforts in the Philippines continue to grow

From DVIDS (Nov 17): U.S. Military relief efforts in the Philippines continue to grow

PAMPANGA, Republic of the Philippines— In a time-sensitive operation where every minute counts, military forces from around the world and humanitarian workers are supporting the Government and Armed Forces of the Philippines in a fight to save the lives of those who have been affected by Typhoon Haiyan by providing resources like clothing, food, water and medicine.

Aid is arriving at remote areas and at the request of the Government of the Philippines, the U.S. Pacific Command continues to send more support to the humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations (HADR) in the Philippines.

A total of six more VM-22B Ospreys with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 265 (Reinforced) arrived at Clark Air Field, Pampanga, Republic of the Philippines, Nov. 15-16 in support of the Philippine Armed Forces in Operation Damayan.

A total of 14 Ospreys are currently operating round the clock to provide much needed supplies like food and water to the most isolated areas affected by the typhoon.

“The aircraft will really display how it is made for this part of the world when we fly south delivering the supplies out to the people and reaching those remote areas where people have not been able to receive supplies,” said Capt. Robert S. Swartz, a MV-22B Osprey pilot with VMM-265 which is currently assigned to 3rd Marine Expeditionary Brigade’s aviation combat element, III Marine Expeditionary Force. “We don’t need an airport to land, especially since all the damage the airports took down there. All we need is enough space like a soccer field, so there are definitely a number of those zones for us to reach the people.”

The Osprey is an ideal aircraft for this HADR operation due to the capabilities it provides, according to Swatrz.

With its vertical take-off and landing capabilities, it can operate in austere environments. Its ability to convert quickly to fixed-wing configuration gives it greatly increased speed and range over traditional rotary wing craft, substantially strengthening the ability to save lives and reduce suffering.

The typhoon has impacted millions people across throughout many provinces in the Philippines so having the capability of being the first on-scene is important in demonstrating U.S. support and friendship to the Government of the Philippines, according to Swartz.

“What people need to understand is that the biggest typhoon in recorded history happened in the Philippines and we are out here supporting the request of the Government of the Philippines in their lead on fully getting back on their feet,” said Swartz.

As the number of Ospreys nearly doubles, the amount of aid to the people of the Philippines will also. With more aircraft in the air, more help will be arriving at those isolated locations.

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/116880/us-military-relief-efforts-philippines-continue-grow#.UoonMJEo6AI

Typhoon relief effort boosts U.S. soft power in Asia region

From CNN (Nov 18): Typhoon relief effort boosts U.S. soft power in Asia region



Typhoon Haiyan survivors wait for an evacuation flight as a U.S. Navy helicopter takes off at the airport in Tacloban, Philippines, on Sunday, November 17. Troops and aid organizations have encountered blocked roads and devastating damage in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan, one of the strongest storms in history.

As an expression of hard power, they don't come bigger or more fearsome than the USS George Washington.

The U.S. Navy's nuclear-powered aircraft carrier can base as many as 75 warplanes, has a combat load of 97,000 tons and is manned by 6,250 battle-ready crew.

 

But as an expression of soft-power, the Nimitz-class carrier is finding its influence in its Asian theater of operations goes far beyond the range of its fearsome arsenal as it assists the Typhoon Haiyan relief operation -- known as Operation Damayan -- in the Philippines.

 

Equipped with everything from a 51-bed hospital ward and an operating theater to dentists' surgeries, according to Jane's Defense, the USS George Washington is leading a flotilla of U.S. Navy support vessels in support of the effort.

 

The projection of U.S. power on the world stage, especially in the context of a humanitarian disaster such as Haiyan, represents a public relations goldmine for the U.S. military, at a time when the U.S. is perceived as losing influence in the region to China.

Tacloban relief effort continues

Video shows moment typhoon hit

Mother: Not sure if kids died in typhoon

 

It may not be the only navy helping in the aftermath of the disaster -- Britain and Australia have both committed vessels to the relief effort -- but considering the Washington's traditional links with the Philippines as a former colony (and for many decades one of its most important strategic bases) the relief effort has a special resonance.

 

"The U.S. extending its soft power in the region as well as directing the relief operation are not contradictory objectives," Philippine political analyst Ramon Casiple told CNN. "The Philippines and the U.S., of course, have a long history so there is an expectation that they would help because they've helped in previous chapters in our history."

 

He said even the region that is the focus of the relief effort -- eastern Leyte province -- has special meaning for the U.S.-Philippines relationship.

 

"This is the area where General MacArthur's forces landed during World War II when he fulfilled the promise of returning to the Philippines after ousting the Japanese.

 

"But while there's an expectation, there is also a gratefulness for this help."

 

Criticism has been leveled at China for its ham-fisted handling of its relief contribution, initially pledging $100,000 in humanitarian support. Although it later raised the amount to $1.6 million, analysts have said that it has allowed its spat with the Philippines over the Spratly Islands -- claimed severally by Malaysia, the Philippines, China, Taiwan and Vietnam -- to cloud its judgment.

 

The donation, which does not meet even that of furniture store, Ikea, which has pledged $2.7 million through its charitable foundations, has dented its global image at a time when American influence is seen as declining in the region as China steps into the breach.

 

Analysts say China has missed an opportunity to win hearts and minds though non-traditional forms of diplomacy of which the supply of emergency assistance can form a crucial component.

 

"One reason China's efforts to develop its soft power have failed is the utilitarian way Beijing approaches the rest of the world. Instead of using culture, adept diplomacy and trashy movies to seduce other countries, China hands out cold, hard cash," said analyst William Pesek in a recent Bloomberg View.

 

"All the investment poured into railways in Indonesia, tunnels in Brazil, power grids in Cambodia, hydroelectric projects in Laos, bridges in Vietnam, roads in Zambia, factories in Malaysia, airports in Myanmar, and mining rigs in Uzbekistan comes with a high cost. In return, China demands complete docility. That's the message being sent to the Philippines now."

 

Meanwhile, the victims of Haiyan are happy to find help where they can.

 

"If you are talking of those western allies aligned with the US then you have the same level of commitment to humanitarian aid," Casiple said. "The others, meaning these countries not so aligned to the Philippines or those such as China that have issues with the Philippines, are a bit more reticent.

 

"But the main thing to remember is that they are giving aid."

 

http://www.cnn.com/2013/11/18/world/asia/philippines-relief-us-soft-power/

Basilan village chief's kidnappers demand P15-M

From the Philippine Star (Nov 18): Basilan village chief's kidnappers demand P15-M

Kidnappers believed to be linked with the Abu Sayyaf Group are demanding P15 million in exchange for the safe release of a village chairman and his wife abducted in Lantawan, Basilan province, authorities said Monday.

The local crisis management committee (CMC) of Lantawan town and Basilan provincial police said the kidnappers contacted the cousin of victims Pilardo Francisco and wife Saharina on Monday and demanded the amount.

Francisco and his wife were on board a boat when they were blocked at sea and forcibly taken by eight men wearing fatigue uniforms.

Senior Superintendent Mario Dapilloza, Basilan provincial police director, said they were still verifying the reported ransom demand. He said they have yet to pinpoint the group responsible for the abduction of the couple.

Dapilloza said that they have information that the couple had been brought by their captives to Sulu.

He said they have relayed the information to their counterparts in the province.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/11/18/1258147/basilan-village-chiefs-kidnappers-demand-p15-m

The military calls for more volunteers to repack relief goods

From the Philippine Information Agency (Nov 18): The military calls for more volunteers to repack relief goods 

The military has called for volunteers to assist in the repacking of relief goods for the victims of typhoon Yolanda in Eastern, Central and Western Visayas.

Major Jacob Thaddeus Obligado, commanding officer of the 10th Civil-Military Operations Battalion said the government has set up two collection points for relief assistance at the gymnasium of the GSIS in Matina run by the Archdiocese of Davao and the depot of the Department of Public Works and Highways-XI in Barangay Panacan, serving as inter-agency relief assistance center.

He said 42 organizations have already promised to participate in the repacking but helping hands are still much needed.

“Several organizations have already pledged cash, goods, equipment, trucks and even ships and aircraft, with the DSWD setting the schedule of convoys bound for Tacloban,” Obligado said.

He said communities who want to volunteer may approach the nearest police stations that will ferry them to the nearest packing stations.

Obligado said that the region’s experience on typhoon Pablo has been made by United Nations organizations as a pattern to respond to the areas ravaged by typhoon Yolanda.

He also urged the residents to also donate nails to expedite the construction of much needed shelters for the affected families.

On Saturday, the Eastern Mindanao Command sent 350 soldiers from the 4th ID, 10th ID, Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao and Army Engineering units to respond to calls for reconstruction and rehabilitation in Tacloban City.

The troops brought along with them a solar powered lighting system that can be used to charge cellular phones and other devices and even energize the community where soldiers are deployed.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=2381384736299

Army thwarts NPA violence, one soldier injured in south

From the Visayan Daily Star (Nov 18): Army thwarts NPA violence, one soldier injured in south

The military reported yesterday having thwarted in two encounters in Brgy. Magballo, Kabankalan City, Saturday, plans of the New People’s Army, who have reportedly been regrouping and consolidating their forces from central and southern Negros.

Cpl. Jovel Seneres, a member of the 47th Infantry Battalion, was slightly injured in the right leg, while he and his companions were pursuing the fleeing rebels, estimated at about 25, whom they initially encountered in Sitio Pating, Brgy. Magballo, Kabankalan City.

A .45 caliber pistol with a live ammunition and a backpack containing subversive documents and personal belongings were recovered at the encounter site.

The encounter took place as the NPA, as ordered by the Communist Party of the Philippines central committee, observed the 10-day ceasefire in the Visayas, that started Nov. 1 and will end Nov. 24, after the devastation by super typhoon Yolanda.

Col. Jon Aying, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, said they are strengthening and intensify military operations against the NPA, despite the rebel declaration of unilateral ceasefire.

Aying said the NPA continues to engage in ideological, political and organizational mass work, even if they are observing a ceasefire. “I think we have to define what is really a ceasefire,” he added.

“You cannot stop from mitigating or controlling the disaster that the CPP-NPA has been doing for four decades, especially now that there is a breakdown in peace negotiations between the government and the National Democratic Front,” Aying also said.

That means we have to strengthen and intensify our military operations against them.
Although the encounter happened in an area not affected by the super typhoon, Maj. Gen. Aurelio Baladad, 3rd Infantry Division, said in a statement he issued that the Army remains vigilant in protecting the civilian populace from lawless armed elements.

“We are not putting our guards down in protecting the communities from the atrocious plans and activities of the CPP-NPA even if we are occupied with our efforts to support the humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) operations in the most affected areas, especially in Panay and the Northern part of Negros Occidental,” Baladad said.

Lt. Col. Ariel Reyes, 47IB commander, said the gunbattle lasted for about 10 minutes and the rebels splintered into small groups. However, he said, their pursuit operations are still ongoing.

Reyes said they received reports that rebels in Candoni and Sipalay, as well as those in central Negros, have been consolidating their forces in the area for two weeks now.

Claiming that the rebels were up to something, Reyes said they were able to preempt plans of the NPA to conduct atrocities in Kabankalan and neighboring areas because of the encounter.

He also said Seneres is now in stable condition.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2013/November/18/topstory5.htm

Inside the Haiyan international relief base

From Rappler (Nov 16): Inside the Haiyan international relief base



THE COALITION.' The relief operations for Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) is the work of several militaries, NGOs and international groups led by the Philippine government. This is the base of their operations at the Mactan Airbase. Photo by Ayee Macaraig/Rappler

CEBU, Philippines – The base operations at the Benito Ebuen Air Base in Mactan for relief efforts for Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) is a virtual United Nations.

On the tarmac, an Australian Air Force plane takes off while an Emirates aircraft lands. Outside the gate, an American soldier counts the heads of the responders and Filipino relatives boarding a flight to Tacloban. In the VIP room, ambassadors get updates on the relief work. Right outside, Japanese medics huddle while Spanish relief workers conduct their own informal briefing.

The languages are different, the groups countless. Yet there is only one goal: to get the people and cargo moving so the victims of the world’s strongest typhoon have much-needed food, water, shelter and medical care.

Soldiers, diplomats and aid workers at the command base give Rappler a look into what they call one of the most massive and complex relief operations they have seen.



TACLOBAN-BOUND. Relief workers, soldiers and families of relatives board a flight at the Mactan Airbase bound for Tacloban. Photo by Franz Lopez/Rappler

Philippine-led ‘coalition’

A province west of Samar and Leyte in central Philippines, Cebu is the hub of international relief, with the base of operations in Mactan.

The Philippine military directs the delivery of aid, with Lt Gen Roy Deveraturda, chief of the central command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) leading what soldiers often refer to as the “coalition” effort.

“There’s a lot of pieces in the puzzle. Overall you have Manila but in terms of this operations center, in terms of flights, where we should take our military assets, we run to him and say, ‘What’s the need today? What flight times can we get?’ And then he goes from there,” said Jonathan Gilbert of the Australian Embassy in Manila who has been in the base for 5 days now.

Deveraturda said the Philippine Air Force (PAF) in the Visayas flies more than 12 flights every day, delivering aid and transporting refugees. This excludes flights from Manila and Clark, and the foreign airplanes.

The countries also divide the work geographically. Major Jimmy Francis of the US Air Force said the United States focused on the east coast of Samar this weekend while the Australians and New Zealand moved toward Roxas City to the west.

“The USS George Washington is there with a fleet of SH-60 helicopters and they’re covering the east coast. Also, the US Marine Corps was bringing in supplies to Guiuan. I don’t think they’re quite going to Borongan yet but in the future, in the next couple of days, they’re gonna start doing that, also Ormoc and of course, Tacloban,” Francis told Rappler.

They also divide the work according to time.

Francis said, “There are some US air force controllers that are assisting the Philippine air traffic control in the day and in the night time, the US forces control the fields to enable 24 hours delivery of supplies.”



TEAM COMMANDER. Lt Gen Roy Deveraturda of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Central Command leads the Haiyan relief efforts for the Visayas at the Mactan Airbase. Photo by Franz Lopez/Rappler

Problem of airfields, land transport

Officials admit logistics is a key challenge, particularly how to transport aid.

“It’s on a certain level of Haiti or the tsunami and so we are working on that level of this large-scale humanitarian operations and of this large amount of needs of the population,” said Christoph Altheim, coordination and assessment expert from the European Civil Protection Mechanism.

Gilbert said the whole group is using a lot of equipment to address the problem.

“It entails everything from big things like planes to things you wouldn’t necessarily think about like forklifts, trolleys to move supplies. I think the biggest challenge for logistics is airfields in some regard. We can only bring heavy planes into certain areas. We can’t fly heavy planes into small villages. That’s where the arrival of the US aircraft carrier really helps.”

Francis said the US strategy is to bring in supplies to the large bases first through ships or huge aircraft like the C17 then use “more tactical level aircraft” like the C130s, MV-22 Ospreys and Navy SH-60 helicopters then forward these to the airfields. Smaller helicopters will then deliver relief goods to barangays.

Having worked in recovery in the 2010 Haiti quake, Hurricane Katrina in 2005 and other US military missions abroad, Francis said Haiyan is one of the most complex operations he has been a part of.

“The breadth of destruction is pretty wide. Transportation is very difficult on the ground. There are many barangays that are unreachable. There are a lot of aviation assets so I think we are getting to all those locations slowly but surely.”

Beyond logistics, coordination is also a challenge.

“You have different agencies with their own languages of operating: governments, militaries, civilians. It’s extremely difficult. Oftentimes, there’s not one authority that directs everything. It’s kind of a joint cooperation so as long as there’s communication between everybody, we have a good way forward,” Francis said.



COMPLEX WORK. Major Jimmy Francis of the US Air Force says the Haiyan relief operations is one of the most complex he has been part of. Photo by Franz Lopez/Rappler

Catching up with aid delivery

Lt Jim Alagao, spokesperson of the AFP Central Command, said that 9 days after the typhoon, the relief effort is still in the early stage, focused on feeding the victims.

Alagao said though that there has been improvement in the delivery of aid.

“I talked to some foreign reporters who went to Guiuan on Friday and their observation was there were no trucks, only motorcycles. When they came back Saturday, they were surprised there were 30 to 40. That came from Manila and the reinforcement trucks. We hope to bring the goods from Guiuan to the suburbs.”

Francis said the priorities in the coming days will be to shift from providing the basic needs to infrastructure like water purification systems and tent cities. The US is also setting up refueling points for its helicopters so they do not have to go back to the ships or the base.

Indonesian Ambassador Kristiarto Legowo said his country brought in a C130 on Saturday and the Indonesian contingent will stay until November 24 to support the humanitarian operations, upon the request of the AFP. A new Japanese medical team also flew to Tacloban on Saturday.

The European Union’s Altheim said the EU is pledging 30 million euros to the recovery efforts.

The international team though acknowledged criticism about the pace of relief efforts.

“I know it’s a little bit slow and I’m sure it’s very frustrating for the people on the ground but I think the coalition is really starting to catch up with the aid,” Francis said.

For Gilbert, assessing the work involves taking into account the realities on the ground and the scale of the devastation.

“Here in the Philippines, you have a storm 3 times bigger than Katrina in a very remote part of the country and to be honest, in a very poor part of the country. Your military has only 3 C130s and you’ve given it all. You’ve deployed all your assets to this and my sense is your military has done an outstanding job with a storm, a once-in-a-century storm, hitting a very poor and isolated part of the Philippines.”

“That’s a very hard problem to solve.”

http://www.rappler.com/nation/43907-inside-the-haiyan-international-relief-base

Semporna kidnap: Gunmen island-hopping with abductee

From The Star Online (Nov 17): Semporna kidnap: Gunmen island-hopping with abductee



Tight security: General 0perations Force personnel keeping a close watch of the Pom Pom Island resort off Semporna.

All indications are that the abducted Taiwanese tourist has been taken across to Philippine waters by Abu Sayyaf-linked gunmen who shot dead her husband in the exclusive Pom Pom Island resort off this east coast town.

Intelligence sources suspect that the gunmen were island-hopping in Tawi Tawi enroute to their Jolo home base, where the Abu Sayyaf group had held other hostages.

But police and army officials in the Philippines, whom The Star contacted, could not give details of the operation to locate 58-year-old Chang An Wei and her abductors, who were believed to have come to Pom Pom in two pump boats.

Her 57-year-old husband Hsu Li Min was shot in the chest and ribs in a chalet of the resort, owned by a Tawau timber tycoon at about 1am on Friday.

Police found four bullet casings in the chalet where the couple had booked into on Nov 12.

The couple were due to leave on Wednesday.

No ransom demand has been received so far for the release of Chang.



Forensic police at the chalet at Pom Pom island resort where Chang was abducted and her husband Hsu Li Min was killed by gunmen. — NORMIMIE DIUN/The Star

Security sources said that they were trying to figure out which faction of Abu Sayyaf carried out the raid on Pom Pom island while Intelligence officers believed that the gunmen could be foot soldiers of the group, always looking out for “human commodities” .

Security officials said the gunmen could have slipped into Sabah much earlier and had waited to stage the raid.

“We do not think that they came in the night before Friday and grabbed the hostage and left. They used the night when there was a full moon to kidnap and speed out of Sabah waters,” said an official who declined to be named.

He said that Pom Pom Island was an ideal target as it was 18km or 25 minutes from the Philippine sea border.

[Video: Semporna kidnap: Business as usual despite high security
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5bF5NvrQ4k]

Intelligence sources on both sides of the border have been hearing rumours of an Abu Sayyaf faction from Patikul in Jolo island planning to enter Sabah’s east coast waters about three weeks ago.

No specific target was identified although they were believed to be looking to kidnap for ransom, the sources said.

The Taiwanese Foreign Ministry, meanwhile, said it had asked its representative in Manila to seek the cooperation of the the Philippine Government to locate Chang.

http://www.thestar.com.my/News/Nation/2013/11/17/Gunmen-islandhopping-with-abductee-Intelligence-reports-point-to-kidnappers-heading-for-their-Jolo-h.aspx

Woman kidnapped from Sabah resort now in southern Philippines, say police

From The Malaysian Insider (Nov 18): Woman kidnapped from Sabah resort now in southern Philippines, say police



There is still no word on the Chinese national who was abducted off Semporna in Sabah early yesterday morning, but police believed she has already been smuggled into southern Philippines.

The abductors are believed to be members of the terror group Abu Sayyaf, notorious for kidnapping tourists from resorts off Sabah.

Police sources familiar with the activities of the Abu Sayyaf group told The Malaysian Insider that the terrorists would normally use an intermediary to make their ransom demand.

"Usually, the Abu Sayyaf will make their ransom demand known within a week or two after abducting the victim. Now we just need to wait and see," said a senior police officer.

An Wei Chang, 56, was abducted from the Pom Pom island resort off Semporna. She was at the resort's restaurant with her husband Lim Min Hsu, 57, when a group of heavily armed men stormed into the premises.

Lim was shot twice, once in the chest and once in the ribs, before An was taken away. Several villas at the resort were also ransacked.

A supervisor who heard the gunshots alerted a nearby General Operations Force camp but it was too late by the time authorities arrived on the scene.

This morning, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said Malaysian police are working with the Philippines authorities in tracing An.

He told reporters in Bukit Aman that police believed that the Abu Sayyaf group, which is linked to Al-Qaeda, was behind the murder and abduction.

http://www.themalaysianinsider.com/malaysia/article/woman-kidnapped-from-sabah-resort-now-in-southern-philippines-say-police

US military ‘godsend’ to ‘Yolanda’ victims

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Nov 17): US military ‘godsend’ to ‘Yolanda’ victims

Residents protect themselves from strong wind created by a US Navy Sea Hawk helicopter from the US aircraft carrier USS George Washington as it takes off upon dropping relief supplies for villagers isolated by last week’s super typhoon Yolanda Saturday Nov.16, 2013 on Manicani island, Eastern Samar. AP

ABOARD THE USS GEORGE WASHINGTON — As soon as Navy pilot Matthew Stafford puts his helicopter down in the village of Borongan, he is rushed by dozens of local men who form a line to unload the supplies he has flown in from the USS George Washington aircraft carrier.

On the Philippine islands of Leyte and Samar that were shattered by Typhoon Yolanda (international name Haiyan), there is no doubt about it: the US military has been a godsend.

“It is awesome to see this,” says one grateful villager. “They are saving us.”

Villagers stranded by last week’s Typhoon Yolanda scramble for aid from a US Navy Sea Hawk helicopter from the U.S. aircraft carrier USS George Washington in the coastal town of Tanawan, central Philippines Sunday, Nov. 17. 2013.

But while US military support can be critical when disasters like Yolanda strike, staging massive humanitarian relief missions for allies in need isn’t just about being a good neighbor. They can be a strategic and publicity goldmine for US troops whose presence in Asia isn’t always portrayed in such a favorable light — and a powerful warning to countries that aren’t on board.

This aerial photo shows the devastation caused by last week’s typhoon which lashed Leyte province, near the coastal town of Tanawan, in central Philippines Sunday, Nov. 17. 2013. AP

“These disasters are not unique only to the Philippines. It will send a signal to all of Southeast Asia, to Asia, that the US is serious about its presence here,” said Philippine political analyst Ramon Casiple. “It’s easy to translate this capability for disaster handling into handling warfare. This is the new orientation of the task forces.”

From the military perspective, humanitarian missions like the ongoing Operation Damayan in the Philippines offer concrete benefits — the chance to operate in far-flung places, build military-to-military alliances and get realistic training — that they may later apply to their primary mission, which will always be fighting and winning wars.

“Crisis response planning is a skillset for the military, so when you have an opportunity to execute crisis response it’s good for your planning team,” said Rear Adm. Mark C. Montgomery, who commands the George Washington strike group, stationed offshore in the Gulf of Leyte. “So, sure, there is a benefit there. But in reality the reason we do this mission is because in the Navy’s list of missions this is one of the significant efforts we plan for.”

In the week since the disaster, the Philippines has started to receive support from military forces around the region. Australia, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea and Taiwan have sent aircraft or personnel and more support is expected soon from Brunei, Great Britain, New Zealand and Thailand.

A crew member of a US Navy Sea Hawk helicopter from the US aircraft carrier USS George Washington looks at the devastation caused by Typhoon Yolanda near the coastal town of Tanawan, central Philippines Sunday, Nov. 17. 2013. AP

But none has come close to matching the US. Equally importantly, America’s regional rival China has not sent any military personnel, and contributed relatively tiny financial aid.

“This is being done in a big way that highlights the meager response of China — that’s the politics there. They’re saying China is not actually your friend in the region,” said Casiple.

“I’m sure China is watching and assessing,” he said. China announced Sunday it is ready to send rescue and medical teams to the Philippines, but did not say when the teams would depart.

For US allies like the Philippines, Vietnam, South Korea, Thailand and to some extent Indonesia, it is an affirmation of the US commitment. For others — Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar who are more closely aligned with China — he said the mission is a not-so-subtle message that the U.S remains the biggest power in the region.

Within hours of the typhoon, US Marines were on their way from their bases in Japan to assess the damage and plan out their response. Within days, the George Washington was pulling out of Hong Kong to lead its half-dozen ship battle group to the Gulf of Leyte. By the time they arrived, the US Air Force was already in action.

According to the Marines, US military aircraft have put in nearly 480 flight hours in 186 aircraft sorties, moved nearly 1,200 relief workers into the devastated city of Tacloban and have airlifted nearly 2,900 displaced people from the affected areas. On Saturday alone, they delivered more than 118 tons of food, water and shelter items to Tacloban, Borongan and Guiuan — some of the hardest-hit regions.

More than 600 US military personnel are currently ashore in the Philippines. The USS George Washington strike group adds another 6,200 sailors supporting air operations, and 1,000 Marines and sailors with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit are expected to arrive later this week.

“Getting to help people is actually the primary thing that we signed up to do,” Toby Pickens, a Navy rescue diver, said after helping off-lift supplies during several hours of helicopter operations from the George Washington. “It’s not so much the combat that we are looking for … Compared to anything else we do, I would say that this is by far the tops.”

US military public affairs offices, meanwhile, have been pushing out a torrent of photos, text updates, videos and media packages to play up that message of friendship and support.

Col. Miguel Okol, a spokesman for the Philippine Air Force, said that while he is grateful to the US assistance, he is also keenly aware that this is a military operation, with military implications.

He noted that by working together on humanitarian missions, US and Filipino soldiers are in effect conducting joint military exercises, such as while operating C-130 transport planes. The US has deployed 15 of them in the Philippines, which has three of its own.

“No country buys these kind of transports” purely for humanitarian purposes, he said as he watched two C-130 transport aircraft, one from each country, unload supplies at Villamor Air Base in Manila.

“Together, now, we are doing real operations,” he said.

http://globalnation.inquirer.net/91407/us-military-godsend-to-yolanda-victims

Intel Cop Shot Dead; Soldier Shot in Clash

From the Negros Daily Bulletin (Nov 18): Intel Cop Shot Dead; Soldier Shot in Clash

Police authorities in Negros Occidental are still trying to establish the identify of suspects who shot dead a policeman while on board his motorcycle 2PM Saturday along the highway in Brgy. Palampas, San Carlos City.

SPO1 Agustilo Hulleza Jr., a member of the Toboso Police Station was shot by motorcycle-riding suspects.

He was in the back and the bullet went through his chest.

Cops are not discounting the angle it was related to the victim’s work as an intelligence officer.

Hulleza was pronounced dead by attending physician at San Carlos City Doctor’s Hospital.

An encounter, meanwhile between government forces and New People’s Army (NPA) operatives was reported about at 9:30AM, Saturday at the area of Brgy. Magballo in Kabankalan City.

Twenty alleged members of the group reportedly encountered the Scout Platoon led by 2Lt. John Raymund A. Inguillo, of the Philippine Army.

Corporal Jovel Senieres was reported wounded in action after he sustained a gunshot wound on the right leg, while undetermined number on the side of the NPA’s.

Operating troops are still scouring the encounter site and look for those who were possibly wounded by the incident and coordinated with members of the Philippine National Police for the availability of Scene of the Crime Operatives assistance, while further investigation is underway.

http://www.ndb-online.com/111813/local-news/local-news-intel-cop-shot-dead-soldier-shot-clash

China ships seen near Japan islands

From the Manila Standard Today (Nov 17): China ships seen near Japan islands

Four Chinese coastguard ships sailed through disputed waters off Tokyo-controlled islands in the East China Sea Saturday, officials said, as Japan continued a massive drill aimed at bolstering defence of its remote islands.

The vessels entered 12-nautical-mile territorial waters at about 9:25 am (0025 GMT) off one of the Senkaku islands, which China also claims and calls the Diaoyus, the Japan Coast Guard said.

They left the 12-nautical-mile zone about two hours later, the coastguard said.

Nine days ago, four Chinese coastguard ships were also spotted sailing through the waters, according to the Japanese coastguard.

China’s state-owned ships and aircraft have approached the Senkakus on and off to demonstrate its territorial claims, especially after Japan nationalised some of the islands in September last year.
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2013/11/17/china-ships-seen-near-japan-islands/

Three marines hurt in Sulu explosion

From the Manila Bulletin (Nov 18): Three marines hurt in Sulu explosion

Three soldiers of the Philippine Marines were wounded in a grenade explosion Sunday morning in Jolo, Sulu, Col. Jose Johriel Cenabre, commander of the Sulu Special Task Force, said.

He identified the wounded as technical Sergeant Amdo Elorpe, Sgt. Joel Salomon and Private First Class Aramil Arcoy.

The victims have sustained shrapnel wound from the exploded fragmentation grenade and were rushed to the nearest hospital for medical treatment.

“They’re in good condition already,” Cenabre said.

The incident happened at around 10:25 a.m. in the vicinity of Balete Crossing along Scott Road.

“Our soldiers were about to depart on board a military Elf truck after purchasing lumber when one of the two men onboard a speeding motorcycle threw a grenade on the truck,” Cenabre said.

He said investigation was ongoing to identify the suspects.
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2013/11/18/three-marines-hurt-in-sulu-explosion-/

13 countries send troops to help in Yolanda rehab

From the Manila Standard Today (Nov 18): 13 countries send troops to help in Yolanda rehab

At LEAST 13 countries have sent troops to the Philippines to help Filipinos affected by super typhoon Yolanda rebuild their lives, armed forces officials said on Sunday.

Troops from Japan, United States, Indonesia, Korea and Australia have been involved in relief operations in the Central Visayas region in the past few days, said a senior official, who asked not to be identified for lack of authority to speak on the issue.

“We expect to arrive soon more soldiers from Canada, Israel, Taiwan, Thailand, China, India, Norway and New Zealand,” the official said.

The deployment of soldiers from other countries was a response to logistical nightmare faced by the Philippine government after the super typhoon devastated large areas in the Visayas region on November 8. Days after the typhoon had left, thousands of people in many areas remained isolated.

The United States, a major Philippine ally, mobilized its III Marine Expeditionary Force to lead its humanitarian activities in the country. It set up a command center at Camp Aguinaldo under Marine Corps Commander Lt. Gen. John Wissler.

Officials said the US sent the aircraft carrier USS George Washington and four destroyers to help in the transport of food, bottled water and relief goods to the Visayan provinces.

The Tacloban airport has become operational and capable of landing C-17 transport aircraft delivering bulk supplies and heavy equipment coming from different countries, the official said.
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2013/11/18/13-countries-send-troops-to-help-in-yolanda-rehab-/

Delay in Bangsamoro law seen

From the Manila Bulletin (Nov 17): Delay in Bangsamoro law seen

Delay in the negotiations for a durable and comprehensive peace in Mindanao is hampering the crafting of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) by the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC).

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), now on its 16th year of peace process with the Philippine government (GPH), made this observation on Sunday.

The editorial on the MILF website (Luwaran.com) cited the pressure that is mounting as the peace process drags on and that the BTC was “hard pressed.”

It said the BTC was tasked to craft the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) designed to govern a new political entity called the Bangsamoro.

“Aware of its historic responsibility, the BTC had started to work as early as April last year. But it cannot fully discharge its task unless the parties sign the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA),” the MILF said.

A source told the Manila Bulletin on November 17 that the MILF peace panel has been scheduled to leave anytime this week for the 41st Round of Formal Exploratory Talks in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

GPH and MILF negotiators led by Prof. Miriam Coronel-Ferrer and Mohagher Iqbal, respectively, are expected to again try to hammer out remaining kinks hampering agreements on the Annex on Power Sharing and the Annex on Normalization.

The two panels already signed this year the Annex on Transitional Arrangements and Modalities and Annex on Wealth Sharing/Revenue Generation.

Once all annexes have been signed, they will be bundled with the Oct. 15, 2012 Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB) to form the much-awaited CPA.

The MILF stressed that it “cannot accept a bad agreement, because a bad agreement is worse than no agreement at all. More seriously, the MILF leadership cannot force the Bangsamoro people and their leaders to swallow a bad agreement.”

Meanwhile, the Moro group also shared responsibility for the length of the peace process, saying “if the current negotiation takes too long to finish, one reason is that the MILF wants to be sure that any agreement with the government will really solve the Bangsamoro Question.”

http://www.mb.com.ph/delay-in-bangsamoro-law-seen/