From ABS-CBN (Jan 10): Sulu brgy councilor attacked by alleged Abu Sayyaf men
A barangay councilor in Talipao, Sulu and his men were attacked by around 30 suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf Group on Saturday, authorities said.
The armed men, believed to be under sub-leaders Angga Adji and Rogr Saji, fired shots at the group of Barangay Kiyutaan Councilor Lakim Uddin Saturday morning, resulting to a firefight between the two groups.
The firefight lasted for almost 10 minutes, authorities said.
A certain Akmad Aburan from Uddin's group was slightly wounded in the clash.
There was no reported casualty from the side of the terrorist group, which fled toward the direction of Barangay Bungkaong.
Police said Uddin and Adji have a long standing family feud.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/01/10/15/sulu-brgy-councilor-attacked-alleged-abu-sayyaf-men
Saturday, January 10, 2015
6 hurt in Maguindanao market shooting
From ABS-CBN (Jan 10): 6 hurt in Maguindanao market shooting
Six people sustained minor injuries in a shooting incident in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao on Friday evening.
Police said gun shots were heard at a public market in Barangay Poblacion, Shariff Aguak at around 10 p.m.
They then discovered a hole in the roof of the said market and some marks from the splinters believed to be from an M203 grenade launcher.
Shariff Aguak Police Chief Senior Inspector Michael Tinio said 6 people sustained splinter injuries, but they are all now out of danger.
The public market is just adjacent to houses of former Datu Salibo Mayor Akmad Ampatuan and former Shariff Aguak Mayor Zahara Ampatuan.
On Sunday night, the former’s house was harassed by still unidentified armed men.
Shariff Aguak Acting Mayor Marop Ampatuan said the decision of his father, Akmad Ampatuan, to testify against those accused in the Maguindanao massacre case could be the reason behind the harassment on his family.
Akmad Ampatuan is the cousin of Datu Andal Ampatuan, Sr., the patriarch of the Ampatuan family who is one of the principal suspects in the Maguindanao massacre case.
Authorities are conducting further investigation into the incident.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/01/10/15/6-hurt-maguindanao-market-shooting
Six people sustained minor injuries in a shooting incident in Shariff Aguak, Maguindanao on Friday evening.
Police said gun shots were heard at a public market in Barangay Poblacion, Shariff Aguak at around 10 p.m.
They then discovered a hole in the roof of the said market and some marks from the splinters believed to be from an M203 grenade launcher.
Shariff Aguak Police Chief Senior Inspector Michael Tinio said 6 people sustained splinter injuries, but they are all now out of danger.
The public market is just adjacent to houses of former Datu Salibo Mayor Akmad Ampatuan and former Shariff Aguak Mayor Zahara Ampatuan.
On Sunday night, the former’s house was harassed by still unidentified armed men.
Shariff Aguak Acting Mayor Marop Ampatuan said the decision of his father, Akmad Ampatuan, to testify against those accused in the Maguindanao massacre case could be the reason behind the harassment on his family.
Akmad Ampatuan is the cousin of Datu Andal Ampatuan, Sr., the patriarch of the Ampatuan family who is one of the principal suspects in the Maguindanao massacre case.
Authorities are conducting further investigation into the incident.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/01/10/15/6-hurt-maguindanao-market-shooting
New buzz words, targets: P600B for AFP modernization
From Rappler (Jan 10): New buzz words, targets: P600B for AFP modernization
Defense officials want everyone to drop the buzz phrase 'minimum credible deterrence' and instead use 'credible deterrence' as the motivation for the AFP's modernization
PATROLS: Philippine Navy's illustration of the brand new frigates it plans to acquire
There are new buzz words and new targets that observers of the modernization efforts of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) need to know.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/80069-price-tag-ph-military-modernization
Defense officials want everyone to drop the buzz phrase 'minimum credible deterrence' and instead use 'credible deterrence' as the motivation for the AFP's modernization
PATROLS: Philippine Navy's illustration of the brand new frigates it plans to acquire
There are new buzz words and new targets that observers of the modernization efforts of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) need to know.
There's first
horizon and second horizon – your first two buzz words – as defense officials
are now discussing the “second horizon” of AFP modernization as the “first
horizon” makes significant advances.
The first horizon
refers to the P90.86 billion allocation provided by the Aquino administration
under the Revised AFP Modernization law seeking to modernize the military in
the wake of China ’s
aggression in the West Philippine Sea (South China Sea ).
It is not much
compared to the defense budgets of neighboring countries but it has been the
most aggressive modernization by one of Asia ’s
weakest militaries.
The first
horizon, which is set to be completed by 2017, includes the 12 fighter jets –
two of which are arriving at the end of the year – and the long-delayed two
frigates that the Department of National Defense (DND) is hoping to bid out in
the first quarter. These are the two big-ticket items in a list of 91 projects
funded by the P90-billion modernization fund.
As most of these
items await deliveries, defense officials want everyone to drop the buzz phrase
“minimum credible deterrence” as the motivation for the modernization. The goal
now is “credible deterrence” because how does one measure “minimum” anyway,
asked one official.
Note to
Aquino successor
Defense officials
are now in the thick of meetings to identify priorities under the “second
horizon” of modernization slated between 2018 and 2023.
DND
Undersecretary for Finance, Munitions and Materiel Fernando Manalo said it’s
premature to enumerate the items but it will focus on areas of concern.
“The second
horizon will probably be heavy on HADR (Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster
Response) and the West Philippine Sea and not
so much on the ISO (International Security Operations) because we are expecting
that ISO will not be so intense in the next 5 years and what we have already
acquired should be sufficient to address ISO,” said Manalo.
This should mean
additional frigates for the Philippine Navy to complete its minimum requirement
of 6 frigates to effectively patrol the country’s waters and the possible
acquisition of multi-role fighters, which is more sophisticated than the FA-50
lead-in fighter trainers that the PAF are getting.
Based on Manalo’s
estimates, the second horizon will need a budget that is “much higher than
[the] P90 billion” allocated for the first horizon. It is a commitment that the
security sector will need to get from the successor of President Benigno Aquino
III who is stepping down in 2016.
Manalo
said the J5 (Office of
the AFP deputy chief of staff for plans) and the Office of the assistant
secretary for plans and programs are finalizing the list for the second
horizon.
“I think within
the year, the Department of National Defense will be able to submit the
proposed modernization for the second horizon,” Manalo added.
Third
horizon to complete the P600-B requirement
There is a “third
horizon” in the pipeline – covering the period 2024-2028 – in the hope that the
second horizon will not meet the fate of the original AFP Modernization law –
the precursor of the Revised AFP Modernization law – that promised P330 billion
in modernization funds but went pfft.
Manalo could not
give estimates on the cost of the third horizon but all 3 horizons, he said,
should “not less than twice” the original funding provided by the original law,
meaning, P660 billion.
http://www.rappler.com/nation/80069-price-tag-ph-military-modernization
Philippine troops disarm powerful bomb
From the Mindanao Examiner BlogSpot site (Jan 10): Philippine troops disarm powerful bomb
A masked BIFF rebel listens to his commander during a clandestine interview by the Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper in southern Philippines. (Mindanao Examiner Photo - Mark Navales)
Security forces have disarmed an improvised explosive after it was discovered on a busy road in Pikit town in the southern Philippine province of North Cotabato, officials said Saturday.
Officials said bomb disposal experts from the army’s 7th Infantry Battalion were dispatched to the town to defuse the explosive which was connected to a cell phone by a wire.
The explosive was still wrapped in a packing tape and made to look like a baggage when a civilian spotted it and immediately informed the authorities, according to Capt. Jo-ann Petinglay, a spokesman for the 6th Infantry Division.
“We still do not know who was behind the foiled bombing, but investigation is going on,” Petinglay told the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.
A series of explosion late last year also injured and killed scores of civilians in North Cotabato province blamed by the military and police to the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.
A lone BIFF member also killed three soldiers with the army's 9th Intelligence Service Unit in the same month in the town of Datu Piang in Maguindanao. The rebel killed an army major and two privates who were travelling in a car. The soldiers also lost their weapons and a laptop to the attacker.
Some 500 BIFF rebels also assaulted the detachment of the 45th Infantry Battalion in the village of Sapakan in Rajah Buayan town. The attack sparked a six-hour firefight that wounded Corporal Charlie Dilangsoy, and another village in North Cotabato's Midsayap town.
http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/2015/01/philippine-troops-disarm-powerful-bomb.html
A masked BIFF rebel listens to his commander during a clandestine interview by the Mindanao Examiner Regional Newspaper in southern Philippines. (Mindanao Examiner Photo - Mark Navales)
Security forces have disarmed an improvised explosive after it was discovered on a busy road in Pikit town in the southern Philippine province of North Cotabato, officials said Saturday.
Officials said bomb disposal experts from the army’s 7th Infantry Battalion were dispatched to the town to defuse the explosive which was connected to a cell phone by a wire.
The explosive was still wrapped in a packing tape and made to look like a baggage when a civilian spotted it and immediately informed the authorities, according to Capt. Jo-ann Petinglay, a spokesman for the 6th Infantry Division.
“We still do not know who was behind the foiled bombing, but investigation is going on,” Petinglay told the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.
A series of explosion late last year also injured and killed scores of civilians in North Cotabato province blamed by the military and police to the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.
A lone BIFF member also killed three soldiers with the army's 9th Intelligence Service Unit in the same month in the town of Datu Piang in Maguindanao. The rebel killed an army major and two privates who were travelling in a car. The soldiers also lost their weapons and a laptop to the attacker.
Some 500 BIFF rebels also assaulted the detachment of the 45th Infantry Battalion in the village of Sapakan in Rajah Buayan town. The attack sparked a six-hour firefight that wounded Corporal Charlie Dilangsoy, and another village in North Cotabato's Midsayap town.
http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/2015/01/philippine-troops-disarm-powerful-bomb.html
MILF commander attacks Ampatuan clan member in Maguindanao province
From the Mindanao Examiner BlogSpot site (Jan 10): MILF commander attacks Ampatuan clan member in Maguindanao province
A former rebel leader attacked the house of a politician in the restive province of Maguindanao, sparking a firefight that left one person injured, the army said on Saturday.
It said gunmen led by Tamano Mamalapat, a senior member of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, assaulted the house of Akmad Ampatuan, a former mayor in Datu Salibo town.
The attack was connected to a long-running feud, according to Capt. Jo-ann Petinglay, a spokeswoman for the 6th Infantry Division.
She said the attack triggered a firefight that wounded Salik Camsa, but it was unknown whether the man was caught in the crossfire or had been fighting for either side of the warring clans.
Mamalapat’s group had previously attacked Akmad’s house and that of his son, Maroph, who is now the acting mayor of Shariff Aguak, after his rival Mayor Zahara Ampatuan went into hiding last year following her alleged links to the 2009 massacre of 58 people, including 32 journalists and media workers in Maguindanao.
Zahara’s father-in-law, Andal Ampatuan, who is the clan’s patriarch, and his sons and other family members are facing multiple murder charges because of the massacre. Zahara denied all charges against her and branded the accusation as political propaganda.
Akmad and Maroph had turned their backs on Andal and his sons and is now bitter political rival.
Andal’s mansion and that of his son Zaldy, former governor of the Muslim autonomous region in Mindanao, were also strafed by gunmen.
Just last month, gunmen also ambushed Akmad’s convoy and wounding him and two of his bodyguards in Guindulungan town, also in Maguindanao.
Ampatuan’s convoy was heading to Shariff Aguak when gunmen attacked the politician’s vehicle. Also in December, an unidentified assailant also fired a rifle grenade on the mansion of Zahara, although no one was injured or killed, and caused little damage as the grenade exploded on the sprawling compound.
http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/2015/01/milf-commander-attacks-ampatuan-clan.html
A former rebel leader attacked the house of a politician in the restive province of Maguindanao, sparking a firefight that left one person injured, the army said on Saturday.
It said gunmen led by Tamano Mamalapat, a senior member of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, assaulted the house of Akmad Ampatuan, a former mayor in Datu Salibo town.
The attack was connected to a long-running feud, according to Capt. Jo-ann Petinglay, a spokeswoman for the 6th Infantry Division.
She said the attack triggered a firefight that wounded Salik Camsa, but it was unknown whether the man was caught in the crossfire or had been fighting for either side of the warring clans.
Mamalapat’s group had previously attacked Akmad’s house and that of his son, Maroph, who is now the acting mayor of Shariff Aguak, after his rival Mayor Zahara Ampatuan went into hiding last year following her alleged links to the 2009 massacre of 58 people, including 32 journalists and media workers in Maguindanao.
Zahara’s father-in-law, Andal Ampatuan, who is the clan’s patriarch, and his sons and other family members are facing multiple murder charges because of the massacre. Zahara denied all charges against her and branded the accusation as political propaganda.
Akmad and Maroph had turned their backs on Andal and his sons and is now bitter political rival.
Andal’s mansion and that of his son Zaldy, former governor of the Muslim autonomous region in Mindanao, were also strafed by gunmen.
Just last month, gunmen also ambushed Akmad’s convoy and wounding him and two of his bodyguards in Guindulungan town, also in Maguindanao.
Ampatuan’s convoy was heading to Shariff Aguak when gunmen attacked the politician’s vehicle. Also in December, an unidentified assailant also fired a rifle grenade on the mansion of Zahara, although no one was injured or killed, and caused little damage as the grenade exploded on the sprawling compound.
http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/2015/01/milf-commander-attacks-ampatuan-clan.html
Militia wounded in Sayyaf clash in Southern Philippines
From the Mindanao Examiner BlogSpot site (Jan 10): Militia wounded in Sayyaf clash in Southern Philippines
A government militia was wounded following a firefight with Abu Sayyaf rebels on Saturday in the southern Philippines, officials said.
Capt. Maria Rowena Muyuela, a spokeswoman for the Western Mindanao Command, said the militias, who are members of the Barangay Police Action Team, were patrolling the village of Kiyutaan in Sulu’s Talipao town when the rebels attacked them with rifle grenades.
She said the patrol, led by Councilor Lakim Uddin, fought some 30 rebels under Abu Sayyaf sub-leaders Angga Adji and Roger Saji.
“The firefight lasted for almost ten minutes that resulted to the wounding of one Barangay Police Action Team member Akmad Aburan,” Muyuela told the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.
She said it was unknown if there were casualties on the Abu Sayyaf side. “There is an ongoing police and military operation against the Abu Sayyaf,” Muyuela said.
The Abu Sayyaf is being blamed for the spate of terror attacks and ransom kidnappings in southern Philippines.
http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/2015/01/militia-wounded-in-sayyaf-clash-in.html
A government militia was wounded following a firefight with Abu Sayyaf rebels on Saturday in the southern Philippines, officials said.
Capt. Maria Rowena Muyuela, a spokeswoman for the Western Mindanao Command, said the militias, who are members of the Barangay Police Action Team, were patrolling the village of Kiyutaan in Sulu’s Talipao town when the rebels attacked them with rifle grenades.
She said the patrol, led by Councilor Lakim Uddin, fought some 30 rebels under Abu Sayyaf sub-leaders Angga Adji and Roger Saji.
“The firefight lasted for almost ten minutes that resulted to the wounding of one Barangay Police Action Team member Akmad Aburan,” Muyuela told the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.
She said it was unknown if there were casualties on the Abu Sayyaf side. “There is an ongoing police and military operation against the Abu Sayyaf,” Muyuela said.
The Abu Sayyaf is being blamed for the spate of terror attacks and ransom kidnappings in southern Philippines.
http://www.mindanaoexaminer.net/2015/01/militia-wounded-in-sayyaf-clash-in.html
Top NPA leader in Negros Occidental nabbed in joint checkpoint operation
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 10): Top NPA leader in Negros Occidental nabbed in joint checkpoint operation
A suspected leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Negros Occidental was arrested by joint police and military personnel in a checkpoint operation Friday night in Barangay Punao,San
Carlos City
The Philippine Army identified the suspect as Rogelio Posadas, who was intercepted along the highway near Hacienda Socorro at around 10 p.m.
Posadas has a warrant of arrest for murder
issued by Judge Renato Muñez of the Regional Trial Court Branch 60 in Cadiz City
He is facing charges for the death of First Lt. Archie Polenzo, company commander of 62nd Infantry Battalion, whose troop engaged in an encounter withPosadas ’ group in Barangay Caduhaan, Cadiz City
Posadas
He is detained at Cadiz Police Station as of Saturday afternoon.
The arrest ofPosadas
“The Army’s involvement in the arrest is part of its mandate to support law enforcement by the Philippine National Police in order to maintain peace and security in the locality which is consistent with the guidelines provided in the suspension of offensive military operations,” said Maj. Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero, commander of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division.
Between January and February last year, military and police teams also arrested Biboy Espinas, suspected member of the KR-Negros Finance Bureau and former spokesman of the Northern Negros Front, also known as the Jean Pelle Command, and Romulo Bitoon, alleged by the military as the secretary of the Regional Unified White Area Committee of KR-Negros.
Both Espinas and Bitoon are also charged for the murder of Polenzo
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=723855
A suspected leader of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Negros Occidental was arrested by joint police and military personnel in a checkpoint operation Friday night in Barangay Punao,
The Philippine Army identified the suspect as Rogelio Posadas, who was intercepted along the highway near Hacienda Socorro at around 10 p.m.
He is facing charges for the death of First Lt. Archie Polenzo, company commander of 62nd Infantry Battalion, whose troop engaged in an encounter with
He is detained at Cadiz Police Station as of Saturday afternoon.
The arrest of
“The Army’s involvement in the arrest is part of its mandate to support law enforcement by the Philippine National Police in order to maintain peace and security in the locality which is consistent with the guidelines provided in the suspension of offensive military operations,” said Maj. Gen. Rey Leonardo Guerrero, commander of the Army’s 3rd Infantry Division.
Between January and February last year, military and police teams also arrested Biboy Espinas, suspected member of the KR-Negros Finance Bureau and former spokesman of the Northern Negros Front, also known as the Jean Pelle Command, and Romulo Bitoon, alleged by the military as the secretary of the Regional Unified White Area Committee of KR-Negros.
Both Espinas and Bitoon are also charged for the murder of Polenzo
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=723855
IED found, detonated in North Cotabato town
From InterAksyon (Jan 20): IED found, detonated in North Cotabato town
A composite image of police cartographic sketches of the suspects in the New Year's Eve bombing at the public market of Mlang, North Cotabato that left two persons dead and 36 injured. (Mlang police)
An improvised bomb was found and safely detonated by authorities in Pikit town, North Cotabato just as authorities released composite sketches of the suspects in the New Year’s Eve bombing that left two persons dead and 36 others wounded in Mlang town.
The package containing the Pikit bomb, planted in front of the home of Bobby Sahidsahid on Datu Piang Street, Barangay Poblacion, was discovered by residents around 9 a.m.
A bomb squad immediately responded and safely set off the improvised explosive device crafted from a rifle grenade and set to be triggered by a cellular phone.
Authorities have yet to identify who planted the bomb.
Meanwhile, the suspects of the Mlang New Year’s Eve bombing were described as between 30-35 years old, around 5’5” to 5’6” tall and weighing around 62 to 68 kilos.
The blast followed the bombing of a billiard hall in the same town on November 23 that killed three teenagers and wounded 24 other persons at the height of Mlang’s Kawayanan Festival.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/102732/ied-found-detonated-in-north-cotabato-town
A composite image of police cartographic sketches of the suspects in the New Year's Eve bombing at the public market of Mlang, North Cotabato that left two persons dead and 36 injured. (Mlang police)
An improvised bomb was found and safely detonated by authorities in Pikit town, North Cotabato just as authorities released composite sketches of the suspects in the New Year’s Eve bombing that left two persons dead and 36 others wounded in Mlang town.
The package containing the Pikit bomb, planted in front of the home of Bobby Sahidsahid on Datu Piang Street, Barangay Poblacion, was discovered by residents around 9 a.m.
A bomb squad immediately responded and safely set off the improvised explosive device crafted from a rifle grenade and set to be triggered by a cellular phone.
Authorities have yet to identify who planted the bomb.
Meanwhile, the suspects of the Mlang New Year’s Eve bombing were described as between 30-35 years old, around 5’5” to 5’6” tall and weighing around 62 to 68 kilos.
The blast followed the bombing of a billiard hall in the same town on November 23 that killed three teenagers and wounded 24 other persons at the height of Mlang’s Kawayanan Festival.
http://www.interaksyon.com/article/102732/ied-found-detonated-in-north-cotabato-town
PVAO pushes for creation of veterans’ hospitals, pension hike
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 10): PVAO pushes for creation of veterans’ hospitals, pension hike
The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) is working on providing more benefits to the war veterans of the country.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=723817
The Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) is working on providing more benefits to the war veterans of the country.
PVAO deputy administrator Maj. Gen. Raul Caballes said they
were endorsing the establishment of three veterans’ hospitals: one each in
Northern Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao .
These hospitals would be in addition to the Veterans
Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City, Caballes said during the celebration of
the 8th Pangasinan Veterans’ Day and the 70th Gulf Landings Anniversary at the
Veterans Memorial Park, Capitol Complex here last Jan. 9.
At the same time, he said their proposal to increase the
monthly pension of the living World War II (WWII) veterans by 300% or from Php
5,000 to Php 20,000 is now in the bicameral committee level of Congress.
There are about 14,000 surviving WWII veterans in the entire
country, 619 of whom are Pangasinan natives.
Meanwhile, the province recorded 1,373 post-WWII veterans.
Pangasinan’s observance of Veterans Day since 2008, by
virtue of a provincial proclamation, was the province’s way of thanking the
heroism and valor of the war veterans, said Governor Amado Espino Jr.
Also, recently, the provincial board approved a resolution
allotting 360 square meters lot of the Provincial Capitol for the construction
of PVAO field office.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=723817
PN to commission two attack AW-109s by May
From the Philippine News Agency (Jan 10): PN to commission two attack AW-109s by May
The two AgustaWestland AW-109 "Power" attack helicopters of the Philippine Navy (PN) will be commissioned this coming May.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=723733
The two AgustaWestland AW-109 "Power" attack helicopters of the Philippine Navy (PN) will be commissioned this coming May.
This was disclosed by PN spokesperson Col. Edgard Arevalo in
a message to the PNA.
"No date of commissioning yet but the target is to be
in time or prior the the 117th Navy Day celebrations this coming May," he
said.
The PN was founded in May 27, 1898.
At the moment, the Navy's AW-109s is still undergoing Bureau
of Customs documentation, duties, and process of inspection.
The two Navy AW-109s, in disassembled condition, arrived
last Dec. 28.
It is part of the five helicopter contract signed by the
Navy with aircraft manufacturer AgustaWestland last 2013.
The contract is worth Php1.33 billion. The first three units
were delivered and commissioned in December 2013.
These AW-109s will be armed with machine guns, 20mm cannons
and possibly, with air-to-ground rockets.
The AW-109 "Power" helicopter is a three-ton class
eight seat helicopter powered by two Pratt and Whitney PW206C engines.
The spacious cabin is designed to be fitted with a number of
modular equipment packages for quick and easy conversion between roles.
The aircraft’s safety features include a fully separated
fuel system, dual hydraulic boost system, dual electrical systems and redundant
lubrication and cooling systems for the main transmission and engines.
The AW-109 has established itself as the world’s best
selling light-twin helicopter for maritime missions.
It's superior speed, capacity and productivity combined with
reliability and ease of maintenance make it the most cost effective maritime
helicopter in its class.
Over 550 AW-109 "Power" and AW-109 light utility
helicopters have been ordered for commercial, parapublic and military
applications by customers in almost 50 countries.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=723733
Phl's arbitration case vs China shows options in sea row
From ABS-CBN (Jan 10): Phl's arbitration case vs China shows options in sea row
By turning to international arbitration to define its maritime entitlements in the South China Sea, Manila has shown there are options to resolve territorial disputes other than lopsided negotiations where mighty nations lord over small ones.
Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Cuisia Jr. voiced the observation in a speech during a reception he hosted for Washington-based journalists led by National Press Club president Myron Belkind.
“We have always been asked why we have resorted to arbitration. Our answer is simple. International law is the great equalizer,” Cuisia said in his remarks.
He said Manila sees the arbitration case as a model for other smaller states in a similar situation. Manila’s resorting to international arbitration was prompted by China’s expansive claim over the West Philippine Sea and South China Sea.
He said other similarly situated countries should take the cue from Manila and consider the dispute settlement mechanisms under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) or the United Nations Charter.
“By taking the legal route, we are showing the world that states have other viable options to resolving disputes other than in an asymmetrical negotiation where the big and militarily strong nation will dominate the smaller nation in the negotiating table,” he said.
The Philippines filed its arbitration case in 2013. It formally submitted its memorial or written arguments to the Arbitral Tribunal at The Hague on March 30, 2014.
China ignored the Dec. 15 deadline set by the UN arbitral tribunal for the submission of its defense.
Beijing vowed not to participate in an arbitration, saying it would only accept bilateral negotiations with Manila.
Cuisia said a study prepared by Washington supports the Philippine position on the need for peaceful clarification of maritime entitlements in the South China Sea.
“Studies such as the one produced by the US contribute to the substantive international literature that supports the primacy and utility of UNCLOS in the determination of maritime entitlements and the peaceful settlement of maritime disputes,” he pointed out.
Cuisia also said a recent statement from Vietnam on the arbitration case was helpful in promoting the rule of law and in finding peaceful solutions to the maritime disputes in the West Philippine Sea and South China Sea.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/01/10/15/phls-arbitration-case-vs-china-shows-options-sea-row
By turning to international arbitration to define its maritime entitlements in the South China Sea, Manila has shown there are options to resolve territorial disputes other than lopsided negotiations where mighty nations lord over small ones.
Philippine Ambassador to the United States Jose Cuisia Jr. voiced the observation in a speech during a reception he hosted for Washington-based journalists led by National Press Club president Myron Belkind.
“We have always been asked why we have resorted to arbitration. Our answer is simple. International law is the great equalizer,” Cuisia said in his remarks.
He said Manila sees the arbitration case as a model for other smaller states in a similar situation. Manila’s resorting to international arbitration was prompted by China’s expansive claim over the West Philippine Sea and South China Sea.
He said other similarly situated countries should take the cue from Manila and consider the dispute settlement mechanisms under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) or the United Nations Charter.
“By taking the legal route, we are showing the world that states have other viable options to resolving disputes other than in an asymmetrical negotiation where the big and militarily strong nation will dominate the smaller nation in the negotiating table,” he said.
The Philippines filed its arbitration case in 2013. It formally submitted its memorial or written arguments to the Arbitral Tribunal at The Hague on March 30, 2014.
China ignored the Dec. 15 deadline set by the UN arbitral tribunal for the submission of its defense.
Beijing vowed not to participate in an arbitration, saying it would only accept bilateral negotiations with Manila.
Cuisia said a study prepared by Washington supports the Philippine position on the need for peaceful clarification of maritime entitlements in the South China Sea.
“Studies such as the one produced by the US contribute to the substantive international literature that supports the primacy and utility of UNCLOS in the determination of maritime entitlements and the peaceful settlement of maritime disputes,” he pointed out.
Cuisia also said a recent statement from Vietnam on the arbitration case was helpful in promoting the rule of law and in finding peaceful solutions to the maritime disputes in the West Philippine Sea and South China Sea.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/01/10/15/phls-arbitration-case-vs-china-shows-options-sea-row
Alleged MILF member nabbed for illegal possession of firearms
From ABS-CBN (Jan 10): Alleged MILF member nabbed for illegal possession of firearms
An alleged member of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) was arrested after he was caught carrying an unlicensed .45-caliber pistol at a bus terminal in Barangay Guiwan, Zamboanga City on Friday.
Police identified the suspect as Erwen Sawardi, a native of Talusan municipality in Zamboanga Sibugay.
Police said Sawadi was acting suspiciously when he alighted from a bus at around 2 p.m.
This prompted a policeman assigned at the terminal to approach him and conduct a body search on him and search his bag.
Confiscated from the suspect was a .45-caliber pistol.
Authorities said Sawadi identified himself as a member of the MILF under a commander operating in Basilan. He, however, refused to identify the commander.
Police told ABS-CBN News that they are still verifying reports from an informant that the Sawadi was in Zamboanga City for an undisclosed mission.
The suspect is now undergoing tactical interrogation.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/01/10/15/alleged-milf-member-nabbed-illegal-possession-firearms
An alleged member of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) was arrested after he was caught carrying an unlicensed .45-caliber pistol at a bus terminal in Barangay Guiwan, Zamboanga City on Friday.
Police identified the suspect as Erwen Sawardi, a native of Talusan municipality in Zamboanga Sibugay.
Police said Sawadi was acting suspiciously when he alighted from a bus at around 2 p.m.
This prompted a policeman assigned at the terminal to approach him and conduct a body search on him and search his bag.
Confiscated from the suspect was a .45-caliber pistol.
Authorities said Sawadi identified himself as a member of the MILF under a commander operating in Basilan. He, however, refused to identify the commander.
Police told ABS-CBN News that they are still verifying reports from an informant that the Sawadi was in Zamboanga City for an undisclosed mission.
The suspect is now undergoing tactical interrogation.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/01/10/15/alleged-milf-member-nabbed-illegal-possession-firearms
NPA leader nabbed in Negros Occ. checkpoint
ABS-CBN (Jan 10): NPA leader nabbed in Negros Occ. checkpoint
NEGROS OCCIDENTAL – A New people’s Army (NPA) leader in Negros Occidental was arrested in a checkpoint in the province.
A certain alias “Ka Isko” was nabbed after a rebel returnee who was his comrade positively identified him in a Philippine Army checkpoint.
303rd Infantry Brigade Commanding Officer Col. John Aying said the suspect had a warrant of arrest for murder.
Judge Renato Munoz of the Regional Trial Court Branch 60 in Cadiz City, Negros Occidental issued the warrant on September 1, 2011.
The suspect served as the front secretary of the Northern Negros Front, the Rehiyong Negros Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA.
He was also the spokesperson of the National Democratic Front.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/01/10/15/npa-leader-nabbed-negros-occ-checkpoint
NEGROS OCCIDENTAL – A New people’s Army (NPA) leader in Negros Occidental was arrested in a checkpoint in the province.
A certain alias “Ka Isko” was nabbed after a rebel returnee who was his comrade positively identified him in a Philippine Army checkpoint.
303rd Infantry Brigade Commanding Officer Col. John Aying said the suspect had a warrant of arrest for murder.
Judge Renato Munoz of the Regional Trial Court Branch 60 in Cadiz City, Negros Occidental issued the warrant on September 1, 2011.
The suspect served as the front secretary of the Northern Negros Front, the Rehiyong Negros Committee of the Communist Party of the Philippines-NPA.
He was also the spokesperson of the National Democratic Front.
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/01/10/15/npa-leader-nabbed-negros-occ-checkpoint
MILF says no plans yet to step in on BBL legal battle
From the Daily Tribune (Jan 10): MILF says no plans yet to step in on BBL legal battle
For the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), it is still too early to discuss the constitutionality of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) which is currently under congressional scrutiny.
In a statement over its website, the MILF appealed to all not to make hasty statements on the constitutionality of the BBL that may spark negative reactions.
The MILF stressed the constitutionality of the BBL, agreed upon by the MILF and the government of the Philippines (GRP), falls under the authority of the Supreme Court.
“We therefore appeal to all and sundry, especially leaders, not to make hasty pronouncements that would agitate negative reactions from the people,” it stressed.
“The issue of constitutionality of any provision of the BBL is in the domain of the Supreme Court. We are not yet there,” the MILF pointed out.
Both the Senate and the House of Representatives have noted that some provisions of the BBL could be considered unconstitutional.
Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, chairman of the committee on local government, and Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, head of the Congress ad-hoc committee, have been conducting public hearings on the BBL.
Both Marcos and Rodriguez have noted some provisions of the BBL similar to the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MoA-AD) that was junked as unconstitutional by the high tribunal in 2008.
Without naming names, the MILF expressed belief that the legislators, who have issued statements regarding the unconstitutionality of the BBL, did such in good faith.
“We believe that if these legislators ever made these statements of the unconstitutionality of some aspects of the BBL, they were made in good faith,” the MILF said.
“Or, they were quoted out of context by some media reporters, which we believe requires a clarification. (We don’t know if we can go to that extent here),” it added.
The MILF stressed that while the BBL’s fate is still hanging in the balance, the situation remains tense.
“Prudence is a better part of judgment. Even the well-intentioned views or statements can mean another thing to others. The truth is that we are in a very sensitive and delicate situation,” said the MILF.
“All honest stakeholders including MILF members and combatants are waiting with bated breath on the fate of BBL in Congress. While we have faith in the collective wisdom of Congress to pass a good legislation, in a tense situation such as we are now in, it is people’s nature to react swiftly — sometimes unreasonably — even to a slight movement,” it added.
Marcos has already referred the constitutional issues of the BBL to the Senate committee on constitutional amendments and revision of codes headed by Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago.
Marcos said one of the highly-contentious issues surrounding the BBL is the sub-state provision.
Santiago
Santiago
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/milf-says-no-plans-yet-to-step-in-on-bbl-legal-battle
For the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), it is still too early to discuss the constitutionality of the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) which is currently under congressional scrutiny.
In a statement over its website, the MILF appealed to all not to make hasty statements on the constitutionality of the BBL that may spark negative reactions.
The MILF stressed the constitutionality of the BBL, agreed upon by the MILF and the government of the Philippines (GRP), falls under the authority of the Supreme Court.
“We therefore appeal to all and sundry, especially leaders, not to make hasty pronouncements that would agitate negative reactions from the people,” it stressed.
“The issue of constitutionality of any provision of the BBL is in the domain of the Supreme Court. We are not yet there,” the MILF pointed out.
Both the Senate and the House of Representatives have noted that some provisions of the BBL could be considered unconstitutional.
Sen. Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, chairman of the committee on local government, and Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, head of the Congress ad-hoc committee, have been conducting public hearings on the BBL.
Both Marcos and Rodriguez have noted some provisions of the BBL similar to the Memorandum of Agreement on Ancestral Domain (MoA-AD) that was junked as unconstitutional by the high tribunal in 2008.
Without naming names, the MILF expressed belief that the legislators, who have issued statements regarding the unconstitutionality of the BBL, did such in good faith.
“We believe that if these legislators ever made these statements of the unconstitutionality of some aspects of the BBL, they were made in good faith,” the MILF said.
“Or, they were quoted out of context by some media reporters, which we believe requires a clarification. (We don’t know if we can go to that extent here),” it added.
The MILF stressed that while the BBL’s fate is still hanging in the balance, the situation remains tense.
“Prudence is a better part of judgment. Even the well-intentioned views or statements can mean another thing to others. The truth is that we are in a very sensitive and delicate situation,” said the MILF.
“All honest stakeholders including MILF members and combatants are waiting with bated breath on the fate of BBL in Congress. While we have faith in the collective wisdom of Congress to pass a good legislation, in a tense situation such as we are now in, it is people’s nature to react swiftly — sometimes unreasonably — even to a slight movement,” it added.
Marcos has already referred the constitutional issues of the BBL to the Senate committee on constitutional amendments and revision of codes headed by Sen. Miriam Defensor-Santiago.
Marcos said one of the highly-contentious issues surrounding the BBL is the sub-state provision.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/milf-says-no-plans-yet-to-step-in-on-bbl-legal-battle
Soldier killed in Samar shootout
From the Philippine Star (Jan 8): Soldier killed in Samar shootout
A soldier on his way to visit relatives, was killed by suspected New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas in a shootout in Northern Samar last Sunday.
Lt. Col. Erwin Alea, spokesman for the Army’s 8th Infantry Division, said Sgt. Leo Loberiano was driving his motorcycle when the rebels waylaid him in the outskirts of Barangay Napo in Palapag town.
“The soldier, realizing that the armed men were NPA rebels, fought it out and broke through their checkpoint,” Alea said in a statement.
He said the rebels took Loberiano’s pistol and bag.
Members of the 34th Infantry Battalion have launched pursuit operations against the rebels.
The incident was the fifth atrocity blamed on rebels while the military is observing a suspension of offensive operations for the Christmas holidays and the visit of Pope Francis. The SOMO, which started on Dec.18, will end on Jan. 19.
Communist rebels also declared a ceasefire that took effect on Dec. 24 to 26 and Dec. 31 to Jan. 1. The NPA will suspend offensives again from Jan. 15 to 19 during the papal visit.
Military officials said the insurgents burned construction equipment in Camarines Norte and a civilian vehicle in Agusan del Sur on Dec. 22.
NPA guerrillas were also tagged in the kidnapping of Davao del Norte jail warden Marvin Coquilla on Dec. 23 and the ambush that killed a soldier and wounded three others in Mabini, Compostela Valley.
“While we remain sincere in our words and actions to abide by the provisions of the SOMO, the NPA rebels remain treacherous in their actions, taking advantage of every opportunity to inflict casualties not only on the members of the Armed Forces but even on innocent civilians,” said Maj. Gen. Jet Velarmino, chief of the Army’s 8th ID.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2015/01/08/1410507/soldier-killed-samar-shootout
A soldier on his way to visit relatives, was killed by suspected New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas in a shootout in Northern Samar last Sunday.
Lt. Col. Erwin Alea, spokesman for the Army’s 8th Infantry Division, said Sgt. Leo Loberiano was driving his motorcycle when the rebels waylaid him in the outskirts of Barangay Napo in Palapag town.
“The soldier, realizing that the armed men were NPA rebels, fought it out and broke through their checkpoint,” Alea said in a statement.
He said the rebels took Loberiano’s pistol and bag.
Members of the 34th Infantry Battalion have launched pursuit operations against the rebels.
The incident was the fifth atrocity blamed on rebels while the military is observing a suspension of offensive operations for the Christmas holidays and the visit of Pope Francis. The SOMO, which started on Dec.18, will end on Jan. 19.
Communist rebels also declared a ceasefire that took effect on Dec. 24 to 26 and Dec. 31 to Jan. 1. The NPA will suspend offensives again from Jan. 15 to 19 during the papal visit.
Military officials said the insurgents burned construction equipment in Camarines Norte and a civilian vehicle in Agusan del Sur on Dec. 22.
NPA guerrillas were also tagged in the kidnapping of Davao del Norte jail warden Marvin Coquilla on Dec. 23 and the ambush that killed a soldier and wounded three others in Mabini, Compostela Valley.
“While we remain sincere in our words and actions to abide by the provisions of the SOMO, the NPA rebels remain treacherous in their actions, taking advantage of every opportunity to inflict casualties not only on the members of the Armed Forces but even on innocent civilians,” said Maj. Gen. Jet Velarmino, chief of the Army’s 8th ID.
http://www.philstar.com/nation/2015/01/08/1410507/soldier-killed-samar-shootout
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