ASEAN raises 'serious concerns' about China

From Rappler (May 10): ASEAN raises 'serious concerns' about China

The foreign ministers urge all parties concerned to exercise self-restraint and avoid actions which could undermine peace and stability in the area



Foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on Saturday, May 10, voiced “serious concerns” about China’s oil drilling operations in the disputed West Philippine Sea (South China Sea).

In a statement they adopted in Myanmar and which was obtained by Rappler, they urged all parties concerned to exercise self-restraint and avoid action that could undermine peace and stability in the area. The foreign ministers also urged all parties involved in the disputes to refrain from resorting to threat or using force to resolve differences.

The statement said, “They urged all parties concerned, in accordance with the universally recognized principles of international law, including the 1982 U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), to exercise self-restraint and avoid actions which could undermine peace and stability in the area: and to resolve disputes by peaceful means without resorting to threat or use of force.”

The statement, released as ASEAN heads of state and government gathered in Myanmar for the 24^th ASEAN summit, is seen as an attempt by ASEAN ministers to deflate growing tensions in the South China Sea.

The oil drilling operations by China near the disputed Paracel Islands have caused recent clashes with Vietnamese Coast Guard vessels. Hanoi said Chinese ships that surrounded a Chinese deep-water oil rig in waters claimed by Vietnam used water cannon against Vietnamese patrol vessels in the area. Worse, the Chinese ships also rammed the Vietnamese vessels.

Vietnam has been trying to prevent China from stationing a US$1-billion oil rig, called the HD-981, in the Northwest Triton Island of the Paracels. Both countries are parties to UNCLOS. (READ: Will Vietnam follow PH and file a case vs China?)

“They reaffirmed the importance of maintaining peace and stability, maritime security, freedom of navigation in and overflight above the South China Sea as well as the ASEAN’s Six-Point Principles on the South China Sea and Joint Statement of the 15th ASEAN-China Summit on the 10th Anniversary of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea,” the statement also said.

In addition, the foreign ministers “also called on all parties to the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea to undertake full and effective implementation of the DOC in order to create an environment of mutual trust and confidence. They emphasized the need for expeditiously working towards an early conclusion of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea.”

Both China and Vietnam had clashed in 1974 over the Paracels. The Vietnamese navy tried to expel Chinese fishing vessels in the area, prompting China to retaliate by sending warships in the Paracels. China won and took control over the islands, but Vietnam has not given up its claim.

Earlier, President Benigno Aquino III said he will push for the early inclusion of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea as the Philippines has itself been entangled in a maritime dispute with China over Ayungin Shoal, an outpost in the Spratly Islands.

Other ASEAN countries such as Malaysia, Vietnam, and Brunei also claim parts of the South China Sea. The Philippines, for its part, has sought the intervention of a UN arbitral tribunal to settle disputed claims with China.

http://www.rappler.com/world/specials/southeast-asia/asean-journey/57732-asean-foreign-ministers-express-serious-concerns-about-china

DVIDS: First Responder training provides lessons to all

From DVIDS (May 9): First Responder training provides lessons to all



Philippine Police Officer 1st Class Allainne Castro, right, U.S. Army Maj. Kathleen Flocke, middle, and Australian Army Pvt. Carly Callaghan, review first responder training final exams in Legazpi City, Albay province, Philippines. “I love seeing the diversity in the participants’ knowledge and how they help each other learn,” said Flocke. The training was part of Exercise Balikatan, an annual bilateral training exercise and humanitarian assistance engagement between members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. armed forces. Callaghan is preventative medicine specialist with 2nd Health Battalion, Flocke is the Joint Civil Military Operations Task Force battalion surgeon with 97th Civil Affairs Battalion, and Castro is a local police officer. (Photo by U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Michael Thorn)

LEGAZPI CITY, Albay province, Philippines – First responder training courses with members of the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, and U.S. armed forces were held April 28 – May 8 in Legazpi City, Albay province, Philippines.

Held multiple times, the four-day training course was a part of Exercise Balikatan, an annual bilateral training exercise between the Philippines and U.S. that increases interoperability and strengthens the longstanding partnership of the two allies.

From certified emergency medical technicians to individuals with no previous first-aid training, students who attended the course had various backgrounds and experience levels in with the techniques being taught.

“This is a great opportunity for me to gain more knowledge in this field,” said Charmaine Maravillas, a registered nurse from Albay. “There are a lot of different perspectives here that we can learn from.”

Though it was hosted by medical personnel participating in Balikatan, lessons and instruction were also given by various attendees with the PNP and local medical providers in areas such as treating head injuries, giving chest compressions, and performing proper buddy carries so students would be prepared if required to respond to an event.

“It’s exciting to see everyone train each other in first-aid,” said U.S. Army Maj. Kate Flocke, Joint Civil Military Operations Task Force battalion surgeon with 97th Civil Affairs Battalion. “To me, it’s a good day because it shows that everyone will be able to continue passing on this knowledge.”

Following three days of training, a practical application exam was held which tested the knowledge from the course and required the students to work together to assess, evaluate and act together to ensure the simulated situation was dealt with properly and effectively.

“It was a fun experience working through the course with all the different people,” said Philippine National Police Officer 1st Class Christopher A. Catangay, a course participant. “It’s thanks to those teaching and their backgrounds that we were able to learn so much.”

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/129294/first-responder-training-provides-lessons-all#.U23dK8ZOWAI

DVIDS: Non-lethal weapons, technologies put to the test by Filipino and American service members

From DVIDS (May 9): Non-lethal weapons, technologies put to the test by Filipino and American service members
CROW VALLEY, Philippines – Philippine and U.S. Marines were introduced to several non-lethal weapons technologies May 7 at Crow Valley, Philippines, as part of exercise Balikatan 2014.

Various non-lethal weapons were demonstrated for use with checkpoint security, crowd control and personal safety. Marines from both nations were familiarized with oleoresin capsicum (OC), a type of pepper spray, and proper stun gun procedures as part of the hands-on training.

Philippine Marine 1st Lt. Jesum B. Calape, company commander of 111th Marine Company , said the training was a great learning opportunity.

“I think this training is the perfect thing to do so we can learn how to endure difficult situations,” said Calape.

U.S. Marine Lance Cpl. Ashley Barton, a heavy equipment operator from Corona, Calif., assigned to Engineer Maintenance Company, Combat Logistics Regiment 35, stationed in Okinawa, Japan, said conducting the training alongside her Philippine counterparts increased camaraderie between the two militaries.

“Seeing they are willing to go through this training with us shows that we are in this together,” Barton said. “We are all on the same team.”

Brian Long, a program director for the Department of Defense Joint Non-lethal Weapons Technologies, said a primary goal of non-lethal weapons is to reduce casualties.

Long's goals at Crow Valley were to demonstrate the benefit and utility of non-lethal weapons, and to get feedback from service members to better understand their operational needs.

Among the technologies was a pre-emplaced electric vehicle stopper (PEVS). It uses electrical impulses to disable a vehicle's engine without harming the passengers. When a vehicle drives over a modular speed bump and makes contact with an electrode, an intense, short duration, electronic impulse shuts down the engine. This deters a threat without the use of lethal force.

A laser intended for use at checkpoints was also demonstrated. It is effective for hundreds of meters and projects a meter-wide beam. Unlike a light, a person who encounters the laser is more likely to understand they are being targeted, and their ability to continue operating a vehicle would be severely hampered by the beam.

For crowd control, Long's group had the two countries' Marines shoot a 40-millimeter munitions round, replaced with a flash bang incendiary device, designed to be used in a M203 grenade launcher. When the round is fired above and in front of a crowd, the extremely loud noise and resulting shock wave deters the people from moving any closer. Long said firing two to three rounds achieves the best result.

“We are working hard to develop systems that protect civilian lives and help the military better perform their mission,” Long said.

Balikatan is an annual training exercise that strengthens the interoperability between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military in their commitment to regional security and stability, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
http://www.dvidshub.net/news/129284/non-lethal-weapons-technologies-put-test-filipino-and-american-service-members#.U23clMZOWAI

Sabah declares six designated routes along state waters

From the Sun Daily/Bernama (May 9): Sabah declares six designated routes along state waters



KOTA KINABALU: Sabah today declared the enforcement of six designated routes along its waters, following three kidnapping incidents in its eastern coastal areas in the last six months.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman (pix) said the declaration was in line with the decision of the Cabinet and the Sabah State Security Special Working Committee to take all measures necessary to improve security control along the waters of the state's east coast to ensure that such incidents would not recur.

He said six ports had been identified as entry points - Kudat, Sandakan, Lahad Datu, Semporna, Tawau which were within the Eastern Sabah Security Zone (ESSZone), and Kota Kinabalu port.

A route standard operating procedure (SOP) to monitor foreign boats entering or leaving Malaysian waters would also be enforced or implemented by the state government, he said.

"The declaration of the designated routes is to monitor the movement of foreign boats in Sabah waters, prevent violation of Malaysian laws by focusing on security aspects, and monitoring of trade activities and safety of navigation.

"The designated routes would also help the security forces and the country's maritime enforcement agencies control the movement of foreign boats in Sabah waters, and ensure better movement of boats and their involvement in legitimate socio-economic activities only," he said in a statement issued here today.

Musa, who is also Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom) chairman, said among the objectives of the route SOP was to ensure uniform enforcement as well as integrated and systematic monitoring of the designated routes.

"The encroachment by Sulu terrorists in Tanduo, Lahad Datu on Feb 12, last year and the three kidnappings in the last six months demand tightening of patrols along Sabah's coastlines, so as to prevent them from happening again," he said.

http://www.thesundaily.my/news/1041393

DVIDS: Philippine and U.S. combat engineers develop school and friendships in the Philippines

From DVIDS (May 9): Philippine and U.S. combat engineers develop school and friendships in the Philippines



Philippine and U.S. Army combat engineers discuss the improvements to the infrastructure at the Riverside Elementary School as part of exercise Balikatan 2014 in Barangay Soledad, Nueva Ecija, Philippines, May 5, 2014. The exercise is an annual bilateral training exercise between the Philippines and U.S. designed to foster cooperation and interoperability between the two nations’ armed forces through training as well as humanitarian aid and disaster relief projects. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Shaltiel Dominguez)

FORT RAMON MAGSAYSAY, PHILIPPINES – U.S. Army combat engineers with 4th Battalion, 11th Engineer Regiment, attached to 25th Infantry Division, helped improve the infrastructure at the Riverside Elementary School in Barangay Soledad, Nueva Ecija, Philippines, as part of Balikatan 2014, a bilateral training exercise between soldiers of the 25th ID and their Philippine counterpart here May 5.

The combat engineers constructed cement security fences around the school in the remote district, helping to secure school property and improving safety for the students. In addition, the soldiers provided books and learning aids to the students to improve educational standards and foster a better relationship between the Philippine and U.S. militaries and the civilians in the region.

Balikatan is a bilateral training exercise between the Philippines and U.S. designed to improve cooperation and interoperability between the two nations’ armed forces through training as well as humanitarian aid and disaster relief projects, and to increase stability and security within the region.

Prior to beginning work on the fence, the engineers conducted a site survey and interviewed local staff on what needed to be done. Construction took place for several days, with both Philippine and U.S. combat engineers working together on the facility.

“It’s really important [to do this kind of work] because we know what happened with Typhoon Haiyan,” said U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Jeremiah Diaz, combat engineer with 4th Battalion, 11th Engineer Regiment, attached to 25th ID and native of Guam. “Us knowing that our counterparts here in the Philippines are (going through difficult times) really makes us want to come out here help with building the schools and give back to the community.”

For the combat engineers, the work is voluntary and is a labor of love, many of them having close ties to the Philippines, having relatives and friends in the country.

“We’re working alongside the Philippine Army engineers, building the fence with their help,” said Diaz. “We’ve had a lot of volunteers that have wanted to do this project because there are a lot of Filipinos in Guam and a lot of our families are here in the Philippines.”

“The assistance given to us by [exercise] Balikatan is very important in the light of the school and the community itself,” said Celia Morales, school principal of Riverside Elementary School. “We don’t have to burden the parents with having to provide funds to improve the security of the school.

Civil-military operations similar to the Riverside Elementary School project are conducted annually and allow service members to engage the community face-to-face, building rapport with them.
“The Americans always ensure help and assistance especially in the safety and education of our pupils,” said Morales. “We’re looking forward to other projects, because we need them and we can’t provide all the facilities [for our students] because of the poor economic status of our community.”

Ultimately, the project was important in bringing together not only U.S. and Philippine forces, but the teachers, pupils and locals who came by to contribute and help with the project as well.

“In the end, we can’t do it ourselves,” said Diaz. “We can’t complete the project without their help. It’s really a group effort.”

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/129264/philippine-and-us-combat-engineers-develop-school-and-friendships-philippines#.U23Zs8ZOWAI

DVIDS: Philippine and U.S. Marines conduct rifle, machine gun drills on first day of annual combined exercise

From DVIDS (May 7): Philippine and U.S. Marines conduct rifle, machine gun drills on first day of annual combined exercise



Philippine Marines assigned to 2nd Marine Company, 11th Marine Battalion, and U. S. Marines assigned to Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, site in their weapons during close-quarter marksmanship bilateral training May 6, 2014, at Crow Valley, Philippines, for Balikatan 2014. This marks the first day of several bilateral live-fire training evolutions for the exercise. Balikatan is an annual training exercise that strengthens the interoperability between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military in their commitment to regional security and stability, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Joey S. Holeman, Jr./Released)

CROW VALLEY, Philippines – Following yesterday’s opening ceremony, Philippine and U.S. Marines commenced this year’s Balikatan exercise with various rifle and machine gun live-fire drills, here, May 6.

More than 300 Marines combined from both nations met at weapon ranges to practice small arms proficiency, conduct combat drills and exchange best practices.

“The basics for any Marine are to shoot, communicate and maneuver,” said Philippine Marine 2nd Lt. Jason Jiminez, 2nd Marine Company, 11th Marine Battalion, who was the co-officer in charge at the rifle range. “Standing shoulder-to-shoulder, we’re building bonds and camaraderie which are essential for being allies. This collaboration is for the future.”

At the small arms range, Filipino and American Marines completed the Combat Marksmanship Program, fired weapons while moving and integrated close-quarter combat techniques during all training events.

“We are fortunate to be here,” said U.S Marine 2nd Lt. Michael Venetti, Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, who was the other co-officer in charge at the rifle range. “The two-way training and transitions on the firing line were seamless. This event allowed us to fire our weapons next to each other which will make us better Marines in keeping the peace and being ready for conflict together.”

Over the next 10 days, the combined Marine forces will conduct additional live-fire events with various weapon systems to hone their shooting abilities as well as fire and maneuver techniques.

Balikatan is an annual training exercise that strengthens the interoperability between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military in their commitment to regional security and stability, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/128984/philippine-and-us-marines-conduct-rifle-machine-gun-drills-first-day-annual-combined-exercise#.U23YocZOWAI

DVIDS: New road ensures civilian safety during Balikatan exercise

From DVIDS (May 7): New road ensures civilian safety during Balikatan exercise



Service members from the Philippine Air Force and U.S. Marine Corps survey a construction project aimed toward building a new road for safety considerations in Crow Valley, Philippines, May 5, 2014. The road was completed the opening day of Balikatan 2014. Balikatan is an annual training exercise that strengthens the interoperability between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military in their commitment to regional security and stability, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Matthew Sissel/Released)

CROW VALLEY, Philippines – During the opening days of Balikatan 2014, the Philippine Air Force and U.S. Marines worked together to build a road, here, May 5.

The road was built to ensure the safety of local residents during live-fire exercises by circumventing areas used for combined military training.

U.S. Marine Staff Sgt. Jason Small, a heavy equipment operator with 3rd Maintenance Battalion, 3rd Marine Logistics Group, III Marine Expeditionary Force, stationed in Okinawa, Japan, and a Brooklyn, N.Y., native, said Balikatan 2014 was a great training opportunity for both nations and a benefit to local residents.

“Building the road is great training and it helps the local population,” said Small. “I think the Filipinos get a lot out of it and it improves our relationship with them.”

Balikatan is an annual training exercise that strengthens the interoperability between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and U.S. military in their commitment to regional security and stability, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.

http://www.dvidshub.net/news/129001/new-road-ensures-civilian-safety-during-balikatan-exercise#.U23YFMZOWAI

Army cracks whip on soldiers into drugs

From the Manila Bulletin (May 9): Army cracks whip on soldiers into drugs

Soldiers in Panay Island have been sternly warned that they will be dishonorably discharged for using illegal drugs.

“We don’t tolerate soldiers who are illegal drug users. They will be automatically discharged,” emphasized Brigadier General Arnold Quiapo, commander of the Philippine Army’s 301st Infantry Brigade (301 IB).

Earlier, four soldiers have been dismissed from the service as random drug test proved they were positive of drug use.

Major Ray Tiongson, spokesman of the 3rd Infantry Division (3 ID), said that the four were formerly with the 82nd Infantry Battalion (82 IB) based in southern Iloilo town of Miag-ao and stationed in San Remigio town, Antique.

Tiongson refused to divulge the names of the four dismissed soldiers but hinted that three were privates first class (PFCs) and the third, a corporal (CPL).

The four were among the soldiers who underwent initial random drug test last August 2013. Tiongson pointed out that not all four tested positive.

Tiongson pointed out that the random drug test was part of Task Force Moses, created by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to cleanse its ranks of illegal drug users.

Tiongson added that the AFP has a strict dismissal policy for those who are found guilty of using illegal drugs.

Earlier this year, the Police Regional Office (PRO-6) also discovered that five cops from Iloilo and Capiz province tested positive for illegal drug use.

http://www.mb.com.ph/army-cracks-whip-on-soldiers-into-drugs/

Bomb experts defuse IED in Maguindanao

From the Manila Bulletin (May 10): Bomb experts defuse IED in Maguindanao

SHARIFF AGUAK, Maguindanao – Operatives of the Army’s Explosives and Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team defused an improvised explosive device (IED) they recovered just near the gate of the compound of the municipal hall of Shariff Aguak in Maguindanao, around 8:45 p.m., Friday, a military official said.

Lt. Col. Donald Hongitan, commander of the Army’s 45th Infantry Battalion, said a ‘tipster’ informed one of their operatives about the presence of a suspicious box placed outside the municipal hall.

“Immediately, we dispatched a team from the EOD and after they confirmed that an IED was inside the box, without so much delay, defused the bomb using a water disruptor,” said Hongitan.

The explosion came a day after the Army launched security combat patrol operations in Barangay Sapakan, Rajah Buayan, which led to the recovery of five M16 armalite rifles allegedly owned by the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) rebels operating in the area.

The encounter also resulted in the wounding of two elements of the 45th IB, according to Hongitan.

Also, the operations resulted in the apprehension of a suspected BIFF member identified as Datu Not Ali Sailila of Barangay Sapakan, Rajah Buayan. Sailila is also believed involved in illegal drug trade.

Hongitan said they confiscated from the suspect a high-grade methamphetamine hydrochloride, locally known as shabu, which weighed 6.43 grams with an estimated value of P200,000.

Sailila was placed under the custody of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Cotabato City while charges are being prepared against him, Hongitan said.

http://www.mb.com.ph/bomb-experts-defuse-ied-in-maguindanao/

SE Asia faces renewed unity test as South China Sea tensions spike

Posted to InterAksyon (May 9): SE Asia faces renewed unity test as South China Sea tensions spike



A surge of tensions in the South China Sea threatens to widen divisions between Southeast Asian nations at a summit this weekend, posing a severe test for host Myanmar as the newly democratic country seeks to manage the region's growing alarm over China.

The routine annual meeting of Southeast Asian leaders has been given a jolt of urgency by a series of collisions this week between Chinese and Vietnamese vessels after China stationed a giant oil rig near the disputed Paracel islands, off Vietnam's coast. Both sides have blamed the other, and dozens of coastguard and patrol vessels are in the area.

Tensions also spiked in another part of the oil- and gas-rich South China Sea, with Beijing demanding that US ally the Philippines release a Chinese fishing boat and its crew seized on Tuesday off Half Moon Shoal in the Spratly Islands.

In particular, the unprecedented move by China to plant its drilling rig in Vietnam-claimed waters and guard it with dozens of ships appears likely to dominate discussions at the summit, raising questions over Southeast Asia's efforts to agree common maritime rules in ongoing talks with Beijing.

Myanmar, whose chairmanship of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) this year marks a coming out on the international stage following the restoration of democracy in 2011, must walk a fine line between preserving ASEAN unity and not upsetting China, its biggest trade partner.

Differences within the group are already coming to the surface. Philippine diplomats told Reuters that some states were opposed to issuing a separate statement on the latest South China Sea or mentioning the tensions in the communiqué.

Vietnam has said it will insist on a discussion of the row.

"This issue (China's oil rig deployment) is dangerous, sensitive, and threatening peace, stability, security and maritime safety in the East Sea (South China Sea)," said Le Hai Binh, a foreign ministry spokesman in Hanoi.

"Previous ASEAN summits always discuss the South China Sea issue, so Vietnam will definitely make sure this issue will be discussed at this summit."

Ian Storey, a security analyst at the Institute for Southeast Asian Studies in Singapore, said the summit in Myanmar's capital Naypyitaw would be "another test of ASEAN unity."

"There will be countries like Vietnam, the Philippines, Singapore and Indonesia that will want to express serious concern at recent developments in the final communiqué," he said.

"Other members will be more wary, seeing the Paracels as a bilateral issue between Vietnam and China," he said.

Brunei, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia and Thailand make up the other members of ASEAN, with the first three seen as especially keen to maintain good relations with China.

Singapore issued a statement on May 7 expressing concerns about recent developments and repeating previous calls for ASEAN and China to work for an early conclusion of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea - a set of rules governing naval actions.

Myanmar will host two broader regional summits later this year, culminating in the East Asia Summit in November that is attended by the US president as well as the Chinese head of state.

It will be keen to avoid a repeat of a disastrous ASEAN summit in 2012 when host Cambodia, a close Chinese ally, attempted to keep the South China Sea row off the agenda, resulting in ASEAN's failure to issue a joint statement for the first time in 45 years.

Tough balancing act

China says territorial disputes should be discussed on a bilateral basis, but agreed at last year's summits in Brunei to join talks with ASEAN on framing a Code of Conduct that would govern maritime conduct, with the aim of reducing the likelihood of clashes in the South China Sea.

Beijing claims almost the entire sea, and rejects rival claims from Taiwan, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei. The last four are ASEAN members.

The United States, which has forged closer security ties with Vietnam in recent years, has declared a national interest in freedom of navigation through the sea and this week called China's deployment of the oil rig "provocative and unhelpful." China in turn has blamed the United States for stoking tensions.

"China will keep talking about the Code of Conduct, as a short term strategy in damage control," says Maung Zarni, a Burmese political academic who is a visiting fellow at the London School of Economics.

"But it will likely opt out of anything binding or anything that will restrict its ability to do what it feels to be its historical right - to exploit the South China Sea commercially, build its bases anywhere it deems essential, or disrupt other claimants' economic and military activities in the area."

During decades of isolation, Myanmar, formerly known as Burma, relied on China as its closest diplomatic and military ally. But since Myanmar began pursuing dramatic reforms, its relationship with China has cooled.

"I think Myanmar will withstand Chinese pressure more effectively than Cambodia," said Sean Turnell, associate professor in economics at Macquarie University in Sydney.

"There really is a deep-seated loathing of aspects of Chinese commercial activity in Myanmar, and a belief the previous regime had made some bad bargains on energy and other big ticket deals."

An official with Vietnam's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who declined to be identified, said a repeat of the 2012 breakdown was unlikely as Myanmar had been weaning itself away from Chinese influence in recent years.

"It can be seen, although not very clear, that Myanmar has been trying to reduce the influence of China in its country, economically and politically," the official said.

Still, Maung Zarni said Myanmar would likely avoid antagonizing China by pushing for faster progress in concluding a code of conduct.

"Myanmar may be more independent than Cambodia," he said. "But it is not independent enough for Naypyitaw to behave in any way that will displease, annoy, irritate or anger Beijing over the South China Sea issue."

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/86457/se-asia-faces-renewed-unity-test-as-south-china-sea-tensions-spike

IED found near town hall of Maguindanao capital

From InterAksyon (May 10): IED found near town hall of Maguindanao capital



Soldiers look at captured BIFF weapons (photo by Dennis Arcon, InterAksyon.com)

Government troops successfully disarmed an improvised explosive device planted near the municipal hall of Maguindanao’s capital town, Shariff Aguak Friday evening.

Colonel Jener del Rosario, commander of the 1st Mechanized Brigade, said they believe the explosive was planted by fighters of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, which broke away from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.

The bomb was found just hours after government forces seized a BIFF arms cache and captured one of its fighters in Rajah Buayan town.

Shariff Aguak Mayor Bai Zahara Upam Ampatuan expressed alarm over the discovery of the IED, which happened a few days after gunmen strafed the old Maguindanao provincial capitol, also in the town.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/86470/ied-found-near-town-hall-of-maguindanao-capital

Aquino says ASEAN must tackle China sea claims

From InterAksyon (May 10): Aquino says ASEAN must tackle China sea claims



Pres. Aquino reviews departure honors before leaving for the ASEAN Summit. Malacanang Photo Bureau release

Philippine President Benigno Aquino Saturday urged fellow Southeast Asian leaders to face up to the threat posed by China's contentious claims to most of the South China Sea as they headed to a regional summit.

Manila filed a case at a United Nations tribunal in March, challenging Chinese claims to most of the strategic sea. Aquino said he would discuss the case's regional implications with fellow Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders meeting in Myanmar.

Even though not all ASEAN members are involved in maritime territorial disputes with China, Aquino said the issue concerned the security of the region as a whole.

"We wish to emphasise, uphold and follow the rule of law in resolving these territorial issues so that the rights of all countries involved will be recognised and respected," Aquino said in a speech at Manila airport.
He said, in Filipino: "Ang nais po nating ihayag: itaguyod at sundin ang rule of law sa pagresolba sa mga usapin sa teritoryo, upang mangibabaw ang pagkilala at respeto sa karapatan ng bawat bansa. Sumasalamin ang hakbang na ito sa ating paninindigan: Hindi maaaring madaan sa diyalogo ng dadalawang bansa lamang ang mga usaping nakaka-apekto sa iba’t ibang kasapi ng rehiyon."

"This step mirrors our belief that an issue that affects all countries in the region cannot be effectively resolved merely through a dialogue between two countries," he added.

Aquino said the issue concerned the "security" of Southeast Asia.

Myanmar is hosting the two-day meeting amid a flare-up of high-seas tensions between ASEAN members Vietnam and the Philippines and regional superpower China, also one of their main economic partners.

China claims most of the South China Sea, including waters and rocks close to the shores of its neighbours, and the Philippines and Vietnam have both accused Beijing of increasingly aggressive moves to assert its claims.

These claims also overlap those of Taiwan, as well as ASEAN members Brunei and Malaysia.

The sea is crisscrossed by fishing and shipping lanes and is thought to contain huge oil and gas reserves.

Hanoi said this week that Chinese ships that had surrounded a Chinese deep-water oil rig in waters claimed by Vietnam had used water cannon against, as well as rammed, Vietnamese patrol vessels there.

Meanwhile, Manila said it arrested 11 crew members of a Chinese-flagged fishing boat Tuesday for poaching hundreds of protected marine turtles in waters that are part of the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.

China has rejected arbitration in the Philippines' UN case, preferring to settle the issue through bilateral negotiations while insisting its sovereignty over these areas was "indisputable".

The other ASEAN members are Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Singapore and Thailand.

The weekend summit in Naypyidaw follows a visit to Asia late last month by US President Barack Obama in which he restated support for Asian allies the Philippines and Japan, which is locked in its own maritime territorial dispute with China.

More than 5,000 US and Filipino troops are currently engaged in annual war games in the Philippines, with a focus on maritime security.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/86485/aquino-says-asean-must-tackle-china-sea-claims

Implications of the Philippines-US military deal

From Rappler (May 10): Implications of the Philippines-US military deal

'The message that the Philippines should draw from the visit is that the EDCA provides it with a window of opportunity to work doubly hard on its own defense modernization'

President Barack Obama's visit to the Philippines, the last leg of his recent 4-nation Asian tour, produced a new bilateral defense agreement that was touted by some observers as the single most significant outcome of his regional foray. The agreement was said to contribute to his goals of reassuring allies and signaling that the United States is serious about its "rebalance" to Asia.

How does the signing of the 10-year Philippines-US Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA) help promote overall security relations between the United States and the Philippines and how might the agreement impact ongoing efforts to manage the territorial and maritime disputes in the South China Sea?

When the Philippine government of Corazon Aquino voted in 1991 to close Clark Air Base and Subic Naval Base – major American military facilities in Southeast Asia – at the end of the Cold War, the strategic importance of the alliance to both parties declined.

Notwithstanding cordial relations with China in the past and active multilateral diplomacy with ASEAN, Philippine governments since the 1980s have sought to persuade the United States to include Manila's territorial claims in the South China Sea in the scope of their mutual defense obligations.

Absent such guarantees, many Filipinos believe the US-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty (MDT) to be one-sided, committing Philippine support for US strategic objectives while failing to secure US support for the one external defense issue that truly matters to Manila.

Counter-terrorism and natural disasters have helped to sustain low-level bilateral security cooperation since the closure of the bases. However, it has only been since 2008 – amidst China's rising military ambitions and capability, the escalation of tensions between China and some ASEAN countries and Japan over conflicting territorial and maritime jurisdiction claims, and growing US-China competition for influence across Asia – that the convergence of strategic interests between Manila and Washington has been revived.

Thus, the Obama visit stressed in stronger terms than before the value of the Manila-Washington alliance that was first forged in the 1951 Mutual Defense Treaty. Obama acknowledged the strategic location of the Philippines and stated that his government has an "ironclad commitment" to the defense of the Philippines in the event of external attack.

The new EDCA would grant American troops, ships and planes rotational access to facilities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines – but not permanent bases which are prohibited under the Philippine Constitution – with the result of reducing response time should an external threat from a common adversary crystallize.

Obama, however, was otherwise nonspecific about the South China Sea disputes, merely expressing support for the Philippine approach of seeking arbitration under UNCLOS for its dispute with China over maritime resources and entitlements in the South China Sea. He also reiterated the longstanding US position that "international law must be upheld, the freedom of navigation must be preserved and commerce must not be impeded."

He was, however, explicit in saying that the new agreement and the US "rebalance" as a whole were not aimed at containing China. "Our goal is not to counter China, our goal is not to contain China. Our goal is to make sure that international rules and norms are respected, and that includes the area of maritime disputes."

The message that the Philippines should draw from the visit is that the EDCA provides it with a window of opportunity to work doubly hard on its own defense modernization, with US assistance through training and acquisitions, toward the end-goal of developing what Manila has called "minimum credible defense" capability.

A larger, more flexible US presence in dispersed locations working in close coordination with the Philippine defense establishment may also function as a deterrent to more serious external threats, while facilitating joint action in facing common challenges. By calling US defense commitments "ironclad," China is forewarned not to underestimate US reaction to its growing assertiveness.

Manila, however, must remain cautious and not take Washington's support for granted when it comes to possible confrontation with China. Few in Manila doubt that US-China cooperation on a wide range of bilateral, regional and global concerns remains very important to the United States. In addition, internal considerations for Washington – among them budget constraints, political division, and an increasingly isolationist public sentiment – continue to cast doubts on the sustainability of the US rebalance to Asia.

The current Benigno Aquino government, having lost Scarborough Shoal (Bajo de Masinloc) to Chinese control during a 2012 standoff with China despite the US State Department's intervention in negotiating a simultaneous withdrawal, is now struggling to keep a handful of Philippine troops on Second Thomas Shoal (Ayungin) supplied with basic necessities. The result is that Aquino faces rising domestic and regional pressure to prove the efficacy of its South China Sea policy vis-à-vis China.

This pressure will only continue to grow as the level of Chinese coercive diplomacy also continues to rise. While most Filipinos welcome cooperation with the United States, many remain distrustful of unequal agreements that long characterized relations with the former colonizer, prompting current US Ambassador to Manila Philip Goldberg to say that while past events have shaped the present "people cannot live in the past."

On the other hand, many Filipinos – and others in ASEAN – deeply distrust China but are willing to support only peaceful diplomatic means to address regional disputes. Manila's arbitration case has opened up a new rules-based arena for at least partial settlement of the maritime disputes in the South China Sea, and the Philippines hopes that China will seriously reconsider its decision not to participate in the initiative. The Philippines clearly needs to modernize its external defense capabilities after decades of preoccupation with internal threats, but no one in Manila wishes to see an abrupt halt or sudden deterioration in ties with China that might result from a more militarist approach.

The Obama visit was no doubt of great symbolic significance as a show of American support for Manila, which it touted as its "oldest ally in Asia." It also demonstrated America's desire for the Philippines to live up to its own responsibilities for helping maintain security and stability in the region, amidst a vastly changed regional environment. The mutuality of interests was emphasized when Obama quoted directly from the MDT regarding the two parties "common determination to defend themselves against external armed attack, so that no potential aggressor could be under the illusion that either of them stands alone."

Looking ahead, both Obama and Aquino will now have to play a tight balancing act between their respective national interests and those of other stakeholders in the region. For now, the EDCA remains a bare-bones framework agreement on logistics whose specifics have yet to be fleshed out. How that happens and why that happens will be shaped by the external security environment including – assertions to the contrary notwithstanding – China's future behavior in the South China Sea.

[About the Author: Dr. Aileen S.P. Baviera is Professor of China Studies and International Relations at the Asian Center, University of the Philippines. She can be contacted via email at asbaviera@up.edu.ph. This was first published May 9, 2014.

The views expressed here are solely those of the author and not of any organization with which the author is affiliated.

The Asia Pacific Bulletin (APB) is produced by the East-West Center in Washington DC, designed to capture the essence of dialogue and debate on issues of concern in US-Asia relations. For comments/responses on APB issues or article submissions, please contact washington@eastwestcenter.org.]

http://www.rappler.com/world/specials/57713-implications-of-the-us-philippines-military-deal

Abus holding Sino trader, Malaysian partner in Sulu

From the Philippine Star (May 10): Abus holding Sino trader, Malaysian partner in Sulu

A Chinese businessman and his Malaysian associate who were seized four days ago in Lahad Datu, Sabah, Malaysia are being held by suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits in Sulu, according to a peace advocate.

“It’s confirmed that Yang Zai Lin and Konur Resowan were brought to Kabbun Takas,” said Octavio Dinampo, a professor of the Mindanao State University (MSU) Sulu, citing a tip from an “informant.”

Dinampo said the kidnappers, together with their two captives, arrived in Kabbun Takas, Patikul town Wednesday night.

The group of Abu Sayyaf senior leader Radulan Sahiron is believed to be holding camp in Kabbun Takas.

Yang, 34, manager of the Wonderful Terrace Sdn Fish Farm owned by a Hong Kong-based national, and Resowan were reportedly snatched by five armed men aboard a speedboat at their fish farm in Pulau Baik off Silam, Lahad Datu on Tuesday morning.

Malaysian authorities who gave chase said the kidnappers later transferred to a pumpboat with a more powerful engine and engaged their pursuers in a brief shootout before making good their escape toward the direction of Sulu.

The kidnapping was the second in Malaysia in a span of 35 days by suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits. Earlier, another Chinese, Gau Huayuan, 29, and Filipina resort worker Marcelita Dayawan, 40, were seized in a resort off Semporna. The two are believed also being held in Sulu.

Authorities have also confirmed that the Abu Sayyaf is also holding captive two German nationals – Stefan Viktor Okonek, 71, and her female companion, Herike Diesen, 55 – who were snatched from their yacht off Palawan last month.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2014/05/10/1321257/abus-holding-sino-trader-malaysian-partner-sulu

BIFF attempts to bomb Shariff Aguak

From the Philippine Star (May 10): BIFF attempts to bomb Shariff Aguak

Tension spread anew in Shariff Aguak town Friday night following an attempt by the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters to set off a home-made bomb near a municipal government compound.

Responding military bomb experts managed to promptly defuse the improvised explosive device, fashioned from a live B-40 anti-tank rocket and a Mark II fragmentation grenade rigged with a battery-operated blasting mechanism that can be activated from a distance using a mobile phone.

Col. Jener Del Rosario, commanding officer of the Philippine Army’s 1st Mechanized Brigade, said the IED was packed with fragments of cast iron with jagged edges, mixed with tiny pieces of cut iron bars.

Army and police intelligence sources said the bombing attempt was apparently a retaliation for the military’s capture Friday morning of a BIFF member, Datu Naut Ali Sailila, during a brief encounter in nearby Barangay Sapakan in Rajah Buayan town, also in Maguindanao.

The encounter was preceded by the simultaneous attacks Thursday night by BIFF bandits of military detachments at the border of Maguindanao’s adjoining Datu Saudi and Datu Unsay towns, and the bombardment of the surroundings of the provincial capitol in Shariff Aguak with shoulder-fire 40 MM grenades.

Three BIFF gunmen were reportedly killed when soldiers manning the detachments returned fire with machineguns and shoulder-fire explosive projectiles, forcing them to retreat to a hinterland in southwest of the province.

Lt. Col. Donald Hongitan, commanding officer of the Army’s 45th Infantry Battalion, said soldiers who arrested Sailila also recovered from the encounter scene five M-16 assault rifles and drug sniffing paraphernalia the bandits left as they fled in haste.

Hongitan’s men recovered shabu in the trouser pockets of Sailila, now in the custody of the police.

Rajah Buayan Mayor Zamzamin Ampatuan, chairman of the municipal peace and order council, told reporters there is no existing BIFF camp in any of the barangays under his jurisdiction.

Ampatuan, however, said BIFF members sometimes cross through isolated barangays in Rajah Buayan when they move from one town to another.

Hongitan said the firefight in Barangay Sapakan erupted when some 20 BIFF bandits opened fire on patrolling combatants of the 45th IB dispatched to check the reported presence of gunmen in the area.

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2014/05/10/1321553/biff-attempts-bomb-shariff-aguak