AFP chief breaks ground for Solcom’s driving range and 'Oplan Bayanihan'

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 11): AFP chief breaks ground for Solcom’s driving range and 'Oplan Bayanihan'

CAMP GUILLERMO NAKAR, Lucena City -– Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Emmanuel T. Bautista broke ground for the Camp Nakar Golf Driving Range site with military top brass of the Southern Luzon Command (Solcom), Quezon local government officials and the Banahaw Golf Club affiliates here on Tuesday.

Officiating the launching pad for the Solcom’s “Oplan Bayanihan” here, General Bautista emphasized the AFP Bayanihan is a joint undertaking and close collaboration with various stakeholders in the society.

Bautista said the “bayanihan” (unity and cooperation) spirit thus values the participation and involvement of everyone to work together and achieve lasting peace and long term development.

The Solcom top officials also welcomed the Banahaw Golf Club (BGC) president Rolando Ramirez, Quezon 4th District Congresswoman Angelina Tan, Lucena City Mayor Roderick “Dondon” Alcala and partners who graced the groundbreaking rites for what would be the first golf driving range cum “bayanihan” events arena in the province of Quezon in Camp Nakar.

Solcom commander Lieutenant General Caesar Ronnie F. Ordoyo remarked that the driving range aims to create stronger ties among soldiers, civilians, golf enthusiasts and other stakeholders.

“Aside from sports and entertainment purposes, the site also provides an arena to forge social partnerships with the community, build network of stakeholders, strengthen rapport and good working collaboration among AFP partners,” Lt. Gen. Ordoyo said.

The Solcom commander also eyed the driving range “as a place of convergence for the stakeholders for the Bayanihan projects especially as a fitting venue for fund-raising for noteworthy causes.”

Ordoyo added that the driving range will generate livelihood and provide additional source of income for the Solcom command where proceeds can be used to finance projects for small and remote communities within their area of responsibility.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=595777

Solcom sustains relief operations in Tacloban and Samar

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 11): Solcom sustains relief operations in Tacloban and Samar

The Southern Luzon Command (Solcom) sustained disaster relief operations and humanitarian efforts to ease the plight of the super typhoon “Yolanda” victims by sending five 10-wheeler truckloads of assorted relief goods on Wednesday afternoon to the city’s Dalahican Port for shipment to the ravaged areas.

The relief goods were loaded on board a cargo vessel owned by Monte Claro Shipping Lines heading towards Samar and Leyte.

Solcom Commander Lieutenant General Caesar Ronnie F. Ordoyo said the continuing shipments were in addition to those distributed earlier with some 1,133 sacks of assorted goods, 1,117 sacks of used clothes and 415 boxes of bottled drinking water.

Lt. Gen. Ordoyo said the relief items and commodities represented the outpouring of donations by the various national government agencies, local government units (LGUs), private sector, business entities, peoples’ organizations (POs) and non-government organizations (NGOs).

The military command here also maintains the Inter-Agency Humanitarian Relief Operations (IAHRO) dubbed as “Task Force Kaagapay” to provide more focus and holistic approach to relief operations.

The task force engages all stakeholders in the Southern Tagalog and Bicol Regions in providing assistance and extending help through the “bayanihan” spirit for the typhoon victims.

The command has already deployed more than 500 troops to augment other government teams who are already still conducting humanitarian aids in the areas.

The Solcom teams comprised the staff from Naval Forces for Southern Luzon Command (NFSL), Tactical Operations Group 5 (TOG 5) and doctors, nurses and responders.

The service support personnel from 9th Infantry (Spear) Division, Philippine Army that make up Team Albay, Team Camarines Sur and Team Quezon were also deployed.

In the aftermath of the “Yolanda” twister, the Solcom 1st Special Forces Battalion and 565th Engineer and Construction Battalion were sent as first responders for the rescue, retrieval, relief and reconstruction operations.

Ordoyo also facilitated the deployment of the landing craft utility vessel BRP Tagbanua (AT 296), M/V Ursula, M/V Natasha, M/V Reyna Emmaculada, LCT Mailing and LCT Viva to augment shipment flows from the Matnog Port in Sorsogon connecting to Allen, Samar.

The sea crafts eased up transport flow of relief goods and passengers from various part of Luzon to Leyte and Samar provinces in Eastern Visayas.

Lt. Gen. Ordoyo expressed his gratitude to the stakeholders for their cooperation and support to the efforts of the Command and likewise lauded his troops for their active participation in the endeavor.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=595830

MILF vows to punish men involved in Lanao Norte, Marawi hostage incidents

From InterAksyon (Dec 11): MILF vows to punish men involved in Lanao Norte, Marawi hostage incidents



MILF vice chairman Ghadzali Jaafar

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front on Wednesday vowed to punish its commanders and fighters involved in hostage incidents, including the rescue of detained comrades in which they briefly held the chief of police of Marawi City.

"We have our mechanism of penalizing members who violate laws of the organization and the existing ceasefire agreement between us and the government," Ghadzali Jaafar, MILF vice chair for political affairs, said. "I assure the government that the ceasefire mechanism is working on it and we will not allow any of our member to go unpunished if they commit violations."

On December 6, MILF fighters under the command of Abdulla Macapaar, alias Commander Bravo, stormed the Marawi City police office to rescue three of their comrades and held hostage Superintendent Christopher Panapan.

The chief of police was later released unharmed.

Jaafar also said the MILF leadership is investigating its members who held 12 civilians hostage in Balo-i, Lanao del Norte.

Five civilians remain captive in what local authorities believe is a “rido” or family feud.

The incidents took place even as the MILF and government negotiating panels were meeting in Kuala Lumpur where they signed the annex on power sharing for a proposed Bangsamoro homeland.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/76633/milf-vows-to-punish-men-involved-in-lanao-norte-marawi-hostage-incidents

11 officers take new posts in PNP rigodon

From InterAksyon (Dec 11): 11 officers take new posts in PNP rigodon

At least 11 senior officers of the Philippine National Police (PNP) were appointed to key positions following the mandatory retirement of four senior officers upon the recommendation of the Senior Officers Placement and Promotion Board (SOPPB) and as approved by PNP chief Gen. Alan Purisima.

“The latest round of reorganization of officials occupying third level key positions was triggered by the recent retirement of erstwhile second in command, Police Deputy Director General Ager P Ontog, and three members of the PNP Directorial Staff,” said Senior Supt. Reuben Theodore Sindac, head of the PNP’s Public Information Office. 

Leading the promotion was Police Deputy Director General Felipe Rojas Jr., who was designated second in command of the PNP as the deputy chief for administration (DCA). He was former head of the PNP operations.

Police Deputy Director General Leonardo Espina, former head of Directorial Staff, was named third in command as the deputy chief for operations (DCO).

Police Deputy Director General Marcelo Garbo Jr. as fourth in command as the acting chief of directorial staff (TCDS). He was former head of the National Capital Regional Police Office (NCRPO).

Purisima designated Police Director Carmelo Valmoria, former head of the Special Action Force (SAF), as acting NCRPO chief.

Purisima also named other senior police officials to new posts in the PNP Directorial Staff (D-Staff), Police Regional Office (PRO), and National Support Units (NSU).

They are Chief Supt. Jaime Morente, acting director for personnel and records Management (DPRM); Chief Supt. Charles Calima, acting director for intelIigence (DI); Chief Supt. Alex Paul Monteagudo, acting director for human resource and doctrine development (DHRDD); Chief Supt. Ricardo Marquez, acting director for operations (DO); Police Director Franciso Uyami Jr., director for research and development (DRD); Chief Supt. Benjamin Magalong, acting director of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG); Chief Supt. Josephus Angan, acting regional director of Police Regional Office 6 in Western Visayas; and Chief Supt. Isagani Nerez, acting regional director PRO Cordillera. 

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/76640/11-officers-take-new-posts-in-pnp-rigodon

Misuari was never at OIC meeting, says DFA

From InterAksyon (Dec 11): Misuari was never at OIC meeting, says DFA

Contrary to the claims of the Moro National Liberation Front spokesman, MNLF founding chairman Nur Misuari never showed up at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) meeting at the Republic of Guinea in Africa, the Department of Foreign Affairs said Wednesday.

In a text message, DFA spokesman Raul Hernandez debunked the claim of MNLF spokesman Atty. Emmanuel Fontanilla that Misuari, who reportedly slipped out of the country Dec. 7, had proceeded to the meeting of the OIC, where the MNLF has a permanent observer status.

This week’s OIC meeting came amid repports that the Southern Philippines Peace Committee of the Islamic bloc had been pitching to Manila the holding of tripartite talks among OIC, the Philippine government and the MNLF in a bid to resolve the rupture created by the Misuari bloc’s involvement in the 21-day siege of Zamboanga City in September, that left hundreds killed and some 10,000 homes destroyed.

In debunking Fontanilla’s claim, Hernandez quoted the DFA representative at the OIC meeting, Undersecretary Rafael Seguis, as reporting that Misuari never attended the said meeting. "Usec Rafael Seguis just informed me that the OIC meetings are on their third and last day and [are] about to end with the adoption of resolutions and closing speeches," Hernandez said.

The MNLF seat was “vacant," Hernandez quoted Seguis reporting.

The DFA has alerted the Bureau of Immigration and the DFA’s foreign posts abroad about Misuari's cancelled passport, which makes it illegal for him to ttravel, or for anyone to assist him to exit the country.

A hold-departure order was imposed on Misuari since October, shortly after the three-week hostage standoff which he is accused of masterminding.

The MNLF founding chairman, who in 1996 signed a historic peace agreement with the Philippine government and then was elected governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, has been charged with rebellion and crimes against humanity for the Zamboanga siege.

Earlier, Fontanilla claimed Misuari is in West Africa after being able to slip through the security forces' cordon in Mindanao and out of the so-called Southern Philippines' backdoor. He supposedly reached Sulawesi, Indonesia by sea then boarded a plane to the Middle East, where his family has supposedly gone.

The OIC sent Misuari a letter-invitation dated November 24 for him to attend the  meeting as the "sole" representative of the MNLF. The Philippines has also been trying to apply for a similar status-- permanent observer-- in the conference, but the MNLF is said to be blocking this, saying there was "no need" for the country to be part of the influential Islamic bloc.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/76648/misuari-was-never-at-oic-meeting-says-dfa

Journos protest alleged lumber smuggling by soldiers in NCotabato

From the Philippine Star (Dec 10): Journos protest alleged lumber smuggling by soldiers in NCotabato



The 'coverage holiday' on all activities of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division (ID) being observed by Mindanao journalists has been continuing since last week, amid a lumber smuggling controversy hounding its rank-and-file personnel since last month.

The move by members of the media was triggered by a foiled attempt by soldiers to smuggle undocumented forest products about three weeks ago from a protected rainforest in Alamada town in North Cotabato.

Catholic priests and Protestant preachers were among the latest to have called on President Benigno Aquino III to immediately order an immediate overhaul of the 6th ID leadership, after many innocent soldiers complained of demoralization in their ranks as a result of the misbehavior of several colleagues.

Reverend Troy Cordero, leader of a Christian sect in Cotabato City, said he urged his followers to pray for the national government's intervention on the controversy.

"We're not antagonistic or confrontational about it. We just want the controversy resolved expeditiously because we already have so much problems brought about by the perennial flooding in many parts of Cotabato City. The rivers in Alamada flow down to the Liguasan Marsh, whose waters causes the frequent inundation of our barangays in Cotabato City during the rainy season," Cordero told reporters.

Local executives and religious leaders in North Cotabato have earlier called on Malacañang to immediately relieve 6th ID’s commander, Major Gen. Romeo Gapuz, while investigations on the controversy are still underway.

Soldiers, led by an Army captain, were intercepted by members of the Alamada municipal police last month while transporting Lawaan lumbers from the municipality to somewhere in Central Mindanao using military trucks from Camp Siongco, the command base of 6th ID.

Col. Dickson Hermoso, spokesman of 6th ID, said their local Board of Inquiry (BOI), and officials of the Philippine Army’s national headquarters have launched separate investigations on the issue, which sparked indignation from among local sectors in Central Mindanao, and various peace advocacy organizations and environmentalists.

“We cannot issue any statement yet on the issue pending the outcome of the investigations. We need to wait for results before we can issue an official statement. I hope the 6th ID’s temporary silence will not be negatively misconstrued,” Hermoso stated in a text message to reporters in Cotabato City.

Junior officers and enlisted personnel of the division have complained of having been shamed and demoralized by the involvement of their colleagues in smuggling of lumbers.

“How can those trucks leave the camp without blessing of senior 6th ID officials? So shameful, so embarrassing,” an insider, who asked not to be identified, said.

Reporters have been receiving text messages from members of the 6th ID, urging for a deeper probe on the controversy, which has caused demoralization in their ranks.

Two soldiers escorting the forest products policemen intercepted in Alamada had been shot and wounded for refusing to disarm.

Ambulo Bantugan, district officer of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in North Cotabato, confirmed that the lumbers seized from the soldiers were undocumented.

North Cotabato Gov. Emmylou Talino-Mendoza earlier said she will ask the DENR office in Region 12 to allow the use of the impounded Lawaan flitches for school desks and chairs for public schools in the province.

Members of Central Mindanao’s media community said they will only resume their coverage of the 6th ID’s activities only after Gapuz had retired from the military service in April 2014, or if he gets relieved earlier than his retirement.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/12/10/1266421/journos-protest-alleged-lumber-smuggling-soldiers-ncotabato

Police trace owners of guns in Zambo siege

From the Philippine Star (Dec 10): Police trace owners of guns in Zambo siege

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has traced owners of some of the firearms that its personnel recovered during the mopping up operations in the city after the three-week siege by the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

Chief Inspector Ariel Huesca, spokesman and chief of the Firearms and Explosives Security Guards Section (FESAGS) of the Police Regional Office 9 (PRO), said they have traced at least 5 owners of recovered firearms.

Huesca said the three of the owners are private individuals and the two other owners registered their firearms at the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezo City.

He said the private individuals are residents of Pangasinan, Dipolog City in Zamboanga del Norte and Pagadian City in Zamboanga del Sur and a security guard based in this city.

Security forces have recovered more than 300 firearms at the height of the siege and clearing operations after the three-week standoff in this city last September.

Huesca said that the police may get good leads in its ongoing investigation to determine the identities of the individuals involved in the siege, which was instigated by MNLF founding chairman Nur Misuari.

Regional police director Chief Superintendent Juanito Vaño has ordered the investigating team to also focus on the people who supported the MNLF in the siege, including those who may have funded and those who provided war materials to the rebel group.

The goverment has filed charges against nearly 300 MNLF rebels for the Zamboanga siege. Twelve of those charged, includingMisuari and Ustadz Habier Malik, remained at large.

There are claims that Misuari has already slipped out of the country and was attending the Organization of Islamic Conference meeting in West Africa.

The military and the police believe that Malik was among those killed by troops while attempting to recover the areas occupied by the MNLF rebels in the city.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2013/12/10/1266447/police-trace-owners-guns-zambo-siege

Zambo siege was carried out by ‘misguided’ factions in MNLF – AFP official

From GMA News (Dec 10): Zambo siege was carried out by ‘misguided’ factions in MNLF – AFP official

A military spokesman said that the Armed Forces of the Philippines is "not against" the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in general since the attack on Zamboanga City in September was carried out not by the whole group but by "misguided" factions led by the group's founding chairman Nur Misuari.

"We have a final peace agreement already with the MNLF and we are not against the MNLF... What happened in Zamboanga [was done by] factions of the MNLF, that they used violence to advance their goals which, to us, is unacceptable," said AFP information chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala on Tuesday.

"We believe that the MNLF still abides by the final peace agreement and that what happened in Zamboanga [was done] only [by] those misguided by Nur Misuari," he added.

Misuari and some of his men are wanted for the attack, which left over 200 people dead, most of them MNLF fighters.

Although not physically present during the attack, Misuari allegedly ordered the siege as he accused the government of disregarding them in the peace negotiations it is conducting with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

The rebels claimed last year's signing of a Bangsamoro Framework Agreement between the government and the MILF sidelined the peace agreement the government signed with the MNLF in 1996.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/339199/news/nation/zambo-siege-was-carried-out-by-misguided-factions-in-mnlf-afp-official

Military offers reconciliation to MNLF-MG relatives, 3 months after Zambo City siege

From the Daily Tribune (Dec 10): Military offers reconciliation to MNLF-MG relatives, 3 months after Zambo City siege

Three months after the bloody, 20-day siege in Zamboanga City, the military has started reaching out to dependents of the members of the Moro National Liberation Front-Misuari Group (MNLF-MG) involved in the conflict that erupted last September, offering cash assistance.

In a press statement issued yesterday, the Army’s 104th Brigade, led by Col. Carlito Galvez, said that the move, launched in partnership with Nagdilaan Foundation, local government units and other stakeholders, was implemented in Basilan province recently.

Galvez said the military also engaged the relatives of the MNLF-MG involved in the Zamboanga City siege in a dialog.

“With the help of our partners, we were able to distribute foods and cash assistance to the dependents,” Galvez said.

“The families with great resentment against the military are beginning to open-up and approach and embrace the military and police as a sign of their gesture of appreciation to the dialog and healing activity,” he added.

The move is expected to be implemented in other areas where members and relatives of MNLF-MG reside.

Army 1st Infantry Division (ID) chief Brig. Gen. Felicito Virgilio Trinidad ordered for the propagation of such activity to reach out to the dependents of other MNLF-MG members in other areas.

“Only through this effort that the MNLF-MG dependents understand what happened in Zamboanga City that took the lives of their loved ones. By acting in their predicaments, we will foster the spirit of ‘Bayanihan’ (volunteerism), for the people and for the achievement of long lasting peace in this part of the Philippines,” said Trinidad.

Three months after the bloody siege, the military has yet to account for Nur Misuari, tagged as the brains behind the attack launched by his loyalists, led by Ustadz Habier Malik, whose fate also remained unknown. Both Misuari and Malik are now the subjects of arrest warrant.

While the government claimed that Malik was killed during the siege, it has offered no concrete proof to back up such claim.

On the other hand, Misuari has continuously evade arrest and the MNLF-Misuari faction claims he will be attending the ongoing foreign minister meeting of the powerful Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) which invited Misuari in the meet in Conakry, republic of Guinea in Africa.

Misuari is recognized by OIC as representative of the MNLF which holds a permanent observer status in the powerful group of Muslim states worldwide.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/military-offers-reconciliation-to-mnlf-mg-relatives-3-months-after-zambo-city-seige

MNLF threatens new attacks

From ABS-CBN (Dec 10): MNLF threatens new attacks

The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) is threatening to launch new attacks in Mindanao following the signing of the annex on power sharing in the framework agreement between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

MNLF spokesman Absalom Cerveza issued the warning yesterday a day after the government and the MILF signed the deal in Kuala Lumpur.

“Certainly, that would lead to another war. They can sign everything. If they want to continue, then let the war continue,” Cerveza said.

Cerveza pointed out that the signing of the annex on the power sharing agreement further convinced the group to pursue its desire for a separate and independent state in Mindanao.

The government is moving to downplay the influence of Nur Misuari over the MNLF by declaring that the group is divided into three factions.

As this developed, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Deles has reportedly asked the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) for the exclusion of Misuari as MNLF representative to the scheduled tripartite meeting in Indonesia next year.

The tripartite meeting between the government, the MNLF and the OIC is aimed at updating parties and the international community on the progress of the 1996 Peace Agreement that the government signed with the MNLF.

Cervesa also claimed that Malacañang was also asking the OIC not to recognize the founding chairman of the MNLF because he is a fugitive.

Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) dared Misuari yesterday to come out in the open to prove his innocence on the charges of rebellion and other related crimes.

“A warrant has been issued against him and if he is innocent, he should come out and prove his innocence,” AFP Public Affairs Office chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said.

The AFP maintains that Misuari – contrary to reports that he has left the country and is now in hiding in the Middle East with his family – is actually holed up in Talipao, Sulu.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/12/09/13/mnlf-threatens-new-attacks

Bangsamoro deal unconstitutional, MNLF claims

From ABS-CBN (Dec 10): Bangsamoro deal unconstitutional, MNLF claims

Two days after the signing of the power-sharing annex of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB), Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) Chairman Muslimin Sema said creating a ministerial form of government is unconstitutional.

"Masaya tayo para sa GPH (government of the Philippines) at MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) pero ang pagtatatag ng ministerial form of government ay labag sa batas natin. Kung titingnan ang 1987 Constitution, dapat unitary form of government," Sema said.

Sema said a ministerial form of government was also presented on the 1976 Tripoli Agreement, but since it is against the law, they chose not to continue it.

"Ganito rin ang nangyari sa 1976 Tripoli Agreement, ministerial form din, pero dahil hindi tugma sa konstitusyon hindi na lang itinuloy," he said.

After reading the recently signed power sharing annex of the FAB, Sema said it makes no sense, noting that everything in it is the same with the 1996 final peace agreement.

"Pareho lang ang laman. Kung titingnan ng mabuti, parang walang sense. Ang tapos na sana, inulit na naman, ililipat lang sa ibang papel tapos idadaan na naman sa mahabang proseso," he added.

Meanwhile, GPH chief negotiator Miriam Coronel-Ferrer said what Sema stated is not true.

Ferrer said there are lots of changes and differences between the 1996 final peace agreement and the FAB in terms of governance and jurisdiction.

"Maraming bagay ang nabago. Una, dun sa usapin ng jurisdiction sa ilang aspeto ng natural resources may significant changes. Ang Bangsamoro makakalahok sa pag-determine, exploration, development at restoration of minerals at energy resources.

Hindi malinaw yan sa RA 9054 at 1996 final peace agreement," Ferrer said.
She also said having a ministerial form of government is not against the 1987 Constitution.

"Hindi yan totoo. Ang nakalagay sa 1987 Constitution ay yung autonomous government will define a structure of government. Kung babasahin lahat, nasa Article 10 ng Constitution yan, at ang nakalagay lang doon dapat ay elected ang executive at legislative bodies para matiyak pa rin ang democracy," she explained.

Meanwhile, the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighter (BIFF) does not seem to care on the matter.

BIFF spokesperson Abu Missry Mama said they do not support nor oppose the FAB, but they are open for a separate dialogue for an everlasting peace.

"Yan naman talaga ang gusto natin eh, kapayapaan para sa Mindanao, hindi naman tayo kontra diyan," Mama said.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/12/10/13/bangsamoro-deal-unconstitutional-mnlf-claims

PHL Marine Corps set to buy targeting, imagery equipment

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 10): PHL Marine Corps set to buy targeting, imagery equipment

In a bid to enhance the capability of the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC), the Department of National Defense (DND) on Tuesday announced that it is allocating P684,230,000 to develop its so-called "Marines Forces Imagery and Targeting Support System Acquisition Project" (MITSS).

Funds for the MITSS will be sourced through the Revised Armed Forces of the Philippines Modernization Program.

Interested bidders are required to supply one MITSS to each of the three brigade of the PMC.

Each MITSS consist of two small unmanned aerial vehicles, three target acquisition devices, and four kits of tactical sensor integration support system.

Aside from this, an integrated logistic support system and one training MITSS manual.

Interested parties are required to complete a similar project within the last five years.

Pre-bid conference is scheduled on Dec. 16 at the DND bidding awards committee conference room, right wing, basement, DND building, Camp Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City.

Bid opening is on Jan. 6, 2014. Bid documents can be acquired for P75,000.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=595456

PN's BRP Emilio Jacinto rescues 10 fishermen off Recto Bank

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 10): PN's BRP Emilio Jacinto rescues 10 fishermen off Recto Bank

BRP Emilio Jacinto (PS-35), one of three Jacinto-class patrol vessels in Philippine Navy (PN) service, on Tuesday successfully rescued 10 distressed fishermen who were stranded off Recto Bank, Kalayaan Island Group since Dec. 5.

Western Command spokesperson 1st Lt. Cheryl Tindog said the 10 fishermen are now in stable condition.

BRP Emilio Jacinto is expected to arrive in Camp Gen. Artemio Ricarte in Puerto Princesa, Palawan around 2 p.m.

Once there, the fishermen will be treated at the field hospital located there.

She identified the rescued fishermen of M/B "3 Sisters 98" as: Jessie Salac, Pedro Cabago, Reynald Cabago, Melvin Aquino, Jherson Recacurva, Benjie Bagao, Arislit Ray El Sy, Erlan Sagang, Danilo Layan, and Jayven Secor.

The fishermen got stuck on Recto Bank after their boat suffered engine trouble.

Tindog said the PN had received a distress call from the fishermen on Dec. 5.

A Nomad plane from the Philippine Air Force was sent first to air drop food, water, and medicines for the fishermen.

The PN also sent its rescue team but it returned after the patrol boat was unable to withstand big waves.

 http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=595479

AFP prepared to defend against attacks of rogue MNLF units

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 10): AFP prepared to defend against attacks of rogue MNLF units

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday expressed its willingness to defend the peace and order in the country in wake of the threat of some factions of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) to launch attacks against civilians and military targets.

This is allegedly in retaliation for the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)'s successful signing on Sunday of their power sharing agreement.

"It is the desire of the AFP to end or put a closure to all internal security threats through peaceful means like this one with the MILF. This closure will bring peace to the area. However, if others do not see it that way, that is unfortunate but it is the duty of the AFP to maintain peace and order at all times, so if there are any threats from anyone we are prepared for it," said AFP public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala.

He added that the AFP will not tolerate any attacks that would disrupt the ongoing peace process.

Zagala also stressed that the AFP does not want a repeat of the September siege in Zamboanga City.

"We do not desire (a repeat of the) Zamboanga City and now if there are threats, we will address it accordingly," the AFP public affairs office chief stated.

But so far, Zagala said they are still to receive pertinent information regarding threat of MNLF attacks.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=595531

Kerry to visit typhoon-hit Tacloban during PHL visit

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 10): Kerry to visit typhoon-hit Tacloban during PHL visit
 
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry will travel to the typhoon-ravaged city of Tacloban during his visit to the Philippines next week, the State Department said on Tuesday.

“The Secretary will visit the storm-hit city of Tacloban to witness first-hand the recovery efforts that are taking place there and discuss how the United States can continue to contribute to the relief and reconstruction work,” a State Department statement said.

The U.S. government, a long-time military ally of the Philippines, was among the first countries to bring in troops and aircraft, navy ships and financial assistance after the country was stunned by the magnitude of the death and destruction wrought by super typhoon Yolanda on Nov 8. At least 5,800 were killed and the numbers continue to grow by the day as more bodies are being retrieved from the rubble.

Kerry’s Philippine visit is part of his Southeast Asian swing, which includes Vietnam.

The State Department did not say the date of Kerry’s Philippine visit but said he will travel to Jerusalem, Ramallah, Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Tacloban and Manila from December 11-18.

“In Manila, the Secretary will meet with senior Philippine officials to discuss ways to build on our already-strong economic, security, and people-to-people relations,” it said.

Kerry was supposed to visit Manila last October in place of U.S. President Barack Obama, who canceled his first-ever visit to the Philippines on Oct. 11 and 12, due to a budget deadlock at the U.S. Congress that forced a shutdown of U.S. government agencies nationwide.

The trip was shelved due to bad weather.

Kerry was expected to discuss with counterpart Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario a planned increased rotation presence of American troops in the Philippines -- the terms of which are being negotiated by Philippine and U.S. panels.

They were also expected to touch on regional and international issues like China’s air defense zone and the renewed tensions in the South China Sea, where the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, China and Taiwan are locked in a years-long territorial rivalry.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=595590