PA to acquire 123,630 high-explosive rounds of 40mm grenades

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 17): PA to acquire 123,630 high-explosive rounds of 40mm grenades

The Philippine Army (PA) has allocated Php268,277,100 for the acquisition of 40mm high explosive rounds for the use of its grenade launchers and other similar weapons.

Around 123,630 rounds are to be acquired.

The 40mm grenade is a military grenade caliber for grenade launchers in service with many armed forces.

PA spokesperson Lt. Col. Noel Detoyato said the 40mm grenade is part of their basic load requirement for their 40mm grenade launchers.

Pre-bid conference is scheduled for July 21, 9 a.m. at the Philippine Army Bids and Awards Committee Conference Room, Fort Bonifacio, Metro Manila.

While bid opening and submission is slated this coming Aug. 4, also 9 a.m.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=773393

Chinese construction in WPS, creating a lot of speculations - DND spokesperson

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 17): Chinese construction in WPS, creating a lot of speculations - DND spokesperson

While it still has to validate reports that China is about to complete the construction of its facilities at disputed portions of the West Philippine Sea, Department of National Defense (DND) spokesperson Dr. Peter Paul Galvez said that continued and aggressive action is creating a lot of speculations among nations having overlapping claims in the above-mentioned waterway.

"We have to validate that report (first), with regards to all these issues, let us not forget that the main issue here is that their 9-Line is very erroneous, number two (Chinese build-up in the West Philippine Sea) is contrary to the DOC (2002 Declaration of Conduct between ASEAN and China which prohibits parties from constructing new facilities in disputed areas) and number three, the constructions are really alarming as we don't know what they will be putting there," he added.

And it is creating speculations as all activities are not transparent and illegal if based on the DOC, Galvez pointed out.

China is conducting reclamation and building activities in seven locations in the West Philippine Sea.

And to ease down the tensions, the DND spokesperson said that China could stop all construction activities and dismantle all facilities it has set-up on the disputed areas.

"They (China) should comply with the DOC," Galvez added.

And to counter the Chinese claim that they will construct other facilities and other structures, the DND spokesperson said that the Philippines will continue with its advocacy of informing the international community to counter the former's claims.

"We have to make them realize that these are really without basis, (hopefully once pressure reaches a high point), they will heed the call of the international community for them to stop," he disclosed.

Earlier, member states of the European Union, G-7, the United States, Australia and Japan has called upon China to stop its reclamation activities in the West Philippine Sea.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=773497

Palace affirms commitment to help decommissioned combatants, families

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 17): Palace affirms commitment to help decommissioned combatants, families

Malacañang on Wednesday affirmed its commitment to help the decommissioned combatants of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and their families begin a new life after decades of conflict in Mindanao.

The Aquino administration is fully committed that no one should be left behind, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said during the daily press briefing at the Palace.

After President Benigno S. Aquino III led the initial phase of the decommissioning of MILF fighters and weapons in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao on Tuesday, some of the combatants and their families expressed hope that the government would provide them livelihood and help their children gain access to education.

Secretary Lacierda noted that during last year’s launch of Sajahatra, an initiative to help families in the Bangsamoro restart their lives following many years of violence, the government granted Muslim families PhilHealth coverage, livelihood and scholarships.

"We are also identifying CCT (conditional cash transfer) families within this group, kasi kailangan natin talagang tulungan sila dahil ilang taon silang panay bakbakan. Walang seguridad ang buhay nila dahil any time, magkakaroon ng bakbakan," he said.

"Now, they are assured of peace, and they can now be assured na tutulong ang pamahalaan and that is why the government is fully committed."

Lacierda further said that President Aquino went to Maguindanao on Tuesday to show that he is one with them and that he is the President of the entire Philippines, including Muslim Mindanao.

Having such commitment is important in attaining lasting peace in Mindanao, he said, underscoring the government's dedication to help the region.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=773548

Palace: PHL sticks to diplomatic means vs China’s South China Sea reclamation work

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 17): Palace: PHL sticks to diplomatic means vs China’s South China Sea reclamation work

Malacanang on Wednesday said the country is sticking to diplomatic means to address territorial row with China over parts of South China Sea (West Philippine Sea), noting that China reclamation activities are causing both political and environmental concerns.

Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda made the statement amid reports that China is about to complete the reclamation work on some station islands off the Spratly Islands.

Lacierda said the United Nations International Tribunal on the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) will begin the hearing the country’s petition to nullify China’s claim to Philippine territory in the South China Sea next month.

“We have taken the diplomatic track, we have taken the arbitration track. We have also taken the diplomatic track in the sense of coming up with the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea. That code of conduct is now with China to look into,” he said in a Palace press briefing.

Lacierda said the Philippines has already raised with the United Nations the environmental impact of China reclamation activities.

“I think that's a concern which extends beyond the country claimants, beyond the Philippines and China… We are in a global village. We can feel the effects of environmental degradation,” he said.

The Palace official said nations thus should be concerned about the political and environmental impacts of China’s reclamation.

Apart from the Philippines and China, countries with varying claims in the controversial territory include Brunei, Vietnam, Malaysia and Taiwan.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=773621

Civilian killed in crossfire as NPA guerrillas harass govt outpost in Camarines Norte

From GMA News (Jun 17): Civilian killed in crossfire as NPA guerrillas harass govt outpost in Camarines Norte

A civilian was killed after being caught in a crossfire between government troops and communist New People's Army rebels in Camarines Norte last Tuesday.

The rebels attacked the military detachment of the Army's 22nd Infantry Battalion's Delta Company, GMA News correspondent Peewee Bacuño reported.

Killed in the crossfire was one Mandy Lauce, 60, an employee at Capalonga College
.
Lauce was rushed to Capalonga Medicare Hospital but was declared dead on arrival.

Citing initial police reports, Bacuño said the rebels attacked at about 9:25 a.m. in Sitio Calimuog in Capalonga town.

The rebels eventually withdrew after the exchange of fire.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/505290/news/regions/civilian-killed-in-crossfire-as-npa-guerrillas-harass-govt-outpost-in-camarines-norte

CPP/NDF/NPA: Statement on the Recent NPA Tactical Offensive in San Fernando, Bukidnon

NDF/NPA propaganda statement posted to the CPP Website (Jun 15): Statement on the Recent NPA Tactical Offensive in San Fernando, Bukidnon

NDFP National Democratic Front of the Philippines

 

New People’s Army
Regional Command
Southern Mindanao Region

Press Statement

May we express our profound salute to the Red fighters of South Bukidnon Subregional Command of North Central Mindanao Region for their successful tactical offensive on 14 June 2015 against the 69th IB who had encamped the barangay hall in sitio Mahayag, Brgy. Namnam, San Fernando, Bukidnon.

A total of 13 firearms consisting of 1 minimi light machine gun, 1 m203 grenade launcher, 5 m14 rifles, 3 m16 armalite rifles, 2 .45 cal pistols, 1 magnum .38 and military paraphernalia were seized by the Red fighters in a daring attack against the AFP troops.

It must be noted that the 69th IB which used to be one of Palparan’s killer battalion from Central Luzon but is now under the operational control of the 10th ID AFP has been mainly responsible for the continuing fascist attacks against the rural populace in the mountains of Davao and Bukidnon including the most recent massacre in Paquibato which took the lives of 3 innocent civilians and wounded several others.

Under the 10th ID’s auspices, the 69th IB has continued to sow terror and violence in a desperate effort to give the false impression that the AFP is winning the war but at the same time pave the way for the imperialist plunder of our natural resources.

Again, our deepest commendation to the South Bukidnon Subregional command as we continue to defend the masses and the land in our fight against the most fascist and the most detrimental to the people’s livelihood— the 10th ID in their Oplan Bayanihan under the US Aquino regime.

(SGD) Rigoberto F. Sanchez
Spokesperson
Southern Mindanao Regional Operations Command (SMROC)

http://www.philippinerevolution.net/statements/20150615_statement-on-the-recent-npa-tactical-offensive-in-san-fernando-bukidnon

8ID troops encounters NPA in Northern Samar, recovers high powered fire arm

From Samar News (Jun 8): 8ID troops encounters NPA in Northern Samar, recovers high powered fire arm

By DPAO, 8ID PA

CAMP VICENTE LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – Army troops operating in Northern Samar Province encountered NPA members in a remote area of Sitio Cabangahan Barangay Mckinley, Catarman, Northern Samar at around 2:25 in the afternoon of June 8, 2015.

In a report from Lt. Col. Carmelito T. Pangatungan, Commanding Officer of the 63rd Infantry (Innovator) Battalion, troops of 81st Division Reconnaissance Company under his unit’s operational control while conducting Focus Military Operations in the outskirts of said barangay when they chanced upon a team of NPA rebels passing also in the area. A brief exchange of firefight followed forcing the enemy to withdraw from their position leaving behind several war materiels at the encounter site. Among the items recovered were one AK47 and ammunitions.

The rebels were unable to inflict casualties against government forces while one casualty on the rebel side whose cadaver will be turned over to the Barangay Council of Mckinley for identification.

Major General Jet B. Velarmino, 8ID Commander, expressed his appreciation to the operating troops of the 81st Division Reconnaissance Company for their dedication and commitment in safeguarding the communities against the rebels. Further, he reiterated the government’s call for non-violence, for the rebels to return to the mainstream society, and for them to take advantage of the government’s reconciliation programs.

http://www.samarnews.com/news2015/jun/d345.htm

8ID conducts media fellowship in Eastern Visayas

From Samar News (Jun 8): 8ID conducts media fellowship in Eastern Visayas



8ID Staff Officers together with the members of the 8ID Press Corps during the media fellowship at 8ID multi-purpose hall on June 8, 2015.

By DPAO, 8ID PA

CAMP VICENTE LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – The 8th Infantry (Stormtroopers) Division, Philippine Army along with media practitioners in Region 8 conducted the 8ID Press Corps Media Fellowship at the 8ID Multi-Purpose Hall, Camp Vicente Lukban, Catbalogan City on early morning of June 8, 2015.

The said event was highlighted with an election of the new set of officers followed by an induction of 8ID defense press corps presided by Major General Jet B. Velarmino, Commander 8ID. The media fellowship was anchored on the theme, “Forging Strong Partnership thru Public Information” which gives emphasis on the role of media in our society today.

Team building activity was also conducted thru an Amazing Race event in order to promote interaction between the Command and the media practitioners in the region.

Major General Velarmino for his part said, “Media plays a vital role in our modern society today, making us aware of everything that has been taking place, and information dissemination. We are all aware of the hardships and challenges that you have to go through in the performance of your duties, and 8ID appreciates your effort”.

“Let us continue to strengthen our partnership and let us pursue the genuine peace and development in our region.”

 

http://www.samarnews.com/news2015/jun/d346.htm

2 hurt as rebels attack police outpost

From the Philippine Star (Jun 15): 2 hurt as rebels attack police outpost

ILOILO CITY, Philippines  – A police officer and a civilian were wounded when suspected New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas opened fire at a police detachment in Dumarao, Capiz over the weekend.

Police Officer 3 Jomer Ombega of the public safety company was hit in the thigh and was taken to a hospital for treatment along with the civilian, whose name was not immediately available.

Reports said that at least 30 rebels positioned themselves on a hill and fired at the police detachment in Barangay Bungsoan.

The police officers were able to return fire, forcing the rebels to flee.

Police recovered bullet shells for different rifles at the scene.

Capiz police director Senior Superintendent Robert Rodriguez believes that the attack was meant to harass the officers and not to seize the outpost.      

http://www.philstar.com/nation/2015/06/15/1465842/2-hurt-rebels-attack-police-outpost

Soldiers attend seminar

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jun 16): Soldiers attend seminar

Members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines attended a seminar on “Contemporary Legal Issues”, held by the Jovito R. Salonga Center for Law and Development at the Silliman University Aldecoa Moot Court, Villareal Hall, in Dumaguete City recently.

There were 45 participants from the three battalions of the AFP assigned in Negros Oriental.

The seminar, conducted with the City Legal Assistance Service, aimed to raise the participants' understanding and appreciation of legal issues and procedures relevant to their line of work.

The topics were “Law of Armed Conflict” by Elizabeth Aguilan, JSCLD deputy director; “Arrest, Search and Seizure” by OCLAS director KarissaTolentino; and “Procedure for Filing Criminal Cases” discussed by Eugene Salon.

The seminar was part of a series that both JSCLD and OCLAS have lined up for this school year. On July 3, they will make their expertise available to the Philippine National Police.

 

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2015/June/16/negor2.htm

NIR good for peace – Delfin

From the Visayan Daily Star (Jun 16): NIR good for peace – Delfin

Col. Francisco Delfin, the newly-installed 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, said yesterday that the creation of a Negros Island Command will ensure a better coordinated peace and order campaign in the Negros Island Region.

Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr., chief of staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, said last week that a Negros Island Region Command that will integrate the operations of all the armed services on the island will be created soon.

Delfin said he will wait for instructions from the chief of staff as to their set up.

The 303 rd IB is now under the Army in Jamindan, Capiz, said Delfin, who paid a courtesy call on Negros Occidental Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. at the Capitol in Bacolod City.

Marañon said the creation of the Negros Island Command is being planned by the Army's chief of staff and a site is still being chosen for it.

The governor has offered the Army a site in the fifth district of Negros Occidental.

Meanwhile, Delfin said he will continue to implement the successful programs of his predecessor, Brig. Gen. Jon Aying, in Negros Occidental.

The Army will also continue to help the provincial government in its campaign to protect the environment, Delfin said.

 

http://www.visayandailystar.com/2015/June/16/topstory6.htm

1 killed, 8 injured in Basilan explosion; Malaysian bomber’s involvement eyed

From GMA News (Jun 16): 1 killed, 8 injured in Basilan explosion; Malaysian bomber’s involvement eyed

A soldier was killed while eight others were wounded when an improvised roadside bomb exploded in Barangay Tipo-Tipo Proper in Tipo-Tipo town in Basilan early Tuesday.

 

In posts on Twitter, Armed Forces of the Philippines public affairs head Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc said the incident occurred at 8:05 a.m.

 

"The bandits used pipe bombs that are similar to the ones recovered by the Scout Rangers in Mohammad Ajul town about two months ago," Cabunoc said.

 

He also quoted 18th Infantry Battalion commander Lt. Col. Cristobal Perez as saying a Malaysian bomber, Mohammad Hussein a.k.a. Abu Anas, is believed responsible for the attack.

 

Two of the wounded soldiers were in serious condition, Perez said. No civilians were hurt in the attack.

GMA News correspondent Peewee Bacuño cited information from Basilan provincial police showing the explosion occurred at about 7:50 a.m. at Sitio Bohepeyat (Limbungasani).

 

Bacuño reported one member of the Charlie Company of the Philippine Army's 18th Infantry Battalion was killed while four members of the same unit were wounded.

 

An initial investigation by the town police showed the soldiers were conducting security patrol and were heading to Valentin Detachment when the explosion occurred.

 

The suspected improvised explosive device exploded about one meter away from the soldiers' position. 

 

Police are verifying information the Abu Sayyaf may be behind the explosion, as they were supposedly agitated by patrols conducted by security forces in the area.

 

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/504782/news/regions/1-killed-8-injured-in-basilan-explosion-malaysian-bomber-s-involvement-eyed

Murad: Decommissioning marks MILF transformation not surrender

From GMA News (Jun 16): Murad: Decommissioning marks MILF transformation not surrender



President Benigno Aquino III chats with MILF Central Committee Chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim during the ceremonial turnover of crew-served weapons and high-powered firearms at the decommissioning of Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (BIAF-MILF) combatants in Simuay, Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao on Tuesday, June 16. The GPH and the MILF agreed to undertake the turnover of 75 weapons of the BIAF-MILF as provided in Phase 1 of the normalization program for the Bangsamoro. Ryan Lim

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF)'s move to decommission its former fighters is not a form of surrender, the group's chief maintained Tuesday.

In a speech during decommissioning ceremonies here, MILF central committee chairman Al Haj Murad Ebrahim said the turnover of weapons to an independent body is the first step towards his group's transformation into a political group.

"Today, we begin the long walk towards transformation, not surrender, to a higher struggle, the start of the transformation of the MILF from a revolutionary organization to a political organization ready to govern and serve the Bangsamoro people," Murad said.

The MILF chief also admitted that he was initially "bothered" that the decommissioning process had to start while the draft Bangsamoro Basic Law is still experiencing delays in Congress.

"However, as Muslims, we have to trust Allah…and affirm our duty and obligation in the peace agreement," he said.

Murad also told ex-MILF fighters not to view decommissioning as a sign of weakness.

"It is a sign of strength, for our strength lies not in our hearts, but in the love and affection of the Bangsamoro people," he said.

'Prepare for peace'

On Tuesday, the MILF turned over 75 weapons to the Independent Decommissioning Board. A total of 145 former MILF fighters also registered for decommissioning to start their transition to civil life.

Philippine peace panel chief negotiator Miriam Coronel Ferrer, for her part, also said that decommissioning should not be considered a form of surrender to preserve the former MILf fighters' dignity.

"Ang sinasabi natin, decommissioning is to put beyond use, na wala nang silbi ang baril, wala nang saysay makidigma," she said in a separate speech.

MILF chief negotiator Mohagher Iqbal meanwhile said that his group will always choose the path to peace.

"The MILF will comply with its obligation. If we want peace, we must prepare for peace," Iqbal said.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/504826/news/nation/murad-decommissioning-marks-milf-transformation-not-surrender

China says it is about to finish some land reclamation in the Spratlys

From GMA News (Jun 16): China says it is about to finish some land reclamation in the Spratlys

China will soon complete some of its land reclamation on the Spratly islands in the disputed South China Sea, the Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday, indicating that Beijing is close to setting up new outposts in the maritime heart of Southeast Asia.

 

The Foreign Ministry did not identify which of the seven reefs undergoing reclamation would be finished soon. Ministry spokesman Lu Kang said their statement was already "quite detailed."

 

China stepped up its creation of artificial islands last year, a move that has alarmed several countries in Asia and drawn growing criticism from Washington. There have been recent tensions between the Chinese navy and the US military around the Spratlys.

 

"Based on our understanding from the relevant authorities, in accordance with the set work plan, the land reclamation project for China's construction on some islands and reefs on the Nansha islands will be completed soon," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement, using the Chinese name for the Spratlys.

 

It gave no timeframe.

 

China claims most of the South China Sea, through which $5 trillion in ship-borne trade passes every year. The Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan and Brunei also have overlapping claims.

 

US officials have said the pace and scale of China's reclamation work far outstripped that of other claimants. One official has said that before January 2014, China had only reclaimed about five hectares, but this had soared to 2,000 acres (800 hectares), expanding the acreage on outposts it occupies by over four hundred times.

 

Recent satellite images show a hive of building and other work on the new islands.

 

Military facilities for example are under construction on Fiery Cross Reef (Kagitingan Reef), including a 3,000-meter (10,000-foot) runway and airborne early warning radars, which could be operational by the year-end, according to one US commander.

 

The Foreign Ministry reiterated China's stance that the islands would help with maritime search and rescue, disaster relief, environmental protection and offer navigational assistance as well as have undefined military purposes.

 

After reclamation was complete, China would build facilities to "fulfil the relevant functions," it said.

 

The construction was within the scope of China's sovereignty, the Foreign Ministry said, adding it would not affect freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea.

 

US officials are concerned that China may declare an exclusion zone in the area that could limit the movement of ships and aircraft.

 

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/504794/news/nation/china-says-it-is-about-to-finish-some-land-reclamation-in-the-spratlys

Govt to spend P2.4B this year to support ex-MILF fighters

From GMA News (Jun 16): Govt to spend P2.4B this year to support ex-MILF fighters



Soldiers inspect 75 pieces of assorted high-powered firearms that will be turned over by the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to the Independent Decommissioning Body on Tuesday, June 16, as part of its peace agreement with the Philippine government. President Benigno Aquino III is expected to witness the event in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao. Andreo Calonzo

The government will spend P2.4 billion this year to support former fighters of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) who decided to return to full civilian lives.

Presidential peace adviser Teresita Deles made this announcement in a speech during decommissioning rites of MILF fighters and weapons here.

Deles pledged full support to former MILF fighters in the form of "socio-economic packages" to help them and their communities transition from lives lived in warfare to living in peace.

"Ang pangako ng gobyerno ay programa sa normalization upang maging matagumpay at makabuluhan ang kanilang pagwaksi sa pakikidigma at pagpasok sa tahimik na buhay," Deles said.

She added that each decommissioned MILF fighter will undergo profiling to determine which form of livelihood suits him best.

Unlike with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), the Moro rebel group that signed a peace agreement with the government in 1996, MILF fighters will not be integrated into the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The official also committed that government agencies will ensure that support for former MILF fighters will be sufficient and continuous.

On Tuesday, 145 former members of the MILF's armed wing, the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF), registered here for decommissioning, which marked the first step toward their transition to civilian lives.

Deles further said that the peace panels are exploring the possibility of forming a normalization trust fund to further assist the former fighters.

The government is also engaging international groups such as the World Bank and the United Nations on how they can extend aid to the decommissioned MILF fighters.

The normalization annex of the peace deal between the government and the MILF requires both parties to undertake socio-economic programs to help those who will undertake the decommissioning process.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/504758/news/nation/govt-to-spend-p2-4b-this-year-to-support-ex-milf-fighters