Palace still hopeful MNLF joins MILF in the crafting of peace deals

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 21): Palace still hopeful MNLF joins MILF in the crafting of peace deals

The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) may have rejected offers to join the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in peace talks with the national government, but Malacanang remains hopeful that they will eventually concede.

Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. on Tuesday’s Palace briefing said that the national government continues to exert efforts to achieve peace agreements which will eventually lead to Mindanao’s progress.

“The national government continues to encourage all Filipinos, whatever affiliation, to join the process,” Coloma said in Filipino.

“That is why we continue to hope that our brothers and sisters who do not want to agree or join will eventually see its good outcomes,” he added.

He said that the word “Bangsamoro” in the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro referred to all ethnic, cultural and indigenous people in Mindanao and not only the MILF.

“It (peace agreement) is an inclusive process and we hope that all people under the Bangsamoro concept will be included,” he said.

The agreement aims to replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) before the three-year term of incumbent ARMM officials ends in 2016

On Wednesday, the normalization annex and addendum to Bangsamoro waters is expected to be signed between the MILF and the national government so that the final peace agreement can be established.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=0&sid=&nid=0&rid=607779

Government continues to engage stakeholders to ensure Mindanao peace

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 21): Government continues to engage stakeholders to ensure Mindanao peace

The government remains hopeful that groups opposing the peace agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will eventually support the Mindanao peace process, the Palace said on Tuesday.

It was reported that the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) rejected proposals to unite with the MILF in crafting the Bangsamoro Framework Agreement with the government.

“Patuloy po ang pagpupunyagi at pagsisikap ng ating pamahalaan na matamo ang kabuuan ng pakikipagsunduang pangkapayapaan na makakatulong po sa pagpapaunlad ng buong Kamindanaoan,” Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma Jr. said in a press briefing in Malacanang.

Coloma said the Aquino government wants to persuade all the stakeholders in the Mindanao peace process to join the initiative for the benefit of the region.

“Kaya patuloy rin po iyong ating pag-asa na makikita ng ating mga kapatid na hindi pa sumasang-ayon at hindi pa lumalahok ang kabutihan na matatamo natin kapag nagkaroon na ng kabuuang kasunduang pangkapayapaan hinggil sa Mindanao,” he added.

The government continues to talk with the MNLF, being one of the stakeholders in Mindanao, he said.

Coloma also noted that even before the Zamboanga standoff last year, there were ongoing discussions between the Philippine government and the MNLF in Indonesia. Both sides were discussing the remaining issues of the Tripoli agreement.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=0&sid=&nid=0&rid=607797

Hunt for Misuari won’t impede MNLF peace talks with government -- Palace

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 21): Hunt for Misuari won’t impede MNLF peace talks with government -- Palace

Malacanang on Tuesday said that peace talks between the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the national government will not be hindered by the manhunt for its chairman, Nur Misuari.

Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in a Palace briefing Tuesday that despite the chairman’s absence, there were many other factions in the MNLF.

“Mr. Misuari is not the only embodiment to a presentation of the MNLF, that’s why it is possible to continue negotiating, to continue talking with the MNLF even while we are pursuing (him),” Coloma said.

He explained that apparently, authority will continue to track him down as he remained a subject of warrant of arrest.

“Definitely, we would like to be able to arrest him because there are charges he is facing,” Coloma said.

The Malacanang official also expressed hope that the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) which rejected offers to craft peace agreements with the MNLF and the government will eventually give in.

He said that these talks were not only necessary to achieve an overall peace agreement, but also development for the whole of Mindanao.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=607822

Wanted: Consultant for PH Navy's P18.9-B warships deal

From Rappler (Jan 21): Wanted: Consultant for PH Navy's P18.9-B warships deal

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

The Department of National Defense (DND) set aside P25 million to allow the Philippine Navy to hire a consultancy firm that will assist in finalizing the technical specifications of the much-awaited two warships it is acquiring for P18.9 billion.

"The consultant will classify seaworthiness and design...They will provide technical expertise. I'm not saying we do not have it. Pero hindi naman kami nagmamayabang that we know everything," said Commodore Ronald Mercado of the DND Bids and Awards Committee-Technical Working Group (BAC-TWG).

The frigates the Navy is acquiring are not in its current inventory. As the maritime dispute with China continues to escalate, it's a much needed upgrade from the country's most capable warships – the refurbished cutters from US, BRP Ramon Alcaraz, and BRP Gregorio Del Pilar.

"The frigates for bidding are brand new ones. Included in the package are capabilities like having primary and secondary guns, missile system, anti-submarine warfare weapon system, and electronic warfare system," explained Navy spokesman Lt Cmdr Gregory Fabic.

Like the US cutters, the warships should be able to accommodate a helicopter and rigid hull inflatable boats.

The consultancy contract will not be bidded out. Navy chief Vice Admiral Jose Luis Alano will be the approving authority.

"We will have to look first at consultants in the region who have proven experience. I have some people already doing the research. We have to look for a proven expert. And when we've identified it, we have to do some market research," Mercado added.

The Navy-BAC on Monday, January 20, sought an issuance by the DND of a special authority to hire the consultants for P25 million. It was approved by Defense undersecretary for finance Fernando Manalo.

Second stage crucial

The two warships are funded by the P75-billion boost the Aquino administration allotted for the revised Armed Forces of the Philippines revised modernization program. It is one of two big-ticket projects. The other one is the P18-billion project for 12 fighter jets currently stalled in Malacañang.

Armed Forces chief of staff General Emmanuel Bautista recently said the Philippines needs at least 6 ships to patrol the country's waters. The other two warships may be acquired from the US, too. (READ: PH seeks more US navy ships amid China threat)

Four firms have qualified in the first of a two-stage bidding competitive bidding for the warships – Spanish firm Navantia Sepi (RTR Ventures) and South Korean firms STX Offshore & Shipbuilding, Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co Ltd, and Hyundai Heavy Industries Inc.

Three disqualified firms are appealing. The BAC is yet to resolve their motions – Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd of India, STX France SA, and Thyssenkrupp Marine System.

The Navy is set to proceed with the workshops with the qualified bidders to prepare for the second stage of bidding. The Navy is currently using reservists for help in the bidding process.

Mercado said they need the consultants by February before the BAC can proceed to the more crucial second stage of the bidding process, when the technical aspects and the financial proposals will be discussed.

The consultants will help determine the ship design and the weapons system that the Navy can require of the bidders, considering the funding involved.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/48521-philippines-frigates-consultants

PH gov't, Muslim rebels upbeat in tackling last peace hurdle

From Interaksyon (Jan 21): PH gov't, Muslim rebels upbeat in tackling last peace hurdle

The Philippine government and Muslim rebels said Tuesday they were optimistic of clearing the final hurdle to ending a deadly decades-old rebellion, ahead of a fresh round of talks in Malaysia.

The Kuala Lumpur negotiations on Wednesday will tackle a "normalisation" deal detailing how the rebels will hand over their weapons, and the creation of a security force to police what would be a Muslim self-rule area, they said.

"We are optimistic... we know that the (rebels are) also optimistic and we're happy that we're moving faster and moving forward to a final resolution," Jose Lorena, a junior minister who advises President Benigno Aquino on the talks, told AFP.

"Both sides now have a general idea of where they want to go, and it will just be a matter of refining all the details."

This is the last of four power-sharing accords that must be agreed between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rebels, before a final peace deal can be signed.

Aquino hopes to secure a final peace settlement before leaving office in mid-2016.

But he warned last month that disarming the MILF would be a "heavy and contentious" issue.

MILF vice chairman Ghazali Jaafar was also upbeat about the negotiations.
"There is already an understanding on most of the issues that will be contained in the normalisation annex -- I would say 90 percent," he told AFP.

He said the toughest part would be creating the region's police force, and detailing how it would interact with the Philippine National Police.

"I would say this would also be difficult because the discussion revolves around the security of the Bangsa Moro people (Filipino Muslims) and other residents of the Bangsa Moro (autonomous region)," Jaafar added.

Muslim groups have waged a rebellion since the 1970s. The insurgency has left some 150,000 people dead and parts of the southern Philippines mired in deep poverty and instability.

Apart from the MILF, many other armed groups operate in the south, including former rebels who had resorted to banditry and terrorism.

The situation has left parts of the southern Philippines mired in deep poverty and instability.

Amid deadly attacks there by other Muslim groups opposed to the talks last year, the two sides signed three other preliminary deals, including splitting revenues and power-sharing between the autonomous region and the national government.

Lorena said a commission of Filipino and foreign experts has been meeting separately over the past few months to advise the negotiators on the creation of a security force for the area.

The proposed deal would also govern the deployment of Philippine military forces there, he and Jaafar added.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/79158/ph-govt-muslim-rebels-upbeat-in-tackling-last-peace-hurdle

Gov't, MILF hope to seal firearms deal

From Rappler (Jan 21): Gov't, MILF hope to seal firearms deal


 

FINAL LEG. Will a final peace agreement be signed by February 2014? File photo by OPAPP

 

The talks that aim to end a 4-decade armed struggle in Mindanao comes to its final chapter – and what's left pending is the most sensitive issue in the ongoing negotiations.

When the government and the rebel Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) resume negotiations Wednesday, January 22, in Kuala Lumpur, they will discuss what to do with firearms and what would happen next to the people who will lay them down.

While previous deals on power and wealth sharing in the envisioned Bangsamoro political entity required the state to give more than what the current Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao presently enjoys, this time around, the ball is in the MILF's court.

Under the annex on normalization, the MILF will undergo a systematic process of decommissioning of arms in a "gradual and phased" manner.

Government peace panel chair Miriam Coronel Ferrer has warned against using the words "surrender" or "disarmament" in this scenario, especially in the context of the 16-year-old peace negotiations that would soon give rise to a new political entity in Mindanao.

The proposed decommissioning of arms is what distinguishes the 1996 peace agreement signed by the MILF's rival group, the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), from the Framework Agreement (FAB) signed by the MILF in October 2012. The MILF, whose bailiwick is in central Mindanao, had broken away from the MNLF. (READ: The MNLF, MILF and 2 peace agreements).

"The concept of decommissioning or disarmament was not yet in the consciousness of the 1996 peace agreement," Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Secretary Teresita Deles said in a House committee hearing back in October – a month after the MNLF siege of Zamboanga City.

Lessons from the past

Back in 1996, under the Ramos government, MNLF troops voluntarily gave up their arms in exchange for cash through the Balik-Baril program, which meant that the MNLF, as an organization, was not obliged to drop its weapons.

This time around, MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal said the decommissioning of firearms would not correspond to immediate cash incentives.

Instead, both sides envision a normalization process that would entail confidence-building measures from both the government and the MILF.

"The normalization process will occur in parallel tracks. As the MILF decomissions its arms, the government will also gradually decommission government troops, as well as private armed groups, in the area while the Bangsamoro government is being set up," Iqbal said.

But the disposition of forces will not happen in one go. An initial decommissioning of troops from both sides will occur. How many in each stage is still up for discussion.

What will happen to their arms? Iqbal said the panels are exploring "all models" around the world, including the Irish Republican Army model where their firearms were kept in a warehouse for safekeeping.

In media interviews, government peace panel chair Miriam Coronel-Ferrer said the panels are exploring the possibility of allowing MILF members to keep small firearms allowed under the current gun law of the country.

The MILF meanwhile ruled out the Ache, Indonesia model, where firearms were destroyed as part of the peace agreement.

To provide clear commitments, both panels are eyeing a third party to oversee the inventory of arms and troops.

Guarded optimism

Deles said the government hopes to sign the comprehensive peace agreement by the end of January or February.

But Iqbal, who has been negotiating for the MILF for at least 15 years, is approaching this round of talks with "guarded optimism."

"Always guarded optimism. As you know, peace talks are practically unpredictable. But based on the trend in the recent executive session we had, there's a tinge of hope."

Both sides had expected progress in the last quarter of 2013, but the MNLF's siege of Zamboanga City in September complicated matters for them since the MNLF rebels said government had yet to implement some of the provisions of the 1996 pact.

What happens then?

When the MNLF signed a peace agreement with the Ramos government in 1996, qualified members were integrated into the Armed Forces of the Philippines or the Philippine National Police.

But, as Deles noted in an earlier House committee hearing, the peace pact did not guarantee socio-economic programs for troops who were not qualified to join the force.

With the present negotiations, the normalization annex will also include livelihood programs for rebel troops who will return to the fold of law.

Under the Framework Agreement, both sides also agreed to create a "civilian" police force for the Bangsamoro. (READ: Terms for Moro police commission OKd)

Private armed groups to be disarmed

But it's not only the MILF that needs to give up their firearms.

As part of the normalization process, the MILF also wants government troops to lead the dissolution of private armed groups in Mindanao.

How and when this would happen will become one of the biggest challenges when the Bangsamoro peace process moves from the negotiating table to the implementation phase.

But Iqbal said it should happen "very soon."

Both sides want all these steps to be completed before President Aquino steps down from office in 2016, also in time for the expected creation of the Bangsamoro government.

Bangsamoro waters

Aside from the annex on normalization, both sides will also work on finally arriving at a deal on Bangsamoro waters. It was left as an addendum when they signed the annex on power-sharing in December.

Why is the Bangsamoro waters issue so contentious? According to Iqbal, it involves all aspects of the agreement - power and resources.

Iqbal said Bangsamoro waters would be defined as an area up to 22 kilometers from the shoreline, which is 7 kilometers more than municipal waters under the current law.

The MILF wants a zone of cooperation to be established in the area, which covers the Moro Gulf and the Sulu Sea.

"The government offered royalty. We declined. We see it as a sell out," Iqbal said.

Mindanews reported there were also proposals of 60-40 sharing on resources in Bangsamoro waters in favor of the central government.

"They don't want to give in. We don't want to take it. That's what we have to discuss," Iqbal said.

Once both sides sign the annex on normalization and the addendum on Bangsamoro waters, the only document left to craft would be the final peace pact.

The Muslim rebellion in the South has hampered development in Muslim-dominated provinces such as Sulu, Basilan, Tawi-Tawi in western Mindanao, and Maguindanao, Cotabato and Lanao provinces in central Mindanao.

The peace talks in Malaysia are expected to be held from January 22 to January 26. (For updates on the talks in Kuala Lumpur, follow @angelacasauay on Twitter.)

http://www.rappler.com/nation/special-coverage/peacetalks/48517-final-stretch-government-milf-arms-deal

MNLF members attend forum on Bangsamoro entity

From the Philippine Star (Jan 21): MNLF members attend forum on Bangsamoro entity

Former guerrillas of the Moro National Liberation Front in Ampatuan town  participated in a forum the other day on the Framework Agreement on Bangsamoro (FAB), the basis for a final peace deal between its rival Moro Islamic Liberation Front and the government.

The FAB forum was held in Barangay Kauran, a duly recognized “peace and development community” by the government and MNLF, which are bound together by a now 18-year final peace agreement brokered by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

The OIC, a bloc of more than 50 Muslim states, including wealthy petroleum-exporting countries in the Middle East and North Africa, helped broker the September 2, 1996 government-MNLF final peace pact.

Senior members of Ampatuan’s municipal peace and order council said no fewer than 200 women, either wives, or dependents of MNLF members, attended the forum and listened to speakers who explained the gains of the government-MILF peace talks, and the directions of the overture.

The MILF and the government, whose talks started January 7, 1997, aim to establish a Bangsamoro political entity to replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao before the three-year term of incumbent ARMM officials ends on June 30, 2016.

The peace forum in Barangay Kauran was organized by the Kadtatabanga Foundation for Peace and Development Advocates, Inc., a non-government organization whose members include MNLF members.

One of the speakers in the forum, Rabie Angkal, a professor at the Cotabato City State Polytechnic College, told participants any final peace deal between the government and the MILF will never discriminate the MNLF.

He said it is important for all sectors to support the FAB, forged by the MILF and government on October 15, 2012 and will be the basis  to set up  a new Bangsamoro political entity.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2014/01/21/1281377/mnlf-members-attend-forum-bangsamoro-entity

MILF reminded vs setting up political office in Zamboanga after failed try

From GMA News (Jan 21): MILF reminded vs setting up political office in Zamboanga after failed try

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front was warned Monday against setting up a political office in Zamboanga City, at least until it finally forges a peace agreement with the government.

In posts on its Twitter account, the city government said the reminder stemmed from the MILF's attempt to set up a political office in one of its barangays.

"Pending comprehensive peace agreement between the Philippine government and the MILF, any movement on the ground let alone in Zamboanga City by any MILF group is illegal," the city government said.

Also, the city government noted even the International Monitoring Team had said "an MILF political office in Barangay Cawit is illegal."

It said IMT leader Malaysian Col. Zolkipli Hashim had issued a "stern warning" to the MILF group that wanted to form a Bangasamoro Political Office in Cawit.

"Col. Hashim made the statement during a dialogue in Cawit between the MILF group headed by the a certain Jusali Musali, and City officials," it said.

The city government said Musali’s group allegedly built a structure in Cawit for the so-called MILF Bangsamoro Political Office.

But the barangay chairman protested and brought the issue before the IMT, claiming Musali's group did not coordinate with his office.

Meanwhile, the city government quoted Maj. Abdurasad Sirai, head of the government peace panel's Mindanao secretariat, as saying Zamboanga City "is not part of the Bangsamoro and it is non-negotiable.”

For her part, Zamboanga City Mayor Beng Climaco reiterated the city has been against inclusion in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and the proposed Bangsamoro entity that would replace the ARMM.

The mayor also denied she had been consulted on the matter by the MILF group.

The government and the MILF have so far signed two annexes in the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro, one on wealth sharing (signed July 2013) and one on transitional arrangements and modalities (signed February 2013). 

The last two unsigned annexes in the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro are the ones on power-sharing and normalization.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/344769/news/regions/milf-reminded-vs-setting-up-political-office-in-zamboanga-after-failed-try

US Ambassador to hand over USAID project in Pablo-hit town

From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 21): US Ambassador to hand over USAID project in Pablo-hit town

United States Ambassador Philip Goldberg will lead the ceremonial turn over of a market building in Compostela town in Compostela Valley on January 24.

The P5.83-million three-building project funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which will serve as the center of trade and commerce for about 23,000 residents, farmers and fisherfolk, replaced the old structures that were destroyed by typhoon Pablo on December 4, 2012.

The designers adopted safety standards higher than current ones to reduce the risk of damage by future typhoons.

While in the facility, Goldberg will also meet with vegetable and aquaculture growers to whom USAID provided input and technical assistance to help restore their livelihoods after the storm.

Compostela Valley Governor Arturo Uy and Mayor Lema Bolo will receive the project, in behalf of the municipal government of Compostela, which will be responsible for implementing the recommended environmental measures and maintaining the structural integrity and beneficial use of the facilities.

Goldberg will also inspect the Poblacion Compostela Bridge, a major transport facility which was also damaged by Pablo and rehabilitated through the USAID assistance.

It is expected to benefit about 13,906 residents and provide long-term economic benefits by reducing the hauling costs of farm products and facilitating safer and easier access to goods and services available in the Poblacion.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=607610

DND to check crash record of lone bidder in P5.3-B aircraft deal

From Rappler (Jan 21): DND to check crash record of lone bidder in P5.3-B aircraft deal

BRAND NEW: Spanish firm EADS/Casa -Airbus Military is the lone eligible bidder for military's brand new aircraft. Photo from the company website

The Philippines defense department vowed to look into the crash record of EADS Casa Airbus military, the only qualified bidder in the P5.3-billion aircraft acquisition project for 3 medium lift fixed wing of the Philippine Air Force (PAF).

The Spanish firm committed to supply the miltary 3 C295 planes for P5,288,609,983.99 or lower than the approved budget.

C295 is like a smaller version of the already familiar C130, which saw action in the Zamboanga City siege and government response to Typhoon Yolanda. It has an open ramp at the backside to allow troops an easy drop from above. It can carry up to 9 tons of payload or up to 71 personnel. C130s can carry up to 120 personnel.

EADS Casa's C295 figured in at least one recent fatal crash and reports of defective aircraft. These incidents were reported in the media following the second bidding held last week. (READ: Only one bidder qualifies for military's P5.3-B aircraft deal)

Defense Assistant Secretary Patrick Velez said fatal crash incidents involving Airbus Military's C295 will be evaluated as the Spanish firm enters the post-qualification stage, a process where the Philippines determines its capability to supply the aircraft.

"This should not be part of the bidding process but we exercise our responsible authority to be able to determine the instances of fatal crashes which were reported in leading newspapers," Velez said before fellow members of the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) on Monday, January 20.

Velez presented the explanation of EADS Casa to the 2 incidents reported in the media. In 2008, at least 20 were killed when Casa's C295 crashed in Poland. Investigation reports showed that it was caused by pilot error.

"In 2012, the Polish Air Force ordered an additonal batch of 5 of C295 showing their confidence with the safety and effectiveness of C295," Velez said, reading EADS Casa's letter.

In 2012, Casa's C295 also figured in a different controversy when the Czech military returned the aircraft because of some defects. Its DAS anti-rocket systems and the plane's navigation systems were found defective. When the aircraft couldn't be repaired, EADS Casa was forced to replace them. EADS Casa submitted a company report that the Czech military accepted the replacement aircraft.

Investigation will continue, Velez said. "What would be important is the examination of the causes of the fatal accidents, whether these fatal accidents were caused by human error or by the failure of the equipment itself to perform in optimum condition under given environment," Velez told the committee.

"At present, we cannot offer conclusion for the moment except that we will continue to verify accidents involving C295 during post-qualification," he told the BAC members.

The BAC team that will conduct post-qualification stage is expected to fly to Spain on February 1 and aims to finish its probe by February 8. Without hitches, the project could be awarded to the Spanish firm by the end of February.

If all goes well, the first of the 3 C295 aircraft will arrive by August 2015 or earlier.

Denied: Losing bidder offers bonus aircraft

EADS Casa Airbus Military proceeds to the post-qualification stage as the BAC on Monday denied motions filed by 2 losing bidders for the committee to review its decisions.

DISQUALIFIED: Indonesia's CN235-220 Maritime Patrol Aircraft. Photo from company website http://www.indonesian-aerospace.com/view.php?m=product&t=aircraft-detil&id=2

Losing bidder PT Dirgantara Indonesia was disqualified because, among other reasons, the planes (CN235) it offered did not comply with the DND requirements. It is smaller than the C295.

In its appeal, the state-owned firm offered to supply 4 aircraft instead of the required 3 to compensate for the deficiencies of its planes.

But Velez dismissed it. "Specifications cannot be changed at the late phase of the project," Velez said. "While the request was laudable, it was not feasible to say yes to compensation by limitation," he added.

The BAC supported Velez's arguments. The Indonesian firm's motion for reconsideration was denied.

Velez also threatened PT Dirgantara Indonesia with possible "administrative sanction" or "blacklisting." Knowing the technical requirements of the aircraft project, he said the Indonesian firm should not have submitted its bid knowing that its planes are not qualified.

Under bidding laws in the Philippines, a participating bidder that offers disqualified products at least 3 times could be blacklisted.

Another losing bidder, Italian firm Alenia Aermacchi, wrote the BAC letters to investigate possible collusion between the Spanish and the Indonesian firm. The two firms apparently have an earlier sub-contracting agreement involving the CN235 aircraft.

The BAC also dismissed the allegations as "insufficient to establish conflict of interest or establish collusion."

It is normal for corporations to have a subcontracting agreement. Velez said similar situations were seen in previous bidding processes. The Spanish and Indonesian firms did not offer similar aircraft and have no similar controlling shareholders.

Alenia Aermacchi joined the first bidding, where there was no qualified bidder. It offered its ATR 42 aircraft. It also bought bid documents for the second bidding but it did not participate.

"I suspect what Alenia wants is for us to stop procurement. We cannot stop without acceptable justification," said Velez.

http://www.rappler.com/nation/48451-crash-record-eads-casa-airbus-military

DND to probe accidents of Spanish firm's planes

From the Philippine Star (Jan 20): DND to probe accidents of Spanish firm's planes

The Defense department on Monday vowed to look into the accidents involving the aircraft being offered by a Spanish firm to the Air Force.

The company, EADS/CASA - Airbus Military, was declared the only eligible bidder for the supply of three new medium lift fixed-wing aircraft worth P5.3-billion. It offered to supply C-295 planes for P5.29-billion during the bidding for the project held this month.

The said aircraft model, however, figured in recent controversies that raised doubts on its quality. These include the 2008 crash which claimed the lives of 20 persons in Poland and the decision of the Czech military to return faulty C-295 planes to EADS/CASA.

Defense officials, however, said the plane’s quality will be scrutinized when they conduct the post-qualification phase.

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

The post-qualification phase allows defense officials to determine whether the planes being offered by EADS/CASA are compliant with the standards they set.

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

EADS/CASA 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 post-qualification phase for the medium lift fixed-wing aircraft has been slated for next month in Spain.

The Airbus website described the C-295 planes 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 kt or 480 km/h.

Meanwhile, the Defense department rejected an appeal by an Indonesian firm for it to be declared as an eligible bidder for the project.

PT Dirgantara Indonesia joined the bidding for the medium lift fixed-wing aircraft but was disqualified due to its failure to meet some requirements.

The company filed for a motion for reconsideration but this was rejected yesterday by the Special Bids and Awards Committee 1 (SBAC-1).
The SBAC-1 said PT Dirgantara’s plane was not compliant with the technical specifications provided by the bid documents.

The company’s aircraft can only carry 34 paratroopers, lower than the 40 set by the Defense department. The bid documents also required that the aircraft should have a payload of 11,000 lbs. at 950 nautical miles but PT Dirgantara’s plane can only carry 10,120 lbs.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2014/01/20/1281076/dnd-probe-accidents-spanish-firms-planes

US senator arriving in Phl to talk security, recovery

From the Philippine Star (Jan 21): US senator arriving in Phl to talk security, recovery



American Senator for Florida Marco Rubio travels to Japan, the Philippines and South Korea this week. US Senate/Rubio staff

American Senator Marco Rubio is expected to arrive in the Philippines on Wednesday for his three-country Asia trip.

"Asia is vitally important to the future of America’s security and economic well-being," he said in a statement.

Rubio, a young Republican lawmaker and a ranking member of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, will meet with President Benigno Aquino III and other government officials to discuss critical economic and security issues.

"America must make sure that our rhetoric about increasing our presence in Asia does not come at the expense of enduring alliances and challenges in other parts of the world. The fact is that the United States has long been a Pacific power and it is vital that we maintain our robust military and diplomatic presence in the region while adapting to new realities," Rubio said.

Last week, Rubio's staff announced that the lawmaker will review ongoing typhoon recovery efforts as the Philippines faces the immense task of rebuilding after record Supertyphoon Yolanda last November.

Currently, Rubio is in Japan and held meetings with senior military officials on maritime disputes in the East China Sea as well as with business chambers.

The lawmaker will also travel to South Korea on Thursday to greet American troops and visit the Demilitarized Zone.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2014/01/21/1281347/us-senator-arriving-phl-talk-security-recovery

Navy allots P25M for consultant

From the Philippine Star (Jan 21): Navy allots P25M for consultant

The Navy will spend P25-million for the services of a consultant for its multi-billion ship acquisition project.

Commodore Ronald Mercado of the Navy technical working group said the consultant would complement their expertise on the ships' design and capabilities.

"The consultant will provide us the technical expertise and the knowledge," Mercado told reporters in an interview Monday.

The Defense department has allowed the Navy to tap a consultant for the project, which seeks to improve the country's territorial defense capabilities.

The goverment is spending P18 billion to buy two Navy frigates as part of the military's upgrade efforts.

The bidding process for the project started late last year.

The consultant for the project will be chosen through negotiations. Mercado said they are looking for a consultant in the region with proven expertise and track record.

"We need to have it (consultant) within next month," he said.

The budget for the consultant will be charged from the Armed Forces Modernization Fund.

Earlier, THE STAR reported that four companies have been declared eligible to proceed to the next phase of the bidding for the P18-billion project.

The eligible bidders are Navantia Sepi (RTR Ventures) of Spain and South Korean firms STX Offshore & Shipbuilding, Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co. Ltd. and Hyundai Heavy Industries, Inc.

The four firms passed the first stage of the bidding, which involved the inspection of company eligibility documents.

Three other companies joined the bidding but the Defense department declared their documents to be deficient. The three disqualified firms are now asking the agency to reconsider its decision and to declare them as eligible bidders.

The three bidders that filed motions for reconsideration were Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. of India, STX France SA and Thyssenkrupp Marine System.

The Navy will nevertheless review the offers of the four eligible fims while the Defense department deliberates on the appeal of the disqualified bidders.

Mercado said they would conduct workshops in Cavite next month to assess the technical features of the ships being offered. The Navy technical working group will allot five days to each bid submitted.

Mercado said they would allot another three weeks for assessments in the event that the Defense department reverses its decision on the three disqualified firms.

The second phase of the bidding will involve the opening of financial documents to determine who among the bidders is offering the lowest price.

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2014/01/21/1281370/navy-allots-p25m-consultant

MNLF hands off on peace deal between GPH, MILF

From the Philippine Star (Jan 20): MNLF hands off on peace deal between GPH, MILF



The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) rejected proposals to converge with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in its crafting of a final peace accord with government.

The MNLF, which signed a final truce with government on Sept. 2, 1996, said it is merely adhering to all resolutions by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) purporting that any of its dealings with Malacañang must be within the scope of the existing tripartite body that has been trying to resolve all misunderstandings on the now 18-year peace agreement.

The largest and most politically active MNLF faction, chaired by former Cotabato City Vice-Mayor Muslimin Sema, said in an emailed statement that accepting the GPH and MILF’s proposal can be construed as an insult to the OIC.

The OIC, a bloc of more than 50 Muslim states, including wealthy petroleum exporting nations in the Middle East and North Africa, helped broker the government-MNLF final peace agreement.

The agreement is now subject of a tripartite review- involving the OIC, the MNLF and representatives from the national government and ARMM- as a three-way effort to resolve misunderstandings on the implementation of some of its sensitive provisions.

The tripartite review has already reached 42 consensus points on education, Moro political representation, natural resources, Sharia and regional security, which are all almost identical with what had been stated in all of the three annexes the GPH and MILF panels had added to the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB).

The GPH and MILF panels are yet to complete the fourth and last annex on normalization to the FAB in the next round of talks in Malaysia.

The FAB is to become the basis for the setting up of an MILF-led Bangsamoro entity, which the government and the MILF intend to put up before the three-year term of incumbent ARMM officials end on June 30, 2016.

The MNLF faction led by Nur Misuari is just as reluctant to converge with the MILF and join in its forging of a final peace agreement with government.

Misuari has, in fact, been very critical of the on-going GPH-MILF talks.

The group of Sema, which has more than 20 revolutionary states in Mindanao and the island provinces of Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, said the issue of converging the MILF and the MNLF together is best left to the OIC.

“The MNLF has yet to wait for the manifestation of the OIC as regards to the modalities on how that linkage can be worked out,” the group said.

The Sema group, emphasized, however, that it has no animosity with the MILF. The group said the MNLF and the MILF are not at war with each other.

“The central committee of this MNLF leadership do not want to do any disrespect to the organization of the Muslim peoples of the world – the OIC,” the group stated in its emailed statement.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2014/01/20/1281006/mnlf-hands-peace-deal-between-gph-milf

Armed men raid Japanese firm’s warehouse

From the Philippine Star (Jan 21): Armed men raid Japanese firm’s warehouse

Unidentified armed men barged into a warehouse owned by a Japanese firm in Valencia City in Bukidnon and torched heavy equipment before fleeing with several firearms last Friday.

 Reports said around 10 to 15 men entered a banana processing warehouse of Sumifru in Barangay Barobo. 

The armed men reportedly held the warehouse security guards at gunpoint and took their firearms, cell phones and radios. They set a water tank, a back hoe and two packing machines on fire before fleeing, according to 1Lt. Norman Tagros, spokesman for the Army’s 8th Infantry Battalion.

At least P2 million worth of properties were destroyed in the attack, said Tagros, adding that “lawless elements” have been extorting from Sumifru.

“They even demanded that they be placed in the company’s payroll in exchange for their protection,” he said.

Authorities refused to confirm whether the raiders were New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas.

“There were no reported sightings of NPA rebels in the area recently,” said Lt. Col. Romulado Landingin, chief of the Army’s 18th IB.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2014/01/21/1281045/armed-men-raid-japanese-firms-warehouse