US and Australia warn China on sea access

From InterAksyon (Oct 14): US and Australia warn China on sea access



(From right) US Defense Secretary Ash Carter and Secretary of State John Kerry and their Australian counterparts Marise Payen and Julie Bishop at their annual two-day meeting in Boston, 13 October 2015. REUTERS

The United States and its Pacific ally Australia warned China on Tuesday that they remain committed to freedom of navigation in the waters of the South China Sea.

China has maritime territorial disputes with several of its southeast Asian neighbors and is trying to bolster its claim by building artificial islands.

According to senior US officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, Washington is drawing up a plan to sail by these islands in the coming days or weeks.

The warship or ships would pass within the 12-mile territorial limit China claims around the structures to demonstrate that US commanders do not recognize it.

Meanwhile, after an annual two-day meeting, the US and Australian defense and foreign ministers said they do not have a view on the legal arguments of the dispute.

But they warned that they will continue to support freedom of navigation and send ships and planes through what they regard as internationals water in the region.

US Defense Secretary Ash Carter joined Secretary of State John Kerry and their Australian counterparts Marise Payen and Julie Bishop in Boston.

"Australia and America both want to sustain and renew an Asia-Pacific regional security architecture where everyone rises and everyone prospers," Carter said. 

"But make no mistake," he warned "the United States will fly, sail, and operate wherever international law allows, as we do around the world.

"And the South China Sea is not and will not be an exception."

Carter said this was not just a US commitment, but was shared by Washington's major regional allies Japan, the Philippines, India, and Vietnam.

Bishop said Washington and Canberra were "on the same page" over the dispute.

"We do not take sides on the various territorial claims, but we urge all parties to not act unilaterally, to not act in a way that would escalate tensions," she said.

Bishop expressed support for "the principles of freedom of navigation and freedom of overflight." 

"We continue to work together to press those principles on all claimants in the South China Sea and elsewhere," she added.

On Saturday, China vowed to continue building on the disputed reefs and said construction had finished on two lighthouses in areas claimed by smaller rivals.

Brunei, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Vietnam -- members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) -- claim parts of the sea. Taiwan is a sixth claimant.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has said Beijing will not militarize its new structures, but satellite images show they have runways that could be used by air force jets.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/118894/us-and-australia-warn-china-on-sea-access

Carter: US will sail near Spratly Islands any time it wants

From Military.com (Oct 14): Carter: US will sail near Spratly Islands any time it wants



The littoral combat ship USS Fort Worth conducts routine patrols in international waters of the South China Sea near the Spratly Islands as the People's Liberation Army-Navy guided-missile frigate Yancheng sails close behind May 11, 2015. Conor Minto/Navy

The U.S. Navy will not be deterred from conducting a close patrol of China's manmade Spratly Islands, if it chooses, Secretary of Defense Ash Carter said Tuesday.

"We will fly, sail and operate wherever the international law permits, and we will do that at the times and places of our choosing, and there's no exception to that," Carter said in Boston, where he and Secretary of State John Kerry were meeting with their Australian counterparts. "Whether it's the Arctic, or the sea lanes that fuel international commerce widely around the world, or the South China Sea."

Carter said the United States wants China and the other countries to halt reclamation and militarization activities on the Spratly Islands, a collection of islands, rocks and elevated coral reefs. According to a recent maritime report by the Department of Defense, there are more than 200 Spratly land features, though that figure varies based on how geographers count them.

Vietnam occupies 48 of the Spratlys, Taiwan occupies one, the Philippines occupies eight, Malaysia occupies five and China occupies eight, according to the report.

China, Taiwan and Vietnam each claim all of the Spratly land features.

But it's China's rapid buildup of an airstrip on the Fiery Cross Reef that has generated the most concern. U.S. officials have begun briefing their Pacific allies on the proposed sail, which could come as close as 12 nautical miles to the Chinese buildup, according to news reports. Every nation can claim up to 12 nautical miles from its coast as sovereign territory.

Carter said the United States is not taking a position on which nations have sovereignty over the islands.

"In the meantime, the United States continues to call for all parties to halt further reclamation and any further militarization of features in the South China Sea."

Australia has interest in free navigation of the South China Sea, because about two-thirds of the country's merchandise trade passes through those waters, said Julie Bishop, Australian Foreign Affairs Minister.

"We have said consistently and persistently that the reclamation work carried out notably by China, but by any others, should halt," she said.

Carter said the effect of China's buildup on the Spratly Islands has been "increasing our maritime cooperation with many countries in the region. They're asking for more interaction with the United States and the United States Navy."

The U.S. 7th Fleet has seven combat ships -- four destroyers, a dock landing ship, a littoral ship and a minesweeper -- at sea in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region, Navy spokesman Lt. Cmdr. Timothy Hawkins said. One destroyer is conducting "presence operations" in the South China Sea, designed to reinforce the U.S. ship's right to be there, he said.

http://www.military.com/daily-news/2015/10/14/carter-us-will-sail-near-spratly-islands-any-time-it-wants.html

DVIDS: Germantown completes PHIBLEX

From DVIDS (Oct 12): Germantown completes PHIBLEX



WATERS OFF PALAWAN, Philippines (Oct. 2, 2015) – Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) service members board a landing craft air cushion (LCAC), assigned to Naval Beach Unit (NBU) 7, as part of Amphibious Landing Exercise 2016 (PHIBLEX 16). PHIBLEX 16 is an annual, bilateral training exercise conducted by U.S. Marine and Navy forces with the AFP in order to strengthen interoperability and working relationships across the range of military operations- from disaster relief, to complex expeditionary operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Will Gaskill/Released)

SOUTH CHINA SEA – The amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) wrapped up a series of strategic amphibious exercises with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) as part of Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX).

PHIBLEX is an annual, bilateral training exercise conducted by U.S. Navy and Marine forces with the AFP in order to strengthen the interoperability and working relationships across the range of military operations – from disaster relief to complex expeditionary operations.

“Our Navy-Marine Corps team is very well integrated at this point, having completed several exercises during this deployment,” said Maj. Ben Reid, Commander, Special Forces Marine Air Ground Task Force (MAGTF) of the 2nd Battalion, 3rd Marines, embarked aboard Germantown during the ship’s fall patrol. “Unfortunately, this region suffers from natural disasters regularly. This exercise gave us and our Filipino partners the opportunity to prepare and train so we are all better prepared to assist in potential humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts.”

The existing partnership between the U.S. and Philippine armed forces is strengthened by 31 previous PHIBLEX iterations.

“The important thing is supporting our allies and demonstrating our continued commitment to our Filipino partners,” said Reid.

USS Germantown’s maritime role in this exercise lasted one week. During this timeframe, AFP and U.S. Marines practiced combined amphibious exercises while based aboard Germantown. Ship-based amphibious assault vehicle launches to conduct beach assault exercises, and various shore-based military training evolutions were executed, including field training exercises and humanitarian/civic assistance operations.

“I am very impressed with the professionalism and expertise of the AFP Marines. These exercises gave us the opportunity to continue building our partnership and increase our interoperability for responding to humanitarian and disaster relief efforts in the region,” said Commander Gary Harrington, Commanding Officer of the USS Germantown. “This is my third year participating in this exercise and the blue-green team once again excelled, galvanizing our partnership with the AFP.”

For more information about USS Germantown and PHIBLEX, visit www.navy.mil.

https://www.dvidshub.net/news/178721/germantown-completes-phiblex#.Vh5Hv7SFP3g

Vietnam slams China over construction of lighthouses

From the Jakarta Post (Oct 14): Vietnam slams China over construction of lighthouses



In this April 20 file photo, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Gen. Gregorio Pio Catapang points to reveal recent images of China's reclamation activities being done at the disputed islands in the South China Sea during a news conference at Camp Aguinaldo in suburban Quezon city, northeast of Manila, Philippines. (AP/Bullit Marquez)

Vietnam on Wednesday slammed China over its construction of two lighthouses in the disputed South China Sea, saying the move violates Vietnam's sovereignty and escalates tensions.

Chinese state media reported last week that a completion ceremony was held for the lighthouses on Cuateron Reef and Johnson South Reef in the Spratly islands.

The state-run Vietnam News Agency quoted Foreign Ministry spokesman Le Hai Binh as saying the construction "seriously violates Vietnam's sovereignty ... complicates the situation and escalates tensions."He said Vietnam will protest China's actions.

Xinhua says the lighthouses will help improve navigation in the area.

China has launched a massive land reclamation project on reefs in the South China Sea over the last 18 months, raising concerns in the region and in the United States. 

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2015/10/14/vietnam-slams-china-over-construction-lighthouses.html

DVIDS: NMCB 3 builds relationships in Cebu, Philippines

From DVIDS (Oct 13): NMCB 3 builds relationships in Cebu, Philippines

CEBU, Philippines – Seabees, from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 3’s Construction Civic Action Detail (CCAD), Philippines, held groundbreaking ceremony to commence construction of a new, two classroom building at Biasong High School in the province of Cebu, Sept. 14.

The ceremony marked the beginning of a three month project in conjunction with the Joint U.S. Military Assistance Group (JUSMAG) Philippines, Armed Forces Philippines (AFP), and the Department of Education Philippines (DepEd) to build classrooms for the students of Biasong High School.
Distinguished Guests included, Lt. Cmdr. James Dohm, NMCB 3 Operations Officer, and Cmdr. Lyndon Ruiz, Civil Military Officer U7, Central Command, Armed Forces Philippines, and local community leaders.

The day kicked off with the project crew and school teachers enjoying a traditional Filipino meal. Construction Electrician 3rd Class Shaqile Read opened the ceremony with a rendition of the Star Spangled Banner, followed by Philippine National Anthem and performances of traditional Filipino songs and dances by the school’s children.

"It was a great opportunity for us to interact with the local community and for the community to meet the people that will be building their school to learn what the Seabees do and see the camaraderie between the two nations," said Lt. j.g. Tyler P. Anderson, NMCB 3, CCAD Cebu officer-in-charge.

The guest speakers, Mr. Darwin Cuyos, the School’s Principal, Mr. Ace Binghay, City of Balamban Mayor and Cmdr. Lyndon Ruiz U7, CENTCOM, AFP, all expressed their sincere gratitude toward the U.S. Navy Seabees. Binghay also encouraged the community to join the Seabees in an effort to make this a community experience.

As a Humanitarian Assistance project in conjunction with the Armed Forces Philippines, this project allows the Seabees to assist the community in need, while increasing interoperability with Philippine Forces and building the relationship between the two nations. The new classrooms will provide some relief for the overcrowded school located in a rural area of Cebu that was impacted by Typhoon Haiyan in late 2013. 

The ceremony concluded with leaders of the NMCB 3’s project crew and the distinguished guests breaking the ground, officially beginning the construction process. The groundbreaking ceremony was a communal bonding experience between the locals and the Seabees.

"We are excited to be working alongside the Armed Forces [of the] Philippines,” said Anderson. “They have their own unique skill set which we can learn a lot from and a great opportunity for us to teach them how we do things while building lasting relationships along the way."

The CCAD's mission is to execute engineering civic assistance projects, conduct skills exchanges with the host nation, and perform community relations events to help enhance shared capabilities and maintain relationships.

https://www.dvidshub.net/news/178831/nmcb-3-builds-relationships-cebu-philippines#.Vh5GP7SFP3g

Group urges release of 'rebel' jailed for 11 years after Army fails to identify accused

From InterAksyon (Oct 14): Group urges release of 'rebel' jailed for 11 years after Army fails to identify accused



Former political prisoner Andrea Rosal and Eduardo Serrano, who has been detained for 11 years on charges filed against him as alleged NPA commander 'Rogelio Villanueva.' (photo from Karapatan)

A human rights organization is urging the Quezon City regional trial court to free a political prisoner detained for 11 years after Army witnesses flubbed their testimony at a hearing Tuesday to establish his identity.

Eduardo Serrano was arrested in 2004 and identified by the military as alleged Mindoro New People’s Army commander “Rogelio Villanueva.”

He was charged with multiple murder, frustrated murder, robbery, multiple frustrated murder, and kidnapping over a rebel ambush in March 2003 but it was only this year that the Court of Appeals ruled that his real identity must be established first before the criminal case can be heard.

Tuesday’s hearing at QC RTC branch 98 was supposed to settle the identity question, said Cristina Palabay, secretary general of Karapatan, but “the prosecution filed a motion for reconsideration to allow them to present witnesses, and the court allowed it.” 

However, Palabay said, the first prosecution witness, Major Alex Dalingay Ampati, former commander of Bravo Company of the 68th Infantry Battalion, admitted that Serano’s name was not in the affidavit he submitted in court, only in an “order of battle” of 68 supposed rebels in his unit’s area of operations that he was given by an intelligence unit.

Not only did Ampati not know either Villanueva or Serrano, said Palabay, his admission of the order of battle’s existence “proved that people merely suspected to be ‘enemies’ of the state are targets for neutralization, whether through extrajudicial killing, disappearance, torture and in this case, illegal arrest and detention."

Despite military denials, such orders of battle, many of which include the names not only of rebels but of activists and members of legal organizations, there is sufficient documentation, including that of international rights experts, on the existence of such lists and on the fates of many of those named in the documents.

On the other hand, Palabay said, the judge hearing the case ordered the second witness, Sergeant Berlin Farinas, off the stand for falsely claiming three times, on questioning, that his testimony about seeing Villanueva, who he said was the same man accused in court, commanding the rebels in 2003 was in his affidavit.

"What if I said it was never in your affidavit? Why did you tell this court it was in your affidavit if it really wasn't?" Palabay quoted the judge as saying.

The court will decide on Serrano’s identity on October 22.

In calling for Serrano’s release, Palabay likened his case to that of Rolly Panesa, a security guard from Negros Occidental who was arrested in Quezon City on October 12, severely tortured and then presented by the military as alleged Southern Luzon rebel leader “Benjamin Mendoza,” in a case that was extensively followed by InterAksyon.com.

Although he was ordered released almost a year later by the Court of Appeals, who ruled his case one of “mistaken identity,” the military attempted to again file charges against him and even handed out the P5.6-million bounty for “Mendoza.”

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/118905/group-urges-release-of-rebel-jailed-for-11-years-after-army-fails-to-identify-accused

Abu Sayyaf Group shows Western hostages in new video

From the Long War Journal (Oct 13): Abu Sayyaf Group shows Western hostages in new video (by Caleb Weiss)



Abu Sayyaf Group militants with the hostages

The Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG), a Philippines-based jihadist group, has released a new English-language video showing three Westerners and a Filipina who are being held as hostages. The three Westerners, two Canadians and one Norwegian, plead to their governments for help in their release.

The video begins with Canadian Robert Hall saying, “To my family and friends, I am okay. But I am in grave danger. I encourage you please to contact the Canadian government and ask them, plead with them to work with the Philippine government to stop the bombings and the problems here.” The video then shifts to Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad, who says he was the owner of a marina in the country. He then says, “Please meet their demands, or else we will be possibly dead.”

The other Canadian, John Ridsdel, is then forced to speak to the camera. He confirms that the group was taken from the Ocean View Marina in Samal in the province of Davao. He then proclaims that he “urges the Canadian government to please help us.” He says they can do this by working with the Philippine government to “stop the operations that have been going on.” Ridsdel mentions mortar fire, airstrikes, and other military operations directed against the Abu Sayyaf Group. The Filipina hostage does not speak in the video.

A masked man then speaks to the camera to “deliver a message to the Canadian government and the Philippine government.” The jihadist outlines requirements for the two governments before any negotiations can begin to secure the release of the hostages. “Number one, there must be no military operation and there must be no artillery attack and all that is harmful against us,” he says.

The four were kidnapped by ASG last month from the aforementioned Ocean View Marina in Samal. According to local authorities, the marina’s surveillance cameras caught the gunmen walking the hostages to a jetty before escaping. The Philippine president, Benigno Aquino, said last month that “our security sector will not stop until they catch this group.”

ASG has a long history of taking hostages in southeast Asia. Last year, two German nationals were kidnapped by ASG near Malaysia. The Germans joined two other European hostages before being released last October. Additionally, in April 2000, ASG kidnapped 19 people in Malaysia before taking them back to their base in Sulu, Philippines. In 2001, the Philippine government rescued an American hostage taken by ASG after the group threatened to kill him. A month later, ASG kidnapped 20 individuals from a resort on the island of Palawan. It is also thought that ASG has kidnapped 20 reporters since the year 2000.

In the past, the ASG has had ties to al Qaeda. In June, a master ASG bomb maker who was thought to have been killed in a drone strike in North Waziristan, Pakistan, turned up in the Philippines. The operative, Abdul Basit Usman, is wanted by the United States for his involvement in multiple bombings in the Philippines and also has ties to Jemaah Islamiyah, an al Qaeda-linked group in Southeast Asia.

ASG was funded and financed by Mohammed Jamal Khalifa, one of Osama bin Laden’s brother-in-laws, according to Khaddafy Janjalani, the leader of Abu Sayyaf before he was killed in 2006.
Khalifa, an al Qaeda financier and facilitator, was killed by US special operations forces in Madagascar in 2006. But ASG distanced itself from al Qaeda when, last July, Isnilon Hapilon, a top leader in the group, swore allegiance to Abu Bakr al Baghdadi, the emir of the Islamic State. However, its current relationship with the Islamic State is unclear.

Masked jihadist speaking to the camera:

 

[Caleb Weiss is an intern at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and a contributor to The Long War Journal.]

 

http://www.longwarjournal.org/archives/2015/10/abu-sayyaf-group-shows-western-hostages-in-new-video.php

Army warns politicians vs NPA extortion activities

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 14): Army warns politicians vs NPA extortion activities 

GENERAL SANTOS CITY -- The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is warning politicians here and the neighboring areas against possible extortion demands from New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in the run-up to the campaign period for the May 2016 local and national elections.

Col. Ronald Villanueva, commander of the Army’s 1002nd Brigade, said they received reports that NPA units in the area have already been preparing to send feelers to local politicians or candidates for the payment of the so-called permits-to-campaign (PTC) fees.

He said they earlier recovered documents allegedly coming from the rebels that detailed their plans in the area for the campaign period, which will begin on January 10 next year.

“It included a list of their targeted politicians and the amount that they will demand,” he said in a radio interview.

Villanueva said they already talked to some of the personalities who were named in the list and warn them about the matter.

He said they advised them to not give in to the rebels’ demands and immediately report to authorities any feelers or payment demands that they will receive.

The 1002nd Brigade’s area of responsibility or operation covers this city and parts of Sarangani, Sultan Kudarat, Davao Occidental, Davao del Sur and South Cotabao.

In the previous elections, military officials had confirmed that some local candidates received demands from the NPA for the payment of PTC fees in exchange for access to campaign in some remote areas parts during the campaign period.

In Sarangani, a number of politicians had received feelers for PTC fees, which reportedly ranged from P20,000 to P200,000 for candidates vying for municipal, district and provincial elective posts.

To counter these activities, Villanueva said they have intensified their security operations in remote communities to properly monitor the movements of NPA rebels, specifically the guerrilla fronts of its Far South Mindanao Regional Command.

He said the move is also aimed to stop the extortion activities of the rebels among local residents.

The rebels have been allegedly preying on poor residents by way of forced monetary and material contributions, he said.

“They have been victimizing ordinary, poor folks by demanding rice and food supplies. Some of them were forced to give monetary contributions ranging from P500 to P2,000,” he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=815015

PNP submits video of Samal kidnap victims for verification

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 14): PNP submits video of Samal kidnap victims for verification
 

The Philippine National Police (PNP) submitted for verification the video of the three foreigners and Filipina snatched by armed men from the Holiday Ocean View Resort that surfaced in the video-sharing site Youtube dated Oct. 12.

PNP 11 spokesperson Antonio Rivera, however, did not confirm if they were indeed the Canadian nationals John Ridsdel and Robert Hall, Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad, and Filipina Maritess Flor. He only hinted that the persons sitting on the ground surrounded by 12 heavily armed men looked like the abduction victims.

Rivera said the Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) could not confirm the truthfulness of the video. However, he said if it was authentic, at least there was one proof that the victims were alive.

“SITG did not receive any reports of any demand,” Rivera told reporters during the AFP-PNP press conference on Wednesday at Royal Mandaya Hotel. He added that there was no communication of sort with the owners of the resort from the abductors.

Rivera said it was not only the SITG that investigated the Samal abduction incident but there were other units working on it.

Rivera would not also confirm there was a standing Php 3 billion demand for the release of the victims and a USD 2 million for the proof of life.

In the video, the 3 foreigners appealed for government authorities to stop military operations against the gunmen. Introducing himself as Robert Hall, he said he was okay but in grave danger. Hall then appealed to his family and the Canadian government to ask the Philippine government to stop the bombings.

The second person who introduced himself as Sekkingstad appealed to the owner of the resort to “please meet their demands or else we will be possibly dead”. Sekkingstad, who was the manager of Ocean View, is the brother-in-law of the resort owner.

It was the third person, Ridsdel, asked for the stoppage of the artillery fires and overhead flights near them. One of the 12 armed men was holding the head of Ridsdel with the other hand holding a machete.

In the same video, another armed man with fully-covered face and sporting sunglasses repeated demand to halt military operations in order to start negotiations for the safe release of the four victims.

Speaking in English with a bit of twang slang read a message to the Canadian and Philippine governments for their cooperation and meet all requirements such as stoppage of military operations, no artillery attacks then negotiations and demands can start.

They then all chanted “takbir” after reading the message.

According to military sources, the military operation in the area since Oct. 8 was aimed at Abu Sayyaf leader Radullan Sahiron, who was reported involved in the kidnapping three Americans in 2001 and has a million bounty in his head.

The head of the 10th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office, Col. Norman Zuniega, said that only the technical people could say if the video was authentic.

Zuniega also would not confirm if there is an ongoing military operation in the area, saying, “I do not know the operational tempo in the area. Only the command on the ground knows about it.”

Zuniega, however, said it was but normal for government forces to put pressure against any terrorist groups.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=815092

Operations to rescue Samal Island kidnap victims to continue - Malacanang

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 14): Operations to rescue Samal Island kidnap victims to continue - Malacanang

The government will continue its quest for the three foreigners and a Filipino who were abducted by gunmen in a resort in Samal Island in southern Philippines last September, a Palace official said Wednesday.

This, even as a video of the victims and their captors was posted online recently demanding for the government to stop the operations against the group.

"Government's aim is to ensure their safety and secure their release and all actions emanate from this," Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. said in a statement.

Authorities have identified the victims as Canadian John Ridsdel, 68; and Robert Hall, 50; resort owner Kjartan Sekkingstad,56, a Norwegian; and Filipino Marites Flor, Hall's girlfriend. They were kidnapped last September 21.

The victims were shown on the video sitting on the ground and surrounded by at least eight men who are holding high-powered guns, with one also holding a big knife.

The foreigners spoke on the video appealing to the military to stop the operations against the kidnappers.

One of the gunmen also spoke, in English, reiterating their demand.

Authorities maintain that they have not determined the group behind the kidnapping nor do they know the whereabouts of the victims.

Army's 602nd Brigade spokesperson Captain Antonio Bulao was quoted as saying that their operations in Jolo last October 8 was against Abu Sayyaf leader Radullan Sahiron, who is in the US government's terrorists list.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=815010

AFP refuses to comment on video of Samal Island abduction victims

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 14): AFP refuses to comment on video of Samal Island abduction victims

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Wednesday declined to comment on the video circulating on the Internet showing the abduction of three foreigners and a Filipina in Samal Island last Sept. 21.

"The Armed Forces and the police as of the moment cannot comment on this until such time that we have fully evaluated the video and the other relevant information that we have at hand on the matter," AFP spokesperson Col. Restituto Padilla said during a press briefing Wednesday.

He said military teams are now evaluating the video in order to "thoroughly assess what we can get out of it and any matter that can be deduced from it."

The video also show a flag apparently of the terrorist group ISIS on the background, but Padilla refused to comment on its authenticity until the AFP has finished its assessment.

Padilla declined to give details on the ongoing operations aimed at rescuing the victims as this could put at risk the lives of pursuing government security forces and the abducted civilians.

He also declined to identify the group behind the kidnapping.

"We cannot comment on the identity of the group, as of now they remain unidentified, they have not named themselves and as you have seen in the video, their faces have been covered so that lends a little bit more challenge to those who are doing the assessment," he pointed out.

"The positive thing that we derived from this video is that the kidnap victims are in good health, appeared, seems to be and that is as far as we are concerned, part of the good news that we got out it," Padilla added.

The abduction took place on Sept. 21 at around 11:30 p.m. The victims were identified as Canadians John Ridsel and Robert Hall, Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad, the resort manager, and a still unidentified Filipina.

Reports said the suspects were speaking in English and Filipino when they snatched the victims.

Two Japanese tourists tried to stop the bandits but failed.

At the time of the raid, 30 or more foreigners were at the resort.

Joint forces from Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao Philippine Coast Guard and the 10th Infantry Division are now conducting pursuit operations.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=815023

4th ID opens door for Candidate Soldier's Course

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 14): 4th ID opens door for Candidate Soldier's Course

The 4th Infantry Division announced that individuals, aged to 18 to 26-years-old, are welcome to apply for the Candidate Soldier's Course (CSC) which will start Oct. 16.

Capt. Joe Patrick Martinez, 4th Infantry Division public affairs office chief, said interested persons can proceed and apply to their headquarters in Camp Evangelista, Patag town, Cagayan De Oro.

Applicants must bring the following: transcript of record (original & photocopy), at least two 2x2 ID picture with white background, NSO birth certificate (original and photocopy) and any valid ID, and diploma.

Applicants are also advised to take the Armed Forces of the Philippines Service Aptitude Test as one of the requirements for application.

Around 200 Candidate Soldiers are allocated to the 4th Infantry Division.

The tentative date of oath taking for the next CSC will be on June 1, 2016.

This will give the applicants ample time to prepare themselves physically and emotionally as this will be their transition from civilian to soldier.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=815044

AFP not negotiating with bandit group behind Samal Island abduction

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 14): AFP not negotiating with bandit group behind Samal Island abduction

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will not negotiate with the armed group who abducted three foreigners and one Filipina in a resort in Samal Island last month.

"The policy of government as well as others who have been in this kind of situation is that there is no negotiation that can be made with any of those perpetrating this crime," AFP spokesperson Col. Restituto Padilla said Wednesday.

Padilla made the statement when asked on whether the government is willing to negotiate with the bandits for the safe release of the four kidnap victims.

"As far as we are concerned, (this none negotiation rule) applies (to all cases)," Padilla pointed out.

The abduction incident took place before midnight on September 21. The victims were identified as Canadians John Ridsel and Robert Hall, Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad, the resort manager, and an unidentified Filipina.

Reports said the suspects were speaking in English and Filipino when they snatched the victims.

Two Japanese tourists tried to stop the bandits but failed.

At the time of the raid, 30 or more foreigners were at the resort.

Joint forces from Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao Philippine Coast Guard and the 10th Infantry Division are now conducting pursuit operations.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=815034

Giving in to NPA's PTC, PTW detrimental to May 2016 elections,says military officer

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 14): Giving in to NPA's PTC, PTW detrimental to May 2016 elections,says military officer

Giving in to the New People's Army (NPA) permit to campaign (PTC) and permit to win (PTW) will have detrimental effects on the coming 2016 May elections.

This was stressed by 4th Infantry Division public affairs office chief Capt. Joe Patrick Martinez Wednesday.

"PTC and PTW are illegal and are not sanctioned by our legitimate and duly established government. It is a violation of section 10 Para C of Article IX of the 1987 Philippine Constitution that states that 'Bona fide' candidates for any public office shall be free from any form of harassment and discrimination,” he added.

Martinez said this likewise breeds the idea of corruption.

"Since aspiring politicians are being forced to pay these amounts to the NPAs, they may think of getting back the same amount from their public funds that would be entrusted in their office if they won in the election," he disclosed.

Similarly, this kills the hopes and dreams of millions of Filipinos for this undermines the capability of some aspiring political leaders, especially the poor, who also want to hold a public office but cannot afford to pay the demand of the NPAs.

"Thus, PTC and PTW violates our right to suffrage and makes our electoral process a laughing stock because it is the exact opposite of having a democratic government that is a government by the people, of the people and for the people," Martinez pointed out.

For the NPAs, the more politicians duped, more money to collect, more opportunities to sow threat.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=815076

Army personnel reaffirm commitment to public service

From the Philippine News Agency (Oct 14): Army personnel reaffirm commitment to public service

Officers and enlisted personnel of the Philippine Army (PA) reaffirmed their commitment to highest standards of public service during the 25th anniversary of AFP Code of Ethics Day.

The 25th AFP Code of Ethics Day celebration coincided with the 24th founding anniversary of the Office of Ethical Standards and Public Accountability (OESPA) Monday.

Army personnel recited the Oath of Adherence to the AFP Code of Ethics during the celebration, PA spokesperson Col. Benjamin Hao said in a message Wednesday.

Army commander Lt. Gen. Eduardo M. Año congratulated the OESPA staff headed by Army Vice Commander Major Gen. Demosthenes C. Santillan, for their remarkable accomplishments in promoting accountability among Army personnel.

He further urged everyone to always observe and practice the sense of public accountability.

"I challenge everyone to cultivate an unyielding desire to practice the tenets and follow the ethical, legal and moral service embodied in the AFP Code of Ethics. Strive to develop a character where integrity and accountability are inherent," Año said.

Plaques of recognition were awarded to the Civil Military Operations Group, 5th Infantry Division, 8th Infantry Division, and Army Reserve Command who have complied with the conduct of intensive and sweeping division-wide information and education drive on the AFP Code of Ethics, Graft and Corruption Prevention, Spiritual Enlightenment, and other OESPA related activities.

The drafter of this year's anniversary theme, "Disiplinado at Matapat na Kawal Kaakibat ng Hukbong Katihan Tungo sa Matuwid na Daan," Sgt. Hilda Abaya of the 4th Infantry Division, also received a Plaque of Recognition.

"As we renew our pledge, let us bear in mind that this gesture is beyond promise. We must go beyond the propensity to take this lightly and forget all about it after a few days. It must, instead be our conviction not only because the Filipino expect much from us, but also because we want to be part of the transformation that the Army is pursuing," Año said.

Meanwhile, in its 24 years, OESPA continues to pursue and promote accountability and nurture moral consciousness within the Army organization.

 http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=815002