From the Manila Times (Jul 3): Part 1: Can America stay the course in East Asia and the West Pacific?
Beijing’s assertiveness on the China sea tests US resolve to remain a Pacific power
Beijing’s assertiveness on the South China Sea seems, above all else, a test of America’s resolve to stay a Pacific power.
Chinese leaders see their country’s rise to wealth and power as signifying the transformation of the world order: the tilting of global gravity away from the Atlantic toward the Pacific.
President Xi Jinping wants President Barack Obama to acknowledge China’s arrival as a great power—with a rightful role in “shaping new global rules and norms.”
In China-US relations, he wants to build “strategic reassurance”; respect for each other’s “core interests”; and recognition of each other’s “spheres of influence.” ”
A recession of US influence
These negotiating demands will mean—unavoidably—some cutback in US influence: some recession in the activist strategy the US has followed in the West Pacific since the 1890s.
At that time, the geopolitician Captain Alfred Thayer Mahan and his disciples (who included Theodore Roosevelt, then Under-Secretary of the Navy) began to regard the projection of US sea-power as a kind of “forward defense”—as well as an expression of America’s “Manifest Destiny” as a global power.
Mahan argued that while America’s Atlantic coast was protected by its French and British allies, the Asian mainland and the islands enclosing the China Sea were occupied by peoples alien to the Americans. So that it is an invasion from the Pacific that would threaten the US.
Through Roosevelt’s influence (he became president in 1901-09), the US Navy acquired way stations in the immensities of the Pacific and, through the 1898 war Washington forced on Madrid, Manila Bay as its East Asian base.
And, sure enough, Mahan’s apocalyptic vision of danger rising from the Pacific became a reality four decades later. In 1941, a beleaguered Japan struck pre-emptively at Pearl Harbor.
East Asian hegemony
Since Japan’s defeat, the US has kept alliances and bases all along the China Sea coast to prevent a continental power—whether China or the USSR—from breaking out to the West Pacific and the world ocean.
And, ironically, it is the regional stability generated by the US hegemony that enabled China—no less than East Asia’s “tiger” economies—to grow at unprecedented rates.
After surpassing Germany as the largest exporter in October 2009, China overtook Japan to become the second-largest economy in middle 2010.
Now only the US is ahead in GDP terms—and even that may change by 2025.
Strengths and weaknesses
How America the hegemonic power and China the revisionist power resolve their conflicts will determine the course of regional history during this next generation.
Militarily, Washington still outspends all the great powers put together. China’s military budget for 2014 is 12.2% more than it declared for 2013. Experts believe its expenditure is higher than the declared total.
Since China still spends only 2.5% of its GDP on its military, against4.5% by the US, the Chinese won’t go bankrupt, as the Russians did, trying to compete against the Americans.
Ominously, China’s top generals are beginning to express their views on political issues. The Brookings Institute think tank notes a profound “lack of coordination between the foreign ministry and the military.”
In its search for friends, Beijing is devising a “March West” strategy to counter Washington’s “pivot to Asia.” Beijing aims to fill the power vacuum Washington leaves behind as it disengages from the Middle East.
Economic stresses
Economically, China is virtually allied with the US. Their two-way trade exceeds 400 billion dollars, and China is the biggest US creditor.
By 2030, China will be importing 75% of its oil. But the US is increasingly oil-independent, because of new shale oil and gas fields. China has just surpassed the US as the largest oil importer.
Then, too, China’s labor pool is drying up, so that wages are rising rapidly—hurting its export competitiveness.
In the US, joblessness is projected to continue for another decade or so.
Economic stresses will tend to turn Americans inward—against immigrants, foreign commitments and foreign trade—and make policy compromises between its political parties even more difficult.
Meanwhile income inequality is devastating America’s cherished egalitarian myth.
In January 2014, half of all Americans thought their country’s system of democracy either needed “a lot of changes” or a complete overhaul.
In its people’s view, China’s political culture too needs improvement. The rising middle class is beginning to challenge authoritarian rule at local-government level.
“Between 2006 and 2010,” The New Yorker notes, “the number of strikes and riots and what Chinese officials call ‘mass incidents’ doubled to 180,000 a year.”
Build-up of forces
China’s muscle still comes disproportionately from its 1.4 million ground troops–the world’s biggest. Xi Jinping’s reforms are preparing it to fight the sea-air battle it must win against the US-Japan combine. By 2020, the PLA will have ballistic missiles, stealth jets and the nuclei of carrier battle groups.
Immediately, Beijing aims to prevent the defection of Taiwan and deter US intervention in any confrontation with its estranged island. In 1996, the US sent two carrier battle groups off the island during a Taiwan Straits crisis.
A 2009 study by the think tank RAND judged the US no longer able to defend Taiwan from Chinese attack by 2020.
Over the longer term, China seeks to break its encirclement by the US and its allies and dominate its surrounding sea.
Meanwhile, Washington has been building an Asia-Pacific strongpoint on its island-territory of Guam—as the focal point of all US efforts to project power in the Western Pacific and as far away as the Indian Ocean.
From Guam, in the Marianas, it is only two days’ sailing to Manila Bay for an American carrier battle-group.
“Part 2: Looking for a new great power relationship” will come out tomorrow.
http://www.manilatimes.net/part-1-can-america-stay-the-course-in-east-asia-and-the-west-pacific/108877/
Thursday, July 3, 2014
New division chief vows tough campaign vs Abu Sayyaf, NPA
From the Philippine Star (Jul 3): New division chief vows tough campaign vs Abu Sayyaf, NPA
A ground military commander, seasoned in counter-insurgency and separatism in Mindanao, vowed “an aggressive” campaign against the Abu Sayyaf and insurgents as he formally assumed as the chief of the army’s 1st Division in Western Mindanao area.
Brig. Gen. Gerardo Barrientos was installed by Philippine Army (PA) acting chief Maj. Gen. Romulo Cabatac Jr. during simple military rites held at Camp Major Cesar Sang-an in Labangan town, Zamboanga del Sur.
Barrientos, of Philippine Military Class (PMA) ’83, took over the helm from Maj. Gen. Felicito Virgilio Trinidad who now heads the Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom).
Prior to his new assignment, Barrientos led the army brigade in Sarangani areas in quelling the Abu Sayyaf faction and lost command Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) faction under Umbra Amiril Kato.
Barrientos also led the 102nd Army Brigade in Zamboanga Sibugay province against the lost command group operating the kidnap for ransom syndicate. He was also assigned as assistant commander of the 4th Infantry Division in Cagayan de Oro before he assumed as the 1st Division chief.
Barrientos vowed to step up the campaign against the Abu Sayyaf groups operating in Basilan and Sulu and mainland of Zamboanga peninsula.
“The campaign is already there and what we need is to make it more aggressive to put a stop of their terrorism and kidnapping activities,” Barrientos said.
He said similar campaign will be implemented against the New People’s Army (NPA) operating in some areas in Zamboanga del Sur and Misamis Occidental provinces.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2014/07/03/1342032/new-division-chief-vows-tough-campaign-vs-abu-sayyaf-npa
A ground military commander, seasoned in counter-insurgency and separatism in Mindanao, vowed “an aggressive” campaign against the Abu Sayyaf and insurgents as he formally assumed as the chief of the army’s 1st Division in Western Mindanao area.
Brig. Gen. Gerardo Barrientos was installed by Philippine Army (PA) acting chief Maj. Gen. Romulo Cabatac Jr. during simple military rites held at Camp Major Cesar Sang-an in Labangan town, Zamboanga del Sur.
Barrientos, of Philippine Military Class (PMA) ’83, took over the helm from Maj. Gen. Felicito Virgilio Trinidad who now heads the Northern Luzon Command (Nolcom).
Prior to his new assignment, Barrientos led the army brigade in Sarangani areas in quelling the Abu Sayyaf faction and lost command Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) faction under Umbra Amiril Kato.
Barrientos also led the 102nd Army Brigade in Zamboanga Sibugay province against the lost command group operating the kidnap for ransom syndicate. He was also assigned as assistant commander of the 4th Infantry Division in Cagayan de Oro before he assumed as the 1st Division chief.
Barrientos vowed to step up the campaign against the Abu Sayyaf groups operating in Basilan and Sulu and mainland of Zamboanga peninsula.
“The campaign is already there and what we need is to make it more aggressive to put a stop of their terrorism and kidnapping activities,” Barrientos said.
He said similar campaign will be implemented against the New People’s Army (NPA) operating in some areas in Zamboanga del Sur and Misamis Occidental provinces.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2014/07/03/1342032/new-division-chief-vows-tough-campaign-vs-abu-sayyaf-npa
Friendly fire killed 6 soldiers in Sulu? AFP probe on
From the Philippine Star (Jul 3): Friendly fire killed 6 soldiers in Sulu? AFP probe on
Were six members of the Armed Forces’ Joint Special Operations Group (JSOG) killed by friendly howitzer fire and not by Abu Sayyaf militants during heavy fighting in Patikul, Sulu last month?
Sources said this is now the subject of an investigation by a Board of Inquiry, which would determine if the incident would warrant the convening of a general court martial or not.
“What happened out there with our JSOG elements was a result of friendly fire,” one of the sources alleged, saying the six JSOG men were hit by 105-mm howitzer rounds that landed right in their forward command post in the outskirts of Patikul town.
Prior to the incident, another source said JSOG members were all set to reinforce elements of Marine Force Recon who were waylaid by Abu Sayyaf militants while conducting combat operations in the hinterlands of Patikul on the early morning of June 19.
In the first volley of gunfire, 1Lt. Roger Flores, the third-ranking graduate of Philippine Military Academy’s Masiglahi Class of 2009, was felled by the militants’ bullets. A number of his men were wounded.
At the height of the fighting, the Marines, according to another source, called for fire support from higher headquarters. The fire support came in the form of the 105-mm howitzer rounds.
But instead of hitting the Abu Sayyaf position, three 105-mm rounds directly landed on the JSOG’s forward command outpost, killing six and wounding several others.
“The troops were then readying to reinforce their ambushed Marine colleagues when the unfortunate incident happened,” the source said.
When the fighting ended, at least 24 Marines and JSOG men were officially declared wounded in action, some of them in critical condition and had to be airlifted to the Zamboanga City military hospital.
Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, the Armed Forces’ public affairs chief, confirmed the creation of the inquiry board to find out what went wrong and if there were operational lapses to prevent similar incidents in the future.
“The objective is not really fault-finding,” he said.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2014/07/04/1342071/friendly-fire-killed-6-soldiers-sulu-afp-probe
Were six members of the Armed Forces’ Joint Special Operations Group (JSOG) killed by friendly howitzer fire and not by Abu Sayyaf militants during heavy fighting in Patikul, Sulu last month?
Sources said this is now the subject of an investigation by a Board of Inquiry, which would determine if the incident would warrant the convening of a general court martial or not.
“What happened out there with our JSOG elements was a result of friendly fire,” one of the sources alleged, saying the six JSOG men were hit by 105-mm howitzer rounds that landed right in their forward command post in the outskirts of Patikul town.
Prior to the incident, another source said JSOG members were all set to reinforce elements of Marine Force Recon who were waylaid by Abu Sayyaf militants while conducting combat operations in the hinterlands of Patikul on the early morning of June 19.
In the first volley of gunfire, 1Lt. Roger Flores, the third-ranking graduate of Philippine Military Academy’s Masiglahi Class of 2009, was felled by the militants’ bullets. A number of his men were wounded.
At the height of the fighting, the Marines, according to another source, called for fire support from higher headquarters. The fire support came in the form of the 105-mm howitzer rounds.
But instead of hitting the Abu Sayyaf position, three 105-mm rounds directly landed on the JSOG’s forward command outpost, killing six and wounding several others.
“The troops were then readying to reinforce their ambushed Marine colleagues when the unfortunate incident happened,” the source said.
When the fighting ended, at least 24 Marines and JSOG men were officially declared wounded in action, some of them in critical condition and had to be airlifted to the Zamboanga City military hospital.
Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala, the Armed Forces’ public affairs chief, confirmed the creation of the inquiry board to find out what went wrong and if there were operational lapses to prevent similar incidents in the future.
“The objective is not really fault-finding,” he said.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2014/07/04/1342071/friendly-fire-killed-6-soldiers-sulu-afp-probe
Clans end rido in Buluan
From the Philippine Star (Jul 3): Clans end rido in Buluan
Senior members of the feuding Utto and Kabugatan families swear over the Quran to put closure to their decades-old "rido" (clan war) during a reconciliation rite brokered by the Maguindanao provincial peace and order council. JOHN UNSON
Leaders of two more feuding Moro clans on Tuesday swore over the Quran to end their decades-old “rido” that caused the deaths of dozens from both sides in clashes.
The reconciliation rite, held at Buluan town in Maguindanao, was preceded by last month’s reconciliation of five rival ethnic Iranon families from the first district of the province, through the efforts of the inter-agency provincial peace and order council (PPOC).
The Utto and Kabugatan families in Maguindanao’s adjoining Sultan sa Barongis and Rajah Buayan towns agreed to reconcile last Tuesday through the joint intercession of Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu, and Brig. Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan of the Army's 6th Infantry Division.
Mangudadatu said the local government units of Rajah Buayan and Sultan sa Barongis also helped convince the two families to agree to an amicable settlement of their rido, which means clan war in most Moro dialects.
Elders of both families, who repeatedly figured in bloody gunfights sparked by political differences and squabbles for control of strategic patches of lands in the two adjoining municipalities for many years, signed a peace covenant before a Quran, in the presence of Mangudadatu, Rajah Buayan Vice-Mayor Jonathan Lumenda, and Mayor Ramsondatu Angas of Sultan sa Barongis.
The covenant, drafted by Mangudadatu and senior members of the PPOC, underscored the commitment of leaders and members of the Utto and Kabugatan families to live in peace again and cooperate in restoring their relationship as blood relatives and as neighbors in the villages that were devastated by past hostilities between them.
Mangudadatu said they stepped up their efforts to persuade both camps to reconcile last week.
Mangudadatu said he is confident the PPOC can settle more clan wars involving big families in the province before the Ramadan's end with the sighting of the new moon possibly on the third week of July.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2014/07/03/1342018/clans-end-rido-buluan
Senior members of the feuding Utto and Kabugatan families swear over the Quran to put closure to their decades-old "rido" (clan war) during a reconciliation rite brokered by the Maguindanao provincial peace and order council. JOHN UNSON
Leaders of two more feuding Moro clans on Tuesday swore over the Quran to end their decades-old “rido” that caused the deaths of dozens from both sides in clashes.
The reconciliation rite, held at Buluan town in Maguindanao, was preceded by last month’s reconciliation of five rival ethnic Iranon families from the first district of the province, through the efforts of the inter-agency provincial peace and order council (PPOC).
The Utto and Kabugatan families in Maguindanao’s adjoining Sultan sa Barongis and Rajah Buayan towns agreed to reconcile last Tuesday through the joint intercession of Gov. Esmael Mangudadatu, and Brig. Gen. Edmundo Pangilinan of the Army's 6th Infantry Division.
Mangudadatu said the local government units of Rajah Buayan and Sultan sa Barongis also helped convince the two families to agree to an amicable settlement of their rido, which means clan war in most Moro dialects.
Elders of both families, who repeatedly figured in bloody gunfights sparked by political differences and squabbles for control of strategic patches of lands in the two adjoining municipalities for many years, signed a peace covenant before a Quran, in the presence of Mangudadatu, Rajah Buayan Vice-Mayor Jonathan Lumenda, and Mayor Ramsondatu Angas of Sultan sa Barongis.
The covenant, drafted by Mangudadatu and senior members of the PPOC, underscored the commitment of leaders and members of the Utto and Kabugatan families to live in peace again and cooperate in restoring their relationship as blood relatives and as neighbors in the villages that were devastated by past hostilities between them.
Mangudadatu said they stepped up their efforts to persuade both camps to reconcile last week.
Mangudadatu said he is confident the PPOC can settle more clan wars involving big families in the province before the Ramadan's end with the sighting of the new moon possibly on the third week of July.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2014/07/03/1342018/clans-end-rido-buluan
Government agencies, military support CSO empowerment
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 3): Government agencies, military support CSO empowerment
Government line agencies including the local government, provincial government of Basilan and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) showed support to Civil Society Organization’s Social Empowerment program.
During the Second Evaluation and Consultation with the Institutional partners on Wednesday, Zamboanga-Basilan Integrated Development Alliance Inc. (ZABIDA) invited almost 20 government line agencies of local and regional offices.
ZABIDA executive director Esperancita Hupida introduced the project “Integrated Social Empowerment Program for the Marginalized Communities of Zamboanga City and Basilan,” as inspired by the Bottom-Up Budgeting (BUB) planning program of the government which is completing its first year cycle this month.
Hupida told the participants that ZABIDA has made a series of trainings for the capacity-building for marginalized sectors of the community.
She even conveyed that the organization tapped majority of these sectors. Among these are children, youth, farmers, fisher folks, vendors, barangay officials and many others.
Using the three themes Poverty reduction, Peace and Security and Good Governance, the marginalized sectors have been processing the planning for their community development using their own plans with the organization’s assistance.
“We have been preparing them to sustain people’s participation in the barangay development planning and that would eventually link to the government agencies concern for implementation,” Hupida said.
With a lot of sectors tapped by the organization, Dr. Arcadio Cavan of Office of the City Veterinarian recommended that these sectors would be moving as one, and therefore create a committee body that would represent the sectors as a whole.
“They will try to identify how they can engage to the local and national levels, and how will they access funding not only in barangays but to national government as well,” Cavan said.
Uldarico Fabian of the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) conveyed that with the gigantic mission of the organization that the government agencies are willing to embrace, and that the key persons of the agencies should really be involved.
“Let us not look at the things as separate entities,” Fabian told the group.
“We should have more capacity-buildings that would involve key persons to participate,” Fabian reiterated.
Cavan agreed that it’s not only the marginalized sectors that need empowerment but also the government line agencies implementing the projects to have harmonious relationships with each other.
Derived from previous experiences, Hupida cited how the non-government organizations (NGOs) usually plan for the community and how NGOs plan with the sectors without relating to the government where some of the projects usually fail.
“Our advocacy in this project now is to bring to the line agencies what the stakeholders want for their own development,” Hupida said.
Department of Agriculture (DA) regional office representative Petronila Amona-Barredo acknowledged ZABIDA for its ideal advocacy for mobilizing the people of its social development as part of people’s participation.
“That is why we call them not as beneficiaries but stakeholders. They are considered as partners,” Barredo said.
Ma. Dinah Villena, of the Department of Trade and Industry-Zamboanga City Office, offered how the agency’s shared service facilities can help and see what technical assistance they can give to sectors that needs livelihood development, stating that in some parts of Zamboanga Peninsula, BUB has already been implemented, while in the city, there is no BUB project yet because there is no specific organization that is asking for such assistance.
Department of Budget and Management Regional Director Wilda Cemine expressed appreciation knowing that ZABIDA in collaboration with Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) is pushing for the people’s participation.
Ruben Mustafa, from Office of the City Planning in Lantawan, Basilan province having reversed occurrence, wherein the Barangay LGUs are those that come to the office ask what Barangay Development Plan they can give to the Barangay.
“ZABIDA came in an appropriate time, as of now, we are working with the stages for the social empowerment,” Mustafa quipped.
Lt. Col. Taharudin Ampatuan of Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) expressed intention to let the soldiers assigned in Basilan to let them join in the planning.
“Peace and Security goes with the economic development of a certain area. Please let the soldiers join for the peace and security,” Ampatuan suggested.
ZABIDA is optimistic that either in BUB or BDP the marginalized sectors plans would come into reality. “If the government may lack resources, we can tap international CSOs who were willing to help, provided we give necessary documents needed,” Hupida said.
At the end of this month, a “Social Empowerment Forum” will be held in this city, having been duly invited the marginalized sectors, government line agencies local and regional, international NGOs and many others for the presentation of the Sectoral Participation in Peace and Community Development and would tackle issues and concerns and hereby bring together responses from concerned agencies.
ZABIDA is a Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) that has been established since 1997.
It is a consortium of four NGOs committed to uplift the quality of life disadvantaged sectors in this city Zand in Basilan province.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=659428
Government line agencies including the local government, provincial government of Basilan and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) showed support to Civil Society Organization’s Social Empowerment program.
During the Second Evaluation and Consultation with the Institutional partners on Wednesday, Zamboanga-Basilan Integrated Development Alliance Inc. (ZABIDA) invited almost 20 government line agencies of local and regional offices.
ZABIDA executive director Esperancita Hupida introduced the project “Integrated Social Empowerment Program for the Marginalized Communities of Zamboanga City and Basilan,” as inspired by the Bottom-Up Budgeting (BUB) planning program of the government which is completing its first year cycle this month.
Hupida told the participants that ZABIDA has made a series of trainings for the capacity-building for marginalized sectors of the community.
She even conveyed that the organization tapped majority of these sectors. Among these are children, youth, farmers, fisher folks, vendors, barangay officials and many others.
Using the three themes Poverty reduction, Peace and Security and Good Governance, the marginalized sectors have been processing the planning for their community development using their own plans with the organization’s assistance.
“We have been preparing them to sustain people’s participation in the barangay development planning and that would eventually link to the government agencies concern for implementation,” Hupida said.
With a lot of sectors tapped by the organization, Dr. Arcadio Cavan of Office of the City Veterinarian recommended that these sectors would be moving as one, and therefore create a committee body that would represent the sectors as a whole.
“They will try to identify how they can engage to the local and national levels, and how will they access funding not only in barangays but to national government as well,” Cavan said.
Uldarico Fabian of the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) conveyed that with the gigantic mission of the organization that the government agencies are willing to embrace, and that the key persons of the agencies should really be involved.
“Let us not look at the things as separate entities,” Fabian told the group.
“We should have more capacity-buildings that would involve key persons to participate,” Fabian reiterated.
Cavan agreed that it’s not only the marginalized sectors that need empowerment but also the government line agencies implementing the projects to have harmonious relationships with each other.
Derived from previous experiences, Hupida cited how the non-government organizations (NGOs) usually plan for the community and how NGOs plan with the sectors without relating to the government where some of the projects usually fail.
“Our advocacy in this project now is to bring to the line agencies what the stakeholders want for their own development,” Hupida said.
Department of Agriculture (DA) regional office representative Petronila Amona-Barredo acknowledged ZABIDA for its ideal advocacy for mobilizing the people of its social development as part of people’s participation.
“That is why we call them not as beneficiaries but stakeholders. They are considered as partners,” Barredo said.
Ma. Dinah Villena, of the Department of Trade and Industry-Zamboanga City Office, offered how the agency’s shared service facilities can help and see what technical assistance they can give to sectors that needs livelihood development, stating that in some parts of Zamboanga Peninsula, BUB has already been implemented, while in the city, there is no BUB project yet because there is no specific organization that is asking for such assistance.
Department of Budget and Management Regional Director Wilda Cemine expressed appreciation knowing that ZABIDA in collaboration with Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) is pushing for the people’s participation.
Ruben Mustafa, from Office of the City Planning in Lantawan, Basilan province having reversed occurrence, wherein the Barangay LGUs are those that come to the office ask what Barangay Development Plan they can give to the Barangay.
“ZABIDA came in an appropriate time, as of now, we are working with the stages for the social empowerment,” Mustafa quipped.
Lt. Col. Taharudin Ampatuan of Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) expressed intention to let the soldiers assigned in Basilan to let them join in the planning.
“Peace and Security goes with the economic development of a certain area. Please let the soldiers join for the peace and security,” Ampatuan suggested.
ZABIDA is optimistic that either in BUB or BDP the marginalized sectors plans would come into reality. “If the government may lack resources, we can tap international CSOs who were willing to help, provided we give necessary documents needed,” Hupida said.
At the end of this month, a “Social Empowerment Forum” will be held in this city, having been duly invited the marginalized sectors, government line agencies local and regional, international NGOs and many others for the presentation of the Sectoral Participation in Peace and Community Development and would tackle issues and concerns and hereby bring together responses from concerned agencies.
ZABIDA is a Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) that has been established since 1997.
It is a consortium of four NGOs committed to uplift the quality of life disadvantaged sectors in this city Zand in Basilan province.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=659428
PMA opens doors for prospective cadets
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 3): PMA opens doors for prospective cadets
In line with its efforts to recruit and train people for the country's various military services, the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) on Wednesday announced that applicants interested in becoming members of the Cadet Corps of the Armed Forces of thePhilippines
Applicants must be natural-born Filipino citizens, single, never been married nor pregnant (if female) nor has a legal obligation to support a child.
They must also be, at a minimum, a high school graduate.
Applicants may submit their application through regular mail or courier services.
They may also take advantage of the online application through the academy’s website at www.pma.ph.
Walk-in applicants with complete documents may take the examination as long as there are sufficient examination booklets.
The academy will be putting up 37 testing centers to attract students with leadership potentials at the following sites:
Manila, Quezon City, Baguio City, Laoag City, Dagupan City, Bontoc, Bayombong, Tuguegarao City, Cabanatuan City, Tarlac City, Pampanga’s City of San Fernando, Calapan City, Lipa City, Puerto Princesa City, Lucena City, Legazpi City, Naga City, Bacolod City, Iloilo City, Kalibo, Cebu City, Dumaguete City, Tagbilaran City, Catbalogan City, Tacloban City, Zamboanga City, Butuan City, Cagayan De Oro City, Ozamiz City, Davao City, General Santos City, Tacurong City, Iligan City, Cotabato City, Jolo, Basco, and Bongao, Tawi-Tawi.
The PMA Entrance Examination aims to measure the mental ability of applicants in the areas of Math (Algebra and Geometry), English (Grammar, Composition, andReading
Qualified examinees will be informed of their scheduled test date.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=659287
In line with its efforts to recruit and train people for the country's various military services, the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) on Wednesday announced that applicants interested in becoming members of the Cadet Corps of the Armed Forces of the
Applicants must be natural-born Filipino citizens, single, never been married nor pregnant (if female) nor has a legal obligation to support a child.
They must also be, at a minimum, a high school graduate.
Applicants may submit their application through regular mail or courier services.
They may also take advantage of the online application through the academy’s website at www.pma.ph.
Walk-in applicants with complete documents may take the examination as long as there are sufficient examination booklets.
The academy will be putting up 37 testing centers to attract students with leadership potentials at the following sites:
Manila, Quezon City, Baguio City, Laoag City, Dagupan City, Bontoc, Bayombong, Tuguegarao City, Cabanatuan City, Tarlac City, Pampanga’s City of San Fernando, Calapan City, Lipa City, Puerto Princesa City, Lucena City, Legazpi City, Naga City, Bacolod City, Iloilo City, Kalibo, Cebu City, Dumaguete City, Tagbilaran City, Catbalogan City, Tacloban City, Zamboanga City, Butuan City, Cagayan De Oro City, Ozamiz City, Davao City, General Santos City, Tacurong City, Iligan City, Cotabato City, Jolo, Basco, and Bongao, Tawi-Tawi.
The PMA Entrance Examination aims to measure the mental ability of applicants in the areas of Math (Algebra and Geometry), English (Grammar, Composition, and
Qualified examinees will be informed of their scheduled test date.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=659287
Army scout rangers testing 5,000 pairs of 'Kubar' boots
From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 3): Army scout rangers testing 5,000 pairs of 'Kubar' boots
The Philippine Army (PA) on Thursday announced that 5,000 pairs of "Kubar" boots are now undergoing operational tests at the field.
"Kubar" means "HukbongKatihanBoots".
Lt. Col. Noel Detoyato, Army spokesperson, said that these series of tests, ranging from forced marches in rough, muddy, and mountainous terrain, will determine the durability of the boots for combat use.
He added full scale delivery of the "Kubar" to line units will start once the boots successfully pass its operational test.
Scout Rangers based in San Miguel, Bulacan are the ones conducting the operational tests.
The PA earlier announced that it will be acquiring 79, 066 pairs of jungle olive green "Kubar" boots for the use of its soldiers.
Detoyato said that the "Kubar" were inspired by the latest athletic shoes and military boots construction technology.
It added that the above-mentioned boots offers protection, maximum stability, comfort and protection in actual combat training and operations.
There are three color options for the finished "Kubar" boots and these are urban black, jungle olive green, and desert Mojave khaki.
Detoyato said that after a series of research and consultations with the best shoe manufacturers, and the test and evaluation conducted at the Research andDevelopment Center
He added that the PA believes that soldiers deserve only the best so that they in turn can provide excellent service, especially in performing their duties in combat related missions.
This project is in tune with the Army Transformation Roadmap, which is geared towards making sustainable impact not only on the Army’s systems, processes and organizational capability, but more importantly in the individual soldiers.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=659431
The Philippine Army (PA) on Thursday announced that 5,000 pairs of "Kubar" boots are now undergoing operational tests at the field.
"Kubar" means "HukbongKatihanBoots".
Lt. Col. Noel Detoyato, Army spokesperson, said that these series of tests, ranging from forced marches in rough, muddy, and mountainous terrain, will determine the durability of the boots for combat use.
He added full scale delivery of the "Kubar" to line units will start once the boots successfully pass its operational test.
Scout Rangers based in San Miguel, Bulacan are the ones conducting the operational tests.
The PA earlier announced that it will be acquiring 79, 066 pairs of jungle olive green "Kubar" boots for the use of its soldiers.
Detoyato said that the "Kubar" were inspired by the latest athletic shoes and military boots construction technology.
It added that the above-mentioned boots offers protection, maximum stability, comfort and protection in actual combat training and operations.
There are three color options for the finished "Kubar" boots and these are urban black, jungle olive green, and desert Mojave khaki.
Detoyato said that after a series of research and consultations with the best shoe manufacturers, and the test and evaluation conducted at the Research and
He added that the PA believes that soldiers deserve only the best so that they in turn can provide excellent service, especially in performing their duties in combat related missions.
This project is in tune with the Army Transformation Roadmap, which is geared towards making sustainable impact not only on the Army’s systems, processes and organizational capability, but more importantly in the individual soldiers.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=659431
Court rejects motion to drop kidnapping raps vs Tiamzon couple
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jul 2): Court rejects motion to drop kidnapping raps vs Tiamzon couple
Communist Party of the Philippines and New People’s Army chief Benito Tiamzon (left) and his wife, Wilma (right). INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
The motion filed by alleged communist leaders Benito Tiamzon and Wilma Austria to dismiss the kidnapping case against them has been denied by a Quezon City court.
In an order dated June 20, Judge Madonna Echiverri dismissed the Tiamzons’ motion to set aside their arraignment on the charge of kidnapping with serious illegal detention on grounds it was invalid.
In their motion, the accused said “a valid arraignment requires more than a simple reading of the information.” It should ensure that accused is able to fully understand the nature of the charges as well as the possible consequences of whatever plea he or she would make.
The Tiamzons were arraigned “over their objection” on April 8 because they were informed about it late afternoon of the previous day. They refused to enter a plea so the court entered a “not guilty” plea for them.
In her order, Echiverri said “the counsel for accused were given ample time to confer with the accused before the reading of the information.”
The Tiamzons also asked the court to dismiss the case because it should have been absorbed in the rebellion charge against them.
The judge said the defense must justify that their alleged acts were committed in furtherance of a political act during the trial.
“The proof of showing political motivation is deduced during trial where accused is assured of opportunity to present evidence supporting the defense,” the judge said.
The case will proceed with a pre-trial hearing on August 11. http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/616201/court-rejects-motion-to-drop-kidnapping-raps-vs-tiamzon-couple
Communist Party of the Philippines and New People’s Army chief Benito Tiamzon (left) and his wife, Wilma (right). INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
The motion filed by alleged communist leaders Benito Tiamzon and Wilma Austria to dismiss the kidnapping case against them has been denied by a Quezon City court.
In an order dated June 20, Judge Madonna Echiverri dismissed the Tiamzons’ motion to set aside their arraignment on the charge of kidnapping with serious illegal detention on grounds it was invalid.
In their motion, the accused said “a valid arraignment requires more than a simple reading of the information.” It should ensure that accused is able to fully understand the nature of the charges as well as the possible consequences of whatever plea he or she would make.
The Tiamzons were arraigned “over their objection” on April 8 because they were informed about it late afternoon of the previous day. They refused to enter a plea so the court entered a “not guilty” plea for them.
In her order, Echiverri said “the counsel for accused were given ample time to confer with the accused before the reading of the information.”
The Tiamzons also asked the court to dismiss the case because it should have been absorbed in the rebellion charge against them.
The judge said the defense must justify that their alleged acts were committed in furtherance of a political act during the trial.
“The proof of showing political motivation is deduced during trial where accused is assured of opportunity to present evidence supporting the defense,” the judge said.
The case will proceed with a pre-trial hearing on August 11. http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/616201/court-rejects-motion-to-drop-kidnapping-raps-vs-tiamzon-couple
Alleged MILF fighter dies in clash vs farmers
From ABS-CBN (Jul 2): Alleged MILF fighter dies in clash vs farmers
COTABATO CITY - A firefight between a group of farmers and alleged members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) transpired in Matalam, North Cotabato on Tuesday, the Army's 602nd Brigade said.
Authorities said the farmers were preparing their rice field in Sitio Maligaya, Barangay Malamuti when several armed men shot at them at around 6 a.m.
The armed group was allegedly led by Commander Onson Baliwan of the 5th Brigade of the MILF's 108th Base Command.
One member, identified as Muslimin Baliwan, was killed in the clash.
Hours after the firefight, a dialogue among military troops, North Cotabato board member Kelly Antao, and a representative of Baliwan was held in Barangay Cuyapon, Kabacan, North Cotabato.
The military and police said land conflict was the motive behind the attack.
Last month, a firefight also took place between the MILF and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in Matalam because of land dispute.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/07/02/14/alleged-milf-fighter-dies-clash-vs-farmers
COTABATO CITY - A firefight between a group of farmers and alleged members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) transpired in Matalam, North Cotabato on Tuesday, the Army's 602nd Brigade said.
Authorities said the farmers were preparing their rice field in Sitio Maligaya, Barangay Malamuti when several armed men shot at them at around 6 a.m.
The armed group was allegedly led by Commander Onson Baliwan of the 5th Brigade of the MILF's 108th Base Command.
One member, identified as Muslimin Baliwan, was killed in the clash.
Hours after the firefight, a dialogue among military troops, North Cotabato board member Kelly Antao, and a representative of Baliwan was held in Barangay Cuyapon, Kabacan, North Cotabato.
The military and police said land conflict was the motive behind the attack.
Last month, a firefight also took place between the MILF and the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in Matalam because of land dispute.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/07/02/14/alleged-milf-fighter-dies-clash-vs-farmers
‘NDF laying ground for assassination’
From the Visayan Daily Star (Jul 2): ‘NDF laying ground for assassination’
Assassination?
Assassination?
Abang Lingkod Rep. Stephen Paduano said yesterday that the National Democratic Front-Negros is laying the ground for his assassination by issuing “malicious and concocted” accusations against him.
NDF Negros spokesperson Frank Fernandez, in a statement furnished the media Monday, slammed the installation of Paduano, former national commander of the Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade, as a representative of what he called the “bogus” Abang Lingkod partylist-group in the House of Representatives.
Fernandez said Abang Lingkod is a bogus party-list group that does not represent any marginalized sector.
He also linked Paduano to the series of killings of peasant leaders in Negros, and said other RPA-ABB leaders were also linked to the murder of Kabankalan Regional Trial Court Judge Henry Arles in Ilog, and that of Romeo Capalla in Iloilo.
He added that they are also part of the much-dreaded “death squad,” allegedly of the Philippine Army.
These are just a few of the cases filed before the People’s Revolutionary Court against the RPA and Paduano, Fernandez also said.
Paduano said the claims of Fernandez against him and Abang Lingkod is a big insult to the intellect and constitutional rights of the 200,000 who voted for his partylist group in Negros Occidental and the 60,000 more in other provinces .
“They are recycled, concocted, malicious accusations from an old dog who never learns new tricks,” Paduano said.
Their system of justice that is carried out through "kangaroo courts" that is a shortcut of the justice system is what is bogus, Paduano said.
If Fernandez is still alive, his statement shows old age while thinking like a crying kid, he added.
PEOPLE’S COURT
“I challenge him (Fernandez) if he is still alive and can still talk straight, to a debate over the airwaves,” Paduano added.
“What about the hundreds of innocent victims executed by their (the NDF’s) executioners on orders of their fake people’s court. They are the accuser, judge and executioners,” Paduano said.
He also cited the thousands of Negrense victims of the NDF’s Communist Party of the Philippines-New People’s Army revolutionary taxation in countryside by force and intimidation, and their using the money for their terroristic activities and not for services for the people.
“It is only the legitimate government that can tax people, not these arrogant and anti people terrorists of the CPP-NPA,” Paduano added.
Paduano, 49, a native of Negros Occidental, joined the New People’s Army (NPA) in 1982 and rose through the ranks.
When his group split from the NPA in 1997, they formed the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa-Pilipinas with the RPA-ABB as its armed wing. The group has entered into a peace agreement with the government.
Paduano resigned as RPA-ABB national commander in June 2012 to campaign for Abang Lingkod, of which he was first nominee.
Negros Occidental Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. would not comment on the NDF statement against Paduano.
But he said he is reiterating his offer to provide medical assistance to Fernandez who, he heard, is sick.
RPA peace pact still in limbo
From the Visayan Daily Star (Jul 3): RPA peace pact still in limbo
The signing of a closure agreement to the to the peace talks between the government and the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa-Pilipinas-Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade (Tabara Paduano Group) remains in limbo.
The signing of a closure agreement to the to the peace talks between the government and the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa-Pilipinas-Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade (Tabara Paduano Group) remains in limbo.
Abang Lingkod party-list Rep. Stephen Paduano, who recently met with Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita “Ging” Deles, said yesterday that he and RPM-P chairwoman Veronica Tabara were told that the closure agreement is still under scrutiny by the Office of the President.
The peace agreement between the government and the RPM-P-RPA-ABB was signed in December 2000. Almost 14 years after, members of the RPA-ABB, now known as Kapatiran sa Progresong Panlipunan, are still waiting for the signing and many of their leaders and members are already dead.
Paduano, who was the former national commander of the RPA-ABB, said they were also told by OPAPP that the closure agreement may be signed soon by President Benigno Aquino, although they gave no definite date.
The reported delay in the signing was traced to the failure of some government agencies to identify the alternate sites for resettlement areas of the families of RPA-ABB members in Negros island, among others.
Barangays Bagonbon and Celestino Villacin in the cities of San Carlos and Cadiz, respectively, have initially been identified as resettlement areas for RPA-ABB members.
However, it was later found out that those hinterland areas are part of the Northern Negros Natural Park, with informal settlers are now due for relocation by the provincial government, that aims to protect the remaining forest cover of the NNNP.
A DAILY STAR source said that while Gov. Alfredo Maranon Jr. wants the signing of closure agreement as soon as possible, the use of NNNP as a resettlement area is non-negotiable to him.
Marañon, instead, suggested that the government should look for CARPable areas in Negros, that suit the needs of RPA-ABB members and their families, the source added.
In 2012, the Provincial Peace and Order Council of Negros Occidental passed a resolution asking OPAPP to look for alternative sites. The source, however, said there is no update on it yet.
The OPAPP had said earlier that the closure agreement is under due diligence review by the Office of the Presidential.
The signing has been awaited by members of the RPM-P-RPA-ABB since last year.
OPPAP has already completed the profiling of 716 RPM-P/RPA-ABB members all over the country, including the guns and explosives in their possessions.
The former rebel armed group has changed its name, in line with the goal of the government to transform it into a legitimate socio-economic and political organization.
Tabara, wife of the slain RPM-P founder Arturo Tabara, had said earlier that she is optimistic that the signing of their own closure agreement with the government will follow soon, after the inking of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro, with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
Philippines, Vietnam form team to boost alliance
From Rappler (Jul 3): Philippines, Vietnam form team to boost alliance
The Philippine and Vietnamese armies also vow to conduct joint training as both countries face China's threats in the disputed South China Sea
STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP SEEN. Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario (left) shakes hands with Vietnamese Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh (right) at the Government Guest House in Hanoi, Vietnam July 2, 2014. Photo by Luong Thai Linh/EPA
The Philippines and Vietnam announced on Thursday, July 3, that they will form a commission to forge a stronger, wide-ranging alliance as the two countries face security threats from an aggressive China.
The two countries agreed to form a commission to outline a strategic partnership, the Philippines said, after Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario met with his Vietnamese counterpart on Wednesday, July 2.
The Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Del Rosario and Pham Binh Minh, Vietnam's deputy prime minister and foreign minister, “discussed a wide range of issues and agreed to further promote cooperation in many areas such as fisheries, ocean and maritime, defense and security, trade, and investment.”
“The foreign ministers also agreed to advance partnership to a higher level, including the establishment of a joint commission headed by the two ministers to formulate a road map in working toward a strategic partnership,” the DFA said.
The Philippines only has two strategic partners so far – the United States and Japan, both of which also remain challenged by China.
Vietnam, on the other hand, has forged at least 10 strategic partnerships over the past decade, according to the state-run Vietnamnet Bridge. These include partnerships with China, India, and Japan.
'Ready to align' vs threats
What exactly do these partnerships entail?
Experts say strategic partnerships remain vaguely defined, but agree these involve shared objectives to promote regional security, among other things.
Julio Amador III, an Asia Studies visiting fellow at the East-West Center in Washington, described strategic partnerships as “comprehensive: economic, political, and socio-cultural.”
“With the elevation of bilateral relations to a strategic level, Manila expects closer cooperation especially in military and maritime matters,” Amador wrote in a Thought Leaders piece for Rappler.
Amador said: “Strategic partnerships are also evidence that some countries are ready to align against a perceived threat to the regional order. This cooperative activity, premised as it is on shared values, makes it easier for other regional states and external stakeholders to come on board to prevent any one power from upsetting established norms.”
The analyst said moves toward strategic partnerships “indicate the willingness of the Philippines to expand its current bilateral and multilateral relations and deepen its ties with like-minded states.”
In the case of the Philippines and Vietnam, the proposed strategic partnership – brought up when Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung visited the Philippines in May – comes as both countries remain embroiled in disputes over the South China Sea.
Joint army training, too
During their meeting, the DFA said, Del Rosario and Minh “exchanged views on the rising tension in the South China Sea, and discussed the urgent need to address the escalating challenges through peaceful means and in accordance with international law including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.”
“The two foreign ministers urged that the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea be implemented in its entirety, including refraining from the use of coercive force. The two ministers also agreed that the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea be expeditiously concluded without undue delay,” the DFA added.
In a separate meeting, the Philippine and Vietnamese armies also vowed to conduct joint training.
On June 24, Vietnam's official online newspaper reported a meeting between Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Emmanuel Bautista and his Vietnamese counterpart, Vietnam People's Army Chief of Staff Senior Lieutenant General Do Ba Ty.
The Philippine and Vietnamese armies agreed on the following:
Duong said: “We've got to be united, and stand united. We will win.”
http://www.rappler.com/nation/62321-philippines-vietnam-commission-strategic-partnership?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rappler+(Rappler)
The Philippine and Vietnamese armies also vow to conduct joint training as both countries face China's threats in the disputed South China Sea
STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP SEEN. Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario (left) shakes hands with Vietnamese Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh (right) at the Government Guest House in Hanoi, Vietnam July 2, 2014. Photo by Luong Thai Linh/EPA
The Philippines and Vietnam announced on Thursday, July 3, that they will form a commission to forge a stronger, wide-ranging alliance as the two countries face security threats from an aggressive China.
The two countries agreed to form a commission to outline a strategic partnership, the Philippines said, after Philippine Foreign Secretary Albert del Rosario met with his Vietnamese counterpart on Wednesday, July 2.
The Philippines' Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said Del Rosario and Pham Binh Minh, Vietnam's deputy prime minister and foreign minister, “discussed a wide range of issues and agreed to further promote cooperation in many areas such as fisheries, ocean and maritime, defense and security, trade, and investment.”
“The foreign ministers also agreed to advance partnership to a higher level, including the establishment of a joint commission headed by the two ministers to formulate a road map in working toward a strategic partnership,” the DFA said.
The Philippines only has two strategic partners so far – the United States and Japan, both of which also remain challenged by China.
Vietnam, on the other hand, has forged at least 10 strategic partnerships over the past decade, according to the state-run Vietnamnet Bridge. These include partnerships with China, India, and Japan.
'Ready to align' vs threats
What exactly do these partnerships entail?
Experts say strategic partnerships remain vaguely defined, but agree these involve shared objectives to promote regional security, among other things.
Julio Amador III, an Asia Studies visiting fellow at the East-West Center in Washington, described strategic partnerships as “comprehensive: economic, political, and socio-cultural.”
“With the elevation of bilateral relations to a strategic level, Manila expects closer cooperation especially in military and maritime matters,” Amador wrote in a Thought Leaders piece for Rappler.
Amador said: “Strategic partnerships are also evidence that some countries are ready to align against a perceived threat to the regional order. This cooperative activity, premised as it is on shared values, makes it easier for other regional states and external stakeholders to come on board to prevent any one power from upsetting established norms.”
The analyst said moves toward strategic partnerships “indicate the willingness of the Philippines to expand its current bilateral and multilateral relations and deepen its ties with like-minded states.”
In the case of the Philippines and Vietnam, the proposed strategic partnership – brought up when Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung visited the Philippines in May – comes as both countries remain embroiled in disputes over the South China Sea.
Joint army training, too
During their meeting, the DFA said, Del Rosario and Minh “exchanged views on the rising tension in the South China Sea, and discussed the urgent need to address the escalating challenges through peaceful means and in accordance with international law including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.”
“The two foreign ministers urged that the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea be implemented in its entirety, including refraining from the use of coercive force. The two ministers also agreed that the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea be expeditiously concluded without undue delay,” the DFA added.
In a separate meeting, the Philippine and Vietnamese armies also vowed to conduct joint training.
On June 24, Vietnam's official online newspaper reported a meeting between Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Emmanuel Bautista and his Vietnamese counterpart, Vietnam People's Army Chief of Staff Senior Lieutenant General Do Ba Ty.
The Philippine and Vietnamese armies agreed on the following:
- to “promote the exchange of delegations at all levels and cooperation in personnel training, and boost joint training on search and rescue activities at sea”
- to “work more closely to solve the problem of fishermen violating the law while fishing in bordering waters”
- to “exchange views on issues of mutual concern”
Duong said: “We've got to be united, and stand united. We will win.”
http://www.rappler.com/nation/62321-philippines-vietnam-commission-strategic-partnership?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+rappler+(Rappler)
PHL to boost defense relation with Myanmar
From the Sun Star-Manila (Jul 3): PHL to boost defense relation with Myanmar
THE Department of National Defense (DND) is planning to come-up with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to bolster the defense relations of the Philippines and its neighboring country, Myanmar.
During the visit of Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, commander-in-chief of the Myanmar Defense Services, on Wednesday at the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) general headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin expressed the DND's commitment in strengthening Philippines-Myanmar defense relations through an MOU.
"We look forward to the possibility of having a memorandum of understanding in Defense Cooperation with Myanmar, which can serve as a framework to promote defense cooperation between our two countries," he said.
Gazmin said the MOU will enable the Philippines to cooperate in various fields such as defense dialogues, education and training exchanges.
The Defense official said the partnership will boost the capability of the AFP to defend the country from any threat.
However, he said the move was for the general capability of the AFP and not for a particular conflict such as the ongoing dispute of the Spratlys Island and Panatag Shoal with China.
Gazmin also thanked Hliang for the assistance rendered by the Myanmar Government to Filipinos affected by Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) on November 2013.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/manila/local-news/2014/07/03/phl-boost-defense-relation-myanmar-351663
THE Department of National Defense (DND) is planning to come-up with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to bolster the defense relations of the Philippines and its neighboring country, Myanmar.
During the visit of Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, commander-in-chief of the Myanmar Defense Services, on Wednesday at the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) general headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin expressed the DND's commitment in strengthening Philippines-Myanmar defense relations through an MOU.
"We look forward to the possibility of having a memorandum of understanding in Defense Cooperation with Myanmar, which can serve as a framework to promote defense cooperation between our two countries," he said.
Gazmin said the MOU will enable the Philippines to cooperate in various fields such as defense dialogues, education and training exchanges.
The Defense official said the partnership will boost the capability of the AFP to defend the country from any threat.
However, he said the move was for the general capability of the AFP and not for a particular conflict such as the ongoing dispute of the Spratlys Island and Panatag Shoal with China.
Gazmin also thanked Hliang for the assistance rendered by the Myanmar Government to Filipinos affected by Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) on November 2013.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/manila/local-news/2014/07/03/phl-boost-defense-relation-myanmar-351663
Cudia won’t graduate; Aquino affirms AFP-PMA decision
From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jul 3): Cudia won’t graduate; Aquino affirms AFP-PMA decision
It’s final: Cadet Aldrin Jeff Cudia will not graduate from the Philippine Military Academy.
President Benigno Aquino III finally came out with a decision on Cudia months after the investigating board of the PMA submitted their final report to him.
A letter by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa addressed to Cudia’s parents dated June 11 that was obtained by INQUIRER.net stated that Aquino sustains the recommendation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and PMA Cadet Review Appeals Board (CRAB), which is not to allow Cudia to graduate from the revered military institution.
Cudia was expelled at the PMA during his senior year after he allegedly lied as to why he was late for class. Lying is a violation in the academy, where there is a strict implementation of the Honor Code that says “one must not lie, cheat and steal nor tolerate those who do.” His sister publicized his plight on Facebook.
Cudia’s camp accused it was an 8-1 voting that later became a 9-0. A unanimous vote by the Honor Committee, also composed of cadets, is required to dismiss a cadet facing an Honor Code violation.
A Navy officer, Commander Junjie Tabuada, also backed Cudia. He said in an affidavit that there was pressure on the Honor Committee member who initially voted against the cadet’s dismissal.
Aquino, who is also Commander-in-Chief, ordered a review of the case. Cudia was not able to join the graduating class of PMA Class of 2014 where he was supposed to be salutatorian.
Cudia’s family also took the cadet’s case to the Supreme Court but their petition to stop his dismissal was denied by the High Court.
An investigation by the Commission on Human Rights revealed that the investigating team was biased against Cudia and concluded that it was a “sham trial.” They also recommended the filing of cases against some of the Honor Committee members in Cudia’s trial. It also asked for a review of the PMA’s Honor Code.
“After carefully studying the records of Cadet Cudia, the decision of the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the Honor Code System of the AFP Cadet Corps, this Office has found no substantial basis to disturb the findings of the AFP and the PMA [CRAB]. There is no competent evidence to support the claim that the decision of the Honor Committee members was initially at 8 “Guilty” votes and 1 “Not Guilty” vote. The lone affidavit of an officer, based on his purported conversation with one Honor Committee member, lacks personal knowledge on the deliberations of the said Committee and is hearsay at best,” Ochoa’s letter read.
“Similarly, the initial recommendations of the Commission on Human Rights cannot be adopted as basis that Cadet Cudia’s due process rights were violated. Apart from being explicitly preliminary in nature, such recommendations are anchored on a finding that there was an 8-1 vote which, as discussed above, is not supported by competent evidence,” the letter read further.
“In the evaluation of Cadet Cudia’s case, this Office has been guided by the precept that military law is regarded to be in a class of its own, applicable only to military personnel because the military constitutes an armed organization requiring a system of discipline separate from that of civilians,” Ochoa also said.
“Thus, this Office regarded the findings of the AFP Chief, particularly his conclusion that there was nothing irregular in the proceedings that ensued, as carrying great weight,” he added.
Military spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Zagala, meanwhile, said that Aquino’s decision to back the recommendations of the AFP and PMA “manifests that due process was given to Cudia.”
“We hope that the decision will give closure to the case of Cadet Cudia,” he told INQUIRER.net by phone.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/616711/cudia-wont-graduate-aquino-affirms-afp-pma-decision
Cadet Aldrin Jeff Cudia. FILE PHOTO
It’s final: Cadet Aldrin Jeff Cudia will not graduate from the Philippine Military Academy.
President Benigno Aquino III finally came out with a decision on Cudia months after the investigating board of the PMA submitted their final report to him.
A letter by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa addressed to Cudia’s parents dated June 11 that was obtained by INQUIRER.net stated that Aquino sustains the recommendation of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and PMA Cadet Review Appeals Board (CRAB), which is not to allow Cudia to graduate from the revered military institution.
Cudia was expelled at the PMA during his senior year after he allegedly lied as to why he was late for class. Lying is a violation in the academy, where there is a strict implementation of the Honor Code that says “one must not lie, cheat and steal nor tolerate those who do.” His sister publicized his plight on Facebook.
Cudia’s camp accused it was an 8-1 voting that later became a 9-0. A unanimous vote by the Honor Committee, also composed of cadets, is required to dismiss a cadet facing an Honor Code violation.
A Navy officer, Commander Junjie Tabuada, also backed Cudia. He said in an affidavit that there was pressure on the Honor Committee member who initially voted against the cadet’s dismissal.
Aquino, who is also Commander-in-Chief, ordered a review of the case. Cudia was not able to join the graduating class of PMA Class of 2014 where he was supposed to be salutatorian.
Cudia’s family also took the cadet’s case to the Supreme Court but their petition to stop his dismissal was denied by the High Court.
An investigation by the Commission on Human Rights revealed that the investigating team was biased against Cudia and concluded that it was a “sham trial.” They also recommended the filing of cases against some of the Honor Committee members in Cudia’s trial. It also asked for a review of the PMA’s Honor Code.
“After carefully studying the records of Cadet Cudia, the decision of the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and the Honor Code System of the AFP Cadet Corps, this Office has found no substantial basis to disturb the findings of the AFP and the PMA [CRAB]. There is no competent evidence to support the claim that the decision of the Honor Committee members was initially at 8 “Guilty” votes and 1 “Not Guilty” vote. The lone affidavit of an officer, based on his purported conversation with one Honor Committee member, lacks personal knowledge on the deliberations of the said Committee and is hearsay at best,” Ochoa’s letter read.
“Similarly, the initial recommendations of the Commission on Human Rights cannot be adopted as basis that Cadet Cudia’s due process rights were violated. Apart from being explicitly preliminary in nature, such recommendations are anchored on a finding that there was an 8-1 vote which, as discussed above, is not supported by competent evidence,” the letter read further.
“In the evaluation of Cadet Cudia’s case, this Office has been guided by the precept that military law is regarded to be in a class of its own, applicable only to military personnel because the military constitutes an armed organization requiring a system of discipline separate from that of civilians,” Ochoa also said.
“Thus, this Office regarded the findings of the AFP Chief, particularly his conclusion that there was nothing irregular in the proceedings that ensued, as carrying great weight,” he added.
Military spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Ramon Zagala, meanwhile, said that Aquino’s decision to back the recommendations of the AFP and PMA “manifests that due process was given to Cudia.”
“We hope that the decision will give closure to the case of Cadet Cudia,” he told INQUIRER.net by phone.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/616711/cudia-wont-graduate-aquino-affirms-afp-pma-decision
10th ID counts on convergence of LGUs, NGAs to end insurgency
From the Philippine Information Agency (Jul 3): 10th ID counts on convergence of LGUs, NGAs to end insurgency
COMPOSTELA
VALLEY
In a press conference at Camp Manuel Yan in Mawab, Compostela Valley, 10th Inf. Div. commanding general Maj. Gen. Ariel Bernardo described as “whole of government approach” the convergence of government delivery of services.
The 10th ID along the local government of Davao City and the Office of the Presidential Assistant on the Peace Process (OPAPP) in June this year brought the ARENA Serbisyo Caravan to Paquibato known as the lair of “Kumander Parago.”
The AFP also counted the ARENA Serbisyo Caravan as instrumental in gaining back mass-base support of insurgency problem areas in Davao Oriental which the 10th Inf. Div. last year declared as “insurgency-free.”
Bernardo was glad of the support and interest of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte to introduce development initiatives particularly those that will lead to creating sources of livelihood for the people.
“People are expectant, we need to satisfy them para dili na sila ma-recruit (So they won’t get recruited),” he said.
Meanwhile, Bernardo bared that forces of the New People’s Army were noted thinning out and consequently problem areas “are getting few”.
Bernardo said that Kapalong and Talaingod towns are the remaining insurgency-concern areas in Davao del Norte, while Laak, Maco, Mabini, Mawab and Pantukan in Compostela Valley are also beset with the same concern.
Bernardo viewed this as shrinking areas of influence of the NPA but he saw the need for the armed forces to go “inch-by-inch” down to every barangay, closely tying up with municipal mayors of insurgency-affected areas.
He also banked on the “redeployment of forces” as a consequence of the Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro (CAB) implementation expected to result in the pulling out of AFP forces in the Bangsamoro areas once the Bangsamoro police force will be put in place.
“We can demobilize their movement if there is counter mobilization and social pressure,” he said as he explained the need for the government to gain the support of people at the grassroots level.
“The strength of the enemy is not with firearms; their strength is still the people’s support,” he said. “If we can isolate them and sever their connection with the people, they will become insignificant no matter how many they are,” he added.
Aside from addressing the root-causes of insurgency, the 10th ID also adopts coverage areas strategy that goes beyond political boundaries to ward off NPAs taking refuge and building hide-outs at the boundaries of provinces.
He took as an instance the 701st Infantry Brigade which used to cover the entire province of Davao Oriental only but it now expands its area coverage towards neighboring Compostela Valley Province.
The 1003rd Infantry Brigade which covers the entire province of Davao del Norte also extends its reach and coverage in Davao City.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=1591404372194
In a press conference at Camp Manuel Yan in Mawab, Compostela Valley, 10th Inf. Div. commanding general Maj. Gen. Ariel Bernardo described as “whole of government approach” the convergence of government delivery of services.
The 10th ID along the local government of Davao City and the Office of the Presidential Assistant on the Peace Process (OPAPP) in June this year brought the ARENA Serbisyo Caravan to Paquibato known as the lair of “Kumander Parago.”
The AFP also counted the ARENA Serbisyo Caravan as instrumental in gaining back mass-base support of insurgency problem areas in Davao Oriental which the 10th Inf. Div. last year declared as “insurgency-free.”
Bernardo was glad of the support and interest of Davao City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte to introduce development initiatives particularly those that will lead to creating sources of livelihood for the people.
“People are expectant, we need to satisfy them para dili na sila ma-recruit (So they won’t get recruited),” he said.
Meanwhile, Bernardo bared that forces of the New People’s Army were noted thinning out and consequently problem areas “are getting few”.
Bernardo said that Kapalong and Talaingod towns are the remaining insurgency-concern areas in Davao del Norte, while Laak, Maco, Mabini, Mawab and Pantukan in Compostela Valley are also beset with the same concern.
Bernardo viewed this as shrinking areas of influence of the NPA but he saw the need for the armed forces to go “inch-by-inch” down to every barangay, closely tying up with municipal mayors of insurgency-affected areas.
He also banked on the “redeployment of forces” as a consequence of the Comprehensive Agreement on Bangsamoro (CAB) implementation expected to result in the pulling out of AFP forces in the Bangsamoro areas once the Bangsamoro police force will be put in place.
“We can demobilize their movement if there is counter mobilization and social pressure,” he said as he explained the need for the government to gain the support of people at the grassroots level.
“The strength of the enemy is not with firearms; their strength is still the people’s support,” he said. “If we can isolate them and sever their connection with the people, they will become insignificant no matter how many they are,” he added.
Aside from addressing the root-causes of insurgency, the 10th ID also adopts coverage areas strategy that goes beyond political boundaries to ward off NPAs taking refuge and building hide-outs at the boundaries of provinces.
He took as an instance the 701st Infantry Brigade which used to cover the entire province of Davao Oriental only but it now expands its area coverage towards neighboring Compostela Valley Province.
The 1003rd Infantry Brigade which covers the entire province of Davao del Norte also extends its reach and coverage in Davao City.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=1591404372194
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