Wives of Air Force officials blamed for eviction of ‘Yolanda’ victims from Villamor Air Base

From the Daily Tribune (Nov 22): Wives of Air Force officials blamed for eviction of ‘Yolanda’ victims from Villamor Air Base

Typhoon victims, who have been staying at a “tent city” at the Villamor Air Base, were evacuated again to Camp Aguinaldo, the general headquarters of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), yesterday supposedly for consolidation.

Col. Miguel Ernesto Okol, spokesman for the Air Force which has jurisdiction over Villamor Air Base, said there was an instruction that came from higher headquarters to consolidate the survivors to Camp Aguinaldo, specifically at the headquarters of the AFP-Joint Task Force National Capital Region.

However, there were reports yesterday blaming some ladies from the Air Force or wives of Air Force officials for the eviction of the hundreds of evacuees at the Villamor Air Base.

Okol denied such reports.

“That’s not true…the reports that the ladies were the ones who wanted them (evacuees) out were not true,” Okol explained.

“There was instruction from the leadership to consolidate the victims at GHQ, at the Joint Task Force-NCR…they have bigger space there,” Okol added.

According to Okol, the consolidation of the survivors was part of the concerted efforts of the government, particularly the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Department of Health, to serve them.

So far, the Air Force’s C130 cargo planes, along with several foreign military aircraft, have transported about 15,000 typhoon-affected people to Villamor Air Base. Some were fetched by their relatives while others benefited from the “Oplan Hatid,” a free transport service being offered by concerned citizens.

Meanwhile, residents of northern Antique have complained of being left out by the Aquino administration in its ongoing massive relief operations in the Visayas region following the havoc wreaked by super typhoon “Yolanda.”

The Antiquenos noted that Aquino’s Presidential Proclamation No. 682 issued last Nov. 11 does not cover Antique. The proclamation declared the State of National Calamity in the provinces of Samar, Leyte, Cebu, Iloilo, Capiz, Aklan and Palawan.

“Maybe Antique is not in the Philippine map,” they lamented in an open letter addressed to Aquino posted in a social networking site.

“As if you have forgotten Antique to include in the state of calamity. Is it because we don’t have Mar Roxas? Senate President Frank Drilon or Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago?” they asked.

They said several towns in northern Antique were also devastated by the super typhoon.

At least 11 people died due to the typhoon.

Among the affected towns were Delison, Patnungon, Bugasong, Valderama, Lauan, Barbasa, Tibyao, Culasi, Pandan, Sebasti and the island municipality of Caluya.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/metro-section/wives-of-air-force-officials-blamed-for-eviction-of-yolanda-victims-from-villamor-air-base

Defense chief still calling shot in gov’t relief ops — NDRRMC exec

From the Daily Tribune (Nov 23): Defense chief still calling shot in gov’t relief ops — NDRRMC exec

NDRRMC executive director Undersecretary Eduardo del Rosario, however, stressed that Gazmin remained as the overall “overseer” of the government disaster relief operations.

“The chairperson of the council is focusing on the overall. Secretary Roxas was assigned to Region 8, while in Region 6 it’s Congressman Duenas. So we made that setup to have political leadership on the ground to monitor,” Del Rosario explained.

“But the one who is monitoring all, issuing guidance and orchestrating is the national council headed by the chairperson, no other than Secretary Gazmin,” he added.

A clear indication of the seeming “confused” government efforts was the transfer on Thursday of hundreds of typhoon survivors from the Villamor Air Base in Pasay City to Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City and back again to VAB.

Del Rosario admitted there was “miscoordination” in the evacuation of the typhoon victims from VAB to the headquarters of the Joint Task Force-National Capital Region (JTF-NCR) in Camp Aguinaldo.

“There was a minor miscoordination… in preparation for the possible increase of inmternally displaced persons from Region 8, we saw the operations at Villamor to be small, so we looked for an alternative place or a place to complement VAB operations,” Del Rosario said.

“When it was done yesterday (Thursday) and when the chairperson of the national council (Gazmin) knew about it, he gave instructions to continue operations at VAB while looking for more suitable place because Camp Aguinaldo is too far…it we must have another site, it must be near the airport,” he added.

There were reports on Thursday blaming some Air Force ladies or wives of PAF officials for the transfer of the typhoon survivors from VAB. Col. Miguel Ernesto Okol, spokesman of the Air Force, denied such information. He said there was an instruction from higher authorities.

Del Rosario said that everything is now settled as the typhoon victims were transported back to VAB.

“Everything is now settled and running smoothly. The processing of IDPs is now back to Villamor Air Base,” he said.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/defense-chief-still-calling-shot-in-gov-t-relief-ops-ndrrmc-exec

CPP/NDF: US’ Trojan Horse arrival and open-ended disaster intervention must be denounced

Posted to the CPP Website (Nov 22): US’ Trojan Horse arrival and open-ended disaster intervention must be denounced

Ma. Laya Guerrero
Spokesperson
Kabataang Makabayan

 

The Kabataang Makabayan denounces the arrival of US’ Trojan Horse USS George Washington, a high-powered, nuclear-carrying warship in the guise of ‘relief and humanitarian mission’ in Eastern Visayas in the aftermath of supertyphoon Yolanda.

The USS Washington which is carrying around 5000 US naval troops, embarked in an open-ended mission in Central Philippines using disaster relief as its cover. This is aside from the 243 US Marines were deployed within the week after the supertyphoon and the 700 US Special Forces stationed in Zamboanga more than a decade now. It is reported that around 13, 000 US troops are involved directly and indirectly in this disaster interventionism which US euphemistically called “Operation Damayan”.

The US DND Secretary announced that Aquino’s government requested for US warships and troops deployment in the aftermath of Yolanda. Fitting the US’ design for “inter-operationability” Japan and Australia, two of US’ closest allies in Asia-Pacific joined in sending troops and warships. There are 16 armed troops of foreign countries deployed in Visayas, making Yolanda as one of the world’s most militarized disaster-aftermath operations.

We condemn the US-Aquino regime’s shameless exhibition of incompetence pre-Yolanda and during the aftermath, making the death and damages to reach a catastrophic level and compounding the misery of the survivors. Two weeks after, the Aquino government could not present a clear accounting of the damages, much less the total casualties of the calamity, no blueprint for relief and rehabilitation.

The Filipino people must condemn and hold accountable the US-Aquino regime for its inutility and failure to prevent the massive loss of lives and stem humanitarian crisis. We must likewise denounce this as much as the US-Aquino’s laying the ground for justification of a prolonged and open-ended US military intervention in devastated Visayas.

US imperialism is exploiting the grave situation in the typhoon-torn Tacloban and Visayas islands and hyping the propaganda that the US troops are ‘godsend’ to protect and help the victims. It echoes the US imperialism “benevolent assimilation“ and war of occupation of our country at the end of 20th century, killing millions of Filipinos and strangling our country under its direct colonial rule.

They come like vultures ready to feed on the miserable condition that befell on the masses and the country. Already the imperialist banks are also stretching its “helping hand” for the Philippine thru offers for loans for rehabilitation which surely be onerous loans that will lead our country to perpetual indebtedness.

From its ascendancy the Obama regime has been maximizing on a less expensive and easiest entrance for its US troops in its targeted strategic areas. US has been using the United Nation’s “responsibility to protect” doctrine and Obama’s “humanitarian intervention” as its politically-expedient justification for military action and intervention on purportedly and hyped humanitarian crisis such as in Libya and Syria. In 2010, US likewise occupied Haiti and reasoned ‘relief and rehabilitation’ at the wake of the deadly earthquake that struck the country as its entry-point.

With or without a disaster, the US imperialism is aching to regain military foothold in the Philippines along with its “Pivot to Asia”. We must expose and oppose the US imperialism deployment of US warships and armed troops and open-ended presence in the country as a Trojan Horse, and a clear affront to our national sovereignty.


The Aquino neocolonial regime must be condemned for its all-out subservience to US imperialism and all its agenda, including the camouflaged disaster intervention.

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20131121_us-trojan-horse-arrival-and-open-ended-disaster-intervention-must-be-denounced

Maiden voyage of PH's most capable warship

From Rappler (Nov 22): Maiden voyage of PH's most capable warship



MOST CAPABLE: Philippine Navy's BRP Ramon Alcaraz. Photo by Carmela Fonbuena/Rappler

It's the Philippines'most capable warship and the Philippine Navy was preparing something a little grander for its maiden travel. But all plans were dropped because of Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).

It was a low-key christening and commissioning event for BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16) on Friday, November 22, before it sailed for its maiden voyage as a Philippine Navy ship from South Harbor in Manila to Leyte in Eastern Visayas, which was hit hard by Yolanda.

"In light of the devastation caused by super typhoon Yolanda, there is no better way for BRP Ramon Alcaraz to commence her duties with a very first mission and that is to sail to the Visayas as part of the Phillippine Navy's follow-on-force to conduct humanitarian assistance and disaster response in the affected areas," said Navy chief Vice Admiral Jose Luis Alano.

Alcaraz transported about 200 tons of relief goods, water purification systems, and navy personnel composed of carpenters, masons, plumbers and electricians who will help rebuild the communities.

Initially scheduled in October, the commissioning ceremony was postponed to wait for the availability of the commander in chief, President Benigno Aquino III. It pushed through on Friday without him.

"Today, we'll commission BRP Ramon Alcaraz into the active service of the Philippine Navy. She will be utilized to undertake missions for territorial defense, law enforcement, humanitarian assistance and disaster response," Alano said in explaining Alcaraz's mission.

The mood was somber, far from the celebration last August when the 40-year-old refurbished Hamilton-class cutter arrived in the Philippines from the US. The Philippines acquired it from the US Coast Guard, which has decommissioned the ship.

Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin started the program 30 minutes earlier than scheduled.

LOW-KEY: Commissioning rites for BRP Ramon Alcaraz. Photo by Carmela Fonbuena/Rappler

In his speech, Gazmin cheered on the soldiers amid criticism of governmen't response to Typhoon Yolanda. Also the chairman of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), Gazmin has been criticized by Senator Juan Ponce Enrile for failing to deploy enough troops to the devastated areas.

"Perhaps you may have already heard a number of comments to our government's response to Typhoon Yolanda. There are some groups who are fostering negativity on purpose to discredit each action the government takes and to render meaningless the determination of soldiers, policemen and even volunteers who are quitely doing their part and working to help their countrymen," Gazmin said.

"I hope that you will not lose your resolve. I hope that you will not lose heart. You are the ones at the frontline," he added.

After the event, Gazmin proceeded to NDRRMC.

In spite of the low-key ceremony, the excitement among the sailors was palpable.

“By having two of the most capable ships that we will be having, this will provide us more areas to be able to cover simultaneously," Alano said.

Alcaraz is off to Leyte for now but its real job is to monitor the West Philippines Sea (South China Sea) amid the growing tension between Manila and Beijing.

Alcaraz will be augmented with naval helicopters, which are arriving next month. The choppers will expand the surveilance and the horizon that the Philippine Navy can monitor.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/44382-alcaraz-maiden-voyage

Japanese troops welcomed back in typhoon-hit Philippines

From InterAksyon (Nov 22): Japanese troops welcomed back in typhoon-hit Philippines



Shown is a file photo of members of the second batch of a Japanese medical team arriving at the Manila airport, days before Japanese troops arrived in Tacloban. (Eric B. Apolonio, InterAksyon.com)

More than 1,000 Japanese troops were offered a warm welcome in the Philippines Friday as they prepared to launch relief operations across the typhoon-devastated islands, which Japan brutally occupied seven decades ago.

The troops were aboard three vessels that arrived at the central Philippine port of Cebu, an official at the Japanese embassy said, in what is the biggest overseas deployment of Japan's military since its defeat in World War II.

They will join a huge international relief effort to help survivors of Super Typhoon Haiyan, which flattened dozens of towns through the central Philippines on November 8, leaving at least 5,500 dead or missing.

"We have already delivered small amounts of aid but the main effort will begin after a meeting with Philippine forces today," Takashi Inoue, deputy director of public affairs with the Japanese embassy in Manila, told AFP.

Japan's contribution to the humanitarian effort comes as a newly-confident Tokyo looks to make its mark again on the world order, after decades in which the idea of its troops on foreign soil was complete anathema.

In many parts of Asia, memories linger of the brutality of invading Japanese soldiers prosecuting an expansionist romp through the region in the name of the emperor.

In a twist of historic irony, the Japanese troops are returning to areas of the Philippines that saw Japan lose one of history's biggest naval battles to the US-led Allies.

Eulalia Macaya, 74, who survived World War II and the typhoon, said she remembered being terrified by Japanese troops as a little girl.

"We were hiding in holes dug under the floor of our homes," she recalled. "The Japanese soldiers were patrolling but we couldn't see much of them. We could only see their boots. We were so afraid."

But Macaya, who was waiting for treatment at a temporary field clinic set up by the Japanese government in Tacloban, the typhoon-ruined capital of Leyte, said she was very pleased the former occupier was back.

"I don't hold any grudges anymore. There's no more bad blood between us," she said.
Tente Quintero, 72, a former vice mayor of Tacloban, said that at a time of dispute with an increasingly emboldened China over the ownership of South China Sea islands, Filipinos now saw the Japanese as friends and allies.

He declared himself "happy" there were Japanese boots back on Philippines soil.
"There's nothing like two allies living in harmony with each other," he said.

Beatrice Bisquera, 91, said the devastation and hardships Haiyan had brought were worse than anything Filipinos suffered under Japanese military rule.

"During the Japanese occupation we just hid in the mountains. Now, there's nowhere to hide," she told AFP.

Lieutenant Jim Alagao, a spokesman for Philippine armed forces Central Command, said the Philippines was thankful for the Japanese typhoon support, and World War II was no longer a concern for his generation.

"World War II was so long ago. If we still harbour bad feelings against the Japanese, it is question for our grandfathers to answer," he told AFP.

"We are very grateful for all the help that other nations can give."

For some Japanese relief workers already on the ground in Leyte, their country's participation in the international relief effort alongside the United States is an indication of Japan's very different relationship with the outside world.

"Nearly 70 years ago, we were enemies. Now we're friends," said Joji Tomioka, a doctor helping to co-ordinate a civilian medical team.

"We cannot forget the past, but we must learn from history so that we will not do the same thing again."

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/75365/japanese-troops-welcomed-back-in-typhoon-hit-philippines

900 more US Marines on 2 amphibious ships now in PH

From InterAksyon (Nov 22): 900 more US Marines on 2 amphibious ships now in PH



A US chopper drops off supplies for disaster victims in Tacloban. REUTERS FILE PHOTO

Nine hundred more US Marines on board two amphibious ships arrived in the country to help in the relief efforts for the typhoon victims in the Visayas, Armed Forces Vice Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Alan Luga said on Friday.

Luga said the troops are on board the USS Ashland (LSD-48) and USS Germantown (LSD-42). They came  from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, based in Okinawa, Japan.

“Having amphibious ships here, along with the 31st MEU, brings more logistical capability and capacity to augment our on-going relief operations in Visayas,” Luga explained.

The two ships replaced the USS George Washington aircraft carrier, which had been operating in the area since November 14. The carrier played an important role in air transport, when most airports were non-operational in devastated areas in Eastern Visayas. The Seahawks from the carrier sent life-saving food and water to many remote villages and airlifted the injured. The amphibious ships, meanwhile, have a more efficient ship-to-shore movement ability and are deemed suitable for this stage of the relief operations.

“We are very thankful to the United States Armed Forces for sending one of their aircraft carriers to the Philippines and immediately supporting our humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations following the devastation of super typhoon Yolanda,” Luga said.

The Ashland and the Germantown carry landing craft needed for moving large amounts of cargo and equipment ashore; the 31st MEU brings heavy equipment for moving debris.

“In addition to the enhanced capabilities of the Ashland and Germantown the Japanese Navy will be surveying the Eastern Coast of Samar and identifying additional impacted areas for relief support," according to US Marine Lt. Gen. John Wissler, JTF-505 commander.

“These are more suitable assets, and combined with the naval vessels from Japan, Australia, and other nations, we continue to be postured to help wherever the Philippine Government and the Armed Forces of the Philippines needs us and we will remain here until our unique capabilities are no longer necessary,” he added.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/75387/900-more-us-marines-on-2-amphibious-ships-now-in-ph

AID RELAY | USS George Washington scaling down operations; US Marines to take over

From InterAksyon (Nov 22): AID RELAY | USS George Washington scaling down operations; US Marines to take over



USS George Washington flight deck crew.

ON BOARD THE USS GEORGE WASHINGTON – The US aircraft carrier that has played a key role in responding to victims of super typhoon Yolanda is gradually scaling down its flight missions for relief operations in Leyte and Eastern Samar, as US Marines start taking the lead role in Operation Damayan.

Two US Navy ships, the USS Ashland and USS Germantown, are now in Leyte Gulf and are carrying 900 Marines from the 31^st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) based in Okinawa, Japan. The Marines brought along with them their vehicles, small boats, heavy equipment and more importantly – landing craft. These are expected to play a key role as they can bring on to land the trucks and heavy equipment that can clear road obstructions and heavy debris.

US Rear Admiral Mark Montgomery, commander of US Navy Task Force 70, told News5 “there are certain ships that are better optimized” as the Yolanda relief operations enters its third week.



Flight Deck "brown shirt" (plane captain) stands in front of an F/A18 super hornet on the deck of the aircraft carrier USS George Washington

 He explained that the USS Ashland and USS Germantown, along with their Marines, trucks and small boats, are best suited for bringing supplies and materials from ship to shore. “As we move forward in disaster response and relief, there are ships that are better optimized for the next phase of the mission such as amphibious ships,” Montgomery said. He said the Marines on those two ships, plus the special small boats “can go ship to shore much more smoothly than we can and are more efficient than helicopters in delivering aid.”

The USS Ashland and USS Germantown are Whidbey Island – class dock landing ships and are equipped with landing craft, both utility and the LCACs (Landing Craft, Air Cushioned), considered a more robust platform for “ship to shore movement ability.”

These are “more suitable assets,” said US Marine Lt. Gen John Wissler, head of Joint Task Force 505, adding: “we continue to be postured to help wherever the Philippine Government and the Armed Forces of the Philippines need us, and we will remain here until our unique capabilities are no longer necessary.”

Even though there will be a gradual scaling down of the role of the USS George Washington, Admiral Montgomery assures Filipinos they will continue to support relief operations – including airlift of relief supplies using US Navy MH60 Seahawk helicopters and US Marine Corps’ MV22 Ospreys.



3 US Navy MH60 Seahawk helicopters land on the flight deck of the USS George Washington. Helicopter is assigned with the carrier's Golden Falcons squadron.

 “What happens is each morning, we work together on a prioritized list of where the assets should go and then that gets modified throughout the day, so it’s a constant – what I call an iterative process between the civil - military leadership and our air controllers to make sure we serve the most needy demands,” Montgomery told News5.

 “I will stay on station until my JTF (Joint Task Force) commander tells me to be here.”

The USS George Washington, along with its 10 other ships, arrived off the coast of Eastern Samar on November 14, 2013. The aircraft carrier was in Hong Kong and its officers and men were on R & R when the order came for them to immediately deploy to the Philippines after super typhoon Yolanda hit.

US Navy LTJG Derrick Ingle said they posted the recall order on the USS George Washington’s Facebook page. “We got all 5,500 crew on board and prepared to sail in 16 hours. And 48 hours later, we were in the Philippines,” Ingle said.

“We were on the scene pretty fast for a naval task force of this size,” Admiral Montgomery noted.

Missions: airlift relief to isolated spots, produce drinking water

The primary missions of the USS George Washington when it got on station: airlift relief supplies especially to airports in the affected areas as well as isolated areas, serve as a refueling point for the MV22 Ospreys and produce much needed drinking water.

US Navy MH60 Seahawk, call sign Hunter 621, lands on the deck of the USS George Washington after a relief supply mission.

 The nuclear-powered USS George Washington’s desalinization plan can produce more than 400,000 gallons of fresh water from sea water a day. “We don’t need all of that,” Admiral Montgomery noted as he pointed out the ship’s crew came up “with a contraption – called the Octopus – what could pipe in and simultaneously fill up 5 to 10 gallon tanks.” It took the ship’s engineers nine hours to come up with the “Octopus” which was made out of pipes and valves.

Since water supply in the affected areas has stabilized, Admiral Montgomery said “the water mission is being transitioned out because water from the USS George Washington is no longer required.”

 To date, the USS George Washington carrier strike group was able to provide more than 335,000 liters of water, airlift over 36,000 kilos of food and supplies, deliver over 10,000 tons of shelter as well as airlift over 500 persons to either the Tacloban City or Guiuan hubs.

 US Navy Capt. Gregory Fenton, the carrier’s commanding officer, gives a daily update to his crew over the ship’s public address system, such as the delivery of supplies using the Philippine government’s hub and spoke system – referring to the disaster relief hubs of Tacloban, Guiuan and Ormoc.

 “Over the past several days, you have done a great job here on the ship of producing portable water, loading it up onto collapsible containers and then putting it in helicopters for shipment to shore. That effort is ramping down as the ability to produce clean potable water ashore has essentially caught up to the demand – that is a good sign for all of us,” Fenton said.

As a refueling point, the USS George Washington strategically positioned itself off the coast of Eastern Samar to enable the Ospreys to fly more missions throughout the day. The Ospreys, which can carry more supplies than the Seahawks, shuttled between Tacloban and Guiuan.

USS George Washington flight deck crew unload relief supplies from the C2A Greyhound. FA18 hornets are parked on the forward part of the flight deck

‘Unconventional’ work for Seahawks

As for the helicopter airlift operations, Lt. Ingle cited that what the Seahawk pilots are doing are “pretty unconventional.” “We didn’t anticipate this-- some of the helicopters are landing in someone’s backyard,” he added.

Admiral Montgomery was asked if the swift response and massive presence of the US carrier strike group in the Philippines was meant to show other countries, especially China, Washington’s commitment to the Asia-Pacific region.

His response: “The United States is a Pacific Nation, We are a maritime nation,” as he stressed that Operation Damayan “is the United States’ commitment to its partner, The Philippines, not as a response to a third party.”

The USS George Washington Carrier Strike Group is the US Navy’s only permanently forward deployed strike group and is based in the Asia-Pacific region.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/75388/aid-relay--uss-george-washington-scaling-down-operations-us-marines-to-take-over

Troops kill NPA rebel Compostela Valley

From the Mindanao Examiner blog site (Nov 22): Troops kill NPA rebel Compostela Valley

Philippine soldiers killed an alleged communist insurgent in a clash in the southern province of Compostela Valley, officials said.
Officials said the fighting erupted in the village called Bagong Silang where troops cornered the New People’s Army gunman and shot him.

Troops recovered an old Garand rifle and a homemade bomb from the still unidentified rebel. Officials said there was no report of casualties from the military side.

Officials said local villagers allegedly tipped off the military about presence of the gunman.

The NPA has been fighting for decades for the establishment of a separate state in the country and peace talks in the past have all collapsed.

http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/11/troops-kill-npa-rebel-compostela-valley.html

3 wounded in grenade blast in Zamboanga town

From the Mindanao Examiner blog site (Nov 22): 3 wounded in grenade blast in Zamboanga town

Three people were wounded in a grenade attack on a village packed with visitors in Zamboanga del Sur province in southern Philippines, police said Friday.

Police said the attack occurred in New Village in Tambulig town which was celebrating a local feast. The attack occurred despite the presence of police forces in the area.

Investigators said the grenade was tossed by a still unidentified assailant at the back of a stage. They said an MK2 grenade was used in the attack.

The wounded victims have been identified as Marlyn Tac-an Lara, 47, of Lower Usogan village also in Tambulig town; Ivy Jean Batoy, 8, of Lakarayan village in Tigbao town; and a man named Mario, of Happy Village in Tambulig. They were rushed to hospital.

It was unknown whether the target of the attack was policemen or civilians in the area, but police forces launched an operation to hunt down the assailant.

http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2013/11/3-wounded-in-grenade-blast-in-zamboanga.html

2 US amphibious ships help in 'Yolanda' relief effort in the Visayas

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 22): 2 US amphibious ships help in 'Yolanda' relief effort in the Visayas

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Joint Task Force (JTF) 505 on Friday welcomed the arrival of amphibious ships USS Ashland (LSD-48) and USS Germantown (LSD-42) in the Visayas Region.

The two US vessels are now helping in the ongoing relief efforts for victims of super typhoon "Yolanda".

The USS Ashland and USS Germantown have aboard a combined total of approximately 900 Marines, elements of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, based in Okinawa, Japan.

"Having amphibious ships here, along with the 31st MEU, brings more logistical capability and capacity to augment our on-going relief operations in Visayas," AFP vice-chief- of staff Lt. Gen. Alan R. Luga.

The USS Ashland and the Germantown, both dock landing ships, replaced the USS George Washington which had been operating in the area since Nov. 14.

"We are very thankful to the United States Armed Forces for sending one of their aircraft carriers to the Philippines and immediately supporting our humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations following the devastation of super typhoon Yolanda," Luga said.

Luga added that the USS George Washington played an important role in air transport when most airports are non-operational in critical areas in Eastern Visayas and the amphibious ships have a more robust ship-to-shore movement ability.

The USS Ashland and the USS Germantown carry landing craft, both air cushioned and utility, for moving large amounts of cargo and equipment ashore, and the 31st MEU brings heavy equipment which could be used to move debris.

"In addition to the enhanced capabilities of the Ashland and Germantown the Japanese Navy will be surveying the Eastern Coast of Samar and identifying additional impacted areas for relief support," JTF 505 commander US Marine Lt. Gen. John Wissler said.

"These are more suitable assets, and combined with the naval vessels from Japan, Australia, and other nations, we continue to be postured to help wherever the Philippine Government and the Armed Forces of the Philippines needs us and we will remain here until our unique capabilities are no longer necessary," Wissler said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=589626

Kerry swears in new U.S. envoy to PHL

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 22): Kerry swears in new U.S. envoy to PHL

U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry has sworn in veteran diplomat Philip Goldberg as Washington’s top envoy to the Philippines as the country grapples with the aftermath of super typhoon Yolanda, which devastated the Visayas region on Nov. 8.

Kerry administered the oath to Goldberg in ceremonies at the Department of State on Thursday, a few days after the U.S. Senate gave its concurrence to his appointment.

“As we struggle to respond to this human disaster, we are proud that we are sending to the Philippines the right person to do the job,” Kerry said in his remarks. “Phil Goldberg is a consummate professional who has held an enormous array of positions in the Foreign Service.”

Secretary Kerry broke tradition for the third time since he took over the State Department by personally swearing in Goldberg -- a task normally performed by a Deputy Secretary or an Undersecretary.

In his response, Goldberg said he heads to the Philippines with mixed emotions.

“I’m excited and honored to be going to the Philippines, a country with which we share so much history. At the same time, it’s hard to think of the suffering of so many people in the Philippines in recent weeks and all they’ve endured without a touch of sadness and without being moved,” he said.

“If I’ve learned one thing from the Filipino friends I’ve made all around the world, and there are Filipinos all around the world, it’s that they are warm, but they are also tough and resilient. There should be no doubt that they will bounce back. I have no doubt,” Ambassador Goldberg added.

Prior to his appointment by President Obama, Goldberg served as Assistant Secretary of State for Intelligence and Research and as Coordinator for Implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1874 on North Korea.

Philippine Ambassador Jose Cuisia said he looks forward to the arrival of Goldberg in Manila where he is expected play a key role in ongoing U.S. efforts to help the Philippines deal with the devastation wrought by the storm, also known by its international name Haiyan.

The record-breaking typhoon decimated towns and villages, affected millions and killed at least 4,000.

“Ambassador Goldberg is a seasoned diplomat who can be expected to bring relations between our two countries to greater heights,” Cuisia said.

Goldberg, who replaces Harry Thomas, is expected to depart for Manila on Monday.

A native of Boston, Goldberg served as ambassador to Bolivia from 2006 to 2008; Chief of Mission in Pristina, Kosovo from 2004 to 2006; and Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Santiago, Chile from 2001 to 2004.

A career diplomat, Goldberg served as acting Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Legislative Affairs from January to June 2001; Special Assistant to Deputy Secretary of State Strobe Talbott from 1996 to 1998 and later as his Executive Assistant from 1998 to 2000.

He was the Desk Officer on Bosnia at the State Department from 1994 to 1996 and was a member of the U.S. negotiating team in the lead-up to the Dayton Peace Conference and Chief of Staff for the U.S. Delegation at Dayton. Ambassador Goldberg has served overseas as a consular and political officer at the U.S. Embassy in Bogota, Colombia and political and economic officer in Pretoria, South Africa.

Before joining the Foreign Service, Goldberg worked for several years as a liaison officer between the City of New York and the United Nations and the consular community.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=589680

NPA rebel killed in Compostela Valley encounter

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 22): NPA rebel killed in Compostela Valley encounter

Eastern Mindanao Command troopers killed a still unidentified New People's Army (NPA) fighter during an encounter in Sitio Green Hills, Barangay Bagong Silang, Laak, Compostela Valley Province Wednesday evening.

A belated report from Capt. Alberto Caber, the command's spokesperson, said the brief firefight resulted in the recovery of a Garand rifle, improvised explosive devices and four backpacks.

No casualties were reported on the government side.

Caber said the firefight was a result of information given by the villagers who are fed up with the extortion activities being done by the NPA in their barangay.

Eastern Mindanao Command head Lt. Gen. Ricardo Rainier G. Cruz III commended the civilians who reported the presence of the bandits.

He further commended the troops for their immediate response to the information by the civilians.

“Security operations (shall) continue in order to safeguard the people from NPA extortion rackets," Cruz stressed.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=589718

BRP Ramon Alcaraz to secure Malampaya natural gas project

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 22): BRP Ramon Alcaraz to secure Malampaya natural gas project

After her mercy mission in "Yolanda" battered Tacloban City, Leyte, BRP Ramon Alcaraz's (PF-16) next mission is to secure the Malampaya natural gas project off Palawan.

"After her 'Yolanda' (relief mission) she will be deployed in the West Philippine Sea, just like the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar, (to keep watch) particularly on the Malampaya natural gas project," Philippine Navy (PN) flag-officer-in-charge Vice Admiral Jose Luis Alano said during the sidelights of the commissioning ceremony for the BRP Ramon Alcaraz Friday morning.

He added that having the ship on the line would greatly aid the country in implementing certain laws on our exclusive economic zone.

"The PN is deputized to undertake this, for example in the terms of fisheries, the Navy is deputized (together) with the Bureau of Fisheries and the Department of Agriculture and together with the Philippine Coast Guard to enforce these laws and as well also for the marine protection as well, this is under the Department of Natural Resources and Environment, the PN is also deputized in these actions for enforcing their laws," Alano stressed.

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Eastmincom official lauds troops for keeping rebels at bay

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 22): Eastmincom official lauds troops for keeping rebels at bay

A top military commander lauded the troops who repelled the attacks of armed men in Sitio Green Hills, Barangay Bagong Silang, Laak, Compostela Valley around 6:45 p.m. Thursday.

Lt. General Ricardo Rainier Cruz, commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) lauded the members of the 60th Infantry Battalion for keeping the rebels at bay.

He also directed the soldiers to continue the security operation in their respective areas to protect the residents from the extortion activities, threats, intimidation and harassment of the rebels.

“Protect the people from threats and intimidation by the rebels,” Cruz said.

One rebel was killed in the latest encounter between the soldiers and the rebels.

Soldiers recovered one body, one Garand rifle, four back packs and several improvised explosive devices during the encounter.

Earlier, the soldiers conducted a pursuit operation after two armed razed heavy equipment in Sitio Kob-aw, Barangay Kiokmay also in Laak.

The rebels escaped towards Barangay New Bethlehem.

Meantime, the rebels also attacked a detachment of the Alpha Company, 71st IB in Barangay Elizalde, Compostela Valley, Tuesday morning.

No casualty was reported in the incident.

Pursuit operations in two separate areas are ongoing.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=589587

Military, civilian planes of all kinds ferry relief goods at Mactan Air Base

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 22): Military, civilian planes of all kinds ferry relief goods at Mactan Air Base
 
MACTAN AIR BASE, MACTAN, Cebu -- Foreign military and civilian aircraft of all kinds fly in and out of this air base round-the-clock, bringing in relief goods and medical and relief personnel for super typhoon "Yolanda"-devastated areas in northern Cebu, Tacloban City and other parts of Eastern Samar.

Cebu has been designated one of logistics hubs for rescue and relief efforts in the aftermath of Yolanda which struck central Philippines last Nov. 8.

This base, which used to serve as an emergency airfield for the US Air Force at the height of the Vietnam War, has since then seen a steady stream of helicopters and jumbo cargo aircraft.

Each day, at least 10 aircraft are parked in the base, from the vertical take-off and landing V22 Ospreys of the US Marines to C-130 Hercules military transport planes of different air forces of countries extending aid.

Bigger aircraft like the C-5 Galaxy, C-17 Globemaster, B747 freighters and the world's largest aircraft, the Russian-made Antonov landed in the base.

Maj. Gen. Romeo Poquiz, commander of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) 2nd Air Division, said the base can accommodate up to 15 large aircraft at a time.

At least 10 hauler airplanes are using it any time of the day to airlift relief goods for over two million Yolanda victims.

He said the PAF continues to focus on relief operations but is slowly planning for reconstruction and rehabilitation.

Poquiz said that PAF works closely with the national disaster council and social welfare department to identify when and where relief goods are going.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=589889