AFP declares Regions 1,2,3, Cordilleras ready for dev’t

From the Manila Bulletin (Jan 20): AFP declares Regions 1,2,3, Cordilleras ready for dev’t

Camp Aquino, Tarlac – The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has declared the entire Regions 1,2,3 and Cordillera Administrative Region as generally peaceful and ready for further development, although there are still few remnants of the CPP/NPA operating in these areas.

“No more insurgency recruits in our area and I can say Northern and Central Luzon areas are peaceful and ready for further development,” Lt. Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr., Commander of Northern Luzon Command, told this correspondent.

Catapang said these remnants are just now resorting to extortion and arson to maintain their existence, adding the force of the rebels operating nationwide had been down to more or less 4,000, from 25,000 during their peak.

“I can safely say that Pampanga is now insurgency-free and that Gov. Lilia Pineda is right when she declared her province had been rid of rebels,” Catapang said.

The rebels justified their collecting money from the public by claiming these are revolutionary taxes, however.

Few days ago, top AFP and local government officials signed a Memorandum of Agreement , declaring Pampanga as insurgency-free and ready for further development.

Among those who took part in the ceremonial signing were AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Emmanuel Bautista, Northern Luzon Command commander Lt. Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr., Army 7th Infantry Division commander Maj. Gen. Hernando Iriberri, Army 703rd Brigade commander Brig. Gen. Henry Sabarrre, Governor Lilia Pineda, Department of the Interior and Local Government Provincial Director Myrvi Fabia and Philippine National Police Provincial Director Sr. Supt. Oscar Albayalde.

In his message, Bautista said he was glad to be able to witness the transformation of Pampanga from a hot bed of socialist and anti-government movements to an insurgency-free area.

Bautista said the event is a historical one because it signifies the victorious quest against poverty and the plight of the people caused by rebel forces. This also puts an end to our 45 years of battle against insurgency, Bautista said.

For her part, Pineda acknowledged the efforts and hard work of all local chief executives and chiefs of police in all towns and cities in order to attain this status, adding the declaration will be a big boost not only in terms of internal peace and security, but also on the quality of life of Kapampangans.

Pineda said the declaration of the province as insurgency-free,” we are now confident that we can pull in more investors, can generate more revenues and more job opportunities which will in turn help in uplifting the quality of life of our people.

http://www.mb.com.ph/afp-declares-regions-123-cordilleras-ready-for-devt/

Army seizes NPA camp

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jan 21): Army seizes NPA camp

A week after improvised explosive devices were recovered in northern Negros, the 11th Infantry Battalion troopers discovered a large encampment of the New People’s Army in Brgy. Tan-awan, Kabankalan City, Sunday.

Maj. Rey Tiongson, 3rd Infantry Division spokesman, yesterday said the camp, that can accommodate about 100 persons, is believed to have been abandoned several days before it was discovered.

The fleeing rebels left behind a CPP-NPA red flag, subversive documents, a handbook for the Batakang Kursong Pampartido and personal belongings, he said.

1Lt. Von Ryan Gomez, 11th IB Civil Military Operations Officer, said the discovery of the NPA training camp, was a result of ongoing military operations in the area.

Two weeks ago, suspected NPA assassins shot and killed CAFGU member Ricky Camacho in Brgy. Magballo, Kabankalan City. It was followed by the killing of a Bukidnon tribe member in Brgy. Riverside, Isabela, military records show.

Gomez said the abandoned rebel camp, which is located in a forested area, has two makeshift huts and a comfort room, with an estimated area of 2,185 square meters.

Last week, six IEDs with blasting caps and a fragmentation grenade were recovered by military intelligence operatives in an abandoned NPA makeshift hut in Hacienda Begonia, Brgy. Purisima, Manapla, the military reported.

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2014/January/21/topstory3.htm

China begins naval drills in South China Sea

From the Sun Star (Jan 20): China begins naval drills in South China Sea

Chinese naval vessels, including an island landing ship, began drills Monday in the South China Sea, where China and several other nations are locked in territorial disputes.

Two destroyers and China's largest amphibious landing craft started the exercises after sailing from the naval base on the southern island province of Hainan, the official Xinhua News Agency said. The ships also boast three helicopters and a company of marines.

Xinhua quoted Commander Jiang Weilie as saying the drills would focus on integrated combat missions involving ships, submarines and aircraft, suggesting other units may also be involved.

China has moved sharply to assert its claim to nearly the entire South China Sea and its island groups, frequently dispatching patrol vessels to challenge foreign ships and demanding that other nations obtain its permission to fish in the area. The Philippines, Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei also claim the entire sea or parts of it.

Late last year, China dispatched its first aircraft carrier and accompanying ships to the South China Sea for sea trials. One of the ships turned to block a U.S. ship shadowing the flotilla, forcing it to take action to avoid a collision.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/breaking-news/2014/01/20/china-begins-naval-drills-south-china-sea-324209

U.S Ambassador expected to visit Zambo on Thursday

From the Zamboanga Today (Jan 20): U.S Ambassador expected to visit Zambo on Thursday

U.S. Ambassador Philip S. Goldberg will be in Zamboanga City on Thursday, January 23, 2014.

Sonny Mendoza of ENGAGE disclosed that Goldberg will lead in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and six partner local government units of USAID’s Enhancing Governance, Accountability and Engagement (ENGAGE) Project in this city.

Mendoza said ENGAGE is a five-year project that seeks, among others, to address governance challenges, continued social and economic instabilities and marginalization. Thus, promoting community empowerment as a foundation for inclusive local governance in targeted conflict-affected areas of Mindanao.

USAID/Philippines Mission Director Gloria Steele, Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Chairperson Secretary Luwalhati Antonino, Zamboanga City Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar, Sulu Governor Abdusakur A. Tan II, Jolo Municipal Mayor Hussin Amin, Isabela City Mayor Cherrylyn Santos-Akbar, Maimbung Municipal Mayor Samier A. Tan, Lamitan City Mayor Rosita Furigay, and representatives from civil society and the academe are expected to attend the event.
http://www.zamboangatoday.ph/zamboangatoday/index.php/top-stories/16500-us-ambassador-expected-to-visit-zambo-on-thursday.html

MILF: Sixteen student-scholars from John Hopkins University, USA visit Bangsamoro Transition Commission Office

From the MILF Website (Jan 21): Sixteen student-scholars from John Hopkins University, USA visit Bangsamoro Transition Commission Office



Sixteen student-scholars on Conflict Management Program from John Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS), USA made a courtesy call to the office of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC), in Cotabato City on January 16.
   

The Conflict Management Program focuses on mechanism on handling international conflicts, both between and within states that includes  the prevention of escalation of violence, managing crisis escalation, negotiating an end to violence, resolving underlying causes of conflict, developing cooperation, building peace and promoting reconciliation after violent conflict.

The trip of the scholars to the Philippines was purposely to acquire first-hand information, analyze the background and causes of the conflict in Mindanao and apply the principles of conflict management, resolution and post –conflict peace building that they have learned while inside their classrooms to a real conflict setting.

Mohagher Iqbal, Chairman of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Peace panel and the BTC and with the commissioners briefed the scholars on the updates of the GPH-MILF peace talks and answered their queries.

In 2011, a group of scholars from the same university visited Mindanao at the aftermath of the collapsed of the 2008 MOA-AD which resulted to a renewed war in Mindanao particularly in North Cotabato and Lanao del Norte.

That visit was an attempt to prevent a recurrence of violence in Mindanao so that the diplomatic peace process can proceed and identify a new formula for future agreement. 

This year’s visit of the student-scholars was to study and look into the conditions on how the peace process evolved through the signing of the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro, last October 15, 2012 and determine new prospects and identify obstacles for completing the details of the agreement and implement it thereby attaining just and lasting peace in Mindanao.

The scholars also attended lectures and made extensive studies on conflict-affected areas prior to their trip and once they return to their school they will produce and edit set of essays to be presented in a public forum at SAIS in Washington DC and distribute them to all parties whom they met as well as other interested officials from relevant government and international institutions.

The group was led by two Senior Professors from SAIS, P. Terence Hopmann (US), a Professor of International Relations and Director of Conflict Management Program at SAIS and Professor Emeritus of Political Science at Brown University and William Zartman (US), Professor Emeritus of International Relations at SAIS and the founding Director of Conflict Management Program.

The members of the delegation, the countries where they came from and their proposed research studies were:

1.    Yasmin Anis (Egypt)- “Moro Identity-The Relationship  to the Christian majority in the Philippines and to neighboring Muslim States”;

2.    Leonie Evers (Netherlands & Germany) –“MILF views on the role of Muslim identity in the peace process and governance”;

3.    Joe Geni (USA)-“Future relations between the Bangsamoro and Government of the Philippines: Can autonomy work better in the new relationship than in previous attempts?”;

4.    Helga Kalm (Estonia)- “The Role of the International Contact Group in negotiations of the Framework Agreement and its Follow-up”;

5.    Benjamin Merill (USA) – “The Transformation of the MILF from a rebel group to a political actor within the Bangsamoro”;

6.    Felix Neugebauer (Germany)- “Protection and assistance to IDPs in Mindanao”;

7.    Panagiotis Olympious (Greece)- “Risks from Potentials Spoilers in the Mindanao Peace Process”;

8.    Mun Kyung Park (Korea)- “Mediator Identity and the negotiation process”;

9.    Akhila Raman (India)- “Women’s roles in peace-making and peace building in Mindanao”;

10.    Oliver Russel (UK) – “Role of Armed Forces and IMT Peacekeepers in the implementation of the Framework Peace Agreement”;

11.    Cormac Sullivan (UK) – “Problems of Economic Development and the implementation of the Framework Peace Agreement”;

12.    Michelle Thompson (USA)- “Relationship between the Bangsamoro Transition Commission and Civil Society Organizations”;

13.    Ryan Whalen (USA) – “Potential problems in implementation of foreign development assistance to Mindanao”;

14.    Constance Wilhelm (France/USA) –“Autonomy, self-determination, and inclusive politics-why has violence reoccurred after signing the Framework Peace Agreements?”;

15.      Ayda Wondemu (Ethiopia/USA) – “DDR in Mindanao: Disarming rebels and transition from war  fighting to policing in Mindanao”;

16.    Renee Wynveen (USA)- “Meeting the humanitarian  needs of populations in the conflict-affected areas of Mindanao”.

The student-scholars will also visit and interact with officials of government-MILF created agencies/ institutions such as Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA), Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute (BLMI), Sajahatra Bangsamoro (SB) and identified agencies of government.

http://www.luwaran.com/index.php/welcome/item/776-sixteen-student-scholars-from-john-hopkins-university-usa-visit-bangsamoro-transition-commission-office

Commentary: Philippine Army’s ‘revolving door’

Commentary from the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jan 19): Philippine Army’s ‘revolving door’ (from the Reveille column by Ramon Farolan)

If you think the “revolving door” concept of leadership in the Armed Forces of the Philippines is strictly an affair involving the position of the AFP chief of staff, you are seriously mistaken or misinformed. This particular disease affects not just the top post in the organization but virtually the leadership of the major commands of the AFP. It is an affliction that has continued over a long and trying period brought about by a political leadership in this country that sees a fixed term of office for its military commanders as a possible threat to national security. Or, perhaps, that  views these military positions as part of the patronage package available for its  disposal.

In the next few days—possibly two weeks—the Philippine Army, the oldest, the largest, and the most dominant major service branch of the AFP, shall have its change of command ceremony. This is usually held at the parade ground of Fort Bonifacio, home of the 80,000-strong Army in Taguig City.

The Philippine Army traces its roots to the Tejeros Convention of March 22, 1897, when members of the Magdalo and Magdiwang factions of the revolution met to establish a republic and create its armed force. The convention elected Artemio Ricarte as captain-general of the Filipino Army.
Let me digress a bit.

Ricarte is considered the “father of the Philippine Army” and served as its commanding general from March 22, 1897 to Jan. 22, 1899. Although lacking presence or charisma, he had a reputation as a vicious and deadly fighter; he adopted the nom de guerre “Vibora” (viper).

Born in Batac, Ilocos Norte, Ricarte graduated from Letran College with a bachelor’s degree and was preparing for a teaching career. Instead he joined the Katipunan in the fight for independence. At one point, he led the attack on a Spanish garrison in San Francisco de Malabon. Ricarte continued the fight for freedom against the new colonizers until he was captured by US forces. In 1901, he and Apolinario Mabini were exiled to Guam. Upon their return, Ricarte refused to sign an oath of allegiance to the United States and was barred from setting foot in the Philippines. In 1903, as a stowaway on a Chinese vessel, he landed in Manila and immediately met with former colleagues for the continuation of the fight for independence. A year later, he was captured by constabulary agents and spent six years in Bilibid Prison. On his release, he again refused to sign an oath of allegiance to the United States and he was deported to Hong Kong.

From Hong Kong, he moved to Yokohama, Japan, where he spent almost 30 years until the start of the Japanese occupation of the Philippines. He was flown back to the country and remained here for the rest of the war. Ricarte joined the Japanese forces led by Gen. Tomoyuki Yamashita in their retreat to the north. At the age of 78, he died in Ifugao Province on July 31, 1945, from the effects of dysentery.

Some people consider Ricarte a traitor for collaborating with the Japanese. We had people who collaborated with the Spaniards and the Americans while the fight for Philippine independence was still going on, and they are referred to as  ilustrados. For Ricarte, the verdict is already in:

• Ricarte’s remains are buried at the Libingan ng mga Bayani;
• His home in Batac City is now a historical shrine—the Ricarte National Shrine;
• The Philippine Navy honored him by naming one of its more modern ships, the BRP Artemio Ricarte (PS-37); ironically, it is the Philippine Army, of which he is the founding father, that has failed to honor its patriarch. Not a single major installation of the Army is named after Ricarte, a man who chose exile from his beloved land rather than sign an oath of allegiance to a foreign power. When it comes to our colonial past, many of us have selective memories.

* * *

The present commanding general of the Philippine Army (CGPA) is Lt. Gen. Noel Coballes. The most senior Army general with at least a year remaining in his military service is Lt. Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang, current Northern Luzon Command chief. This makes him practically a shoo-in as the next CGPA. Catapang retires in July 2015. By the time Gen. Emmanuel Bautista retires as AFP chief of staff in July this year, Catapang would be the most senior service commander in the AFP and is likely to move up after barely six months in his job as CGPA.

The “revolving door” of the Army during the last two administrations has produced the following results:  Much has been said about the need for meaningful and lasting reforms in the military organization. But for as long as we operate under a “revolving door” concept of leadership, what we shall get will be temporary, short term, and mainly cosmetic changes that come and go with every variation of command authority.

http://opinion.inquirer.net/69949/philippine-armys-revolving-door

MILF tells North Cotabato officials Mindanao peace is at hand

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 20): MILF tells North Cotabato officials Mindanao peace is at hand

The chief negotiator of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)on Monday said the elusive peace in many parts of Mindanao would soon be achieved.

Mohaqher Iqbal said the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) is nearing completion of the Bangsamoro Basic Law.

Iqbal, together with the commissioners of the BTC, paid a courtesy call to Cotabato Governor Emmylou Mendoza on Monday to bring his message of peace.

Mendoza, in her welcome remarks elaborated the importance of Iqbal’s visit and the meaningful message the BTC brings to Cotabateños.

“It is essential that we engage in consultations and discussions about the Bangsamoro and know what stage of the road map to its establishment it is now,” she said.

She reiterated her support to the peace process and assured the Commission that the provincial government supports peace initiatives such as forum, dialogues and other measures to address the apprehension of the people.

“The time has come for the people of Mindanao to set aside hatred, differences and conflict. We have to come into terms and achieve long lasting peace in this part of the country,” Iqbal said, reading his message in front of the top officials of the provincial government of Cotabato.

Iqbal said that the BTC and the quest for Bangsamoro establishment face bigger challenges especially now that the commission is at the midst of the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) drafting.

“The drafting of the BBL will finally be finished in April of this year and we hope for the best that President Benigno C. Aquino will endorse it as a priority bill,” Iqbal added.

A referendum will take place in 2016 to the envisioned core territories of the Bangsamoro.

The BTC came with the delegation from the International Monitoring Tem (IMT) led by Major Gen. Dato Abdul Rahim bin Mohd Yusuff.

With him were other prominent members of IMT whose responsibility was to keep an eye on the implementation of the ceasefire agreement between the Philippine government and the MILF.

BTC Commissioner Atty. Raisa Jajurie gave an update of the Bangsamoro Basic Law and the significant things realized by the BTC from the time of its creation to Gov. Mendoza and the Members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan through a power point presentation.

The Cotabato Board Members in attendance during Iqbal’s visit were Eliseo Garcesa, Jr., Cris Cadungon, Rogelio Marañon, Kelly Antao, Maybelle Valdevieso, Kelly Antao and Jomar Cerebo.

Col. Alan Arrojado, 602nd Brigade Commander, was also present and signified once more the military’s respect and support to the peace process.

The BTC gave a plaque of recognition to Mendoza for her support to the quest for peace in Mindanao.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=607314

Army discovers large rebel camp in southern Negros

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 20): Army discovers large rebel camp in southern Negros

Soldiers of the Philippine Army’s 11th Infantry Battalion (IB) discovered Sunday a large camp of the New People’s Army Komiteng Rehiyonal-Negros (KR-N) at Sitio Naputi-an, Barangay Tanawan, Kabankalan City.

The 3rd Infantry Division reported that the camp, which covers an estimated area of 2,185 square meters, is believed to have been abandoned for about four days before the soldiers discovered the area.

The camp, which can accommodate about 100 persons, has two makeshift houses and comfort rooms.

The 11th IB troopers recovered subversive documents, an NPA flag, a handbook for Batakang Kursong Pampartido and personal items during their operation.

Maj. Gen. Aurelio Baladad, commander of the Army’s 3rd ID, said the Army in Western Visayas is intensifying their efforts in finding rebel camps.

“The vigilance of the citizens in reporting the presence of lawless armed elements and the intensified peace and development efforts aided the discovery of abandoned camp,” he added.

Last January 14, soldiers in northern Negros recovered six improvised anti-personnel Claymore mines with blasting caps of the NPA at Barangay Purisima, Manapla town.

The Army received reports that NPA rebels are being trained in assembling the improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

“The peace-loving people of Negros wanted to have lasting peace,” Baladad said.

He added that the Philippine Army and the local governments in Negros are continuously calling and encouraging the rebels to abandon the armed struggle.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=607352

Military seizes 44 landmines in Agusan Del Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 20): Military seizes 44 landmines in Agusan Del Sur

Troopers from the Eastern Mindanao Command have recovered 44 landmines during security patrols in Sitio Mampait, Barangay Mansanitas, Agusan Del Sur Sunday morning.

Capt. Alberto Caber, the command's spokesperson, said that eight sacks of PVC pipes, batteries, detonating cords and improvised firing devices were also recovered during the operation.

He added that the soldiers who made the capture are detailed at the 1003rd Infantry Brigade, a sub-unit of the 10th Infantry Division.

Caber said that they got the information of the rebels mine cache through reports from civilians who spotted suspected rebel fighters roaming in the vicinity for the past few days.

“Civilian information leads to the recovery of these NPA landmines. We thank our people for their cooperation. Our soldiers are always ready to respond anywhere and whenever needed. NPA continue to violate the Comprehensive Agreement on the Respect of Human Rights and International Humanitarian Law. If the NPA are sincere about peace, they must stop manufacturing landmines as these kill people and destroy properties,” said Eastern Mindanao Command head Lt. Gen. Ricardo Rainier G. Cruz III.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=607302

AFP increases random drug test by 20%

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 20): AFP increases random drug test by 20%

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Monday announced that it is increasing its target recipients of random drug-tests by 20 percent this year.

This is in line with its efforts to eradicate drug users in the military, said AFP public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala.

Task Force Moses, the AFP’s anti-drug body, reported that in 2013 alone, some 20,000 personnel were targeted for the random drug-testing.

Its operational arms, Task Group Jacob for General Headquarters (GHQ), Unified Commands (UCs), and AFP-Wide Service Support Units (AWSSUs) and Task Group (TG) Joshua for Philippine Air Force exceeded its target of 4,000 each while TG Salamander for Philippine Navy achieved about 30 percent of its 4,000 mark.

Considering it has the most numbers of members, TG Midas of Philippine Army targeted 8,000 recipients and as of December 2013, it has achieved 83.6 percent of its target.

Out of the total personnel tested in the past year, some 113 personnel were confirmed positive. Of this number, 13 came from TG Jacob, 12 from TG Joshua, 18 from TG Salamander, and 70 from TG Midas.

A comparative analysis of TF Moses’ yearly accomplishments show a trend that personnel from the Air Force, UCs and AFPWSSUs have consistently registered the lowest number of personnel confirmed to be using illegal drugs while members from the Army and Navy, particularly Marines have recorded the highest number of personnel positive of illegal drug use.

A tabulation of the drug users also shows a trend that the younger the individual, the greater the susceptibility to drug use is -- five percent are Staff Sergeant/Petty Officer 2; 12 percent are Sergeant/Petty Officer 3; 26 percent are Corporal/Airman 1st Class/Seaman 1st Class; 51 percent are Private First Class/Airman 2nd Class/Seaman 2nd Class; and six percent are Private/Airman/Seaman.

Despite this, TF Moses, in its effort to reach a wider audience and to deliver a more effective campaign, is stepping up its information drive for a healthier, stronger and drug-free AFP.

Bracing for more challenges in the future, it has decided to increase its target recipients of random drug testing by 20 percent for this year.

Task Force Moses has also invested on the training of its members for better and more accurate results in drug testing which is why additional training for more number of personnel is projected for 2014.

The year 2014 brings another year of challenge to the task force’s commitment to get rid of illegal drug users in the AFP.

Cognizant of its accomplishment and aware of the task ahead, TF Moses can say that much has been accomplished yet more is to be done.

Regular mandatory and random drug testing to officers, enlisted personnel, and civilian employees in the AFP is part of the military’s campaign against drug-abuse.

This drug testing instantly identifies methamphetamines and cannabis from urine samples submitted by the subjects.

In case a subject was found positive in the drug test, an immediate confirmatory test will then be carried out in the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency. A confirmed drug-user will then undergo an investigation.

"The AFP will continue to do this to set an example to our citizens against the use of illegal drugs. As protector of the people we should always be in our best physical, mental, and psychological condition in order to fully serve our responsibilities," Zagala concluded.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=607287

3ID captures rebel camp in Negros Occidental

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 20): 3ID captures rebel camp in Negros Occidental

The Capiz-based 3rd Infantry Division successfully took possession of an abandoned New People's Army (NPA) camp in Sitio Naputi-an, Barangay Tanawan, Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental Sunday morning.

In a belated report, Major Ray Tiongson, the unit's spokesperson, said the 3ID took over the camp operated by the "Komitenf Rehiyonal-Negros" at around 7:45 a.m.

Tiongson said that the camp, believed to have been abandoned about four days before its discovery, can accommodate more or less 100 persons and has two makeshifts and comfort rooms and an estimated area of 2,185 square meters.

Subversive documents, NPA flag, handbook for "Batakang Kursong Pampartido" and personal belongings were recovered from the camp.

“We are intensifying our efforts in discovering NPA camps. The vigilance of the citizens in reporting the presence of lawless armed elements and intensified peace and development efforts of the 3rd Infantry Division aided in the discovery of NPA’s abandoned camp,” 3rd Infantry Division commander Major Gen. Aurelio Baladad said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=607320

DND denies appeal of Indonesian aircraft manufacturer

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 20): DND denies appeal of Indonesian aircraft manufacturer

The Department of National Defense (DND) Special Bids and Awards Committee-1 (SBAC-1) has denied the motion for reconsideration filed by PT Dirgantara Indonesia to participant in its P5.3 billion medium lift fixed wing aircraft project.

The company earlier participated in the bidding but was declared 'out of running' due to its inability to meet the DND requirements.

The SBAC-1 said PT Dirgantara’s plane, the C-235, was not compliant with the technical specifications provided by the bid documents.

It added that the Indonesian manufacturer's plane could only carry 34 paratroopers, lower than the 40 set by the DND.

The bid documents also required that the aircraft can carry 11,000 pounds at 950 nautical miles but PT Dirgantara’s plane can only carry 10,120 pounds.

As this develops, the DND announced that it will look into accidents involving EADS/CASA-Airbus Military's C-295 aircraft, which is being offered to the Philippine Air Force as its next generation medium lift fixed-wing plane.

This was after the Spanish aircraft manufacturer was declared the only eligible bidder for the supply of three new medium lift fixed-wing aircraft worth P5.3-billion.

EADS/CASA-Airbus Military offered to supply three C-295 aircraft for P5.29 billion.

However, the C-295 was involved in a series of accidents including those in 2008 where a crash claimed the lives of 20 persons in Poland and the Czech military to return defective planes to EADS/CASA.

Possible defects will be look into when they conduct the post-qualification phase which will begin this Feb. 1.

“At present, we cannot offer any conclusion but we will continue to verify the accidents involving the C-295 during the post qualification phase,” DND assistant secretary Patrick Velez said.

He also cited reports stating that the 2008 air mishap was caused by human error and not due to the plane’s quality.

EADS/CASA-Airbus Military claimed that the Polish Air Force acquired five more C-295 planes four years after the crash but this would be verified by defense officials.

The company website described the C-295 as “the most capable and versatile transport and surveillance aircraft.”

The air assets is said to be capable of carrying up to nine tons of payload or up to 71 personnel, at a maximum cruise speed of 260 knots or 480 kilometers per hour.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=607375

113 soldiers test positive for illegal drugs

From Rappler (Jan 20): 113 soldiers test positive for illegal drugs

At least 113 soldiers tested positive for illegal drugs, the Philippine military said on Monday, January 20.

The bulk – 70 of them – comes from the Army, which dominates the 120,000-strong military. The rest are assigned to the Navy, in particular the Marines (18); the Philippine Air Force (12); and the General Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo (13).

 

A total of 20,000 soldiers were targetted in the random drug-testing – 8,000 for the Army, 4,000 for the Navy, 4,000 for the Philippine Air Force, and 4,000 from the rest of the units.

 

The number from the Army could increase, however. It has so far only tested 83.6% of its 8,000 target sample.

 

Young soldiers appear to be more susceptible to illegal drugs, the military findings showed. A small majority of 51% come the ranks of Private First Class, Airman 2nd Class, or Seaman 2nd Class.

 

Another 26% are Corporal, Airman 1st Class, or Seaman 1st Class. The rest have the ranks of staff sergeant, sergeant, petty officer 3, petty officer 2, private, airman, seaman.

 

The military's random drug tests identify methamphetamines and cannabis from urine samples submitted by the soldiers.

 

Soldiers who tested positive are not immediately dismissed. They are brought to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) for "confirmatory tests." Once PDEA confirms the results, the soldiers will undergo an investigation.

 

The military will step up its anti-drug campaign in 2014, according to military spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Zagala.

 

http://www.rappler.com/nation/48449-soldiers-positive-illegal-drugs

NPA bombs recovered in Southern Philippines

From the Mindanao Examiner blog site (Jan 20): NPA bombs recovered in Southern Philippines

Army officials said troops have recovered dozens of landmines and various materials used in the manufacture of improvised explosives in the southern Philippines.

Officials linked the explosives to the communist rebel group New People’s Army in Agusan del Sur province. The cache of landmines was discovered by civilians in the village of Mansanitas, according to Capt. Alberto Caber, a spokesman for the Eastern Mindanao Command.

Gen. Ricardo Rainier Cruz III, the Eastern Mindanao Command chief, praised the bravery of the civilians who informed the military about the explosives.

“We thank our people for their cooperation. Our soldiers are always ready to respond anywhere and whenever needed. If the NPA is sincere about peace, they must stop manufacturing landmines as these kill people and destroy properties,” Cruz said.

He said the discovery came a day after two NPA rebels - Robert Daging and Abet Guinson – surrendered to the 36th Infantry Battalion in Carmen town in the province of Surigao del Sur.

The duo also handed over two automatic rifles. The NPA has been fighting for decades for the establishment of a Maoist state in the country.

http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2014/01/npa-bombs-recovered-in-southern.html

Philippine provincial police chief ambushed

From the Mindanao Examiner blog site (Jan 20): Philippine provincial police chief ambushed



Senior Supt. Nickson Muksan in this screen shot from PTV during the 112th anniversary of the Philippine National Police. (Mindanao Examiner)

PAGADIAN CITY – Suspected Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebels ambushed a police convoy carrying a provincial police commander and wounded one of his escorts in the southern Philippines, officials said Monday.

Officials said about 20 rebels were involved in the attack which occurred along the highway near the village of Ilian in Lanao del Sur’s Picong town.

Senior Superintendent Nickson Muksan, police commander in Lanao del Sur, was among those ambushed. His police escort PO1 Jerson Muhammad, who is a member of the elite Special Operations Group, was shot and wounded and rushed to hospital in Marawi City.

“We have received reports the ambush was perpetrated by more or less 20 fully armed men, believed to be combined members of the ATGs and the MILF led by a certain (Commander) Umpa,” Capt. Jefferson Somera, a spokesman for the 1st Infantry Division, told the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.

ATG is the acronym for Auxiliary Threat Group which also refers to the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Movement and its army of so-called freedom fighters.
Army troops were deployed in the town to pursue the ambushers, but did not catch up with them.

Somera said Brig. Gen. Felicito Virgilio Trinidad, the division commander, told army commanders in Lanao del Sur to stay on alert following the attack.

The MILF did not give any statement about the ambush and its spokesman Von al-Haq was also not answering phone calls from journalists.
Somera said the motive of the attack is still unknown.

http://mindanaoexaminer.blogspot.com/2014/01/philippine-provincial-police-chief.html