From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (Jan 7): Army says bombs, bomb materials found in BIFF camp
The military on Tuesday said it found bombs and bomb-making materials in what it described as a training camp of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in Maguindanao province, which soldiers took over on Monday.
Capt. Joanne Petinglay, spokesperson of the 6th Infantry Division (ID), said the captured BIFF camp was in Sitio Pedtad in Barangay Midpantakan, General Salipada K. Pendatun town.
“The facility was used by the rebels in training their recruits,” she said.
Lt. Col. Markton Abu, head of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Battalion, said the training facility was captured after the military launched artillery attacks on BIFF positions near the Liguasan Marsh.
He said BIFF forces manning the camp fled the area at the height of the artillery barrage and had broken up into smaller groups.
Abu was not certain if any BIFF member was killed in the military offensive.
But BIFF spokesperson Abu Misri Mama said on the phone that the BIFF, a group of guerrillas who broke off from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front following disagreement over a peace deal with the government, suffered no casualty.
He also denied that a BIFF camp had fallen, saying the BIFF does not maintain a camp because its members are “always mobile.”
Maj. Gen. Eduardo Mangilinan, 6th ID commander, said on Tuesday that the military launched the offensive against the BIFF following BIFF attacks on government forces in the provinces of Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat last week.
The attacks killed two soldiers and five BIFF members, Mangilinan said.
Col. Melquiadez Feliciano, head of the 601st Infantry Brigade, identified the slain soldiers as Cpl. Daniel Valenzuela and Pfc. Karl Bernie Arriba.
“Our men managed to return fire, and they killed five rebels,” he said.
On Monday, Mangilinan led soldiers in an emotionally charged ceremony for Valenzuela and Arriba at the 6th ID headquarters in Datu Odin Sinsuat town before handing over posthumous awards to their families.
“This is the saddest New Year for all of us,” a relative of Arriba said.
“We thought everybody was giving peace a chance. It seems not,” the relative said.
Mangilinan said soldiers were now hunting the group of BIFF members led by a Commander Sukarno Sapal, alias Jok.
“We are seriously going after this terrorist group in order to send them a strong message that their plans to spoil the peace and development that have already been felt in the region will not succeed,” he said
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/662736/army-says-bombs-bomb-materials-found-in-biff-camp
Wednesday, January 7, 2015
AFP revised upgrade program still waiting PNoy's approval
From the Philippine Star (Jan 7): AFP revised upgrade program still waiting PNoy's approval
President Benigno S. Aquino III, accompanied by Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr., reviews the honor guard during the send-off ceremony at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal II on Dec. 11, 2014. Malacañang Photo Bureau/Benhur Arcayan
The military’s revised modernization program is still awaiting the approval of President Aquino almost two years after it was submitted to Malacañang for review.
The program, which contains the military’s shopping list of equipment, was submitted to the President last February 2013, sources said.
If the program is not approved, the implementation of some projects might be delayed because their budgets will not be released. For now, the approval of the funding for military equipment is being done on a per project basis.
Officials confirmed on Wednesday that the program has yet to secure the chief executive’s approval. They believe that the President is carefully scrutinizing the items in the multi-billion peso modernization program.
“Officially the modernization program of the armed forces has not yet been approved by the President,” Defense Undersecretary Fernando Manalo said in a press briefing.
“We are providing them with documents. It is a P90-billion project. Of course, it requires due diligence by the approving authority to determine what is needed. It is proper for them to look at modernization projects,” he added.
Under the revised Armed Forces of the Philippines modernization law, the President, upon the recommendation of the defense and budget secretaries, shall submit the upgrade program to Congress within 60 days since the law took effect.
The executive branch has yet to submit the modernization plan to Congress as it is still with the Office of the President.
The program will contain the size and shape of the Armed Forces in terms of personnel, equipment and facilities during its various phases, the projects to be funded, priorities, schedules and estimated average cost of each project.
The modernization program submitted to Congress shall be the basis for next executive and legislative actions related to its implementation.
Funding requirements
A total of P90.86 billion is needed to implement the military’s upgrade program until 2017. The budget would cover 33 projects that constitute the first phase of the program.
Of these projects, 11 will go to the Philippine Air Force, 10 will benefit the Philippine Navy, nine will go to the Philippine Army and three will benefit the General Headquarters.
The projects to be funded in the first horizon include lead-in trainer fighter jets, frigates, helicopters, radars, drones and base upgrades.
Manalo said the government might spend more than P90 billion to implement the second horizon of the military upgrade program, which will cover the years 2018 to 2023.
The third horizon, meanwhile, will be implemented from 2024 to 2028.
Manalo declined to enumerate the equipment to be acquired under the second and third phases, saying planning sessions are still ongoing.
"It is sufficient to say that we are heavy on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and protecting our interest in the West Philippine Sea," the defense official said.
Manalo claimed that the purchase of 12 FA-50 jets, the biggest item in the military’s shopping list, is not enough to fill the gaps in the Air Force’s capabilities.
“The 12 (jets) are not enough and way way below what is needed by the Air Force,” he said.
The 12 jets cost P18 billion and will be supplied by the Korea Aerospace Industries
Defense Assistant Secretary Patrick Velez noted that under the Navy’s sail plan, six frigates are needed to build credible deterrence.
"Where we are right now, we are in the first stages but enough to address some concerns of the Armed Forces,” Velez said.
The government has so far acquired two frigates from the United States Coast Guard.
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2015/01/07/1410437/afp-revised-upgrade-program-still-waiting-pnoys-approval
President Benigno S. Aquino III, accompanied by Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Gregorio Pio Catapang, Jr., reviews the honor guard during the send-off ceremony at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal II on Dec. 11, 2014. Malacañang Photo Bureau/Benhur Arcayan
The military’s revised modernization program is still awaiting the approval of President Aquino almost two years after it was submitted to Malacañang for review.
The program, which contains the military’s shopping list of equipment, was submitted to the President last February 2013, sources said.
If the program is not approved, the implementation of some projects might be delayed because their budgets will not be released. For now, the approval of the funding for military equipment is being done on a per project basis.
Officials confirmed on Wednesday that the program has yet to secure the chief executive’s approval. They believe that the President is carefully scrutinizing the items in the multi-billion peso modernization program.
“Officially the modernization program of the armed forces has not yet been approved by the President,” Defense Undersecretary Fernando Manalo said in a press briefing.
“We are providing them with documents. It is a P90-billion project. Of course, it requires due diligence by the approving authority to determine what is needed. It is proper for them to look at modernization projects,” he added.
Under the revised Armed Forces of the Philippines modernization law, the President, upon the recommendation of the defense and budget secretaries, shall submit the upgrade program to Congress within 60 days since the law took effect.
The executive branch has yet to submit the modernization plan to Congress as it is still with the Office of the President.
The program will contain the size and shape of the Armed Forces in terms of personnel, equipment and facilities during its various phases, the projects to be funded, priorities, schedules and estimated average cost of each project.
The modernization program submitted to Congress shall be the basis for next executive and legislative actions related to its implementation.
Funding requirements
A total of P90.86 billion is needed to implement the military’s upgrade program until 2017. The budget would cover 33 projects that constitute the first phase of the program.
Of these projects, 11 will go to the Philippine Air Force, 10 will benefit the Philippine Navy, nine will go to the Philippine Army and three will benefit the General Headquarters.
The projects to be funded in the first horizon include lead-in trainer fighter jets, frigates, helicopters, radars, drones and base upgrades.
Manalo said the government might spend more than P90 billion to implement the second horizon of the military upgrade program, which will cover the years 2018 to 2023.
The third horizon, meanwhile, will be implemented from 2024 to 2028.
Manalo declined to enumerate the equipment to be acquired under the second and third phases, saying planning sessions are still ongoing.
"It is sufficient to say that we are heavy on humanitarian assistance and disaster relief and protecting our interest in the West Philippine Sea," the defense official said.
Manalo claimed that the purchase of 12 FA-50 jets, the biggest item in the military’s shopping list, is not enough to fill the gaps in the Air Force’s capabilities.
“The 12 (jets) are not enough and way way below what is needed by the Air Force,” he said.
The 12 jets cost P18 billion and will be supplied by the Korea Aerospace Industries
Defense Assistant Secretary Patrick Velez noted that under the Navy’s sail plan, six frigates are needed to build credible deterrence.
"Where we are right now, we are in the first stages but enough to address some concerns of the Armed Forces,” Velez said.
The government has so far acquired two frigates from the United States Coast Guard.
http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2015/01/07/1410437/afp-revised-upgrade-program-still-waiting-pnoys-approval
Photo: Army arrests suspected Abu Sayyaf hitman in Basilan
From the Philippine Star (Jan 7): Photo: Army arrests suspected Abu Sayyaf hitman in Basilan
Suspected Abu Sayyaf hitman Imran Daiyong Mijal alias Boh. Roel Pareño
Elite Army troopers and police captured a suspected hit squad leader of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Sumisip, Basilan on Tuesday afternoon.
Col. Eliglen Villaflor, commander of the 4th Special Forces Battalion (SFB), identified the captured suspect as Imran Daiyong Mijal alias Boh, leader of the ASG's Urban Terrorist Group (UTG) in Basilan.
Villaflor said Mijal was captured following a brief shootout with the 4th Special Forces Battalion troopers backed by the 64th Infantry Battalion and local police while serving the warrant of arrest at about 5:20 p.m. in Barangay Marang-marang.
Villaflor said Mijal was hit and wounded on his right arm during the brief shootout which led to his arrest.
The military official said Mijal was wanted for his alleged involvement in bombing, extortion and kidnapping activities of the bandit group.
Troops recovered an M16-A1 assault rifle, a rifle grenade, a .45 caliber pistol from Mijal.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2015/01/07/1410449/army-arrests-suspected-abu-sayyaf-hitman-basilan
Suspected Abu Sayyaf hitman Imran Daiyong Mijal alias Boh. Roel Pareño
Elite Army troopers and police captured a suspected hit squad leader of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Sumisip, Basilan on Tuesday afternoon.
Col. Eliglen Villaflor, commander of the 4th Special Forces Battalion (SFB), identified the captured suspect as Imran Daiyong Mijal alias Boh, leader of the ASG's Urban Terrorist Group (UTG) in Basilan.
Villaflor said Mijal was captured following a brief shootout with the 4th Special Forces Battalion troopers backed by the 64th Infantry Battalion and local police while serving the warrant of arrest at about 5:20 p.m. in Barangay Marang-marang.
Villaflor said Mijal was hit and wounded on his right arm during the brief shootout which led to his arrest.
The military official said Mijal was wanted for his alleged involvement in bombing, extortion and kidnapping activities of the bandit group.
Troops recovered an M16-A1 assault rifle, a rifle grenade, a .45 caliber pistol from Mijal.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2015/01/07/1410449/army-arrests-suspected-abu-sayyaf-hitman-basilan
Huge force to protect pope in PH
From the Manila Standard Today (Jan 7): Huge force to protect pope in PH
AT LEAST three divisions comprising 37,000 policemen, soldiers and reservists will be deployed to secure Pope Francis during his visit here on Jan. 15 to 19, an official said Tuesday.
Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said the government has not monitored any specific threats to the pope, but various law enforcement agencies have established security measures including enforcing a no-fly zone in the areas Pope Francis will be visiting in Manila and Eastern Visayas.
“So far, we have not monitored any threats against the activities that are going to happen,” Gazmin said.
“We have the coming Black Nazarene festivities plus the visit of the Holy Father, but we are looking into all angles, looking into all reports and acting on those.”
Gazmin made his statement even as the Metro Manila Development Authority said it was now preparing a security and traffic management plan for the pope’s visit to Palo and Tacloban in Leyte on Jan. 17.
The agency said a special team composed of 190 personnel from its Traffic Management Unit, Task Force Phantom and Rescue Unit will help the police and local government officials keep order in Leyte.
The MMDA team will leave Manila on Monday to preposition themselves in time for the pope’s visit.
Armed Forces Chief Gregorio Catapang said they will boost the security for the pope by deploying snipers.
About 6,000 to 7,000 Army troops will be scattered and some 5,000 reservists will help control the crowds during the pope’s engagements that are expected to draw hundreds of thousands of people.
“Our greatest worry is people surge, and that’s why we are putting up barricades. The pope is really very popular. Everybody wants to be near the Pope,” Catapang said.
Catapang said snipers will be inserted in all high-rise buildings on Roxas Boulevard, the main thoroughfare leading to the Quirino Grandstand where the pope will hold mass.
Air Force Chief Jeffrey Delgado said they will be providing air cover for the pope.
PNP spokesman Wilben Mayor said the PNP will deploy around 25,000 policemen for the papal visit.
Aside from his scheduled mass at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila, Pope Francis will be flying to Tacloban and Palo in Leyte to visit the victims of super typhoon “Yolanda.”
MMDA assistant general manager for operations Emerson Carlos said the agency’s special team will also escort the pope. The agency’s rescue vehicles and ambulances will also be sent to Palo and Tacloban City to provide emergency medical services.
The MMDA earlier formed Task Force Phantom, a joint team from the National Police Highway Patrol Group and the MMDA’s traffic management unit, to ensure smooth vehicular traffic when Pope Francis arrives in Manila.
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2015/01/07/huge-force-to-protect-pope-in-ph/
AT LEAST three divisions comprising 37,000 policemen, soldiers and reservists will be deployed to secure Pope Francis during his visit here on Jan. 15 to 19, an official said Tuesday.
Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said the government has not monitored any specific threats to the pope, but various law enforcement agencies have established security measures including enforcing a no-fly zone in the areas Pope Francis will be visiting in Manila and Eastern Visayas.
“So far, we have not monitored any threats against the activities that are going to happen,” Gazmin said.
“We have the coming Black Nazarene festivities plus the visit of the Holy Father, but we are looking into all angles, looking into all reports and acting on those.”
Gazmin made his statement even as the Metro Manila Development Authority said it was now preparing a security and traffic management plan for the pope’s visit to Palo and Tacloban in Leyte on Jan. 17.
The agency said a special team composed of 190 personnel from its Traffic Management Unit, Task Force Phantom and Rescue Unit will help the police and local government officials keep order in Leyte.
The MMDA team will leave Manila on Monday to preposition themselves in time for the pope’s visit.
Armed Forces Chief Gregorio Catapang said they will boost the security for the pope by deploying snipers.
About 6,000 to 7,000 Army troops will be scattered and some 5,000 reservists will help control the crowds during the pope’s engagements that are expected to draw hundreds of thousands of people.
“Our greatest worry is people surge, and that’s why we are putting up barricades. The pope is really very popular. Everybody wants to be near the Pope,” Catapang said.
Catapang said snipers will be inserted in all high-rise buildings on Roxas Boulevard, the main thoroughfare leading to the Quirino Grandstand where the pope will hold mass.
Air Force Chief Jeffrey Delgado said they will be providing air cover for the pope.
PNP spokesman Wilben Mayor said the PNP will deploy around 25,000 policemen for the papal visit.
Aside from his scheduled mass at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila, Pope Francis will be flying to Tacloban and Palo in Leyte to visit the victims of super typhoon “Yolanda.”
MMDA assistant general manager for operations Emerson Carlos said the agency’s special team will also escort the pope. The agency’s rescue vehicles and ambulances will also be sent to Palo and Tacloban City to provide emergency medical services.
The MMDA earlier formed Task Force Phantom, a joint team from the National Police Highway Patrol Group and the MMDA’s traffic management unit, to ensure smooth vehicular traffic when Pope Francis arrives in Manila.
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2015/01/07/huge-force-to-protect-pope-in-ph/
DND 'making own inquiry' on US drone in Quezon
From ABS-CBN (Jan 6): DND 'making own inquiry' on US drone in Quezon
The Palace is "aware" of reports about a US Navy drone recovered near the islet of Patnanungan in Quezon province.
Communications Secretary Sonny Coloma on Tuesday said the Department of National Defense (DND) is "making its own inquiry" on the matter.
The drone, with markings indicating it is owned by the US Navy, was first spotted by a fisherman at around 4 p.m. last Sunday, police said.
Local policemen loaded the drone into a fishing boat then brought it to the local police station.
Maj. Gen. Ricardo Visaya, commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Southern Luzon Command, confirmed that policemen recovered an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) off the Polilio Group of Islands in Quezon.
Visaya said the two-feet long UAV with a one-foot wingspan is now in the custody of the Patnanungan police.
He said the military is coordinating with US officials to find out the origin of the drone.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/01/06/15/dnd-making-own-inquiry-us-drone-quezon
The Palace is "aware" of reports about a US Navy drone recovered near the islet of Patnanungan in Quezon province.
Communications Secretary Sonny Coloma on Tuesday said the Department of National Defense (DND) is "making its own inquiry" on the matter.
The drone, with markings indicating it is owned by the US Navy, was first spotted by a fisherman at around 4 p.m. last Sunday, police said.
Local policemen loaded the drone into a fishing boat then brought it to the local police station.
Maj. Gen. Ricardo Visaya, commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines Southern Luzon Command, confirmed that policemen recovered an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) off the Polilio Group of Islands in Quezon.
Visaya said the two-feet long UAV with a one-foot wingspan is now in the custody of the Patnanungan police.
He said the military is coordinating with US officials to find out the origin of the drone.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/01/06/15/dnd-making-own-inquiry-us-drone-quezon
Video: US Navy drone, natagpuan sa Quezon Province
From ABS-CBN (Jan 6): Video: US Navy drone, natagpuan sa Quezon Province
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4lhxboFMYI
Isang aerial target drone ng Amerika ang natagpuan sa tabing-dagat sa bayan ng Patnanungan sa Quezon. Ayon sa pulisya, may serial number ito at tatak ng US Navy. TV Patrol, Enero 6, 2015, Martes.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4lhxboFMYI
Isang aerial target drone ng Amerika ang natagpuan sa tabing-dagat sa bayan ng Patnanungan sa Quezon. Ayon sa pulisya, may serial number ito at tatak ng US Navy. TV Patrol, Enero 6, 2015, Martes.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions
7-year-old boy abducted in Sulu
From ABS-CBN (Jan 7): 7-year-old boy abducted in Sulu
A 7-year-old boy was abducted in Jolo, Sulu on Tuesday afternoon, police said.
Police said the victim was forcibly taken by two unidentified men on board a motorcycle in Barangay Asturias.
The boy was playing outside his house when he was snatched by the two men.
Police said the suspects fled with the victim towards Barangay Anuling in Patikul, Sulu.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/01/07/15/7-year-old-boy-abducted-sulu
A 7-year-old boy was abducted in Jolo, Sulu on Tuesday afternoon, police said.
Police said the victim was forcibly taken by two unidentified men on board a motorcycle in Barangay Asturias.
The boy was playing outside his house when he was snatched by the two men.
Police said the suspects fled with the victim towards Barangay Anuling in Patikul, Sulu.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/01/07/15/7-year-old-boy-abducted-sulu
Armed AW-109: Two for Navy, Two for Air Force
From Ang Malaya (Jan 7): Armed AW-109: Two for Navy, Two for Air Force
Department of National Defense confirms the delivery of four armed brand-new AgustaWestland AW-109E “Power” helicopters. Additional two for the Navy and first two out of eight for Philippine Air Force.
“They are now being assembled and according to a timeline I received, they will be flown to Clark Field, Pampanga for testing and acceptance,” DND Undersecretary Fernando Manalo. These helicopters were in the Philippines since late December 2014.
According to Philippine Navy commissioning of these helicopters is scheduled on January 16, 2015. These helis are armed with machine guns and 20mm cannons.
http://www.angmalaya.net/nation/2015/01/07/7149-armed-aw-109-two-for-navy-two-for-air-force
Department of National Defense confirms the delivery of four armed brand-new AgustaWestland AW-109E “Power” helicopters. Additional two for the Navy and first two out of eight for Philippine Air Force.
“They are now being assembled and according to a timeline I received, they will be flown to Clark Field, Pampanga for testing and acceptance,” DND Undersecretary Fernando Manalo. These helicopters were in the Philippines since late December 2014.
According to Philippine Navy commissioning of these helicopters is scheduled on January 16, 2015. These helis are armed with machine guns and 20mm cannons.
http://www.angmalaya.net/nation/2015/01/07/7149-armed-aw-109-two-for-navy-two-for-air-force
Air Force needs more multi-role fighter aircraft
From Ang Malaya (Jan 7): Air Force needs more multi-role fighter aircraft
The government is not setting aside plan for acquiring additional FA-50s from Korea Aerospace Industries. Department of National Defense Undersecretary Fernando said buying additional Fighting Eagle can’t be ruled out nor confirmed.
“What I know for sure is that we have an existing requirement for multi-role fighter aircraft,” Manalo said. “Acquisition of additional FA-50s depends on KAI and how much it will invest to upgrade and further develop the F/A-50s.”
He added that twelve FA-50s already bought from South Korean KAI are not enough given that the Philippine Air Force has huge capability gap.
It will also depend on what standard size of squadron the Air Force will adapt. “Squads of 12 to 24 or about 36? It is included in the Flight Plan of the Air Force. I would say the 12 is not enough – way below what is needed by the Air Force,” says the DND official responsible for finance, munition, modernization and materiel.
http://www.angmalaya.net/nation/2015/01/07/7153-air-force-needs-more-multi-role-fighter-aircraft
The government is not setting aside plan for acquiring additional FA-50s from Korea Aerospace Industries. Department of National Defense Undersecretary Fernando said buying additional Fighting Eagle can’t be ruled out nor confirmed.
“What I know for sure is that we have an existing requirement for multi-role fighter aircraft,” Manalo said. “Acquisition of additional FA-50s depends on KAI and how much it will invest to upgrade and further develop the F/A-50s.”
He added that twelve FA-50s already bought from South Korean KAI are not enough given that the Philippine Air Force has huge capability gap.
It will also depend on what standard size of squadron the Air Force will adapt. “Squads of 12 to 24 or about 36? It is included in the Flight Plan of the Air Force. I would say the 12 is not enough – way below what is needed by the Air Force,” says the DND official responsible for finance, munition, modernization and materiel.
http://www.angmalaya.net/nation/2015/01/07/7153-air-force-needs-more-multi-role-fighter-aircraft
Shoulder-fired and mobile missile batteries for AFP
From Ang Malaya (Jan 7): Shoulder-fired and mobile missile batteries for AFP
The government is on the works to acquire shoulder-fired anti-air missiles to ensure country’s preparedness to deal with air attacks.
Acquisition of mobile missile batteries with fire control radars and tracking devices is also underway.
“These weapons will be placed in strategic locations in major islands of the country, a ranking defense official, who requested anonymity, said,” as reported by government-run news agency.
The official added that the position of missile batteries will be changed “once in a while to prevent possible adversaries from gaining a fix on their locations.”
http://www.angmalaya.net/nation/2015/01/07/7162-shoulder-fired-and-mobile-missile-batteries-for-afp
The government is on the works to acquire shoulder-fired anti-air missiles to ensure country’s preparedness to deal with air attacks.
Acquisition of mobile missile batteries with fire control radars and tracking devices is also underway.
“These weapons will be placed in strategic locations in major islands of the country, a ranking defense official, who requested anonymity, said,” as reported by government-run news agency.
The official added that the position of missile batteries will be changed “once in a while to prevent possible adversaries from gaining a fix on their locations.”
http://www.angmalaya.net/nation/2015/01/07/7162-shoulder-fired-and-mobile-missile-batteries-for-afp
Military officers warned vs supporting 2016 bets
From Rappler (Jan 6): Military officers warned vs supporting 2016 bets
Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin reiterates calls for the top brass to stay neutral in the coming presidential elections
NEW YEAR'S CALL: AFP's top leaders and officers gather in the DND-AFP New Year's Call held on Tuesday, January 6, at the AFP Commissioned Officers Club. Photo from PH military
It was the message of President Benigno Aquino III to the troops during the 79th anniversary celebration of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in December: Stay neutral in the 2016 presidential elections.
READ: Aquino to AFP: Don't be used by 2016 candidates
http://www.rappler.com/nation/79952-military-presidential-elections
Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin reiterates calls for the top brass to stay neutral in the coming presidential elections
NEW YEAR'S CALL: AFP's top leaders and officers gather in the DND-AFP New Year's Call held on Tuesday, January 6, at the AFP Commissioned Officers Club. Photo from PH military
It was the message of President Benigno Aquino III to the troops during the 79th anniversary celebration of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in December: Stay neutral in the 2016 presidential elections.
Defense Secretary
Voltaire Gazmin reiterated it in front of the country's top military officers
on Tuesday, January 6, to drive home the message as the election season gets
into high gear.
"In
anticipation of the forthcoming national elections in May 2016, I wish to
remind the members of our armed forces to strictly abide [by] their
constitutional mandate, that they should not be involved in partisan politics,
and they shall not engage directly or indirectly in any partisan political
activity, except to vote," Gazmin said in his speech before the toast at
the New Year's Call, a tradition in the military where the top military officers
and their wives gather in Camp Aguinaldo on the first Monday of the New Year.
The message also
comes a month before the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) homecoming in
February, an annual military event usually graced by politicians posturing for
higher office.
The Philippine
military has been dragged into allegations of massive poll cheating in past
elections especially after the 2005 "Hello, Garci" controversy that
accused former President Gloria Arroyo of cheating to defeat actor Fernando Poe
Jr in the 2004 elections.
In his speech in
December, Aquino admonished those who intend to revert the military to its
"old ways."
"To those
who want to bring the institution back to its old ways: Shame on you, and be
afraid too. Reforms will continue, as well as our efforts to ensure that the
corrupt would be held accountable," Aquino said.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/79952-military-presidential-elections
4 brand new choppers for PH navy, air force arrive
From Rappler (Jan 7): 4 brand new choppers for PH navy, air force arrive
The choppers are now being assembled and will be flown to Clark later in January for the acceptance evaluation
BRAND NEW CHOPPERS: File photo of the wife of Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin performing the ceremonial pouring of the champagne. Photo from Armed Forces of thePhilippines
Four brand new AgustaWestland AW-109E Power helicopters were delivered to the Philippine military in December and are now being assembled, Defense Undersecretary for Finance Fernando Manalo confirmed on Wednesday, January 7.
READ: The shopping list: Status of PH military's modernization
Two of those delivered are naval helicopters, completing the total 5 choppers bidded out for the Philippine Navy. The first batch of 3 choppers arrived in December 2013 and have been deployed in tandem with the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar and BRP Ramon Alcaraz to patrol the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea ).
http://www.rappler.com/nation/80037-brand-new-choppers-attack
The choppers are now being assembled and will be flown to Clark later in January for the acceptance evaluation
BRAND NEW CHOPPERS: File photo of the wife of Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin performing the ceremonial pouring of the champagne. Photo from Armed Forces of the
Four brand new AgustaWestland AW-109E Power helicopters were delivered to the Philippine military in December and are now being assembled, Defense Undersecretary for Finance Fernando Manalo confirmed on Wednesday, January 7.
READ: The shopping list: Status of PH military's modernization
Two of those delivered are naval helicopters, completing the total 5 choppers bidded out for the Philippine Navy. The first batch of 3 choppers arrived in December 2013 and have been deployed in tandem with the BRP Gregorio Del Pilar and BRP Ramon Alcaraz to patrol the West Philippine Sea (
The other two are
attack helicopters for the Philippine Air Force. This is the first batch of the
total of 8 choppers that the Italian supplier is expected to deliver this year.
"They are
now being assembled and we were told that in the middle of the month they will
be flown to Clark for the acceptance
evaluation," said Defense Assistant Secretary Patrick Velez.
The naval
choppers project cost P1.33 billion while the attack helicopters project cost
P3.44 billion.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/80037-brand-new-choppers-attack
20 Moro bandits killed in continuing Army offensive in Maguindanao, Army says
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 7): 20 Moro bandits killed in continuing Army offensive in Maguindanao, Army says
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=722460
The military here Wednesday said at least 20 Moro bandits
were killed and scores wounded when the Army’s 33rd Infantry Battalion launched
mortar attacks against Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) in the
borders of Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat.
Capt. Joanne Petinglay, chief of 6th Infantry Division
public affairs unit, said the slain BIFF were taken by their fleeing comrade at
the height of the offensive which also led to the fall of a major training
camp.
"Civilians living near the camp confirmed to our ground
troops that 20 BIFF were killed and brought deep into the marshland,” Petinglay
said of the Army operation which was still going on to date.
The camp, situated in Sitio Pedtad, Barangay Midpandakan,
Gen. SK Pendatun, Maguindanao was captured Monday.
Petinglay said the BIFF second division camp has running
trenches, 20 bunk houses and perimeter defense and checkpoints.
Also on Monday, the Philippine Army hoisted the Philippine
flag in the area which was used by the BIFF as launching pad in extorting and
harassing farmers du+ring harvest season.
”The BIFF were surprised and they hurriedly dispersed
towards the marshland,” Petinglay said.
Colonel Mel Feliciano, commander of the 601st Infantry
Brigade which has jurisdiction over Maguindanao and Sultan Kudarat provinces,
said during the operation, the government troops also recovered bomb making
devices, improvised bombs ready for disposal, bullets and assorted firearms.
”Their world is getting smaller,” Feliciano said of the
outlawed BIFF which broke away from mainstream Moro Islamic Liberation Front
(MILF) after the failed peace agreement in 2008.
Feliciano said more camps will be attacked in Maguindanao
and other areas in the region.
The BIFF, composed of about 1,000 lawless elements was
blamed for the series of bombing incidents in Bukidnon, North
Cotabato and Maguindanao.
In November and December, the BIFF carried three deadly
bombing incidents in Kabacan and Mlang, both in North
Cotabato .
Toks Masukat, village chair of Midpandakan, Gen. SK
Pendatun, Maguindanao, said at least 200 families have fled during the military
offensive but they started returning home after the Army issued the green light
it was safe for them to go back to their villages and sub villages.
Feliciano also lauded the villagers for providing vital
information to police and military authorities which led to the military
offensive.
Two soldiers were killed when BIFF simultaneously attacked
Army detachments in the borders of Sultan Kudarat and Maguindanao over the
weekend. Three other soldiers were wounded.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=722460
Bomb explosion injures rubber tapper in Basilan province
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 7): Bomb explosion injures rubber tapper in Basilan province
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=722524
A rubber plantation worker was injured in an improvised bomb
explosion in the hinterlands of Sumisip town, this province, a police official
disclosed Wednesday.
Senior Insp. Achmad Alibonga, Sumisip police chief,
identified the victim as Marjun Mallani, 25, a rubber tapper.
Alibonga disclosed the incident took place around 7:30 a.m.
Wednesday at a rubber plantation in Barangay Lukketun, Sumisip town.
Alibonga said investigation showed that Mallani was injured
after he accidentally stepped on an improvised explosive device (IED) fashioned
out as a landmine while working at the rubber plantation.
Alibonga said the explosion severed one foot of Mallani, who
was rushed to the hospital.
He said they are conducting thorough investigation in a bid
to identify the suspect behind the incident.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=722524
Troops capture Urban Terrorist Group leader in Basilan
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 7): Troops capture Urban Terrorist Group leader in Basilan
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=722555
Combined military and police forces have captured a
suspected Urban Terrorist Group (UTG) leader of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG)
following a shootout in the nearby town of Sumisip
Col. Eliglen Villaflor, Army’s 4th Special Forces Battalion
commander, identified the captured UTG leader as Imran Daiyong Mijal alias Boh,
who was wounded during the shootout.
Villaflor said the shootout ensued after Mijal “violently
resisted” when they served warrant of arrest against the UTG leader around 5:20
p.m. Tuesday in Barangay Marang, Sumisip.
Villaflor said Mijal has a standing warrant of arrest issued
by the court for the crime of frustrated murder.
Villaflor said that Mijal is known to have participated in
numerous terroristic activities such as bombing, liquidation, kidnapping,
ambush and extortion.
He said the troops who are trained and equipped in Combat
Life Saving (CLS) immediately applied first aid to the arrested UTG leader to
ensure his survivability.
He added Mijal was hit in the right arm during the shootout
that led to his arrest.
He said the troops have recovered from Mijal’s possession an
M-16 Armalite rifle with several rounds of ammunitions, one rifle grenade, and
a caliber .45 pistol with ammunitions.
He attributed the successful arrest of Mijal to the active
participation of concerned citizens in information gathering and their sincere
desire to end lawlessness in this province.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=722555
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