(YEARENDER) PN modernization going at a good clip

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 16): (YEARENDER) PN modernization going at a good clip

With the arrival of its Hamilton-class cutter, BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF-16) and three of the five AgustaWestland AW-109 "Power" helicopters, and signing and bidding of major ship contracts, the modernization of the Philippine Navy (PN), the force mandated to protect the country's vast maritime domains, is going on a good clip.

Navy spokesperson Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic said they are very excited with the way things are going for the PN which for decades has sadly lagged behind its other Southeast Asian counterparts.

But with the arrival of the BRP Ramon Alcaraz last Aug. 6, after a two-month voyage from the United States, and commissioning last Nov. 22 and delivery of the three AW-109s last Dec. 8, Fabic said that the maritime domain awareness capability of the PN was greatly boosted.

Contract for the naval helicopters were signed last Dec. 20, 2012.

The arrival of these assets also ensures that BRP Gregorio Del Pilar (PF-15), the country's first Hamilton-class cutter, will no longer have to do maritime sovereignty patrols in the West Philippines on her own.

The ability of the PN to protect the country's vast waters will be greatly increased once the combat versions of the AW-109s, the last two of the five ordered for P1.33 billion for AgustaWestland, arrives in the third quarter of 2014.

Last Dec. 12, BRP Ramon Alcaraz, after her three-week relief mission off "Yolanda" battered Tacloban City, was assigned to the Western Command in Puerto Princesa, Palawan.

This military unit is tasked to protect Palawan's vast maritime areas which includes parts of the Kalayaan Island Group and the West Philippine Sea.

The arrival of BRP Ramon Alcaraz ensures constant naval monitoring and surveillance of fish and energy rich territory.

"2013 was a very good year for the PN, we are hoping that the coming year (2014) will also be a good one for us," he added.

Aside from this, another good thing that happened for the Navy this 2013, was that the contract for the PN's P4-billion "strategic sealift vessel" (SSVs) was finally awarded to PT PAL Indonesia (Persero) early this August.

The latter company won after offering a bid price offer of P3,863,999,520.

The two-ship project is expected to be completed within two years.

"The SSV is an integral part of the PN's Service Force (logistic) and is needed to accomplish the Navy's missions in different areas," Fabic earlier said.

The ships are estimated to weigh around 7,300 gross register tons and capable of transporting at least a battalion of troops (500 men) and their equipment.

The SSVs will be also used to improve the PN's transport and lift capabilities.

These missions are needed especially in times of natural disaster of which the Navy is one of the responders, as proven during the aftermath of super typhoon "Yolanda" where the PN deployed around 30 ships to help in the ongoing disaster and relief efforts.

The ships are capable of acting as mini-helicopter carriers as it is capable of carrying two helicopters at its flight deck and another at its enclosed hangar area.

Another welcome development for the Navy this year is the bidding for its two-brand new frigates has finally gotten off the ground.

First stage bidding was conducted last Oct. 25 and of this posting, around four firms have qualified for the program which is worth P18 billion.

Navantia Sepi (RTR Ventures) of Spain and South Korean firms STX Offshore & Shipbuilding, Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co. Ltd. and Hyundai Heavy Industries, Inc. hurdled the first stage of the bidding process, which involved the inspection of company documents.

The second stage of the bidding will involve the opening of financial proposals and technical documents. This phase will determine if the bidders’ offers are well within the approved budget of P18-billion and if their goods are in line with the specifications provided in the bid documents. The second phase of the bidding will be held this month.

The Department of National Defense (DND) decided to conduct a two-stage competitive bidding due to the technical and detailed nature of the project.

The winning bidder is required to deliver the ships within four years from the opening of a letter of credit, a document that assures the supplier that the government will honor its financial obligations.

And should it come into fruition, the two ships will be the most heavily armed vessels in PN service.

Technical specifications obtained by MaxDefense: Philippines, a blogsite for Philippine defense related matters, revealed that the ships, at minimum, will be armed with:

-76mm gun at forward section with target tracking radar and/or electro-optical target acquisition and fire control computer;

-one stabilized secondary gun;

-four .50-caliber machine guns;

-primary and secondary guns shall be integrated to combat management system;

four surface-to-surface missile launchers, minimum 50km range, active homing seeker and ECCM capability;

-surface-to-air missile launching system, minimum quadruple launcher, minimum 6km range, IR or semi-active homing seeker, with ECCM and/or IR CCM capability;

-anti-submarine torpedoes, minimum range 2km, minimum depth 500m, with acoustic countermeasures capability, two triple launchers (one on each side).

With these armaments, the ships will capable of engaging any aerial, surface and sub-surface threats that may intrude in Philippine territory.

At present, the most potent weapon system in PN service is the 76mm Oto Melara main gun and Mark 38 Model 2 25mm "Bushmaster" auto-cannon fitted in the Gregorio Del Pilar class frigates and Emilio Jacinto class patrol vessels.

Earlier, PN Patrol Force head Commodore Jose Renan C. Suarez said that the two frigates will be the most capable yet in Philippine service due to its capability to detect and engage airborne, surface and underwater threats simultaneously.

Suarez said that these ships are part of the PN's "Navy Frigate Program" which has a timeline of 2013 to 2017.

He added that these ships are designed with numerous upgrades cycle to ensure that they will remain relevant and competitive against new vessels coming in line.

Suarez said that these ships will greatly enhanced PN's capabilities to defend the country's vast maritime territories.

Aside from this, other items in the process of bidding for Navy include three more multi-purpose attack crafts of which six to nine are already in service and the so-called "Marines Forces Imagery and Targeting Support System Acquisition Project" (MITSS) for the Philippine Marine Corps (PMC) which is worth P684,230,000.

This aims to improve the surveillance, monitoring and targeting capability of three brigades that makes up the PMC.

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.

Aside from getting new equipment to boost up its capabilities, plans are also afoot to upgrade the existing ships of the fleet.

The DND earlier announced that it is allocating P216 million to modernize the BRP Artemio Ricarte (PS-37), one of the three Jacinto Class Patrol Vessels (JCPV), in its service.

The latter are the Peacock patrol ships acquired from the United Kingdom in Aug. 1, 1997.

The money will be used to update the marine engineering upgrade of the above-mentioned ship.

The latter refers to to the development, design, operation and maintenance of watercraft propulsion and on-board systems; e.g. power and propulsion plants, machinery, piping, automation and control systems for marine vehicles.

This is phase of the JCPV upgrade with Phase 1 being the installation of the new Raytheon gyro compass, Sperry Marine Naval BridgeMaster E Series Surface Search Radar, GPS, anemometer, and EM logs.

These were integrated with the ship's existing systems. The Phase 1 upgrade was completed in 2005.

The DND said that interested parties must have completed a similar project within the last five years.

It added that winning bidders must be able to deliver the goods or required service within 180 calendar working days upon the opening of the letter of credit.

Besides this, plans are also in the works to place the two Gregorio Del Pilar class frigates of the PN under the so-called "service life extension programs" (SLEP).

The latter refers to the systematic upgrades to the warship's power-plant, navigation, weapons system, communication, and hull.

This has the effect of making the ship serviceable for much longer period of time.

Fabic said that the two Gregorio Del Pilar frigates in Philippine service, BRP Gregorio Del Pilar and BRP Ramon Alcaraz will made to undergo SLEP upon serving the Navy a specified number of years.

The upgrades will make the ship at par with other modern vessels being fielded by other navies.

SLEP will also ensure that the PN will have these ships in service much longer.

It is also a cheaper alternative.

Fabic added that ships constructed during the 1960s up to present are easily upgradeable due to their modular construction.

The two Gregorio Del Pilar frigates in PN service had their keels laid up during the early part of the 1960s.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=597172

Basileňo tops 1st Infantry Division Candidate Soldier’s Training Course

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 16): Basileňo tops 1st Infantry Division Candidate Soldier’s Training Course

A Basileňo has topped the 1st Infantry Division Candidate Soldier's Training Course which was concluded this Sunday.

Capt. Jefferson Somera, 1st Infantry Division spokesperson, identified the topnotcher as Rodel I. Babao, a resident of Isabela City, Basilan.

Babao vested the top position out of 138 members of the Candidate Soldier Course Class 318-2013 cross trained with Jungle Warfare Mountaineering Operation Course.

His training was conducted by instructors from the 1st Infantry Division which based in Labangan, Zamboanga Del Sur.

Babao was followed by Richard R. Aninion and Nover B. Rillera both from Molave, Zamboanga Del Sur.

The class which opened last June 15 has originally a regular quota of 144 members.

From 144, only 138 graduated the rigors of military trainings and discipline.

Among the 138, there are 42 college graduate, 62 college level, 28 have undergone vocational courses.

Twenty- five are high school graduates but proved to be deserving candidates as they possessed the skills required to qualify for enlistment; 115 are Visaya, three are Ilocano, and 19 of them from different ethnic groups like Tagalog, Chavacano, Ilonggo, Muslim and Subanen.

Meanwhile, 1st Infantry Division commander Brig. Gen. Felicito Virgilio M. Trinidad, Jr., congratulated the new members of his unit by saying:

"You are the new breed of the Philippine Army under the Army Transformation Road Map. We are expecting from you as your parents and relatives do, to perform your duty to the best of your ability. You are now a soldier of the people, serve them well," he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=597186

AW-109 pilots, crew to master deck landings

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 16): AW-109 pilots, crew to master deck landings

Prior their deployment to the two Gregorio Del Pilar frigates currently in service, the Philippine Navy (PN) on Monday announced that the pilots and the crewmen of the newly-arrived AgustaWestland AW-109 "Power" helicopters will undergo proficiency on making approaches and deck landings.

Lt. Cmdr. Gregory Fabic, Navy spokesperson, said that this will be done once the AW-109s are commissioned into service this month.

These specialized training will be conducted by deck landing qualified pilots and crewmen of the Navy, he said.

Fabic added that he expects AW-109 pilots and crewmen to quickly master this skill as they are already experienced airmen and considered among the best as they were selected to attend the six-month training course in Cesto Calende in Italy early this year.

The two Gregorio Del Pilar frigates are capable of handling and servicing helicopters as they are equipped with a retractable hanger and flight deck at the stern.

The AW-109s are expected to increase the range and surveillance capabilities of the two ships once in service.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=597219

Palace: Gov't likely to declare ceasefire with NPAs

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 16): Palace: Gov't likely to declare ceasefire with NPAs
 
As it has done every year, the government is likely to declare a unilateral Christmas ceasefire with communist rebels this year, Malacañang said Monday.

Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda expressed hopes the Communist Party of the Philippines, NPA and National Democratic Front would reciprocate the gesture.

"We hope the NPA-CPP-NDF would reciprocate, but as far as this government is concerned, we have traditionally declared a unilateral ceasefire every year," he said.

He added the Palace will announce the dates of the ceasefire once the matter is finalized.

But he also said the ceasefire does not stop government troops from taking defensive positions "when something happens."

"It does not stop us from taking defensive operations when something happens and we need to protect our people," he said.

 http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=597273

78th AFP foundation day to be simple

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 16): 78th AFP foundation day to be simple

In deference to the persons severely displaced and affected by super typhoon "Yolanda" in the Visayas, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced that it will be celebrating its 78th founding anniversary on Dec. 21 in a very simple manner.

"There will no parade and the celebration will be very simple. This is a way for the AFP to show its sympathy to the victims of 'Yolanda', AFP public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said on Monday.

While there will be a thanksgiving mass, there will no more troop reviews consisting of division size formations.

"The program will be very simple and held to recognize our soldiers who have excelled in combat and administration mission," he pointed out.

Zagala added that President Benigno S. Aquino III will be the guest of honor.

"The highlight will be the message of our Commander-In-Chief," he stressed.

The AFP public affairs chief added that he has no idea yet of how much the military will be saving on its simplified 78th anniversary program, stressing that its ongoing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief mission in the Visayas is more important.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=597318

Army hunting down NPAs who set off IED after clash

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 16): Army hunting down NPAs who set off IED after clash

Government forces are running after a band of communist rebels who set off improvised bombs following a 30-minute firefight in Arakan, North Cotabato Sunday afternoon, the Army here said.

"We have two wounded soldiers but we are convinced they have more casualties," Lt. Nasrullah Sema, speaking for the Army's 57th Infantry Battalion, said.

He identified the injured soldiers as Pfc. Oliver Magbanua and Cpl. Abdullah Camsa, both of the 57th IB.

Camsa and Magbanua sustained multiple shrapnel injuries in different parts of their bodies.

The soldiers were on their way to Barangay Kabalantian, a hinterland community in Arakan after receiving information from villagers about the presence of about 20 NPAs.

Sema said the NPAs opened fire first on the patrolling soldiers, provoking a running gun battle when the guerrillas decided to retreat after running out of ammunition.

As the soldiers were chasing the rebels, two explosions occurred on the trail.“We have information they have wounded comrades they carried as they fled,” Sema said.

Lieutenant Colonel Nilo Vinluan, 57th IB commanding officer, said clearing operations are still on going to check on landmines believed to have been planted by the rebels as they fled toward the borders of North Cotabato and Bukidnon.

“The NPAs are known for planting explosives that can kill innocent civilians as retaliation for the losses they incur whenever they figure in encounters with the military,” Vinluan said.

Vinluan said his two wounded subordinates are now confined in a hospital, undergoing medication.

Sema said several families in the hinterland district of Arakan have been providing the Army with information about the presence of the rebels who have been mulcting them of their farm produce.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=597313

Kerry arrives Dec 17, to visit Tacloban

From Rappler (Dec 16): Kerry arrives Dec 17, to visit Tacloban



PUSHING THROUGH. US Secretary of State John Kerry arrives in the Philippines on Dec 17. File photo by Nicholas Kamm/AFP

US Secretary of State John Kerry's trip to the Philippines will finally push through on Tuesday, December 17, and will include a visit to typhoon-hit Tacloban City.

Kerry, who will stay in the Philippines for two days, will discuss regional issues and humanitarian assistance after Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).

In a statement, the Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Kerry will hold a joint press briefing with Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario past 2 pm on Tuesday.

The US State Department said Kerry will also attend a meeting, as well as a dinner, with President Benigno Aquino III on Tuesday.

This “will afford them an opportunity to speak in depth about the relationship and issues of common interest.”

Deal on US troops

Kerry will meet with American businessmen on Wednesday, December 18. He will end his trip by visiting Tacloban to discuss humanitarian aid for survivors of the world's strongest typhoon on record that has killed more than 6,000 people and affected 4 million residents of the Visayas.

During his visit, America's top diplomat is also expected to discuss a proposed deal to boost US troops in the Philippines. (READ: PH, US resume bases access talks after impasse.)

Recently, the US claimed Yolanda proves the need for a proposed agreement to increase their troops in the Philippines. (READ: New US envoy: PH needs us more after Haiyan.)

Senate Minority Leader Juan Ponce Enrile said Yolanda is not enough to justify increased US rotational presence in the Philippines. (READ: Enrile: Yolanda not justification for US-PH deal.)

Kerry initially planned to visit the Philippines in October, but a tropical storm poised to hit the country forced him to cancel his trip. (READ: Kerry blames PH trip, blames storm.)

http://www.rappler.com/nation/46018-us-john-kerry-philippines-visit

Army keeping watch on MNLF forces gathering in Cotabato

From InterAksyon (Dec 16): Army keeping watch on MNLF forces gathering in Cotabato



Army units are now keeping close watch on an estimated 200 Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) fighters spotted in the vicinity of Sitio Tuway, Barangay Tugal, Midsayap town, Cotabato Monday morning.

Capt. Antonio Bulao, 602nd Infantry Brigade civil-military operation officer, said that the group, headed by Commanders Noran Oto, Hasan and Dumo, was spotted around 7:00 a.m.

Bulao said intelligence reports indicated that the group was apparently after the relatives of Barangay Tugal chair Peng Kolilong, who were allegedly involved in the killing of Kasanudin Guialal, the former barangay chairman of Barangay Bakat, Datu Piang town, Maguindanao.

He added that the 40th Infantry Battalion is now closely watching the situation.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/76937/army-keeping-watch-on-mnlf-forces-gathering-in-cotabato

US warship threatened China's security: state media

Posted to InterAksyon (Dec 16): US warship threatened China's security: state media

A US warship that was forced to maneuver to avoid a collision with a Chinese naval vessel had "posed a threat", state-run media said Monday, after Washington accused China of being the aggressor.

The Global Times newspaper, which often takes a nationalistic stance, said the USS Cowpens guided missile cruiser had "come to China's threshold and posed a threat to China's military security".

Washington issued a formal protest after the incident in the South China Sea between the Cowpens and a Chinese navy vessel on December 5, insisting that the ships were in international waters.

Beijing claims almost the whole of the South China Sea, even areas close to the coasts of other littoral states.

"If the American navy and air force always encroach near China's doorstep, 'confrontation' is bound to take place," the Global Times said. "As China's strength grows, the US should learn to communicate with and respect China if it doesn't want a collision on the sea or in the air."

The stand-off underscored tensions that escalated after Beijing last month declared an expanded "air defense identification zone" in the East China Sea.

Foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying referred questions on the incident to China's defense ministry.

But she added: "I can tell you in principle that China respects the freedom of navigation and overflight that is in accordance with international laws."

The near-miss at sea is the most significant maritime incident between the US and China since 2009, when five Chinese ships surrounded and harassed a US Navy surveillance ship in the same waters.

US naval officers and defense officials said last week that the Chinese ship had crossed directly in front of the Cowpens and halted less than 500 metres away, forcing the American ship to take evasive action to avoid a collision.

The Global Times quoted an anonymous Chinese military expert as saying the US "was tailing after and harassing" China's Liaoning aircraft carrier which was conducting drills in the area, and that the USS Cowpens had come within 45 kilometers of the "inner defense layer of the Chinese fleet".

"Bad guys always claim innocence first," the source told the paper, adding that the US warship "took offensive actions at first towards the Liaoning formation on the day of the confrontation".

Su Hao, a professor of Asia-Pacific studies at China Foreign Affairs University, defended the Chinese vessel's actions, saying they were necessary to protect Beijing's maritime rights.

"The Chinese took action only after the US vessels refused to comply with warnings," he told the China Daily newspaper.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/76932/us-warship-threatened-chinas-security-state-media

CPP: Aquino’s anti-NPA explosives propaganda a smokescreen for aerial bombings—CPP

From the CPP Website (Dec 16): Aquino’s anti-NPA explosives propaganda a smokescreen for aerial bombings—CPP

Communist Party of the Philippines

 

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) today blasted at Benigno Aquino III’s “severe criticism of the use of command-detonated explosives by the NPA as nothing but a smokescreen to camouflage the indiscriminate and brutal aerial bombing campaigns being carried out by his armed forces in the countryside in their increasingly desperate aim to reduce the people’s armed resistance to inconsequentiality by year’s end.”

The CPP issued this statement in reaction to a statement yesterday by Aquino lauding the AFP for chancing upon an NPA munitions factory in Loreto town, Agusan del Sur. Aquino went on to criticize the NPA, saying “only combatants should be involved in fighting… (b)ut these land mines kill or injure people regardless of whether they are combatants or not.”

“Benigno Aquino III is engaging in the duplicitous game of misdirection by severely criticizing the NPA for using small-scale explosives against the AFP while ordering his armed forces to drop large-scale killer bombs from M-520 attack helicopters and indiscriminately firing 105m howitzer canons against undetermined targets, mostly directed towards civilian communities and farms,” said the CPP.

“He is deliberately circulating misinformation about NPA command-detonated land mines and explosives with his claims that these are indiscriminate,” said the CPP. “The NPA’s command-detonated explosives are, in fact, very discriminate. They are detonated only against specific military targets engaged in combat.”

“In contrast, it is the AFP’s aerial bombing runs, the howitzer canon fires and machine gun strafing that are not only indiscriminate but cause widespread and intense damage,” pointed out the CPP.

The most recent aerial bombing campaign was carried out by the AFP from November 18 to December 4 in Davao del Norte and Compostela Valley. It also carried out an aerial bombing run in Malibcong town, Abra towards the end of May, and another one on August 29-30 in Sagada and parts of Bontoc, Mountain Province. Such bombing campaigns have endangered the lives of, and traumatized, civilians in nearby communities. They have also resulted in widespread damage to agricultural fields, natural formations and watershed areas.

The AFP also carried out an indiscriminate aerial bombing run in the three-week siege of Zamboanga City last September, causing widespread fires, the destruction of tens of thousands of homes and the forcible evacuation of more than a hundred thousand people.

The CPP reiterated its call for an intensified local and international campaign to expose and demand an end to the aerial bombing campaigns being carried out by the AFP.

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20131216_aquino-s-anti-npa-explosives-propaganda-a-smokescreen-for-aerial-bombings-cpp

CPP: CPP belittles AFP discovery of NPA munitions factory

From the CPP Website (Dec 16): CPP belittles AFP discovery of NPA munitions factory

Communist Party of the Philippines

 

The Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) belittled the significance of the discovery by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) of “one of many” munitions factories of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Agusan del Sur. The Eastern Command of the AFP announced over the weekend that it seized 130 pieces of explosives in an NPA factory which AFP soldiers chanced upon in Loreto, Agusan del Sur.

“The claims made by the AFP that the explosives can ‘destroy a city when detonated at the same time’ is empty bragging in a vain attempt to puff-up the significance of their chance discovery.”

“In reality, the reported discovery by the AFP of an NPA munitions will have very little impact on the advance of the Filipino people’s revolutionary armed struggle,” said the CPP. “Over the past several years, the NPA has been maintaining scores of mobile munitions factories across the country, mostly managed and run by units of the people’s militias under the guidance of their respective NPA commands.”

“The establishment and production of these munitions factories are a mass undertaking and have been carried out in many of the more than 110 guerrilla fronts,” pointed out the CPP. “The peasant masses and their Red fighters undergo rigorous training in setting up these factories in the politico-military academies being run by the NPA.”

The CPP said further that the mass production by the peasant masses of explosive ordnance is part of the expansion and intensification of people’s war where the people and their people’s army arm themselves with both indigenous and manufactured weapons, with the aim of seizing more weapons from the fascist soldiers of the AFP."

“These factories have supplied units of the NPA and people’s militias with the necessary ordnance to carry out attacks in order to stop the fascist troopers of the AFP from waging their campaigns of suppression and brutality against the peasant masses and people in the guerrilla zones,” added the CPP.

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20131216_cpp-belittles-afp-discovery-of-npa-munitions-factory

CPP/NPA: NPA – North Abra attacked Philippine Army Detachment in Lacub And warned Golden Lake Mining Company

Posted to the CPP Website (Dec 16): NPA – North Abra attacked Philippine Army Detachment in Lacub And warned Golden Lake Mining Company

NPA North Abra Front Operations Command (Procopio Tauro Front
NPA-North Abra)

 

“This is a continuity of a series of punitive attacks against the 41st IB due to continuing human rights violations and will also serve as a warning to Golden Lake and to Lacub LGU officials who are hellbent in imposing the operation of large-scale mining.”

 

This is the stern pronouncement of Danreb Bringgas, spokesperson of Procopio Tauro Front – NPA North Abra regarding harassment operations conducted last December 15, 2013 against the Bantugo Detachment of Charlie Company, 41st IBPA in Poblacion, Lacub, Abra. The attack by a team from the PTF started at 6am.

According to the spokesperson, the 41st IB has long been serving as Security Force of large-scale mining interests. They are also being used to pressure and terrorize the masses who are opposing entry of large-scale mining, such as what happened during the bogus FPIC (“Free” and Prior “Informed Consent”) Process last May 2012 in Lacub, Abra.

 Aside from this, the 41st IB continuously violates rules of war as mandated by International Humanitarian Law against using civilians as human shields, in the CARHRIHL (Comprehensive Agreement on Respect for Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law) stating clearly that military units should not encamp in populated areas, and in the IPRA (Indigenous People’s Rights Act) that prohibits encampment and military operations in ancestral lands without prior consent of the indigenous peoples. These were further strengthened by a UNICEF declaration banning military camps in the vicinity of schools, such as in Bantugo, Poblacion, Lacub.

Bringas also warned LGU officials who are persistently imposing the operations of Golden Lake Mineral Resources. Bringas condemned the deceit of these officials claiming that exploration is not mining and further promising projects to be given by the mining company, when these projects should have been delivered by the National and local governments, if only bureaucrat capitalism is not so entrenched.

“The CPP-NPA-CPDF consistently stands in opposition to destructive projects such as LSM (large-scale mining), dams ken illegal logging, who benefit on a few. Based on the collective experiences of corporate mining communities, it is only the companies who really benefits and get rich, while the people continue to suffer, especially after the destruction of land, water and other resources. No amount of money and so-called projects, roads and alleged employment can replace the destruction of communities,” Explained the spokesperson.

Ending his message, Bringgas emphatically warned Golden Lake/Magdaleno Pena Mining Company, “Just try to bring your equipments, and surely you will feel the people’s protests and the punitive actions by the NPA.”

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20131216_npa-north-abra-attacked-philippine-army-detachment-in-lacub-and-warned-golden-lake-mining-company

OIC rebukes Misuari

From the Manila Standard Today (Dec 16): OIC rebukes Misuari

Condemns Zambo raid as ‘wrong  move’

THE influential Organization of Islamic Cooperation chided Moro National Liberation Front founding chairman Nur Misuari for masterminding a three-week hostage siege in Zamboanga City in September, a diplomatic source said Sunday.

Misuari

The high-level diplomat who attended the recently concluded 40th Council of Foreign Ministers in Conakry, Republic of Guinea, said OIC Secretary General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu called for a closed-door meeting to discuss the Zamboanga attack.

“Secretary General Ihsanoglu said Misuari made a ‘wrong move’ when he resorted to violence in trying to assert his cause,” the source said in an e-mail interview from Conakry.

The siege left more than 200 people dead and displaced some 120,000 residents in Zamboanga City.

The OIC also adopted a resolution calling on its Peace Committee on the Southern Philippines “to exert their efforts in order not to allow these unfortunate events to derail the peace process.”

In the resolution, the group said the loss of innocent lives and property during the Misuari-led MNLF attack was “deplorable.”

The OIC resolution also “called upon member states and Islamic relief organizations to help generously in the efforts of relief and reconstruction operation to allow the quick return of the many thousand displaced people to their homes and to compensate the victims.”

The group, however, has yet to comment on the petition of other MNLF groups who want to have Misuari replaced as the sole representative of the Bangsamoro people before the OIC.

The petition has been officially communicated to the OIC-Peace Committee on the Southern Philippines.

The MNLF seat remained vacant throughout the meeting in Conakry even if Misuari spokesman Emmanuel Fontanilla claimed that the wanted MNLF leader was able to slip out of the Philippines to attend the OIC meeting.

The Department of Foreign Affairs cancelled Misuari’s passport in October following the issuance of a warrant of arrest against him over the Zamboanga attack.

The OIC earlier expressed its full support to the peace talks between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front even as it called for an “integration” of the MILF and MNLF peace processes.

In a separate resolution, the OIC tasked Ihsanoglu to “exert his efforts to find common grounds between the parties to the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (MILF) and the 1996 Agreement on the implementation of the 1976 Peace Agreement (MNLF).”

The OIC also urged Ihsanoglu to “develop a mechanism to ensure that the gains of the 1996 Final Peace Agreement are preserved and the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro and its annexes are fully implemented with the end goal of integrating the gains achieved in these peace agreements in the Bangsamoro Basic Law.”

The government and the MILF have already concluded three of the four remaining annexes - on power-sharing, wealth-sharing, and transitional arrangements—that will form part of the comprehensive peace agreement that both sides wish to conclude in January.

Both panels expect to sign the remaining annex normalization (or the demobilization, disarmament and reintegration of MILF fighters) as well as an addendum on the Bangsamoro waters next month.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2013/12/16/oic-rebukes-misuari-condemns-zambo-raid-as-wrong-move-/

NPA’s intensified attacks part of its 44th anniversary rites — military spokesman

From the Daily Tribune (Dec 16): NPA’s intensified attacks part of its 44th anniversary rites — military spokesman

The communist New People’s Army (NPA) has intensified attacks against government troops and installations as part of its 44th anniversary celebration on Dec. 26, a military spokesman said yesterday.

Capt. Christian Uy, spokesman of the Army’s 4th Infantry Division (ID), theorized that the NPA wants to project its force to celebrate its anniversary.

“The root of these (attacks) is that they (NPAs) want to grab the limelight because of their upcoming anniversary,” Uy said.

“It’s just to show force for their upcoming anniversary, their way of celebration is killing, burning down properties and raids,” he added.

On Saturday, the NPA rebels launched two separate attacks against military and police in Bukidnon and Misamis Occidental.

An Army man was killed while another one was wounded after they were ambushed by NPA rebels in San Fernando town, Bukidnon.

According to Uy, elements of the 2nd Scout Ranger Battalion were on their way back to camp after a combat operation at around 8 p.m. when they were waylaid.

Uy said that around five NPA rebels staged the ambush along Barangay Namnam in San Fernando town.

One soldier was killed while another was wounded during the attack.

Uy said the troops managed to engage the communist ambushers into a 10-minute fire fight. According to Uy, the troops had just conducted combat operation in Barangay Bonacao when they were attacked.

Pursuit operations were immediately launched against the NPA band.

In Misamis Occidental, communist rebels also swooped down on Don Victoriano Chiongbian MPS, carting away seven M16 Armalite rifles, nine pistols, a .60 caliber machinegun, an M203 grenade launcher and numerous ammunition.

Last Dec. 11, NPA rebels raided the Kibawe Municipal Police Station also in Bukidnon, killing one policeman while three others were wounded. The communists also carted away several high-powered firearms.

http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/npa-s-intensified-attacks-part-of-its-44th-anniversary-rites-military-spokesman

NPA raid 2nd Mindanao police station in 3 days

From InterAksyon (Dec 14): NPA raid 2nd Mindanao police station in 3 days



Just two days after raiding the police station of Kibawe, Bukidnon, New People’s Army guerrillas on Saturday morning struck at another police station in Mindanao, this time that of Don Victoriano Chiongbian in Misamis Oriental.

Lieutenant Colonel Rommel Almaria, commanding officer of the 55th Infantry Battalion, said more than 30 rebels, clead in military camouflage, stormed the police station at around 5 a.m., quickly disarming the personnel on duty and carting away an M60 light machinegun, an M203 grenade launcher-equipped rifle, seven M16 assault rifles, nine pistols and ammunition.

“The rebels withdrew towards the hinterland of Josefina, Zamboanga del Sur utilizing a white Revo,” Almaria said.

Almaria said troops from his battalion’s Alpha Company rushed to aid the police but ran into the rebel blocking force in Barangay Bag-ong Tudela, Josefina, Zamboanga del Sur at around 6 a.m., triggeirng a 25-minute firefight.

“The rebels detonated a landmine but inflicted no casualty to the operating troops,” Almaria said.

On Thursday, more than 50 rebels attacked the Kibawe police station, killing a police and wounding three others.

They also took several weapons and ammunition.

Meanwhile, soldiers of the 20th Special Forces Company of the 6^th Special Forces Battalion encountered a group of rebels in Barangay Bato, Sindangan, Zamboanga del Norte also on Saturday.

The soldiers recovered a Garand rifle and ammunition.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/76836/npa-raid-2nd-mindanao-police-station-in-3-days