Video Report: Who killed Basit Usman?

From ABS-CBN (May 7): Video Report: Who killed Basit Usman?

The Armed Forces credits the MILF for the killing of wanted terrorist Basit Usman but a source says a government agent was the triggerman. - ANC, The World Tonight, May 6, 2015

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/video/nation/regions/05/06/15/who-killed-basit-usman

Militiamen recover IED in Agusan Del Sur

From the Philippine News Agency (May 6): Militiamen recover IED in Agusan Del Sur

Militiamen, attached to the Davao City-based Eastern Mindanao Command, recovered on Monday morning a New People's Army (NPA) improvised explosive device (IED) and associated equipment at Barangay Magsaysay, Prosperidad town, Agusan Del Sur.

Lt. Col. Eduardo Gubat, Eastern Mindanao Command spokesperson, in a statement released Wednesday, said that the militiamen were from the Los Arcos Patrol Base, Barangay Los Arcos, Sibagat town.

Gubat said that the militiamen became aware of the IED's location after being tipped of by friendly civilians.

He said the recovered IED weighs 5.2 kilograms and has two meters of electrical wires and a blasting cap.

As of May 4, there are already 20 unexploded IEDs recovered by the troops on security patrol in the Eastern Mindanao area, 10 of which were planted by the NPA bandit group along roads in populated areas since April 1.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=759320

PHL not building structures in disputed features of West Philippine Sea, says DND

From the Philippine News Agency (May 6): PHL not building structures in disputed features of West Philippine Sea, says DND

The Department of National Defense (DND) on Wednesday denied reports made by China claiming that the Philippines is building structures on disputed islets and features at the West Philippine Sea.

"If there is one thing we are certain of, we know that they are very good at concocting stories and misleading statements," DND spokesperson Dr. Peter Paul Galvez said.

He added that the Philippines is not engaged in any construction or reclamation projects in any of its territories at the West Philippine Sea.

"They are saying too many things that now they are confused. What they should do is to stop all activities in (the) West Philippine Sea reclamation, dismantle structures and apologize to the international community for the massive environmental degradation they committed.

The DND spokesperson also stressed that the Philippines is not provoking China.

"They are the ones provoking and dragging peace focused nations into this tense situation. All other nations have been dealing with this in a peaceful, diplomatic and rules based manner," he added.

Earlier, the DND said that the Philippines strongly complies with the Declaration of the Code of Conduct between China and ASEAN which was signed in 2002.

Under the agreement, signatories are prohibited from constructing new facilities in the disputed areas and exercise self restraint.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=759319

DND chief assures acquisition of AFP armaments done with greater transparency

From the Philippine News Agency (May 6): DND chief assures acquisition of AFP armaments done with greater transparency

Department of National Defense (DND) Secretary Voltaire Gazmin said on Wednesday the acquisition of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) equipment and armaments under the AFP modernization program has been done with greater transparency and accountability.

Gazmin made this assurance during the first Senate inquiry into the alleged anomalous procurement of the 21 refurbished UH-1 or Huey helicopters in the amount of PhP1.24 billion.

”To effect greater transparency and pinpoint responsibility and accountability, we have allowed the attendance of third parties in the bidding procedures,” Gazmin told the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee.

Gazmin also said the DND has even established the Defense System of Management (DESOM) that evaluates the real needs of the AFP as the country’s defenders.

”Equally important, the decision to acquire or procure certain military equipment, platforms or weapons defense system has been the product of thorough, deliberative processes involving the participation of the senior leaders of DND and AFP,” Gazmin said.

The DND also institutionalized the management group activity or known as Senior Leaders Roundtable Discussion (SLRTD) under DESOM.

”The SLRTD every now and then makes the collective decision to acquire or procure certain military platforms armaments or equipment,” Gazmin said.

After explaining the processes of the AFP modernization program, Gazmin requested for an executive session to discuss the military operational readiness and capability gaps that led to the formulation of the AFP modernization program.

”For this, we will request that it be done in executive session so as not to jeopardize the security interest of the state,” Voltaire told the Senate committee.

The panel, chaired by Senator Teofisto Guingona III, granted Voltaire's request after he gave an overview of the AFP modernization program as mandated by Republic Act No. 10349.

Voltaire promised to answer in public all the queries on the acquisitions of the AFP military equipment and weapons systems, particularly the purchased of 21 units of refurbished UH-1 helicopters, after the executive session.

The Senate panel, however, had run out of time to return to the session hall, prompting them to set another public hearing to explain the alleged anomalous purchase of AFP choppers.

”We were given some details that we want to study first so the committee hearing will be rescheduled and we will be inviting those in the acquisition and bids and awards committee of the DND so that we will know their procurement process,” Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito told the media after the executive session.

Ejercito was one of the three senators who filed the Senate resolution calling for a Senate investigation. Others are Senators Francis Escudero and Jinggoy Estrada.

Ejercito said he was not fully satisfied with the DND explanation as to why the department bought refurbished UH-1 helicopters instead of brand new units.

”They said a brand new unit will cost a lot. I think only two brand new helicopters can be acquired for PhP1.2 billion against 21 refurbished units but for me, the lives of the soldiers and pilots are still at stake here,” Ejercito explained.

Quoting published reports, Ejercito cited in his own resolution that the DND procurement of 21 refurbished UH-1 or Huey helicopters was tailor-fitted for a favored bidder.

The contract was awarded to the Joint Venture of Rice Aircraft Services Inc. and Canada-based Eagle Copters Ltd. on Dec. 28, 2013 for a bid price of PhP1.2 billion.

According to reports, the delivered choppers to the Philippine Air Force (PAF) were non-compliant with the project contract’s Terms of References (TOR) and have limited use due to some defects.

The revised AFP modernization program provides that at least PhP75 billion will be used for the first five years of the 15-year period of the modernization program.

The first phase of the program also includes acquisition of warships, fighter jets, air radar system and other military hardware.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=759284

MILF killed Basit Usman, five followers -- AFP

From the Philippine News Agency (May 6): MILF killed Basit Usman, five followers -- AFP

Three days after the incident, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is now saying that members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) shot and killed terrorist Basit Usman and five of his followers during an encounter in Guindulungan town, Maguindanao before noon Sunday.

This is contrary to their earlier statements, which was issued by AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang, claiming that infighting among the group led to the death of Usman and his men.

The military arrived at this conclusion after sending team, coming from the Maguindanao-based 6th Infantry Division, to investigate.

"After our verification, we have learned that Basit Usman entered an MILF area," said AFP public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc.

And when spotted, elements from the MILF then accosted him so that he can be brought to the MILF Central Committee, he added.

"However, Basit Usman resisted, triggering a firefight that resulted to his death," Cabunoc stressed.

AFP spokesman Brig. Gen. Joselito Kakilala, in a press conference, even went further and said that they have received a verbal report from the 6th Infantry Division units which confirmed MILF claims that it had played a major role in the neutralization of Usman and his followers at Sitio Takeneken, Barangay Muti, Guindulungan town, Maguindanao 11 a.m. last May 3.

"After receiving the detailed verbal report from our field units, we have confirmed that the MILF had indeed carried out the neutralization of Basit Usman. We reiterate our message of appreciation to the MILF for showing sincerity in collaborating with the government in our joint efforts against lawlessness and terrorism in Mindanao," he added.

And when queried about the earlier report claiming infighting among his men caused Usman's death, Kakilala said that this was only an initial report.

"That's why AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang ordered 6th Infantry Division commander Major Gen. Eduardo Pangilinan to conduct a thorough investigation on the circumstances of the death of Basit Usman," the AFP spokesman said.

However, Kakilala said he does not know on whether Pangilinan coordinated with the MILF in coming out with this report.

The AFP spokesman also said they are still to get the detailed report concerning Usman's death.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=759279

OPPAP official leads BBL discussion in Bacolod forum

From the Philippine News Agency (May 6): OPPAP official leads BBL discussion in Bacolod forum

Undersecretary Maria Cleofe Sandoval of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) discussed the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) during a multi-sectoral forum held in Bacolod City.

“We want to give an overview of the BBL to the people and explain why it is important,” said Sandoval, whose audience Tuesday included about a hundred participants from the Muslim community and the women sector in the province.

She said the BBL has already been certified as urgent matter by President Benigno S. Aquino III, and the Aquino administration expects the Congress to pass the bill very soon.

The BBL is one of the 10 priorities presented by President Aquino even when he was still campaigning and he wants to fulfill this agenda before his term ends next year, Sandoval added.

She said the forum is intended to make the people aware that Mindanao's security issue affects the whole country, adding that based on the series of forums they conducted around the country, may Filipinos have no idea what the BBL is all about.

The forum was organized by women’s groups Pilipina Bacolod-Negros Occidental Chapter, Development through Active Women Networking Foundation, Provincial Council for Women of Negros Occidental, and the National Anti-Poverty Commission-Women Sectoral Council.

Marie June Castro, chapter chair of Pilipina, said the forum is intended to raise public awareness on the draft BBL and its implication to national peace and development.

 

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=759228

Signing of closure pact with RPM-P/RPA-ABB seen before end of PNoy’s term

From the Philippine News Agency (May 6): Signing of closure pact with RPM-P/RPA-ABB seen before end of PNoy’s term

An official of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) said the signing of the closure agreement between the government and the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa-Pilipinas/Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade (RPM-P/ RPA-ABB) Tabara-Paduano Group would take place before the end of President Benigno S. Aquino's term in 2016.

OPAPP Undersecretary Cleofe Gettie Sandoval, who was in Bacolod City Tuesday, said the funding requirement for the livelihood assistance, including the settlement areas for the members of the RPA-ABB, are the remaining issues.

During his visit to Negros Occidental last week, President Aquino said the closure agreement is now in process, adding that the OPAPP is giving dividends through infrastructure projects for the protection of 100 barangays directly affected by the armed conflict.

The OPPAP has proposed a PHP279.16-million budget for livelihood and development programs for conflict-affected communities identified by the RPA-ABB Tabara-Paduano Group.

The RPM-P/RPA-ABB Tabara-Paduano Group has changed its name into Kapatiran para sa Progresong Panlipunan for its transformation into a legitimate socio-economic and political organization as outlined by the proposed closure agreement towards the disposition of arms and forces.

Part of the peace agreement is the reintegration to the government of 727 profiled members of the RPA-ABB.

The peace agreement was signed by the RPM-P/RPA-ABB Tabara-Paduano Group during the administration of former President Joseph Estrada.

OPPAP records show that the RPA-ABB TPG has 727 members. Of the profiled members, 607 are in Negros Occidental, 58 in Negros Oriental, and the rest scattered in Panay and some areas of Mindanao and Luzon.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=759227

AFP denies rumors claiming ASG embedded in Metro Manila, planning to bomb SM malls

From the Philippine News Agency (May 6): AFP denies rumors claiming ASG embedded in Metro Manila, planning to bomb SM malls

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Tuesday vehemently denied reports that the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) operatives are in Metro Manila and planning to conduct bombing attacks against SM malls.

"SM has issued a statement denying the alleged bomb threat. On our part, we will continue supporting the law enforcement agencies in the conduct of investigations, we will continue assisting them in monitoring this report and we will also preempt any armed threat against our people," AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Joselito Kakilala said.

In the same vein, he said that the AFP has not monitored any reports suggesting ASG or even Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) operatives are embedded in Metro Manila for such alleged bombing attacks.

"We have not monitored any (reports suggesting) that the Abu Sayyaf and the BIFF are in Metro Manila. Our reports (state that) are still in Central Mindanao and Sulu," Kakilala said.

A text message, purportedly coming from a SM security officer, claimed that the ASG was planning to bomb SM North EDSA and Las Pinas should the management of these shopping malls refused to give in to the group's Php15-million extortion demand.

Terror bombers, Baco and Muawiyah, who reportedly allied themselves to local lawless groups, are still in Central Mindanao, Kakilala said.

Kakilala said the neutralization of the two was not far off as the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, AFP and Philippine National Police were working closely regarding the capture or elimination of the two.

"With the synergy with MILF, AFP and PNP, it (is) not far-fetched," the AFP spokesperson said.

Kakilala declined to comment on whether the MILF should be given credit for the death of terror-bomber Basit Usman and five of his followers Sunday.

But he said that the fact remains that Usman is dead.

"It is adequate for us already, the treat posed by Usman is no longer there."

The AFP earlier claimed that infighting among Usman's group led to the death of the brigand and his five followers in Maguindanao Sunday.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=759022

8ID troops plant trees in Samar province

From the Philippine News Agency (May 6): 8ID troops plant trees in Samar province

In line with its environmental protection mission, the 8th Infantry Division announced that it has planted 50 mahogany and 100 fruit-bearing trees at the outskirts of its headquarters at Barangay Maulong, Catbalogan City, Samar.

Major Amado Gutierrez, 8th Infantry Division spokesperson, in a statement Tuesday, said planting took place last May 1.

He added that the project is also in support of the government's National Greening Program.

This year alone, the 8th Infantry Division had already planted 1,390 assorted fruit bearing and non-fruit bearing trees.

"Since the rainy season had already started, 8ID is now implementing its tree growing activities and had directed its subordinate units to do the same. The directive also emphasized to work with other stakeholders in conducting tree growing activities in their respective areas of operation," Gutierrez said.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=759108

USS Fort Worth makes first visit in Philippines, returning for CARAT 2015

From Ang Malaya (May 5): USS Fort Worth makes first visit in Philippines, returning for CARAT 2015

A littoral combat ship, USS Fort Worth of the United States Navy made a short stop in Subic Bay, Philippines yesterday, May 4 for resupply and refueling. This is the first visit of the said warship. After the said stop, the vessel continued its routine operations in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of responsibility.

“This is the first stop in the Philippines for Fort Worth, which is currently on her maiden 16-month rotational deployment in support of the Indo-Asia-Pacific Rebalance,” US Navy said. Fort Worth was commissioned to service September 2012.

Fort Worth employs the surface warfare (SUW) mission package for her entire deployment.

“While this is a brief visit for Fort Worth, the ship will return to the Philippines later this summer to participate in Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) 2015 with the Republic of Philippines Navy,” said Cmdr. Matthew Kawas, Fort Worth Crew 103 commanding officer.

Last year, Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Philippines 2014 was held June in several locations ashore and at sea including Subic Bay, San Antonio in Zambales, Sangley Point in Cavite City, and Ternate.

http://www.angmalaya.net/nation/2015/05/05/10719-uss-fort-worth-makes-first-visit-in-philippines-returning-for-carat-2015

China accuses Philippines of destroying ASEAN-China relationship: ‘PHL defame and smear China’

From Ang Malaya (May 5): China accuses Philippines of destroying ASEAN-China relationship: ‘PHL defame and smear China’

The Chinese government is telling Philippines to stop provocative statements and malicious hyping at once, this is after the Department of Foreign Affairs dared China to prove Philippines violated the 2002 Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea.

“The Chinese side urges the Philippine side to end the malicious hyping and provocation in no time, meet China and a majority of ASEAN countries halfway, and jointly uphold peace and stability of the South China Sea,” Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying said.

The Chinese government again raised the building of an airstrip in Pagasa Island and grounding of vessel in Ayungin shoal which are before 2002. It added, “in 2013, the Philippine side unilaterally initiated international arbitration on relevant disputes with China over the South China Sea in disregard of its commitment in the DOC and the existing consensus between China and the Philippines.”

China also claims that Philippines is destabilizing cooperation in ASEAN. “The Philippine side also obstructs the practical maritime cooperation among parties under the framework of the DOC, causes disturbances in the South China Sea and exerts itself to defame and smear China on regional and international occasions.”

“All that the Philippines has done is an obvious breach of the DOC,” the Chinese official added.

“The Chinese side does not recognize the “status quo” of Philippines’ illegal occupation of relevant maritime features of the Nansha Islands (Spratly Islands).

“The Chinese side reaffirms that the Philippines must immediately stop relevant illegal construction activities, and withdraw all personnel and facilities from the islands and reefs of China.”

http://www.angmalaya.net/nation/2015/05/05/10747-china-accuses-philippines-of-destroying-asean-china-relationship-phl-defame-and-smear-china

OPPAP pushes for sustainable peace

From the Visayan Daily Star (May 6): OPPAP pushes for sustainable peace
 

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process will make sure that the provisions of the peace agreement between the Rebolusyonaryong Partido ng Manggagawa-Pilipinas-Revolutionary Proletarian Army-Alex Boncayao Brigade Tabara Paduano Group and the Philippine government will be fully implemented.

This was claimed by Undersecretary Ma. Cleofe Gettie Sandoval who said that they want to ensure the sustainability of the livelihood program for more than 700 profiled RPM-P-RPA-ABB members, provide them with adequate relocation sites, and an education program for their children.

 

There are five relocation sites identified for former rebels, located in the cities of San Carlos, Victorias, and Kabankalan in Negros Occidental, Tanjay City in Negros Oriental and one in Aklan.

“We can't present it to President Benigno Aquino III until it is finished,” Sandoval said at the Bangsamoro Basic Law forum organized by Pilipina-Negros Occidental chapter at the Mayfair Plaza in Bacolod City.

Mayor Francis Frederick Palanca registered his opposition to the establishment of a resettlement area for former rebels in Brgy. Gawahon, Victorias City, which is a tourist destination area.

Citing security reasons, Sandoval said there is a continuing dialog between the OPPAP and Palanca, who wants the proposed resettlement area to be relocated to other areas of Victorias City.

“Hopefully, we can submit it to the president as soon as possible,” she added.

Sandoval said they hope the closure agreement will be signed by President Aquino in the second quarter of the year.

During his recent visit to Negros Occidental, President Aquino said they are completing the peace agreement with the former rebel group now known as Kapatiran.

BANGSAMORO BASIC LAW

Sandoval, who is now making the rounds in key areas of the country to explain the controversial BBL, admitted that majority of the participants in the forums have no idea about it.

While BBL focuses on development in the Bangsamoro areas of Mindanao, it will benefit the entire country, in the end, she claimed.

Whatever happens in Mindanao affects the whole country, as violence can easily move from one place to another, Sandoval said.

The forum on BBL was co-sponsored by the DAWN Foundation Inc. Provincial Council for Women of Negros Occidental and the National Anti-Poverty Commission-Women Sectoral Council.

 

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2015/May/06/topstory4.htm

Army doc wins Asean prize

From the Philippine Daily Inquirer (May 6): Army doc wins Asean prize

Army Capt. Henry Tabinas Jr. recently won first prize in the The Young Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Military Medical Officer (Yammo) Research Presentation at the 5th Asean Chief of Military Medicine Conference in Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar (Burma).

Tabinas, an orthopedic surgeon at the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Medical Center, garnered the top award for his “exemplary research paper which dealt on the effect of intraarticular platelet rich plasma (PRP) concentrate injection” as a conservative treatment to degenerative osteoarthritis of the knee in AFP personnel compared with intraarticular sodium hyaluronate injection.

http://globalnation.inquirer.net/122443/army-doc-wins-asean-prize/

Senate conducts executive session on AFP modernization program probe

From GMA News (May 6): Senate conducts executive session on AFP modernization program probe

The Senate blue ribbon committee on Wednesday started looking into the alleged anomalous procurement of military weapons and equipment with an executive session upon the request of Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin.

 

Senator Teofisto Guigona III, chairman of the committee, called for the executive session after allowing Gazmin to deliver his opening statement.

 

Gazmin, in his statement, thanked the committee for the opportunity to be heard on the current status of the AFP modernization program and for allowing them to clarify the negative issues affecting the procurement and acquisition of certain military equipment and armaments.

 

After giving an overview of the modernization program, he asked for an executive session to allow the AFP give a classified briefing on the facts and circumstances and the operational readiness and capability gaps that led to the formulation of the AFP modernization program.

 

“For this, we will request that it be done in an executive session so as not to jeopardize the security interest of the state,” Gazmin said.

 

After the executive session, the committee is expected to tackle the “acquisition projects of the AFP on protection equipment, M113 APC, and UH1D aircraft to answer queries or clarifications on matters the senators want to delve upon,” the Defense secretary said.

Anomalous procurement?

 

In March, senators sought a probe on the supposed anomalous procurement of 21 UH-1D combat helicopters by the Department of National Defense.

 

The procurement of 21 refurbished Huey helicopters by DND was allegedly tailor-fitted for a favored bidder.

 

The contract was reportedly awarded to Joint Venture of Rice Aircraft Services, Inc and Eagle Copters, Ltd on December 28, 2013 for a bid price of P1.25 billion.

 

Reports have it that the UH-1D units that were delivered by the supplier to the Philippine Air Force were non-compliant with the project contract’s Terms of Referrence. The units also reportedly have limited use due to some defects, defeating the purpose of its acquisition and prima facie wastage of taxpayer’s money.

 

He added that amid the delay in the completion of the turnover of the helicopters and the various violations made by the supplier, the DND made no termination of the contract and is still allowing the supplier to deliver.

 

The DND has already created a committee led by Undersecretary for Legal and Legislative Affairs and Strategic Concerns Pio Lorenzo Batino to investigate the alleged irregularity.

 

Aside from Gazmin, Batino was also present at the Senate together with DND undersecretary Fernando Manalo, chairman of the Bids and Awards Committee; Editha Santos, chief of the Defense Acquisition Office; AFP chief Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. and other military officials. 

 

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/482422/news/nation/senate-conducts-executive-session-on-afp-modernization-program-probe

Army troops take arms, explosives from rebels in Ormoc

From the Manila Standard Today (May 6): Army troops take arms, explosives from rebels in Ormoc

ORMOC CITY—Army troops of the 19th Infantry (Commando) Battalion, 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division seized five high-powered firearms and explosives during an armed confrontation with New People’s Army rebels in Barangay Liberty, Ormoc City on Sunday, May 3.

 

 

Lt. Col Nedy C. Espulgar, Commanding Officer of the 19th Infantry Battalion based in the area, said his unit received information from a concerned citizen about the presence of heavily armed men in the barangay.

Acting on the information, troops proceeded to the area and confirmed the presence of about ten NPA members at the outskirts. A five-minute firefight ensued between the government troops and the rebels,  after which the latter withdrew.

Troops immediately scoured the area and seized four M16A1 rifles, one M203 grenade launcher, several M16 magazines, 40mm ammunition, rifle grenades, an improvised explosive device (IED) and cell phones.

Likewise, assorted medical provisions, foodstuffs, personal belongings and subversive documents were found in the area.

There was no reported casualty on the government side.

Major General Jet B. Velarmino, 8ID Commander, thanked the residents of Brgy Liberty for the information, the local government unit, and the soldiers.

“Let us continue to affirm or reaffirm our respective roles and mandate to preserve and sustain the gains and pre-empt/prevent the resurgence of Local Terrorist Groups and to continually exert efforts, cooperate, support and assist each other, along with other government agencies and instrumentalities, in preserving the peace and order in this part of the region.”

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2015/05/06/army-troops-take-arms-explosives-from-rebels-in-ormoc/