From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 20): 1st Cavalry squadron lauded for dedication, bravery during Zamboanga City crisis
LABANGAN, Zamboanga del Sur – The 1st Cavalry Squadron (Tagapanguna) Battalion was lauded by the Mechanized Infantry Division (MID), Philippine Army (PA) for the very its bravery during the Zamboanga City crisis in September last year.
MID commander Major General (MGen.) Mayoralgo Dela Cruz in his message delivered by his assistant commander Brigadier General (BGen.) Edgar Gonzales during the squadron’s 38th founding anniversary last Saturday said the unit had “manifested its sincere and dedicated service to the nation.”
Dela Cruz said the success of Zamboanga operations is one of the regiment’s greatest achievements.
“The skill, courage and deliberate actions displayed to the rescue of more than 100 hostages and the neutralization of some 500 rebels along with other members of the AFP during the Zamboanga City crisis deserved credit and recognition for a mission well-accomplished,” Dela Cruz proudly announced.
“Bilang inyong pinuno, lubos kong ipinagmamalaki ang bawat isa sa inyo sa dedikasyon at katatagang ipinamalas ninyong lahat na marating ang tagumpay ng ating hukbo.”
(As your commander, I am very proud of each one of you on your dedication and courage you have contributed in attaining success for our organization),” Dela Cruz said.
“Nais ko kayong hikayatin na lalo nating palakasin ang ating pagkakaisa bilang ‘team armor’ at higit na palawakin ang ating kampanya tungo sa isang professional, tapat, at nakabagong mechanized division na aayon sa nakalalatag na daan tungo transpromasyon,” De la Cruz urged.
(I urge you to strengthen our unity as team armor and intensify our campaign to be a professional, committed, new mechanized division anchored toward the path of transformation.)
Meanwhile, 1st Cavalry Squadron battalion commander Lieutenant Colonel (Lt.Col.) Antonio John Divinagracia recognized the hard work of the troopers.
“Your hard work, dedication, diligence and teamwork in performing your difficult mission speaks for your accomplishments as we are awarded as best cavalry squadron,” Divinagracia said.
Divinagracia said the squadron was awarded two Distinguished Conduct Service Medals, 36 Gold Cross Medals and 25 Bronze Cross Medals by no less than President Benigno Simeon Aquino III on Nov. 4, 2013 at the General Headquarters for the bravery in combat and valuable service rendered in the operations.
“The awards were not given to us in a silver platter. They are the products of our team’s hard work and sacrifices,” Divinagracia added.
Divinagracia urged the troopers to contribute to the attainment of the objective of AFP’s Internal Peace and Security Plan.
Divinagracia also encouraged the soldiers to be dependable, professional and well-disciplined. “We have to respect the rights of others, adhere to the International Humanitarian Law and will act as role models,” he concluded.
The celebration was highlighted by the distribution of awards to 32 deserving officers, enlisted personnel and civilians who contributed to the accomplishment of the Squadron’s mission.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=1371408440428
Friday, August 22, 2014
Phl Navy invites Bataeños to be reservists
From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 20): Phl Navy invites Bataeños to be reservists
Physically fit men and women from Bataan, which is known as training ground of caliber naval stalwarts, are invited to join the Philippine Navy Reserve Force.
The Philippine Navy is offering free military uniform and subsistence allowance in selected Reservist Training Program, leadership and skills training, opportunity for career advancement, and the chance to serve the country.
“Applicants must be natural-born Filipino citizen of good moral character, must not have any pending civil/criminal case, physically and mentally fit, must possess spirit of volunteerism, and not less than 18 years of age for enlisted and 21 years old for officers, and not over 64 years old at the time of appointment as reserve officer,” the Armed Forces service branch said in a statement.
For Enlistment, basic requirements include accomplished Reservist Information Data Sheet, basic/advance ROTC certificate, transcript of records and diploma, PRC license if any, NBI clearance, two pieces 2x2 pictures, and NSO birth certificate.
For Commission, basic requirements include accomplished Reservist Information Data Sheet, affidavit of no pending case, whole body postcard size picture, personal data sheet or resume, PSA birth certificate, and service record.
Also needed for the latter is a certified true copy of the following: college diploma and transcript of records, COMELEC certificate (for elected officials only), appointment order from the President (for appointed officials only), basic and advance ROTC certificate (for advance ROTC graduate only), board certificate/board rating/PRC license if any, physical examination report, and National Agency Command Clearance.
Applications should be sent to Naval Reserve Center-NCR, Molave St., Bonifacio Naval Station, Taguig City 1202. For details, contact +63 (02) 526-3920 local 129 or +639178795106; or visit www.navy.mil.ph.
The Philippine Navy Reserve Force consists of the Ready Reserve Force and the Philippine Navy Affiliated Reserve Units.
During peacetime, administrative control of the reservists fall under the Philippine Navy Naval Reserve Command, while during wartime, the mobilized reservists come under the control of the Philippine Fleet and the Philippine Marines.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=1951407922157
Physically fit men and women from Bataan, which is known as training ground of caliber naval stalwarts, are invited to join the Philippine Navy Reserve Force.
The Philippine Navy is offering free military uniform and subsistence allowance in selected Reservist Training Program, leadership and skills training, opportunity for career advancement, and the chance to serve the country.
“Applicants must be natural-born Filipino citizen of good moral character, must not have any pending civil/criminal case, physically and mentally fit, must possess spirit of volunteerism, and not less than 18 years of age for enlisted and 21 years old for officers, and not over 64 years old at the time of appointment as reserve officer,” the Armed Forces service branch said in a statement.
For Enlistment, basic requirements include accomplished Reservist Information Data Sheet, basic/advance ROTC certificate, transcript of records and diploma, PRC license if any, NBI clearance, two pieces 2x2 pictures, and NSO birth certificate.
For Commission, basic requirements include accomplished Reservist Information Data Sheet, affidavit of no pending case, whole body postcard size picture, personal data sheet or resume, PSA birth certificate, and service record.
Also needed for the latter is a certified true copy of the following: college diploma and transcript of records, COMELEC certificate (for elected officials only), appointment order from the President (for appointed officials only), basic and advance ROTC certificate (for advance ROTC graduate only), board certificate/board rating/PRC license if any, physical examination report, and National Agency Command Clearance.
Applications should be sent to Naval Reserve Center-NCR, Molave St., Bonifacio Naval Station, Taguig City 1202. For details, contact +63 (02) 526-3920 local 129 or +639178795106; or visit www.navy.mil.ph.
The Philippine Navy Reserve Force consists of the Ready Reserve Force and the Philippine Navy Affiliated Reserve Units.
During peacetime, administrative control of the reservists fall under the Philippine Navy Naval Reserve Command, while during wartime, the mobilized reservists come under the control of the Philippine Fleet and the Philippine Marines.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=1951407922157
Catapang urges NOLCOM unit heads to continue IPSP Bayanihan initiatives
From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 22): Catapang urges NOLCOM unit heads to continue IPSP Bayanihan initiatives
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. urged heads of Air Force, Army, and Naval units of the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) to continue the initiatives under the Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) Bayanihan.
The program, noted Catapang, was significant in delivering maximum service to the public, which assured peace, progress and prosperity in NOLCOM’s area of responsibility.
"The IPSP Bayanihan is bringing us peace and we should all protect this from those who seek to test its merits," he added.
Catapang likewise ordered the soldiers to maintain discipline and core competence in the highest standards in order to ensure the achievement of mandates under AFP directives.
"We have to project ourselves as modern armed forces. We will conduct our operations without collateral damage. There should be no human rights violations," Catapang reiterated.
He also reminded the soldiers to stay focused on their mission and not be distracted by the on-going political dynamics in the country.
The IPSP Bayanihan is a comprehensive military campaign package, which highlights a significant interplay of peace and development in sustaining progress and growth in the country.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=2701408341203
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. urged heads of Air Force, Army, and Naval units of the Northern Luzon Command (NOLCOM) to continue the initiatives under the Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) Bayanihan.
The program, noted Catapang, was significant in delivering maximum service to the public, which assured peace, progress and prosperity in NOLCOM’s area of responsibility.
"The IPSP Bayanihan is bringing us peace and we should all protect this from those who seek to test its merits," he added.
Catapang likewise ordered the soldiers to maintain discipline and core competence in the highest standards in order to ensure the achievement of mandates under AFP directives.
"We have to project ourselves as modern armed forces. We will conduct our operations without collateral damage. There should be no human rights violations," Catapang reiterated.
He also reminded the soldiers to stay focused on their mission and not be distracted by the on-going political dynamics in the country.
The IPSP Bayanihan is a comprehensive military campaign package, which highlights a significant interplay of peace and development in sustaining progress and growth in the country.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=2701408341203
Government will not waver in West Philippine Sea claims, Palace official says
From the Philippine Information Agency (Aug 23): Government will not waver in West Philippine Sea claims, Palace official says
The Philippine government will continue to push for its claim in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) and will use all diplomatic ways to resolve its dispute withChina
"The Philippine government will not cease in filing and availing of the legal and diplomatic means in resolving this dispute. We have filed a diplomatic protest," Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in an interview in Malacañang on Friday.
"It is not a question of whether they will heed the diplomatic protest. What is important is that the Philippine government continues to assert its right against its neighbors," Secretary Lacierda said, noting that the Philippines has availed of diplomatic and arbitration channels in resolving its dispute with China.
Asked if the country is open to bilateral negotiations with China, he said, “It makes no sense for us to negotiate bilaterally if the claimants to those disputed seas or waters would comprise more than two claimant-countries.”
He said the government is very cognizant of the situation in the West Philippine Sea and it will take measures to ensure the safety of Filipinos in the area.
Lacierda however said that while the dispute with China remains unresolved, the Philippines is still interested in dealing with the Asian giant, especially in terms of trade.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=1781408716240
The Philippine government will continue to push for its claim in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea) and will use all diplomatic ways to resolve its dispute with
"The Philippine government will not cease in filing and availing of the legal and diplomatic means in resolving this dispute. We have filed a diplomatic protest," Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in an interview in Malacañang on Friday.
"It is not a question of whether they will heed the diplomatic protest. What is important is that the Philippine government continues to assert its right against its neighbors," Secretary Lacierda said, noting that the Philippines has availed of diplomatic and arbitration channels in resolving its dispute with China.
Asked if the country is open to bilateral negotiations with China, he said, “It makes no sense for us to negotiate bilaterally if the claimants to those disputed seas or waters would comprise more than two claimant-countries.”
He said the government is very cognizant of the situation in the West Philippine Sea and it will take measures to ensure the safety of Filipinos in the area.
Lacierda however said that while the dispute with China remains unresolved, the Philippines is still interested in dealing with the Asian giant, especially in terms of trade.
http://news.pia.gov.ph/index.php?article=1781408716240
9 of top 10 illiterate barangays found in Mindanao
From the Manila Standard Today (Aug 22): 9 of top 10 illiterate barangays found in Mindanao
Seventeen of the “30 illiterate” barangays are found in Mindanao with nine of them ranked in the “Top 10”, the Department of Education (DepEd) said.
The DepEd Literacy Coordinating Council (LCC) describes “illiteracy” as a “situation where most, if not all, of a village inhabitants have little knowledge in the basic literacy skills of reading, ‘riting and ‘rithmetic or numeracy, also known as the Three Rs”.
The LCC report—based on the “literacy mapping data” of the Department of Interior and Local Government on the 5th and 6th class municipalities—received recently at the DepEd region 9 office here, noted the failure of children to enroll in remote public schools result in their growing up “no-read, no-write” like their parents.
The report said three Misamis Oriental villages, all in Salay town, led the list of the 30 barangays: Matampa had the lowest basic literacy rate (BLR) of 30.4 percent followed by Alipuaton and Bunal with 32.9 percent and 44.8 percent , respectively.
Zamboanga del Sur’s Nangan-Nangan and Mate, both in Tigbao town, got a BLR of 55.21 percent and 65.6 percent, respectively, to place 4th and 8th.
Also in the Top 10 are Lanao del Norte’s (LDN) Pandalunan in Munai town with 56.3 percent BLR, 5th; Dansalan in Sapad, 65.1 percent, 7th; and Rapadan in Munai, 72.3 percent, 10th even as four other LdN villages were in the “Magic 30”—namely, Cabaslagan, 73 percent, 11th; Natangcopan,75.6 percent, 14th; Old Poblacion, 82.6 percent, 23rd; and Bangcal, 85.7 percent, 28th.
Misamis Occidental’s Dioyo (72 percent) and Ventura (82.4 percent) both in Sapang Dalaga, and Manalad in Calamba (87.3 percent) came out 9th, 22nd and 29th, respectively, while Surigao del Norte’s Sto. Rosario (83.3 percent) and Poblacion Uno (83 percent) both in Bacuag, respectively, placed 25th and 26th.
Completing the country’s Top 30 “illiterate” villages, the DepEd said, are Cardiz in Bagulin, La Union, 6th; Dananao, Tinglayan, Kalinga, 12th; Estrella, San Guillermo, Isabela, 13th; Nanungaran, Rizal, Cagayan, 15th; Progreso, San Guillermo, Isabela, 16th; Marapilit, Zumaraga, Western Samar, 17th; Dao-angan, Bolinay, Abra, 18th; Paroyhog, Sta. Maria, Romblon, 19th; Bekigan, Sadangan, Mt. Province, 20th; San Miguel, Maslog, Eastern Samar, 21st; Canlasog, Larena, Siquijor, 24th; San Julian, Eastern Samar, 27th, and Malijao, Dimiao, Bohol, 30th.
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2014/08/23/9-of-top-10-illiterate-barangays-found-in-mindanao/
Seventeen of the “30 illiterate” barangays are found in Mindanao with nine of them ranked in the “Top 10”, the Department of Education (DepEd) said.
The DepEd Literacy Coordinating Council (LCC) describes “illiteracy” as a “situation where most, if not all, of a village inhabitants have little knowledge in the basic literacy skills of reading, ‘riting and ‘rithmetic or numeracy, also known as the Three Rs”.
The LCC report—based on the “literacy mapping data” of the Department of Interior and Local Government on the 5th and 6th class municipalities—received recently at the DepEd region 9 office here, noted the failure of children to enroll in remote public schools result in their growing up “no-read, no-write” like their parents.
The report said three Misamis Oriental villages, all in Salay town, led the list of the 30 barangays: Matampa had the lowest basic literacy rate (BLR) of 30.4 percent followed by Alipuaton and Bunal with 32.9 percent and 44.8 percent , respectively.
Zamboanga del Sur’s Nangan-Nangan and Mate, both in Tigbao town, got a BLR of 55.21 percent and 65.6 percent, respectively, to place 4th and 8th.
Also in the Top 10 are Lanao del Norte’s (LDN) Pandalunan in Munai town with 56.3 percent BLR, 5th; Dansalan in Sapad, 65.1 percent, 7th; and Rapadan in Munai, 72.3 percent, 10th even as four other LdN villages were in the “Magic 30”—namely, Cabaslagan, 73 percent, 11th; Natangcopan,75.6 percent, 14th; Old Poblacion, 82.6 percent, 23rd; and Bangcal, 85.7 percent, 28th.
Misamis Occidental’s Dioyo (72 percent) and Ventura (82.4 percent) both in Sapang Dalaga, and Manalad in Calamba (87.3 percent) came out 9th, 22nd and 29th, respectively, while Surigao del Norte’s Sto. Rosario (83.3 percent) and Poblacion Uno (83 percent) both in Bacuag, respectively, placed 25th and 26th.
Completing the country’s Top 30 “illiterate” villages, the DepEd said, are Cardiz in Bagulin, La Union, 6th; Dananao, Tinglayan, Kalinga, 12th; Estrella, San Guillermo, Isabela, 13th; Nanungaran, Rizal, Cagayan, 15th; Progreso, San Guillermo, Isabela, 16th; Marapilit, Zumaraga, Western Samar, 17th; Dao-angan, Bolinay, Abra, 18th; Paroyhog, Sta. Maria, Romblon, 19th; Bekigan, Sadangan, Mt. Province, 20th; San Miguel, Maslog, Eastern Samar, 21st; Canlasog, Larena, Siquijor, 24th; San Julian, Eastern Samar, 27th, and Malijao, Dimiao, Bohol, 30th.
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2014/08/23/9-of-top-10-illiterate-barangays-found-in-mindanao/
PSG arrests woman for trying to bring gun to Palace
From GMA News (Aug 22): PSG arrests woman for trying to bring gun to Palace
Presidential guards arrested a woman on Friday afternoon for allegedly trying to bring a cal-.45 pistol into the Malacañang compound in Manila.
The Presidential Security Group is now questioning the woman, initially identified as Flora Pineda, radio dzBB's Benjie Liwanag Jr. reported.
Initial investigation showed Pineda tried to enter the part of the Palace compound where the New Executive Building is located between 3:30 p.m. and 3:45 p.m.
She reportedly called for the removal of President Benigno Aquino III, supposedly because she pitied children affected by poverty.
The report said Pineda claimed she got the cal-.45 pistol from an eatery.
NEB houses several agencies under the Office of the President, including the Presidential Communications Operations Office and the offices of the presidential spokesperson and the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/375967/news/nation/psg-arrests-woman-for-trying-to-bring-gun-to-palace
Presidential guards arrested a woman on Friday afternoon for allegedly trying to bring a cal-.45 pistol into the Malacañang compound in Manila.
The Presidential Security Group is now questioning the woman, initially identified as Flora Pineda, radio dzBB's Benjie Liwanag Jr. reported.
Initial investigation showed Pineda tried to enter the part of the Palace compound where the New Executive Building is located between 3:30 p.m. and 3:45 p.m.
She reportedly called for the removal of President Benigno Aquino III, supposedly because she pitied children affected by poverty.
The report said Pineda claimed she got the cal-.45 pistol from an eatery.
NEB houses several agencies under the Office of the President, including the Presidential Communications Operations Office and the offices of the presidential spokesperson and the Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Office.
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/375967/news/nation/psg-arrests-woman-for-trying-to-bring-gun-to-palace
Palace to submit Bagsamoro law to Congress next week
From the Business World (Aug 22): Palace to submit Bagsamoro law to Congress next week
MALACAÑANG is hoping to submit the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law to Congress next week, a Palace official said yesterday. President Benigno S.C. Aquino III is set to certify the bill as urgent to fast-track legislative action on the measure which will create a new political entity in Mindanao.
In an interview on Friday, Presidential Spokesman Edwin S. Lacierda said the President has started the review of the draft bill and “is going through it with close coordination” with government peace panel chairwoman Miriam Coronel-Ferrer and Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa who attended the talks between the peace panels in Davao last week.
“We hope to submit the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law within the month of August,” he said.
“Right now, he’s just going through it. Hopefully, we’ll be able to see his impression and if he still wants something done about the draft after the review. Between now and then, we are hoping that we will be able to submit the draft Bangsomoro Basic Law within the agreed timeline,” he added.
The Palace spokesman noted that should the Office of the President introduce any amendments to the draft law -- submitted by the peace panels to Malacanang on Wednesday night -- it would only involve few provisions.
“Well, whatever the Palace inputs are... my understanding from Chair Ferrer is that they were able to come up with at least a big percentage of the draft. So, if there are parts that needs to be studied... They defer to the President to take a look, one final review of the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law. And... we’ll see,” Mr. Lacierda said.
“The bulk of it has already been agreed upon by both panels. More than 70% have been agreed upon so we are looking at a few provisions that would still need the President’s observation,” he added.
The Bangsamoro Basic Law -- the intended outcome of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) that the government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) signed on March 27 -- serves to establish a new political region for the Bangsamoro people that will replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
The draft law, among others, will embody provisions contained in the CAB particularly on wealth and power-sharing between the national government and the new Bangsamoro government.
The government earlier expressed optimism the draft law could still be passed within the year as earlier scheduled, to be followed by a plebiscite in 2015 and elections for officials to oversee the Bangsamoro government in 2016.
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Nation&title=palace-to-submit-bagsamoro-law-to-congress-next-week&id=93282
MALACAÑANG is hoping to submit the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law to Congress next week, a Palace official said yesterday. President Benigno S.C. Aquino III is set to certify the bill as urgent to fast-track legislative action on the measure which will create a new political entity in Mindanao.
In an interview on Friday, Presidential Spokesman Edwin S. Lacierda said the President has started the review of the draft bill and “is going through it with close coordination” with government peace panel chairwoman Miriam Coronel-Ferrer and Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa who attended the talks between the peace panels in Davao last week.
“We hope to submit the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law within the month of August,” he said.
“Right now, he’s just going through it. Hopefully, we’ll be able to see his impression and if he still wants something done about the draft after the review. Between now and then, we are hoping that we will be able to submit the draft Bangsomoro Basic Law within the agreed timeline,” he added.
The Palace spokesman noted that should the Office of the President introduce any amendments to the draft law -- submitted by the peace panels to Malacanang on Wednesday night -- it would only involve few provisions.
“Well, whatever the Palace inputs are... my understanding from Chair Ferrer is that they were able to come up with at least a big percentage of the draft. So, if there are parts that needs to be studied... They defer to the President to take a look, one final review of the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law. And... we’ll see,” Mr. Lacierda said.
“The bulk of it has already been agreed upon by both panels. More than 70% have been agreed upon so we are looking at a few provisions that would still need the President’s observation,” he added.
The Bangsamoro Basic Law -- the intended outcome of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) that the government and Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) signed on March 27 -- serves to establish a new political region for the Bangsamoro people that will replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
The draft law, among others, will embody provisions contained in the CAB particularly on wealth and power-sharing between the national government and the new Bangsamoro government.
The government earlier expressed optimism the draft law could still be passed within the year as earlier scheduled, to be followed by a plebiscite in 2015 and elections for officials to oversee the Bangsamoro government in 2016.
http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Nation&title=palace-to-submit-bagsamoro-law-to-congress-next-week&id=93282
Militiaman killed, 2 wounded in clash
From the Business Mirror (Aug 22): Militiaman killed, 2 wounded in clash
A MILITIAMAN was killed while two others were wounded on Thursday in a firefight between two groups in North Cotabato, the military said.
Maj. Dante Gania, public affairs officer of the Army’s Sixth Infantry “Kampilan” Division, said members of the Barangay Peace and Action Team led by Ping Kolilong Pulalon clashed for 25 minutes with the group headed by Kagi Tadoy.
During the firefight, a member of Pulalong’s barangay militia was killed while two others were wounded.
Gania said casualties were also reported from the side of Tadoy during the gunbattle, which was reported to have been fueled by a personal grudge.
Pulalon is the barangay chairman of Tugal, Midsayap, North Cotabato. On the other hand, Tadoy is from Barangay Kapinpilan, also in Midsayap.
Gania said the military has already intervened in order to ensure that there would be no more clashes between the two groups. He said the police is currently investigating the incident.
Progressive payment scheme eyed for P18-billion frigate program
From the Business Mirror (Aug 22): Progressive payment scheme eyed for P18-billion frigate program
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/en/news/nation/37550-progressive-payment-scheme-eyed-for-p18-billion-frigate-program
The
government is looking at the possibility of using the so-called progressive
payment scheme for the Department of National Defense’s (DND) P18-billion
frigate program.
This was
confirmed by Commodore Roland Mercado, Navy technical working group head, in a
text message to the Philippines News Agency.
“The issue
that has to be resolved is the progressive payment scheme because this will
affect proponents’ financial proposals,” he said.
Mercado
also stressed that the GPPB or Government Procurement Policy Board must also
give its go-ahead for this setup to speed up the frigate program.
Sources
earlier said that the DND is looking at the possibility of making eight
payments for the two ships, which will give the Navy a much-needed boost in
surveillance and firepower capability.
This can be
broken down into the following:
15 percent
during the awarding of the contract.
15 percent
for the finalization of the contract.
10 percent
for the laying of the keel of the ships.
10 percent
for the construction of the vessel.
15 percent
for installation of engines, weapons, communications, sensor systems, and
auxiliary machinery.
15 percent
during the acceptance trials.
10 percent
during the delivery of the frigates to the Philippines
10 percent
for the completion of the warranty period.
Building of
the two ships is expected to be completed within two years.
Technical
specifications of the DND’s P18-billion frigate program include a capability to
conduct air-to-air warfare, anti-surface warfare, antisubmarine warfare, and electronic
warfare.
Aside from
this, these naval vessels should be able to do extended maritime patrol with an
embarked helicopter and operating up to Sea State 6.
It must
also have a range of 4,500 nautical miles at 15 knots, endurance of 30 days in
tropical condition, and capable of running up to 25 knots of continuous speed.
Navigation
equipment of the two ships, at a minimum, must consist of two navigation
radars; GPS, depth sounding set, and vessel tracking system compatible to PN’s
existing system.
The
frigates’ weapon system, at a minimum, should consist of a 76-mili-meter gun;
stabilized secondary gun; four .50-caliber machine guns; surface-to-surface
missile launchers; surface-to-air missile launching system; and anti-submarine
torpedoes.
Earlier,
two more foreign shipbuilders have joined the Navy’s P18-billion frigate
program. These are Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. of India
They were
allowed to join in the bidding after their motions for reconsideration were
considered by the DND’s Special Bidding Awards Committee.
They were
earlier excluded from the project due to deficiencies in documentary
requirements.
These
companies now join Navantia Sepi (RTR Ventures) of Spain
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/en/news/nation/37550-progressive-payment-scheme-eyed-for-p18-billion-frigate-program
PH rejects bilateral approach in resolving sea row
From ABS-CBN (Aug 22): PH rejects bilateral approach in resolving sea row
ThePhilippines is maintaining its position of
taking a multilateral approach in addressing territorial disputes with China over the South China
Sea amid reports on the presence of Chinese vessels in Recto Bank.
China lays claim to almost all of the South
China Sea , even up to the coasts of its neighbors. This conflicts
with the territorial claims of the Philippines
as well as Brunei , Malaysia , Taiwan
and Vietnam
The
"We cannot
have a bilateral discussion with them because it’s a dispute that involves more
than two parties so it makes no sense for us to negotiate bilaterally if the
claimants to those disputed seas or waters would comprise more than two
claimant countries. For that particular reason, it is not for us feasible to do
bilateral negotiations,” presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said.
"I think the
Philippine government will not cease in filing and availing of the legal and
diplomatic means in resolving this dispute. We have filed a diplomatic protest.
It’s not a question of whether they will heed the diplomatic protest. What is
important is that the Philippine government continues to assert its right
against its neighbors. And we will continue to do so and for that particular
reason, we have availed of the diplomatic and arbitration channels in resolving
this dispute with China
The Philippines said Monday it would protest to China about what it called Beijing 's
increasing patrols in a disputed area of the South China
Sea believed to hold vast oil and gas resources.
Foreign
Department spokesman Charles Jose announced the protest a day after the airing
of a television interview in which President Benigno Aquino III raised the
alarm over the Chinese vessels at Reed Bank.
"The
frequent passage of Chinese vessels in Recto Bank is not an innocent exercise
of freedom of navigation but is actually done as part of a pattern of
illegitimate sovereign patrol in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone,
pursuant to China's unilateral effort to change the status quo in the South
China Sea," Jose told reporters, referring to Reed Bank by its Filipino
name.
He said Reed Bank
was about 85 nautical miles (157 kilometers) from the western Philippine island of Palawan
In contrast, Jose
said the bank was 595 nautical miles from the coast of China 's Hainan
island.
A day earlier,
Aquino expressed concern at the presence of Chinese government ships in the
disputed waters, questioning how far China
In an interview
with ABC-5 television network, transcripts of which were released by the
presidential palace, Aquino said: "They want to claim what is ours. How
far will we let this go? Are we going to be content to just tell them, 'Okay,
you can go this far'"?
"What are
they doing there? What studies are they doing? Hopefully this will not add to
the tensions between the two of us," Aquino said.
Defense
Department spokesman Peter Paul Galvez said Monday the ships were
"hydrological research vessels" capable of mapping the ocean floor,
adding they were first sighted in June but could remain at sea for over a
month.
In recent years,
tensions between the Philippines
and China have risen as China
Aquino joked that
China could eventually claim
all of the Philippines ,
citing the presence of Chinese migrants in Manila
Aquino's
spokesman Herminio Coloma said Monday the Philippines
would continue to rely mainly on a "strategy of finding a peaceful and
diplomatic solution" to the South China Sea
dispute.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/08/22/14/ph-rejects-bilateral-approach-resolving-sea-row
Video: Engkwentro ng militar at NPA, nakunan ng video
From ABS-CBN (Aug 22): Video: Engkwentro ng militar at NPA, nakunan ng video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XY9ErVhjySg
Nakunan ng video ng lokal na pamahalaan ng Kapalong, Davao del Norte ang engkwentro sa pagitan ng militar at New People's Army noong ika-11 ng Agosto. Napatay ang isang tinyente at naipit naman ang ilang residente sa engkwentro. Nagpa-Patrol, Hernel Tocmo. TV Patrol, Agosto 22, 2014, Biyernes
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/video/nation/regions/08/22/14/watch-military-npa-clash-davao-del-norte
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XY9ErVhjySg
Nakunan ng video ng lokal na pamahalaan ng Kapalong, Davao del Norte ang engkwentro sa pagitan ng militar at New People's Army noong ika-11 ng Agosto. Napatay ang isang tinyente at naipit naman ang ilang residente sa engkwentro. Nagpa-Patrol, Hernel Tocmo. TV Patrol, Agosto 22, 2014, Biyernes
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/video/nation/regions/08/22/14/watch-military-npa-clash-davao-del-norte
Palawan high school students tour military camp
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 22): Palawan high school students tour military camp
High school students from the Palawan Adventist Academy (PAA) in the southern town ofNarra were given the unique
opportunity of touring the Western Command (WESCOM) camp Thursday
The tour of the facility was conducted as part of an ongoing educational trip of the students together with 12 of their teachers and principal, Elvira R. Tamparong.
"Our soldiers gave us a tour to their military facility, which allowed us to get a glimpse of their activities, plus letting us know that our role in nation building is important," said Tamparong. “It was very nice to have this opportunity.”
After the guided tour, the students and their teachers were given a lecture showcasing the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), while the 6th Civil Relations Group provided an audio-visual presentation and information drive.
At the end of the film showing, the students were encouraged to raise questions.
"They always asked interesting questions. The teenagers’ hunger for knowledge is inspiring," said Lt. Cherryl Tindog, chief of Wescom’s Public Affairs Office.
A former teacher, Tindog said she hoped the visit would enable the students to expand their horizons in the field.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=675698
High school students from the Palawan Adventist Academy (PAA) in the southern town of
The tour of the facility was conducted as part of an ongoing educational trip of the students together with 12 of their teachers and principal, Elvira R. Tamparong.
"Our soldiers gave us a tour to their military facility, which allowed us to get a glimpse of their activities, plus letting us know that our role in nation building is important," said Tamparong. “It was very nice to have this opportunity.”
After the guided tour, the students and their teachers were given a lecture showcasing the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), while the 6th Civil Relations Group provided an audio-visual presentation and information drive.
At the end of the film showing, the students were encouraged to raise questions.
"They always asked interesting questions. The teenagers’ hunger for knowledge is inspiring," said Lt. Cherryl Tindog, chief of Wescom’s Public Affairs Office.
A former teacher, Tindog said she hoped the visit would enable the students to expand their horizons in the field.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=675698
P-Noy to review final draft of Bangsamoro Basic Law -- Deles
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 22): P-Noy to review final draft of Bangsamoro Basic Law -- Deles
Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles on Friday confirmed the submission of the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law.
"As agreed upon by the Parties, the MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) submitted the final draft of the Bangsamoro Basic Law to the Office of the Executive Secretary yesterday evening," Deles said. The submission was witnessed by Atty. Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa, the President’s chief legal counsel, and Atty. Mike Musngi, the Assistant Executive Secretary.
According to Deles, "the latest draft (of the BBL) has been submitted to the President for his review" and "further discussions may be held based on the guidance of the President."
In a news release on Luwaran.net, the MILF noted that "the two parties are also in the same level of understanding that an "agreed version" of the BBL is the only way that would strengthen their partnership in jointly pushing for the early passage of the bill in Congress."
MILF peace panel and Bangsamoro Transition Commission chair Mohagher Iqbal, in a letter accompanying the BBL submission, likewise committed to "adhere to our understanding to work on the final text of the proposed BBL after its review by the President."
With this, Deles says she is "confident that a mutually acceptable bill will be filed in Congress as a true demonstration of the parties' firm partnership for peace."
The draft BBL is expected to be submitted to Congress upon the instructions of the President. "We will await his signal. We are all aware it is an urgent matter," she said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=675549
Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles on Friday confirmed the submission of the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law.
"As agreed upon by the Parties, the MILF (Moro Islamic Liberation Front) submitted the final draft of the Bangsamoro Basic Law to the Office of the Executive Secretary yesterday evening," Deles said. The submission was witnessed by Atty. Alfredo Benjamin Caguioa, the President’s chief legal counsel, and Atty. Mike Musngi, the Assistant Executive Secretary.
According to Deles, "the latest draft (of the BBL) has been submitted to the President for his review" and "further discussions may be held based on the guidance of the President."
In a news release on Luwaran.net, the MILF noted that "the two parties are also in the same level of understanding that an "agreed version" of the BBL is the only way that would strengthen their partnership in jointly pushing for the early passage of the bill in Congress."
MILF peace panel and Bangsamoro Transition Commission chair Mohagher Iqbal, in a letter accompanying the BBL submission, likewise committed to "adhere to our understanding to work on the final text of the proposed BBL after its review by the President."
With this, Deles says she is "confident that a mutually acceptable bill will be filed in Congress as a true demonstration of the parties' firm partnership for peace."
The draft BBL is expected to be submitted to Congress upon the instructions of the President. "We will await his signal. We are all aware it is an urgent matter," she said.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=675549
1 killed, 2 hurt in Midsayap
From the Philippine News Agency (Aug 22): 1 killed, 2 hurt in Midsayap fighting
One person was killed while two others were wounded after barangay peacekeeping action team (BPATs) had a 25-minute firefight with a rival group in Barangay Tugal, Midsayap town,North Cotabato
Thursday afternoon.
This took place around 3:25 p.m. 6th Infantry Division public affairs officer Major Dante Gania said.
He added that the BPATs were assigned to Barangay Tugal chairman Ping Kolilong Pulalon.
Gania said that these men encountered armed men under one Kagi Kadoy who reportedly harbors a grudge against Pulalon.
In the issuing firefight, one BPAT member was killed while two others were wounded.
An undetermined number of injured/casualty were sustained by Kadoy's group.
Pursuit operations and investigations are now ongoing.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=675578
One person was killed while two others were wounded after barangay peacekeeping action team (BPATs) had a 25-minute firefight with a rival group in Barangay Tugal, Midsayap town,
This took place around 3:25 p.m. 6th Infantry Division public affairs officer Major Dante Gania said.
He added that the BPATs were assigned to Barangay Tugal chairman Ping Kolilong Pulalon.
Gania said that these men encountered armed men under one Kagi Kadoy who reportedly harbors a grudge against Pulalon.
In the issuing firefight, one BPAT member was killed while two others were wounded.
An undetermined number of injured/casualty were sustained by Kadoy's group.
Pursuit operations and investigations are now ongoing.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=675578
PROTEST FRIDAY | Youth groups mount simultaneous actions vs pork barrel, graft, term extension
From InterAksyon (Aug 22): PROTEST FRIDAY | Youth groups mount simultaneous actions vs pork barrel, graft, term extension
UST Students, Yellow Jackets and other youth groups staged #MakeSomeNoise Against Corruption and All kinds of Pork and BS Aquino's term extension. Victor Villanueva, Spokesperson of Youth ACT Now and President of UST Civil Law Student Council, said: "Huwag natin hayaang manahin natin ang bulok na sistema, DAPat managot lahat ng sangkot!". | PHOTO by: Michael Francis Andrada, Pinoy Media Center
In the run-up to the first anniversary on Monday (Aug.25) of the massive anti-pork barrel movement's rally at Luneta, youth groups held simultaneous protests in various schools in Metro Manila Friday.
Taking part in the fight against what they called the “Yellow Dictatorship,” students and youth from various universities and communities along Mendiola, the University Belt, and Intramuros conducted noise barrage protests on Friday afternoon.
Participants used slogans, whistles and drums to demonstrate their rage against the deep-seated corruption perpetuated by the Aquino regime.
Among the activities was a noise barrage together with college drumbeaters at San Beda College on Mendiola; a noise barrage featuring UST drummers at the University of Sto. Tomas Gate 2; and a cultural march against pork barrel, with students of PLM, Mapua and Letran at the ASEAN Garden in Intramuros, Manila.
The youth and students dubbed the simultaneous protests “DAPat Mag-ingay” protests vs Aquino Dictatorship.
The League of Filipino Students’ (LFS) national spokesperson Charlotte Velasco, in a statement, assailed the Aquino government’s call for term extension and Charter Change (Cha-Cha).
The simultaneous actions dubbed as “DAPat Mag-ingay” were led by youth groups LFS, Anakbayan, Student Christian Movement of the Philippines, Karatula, National Union of Students of the Philippines, College Editors Guild of the Philippines, and Kabataan Partylist. LFS invited the youth to participate in the upcoming rallies against DAP and the entire pork system.
“The administration’s solid persistence to protect the system stealing from the public trust must be confronted by more agitated and vigorous protests renouncing the corrupt regime. Aquino disgustingly extols the P250-billion DAP used for projects when it only fattened funds for corruption and brought more despair to the people,” Velasco said.
The groups urged onlookers to commemorate National Heroes’ Day on August 25 by joining the “Stand Up, Sign Up” protest at Luneta and signing the People’s Initiative Bill to abolish the pork barrel system.
“There would be no other way to put justice to the lives of our heroes and martyrs than combining our initiative to forge an act that would inhibit corruption. To enable broad participation in the battle against plunder and impunity is the foreground cause of our protest on August 25,” stated Velasco.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/93815/protest-friday--youth-groups-mount-simultaneous-actions-vs-pork-barrel-graft-term-extension
UST Students, Yellow Jackets and other youth groups staged #MakeSomeNoise Against Corruption and All kinds of Pork and BS Aquino's term extension. Victor Villanueva, Spokesperson of Youth ACT Now and President of UST Civil Law Student Council, said: "Huwag natin hayaang manahin natin ang bulok na sistema, DAPat managot lahat ng sangkot!". | PHOTO by: Michael Francis Andrada, Pinoy Media Center
In the run-up to the first anniversary on Monday (Aug.25) of the massive anti-pork barrel movement's rally at Luneta, youth groups held simultaneous protests in various schools in Metro Manila Friday.
Taking part in the fight against what they called the “Yellow Dictatorship,” students and youth from various universities and communities along Mendiola, the University Belt, and Intramuros conducted noise barrage protests on Friday afternoon.
Participants used slogans, whistles and drums to demonstrate their rage against the deep-seated corruption perpetuated by the Aquino regime.
Among the activities was a noise barrage together with college drumbeaters at San Beda College on Mendiola; a noise barrage featuring UST drummers at the University of Sto. Tomas Gate 2; and a cultural march against pork barrel, with students of PLM, Mapua and Letran at the ASEAN Garden in Intramuros, Manila.
The youth and students dubbed the simultaneous protests “DAPat Mag-ingay” protests vs Aquino Dictatorship.
The League of Filipino Students’ (LFS) national spokesperson Charlotte Velasco, in a statement, assailed the Aquino government’s call for term extension and Charter Change (Cha-Cha).
The simultaneous actions dubbed as “DAPat Mag-ingay” were led by youth groups LFS, Anakbayan, Student Christian Movement of the Philippines, Karatula, National Union of Students of the Philippines, College Editors Guild of the Philippines, and Kabataan Partylist. LFS invited the youth to participate in the upcoming rallies against DAP and the entire pork system.
“The administration’s solid persistence to protect the system stealing from the public trust must be confronted by more agitated and vigorous protests renouncing the corrupt regime. Aquino disgustingly extols the P250-billion DAP used for projects when it only fattened funds for corruption and brought more despair to the people,” Velasco said.
The groups urged onlookers to commemorate National Heroes’ Day on August 25 by joining the “Stand Up, Sign Up” protest at Luneta and signing the People’s Initiative Bill to abolish the pork barrel system.
“There would be no other way to put justice to the lives of our heroes and martyrs than combining our initiative to forge an act that would inhibit corruption. To enable broad participation in the battle against plunder and impunity is the foreground cause of our protest on August 25,” stated Velasco.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/93815/protest-friday--youth-groups-mount-simultaneous-actions-vs-pork-barrel-graft-term-extension
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